newsweek--2020-12-17--Dave Portnoy Announces Barstool Fund to Aid Small Businesses Impacted by COVID

As businesses struggle to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic , Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy wants to do his part in helping .
On Thursday , he announced that he 's launching `` The Barstool Fund '' to help small businesses keep their doors open .
In a video he tweeted out , Portnoy said that it was setting up the $ 500,000 fund to try to help restaurants get to the next month until the coronavirus pandemic ends .
In the video , he said that he wants to give people a `` fair chance to run [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
`` These people are n't going out of business because they 're not successful or not making money , it 's because they have no other choice .
It 's because they 've been dealt a hand that nobody could play , '' he said at one point .
Portnoy has been a frequent critic of orders to force New York City restaurants to stop indoor dining due to the pandemic .
On December 11 , he posted a video on Twitter ranting about the city 's ban on indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not be able to earn money .
In the fund 's announcement , Portnoy remained critical of politicians , saying they could do much more to help than they 're currently doing .
`` Is it the best plan ?
No .
The best plan is the government getting off their ass and issuing relief-billions of dollars-to these small business owners who are losing their livelihoods and have no recourse , no way to save it through no fault of their own .
Billions of dollars : that 's the solution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model for restaurant that were eligible was Borelli 's in Long Island , which has struggled during the pandemic .
Frankie Borelli , the restaurant owner 's son , is a Barstool producer and the cameraman for Portnoy 's pizza reviews .
Portnoy said in the video in order to qualify for cash from the Barstool Fund , restaurant owners must still be paying their employees .
`` Mr. Borelli—credit to him—who would never want to take a handout in his life , is still paying his employees .
He 's never shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's like , ' I 'm going down with the ship , ' '' Portnoy said in the video .
He also said Borelli 's will be the first restaurant that will receive funding .
The `` Stool Presidente '' said outside of paying employees , the fund wants to contribute in any way it can to the small business owners to make sure they stay in business until the end of the pandemic .
While he acknowledges that not every business that reaches out will be able to receive funding , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a check on a month-to-month basis depending on where things are in the pandemic .
`` What good does it do to help you for two months , then disappear ?
You go out of business the next month , '' he said .
After the half a million dollars runs out , Portnoy said that Barstool would set up crowdfunding efforts similar to a GoFundMe to try to keep doors open .
Despite being inspired by New York restaurants needing to cease indoor dining , The Barstool Fund is available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners to reach out via an email address setup for the Barstool Fund .
The tone of the video and decision to try to help small businesses strikes a different tone to rants Portnoy had shared over social media over the summer .
In June , the internet personality shared a clip where he said that `` Cancel Culture [ was ] finally coming for Barstool . ''
The Stool founder had been criticized in the past for using the n-word in videos and saying that NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Concluding the video about The Barstool Fund , Portnoy once again acknowledged that the plan was n't perfect , but said he wanted to help and encouraged small business owners to reach out .
Newsweek reached out to the Barstool Fund via email for comment .

As businesses struggle to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy wants to do his part in helping. On Thursday, he announced that he's launching "The Barstool Fund" to help small businesses keep their doors open.
In a video he tweeted out, Portnoy said that it was setting up the $500,000 fund to try to help restaurants get to the next month until the coronavirus pandemic ends.
Introducing The Barstool Fund
If you are a small business that needs help staying in business because of covid email us your story to barstoolfund@barstoolsports.com. We will try to help as many people as we can. pic.twitter.com/9BS8HeyHaq — Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 17, 2020
In the video, he said that he wants to give people a "fair chance to run [their] business" and get through the pandemic. "These people aren't going out of business because they're not successful or not making money, it's because they have no other choice. It's because they've been dealt a hand that nobody could play," he said at one point.
Portnoy has been a frequent critic of orders to force New York City restaurants to stop indoor dining due to the pandemic. On December 11, he posted a video on Twitter ranting about the city's ban on indoor dining, blaming politicians for struggling businesses to not be able to earn money.
Politicians Are Stealing the Basic Right To Earn A Living pic.twitter.com/9Yx9Vf1iP1 — Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 11, 2020
In the fund's announcement, Portnoy remained critical of politicians, saying they could do much more to help than they're currently doing.
"Is it the best plan? No. The best plan is the government getting off their ass and issuing relief-billions of dollars-to these small business owners who are losing their livelihoods and have no recourse, no way to save it through no fault of their own. Billions of dollars: that's the solution," he said.
Portnoy said the model for restaurant that were eligible was Borelli's in Long Island, which has struggled during the pandemic. Frankie Borelli, the restaurant owner's son, is a Barstool producer and the cameraman for Portnoy's pizza reviews. Portnoy said in the video in order to qualify for cash from the Barstool Fund, restaurant owners must still be paying their employees.
"Mr. Borelli—credit to him—who would never want to take a handout in his life, is still paying his employees. He's never shut off his payroll. So, it's like, 'I'm going down with the ship,'" Portnoy said in the video. He also said Borelli's will be the first restaurant that will receive funding.
David Portnoy of Barstool Sports hosts The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort on Saturday May 11, 2019 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tom Briglia/Getty
The "Stool Presidente" said outside of paying employees, the fund wants to contribute in any way it can to the small business owners to make sure they stay in business until the end of the pandemic.
While he acknowledges that not every business that reaches out will be able to receive funding, he said businesses that are selected will be given a check on a month-to-month basis depending on where things are in the pandemic.
"What good does it do to help you for two months, then disappear? You go out of business the next month," he said.
After the half a million dollars runs out, Portnoy said that Barstool would set up crowdfunding efforts similar to a GoFundMe to try to keep doors open.
Despite being inspired by New York restaurants needing to cease indoor dining, The Barstool Fund is available to businesses anywhere. The founder encouraged business owners to reach out via an email address setup for the Barstool Fund.
The tone of the video and decision to try to help small businesses strikes a different tone to rants Portnoy had shared over social media over the summer. In June, the internet personality shared a clip where he said that "Cancel Culture [was] finally coming for Barstool." The Stool founder had been criticized in the past for using the n-word in videos and saying that NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick and terrorist Osama Bin Laden looked alike.
Concluding the video about The Barstool Fund, Portnoy once again acknowledged that the plan wasn't perfect, but said he wanted to help and encouraged small business owners to reach out.
Newsweek reached out to the Barstool Fund via email for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Jump Festa 2021: Full Schedule and How to Watch Online

Conventions , expos and exhibitions have looked quite different in 2020 , and this year 's Jump Festa will follow suit with a virtual , online-only show .
The Japanese expo that focuses on the anime and manga industry is set to go down this weekend , and it 's the perfect place for anyone looking for the latest news and updates from their favorite properties like Dragon Ball , One Piece and more .
Jump Festa 2021 can be attended by downloading the JUMP FESTA 2021 online app .
Unfortunately , at the time of this article 's writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is unavailable in the United States .
The other way to attend is to visit the official Jump Festa site .
The various panels and presentations will be presented on the site and separated by the following stages : Keep reading to find the schedule for all three stages on both days .
The two-day event will begin Saturday , December 19 , in Japan , which means that fans in the U.S. can start watching the expo on the evening of Friday , December 18 .
For this year , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two days and on three separate stages .
The Jump Studio stage will feature the latest information on Shonen Jump and various manga .
Jump Super Stage will offer information on upcoming anime , while the Amusement Tower will contain video game demos and updates .
Below is the complete Jump Festa 2021 schedule split between both days and the three various stages .
• 12:30 am EST/2:30 pm JST - Boruto : Naruto the Next Generation • 11:00 pm EST/1 pm JST - The New Prince of Tennis • 12:30 am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Adventure of Dai • 12:40 am EST/2:40 pm JST - The 2nd Nationwide One Piece Knowledge King Deciding Battle Are you excited for this year 's Jump Festa ?
What are you looking forward to most ?
Let us know in the comments section .

