newsweek--2020-11-21--Age of Anxiety: 10 Stats That Show How Stressed Americans Are During COVID-19

The year 2020 could be called the Age of Anxiety .
Three topics—the pandemic , the election , and the interrelated issues of racial justice and police violence—have many Americans on edge , stressed out about how these topics are playing out in their lives , their country , and the world at large .
Remedy Review looked at the American Psychological Association 's Stress in the Time of COVID-19 survey and chose 10 statistics from the three themes .
The survey , released in July 2020 , was conducted between June 23 and July 6 , 2020 , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 .
The responses were weighted to reflect current population demographics in the United States , according to the U.S. Census Bureau .
Being stuck inside for months has gotten on the nerves of most .
`` Pandemic fatigue '' has hit many hard and resulted in riskier behaviors just as we move into winter , traditionally a time when viruses thrive .
While some have been wooed into a sense of security by talk of upcoming vaccines , others have seen the impact of COVID-19 on their own health and lives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and coworkers .
Politics is often an argument-inducing topic , but even more so this year , when roommates and family members who might not agree are pent up together , and many face the added stressors of economic hardships or health problems .
The result has been rampant unfriending on social media ( and in real life ) , plus actual violence breaking out in public spaces between those who ca n't find a common ground .
Some reached their breaking point after the police killings of George Floyd and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many American cities were home to marches , and some saw weeks of nonstop protests .
Public opinion of the demonstrations varied , with many agreeing with the goals of protesters and their First Amendment rights and others viewing the actions as disrespectful of law enforcement and impediments to living their everyday lives .
Keep reading to learn more about stress during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Both parties agree it is stressful to be around people who do not take COVID-19 preventive measures Beyond all the other tribulations of 2020 , 87 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans worry because they think others are n't taking the pandemic seriously .
Nonprofit health care advocate Providence offers pointers about how to cope with our own emotions and phrase our concerns in a way that resonates with those on the other side .
The organization 's website urges the public to remember we 're all viewing the world through a different lens .
86 % of Democrats and 75 % of Republicans believe people are acting like COVID-19 is over Democrats ( 86 % ) and Republicans ( 75 % ) agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is beyond COVID-19 .
Pandemic fatigue is a thing : People are returning to their usual habits , even as U.S. cases topped 9 million on Oct. 30 , 2020 , and experts say things will only get worse going into winter .
58 % of Americans want more information on how to stay healthy as the country reopens More than half ( 58 % ) of Americans want more information about staying safe as the pandemic wears on .
Though we have access to pointers on how to protect ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that recommendations have to constantly be updated .
The amount of uncertainty in the country is a source of stress for most adults The majority of adults in the U.S. ( 76 % of Democrats and 67 % of Republicans ) are anxious about the unknown this year , whether their worry is about the election , their health , the economy , or other things .
NPR reported on some election-specific ways to reduce stress , but most are also relevant to anxiety induced by other topics .
The current US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than two-thirds of Americans ( 77 % of Democrats and 62 % of Republicans ) are worried about what has become an especially divisive election cycle .
Even back in March , almost half of the workers surveyed were experiencing `` election stress disorder , '' and current stats suggest the situation is now far worse .
Despite all the reasons to worry , the study shows that average stress levels dropped slightly in July 2020 .
And for some people who have struggled with high levels of anxiety in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But feelings of frustration , anger , and fear are increasing Surviving 2020 may come down to learning how to move into the psychological space of thriving , as mindset can help navigate emotions like anger , fear , and frustration .
Harvard Business Review has some suggestions .
Midwestern adults are more likely to report feeling frustrated and angry over COVID-19 Some of the most significant increases in COVID-19 case numbers at the end of October were in the Midwest as hospitalizations and deaths skyrocketed and COVID-19 hit major cities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and South Dakota saw single-day records for cases on Oct. 27 .
So it 's understandable that Midwest adults report feeling frustrated and angry at rates more than 10 % higher than some other parts of the country .
60 % of adults say police violence toward people of color is a significant stressor A study published in November 2020 in the American Journal of Public Health looked at the impact of police violence on mental health , with researchers finding that not only victims but the community at large can experience reactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tendencies .
Some mental health experts have responded with ways to mitigate the impact for the 60 % of adults who experience these emotions .
The government 's response to protests is a source of stress for 64 % of adults Beyond the violence that was the impetus for nationwide protests , almost two-thirds ( 64 % ) of Americans polled in the study are not coping well with government responses to the demonstrations .
Amnesty International is in the camp that argues that police are n't protecting protesters , while others approve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach , even when it results in harm to citizens across a range of political perspectives .
Both sides are stressed .

The year 2020 could be called the Age of Anxiety. Three topics—the pandemic, the election, and the interrelated issues of racial justice and police violence—have many Americans on edge, stressed out about how these topics are playing out in their lives, their country, and the world at large.
Remedy Review looked at the American Psychological Association's Stress in the Time of COVID-19 survey and chose 10 statistics from the three themes. The survey, released in July 2020, was conducted between June 23 and July 6, 2020, among 3,010 U.S. adults over the age of 18. The responses were weighted to reflect current population demographics in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Star Tribune / Getty Images
Being stuck inside for months has gotten on the nerves of most. "Pandemic fatigue" has hit many hard and resulted in riskier behaviors just as we move into winter, traditionally a time when viruses thrive. While some have been wooed into a sense of security by talk of upcoming vaccines, others have seen the impact of COVID-19 on their own health and lives, or those of friends, family members, and coworkers.
Politics is often an argument-inducing topic, but even more so this year, when roommates and family members who might not agree are pent up together, and many face the added stressors of economic hardships or health problems. The result has been rampant unfriending on social media (and in real life), plus actual violence breaking out in public spaces between those who can't find a common ground.
Some reached their breaking point after the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans after years of such incidents. Many American cities were home to marches, and some saw weeks of nonstop protests. Public opinion of the demonstrations varied, with many agreeing with the goals of protesters and their First Amendment rights and others viewing the actions as disrespectful of law enforcement and impediments to living their everyday lives.
Keep reading to learn more about stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hrytsiv Oleksandr / Shutterstock
Both parties agree it is stressful to be around people who do not take COVID-19 preventive measures
Beyond all the other tribulations of 2020, 87% of Democrats and 66% of Republicans worry because they think others aren't taking the pandemic seriously. Nonprofit health care advocate Providence offers pointers about how to cope with our own emotions and phrase our concerns in a way that resonates with those on the other side. The organization's website urges the public to remember we're all viewing the world through a different lens.
Elisabeth Aardema / Shutterstock
86% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans believe people are acting like COVID-19 is over
Democrats (86%) and Republicans (75%) agree that Americans are conducting themselves as though the country is beyond COVID-19. Pandemic fatigue is a thing: People are returning to their usual habits, even as U.S. cases topped 9 million on Oct. 30, 2020, and experts say things will only get worse going into winter.
Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock
58% of Americans want more information on how to stay healthy as the country reopens
More than half (58%) of Americans want more information about staying safe as the pandemic wears on. Though we have access to pointers on how to protect ourselves, the ever-changing knowledge about the virus means that recommendations have to constantly be updated.
Drazen Zigic / Shuttterstock
The amount of uncertainty in the country is a source of stress for most adults
The majority of adults in the U.S. (76% of Democrats and 67% of Republicans) are anxious about the unknown this year, whether their worry is about the election, their health, the economy, or other things. NPR reported on some election-specific ways to reduce stress, but most are also relevant to anxiety induced by other topics.
Sharkshock / Shutterstock
The current US political climate is also a significant stressor
More than two-thirds of Americans (77% of Democrats and 62% of Republicans) are worried about what has become an especially divisive election cycle. Even back in March, almost half of the workers surveyed were experiencing "election stress disorder," and current stats suggest the situation is now far worse.
Ira L. Black - Corbis / Getty Images
Americans' stress levels are decreasing
Despite all the reasons to worry, the study shows that average stress levels dropped slightly in July 2020. And for some people who have struggled with high levels of anxiety in the past, COVID-19 has actually decreased anxiety levels.
Noam Galai / Getty Images
But feelings of frustration, anger, and fear are increasing
Surviving 2020 may come down to learning how to move into the psychological space of thriving, as mindset can help navigate emotions like anger, fear, and frustration. Harvard Business Review has some suggestions.
KEREM YUCEL / Getty Images
Midwestern adults are more likely to report feeling frustrated and angry over COVID-19
Some of the most significant increases in COVID-19 case numbers at the end of October were in the Midwest as hospitalizations and deaths skyrocketed and COVID-19 hit major cities and entire regions. Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota saw single-day records for cases on Oct. 27. So it's understandable that Midwest adults report feeling frustrated and angry at rates more than 10% higher than some other parts of the country.
SAMUEL CORUM / Getty Images
60% of adults say police violence toward people of color is a significant stressor
A study published in November 2020 in the American Journal of Public Health looked at the impact of police violence on mental health, with researchers finding that not only victims but the community at large can experience reactions ranging from stress to suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Some mental health experts have responded with ways to mitigate the impact for the 60% of adults who experience these emotions.
Nathan Howard / Getty Images
The government's response to protests is a source of stress for 64% of adults
Beyond the violence that was the impetus for nationwide protests, almost two-thirds (64%) of Americans polled in the study are not coping well with government responses to the demonstrations. Amnesty International is in the camp that argues that police aren't protecting protesters, while others approve of the "law and order" approach, even when it results in harm to citizens across a range of political perspectives. Both sides are stressed.


