newsweek--2020-12-11--Hunter Biden Saga Personifies Ruling Class Power and Conceit | Opinion

On the precipice of the 2020 presidential election , the American ruling class pulled off every stunt imaginable for its preferred candidate , Joe Biden .
Presidential debate moderators deliberately refused to delve into the realm of foreign policy , an area in which Uncle Joe has been wrong on every major issue for four decades .
Media elites dutifully praised the Supreme Court 's unwise failure to intervene and clarify that state legislatures , not governors or state courts , retain sole power over changing election law .
The most anodyne of questioning about the unprecedented proliferation of inherently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` voter suppression . ''
In major cities , Antifa street thugs effectively held hostage public safety unless Biden won .
But of all the ways in which the ruling class 's various levers worked in tandem to pave the way for Biden , none was more galling than Big Tech 's weeks-long censorship of the New York Post 's bombshell reporting on prodigal son Hunter Biden 's unsavory exploits overseas .
On consecutive days in mid-October , the Post published stories about how Hunter leveraged his father 's lofty perch to unjustly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively .
Facebook promptly blacklisted the story .
Twitter nearly banned access to the story in toto and had the chutzpah to lock out the Post—the nation 's oldest continually operating daily newspaper , which was founded by Alexander Hamilton—from its own account for over two weeks .
Outside Silicon Valley , media lackeys carrying water for the Biden campaign unanimously decried the Post 's reporting as `` Russian disinformation . ''
But now , as we approach the Electoral College 's presumptive formalization of an impending Biden presidency , Hunter confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Office in Delaware is investigating him for possible tax fraud and money laundering violations involving unseemly foreign business dealings .
It appears that China , America 's arch geopolitical foe in which Hunter has had extensive private equity dealings , features front and center in the feds ' investigation .
Who would 've thunk ?
As one Twitter wit asked : `` Where does the New York Post go to get its apology ? ''
Every single journalist and Democratic propagandist who rushed to dismiss the Post 's reporting as `` Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face .
And Facebook and Twitter , censorious industrialists who manipulate their monopolistic control over the 21st century 's online town square to bolster `` enlightened '' liberal narratology and suppress conservative speech , have been revealed for all to be what red-blooded Americans already knew they were : levers of the ruling class .
The divide tearing this nation asunder is increasingly not , per se , that between Republican and Democrat .
It is not that between conservative and liberal , and it is certainly not that between white or nonwhite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ native , or so forth .
Rather , the divide in America in the year 2020 is that between the ruling class and those non-elitist Americans that the ruling class deigns to treat as subjects to be ruled with an iron fist .
The American ruling class is multitudinous .
It is both public and private , both deep state and `` woke '' corporate boardroom , both Hollywood and Wall Street .
Entrance to the ruling class is circumscribed by its gatekeeping credentialing institutions—namely , the academy—and membership is closely monitored for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` woke '' catechism must be imbibed like mother 's milk , and the pursuit of Truth must be subordinated to the ever-evolving demands of the Narrative .
If the academy is the ruling class 's gatekeeper and the deep state its preferred mode of heavy-handed governance , then Big Tech is its most trustworthy private-sector appendage .
The goliaths of Big Tech are entrusted with self-regulating our contemporary instrumentalities of political speech , and empowered with blocking rogue miscreants if they step too far out of line .
Big Tech is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the acceptability , or lack thereof , of speech itself .
Truth is not a relevant criterion in that calculus—but fidelity to the tenets of sacramental progressivism , and the Democratic Party itself , certainly is .
Fortuitously , the Federal Trade Commission and 46 state attorneys general recently launched an antitrust probe to break up Facebook .
Prominent private practice attorneys have also filed a similar suit .
But the ruling class 's corruption and rot will continue to fester unless adequately challenged by conscientious citizens tired of being treated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Josh Hammer is Newsweek opinion editor , a syndicated columnist and a research fellow with the Edmund Burke Foundation .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

On the precipice of the 2020 presidential election, the American ruling class pulled off every stunt imaginable for its preferred candidate, Joe Biden. Presidential debate moderators deliberately refused to delve into the realm of foreign policy, an area in which Uncle Joe has been wrong on every major issue for four decades. Media elites dutifully praised the Supreme Court's unwise failure to intervene and clarify that state legislatures, not governors or state courts, retain sole power over changing election law. The most anodyne of questioning about the unprecedented proliferation of inherently destabilizing mail-in balloting was roundly denounced as "voter suppression." In major cities, Antifa street thugs effectively held hostage public safety unless Biden won.
But of all the ways in which the ruling class's various levers worked in tandem to pave the way for Biden, none was more galling than Big Tech's weeks-long censorship of the New York Post's bombshell reporting on prodigal son Hunter Biden's unsavory exploits overseas. On consecutive days in mid-October, the Post published stories about how Hunter leveraged his father's lofty perch to unjustly enrich himself in Ukraine and China, respectively.
Facebook promptly blacklisted the story. Twitter nearly banned access to the story in toto and had the chutzpah to lock out the Post—the nation's oldest continually operating daily newspaper, which was founded by Alexander Hamilton—from its own account for over two weeks. Outside Silicon Valley, media lackeys carrying water for the Biden campaign unanimously decried the Post's reporting as "Russian disinformation."
But now, as we approach the Electoral College's presumptive formalization of an impending Biden presidency, Hunter confirmed in an official statement that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware is investigating him for possible tax fraud and money laundering violations involving unseemly foreign business dealings. It appears that China, America's arch geopolitical foe in which Hunter has had extensive private equity dealings, features front and center in the feds' investigation. Who would've thunk?
As one Twitter wit asked: "Where does the New York Post go to get its apology?"
Hunter Biden speaking in 2016 Kris Connor/WireImage
Every single journalist and Democratic propagandist who rushed to dismiss the Post's reporting as "Russian disinformation" now has egg on his face. And Facebook and Twitter, censorious industrialists who manipulate their monopolistic control over the 21st century's online town square to bolster "enlightened" liberal narratology and suppress conservative speech, have been revealed for all to be what red-blooded Americans already knew they were: levers of the ruling class.
The divide tearing this nation asunder is increasingly not, per se, that between Republican and Democrat. It is not that between conservative and liberal, and it is certainly not that between white or nonwhite, straight or gay, immigrant or native, or so forth. Rather, the divide in America in the year 2020 is that between the ruling class and those non-elitist Americans that the ruling class deigns to treat as subjects to be ruled with an iron fist.
The American ruling class is multitudinous. It is both public and private, both deep state and "woke" corporate boardroom, both Hollywood and Wall Street. Entrance to the ruling class is circumscribed by its gatekeeping credentialing institutions—namely, the academy—and membership is closely monitored for uniformity of political ideology. The full "woke" catechism must be imbibed like mother's milk, and the pursuit of Truth must be subordinated to the ever-evolving demands of the Narrative.
If the academy is the ruling class's gatekeeper and the deep state its preferred mode of heavy-handed governance, then Big Tech is its most trustworthy private-sector appendage. The goliaths of Big Tech are entrusted with self-regulating our contemporary instrumentalities of political speech, and empowered with blocking rogue miscreants if they step too far out of line. Big Tech is the ruling class's means by which to control the acceptability, or lack thereof, of speech itself. Truth is not a relevant criterion in that calculus—but fidelity to the tenets of sacramental progressivism, and the Democratic Party itself, certainly is.
Fortuitously, the Federal Trade Commission and 46 state attorneys general recently launched an antitrust probe to break up Facebook. Prominent private practice attorneys have also filed a similar suit. But the ruling class's corruption and rot will continue to fester unless adequately challenged by conscientious citizens tired of being treated as second-class subjects, rather than free citizens.
Josh Hammer is Newsweek opinion editor, a syndicated columnist and a research fellow with the Edmund Burke Foundation. He also volunteers with the Internet Accountability Project as a counsel and policy advisor. Twitter: @josh_hammer.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM
Note: This byline has been updated to reflect the writer's volunteer, unpaid consulting role with the Internet Accountability Project.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Culture Club to Return to the Stage for Livestream Show 'Rainbow in the Dark'

