newsweek--2020-12-24--Fact Check: Does Spending Bill Provide More Funds to Foreigners Than Americans?

In the wake of Congress passing a $ 900 billion coronavirus stimulus package and a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill , Americans are concerned that more funding went to foreign aid than to the millions of people struggling at home .
Monday 's passage of the 5,593-page bill ended eight-plus months of partisan gridlock .
It includes weekly jobless benefits , individual checks and small-business aid through the Paycheck Protection Program .
Americans flooded social media , and particularly Twitter , after the bill 's passage to express their outrage over the package , which includes stimulus checks reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 600 for individuals making up to $ 75,000 per year .
In addition to the coronavirus relief package , a spending bill was passed that included foreign aid , leaving Americans to wonder if other nations are receiving more help than they are .
One of the tweets was posted by Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert ( R-Colo. ) , who wrote about her displeasure regarding $ 10 million earmarked for gender programs in Pakistan .
Many people are unhappy that the U.S. is willing to spend billions of dollars abroad but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stimulus .
President Donald Trump later criticized the amount of money that was allocated for foreign aid and called on Congress to amend the bill to replace the proposed $ 600 checks with $ 2,000 checks .
`` Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries , lobbyists and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it , '' said Trump , who had largely been silent on the bill until it passed .
According to the House Committee on Appropriations , the $ 900 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion omnibus spending bill are two separate packages that fall under the year-end funding package for fiscal year 2021 .
This structure is designed so that the $ 900 billion relief package is specifically used to address the widespread hardship Americans are facing from the coronavirus .
The $ 1.4 trillion spending bill will keep the government funded through September 30 , 2021 , and covers a multitude of other government spending , including agricultural programs , funding various governmental agencies , providing foreign aid and much more .
None of the money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 900 billion coronavirus relief package .
Though coronavirus relief and foreign aid come from two different packages , Americans still want to know how the numbers compare .
How much of the $ 1.4 trillion is being spent on foreign aid ?
Israel will receive $ 3.3 billion in grants , while Egypt will get $ 1.3 billion from the foreign military financing program .
Burma , also known as Myanmar , will receive $ 135 million in aid `` for programs to promote ethnic and religious tolerance and to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic cleansing against Rohingya Muslims .
Colombia will receive $ 461 million in aid , which is contingent on the country continuing to implement a national counternarcotics strategy , protecting Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities and preventing attacks against journalists , trade unionists and `` human rights defenders . ''
Colombia also must take steps to hold government and military officials accountable for any crimes or human rights violations .
After adding up all of the programs that could be considered foreign aid under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 , tens of billions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham ( R-S.C. ) , defended at least some of the foreign aid during an interview Tuesday on Fox & Friends .
`` The foreign aid budget is 1 percent of all American spending , '' he said .
`` Pakistan is a place I really worry about ; 85 countries a woman ca n't open up a bank account without her husband 's signature , she ca n't inherit property .
If you 're a young girl in Pakistan , life is pretty tough , so we 're trying to make life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Although Twitter users might lead you to believe otherwise , and are comparing apples to oranges with the stimulus bill vs. the omnibus 2021 funding bill , the amount of money allocated to foreign aid in the year-end package amounts to tens of billions of dollars , considerably less than the $ 900 billion slated for coronavirus relief for Americans .

In the wake of Congress passing a $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package and a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill, Americans are concerned that more funding went to foreign aid than to the millions of people struggling at home.
Monday's passage of the 5,593-page bill ended eight-plus months of partisan gridlock. It includes weekly jobless benefits, individual checks and small-business aid through the Paycheck Protection Program.
The Claim
Americans flooded social media, and particularly Twitter, after the bill's passage to express their outrage over the package, which includes stimulus checks reduced from the first package's $1,200 to $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year.
In addition to the coronavirus relief package, a spending bill was passed that included foreign aid, leaving Americans to wonder if other nations are receiving more help than they are.
One of the tweets was posted by Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), who wrote about her displeasure regarding $10 million earmarked for gender programs in Pakistan.
When your country’s COVID-19 relief bill includes $10 million in “gender programs” for Pakistan, you know Congress is broken. — Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) December 22, 2020
Many people are unhappy that the U.S. is willing to spend billions of dollars abroad but only $600 per person at home for the stimulus.
President Donald Trump later criticized the amount of money that was allocated for foreign aid and called on Congress to amend the bill to replace the proposed $600 checks with $2,000 checks.
"Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it," said Trump, who had largely been silent on the bill until it passed.
The Facts
According to the House Committee on Appropriations, the $900 billion coronavirus relief package and the $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill are two separate packages that fall under the year-end funding package for fiscal year 2021. This structure is designed so that the $900 billion relief package is specifically used to address the widespread hardship Americans are facing from the coronavirus.
The $1.4 trillion spending bill will keep the government funded through September 30, 2021, and covers a multitude of other government spending, including agricultural programs, funding various governmental agencies, providing foreign aid and much more. None of the money for foreign aid is being allocated from the $900 billion coronavirus relief package.
When your country’s COVID-19 relief bill includes $10 million in 'gender programs' for Pakistan, you know Congress is broken. Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert
If you're a young girl in Pakistan, life is pretty tough, so we're trying to make life better for women throughout the world. Senator Lindsey Graham
Though coronavirus relief and foreign aid come from two different packages, Americans still want to know how the numbers compare. How much of the $1.4 trillion is being spent on foreign aid?
Israel will receive $3.3 billion in grants, while Egypt will get $1.3 billion from the foreign military financing program. Burma, also known as Myanmar, will receive $135 million in aid "for programs to promote ethnic and religious tolerance and to combat gender-based violence" in addition to mitigating ethnic cleansing against Rohingya Muslims.
Colombia will receive $461 million in aid, which is contingent on the country continuing to implement a national counternarcotics strategy, protecting Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities and preventing attacks against journalists, trade unionists and "human rights defenders." Colombia also must take steps to hold government and military officials accountable for any crimes or human rights violations.
After adding up all of the programs that could be considered foreign aid under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, tens of billions of dollars were approved.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), defended at least some of the foreign aid during an interview Tuesday on Fox & Friends.
"The foreign aid budget is 1 percent of all American spending," he said. "Pakistan is a place I really worry about; 85 countries a woman can't open up a bank account without her husband's signature, she can't inherit property. If you're a young girl in Pakistan, life is pretty tough, so we're trying to make life better for women throughout the world."
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The Ruling
False.
Although Twitter users might lead you to believe otherwise, and are comparing apples to oranges with the stimulus bill vs. the omnibus 2021 funding bill, the amount of money allocated to foreign aid in the year-end package amounts to tens of billions of dollars, considerably less than the $900 billion slated for coronavirus relief for Americans.


newsweek--2020-12-24--More than 64k Early Georgia Runoff Voters Didn't Vote in General Election

More than two million voters already cast ballots in Georgia 's upcoming special election by Thursday , but about three percent of those voters did not participate in this year 's presidential election , state data shows .
The outcome of both Senate races on January 5 will determine the balance of power in the nation 's capital when President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20 .
The presidential election on November 3 that denied President Donald Trump his bid for re-election marked the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won Georgia since 1992 .
The state 's incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loeffler , also did not receive the 50 percent majorities needed to win their general election races .
Georgia election officials began posting state data documenting voter turnout shortly after early voting began for the runoffs on December 14 .
According to the data analysis website Georgia Votes , early voter turnout for the runoffs was about 148,000 votes shy of the total number of early votes reported with 12 days remaining before the general election .
Nearly 2.1 million early voters cast their ballots by Thursday morning , about 64,000 of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , the analysis showed .
The early runoff voters who did not participate in the general election consisted mostly of white and Black voters , who accounted for more than 53,000 of the votes cast , according to Georgia Votes .
White voters also represented the majority of the runoff election 's early voters at more than 1.1 million votes cast .
About 650,000 Black voters have voted early in the runoff elections thus far , while the Hispanic and Asian voting blocs accounted for less than 50,000 early votes each , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press report published Thursday , the success of the two Democratic candidates vying for the Senate seats will depend upon high voter turnout in the Black , Hispanic and Asian communities .
The election last month generated record levels of voter turnout due in part to expanded access to mail-in and early voting necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic .
The high stakes of the special election paired with the money pouring into the state in support of the four candidates indicate voter turnout will remain high as voters decide which two candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently control the Senate with 50 seats .
If both Democratic candidates win next month , the Democrats will also have 50 seats .
That hypothetical ratio would give the Democratic Party control , with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris able to break any ties , and would likely give Biden 's administration more legislative leverage in the years ahead .
During the runoffs , Perdue , who was elected to represent Georgia in the Senate in 2014 , will face Democrat Jon Ossoff .
Loeffler , whom Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , is campaigning against Democrat Raphael Warnock for the other seat .
While a SurveyUSA poll conducted last week said both Democrats were leading their Republican opponents , a Trafalgar Group poll conducted a few days earlier found Loeffler leading by 7 points and Perdue leading by 3 .
Emerson College and Insider Advantage polls from earlier this month also said the Republican candidates held narrow leads , while a new poll from Insider Advantage published Wednesday said Warnock and Perdue both had slim advantages over their competitors .
Newsweek reached out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party of Georgia for comment but did not receive responses in time for publication .