Conventions, expos and exhibitions have looked quite different in 2020, and this year's Jump Festa will follow suit with a virtual, online-only show.
The Japanese expo that focuses on the anime and manga industry is set to go down this weekend, and it's the perfect place for anyone looking for the latest news and updates from their favorite properties like Dragon Ball, One Piece and more.
Shueisha
HOW TO WATCH JUMP FESTA 2021
Jump Festa 2021 can be attended by downloading the JUMP FESTA 2021 online app. Unfortunately, at the time of this article's writing, the app seems to be region-locked and is unavailable in the United States.
The other way to attend is to visit the official Jump Festa site. The various panels and presentations will be presented on the site and separated by the following stages:
Keep reading to find the schedule for all three stages on both days.
JUMP FESTA 2021 SCHEDULE
The two-day event will begin Saturday, December 19, in Japan, which means that fans in the U.S. can start watching the expo on the evening of Friday, December 18.
For this year, the panels and presentations will take place between the two days and on three separate stages. The Jump Studio stage will feature the latest information on Shonen Jump and various manga. Jump Super Stage will offer information on upcoming anime, while the Amusement Tower will contain video game demos and updates.
Below is the complete Jump Festa 2021 schedule split between both days and the three various stages.
Jump Super Stage
Friday, December 18 /Saturday, December 19
8:00 pm EST/10 am JST - Dr. Stone
9:30 pm EST/11:30 am JST - World Trigger
11:00 pm EST/1 pm JST- Jujutsu Kaisen
12:30 am EST/2:30 pm JST - Boruto: Naruto the Next Generation
2:20 am EST/4:20 pm JST - My Hero Academia
-----------
Saturday, December 19/Sunday, December 20
8:00 pm EST/10 am JST- World's End Harem
9:30 pm JST/11:30 am JST - Black Clover
11:00 pm EST/1 pm JST - The New Prince of Tennis
12:30 am EST/2:30 pm JST - Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
2:20 am EST/4:20 pm JST - One Piece
Jump Amusement Tower
Friday, December 18/Saturday, December 19
7:30 pm EST/9:30 am JST - Jump Festa 2021 Introduction
9:00 pm EST/11 am JST - One Piece Bounty Rush Battle Stage
10:20 pm EST/12:20 pm JST - Naruto and Boruto Game Latest Information
12:00 am EST/2 pm JST - Yu-Gi-Oh! Latest Information
1:00 am EST/3 pm JST - Jump Force Special Stage
-----------
Saturday, December 19/Sunday, December 20
7:30 pm EST/9:30 am JST - Jump Festa Introduction Stage
9:00 pm EST/11 am JST - Dragon Ball App Stage
10:20 pm EST/12:20 pm JST - Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Xross Blade Special Stage
12:00 am EST/2 pm JST - Yu-Gi-Oh! Latest Information
1:00 am EST/3 pm JST - Super Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Stage
Jump Studio
Friday, December 18/Saturday, December 19
7:10 pm EST/9:10 am JST - Special Program for Weekly Jump Subscribers
7:45 pm EST/9:45 am JST - Kemono Jihen
8:30 pm EST/10:30 am JST - Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku
9:35 pm EST/11:05 am JST - Haikyu!!
10:00 pm EST/12 pm JST - SUPER HXEROS
10:35 pm EST/12:35 pm JST - Bokyaku Battery
11:30 pm EST/1:30 pm JST - Blue Exorcist
12:05 am EST/2:05 pm JST - Chainsaw Man
12:45 am EST/2:40 pm JST - Platinum End Special Report
1:05 am EST/3:05 pm JST - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
1:50 am EST/3:50 pm JST - Gintama
-----------
Saturday, December 19/Sunday, December 20
7:10 pm EST/9:10 am JST - Weekly Shonen Jump New Hero Stage
7:45 pm EST/9:45 am JST - Hetalia World Stars
8:30 pm EST/10:30 am JST - Rurouni Kenshin: Hokkaido Arc
9:35 pm EST/11:05 am JST - Morarty the Patriot
10:00 pm EST/12 pm JST - 2.5D Seduction
10:35 pm EST/12:35 pm JST - Kekkai Sensen Back 2 Back
11:30 pm EST/1:30 pm JST - SPYxFAMILY
12:05 am EST/2:05 pm JST - Showa Maiden Fairytale
12:40 am EST/2:40 pm JST - The 2nd Nationwide One Piece Knowledge King Deciding Battle
1:05 am EST/3:05 pm JST - BLEACH/BURN THE WITCH
1:50 am EST/3:50 pm JST - The Promised Neverland
Are you excited for this year's Jump Festa? What are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments section.


newsweek--2020-12-17--VA Employees Worked in COVID-19 Units After Contracting Virus Themselves, Facility Says

An official at the Illinois Department of Veterans ' Affairs said Wednesday that some employees at a facility in LaSalle continued working in COVID-19 units after testing positive for the virus themselves .
A spokesperson for the state 's Department of Veterans ' Affairs said the few employees who did choose to continue working were already assigned to COVID-19 areas at the facility at the time they received their positive test results .
Those employees were also isolated from all other facility staff members and residents , according to Bridget Dooley , the department 's public information officer .
Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus at the LaSalle Veterans ' Home—which was identified last month as the site of a virus outbreak—during an Illinois House Veterans ' Affairs Committee hearing .
By Thursday , a total of 103 staff members and 108 residents had tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic , Dooley told Newsweek .
Taking into account the staff members and residents who already recovered from the virus , Dooley said one employee and 16 residents were positive at the facility as of Thursday morning .
No staff members died after contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after testing positive since the start of the pandemic .
The outbreak at LaSalle began when a resident tested positive for the virus on November 1 during a hospital visit for an unrelated health issue , according to an Illinois Department of Veterans ' Affairs news release .
Two days later , officials said the results of a COVID-19 screening conducted at the end of October identified 24 positive tests , 22 of which were among facility residents .
The outbreak continued spreading in the days that followed , with the first three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
State legislators began holding hearings regarding the LaSalle outbreak in late November .
During Thursday 's hours-long hearing , officials with the state 's Veterans ' Affairs Department told lawmakers that some employees who were already working within the facility 's COVID-19 areas chose to continue working after they tested positive .
`` No staff member was required to work after they tested positive , '' Tony Kolbeck , the department 's chief of staff , said .
`` There were instances in which some employees ended up working—but again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmaker asked Kolbeck if employees felt pressured to continue working due to federal and state staffing ratio requirements .
`` There were occasions in the overnight shift in which an individual was alerted that they were positive .
They were in the COVID unit already , they were asymptomatic , and they chose to stay the rest of the shift , '' Kolbeck said .
`` If they had not , there may have been a concern about the proper staff being there in that overnight shift . ''
Kolbeck went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee complaints made regarding the handling of the virus at the LaSalle facility prior to the November outbreak .
Two complaints have been filed since the outbreak began , he said .
The acting inspector general of the Illinois Department of Human Services began an investigation into the outbreak , which led to the firing of the administrator of the LaSalle facility .
The facility 's director of nursing was also put on administrative leave as a result of the investigation , the Illinois Department of Veterans ' Affairs announced earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began as COVID-19 cases were on the rise across the U.S .
According to a Johns Hopkins University data tracker , the U.S. had more than 17.1 million COVID-19 cases reported since the start of the pandemic by Thursday , December 17 , with more than 309,000 virus-related deaths .
More than 5,500 residents of VA facilities across the U.S. have died after contracting the disease , according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data .

An official at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs said Wednesday that some employees at a facility in LaSalle continued working in COVID-19 units after testing positive for the virus themselves.
A spokesperson for the state's Department of Veterans' Affairs said the few employees who did choose to continue working were already assigned to COVID-19 areas at the facility at the time they received their positive test results. Those employees were also isolated from all other facility staff members and residents, according to Bridget Dooley, the department's public information officer.
Department officials discussed the status of the novel coronavirus at the LaSalle Veterans' Home—which was identified last month as the site of a virus outbreak—during an Illinois House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing. By Thursday, a total of 103 staff members and 108 residents had tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, Dooley told Newsweek.
Taking into account the staff members and residents who already recovered from the virus, Dooley said one employee and 16 residents were positive at the facility as of Thursday morning. No staff members died after contracting COVID-19, but 33 veterans had died after testing positive since the start of the pandemic.
An official at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs said Wednesday that some employees at a VA facility in LaSalle, Illinois, continued working in COVID-19 units after testing positive for the virus. In the photo above, a healthcare worker at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center waits outside a surge tent to receive his COVID-19 vaccination on December 16, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. Nathan Howard/Getty
The outbreak at LaSalle began when a resident tested positive for the virus on November 1 during a hospital visit for an unrelated health issue, according to an Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs news release. Two days later, officials said the results of a COVID-19 screening conducted at the end of October identified 24 positive tests, 22 of which were among facility residents. The outbreak continued spreading in the days that followed, with the first three COVID-19 deaths among veterans occurring on November 8.
State legislators began holding hearings regarding the LaSalle outbreak in late November. During Thursday's hours-long hearing, officials with the state's Veterans' Affairs Department told lawmakers that some employees who were already working within the facility's COVID-19 areas chose to continue working after they tested positive.
"No staff member was required to work after they tested positive," Tony Kolbeck, the department's chief of staff, said. "There were instances in which some employees ended up working—but again, none were required to."
One lawmaker asked Kolbeck if employees felt pressured to continue working due to federal and state staffing ratio requirements.
"There were occasions in the overnight shift in which an individual was alerted that they were positive. They were in the COVID unit already, they were asymptomatic, and they chose to stay the rest of the shift," Kolbeck said. "If they had not, there may have been a concern about the proper staff being there in that overnight shift."
Kolbeck went on to say that he was unaware of any employee complaints made regarding the handling of the virus at the LaSalle facility prior to the November outbreak. Two complaints have been filed since the outbreak began, he said.
The acting inspector general of the Illinois Department of Human Services began an investigation into the outbreak, which led to the firing of the administrator of the LaSalle facility. The facility's director of nursing was also put on administrative leave as a result of the investigation, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs announced earlier this month.
The outbreak at the LaSalle facility began as COVID-19 cases were on the rise across the U.S. According to a Johns Hopkins University data tracker, the U.S. had more than 17.1 million COVID-19 cases reported since the start of the pandemic by Thursday, December 17, with more than 309,000 virus-related deaths. More than 5,500 residents of VA facilities across the U.S. have died after contracting the disease, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Fed Sees Positive Signs for Economy in 2021 But Pins Hopes on Further Stimulus

