newsweek--2020-12-03--Warner Brothers' HBO Max Deal Is a Seismic Shift for the Movie Industry

After a very bad 2020 for the movie industry , next year is already shaping up to be potentially worse before it 's even started .
The global box office dropped by billions of dollars during the pandemic with theaters shuttered or at limited capacity while streaming 's popularity soared , but up until now the eventual return of cinema-going seemed like part of a waiting game .
But that wait for multiplexes to fully reopen and the release of delayed blockbusters destined to rescue the industry now looks increasingly like an unfulfilled dream as Warner Brothers announced today that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will debut in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time .
The sheer volume of potentially huge moneymakers on the list is staggering .
It includes Tom & Jerry ; Godzilla vs. Kong ; Mortal Kombat ; The Conjuring : The Devil Made Me Do It ; In The Heights ; Space Jam : A New Legacy ; The Suicide Squad ; Dune ; The Many Saints of Newark ; King Richard ; Cry Macho ; and Matrix 4 .
Before this announcement , came the news in mid-November of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting a duel theater/HBO Max release on Christmas Day .
HBO Max and Warner Bros. called the move a `` strategic response '' to the coronavirus pandemic , when it no longer seems practical to keep pushing back release dates only to push them back again in the face of an ongoing public health crisis that 's lingered on for much longer than many predicted .
The release plan noted that the films will be available on HBO for only one month upon initial release , so Warner could still stand to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscribe to HBO 's premium streaming service and opt to rent or buy digital copies or DVDs later .
In theory , the same films could see extended theatrical runs or re-releases in cinemas should the COVID-19 vaccine and prevention protocol eventually prove successful enough to allow more theaters to open and at with fuller seating capacities allowed .
Of course , getting lost in the conversation about large multiplex chains filing for bankruptcy or closing down locations altogether is what this means for independent cinemas .
One must also consider the ramifications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which only receive theatrical runs in part by studio backing that 's financed by blockbusters .
This trickle-down effect seems likely to be much more devastating for those making films outside of multi-billion-dollar companies .
What remains to be seen is if any of the other major motion picture conglomerates known as `` The Big Six '' -- 20th Century Fox , Paramount Pictures , Universal Pictures , Columbia Pictures , and Walt Disney Studios -- follow Warner Bros. ' lead .
But even if all of them do , to completely write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- as many critics did quickly after today 's news broke -- seems a little premature .
Seeing movies in theaters will be possible again , just the same as enjoying indoor dining and attending large music festivals .
But for now , the waiting game for the time being will be to wait and see how many theaters will be left once the pandemic actually does pass .

After a very bad 2020 for the movie industry, next year is already shaping up to be potentially worse before it's even started. The global box office dropped by billions of dollars during the pandemic with theaters shuttered or at limited capacity while streaming's popularity soared, but up until now the eventual return of cinema-going seemed like part of a waiting game. But that wait for multiplexes to fully reopen and the release of delayed blockbusters destined to rescue the industry now looks increasingly like an unfulfilled dream as Warner Brothers announced today that every single one of its 2021 movies will debut in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time.
A plea to the public at the temporarily closed Cinepolis Bay Theatre on November 23, 2020, in Pacific Palisades, California. Getty
The sheer volume of potentially huge moneymakers on the list is staggering. It includes Tom & Jerry; Godzilla vs. Kong; Mortal Kombat; The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It; In The Heights; Space Jam: A New Legacy; The Suicide Squad; Dune; The Many Saints of Newark; King Richard; Cry Macho; and Matrix 4. Before this announcement, came the news in mid-November of the highly-anticipated Warner Bros. production Wonder Woman 1984 getting a duel theater/HBO Max release on Christmas Day.
HBO Max and Warner Bros. called the move a "strategic response" to the coronavirus pandemic, when it no longer seems practical to keep pushing back release dates only to push them back again in the face of an ongoing public health crisis that's lingered on for much longer than many predicted. The release plan noted that the films will be available on HBO for only one month upon initial release, so Warner could still stand to make additional profits from anyone not wishing to subscribe to HBO's premium streaming service and opt to rent or buy digital copies or DVDs later. In theory, the same films could see extended theatrical runs or re-releases in cinemas should the COVID-19 vaccine and prevention protocol eventually prove successful enough to allow more theaters to open and at with fuller seating capacities allowed.
Of course, getting lost in the conversation about large multiplex chains filing for bankruptcy or closing down locations altogether is what this means for independent cinemas. One must also consider the ramifications for actual independent films, many of which only receive theatrical runs in part by studio backing that's financed by blockbusters. This trickle-down effect seems likely to be much more devastating for those making films outside of multi-billion-dollar companies.
What remains to be seen is if any of the other major motion picture conglomerates known as "The Big Six"--20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Walt Disney Studios--follow Warner Bros.' lead. But even if all of them do, to completely write off the live moving-going experience as dead--as many critics did quickly after today's news broke--seems a little premature. Seeing movies in theaters will be possible again, just the same as enjoying indoor dining and attending large music festivals. But for now, the waiting game for the time being will be to wait and see how many theaters will be left once the pandemic actually does pass.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Corporations OK, but Biden Inaugural Won't Be Fueled by Oil and Gas Industry Money

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris ' inaugural festivities will likely be fueled by millions from corporations and other special interest groups in January , in addition to individual contributions from wealthy supporters .
But no money from lobbyists or the oil and gas industry , please .
The donation page that launched this week has a disclaimer saying that the inauguration committee `` does not accept contributions from fossil fuel companies ( i.e.
, companies whose primary business is the extraction , processing , distribution or sale of oil , gas or coal ) , their executives , or from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee also bars contributions from `` lobbyists registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act '' or from `` foreign agents registered under the Foreign Agent Registration Act . ''
A presidential inauguration committee official involved in planning told Newsweek that individual contribution limits are being capped at $ 500,000 , while corporate limits have been set at $ 1 million .
Any amounts over that will be refunded .
While still leaving room for deep-pocketed entities and people to signal support for the incoming Democratic president 's administration , the limitations represent a reversal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump 's inaugural committee set no restrictions on contributions , aside from barring foreign agents .
The virtual free-for-all led the Trump team to a record-shattering $ 107 million haul to pay for days of lavish parties and gatherings—more than twice that of the previous $ 53.3 million record set by President Barack Obama and Biden ahead of 2009 's swearing in .
Current law does not place restrictions on the size of donations .
Biden , as vice president to Obama , supported unprecedented caps on inaugural fundraising in 2008—a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their commitment to change business as usual in Washington and ensure that as many Americans as possible , both inside and outside Washington , will be able to come together to unite the country and celebrate our common values and shared aspirations . ''
Individual contribution limits were set $ 50,000 , and the Obama inaugural team did not accept contributions from corporations , political action committees , registered lobbyists , non-U.S. citizens or registered foreign agents .
Obama 's team raised $ 43.7 million for the second inaugural in 2013 , records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had placed ahead of Obama 's first term .
The Biden inaugural official declined to provide for Newsweek a target fundraising number for this year .
In addition to taking high-dollar donations from corporations and individuals , the inaugural planning team has set up a merchandise store where part of the proceeds from items like a pair of stemless wine glasses ( $ 50 ) , a wooden coaster set ( $ 95 ) or a shot glass ( $ 10 ) —all emblazoned with the Biden-Harris inauguration logo—can help defray the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The inaugural and transition teams have indicated that the festivities around the January 20 ceremony will be scaled back because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This year 's inauguration will look different amid the pandemic , but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe , '' Tony Allen , the Delaware State University president who was chosen to lead the inauguration committee , said in a statement .
The committee , which is funded solely through millions in donations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elaborate balls , star-studded concerts and extravagant luncheons and receptions .
It is separate from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies , a group of House and Senate leaders that oversees the formal swearing in at the U.S. Capitol .
But the groups are expected to work more closely this year to ensure that coronavirus safety measures are considered .
`` We have engaged with the [ Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies ] on initial planning discussions and look forward to working with them on planning safe inauguration events , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Allen , the inaugural executive team consists of Maju Varghese , who was a senior adviser on the Biden-Harris campaign and an Obama White House aide ; Erin Wilson , who was on the Biden-Harris campaign and other Democratic campaigns ; and Nevada state Senator Yvanna Cancela , identified as `` one of Joe Biden 's earliest elected supporters . ''