More than two million voters already cast ballots in Georgia's upcoming special election by Thursday, but about three percent of those voters did not participate in this year's presidential election, state data shows.
The outcome of both Senate races on January 5 will determine the balance of power in the nation's capital when President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20.
The presidential election on November 3 that denied President Donald Trump his bid for re-election marked the first time a Democratic presidential candidate won Georgia since 1992. The state's incumbent Republican senators, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, also did not receive the 50 percent majorities needed to win their general election races.
According to a recent analysis of state data, more than 64,000 of the early voters who have already cast ballots in Georgia's 2021 special election did not vote in the 2020 presidential election. In the photo above, early voters stand in line at the State Farm Arena on December 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Megan Varner/Getty
Georgia election officials began posting state data documenting voter turnout shortly after early voting began for the runoffs on December 14. According to the data analysis website Georgia Votes, early voter turnout for the runoffs was about 148,000 votes shy of the total number of early votes reported with 12 days remaining before the general election. Nearly 2.1 million early voters cast their ballots by Thursday morning, about 64,000 of whom did not cast ballots in the general election, the analysis showed.
The early runoff voters who did not participate in the general election consisted mostly of white and Black voters, who accounted for more than 53,000 of the votes cast, according to Georgia Votes. White voters also represented the majority of the runoff election's early voters at more than 1.1 million votes cast. About 650,000 Black voters have voted early in the runoff elections thus far, while the Hispanic and Asian voting blocs accounted for less than 50,000 early votes each, the data shows.
According to an Associated Press report published Thursday, the success of the two Democratic candidates vying for the Senate seats will depend upon high voter turnout in the Black, Hispanic and Asian communities. The election last month generated record levels of voter turnout due in part to expanded access to mail-in and early voting necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. The high stakes of the special election paired with the money pouring into the state in support of the four candidates indicate voter turnout will remain high as voters decide which two candidates to send to the Senate.
Republicans currently control the Senate with 50 seats. If both Democratic candidates win next month, the Democrats will also have 50 seats. That hypothetical ratio would give the Democratic Party control, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris able to break any ties, and would likely give Biden's administration more legislative leverage in the years ahead.
During the runoffs, Perdue, who was elected to represent Georgia in the Senate in 2014, will face Democrat Jon Ossoff. Loeffler, whom Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed to replace former Sen. Johnny Isakson in late 2019, is campaigning against Democrat Raphael Warnock for the other seat.
While a SurveyUSA poll conducted last week said both Democrats were leading their Republican opponents, a Trafalgar Group poll conducted a few days earlier found Loeffler leading by 7 points and Perdue leading by 3. Emerson College and Insider Advantage polls from earlier this month also said the Republican candidates held narrow leads, while a new poll from Insider Advantage published Wednesday said Warnock and Perdue both had slim advantages over their competitors.
Newsweek reached out to the Georgia Republican Party and the Democratic Party of Georgia for comment but did not receive responses in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-24--'Should Be Scary' That Lawmakers Don't Know Fate of COVID Stimulus, Congressman Says

Representative Andy Kim , a New Jersey Democrat , said it `` should be scary '' that lawmakers do n't currently know what will happen with the bipartisan $ 900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package passed by Congress this week .
After the White House reportedly told congressional Republicans to back the stimulus package , President Donald Trump released a video message on Tuesday evening describing the bill as a `` disgrace . ''
The president called on Congress to raise the $ 600 stimulus checks for most Americans included in the legislation to $ 2,000 .
He also took issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ omnibus funding package passed in conjunction with the stimulus bill .
`` I do n't know what 's going to happen next .
And that should be scary for the American people right now , '' Kim told CNN on Thursday , `` that we have a president who 's unhinged here and playing politics with our lives . ''
The congressman highlighted that millions of Americans are currently struggling to have adequate food .
Millions of Americans continue to file weekly unemployment insurance claims as millions are on the verge of eviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not go far enough to address the crisis , they had hoped it would help Americans make it through the next few months until they could potentially pass further stimulus under President-elect Joe Biden .
`` This president is holding up much needed help to them during some of the darkest days of American history , '' Kim warned .
Democratic lawmakers quickly backed Trump 's request to raise the $ 600 payments to $ 2,000 on Tuesday .
Progressives pointed out that they had urged Congress to send out $ 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been roundly dismissed by most Republicans .
Although Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi quickly voiced her support for $ 2,000 checks , she also urged the president to sign the current legislation as well .
`` The bipartisan COVID relief & omnibus bill has been enrolled .
The House & Senate are now sending this important legislation # ForThePeople to the White House for the President 's signature .
We urge him to sign this bill into law to give immediate relief to hard-working families ! ''
Pelosi tweeted on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats attempted to pass an amendment through a unanimous consent vote that would raise the $ 600 to $ 2,000 , but that move was blocked by House Republicans .
Several top GOP lawmakers have opposed direct payments altogether , with some like Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky referring to the idea as `` socialist . ''
Pelosi said Thursday that she plans to bring the amendment to the floor for a roll-call vote on Monday .
But even if that is successful in the House , it 's unclear if the Republican-controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the amount of the stimulus checks .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell previously attempted to push through a smaller $ 500 billion package without any direct payments .
Many Republicans have been more supportive of the president 's expressed concerns about funding for foreign countries and other spending included in the omnibus package to keep the government running next year .
However , those measures were largely based on budget item requests from Trump 's own administration .
It 's unclear whether Trump misunderstands the scope of the bill or has just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What will happen next remains uncertain .
It 's unclear if Trump will sign or veto the package , but his Tuesday remarks suggested he was unwilling to back the bill .
Newsweek reached out to press representatives for the White House , Pelosi and McConnell for comment but they did not immediately respond .