The Federal Reserve plans to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future , even if the economy recovers sooner than expected from the COVID-19 slump .
The nation 's central bank cut rates to 0 - 0.25 % last March to boost consumer spending , which represents about two-thirds of the U.S. economy .
The decision to keep interest rates low is good news for homebuyers shopping for a low mortgage rate , but bad news for small savers who will earn little in passbook or money market accounts .
`` The path of the economy will depend significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement .
`` The ongoing public health crisis will continue to weigh on economic activity , employment , and inflation in the near term , and poses considerable risks to the economic outlook over the medium term . ''
As of December 17 , Johns Hopkins University said there were 247,403 new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. , raising the total to 17,011,532 .
There have been 308,098 coronavirus-related deaths as of Thursday .
On Wednesday , the U.S. Commerce Department said purchases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in November on a seasonally adjusted basis from October .
The number of first-time jobless claims totaled 885,000 for the week ending December 12 , the biggest number since the week of September 5 , the Labor Department reported Thursday .
The number of new unemployment claims exceeded Wall Street 's consensus estimate of 808,000 .
The Federal Reserve expects the unemployment rate to decline to 6.7 % this year , lower than the previously estimated 7.6 % .
Earlier this month , the Labor Department reported an unemployment rate of 6.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February , the month before the pandemic hit .
Unemployment peaked at 14.7 % in April .
The Fed believes the jobless rate will fall to 5 % in 2021 , down half a point from its prior estimate .
`` The Summary of Economic Projections was somewhat more positive than we expected in terms of growth , the labor market , and inflation , '' New York investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a research report .
The Fed said it plans to continue buying $ 80 billion in Treasury bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month `` until substantial further progress has been made '' in reducing unemployment and reaching inflation goals .
`` Together these measures will ensure that monetary policy will continue to deliver powerful support for the economy until the recovery is complete , '' Jerome Powell , chairman of the Federal Reserve , told reporters after Wednesday 's meeting .
The Fed said weaker demand and lower oil prices have been `` holding down '' inflation .
It expects inflation to remain below its 2 % target through 2023 .
At a press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal stimulus to boost the economy .
`` The case for fiscal policy right now is very , very strong , and I think that 's widely understood right now , '' the Fed chairman said .
`` Now that we can kind of see the light at the end of the tunnel , it would be bad to see people losing their business , their life 's work , even generations ' worth of work . ''
Congress continues to discuss a $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief package that would include $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 billion for businesses and $ 300 added each week to state unemployment benefits .
Unless Congress passes a bill and President Donald Trump signs it into law , the government will shut down Saturday , with about 12 million people losing unemployment benefits on December 26 .

The Federal Reserve plans to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future, even if the economy recovers sooner than expected from the COVID-19 slump. The nation's central bank cut rates to 0 - 0.25% last March to boost consumer spending, which represents about two-thirds of the U.S. economy.
The decision to keep interest rates low is good news for homebuyers shopping for a low mortgage rate, but bad news for small savers who will earn little in passbook or money market accounts.
"The path of the economy will depend significantly on the course of the virus," the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement. "The ongoing public health crisis will continue to weigh on economic activity, employment, and inflation in the near term, and poses considerable risks to the economic outlook over the medium term."
As of December 17, Johns Hopkins University said there were 247,403 new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., raising the total to 17,011,532. There have been 308,098 coronavirus-related deaths as of Thursday.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Commerce Department said purchases at stores, restaurants and online fell 1.1% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis from October. The number of first-time jobless claims totaled 885,000 for the week ending December 12, the biggest number since the week of September 5, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The number of new unemployment claims exceeded Wall Street's consensus estimate of 808,000.
The Federal Reserve expects the unemployment rate to decline to 6.7% this year, lower than the previously estimated 7.6%.
Over half of the U.S.' biggest companies laid off workers during the pandemic. In this photo, Carlos Ponce joins demonstrators in a protest asking Senators to support the continuation of benefits for workers who lost their jobs on July 16, 2020 in Miami Springs, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty
Earlier this month, the Labor Department reported an unemployment rate of 6.7%. That rate was 3.5% in February, the month before the pandemic hit. Unemployment peaked at 14.7% in April. The Fed believes the jobless rate will fall to 5% in 2021, down half a point from its prior estimate.
The Fed's outlook for a 2021 recovery pleased analysts.
"The Summary of Economic Projections was somewhat more positive than we expected in terms of growth, the labor market, and inflation," New York investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a research report.
The Fed said it plans to continue buying $80 billion in Treasury bills and $40 billion in mortgage bonds a month "until substantial further progress has been made" in reducing unemployment and reaching inflation goals.
"Together these measures will ensure that monetary policy will continue to deliver powerful support for the economy until the recovery is complete," Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, told reporters after Wednesday's meeting.
The Fed said weaker demand and lower oil prices have been "holding down" inflation. It expects inflation to remain below its 2% target through 2023.
At a press conference, Powell again called for additional fiscal stimulus to boost the economy.
"The case for fiscal policy right now is very, very strong, and I think that's widely understood right now," the Fed chairman said. "Now that we can kind of see the light at the end of the tunnel, it would be bad to see people losing their business, their life's work, even generations' worth of work."
Congress continues to discuss a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that would include $600 direct payments to individuals, $300 billion for businesses and $300 added each week to state unemployment benefits.
Unless Congress passes a bill and President Donald Trump signs it into law, the government will shut down Saturday, with about 12 million people losing unemployment benefits on December 26.
Congressional leaders say they're close to a deal.


newsweek--2020-12-17--FDA Warns Consumers Against Buying Certain Products off Amazon Due to Dangerous Ingredients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to not use nearly 50 male enhancement or weight loss products sold on Amazon and eBay after the agency found hidden , dangerous ingredients in them .
`` The FDA purchased these products on Amazon and eBay and agency testing found that the products contain active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on their labels , including some with ingredients found in prescription drugs , '' the agency said in a news release on Thursday .
`` These products may cause potentially serious side effects and may interact with medications or dietary supplements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FDA said all of the products purchased from Amazon and 80 percent of those purchased off eBay contained `` undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients . ''
`` Products with undeclared drug ingredients violate federal law , '' the release read .
`` In general , these products are unapproved new drugs and/or adulterated dietary supplements .
In addition , they are misbranded because their labels do not accurately reflect their ingredients . ''
The agency said that while many of these ingredients can be found in FDA-approved prescription drugs , those medicines are restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licensed health care professional .
The FDA noted that not only were these products available for sale , without a prescription , through online retailers , some of the Amazon products had also been marked as an `` Amazon Choice '' or `` # 1 Best Seller . ''
In a statement sent to Newsweek , eBay said it is currently reviewing the site and will be removing the items shared by the FDA .
Newsweek reached out to Amazon for comment but did not hear back before publication .
Online marketplaces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal agency to stop selling these products to American consumers .
The FDA said that although it 's `` tainted products database '' can help consumer identify hundreds of potentially dangerous products , there are still items that have yet to be tested .
`` Even if a product is not included in the list , consumers should be cautious about using certain products , especially those promoted for sexual enhancement , weight loss , bodybuilding , sleep aids or pain relief .
Consumers should also be on alert for products that offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too good to be true , '' the FDA said .
The agency advised consumers to always consult a health care professional first when purchasing these products .
It encouraged doctors to report adverse events to the FDA so that it can take action to inform the public about a potentially unsafe product .
The FDA has continued to issue consumer warnings for potentially dangerous products available for purchase on the internet over the past decade and has been committed to helping Americans be more aware of buying medicines safely online .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marketed as dietary supplements , promoted mainly for weight loss , sexual enhancement and bodybuilding .
`` These products are masquerading as dietary supplements—they may look like dietary supplements but they are not legal dietary supplements , '' Michael Levy , director of FDA 's Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance , said .
`` Some of these products contain hidden prescription ingredients at levels much higher than those found in an approved drug product and are dangerous . ''
Update 12/17/20 4:57 p.m ET This story was updated with comment from @ @