When it comes the 1980s , the British pop group Culture Club , fronted by their charismatic lead singer Boy George , are forever synonymous with that decade .
During the golden age of MTV , Culture Club dominated both the British and American pop charts with such hits as `` Do You Really Want to Hurt Me , '' `` Time ( Clock of My Heart ) , '' `` I 'll Tumble 4 Ya , '' `` Karma Chameleon , '' `` Church of the Poison Mind '' and `` Move Away . ''
Not only were they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Culture Club—and especially Boy George—were also everywhere in the media : newspapers , magazines and the TV talk show circuit .
That popularity was further compounded by the adoration of screaming fans wherever the group went .
In his 1995 memoir Take It Like a Man , George wrote of that period : `` Culture Club were on a success treadmill ... We never questioned our success , we just danced madly in its trail . ''
Almost 40 years later since their formation , Culture Club – George , bassist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing and recording together following on-and-off reunions from the last few decades .
On Saturday December 19 , the group will be performing a special concert , Rainbow in the Dark , at the SSE Arena , Wembley , which will host 1,000 audience members and be livestreamed across the world .
For Culture Club fans , the event provides a respite from the pandemic that has entirely shut down the live music industry .
`` The show 's going to be upbeat and fun , '' Hay tells Newsweek .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just give people something special in these times .
The other thing is just for us to get together , play again and enjoy being a band .
I think it 's going to be just great on so many levels to play live again , to see the guys get out , and have this thing go around the world .
It 's amazing . ''
`` What 's also needed is bringing together the band and the people who work with us as well , '' Craig adds .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound engineer to everyone that 's working with us .
They 're all great people .
It 'll be nice to pull everybody back together and find that kinship again . ''
Naturally , the set list for the upcoming show will draw from the band 's greatest hits as well as some recent and even new material .
`` There will be one of the new songs that we 've been working on for a movie called We Are Gathered Here Today , '' says Hay .
`` We 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be shooting a video for that during the performance .
So that 's going to be exciting . ''
`` George always likes to throw something in , '' explains Craig , `` so it would n't surprise me if there are a couple of new things in there .
And then we pull in a few covers here and there to liven the thing up .
But of course , all the hits will be there . ''
Fittingly , the SSE Arena concert comes on the eve of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club , whose original and classic lineup consisted of George , Hay , Craig and drummer Jon Moss .
`` The early years have been kind of a blur , '' says Hay .
`` Everything was so crazy and so exciting .
When you travel the world the first time when you 're in a band , you never get that magic back in your life .
They 're just magic times and to be able to do that in a band situation and playing music and discovering the world at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real gift and something very special . ''
Formed in 1981 , Culture Club forged their distinct identity first musically by embracing a variety of musical styles—pop , blue-eyed soul and Caribbean—which contrasted with the synthpop and post-punk sounds of their contemporaries .
Already having a unique look from his days as a trendsetting club kid , George also oversaw the band 's image and fashions that were a combination of different influences and symbols .
After signing with Virgin , Culture Club released their debut album , 1982 's Kissing to Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a dent on the charts .
But their third single , the now-iconic `` Do You Really Want to Hurt Me ?
`` , became a huge hit and became the band 's breakthrough .
Culture Club 's performance of the song on the popular British TV music show Top of the Pops drew strong reaction from both viewers and critics over George 's appearance , and the group were on their way to stardom .
`` The cliché is people thought he was a girl , '' says Craig of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
A lot of people were bewildered by the whole thing , but they loved the song and they loved George 's voice and the way he sang ... And so it was n't just a novelty thing , there was some substance to it as well .
That showed when we went to the States , particularly because when `` Do You Really Want to Hurt Me ? ''
was sent out to radio stations in America .
A lot of DJs were playing the song and thinking that George was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they saw what the band looked like and found out George was a guy , that just added to it . '
'' Culture Club arrived in America in grand fashion as part of the Second British Invasion alongside Duran Duran , Eurythmics and the Human League .
The publicity surrounding the band , especially about the always-quotable George , was tremendous and a rabid fan hysteria followed .
Their success culminated with the smash 1983 album Colour By Numbers , which included Culture Club 's first and only U.S. number one hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on those moments in life where we sort of had that punky energy early on ... and the first album reflected that , '' says Hay .
`` We started to develop a little bit of songwriters .
I think on that second album , we had a bit more confidence and we really brought the ideas—both George lyrically and myself musically , and Jon and Mikey rhythmically .
`` Karma Chameleon '' is a very special record .
Subsequently , it created its own legacy .
Of course we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people would kill us . ''
By this point Culture Club were a pop phenomenon that included them winning a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1984 ( during which George delivered his famous `` drag queen '' remark ) .
But the constant touring and press attention over time—not to mention George 's substance abuse and legal issues , and the drama surrounding his then-relationship with Moss—took a toll on the band that led up to their breakup in the late 1980s .
`` Tumultuous is the word , '' Craig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were really high , and the lows were really low .
At times , it was such a roller coaster that it was too much .
Jon and George were in a relationship , and the speed that we were moving at was just too much for the relationship to handle .
It happened so quickly that you hardly got time to take it in properly . ''
`` It was a little challenging , '' says Hay .
`` I feared for what actually did happen in the end , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it became too much for everybody , and that 's why in '86 , it all just blew up .
We all knew it was going to head that way , and then it was too much for everybody , including George . ''
Over the years , the band has reunited a few times , first in 1998 and then in the last couple of years that included touring the United States and releasing the Life album in 2018 .
Amid the upcoming show at the SSE Arena , Hay , George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new music together ; both Hay and Craig had been setting up their home recording studios .
`` We 're sending tracks backwards and forwards , '' says Craig , `` like Roy will send me something , I 'll play something on it , send it back to him , and so on and so forth .
Then he 'll send it to George , George will put something on it .
I really imagine that will start to sort of speed up early New Year , and it would n't surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerge during the year . ''
Four decades later , Boy George still remains a popular celebrity as well as an icon within the LGBTQ community , while Culture Club broke ground in pop music in terms especially for their multiculturalism and celebration of individuality .
`` I 've always felt like Culture Club was a one-stop shop for anyone who felt different for any reason , '' George once said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times in 2018 .
`` That 's kind of an important thing that we did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't a political band , but we were a huge political statement .
We never went out and said , 'You have to be like us .
That 's how we will get along . '
We got every conceivable aspect of mankind in this band , and we go from reggae to rock .
'So if we can do it , why ca n't you ? '
'' `` Roy always says that if you had a Culture Club poster on your wall , then we 've done our job , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to people who perhaps were forgotten about or perhaps were too shy or too embarrassed to come out and say : ' I like this band ' or ' I like this type of movement , ' ' I like this type of clothing ' or whatever .
There are other people who are like that locked away in their bedrooms at the time , and I think Culture Club gave this type of person the opportunity .
That 's what I love about it—that we were able to transform some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they 're valued as well .
That 's really it . ''
Culture Club 's 'Rainbow in the Dark ' show will take place at SSE Arena , Wembley , on December 19 , For information on tickets , click here .
( First responders can access the livestream for free by filling out a form ) .