Representative Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, said it "should be scary" that lawmakers don't currently know what will happen with the bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package passed by Congress this week.
After the White House reportedly told congressional Republicans to back the stimulus package, President Donald Trump released a video message on Tuesday evening describing the bill as a "disgrace." The president called on Congress to raise the $600 stimulus checks for most Americans included in the legislation to $2,000. He also took issue with other government spending included in the omnibus funding package passed in conjunction with the stimulus bill.
"I don't know what's going to happen next. And that should be scary for the American people right now," Kim told CNN on Thursday, "that we have a president who's unhinged here and playing politics with our lives."
The congressman highlighted that millions of Americans are currently struggling to have adequate food. Millions of Americans continue to file weekly unemployment insurance claims as millions are on the verge of eviction. Although Democrats said that the legislation did not go far enough to address the crisis, they had hoped it would help Americans make it through the next few months until they could potentially pass further stimulus under President-elect Joe Biden.
"I don't know what's going to happen...and that should be scary," says Rep. Andy Kim on the relief bill.
"We have a President that's unhinged here and playing politics with our lives...[Trump] is holding up much-needed help...during some of the darkest days of American history." pic.twitter.com/WCeGL1IAf4 — CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) December 24, 2020
"This president is holding up much needed help to them during some of the darkest days of American history," Kim warned.
Democratic lawmakers quickly backed Trump's request to raise the $600 payments to $2,000 on Tuesday. Progressives pointed out that they had urged Congress to send out $2,000 checks many months ago but the proposal had been roundly dismissed by most Republicans. Although Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi quickly voiced her support for $2,000 checks, she also urged the president to sign the current legislation as well.
"The bipartisan COVID relief & omnibus bill has been enrolled. The House & Senate are now sending this important legislation #ForThePeople to the White House for the President's signature. We urge him to sign this bill into law to give immediate relief to hard-working families!" Pelosi tweeted on Thursday afternoon.
Earlier in the day House Democrats attempted to pass an amendment through a unanimous consent vote that would raise the $600 to $2,000, but that move was blocked by House Republicans. Several top GOP lawmakers have opposed direct payments altogether, with some like Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky referring to the idea as "socialist."
Pelosi said Thursday that she plans to bring the amendment to the floor for a roll-call vote on Monday. But even if that is successful in the House, it's unclear if the Republican-controlled Senate would consider modifying the legislation to raise the amount of the stimulus checks. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell previously attempted to push through a smaller $500 billion package without any direct payments.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk toward Marine One as they depart the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago, the President's private club, where they will spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Washington, D.C. on December 23. Trump has opposed the $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress this week, raising concerns from Republicans and Democrats. SAMUEL CORUM/AFP/Getty
Many Republicans have been more supportive of the president's expressed concerns about funding for foreign countries and other spending included in the omnibus package to keep the government running next year. However, those measures were largely based on budget item requests from Trump's own administration. It's unclear whether Trump misunderstands the scope of the bill or has just complained about the spending for political posturing.
What will happen next remains uncertain. It's unclear if Trump will sign or veto the package, but his Tuesday remarks suggested he was unwilling to back the bill.
Newsweek reached out to press representatives for the White House, Pelosi and McConnell for comment but they did not immediately respond.


newsweek--2020-12-24--SolarWinds Hackers Previously Tried to Target Cybersecurity Firm but Failed

Hackers responsible for the extensive SolarWinds software breach made an unsuccessful attempt to compromise another cybersecurity firm earlier this year , the company said .
CrowdStrike , a Silicon Valley–based technology company that specializes in threat intelligence and cyberattack response services , described the attempt in a blog post published Wednesday .
The post doubled as an announcement for CrowdStrike 's new online resource tool , designed to help global organizations identify potential threats to their own systems .
On December 15 , Microsoft informed CrowdStrike of suspicious activity and a thwarted effort to access its emails , as details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to emerge .
Microsoft operates a cloud-based management application called Azure that was affected by the SolarWinds bug .
While investigating possible security compromises affecting its products and customers , Microsoft 's threat intelligence personnel contacted CrowdStrike with information about an attempted breach that took place `` several months ago . ''
A reseller account , created using Azure to manage CrowdStrike 's licenses with Microsoft Office , `` was observed making abnormal calls to Microsoft cloud APIs during a 17-hour period , '' the company said in its Monday blog post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ API , is a software link that connects , and allows interaction between , multiple applications .
Microsoft confirmed that CrowdStrike 's network ultimately remained secure against the attempted email breach , which it said failed .
`` CrowdStrike conducted a thorough review into not only our Azure environment , but all of our infrastructure for the indicators shared by Microsoft , '' the blog post read .
`` The information shared by Microsoft reinforced our conclusion that CrowdStrike suffered no impact . ''
The attempted security breach occurred months before U.S. authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies , including the Treasury , Homeland Security and Commerce departments , were targeted by a sweeping cybersurveillance attack allegedly carried out by Russian hackers .
The breach originated in software developed by Texas-based cybersecurity company SolarWinds and allowed hackers to infiltrate a number of government bureaus and private clients that used it .
Officials suggest the breach could have been active for the better part of nine months before its eventual discovery .
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and outgoing Attorney General William Barr believe Russia was responsible for the cyberattack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Infrastructure Security Agency said affected state and local governments in addition to federal agencies .
In a tweet last week , President Donald Trump criticized the blaming of Russia , following Pompeo 's comments to CNN implicating the Russians in the breach , and suggested `` it may be China . ''
Russian officials have denied any involvement .
Newsweek reached out to CrowdStrike and Microsoft for comments but did not receive replies in time for publication .

Hackers responsible for the extensive SolarWinds software breach made an unsuccessful attempt to compromise another cybersecurity firm earlier this year, the company said.
CrowdStrike, a Silicon Valley–based technology company that specializes in threat intelligence and cyberattack response services, described the attempt in a blog post published Wednesday. The post doubled as an announcement for CrowdStrike's new online resource tool, designed to help global organizations identify potential threats to their own systems.
On December 15, Microsoft informed CrowdStrike of suspicious activity and a thwarted effort to access its emails, as details related to this month's SolarWinds hack began to emerge. Microsoft operates a cloud-based management application called Azure that was affected by the SolarWinds bug. While investigating possible security compromises affecting its products and customers, Microsoft's threat intelligence personnel contacted CrowdStrike with information about an attempted breach that took place "several months ago."
A reseller account, created using Azure to manage CrowdStrike's licenses with Microsoft Office, "was observed making abnormal calls to Microsoft cloud APIs during a 17-hour period," the company said in its Monday blog post. An application programming interface, or API, is a software link that connects, and allows interaction between, multiple applications. Microsoft confirmed that CrowdStrike's network ultimately remained secure against the attempted email breach, which it said failed.
"CrowdStrike conducted a thorough review into not only our Azure environment, but all of our infrastructure for the indicators shared by Microsoft," the blog post read. "The information shared by Microsoft reinforced our conclusion that CrowdStrike suffered no impact."
The attempted security breach occurred months before U.S. authorities determined that a wide range of federal agencies, including the Treasury, Homeland Security and Commerce departments, were targeted by a sweeping cybersurveillance attack allegedly carried out by Russian hackers. The breach originated in software developed by Texas-based cybersecurity company SolarWinds and allowed hackers to infiltrate a number of government bureaus and private clients that used it. Officials suggest the breach could have been active for the better part of nine months before its eventual discovery.
Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and outgoing Attorney General William Barr believe Russia was responsible for the cyberattack, which officials at the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said affected state and local governments in addition to federal agencies. In a tweet last week, President Donald Trump criticized the blaming of Russia, following Pompeo's comments to CNN implicating the Russians in the breach, and suggested "it may be China." Russian officials have denied any involvement.
Newsweek reached out to CrowdStrike and Microsoft for comments but did not receive replies in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Florida Couple Memorializes Over 220,000 COVID Deaths in Christmas Light Display

A couple in Orlando , Florida , honored the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives because of COVID-19 in a stunning Christmas light display .
`` We are dedicating this season to all the families who have lost a loved one and to all our first responders who have spent countless hours helping and providing care to those infected with COVID-19 , '' said a sign posted outside of Frank Boyce and David Nubar 's well-decorated home .
Boyce and Nubar , who began decorating on October 1 , placed over 220,000 lights on their house to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus .
`` Each light represents a life lost to COVID-19 .
While those lost are no longer with us , their bright light will forever shine in our lives , '' the sign continued .
`` Our thoughts and prayers this holiday season are with the families and friends of those who have lost a precious loved one .
Never forget them . ''
The couple unveiled their display in late October , when the U.S. surpassed 220,000 coronavirus deaths .
Every night since , Boyce and Nubar have turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and welcomed others to share in the display 's beauty and meaning .
`` We can physically see a representation of all the lost souls due to COVID-19 and it puts it all in perspective , '' Nubar told Orlando television station WOFL ( Fox 35 ) .
`` It 's overwhelming . ''
In an interview with local TV station WFTV , Boyce and Nubar shared a story about a woman who came to tell them how appreciative she was of the display after her mother died from COVID-19 .
The couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them how their light display was helping her heal , according to the station .
`` People will remember because we say never forget them .
And we do n't forget tragedies , '' Nubar told WFTV .
`` We do n't forget Pulse [ the 2016 mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub ] .
We do n't forget 9/11 .
We do n't forget any of that , so maybe they wo n't forget this .
We memorialized it . ''
As of Thursday , over 327,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
As coronavirus cases continue to soar across the nation , the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) at the University of Washington predicts the U.S. could see as many as 347,446 deaths before the end of the year , surpassing the number of American casualties in the Vietnam War , Korean War , Iraq War , the war in Afghanistan and World War I combined .
`` We are seeing a rise in cases and mortalities above what we expected , '' Dr. Ali Mokdad , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a former official at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , told Newsweek on Thursday .
Mokdad added that of all the winter holidays , he is most concerned about New Year 's Eve , which , unlike Christmas , it is often celebrated with friends and outside of the immediate family .
Mokdad said this could create another surge in virus cases and mortalities if people are not cautious .