newsweek--2020-11-21--'Fortnite' Houseparty Guide: How to Link Accounts, Chat and Get Rainbow Fog Wrap

Fortnite update 14.60 added Houseparty video chat to the game , and making use of it instantly adds the free Rainbow Fog wrap to your Locker .
In this guide , we 'll go through what you need to do to use Houseparty in Fortnite .
Still confused about linking accounts or connecting with friends ?
Here 's what you need to know .
It should be noted that Fortnite 's Houseparty support is currently limited to PS5 , PS4 and PC .
If you do n't have any of those platforms , skip to the bottom section of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houseparty and Fortnite The very first step in the process is to download and install the free Houseparty app for Android , Chrome or iOS available at these links .
[ Android ] [ iOS ] [ Chrome ] The first time you launch Houseparty , you 'll be asked to either sign up or log in with an existing account .
Sign in or create the credentials you need .
After you go through the steps and make it to Houseparty 's camera view , you may see a message that reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your game . ''
If you see this , tap `` let 's do it . ''
In the event you do n't see any popups related to Fortnite , you can start the process by tapping the settings cog in the top-left corner and selecting the option to `` connect Fortnite . ''
Agree to the terms and services that appear .
When given the option to choose how to sign in with your Epic account , you can do so using any of the methods listed below .
We encountered errors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so maybe stick to the main Epic route if you can .
If all goes well , you should be able to go into settings and see that you can `` disconnect Fortnite '' instead of connecting .
This means your accounts are successfully linked .
If you just want the Rainbow Fog wrap , you should get it the next time you sign in to Fortnite .
To actually use the chat features , close Houseparty and start up Fortnite on PlayStation or PC .
Once at the lobby screen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message to turn on Fortnite mode .
Tap the toggle to enable it and then dismiss .
As shown below , your Fortnite screen on your TV should adjust to show your phone camera on the left side of the screen .
This will also apply to any friends who connect to Houseparty and join your game .
Your face has to be pretty well positioned to actually display in the area .
While it 's a bit cumbersome in practice , it is cool to have a video chat option that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
For folks on console who ca n't use something like Discord , Houseparty may be helpful .
How to get Rainbow Fog without Houseparty If you do n't feel like signing up for Houseparty or do n't have a platform that can use it , it 's also possible to get the Rainbow Fog wrap another way .
Simply play five matches of Fortnite with friends between November 20 at 12 a.m. EST and November 26 at 11:59 p.m. EST and the complimentary cosmetic will be delivered to you on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know about connecting Houseparty and Fortnite to get the free Rainbow Fog wrap .
Will you use the Houseparty chat feature in Fortnite ?
What do you think of the Rainbow Fog wrap ?
Tell us in the comments section !

Fortnite update 14.60 added Houseparty video chat to the game, and making use of it instantly adds the free Rainbow Fog wrap to your Locker. In this guide, we'll go through what you need to do to use Houseparty in Fortnite. Still confused about linking accounts or connecting with friends? Here's what you need to know.
'Fortnite' has video chat through 'Houseparty.' Use it to get the Rainbow Fog wrap. 'Fortnite' is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android. Epic Games
It should be noted that Fortnite's Houseparty support is currently limited to PS5, PS4 and PC. If you don't have any of those platforms, skip to the bottom section of this guide.
How to Link or Connect Houseparty and Fortnite
The very first step in the process is to download and install the free Houseparty app for Android, Chrome or iOS available at these links. [Android] [iOS] [Chrome]
The first time you launch Houseparty, you'll be asked to either sign up or log in with an existing account. Sign in or create the credentials you need.
After you go through the steps and make it to Houseparty's camera view, you may see a message that reads "connect Fortnite to cast Houseparty to your game." If you see this, tap "let's do it." In the event you don't see any popups related to Fortnite, you can start the process by tapping the settings cog in the top-left corner and selecting the option to "connect Fortnite."
If you see this popup, tap "let's do it" to begin the connection process. Epic Games
Agree to the terms and services that appear. When given the option to choose how to sign in with your Epic account, you can do so using any of the methods listed below. We encountered errors trying to sign in using PlayStation Network, so maybe stick to the main Epic route if you can.
Sign in using any method you choose, although Epic Games seems to work best. Epic Games
If all goes well, you should be able to go into settings and see that you can "disconnect Fortnite" instead of connecting. This means your accounts are successfully linked. If you just want the Rainbow Fog wrap, you should get it the next time you sign in to Fortnite.
To actually use the chat features, close Houseparty and start up Fortnite on PlayStation or PC. Once at the lobby screen, open up Houseparty. You should get a message to turn on Fortnite mode. Tap the toggle to enable it and then dismiss.
Tap to enable 'Fortnite' mode, and your camera view will appear on your TV. Epic Games
As shown below, your Fortnite screen on your TV should adjust to show your phone camera on the left side of the screen. This will also apply to any friends who connect to Houseparty and join your game. Your face has to be pretty well positioned to actually display in the area.
This is what your camera view looks like in game. Epic Games
While it's a bit cumbersome in practice, it is cool to have a video chat option that displays on the same screen as your game. For folks on console who can't use something like Discord, Houseparty may be helpful.
How to get Rainbow Fog without Houseparty
If you don't feel like signing up for Houseparty or don't have a platform that can use it, it's also possible to get the Rainbow Fog wrap another way. Simply play five matches of Fortnite with friends between November 20 at 12 a.m. EST and November 26 at 11:59 p.m. EST and the complimentary cosmetic will be delivered to you on December 4.
That's all you need to know about connecting Houseparty and Fortnite to get the free Rainbow Fog wrap.
Will you use the Houseparty chat feature in Fortnite? What do you think of the Rainbow Fog wrap? Tell us in the comments section!


newsweek--2020-11-21--Pfizer CEO Says People Should Still Follow COVID Rules Despite Promising Vaccine News: 'It Is the Fi

Pfizer CEO Says People Should Still Follow COVID Rules Despite Promising Vaccine News: 'It Is the Final Stretch'