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to not use nearly 50 male enhancement or weight loss products sold on Amazon and eBay after the agency found hidden, dangerous ingredients in them.
"The FDA purchased these products on Amazon and eBay and agency testing found that the products contain active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on their labels, including some with ingredients found in prescription drugs," the agency said in a news release on Thursday. "These products may cause potentially serious side effects and may interact with medications or dietary supplements a consumer is taking."
The FDA said all of the products purchased from Amazon and 80 percent of those purchased off eBay contained "undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients."
"Products with undeclared drug ingredients violate federal law," the release read. "In general, these products are unapproved new drugs and/or adulterated dietary supplements. In addition, they are misbranded because their labels do not accurately reflect their ingredients."
The agency said that while many of these ingredients can be found in FDA-approved prescription drugs, those medicines are restricted to use under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.
The FDA noted that not only were these products available for sale, without a prescription, through online retailers, some of the Amazon products had also been marked as an "Amazon Choice" or "#1 Best Seller."
In a statement sent to Newsweek, eBay said it is currently reviewing the site and will be removing the items shared by the FDA.
An Amazon spokesperson told Newsweek that sellers on the site are required to follow "all applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon policies" when listing items for sale.
"We have proactive measures in place to prevent prohibited products from being listed and we continuously monitor our store. Those who violate our policies are subject to action including potential removal of their account. We are reviewing the information from the FDA and are taking action accordingly," the spokesperson said.
An Amazon distribution center is seen as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States, on April 25, 2020 in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The FDA issued a consumer warning on Thursday against nearly 50 products available on Amazon, eBay and other online retaiilers. David Becker/AFP
Online marketplaces and other websites have been urged by the federal agency to stop selling these products to American consumers.
The FDA said that although it's "tainted products database" can help consumer identify hundreds of potentially dangerous products, there are still items that have yet to be tested.
"Even if a product is not included in the list, consumers should be cautious about using certain products, especially those promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, bodybuilding, sleep aids or pain relief. Consumers should also be on alert for products that offer immediate or quick results and that sound too good to be true," the FDA said.
The agency advised consumers to always consult a health care professional first when purchasing these products. It encouraged doctors to report adverse events to the FDA so that it can take action to inform the public about a potentially unsafe product.
The FDA has continued to issue consumer warnings for potentially dangerous products available for purchase on the internet over the past decade and has been committed to helping Americans be more aware of buying medicines safely online.
The agency has specifically cracked down on products marketed as dietary supplements, promoted mainly for weight loss, sexual enhancement and bodybuilding.
"These products are masquerading as dietary supplements—they may look like dietary supplements but they are not legal dietary supplements," Michael Levy, director of FDA's Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance, said. "Some of these products contain hidden prescription ingredients at levels much higher than those found in an approved drug product and are dangerous."
Update 12/17/20 4:57 p.m ET This story was updated with comment from eBay.
Update 12/18/20 11:37 p.m. ET This story was updated with comment from Amazon.


newsweek--2020-12-17--What Happens if a GOP Senator Signs On to Objections to Biden's Victory?

Republican allies of President Donald Trump , led by Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama , have said they plan to object to the electoral votes cast in President-elect Joe Biden 's favor when they meet on January 6 , in a final longshot effort to overturn the election results .
Although political experts as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have predicted that the effort by some GOP lawmakers will fail , it is constitutionally possible for Congress to step in and overturn a state 's election results .
Top GOP Senate leaders have reportedly urged their colleagues not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ object to the results , but several have suggested they are open to the idea .
Even if a Republican senator and a Republican House member both objected to the results of the Electoral College votes , which were cast on Monday , they would need to convince majorities in the House and Senate to agree with their objection .
Here is a closer look at how that process would play out .
What happens on January 6 ?
After being sworn in days earlier on January 3 , the Senate and House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 6 at 1 p.m. to open up and count the votes cast by the Electoral College .
`` The president of the Senate shall , in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives , open all the certificates , and the votes shall then be counted .
The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President , '' the Constitution explains in Article II , Section I .
In the case of the 2020 election , Biden came out ahead with 306 electoral votes , compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his allies continue to claim—without proof—that Biden won only because of widespread voter fraud .
There is no evidence to back these allegations .
The president and his supporters have already filed dozens of failed lawsuits in state and federal courts in a bid to overturn Biden 's win .
Judges have repeatedly ruled against Trump , pointing out that lawyers for the president and his supporters have failed to provide evidence to back their claims .
What happens if a lawmaker objects ?
Any member of the House can submit an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing .
However , these objections will hold weight only if a member of the Senate signs on .
While GOP allies of Trump in the House have been more vocal about their intention to object , some Republican senators appear to be open to the idea of joining this effort .
In particular , one incoming senator , Tommy Tuberville of Alabama , has suggested he 'd be willing to object .
`` You 've been reading about it in the House .
We 're going to have to do it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video taken by liberal activist Lauren Windsor that was published online Thursday .
If Tuberville , or another GOP senator , signs on to a House member 's objection , then both chambers of Congress will be required to separately debate the objections for a maximum of two hours .
In order for an objection to any state 's votes to succeed , both chambers of Congress must `` concurrently '' agree with the objection .
It is not expected that the House , which will be narrowly controlled by Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowly controlled by Republicans , would both agree to any objection .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , along with other GOP Senate leaders , reportedly urged his Republican colleagues this week to refuse to sign on to any House efforts to block Biden 's win .
McConnell reportedly told colleagues in a meeting this week that objecting `` is n't in the best interest of everybody . ''
Newsweek reached out to McConnell , as well as Senate Republican Whip John Thune and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt , for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for publication .
Thune and Blunt reportedly urged their GOP colleagues not to participate in any House Republican efforts .
How does it end ?
After all the electoral votes are read out—and any potential objections discussed—Vice President Mike Pence , as the president of the Senate , will be tasked with declaring Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris the winners .
Although that may be an awkward moment for Pence , it is not at all unprecedented .
Following the 2000 election of former President George W. Bush , former Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his former opponent as the next president on January 6 , 2001 .
In that election , Gore had won the popular vote but lost to Bush in the Electoral College .

Republican allies of President Donald Trump, led by Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama, have said they plan to object to the electoral votes cast in President-elect Joe Biden's favor when they meet on January 6, in a final longshot effort to overturn the election results.
Although political experts as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have predicted that the effort by some GOP lawmakers will fail, it is constitutionally possible for Congress to step in and overturn a state's election results. Top GOP Senate leaders have reportedly urged their colleagues not to sign on to any House efforts to object to the results, but several have suggested they are open to the idea.
Even if a Republican senator and a Republican House member both objected to the results of the Electoral College votes, which were cast on Monday, they would need to convince majorities in the House and Senate to agree with their objection. Here is a closer look at how that process would play out.
President-elect Joe Biden speaks during a news conference at his transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on December 16. Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty
What happens on January 6?
After being sworn in days earlier on January 3, the Senate and House members of the 117th Congress will meet on January 6 at 1 p.m. to open up and count the votes cast by the Electoral College.
"The president of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President," the Constitution explains in Article II, Section I. In the case of the 2020 election, Biden came out ahead with 306 electoral votes, compared with 232 for Trump.
But Trump and his allies continue to claim—without proof—that Biden won only because of widespread voter fraud. There is no evidence to back these allegations. The president and his supporters have already filed dozens of failed lawsuits in state and federal courts in a bid to overturn Biden's win. Judges have repeatedly ruled against Trump, pointing out that lawyers for the president and his supporters have failed to provide evidence to back their claims.
What happens if a lawmaker objects?
Any member of the House can submit an objection to a state's results in writing. However, these objections will hold weight only if a member of the Senate signs on. While GOP allies of Trump in the House have been more vocal about their intention to object, some Republican senators appear to be open to the idea of joining this effort. In particular, one incoming senator, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, has suggested he'd be willing to object.
"You've been reading about it in the House. We're going to have to do it in the Senate," Tuberville said in a video taken by liberal activist Lauren Windsor that was published online Thursday.
If Tuberville, or another GOP senator, signs on to a House member's objection, then both chambers of Congress will be required to separately debate the objections for a maximum of two hours. In order for an objection to any state's votes to succeed, both chambers of Congress must "concurrently" agree with the objection.
It is not expected that the House, which will be narrowly controlled by Democrats, or the Senate, which will be narrowly controlled by Republicans, would both agree to any objection. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with other GOP Senate leaders, reportedly urged his Republican colleagues this week to refuse to sign on to any House efforts to block Biden's win. McConnell reportedly told colleagues in a meeting this week that objecting "isn't in the best interest of everybody."
Newsweek reached out to McConnell, as well as Senate Republican Whip John Thune and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt, for comment, but they did not respond in time for publication. Thune and Blunt reportedly urged their GOP colleagues not to participate in any House Republican efforts.
How does it end?
After all the electoral votes are read out—and any potential objections discussed—Vice President Mike Pence, as the president of the Senate, will be tasked with declaring Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris the winners. Although that may be an awkward moment for Pence, it is not at all unprecedented. Following the 2000 election of former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Al Gore was required to declare his former opponent as the next president on January 6, 2001. In that election, Gore had won the popular vote but lost to Bush in the Electoral College.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Trump Holds Signing Ceremony but Keeps Media Cameras Out