Culture Club (l-r): Roy Hay, Boy George and Mikey Craig. Dean Stockings
When it comes the 1980s, the British pop group Culture Club, fronted by their charismatic lead singer Boy George, are forever synonymous with that decade. During the golden age of MTV, Culture Club dominated both the British and American pop charts with such hits as "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," "Time (Clock of My Heart)," "I'll Tumble 4 Ya," "Karma Chameleon," "Church of the Poison Mind" and "Move Away." Not only were they ubiquitous on radio and MTV during 1983-1984, but Culture Club—and especially Boy George—were also everywhere in the media: newspapers, magazines and the TV talk show circuit. That popularity was further compounded by the adoration of screaming fans wherever the group went. In his 1995 memoir Take It Like a Man, George wrote of that period: "Culture Club were on a success treadmill...We never questioned our success, we just danced madly in its trail."
Almost 40 years later since their formation, Culture Club – George, bassist Mikey Craig and guitarist/keyboardist Roy Hay—are still performing and recording together following on-and-off reunions from the last few decades. On Saturday December 19, the group will be performing a special concert, Rainbow in the Dark, at the SSE Arena, Wembley, which will host 1,000 audience members and be livestreamed across the world. For Culture Club fans, the event provides a respite from the pandemic that has entirely shut down the live music industry.
"The show's going to be upbeat and fun," Hay tells Newsweek. "It's a couple of reasons: to just give people something special in these times. The other thing is just for us to get together, play again and enjoy being a band. I think it's going to be just great on so many levels to play live again, to see the guys get out, and have this thing go around the world. It's amazing."
"What's also needed is bringing together the band and the people who work with us as well," Craig adds. "We're a real tight unit from the sound engineer to everyone that's working with us. They're all great people. It'll be nice to pull everybody back together and find that kinship again."
Naturally, the set list for the upcoming show will draw from the band's greatest hits as well as some recent and even new material. "There will be one of the new songs that we've been working on for a movie called We Are Gathered Here Today," says Hay. "We're going to be debuting that. We're also going to be shooting a video for that during the performance. So that's going to be exciting."
"George always likes to throw something in," explains Craig, "so it wouldn't surprise me if there are a couple of new things in there. And then we pull in a few covers here and there to liven the thing up. But of course, all the hits will be there."
Fittingly, the SSE Arena concert comes on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the founding of Culture Club, whose original and classic lineup consisted of George, Hay, Craig and drummer Jon Moss.
"The early years have been kind of a blur," says Hay. "Everything was so crazy and so exciting. When you travel the world the first time when you're in a band, you never get that magic back in your life. They're just magic times and to be able to do that in a band situation and playing music and discovering the world at the same time, it's just a real gift and something very special."
Formed in 1981, Culture Club forged their distinct identity first musically by embracing a variety of musical styles—pop, blue-eyed soul and Caribbean—which contrasted with the synthpop and post-punk sounds of their contemporaries. Already having a unique look from his days as a trendsetting club kid, George also oversaw the band's image and fashions that were a combination of different influences and symbols.
After signing with Virgin, Culture Club released their debut album, 1982's Kissing to Be Clever. Their first two singles hardly made a dent on the charts. But their third single, the now-iconic "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?", became a huge hit and became the band's breakthrough. Culture Club's performance of the song on the popular British TV music show Top of the Pops drew strong reaction from both viewers and critics over George's appearance, and the group were on their way to stardom.
"The cliché is people thought he was a girl," says Craig of George, "which you probably heard 100 times. A lot of people were bewildered by the whole thing, but they loved the song and they loved George's voice and the way he sang...And so it wasn't just a novelty thing, there was some substance to it as well. That showed when we went to the States, particularly because when "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" was sent out to radio stations in America. A lot of DJs were playing the song and thinking that George was a girl. Of course, when they saw what the band looked like and found out George was a guy, that just added to it.'"
(MANDATORY CREDIT Ebet Roberts/Getty Images) UNITED STATES - JUNE 30: Photo of CULTURE CLUB and Mikey CRAIG and Jon MOSS and BOY GEORGE and Roy HAY; Posed group portrait L-R Mikey Craig, Jon Moss, Boy George and Roy Hay Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty
Culture Club arrived in America in grand fashion as part of the Second British Invasion alongside Duran Duran, Eurythmics and the Human League. The publicity surrounding the band, especially about the always-quotable George, was tremendous and a rabid fan hysteria followed. Their success culminated with the smash 1983 album Colour By Numbers, which included Culture Club's first and only U.S. number one hit "Karma Chameleon."
"It was on those moments in life where we sort of had that punky energy early on...and the first album reflected that," says Hay. "We started to develop a little bit of songwriters. I think on that second album, we had a bit more confidence and we really brought the ideas—both George lyrically and myself musically, and Jon and Mikey rhythmically. "Karma Chameleon" is a very special record. Subsequently, it created its own legacy. Of course we have to end every show with it. Otherwise, people would kill us."
By this point Culture Club were a pop phenomenon that included them winning a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1984 (during which George delivered his famous "drag queen" remark). But the constant touring and press attention over time—not to mention George's substance abuse and legal issues, and the drama surrounding his then-relationship with Moss—took a toll on the band that led up to their breakup in the late 1980s.
"Tumultuous is the word," Craig says. "I think the highs were really high, and the lows were really low. At times, it was such a roller coaster that it was too much. Jon and George were in a relationship, and the speed that we were moving at was just too much for the relationship to handle. It happened so quickly that you hardly got time to take it in properly."
"It was a little challenging," says Hay. "I feared for what actually did happen in the end, in which was [George] was overexposed and it became too much for everybody, and that's why in '86, it all just blew up. We all knew it was going to head that way, and then it was too much for everybody, including George."
Over the years, the band has reunited a few times, first in 1998 and then in the last couple of years that included touring the United States and releasing the Life album in 2018. Amid the upcoming show at the SSE Arena, Hay, George and Craig have been collaborating on some new music together; both Hay and Craig had been setting up their home recording studios. "We're sending tracks backwards and forwards," says Craig, "like Roy will send me something, I'll play something on it, send it back to him, and so on and so forth. Then he'll send it to George, George will put something on it. I really imagine that will start to sort of speed up early New Year, and it wouldn't surprise me if a new album starts to emerge during the year."
Four decades later, Boy George still remains a popular celebrity as well as an icon within the LGBTQ community, while Culture Club broke ground in pop music in terms especially for their multiculturalism and celebration of individuality. "I've always felt like Culture Club was a one-stop shop for anyone who felt different for any reason," George once said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times in 2018.
"That's kind of an important thing that we did, says Hay. "We weren't a political band, but we were a huge political statement. We never went out and said, 'You have to be like us. That's how we will get along.' We got every conceivable aspect of mankind in this band, and we go from reggae to rock. 'So if we can do it, why can't you?'"
"Roy always says that if you had a Culture Club poster on your wall, then we've done our job," says Craig. "We've reached out to people who perhaps were forgotten about or perhaps were too shy or too embarrassed to come out and say: 'I like this band' or 'I like this type of movement,' 'I like this type of clothing' or whatever. There are other people who are like that locked away in their bedrooms at the time, and I think Culture Club gave this type of person the opportunity. That's what I love about it—that we were able to transform some people's lives, and let them know that they're valued as well. That's really it."
Culture Club's 'Rainbow in the Dark' show will take place at SSE Arena, Wembley, on December 19, For information on tickets, click here. (First responders can access the livestream for free by filling out a form).


newsweek--2020-12-11--How Alyssa Milano and Other Celebrities Reacted to Brandon Bernard's Execution

The execution of Brandon Bernard has sent a wave of shock and sadness throughout the world for many .
Bernard 's death has seen many famous faces call for an end to the death penalty as Kim Kardashian West advocated for his removal from death row , bringing international to the situation .
Bernard died by lethal injection , aged 40 , at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute , Indiana , on Thursday .
The Supreme Court has denied a stay , in the rare execution of a person for a crime committed as a teenager .
Bernard was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1999 kidnapping and killing of youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley .
However , five of the jurors who sentenced him to death said they no longer stood by the original verdict .
His attorneys have called his execution `` a stain on America 's criminal justice system . ''
Kardashian took to Twitter this morning to mourn Bernard , saying she was `` so messed up '' following his execution .
`` I 'm so messed up right now .
They killed Brandon . ''
Kardashian tweeted Friday .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful and positive until the end .
More importantly he is sorry , so sorry for the hurt and pain he has caused others . ''
She ended her thread with a call to action about America 's justice system : `` This just has to change : our system is so f***** up . ''
Kardashian 's sentiments have been echoed by many on social media today .
Bernice King , the daughter of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. reacted to the news with a comment on abolishing the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death penalty .
# BrandonBernard . ''
Jeffrey Wright of Westworld fame tweeted : `` Trump & his klan can forgive a psychotic like an Eddie Gallagher , who expressed no remorse for his crimes , but REFUSE forgiveness for Brandon Bernard , who was accomplice to a horrible act , was punished , and then , by all reports , spent 22 yrs working at repentance .
Wonder why . ''
TikTok star Charlie D'Amelio tweeted : `` my heart is breaking reading everything going on right now this is not right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Singer Loren Gray urged her followers to another death row inmate Pervis Payne .
`` The system failed brandon bernard .
we ca n't let this happen again , '' she tweeted .
`` There is still time to help pervis payne , who did not receive a fair trial & has been on death row for 32 years .
he is scheduled to be executed on 4/9 .
please sign . ''
Musician Finneas O'Connell wrote : `` Devastated by the execution of Brandon Bernard .
Abolish the death penalty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've been filming all day & just logged on and am now reading everything about Brandon Bernard - my heart hurts .
Broken heart Disappointed but not surprised by the SCOTUS petition rejection as well .
We need a government that listens to our voices .
This f****** sucks . ''
Executions under Donald Trump will be the most of any president in over a century .

The execution of Brandon Bernard has sent a wave of shock and sadness throughout the world for many.
Bernard's death has seen many famous faces call for an end to the death penalty as Kim Kardashian West advocated for his removal from death row, bringing international to the situation.
Bernard died by lethal injection, aged 40, at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Thursday. The Supreme Court has denied a stay, in the rare execution of a person for a crime committed as a teenager.
Bernard was sentenced to death for his role in the 1999 kidnapping and killing of youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley. However, five of the jurors who sentenced him to death said they no longer stood by the original verdict.
His attorneys have called his execution "a stain on America's criminal justice system."
Kardashian took to Twitter this morning to mourn Bernard, saying she was "so messed up" following his execution.
"I'm so messed up right now. They killed Brandon." Kardashian tweeted Friday. "He was such a reformed person. So hopeful and positive until the end. More importantly he is sorry, so sorry for the hurt and pain he has caused others."
Brandon Bernard died by lethal injection, aged 40, at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Thursday, December 10. Courtesy of attorneys for Brandon Bernard
She ended her thread with a call to action about America's justice system: "This just has to change: our system is so f***** up."
Kardashian's sentiments have been echoed by many on social media today.
Charmed star Alyssa Milano simply tweeted: "Abolish the death penalty."
Abolish the death penalty. — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 11, 2020
Bernice King, the daughter of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. reacted to the news with a comment on abolishing the death penalty.
"We must abolish the death penalty. #BrandonBernard."
We must abolish the death penalty. #BrandonBernard https://t.co/hKwN0Rjn79 — Be A King (@BerniceKing) December 11, 2020
Jeffrey Wright of Westworld fame tweeted: "Trump & his klan can forgive a psychotic like an Eddie Gallagher, who expressed no remorse for his crimes, but REFUSE forgiveness for Brandon Bernard, who was accomplice to a horrible act, was punished, and then, by all reports, spent 22 yrs working at repentance. Wonder why."
Trump & his klan can forgive a psychotic like an Eddie Gallagher, who expressed no remorse for his crimes, but REFUSE forgiveness for Brandon Bernard, who was accomplice to a horrible act, was punished, and then, by all reports, spent 22 yrs working at repentance. Wonder why. — Jeffrey We Voted Out That Gameshow Clown Wright (@jfreewright) December 11, 2020
TikTok star Charlie D'Amelio tweeted: "my heart is breaking reading everything going on right now this is not right brandon bernard does not deserve this."
my heart is breaking reading everything going on right now this is not right brandon bernard does not deserve this — charli d’amelio (@charlidamelio) December 11, 2020
Singer Loren Gray urged her followers to another death row inmate Pervis Payne.
"The system failed brandon bernard. we can't let this happen again," she tweeted. "There is still time to help pervis payne, who did not receive a fair trial & has been on death row for 32 years. he is scheduled to be executed on 4/9. please sign."
tw // death penalty
the system failed brandon bernard. we can’t let this happen again. there is still time to help pervis payne, who did not receive a fair trial & has been on death row for 32 years. he is scheduled to be executed on 4/9. please sign https://t.co/2qmB1V1qHV — loren gray (@iamlorengray) December 11, 2020
Instagram star Jay Versace tweeted: "REST IN PEACE #BrandonBernard."
Musician Finneas O'Connell wrote: "Devastated by the execution of Brandon Bernard. Abolish the death penalty."
Devastated by the execution of Brandon Bernard. Abolish the death penalty. — FINNEAS (@finneas) December 11, 2020
YouTuber James Charles added: "I've been filming all day & just logged on and am now reading everything about Brandon Bernard - my heart hurts. Broken heart Disappointed but not surprised by the SCOTUS petition rejection as well. We need a government that listens to our voices. This f****** sucks."
I’ve been filming all day & just logged on and am now reading everything about Brandon Bernard - my heart hurts. 💔 Disappointed but not surprised by the SCOTUS petition rejection as well. 😐 We need a government that listens to our voices. This fucking sucks. — James Charles (@jamescharles) December 11, 2020
Executions under Donald Trump will be the most of any president in over a century.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Xbox Series X Restock Updates as Microsoft Working on Replenishing Stock