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla warned people to continue following COVID-19 safety guidelines and remain `` very , very careful '' —as the pandemic shows no signs of stopping despite promising news that a coronavirus vaccine could be available by late December .
`` I believe that the good news of the vaccine , that it 's coming , should not relax the caution that everybody is taking , '' Bourla told PBS Firing Line host Margaret Hoover in an interview that aired Friday .
`` That will be the worst that can happen , so a lot of caution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final stretch , '' he continued .
`` I would be very careful with my family .
I 'm more optimistic about summer holidays that may come .
But , right now , please , follow religiously the instructions that the health authorities send . ''
He noted that there 's `` nothing better '' than wearing a mask during the pandemic , holding one up to the camera that he designed and distributed to his employees , which displays the phrase : `` Science will win . ''
The coronavirus outbreak continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , with nearly 193,000 new cases reported on Friday , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
The nation is likely to pass the 12 million total cases mark this weekend , less than a week after reaching 11 million cases .
Pfizer and its German partner , BioNTech , became the first company to apply for emergency authorization of a coronavirus vaccine to the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) on Friday .
The move came after promising results from the Phase 3 clinical trials , which began in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 43,000 volunteers .
According to a final analysis of the trial released on Wednesday , the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective in preventing infections and caused no serious safety concerns—an improvement from the 90 percent effectiveness found in an interim analysis of the vaccine earlier this month .
Pfizer said in a news release earlier this month that 41 percent of global participants and 45 percent of U.S. participants are between the ages of 56 to 85 .
They also noted that 42 percent of global and 30 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds .
`` It is with great pride and joy and even a little relief that I can say that our request for emergency use authorization for our Covid-19 vaccine is now in the FDA 's hands , '' Bourla said in a video message on Friday .
`` This is a historic day , a historic day for science and for all of us .
It took just 248 days to get from the day we announced our plans to collaborate with BioNTech to our FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated at extraordinary speed in our clinical development program , from concept to regulatory filing , while always maintaining our focus on safety , '' he added .
In a joint statement filed by both companies on Friday , BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin said they plan for `` rapid distribution '' of the vaccine globally once it 's been approved .
`` Filing for Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. is a critical step in making our vaccine candidate available to the global population as quickly as possible , '' Sahin said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with regulatory agencies worldwide to enable the rapid distribution of our vaccine globally . ''
Approximately 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine could be distributed by late December , 30 million in January , and 35 million in February and March , with two doses needed three weeks apart , according to information provided by the National Academy of Medicine this week .
The Infectious Disease Society of America , composed of over 12,000 physicians , scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases , noted that , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is promising , a review of the data is still necessary and safety measures should n't be overlooked .
`` While encouraging data from the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial indicates the welcome possibility of a critical new tool against the pandemic , a comprehensive , transparent review of data , including evidence that the vaccine has been studied in diverse populations , remains essential to ensure its safety , effectiveness and acceptance , '' the IDSA said in a Friday statement .
`` If emergency use authorization is granted , clinical trials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement read .
`` Measures that include wearing masks , frequent handwashing , maintaining physical distance and restricting the size of gatherings will remain crucial . ''
President-elect Joe Biden applauded Pfizer 's encouraging developments earlier this month , calling it `` excellent news '' and a `` cause for hope '' in Americans .
`` America is still losing over 1,000 people a day from COVID-19 , and that number is rising — and will continue to get worse unless we make progress on masking and other immediate actions , '' Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 following the initial announcement of a promising analysis of the vaccine .
`` That is the reality for now , and for the next few months . ''
`` Americans will have to rely on masking , distancing , contact tracing , hand washing , and other measures to keep themselves safe well into next year .
Today 's news is great news , but it does n't change that fact , '' he added .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious-disease expert , told The New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be `` terribly painful , '' as the U.S. reaches record numbers of hospitalizations and more than 254,000 deaths .
`` It 's almost an exponential curve , '' he said .
`` It 's different because when you have an exponential curve up like that , by the time it peaks and then comes ultimately down , the duration of the surge is much longer . ''
`` I think that December , January and early February are going to be terribly painful months , '' Fauci added .

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla warned people to continue following COVID-19 safety guidelines and remain "very, very careful"—as the pandemic shows no signs of stopping despite promising news that a coronavirus vaccine could be available by late December.
"I believe that the good news of the vaccine, that it's coming, should not relax the caution that everybody is taking," Bourla told PBS Firing Line host Margaret Hoover in an interview that aired Friday. "That will be the worst that can happen, so a lot of caution, please."
"It is the final stretch," he continued. "I would be very careful with my family. I'm more optimistic about summer holidays that may come. But, right now, please, follow religiously the instructions that the health authorities send."
Despite good vaccine news as holidays approach, Pfizer CEO @AlbertBourla says we “should not relax the caution that everybody is taking.”
“It is the final stretch. I will be very careful with my family.”
“Please follow religiously the instructions.”
“Wear a mask, save lives.” pic.twitter.com/YCV9RlqTi4 — Firing Line with Margaret Hoover (@FiringLineShow) November 19, 2020
He noted that there's "nothing better" than wearing a mask during the pandemic, holding one up to the camera that he designed and distributed to his employees, which displays the phrase: "Science will win."
"Wear a mask, save lives," Bourla added.
The coronavirus outbreak continues to devastate nearly every corner of the U.S., with nearly 193,000 new cases reported on Friday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The nation is likely to pass the 12 million total cases mark this weekend, less than a week after reaching 11 million cases.
Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, became the first company to apply for emergency authorization of a coronavirus vaccine to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday. The move came after promising results from the Phase 3 clinical trials, which began in the U.S. on July 27 and incorporated more than 43,000 volunteers.
According to a final analysis of the trial released on Wednesday, the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective in preventing infections and caused no serious safety concerns—an improvement from the 90 percent effectiveness found in an interim analysis of the vaccine earlier this month.
Pfizer said in a news release earlier this month that 41 percent of global participants and 45 percent of U.S. participants are between the ages of 56 to 85. They also noted that 42 percent of global and 30 percent of U.S. participants in the Phase 3 study have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
"It is with great pride and joy and even a little relief that I can say that our request for emergency use authorization for our Covid-19 vaccine is now in the FDA's hands," Bourla said in a video message on Friday. "This is a historic day, a historic day for science and for all of us. It took just 248 days to get from the day we announced our plans to collaborate with BioNTech to our FDA submission day."
"We have operated at extraordinary speed in our clinical development program, from concept to regulatory filing, while always maintaining our focus on safety," he added.
In a joint statement filed by both companies on Friday, BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin said they plan for "rapid distribution" of the vaccine globally once it's been approved.
"Filing for Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. is a critical step in making our vaccine candidate available to the global population as quickly as possible," Sahin said. "We intend to continue to work with regulatory agencies worldwide to enable the rapid distribution of our vaccine globally."
A stock image shows a vaccination being prepared against a background of an illustration of the coronavirus. Pfizer is due to apply to the FDA for an EUA. Getty
Approximately 25 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine could be distributed by late December, 30 million in January, and 35 million in February and March, with two doses needed three weeks apart, according to information provided by the National Academy of Medicine this week.
The Infectious Disease Society of America, composed of over 12,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases, noted that, while the news of a vaccine coming so soon is promising, a review of the data is still necessary and safety measures shouldn't be overlooked.
"While encouraging data from the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial indicates the welcome possibility of a critical new tool against the pandemic, a comprehensive, transparent review of data, including evidence that the vaccine has been studied in diverse populations, remains essential to ensure its safety, effectiveness and acceptance," the IDSA said in a Friday statement.
"If emergency use authorization is granted, clinical trials and data collection must continue," the statement read. "Measures that include wearing masks, frequent handwashing, maintaining physical distance and restricting the size of gatherings will remain crucial."
President-elect Joe Biden applauded Pfizer's encouraging developments earlier this month, calling it "excellent news" and a "cause for hope" in Americans.
"America is still losing over 1,000 people a day from COVID-19, and that number is rising — and will continue to get worse unless we make progress on masking and other immediate actions," Biden wrote in a statement shared on November 9 following the initial announcement of a promising analysis of the vaccine. "That is the reality for now, and for the next few months."
Statement by President-elect Biden on Pfizer's vaccine progress: pic.twitter.com/eOiLZnqO8N — Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) November 9, 2020 <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8">
"Americans will have to rely on masking, distancing, contact tracing, hand washing, and other measures to keep themselves safe well into next year. Today's news is great news, but it doesn't change that fact," he added.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, told The New York Times on Friday that the next few months will be "terribly painful," as the U.S. reaches record numbers of hospitalizations and more than 254,000 deaths.
"It's almost an exponential curve," he said. "It's different because when you have an exponential curve up like that, by the time it peaks and then comes ultimately down, the duration of the surge is much longer."
"I think that December, January and early February are going to be terribly painful months," Fauci added.


newsweek--2020-11-22--Kelly Loeffler Joins Growing List of GOP Senators in Quarantine After COVID Tests