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump held a signing ceremony in support for a monument celebrating women 's suffrage Thursday .
But unlike most traditional Oval Office photo-ops , the media was kept away from the occasion .
Instead , the White House posted its own in-house , nearly two-minute video of Trump reading a statement at the signing event while supporters of the monument stand around the Resolute Desk .
`` For seven decades courageous women hosted rallies , published newspapers and worked tirelessly to secure women 's right to vote , '' he says in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 100 years ago the United States ratified the 19th Amendment . ''
The White House did not respond to Newsweek 's direct question about why the signing ceremony was not open to the media .
Trump has held few public events with reporters since the November 3 election and has not conceded to President-elect Joe Biden .
He has taken questions at just two of his 13 public appearances open to the press and notably held an impromptu , one-minute speech in the White House briefing room but took no questions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly through Twitter , where he 's questioned the election outcome and argued against his defeat .
It 's not the first time this week that Trump has made an unusual move of blocking press from events that typically would produce photo opportunities .
The media was also not invited to Trump 's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday .
Before the election , Trump frequently opened his celebratory signing ceremonies to a small group of reporters , where he would invite lawmakers and other stakeholders , and hold up the signed legislation for photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing ceremony , House Resolution 473 , paves the way for the `` Every Word We Utter Monument '' to be placed on federal land in Washington , D.C. , which required congressional approval .
It was fast-tracked through the Senate this month , after passing in the House in February .
Every Word We Utter is a non-profit organization that fundraised to have the sculpture made and has been advocating to have it placed on federal grounds .
Melania Trump tweeted her support for the effort on December 7 , noting she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effort to commemorate the 19th Amendment and was looking forward to the bill signing .
It 's timing marks the 100th anniversary of the amendment 's passage .
The sculpture by Jane DeDecker features historical women who contributed to women 's rights , including Sojourner Truth , Susan B. Anthony and Ida B .
Wells .
It will be placed near the U.S. Supreme Court .
`` We need to build monuments that tell the equitable , collaborative , and complex stories of our shared American experience .
The sacrifices that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for women can not be forgotten and must be celebrated , '' DeDecker said in a statement after the legislation passed the Senate earlier this month .

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump held a signing ceremony in support for a monument celebrating women's suffrage Thursday. But unlike most traditional Oval Office photo-ops, the media was kept away from the occasion.
Instead, the White House posted its own in-house, nearly two-minute video of Trump reading a statement at the signing event while supporters of the monument stand around the Resolute Desk.
"For seven decades courageous women hosted rallies, published newspapers and worked tirelessly to secure women's right to vote," he says in the clip. "The relentless effort prevailed and 100 years ago the United States ratified the 19th Amendment."
President @realDonaldTrump just signed legislation to create a monument in our Nation's capital commemorating the brave pioneers of the women's suffrage movement! pic.twitter.com/rPTcMlNzSR — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2020
The White House did not respond to Newsweek's direct question about why the signing ceremony was not open to the media.
Trump has held few public events with reporters since the November 3 election and has not conceded to President-elect Joe Biden. He has taken questions at just two of his 13 public appearances open to the press and notably held an impromptu, one-minute speech in the White House briefing room but took no questions.
The president has instead sent his messages mostly through Twitter, where he's questioned the election outcome and argued against his defeat.
It's not the first time this week that Trump has made an unusual move of blocking press from events that typically would produce photo opportunities. The media was also not invited to Trump's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Before the election, Trump frequently opened his celebratory signing ceremonies to a small group of reporters, where he would invite lawmakers and other stakeholders, and hold up the signed legislation for photos.
The bill set for Thursday's signing ceremony, House Resolution 473, paves the way for the "Every Word We Utter Monument" to be placed on federal land in Washington, D.C., which required congressional approval. It was fast-tracked through the Senate this month, after passing in the House in February.
Every Word We Utter is a non-profit organization that fundraised to have the sculpture made and has been advocating to have it placed on federal grounds.
Melania Trump tweeted her support for the effort on December 7, noting she has been working with the group behind the effort to commemorate the 19th Amendment and was looking forward to the bill signing. It's timing marks the 100th anniversary of the amendment's passage.
The sculpture by Jane DeDecker features historical women who contributed to women's rights, including Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Ida B. Wells. It will be placed near the U.S. Supreme Court.
"We need to build monuments that tell the equitable, collaborative, and complex stories of our shared American experience. The sacrifices that the suffragists made in securing the right to vote for women cannot be forgotten and must be celebrated," DeDecker said in a statement after the legislation passed the Senate earlier this month.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Tommy Tuberville Suggests He Will Join Mo Brooks in Challenging Joe Biden's Electoral Win

Republican Alabama Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville suggested he would back Representative Mo Brooks 's attempt to challenge the 2020 presidential election results in a video that surfaced Thursday .
`` You see what 's coming .
You 've been reading about it in the House .
We 're going to have to do it in the Senate , '' Tuberville said in a video posted to Twitter .
`` We 're gon na get that all corrected , '' Tuberville said referring to President-elect Joe Biden 's electoral victory over Donald Trump .
`` Do n't give up . ''
Tuberville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senator Kelly Loeffler and Senator David Perdue in the first portion of the 52-second video .
A later clip showed Tuberville standing beside a security guard at night .
It was unclear what day the second portion of the video was taken .
When asked what he was going to do `` make this election right , '' by a voice off-camera Tuberville responded , `` we 're going to fight it hard . ''
On Tuesday , Tuberville 's campaign chairman , Stan McDonald , said the senator-elect may support Brooks during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio based in Huntsville , Alabama .
`` I think that he [ Tuberville ] and Ted Cruz are the two best candidates to do this , '' said McDonald .
`` I do n't know yet if or when he will do this .
He 's very seriously considering it . ''
Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks has pledged to use the Electoral Count Act of 1877 to challenge the electoral vote when Congress meets to certify the election results on January 6 .
However , for Brooks to be successful he needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to also contest the results .
If that happens , the law requires both chambers to each hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether to approve or deny the objection .
For the process to move forward , both chambers must agree to approve the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes .
To do so , each member of Congress , regardless of party , will formally vote on accepting or rejecting the dispute .
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , after acknowledging Biden 's victory over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators to not dispute the election results during a private caucus call on Tuesday .
However , other Republican senators , including Loeffler and Rand Paul of Kentucky , have said they are undecided on objecting to Biden 's win .
Newsweek reached out to Tuberville but did n't hear back in time for publication .