A couple in Orlando, Florida, honored the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives because of COVID-19 in a stunning Christmas light display.
"We are dedicating this season to all the families who have lost a loved one and to all our first responders who have spent countless hours helping and providing care to those infected with COVID-19," said a sign posted outside of Frank Boyce and David Nubar's well-decorated home.
Boyce and Nubar, who began decorating on October 1, placed over 220,000 lights on their house to memorialize all those who died this year from the coronavirus.
"Each light represents a life lost to COVID-19. While those lost are no longer with us, their bright light will forever shine in our lives," the sign continued. "Our thoughts and prayers this holiday season are with the families and friends of those who have lost a precious loved one. Never forget them."
The couple unveiled their display in late October, when the U.S. surpassed 220,000 coronavirus deaths. Every night since, Boyce and Nubar have turned their lights on at 6 p.m. EST and welcomed others to share in the display's beauty and meaning.
"We can physically see a representation of all the lost souls due to COVID-19 and it puts it all in perspective," Nubar told Orlando television station WOFL (Fox 35). "It's overwhelming."
Christmas lights are shown above in the front yard of a house on December 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Florida couple decorated their house and yard with over 220,000 Christmas lights to honor those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images/Getty
In an interview with local TV station WFTV, Boyce and Nubar shared a story about a woman who came to tell them how appreciative she was of the display after her mother died from COVID-19. The couple were particularly moved when the woman told them how their light display was helping her heal, according to the station.
"People will remember because we say never forget them. And we don't forget tragedies," Nubar told WFTV. "We don't forget Pulse [the 2016 mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub]. We don't forget 9/11. We don't forget any of that, so maybe they won't forget this. We memorialized it."
As of Thursday, over 327,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the U.S., according to John Hopkins University.
As coronavirus cases continue to soar across the nation, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington predicts the U.S. could see as many as 347,446 deaths before the end of the year, surpassing the number of American casualties in the Vietnam War, Korean War, Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan and World War I combined.
"We are seeing a rise in cases and mortalities above what we expected," Dr. Ali Mokdad, a member of the IHME's senior faculty and a former official at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told Newsweek on Thursday.
Mokdad added that of all the winter holidays, he is most concerned about New Year's Eve, which, unlike Christmas, it is often celebrated with friends and outside of the immediate family. Mokdad said this could create another surge in virus cases and mortalities if people are not cautious.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Digital Setups for the Smoothest Possible Virtual Christmas

This holiday season , many people are connecting with their loved ones via video calls .
Whether it 's a Zoom cocktail hour with friends or opening up presents with family from afar , we 're relying on technology to get in touch—and stay in touch—with one another .
Santa Claus is even taking phone calls this year instead of doing mall visits to get in touch with kids ahead of Christmas .
For some , video calling has become intuitive , especially amid the pandemic .
For others ( like this writer 's grandma ) , you may still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FaceTime-ing .
It 's a rookie mistake , but this year more than ever , it 's important to reach out during the holidays .
Here are some tips and tricks to make your virtual holiday celebration go smooth as ever .
Make sure your device is charged and/or plugged in This one feels like a no-brainer , but this writer is notorious for not charging her devices overnight , so we thought we 'd remind you too .
Nothing is worse than a call cutting off because of a dying battery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wireless headphones ahead of time , this way your call can go smoothly without battery-related interruptions .
Although that cozy fireplace has a nice glow in your living room , it likely wo n't be enough light for your Zoom call .
Technology website Life Size suggests utilizing natural light for a clear visual , and to sit facing a light source to avoid a `` harsh silhouette effect . ''
If possible , try to use multiple light sources , but make sure you 're not overdoing it .
otherwise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unflattering video call angle is embarrassing , so make sure your camera is positioned at eye level .
The folks at How to Geek noted that it 's best to put your camera at about eye level `` so you 're not looking up or down , '' and that it will avoid any inner-nostril angles .
Folks who use Zoom for free will find that the app wo n't allow video calls with more than two parties to last more than 40 minutes .
Google Meet , meanwhile , can host 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Apple device users can FaceTime with up to 32 people on each call , so long as everyone has an iPhone , Mac or iPad .
Make sure you check your limitations before setting up a call , and update the apps to the latest versions for your device as well .
Share the meeting ID number and the password If your video call requires an ID number and a password , make sure you include both when circulating the information with your loved ones , clearly labeled as such so there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
If the walls of your at-home office just are n't festive enough , you can get creative with snowy backgrounds and wintry themed images to spice up your call .
To add backgrounds on Zooms , simply click the Setup gear icon in the upper right hand corner once you open the app , and select Virtual Background .
You can also add your own background by clicking the plus sign above the sample backgrounds provided , and upload an image from your computer .

This holiday season, many people are connecting with their loved ones via video calls. Whether it's a Zoom cocktail hour with friends or opening up presents with family from afar, we're relying on technology to get in touch—and stay in touch—with one another. Santa Claus is even taking phone calls this year instead of doing mall visits to get in touch with kids ahead of Christmas.
For some, video calling has become intuitive, especially amid the pandemic. For others (like this writer's grandma), you may still get an ear to the screen when FaceTime-ing. It's a rookie mistake, but this year more than ever, it's important to reach out during the holidays.
Here are some tips and tricks to make your virtual holiday celebration go smooth as ever.
Make sure your device is charged and/or plugged in
This one feels like a no-brainer, but this writer is notorious for not charging her devices overnight, so we thought we'd remind you too. Nothing is worse than a call cutting off because of a dying battery. Charge your phones, laptops, tablets and wireless headphones ahead of time, this way your call can go smoothly without battery-related interruptions.
Check the lighting
Although that cozy fireplace has a nice glow in your living room, it likely won't be enough light for your Zoom call. Technology website Life Size suggests utilizing natural light for a clear visual, and to sit facing a light source to avoid a "harsh silhouette effect." If possible, try to use multiple light sources, but make sure you're not overdoing it. otherwise, you'll look washed out.
Santa Claus talks to children on Zoom on November 27, in Newquay, England. Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
Choose the right angles
An unflattering video call angle is embarrassing, so make sure your camera is positioned at eye level. The folks at How to Geek noted that it's best to put your camera at about eye level "so you're not looking up or down," and that it will avoid any inner-nostril angles.
Check the app's time limits
Folks who use Zoom for free will find that the app won't allow video calls with more than two parties to last more than 40 minutes. Google Meet, meanwhile, can host 100 participants for an hour-long meeting for free. Apple device users can FaceTime with up to 32 people on each call, so long as everyone has an iPhone, Mac or iPad. Make sure you check your limitations before setting up a call, and update the apps to the latest versions for your device as well.
Share the meeting ID number and the password
If your video call requires an ID number and a password, make sure you include both when circulating the information with your loved ones, clearly labeled as such so there's no confusion when it's go time.
Want a virtual Christmas-themed Zoom background?
If the walls of your at-home office just aren't festive enough, you can get creative with snowy backgrounds and wintry themed images to spice up your call. To add backgrounds on Zooms, simply click the Setup gear icon in the upper right hand corner once you open the app, and select Virtual Background. You can also add your own background by clicking the plus sign above the sample backgrounds provided, and upload an image from your computer.
Happy Zoom-ing, folks!


newsweek--2020-12-25--Nashville Tennessee RV Explosion Sets Building Ablaze, Downtown Evacuated

A massive explosion in downtown Nashville caused damage to several buildings and prompted evacuations on Christmas Day .
The Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management 's district chief said a parked RV had exploded near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Commerce Street early Friday , damaging a number of buildings nearby , according to WKRN reporter Nickelle Smith .
Jason Steen , the editor of website Scoop Nashville , tweeted that one building had collapsed after the blast .
He reported on Twitter that firefighters were retreating after the incident and that all personnel were accounted for .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ searching for victims ongoing - several people walked out of upper residences on their own .
preparing for multi-casualty incident , triage being staged on-site , '' Steen tweeted .
He added that most people appeared to have only sustained minor injuries .
In a later tweet , Steen said the Nashville Fire Department was evacuating two further blocks and advising people to stay away from all vans and trucks on the street due to the `` possibility of more explosions . ''
A video posted on Twitter by Jeremy Schott from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene and massive plumes of smoke billowing into the sky .
This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information is available .