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' inaugural festivities will likely be fueled by millions from corporations and other special interest groups in January, in addition to individual contributions from wealthy supporters.
But no money from lobbyists or the oil and gas industry, please.
The donation page that launched this week has a disclaimer saying that the inauguration committee "does not accept contributions from fossil fuel companies (i.e., companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal), their executives, or from PACs organized by them."
The committee also bars contributions from "lobbyists registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act" or from "foreign agents registered under the Foreign Agent Registration Act."
A presidential inauguration committee official involved in planning told Newsweek that individual contribution limits are being capped at $500,000, while corporate limits have been set at $1 million. Any amounts over that will be refunded.
While still leaving room for deep-pocketed entities and people to signal support for the incoming Democratic president's administration, the limitations represent a reversal from four years ago, when President Donald Trump's inaugural committee set no restrictions on contributions, aside from barring foreign agents.
The virtual free-for-all led the Trump team to a record-shattering $107 million haul to pay for days of lavish parties and gatherings—more than twice that of the previous $53.3 million record set by President Barack Obama and Biden ahead of 2009's swearing in. Current law does not place restrictions on the size of donations.
Biden, as vice president to Obama, supported unprecedented caps on inaugural fundraising in 2008—a move touted as a way to "underscore their commitment to change business as usual in Washington and ensure that as many Americans as possible, both inside and outside Washington, will be able to come together to unite the country and celebrate our common values and shared aspirations."
Individual contribution limits were set $50,000, and the Obama inaugural team did not accept contributions from corporations, political action committees, registered lobbyists, non-U.S. citizens or registered foreign agents. Obama's team raised $43.7 million for the second inaugural in 2013, records show, but it loosened donation restrictions it had placed ahead of Obama's first term.
President-elect Joe Biden waves as he arrives on December 1 at the Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware, to name his economic team. Alex Wong/Getty
The Biden inaugural official declined to provide for Newsweek a target fundraising number for this year.
In addition to taking high-dollar donations from corporations and individuals, the inaugural planning team has set up a merchandise store where part of the proceeds from items like a pair of stemless wine glasses ($50), a wooden coaster set ($95) or a shot glass ($10)—all emblazoned with the Biden-Harris inauguration logo—can help defray the costs of ushering Biden into office.
The inaugural and transition teams have indicated that the festivities around the January 20 ceremony will be scaled back because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"This year's inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, but we will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe," Tony Allen, the Delaware State University president who was chosen to lead the inauguration committee, said in a statement.
The committee, which is funded solely through millions in donations, organizes a week of festivities, including elaborate balls, star-studded concerts and extravagant luncheons and receptions.
It is separate from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, a group of House and Senate leaders that oversees the formal swearing in at the U.S. Capitol. But the groups are expected to work more closely this year to ensure that coronavirus safety measures are considered.
"We have engaged with the [Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies] on initial planning discussions and look forward to working with them on planning safe inauguration events," the official told Newsweek.
In addition to Allen, the inaugural executive team consists of Maju Varghese, who was a senior adviser on the Biden-Harris campaign and an Obama White House aide; Erin Wilson, who was on the Biden-Harris campaign and other Democratic campaigns; and Nevada state Senator Yvanna Cancela, identified as "one of Joe Biden's earliest elected supporters."


newsweek--2020-12-03--Lindsey Graham Says DOJ 'Have Been Looking' Into Election Fraud Claims, Contradicting Trump's Earlie

Lindsey Graham Says DOJ 'Have Been Looking' Into Election Fraud Claims, Contradicting Trump's Earlier Comments

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday said that the Department of Justice `` have been looking '' into claims of election fraud , contradicting comments made by President Donald Trump .
While speaking with Fox News ' John Roberts , Graham was asked about Trump 's recent criticism of the Department of Justice and Attorney General Bill Barr , in regard to claims of election fraud .
`` Well , they have been looking , I know that , '' Graham , who is also the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , said .
`` As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affidavit over signed by the gentleman in Pennsylvania — I think it was Pennsylvania — backdating ballots .
I know that the Department of Justice and the Post Office people actually talked to that individual . ''
Graham continued , `` But here 's what I would suggest to the Department of Justice .
If you have somebody come forward that is willing to sign an affidavit under oath that they saw something that was illegal or inappropriate , you do have an obligation to look at it . ''
Graham 's comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day when he told reporters at the White House that Barr `` has n't done anything , '' in regard to investigating claims of widespread voter fraud .
`` He has n't looked , '' Trump said .
`` When he looks , he 'll see the kind of evidence that right now you 're seeing in the Georgia Senate . ''
Trump continued , `` They have n't looked very hard , which is a disappointment , to be honest with you . ''
The comments from Graham and Trump come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press about claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election .
Following Joe Biden 's projected victory in the 2020 election , Trump has continually made seemingly baseless claims of widespread voter fraud , which prompted Barr to direct attorneys across the U.S. to investigate any `` substantial allegations '' of voting irregularities .
Despite Barr being one of Trump 's closest allies , he told the Associated Press on Tuesday , that attorneys and FBI agents have been investigating claims and reviewing information they 've received but `` to date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election . ''
In addition to Trump , Barr also faced criticism from Rudy Giuliani , the president 's personal attorney , and campaign senior legal adviser Jenna Ellis .
`` With all due respect to the Attorney General , there has n't been any semblance of a Department of Justice investigation , '' Giuliani and Ellis said in a joint statement on Tuesday .
`` We have gathered ample evidence of illegal voting in at least six states , which they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swearing under oath they saw crimes being committed in connection with voter fraud .
As far as we know , not a single one has been interviewed by the DOJ .
The Justice Department also has n't audited any voting machines or used their subpoena powers to determine the truth . ''
The statement from Trump 's legal team also stated that `` with the greatest respect to the Attorney General , his opinion appears to be without any knowledge or investigation of the substantial irregularities and evidence of systemic fraud . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump 's campaign for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday said that the Department of Justice "have been looking" into claims of election fraud, contradicting comments made by President Donald Trump.
While speaking with Fox News' John Roberts, Graham was asked about Trump's recent criticism of the Department of Justice and Attorney General Bill Barr, in regard to claims of election fraud.
"Well, they have been looking, I know that," Graham, who is also the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. "As a matter of fact, I sent an affidavit over signed by the gentleman in Pennsylvania — I think it was Pennsylvania — backdating ballots. I know that the Department of Justice and the Post Office people actually talked to that individual."
Graham continued, "But here's what I would suggest to the Department of Justice. If you have somebody come forward that is willing to sign an affidavit under oath that they saw something that was illegal or inappropriate, you do have an obligation to look at it."
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) arrives for a judicial nomination hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill November 18, 2020 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Graham's comments contradict Trump's remarks from earlier in the day when he told reporters at the White House that Barr "hasn't done anything," in regard to investigating claims of widespread voter fraud.
"He hasn't looked," Trump said. "When he looks, he'll see the kind of evidence that right now you're seeing in the Georgia Senate."
Trump continued, "They haven't looked very hard, which is a disappointment, to be honest with you."
In remarks at the WH, President Trump responds to AG Barr saying there was no widespread election fraud: “Well he hasn't done anything, he hasn't looked.. it is a disappointment.” pic.twitter.com/oSrHguyeiI — TV News HQ (@TVNewsHQ) December 3, 2020
The comments from Graham and Trump come shortly after Barr spoke to the Associated Press about claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Following Joe Biden's projected victory in the 2020 election, Trump has continually made seemingly baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, which prompted Barr to direct attorneys across the U.S. to investigate any "substantial allegations" of voting irregularities.
Despite Barr being one of Trump's closest allies, he told the Associated Press on Tuesday, that attorneys and FBI agents have been investigating claims and reviewing information they've received but "to date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election."
In addition to Trump, Barr also faced criticism from Rudy Giuliani, the president's personal attorney, and campaign senior legal adviser Jenna Ellis.
"With all due respect to the Attorney General, there hasn't been any semblance of a Department of Justice investigation," Giuliani and Ellis said in a joint statement on Tuesday. "We have gathered ample evidence of illegal voting in at least six states, which they have not examined. We have many witnesses swearing under oath they saw crimes being committed in connection with voter fraud. As far as we know, not a single one has been interviewed by the DOJ. The Justice Department also hasn't audited any voting machines or used their subpoena powers to determine the truth."
The statement from Trump's legal team also stated that "with the greatest respect to the Attorney General, his opinion appears to be without any knowledge or investigation of the substantial irregularities and evidence of systemic fraud."
Newsweek reached out to Graham's office and Trump's campaign for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-03--U.S. Surpasses More Than 3,000 COVID-19 Deaths Reported in a Single Day for First Time

The U.S. hit another grim pandemic milestone on Thursday , with the number of deaths reported in a single day surpassing 3,000 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began in the country back in January .
The Associated Press reported that more than 3,100 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported Thursday .
One day earlier , the U.S. surpassed the previous record of daily deaths reported in the spring—with 2,885 deaths from the virus confirmed on Wednesday compared to the former daily high of 2,752 on April 15 .
Meanwhile , hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and infections have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans hospitalized from the virus has passed 100,000 for the first time , and the average number of new daily cases has been above 160,000 for the past week .
Public health experts expect the situation to worsen , particularly as people travel for the holidays and the colder winter weather encourages people to gather indoors .
Speaking to ABC News This Week on Sunday , Dr. Anthony Fauci , a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , predicted `` there almost certainly is going to be an uptick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel '' over Thanksgiving .
During the recent holiday , the U.S. saw the highest level of airport travel since the early spring when the pandemic first began to spread rapidly .
`` We may see a surge upon a surge .
We do n't want to frighten people , but that 's just the reality , '' Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , warned .
The U.S. continues to have the highest number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 of any country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.S. has reported more than 14 million infections and nearly 275,000 deaths , according to The New York Times ' tracker .
Several states are regularly seeing triple-digit daily death tolls .
Michigan reported 175 new deaths on Thursday , while Illinois confirmed 192 and Pennsylvania saw 187 .
Although news of pending vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer is highly promising , with both companies vaccines expected to receive approval from the FDA in the coming weeks , they will not be widely available to the American public until sometime next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to be ready in the coming weeks—will be used first to inoculate front-line health care workers .
Many public health experts have also expressed significant concern over the large percentage of Americans expressing skepticism about the vaccines .
In a new survey published by Pew Research Center on Thursday , nearly 40 percent of respondents said they will probably not or definitely not get a vaccine for COVID-19 .
In a bid to build national confidence in the vaccines , former Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush and Bill Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinated in front of cameras .
President Donald Trump 's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump also said she 'd be willing to do the same .
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment on the record COVID-19 death toll but did not immediately receive a response .