Republican Alabama Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville suggested he would back Representative Mo Brooks's attempt to challenge the 2020 presidential election results in a video that surfaced Thursday.
"You see what's coming. You've been reading about it in the House. We're going to have to do it in the Senate," Tuberville said in a video posted to Twitter.
"We're gonna get that all corrected," Tuberville said referring to President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory over Donald Trump. "Don't give up."
Tuberville was speaking at a Georgia rally for Senator Kelly Loeffler and Senator David Perdue in the first portion of the 52-second video. A later clip showed Tuberville standing beside a security guard at night. It was unclear what day the second portion of the video was taken.
When asked what he was going to do "make this election right," by a voice off-camera Tuberville responded, "we're going to fight it hard."
BREAKING: Defying McConnell, Sen-elect Tuberville suggests he will challenge Electoral College, while stumping in Georgia pic.twitter.com/1z5wJ2ajVP — Lauren Windsor (@lawindsor) December 17, 2020
On Tuesday, Tuberville's campaign chairman, Stan McDonald, said the senator-elect may support Brooks during an interview on WVNN, a local radio based in Huntsville, Alabama.
"I think that he [Tuberville] and Ted Cruz are the two best candidates to do this," said McDonald. "I don't know yet if or when he will do this. He's very seriously considering it."
Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks has pledged to use the Electoral Count Act of 1877 to challenge the electoral vote when Congress meets to certify the election results on January 6.
However, for Brooks to be successful he needs at least one member of the Senate to also contest the results. If that happens, the law requires both chambers to each hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether to approve or deny the objection. For the process to move forward, both chambers must agree to approve the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes.
To do so, each member of Congress, regardless of party, will formally vote on accepting or rejecting the dispute.
Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville suggested he would back Representative Mo Brooks’s attempt to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. Tuberville is shown above meeting with the media on November 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images) Photo by Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images/Getty
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, after acknowledging Biden's victory over Trump and congratulating the President-elect, urged senators to not dispute the election results during a private caucus call on Tuesday.
However, other Republican senators, including Loeffler and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have said they are undecided on objecting to Biden's win.
Newsweek reached out to Tuberville but didn't hear back in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Christmas Wallpaper: Best Free Festive Backgrounds for Phone, Desktop

Across the globe Christmas plans have been hit by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , with many unable to travel and gather with their loved ones for the holiday season due to safety restrictions in place .
But get into the Christmas spirit virtually with a festive background on your phone or desktop computer .
Here we look at where you can bag various free Christmas-themed wallpapers , which can be downloaded via mobile apps and websites .
Those using an iPhone can choose from different apps at Apple 's App Store that offer free festive wallpapers , such as Pocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later and is optimized for all iOS devices including iPhone , iPod Touch and iPad .
Their festive backgrounds range from snowflakes against a bauble backdrop and Christmas stockings to an atmospheric snow-covered cabin .
To access more festive backgrounds at the App Store , type `` Christmas wallpaper '' in the search box of the Apple Store website , which brings up a list of apps offering several options , including `` live wallpapers '' featuring animated Christmas tree lights and more .
WallpaperAccess offers a selection of at least 44 free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used as wallpapers for iPhones .
Backgrounds range from glowing Christmas trees to festive Christmas-themed graphics and can be downloaded directly from the website .
Those using Android phones can access a selection of apps offering free festive backgrounds on Google Play by typing in `` free Christmas wallpapers '' in the search box , which pulls up a shortened list of apps .
Then click on the `` see more '' green icon on the right portion of the webpage , which reveals an expanded list of apps offering free festive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wallpapers and Clocks app .
The app offers free `` multiple moving wallpapers with festive ornaments and winter holiday images , Christmas backgrounds , X-mas tree HD wallpaper , multiple customize options like background changer , frames , animated snowflakes , magic touch , analog clock , emoji , your name and more , that work on the lock screen , '' it says on Google Play .
There are several websites where you can access free downloads of different festive desktop backgrounds , such as Unsplash , which offers `` over 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the world 's most generous community of photographers , '' according to the website .
Unsplash 's collection of free HD wallpapers for both desktops and phones have been submitted by the website 's different members .
They range from images of families at home during the holiday season to Christmas scenes on the street and festive dishes .
Pixabay , which is sponsored by iStock from Getty Images , also offers HD images submitted by a network of different members .
Pixabay users can receive a 20 percent discount on purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at checkout , the company notes .
WallpaperAccess also has a selection of at least 50 festive wallpapers and backgrounds , including for Macbooks , which can also be downloaded for free directly from the website .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn a share of the sale .

Across the globe Christmas plans have been hit by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with many unable to travel and gather with their loved ones for the holiday season due to safety restrictions in place.
But get into the Christmas spirit virtually with a festive background on your phone or desktop computer. Here we look at where you can bag various free Christmas-themed wallpapers, which can be downloaded via mobile apps and websites.
Phones
Those using an iPhone can choose from different apps at Apple's App Store that offer free festive wallpapers, such as Pocket Books, which requires iOS 7.0 or later and is optimized for all iOS devices including iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Their festive backgrounds range from snowflakes against a bauble backdrop and Christmas stockings to an atmospheric snow-covered cabin.
To access more festive backgrounds at the App Store, type "Christmas wallpaper" in the search box of the Apple Store website, which brings up a list of apps offering several options, including "live wallpapers" featuring animated Christmas tree lights and more.
WallpaperAccess offers a selection of at least 44 free high-definition (HD) images that can be used as wallpapers for iPhones. Backgrounds range from glowing Christmas trees to festive Christmas-themed graphics and can be downloaded directly from the website.
Those using Android phones can access a selection of apps offering free festive backgrounds on Google Play by typing in "free Christmas wallpapers" in the search box, which pulls up a shortened list of apps. Then click on the "see more" green icon on the right portion of the webpage, which reveals an expanded list of apps offering free festive wallpapers, such as the HD Live Wallpapers and Clocks app.
The app offers free "multiple moving wallpapers with festive ornaments and winter holiday images, Christmas backgrounds, X-mas tree HD wallpaper, multiple customize options like background changer, frames, animated snowflakes, magic touch, analog clock, emoji, your name and more, that work on the lock screen," it says on Google Play.
Desktop
There are several websites where you can access free downloads of different festive desktop backgrounds, such as Unsplash, which offers "over 2 million free high-resolution images brought to you by the world's most generous community of photographers," according to the website.
Unsplash's collection of free HD wallpapers for both desktops and phones have been submitted by the website's different members. They range from images of families at home during the holiday season to Christmas scenes on the street and festive dishes.
Stars At A Christmas Market
by Couleur https://t.co/TAXfJUh2vV pic.twitter.com/zqSHdxf6oz — Pixabay (@pixabay) December 17, 2020
Pixabay, which is sponsored by iStock from Getty Images, also offers HD images submitted by a network of different members. Pixabay users can receive a 20 percent discount on purchases at iStock by using the code PIXABAY20 at checkout, the company notes.
WallpaperAccess also has a selection of at least 50 festive wallpapers and backgrounds, including for Macbooks, which can also be downloaded for free directly from the website.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Mike Pence Gets COVID Vaccine, Says He 'Didn't Feel a Thing'

Vice president Mike Pence has received the COVID vaccine live on TV , telling a press conference that he `` @ @ @ @ @ '' while getting the shot .
Pence got his vaccine alongside second lady Karen Pence @ @ @ @ @ at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House on Friday morning .
The @ @ @ @ @ individual to have a COVID vaccine in the U.S. After having the shot by Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ a podium to deliver a speech , and addressed the health care worker from the @ @ @ @ @ Center that administered the shot .
`` Did n't feel a thing .
Well done @ @ @ @ @ to the country , '' he said .
Pence said : `` Karen and I @ @ @ @ @ take this vaccine to assure the American people that while we cut red tape , @ @ @ @ @ '' This is a breaking story and will be updated as more information becomes available @

Vice president Mike Pence has received the COVID vaccine live on TV, telling a press conference that he "didn't feel a thing" while getting the shot.
Pence got his vaccine alongside second lady Karen Pence and Surgeon General Jerome Adams at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House on Friday morning. The vice president is the highest-ranking individual to have a COVID vaccine in the U.S. The trio were among a handful of Americans to get the new vaccine this week.
After having the shot by Pfizer, Pence stepped up to a podium to deliver a speech, and addressed the health care worker from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that administered the shot. "Didn't feel a thing. Well done and we appreciate your service to the country," he said.
Pence told reporters: "We are gathered here today at the end of a historic week to affirm to the American people that hope is on the way. Karen and I were more than happy to step forward before this week was out to take this safe and effective coronavirus vaccine."
It was a "medical miracle" that a vaccine had been produced in less than one year, when the process can take up to 12 years, he said.
The event came as the U.S. reported all-time highs for cases and hospitalizations on Thursday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. 242,000 cases were reported, and 114,000 people were hospitalized with COVID in the U.S.
In an apparent attempt to boost public confidence in the vaccine amid a climate of hesitancy among some, as evidenced by the Statista chart below, Pence acknowledged that as COVID cases and hospitalizations rose across the country "vigilance and the vaccine is our way through. And building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning."
STATISTA
Pence went on: "Karen and I wanted to step forward and take this vaccine to assure the American people that while we cut red tape, we cut no corners."
He said: "Thanks to the great work at the National Institute of Health, and the great and careful work of the FDA and the leadership of our president and Operation Warp Speed, the American people can be confident we have one, and perhaps within hours, two safe and effective coronavirus vaccines for you and for your family."
The event was also attended by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the coronavirus task force led by Pence.
Fauci sought to allay fears that the vaccine was created to quickly, and said the speed was a reflection of extraordinary scientific advances, and did not compromise safety or scientific integrity. He highlighted the fact the tens of thousand of clinical trial participants put themselves on the line to prove the vaccine is safe, and that it was authorized based on the recommendations of an independent body.
Fauci said: "By the time we get to several months into this year we will have enough people protected that we can start thinking seriously about the return to normality. And that's up to all of us to step forward and get vaccinated."