The Xbox Series X is in short supply , as most major retailers are sold out .
However , Microsoft has said it is working with retailers to replenish the stock .
Gamers have had a hard time buying the Xbox Series X and the digital Xbox Series S version since launch day , as Microsoft has not released a timeline for when stock will become available , it does n't seem as though finding a console will become any easier anytime soon .
The best bet of purchasing an Xbox Series X or S console right now is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releases more stock .
As the major retailers are not warning customers ahead of time , this will also be a challenge .
Read up on the latest Xbox Series X restock updates below to find out how to be in with the best chance of purchasing a console .
Walmart has removed both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S from its website , as well as the PlayStation 5 .
When searching for the Xbox Series X , users are met with the following message : `` Oops !
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As with the PS5 , Walmart has blocked inventory checker BrickSeek from sharing information on the Xbox .
According to BrickSeek : `` At the request of the retailers , search results for this item have been disabled . ''
Like the PS5 , the only way to get an Xbox Series X may be to turn up at your local Walmart and ask if they have any in stock , or if they know when they next will .
Remember to be polite to employees as they may not be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series X is not available to order for delivery online at Target .
Instead , gamers will need to check their local store 's inventory using the Target website or app , and if they have any consoles , order for pick up .
Keep an eye on inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek , who are still showing stock information for the Xbox Series X at Target .
The Xbox Series X is currently out of stock at Amazon , Best Buy , Costco , and GameStop .
However , gamers should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CVP at Microsoft Gaming , said in a blog post on Thursday : `` Your overwhelming response to the launch of Xbox Series X|S has been staggering and heartening at the same time .
`` We ca n't wait for everyone who wants to experience gaming on Xbox Series X and Series S to do so and are working with our retail partners to replenish stock as quickly as we can . ''
While Microsoft has not confirmed any dates , it is good to know that the team is aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more consoles available .
In the meantime , follow Twitter accounts that share Xbox Series X drops and pay attention to rumors circulating on social media , just in case .
Join Discord channels and follow Reddit thread where fellow gamers discuss drops and how they managed to get their hands on the elusive console Finally , check back with Newsweek as we publish updates on both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn @ @ @ @ @ @

The Xbox Series X is in short supply, as most major retailers are sold out. However, Microsoft has said it is working with retailers to replenish the stock.
Gamers have had a hard time buying the Xbox Series X and the digital Xbox Series S version since launch day, as Microsoft has not released a timeline for when stock will become available, it doesn't seem as though finding a console will become any easier anytime soon.
The best bet of purchasing an Xbox Series X or S console right now is to be fully prepared for when a retailer releases more stock. As the major retailers are not warning customers ahead of time, this will also be a challenge.
Read up on the latest Xbox Series X restock updates below to find out how to be in with the best chance of purchasing a console.
Xbox Series X Walmart
Walmart has removed both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S from its website, as well as the PlayStation 5. When searching for the Xbox Series X, users are met with the following message: "Oops! This item is unavailable or on backorder."
As with the PS5, Walmart has blocked inventory checker BrickSeek from sharing information on the Xbox. According to BrickSeek: "At the request of the retailers, search results for this item have been disabled."
Like the PS5, the only way to get an Xbox Series X may be to turn up at your local Walmart and ask if they have any in stock, or if they know when they next will. Remember to be polite to employees as they may not be allowed to sell the consoles.
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (L, in black) and series S (R, in white) gaming consoles are seen on display during its worldwide release at an electronics store in Tokyo on November 10, 2020. Microsoft has said it is working with major retailers to replenish stocks. Charly Triballeau/Getty
Xbox Series X Target
The Xbox Series X is not available to order for delivery online at Target. Instead, gamers will need to check their local store's inventory using the Target website or app, and if they have any consoles, order for pick up.
Keep an eye on inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek, who are still showing stock information for the Xbox Series X at Target.
Xbox Series X Restock
The Xbox Series X is currently out of stock at Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and GameStop.
However, gamers should not lose hope yet as Jerret West, CVP at Microsoft Gaming, said in a blog post on Thursday: "Your overwhelming response to the launch of Xbox Series X|S has been staggering and heartening at the same time.
"We can't wait for everyone who wants to experience gaming on Xbox Series X and Series S to do so and are working with our retail partners to replenish stock as quickly as we can."
While Microsoft has not confirmed any dates, it is good to know that the team is aware of the demand and are working to get more consoles available.
In the meantime, follow Twitter accounts that share Xbox Series X drops and pay attention to rumors circulating on social media, just in case. Join Discord channels and follow Reddit thread where fellow gamers discuss drops and how they managed to get their hands on the elusive console
Finally, check back with Newsweek as we publish updates on both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Search for Missing Sailor from USS Theodore Roosevelt Feared Overboard

The U.S. Navy is searching for a missing sailor feared to have gone overboard from the USS Theodore Roosevelt off Southern California .
The aircraft carrier has been joined by other ships in an attempt to trace the individual , who was spotted in the water at about 7.30 a.m. Thursday , the Navy Times reported .
In all , three search and rescue helicopters , the U.S. Coast Guard , USS Bunker Hill , USS Russell , USS Howard and USS Charleston have been deployed to help with the search .
Newsweek contacted the U.S. Navy for information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted to the ship ombudsman 's private Facebook page , and seen by the Navy Times , `` the sailor 's primary next-of-kin have been notified and we will continue doing everything we can to support them as we keep searching . ''
The message said : `` In addition , two additional mental health providers are on station .
Leadership will continue to monitor the situation and ensure any Sailors who need assistance receive it . ''
The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed its base of San Diego Tuesday , and will dock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Washington , for maintenance before returning to Southern California in August 2021 .
In September , a search and rescue mission was carried out in the northern Arabian Sea after a sailor went missing from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz .
Crew were alerted using the `` man overboard '' alarm at 6.47 p.m. on 6 September after being unable to find the sailor , who was aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as it conducted patrols amid heightened tensions with Iran .
Information Systems Technician Ian McKnight was later identified as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called off two days later .
`` The strike group team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Petty Officer McKnight , '' Rear Admiral Jim Kirk , commander of Carrier Strike Group 11 , said in a statement .
`` And I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Airmen who were involved in the search for our shipmate . ''
In 2017 , a U.S. sailor who was thought to be lost at sea was found hiding in his own ship .
The sailor , Peter Mims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prompting a massive search operation over thousands of nautical miles .
The search was called off when Mims was reportedly found hiding on his own ship the USS Shiloh .
Mims was found crouched in the engineering space of the guided-missile cruiser , U.S. Pacific Command Lt.Cmdr .
Matt Knight told the Japan Times .
Knight added : `` The circumstances surrounding Petty Officer Mims ' disappearance are under investigation . ''

The U.S. Navy is searching for a missing sailor feared to have gone overboard from the USS Theodore Roosevelt off Southern California.
The aircraft carrier has been joined by other ships in an attempt to trace the individual, who was spotted in the water at about 7.30 a.m. Thursday, the Navy Times reported. In all, three search and rescue helicopters, the U.S. Coast Guard, USS Bunker Hill, USS Russell, USS Howard and USS Charleston have been deployed to help with the search.
Newsweek contacted the U.S. Navy for information about the incident.
According to a message posted to the ship ombudsman's private Facebook page, and seen by the Navy Times, "the sailor's primary next-of-kin have been notified and we will continue doing everything we can to support them as we keep searching."
The message said: "In addition, two additional mental health providers are on station. Leadership will continue to monitor the situation and ensure any Sailors who need assistance receive it."
The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed its base of San Diego Tuesday, and will dock at the U.S. naval station at Bremerton, Washington, for maintenance before returning to Southern California in August 2021.
In this handout released by the U.S. Navy, The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) leaves its San Diego homeport Jan. 17, 2020. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group has been on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Navy/Getty Images
In September, a search and rescue mission was carried out in the northern Arabian Sea after a sailor went missing from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
Crew were alerted using the "man overboard" alarm at 6.47 p.m. on 6 September after being unable to find the sailor, who was aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as it conducted patrols amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Information Systems Technician Ian McKnight was later identified as the missing sailor. The search effort was called off two days later.
"The strike group team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Petty Officer McKnight," Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, said in a statement. "And I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Airmen who were involved in the search for our shipmate."
In 2017, a U.S. sailor who was thought to be lost at sea was found hiding in his own ship. The sailor, Peter Mims, went missing off the coast of Japan, prompting a massive search operation over thousands of nautical miles.
The search was called off when Mims was reportedly found hiding on his own ship the USS Shiloh.
Mims was found crouched in the engineering space of the guided-missile cruiser, U.S. Pacific Command Lt.Cmdr. Matt Knight told the Japan Times.
Knight added: "The circumstances surrounding Petty Officer Mims' disappearance are under investigation."