A massive explosion that authorities believe was intentional has rocked downtown Nashville, causing damage to several buildings and prompting evacuations on Christmas Day.
The Metro Nashville Police Department said an explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6.30 a.m. on Friday outside The Melting Pot restaurant at 166 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville.
Three people were hospitalized with injuries, The Tennessean reported.
In a statement on Twitter, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said authorities believe the explosion was "an intentional act."
"Early this morning, an explosion occurred in downtown Nashville around Second Avenue and Commerce Street. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are on the scene to investigate what we believe was an intentional act," he said.
"We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join@MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning."
The FBI is reportedly leading the investigation.
Police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked outside the AT&T Building, which is colloquially known as the Batman building, at around 6 a.m., according to The Tennessean.
Officers alerted the department's hazardous devices unit on arrival. The unit was en route to the scene when the explosion occurred.
The police department has yet to elaborate further, but a news conference is expected later on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) posted photos from the scene on social media and urged people to avoid the area. "Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area!" the department said.
These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB. pic.twitter.com/tocdpHWFgj — Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
"There is an incident involving an explosion. This is an active scene," a spokesperson for the NFD told Newsweek. "There are no additional details to provide at this time," the NFD spokesperson added.
WTVF reporter Chris Davis shared videos and photos obtained from the scene:
Sky 5 is over the scene and this really captures the scope of the damage from the blast.
My goodness. pic.twitter.com/DC6yuyN7oo — Chris Davis (@ChrisDavisMMJ) December 25, 2020
More sobering video from 2nd Avenue in Downtown Nashville this morning. https://t.co/VxxD2pqCXR — Chris Davis (@ChrisDavisMMJ) December 25, 2020
Earlier, WKRN reporter Nickelle Smith, citing the Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management's district chief said a parked RV had exploded near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Commerce Street.
A bomb squad is reportedly on the scene and working to preserve evidence and investigate reports of more explosive devices in vehicles.
Police and freighters are on the scene after an explosion rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning. Nashville Fire Department
Jason Steen, the editor of website Scoop Nashville, tweeted that one building had collapsed after the blast. He reported on Twitter that firefighters were retreating after the incident and that all personnel were accounted for.
"A structure is on fire downtown - searching for victims ongoing - several people walked out of upper residences on their own. preparing for multi-casualty incident, triage being staged on-site," Steen tweeted. He added that most people appeared to have only sustained minor injuries.
In a later tweet, Steen said the Nashville Fire Department was evacuating two further blocks and advising people to stay away from all vans and trucks on the street due to the "possibility of more explosions."


newsweek--2020-12-25--Donald Trump Christmas Eve Tweets Attack Mitch McConnell, Stimulus, Twitter

President Donald Trump attacked Sen. Mitch McConnell and Twitter as he continued to rail against the results of the 2020 presidential election in tweets on Christmas Eve .
Among retweeting Team Trump videos and claims of election fraud that were quickly flagged by Twitter , the president also defended one of his Fox News allies .
Trump spent Thursday golfing after travelling to Florida for the holidays , shortly after threatening to tank the much-delayed bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal passed through Congress on Monday .
Following months of negotiations , lawmakers compromised on a deal worth $ 900 billion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised both Republicans and Democrats when he suddenly demanded the bill be amended to include $ 2,000 stimulus checks in a video posted on Tuesday .
The proposal was blocked by House Republicans after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi put it forward in a session on Christmas Eve .
As well as denying aid to millions of Americans suffering during the coronavirus pandemic , Trump 's hint that he wo n't sign the legislation also risks a federal government shutdown next week since it was tied to $ 1.4 trillion spending bill to fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite the turmoil , Trump went ahead with his winter vacation—and his Christmas Eve tweets indicated that his last-minute interjection may be intended to punish Republican lawmakers for not backing him in his efforts to subvert the election results .
`` At a meeting in Florida today , everyone was asking why are n't the Republicans up in arms & fighting over the fact that the Democrats stole the rigged presidential election ? ''
Trump tweeted after a visit to his Palm Beach golf club .
He name-checked McConnell , the Senate majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saved at least 8 Republican Senators , including Mitch , from losing in the last Rigged ( for President ) Election .
Now they ( almost all ) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe , the Radical Left Democrats .
I will NEVER FORGET ! ''
Trump wrote .
Trump 's baseless claims about election fraud were promptly flagged by Twitter as `` disputed , '' sparking a furious tweet about the social media platform .
`` Twitter is going wild with their flags , trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the president wrote .
`` Just shows how dangerous they are , purposely stifling free speech .
Very dangerous for our Country .
Does Congress know that this is how Communism starts ?
Cancel Culture at its worst . ''
Earlier , Trump retweeted one of his own tweets from 2014 in what appeared to be a dig at the government stimulus package .
`` I hope we never find life on other planets because there 's no doubt that the U.S. Government will start sending them money ! ''
the June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his video denouncing the stimulus package and spending bill as a `` disgrace , '' Trump characterized the amount earmarked for foreign aid as `` wasteful and unnecessary . ''
Trump also defended Maria Bartiromo after a Los Angeles Times piece questioned the Fox News host 's coverage of Trump 's election fraud claims .
`` Maria 's show and ratings are better than ever .
They are trying to shame her into not telling the truth .
Her audience would be gone , and she is far too smart for that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet .

President Donald Trump attacked Sen. Mitch McConnell and Twitter as he continued to rail against the results of the 2020 presidential election in tweets on Christmas Eve. Among retweeting Team Trump videos and claims of election fraud that were quickly flagged by Twitter, the president also defended one of his Fox News allies.
Trump spent Thursday golfing after travelling to Florida for the holidays, shortly after threatening to tank the much-delayed bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal passed through Congress on Monday.
Following months of negotiations, lawmakers compromised on a deal worth $900 billion that included $600 stimulus checks—but the president surprised both Republicans and Democrats when he suddenly demanded the bill be amended to include $2,000 stimulus checks in a video posted on Tuesday.
The proposal was blocked by House Republicans after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi put it forward in a session on Christmas Eve.
As well as denying aid to millions of Americans suffering during the coronavirus pandemic, Trump's hint that he won't sign the legislation also risks a federal government shutdown next week since it was tied to $1.4 trillion spending bill to fund the government through the fiscal year.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump disembark from Air Force One upon arrival at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, December 23, 2020, Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Despite the turmoil, Trump went ahead with his winter vacation—and his Christmas Eve tweets indicated that his last-minute interjection may be intended to punish Republican lawmakers for not backing him in his efforts to subvert the election results.
"At a meeting in Florida today, everyone was asking why aren't the Republicans up in arms & fighting over the fact that the Democrats stole the rigged presidential election?" Trump tweeted after a visit to his Palm Beach golf club.
He name-checked McConnell, the Senate majority leader, in another tweet.
"I saved at least 8 Republican Senators, including Mitch, from losing in the last Rigged (for President) Election. Now they (almost all) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe, the Radical Left Democrats. I will NEVER FORGET!" Trump wrote.
I saved at least 8 Republican Senators, including Mitch, from losing in the last Rigged (for President) Election. Now they (almost all) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe, the Radical Left Democrats. I will NEVER FORGET! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2020
Trump's baseless claims about election fraud were promptly flagged by Twitter as "disputed," sparking a furious tweet about the social media platform.
"Twitter is going wild with their flags, trying hard to suppress even the truth," the president wrote. "Just shows how dangerous they are, purposely stifling free speech. Very dangerous for our Country. Does Congress know that this is how Communism starts? Cancel Culture at its worst."
Twitter is going wild with their flags, trying hard to suppress even the truth. Just shows how dangerous they are, purposely stifling free speech. Very dangerous for our Country. Does Congress know that this is how Communism starts? Cancel Culture at its worst. End Section 230! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2020
Earlier, Trump retweeted one of his own tweets from 2014 in what appeared to be a dig at the government stimulus package.
"I hope we never find life on other planets because there's no doubt that the U.S. Government will start sending them money!" the June 4, 2014 tweet said.
In his video denouncing the stimulus package and spending bill as a "disgrace," Trump characterized the amount earmarked for foreign aid as "wasteful and unnecessary."
Trump also defended Maria Bartiromo after a Los Angeles Times piece questioned the Fox News host's coverage of Trump's election fraud claims.
"Maria's show and ratings are better than ever. They are trying to shame her into not telling the truth. Her audience would be gone, and she is far too smart for that," Trump wrote in response to a tweet.