The U.S. hit another grim pandemic milestone on Thursday, with the number of deaths reported in a single day surpassing 3,000 for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began in the country back in January.
The Associated Press reported that more than 3,100 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported Thursday. One day earlier, the U.S. surpassed the previous record of daily deaths reported in the spring—with 2,885 deaths from the virus confirmed on Wednesday compared to the former daily high of 2,752 on April 15.
Meanwhile, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and infections have soared in recent weeks. The number of Americans hospitalized from the virus has passed 100,000 for the first time, and the average number of new daily cases has been above 160,000 for the past week. Public health experts expect the situation to worsen, particularly as people travel for the holidays and the colder winter weather encourages people to gather indoors.
Medical workers deliver a patient to the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn amid the COVID-19 pandemic on December 1 in New York City. The number of Americans hospitalized from the virus has passed 100,000 for the first time, and the average number of new daily cases has been above 160,000 for the past week. Spencer Platt/Getty
Speaking to ABC News This Week on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, predicted "there almost certainly is going to be an uptick because of what's happened with the travel" over Thanksgiving. During the recent holiday, the U.S. saw the highest level of airport travel since the early spring when the pandemic first began to spread rapidly.
"We may see a surge upon a surge. We don't want to frighten people, but that's just the reality," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned.
The U.S. continues to have the highest number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 of any country in the world. As of Thursday afternoon, the U.S. has reported more than 14 million infections and nearly 275,000 deaths, according to The New York Times' tracker. Several states are regularly seeing triple-digit daily death tolls. Michigan reported 175 new deaths on Thursday, while Illinois confirmed 192 and Pennsylvania saw 187.
Although news of pending vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer is highly promising, with both companies vaccines expected to receive approval from the FDA in the coming weeks, they will not be widely available to the American public until sometime next spring. The initial millions of doses—which are expected to be ready in the coming weeks—will be used first to inoculate front-line health care workers.
Many public health experts have also expressed significant concern over the large percentage of Americans expressing skepticism about the vaccines. In a new survey published by Pew Research Center on Thursday, nearly 40 percent of respondents said they will probably not or definitely not get a vaccine for COVID-19. In a bid to build national confidence in the vaccines, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have said they're willing to get vaccinated in front of cameras. President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump also said she'd be willing to do the same.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment on the record COVID-19 death toll but did not immediately receive a response.


newsweek--2020-12-03--Optimism for Stimulus Deal Swells in Congress as GOP Pushes McConnell to Back Bipartisan Offer

Growing enthusiasm within the halls of Congress for a bipartisan stimulus proposal had lawmakers on Thursday the most hopeful they 'd been in months about soon ending the boundless partisan logjam that 's prevented more relief from reaching struggling Americans .
Rank-and-file Republicans warmed to the idea of a $ 908 billion coronavirus measure , a key Democratic duo—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer—have jumped on board with the compromise as a starting place and President Donald Trump pressed for Congress to strike a deal .
But elusive from the fray was Senate Majority Leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coral support for a stimulus worth less than $ 500 billion—a narrow relief bill that top Senate Republicans have unsuccessfully tried to pass for months .
`` I will support what Senator McConnell wants to propose , but it does n't have any Democratic support , '' Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) , a Trump confidant , said .
`` I 'm tired of doing showboats here . ''
Privately and publicly , Republicans involved in the nearly $ 1 trillion bipartisan plan are urging the Kentucky Republican to join them at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a foundation .
`` When you see people and the momentum going in the right direction , '' said Rep. Tom Reed ( R-N.Y. ) , co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus that is behind the $ 908 billion proposal , `` I think time , in short order , will show that we 're in the area where we 're going to land this plan . ''
Senators Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) and Lisa Murkowski ( R-Alaska ) , part of a bipartisan group of Senate members who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell Thursday afternoon in his office just steps from the Senate floor to lay out the legislation 's details .
`` No commitments back and forth , '' Murkowski described the conversation to reporters , `` but just kind of an explanation and walkthrough as to where we are . ''
Although McConnell offered positive remarks earlier in the day about a deal—saying `` it 's been heartening to see a few hopeful signs in the past few days '' and that `` compromise is within reach '' —the majority leader showed no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered .
`` [ Democrats ] have tried to create a dynamic where they move from one made-up number to a second , slightly smaller arbitrary number and call it a meaningful concession , '' McConnell said .
Another promising sign : Pelosi and McConnell spoke by phone about pandemic relief Thursday afternoon , according to the speaker 's deputy chief of staff .
In addition , Senate Republicans further down the leadership rung appeared to be increasingly open to the bipartisan proposal .
Graham said he 's `` never been more hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` I like the effort , '' Senator Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) added .
`` It strikes the right balance of compromise , and it 's a number that 's doable . ''
Of the $ 908 billion , just $ 348 billion is new money—a welcoming sign to Republicans—while the rest is repurposed money from the Cares Act .
Among the provisions is temporary liability protections ; $ 180 billion in unemployment insurance ; $ 288 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program ; $ 160 billion for state and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; $ 4 billion for student loan deferments ; $ 82 billion for schools ; and $ 16 billion for vaccine development , testing and tracing .
Among the major sticking points for Democrats is the labiality protections while Republicans are n't supportive of the state and local aid .
Overall , the bill sits somewhere—both on total price and policy language—in the middle of House Democrats ' $ 2.2 trillion package and Senate Republicans ' less than $ 500 billion plan .
`` They 've got a lot of really good provisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] plus-up and the reallocation of resources is good , '' Senator Thom Tillis ( R-N.C. ) said , but offered hesitations about the idea of offering temporary federal liability protections from coronavirus-related lawsuits while states craft their own safeguards .
`` I think we need a bridge ...
This may be the bridge that we need to get back to a healthy population , a healthy economy . ''
For the first time on Wednesday , Pelosi and Schumer threw their weight behind the bipartisan proposal .
In a joint statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a starting point for talks .
`` In the spirit of compromise , we believe the bipartisan framework introduced ... should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan , bicameral negotiations , '' they said .
Their language did little to convince some GOP senators , who contended that Pelosi and Schumer may use the $ 908 billion as a floor and continue increasing their offer .
Still , the president urged Congress to get something done .
He stated his support for McConnell 's targeted plan , but he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any bipartisan legislation on his desk .
`` I want it to happen , '' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office .
`` And I believe we are getting very close to a deal . ''
This story was updated to include comment from Sen. Graham .