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) is quarantining after receiving mixed results from COVID-19 tests , joining a growing number of Republican senators having to isolate amid the pandemic .
A statement from Loeffler 's campaign said she had received varying results and would be quarantining for now , awaiting results of retesting .
It added that she was not experiencing symptoms .
`` Senator Loeffler took two COVID tests on Friday morning .
Her rapid test results were negative and she was cleared to attend Friday 's events .
She was informed later in the evening after public events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back positive , but she was retested Saturday morning after conferring with medical officials and those results came back inconclusive on Saturday evening , '' a statement from her campaign said .
`` Senator Loeffler followed CDC guidelines by notifying those with whom she had sustained direct contact while she awaits further test results .
`` She has no symptoms and she will continue to follow [ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] guidelines by quarantining until retesting is conclusive and an update will be provided at that time . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shared the statement in a tweet and added : `` She has no symptoms and is in good spirits , and appreciates everyone 's well wishes and support . ''
Loeffler joins Sens .
Chuck Grassley ( R-IA ) and Rick Scott ( R-FL ) in quarantining .
The pair are both in such isolation having received positive COVID-19 tests .
Grassley announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Scott announced his positive test result Friday , stating he was `` feeling good '' but experiencing some `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list compiled by NPR , 21 Republican Senators have had to quarantine at some point amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Newsweek has contacted Loeffler 's campaign for further comment and asked for an update on the situation .
Loeffler 's quarantine comes with the U.S. having seen more than 12 million confirmed cases throughout the pandemic , according to Johns Hopkins University figures .
Two of Loeffler 's staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in October .
Loeffler is currently amid a fight to hold on to her Senate seat , facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warnock for her spot in Congress in a runoff contest .
In a statement on Twitter after it emerged Loeffler was in quarantine , Warnock said : `` Senator Loeffler is in my thoughts .
I pray that her test results come back negative and that she is back on the campaign trail soon .
Blessings . ''

Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) is quarantining after receiving mixed results from COVID-19 tests, joining a growing number of Republican senators having to isolate amid the pandemic.
A statement from Loeffler's campaign said she had received varying results and would be quarantining for now, awaiting results of retesting. It added that she was not experiencing symptoms.
"Senator Loeffler took two COVID tests on Friday morning. Her rapid test results were negative and she was cleared to attend Friday's events. She was informed later in the evening after public events on Friday that her PCR test came back positive, but she was retested Saturday morning after conferring with medical officials and those results came back inconclusive on Saturday evening," a statement from her campaign said.
"Senator Loeffler followed CDC guidelines by notifying those with whom she had sustained direct contact while she awaits further test results.
"She has no symptoms and she will continue to follow [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines by quarantining until retesting is conclusive and an update will be provided at that time."
Stephen Lawson, her campaign communications manager, shared the statement in a tweet and added: "She has no symptoms and is in good spirits, and appreciates everyone's well wishes and support."
Loeffler joins Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Rick Scott (R-FL) in quarantining. The pair are both in such isolation having received positive COVID-19 tests.
Grassley announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Scott announced his positive test result Friday, stating he was "feeling good" but experiencing some "very mild symptoms."
According to a list compiled by NPR, 21 Republican Senators have had to quarantine at some point amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsweek has contacted Loeffler's campaign for further comment and asked for an update on the situation.
Read more Trump Campaign Seeks Second Georgia Recount, Biden Lead Unlikely to Change Trump Campaign Seeks Second Georgia Recount, Biden Lead Unlikely to Change
Loeffler's quarantine comes with the U.S. having seen more than 12 million confirmed cases throughout the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
Two of Loeffler's staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in October.
Loeffler is currently amid a fight to hold on to her Senate seat, facing a challenge from Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock for her spot in Congress in a runoff contest.
In a statement on Twitter after it emerged Loeffler was in quarantine, Warnock said: "Senator Loeffler is in my thoughts. I pray that her test results come back negative and that she is back on the campaign trail soon. Blessings."


newsweek--2020-11-22--Sonic Drive-In Shooting Suspect Smiles in Mugshot After 2 Killed, 2 Wounded

A suspect was pictured smiling in his booking photo after two people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at a fast food restaurant in Nebraska .
Officers were called to the Sonic Drive-In at 1307 Cornhusker Road in Bellevue , a suburb of Omaha , on Saturday night .
They were initially told of a possible bomb inside of a moving truck in the parking lot of the restaurant , but the call was updated a minute later to a shooting , Bellevue Police Lt. Andy Jashinske said in a news release .
The first officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jashinske said , and a suspect was taken into custody shortly afterwards , without incident .
There was no indication of any additional suspects at this stage of the investigation , he added .
Jashinske did n't name the suspect in the release , but The Omaha World Herald identified him as Roberto Carlos Silva .
The 23-year-old was booked into the Sarpy County Jail at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday on suspicion of first-degree murder and first-degree arson , online records show .
Four victims were discovered at the restaurant with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two were determined to be dead at the scene , while two others were transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center .
`` The victims will be identified after completion of appropriate family notifications , '' Jashinske said in the release .
At a news conference , Jashinske told reporters that a U-Haul truck in the restaurant 's parking lot was on fire because of fireworks or some kind of device , the Herald reported .
Authorities are working to determine what was inside the truck , Jashinske said .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this type of situation .
Unfortunately it happened here tonight , '' he told reporters .
`` What I can tell you is that we 're going to investigate this to the full extent , completely , and we 're going to hopefully come to a positive resolution with that . ''
Jashinske has been contacted for additional comment .
Bellevue Police urged people to avoid the area as police continue to investigate at the scene near 15th Street and Cornhusker Road .
Multiple agencies responded to the shooting , including the Nebraska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office and the Omaha Police Department 's Crime Lab and Bomb Squad .
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Bellevue Police Department at 402-293-3100 or Sarpy County Crime Stoppers at 402-592-STOP .

A suspect was pictured smiling in his booking photo after two people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at a fast food restaurant in Nebraska.
Officers were called to the Sonic Drive-In at 1307 Cornhusker Road in Bellevue, a suburb of Omaha, on Saturday night.
They were initially told of a possible bomb inside of a moving truck in the parking lot of the restaurant, but the call was updated a minute later to a shooting, Bellevue Police Lt. Andy Jashinske said in a news release.
The first officer arrived at the scene at 9.26 p.m., Jashinske said, and a suspect was taken into custody shortly afterwards, without incident.
There was no indication of any additional suspects at this stage of the investigation, he added.
Jashinske didn't name the suspect in the release, but The Omaha World Herald identified him as Roberto Carlos Silva.
Roberto Carlos Silva was booked into the Sarpy County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and first-degree arson. Sarpy County Jail
The 23-year-old was booked into the Sarpy County Jail at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday on suspicion of first-degree murder and first-degree arson, online records show.
Four victims were discovered at the restaurant with gunshot wounds, according to police. Two were determined to be dead at the scene, while two others were transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
"The victims will be identified after completion of appropriate family notifications," Jashinske said in the release.
At a news conference, Jashinske told reporters that a U-Haul truck in the restaurant's parking lot was on fire because of fireworks or some kind of device, the Herald reported.
Authorities are working to determine what was inside the truck, Jashinske said.
"This can happen anywhere, of course, this type of situation. Unfortunately it happened here tonight," he told reporters.
"What I can tell you is that we're going to investigate this to the full extent, completely, and we're going to hopefully come to a positive resolution with that."
Jashinske has been contacted for additional comment.
See the attached press release regarding a multiple homicide at Sonic in Bellevue. A suspect is in custody. pic.twitter.com/TXbmNutHP7 — BPD Lt. Jashinske (@Lt_Jashinske) November 22, 2020
Bellevue Police urged people to avoid the area as police continue to investigate at the scene near 15th Street and Cornhusker Road.
Multiple agencies responded to the shooting, including the Nebraska State Patrol, Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and the Omaha Police Department's Crime Lab and Bomb Squad.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Bellevue Police Department at 402-293-3100 or Sarpy County Crime Stoppers at 402-592-STOP.


newsweek--2020-11-22--Nixon's Grandson Says Trump's 'Relatively Young' and 'Very Sharp' Amid 2024 Speculation