newsweek--2020-12-25--PS5 Restock Christmas Day Update for Best Buy, Target, Newegg, BrickSeek, PopFindr, More

The PS5 is certainly at the top of many Christmas lists this year but the coveted console is proving elusive for some .
Limited stock for the Playstation 5 has meant that some people may not have had their Christmas wish granted this morning .
Since its release in November , the PS5 has proven quite difficult for people to get their hands on .
This is mostly down to health and safety guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic leading to many stores only making the console available online .
As a result , gamers have had to contend with bots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within seconds .
Customers have been refreshing websites like Walmart , Best Buy , and Target in an effort to get their hands on a PlayStation and obsessively checking Reddit and and Twitter for new restock tip-offs .
The Christmas rush has died down meaning that hopefully , there is more of a chance of lucking out on purchasing a PS5 in the New Year .
Do n't give up hope—Sony recently tweeted that it 's working on producing extra PS5 stock to be ready for the end of the year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year—please stay in touch with your local retailers , '' said Sony .
Below we have the latest PS5 restock information from Target , Best Buy , Walmart , Newegg , PopFindr , BrickSeek and more .
Target has not made any big restock announcements but the retailer has been quietly adding new stock to its website over the last few months .
Stock varies across different stores , so use the website to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local branch .
Inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek appear to no longer be tracking Target so the only to keep track of their stock is on their website .
When available , stock is limited to one PlayStation per customer .
Best Buy managed to secure some stock of PS5 on Monday but it has since sold out .
The retailer did not alert customers for this last stock drop , so it 's worth keeping an eye both on Best Buy 's social media and website .
Walmart is currently out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company recently promised customers that it was doing all it can to combat `` bots '' buying up products before regular have a chance .
On December 15 the company said in a statement : `` We have more next-gen consoles coming online soon , and we 're continuing to work hard to get them into the hands of as many customers as possible . ''
Newegg released more PS5 stock last week , but the retailer is currently sold out of the console .
More stock could be quietly released , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow Newegg on Twitter and turn notifications .
Newegg has an auto-notify option for its PS5 bundle which includes the PlayStation 5 console , DualSense controller , Demon 's Souls , and an HD camera for PS5 .
Customers can register a Newegg account , enter their email address , and be notified when the $ 699 bundle is back in stock .
A very limited number of PS5 consoles were released throughout the week on Antonline following their Monday restock announcement .
However , the company will not be announcing new stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your best bet .
Inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek allow shoppers to see which Walmart , Target , Best Buy , and GameStop stores have PS5s in stock—but some stores have started to block them .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn a share of the sale .

The PS5 is certainly at the top of many Christmas lists this year but the coveted console is proving elusive for some. Limited stock for the Playstation 5 has meant that some people may not have had their Christmas wish granted this morning.
Since its release in November, the PS5 has proven quite difficult for people to get their hands on. This is mostly down to health and safety guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic leading to many stores only making the console available online.
As a result, gamers have had to contend with bots and scalpers as stock sold out online within seconds.
Customers have been refreshing websites like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target in an effort to get their hands on a PlayStation and obsessively checking Reddit and and Twitter for new restock tip-offs.
The new Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console is seen for sale on the first day of its launch, at an electronics shop in Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture on November 12, 2020. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty
The Christmas rush has died down meaning that hopefully, there is more of a chance of lucking out on purchasing a PS5 in the New Year.
Don't give up hope—Sony recently tweeted that it's working on producing extra PS5 stock to be ready for the end of the year.
"Demand for PS5 is unprecedented, so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year—please stay in touch with your local retailers," said Sony.
Below we have the latest PS5 restock information from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, PopFindr, BrickSeek and more.
Target PS5 Restock
Target has not made any big restock announcements but the retailer has been quietly adding new stock to its website over the last few months. Stock varies across different stores, so use the website to keep track of what is available in your local branch.
Inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek appear to no longer be tracking Target so the only to keep track of their stock is on their website. When available, stock is limited to one PlayStation per customer.
Best Buy PS5 Restock
Best Buy managed to secure some stock of PS5 on Monday but it has since sold out. The retailer did not alert customers for this last stock drop, so it's worth keeping an eye both on Best Buy's social media and website.
Walmart PS5 Restock
Walmart is currently out of stock and not taking backorders. The company recently promised customers that it was doing all it can to combat "bots" buying up products before regular have a chance.
On December 15 the company said in a statement: "We have more next-gen consoles coming online soon, and we're continuing to work hard to get them into the hands of as many customers as possible."
Newegg PS5 Restock
Newegg released more PS5 stock last week, but the retailer is currently sold out of the console. More stock could be quietly released, so it is worth checking regularly.
Follow Newegg on Twitter and turn notifications. Newegg has an auto-notify option for its PS5 bundle which includes the PlayStation 5 console, DualSense controller, Demon's Souls, and an HD camera for PS5. Customers can register a Newegg account, enter their email address, and be notified when the $699 bundle is back in stock.
Antonline PS5 Restock
A very limited number of PS5 consoles were released throughout the week on Antonline following their Monday restock announcement. However, the company will not be announcing new stock drops on Twitter so the website is your best bet.
PopFindr PS5 and BrickSeek PS5 Inventory Checkers
Inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek allow shoppers to see which Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop stores have PS5s in stock—but some stores have started to block them.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Fast Food Open On Christmas Day? McDonald's, Wendy's, Starbucks, Burger King, Krispy Kreme

Christmas Day opening hours are always tricky with many restaurants and fast food outlets closed or operating limited hours for the holidays .
This year , Christmas Day has fallen on a Friday with some confusion surrounding which places are actually open and serving food .
We 've compiled a round-up of popular fast food joints and their opening hours for Christmas 2020 , from McDonald 's and Wendy 's to Burger King and Taco Bell and Starbucks .
Some locations may be just be offering take out , or shut completely in quieter areas , so be sure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the journey .
Most Burger King locations are closed on Christmas Day .
The franchise 's busiest locations , such as airport outlets , are set to remain open .
Although Wendy 's rarely closes , customers sadly will not be able to avail of a frosty on December 25 , with all locations closed .
Some McDonald 's locations will be open on Christmas Day—but not all of them .
According to the restaurant 's website : `` Please refer to the restaurant locator to confirm if your local restaurant is open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kreme 's Christmas Day opening hours vary across the country , so check with your local franchise .
Not all Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Day .
A spokesperson confirmed : `` Customers are encouraged to use the Starbucks Store locator to determine hours at their local stores , '' via CountryLiving.com .
Chick-fil-A is closed on Christmas day .
According to the chicken chain 's website : `` Restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day ( December 25 ) so our restaurant teams can spend time with family and friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening hours vary from branch to branch , so a phone call to your local eatery is required to find out if you can get delivery on December 25 .
Many Dunkin ' stores will be open on Christmas but as always , check your local branch before heading out .
`` Dunkin ' store hours vary by location .
While many Dunkin ' locations will be open on Christmas , we encourage our guests to check the Dunkin ' Mobile App to confirm if their local store is open before visiting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not stay open for Christmas Day in the U.S. with Colonel taking the holiday off .
Pizza Hut is closed for Christmas Day .
The pizza place will be back to its regular hours on December 26 .
Again , Papa John 's opening hours vary so a call with your local is needed to determine if they are operating today .
Most Chipotle restaurants are closed on Christmas Day but customers can enjoy a burrito again on December 26 .