Growing enthusiasm within the halls of Congress for a bipartisan stimulus proposal had lawmakers on Thursday the most hopeful they'd been in months about soon ending the boundless partisan logjam that's prevented more relief from reaching struggling Americans.
Rank-and-file Republicans warmed to the idea of a $908 billion coronavirus measure, a key Democratic duo—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer—have jumped on board with the compromise as a starting place and President Donald Trump pressed for Congress to strike a deal.
But elusive from the fray was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who continues to try and coral support for a stimulus worth less than $500 billion—a narrow relief bill that top Senate Republicans have unsuccessfully tried to pass for months.
"I will support what Senator McConnell wants to propose, but it doesn't have any Democratic support," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a Trump confidant, said. "I'm tired of doing showboats here."
Privately and publicly, Republicans involved in the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan plan are urging the Kentucky Republican to join them at the negotiating table and use their offer as a foundation.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) (R-KY), and Senator Todd Young (R-IN), hold a news conference after the Senate Republican Policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on December 1. Photo by TOM WILLIAMS/POOL/AFP/Getty
"When you see people and the momentum going in the right direction," said Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus that is behind the $908 billion proposal, "I think time, in short order, will show that we're in the area where we're going to land this plan."
Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), part of a bipartisan group of Senate members who also helped devise the plan, met with McConnell Thursday afternoon in his office just steps from the Senate floor to lay out the legislation's details.
"No commitments back and forth," Murkowski described the conversation to reporters, "but just kind of an explanation and walkthrough as to where we are."
Although McConnell offered positive remarks earlier in the day about a deal—saying "it's been heartening to see a few hopeful signs in the past few days" and that "compromise is within reach"—the majority leader showed no willingness to back the bipartisan solution being offered.
"[Democrats] have tried to create a dynamic where they move from one made-up number to a second, slightly smaller arbitrary number and call it a meaningful concession," McConnell said.
Another promising sign: Pelosi and McConnell spoke by phone about pandemic relief Thursday afternoon, according to the speaker's deputy chief of staff. In addition, Senate Republicans further down the leadership rung appeared to be increasingly open to the bipartisan proposal.
Graham said he's "never been more hopeful that we'll get a bill."
"I like the effort," Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) added. "It strikes the right balance of compromise, and it's a number that's doable."
Of the $908 billion, just $348 billion is new money—a welcoming sign to Republicans—while the rest is repurposed money from the Cares Act. Among the provisions is temporary liability protections; $180 billion in unemployment insurance; $288 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program; $160 billion for state and local governments; $25 billion for renters; $4 billion for student loan deferments; $82 billion for schools; and $16 billion for vaccine development, testing and tracing.
Senator Mitt Romney (C), Republican of Utah, speaks alongside a bipartisan group of Democrat and Republican members of Congress as they announce a proposal for a Covid relief bill on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on December 1. Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty
Among the major sticking points for Democrats is the labiality protections while Republicans aren't supportive of the state and local aid. Overall, the bill sits somewhere—both on total price and policy language—in the middle of House Democrats' $2.2 trillion package and Senate Republicans' less than $500 billion plan.
"They've got a lot of really good provisions in there, particularly the [unemployment] plus-up and the reallocation of resources is good," Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said, but offered hesitations about the idea of offering temporary federal liability protections from coronavirus-related lawsuits while states craft their own safeguards. "I think we need a bridge... This may be the bridge that we need to get back to a healthy population, a healthy economy."
For the first time on Wednesday, Pelosi and Schumer threw their weight behind the bipartisan proposal. In a joint statement, the Democrats suggested the legislation be used as a starting point for talks.
"In the spirit of compromise, we believe the bipartisan framework introduced...should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations," they said.
Their language did little to convince some GOP senators, who contended that Pelosi and Schumer may use the $908 billion as a floor and continue increasing their offer.
Still, the president urged Congress to get something done. He stated his support for McConnell's targeted plan, but he also appeared to offer broader backing for landing any bipartisan legislation on his desk.
"I want it to happen," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "And I believe we are getting very close to a deal."
This story was updated to include comment from Sen. Graham.


newsweek--2020-12-03--'Pokémon Go' Details December's 2-Day Community Day Event

December is going to be a big month for Pokémon Go in 2020 .
Not only does the mobile game usually have a long list of events planned , December 's Community Day will include all the Pokémon from 2019 and 2020 's Community Days .
The official Niantic blog has given details on what trainers can expect during December 's Community Day , which will be a two-day event .
Pokémon Go 's December Community Day will begin Saturday , December 12 at 6 a.m. to Sunday , December 13 at 10 p.m. local time .
That means trainers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shiny Pokémon and boost their Go Battle League Pokémon with exclusive moves .
So what can Pokémon Go trainers expect ?
Well , there are 22 different Pokémon that will be featured during next weekend 's Community Days .
How to catch them will depend on which species you are looking for .
The pool of Pokémon is split between catching in the wild , raids or hatching 2km Eggs .
Here 's the list of Pokémon and how to find them on Community Day .
• Pokémon appearing in the wild : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rhyhorn , Electabuzz , Magmar , Magikarp , Porygon , Seedot , and Piplup .
As for the exclusive moves , here 's the list of Pokémon and what move they 'll learn upon evolving during the event time : • Evolve Charmeleon to get a Charizard that knows Dragon Breath .
• Evolve Kakuna to get a Beedrill that knows Drill Run .
• Evolve Kadabra to get an Alakazam that knows Counter .
• Evolve Haunter to get a Gengar that knows Shadow Punch .
• Evolve Rhydon to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Evolve Electabuzz to get an Electivire that knows Flamethrower .
• Evolve Magmar to get a Magmortar that knows Thunderbolt .
• Evolve Magikarp to get a Gyarados that knows Aqua Tail .
• Evolve Porygon2 to get a Porygon-Z that knows Tri Attack .
• Evolve Croconaw to get a Feraligatr that knows Hydro Cannon .
• Evolve Piloswine to get a Mamoswine that knows Ancient Power .
• Evolve Grovyle to get a Sceptile that knows Frenzy Plant .
• Evolve Combusken to get a Blaziken that knows Blast Burn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shiftry that knows Bullet Seed .
• Evolve Kirlia to get a Gardevoir or Gallade that knows Synchronoise .
• Evolve Vigoroth to get a Slaking that knows Body Slam .
• Evolve Marshtomp to get a Swampert that knows Hydro Cannon .
• Evolve Vibrava to get a Flygon that knows Earth Power .
• Evolve Shelgon to get a Salamence that knows Outrage • Evolve Grotle to get a Torterra that knows Frenzy Plant .
• Evolve Monferno to get an Infernape that knows Blast Burn .
• Evolve Prinplup to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you 're a trainer who is looking for a specific Pokémon or Shiny Pokémon , the frequency they 'll appear will depend on the day .
The blog has explained which Pokémon will appear and the in-game bonuses trainers will experience .
On Saturday , December 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time , Weedle , Abra , Gastly , Rhyhorn , Seedot and Piplup will appear more frequently Trainers will experience double the Catch Stardust and half the Egg Hatch Distance during this six-hour window .
Incense will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gengar will be appearing in Raids more frequently during this time as well .
As for Sunday , December 13 , from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time , trainers will find Charmander , Electabuzz , Magmar , Magikarp and Porygon more often in the wild .
They will also experience double the Catch Stardust as well as half the Egg Hatch Distance and three-hour Incense .
Mega Charizard X will appear in raids more often during the six-hour window .
What do you think of this month 's Community Day ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

December is going to be a big month for Pokémon Go in 2020. Not only does the mobile game usually have a long list of events planned, December's Community Day will include all the Pokémon from 2019 and 2020's Community Days.
The official Niantic blog has given details on what trainers can expect during December's Community Day, which will be a two-day event.
Pokémon Go's December Community Day will begin Saturday, December 12 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, December 13 at 10 p.m. local time. That means trainers will have 40 hours to catch rare Shiny Pokémon and boost their Go Battle League Pokémon with exclusive moves.
Niantic
So what can Pokémon Go trainers expect? Well, there are 22 different Pokémon that will be featured during next weekend's Community Days. How to catch them will depend on which species you are looking for.
The pool of Pokémon is split between catching in the wild, raids or hatching 2km Eggs. Here's the list of Pokémon and how to find them on Community Day.
Pokémon appearing in the wild: Charmander, Weedle, Abra, Gastly, Rhyhorn, Electabuzz, Magmar, Magikarp, Porygon, Seedot, and Piplup.
Pokémon appearing in raids: Totodile, Swinub, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Ralts, Slakoth, Trapinch, Bagon, Turtwig, and Chimchar.
Pokémon hatching from 2 km Eggs: Totodile, Swinub, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Ralts, Slakoth, Trapinch, Bagon, Turtwig, and Chimchar.
As for the exclusive moves, here's the list of Pokémon and what move they'll learn upon evolving during the event time:
Evolve Charmeleon to get a Charizard that knows Dragon Breath.
Evolve Kakuna to get a Beedrill that knows Drill Run.
Evolve Kadabra to get an Alakazam that knows Counter.
Evolve Haunter to get a Gengar that knows Shadow Punch.
Evolve Rhydon to get a Rhyperior that knows Rock Wrecker.
Evolve Electabuzz to get an Electivire that knows Flamethrower.
Evolve Magmar to get a Magmortar that knows Thunderbolt.
Evolve Magikarp to get a Gyarados that knows Aqua Tail.
Evolve Porygon2 to get a Porygon-Z that knows Tri Attack.
Evolve Croconaw to get a Feraligatr that knows Hydro Cannon.
Evolve Piloswine to get a Mamoswine that knows Ancient Power.
Evolve Grovyle to get a Sceptile that knows Frenzy Plant.
Evolve Combusken to get a Blaziken that knows Blast Burn.
Evolve Nuzleaf to get a Shiftry that knows Bullet Seed.
Evolve Kirlia to get a Gardevoir or Gallade that knows Synchronoise.
Evolve Vigoroth to get a Slaking that knows Body Slam.
Evolve Marshtomp to get a Swampert that knows Hydro Cannon.
Evolve Vibrava to get a Flygon that knows Earth Power.
Evolve Shelgon to get a Salamence that knows Outrage
Evolve Grotle to get a Torterra that knows Frenzy Plant.
Evolve Monferno to get an Infernape that knows Blast Burn.
Evolve Prinplup to get an Empoleon that knows Hydro Cannon.
If you're a trainer who is looking for a specific Pokémon or Shiny Pokémon, the frequency they'll appear will depend on the day.
The blog has explained which Pokémon will appear and the in-game bonuses trainers will experience. On Saturday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, Weedle, Abra, Gastly, Rhyhorn, Seedot and Piplup will appear more frequently
Trainers will experience double the Catch Stardust and half the Egg Hatch Distance during this six-hour window. Incense will also last for three hours.
Mega Gengar will be appearing in Raids more frequently during this time as well.
As for Sunday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, trainers will find Charmander, Electabuzz, Magmar, Magikarp and Porygon more often in the wild. They will also experience double the Catch Stardust as well as half the Egg Hatch Distance and three-hour Incense.
Mega Charizard X will appear in raids more often during the six-hour window.
What do you think of this month's Community Day? Let us know in the comments section.