newsweek--2020-12-11--Man Finds Venomous Snake Lurking in Kitchen Cupboard of His New Home

A person unpacking belongings into a new home in Australia called for help this week after spotting a snake slithering into a kitchen cupboard .
Responding to that call was reptile removal expert Stuart McKenzie , owner of Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 , who quickly identified the species as a highly-venomous red bellied black snake before successfully relocating it to a patch of bushland .
McKenzie published footage of the encounter to his popular Facebook page this week , documenting the latest in a series of red bellied black snake call-outs this week as the reptiles attempt to seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather in the region .
`` So many snakes are entering houses this week , especially these gorgeous but highly venomous red-bellied black snakes , '' McKenzie wrote in a caption .
`` Like this one today in Bli Bli , where the new occupants were moving in and noticed the back end of the snake disappearing into the kitchen cupboards .
Luckily he saw it while unpacking otherwise this could have been a different outcome ! ''
he added .
The wrangler said the snake was `` nervous '' when backed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared `` quite happy '' showing off to the camera when released .
Cell phone video showed the snake approaching the camera before retreating into the woods .
`` Such a cool snake , they will never get old ! ''
McKenzie said on Facebook .
Unlike some deadly species in the Sunshine Coast area , the brown snake for example , the red bellied black is highly-venomous to humans but typically shy , generally only delivering serious bites when under severe distress , experts have said .
They are one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's east coast and responsible for a number of bites annually , the Australia Museum says .
`` For its size , the Red-Bellied Black Snake is probably the least dangerous elapid snake in Australia .
Despite the number of bites received every year , very few human deaths have resulted ( most death records date from early times and the snake 's identity was often unconfirmed ) .
Many bite victims experience only mild or negligible symptoms , however a number also end up hospitalized , '' the museum 's profile adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about another call-out about a red-bellied black snake in a home , this time from a person in the suburb of Twin Waters .
McKenzie said the homeowner saw the tail as it was moving into a living room cupboard after sliding doors to the property were left open to let in some air .
McKenzie said it was discovered `` tucked away under all the bags keeping cool '' on the hot day .
`` Heaps of snakes on the move looking for water , food and shelter from this heat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ snakes to enter your homes , as we are receiving a handful of calls every day for snakes that have entered the house , '' the expert wrangler said .

A person unpacking belongings into a new home in Australia called for help this week after spotting a snake slithering into a kitchen cupboard.
Responding to that call was reptile removal expert Stuart McKenzie, owner of Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, who quickly identified the species as a highly-venomous red bellied black snake before successfully relocating it to a patch of bushland.
McKenzie published footage of the encounter to his popular Facebook page this week, documenting the latest in a series of red bellied black snake call-outs this week as the reptiles attempt to seek food, or shelter from the warm weather in the region.
"So many snakes are entering houses this week, especially these gorgeous but highly venomous red-bellied black snakes," McKenzie wrote in a caption.
"Like this one today in Bli Bli, where the new occupants were moving in and noticed the back end of the snake disappearing into the kitchen cupboards. Luckily he saw it while unpacking otherwise this could have been a different outcome!" he added.
The wrangler said the snake was "nervous" when backed into the corner of the kitchen cupboard but appeared "quite happy" showing off to the camera when released.
Cell phone video showed the snake approaching the camera before retreating into the woods. "Such a cool snake, they will never get old!" McKenzie said on Facebook.
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
Unlike some deadly species in the Sunshine Coast area, the brown snake for example, the red bellied black is highly-venomous to humans but typically shy, generally only delivering serious bites when under severe distress, experts have said.
They are one of the most frequently encountered snakes on the country's east coast and responsible for a number of bites annually, the Australia Museum says.
"For its size, the Red-Bellied Black Snake is probably the least dangerous elapid snake in Australia. Despite the number of bites received every year, very few human deaths have resulted (most death records date from early times and the snake's identity was often unconfirmed). Many bite victims experience only mild or negligible symptoms, however a number also end up hospitalized," the museum's profile adds.
On Thursday, McKenzie shared information about another call-out about a red-bellied black snake in a home, this time from a person in the suburb of Twin Waters.
McKenzie said the homeowner saw the tail as it was moving into a living room cupboard after sliding doors to the property were left open to let in some air. McKenzie said it was discovered "tucked away under all the bags keeping cool" on the hot day.
"Heaps of snakes on the move looking for water, food and shelter from this heat. Make sure there's no way for snakes to enter your homes, as we are receiving a handful of calls every day for snakes that have entered the house," the expert wrangler said.


newsweek--2020-12-11--The 'Abolition Amendment' won't End Prison Labor | Opinion

With only days left in the 116th Congress , the `` Abolition Amendment '' has appeared .
It 's a bicameral effort to remove the words `` except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted '' from the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution .
Removing this exception to the 13th Amendment 's ban on slavery is a necessary step to ensure that the United States is n't the last country to condone slavery in any form .
While no one 's opposed the bill , some have objected that it will collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments , however , are uninformed ; the proposed modification of the Constitution will have little effect on prison labor .
Modern prison labor does n't draw its authority directly from the 13th Amendment .
A whole web of statutes and regulations govern the 900,000-person workforce that is n't free to leave the workplace .
The IRS says inmate laborers are not employees .
So does Section 3 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act ; it does not include prison laborers in its definition of `` employee . ''
So do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 .
Many federal and state statutes insulate the prison-industrial complex .
It will survive the death of the 13th Amendment loophole .
Prison labor , which arose from the ashes of convict leasing , is widely considered exploitative and has been compared to slavery .
Inmates are paid an average of 86 cents per hour , according to a study conducted by the Prison Policy Initiative .
During the Great Depression , Congress passed two laws , the Hawes-Cooper Act and the Ashurst-Sumners Act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commerce and to dampen the labor market within prisons .
In 1979 , Congress passed the Justice Systems Improvement Act—often known as Percy Amendment for Senator Charles Percy , the Republican from Illinois who championed it after a riot at the Pontiac Correctional Center left three guards dead—to open the commerce flow to inmate-manufactured items .
Percy envisioned work as the solution to prison violence and recidivism .
Out of that , the Prison Industry Enhancement program—the public-private partnership allowing companies to hire prisoners—was born .
Before that , hiring prisoners was allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison labor was n't supposed to be as exploitative as it 's become .
The Percy Amendment requires that inmates be paid the prevailing wage , with no more than 80 percent being deducted for room , board and victims ' funds .
Local labor unions had to give their blessing to any prison industry .
The fact that inmate laborers make pennies per hour is the result of state deductions from their wages .
The infrastructure to pay people fairly already exists .
It just needs to be tweaked and enforced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of prison labor .
Private companies that contract for prison workers make $ 500 billion each year .
But only 63,000 inmate workers—about 7 percent—are employed by private companies in so-called prison industries .
The remaining 93 percent work in-house , meaning they 're involved in some maintenance of prison or daily life : custodial , food service , laundry .
The facilities ca n't operate without them .
These jobs free inmates from their cells and give them a sense of purpose and responsibility .
For all the claims of forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are 25,000 inmates waiting to get work assignments .
That does n't include the men and women in state and local facilities that constitute 90 percent of the entire incarcerated population .
They line up for a chance at this work , too .
The longer one works in prison , the more likely he or she is to stay out after release .
I do n't think this is because prison labor is particularly skill-building but because it causes a shift in self-perception .
For the first time , prison laborers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the past two national elections , Colorado , Nebraska and Utah removed language similar to that of the 13th Amendment 's exception clause from their states ' constitutions through ballot measures put directly to voters .
While the changes are too new in Nebraska and Utah—reliably red states—to know their effect , prison labor still pays the same in Colorado as before .
In fact , so little has changed that inmates have sued , saying their practically nonexistent wages are illegal .
Of course , other inmates can seek redress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Workers can challenge the constitutionality of the laws that enable these working conditions with those fourteen words removed from the 13th Amendment , which otherwise speaks powerfully to the freedom this country aspires to .
If these inmate plaintiffs were to prevail , they may topple the entire prison labor system .
As someone who worked in it , I know that would n't ultimately benefit the ostensible goal of rehabilitation .
In Colorado alone , the back wages for inmates dating back to 2018 when the state constitution was amended could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prison wages could make our system of mass incarceration cost far more than the $ 80 billion we spend on it now .
But that will take years to happen and , hopefully , Congress can intervene with meaningful reform before then .
Meanwhile , the 13th Amendment 's loophole is a blight and its remedy is here now .
The economy of the prison wo n't collapse without it—at least not yet .
There 's absolutely no reason not to amend the Constitution this way immediately .
Quite frankly , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Chandra Bozelko writes a nationally syndicated column for Creators Syndicate .
You can follow her on Twitter at @ aprisondiary .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