Christmas Day opening hours are always tricky with many restaurants and fast food outlets closed or operating limited hours for the holidays.
This year, Christmas Day has fallen on a Friday with some confusion surrounding which places are actually open and serving food.
We've compiled a round-up of popular fast food joints and their opening hours for Christmas 2020, from McDonald's and Wendy's to Burger King and Taco Bell and Starbucks.
Some locations may be just be offering take out, or shut completely in quieter areas, so be sure to check with your local branch before making the journey.
Burger King
Most Burger King locations are closed on Christmas Day. The franchise's busiest locations, such as airport outlets, are set to remain open.
Wendy's
Although Wendy's rarely closes, customers sadly will not be able to avail of a frosty on December 25, with all locations closed.
McDonald's
Some McDonald's locations will be open on Christmas Day—but not all of them.
According to the restaurant's website: "Please refer to the restaurant locator to confirm if your local restaurant is open during the Christmas period."
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme's Christmas Day opening hours vary across the country, so check with your local franchise.
Starbucks
Not all Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Day. A spokesperson confirmed: "Customers are encouraged to use the Starbucks Store locator to determine hours at their local stores," via CountryLiving.com.
Starbucks has launched four designs for Christmas 2020. Starbucks
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is closed on Christmas day. According to the chicken chain's website: "Restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25) so our restaurant teams can spend time with family and friends."
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza Christmas Day opening hours vary from branch to branch, so a phone call to your local eatery is required to find out if you can get delivery on December 25.
Dunkin' Donuts
Many Dunkin' stores will be open on Christmas but as always, check your local branch before heading out.
"Dunkin' store hours vary by location. While many Dunkin' locations will be open on Christmas, we encourage our guests to check the Dunkin' Mobile App to confirm if their local store is open before visiting," a spokesperson told CountryLiving.com.
KFC
KFC does not stay open for Christmas Day in the U.S. with Colonel taking the holiday off.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is closed for Christmas Day. The pizza place will be back to its regular hours on December 26.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is closed nationwide for Christmas Day.
Papa John's
Again, Papa John's opening hours vary so a call with your local is needed to determine if they are operating today.
Chipotle
Most Chipotle restaurants are closed on Christmas Day but customers can enjoy a burrito again on December 26.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Son Archie has Lived in U.S. Longer Than U.K.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 's son Archie has lived more of his life in America than Britain in a new milestone for the couple 's royal exit .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's future as U.S. residents is becoming increasingly concrete with the purchase of their own house in the summer as well as Netflix and Spotify deals .
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor has also now been a resident of California for longer than he was in the U.K. , with coronavirus meaning it will likely be months before he sees the land of his birth again .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and spent around six months at his parents ' Windsor home , Frogmore Cottage .
In November , Harry and Meghan left Britain for a long break in Canada with the first hint of their arrival coming in the form of a Thanksgiving message with a maple leaf in the caption on Instagram .
Archie stayed in Canada while they visited Britain in January , going to Canada House , in London , to thank staff for the country 's hospitality , The Sun reported .
The couple left him in Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March for their final engagements before standing down as senior working royals , Harpers Bazaar reported .
The family 's initial move to Los Angeles was confirmed by People , on March 26 , meaning he has spent around nine months in America .
Prince Harry also reached a recent milestone as his time in California is now his longest outside Britain .
It comes after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 's Christmas card was released this week through charity The Mayhew , which helps vulnerable people look after their dogs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lap alongside Meghan by a playhouse at their $ 14 million Montecito mansion , in Santa Barbara .
The image , a graphic created from one taken by Meghan 's mother Doria Ragland , also appeared to show Archie has inherited his father 's red hair .
A spokesperson for the family : `` The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess 's mother .
`` The small Christmas tree , including the homemade ornaments and other decorations , were selected by Archie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holidays . ''
The Mayhew said in a Twitter post : `` We 're thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron , The Duchess of Sussex , who also made a personal donation , helping dogs , cats and our community .
`` From all of us at Mayhew , thank you and Merry Christmas . ''
Britons will later gather around TVs across the country to watch the speech by Queen Elizabeth II , in which the monarch is likely to talk about the coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windsor Castle , rather than Norfolk retreat Sandringham , for the first time in 32 years .
The change comes as the royal family adjust to the need for social distancing in light of the coronavirus .
Elizabeth and husband Prince Philip will also not be allowed under COVID rules to see other royals indoors after cases in the area around the castle more than doubled in a week .

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son Archie has lived more of his life in America than Britain in a new milestone for the couple's royal exit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's future as U.S. residents is becoming increasingly concrete with the purchase of their own house in the summer as well as Netflix and Spotify deals.
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor has also now been a resident of California for longer than he was in the U.K., with coronavirus meaning it will likely be months before he sees the land of his birth again.
He was born on May 6, 2019, and spent around six months at his parents' Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage.
Meghan Markle holds Baby Archie on her lap as she reads one of his favourite stories, "Duck! Rabbit!" as part of a campaign by Save With Stories, run by charity Save the Children. Prince Harry shot the footage, released to mark Archie's first birthday. Save the Children
In November, Harry and Meghan left Britain for a long break in Canada with the first hint of their arrival coming in the form of a Thanksgiving message with a maple leaf in the caption on Instagram.
Archie stayed in Canada while they visited Britain in January, going to Canada House, in London, to thank staff for the country's hospitality, The Sun reported.
The couple left him in Canada again when they flew back to Britain in March for their final engagements before standing down as senior working royals, Harpers Bazaar reported.
The family's initial move to Los Angeles was confirmed by People, on March 26, meaning he has spent around nine months in America.
Prince Harry also reached a recent milestone as his time in California is now his longest outside Britain.
It comes after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Christmas card was released this week through charity The Mayhew, which helps vulnerable people look after their dogs.
The picture showed Archie on Harry's lap alongside Meghan by a playhouse at their $14 million Montecito mansion, in Santa Barbara.
The image, a graphic created from one taken by Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, also appeared to show Archie has inherited his father's red hair.
A spokesperson for the family: "The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess's mother.
Read more What Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2020 Christmas Card Reveals What Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2020 Christmas Card Reveals
"The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays."
The Mayhew said in a Twitter post: "We're thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community.
"From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas."
Britons will later gather around TVs across the country to watch the speech by Queen Elizabeth II, in which the monarch is likely to talk about the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the queen herself woke up this morning at Windsor Castle, rather than Norfolk retreat Sandringham, for the first time in 32 years.
The change comes as the royal family adjust to the need for social distancing in light of the coronavirus.
Elizabeth and husband Prince Philip will also not be allowed under COVID rules to see other royals indoors after cases in the area around the castle more than doubled in a week.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Christmas Tornado in Virginia Leaves Thousands Without Power, Flood Warning Issued

A tornado struck near Suffolk , Virginia last night , leaving thousands of people without power on Christmas Day .
The National Weather Service ( NWS ) confirmed that a tornado had hit near Holland Road in Suffolk .
The NWS has issued tornado warnings for parts of Virginia—including Suffolk , Chesapeake and Portsmouth—throughout Christmas Day .
Numerous tornado warnings were also issued for areas of North and South Carolina .
The Courtland Volunteer Fire Department said it sent units to a home outside Suffolk that had possibly been hit by a tornado late on Christmas Eve .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crews were dispatched at around 11.15 p.m. and found damage to the property as well as multiple downed trees and power lines in the area of 23300 Southampton Pkwy near Drewryville .
The department said no injuries were reported , or no other significant damage was found .
`` Units are now standing by with Community Electric as power lines are across all lanes of 58 in front of the High School , '' the posts added .
`` Please remain safe traveling the roadways - many roadways in the area have standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Early Christmas morning , Community Electric reported around 2,600 customers were without power .
According to the company 's outage map , almost 2,000 customers were without power in Suffolk County .
Forecasters also warned that heavy rainfall from a winter storm that hit Thursday could lead to flooding across the East Coast throughout Christmas Day .
The storm brought heavy rains that forecasters said would melt massive amounts of snow that had been dumped in another major storm last week .
The anticipated rainfall would be heavy enough to trigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , AccuWeather 's forecast said .
`` The rapidly melting snow , which contains approximately 1-3 inches of water will combine with an anticipated 1-3 inches of rain and locally higher amounts from the storm from Christmas Eve to early Christmas Day , '' Brett Anderson , a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather , said .
Forecasters also warned the combination of snow and rain could lead to roof collapses , especially in parts of northern Pennsylvania and New York state that saw massive amounts of snow in last week 's storm .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding to the risk of power outages .
More than 300,000 customers were without power in New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania and Tennessee early Christmas morning , according to PowerOutage.us .