newsweek--2020-12-03--White House DOJ Liaison Accused of Asking Staffers for Info on Election Fraud, Other Investigations

Heidi Stirrup , a White House liaison at the U.S. Department of Justice , is reportedly prohibited from entering the federal agency while working as Donald Trump 's primary messenger between the two federal branches .
According to an Associated Press report , published Thursday afternoon , Stirrup is accused of breaching conduct protocols related to the Justice Department 's ongoing inquiries into election fraud claims and other investigations .
The Trump aide allegedly solicited information about the department 's ongoing investigations from staff members privy to details of those legal pursuits .
The AP report , which credited a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous due to the subject 's classified nature , noted that leading Justice Department officials barred Stirrup from returning to the building after becoming aware of her conduct .
This reportedly occurred within the past two weeks , as Trump 's campaign has continued to further unsubstantiated claims that voter fraud was behind his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden .
News of the Justice Department 's response to Stirrup 's alleged actions came two days after Attorney General William Barr announced that federal investigations into Trump 's claims found no evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Barr , a longstanding Trump ally , faced widespread criticism earlier this year over what many observed to be an arguably unconstitutional relationship between himself and the sitting president .
On Tuesday , Barr said the FBI and U.S. attorneys were involved in inquiries to evaluate the Trump campaign 's voter fraud allegations in comments to the AP .
`` To date , we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election , '' he told the news agency .
Trump responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reporters at the White House , he suggested that the Justice Department chief had not evaluated his campaign 's claims thoroughly , and again insisted that `` massive fraud '' occurred during last month 's election .
`` Well , he has n't done anything ... he has n't looked , '' Trump said , responding to a question about Barr 's Tuesday comments .
`` They have n't looked very hard , '' he continued , seemingly in reference to all federal personnel involved in the investigations .
`` Which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , because it 's massive fraud . ''
Trump 's campaign has initiated dozens of lawsuits over the last five weeks , targeting counties across the U.S. where Biden earned a majority of popular votes .
Despite most legal actions meeting swift dismissals in court , the campaign has continued to challenge states ' results with new lawsuits one month after Election Day .
Newsweek reached out to the Justice Department comment , but did not receive a reply in time for publication .
The White House had no comment .

Heidi Stirrup, a White House liaison at the U.S. Department of Justice, is reportedly prohibited from entering the federal agency while working as Donald Trump's primary messenger between the two federal branches.
According to an Associated Press report, published Thursday afternoon, Stirrup is accused of breaching conduct protocols related to the Justice Department's ongoing inquiries into election fraud claims and other investigations. The Trump aide allegedly solicited information about the department's ongoing investigations from staff members privy to details of those legal pursuits.
The AP report, which credited a group of sources who asked to remain anonymous due to the subject's classified nature, noted that leading Justice Department officials barred Stirrup from returning to the building after becoming aware of her conduct. This reportedly occurred within the past two weeks, as Trump's campaign has continued to further unsubstantiated claims that voter fraud was behind his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden.
News of the Justice Department's response to Stirrup's alleged actions came two days after Attorney General William Barr announced that federal investigations into Trump's claims found no evidence that fraud contributed to the election's outcome. Barr, a longstanding Trump ally, faced widespread criticism earlier this year over what many observed to be an arguably unconstitutional relationship between himself and the sitting president.
On Tuesday, Barr said the FBI and U.S. attorneys were involved in inquiries to evaluate the Trump campaign's voter fraud allegations in comments to the AP.
"To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election," he told the news agency.
Trump responded to Barr's assertion on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he suggested that the Justice Department chief had not evaluated his campaign's claims thoroughly, and again insisted that "massive fraud" occurred during last month's election.
"Well, he hasn't done anything...he hasn't looked," Trump said, responding to a question about Barr's Tuesday comments.
A liaison between the U.S. Department of Justice and White House is reportedly accused of soliciting sensitive information about election fraud inquiries from DOJ staff. U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a Medal of Freedom ceremony for Lou Holtz in the Oval Office of the White House on December 3, 2020, in Washington, DC. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
"They haven't looked very hard," he continued, seemingly in reference to all federal personnel involved in the investigations. "Which is a disappointment, to be honest with you, because it's massive fraud."
Trump's campaign has initiated dozens of lawsuits over the last five weeks, targeting counties across the U.S. where Biden earned a majority of popular votes. Despite most legal actions meeting swift dismissals in court, the campaign has continued to challenge states' results with new lawsuits one month after Election Day.
Newsweek reached out to the Justice Department comment, but did not receive a reply in time for publication. The White House had no comment.
Updated 4:35 p.m. ET, to include additional background information.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Man Who Plotted to Kidnap, Torture and Eat Children Asks for Compassionate Prison Release

A prisoner jailed for plotting to torture and cannibalize children in his homemade dungeon is asking to be released due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 .
Geoffrey Portway is in a Virginia federal prison after police found stashes of child pornography and a dungeon complete with torture devices in the basement of his Worcester , Massachusetts , home in 2012 .
Investigators found a network of locked doors in the basement of the home leading to a sound-proofed dungeon , a chair , a television , a child-sized homemade coffin and castration tools , according to a statement from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chats revealed the 47-year-old , who went by the alias `` Fat Longpig , '' had solicited several people for their help in abducting a child with the intent to rape , torture , murder , and cannibalize young children in his dungeon .
`` Portway engaged in numerous chats with many individuals about a mutual interest in abducting , raping , murdering and eating children , '' a press release read .
`` These chats [ were ] accompanied by discussions of the desire to sexually abuse , murder and cannibalize those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2013 to solicitation of child kidnapping and charges of possession and distribution of child pornography .
He is now asking for compassionate release .
In a handwritten letter , as seen by Boston25 , Portway said his obesity puts him at `` a higher risk of serious complications '' from COVID-19 and has asked to return to England , where he was born .
In the letter , Portway says there are more than 40 cases of coronavirus in his prison .
Portway was charged as part of Operation Holitna : an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people arrested in 2012 .
Authorities said 167 children were identified as victims and rescued during the operation .
Investigators reportedly found stashes of child pornography on his computer and a dungeon with torture devices in his basement for the purpose of raping , torturing , murdering and cannibalizing young children .
`` At least as early as 2010 , Portway utilized Skype and other programs to communicate with Arnett , trading child pornography including images of injured , mutilated and deceased children while chatting about the sexual abuse , rape , abduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' prosecutors said '' Over months , Portway repeatedly solicited Arnett to kidnap a child for him , with the intent that Portway would ultimately rape , kill and eat that child .
These solicitations for help abducting a child included discussing real children – by name and photo – that Arnett claimed to know and have access to . ''
Under the terms of the plea agreement made , Portway is set to be deported after serving his nearly 27-year prison sentence .
`` Clearly , the facts of this case were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement acted when they did , '' Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz , District of Massachusetts , said at the time .
`` I hope that this case sends a clear message that we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who participate in these types of activities .
Even though criminals attempt to hide in the anonymity provided by the Internet , the Department of Justice is committed to aggressively pursuing them to ensure that there is no place to hide . ''
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Attorney 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .

A prisoner jailed for plotting to torture and cannibalize children in his homemade dungeon is asking to be released due to the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Geoffrey Portway is in a Virginia federal prison after police found stashes of child pornography and a dungeon complete with torture devices in the basement of his Worcester, Massachusetts, home in 2012.
Investigators found a network of locked doors in the basement of the home leading to a sound-proofed dungeon, a chair, a television, a child-sized homemade coffin and castration tools, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
Online chats revealed the 47-year-old, who went by the alias "Fat Longpig," had solicited several people for their help in abducting a child with the intent to rape, torture, murder, and cannibalize young children in his dungeon.
Geoffrey Portway filed a motion for compassionate release, citing the more than 40 cases of coronavirus in his prison. US Department of Justice
"Portway engaged in numerous chats with many individuals about a mutual interest in abducting, raping, murdering and eating children," a press release read. "These chats [were] accompanied by discussions of the desire to sexually abuse, murder and cannibalize those children.
Portway pleaded guilty in May of 2013 to solicitation of child kidnapping and charges of possession and distribution of child pornography. He is now asking for compassionate release.
In a handwritten letter, as seen by Boston25, Portway said his obesity puts him at "a higher risk of serious complications" from COVID-19 and has asked to return to England, where he was born.
In the letter, Portway says there are more than 40 cases of coronavirus in his prison.
Portway was charged as part of Operation Holitna: an international child porn investigation that saw 60 people arrested in 2012. Authorities said 167 children were identified as victims and rescued during the operation.
Investigators reportedly found stashes of child pornography on his computer and a dungeon with torture devices in his basement for the purpose of raping, torturing, murdering and cannibalizing young children.
"At least as early as 2010, Portway utilized Skype and other programs to communicate with Arnett, trading child pornography including images of injured, mutilated and deceased children while chatting about the sexual abuse, rape, abduction, murder and cannibalism of children," prosecutors said
"Over months, Portway repeatedly solicited Arnett to kidnap a child for him, with the intent that Portway would ultimately rape, kill and eat that child. These solicitations for help abducting a child included discussing real children – by name and photo – that Arnett claimed to know and have access to."
Under the terms of the plea agreement made, Portway is set to be deported after serving his nearly 27-year prison sentence.
"Clearly, the facts of this case were quite disturbing and we are grateful law enforcement acted when they did," Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, District of Massachusetts, said at the time.
"I hope that this case sends a clear message that we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who participate in these types of activities. Even though criminals attempt to hide in the anonymity provided by the Internet, the Department of Justice is committed to aggressively pursuing them to ensure that there is no place to hide."
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Fauci Accepts Joe Biden's Offer to Be Chief Medical Adviser