With only days left in the 116th Congress, the "Abolition Amendment" has appeared. It's a bicameral effort to remove the words "except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted" from the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Removing this exception to the 13th Amendment's ban on slavery is a necessary step to ensure that the United States isn't the last country to condone slavery in any form. While no one's opposed the bill, some have objected that it will collapse the entire prison labor complex. Such arguments, however, are uninformed; the proposed modification of the Constitution will have little effect on prison labor.
Modern prison labor doesn't draw its authority directly from the 13th Amendment. A whole web of statutes and regulations govern the 900,000-person workforce that isn't free to leave the workplace. The IRS says inmate laborers are not employees. So does Section 3 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act; it does not include prison laborers in its definition of "employee." So do the Toxic Substances Control Act and section 312 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Many federal and state statutes insulate the prison-industrial complex. It will survive the death of the 13th Amendment loophole.
Prison labor, which arose from the ashes of convict leasing, is widely considered exploitative and has been compared to slavery. Inmates are paid an average of 86 cents per hour, according to a study conducted by the Prison Policy Initiative.
During the Great Depression, Congress passed two laws, the Hawes-Cooper Act and the Ashurst-Sumners Act, to prevent prison-made goods from entering interstate commerce and to dampen the labor market within prisons. In 1979, Congress passed the Justice Systems Improvement Act—often known as Percy Amendment for Senator Charles Percy, the Republican from Illinois who championed it after a riot at the Pontiac Correctional Center left three guards dead—to open the commerce flow to inmate-manufactured items. Percy envisioned work as the solution to prison violence and recidivism. Out of that, the Prison Industry Enhancement program—the public-private partnership allowing companies to hire prisoners—was born. Before that, hiring prisoners was allowed by Executive Order alone.
Contracting for prison labor wasn't supposed to be as exploitative as it's become. The Percy Amendment requires that inmates be paid the prevailing wage, with no more than 80 percent being deducted for room, board and victims' funds. Local labor unions had to give their blessing to any prison industry.
The fact that inmate laborers make pennies per hour is the result of state deductions from their wages. The infrastructure to pay people fairly already exists. It just needs to be tweaked and enforced.
Guard towers look over the prison courtyard at Marion Correctional Institution on April 27, 2020. MEGAN JELINGER / AFP/Getty
We have to decide what we want out of prison labor. Private companies that contract for prison workers make $500 billion each year. But only 63,000 inmate workers—about 7 percent—are employed by private companies in so-called prison industries. The remaining 93 percent work in-house, meaning they're involved in some maintenance of prison or daily life: custodial, food service, laundry. The facilities can't operate without them.
These jobs free inmates from their cells and give them a sense of purpose and responsibility. For all the claims of forced labor, in federal custody alone there are 25,000 inmates waiting to get work assignments. That doesn't include the men and women in state and local facilities that constitute 90 percent of the entire incarcerated population. They line up for a chance at this work, too.
The longer one works in prison, the more likely he or she is to stay out after release. I don't think this is because prison labor is particularly skill-building but because it causes a shift in self-perception. For the first time, prison laborers have an identity that isn't problematic.
In the past two national elections, Colorado, Nebraska and Utah removed language similar to that of the 13th Amendment's exception clause from their states' constitutions through ballot measures put directly to voters. While the changes are too new in Nebraska and Utah—reliably red states—to know their effect, prison labor still pays the same in Colorado as before. In fact, so little has changed that inmates have sued, saying their practically nonexistent wages are illegal.
Of course, other inmates can seek redress in the courts as has happened in Colorado. Workers can challenge the constitutionality of the laws that enable these working conditions with those fourteen words removed from the 13th Amendment, which otherwise speaks powerfully to the freedom this country aspires to.
If these inmate plaintiffs were to prevail, they may topple the entire prison labor system. As someone who worked in it, I know that wouldn't ultimately benefit the ostensible goal of rehabilitation. In Colorado alone, the back wages for inmates dating back to 2018 when the state constitution was amended could total as much as $1 billion. Prison wages could make our system of mass incarceration cost far more than the $80 billion we spend on it now.
But that will take years to happen and, hopefully, Congress can intervene with meaningful reform before then.
Meanwhile, the 13th Amendment's loophole is a blight and its remedy is here now. The economy of the prison won't collapse without it—at least not yet. There's absolutely no reason not to amend the Constitution this way immediately. Quite frankly, it's the only way to close out 2020.
Chandra Bozelko writes a nationally syndicated column for Creators Syndicate. You can follow her on Twitter at @aprisondiary.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Thinking of Adopting a Pet During COVID-19? Here's What to Know

When COVID-19 first appeared in the United States , almost a year ago , there was no telling what the year would have in store .
After the toilet paper and hand sanitizer hoarding subsided , people settled into lockdown life living—learning how to cook sourdough , socializing over Zoom happy hours , and for many finally getting a pet to keep them company .
With so many people confined to their homes , often with very little social interaction , it 's no surprise that people have sought companionship in pets .
Additionally , with so much more time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect time to take on the commitment of fostering or adopting a pet .
In the first few months of the pandemic , shelters across the country were seeing a boom in fostering .
One shelter in California even reported being completely empty in April , according to Wired .
No matter what , it is always better to adopt your four-legged friend rather than buy one from a pet store .
This is for many reasons including helping to stop estimated 1 million dogs and cats , according to the Humane Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euthanized each year due to over crowding in shelters as well as discouraging the operation of puppy mills .
During the spring , there was a strain on shelters in due part to reduced staffing leading to a larger push in encouraging people to bring foster animals into their homes .
Kelly DiCicco , manager , adoptions promotions at the ASPCA Adoption Center , tells Newsweek that in the first few weeks of stay-at-home orders , they saw a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster homes in both the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , compared to the same period in 2019 .
There was also an increase of around 400 percent when compared with 2019 in the amount of people who completed the online foster application during the first two months of the pandemic .
Though many people would likely enjoy having a pet around , with so many external strains being placed on people around the country , how do you know if now is the right time to make the commitment of fostering—or adopting—a new pet .
Here are a few things to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to become a forever parent to your furry friend .
Does Your Daily Routine Allow for the Time It Takes to Care for a New Pet ?
One thing that often gets in the way of making the decision to foster an animal is the time commitment involved in caring for another living thing .
While working from home allows for inherently more time to spend with your new animal , it is still important to think about what your daily routine looks like .
DiCicco reminds hopeful adopters to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like under more `` normal circumstances '' and to find ways to give your pet a taste of that so as to not come as a shock down the line .
`` Make sure your pet is introduced to new experiences , objects , places and people in a fun , positive way that allows them to feel safe , '' DiCicco tells Newsweek .
Ask Questions and Keep an Open Mind Though you might have the picture of a `` perfect pet '' in your head , it is helpful to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter because dogs and cats there come in all shapes , sizes and ages .
Though some breeds might have a reputation to be less obedient , or less friendly , just like humans—all pets are different .
`` When adopting from a shelter , you can often learn more about the animal you are considering bringing home , including their background , energy level , and how they might get along with other pets in the home , '' DiCicco tells Newsweek .
`` Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size—can save more than one life by freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals in need . ''
So , while they might not fit the physical description of what you thought you were looking for , you never know which animal will steal your heart .
Consider Consulting a Trainer Sooner Rather Than Later This one might come as a shock to new pet owners ( or adopters ) but DiCicco says that sometimes consulting a professional might be helpful when you and your pet are first getting used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often seek out a trainer or behaviorist as a 'last resort ' , but many times problems can be prevented by consulting with a professional early on , '' she tells Newsweek .
`` The trainer or behaviorist can provide you with tips and tricks for helping your new pet , regardless of their age , adjust to your home . ''
If and When Work-From-Home Orders Lift , Will Your Pet Still Get the Care it Needs ?
Though it often feels like this collective pause will never end , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully turn a page in the upcoming months .
That means that while some companies have announced that work-from-home will be the new normal , some employees will have to return to work leaving their pets behind .
So , remember , try to adjust your new pet—and this probably applies more to dogs than cats—to spending less time with you , or introducing them to places and people they might meet once you have to go back to the office .
`` Once our regular work routines and other activities commence again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left confused or lonely and wondering why everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time at home , '' DiCicco tells Newsweek .
`` A sudden decrease in time with the family can be difficult for pets , especially if they have become accustomed to having people with them at all hours of the day . ''
To that note , think about how you will adapt yourself .
Do you have it within your budget to hire a dog walker if your pup requires a mid day walk—or two ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plate , will there still be adequate time for your furry new friend .
After an already busy few months of animal shelters around the country , as the cold weather moves in , that will mean more animals seeking a warm place to call home .
So , if fostering or adopting a pet has been on your mind , now might be the time to schedule a trip to your local shelter and see if anyone catches your eye .