newsweek--2020-12-18--British Two-Year-Old Found In Germany One Year After Going Missing

A two-year-old British boy who went missing with his mother a year ago has been found safe and well in Germany and brought back to the United Kingdom , a judge has confirmed .
Last month , a judge based in the family division of the High Court in London made an urgent request for information that could help find toddler Emmanuel Biendarra , who had been living in Kent , South East England , with his father .
The judge , Mr. Justice Peel , told a hearing that Emmanuel had been found in Germany and returned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the U.K. by his mother Kristina Nobis in December 2019 , the BBC reports .
At the time of his disappearance , Emmanuel was living with his father Benjamin Biendarra under a court order .
Peel ruled he could be identified in media reports in the appeal issued in November .
The judge said Nobis , a German national , was due to have Emmanuel over the weekend of November 3 and December 1 2019 .
The pair were expected to spend the weekend at a hotel in Tunbridge Wells , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not return her son and neither had been seen since .
It was believed that Emmanuel may have been taken to Germany , Switzerland , Austria or other parts of Central Europe .
At the time of the appeal , Emmanuel 's father said : `` I am devastated by Emmanuel 's sudden disappearance .
I am so worried about his safety and urge anyone who knows anything to come forward and assist . ''
In the United Kingdom , under the Child Abduction Act 1984 , it is a criminal offense for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 16 out of the U.K. without the appropriate consent .
In 2016 , a woman who took her daughter to Cambodia in breach of court orders was jailed for two years and six months .
She left the U.K. in October 2013 and was expelled from Cambodia for overstaying her visa three years later .
She admitted to taking a child out of the country without consent .
Another British mother who moved her daughters to Alaska without their father 's permission was jailed for three years and six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court in 2018 .
Newsweek has contacted Kent Police for further information .

A two-year-old British boy who went missing with his mother a year ago has been found safe and well in Germany and brought back to the United Kingdom, a judge has confirmed.
Last month, a judge based in the family division of the High Court in London made an urgent request for information that could help find toddler Emmanuel Biendarra, who had been living in Kent, South East England, with his father. The judge, Mr. Justice Peel, told a hearing that Emmanuel had been found in Germany and returned to the U.K. Police believe he was taken out of the U.K. by his mother Kristina Nobis in December 2019, the BBC reports.
At the time of his disappearance, Emmanuel was living with his father Benjamin Biendarra under a court order. Peel ruled he could be identified in media reports in the appeal issued in November. The judge said Nobis, a German national, was due to have Emmanuel over the weekend of November 3 and December 1 2019. The pair were expected to spend the weekend at a hotel in Tunbridge Wells, a town in Kent, but Nobis did not return her son and neither had been seen since.
It was believed that Emmanuel may have been taken to Germany, Switzerland, Austria or other parts of Central Europe. At the time of the appeal, Emmanuel's father said: "I am devastated by Emmanuel's sudden disappearance. I am so worried about his safety and urge anyone who knows anything to come forward and assist."
Emmanuel Biendarra has been found safe and well and returned to the U.K., a high court judge said Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
In the United Kingdom, under the Child Abduction Act 1984, it is a criminal offense for a parent to take a child under the age of 16 out of the U.K. without the appropriate consent. In 2016, a woman who took her daughter to Cambodia in breach of court orders was jailed for two years and six months. She left the U.K. in October 2013 and was expelled from Cambodia for overstaying her visa three years later. She admitted to taking a child out of the country without consent.
Another British mother who moved her daughters to Alaska without their father's permission was jailed for three years and six months after admitting abduction charges in a U.K. court in 2018. Newsweek has contacted Kent Police for further information.


newsweek--2020-12-18--'The Mandalorian' Season 2 Review: Spin-Off Overshadowed By Fan Service

The Mandalorian Season 2 finale pulled off the show 's biggest surprise yet , with a young Luke Skywalker ( a de-aged Mark Hamill ) turning up to offer to train Grogu in the ways of the Jedi .
And while the iconic Star Wars character 's return was celebrated by many , a significant minority on Twitter were not happy that a yet again a character from over 40 years ago was returning to the franchise .
For example , one viewer wrote , `` Luke showing up legitimately crushed me .
It just seems like nostalgic storytelling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Disappointing .
F*** this , '' while another tweeted , `` I 'm so done with star wars , they really ca n't let things f****** go . ''
Luke 's appearance , however , is just the pinnacle of a season that seemed insistent in jamming as many characters from Stars Wars movies , TV shows and books in as possible , turning The Mandalorian from an interesting show in its own right to a show that just seems like a cynical spin-off machine powered by fan service .
What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandalorian is that it seemed to spell a way forward for the Star Wars franchise as a whole .
It showed us that shows could exist in the universe of the franchise but tell stories about new characters—and not ones that we later find out are related to the characters we already know .
Then , however , Baby Yoda happened .
No matter how many times Disney tried to convince fans that the little green Jedi was called The Child , Baby Yoda stuck as his name .
The message seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us new characters , the world seemed to say , we are going to relate them to characters we already have .
From Baby Yoda , the path is set that will bring us to Baby Luke ( aka uncanny digitally de-aged Luke ) in the Season 2 finale .
Cut to Season 2 , and any attempt to create new characters like Werner Herzog 's mysterious Client or Taika Waititi 's IG-11 droid are thrown out of the window , with the makers taking the lazier step of filling the world with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admittedly , were created by Mandalorian EP Dave Filoni in his previous show The Clone Wars ) rather than thinking up new characters .
This may have made dedicated Star Wars fans happy , as they saw the universe that they love all start to fit together , but for more casual fans ( aka the majority of all viewers ) it made some episodes hard to watch , as characters are introduced as if we know them already even when we do not unless we have watched hundreds of hours of cartoons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disney+ catalog , with many viewers forced to watch The Clone Wars just to understand who all these characters were , but it did not make for an enjoyable cohesive show .
This then served to make the flaws in The Mandalorian more apparent .
Star Wars had always been inspired by the serials , short films shown in cinemas in the early 20th century in which heroes like The Lone Ranger , Dick Tracy or Zorro would face a different adventure each week .
The Mandalorian is probably the closest that Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a serial , with Pedro Pascal 's Mando on another adventure each week .
However , in a world of season-long arcs and prestige television , viewers expect more from a show , so when long periods of Season 2 just saw Mando embarking on a different quest each week where he would encounter a new famous face from the world of Star Wars , it quickly began to grate , turning the show into a Star Wars equivalent of The New Scooby-Doo Movies , a series from the 1970s in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang would be joined by a new celebrity guest like Batman , The Addams Family or Sonny and Cher .
As shown by a recent Disney investors call , this change from The Mandalorian Season 1 to 2 is part of a wider strategy at Disney+ to make the most of the fact that they own two of the biggest pieces of intellectual property in movie history in Star Wars and Marvel , allowing them to win the so-called 'streaming wars ' .
This means dozens of new Star Wars shows in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spin-off featuring Rogue One 's Cassian Andor and a Lando Calrissian show—fans should probably be thankful , in fact , that they 're not getting a space buddy cop series called Mando and Lando .
The Mandalorian itself , meanwhile , is getting two or possibly three spin-offs .
Ahsoka , featuring Rosario Dawson as the Jedi , who herself has spun-off from The Clone Wars and its own spin-off Star Wars Rebels , and Rangers of the New Republic , which fans think is based on one of the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Season 2 , Cara Dune ( Gina Carano ) .
Plus possibly The Book of Boba Fett , a spin-off of The Mandalorian 's version of the character who spun-off from The Empire Strikes Back .
This may all line the coffers of Disney+ nicely , but it has turned The Mandalorian into a cog in a massive wheel , a show that will only work alongside three other shows rather than one that works in its own right .
Season 2 began this process by transforming The Mandalorian from a show on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebels spin-off where Mando becomes tied up in Bo-Katan 's ( Katee Sackhoff ) mission to retrieve the darksaber .
Again , dedicated fans probably cared deeply about this weapon and who wields it , but to the remainder of viewers it just seemed like yet another MacGuffin in a show obsessed with them , and one it would take a long read of Star Wars wiki Wookiepedia to understand the significance of .
As The Mandalorian at its heart is just a high-budget , high-action serial , Season 2 simply collapsed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans may have loved it , but for many others , the show has turned to the dark side .
The Mandalorian Season 2 is streaming now on Disney+ .

