newsweek--2020-12-26--Trump Attacks China in Christmas Tweet as Millions Await Stimulus Update

President Donald Trump has suggested that China is to blame for millions of Americans needing the long awaited second stimulus check in a tweet sent on Christmas Day .
Trump has called for the next payment to be increased from $ 600 to $ 2,000 as Republicans and Democrats both blocked each other 's attempts to amend the $ 900 billion package .
Trump has so far refused to sign off the bill that includes the stimulus payment , leaving millions of Americans in limbo as two expanded unemployment programs from the CARES Act expired on Saturday , December 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted down proposals to increase the next round of payments , with Democrats blocking Republican attempts to cut foreign aid from the $ 1.4 trillion federal spending bill , both of which Trump has called for .
Legislators will meet on December 28 where a stopgap bill could be passed to prevent a partial government shutdown from taking place if an agreement on the government spending bill is not reached .
However , the bill will not include the coronavirus aid , meaning millions could still be waiting for it to be vetoed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief bill was passed following months of deadlocked negotiations , Trump shocked both parties after declaring `` a disgrace '' earlier this week .
In a December 25 tweet , Trump once again blamed China for the pandemic which caused millions of people to lose their jobs and face financial hardship over the past several months .
Trump also said he has been working on getting the next stimulus payments increased despite the GOP blocking such attempts .
`` Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach , Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would politicians not want to give people $ 2000 , rather than only $ 600 ?
It was n't their fault , it was China .
Give our people the money ! ''
Trump has continually suggested China is to blame and should be held accountable for the pandemic which has killed more than 1.7 million people across the world , including 330,000 in the U.S. Trump also attacked the media ahead of posting a video praising military and service members in another Christmas Day post .
`` Going now to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the world .
It is a celebration of Christmas .
Video Conference—Fake News not invited , '' Trump tweeted .
In the message , Trump and the first lady `` might look different than in years past '' without mentioning the pandemic directly .
`` We are forever indebted to those who courageously serve our country in uniform-and those who walk alongside them .
We also thank our Nation 's first responders , law enforcement officers , and frontline medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi condemned the Republicans who voted against the increase to the stimulus package while confirming a new vote will take place next week .
`` If the President is serious about the $ 2,000 direct payments , he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction , '' Pelosi said .
`` On Monday , I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $ 2,000 .
To vote against this bill is to deny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny them the relief they need .
`` Hopefully by then the President will have already signed the bipartisan and bicameral legislation to keep government open and to deliver coronavirus relief . ''

President Donald Trump has suggested that China is to blame for millions of Americans needing the long awaited second stimulus check in a tweet sent on Christmas Day.
Trump has called for the next payment to be increased from $600 to $2,000 as Republicans and Democrats both blocked each other's attempts to amend the $900 billion package.
Trump has so far refused to sign off the bill that includes the stimulus payment, leaving millions of Americans in limbo as two expanded unemployment programs from the CARES Act expired on Saturday, December 26.
On Christmas Eve, House Republicans voted down proposals to increase the next round of payments, with Democrats blocking Republican attempts to cut foreign aid from the $1.4 trillion federal spending bill, both of which Trump has called for.
Legislators will meet on December 28 where a stopgap bill could be passed to prevent a partial government shutdown from taking place if an agreement on the government spending bill is not reached.
However, the bill will not include the coronavirus aid, meaning millions could still be waiting for it to be vetoed by the president. After the COVID-19 relief bill was passed following months of deadlocked negotiations, Trump shocked both parties after declaring "a disgrace" earlier this week.
In a December 25 tweet, Trump once again blamed China for the pandemic which caused millions of people to lose their jobs and face financial hardship over the past several months.
Trump also said he has been working on getting the next stimulus payments increased despite the GOP blocking such attempts.
"Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach, Florida," Trump wrote. "Why would politicians not want to give people $2000, rather than only $600? It wasn't their fault, it was China. Give our people the money!"
Trump has continually suggested China is to blame and should be held accountable for the pandemic which has killed more than 1.7 million people across the world, including 330,000 in the U.S.
Trump also attacked the media ahead of posting a video praising military and service members in another Christmas Day post.
"Going now to make a short speech to service members from all over the world. It is a celebration of Christmas. Video Conference—Fake News not invited," Trump tweeted.
In the message, Trump and the first lady "might look different than in years past" without mentioning the pandemic directly.
"We are forever indebted to those who courageously serve our country in uniform-and those who walk alongside them. We also thank our Nation's first responders, law enforcement officers, and frontline medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities," Trump added.
Elsewhere, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the Republicans who voted against the increase to the stimulus package while confirming a new vote will take place next week.
"If the President is serious about the $2,000 direct payments, he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction," Pelosi said.
"On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need.
"Hopefully by then the President will have already signed the bipartisan and bicameral legislation to keep government open and to deliver coronavirus relief."


newsweek--2020-12-26--Nashville Mayor to Focus on Catching RV Bomber and 'Going From Relief Now to Resolve'

The mayor of Nashville has said he is focused on catching whoever was behind the intentional explosion that damaged the downtown area of the city on Friday , adding he is relieved there were not more casualties .
Mayor John Cooper told reporters Friday night that `` initial evidence does show that the early morning explosion was a deliberate bomb being set off in our community . ''
An RV parked on Nashville 's Second Avenue in downtown exploded early Friday morning , damaging numerous buildings in the area .
The streets were quiet given the early hour and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators have found what they believe are human remains at the site .
Three people were hospitalized with injuries .
Police were aware of the RV and the bomb squad was on route when the vehicle exploded .
Police responded to reports of gunshots , but when they arrived found the RV broadcasting a warning saying : `` Evacuate now .
There is a bomb .
A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode . ''
The voice then started a 15-minute countdown , during which time police went door-to-door evacuating residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Cooper said he was relieved `` that there were not more casualties .
And that 's an amazing thing that there were not , particularly when people begin to see the devastation on Second Avenue . ''
The mayor said authorities were pivoting `` from relief now to a resolve to rebuild and not to be deterred , and to bring whoever was responsible for this to justice . ''
`` This was a terrible day , but Nashville has faced other challenges , particularly this year .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Cooper added .
`` This morning 's attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope , but the spirit of our city can not be broken . ''
There are no known suspects and no clear motive for the explosion , which Cooper said damaged at least 41 businesses .
The RV was parked outside the Nashville AT & T transmission building , and the carrier reported service disruptions in Nashville and Middle Tennessee .
This included 911 access in several areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nashville were temporarily grounded due to related telecommunications issues .
FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster said Friday afternoon : `` We will find out who did this ...
This is our city , too .
We 're putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what happened here today . ''
Cooper meanwhile issued a state of civil emergency at the explosion site and immediate surrounding area , meaning a curfew was in place there as of 4:30 p.m. Friday and will remain until 4:30 p.m. Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would `` supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible . ''
Lee also offered his prayers to those injured and thanks to the first responders `` who acted so quickly this morning . ''
President Donald Trump , meanwhile , was briefed on the incident `` and will continue to receive regular updates , '' White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said .
`` The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured . ''

The mayor of Nashville has said he is focused on catching whoever was behind the intentional explosion that damaged the downtown area of the city on Friday, adding he is relieved there were not more casualties.
Mayor John Cooper told reporters Friday night that "initial evidence does show that the early morning explosion was a deliberate bomb being set off in our community."
An RV parked on Nashville's Second Avenue in downtown exploded early Friday morning, damaging numerous buildings in the area. The streets were quiet given the early hour and the fact it was Christmas Day, but investigators have found what they believe are human remains at the site.
Three people were hospitalized with injuries. Police were aware of the RV and the bomb squad was on route when the vehicle exploded. Police responded to reports of gunshots, but when they arrived found the RV broadcasting a warning saying: "Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode."
The voice then started a 15-minute countdown, during which time police went door-to-door evacuating residents and re-directed one dog walker away from the scene.
Cooper said he was relieved "that there were not more casualties. And that's an amazing thing that there were not, particularly when people begin to see the devastation on Second Avenue."
The mayor said authorities were pivoting "from relief now to a resolve to rebuild and not to be deterred, and to bring whoever was responsible for this to justice."
"This was a terrible day, but Nashville has faced other challenges, particularly this year. We can rebuild and get back to normal," Cooper added. "This morning's attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope, but the spirit of our city cannot be broken."
There are no known suspects and no clear motive for the explosion, which Cooper said damaged at least 41 businesses. The RV was parked outside the Nashville AT&T transmission building, and the carrier reported service disruptions in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
This included 911 access in several areas, while flights out of BNA Airport in Nashville were temporarily grounded due to related telecommunications issues.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster said Friday afternoon: "We will find out who did this... This is our city, too. We're putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what happened here today."
Cooper meanwhile issued a state of civil emergency at the explosion site and immediate surrounding area, meaning a curfew was in place there as of 4:30 p.m. Friday and will remain until 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said Friday he would "supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible." Lee also offered his prayers to those injured and thanks to the first responders "who acted so quickly this morning."
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, was briefed on the incident "and will continue to receive regular updates," White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said. "The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured."


newsweek--2020-12-26--'Wonder Woman 3': Will There Be A Sequel to 'WW84'?