A tornado struck near Suffolk, Virginia last night, leaving thousands of people without power on Christmas Day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that a tornado had hit near Holland Road in Suffolk.
The NWS has issued tornado warnings for parts of Virginia—including Suffolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth—throughout Christmas Day. Numerous tornado warnings were also issued for areas of North and South Carolina.
The Courtland Volunteer Fire Department said it sent units to a home outside Suffolk that had possibly been hit by a tornado late on Christmas Eve.
In a post on Facebook, the department said crews were dispatched at around 11.15 p.m. and found damage to the property as well as multiple downed trees and power lines in the area of 23300 Southampton Pkwy near Drewryville.
The department said no injuries were reported, or no other significant damage was found.
**Possible Tornado** 12/24/20UPDATE: All CVFD units are safely back in quarters. We also have confirmation that Santa made it safely thru the storm and is continuing on his merry way 🎅🏼...
"Units are now standing by with Community Electric as power lines are across all lanes of 58 in front of the High School," the posts added.
"Please remain safe traveling the roadways - many roadways in the area have standing water on them as well as debris."
Early Christmas morning, Community Electric reported around 2,600 customers were without power. According to the company's outage map, almost 2,000 customers were without power in Suffolk County.
Forecasters also warned that heavy rainfall from a winter storm that hit Thursday could lead to flooding across the East Coast throughout Christmas Day.
The storm brought heavy rains that forecasters said would melt massive amounts of snow that had been dumped in another major storm last week.
The anticipated rainfall would be heavy enough to trigger flooding in urban and poor drainage areas, AccuWeather's forecast said.
"The rapidly melting snow, which contains approximately 1-3 inches of water will combine with an anticipated 1-3 inches of rain and locally higher amounts from the storm from Christmas Eve to early Christmas Day," Brett Anderson, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather, said.
Forecasters also warned the combination of snow and rain could lead to roof collapses, especially in parts of northern Pennsylvania and New York state that saw massive amounts of snow in last week's storm.
The storm will also bring high winds, adding to the risk of power outages.
More than 300,000 customers were without power in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee early Christmas morning, according to PowerOutage.us.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Playboi Carti and Iggy Azalea 'Whole Lotta Red' Twitter Drama Explained

`` Whole Lotta Red , '' the brand new album by Playboi Carti featuring Kanye West , Kid Cudi , and Future , is taking over Twitter as the rapper dropped the highly anticipated project on Christmas Day .
Playboi Carti—whose real name is Jordan Terrell Carter—is making headlines today as the promotion for the album is overshadowed by criticism from his ex and mother of his child , Australian rapper Iggy Azalea , given name Amethyst Amelia Kelly .
Shortly after the album dropped , Azalea , 30 , took to Twitter to condemn Carter , 24 , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Onyx Carter .
Azalea , who was previously engaged to NFL athlete Nick Young , further slammed her ex for switching plans he had to go on a family vacation at the last minute to throw a release party for the album .
The `` Fancy '' hitmaker also accused Carter of cheating on her with a woman he invited to the party .
`` Too bad you got an album out but ca n't even come to Christmas with your own son , '' she began .
`` Imagine not flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the girl you cheated on my my entire pregnancy at your album party and magically me and my son ca n't come for Christmas any more ? ''
she wrote in a series of tweets .
`` TRASH . ''
She continued : `` This man had a whole family vacation to planned 48hrs ago & I hope this message gets to you girl .
Although you hid in a whole closet from my house keeper so it 's not like you have any dignity I guess . ''
Azalea explained she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` bitterness '' but to express how she feels about him not being there for their son .
`` To clarify this man was literally at my house last night telling me he loves me , '' she wrote .
`` So this is very much NOT me being bitter , it 's me not ducking with trifling ass shit that happens at the expense of my son . ''
She concluded her string of tweets with : `` Everything not for the net , but at a certain point when someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out is all you can do .
Night . ''
The couple is reported to have started a relationship in 2018 before parting ways in October amid cheating accusations .
At the time , Us Weekly reported that Azalea posted a cryptic message on her Instagram Story , reading : `` You lost a real 1 , '' likely referring to Carter .
She also added : `` People take loyalty for granted & that 's why I 'd rather be alone .
One thing I 'll never understand is how liars live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eat y'all up inside ? ''
She later confirmed the rumors with an Instagram story that read : `` What I mean last night was that I 'm raising my son alone & I 'm not in a relationship . ''
Carter has yet to comment publicly about the relationship or the cheating accusations .
Newsweek has contacted a representative for Carter for comment .

"Whole Lotta Red," the brand new album by Playboi Carti featuring Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future, is taking over Twitter as the rapper dropped the highly anticipated project on Christmas Day.
Playboi Carti—whose real name is Jordan Terrell Carter—is making headlines today as the promotion for the album is overshadowed by criticism from his ex and mother of his child, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, given name Amethyst Amelia Kelly.
kING VAMP L0v3 U !
mERRY VAmPMAS . w3 Did it .
💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋https://t.co/SNwSrlAx1S — 💋🧛🏿♀ (@playboicarti) December 25, 2020
Shortly after the album dropped, Azalea, 30, took to Twitter to condemn Carter, 24, for not spending Christmas with their six-month-old son, Onyx Carter.
Azalea, who was previously engaged to NFL athlete Nick Young, further slammed her ex for switching plans he had to go on a family vacation at the last minute to throw a release party for the album. The "Fancy" hitmaker also accused Carter of cheating on her with a woman he invited to the party.
"Too bad you got an album out but can't even come to Christmas with your own son," she began.
"Imagine not flying out your family on Christmas but you have the girl you cheated on my my entire pregnancy at your album party and magically me and my son can't come for Christmas any more?" she wrote in a series of tweets. "TRASH."
She continued: "This man had a whole family vacation to planned 48hrs ago & I hope this message gets to you girl. Although you hid in a whole closet from my house keeper so it's not like you have any dignity I guess."
Too bad you got an album out but can’t even come to Christmas with your own son. — IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 25, 2020
Imagine not flying out your family on Christmas but you have the girl you cheated on my my entire pregnancy at your album party and magically me and my son can’t come for Christmas any more? TRASH. — IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 25, 2020
Azalea explained she was publicly blasting Carter, not out of "bitterness" but to express how she feels about him not being there for their son.
"To clarify this man was literally at my house last night telling me he loves me," she wrote. "So this is very much NOT me being bitter, it's me not ducking with trifling ass shit that happens at the expense of my son."
This man had a whole family vacation to planned 48hrs ago & I hope this message gets to you girl.
Although you hid in a whole closet from my house keeper so it’s not like you have any dignity I guess. 👍 — IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 25, 2020
She concluded her string of tweets with: "Everything not for the net, but at a certain point when someone just taking advantage like CRAZY airing it out is all you can do. Night."
To clarify this man was literally at my house last night telling me he loves me. So this is very much NOT me being bitter, it’s me not ducking with trifling ass shit that happens at the expense of my son. — IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 25, 2020
The couple is reported to have started a relationship in 2018 before parting ways in October amid cheating accusations.
At the time, Us Weekly reported that Azalea posted a cryptic message on her Instagram Story, reading: "You lost a real 1," likely referring to Carter.
She also added: "People take loyalty for granted & that's why I'd rather be alone. One thing I'll never understand is how liars live with themselves. That s**t don't eat y'all up inside?"
She later confirmed the rumors with an Instagram story that read: "What I mean last night was that I'm raising my son alone & I'm not in a relationship."
Carter has yet to comment publicly about the relationship or the cheating accusations.
Newsweek has contacted a representative for Carter for comment.