The Mandalorian Season 2 finale pulled off the show's biggest surprise yet, with a young Luke Skywalker (a de-aged Mark Hamill) turning up to offer to train Grogu in the ways of the Jedi. And while the iconic Star Wars character's return was celebrated by many, a significant minority on Twitter were not happy that a yet again a character from over 40 years ago was returning to the franchise.
For example, one viewer wrote, "Luke showing up legitimately crushed me. It just seems like nostalgic storytelling to please [The Last Jedi] haters. Disappointing. F*** this," while another tweeted, "I'm so done with star wars, they really can't let things f****** go."
Luke's appearance, however, is just the pinnacle of a season that seemed insistent in jamming as many characters from Stars Wars movies, TV shows and books in as possible, turning The Mandalorian from an interesting show in its own right to a show that just seems like a cynical spin-off machine powered by fan service.
What was interesting about the first season of The Mandalorian is that it seemed to spell a way forward for the Star Wars franchise as a whole. It showed us that shows could exist in the universe of the franchise but tell stories about new characters—and not ones that we later find out are related to the characters we already know.
Pedro Pascal in'The Mandalorian'. Francois Duhamel/Lucasfilm Ltd/Press Assets
Then, however, Baby Yoda happened. No matter how many times Disney tried to convince fans that the little green Jedi was called The Child, Baby Yoda stuck as his name. The message seemed to be clear: Even when you give us new characters, the world seemed to say, we are going to relate them to characters we already have. From Baby Yoda, the path is set that will bring us to Baby Luke (aka uncanny digitally de-aged Luke) in the Season 2 finale.
Cut to Season 2, and any attempt to create new characters like Werner Herzog's mysterious Client or Taika Waititi's IG-11 droid are thrown out of the window, with the makers taking the lazier step of filling the world with existing characters (many of which, admittedly, were created by Mandalorian EP Dave Filoni in his previous show The Clone Wars) rather than thinking up new characters.
This may have made dedicated Star Wars fans happy, as they saw the universe that they love all start to fit together, but for more casual fans (aka the majority of all viewers) it made some episodes hard to watch, as characters are introduced as if we know them already even when we do not unless we have watched hundreds of hours of cartoons. This surely drove engagement on the Disney+ catalog, with many viewers forced to watch The Clone Wars just to understand who all these characters were, but it did not make for an enjoyable cohesive show.
This then served to make the flaws in The Mandalorian more apparent. Star Wars had always been inspired by the serials, short films shown in cinemas in the early 20th century in which heroes like The Lone Ranger, Dick Tracy or Zorro would face a different adventure each week. The Mandalorian is probably the closest that Star Wars ever got to the platonic ideal of a serial, with Pedro Pascal's Mando on another adventure each week.
Rosario Dawson will star in an Ahsoka Tano spin-off on Disney+ Disney+
However, in a world of season-long arcs and prestige television, viewers expect more from a show, so when long periods of Season 2 just saw Mando embarking on a different quest each week where he would encounter a new famous face from the world of Star Wars, it quickly began to grate, turning the show into a Star Wars equivalent of The New Scooby-Doo Movies, a series from the 1970s in which each week Shaggy, Daphne and the gang would be joined by a new celebrity guest like Batman, The Addams Family or Sonny and Cher.
As shown by a recent Disney investors call, this change from The Mandalorian Season 1 to 2 is part of a wider strategy at Disney+ to make the most of the fact that they own two of the biggest pieces of intellectual property in movie history in Star Wars and Marvel, allowing them to win the so-called 'streaming wars'.
This means dozens of new Star Wars shows in the coming years like the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, a spin-off featuring Rogue One's Cassian Andor and a Lando Calrissian show—fans should probably be thankful, in fact, that they're not getting a space buddy cop series called Mando and Lando.
The Mandalorian itself, meanwhile, is getting two or possibly three spin-offs. Ahsoka, featuring Rosario Dawson as the Jedi, who herself has spun-off from The Clone Wars and its own spin-off Star Wars Rebels, and Rangers of the New Republic, which fans think is based on one of the few Season 1 characters that made it to Season 2, Cara Dune (Gina Carano). Plus possibly The Book of Boba Fett, a spin-off of The Mandalorian's version of the character who spun-off from The Empire Strikes Back.
This may all line the coffers of Disney+ nicely, but it has turned The Mandalorian into a cog in a massive wheel, a show that will only work alongside three other shows rather than one that works in its own right.
Season 2 began this process by transforming The Mandalorian from a show on its own to essentially a Star Wars Rebels spin-off where Mando becomes tied up in Bo-Katan's (Katee Sackhoff) mission to retrieve the darksaber. Again, dedicated fans probably cared deeply about this weapon and who wields it, but to the remainder of viewers it just seemed like yet another MacGuffin in a show obsessed with them, and one it would take a long read of Star Wars wiki Wookiepedia to understand the significance of.
As The Mandalorian at its heart is just a high-budget, high-action serial, Season 2 simply collapsed under the weight of all this backstory. Fans may have loved it, but for many others, the show has turned to the dark side.
The Mandalorian Season 2 is streaming now on Disney+.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Moderna COVID Vaccine Due to Be Authorized, Shipped Over Weekend, Says Alex Azar

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is set to be authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA @ @ @ @ @ out over the weekend , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Moderna that we expect to grant the emergency use authorization , that could come as @ @ @ @ @ Azar told Good Morning America on Friday .
`` So more good Friday vaccine news @ @ @ @ @ roll , planes will fly this weekend—5.9 million doses of Moderna vaccine allocated for next @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and Peter Marks , director of the @ @ @ @ @ Evaluation and Research , issued a statement saying the agency had informed the manufacturer it @ @ @ @ @ finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization . ''
Azar said he planned on @ @ @ @ @ live TV , if the White House physician said it was appropriate to do so @ @ @ @ @ story and will be updated as more information becomes available .

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is set to be authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and shipped out over the weekend, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Friday.
"The FDA has communicated to Moderna that we expect to grant their emergency use authorization, that could come as soon as today," Azar told Good Morning America on Friday. "So more good Friday vaccine news."
"Trucks will roll, planes will fly this weekend—5.9 million doses of Moderna vaccine allocated for next week," Azar said.
On Thursday, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, issued a statement saying the agency had informed the manufacturer it will rapidly work toward "finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization."
"The agency has also notified the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed, so they can execute their plans for timely vaccine distribution," the statement read.
During the Good Morning America interview, Azar sought to reassure members of the public who are hesitant over receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, describing both the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech shots as "exceptionally safe" and "shockingly effective."
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was approved for emergency use by the FDA earlier this month and the rollout of the shot across the country has already begun.
EXCLUSIVE: Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar tells our @GStephanopoulos that the FDA could grant emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine as early as today. https://t.co/7vy0pc9xKJ pic.twitter.com/dlGaX7qZxb — Good Morning America (@GMA) December 18, 2020
"We're just going to keep trying to get the word out there that all of us have complete confidence in the independence and quality of the FDA's review process," Azar said.
"That's why you're seeing the Vice President, the Second Lady, the Surgeon General today getting vaccinated. We're going to be pacing out leaders getting vaccinated over the coming weeks."
Azar said he planned on getting vaccinated next week on live TV, if the White House physician said it was appropriate to do so.
"We wouldn't asked you to do something that we wouldn't do," Azar said.
On Friday, President Donald Trump said on Twitter: "Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved. Distribution to start immediately," Trump said.
Moderna vaccine overwhelmingly approved. Distribution to start immediately. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2020
Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert, told NBC News he expects the rollout of the Moderna vaccine to begin early next week.
"I would anticipate that we likely will see shots in the arm by the very early part of next week I would hope Monday or Tuesday, but you know we just have to wait to see for the final decision. But very soon literally within a few days," he said.
This breaking story has been updated with additional information.