Wonder Woman 1984 may have only been released in theaters around the world ( and on HBO Max in the U.S. ) , but fans are already wondering when they will get to see Gal Gadot play Diana again .
The character will be back in the upcoming 'Snyder cut ' of Justice League in 2021 , but whether she will be back in Wonder Woman 3 is less certain .
Asked by Variety whether she would be back to close out the trilogy , Gadot said , `` I do n't know .
We do n't talk about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You never know .
I would love to do another one if the story is great and with Patty of course .
But I do n't know .
We 'll have to wait and see . ''
Of course , `` I 'd love to come back if the story is good '' is pretty much the stock answer any actor gives when asked if their movie is getting a sequel , so this does not tell us much about whether we will get Wonder Woman 3 .
What is interesting , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to return as director for the threequel .
The director has previously revealed that she has already come up with a story for another sequel .
She told the CinemaBlend podcast , for example , `` I actually came up with a story , and Geoff Johns and I beat out an entire story for Wonder Woman 3 that we were super fired up about . ''
However , she later added , `` I 'm sure that parts of it would come over to it .
But I 'm trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Do n't fall in love with anything . '
'' There are a number of reasons why Jenkins may be reticent to commit to another Wonder Woman .
For one , she has been announced as the director of Star Wars : Rogue Squadron , one of the numerous pieces of Star Wars content announced at the recent Disney investors call and set for release in Christmas 2023 .
The scale of any Star Wars film means that Jenkins will be unable to start work on Wonder Woman 3 until after it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woman movie would then be unlikely to come out before 2025 .
DC may want a sequel sooner than that , which would mean they would need a new director – which based on Gadot 's comments could cause trouble with her .
This is not the only thing standing in the way of WW3 .
Wonder Woman 1984 has been part of the plan to release the next year of Warner Bros. movie straight onto HBO Max at the same time they come to cinemas – a move that directors have expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times interview , Jenkins hinted that if this model were to continue she would be unlikely to return for another film in the franchise .
She said , `` We 'll see what happens .
I really do n't know .
I know that I 'd love to do the third one if the circumstances were right and there was still a theatrical model possible .
I do n't know that I would if there was n't . ''
So far , the HBO Max streaming experiment is only set to last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be a problem that affect Wonder Woman 3 , but if this model proves successful for the streamer and Warner Bros. , it could spell trouble for the future of the franchise .
The HBO Max arrangement also means that we will no less about the how much money Wonder Woman 1984 makes .
The simultaneous streaming of the film is sure to affect its U.S. box office , meaning we will not truly know how much of a success the movie has been , meaning we may not know whether Warner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually do it , with or without Patty Jenkins ' involvement .
Wonder Woman 1984 is streaming now on HBO Max .

Wonder Woman 1984 may have only been released in theaters around the world (and on HBO Max in the U.S.), but fans are already wondering when they will get to see Gal Gadot play Diana again. The character will be back in the upcoming 'Snyder cut' of Justice League in 2021, but whether she will be back in Wonder Woman 3 is less certain.
Asked by Variety whether she would be back to close out the trilogy, Gadot said, "I don't know. We don't talk about it yet. We have no idea. You never know. I would love to do another one if the story is great and with Patty of course. But I don't know. We'll have to wait and see."
Of course, "I'd love to come back if the story is good" is pretty much the stock answer any actor gives when asked if their movie is getting a sequel, so this does not tell us much about whether we will get Wonder Woman 3.
What is interesting, however, is Gadot's hint that Jenkins would have to return as director for the threequel. The director has previously revealed that she has already come up with a story for another sequel.
She told the CinemaBlend podcast, for example, "I actually came up with a story, and Geoff Johns and I beat out an entire story for Wonder Woman 3 that we were super fired up about." However, she later added, "I'm sure that parts of it would come over to it. But I'm trying to say, 'Don't decide.' Don't fall in love with anything.'"
Still from 'Wonder Woman 1984'. Warner Bros
There are a number of reasons why Jenkins may be reticent to commit to another Wonder Woman. For one, she has been announced as the director of Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, one of the numerous pieces of Star Wars content announced at the recent Disney investors call and set for release in Christmas 2023. The scale of any Star Wars film means that Jenkins will be unable to start work on Wonder Woman 3 until after it is completed, meaning that another Wonder Woman movie would then be unlikely to come out before 2025. DC may want a sequel sooner than that, which would mean they would need a new director – which based on Gadot's comments could cause trouble with her.
This is not the only thing standing in the way of WW3. Wonder Woman 1984 has been part of the plan to release the next year of Warner Bros. movie straight onto HBO Max at the same time they come to cinemas – a move that directors have expressed their displeasure with.
In a New York Times interview, Jenkins hinted that if this model were to continue she would be unlikely to return for another film in the franchise. She said, "We'll see what happens. I really don't know. I know that I'd love to do the third one if the circumstances were right and there was still a theatrical model possible. I don't know that I would if there wasn't."
So far, the HBO Max streaming experiment is only set to last for one year, so this may not be a problem that affect Wonder Woman 3, but if this model proves successful for the streamer and Warner Bros., it could spell trouble for the future of the franchise.
The HBO Max arrangement also means that we will no less about the how much money Wonder Woman 1984 makes. The simultaneous streaming of the film is sure to affect its U.S. box office, meaning we will not truly know how much of a success the movie has been, meaning we may not know whether Warner Bros. will greenlit a sequel until they actually do it, with or without Patty Jenkins' involvement.
Wonder Woman 1984 is streaming now on HBO Max.


newsweek--2020-12-26--China Will Overtake U.S. as Top Global Economy by 2028 Thanks to Superior COVID Response: Report

China will leapfrog the U.S. to become the world 's largest economy by 2028 , according to a new report by an economic think tank , helped by its rapid and successful response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic while its Western rivals lost control of the virus .
The British Centre for Economics and Business Research released its annual report on Saturday , suggesting that the economic fallout of the pandemic means China will surpass the U.S. five years earlier than previously estimated .
`` For some time , an overarching theme of global economics has been the economic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China , '' the CEBR wrote as quoted by Reuters .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic fallout have certainly tipped this rivalry in China 's favour . ''
The pandemic originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year , before spreading worldwide .
China quickly introduced draconian restrictions to snuff out the spread , especially in Wuhan where the entire city was sealed off from the rest of the country for 76 days .
The tough measures—enabled by China 's authoritarian system—appear to have stopped the pandemic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 4,770 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
But elsewhere the situation has been much worse .
Worldwide , there have been nearly 80 million confirmed cases and more than 1.7 million deaths .
The U.S. has become the epicenter of the pandemic and cases are still rising sharply .
More than 18.7 million cases have been confirmed and 330,000 people have died .
Lockdown measures and public safety fears have undermined the U.S. economy and sent unemployment numbers soaring .
In China , meanwhile , life has largely returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set for average economic growth of 5.7 percent annually from 2021-25 , after which growth would slow to around 4.5 percent each year from 2026-30 .
The think tank cited China 's `` skilful management of the pandemic '' as a key driver of expected growth .
The U.S. , meanwhile , will likely enjoy a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2021 but growth will slow to around 1.9 percent annually between 2022 and 2024 .
Growth would slow further to 1.6 percent thereafter .
Elsewhere , Japan will remain the world 's third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India in the early 2030s .
This will also push Germany down from fourth to fifth .
The U.K. , meanwhile , will slip from fifth to sixth by 2024 following its decoupling from the European Union .
Overall , CEBR said the pandemic was likely to drive higher inflation rather than slower economic growth .
`` We see an economic cycle with rising interest rates in the mid-2020s , '' it said , which will put pressure on governments that have borrowed huge sums to support their economies through the turmoil of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends that have been accelerated by this point to a greener and more tech-based world as we move into the 2030s . ''

China will leapfrog the U.S. to become the world's largest economy by 2028, according to a new report by an economic think tank, helped by its rapid and successful response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic while its Western rivals lost control of the virus.
The British Centre for Economics and Business Research released its annual report on Saturday, suggesting that the economic fallout of the pandemic means China will surpass the U.S. five years earlier than previously estimated.
"For some time, an overarching theme of global economics has been the economic and soft power struggle between the United States and China," the CEBR wrote as quoted by Reuters. "The COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic fallout have certainly tipped this rivalry in China's favour."
The pandemic originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, before spreading worldwide. China quickly introduced draconian restrictions to snuff out the spread, especially in Wuhan where the entire city was sealed off from the rest of the country for 76 days.
The tough measures—enabled by China's authoritarian system—appear to have stopped the pandemic in China. Beijing has reported 95,460 cases and 4,770 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. But elsewhere the situation has been much worse. Worldwide, there have been nearly 80 million confirmed cases and more than 1.7 million deaths.
The U.S. has become the epicenter of the pandemic and cases are still rising sharply. More than 18.7 million cases have been confirmed and 330,000 people have died. Lockdown measures and public safety fears have undermined the U.S. economy and sent unemployment numbers soaring. In China, meanwhile, life has largely returned to normal.
The CEBR said China is set for average economic growth of 5.7 percent annually from 2021-25, after which growth would slow to around 4.5 percent each year from 2026-30. The think tank cited China's "skilful management of the pandemic" as a key driver of expected growth.
The U.S., meanwhile, will likely enjoy a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2021 but growth will slow to around 1.9 percent annually between 2022 and 2024. Growth would slow further to 1.6 percent thereafter.
Elsewhere, Japan will remain the world's third largest economy until it is overtaken by India in the early 2030s. This will also push Germany down from fourth to fifth. The U.K., meanwhile, will slip from fifth to sixth by 2024 following its decoupling from the European Union.
Overall, CEBR said the pandemic was likely to drive higher inflation rather than slower economic growth.
"We see an economic cycle with rising interest rates in the mid-2020s," it said, which will put pressure on governments that have borrowed huge sums to support their economies through the turmoil of the pandemic. "But the underlying trends that have been accelerated by this point to a greener and more tech-based world as we move into the 2030s."


newsweek--2020-12-26--'Bridgerton' on Netflix: Viewers Call Out 'Toxic' Daphne and Simon Romance

Bridgerton gives Netflix viewers a mixture of period drama and rampant sex scenes that has been a winning formula for shows such as Outlander and Poldark before it .
At the heart of this Shonda Rhimes produced romance , from the books by Julia Quinn , is the troubled relationship between Daphne Bridgerton ( played by Phoebe Dynevor ) and Simon Basset ( Regé-Jean Page ) .
Though many viewers have fallen for this society couple , others are very concerned about their future .
An article from PopSugar titled `` I Wanted to Root For Bridgerton 's Daphne and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toxic '' laid out the biggest problems with the Daphne and Simon romance .
`` As their romance unfolds , '' the author writes , `` it becomes very clear that they are n't the best fit for each other . ''
They are very different people , for one , with Daphne desperate for a family of their own while Simon has vowed to not have children , which leads them on a mission to change each other from the off .
Though ( spoiler alert ) this eventually works and Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the sort of thing that works well in romance novel but less well in real life .
As PopSugar author Kelsie Gibson notes , `` In a healthy relationship , you should grow together .
What you should n't do is push the other person to be what you want , while you selfishly stay the same ... As they constantly try to make their relationship work , they become the worst versions of themselves . ''
One scene in particular has lead fans calling out their relationship as unhealthy .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her in Episode 6 , Daphne pins her husband down , forcing him to have sex with her .
He initially seems on board with her taking sexual control , but after she refuses to stop when he asks her too , this becomes an act of sexual assault , which she says is revenge for him taking advantage of her sexual immaturity by pulling out when they have sex .
This is addressed by Lady Whistledown ( Julie Andrews ) in voiceover when she says , `` I would wager many may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps she thought it her only option .
Or perhaps she knows no shame .
But I ask you , could the ends ever justify such wretched means ? ''
This controversial scene mirrors one in the book where the Bridgerton daughter gets her husband drunk before taking advantage of him .
A number of viewers took to Twitter to criticise the inclusion of this scene .
Though the scene speaks to the desperation of Daphne , and addressed the fact that issues of consent were less clear-cut in the era in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2020 show can not get away with its character committing sexual assault , particularly as the rest of the show is fairly light in tone and , in the Netflix version , Daphne is white while Simon is a person of color .
One user tweeted , for example , `` Y'all want people to watch a white woman rape a Black man in a romance in 2020 just in case this never happens again .
Ca n't even be shocked . ''
Another wrote , `` they could 've definitely fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was HIGHLY unnecessary to include it .
You 're ruining an otherwise fun show for everyone . ''
Others , meanwhile , have questioned what it is we are seeing in the scene .
Romance author Tessa Dare , for example , tweeted , `` Having read the book and now seen this— imo book was much worse , in that he was drunk and barely understood what was happening .
In the show , he is completely sober and willing to have sex .
The issue is him not wanting to impregnate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
Whether she is forcing him to come inside her ( she 's on top ) , or if he 's carried away in the moment .
To ME , it played more like the latter—especially when compared to the book , where he is vocally objecting .
However , she still does know he would n't otherwise want to . ''
She latter added , `` I do think the show excuses Daphne more easily than it should .
Even in the most favorable interpretation , it was still wrong of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone saying that was not rape .
If anyone takes back consent during sex and the other person involved continues then it is considered rape .
He revoked consent and was horrified as a character his stutter even came back .
So no it was not a consensual act . ''
Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix .

Bridgerton gives Netflix viewers a mixture of period drama and rampant sex scenes that has been a winning formula for shows such as Outlander and Poldark before it. At the heart of this Shonda Rhimes produced romance, from the books by Julia Quinn, is the troubled relationship between Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Though many viewers have fallen for this society couple, others are very concerned about their future.
An article from PopSugar titled "I Wanted to Root For Bridgerton's Daphne and Simon, but Their Romance Is Pretty Toxic" laid out the biggest problems with the Daphne and Simon romance. "As their romance unfolds," the author writes, "it becomes very clear that they aren't the best fit for each other." They are very different people, for one, with Daphne desperate for a family of their own while Simon has vowed to not have children, which leads them on a mission to change each other from the off. Though (spoiler alert) this eventually works and Simon decides to have a child, this is the sort of thing that works well in romance novel but less well in real life.
As PopSugar author Kelsie Gibson notes, "In a healthy relationship, you should grow together. What you shouldn't do is push the other person to be what you want, while you selfishly stay the same... As they constantly try to make their relationship work, they become the worst versions of themselves."
Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor as Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton in 'Bridgerton.' Netflix
One scene in particular has lead fans calling out their relationship as unhealthy. In an attempt to force Simon to impregnate her in Episode 6, Daphne pins her husband down, forcing him to have sex with her. He initially seems on board with her taking sexual control, but after she refuses to stop when he asks her too, this becomes an act of sexual assault, which she says is revenge for him taking advantage of her sexual immaturity by pulling out when they have sex.
This is addressed by Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews) in voiceover when she says, "I would wager many may think her actions beyond they pale. Perhaps she thought it her only option. Or perhaps she knows no shame. But I ask you, could the ends ever justify such wretched means?"
This controversial scene mirrors one in the book where the Bridgerton daughter gets her husband drunk before taking advantage of him.
A number of viewers took to Twitter to criticise the inclusion of this scene. Though the scene speaks to the desperation of Daphne, and addressed the fact that issues of consent were less clear-cut in the era in which Bridgerton is set, many felt that a 2020 show cannot get away with its character committing sexual assault, particularly as the rest of the show is fairly light in tone and, in the Netflix version, Daphne is white while Simon is a person of color.
One user tweeted, for example, "Y'all want people to watch a white woman rape a Black man in a romance in 2020 just in case this never happens again. Can't even be shocked." Another wrote, "they could've definitely fought over kids without the rape scene it was HIGHLY unnecessary to include it. You're ruining an otherwise fun show for everyone."
Others, meanwhile, have questioned what it is we are seeing in the scene. Romance author Tessa Dare, for example, tweeted, "Having read the book and now seen this— imo book was much worse, in that he was drunk and barely understood what was happening. In the show, he is completely sober and willing to have sex. The issue is him not wanting to impregnate her, and the consent question is ...Whether she is forcing him to come inside her (she's on top), or if he's carried away in the moment. To ME, it played more like the latter—especially when compared to the book, where he is vocally objecting. However, she still does know he wouldn't otherwise want to."
She latter added, "I do think the show excuses Daphne more easily than it should. Even in the most favorable interpretation, it was still wrong of her."
Another viewer tweeted, "for everyone saying that was not rape. If anyone takes back consent during sex and the other person involved continues then it is considered rape. He revoked consent and was horrified as a character his stutter even came back. So no it was not a consensual act."
Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.


newsweek--2020-12-26--What Polls Say About Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock 1 Week Before Georgia's Election

There 's just a little over a week until Georgia 's unprecedented double Senate runoff elections and polls show a tight race between Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler and her Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock .
More than 2 million residents have already cast their ballots for the runoffs , according to the early-voting data tracker Georgia Votes .
The January 5 contests—Loeffler vs. Warnock and David Perdue vs. Jon Ossoff—will determine which party has majority control of the U.S. Senate in the next Congress .
A FiveThirtyEight analysis averaging the polls that have been conducted since the November general election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.6 points on December 24 .
The Democrat had 48.2 percent support compared with Loeffler 's 47.6 percent support .
One survey from InsiderAdvantage and FOX 5 Atlanta released Wednesday found that Loeffler was trailing Warnock by 2 percentage points , though 4 percent of those polled said they remained undecided on who to support .
Warnock was also slightly ahead in a poll conducted by Reconnect Research in partnership with Probolsky Research .
The survey of over 1,000 likely voters found Warnock had 43 percent support .
Loeffler was n't far behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of respondents were undecided about the race .
After the November election , Republicans are set to control at least 50 seats in the next Senate .
Democrats will have 46 seats but two independent senators caucus with the party , bringing their total vote power to 48 .
If Democrats win both Senate races next month , party control of the Senate would be split 50-50 .
It would then be up to Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to cast any tie-breaking votes that occur , essentially giving Democrats control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little more than 343,000 votes but neither candidate passed the 50 percent threshold needed to clinch victory .
Warnock received 32.9 percent of the vote compared to Loeffler 's 25.9 percent .
The high-stakes of the runoffs have prompted high-profile party figures to stump for their respective candidates in the Peach State .
Vice President Mike Pence has held several `` Defend the Majority '' rallies urging Republicans to vote , stating Perdue and Loeffler are the `` last line of defense '' against the Democrats ' `` radical agenda . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamala Harris have held events in the state this month .
The two were the first Democratic candidates to win Georgia since 1992 , flipping the state blue after it supported President Donald Trump in 2016 .
`` I am here to say that the decision you make , the work that you put into it , will impact people who you may never meet , people who may never know your names .
But because of what you have done and are prepared to do , their lives will forever be better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally in Columbus last week .

There's just a little over a week until Georgia's unprecedented double Senate runoff elections and polls show a tight race between Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler and her Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock.
More than 2 million residents have already cast their ballots for the runoffs, according to the early-voting data tracker Georgia Votes. The January 5 contests—Loeffler vs. Warnock and David Perdue vs. Jon Ossoff—will determine which party has majority control of the U.S. Senate in the next Congress.
A FiveThirtyEight analysis averaging the polls that have been conducted since the November general election, Warnock was shown ahead of Loeffler by 0.6 points on December 24. The Democrat had 48.2 percent support compared with Loeffler's 47.6 percent support.
One survey from InsiderAdvantage and FOX 5 Atlanta released Wednesday found that Loeffler was trailing Warnock by 2 percentage points, though 4 percent of those polled said they remained undecided on who to support.
Warnock was also slightly ahead in a poll conducted by Reconnect Research in partnership with Probolsky Research. The survey of over 1,000 likely voters found Warnock had 43 percent support. Loeffler wasn't far behind with 42 percent support. But 15 percent of respondents were undecided about the race.
After the November election, Republicans are set to control at least 50 seats in the next Senate. Democrats will have 46 seats but two independent senators caucus with the party, bringing their total vote power to 48.
If Democrats win both Senate races next month, party control of the Senate would be split 50-50. It would then be up to Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to cast any tie-breaking votes that occur, essentially giving Democrats control.
In November, Warnock bested Loeffler by a little more than 343,000 votes but neither candidate passed the 50 percent threshold needed to clinch victory. Warnock received 32.9 percent of the vote compared to Loeffler's 25.9 percent.
Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock arrives to speak at a Senate runoff election drive-in campaign rally at Bibb Mill in Columbus, Georgia. Warnock will face Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler in a runoff election on January 5. Tami Chappell/AFP/Getty Images
The high-stakes of the runoffs have prompted high-profile party figures to stump for their respective candidates in the Peach State. Vice President Mike Pence has held several "Defend the Majority" rallies urging Republicans to vote, stating Perdue and Loeffler are the "last line of defense" against the Democrats' "radical agenda."
Both President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have held events in the state this month. The two were the first Democratic candidates to win Georgia since 1992, flipping the state blue after it supported President Donald Trump in 2016.
"I am here to say that the decision you make, the work that you put into it, will impact people who you may never meet, people who may never know your names. But because of what you have done and are prepared to do, their lives will forever be better," Harris said at a drive-in rally in Columbus last week.


newsweek--2020-12-26--What Polls Say About David Perdue and Jon Ossoff 1 Week Before the Georgia Election

With one week until the Georgia runoff elections , the race between incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff remains too close to call , as polls indicate that their contest will come down to who turns out to vote .
Perdue had the advantage in November , earning about 88,000 more votes than Ossoff .
However , he fell 0.3 points shy of the 50 percent threshold needed to win an election in Georgia , resulting in the upcoming January 5 runoff that will help decide the fate of the Senate .
And at this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's seat to win .
FiveThirtyEight gives Perdue a 0.4 point lead on average over Ossoff , a difference that 's not big enough to present a clear winner .
In a recent survey , Perdue also has the advantage but only by 1 point , a lead that 's within the poll 's margin of error .
Of the 500 registered voters surveyed by Insider Advantage on Monday and Tuesday , 49 percent said they were voting for Perude and 48 percent were supporting Ossoff .
Since the last poll was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among Black voters declined but increased among white voters .
The limited number of post-election polling has ping-ponged back and forth as to who is in the lead , and a poll released on Monday gave Ossoff the advantage .
The Survey USA/WXIA poll of 691 voters found 51 percent were voting for Ossoff and 46 going for Perdue .
That put Ossoff up by 1 point and Perdue down by 2 when compared to a poll taken three weeks prior .
More than 1.8 million people in Georgia have already cast ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are about 5 million votes up for grabs , according to the U.S .
Elections Project .
Of those who voted early , 1.2 million cast their ballots in person since polls opened on December 14 .
Another 679,000 cast their ballot by mail .
Ahead of the runoff , there was a strong push to register voters and encourage people to participate in the January 5 election , even if they did n't cast ballots in November .
Of the people who voted early , nearly 60,000 did n't cast ballots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those who did vote in November , the Survey USA poll found few people are planning on changing their minds about their vote .
Only 1 percent of people who voted for Perdue in November plan on casting their ballot for Ossoff this time around , and 3 percent of people who voted for Ossoff will now mark their ballot for Perdue .
If Perdue is able to keep his seat in the Senate , Republicans will maintain control of the chamber .
However , if Ossoff is able to oust the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer to a 50-50 divide that would effectively give them control of both chambers of Congress .

With one week until the Georgia runoff elections, the race between incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue and Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff remains too close to call, as polls indicate that their contest will come down to who turns out to vote.
Perdue had the advantage in November, earning about 88,000 more votes than Ossoff. However, he fell 0.3 points shy of the 50 percent threshold needed to win an election in Georgia, resulting in the upcoming January 5 runoff that will help decide the fate of the Senate. And at this point in the race, it's anyone's seat to win.
FiveThirtyEight gives Perdue a 0.4 point lead on average over Ossoff, a difference that's not big enough to present a clear winner. In a recent survey, Perdue also has the advantage but only by 1 point, a lead that's within the poll's margin of error.
Of the 500 registered voters surveyed by Insider Advantage on Monday and Tuesday, 49 percent said they were voting for Perude and 48 percent were supporting Ossoff. Since the last poll was taken a week ago, Perdue's support among Black voters declined but increased among white voters.
Senator David Perdue has a slight edge on Democrat Challenger Jon Ossoff with one week to go until the election but it's not a strong enough lead to make any predictions about the runoff election's outcome. An attendee holds a sign supporting Senator David Perdue at a campaign event for Perdue and Senator Kelly Loeffler featuring Ivanka Trump on December 21 in Milton, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty
The limited number of post-election polling has ping-ponged back and forth as to who is in the lead, and a poll released on Monday gave Ossoff the advantage. The Survey USA/WXIA poll of 691 voters found 51 percent were voting for Ossoff and 46 going for Perdue. That put Ossoff up by 1 point and Perdue down by 2 when compared to a poll taken three weeks prior.
More than 1.8 million people in Georgia have already cast ballots in the runoff election, so there are about 5 million votes up for grabs, according to the U.S. Elections Project. Of those who voted early, 1.2 million cast their ballots in person since polls opened on December 14. Another 679,000 cast their ballot by mail.
Ahead of the runoff, there was a strong push to register voters and encourage people to participate in the January 5 election, even if they didn't cast ballots in November. Of the people who voted early, nearly 60,000 didn't cast ballots in the general election.
When it comes to those who did vote in November, the Survey USA poll found few people are planning on changing their minds about their vote. Only 1 percent of people who voted for Perdue in November plan on casting their ballot for Ossoff this time around, and 3 percent of people who voted for Ossoff will now mark their ballot for Perdue.
If Perdue is able to keep his seat in the Senate, Republicans will maintain control of the chamber. However, if Ossoff is able to oust the incumbent, Democrats will be one seat closer to a 50-50 divide that would effectively give them control of both chambers of Congress.


newsweek--2020-12-26--New York Times Podcast Star Pressured Media to 'Temper Their Critiques' of Caliphate Podcast: Report

The host of a popular New York Times podcast pressured several journalists to soften their criticism of the paper over the investigation into and retraction of its Caliphate podcast , according to NPR media reporter David Folkenflik .
Michael Barbaro , host of the Times ' The Daily podcast , reportedly leant on multiple journalists who were critical of the newspaper 's handling of the Caliphate scandal .
The Times launched an investigation of its own reporting when it emerged that one of the Caliphate 's central figures had lied about his supposed role as an Islamic State fighter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at least three others were pressed privately by Barbaro to `` temper their critiques '' of the Caliphate controversy .
Others included NPR host and former Middle East correspondent Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Washington Post media critic Erik Wemple , Folkenflik wrote .
Barbaro hosted a corrective podcast last week to help build back trust in the Times after the Caliphate 's central storyline collapsed .
Led by star terrorism reporter and host Rukmini Callimachi , the Caliphate team made Canadian-Pakistani Shehroze Chaudhry into its key character , despite signs he could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISIS executioner .
Chaudhry has now been charged by Canadian authorities for lying about being an ISIS executioner in Syria .
Times follow-up reporting found no evidence that Chaudhry had ever joined ISIS , killed anyone , or even traveled to Syria .
Barbaro interviewed Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet for the 30-minute corrective show last week .
He also spoke with investigative correspondent Mark Mazzetti , who oversaw the team of Times reporters tasked with re-reporting the Caliphate story .
But Barbaro did not mention his close ties with the Caliphate podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The opening episodes of Caliphate ran as part of The Daily , with several staffers from podcast eventually joining the Caliphate team as it grew in popularity .
Barbaro is also engaged to Caliphate executive producer Lisa Tobin .
Barbaro has defended the Caliphate team on Twitter .
In one tweet , he replied to a post by Wemple saying : `` Several episodes of the series do not touch on Chaudhry and their accuracy is not in question . ''
Wemple said the Times should not have assigned Barbaro to interview Baquet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caliphate .
`` I think it 's disqualifying and it 's certainly blinding , '' Wemple told NPR .
`` I do n't think Michael should have been involved in , you know , in this particular aspect of it .
But he is the voice of The New York Times . ''

The host of a popular New York Times podcast pressured several journalists to soften their criticism of the paper over the investigation into and retraction of its Caliphate podcast, according to NPR media reporter David Folkenflik.
Michael Barbaro, host of the Times' The Daily podcast, reportedly leant on multiple journalists who were critical of the newspaper's handling of the Caliphate scandal. The Times launched an investigation of its own reporting when it emerged that one of the Caliphate's central figures had lied about his supposed role as an Islamic State fighter and executioner in Syria.
Folkenflik said he and at least three others were pressed privately by Barbaro to "temper their critiques" of the Caliphate controversy. Others included NPR host and former Middle East correspondent Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Washington Post media critic Erik Wemple, Folkenflik wrote.
Barbaro hosted a corrective podcast last week to help build back trust in the Times after the Caliphate's central storyline collapsed. Led by star terrorism reporter and host Rukmini Callimachi, the Caliphate team made Canadian-Pakistani Shehroze Chaudhry into its key character, despite signs he could be lying about his claimed role as an ISIS executioner.
Chaudhry has now been charged by Canadian authorities for lying about being an ISIS executioner in Syria. Times follow-up reporting found no evidence that Chaudhry had ever joined ISIS, killed anyone, or even traveled to Syria.
Barbaro interviewed Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet for the 30-minute corrective show last week. He also spoke with investigative correspondent Mark Mazzetti, who oversaw the team of Times reporters tasked with re-reporting the Caliphate story.
But Barbaro did not mention his close ties with the Caliphate podcast and its staff during the corrective. The opening episodes of Caliphate ran as part of The Daily, with several staffers from podcast eventually joining the Caliphate team as it grew in popularity. Barbaro is also engaged to Caliphate executive producer Lisa Tobin.
Barbaro has defended the Caliphate team on Twitter. In one tweet, he replied to a post by Wemple saying: "Several episodes of the series do not touch on Chaudhry and their accuracy is not in question."
Wemple said the Times should not have assigned Barbaro to interview Baquet, given how close he is to Caliphate. "I think it's disqualifying and it's certainly blinding," Wemple told NPR.
"I don't think Michael should have been involved in, you know, in this particular aspect of it. But he is the voice of The New York Times."


newsweek--2020-12-26--'Bridgerton' on Netflix: Do Daphne and Simon End Up Together?

Bridgerton looks set to be Netflix 's next big hit , with viewers already starting to binge the Regency romantic drama from super-producer Shonda Rhimes .
Particularly , fans have been drawn to the up and downs of the romance between society belle Daphne Bridgerton ( played by Phoebe Dynevor ) and the troubled Duke of Hastings Simon Basset ( Regé-Jean Page ) .
Though there are clear romantic sparks between them for their first meeting , their love has many complications along the way , leaving fans worried what the future has in store for the couple .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridgerton ?
WARNING : The following contains spoilers for the entirety of Bridgerton on Netflix Like every good romance , Daphne and Simon eventually get their happy ending , but it is far from smooth sailing for them to get there .
The pair eventually get married in Season 1 of that Netflix show , but it seems that this marriage is doomed to failure – a particular problem in the Regency period , where very few marriages ended in divorce , and almost no divorces were granted to wives .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four divorces were granted to women in England .
Though divorce was difficult to get and was socially unacceptable during the time in which Bridgerton is set , Daphne and Simon 's marriage seems to be all but over by Episode 7 , when the pair agree to live separately after the end of the social season .
Mostly , the thing that is keeping them apart is their differing views on children – namely , that Daphne wants them while Simon does not .
We learn that this is because the Duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , mostly as the ultimate insult to his father – no child means no heir , bringing the Basset line to an end .
However , in the finale of the Netflix show , he realises that his love for Daphne ( and desire to not be alone ) is stronger than the hatred he has for his father , and Simon agrees to try to have a child with his wife .
Bridgerton then ends with the pair of them welcoming their first child , a boy who is one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hastings .
After this rocky start to their marriage , the books reveal that Daphne and Simon stay together for good .
However , this does not mean that they will in the Bridgerton series .
Each of the books that the show is based on , by romance author Julia Quinn , focuses on a different member of the Bridgerton family , meaning that Daphne and Simon go from being main to supporting characters .
The Netflix series , however , may choose to continue to focus on the Duke and Duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons , which means that their marriage in the TV show may hit problems that their counterparts on the TV did not .
Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix .

Bridgerton looks set to be Netflix's next big hit, with viewers already starting to binge the Regency romantic drama from super-producer Shonda Rhimes. Particularly, fans have been drawn to the up and downs of the romance between society belle Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and the troubled Duke of Hastings Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Though there are clear romantic sparks between them for their first meeting, their love has many complications along the way, leaving fans worried what the future has in store for the couple.
Do Daphne and Simon end up together in Bridgerton?
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the entirety of Bridgerton on Netflix
Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor as Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton in 'Bridgerton.' Netflix
Like every good romance, Daphne and Simon eventually get their happy ending, but it is far from smooth sailing for them to get there.
The pair eventually get married in Season 1 of that Netflix show, but it seems that this marriage is doomed to failure – a particular problem in the Regency period, where very few marriages ended in divorce, and almost no divorces were granted to wives. In fact, between 1670 and 1857, only four divorces were granted to women in England.
Though divorce was difficult to get and was socially unacceptable during the time in which Bridgerton is set, Daphne and Simon's marriage seems to be all but over by Episode 7, when the pair agree to live separately after the end of the social season.
Mostly, the thing that is keeping them apart is their differing views on children – namely, that Daphne wants them while Simon does not. We learn that this is because the Duke had made a vow never to have children, mostly as the ultimate insult to his father – no child means no heir, bringing the Basset line to an end.
However, in the finale of the Netflix show, he realises that his love for Daphne (and desire to not be alone) is stronger than the hatred he has for his father, and Simon agrees to try to have a child with his wife. Bridgerton then ends with the pair of them welcoming their first child, a boy who is one day due to become the next Duke of Hastings.
After this rocky start to their marriage, the books reveal that Daphne and Simon stay together for good.
However, this does not mean that they will in the Bridgerton series. Each of the books that the show is based on, by romance author Julia Quinn, focuses on a different member of the Bridgerton family, meaning that Daphne and Simon go from being main to supporting characters. The Netflix series, however, may choose to continue to focus on the Duke and Duchess of Hastings if the show gets more seasons, which means that their marriage in the TV show may hit problems that their counterparts on the TV did not.
Bridgerton is streaming now on Netflix.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Police Find Anti-Tank Weapon in Abandoned Car on Christmas Morning

Sheriff 's deputies in California seized a powerful anti-tank weapon from an abandoned car which had been involved in an apparent shooting on Christmas Day morning .
The San Bernardino County Sheriff 's Department responded at around 12:30 a.m. on December 25 to a single vehicle traffic collision that occurred near the intersection of Glendora Drive and Barton Road in Grand Terrace .
The driver of the vehicle fled on foot after being involved in the collision .
When deputies arrived at the scene , they found the Honda 's rear window was shattered from a bullet which entered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , struck the inside of the windshield before landing on the dash .
Deputies then recovered an anti-tank rocket propelled grenade launcher which was in plain view on the back seat .
The center console also contained a small amount of blood .
The registered owner of the Honda was identified as 28-year-old Colton resident Jesus Rodriquez , who is currently on parole for assault with an automatic weapon .
The driver of the Honda has not been located .
The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department has been contacted for an update on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this investigation is urged to contact Central Station at ( 909 ) 387-3545 .
Elsewhere , the San Bernardino County Sheriff 's Department arrested two people in connection to a fatal shooting at a liquor store on December 23 .
Deputies responded to a call of a shooting at the Green Tree Liquor Store on Wednesday at around 2:50 p.m .
When deputies arrived at the scene and found the victim , Christopher Brim , suffering from gunshot wounds and unresponsive in his parked vehicle .
He was later pronounced dead at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another vehicle arrived at the store and parked near Brim 's vehicle .
The second car was driven by Alicia Rivas , with Antonio Mota a passenger .
Shortly after pulling up beside Brim 's car , Mota allegedly exited the second car , walked to Brim 's vehicle and fired shots at Brim .
Both Rivas and Mota fled the scene in their vehicle .
The pair were found several hours later in another vehicle in Hesperia .
Deputies conducted a traffic stop and arrested Mota and Rivas following a short pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brim 's vehicle .
When Mota was arrested , he was found to have a gunshot wound which detectives believe was from Brim returning fire during the shooting at the liquor store .
Mota received medical treatment for his non-life threatening injuries .
Mota was booked at West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of murder , with Rivas accused of accessory .

Sheriff's deputies in California seized a powerful anti-tank weapon from an abandoned car which had been involved in an apparent shooting on Christmas Day morning.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded at around 12:30 a.m. on December 25 to a single vehicle traffic collision that occurred near the intersection of Glendora Drive and Barton Road in Grand Terrace.
The driver of the vehicle fled on foot after being involved in the collision. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the Honda's rear window was shattered from a bullet which entered the passenger's compartment through the rear window, struck the inside of the windshield before landing on the dash.
Deputies then recovered an anti-tank rocket propelled grenade launcher which was in plain view on the back seat. The center console also contained a small amount of blood.
The registered owner of the Honda was identified as 28-year-old Colton resident Jesus Rodriquez, who is currently on parole for assault with an automatic weapon. The driver of the Honda has not been located.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department has been contacted for an update on the investigation.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Central Station at (909)387-3545.
Sheriff's deputies have found an anti-tank weapon in a car that had been left abandoned in California. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Elsewhere, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested two people in connection to a fatal shooting at a liquor store on December 23.
Deputies responded to a call of a shooting at the Green Tree Liquor Store on Wednesday at around 2:50 p.m. When deputies arrived at the scene and found the victim, Christopher Brim, suffering from gunshot wounds and unresponsive in his parked vehicle. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
It was later determined that another vehicle arrived at the store and parked near Brim's vehicle. The second car was driven by Alicia Rivas, with Antonio Mota a passenger.
Shortly after pulling up beside Brim's car, Mota allegedly exited the second car, walked to Brim's vehicle and fired shots at Brim. Both Rivas and Mota fled the scene in their vehicle.
The pair were found several hours later in another vehicle in Hesperia. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and arrested Mota and Rivas following a short pursuit.
Detectives also located a handgun in Brim's vehicle. When Mota was arrested, he was found to have a gunshot wound which detectives believe was from Brim returning fire during the shooting at the liquor store.
Mota received medical treatment for his non-life threatening injuries. Mota was booked at West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of murder, with Rivas accused of accessory.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Russia Blames U.S. for 'Visa War' That Caused Staff Shortages at Last American Embassy in Country

Russia has accused the U.S. of starting a `` visa war '' with Moscow , resulting in severe staff shortages at the only remaining American diplomatic mission in the country as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to take office and officials continue to investigate the SolarWinds hack .
The Russian embassy in Washington , D.C. , issued a statement on its Facebook page Saturday disputing media reports in the U.S. blaming the Kremlin for staffing issues at the American embassy in Moscow .
One report in The Washington Post said the situation was so dire that senior American diplomats had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and handling disinfectants .
The Moscow embassy is the last American diplomatic facility in the country following last week 's decision to close the consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok .
The Russian embassy in Moscow , however , said the U.S. is to blame for the situation .
`` We would like to remind once again that the responsibility for this 'stalemate ' lies entirely with the American side , '' the embassy wrote on its Facebook page .
`` It was the United States that became the initiator of the so-called 'visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal visa exchanges , when employees of Russian foreign missions receive entry permits only in conjunction with the issuance of visas for American staff , '' the embassy said .
Friday 's Post article , the embassy alleged , `` mislead their readers and seek to place all the blame for problems related to consular and visa matters on the Russian side . ''
`` The information contained in the article does not correspond to the real state of affairs , '' the Russian embassy added .
`` There were no refusals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed by the U.S. missions .
We do n't have any advantages here . ''
`` We act strictly on the basis of reciprocity .
The number of visas we issue to American officials corresponds to the number of visas received by Russian employees in the United States . ''
The embassy said Moscow had repeatedly called on the U.S. `` to fully normalize our relations in terms of consular and visa issues . ''
It added : `` There is no need to put your brand on the wrong steer .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The State Department confirmed last week it would close the Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok consulates , which a spokesperson told NPR would `` optimize the work of the U.S. mission in Russia . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo consulted with Ambassador John Sullivan before taking the decision .
The spokesperson said the closures are part of America 's `` ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation . ''
The spokesperson added : `` The resulting realignment of personnel at U.S. Embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy interests in Russia in the most effective and safe manner possible . ''
The State Department had already temporarily suspended operations in Vladivostok and scaled back services in Yekaterinburg in March , amid the coronavirus pandemic and concerns over the health of staff .
Former diplomats have pushed back on the decision to close the consulates , warning that smaller American presence in Russia will hamper Washington 's ability to build ties with the Russia government beyond President Vladimir Putin and his immediate team at the Kremlin .
James Collins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversaw the opening of the consulate in Vladivostok in 1992 , told the Post : `` I can not understand how this is anything but against the interests of the United States . ''
Mike McFaul , a U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama , described the closures as `` a self-inflicted wound ... Russia is not kicking us out .
We are unilaterally deciding we do n't want be there .
It 's a giant mistake .
I hope Biden reverses it . ''
Biden is expected to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power next month , breaking with President Donald Trump 's consistent defense of Putin .
Russian officials are wary , and have said they expect no sudden thaw in relations between the Kremlin and the White House .
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday Moscow was expecting `` nothing positive '' from the new administration .
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax : `` We are definitely not expecting anything good ... And it would be strange to expect good things from people , many of whom made their careers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Relations will be even more fractious given the recent SolarWinds hack , which officials have blamed on Russia even though Trump accused China of possible involvement .
Hackers gained access to multiple federal agencies and were able to snoop on sensitive internal communications for months .
Russia has denied involvement in the attack .
The full extent of the hack is not yet known , but one unnamed official told the Associated Press : `` This is looking like it 's the worst hacking case in the history of America ... @ @ @ @ @ @

Russia has accused the U.S. of starting a "visa war" with Moscow, resulting in severe staff shortages at the only remaining American diplomatic mission in the country as President-Elect Joe Biden prepares to take office and officials continue to investigate the SolarWinds hack.
The Russian embassy in Washington, D.C., issued a statement on its Facebook page Saturday disputing media reports in the U.S. blaming the Kremlin for staffing issues at the American embassy in Moscow.
One report in The Washington Post said the situation was so dire that senior American diplomats had to carry out day-to-day tasks like shoveling snow and handling disinfectants. The Moscow embassy is the last American diplomatic facility in the country following last week's decision to close the consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok.
The Russian embassy in Moscow, however, said the U.S. is to blame for the situation. "We would like to remind once again that the responsibility for this 'stalemate' lies entirely with the American side," the embassy wrote on its Facebook page.
"It was the United States that became the initiator of the so-called 'visa war', imposing the practice of personal visa exchanges, when employees of Russian foreign missions receive entry permits only in conjunction with the issuance of visas for American staff," the embassy said.
Friday's Post article, the embassy alleged, "mislead their readers and seek to place all the blame for problems related to consular and visa matters on the Russian side."
"The information contained in the article does not correspond to the real state of affairs," the Russian embassy added. "There were no refusals to issue visas to diplomats and other specialists employed by the U.S. missions. We don't have any advantages here."
"We act strictly on the basis of reciprocity. The number of visas we issue to American officials corresponds to the number of visas received by Russian employees in the United States."
The embassy said Moscow had repeatedly called on the U.S. "to fully normalize our relations in terms of consular and visa issues." It added: "There is no need to put your brand on the wrong steer. The ball is on the American side."
The State Department confirmed last week it would close the Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok consulates, which a spokesperson told NPR would "optimize the work of the U.S. mission in Russia." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo consulted with Ambassador John Sullivan before taking the decision.
The spokesperson said the closures are part of America's "ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Russian Federation." The spokesperson added: "The resulting realignment of personnel at U.S. Embassy Moscow will allow us to advance our foreign policy interests in Russia in the most effective and safe manner possible."
The State Department had already temporarily suspended operations in Vladivostok and scaled back services in Yekaterinburg in March, amid the coronavirus pandemic and concerns over the health of staff.
Former diplomats have pushed back on the decision to close the consulates, warning that smaller American presence in Russia will hamper Washington's ability to build ties with the Russia government beyond President Vladimir Putin and his immediate team at the Kremlin.
James Collins, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia who oversaw the opening of the consulate in Vladivostok in 1992, told the Post: "I cannot understand how this is anything but against the interests of the United States."
Mike McFaul, a U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama, described the closures as "a self-inflicted wound... Russia is not kicking us out. We are unilaterally deciding we don't want be there. It's a giant mistake. I hope Biden reverses it."
Biden is expected to take a tough line on Russia when he takes power next month, breaking with President Donald Trump's consistent defense of Putin. Russian officials are wary, and have said they expect no sudden thaw in relations between the Kremlin and the White House.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday Moscow was expecting "nothing positive" from the new administration.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax: "We are definitely not expecting anything good...And it would be strange to expect good things from people, many of whom made their careers on Russophobia and throwing mud at my country."
Relations will be even more fractious given the recent SolarWinds hack, which officials have blamed on Russia even though Trump accused China of possible involvement. Hackers gained access to multiple federal agencies and were able to snoop on sensitive internal communications for months. Russia has denied involvement in the attack.
The full extent of the hack is not yet known, but one unnamed official told the Associated Press: "This is looking like it's the worst hacking case in the history of America...They got into everything."


newsweek--2020-12-26--'Wonder Woman 1984' Credits Scene Could Set Up A Sequel

Wonder Woman 1984 is now streaming on HBO Max and is in theaters across the world .
This means that DC Comics fans are starting to watch the sequel starring Gal Gadot and are wondering whether there is an after-credits scene that sets up important plot points for a potential third Wonder Woman film .
While there is a post-credits ( or rather mid-credits ) scene in WW84 , it is not the kind of scene that sets up the next movie in the DC universe or the upcoming 'Snyder cut ' of Justice League .
Instead , the 1980s-set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970s , and a woman who means a lot to Wonder Woman fans .
WARNING : The following contains spoilers for Wonder Woman 1984 Earlier in the HBO Max movie , Diana ( played by Gal Gadot ) tells the story of Asteria , the golden-armored warrior who is a hero to all Themyscirans .
In the history of Diana 's people , the Amazons all contributed part of their armor to give to Asteria to make her the ultimate golden armor , complete with wings that act as shields .
Asteria then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemies of the Amazons as they evacuated their home and migrated to Themyscira .
According to the legend , all that was found of Asteria was that armor , so she was believed to have sacrificed herself for her people .
Her armor then took on mythical status among her people as something only the most true and honest warriors could wear .
In Wonder Woman 1984 , of course , Diana is able to wear it to take on Barbara/Cheetah ( Kristen Wiig ) and Max Lord ( Pedro Pascal ) after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that brought Steve Trevor ( Chris Pine ) back to life .
The story of Astoria is itself a neat little Easter egg for fans of the Wonder Woman comics .
Diana told a similar story in the 2018 run of Justice League comics , while in 1998 comic Elseworld 's Finest : Supergirl & Batgirl Vol 1 , Asteria was presented as a sort of alternate universe Wonder Woman .
The WW84 credits scene mixes these two ideas about Asteria together .
We see a dark-haired woman save people by protecting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turns around and we learn that Asteria survived her ordeal and has been saving people for `` a long time '' .
If she is alive , then quite why she never returned to Themyscira is unclear – perhaps because she realised that the legend of her noble sacrifice was more important to the survival of the Amazon than her actually being there .
This potential plot hole , however , is not really worth thinking about , as the reveal that Asteria is still alive is mostly an excuse for a cameo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woman fans .
The character is played by none other than Lynda Carter , who played Wonder Woman herself in a series of adventures from 1975 to 1979 .
This is not the first time that DC has paid tribute to Carter .
She cameoed in an episode of Superman prequel Smallville in 2007 , and plays the president in another female superhero TV show , The CW 's Supergirl .
Fans hoping that Lynda Carter 's appearance as Asteria sets her up as Diana 's ally for a potential Wonder Woman 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's wink to camera at the end of the credits scene seems to suggest this is more like a fun standalone scene than a hint at any sequel .
However , though it is unlikely that Carter will be returning to the WW-verse in a wider capacity , the credits scene could give fans an idea of what to expect from Wonder Woman 3 .
It is possible that while we will not see this version of Asteria again , the movie may be hinting that they are taking a hint from that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of Wonder Woman in the future .
As Marvel is soon set to open up its multiverse with the addition of multiple Peter Parkers in Spider-Man 3 , this could be our first hint that DC will follow suit .
The scene also introduces another intriguing prospect that might pay out in future movies : That Diana is not the only Themysciran to have left the all-woman island paradise .
A fun idea for the third movie may see Diana taking on a warrior from her home who has gone rogue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ widen the world of the Amazons after the fun scene set there that opened WW84 – and mght finally mean that the franchise gives Robin Wright something to do .
Fans waiting for the end of the credits to see if there is an after-credits scene that sets up a sequel are also going to be let down .
The Asteria scene is the last one in the film , and there is no second scene for fans who wait until the end of the credits – or skip ahead to the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1984 is streaming now on HBO Max .

Wonder Woman 1984 is now streaming on HBO Max and is in theaters across the world. This means that DC Comics fans are starting to watch the sequel starring Gal Gadot and are wondering whether there is an after-credits scene that sets up important plot points for a potential third Wonder Woman film.
While there is a post-credits (or rather mid-credits) scene in WW84, it is not the kind of scene that sets up the next movie in the DC universe or the upcoming 'Snyder cut' of Justice League. Instead, the 1980s-set movie ends with a tribute to the 1970s, and a woman who means a lot to Wonder Woman fans.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Wonder Woman 1984
Earlier in the HBO Max movie, Diana (played by Gal Gadot) tells the story of Asteria, the golden-armored warrior who is a hero to all Themyscirans. In the history of Diana's people, the Amazons all contributed part of their armor to give to Asteria to make her the ultimate golden armor, complete with wings that act as shields. Asteria then used this to fight all of the enemies of the Amazons as they evacuated their home and migrated to Themyscira.
According to the legend, all that was found of Asteria was that armor, so she was believed to have sacrificed herself for her people. Her armor then took on mythical status among her people as something only the most true and honest warriors could wear. In Wonder Woman 1984, of course, Diana is able to wear it to take on Barbara/Cheetah (Kristen Wiig) and Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) after Diana proves herself by renouncing the wish that brought Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) back to life.
'Wonder Woman 1984' ends with a credits scene that reveals that Asteria, the original wielder of the golden armor worn by Diana in the film, is still alive. HBO Max
The story of Astoria is itself a neat little Easter egg for fans of the Wonder Woman comics. Diana told a similar story in the 2018 run of Justice League comics, while in 1998 comic Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl Vol 1, Asteria was presented as a sort of alternate universe Wonder Woman.
The WW84 credits scene mixes these two ideas about Asteria together. We see a dark-haired woman save people by protecting them from a falling pole. She then turns around and we learn that Asteria survived her ordeal and has been saving people for "a long time". If she is alive, then quite why she never returned to Themyscira is unclear – perhaps because she realised that the legend of her noble sacrifice was more important to the survival of the Amazon than her actually being there.
This potential plot hole, however, is not really worth thinking about, as the reveal that Asteria is still alive is mostly an excuse for a cameo that is sure to delight long-term Wonder Woman fans. The character is played by none other than Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman herself in a series of adventures from 1975 to 1979.
This is not the first time that DC has paid tribute to Carter. She cameoed in an episode of Superman prequel Smallville in 2007, and plays the president in another female superhero TV show, The CW's Supergirl.
Fans hoping that Lynda Carter's appearance as Asteria sets her up as Diana's ally for a potential Wonder Woman 3 are likely to be disappointed. Carter's wink to camera at the end of the credits scene seems to suggest this is more like a fun standalone scene than a hint at any sequel.
However, though it is unlikely that Carter will be returning to the WW-verse in a wider capacity, the credits scene could give fans an idea of what to expect from Wonder Woman 3. It is possible that while we will not see this version of Asteria again, the movie may be hinting that they are taking a hint from that 1998 one-shot and may introduce parallel world version of Wonder Woman in the future. As Marvel is soon set to open up its multiverse with the addition of multiple Peter Parkers in Spider-Man 3, this could be our first hint that DC will follow suit.
The scene also introduces another intriguing prospect that might pay out in future movies: That Diana is not the only Themysciran to have left the all-woman island paradise. A fun idea for the third movie may see Diana taking on a warrior from her home who has gone rogue. This would be a great way to widen the world of the Amazons after the fun scene set there that opened WW84 – and mght finally mean that the franchise gives Robin Wright something to do.
Fans waiting for the end of the credits to see if there is an after-credits scene that sets up a sequel are also going to be let down. The Asteria scene is the last one in the film, and there is no second scene for fans who wait until the end of the credits – or skip ahead to the end of the streaming version.
Wonder Woman 1984 is streaming now on HBO Max.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Mega Millions Results, Numbers for 12/25/20: Did Anyone Win the $352 Million?

While there were no winners of the huge jackpot , there were still those with plenty of reasons to celebrate following the Christmas Day Mega Millions draw .
There were no players who managed to win the $ 352 million main prize on Friday 's draw as no tickets matched all five numbers and the one golden Mega Ball .
Three people did manage to win the $ 1 million second prize after matching just the five white balls .
The December 25 winning numbers were 17-23-36-69-70 , with the golden Mega Ball being 19 .
There was also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount players could win outside the main jackpot .
No players managed to double their $ 1 million second prize as they did not pay to have 2X Megaplier in play .
A total of 17 people managed to win $ 10,000 on the Christmas Day draw after matching four white balls and the one golden Mega Ball , with two of these having their winning doubled to $ 20,000 after paying an additional $ 1 for the Megaplier .
In total , there were 808,822 winning tickets at all prize levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were no winners of the main jackpot prize , some of the money will be added to the next draw on Tuesday , 29 December .
The estimated jackpot for Tuesday 's draw is now $ 376 million , with a cash option of $ 287.4 million .
If someone manages to win the next jackpot , it will be the 15th largest prize in Mega Millions history , and the fourth largest jackpot in the past two years .
Previously , the largest prize offered on Christmas Day was in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million .
As no one won it , the jackpot was rolled and eventually won on the draw January 1 , 2019 .
No Mega Millions jackpot has ever been won on Christmas .
No one has been able to win the main jackpot since September 15 , where the winning ticket for the $ 120 million draw was was sold in Wisconsin—the first time that someone from the state has managed to win the jackpot .
Arizona also got their first ever jackpot winner in 2020 after someone took the largest prize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the draw on June 9 .
Two further 2020 jackpots have been won in New Jersey— $ 202 million on February 11 and $ 123 million on July 24 .
A California winner also took home the $ 22 million prize on July 31 .

While there were no winners of the huge jackpot, there were still those with plenty of reasons to celebrate following the Christmas Day Mega Millions draw.
There were no players who managed to win the $352 million main prize on Friday's draw as no tickets matched all five numbers and the one golden Mega Ball.
Three people did manage to win the $1 million second prize after matching just the five white balls. The December 25 winning numbers were 17-23-36-69-70, with the golden Mega Ball being 19.
There was also a 2X Megaplier in play, doubling doubling the amount players could win outside the main jackpot.
No players managed to double their $1 million second prize as they did not pay to have 2X Megaplier in play.
A total of 17 people managed to win $10,000 on the Christmas Day draw after matching four white balls and the one golden Mega Ball, with two of these having their winning doubled to $20,000 after paying an additional $1 for the Megaplier.
In total, there were 808,822 winning tickets at all prize levels in the December 25 draw.
As there were no winners of the main jackpot prize, some of the money will be added to the next draw on Tuesday, 29 December.
The estimated jackpot for Tuesday's draw is now $376 million, with a cash option of $287.4 million.
If someone manages to win the next jackpot, it will be the 15th largest prize in Mega Millions history, and the fourth largest jackpot in the past two years.
Previously, the largest prize offered on Christmas Day was in 2018 where the prize available was $321 million. As no one won it, the jackpot was rolled and eventually won on the draw January 1, 2019. No Mega Millions jackpot has ever been won on Christmas.
No one has been able to win the main jackpot since September 15, where the winning ticket for the $120 million draw was was sold in Wisconsin—the first time that someone from the state has managed to win the jackpot.
Arizona also got their first ever jackpot winner in 2020 after someone took the largest prize of the year of $414 million at the draw on June 9.
Two further 2020 jackpots have been won in New Jersey—$202 million on February 11 and $123 million on July 24. A California winner also took home the $22 million prize on July 31.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Five Amazing Love Stories from 2020

Five Amazing Love Stories from 2020

In the midst of a global pandemic , as many social norms and familiar touchpoints in our lives have faded away , one crucial element of being human has endured : Love .
Even as news of coronavirus cases rising dominated our news feeds and people across America grappled with a new `` normal '' , there still remained stories of human connection that transcended the everyday .
From a couple who chose to be homeless refugees in an unknown country rather than live apart , to the heartbreaking story of 90-year-old who hid is true identity for almost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our ability to love , even in the most extraordinary of circumstances , remains unchanged .
Whether uplifting , heartbreaking or surprising , these five unique Newsweek essays on love resonated with people around the world in 2020 .
1 .
The couple who had nowhere in the world they could live together safely It was love at first sight for Lital Ben Haim and her partner Vinas when they met in the mountains of south Turkey in 2018 .
`` When we first looked at each other , I knew that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reached home , '' Lital said .
But Lital is Israeli and Vinas is Iranian , and so two years and a wedding later , the couple have nowhere in the world they are able to safely live together , even after marriage .
In August , Lital shared the sacrifices the couple have made , including traveling on tourist visas to Georgia , Armenia and Turkey , before applying for asylum in Cyprus .
While they have waited to hear whether it will be granted , they spent a period homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We would like to start a simple life together in a country that accepts who we are .
We want to have the basic freedoms that every human being deserves in the world , '' Lital said .
2 .
The mom who found out she was pregnant with twins after three weeks of dating her partner A positive pregnancy result less than a month into a relationship might not , understandably , be met with delight by everyone .
Fortunately , when Ivanka Poku and her partner Yaw received the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant with twins , they had already fallen hard for one another .
In June , Ivanka shared their journey through unexpected pregnancy , marriage and the overwhelming early months of parenthood .
3 .
The woman who married for the first time at 60 '' Over the years , I dated all kinds of wonderful men , but none of them had that 'thing ' I was looking for , '' Dr. Cindy Trimm-Tomlinson explained in October .
Successful , financially secure and a high achiever in her field , Dr. Trimm-Tomlinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and , with Cinderella as a favorite book from childhood , loved the idea of a fairytale romance .
This year , she shared the story of how her own wedding mirrored that of a princess .
At 60 , she married at Hampton Court Palace in England , complete with the same florists used by Duke and Duchess of Sussex , Prince Harry and Meghan Markle , stretch limousines , opera singers and a live chamber orchestra .
4 .
The man who came out as gay at 90 Both joyful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Felts coming out as gay at the age of 90 was a stark reminder of the challenges and prejudices faced by the LGBTQI community in the last century .
In the late 1950s , Felts met , and fell in love with , a man named Phillip Allen Jones .
In July he shared his story with Newsweek , including his heartbreaking decision to leave Jones after a year of dating .
`` I chose to be straight and did n't ever hear from ( Jones ) again .
It was the wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life , '' Felts said .
After more than 60 years , at the age of 90 , he openly embraced his sexuality and shared it with the world .
5 .
The young couple who married after a terminal brain cancer diagnosis David Rhoades and high school sweetheart Nicole `` Nikki '' Weiss first caught each other 's eye in 2009 .
After 11 years of dating and several moves around west South Dakota , on July 31 this year , doctors found a mass on Nikki 's brain .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that night and asked me to marry her straight away .
Of course , I just said : 'Absolutely . '
'' David shared in November .
When the worst possible news came in August , that Nikki had terminal brain cancer , folks in the town of Rapid City , where the couple lived , banded together to create the couple 's dream wedding .
In almost every case , they provided their services for free .
The couple are now focused on Nikki 's treatment and ensuring they tick items off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the most important thing for her was to get married , so we 've ticked that one off the list , '' David said .

In the midst of a global pandemic, as many social norms and familiar touchpoints in our lives have faded away, one crucial element of being human has endured: Love.
Even as news of coronavirus cases rising dominated our news feeds and people across America grappled with a new "normal", there still remained stories of human connection that transcended the everyday.
From a couple who chose to be homeless refugees in an unknown country rather than live apart, to the heartbreaking story of 90-year-old who hid is true identity for almost a century, this year has shown that our ability to love, even in the most extraordinary of circumstances, remains unchanged.
Whether uplifting, heartbreaking or surprising, these five unique Newsweek essays on love resonated with people around the world in 2020.
1. The couple who had nowhere in the world they could live together safely
Lital Ben Haim, and Israeli, and her partner Vinas, an Iranian, have been forced to live between countries that will accept both of their nationalities. They are currently in Cyprus where they have applied for political asylum. Lital Ben Haim
It was love at first sight for Lital Ben Haim and her partner Vinas when they met in the mountains of south Turkey in 2018.
"When we first looked at each other, I knew that I loved him—it felt like my longing heart had reached home," Lital said.
But Lital is Israeli and Vinas is Iranian, and so two years and a wedding later, the couple have nowhere in the world they are able to safely live together, even after marriage. In August, Lital shared the sacrifices the couple have made, including traveling on tourist visas to Georgia, Armenia and Turkey, before applying for asylum in Cyprus. While they have waited to hear whether it will be granted, they spent a period homeless and living in a tent.
"We would like to start a simple life together in a country that accepts who we are. We want to have the basic freedoms that every human being deserves in the world," Lital said.
2. The mom who found out she was pregnant with twins after three weeks of dating her partner
Ivana Poku and her husband Yaw on their wedding day. Poku was seven months pregnant when they married. IVANA POKU
A positive pregnancy result less than a month into a relationship might not, understandably, be met with delight by everyone. Fortunately, when Ivanka Poku and her partner Yaw received the news that they were not just pregnant, but pregnant with twins, they had already fallen hard for one another.
In June, Ivanka shared their journey through unexpected pregnancy, marriage and the overwhelming early months of parenthood.
3. The woman who married for the first time at 60
Dr. Cindy Trimm-Tomlinson and her husband Russell Tomlinson on their wedding day in October, 2018. Courtesy of Dr. Cindy Trimm-Tomlinson
"Over the years, I dated all kinds of wonderful men, but none of them had that 'thing' I was looking for," Dr. Cindy Trimm-Tomlinson explained in October.
Successful, financially secure and a high achiever in her field, Dr. Trimm-Tomlinson always knew she was "marriage material" and, with Cinderella as a favorite book from childhood, loved the idea of a fairytale romance.
This year, she shared the story of how her own wedding mirrored that of a princess. At 60, she married at Hampton Court Palace in England, complete with the same florists used by Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stretch limousines, opera singers and a live chamber orchestra.
4. The man who came out as gay at 90
Kenneth W. Felts came out as gay at 90-years-old.
Both joyful and devastating, the story of Kenneth Felts coming out as gay at the age of 90 was a stark reminder of the challenges and prejudices faced by the LGBTQI community in the last century.
In the late 1950s, Felts met, and fell in love with, a man named Phillip Allen Jones. In July he shared his story with Newsweek, including his heartbreaking decision to leave Jones after a year of dating.
"I chose to be straight and didn't ever hear from (Jones) again. It was the wrong decision and I've regretted it all my life," Felts said.
After more than 60 years, at the age of 90, he openly embraced his sexuality and shared it with the world.
5. The young couple who married after a terminal brain cancer diagnosis
Nicole 'Nikki' Weiss and David Rhoades on their wedding day on October 18, 2018. Courtesy of David Rhoades
David Rhoades and high school sweetheart Nicole "Nikki" Weiss first caught each other's eye in 2009. After 11 years of dating and several moves around west South Dakota, on July 31 this year, doctors found a mass on Nikki's brain.
"She sat up in her hospital bed that night and asked me to marry her straight away. Of course, I just said: 'Absolutely.'" David shared in November.
When the worst possible news came in August, that Nikki had terminal brain cancer, folks in the town of Rapid City, where the couple lived, banded together to create the couple's dream wedding. In almost every case, they provided their services for free. The couple are now focused on Nikki's treatment and ensuring they tick items off her bucket list.
"Nikki has said the most important thing for her was to get married, so we've ticked that one off the list," David said.