The U.S. ' top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , has accepted an offer by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as chief medical adviser in his incoming administration .
On Thursday , Biden told CNN he had asked Fauci , who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to continue in his post and to also play a crucial role in his administration 's COVID-19 team .
`` I asked him to stay on in the exact same role as he 's had for the past several presidents , and I asked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me as well and be part of the COVID team , '' Biden told the network .
On Friday , Savannah Guthrie , anchor of NBC 's Today show , asked Fauci whether he would take up Biden 's offer .
He replied , `` Absolutely , I said yes right on the spot . ''
A clip of the interview was shared on Twitter by Biden 's chief of staff , Ron Klain , who tweeted : `` There are few public servants in our history who have served as long and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Dr. Tony Fauci .
It will be a great honor to work with him again . ''
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available .

The U.S.' top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has accepted an offer from President-elect Joe Biden to serve as chief medical adviser in his incoming administration.
On Thursday, Biden told CNN he had asked Fauci, who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), to continue in his post and also play a crucial role in his administration's COVID-19 team.
"I asked him to stay on in the exact same role as he's had for the past several presidents, and I asked him to be a chief medical adviser for me as well and be part of the COVID team," Biden told the network.
There are few public servants in our history who have served as long and as well and with as much distinction at Dr. Tony Fauci. It will be a great honor to work with him again. https://t.co/JghEPQtTlF — Ronald Klain (@RonaldKlain) December 4, 2020
On Friday, Savannah Guthrie, anchor of NBC's Today show, asked Fauci whether he would take up Biden's offer. He replied: "Absolutely, I said yes right on the spot."
A clip of the interview was shared on Twitter by Biden's chief of staff, Ron Klain, who tweeted: "There are few public servants in our history who have served as long and as well and with as much distinction at Dr. Tony Fauci. It will be a great honor to work with him again."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, at a White House press briefing on November 19, 2020 in Washington, D.C. He has accepted an offer to serve as President-elect Joe Biden's chief medical adviser. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Fauci had previously told CNN that he had worked "very closely" with Klain during the Obama administration's response to the Ebola outbreak.
As the director of NIAID, Fauci has served both Republican and Democratic presidents, but the administration of President Donald Trump has not always followed his advice to push for rigorous mask-wearing and social distancing.
He told NBC on Friday that he thought "it was a good idea" that Biden said he would ask Americans to commit to wearing masks for 100 days. Fauci has already held discussions with Biden's transition team on tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
A priority for Biden will be tackling the coronavirus pandemic and overseeing the distribution of a vaccine against the disease which has so killed more than 276,000 Americans, according to Johns Hopkins University.
In an earlier interview with Newsweek, Fauci warned that the outbreak is expected to reach its worst level yet after the New Year.
"January is going to be terrible," he said, pointing out that there would be "the Thanksgiving surge super-imposed upon the Christmas surge."
"If you and I travel and then go home and have family dinners, you're gonna see infections two to three weeks from there and then a week later you'll see more hospitalizations and then two weeks later you'll see more deaths," Fauci told Newsweek.
The graphic below by Statista shows the COVID deaths of the elderly in the U.S.
STATISTA
This story has been updated.


newsweek--2020-12-04--'A Charlie Brown Christmas': How to Watch For Free Online

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday staple for many , but the way viewers get to watch the Peanuts special will be a little different this festive season .
After 20 years of showing the 1965 special , ABC will not air it this year .
Though the short will be airing on TV , the place where most people will be seeing it this year is on a streaming service .
How to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas online in 2020 On December 4 , A Charlie Brown Christmas was released onto Apple TV+ , which is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday animations It 's the Great Pumpkin , Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving .
Currently , the specials are only available to watch for Apple TV+ subscribers .
New subscribers , however , can watch them with a seven-day free trial .
After that time , the service costs $ 4.99 a month , or $ 49.99 a year .
There is a chance , however , that you might be eligible for a year of free Apple TV+ and not realise it .
If you have bought a new ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like an iPad , Mac or Macbook in the last few months , then you are able to sign up for a free year of viewing , giving you access to not only A Charlie Brown Christmas and the other Peanuts specials but also originals like Snoopy in Space , The Morning Show and Ted Lasso .
For viewers who want to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas without subscribing at all to Apple TV+ , there is a way of doing that .
The streaming service is making the special free to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 to December 13 .
Will A Charlie Brown Christmas air on TV in 2020 ?
Yes , but not on their usual channel .
After 20 years on ABC ( and 35 years on CBS before that ) , Charlie Brown , Lucy and the rest of the Peanuts gang head to a new channel .
After the special 's move to streaming lead to angry fans demanding it air on TV at some point , Apple made a deal with PBS to stream the specials on a one-time basis .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air on PBS Kids on Sunday , December 13 .
The channel has not revealed exactly what time they will be airing the special , but they aired A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in November at 7:30 a.m .
ET / 6:30 a.m. PT , so expect a similar slot for the Christmas special .
For those who have not seen the special yet somehow , IMDb has the following synopsis that gives you a hint of what to expect : `` When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant .
`` Charlie Brown accepts , but it proves to be a frustrating struggle .
When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails , he needs Linus ' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is . ''
A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming now on Apple TV+ .

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday staple for many, but the way viewers get to watch the Peanuts special will be a little different this festive season. After 20 years of showing the 1965 special, ABC will not air it this year. Though the short will be airing on TV, the place where most people will be seeing it this year is on a streaming service.
How to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas online in 2020
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is streaming on Apple TV+ in 2020. A Charlie Brown Christmas: CBS
On December 4, A Charlie Brown Christmas was released onto Apple TV+, which is also the streaming home of the other Peanuts holiday animations It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Currently, the specials are only available to watch for Apple TV+ subscribers. New subscribers, however, can watch them with a seven-day free trial. After that time, the service costs $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year.
There is a chance, however, that you might be eligible for a year of free Apple TV+ and not realise it. If you have bought a new (or refurbished) piece of Apple tech, like an iPad, Mac or Macbook in the last few months, then you are able to sign up for a free year of viewing, giving you access to not only A Charlie Brown Christmas and the other Peanuts specials but also originals like Snoopy in Space, The Morning Show and Ted Lasso.
For viewers who want to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas without subscribing at all to Apple TV+, there is a way of doing that. The streaming service is making the special free to view for a limited period from December 11 to December 13.
Will A Charlie Brown Christmas air on TV in 2020?
Yes, but not on their usual channel. After 20 years on ABC (and 35 years on CBS before that), Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of the Peanuts gang head to a new channel.
After the special's move to streaming lead to angry fans demanding it air on TV at some point, Apple made a deal with PBS to stream the specials on a one-time basis.
As such, A Charlie Brown Christmas will air on PBS Kids on Sunday, December 13. The channel has not revealed exactly what time they will be airing the special, but they aired A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in November at 7:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT, so expect a similar slot for the Christmas special.
For those who have not seen the special yet somehow, IMDb has the following synopsis that gives you a hint of what to expect: "When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant.
"Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is."
A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming now on Apple TV+.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Fauci Warns 'January Is Going to Be Terrible' As U.S. COVID Hospitalizations Continue to Soar