Richard Nixon 's grandson Christopher Nixon Cox has said President Donald Trump is `` relatively young '' and `` very sharp '' amid speculation he could run again in 2024 should his last-ditch efforts to alter the election outcome fail .
Trump is continuing to refute the election outcome , despite network calls having tipped it in Joe Biden 's favor , and making persistent calls of widespread irregularities and fraud—despite having not substantiated such claims thus far .
While Trump pursues his action against the results in several states , speculation has mounted that should his last-ditch efforts prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2024 .
A person can only serve two terms as president , though these do not necessarily have to be consecutive .
`` If President Trump ultimately does concede , I think there 's a parallel to 1960 .
President Trump is relatively young , he 's very sharp mentally and I think that four years from now , if the concession is done correctly , President Trump will be in a terrific position to run again , just like Grover Cleveland did , and to win another term as president but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Fox News , referring to Cleveland having served as president in two separate terms between 1885 and 1889 then 1893 to 1897 .
Nixon lost in his first presidential run in 1960 , before then going on to run successfully in 1968 .
`` I think there 's a great chance that president Trump can do that .
He 's had a terrific record and I think that people , just like with my grandfather in 1960 and even with George H.W .
Bush in 1992 would say that , 'you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe we should continue with President Trump , ' and I think that there 's a historical analogy there that will serve him very well , '' Cox added .
`` So I think a concession is n't necessarily the worst political move for him to make once the time is right for him to do that . ''
Cox previously spoke on Fox Business about his grandfather conceding in 1960 stating this `` set him up '' for running again , suggesting Trump doing so could potentially tee him up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will be determined the election winner if only votes he deems to have been cast legally are counted , discussions of him potentially running for office again in 2024 have persisted .
His former adviser Steve Bannon said he believes the president would consider another run .
Meanwhile , polling indicated that should he want to do so he would receive backing from many Republicans .
Newsweek has asked for further comment from Cox through the Richard Nixon Foundation and also contacted the Trump campaign for comment on the remarks and speculation @ @ @ @ @

Richard Nixon's grandson Christopher Nixon Cox has said President Donald Trump is "relatively young" and "very sharp" amid speculation he could run again in 2024 should his last-ditch efforts to alter the election outcome fail.
Trump is continuing to refute the election outcome, despite network calls having tipped it in Joe Biden's favor, and making persistent calls of widespread irregularities and fraud—despite having not substantiated such claims thus far.
While Trump pursues his action against the results in several states, speculation has mounted that should his last-ditch efforts prove futile he might consider running again in 2024.
A person can only serve two terms as president, though these do not necessarily have to be consecutive.
"If President Trump ultimately does concede, I think there's a parallel to 1960. President Trump is relatively young, he's very sharp mentally and I think that four years from now, if the concession is done correctly, President Trump will be in a terrific position to run again, just like Grover Cleveland did, and to win another term as president but with Joe Biden in between," he told Fox News, referring to Cleveland having served as president in two separate terms between 1885 and 1889 then 1893 to 1897.
Nixon lost in his first presidential run in 1960, before then going on to run successfully in 1968.
Read more Under 20% of Trump Voters Have Confidence Mail-In Votes Were Counted Under 20% of Trump Voters Have Confidence Mail-In Votes Were Counted
"I think there's a great chance that president Trump can do that. He's had a terrific record and I think that people, just like with my grandfather in 1960 and even with George H.W. Bush in 1992 would say that, 'you know what, maybe we made a mistake, maybe we should continue with President Trump,' and I think that there's a historical analogy there that will serve him very well," Cox added.
"So I think a concession isn't necessarily the worst political move for him to make once the time is right for him to do that."
Cox previously spoke on Fox Business about his grandfather conceding in 1960 stating this "set him up" for running again, suggesting Trump doing so could potentially tee him up for 2024.
Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of President Richard Nixon, speaks before Secretary of State Mike Pompeo takes the podium to deliver a speech on China and the future of the free world at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on July 23, in Yorba Linda, California. He has backed President Donald Trump to run in 2024 if he concedes to Joe Biden. David McNew/Getty Images
While Trump continues to insist he will be determined the election winner if only votes he deems to have been cast legally are counted, discussions of him potentially running for office again in 2024 have persisted.
His former adviser Steve Bannon said he believes the president would consider another run.
Meanwhile, polling indicated that should he want to do so he would receive backing from many Republicans.
Newsweek has asked for further comment from Cox through the Richard Nixon Foundation and also contacted the Trump campaign for comment on the remarks and speculation of a 2024 run.


newsweek--2020-11-22--Socialism Is Bad Until a Capitalist Like David Perdue Gets Paid | Opinion

This week a mix of good and bad .
Good news : We 'll get a COVID-19 vaccine fairly soon .
Bad news : President Trump , and the star of the Borat sequel , Rudy Giuliani , are still stalking the nation .
Good news : there 's a lot of optimism about stocks in 2021 .
Bad news : there 's too much optimism about stocks in 2021 .
And so it goes .
This week in On the Street : how socialism paid off for Georgia Republican Senator David Perdue ; why corporations should , maybe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and who 's really to blame for the lack of a new COVID bailout bill .
Plus : President-elect Joe Biden may have a new treasury secretary soon ; and , for your pleasure , Taylor Swift and Bootsy Collins !
We 'll start with David Perdue—and why not ?
Meet the Socialist : When Senator David Perdue of Georgia is n't making fun of Black politicians ' names—or inappropriately trading stocks—he 's lamenting the scary prospect of America becoming a socialist nation .
You 'll hear a lot about that during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Democrat Jon Ossoff , which will be settled January 5 .
But sometimes socialism is a good thing , even for hard core capitalists like Perdue .
Case in point : Perdue was CEO of Dollar General from 2003 to 2007 .
Dollar stores , as you might know , typically cater to lower-income folks in lower-income neighborhoods .
Government benefits also seem part of their business plan .
In 2016 , for example , the latest figures I have been able to dig up , DG 's core customers accounted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sales .
These are the chain 's so-called `` Best Friends Forever . ''
They , according to a company document , `` live paycheck to paycheck '' and happen to rely `` upon government assistance '' such as the SNAP food stamp program .
I think that counts as socialism .
And that 's okay .
How much in sales do food stamps and other types of government assistance account for historically at Dollar General ?
I do n't know because they would n't tell me .
But they must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he planned to cut back SNAP , the shares of retailers like DG took a big hit .
But it is n't only customers that get government benefits .
A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story in 2018 revealed that `` about one in five employees '' at Dollar Generals in Pennsylvania received food stamps .
Caveat : I do n't know the percentage of customers on government assistance during Perdue 's tenure ; again , the company would n't say .
But you can bet the percentage was n't insignificant .
To be sure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get government aid is just fine .
But to rail about socialism when the company you ran made a mint off government assistance , is , well , just a tad hypocritical .
Should Your Boss Make You Get a COVID Shot ?
During a New York Times DealBook conference last week , Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked if companies should require employees to get the new COVIND vaccine before returning to work .
He first pointed out that `` when you try to force people to do something , they push back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should at least be considered . ''
Why ?
`` If 50 % of people do n't take it , `` he explained , `` you have a significant '' health problem .
Fauci explained : next fall , the nation will `` get to somewhat normal if you get a good rate of ( vaccine ) uptake . ''
The percentage ?
At least 75 percent but `` hopefully 80-to-85 percent '' to `` crush the outbreak . ''
So far , that seems ambitious .
Gallup released a poll last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveyed would take the new vaccine .
But that 's perhaps where large businesses come in .
Walmart , for example , has 1.5 million employees in the U.S. and many stores have pharmacies , and even health clinics , that could dole out the vaccine .
Whether executives want the headache of dealing with the `` anti '' crowd , is another matter .
But it 's something to consider .
After all , many employers cover the cost of flu shots .
Why not encourage or require COVID inoculations ?
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task is ignoring reality , '' Fauci told Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times .
But , he pointed out , he treats folks at an NIH hospital and `` if I do n't get a flu vaccine I 'm not allowed to see patients . ''
There They Go Again : The false equivalencies just keep on coming when it comes to a second COVID bailout bill .
Last week , a Washington Post columnist took a swipe at House Speaker—and Fox evildoer—Nancy Pelosi for not doing what Republicans want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 relief bill .
And at The New York Times DealBook conference , JPMorgan Chase 's Jamie Dimon piled on and railed against Congress for not getting a deal done .
He recommended , in fact , `` splitting the baby '' over the dueling bailout proposals .
Dimon is just the latest , on both sides , to blame , well , both sides .
Instead , of course , placing the blame where it belongs : with folks like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Given all that , let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events leading up to the current stalemate .
Back in May , the Democrats passed a $ 3 trillion relief bill including money to extend Federal enhanced unemployment benefits—the ultra-successful weekly $ 600 bonus .
The bill would have also provided aid to state and local governments , which are struggling to close COVID budget gaps .
McConnell , dipping into his standard obstruct-any-democrat-plan playbook , would n't let the bill come up for a vote .
Nor would he negotiate .
McConnell then let the enhanced unemployment benefits run out in July—a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Next : negotiations continued between Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
McConnell stood on the sidelines as hundreds of thousands of Americans filed unemployment claims .
( Another 742,000 this week , by the way . )
No matter , talks froze just before the November 3 election .
This is where it stands : the Democrats are down to a $ 2.2 trillion plan ; Mnuchin , $ 1.9 trillion .
McConnell however , pushed a $ 500 billion bill , which got nowhere , partly because Republican lawmakers are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
So , back to Dimon .
I 'm not sure which baby should be spilt .
The Pelosi/Mnuchin baby ?
The McConnell/Pelosi baby ?
The Mnuchin/McConnell baby ?
So confusing .
Maybe Dimon should lobby McConnell , instead of blaming the good people on both sides .
Better yet , instead of lecturing us all , perhaps Dimon should run for office and show everyone how it should be done .
Loose Change : By the time you read this , President Biden may have named his Treasury Secretary .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor , and Roger Ferguson Jr. , a former Fed Governor and vice chair and TIAA chief executive ( He retired Tuesday ... hmmm . )
Another candidate : Janet Yellen , the former Fed chair .
You read about Brainard here a few weeks ago ... Quote of the Year : The the owner of Fantasy Island , the Philadelphia adult bookstore near Rudy Giuliani 's voter fraud press conference , told Slate : `` We have customers from both sides '' ...
Swift Deal : Interesting to watch Taylor Swift 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album master tapes .
She 's understandably upset she did n't get to buy the masters , which were recently sold to Shamrock Capital , a private equity firm , for $ 300 million .
In the age of streaming , that 's where the money is .
The problem is almost all recording artists , when they are starting out , give it up ownership of the masters .
Not sure what her real beef is , but she 'll likely re-record some of the old hits and get something back that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The labels are sharks , '' but Swift 's `` martyr vibe '' is a crock .
In any case , here 's a Swift song with a message .
I think she owns the master ...
Friend plug # 1 : David Ledbetter , former editor of Inc. magazine , has launched a financial technology newsletter called , appropriately enough , James Ledbetter 's FIN .
Check it out ...
Friend plug # 2 : Wondering what 's driving the S & P 500 stock index ?
Says Allan Sloan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Big Six , as I call them — Apple , Amazon , Microsoft , Facebook and the two share classes of Google owner Alphabet — accounted for almost three quarters of the S & P 's return for the year . ''
Yikes ... On the Street Jukebox : It 's Bootsy Collins week , my friends .
No reason other than he has some new , great music out .
Watch and listen to `` The Power of One '' with George Benson , and with David Sanborn back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day with the hardest working man in show business , James Brown .
Bootsy is the tall guy , just to right of the drummer ... thanks for reading and see you all next week .

This week a mix of good and bad. Good news: We'll get a COVID-19 vaccine fairly soon. Bad news: President Trump, and the star of the Borat sequel, Rudy Giuliani, are still stalking the nation. Good news: there's a lot of optimism about stocks in 2021. Bad news: there's too much optimism about stocks in 2021. And so it goes. This week in On the Street: how socialism paid off for Georgia Republican Senator David Perdue; why corporations should, maybe, require employees to take the new vaccine; and who's really to blame for the lack of a new COVID bailout bill. Plus: President-elect Joe Biden may have a new treasury secretary soon; and, for your pleasure, Taylor Swift and Bootsy Collins! We'll start with David Perdue—and why not?
Sen. David Perdue: Was he OK with socialism when he was a CEO? Justin Sullivan/Getty
Meet the Socialist: When Senator David Perdue of Georgia isn't making fun of Black politicians' names—or inappropriately trading stocks—he's lamenting the scary prospect of America becoming a socialist nation. You'll hear a lot about that during the runoff for his U.S. Senate seat against Democrat Jon Ossoff, which will be settled January 5. But sometimes socialism is a good thing, even for hard core capitalists like Perdue. Case in point: Perdue was CEO of Dollar General from 2003 to 2007. Dollar stores, as you might know, typically cater to lower-income folks in lower-income neighborhoods. Government benefits also seem part of their business plan. In 2016, for example, the latest figures I have been able to dig up, DG's core customers accounted for more than 65 percent of the chain's sales. These are the chain's so-called "Best Friends Forever." They, according to a company document, "live paycheck to paycheck" and happen to rely "upon government assistance" such as the SNAP food stamp program. I think that counts as socialism. And that's okay. How much in sales do food stamps and other types of government assistance account for historically at Dollar General? I don't know because they wouldn't tell me. But they must be pretty important. When President Trump announced he planned to cut back SNAP, the shares of retailers like DG took a big hit. But it isn't only customers that get government benefits. A Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story in 2018 revealed that "about one in five employees" at Dollar Generals in Pennsylvania received food stamps. Caveat: I don't know the percentage of customers on government assistance during Perdue's tenure; again, the company wouldn't say. But you can bet the percentage wasn't insignificant. To be sure, catering to low- and lower-income customers who get government aid is just fine. But to rail about socialism when the company you ran made a mint off government assistance, is, well, just a tad hypocritical.
Dr. Fauci: It's going to take some work to kill COVID-19 Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner/Bloomberg/Getty
Should Your Boss Make You Get a COVID Shot? During a New York Times DealBook conference last week, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked if companies should require employees to get the new COVIND vaccine before returning to work. He first pointed out that "when you try to force people to do something, they push back." But he added "it should at least be considered." Why? "If 50% of people don't take it, " he explained, "you have a significant" health problem. Fauci explained: next fall, the nation will "get to somewhat normal if you get a good rate of (vaccine) uptake." The percentage? At least 75 percent but "hopefully 80-to-85 percent" to "crush the outbreak." So far, that seems ambitious. Gallup released a poll last week showing that only 58 percent of those surveyed would take the new vaccine. But that's perhaps where large businesses come in. Walmart, for example, has 1.5 million employees in the U.S. and many stores have pharmacies, and even health clinics, that could dole out the vaccine. Whether executives want the headache of dealing with the "anti" crowd, is another matter. But it's something to consider. After all, many employers cover the cost of flu shots. Why not encourage or require COVID inoculations? "To say this is not a difficult task is ignoring reality," Fauci told Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times. But, he pointed out, he treats folks at an NIH hospital and "if I don't get a flu vaccine I'm not allowed to see patients."
Nancy Pelosi: Will Mitch McConnell ever seriously negotiate? Alyssa Schukar/AFP/Getty
There They Go Again: The false equivalencies just keep on coming when it comes to a second COVID bailout bill. Last week, a Washington Post columnist took a swipe at House Speaker—and Fox evildoer—Nancy Pelosi for not doing what Republicans want her to do when it comes to a COVID-19 relief bill. And at The New York Times DealBook conference, JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon piled on and railed against Congress for not getting a deal done. He recommended, in fact, "splitting the baby" over the dueling bailout proposals. Dimon is just the latest, on both sides, to blame, well, both sides. Instead, of course, placing the blame where it belongs: with folks like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Given all that, let's go back and and review the events leading up to the current stalemate. Back in May, the Democrats passed a $3 trillion relief bill including money to extend Federal enhanced unemployment benefits—the ultra-successful weekly $600 bonus. The bill would have also provided aid to state and local governments, which are struggling to close COVID budget gaps. McConnell, dipping into his standard obstruct-any-democrat-plan playbook, wouldn't let the bill come up for a vote. Nor would he negotiate. McConnell then let the enhanced unemployment benefits run out in July—a nice, evil rich guy move. Next: negotiations continued between Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. McConnell stood on the sidelines as hundreds of thousands of Americans filed unemployment claims. (Another 742,000 this week, by the way.) No matter, talks froze just before the November 3 election. This is where it stands: the Democrats are down to a $2.2 trillion plan; Mnuchin, $1.9 trillion. McConnell however, pushed a $500 billion bill, which got nowhere, partly because Republican lawmakers are all of a sudden wiggy about "deficits." So, back to Dimon. I'm not sure which baby should be spilt. The Pelosi/Mnuchin baby? The McConnell/Pelosi baby? The Mnuchin/McConnell baby? So confusing. Maybe Dimon should lobby McConnell, instead of blaming the good people on both sides. Better yet, instead of lecturing us all, perhaps Dimon should run for office and show everyone how it should be done.
Taylor Swift: I want my master tapes! ACMA2020/ACM/Getty
Loose Change: By the time you read this, President Biden may have named his Treasury Secretary. The frontrunners include Lael Brainard, a Fed Governor, and Roger Ferguson Jr., a former Fed Governor and vice chair and TIAA chief executive (He retired Tuesday...hmmm.) Another candidate: Janet Yellen, the former Fed chair. You read about Brainard here a few weeks ago...Quote of the Year: The the owner of Fantasy Island, the Philadelphia adult bookstore near Rudy Giuliani's voter fraud press conference, told Slate: "We have customers from both sides"...Swift Deal: Interesting to watch Taylor Swift's endless soap opera over her first six album master tapes. She's understandably upset she didn't get to buy the masters, which were recently sold to Shamrock Capital, a private equity firm, for $300 million. In the age of streaming, that's where the money is. The problem is almost all recording artists, when they are starting out, give it up ownership of the masters. Not sure what her real beef is, but she'll likely re-record some of the old hits and get something back that way. But as a friend observed: "The labels are sharks," but Swift's "martyr vibe" is a crock. In any case, here's a Swift song with a message. I think she owns the master... Friend plug #1: James Ledbetter, former editor of Inc. magazine, has launched a financial technology newsletter called, appropriately enough, James Ledbetter's FIN. Check it out...Friend plug #2: Wondering what's driving the S&P 500 stock index? Says Allan Sloan in his latest Washington Post column: "The Big Six, as I call them — Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook and the two share classes of Google owner Alphabet — accounted for almost three quarters of the S&P's return for the year." Yikes...On the Street Jukebox: It's Bootsy Collins week, my friends. No reason other than he has some new, great music out. Watch and listen to "The Power of One" with George Benson, and with David Sanborn back in the day...and way back in the day with the hardest working man in show business, James Brown. Bootsy is the tall guy, just to right of the drummer...thanks for reading and see you all next week.


newsweek--2020-11-22--John Cleese Accused of Transphobia After Saying He Wants to 'Be a Cambodian Police Woman'

Actor and comedian John Cleese sparked a backlash on Twitter after posting tweets that were perceived as transphobic .
It started on Sunday after a Twitter user shared a screenshot of a September 30 tweet from Cleese , where he said he had signed a letter `` in solidarity '' with J.K. Rowling .
The letter was published in The Sunday Times earlier this year after the Harry Potter author was accused of transphobia over comments she made about transgender people .
Cleese 's reply to the user prompted another person to question his support for Rowling and ask if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep conspiracy to turn people 'against their genders . '
'' `` Deep down , I want to be a Cambodian police woman , '' Cleese , who is best known for Monty Python and Fawlty Towers , responded in a quote-tweet .
`` Is that allowed , or am I being unrealistic ? ''
The tweet prompted many to call out Cleese for suggesting that transgender people choose their identity .
`` John wants to pretend he cares about science and logic , but he does n't give a flying f** k @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist and writer Charlotte Clymer wrote in a reply .
`` It 's all about discomfort with the existence of trans and non-binary people . ''
In another tweet , she added there was `` overwhelming evidence that medical and other scientific experts affirm trans and non-binary people . ''
She wrote : `` We have pointed to leading gender theorists and sociologists and feminist leaders who support trans folks .
Why does he ignore all that ? ''
Tim Ireland added : `` It is not about what people want as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to portray their futures as 'unrealistic ' with a facile argument like this denies them their humanity . ''
Cleese was trending on Twitter Sunday morning as many accused him of transphobia , saying his comments were alienating and offensive .
`` Damn .
Really was n't expecting someone as talented and amazing as John Cleese to be anti-trans , '' author Adam Tierney wrote .
`` I 've been a fan of Monty Python & some of your other work for years and it 's so disappointing to see you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , '' author A. E. Dooland added .
`` Trans people are being attacked & invalidated from every angle , & instead of being supportive & uplifting ?
You say this . ''
When another Twitter user asked Cleese to `` be upfront and tell us your thoughts on JKR 's position on trans folks , '' he replied that he was `` not that interested '' in the issue .
`` I 'm afraid I 'm not that interested in trans folks , '' he wrote .
`` I just hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them kindly . ''
He added that he was more focussed on other matters , citing the coronavirus pandemic , the `` threats to democracy '' in America and police brutality among them .
`` Do you realise that regimes threatening democracy ( e.g .
Hungary , the US ) and `` the appalling British press '' all share a hatred of trans people ? ''
Freddy McConnnell responded to that tweet .
`` We ca n't be happy while they legislate or report against us .
There is no kindness .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ align . ''
A spokesman for Cleese has been contacted for comment .

Actor and comedian John Cleese sparked a backlash on Twitter after posting tweets that were perceived as transphobic.
It started on Sunday after a Twitter user shared a screenshot of a September 30 tweet from Cleese, where he said he had signed a letter "in solidarity" with J.K. Rowling.
The letter was published in The Sunday Times earlier this year after the Harry Potter author was accused of transphobia over comments she made about transgender people.
Cleese's reply to the user prompted another person to question his support for Rowling and ask if he really believes "there is some deep conspiracy to turn people 'against their genders.'"
"Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman," Cleese, who is best known for Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, responded in a quote-tweet. "Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic?"
Deep down, I want to be a Cambodian police woman
Is that allowed, or am I being unrealistic ? https://t.co/oGPwEWJM9a — John Cleese (@JohnCleese) November 22, 2020
The tweet prompted many to call out Cleese for suggesting that transgender people choose their identity.
"John wants to pretend he cares about science and logic, but he doesn't give a flying f** k about scientific expertise on this," activist and writer Charlotte Clymer wrote in a reply. "It's all about discomfort with the existence of trans and non-binary people."
In another tweet, she added there was "overwhelming evidence that medical and other scientific experts affirm trans and non-binary people."
She wrote: "We have pointed to leading gender theorists and sociologists and feminist leaders who support trans folks. Why does he ignore all that?"
Tim Ireland added: "It is not about what people want as if rainbow wishes & magic unicorns were involved, and to portray their futures as 'unrealistic' with a facile argument like this denies them their humanity."
Cleese was trending on Twitter Sunday morning as many accused him of transphobia, saying his comments were alienating and offensive.
"Damn. Really wasn't expecting someone as talented and amazing as John Cleese to be anti-trans," author Adam Tierney wrote.
"I've been a fan of Monty Python & some of your other work for years and it's so disappointing to see you take such a hurtful stance on this issue," author A. E. Dooland added. "Trans people are being attacked & invalidated from every angle, & instead of being supportive & uplifting? You say this."
It is not about what people want as if rainbow wishes & magic unicorns were involved, and to portray their futures as 'unrealistic' with a facile argument like this denies them their humanity.
This debate deserves more than a false dichotomy.https://t.co/je9eRkSmNS#JohnCleese https://t.co/x5LznaYELp — Tim Ireland (@bloggerheads) November 22, 2020
When another Twitter user asked Cleese to "be upfront and tell us your thoughts on JKR's position on trans folks," he replied that he was "not that interested" in the issue.
"I'm afraid I'm not that interested in trans folks," he wrote. "I just hope they're happy and that people treat them kindly."
He added that he was more focussed on other matters, citing the coronavirus pandemic, the "threats to democracy" in America and police brutality among them.
"Do you realise that regimes threatening democracy (e.g. Hungary, the US) and "the appalling British press" all share a hatred of trans people?" Freddy McConnnell responded to that tweet.
Do you realise that regimes threatening democracy (e.g. Hungary, the US) and "the appalling British press" all share a hatred of trans people?
We can't be happy while they legislate or report against us. There is no kindness.
You may not be interested but our interests align. — Freddy McConnell (@freddymcconnell) November 22, 2020
"We can't be happy while they legislate or report against us. There is no kindness. You may not be interested but our interests align."
A spokesman for Cleese has been contacted for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-22--Trump Campaign Seeks Third Recount, Second in Georgia, as Biden Lead Unlikely to Change

The Trump campaign has called for another recount in Georgia in its continued push back against election results , despite such action historically only rarely changing states ' original outcomes .
After a hand recount again tallied the votes in Joe Biden 's favor , President Donald Trump 's team has called for ballots to be tabulated again—with the result having shown a margin of 0.25 percent for the Democrat with 12,670 more votes .
This request comes amid a wider slate of actions from the Trump campaign , with ballots also being recounted in two Wisconsin counties at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insist widespread fraud and irregularities paved the way to Biden 's success .
Thus far he and his allies have failed to show clear evidence to substantiate the extent of these claims .
The Trump team took issue with signature matching as it pushed for the Georgia recount—with the president having wrongly claimed election officials are unable to verify signatures on the envelopes of absentee ballots in the state—insisting the outcome will be `` phony '' without this .
`` President Trump and his campaign continue to insist on an honest recount in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matching and other vital safeguards .
Without signature matching , this recount would be a sham and again allow for illegal votes to be counted , '' a statement from the Trump campaign legal team said .
`` If there is no signature matching , this would be as phony as the initial vote count and recount .
Let 's stop giving the People false results .
There must be a time when we stop counting illegal ballots .
Hopefully it is coming soon . ''
The Trump campaign 's push for recounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial count outcome in the past .
According to a report from FairVote released earlier this month , in 5,778 statewide elections over the last 20 years prior to the 2020 election there have been 31 statewide recounts that have been completed .
Of these , three have resulted in changing the outcome .
`` Given past election recounts with outcome reversals , we should not expect outcome reversals unless the margin of victory is within 0.1 % at most , '' an article from FairVote , which expanded on its report states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia given the margin following the last recount was 0.25 percent .
A statement from Jim Troupis , Wisconsin counsel to the Trump campaign , regarding the recount in Wisconsin said : `` We continue to be confident that when all of the legal ballots are counted and illegal ballots are not counted , President Trump will be proven the winner . ''
Trump 's campaign formally requested the recounts in the state on Wednesday .
It paid $ 3 million as required by state law so election officials could complete the task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

The Trump campaign has called for another recount in Georgia in its continued push back against election results, despite such action historically only rarely changing states' original outcomes.
After a hand recount again tallied the votes in Joe Biden's favor, President Donald Trump's team has called for ballots to be tabulated again—with the result having shown a margin of 0.25 percent for the Democrat with 12,670 more votes.
This request comes amid a wider slate of actions from the Trump campaign, with ballots also being recounted in two Wisconsin counties at its request, as the president continues to insist widespread fraud and irregularities paved the way to Biden's success. Thus far he and his allies have failed to show clear evidence to substantiate the extent of these claims.
The Trump team took issue with signature matching as it pushed for the Georgia recount—with the president having wrongly claimed election officials are unable to verify signatures on the envelopes of absentee ballots in the state—insisting the outcome will be "phony" without this.
"President Trump and his campaign continue to insist on an honest recount in Georgia, which has to include signature matching and other vital safeguards. Without signature matching, this recount would be a sham and again allow for illegal votes to be counted," a statement from the Trump campaign legal team said.
"If there is no signature matching, this would be as phony as the initial vote count and recount. Let's stop giving the People false results. There must be a time when we stop counting illegal ballots. Hopefully it is coming soon."
The Trump campaign's push for recounts comes despite these having rarely changed the initial count outcome in the past.
According to a report from FairVote released earlier this month, in 5,778 statewide elections over the last 20 years prior to the 2020 election there have been 31 statewide recounts that have been completed.
Of these, three have resulted in changing the outcome.
Read more Fifth GOP Senator Congratulates Biden and Harris, As Trump Rejects Outcome Fifth GOP Senator Congratulates Biden and Harris, As Trump Rejects Outcome
"Given past election recounts with outcome reversals, we should not expect outcome reversals unless the margin of victory is within 0.1% at most," an article from FairVote, which expanded on its report states, highlighting the challenge to Trump in Georgia given the margin following the last recount was 0.25 percent.
A statement from Jim Troupis, Wisconsin counsel to the Trump campaign, regarding the recount in Wisconsin said: "We continue to be confident that when all of the legal ballots are counted and illegal ballots are not counted, President Trump will be proven the winner."
Trump's campaign formally requested the recounts in the state on Wednesday. It paid $3 million as required by state law so election officials could complete the task.
Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.


newsweek--2020-11-22--Fifth GOP Senator Congratulates Biden and Harris, Says Trump Has 'Exhausted All' Penn. Legal Options

Pennsylvania 's Patrick Toomey has become the fifth Republican Senator to break rank with President Donald Trump by congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris .
Toomey acknowledged the pair as president-elect and vice president-elect in a statement after Trump 's latest legal set back in Pennsylvania , as he continues to claim foul play facilitated the Democrat ticket 's election success .
`` With today 's decision by Judge Matthew Brann , a longtime conservative Republican whom I know to be a fair and unbiased jurist , to dismiss the Trump campaign 's lawsuit , President Trump has exhausted all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the presidential race in Pennsylvania , '' Toomey said in a statement Saturday , though the Trump campaign is due to push its case on in higher courts .
He went on to mention other set backs for the Trump campaign in its push against the results in several states , before moving on to his message regarding the Democrats ' victory in the race for the White House .
`` I congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory .
They are both dedicated public servants and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country , '' he said , before acknowledging he would have `` significant policy disagreements , '' with Biden .
He went on to express being `` deeply disappointed '' at Trump 's defeat , commenting on points such as tax actions , work in the Middle East and COVID-19 vaccine program Operation Warp Speed as markers of achievement in his presidency .
`` To ensure that he is remembered for these outstanding accomplishments , and to help unify our country , President Trump should accept the outcome of the election and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toomey concluded .
He joins Senators Mitt Romney ( R-UT ) , Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) , Lisa Murkowski ( R-AK ) and Susan Collins ( R-ME ) in congratulating Biden and Harris .
The pushback in Pennsylvania comes District Judge Matthew W. Brann granted the state 's request to dismiss the Trump campaign lawsuit alleging Republican voters were illegally handicapped due to counties in the state having allowed voters to amend errors on mail-in ballots .
Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said the ruling would help in the `` strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court , '' as he spoke of pursuing the matter further through the courts system .
Newsweek has contacted Toomey for further comment and the Trump campaign for comment in regard to his statement .

Pennsylvania's Patrick Toomey has become the fifth Republican Senator to break rank with President Donald Trump by congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Toomey acknowledged the pair as president-elect and vice president-elect in a statement after Trump's latest legal set back in Pennsylvania, as he continues to claim foul play facilitated the Democrat ticket's election success.
"With today's decision by Judge Matthew Brann, a longtime conservative Republican whom I know to be a fair and unbiased jurist, to dismiss the Trump campaign's lawsuit, President Trump has exhausted all plausible legal options to challenge the result of the presidential race in Pennsylvania," Toomey said in a statement Saturday, though the Trump campaign is due to push its case on in higher courts.
He went on to mention other set backs for the Trump campaign in its push against the results in several states, before moving on to his message regarding the Democrats' victory in the race for the White House.
"I congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their victory. They are both dedicated public servants and I will be praying for them and for our country," he said, before acknowledging he would have "significant policy disagreements," with Biden.
He went on to express being "deeply disappointed" at Trump's defeat, commenting on points such as tax actions, work in the Middle East and COVID-19 vaccine program Operation Warp Speed as markers of achievement in his presidency.
"To ensure that he is remembered for these outstanding accomplishments, and to help unify our country, President Trump should accept the outcome of the election and facilitate the presidential transition process," Toomey concluded.
Read more Trump Lawyer Sidney Powell Says She Has 'a Lot of Evidence' of Voter Fraud Trump Lawyer Sidney Powell Says She Has 'a Lot of Evidence' of Voter Fraud
He joins Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in congratulating Biden and Harris.
The pushback in Pennsylvania comes District Judge Matthew W. Brann granted the state's request to dismiss the Trump campaign lawsuit alleging Republican voters were illegally handicapped due to counties in the state having allowed voters to amend errors on mail-in ballots. Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani said the ruling would help in the "strategy to get expeditiously to the U.S. Supreme Court," as he spoke of pursuing the matter further through the courts system.
Newsweek has contacted Toomey for further comment and the Trump campaign for comment in regard to his statement.