When COVID-19 first appeared in the United States, almost a year ago, there was no telling what the year would have in store. After the toilet paper and hand sanitizer hoarding subsided, people settled into lockdown life living—learning how to cook sourdough, socializing over Zoom happy hours, and for many finally getting a pet to keep them company.
With so many people confined to their homes, often with very little social interaction, it's no surprise that people have sought companionship in pets. Additionally, with so much more time at home, it could be the perfect time to take on the commitment of fostering or adopting a pet. In the first few months of the pandemic, shelters across the country were seeing a boom in fostering. One shelter in California even reported being completely empty in April, according to Wired.
Honeysuckle the dog is prepared for a foster home at the Animal Rescue of New Orleans on March 24 in New Orleans. Chris Graythen/Getty
No matter what, it is always better to adopt your four-legged friend rather than buy one from a pet store. This is for many reasons including helping to stop estimated 1 million dogs and cats, according to the Humane Society of the United States, who are euthanized each year due to over crowding in shelters as well as discouraging the operation of puppy mills.
During the spring, there was a strain on shelters in due part to reduced staffing leading to a larger push in encouraging people to bring foster animals into their homes.
Read more 12 Dog Breeds With Striking Blue Eyes, From Huskies to Great Danes 12 Dog Breeds With Striking Blue Eyes, From Huskies to Great Danes
Kelly DiCicco, manager, adoptions promotions at the ASPCA Adoption Center, tells Newsweek that in the first few weeks of stay-at-home orders, they saw a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster homes in both the New York City and Los Angeles foster programs, compared to the same period in 2019. There was also an increase of around 400 percent when compared with 2019 in the amount of people who completed the online foster application during the first two months of the pandemic.
Though many people would likely enjoy having a pet around, with so many external strains being placed on people around the country, how do you know if now is the right time to make the commitment of fostering—or adopting—a new pet. Here are a few things to keep in mind before fostering or when making the decision to become a forever parent to your furry friend.
Does Your Daily Routine Allow for the Time It Takes to Care for a New Pet?
One thing that often gets in the way of making the decision to foster an animal is the time commitment involved in caring for another living thing. While working from home allows for inherently more time to spend with your new animal, it is still important to think about what your daily routine looks like.
DiCicco reminds hopeful adopters to think about what their neighborhood and home are like under more "normal circumstances" and to find ways to give your pet a taste of that so as to not come as a shock down the line. "Make sure your pet is introduced to new experiences, objects, places and people in a fun, positive way that allows them to feel safe," DiCicco tells Newsweek.
Vanessa Potter, a wldlife animal care supervisor, gets ready to feed the barn owls who are not eating on their own at the Wildlife Center at the San Diego Humane Society on April 21. ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP/Getty
Ask Questions and Keep an Open Mind
Though you might have the picture of a "perfect pet" in your head, it is helpful to keep an open mind when stepping into a shelter because dogs and cats there come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Though some breeds might have a reputation to be less obedient, or less friendly, just like humans—all pets are different. "When adopting from a shelter, you can often learn more about the animal you are considering bringing home, including their background, energy level, and how they might get along with other pets in the home," DiCicco tells Newsweek.
"Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue organization—no matter the species, breed or size—can save more than one life by freeing up valuable shelter space and resources for other animals in need." So, while they might not fit the physical description of what you thought you were looking for, you never know which animal will steal your heart.
Consider Consulting a Trainer Sooner Rather Than Later
This one might come as a shock to new pet owners (or adopters) but DiCicco says that sometimes consulting a professional might be helpful when you and your pet are first getting used to one another.
"Pet parents often seek out a trainer or behaviorist as a 'last resort', but many times problems can be prevented by consulting with a professional early on," she tells Newsweek. "The trainer or behaviorist can provide you with tips and tricks for helping your new pet, regardless of their age, adjust to your home."
During the first few weeks of the pandemic, the ASPCA saw a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going into foster homes in both the New York City and Los Angeles foster programs, compared to the same period in 2019. A Tail to Tell Photography/Getty
If and When Work-From-Home Orders Lift, Will Your Pet Still Get the Care it Needs?
Though it often feels like this collective pause will never end, with a vaccine in sight, the country will hopefully turn a page in the upcoming months. That means that while some companies have announced that work-from-home will be the new normal, some employees will have to return to work leaving their pets behind.
So, remember, try to adjust your new pet—and this probably applies more to dogs than cats—to spending less time with you, or introducing them to places and people they might meet once you have to go back to the office. "Once our regular work routines and other activities commence again, your dog or cat may be left confused or lonely and wondering why everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time at home," DiCicco tells Newsweek. "A sudden decrease in time with the family can be difficult for pets, especially if they have become accustomed to having people with them at all hours of the day." To that note, think about how you will adapt yourself. Do you have it within your budget to hire a dog walker if your pup requires a mid day walk—or two? Once you have more things on your plate, will there still be adequate time for your furry new friend.
After an already busy few months of animal shelters around the country, as the cold weather moves in, that will mean more animals seeking a warm place to call home. So, if fostering or adopting a pet has been on your mind, now might be the time to schedule a trip to your local shelter and see if anyone catches your eye.


newsweek--2020-12-11--China Media Defends Human Rights Record, Accuses U.S. Of 'Ugliness'

Chinese media has hit out at U.S. lawmakers and President Donald Trump 's administration after a week of tit-for-tat sanctions over Beijing 's continued human rights abuses in Hong Kong , Xinjiang and elsewhere .
China 's foreign ministry said Thursday it would restrict travel to Hong Kong by some U.S. officials and others in response to similar measures imposed on Chinese officials by Washington , D.C. Spokesperson Hua Chunying accused the U.S. of `` using the Hong Kong issue to seriously interfere in China 's internal affairs and undermine China 's core interests . ''
The U.S. and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hong Kong over the last 18 months , following eventual American backing for mass pro-democracy protests that erupted in the semi-autonomous territory in the summer of 2019 .
China has since introduced a draconian national security law effectively criminalizing any anti-government dissent , and moved to purge Hong Kong 's legislative of pro-democracy voices and imprison the most prominent activists to quell organized opposition .
The U.S. and its democratic allies have spoken out against the oppression , prompting retaliation from Beijing .
Chinese officials and state media have consistently framed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs .
It has also accused critics of hypocrisy , citing human rights abuses committed by the U.S. and its allies elsewhere .
An op-ed in the nationalistic state-run Global Times newspaper published Thursday defended China 's records on human rights while decrying American abuses elsewhere , plus the Trump administration 's failure to control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that has to date killed more than 293,000 people in the U.S .
Global Times placed the U.S. on the `` list of countries with severely deteriorating human rights situations this year , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continued oppression of Muslim minority groups in its western Xinjiang province , which human rights groups have described as a genocide .
`` Partisan politics has caused the institutional abandonment of the virus fight in the U.S. , leading the country to a huge humanitarian tragedy where human lives are treated like grass , '' Global Times wrote .
`` The current U.S. administration is actually committing crimes against humanity and it will eventually face a moral trial by history . ''
The newspaper said the pandemic represents `` the Waterloo for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and said that previously `` the glory of the U.S. masked its ugliness . ''
Chinese state media has been at the forefront of the Chinese disinformation campaign , airing conspiracy theories and helping the CCP dodge any blame for the spread of the virus .
Trump 's administration , with its tough stance on China and belligerent approach , is a natural target for state media to attack .
State media has taken advantage of the political turmoil inside the U.S. , and—per long standing policy and like other authoritarian nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election and aftermath as an example of democracy 's failings .
Global Times ' Thursday op-ed described the U.S. situation as an `` unruly frenzy '' and accused the country of having `` fallen flat . ''
`` China is aware that there is room for improvement regarding its human rights , '' the newspaper wrote .
`` But it will walk its own path in developing the cause of human rights and develop it in a steady and fast manner . ''

Chinese media has hit out at U.S. lawmakers and President Donald Trump's administration after a week of tit-for-tat sanctions over Beijing's continued human rights abuses in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and elsewhere.
China's foreign ministry said Thursday it would restrict travel to Hong Kong by some U.S. officials and others in response to similar measures imposed on Chinese officials by Washington, D.C. Spokesperson Hua Chunying accused the U.S. of "using the Hong Kong issue to seriously interfere in China's internal affairs and undermine China's core interests."
The U.S. and China have been at odds over the status of Hong Kong over the last 18 months, following eventual American backing for mass pro-democracy protests that erupted in the semi-autonomous territory in the summer of 2019.
China has since introduced a draconian national security law effectively criminalizing any anti-government dissent, and moved to purge Hong Kong's legislative of pro-democracy voices and imprison the most prominent activists to quell organized opposition. The U.S. and its democratic allies have spoken out against the oppression, prompting retaliation from Beijing.
Chinese officials and state media have consistently framed the criticism as foreign meddling in its domestic affairs. It has also accused critics of hypocrisy, citing human rights abuses committed by the U.S. and its allies elsewhere.
An op-ed in the nationalistic state-run Global Times newspaper published Thursday defended China's records on human rights while decrying American abuses elsewhere, plus the Trump administration's failure to control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that has to date killed more than 293,000 people in the U.S.
Global Times placed the U.S. on the "list of countries with severely deteriorating human rights situations this year," despite Beijing's own Hong Kong crackdown and continued oppression of Muslim minority groups in its western Xinjiang province, which human rights groups have described as a genocide.
"Partisan politics has caused the institutional abandonment of the virus fight in the U.S., leading the country to a huge humanitarian tragedy where human lives are treated like grass," Global Times wrote. "The current U.S. administration is actually committing crimes against humanity and it will eventually face a moral trial by history."
The newspaper said the pandemic represents "the Waterloo for U.S. 'leadership' on human rights," and said that previously "the glory of the U.S. masked its ugliness."
Chinese state media has been at the forefront of the Chinese disinformation campaign, airing conspiracy theories and helping the CCP dodge any blame for the spread of the virus. Trump's administration, with its tough stance on China and belligerent approach, is a natural target for state media to attack.
State media has taken advantage of the political turmoil inside the U.S., and—per long standing policy and like other authoritarian nations like Russia and Iran—cited the recent chaotic presidential election and aftermath as an example of democracy's failings.
Global Times' Thursday op-ed described the U.S. situation as an "unruly frenzy" and accused the country of having "fallen flat."
"China is aware that there is room for improvement regarding its human rights," the newspaper wrote. "But it will walk its own path in developing the cause of human rights and develop it in a steady and fast manner."


newsweek--2020-12-11--Average Daily COVID Cases Are Highest in These 8 States

The seven-day average of coronavirus cases in the U.S. hit another record high on Thursday , reaching 212,969 on December 10 .
The average case count has been rising sharply since early October , according to data compiled by Worldometer .
Here we look at eight states that reported the highest average daily cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days , according to the latest report Thursday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
Case data below is from Johns Hopkins University ( JHU ) and the CDC , while the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Average case counts reflect a seven-day average of cases .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days : 125.6 The average case count in Rhode Island hit a record high of 1,540 on Wednesday .
The figure has been rising sharply since early October , after declining from late April and flattening out from early June , according to data compiled by JHU .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days : 105.3 The average infection count in North Dakota statistically increased in a recent two-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the figure has been declining sharply from November 15 , when it peaked at 1,408 , after rising on a steep incline from late August , according to JHU .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days : 101.13 The average case tally in Indiana has been rising sharply since late September , after flattening out for most of the outbreak since early April .
The figure peaked last week at 6,901 on December 3 , according to JHU .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection count in Ohio hit a record high on Wednesday at 13,170 .
The figure has been rising sharply from mid-October , after flattening out for months since late March , according to JHU .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days : 94.2 The average case tally in South Dakota has been declining since early November when it peaked at 1,458 on November 11 .
The figure remained flat from early April before rising on a sharp incline from late August , according to JHU .
• Average daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 93.4 The average case count in Idaho reached a record high of 1,638 on December 6 .
The figure has been rising sharply since early September , after declining from mid-July , according to JHU .
• Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days : 93.2 The average case tally in Alaska has been increasing since early June , rising on a steep incline from late September and hitting a peak of 714 on December 5 .
The figure remained flat from late March to early June , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 in last 7 days : 92.3 The average infection count in Minnesota has been decreasing since mid-November .
The figure reached a record high of 7,052 on November 17 , after rising sharply from late September and flattening out from late April , according to JHU .
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 69.6 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan , China .
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and over 44.9 million have recovered as of Friday , according to JHU .
The graphic below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , shows countries with the most COVID-19 cases .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , compares average COVID-19 case tallies in the U.S. and the European Union .

The seven-day average of coronavirus cases in the U.S. hit another record high on Thursday, reaching 212,969 on December 10. The average case count has been rising sharply since early October, according to data compiled by Worldometer.
Here we look at eight states that reported the highest average daily cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days, according to the latest report Thursday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Case data below is from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the CDC, while the population data is from the U.S. Census Bureau. Average case counts reflect a seven-day average of cases.
Rhode Island
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 125.6
Total confirmed cases: 69,247
Total population: 1,059,361
The average case count in Rhode Island hit a record high of 1,540 on Wednesday. The figure has been rising sharply since early October, after declining from late April and flattening out from early June, according to data compiled by JHU.
North Dakota
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 105.3
Total confirmed cases: 86,707
Total population: 762,062
The average infection count in North Dakota statistically increased in a recent two-week period from November 26 to December 9. However, the figure has been declining sharply from November 15, when it peaked at 1,408, after rising on a steep incline from late August, according to JHU.
Indiana
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 101.13
Total confirmed cases: 404,935
Total population: 6,732,219
The average case tally in Indiana has been rising sharply since late September, after flattening out for most of the outbreak since early April. The figure peaked last week at 6,901 on December 3, according to JHU.
Ohio
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 100.4
Total confirmed cases: 531,850
Total population: 11,689,100
The average infection count in Ohio hit a record high on Wednesday at 13,170. The figure has been rising sharply from mid-October, after flattening out for months since late March, according to JHU.
South Dakota
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 94.2
Total confirmed cases: 88,727
Total population: 884,659
The average case tally in South Dakota has been declining since early November when it peaked at 1,458 on November 11. The figure remained flat from early April before rising on a sharp incline from late August, according to JHU.
Idaho
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 93.4
Total confirmed cases: 118,028
Total population: 1,787,065
The average case count in Idaho reached a record high of 1,638 on December 6. The figure has been rising sharply since early September, after declining from mid-July, according to JHU.
Alaska
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 93.2
Total confirmed cases: 39,345
Total population: 731,545
The average case tally in Alaska has been increasing since early June, rising on a steep incline from late September and hitting a peak of 714 on December 5. The figure remained flat from late March to early June, according to JHU.
Minnesota
Average daily cases per 100,000 in last 7 days: 92.3
Total confirmed cases: 367,218
Total population: 5,639,632
The average infection count in Minnesota has been decreasing since mid-November. The figure reached a record high of 7,052 on November 17, after rising sharply from late September and flattening out from late April, according to JHU.
A Minnesota National Guard member assisting a woman with a virus test at a COVID-19 testing facility in Stillwater, Minnesota on December 10. Minnesota is among the states that recorded the highest average daily cases per 100,000 people in the past week. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 69.6 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and over 44.9 million have recovered as of Friday, according to JHU.
The graphic below, provided by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
STATISTA
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows countries with the most COVID-19 cases.
STATISTA
The graphic below, produced by Statista, compares average COVID-19 case tallies in the U.S. and the European Union.


newsweek--2020-12-11--China Arrests Bloomberg Journalist on National Security Charges

A Bloomberg News staffer in Beijing who had been missing for four days was arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges , the news outlet reported Friday .
Haze Fan , a news assistant with Bloomberg 's Beijing bureau , was last seen being escorted from her apartment by `` plain clothes security officials '' on Monday .
Beijing authorities confirmed on Thursday that Fan , a Chinese national , was detained by the Beijing National Security Bureau and being investigated for `` engaging in criminal activities that jeopardize national security . ''
The report noted that Fan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNBC , was last in contact with her office at 11:30 a.m. Beijing time on December 7 .
Her family , however , was informed within 24 hours of her arrest .
`` Throughout the four days since her disappearance , Bloomberg has sought information on Fan 's whereabouts from the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy in Washington , D.C. , '' the report said .
A Bloomberg spokesperson was quoted as saying : `` We are very concerned for her , and have been actively speaking to Chinese authorities to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do everything we can to support her while we seek more information . ''
A statement by Chinese authorities carried in the Bloomberg report said Fan 's rights had been `` fully ensured , '' with no further information about her charges disclosed .
Bloomberg said Fan began working for its Beijing bureau in 2017 .
Chinese nationals employed by foreign news outlets can only work as news assistants and are not permitted to do independent reporting , the report said .
`` We have been doing our best ... to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait said in an interview shortly after the report went live .
`` Haze is a very talented person , and very respected , integral part of our newsroom , '' he added .
`` We are deeply concerned for her well-being . ''
Micklethwait said he was `` not entirely clear '' what happens next .
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese embassy for comment .

A Bloomberg News staffer in Beijing who had been missing for four days was arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges, the news outlet reported Friday.
Haze Fan, a news assistant with Bloomberg's Beijing bureau, was last seen being escorted from her apartment by "plain clothes security officials" on Monday.
Beijing authorities confirmed on Thursday that Fan, a Chinese national, was detained by the Beijing National Security Bureau and being investigated for "engaging in criminal activities that jeopardize national security."
The report noted that Fan, formerly of Reuters, CBS News and CNBC, was last in contact with her office at 11:30 a.m. Beijing time on December 7. Her family, however, was informed within 24 hours of her arrest.
"Throughout the four days since her disappearance, Bloomberg has sought information on Fan's whereabouts from the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C.," the report said.
A Bloomberg spokesperson was quoted as saying: "We are very concerned for her, and have been actively speaking to Chinese authorities to better understand the situation. We are continuing to do everything we can to support her while we seek more information."
A statement by Chinese authorities carried in the Bloomberg report said Fan's rights had been "fully ensured," with no further information about her charges disclosed.
Bloomberg said Fan began working for its Beijing bureau in 2017. Chinese nationals employed by foreign news outlets can only work as news assistants and are not permitted to do independent reporting, the report said.
"We have been doing our best... to try and get her back," Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait said in an interview shortly after the report went live.
"Haze is a very talented person, and very respected, integral part of our newsroom," he added. "We are deeply concerned for her well-being."
Micklethwait said he was "not entirely clear" what happens next.
Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait speaks about the detention of Haze Fan, who works for the Bloomberg News bureau in Beijing, on suspicion of endangering national security https://t.co/8R7zPuuqQh pic.twitter.com/fYPJDbsp9F — Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) December 11, 2020
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese embassy for comment.
This is a developing news story.