Current COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have surpassed 100,000 .
The number of people in hospital blew past the previous record level of 60,000 in early November , and has been rising ever since .
Speaking to Newsweek , Dr. Anthony Fauci warned : `` January is going to be terrible , '' with the outbreak expected to reach its worst level yet .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) and member of the White House COVID-19 task force explained : `` I think January is going to be terrible because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super-imposed upon the Christmas surge .
So it 's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst . ''
`` At least two to 2.5 weeks , maybe even three , between two and three weeks from when the travel [ for Thanksgiving ] started , that 's when you 're going to see the peaks , '' Fauci noted .
When asked if he anticipates the post-Thanksgiving tallies for cases , deaths and hospitalizations being bad , Fauci told Newsweek : `` Unfortunately I do .
I hate to say that but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I do see that happening . ''
Fauci told Newsweek : `` The reporting is not accurate for the next few days following a holiday .
So what you see is an artificial dip in everything—in cases , in deaths .
`` Usually around two weeks later you start to see the increase in cases , which are then followed subsequently by an increase in hospitalizations and followed by an increase in deaths .
`` If you and I travel and then go home and have family dinners , you 're gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from there and then a week later you 'll see more hospitalizations and then two weeks later you 'll see more deaths , '' Fauci noted .
The recent rise in cases and deaths following Thanksgiving `` is probably the result of people doing things indoors two weeks earlier , even pre-dating Thanksgiving , or associated with the travel for Thanksgiving , '' Fauci explained .
Fauci 's warning comes as the total confirmed cases in the U.S. approaches 14.2 million , with at least 276,401 total reported deaths , according to Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,667 COVID-19 patients were reported to be hospitalized , according to data compiled by The Atlantic 's COVID Tracking Project .
According to forecasts received by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) from 12 modeling groups , `` For December 28 , the forecasts estimate 2,300 to 23,000 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day .
`` Four national forecasts predict a likely increase in the number of new hospitalizations per day over the next four weeks , one forecast predicts a likely decrease , and four forecasts are uncertain about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` State-level forecasts also show a high degree of variability , which results from multiple factors .
Hospitalization forecasts use different sources of data for COVID-19 cases or deaths , with different limitations , and make different assumptions about social distancing , '' according to the CDC report published Wednesday .
The graphic below , provided by Statista , shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population .
According to the forecasts received this week by the CDC from 25 modeling groups , 690,000 to 1,700,00 new cases will likely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The CDC noted : `` Over the last several weeks , more reported cases than expected have fallen outside of the forecasted prediction intervals .
This suggests that current forecast prediction intervals may not reflect the full range of future reported case numbers .
Forecasts for new cases should be interpreted accordingly .
`` The state- and territory-level ensemble forecasts predict that over the next 4 weeks , the number of newly reported deaths per week will likely increase in 23 jurisdictions , '' the CDC added , noting `` trends in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or predicted to remain stable in the other states and territories . ''
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 65.3 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan , China .
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and more than 42 million have recovered as of Friday , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , shows the number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the @ @

Current COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. have surpassed 100,000. The number of people in hospital blew past the previous record level of 60,000 in early November, and has been rising ever since.
Speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned: "January is going to be terrible," with the outbreak expected to reach its worst level yet.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and member of the White House COVID-19 task force explained: "I think January is going to be terrible because you're going to have the Thanksgiving surge super-imposed upon the Christmas surge. So it's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst."
"At least two to 2.5 weeks, maybe even three, between two and three weeks from when the travel [for Thanksgiving] started, that's when you're going to see the peaks," Fauci noted.
When asked if he anticipates the post-Thanksgiving tallies for cases, deaths and hospitalizations being bad, Fauci told Newsweek: "Unfortunately I do. I hate to say that but it's the truth and the reality. I do see that happening."
Fauci told Newsweek: "The reporting is not accurate for the next few days following a holiday. So what you see is an artificial dip in everything—in cases, in deaths.
"Usually around two weeks later you start to see the increase in cases, which are then followed subsequently by an increase in hospitalizations and followed by an increase in deaths.
"If you and I travel and then go home and have family dinners, you're gonna see infections two to three weeks from there and then a week later you'll see more hospitalizations and then two weeks later you'll see more deaths," Fauci noted.
The recent rise in cases and deaths following Thanksgiving "is probably the result of people doing things indoors two weeks earlier, even pre-dating Thanksgiving, or associated with the travel for Thanksgiving," Fauci explained.
Fauci's warning comes as the total confirmed cases in the U.S. approaches 14.2 million, with at least 276,401 total reported deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks during a White House coronavirus task force press briefing at the White House on November 19 in Washington, D.C. This week Fauci warned COVID-19 figures in the country could hit their worst levels in January. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Projections for U.S. cases, deaths, hospitalizations
As of Thursday, 100,667 COVID-19 patients were reported to be hospitalized, according to data compiled by The Atlantic's COVID Tracking Project.
According to forecasts received by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 12 modeling groups, "For December 28, the forecasts estimate 2,300 to 23,000 new COVID-19 hospitalizations per day.
"Four national forecasts predict a likely increase in the number of new hospitalizations per day over the next four weeks, one forecast predicts a likely decrease, and four forecasts are uncertain about the trend or predict stable numbers.
"State-level forecasts also show a high degree of variability, which results from multiple factors. Hospitalization forecasts use different sources of data for COVID-19 cases or deaths, with different limitations, and make different assumptions about social distancing," according to the CDC report published Wednesday.
The graphic below, provided by Statista, shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population.
STATISTA
According to the forecasts received this week by the CDC from 25 modeling groups, 690,000 to 1,700,00 new cases will likely be reported during the week ending December 26.
The CDC noted: "Over the last several weeks, more reported cases than expected have fallen outside of the forecasted prediction intervals. This suggests that current forecast prediction intervals may not reflect the full range of future reported case numbers. Forecasts for new cases should be interpreted accordingly.
"The state- and territory-level ensemble forecasts predict that over the next 4 weeks, the number of newly reported deaths per week will likely increase in 23 jurisdictions," the CDC added, noting "trends in numbers of future reported deaths are uncertain or predicted to remain stable in the other states and territories."
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 65.3 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and more than 42 million have recovered as of Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows the number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.
Statista
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Grammy Nominee Phoebe Bridgers Is Staying Quite Busy During the Pandemic

The boredom and anxiety of this year was n't what indie singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers had been expecting .
Instead of touring and sharing stages with The National and The 1975 , she 's been home in Los Angeles .
`` I tried to make banana bread , '' she tells Newsweek `` but it got moldy , literally one day later .
So I did something wrong . ''
Still the folk-based Bridgers , 26 , is having a banner year musically .
Punisher , her second album , was released this past June to critical acclaim .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stranger in the Alps .
In between those two albums , Bridgers also made records as a member of the supergroup boygenius ( with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus ) and the duo Better Oblivion Community Center ( with Bright Eyes ' Conor Oberst ) .
And capping off an amazing 2020 for her , Bridgers was recently nominated for four Grammy Awards , including Best New Artist , Best Alternative Music Album ( Punisher ) , Best Rock Song ( `` Kyoto '' ) , and Best Rock Performance ( `` Kyoto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridgers released a new EP Copycat Killer , which recasts four of the songs from Punisher with only strings and her vocals .
Working with string arranger Rob Moose ( whose credits include Taylor Swift , Bon Iver and Alabama Shakes among others ) , Bridgers re-recorded her songs in September for the EP , whose vinyl version is being made available exclusively through British record label and distributor Rough Trade .
`` I had just made a couple of recordings with Rob , '' Bridgers recalls , `` and he was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that he re-imagines songs .
I called him up and asked him to make arrangements of four songs , and he did it in a heartbeat . ''
Moose 's re-interpretations of the four tracks— '' Kyoto , '' `` Savior Complex , '' `` Punisher '' and `` Chinese Satellite '' —have a heightened dramatic and lush feeling compared with their originals on Punisher .
`` He makes me like my songs more , '' Bridgers says of Moose 's treatments .
`` I wrote `` Kyoto , '' for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version [ of the song on Copycat Killer ] kind of makes me second-guess every choice I 've ever made .
I thought , 'This is my favorite version . '
'' After her experience on Copycat Killer , Bridgers says working with strings is something she wants to do again .
`` I would love to do this live whenever that 's possible .
I 've never played with a string quartet or an orchestra . ''
The EP and Punisher both sound like natural progressions from her folky debut , 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've gotten a hand in producing more , '' Bridgers says .
`` I did n't produce the first album at all .
I thought when I made the first record that I was going to make folk music .
And then the more up-tempo songs or the weirder sounds—that all took me by surprise .
And with this record , I was really looking forward to that . ''
`` The first record was songs from my whole life , and then this record is obviously songs written in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recurring themes . ''
Inspiration , she says , comes mainly from her own life .
`` I think mostly about personal experiences ...
I 'm very jealous of songwriters who can kind of write from an outside perspective . ''
The delicate and haunting title song from Punisher , for instance , was inspired by the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith , one of Bridgers ' musical influences alongside Jackson Browne , Joni Mitchell , Nina Simone and Tom Waits .
Written from the perspective of a perhaps too-enthusiastic fan , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't meet your heroes . ''
`` He lived literally half a mile away from my apartment , '' she says of Smith .
`` When I first moved , I was on a walk and started to notice stuff that I had heard in his songs .
I did n't know that when I moved , I was like , 'Oh my God , it 's all right here . '
'' The atmospheric ballad `` Chinese Satellite '' melds two unlikely subjects : jogging and aliens .
`` I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she explains .
`` And the alien thing : I 've always been pretty jealous of my religious friends .
I really would love to go to sleep at night and think that I was in the hands of something greater , but instead I feel alone in the world .
I do n't know why those two ideas connect—maybe [ it 's ] trying to find meaning in something . ''
Punisher also helped Bridgers gain clout in the music business .
She recently founded her own imprint Saddest Factory , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oceans , which had released her first two albums and her collaboration with Conor Oberst .
Her new label will feature artists that she has signed , among them the indie act Claud , who Bridgers saw in Chicago last year .
`` I was just kind of sick of drafting four-page emails for why the label should sign my friends .
And I was like , ' Y'all just want to give me the power to sign people ? '
And they were surprisingly into that .
It took forever to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on . ''
Another thing Bridgers has done lately was cover the Goo Goo Dolls ' hit `` Iris , '' a duet with acclaimed singer Maggie Rogers .
During the presidential election , Bridgers tweeted that she would cover the song if Donald Trump lost .
He did , and she kept her word , `` As the brutal days of not knowing [ who won ] passed , it was like a momentary relief , '' Bridgers recalls .
`` And then I was like , 'Oh my God , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
'' Bridgers posted the song for one day on Bandcamp , with the proceeds from sales going to the voting rights organization Fair Fight .
She says she is looking forward to getting back to touring when live music and the rest of the world get back to normal .
Still , pandemic or no pandemic , she 's been busy .
( For this holiday season , she recently unveiled another cover , a rendition of Merle Haggard 's `` If We Make It Through December , '' with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center ) .
Bridgers has packed a lot of career into a three-year span .
`` All of it is amazing , '' she says .
`` I think financial stability in art was the hardest part , and now it totally changed my life and changed what I got to do , which is very rare .
Before the quarantine , I played Carnegie Hall [ for a Tibet House benefit ] with Patti Smith , Matt Berninger from The National , and Laurie Anderson .
It was so cool , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and playing Carnegie Hall was probably my favorite this year . ''
A melancholic , mainly folk album , Stranger in the Alps , the Los Angeles-based singer 's debut album , contains the arrestingly catchy `` Motion Sickness . ''
The record received superlative reviews .
Bridgers said in a press statement at the time , `` I wanted the album to completely represent who I am and these songs are representative of what I set out to do . ''
boygenius is an indie pop and folk lover 's dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acclaimed singer-songwriters Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker .
On this six-song EP , the trio 's voices and heart-wrenching songs blend beautifully together .
On the prospect of a follow-up record , Bridgers said , `` I think that the idea behind the band is that it has to be fun .
And as soon as it feels like pressure , it gets less fun .
We 're friends first .
If we get together and write a bunch of songs , I think we totally would [ make a new record ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright Eyes ' Conor Oberst as Better Oblivion Community Center made sense , since Oberst had previously appeared on Bridgers ' first album for their beautiful duet `` Would You Rather . ''
One of the rootsy record 's many highlights is the appealing rocker `` Dylan Thomas , '' which features a guest appearance by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner .

The boredom and anxiety of this year wasn't what indie singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers had been expecting. Instead of touring and sharing stages with The National and The 1975, she's been home in Los Angeles. "I tried to make banana bread," she tells Newsweek "but it got moldy, literally one day later. So I did something wrong."
Still the folk-based Bridgers, 26, is having a banner year musically. Punisher, her second album, was released this past June to critical acclaim. It's the follow-up to her 2017 debut record Stranger in the Alps. In between those two albums, Bridgers also made records as a member of the supergroup boygenius (with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus) and the duo Better Oblivion Community Center (with Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst). And capping off an amazing 2020 for her, Bridgers was recently nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Alternative Music Album (Punisher), Best Rock Song ("Kyoto"), and Best Rock Performance ("Kyoto").
On November 20, Bridgers released a new EP Copycat Killer, which recasts four of the songs from Punisher with only strings and her vocals. Working with string arranger Rob Moose (whose credits include Taylor Swift, Bon Iver and Alabama Shakes among others), Bridgers re-recorded her songs in September for the EP, whose vinyl version is being made available exclusively through British record label and distributor Rough Trade.
"I had just made a couple of recordings with Rob," Bridgers recalls, "and he was on my mind because I just love the way that he re-imagines songs. I called him up and asked him to make arrangements of four songs, and he did it in a heartbeat." Moose's re-interpretations of the four tracks—"Kyoto," "Savior Complex," "Punisher" and "Chinese Satellite"—have a heightened dramatic and lush feeling compared with their originals on Punisher. "He makes me like my songs more," Bridgers says of Moose's treatments. "I wrote "Kyoto," for example, as a ballad initially. This version [of the song on Copycat Killer] kind of makes me second-guess every choice I've ever made. I thought, 'This is my favorite version.'"
After her experience on Copycat Killer, Bridgers says working with strings is something she wants to do again. "I would love to do this live whenever that's possible. I've never played with a string quartet or an orchestra."
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The EP and Punisher both sound like natural progressions from her folky debut, 2017's Stranger in the Alps.
"I've gotten a hand in producing more," Bridgers says. "I didn't produce the first album at all. I thought when I made the first record that I was going to make folk music. And then the more up-tempo songs or the weirder sounds—that all took me by surprise. And with this record, I was really looking forward to that."
"The first record was songs from my whole life, and then this record is obviously songs written in the same three-year span, so definitely a lot of recurring themes." Inspiration, she says, comes mainly from her own life. "I think mostly about personal experiences...I'm very jealous of songwriters who can kind of write from an outside perspective."
The delicate and haunting title song from Punisher, for instance, was inspired by the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, one of Bridgers' musical influences alongside Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Tom Waits. Written from the perspective of a perhaps too-enthusiastic fan, it is almost a cautionary message of "don't meet your heroes." "He lived literally half a mile away from my apartment," she says of Smith. "When I first moved, I was on a walk and started to notice stuff that I had heard in his songs. I didn't know that when I moved, I was like, 'Oh my God, it's all right here.'"
The atmospheric ballad "Chinese Satellite" melds two unlikely subjects: jogging and aliens. "I was jogging around—that lasted two days," she explains. "And the alien thing: I've always been pretty jealous of my religious friends. I really would love to go to sleep at night and think that I was in the hands of something greater, but instead I feel alone in the world. I don't know why those two ideas connect—maybe [it's] trying to find meaning in something."
Punisher also helped Bridgers gain clout in the music business. She recently founded her own imprint Saddest Factory, in collaboration with the indie record company Dead Oceans, which had released her first two albums and her collaboration with Conor Oberst. Her new label will feature artists that she has signed, among them the indie act Claud, who Bridgers saw in Chicago last year.
"I was just kind of sick of drafting four-page emails for why the label should sign my friends. And I was like, 'Y'all just want to give me the power to sign people?' And they were surprisingly into that. It took forever to build, longer than anything I've ever worked on."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Phoebe Bridgers rehearses on stage during the 33nd Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert & Gala on February 26, 2020 in New York City. Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Tibet House/Getty
Another thing Bridgers has done lately was cover the Goo Goo Dolls' hit "Iris," a duet with acclaimed singer Maggie Rogers. During the presidential election, Bridgers tweeted that she would cover the song if Donald Trump lost. He did, and she kept her word, "As the brutal days of not knowing [who won] passed, it was like a momentary relief," Bridgers recalls. "And then I was like, 'Oh my God, now I have to actually do 'Iris.'" Bridgers posted the song for one day on Bandcamp, with the proceeds from sales going to the voting rights organization Fair Fight.
She says she is looking forward to getting back to touring when live music and the rest of the world get back to normal. Still, pandemic or no pandemic, she's been busy. (For this holiday season, she recently unveiled another cover, a rendition of Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December," with its proceeds going to the Downtown Women's Center). Bridgers has packed a lot of career into a three-year span.
"All of it is amazing," she says. "I think financial stability in art was the hardest part, and now it totally changed my life and changed what I got to do, which is very rare. Before the quarantine, I played Carnegie Hall [for a Tibet House benefit] with Patti Smith, Matt Berninger from The National, and Laurie Anderson. It was so cool, and that felt pretty good. Getting dressed up and playing Carnegie Hall was probably my favorite this year."
Further Listening
Stranger in the Alps
(2017, Dead Oceans)
A melancholic, mainly folk album, Stranger in the Alps, the Los Angeles-based singer's debut album, contains the arrestingly catchy "Motion Sickness." The record received superlative reviews. Bridgers said in a press statement at the time, "I wanted the album to completely represent who I am and these songs are representative of what I set out to do."
boygenius — boygenius (2018, Matador)
boygenius is an indie pop and folk lover's dream, a supergroup featuring Bridgers and equally acclaimed singer-songwriters Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. On this six-song EP, the trio's voices and heart-wrenching songs blend beautifully together. On the prospect of a follow-up record, Bridgers said, "I think that the idea behind the band is that it has to be fun. And as soon as it feels like pressure, it gets less fun. We're friends first. If we get together and write a bunch of songs, I think we totally would [make a new record]."
Better Oblivion Community Center — Better Oblivion Community Center (2019, Dead Oceans)
The pairing of Bridgers and Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst as Better Oblivion Community Center made sense, since Oberst had previously appeared on Bridgers' first album for their beautiful duet "Would You Rather." One of the rootsy record's many highlights is the appealing rocker "Dylan Thomas," which features a guest appearance by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner.