newsweek--2020-12-18--Nintendo Switch 2021 Games: Every Title Scheduled to Release Next Year

Nintendo went , mostly , under the radar in 2020 .
The gaming industry has been swallowed whole by the recent releases of Sony 's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft 's Xbox Series X/S , but the Switch still had a solid year .
Animal Crossing : New Horizons dominated the industry in the first half of 2020 , especially when the global pandemic first went rampant in the U.S. Plus , there was the re-release of classic Mario games like Super Mario 64 , Sunshine and Galaxy , giving Nintendo faithful a nice , nostalgic hit of the familiar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 ?
While the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will be looking to continue their momentum , Nintendo 's console will have some high-profile games of its own , between Monster Hunter Rise and Bravely Default 2 , as well as a long list of indie games .
Below , we 've listed every Nintendo Switch game that 's scheduled to come out in 2021 .
Note : This list is still being compiled and will be updated if there 's any change to release dates .
• Scott Pilgrim vs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edition ( January 14 ) • The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom • Monster Hunter Stories 2 : Wings of Ruin Neo : The World Ends with You • Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms • Cuphead : The Delicious Last Course DLC • The Legend of Heroes : Trails of Cold Steel 4 • Say No !
More • The Uncertain : Light at the End What games are you looking forward to in 2021 ?
Let us know in the comments section .

Nintendo went, mostly, under the radar in 2020. The gaming industry has been swallowed whole by the recent releases of Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S, but the Switch still had a solid year.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons dominated the industry in the first half of 2020, especially when the global pandemic first went rampant in the U.S. Plus, there was the re-release of classic Mario games like Super Mario 64, Sunshine and Galaxy, giving Nintendo faithful a nice, nostalgic hit of the familiar.
But what lies ahead for the Switch in 2021? While the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will be looking to continue their momentum, Nintendo's console will have some high-profile games of its own, between Monster Hunter Rise and Bravely Default 2, as well as a long list of indie games.
Below, we've listed every Nintendo Switch game that's scheduled to come out in 2021. Note: This list is still being compiled and will be updated if there's any change to release dates.
Capcom
January
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition (January 14)
Tadpole Treble Encore (January 21)
Cyber Shadow (January 26)
TOHU (January 28)
February
Cultist Simulator: Initiate Edition (February 2)
Blue Fire (February 4)
Death Crown (February 11)
Little Nightmares 2 (February 11)
Gal*Gun Returns (February 12)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (February 12)
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos (February 23)
Persona 5 Strikers (February 23)
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection (February 25)
Bravely Default 2 (February 26)
Capcom Arcade Stadium (February release window)
March
Harvest Moon: One World (March 2)
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town (March 23)
Balan Wonderworld (March 26)
Monster Hunter Rise (March 26)
Tunche (March release date window)
April
New Pokémon Snap (April 30)
May
N/A
June
N/A
July
N/A
August
N/A
September
N/A
October
N/A
November
N/A
December
N/A
Nintendo Switch 2021 Games - Release Dates TBD
Blood Bowl 3
Braid Anniversary Edition
Clockwork Aquario
Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires
King of Seas
Of Bird and Cage
Roller Champions
Ruined King
SkateBIRD
Speed Limit
Spelunky
Spelunky 2
Where Cards Fall
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World
Black Book
Black Legend
Black Sheet
Blue Fire
Cotton Reboot
DARQ: Complete Edition
Eldest Souls
Fallen Knight
Gravity Heroes
Haven
Lord Winklebottom Investigates
Mystiqa
Root Film
Thomas Was Alone
Turrican Anthology Vol. 1
Turrican Anthology Vol. 2
Weaving Tides
Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions
The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Leisure Suit Larry - Wet Dreams Dry Twice
Mundaun
The Stone of Madness
Surviving The Aftermath
Trine 4: Melody of Mystery DLC
Foreclosed
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
The Good Life
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Neo: The World Ends with You
A Space for the Unbound
Sunshine Manor
Animal Rescue
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
A Rat's Quest
Airhead
Alaloth - Champions of The Four Kingdoms
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
The Amazing American Circus
Apex Legends
Arkham Horror: Mother's Embrace
Astral Equilibrium
Axiom Verge 2
B.ARK
Backbone
Bear and Breakfast
Black Legend
Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition
Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
Boyfriend Dungeon
Breathedge
Buildings Have Feelings Too!
Card Shark
Cris Tales
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course DLC
Curious Expedition 2
Curse of the Sea Rats
Digimon Survive
Eastward
El Hijo: A Wild West Tale
Endling - Extinction Is Forever
Evil Dead: The Game
First Class Trouble
Fisti-Fluffs
Garden Story
Gnosia
HAAK
Happy Game
Hitchhiker - A Mystery Game
Hitman 3 - Cloud Version
Hollow Knight: Silksong
KeyWe
King's Bounty 2
Legal Dungeon
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 4
Lost Words: Beyond the Page
Maneater
Mayhem Brawler
Mineko's Night Market
Monster Harvest
My Child Lebensborn
Nairi: Rising Tide
No More Heroes 3
Olija
One Hand Clapping
Orange Island
Perseverance: Part 2
Pile Up!
Pixel Game Maker MV
Potion Permit
Quantum League
Quantum Replica
Rogue Lords
R-Type Final 2
Rune Factory 5
Sail Forth
Say No! More
Serial Cleaners
Serpent Showdown
Shin Megami Tensei V
Skater XL
Sky: Children of the Light
Sludge Life
Source of Madness
Subnautica: Below Zero
This Is Pool
This Is Snooker - Pool Deluxe Edition
Those Who Remain
Tormented Souls
Umurangi Generation
The Uncertain: Light at the End
Underworld Dreams
Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong
Very Very Valet
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground
Windjammers 2
XIII Remake
Ys 9: Monstrum Nox
What games are you looking forward to in 2021? Let us know in the comments section.


newsweek--2020-12-18--The 10 Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts You Can Still Get Delivered in Time

There is still time to get last-minute gifts delivered to you or the recipient before Christmas .
This wo n't last long , but you can get free next day shipping and free same-day delivery from some of our favorite stores and services .
Just because you are looking for last-minute gifts in 2020 does n't mean that you need to give something mediocre .
You can give great gifts from Apple , have liquor , wine , or beer delivered and give hundreds of amazing gadgets and photo gifts .
If you need more ideas , check out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best gifts you can send by text message .
These can help you wrap up your gift situation and These stores and services still offer options to deliver gifts in time for Christmas , when you buy soon .
• Best Buy—Free Next Day ( Optional Same Day ) We see many free next-day shipping offers , and if they live in a bigger city , you can get free same-day delivery from some stores .
The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 are popular gifts this year .
Both are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health features and they put notifications on your wrist .
The Apple Watch SE is a great entry-level model with an easy-to-read display and Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity options .
It is $ 279 and up .
The Apple Watch Series 6 features an improved display , adds in a pulse oximeter that can tell you blood oxygen levels , and it 's speedy .
It is $ 399 and up .
Get two-hour delivery from Apple for $ 5 in metro areas and free expedited delivery from other retailers .
Buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and B & H Photo .
Drizzly is a delivery service that can deliver a gift of spirits to someone in as fast as 30 minutes .
The selection varies by location , so you 'll need to factor that in , but in bigger cities , it is a great way to get a last-minute gift to a friend , family member or coworker .
Delivery fees can vary , but in our experience , expect to pay about $ 4.99 .
Many stores include a minimum purchase amount , so pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop .
If you 're stuck on trying to figure out what to send , Drizzly offers a gift guide .
Personally , we recommend Bulleit , WhistlePig , High West American Prairie , Hendricks Gin , Neft Vodka and Wild Turkey Longbranch .
The DJI Mini 2 is a small and light drone that folds up for easy storage and transport .
It can fly for up to 31 minutes and transmit video for over six miles .
The camera records in up to 4K , and there are controls and modes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage .
It is capable of handling winds up to 26 miles an hour .
If you have room in the gift budget , add on the Fly More Combo and they 'll have three batteries , more spare propellers and other accessories .
Buy at B & H Photo , Best Buy and Best Buy .
AirPods Pro are the best AirPods that you can buy from Apple right now .
They fit in a pocket and deliver active noise cancelation to block out exterior noise .
The Transparency mode is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening around you when you need to listen in .
With Spatial Audio delivering surround sound from the iPhone or iPad , they are excellent for entertainment .
We love using these to make phone calls and find them more comfortable than the previous generation AirPods .
Buy at B & H Photo , Apple and Best Buy .
The PS5 controller is a great gift for PlayStation 5 owners , or even for someone who is getting one in the next PS5 restock .
They need a PS5 controller to play PS5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PlayStation 5 includes a controller , they will need a second to play with a friend on the same machine .
If they do n't already have a PS5 , you should let them know that this is n't part of a bigger gift hidden away , or you could upset them .
Buy at B & H Photo , Amazon and Best Buy .
The wine lover in your life is probably due for a restock , and while we definitely love wine clubs and checking out our local wine shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a wine gift to someone right away .
If you do n't know what to give , Drizzly even offers a wine gift guide .
It helps if you know what they like to get you started .
If you do n't have a good idea , ask them for recommendations , most people will share their preferences .
In most cases , delivery is $ 4.99 , and there are order minimums to keep in mind , so pay attention to that as you choose what shop to order from .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you get as a gift fit and feel better .
While normally moms have the magic power to pick out the perfect socks for a stocking stuffer , we have you covered here .
Amazon reviewers love these warm socks that are made from a combination of wool , cotton and polyester .
There are plenty of color and design options , and they all arrive before Christmas .
The 10.2-inch iPad is the entry-level iPad , and it 's actually good enough for most users .
This is the iPad we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need more than a Fire Tablet and casual iPad users of any age .
This iPad features a great display , long battery life , support for the first-generation Apple Pencil , and there are loads of accessories for it .
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is available at Best Buy with a $ 50 gift card when you purchase and delivery as soon as tomorrow in some locations or before Christmas in others .
This hair dryer promises faster drying to keep the attachments cool and the dryer manages the temperature to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macbook Air recently with the new M1 processor .
This is a massive leap in power and battery life , which is up to 18 hours on a single charge .
Check Apple each morning and you can get same day delivery in metro areas for the commonly stocked models .
Best Buy offers delivery by Christmas in many areas .
Buy at Apple and Best Buy .
Newsweek may earn a commission from links on this page , but we only recommend products we back .
We participate in various affiliate marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites .

There is still time to get last-minute gifts delivered to you or the recipient before Christmas. This won't last long, but you can get free next day shipping and free same-day delivery from some of our favorite stores and services.
Just because you are looking for last-minute gifts in 2020 doesn't mean that you need to give something mediocre. You can give great gifts from Apple, have liquor, wine, or beer delivered and give hundreds of amazing gadgets and photo gifts.
If you need more ideas, check out the best last-minute gifts on Amazon and the best gifts you can send by text message. These can help you wrap up your gift situation and
Best Stores for Last-Minute Gifts
These stores and services still offer options to deliver gifts in time for Christmas, when you buy soon.
Apple—Same Day in Select Areas
B&H Photo—Free Expedited Handling and Next Day
Drizzly—As Quick as 30 minutes
Amazon—Free 2-Day Shipping with Prime
Best Buy—Free Next Day (Optional Same Day)
We see many free next-day shipping offers, and if they live in a bigger city, you can get free same-day delivery from some stores.
Best Last minute gifts apple apple watch You can get the Apple Watch with same day delivery from Apple and Best Buy. Apple
The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 are popular gifts this year. Both are new for 2020, with fast processors, health features and they put notifications on your wrist.
The Apple Watch SE is a great entry-level model with an easy-to-read display and Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity options. It is $279 and up.
The Apple Watch Series 6 features an improved display, adds in a pulse oximeter that can tell you blood oxygen levels, and it's speedy. It is $399 and up.
Get two-hour delivery from Apple for $5 in metro areas and free expedited delivery from other retailers.
Buy at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo.
last minute gifts liquor Send liquor in as fast as 30 minutes with Drizzly. Drizzly
Drizzly is a delivery service that can deliver a gift of spirits to someone in as fast as 30 minutes. The selection varies by location, so you'll need to factor that in, but in bigger cities, it is a great way to get a last-minute gift to a friend, family member or coworker.
Delivery fees can vary, but in our experience, expect to pay about $4.99. Many stores include a minimum purchase amount, so pay attention to that as you start to shop.
If you're stuck on trying to figure out what to send, Drizzly offers a gift guide. Personally, we recommend Bulleit, WhistlePig, High West American Prairie, Hendricks Gin, Neft Vodka and Wild Turkey Longbranch.
Buy at Drizzly.
Best Last minute gifts DJI mini 2 The DJI Mini 2 is a great drone and you can get it before Christmas. DJI
The DJI Mini 2 is a small and light drone that folds up for easy storage and transport. It can fly for up to 31 minutes and transmit video for over six miles.
The camera records in up to 4K, and there are controls and modes to make it easy to capture great footage. It is capable of handling winds up to 26 miles an hour.
If you have room in the gift budget, add on the Fly More Combo and they'll have three batteries, more spare propellers and other accessories.
Buy at B&H Photo, Best Buy and Best Buy.
save up to $40 and get AirPods Pro delivered as soon as tomorrow. Apple
AirPods Pro are the best AirPods that you can buy from Apple right now. They fit in a pocket and deliver active noise cancelation to block out exterior noise. The Transparency mode is also handy for letting you hear what is happening around you when you need to listen in.
With Spatial Audio delivering surround sound from the iPhone or iPad, they are excellent for entertainment. We love using these to make phone calls and find them more comfortable than the previous generation AirPods.
Buy at B&H Photo, Apple and Best Buy.
Best Last minute gifts PS5 controller The PS5 controller is a great last-minute gift for anyone lucky enough to get in on the PS5 restock this year. B&H Photo
The PS5 controller is a great gift for PlayStation 5 owners, or even for someone who is getting one in the next PS5 restock.
They need a PS5 controller to play PS5 games on the new console. While the PlayStation 5 includes a controller, they will need a second to play with a friend on the same machine.
If they don't already have a PS5, you should let them know that this isn't part of a bigger gift hidden away, or you could upset them.
Buy at B&H Photo, Amazon and Best Buy.
Send wine as a last-minute gift with delivery in as few as 30 minutes. Drizzly
The wine lover in your life is probably due for a restock, and while we definitely love wine clubs and checking out our local wine shop, Drizzly is the best way to get a wine gift to someone right away.
If you don't know what to give, Drizzly even offers a wine gift guide. It helps if you know what they like to get you started. If you don't have a good idea, ask them for recommendations, most people will share their preferences.
In most cases, delivery is $4.99, and there are order minimums to keep in mind, so pay attention to that as you choose what shop to order from.
Buy at Drizzly.
Best Last minute gifts socks Need a last minute gift as a stocking stuffer? Amazon
It's hard to explain why socks that you get as a gift fit and feel better. While normally moms have the magic power to pick out the perfect socks for a stocking stuffer, we have you covered here.
Amazon reviewers love these warm socks that are made from a combination of wool, cotton and polyester. There are plenty of color and design options, and they all arrive before Christmas.
Buy at Amazon.
Best Last minute gifts apple iPad The 10.2-inch iPad is available for delivery by Christmas at B&H Photo. Apple
The 10.2-inch iPad is the entry-level iPad, and it's actually good enough for most users. This is the iPad we recommend for grandma, for kids who need more than a Fire Tablet and casual iPad users of any age.
This iPad features a great display, long battery life, support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, and there are loads of accessories for it.
Buy at B&H Photo.
Best Last minute gifts dyson hair dryer Get the Dyson Hair Dryer with free next day delivery. Best Buy
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is available at Best Buy with a $50 gift card when you purchase and delivery as soon as tomorrow in some locations or before Christmas in others.
This hair dryer promises faster drying to keep the attachments cool and the dryer manages the temperature to prevent heat damage.
Buy at Best Buy.
Best Last minute gifts apple MacBook Air The new MacBook Air is a great gift, and you can find it in stock at several stores. Apple
Apple refreshed the Macbook Air recently with the new M1 processor. This is a massive leap in power and battery life, which is up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Check Apple each morning and you can get same day delivery in metro areas for the commonly stocked models. Best Buy offers delivery by Christmas in many areas.
Buy at Apple and Best Buy.
Newsweek may earn a commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. We participate in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Kevin McCarthy Dismisses Claims Dan Crenshaw Denigrated Female Vet, Calls Him a 'Hero'

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy brushed aside allegations that one of his members , Rep. Dan Crenshaw ( R-Texas ) , was part of an orchestrated effort led by a top Trump administration official to disparage the reputation of a female veteran who was sexually assaulted at a government facility .
Crenshaw , a former Navy SEAL , gave damaging information to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie about a woman whom he served with to discredit her claim that she was sexually assaulted at a VA facility , according to an independent government watchdog report released last week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
I know a lot of people try to do a lot of things with Dan because he 's willing to stand up , '' McCarthy , a California Republican , told Newsweek .
`` I see the attacks , and they should stop . ''
McCarthy was neither familiar with nor had read a VA inspector general 's report that said Crenshaw provided dirt about the victim , Andrea Goldstein , to Wilkie in order to discredit her accusation that a male VA contractor `` bumped his entire body against '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VA facility in September 2019 .
Crenshaw and Goldstein served in the same command unit together .
As part of an endeavor by Wilkie and his top deputies to collect dirt that could erode the credibility of her claims , the first-term lawmaker told Wilkie that Goldstein filed false sexual assault claims while in the Navy , according to prior Newsweek reporting and the IG report that came after a 10-month-long investigation .
Crenshaw 's alleged actions have caused veterans groups and more than a thousand individual veterans and Department of Defense civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress .
At least two Democratic lawmakers—Reps .
Jackie Speier ( D-Calif. ) and Jason Crow ( D-Colo. ) , both of whom are veterans—have called for a congressional ethics probe .
When asked whether an ethics investigation would be appropriate , McCarthy responded in the negative .
Crenshaw has fiercely denied any wrongdoing , including ever speaking about Goldstein with Wilkie .
This despite the VA secretary himself writing in a private email to staff—obtained by Newsweek and detailed in the IG report—that said the two men discussed Goldstein after Crenshaw approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of the assault allegations .
Similar to Wilkie , Crenshaw has said his alleged role is part of a plot by Democrats , including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) , because Goldstein is a staffer for House Veterans ' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano ( D-Calif. ) .
More than two dozen Democratic lawmakers have demanded Wilkie 's ouster while nearly two dozen veterans organizations have said the same .
`` For a smear campaign to be a smear campaign , there has to be a smear in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what that is .
* '' Crenshaw wrote in a string of tweets on Thursday .
`` Why ?
Because the smear does not exist .
There is no truth to it .
It is a lie . ''
The IG report concluded there was no illegal activity by either Wilkie or Crenshaw , nor were there any policies violated .
However , the watchdog noted that it 's investigation could not be pursued in its entirety because Crenshaw refused to cooperate and Wilkie rejected requests for follow-up interviews .
The IG concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Wilkie 's top aides , were `` unprofessional and disparaging . ''
Crenshaw , in his posts on Twitter , went on to label the allegations that he sought to disparage Goldstein 's reputation as `` completely fabricated . ''
`` I have no reason or incentive to do so , nor do I think it is the right thing to do as a fellow veteran and especially as a Member of Congress , '' he wrote .
`` I have the utmost respect for fellow veterans and especially the challenges that @ @ @ @ @ @

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy brushed aside allegations that one of his members, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), was part of an orchestrated effort led by a top Trump administration official to disparage the reputation of a female veteran who was sexually assaulted at a government facility.
Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, gave damaging information to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie about a woman whom he served with to discredit her claim that she was sexually assaulted at a VA facility, according to an independent government watchdog report released last week.
"Dan Crenshaw is a hero to this nation. I know a lot of people try to do a lot of things with Dan because he's willing to stand up," McCarthy, a California Republican, told Newsweek. "I see the attacks, and they should stop."
McCarthy was neither familiar with nor had read a VA inspector general's report that said Crenshaw provided dirt about the victim, Andrea Goldstein, to Wilkie in order to discredit her accusation that a male VA contractor "bumped his entire body against" her and made sexual remarks at a VA facility in September 2019.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks at the weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on December 3 in Washington, DC. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty
Crenshaw and Goldstein served in the same command unit together. As part of an endeavor by Wilkie and his top deputies to collect dirt that could erode the credibility of her claims, the first-term lawmaker told Wilkie that Goldstein filed false sexual assault claims while in the Navy, according to prior Newsweek reporting and the IG report that came after a 10-month-long investigation.
Crenshaw's alleged actions have caused veterans groups and more than a thousand individual veterans and Department of Defense civilians to demand the Republican's resignation from Congress. At least two Democratic lawmakers—Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.), both of whom are veterans—have called for a congressional ethics probe.
When asked whether an ethics investigation would be appropriate, McCarthy responded in the negative.
Crenshaw has fiercely denied any wrongdoing, including ever speaking about Goldstein with Wilkie. This despite the VA secretary himself writing in a private email to staff—obtained by Newsweek and detailed in the IG report—that said the two men discussed Goldstein after Crenshaw approached Wilkie at a fundraiser event in the wake of the assault allegations.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) speaks on “The Fate of Our Culture and Our Nation Hangs in the Balance” during the CPAC Direct Action Training at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center February 26 in National Harbor, Maryland. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty
Similar to Wilkie, Crenshaw has said his alleged role is part of a plot by Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), because Goldstein is a staffer for House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.). More than two dozen Democratic lawmakers have demanded Wilkie's ouster while nearly two dozen veterans organizations have said the same.
"For a smear campaign to be a smear campaign, there has to be a smear in the first place, and *no one has identified what that is.*" Crenshaw wrote in a string of tweets on Thursday. "Why? Because the smear does not exist. There is no truth to it. It is a lie."
The IG report concluded there was no illegal activity by either Wilkie or Crenshaw, nor were there any policies violated. However, the watchdog noted that it's investigation could not be pursued in its entirety because Crenshaw refused to cooperate and Wilkie rejected requests for follow-up interviews. The IG concluded that the men's actions, along with Wilkie's top aides, were "unprofessional and disparaging."
Crenshaw, in his posts on Twitter, went on to label the allegations that he sought to disparage Goldstein's reputation as "completely fabricated."
"I have no reason or incentive to do so, nor do I think it is the right thing to do as a fellow veteran and especially as a Member of Congress," he wrote. "I have the utmost respect for fellow veterans and especially the challenges that many female veterans face."


newsweek--2020-12-18--Could South China Sea Conflict Heat Up Before Joe Biden Presidency?

A Chinese think tank specializing in the security situation around the disputed waters of the South China Sea has warned of a growing risk of conflict with the United States just as the country is weeks away from inaugurating a new president .
`` We still believe that the risk of conflict is rising , '' the South China Sea Probing Initiative ( SCSPI ) said in a statement sent to Newsweek .
`` Though less mentioned in media reports recently , there have always been several encounters of various kinds from two sides every single day . ''
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-China relations — along with many other aspects of life across the globe — a cautious calm appears to have consumed the tense South China Sea , an expansive and strategic body of water rich with resources over which travels much of the world 's maritime traffic .
But beneath the surface , heated tensions continue to boil .
Even with the international community 's focus on efforts to develop and distribute vaccines to halt the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic , and a painstaking political transition taking place in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miscalculation between the U.S. and China erupting into hostilities over their differing definitions of sovereignty in the South China Sea continues to grow .
`` If the U.S. and China could n't find substantive crisis management measures , the risk of an accident or unexpected conflict would still be high , '' the think tank said .
At its core , the South China Sea dispute revolves around territory subject to overlapping claims by China and neighboring nations such as Brunei , Indonesia , Malaysia , the Philippines , and Vietnam .
Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainland China is little-recognized abroad but tacitly supported by the United States , also lays claims , mirroring those of its rival government in Beijing .
China has by far the largest presence in the region among these players .
In addition to its commercial and scientific activities , China 's armed forces — the People 's Liberation Army — have built up bases on disputed islands and reefs that dot the massive South China Sea .
This practice is justified by Beijing as a measure to safeguard its sovereignty , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venue of the last major naval war among nations .
In Washington , officials feel U.S. military dominance is increasingly threatened by China 's rise , making the South China Sea a geopolitical issue at the forefront of the 21st-century struggle for dominance among great powers .
To challenge China 's sweeping maritime claims , the U.S. has conducted what it defines as `` freedom of navigation '' operations .
These naval and air operations seek to enforce the right of international traffic to travel through sea lanes claimed by various countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size and scope over the past decade .
China sees such moves as a challenge to its national security , and routinely sends air and sea assets to intercept U.S. forces .
The SCSPI called on the U.S. to cease intervening in the regional dispute and prevent potential provocations during encounters with Chinese forces .
With tensions between the two nations still soaring , the team felt a turnaround was unlikely .
`` The U.S. needs : 1 ) to refrain from 'taking sides ' on disputed issues and maintain necessary policy balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the front line , '' the initiative 's team said .
`` However , under the backdrop of the great power competition , both mentioned above are hard to be seen . ''
Indeed , the U.S. showed little sign of changing course , as the State Department announced new sanctions Friday to `` impose costs on Beijing 's unlawful campaign of coercion in the South China Sea . ''
The Navy , for its part , showed no signs of halting its activities in the region .
`` The U.S. will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wherever international law allows in accordance with international norms and our agreements , '' a U.S. Navy spokesperson told Newsweek .
`` We expect the PLA to operate in accordance with the same . ''
While China views U.S. military activities in surrounding seas as a foreign intrusion , the Pentagon sees continuity in its presence there .
`` The U.S. has a persistent military presence and routinely operates throughout the Indo-Pacific , including the waters and airspace surrounding the East China Sea and South China Sea , just as we have for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy spokesperson said .
And as for chance encounters between the two forces , both countries are parties to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters Memorandum of Understanding .
Beijing has also signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that forms the basis for U.S. freedom of navigation operations , while Washington has not .
Still , the Navy spokesperson said that `` the vast majority of U.S. military interactions with the PLA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but throughout the region , are safe and in accordance with international norms .
Attempts to misconstrue or sensationalize our operations are irresponsible and counterproductive . ''
But mutual suspicions have dominated their relationship throughout 2020 .
This holds true at sea as well .
Yet even as their ties frayed this year , Beijing and Washington have shown signs of cooperation , including a joint crisis communications training in late October .
The two nations were due to hold a joint maritime safety training this week , but China never showed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not living up to commitments .
Navy Admiral Philip Davidson , commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command , called the refusal `` another example that China does not honor its agreements '' in a statement Wednesday , while People 's Liberation Army Navy Senior Colonel Liu Wensheng said Davidson 's remarks were `` filled with distortion of facts '' as `` the U.S. side did n't abide by a consensus reached between the two sides and the responsibility entirely lies on the U.S .
side . ''
The U.S. , Liu said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda '' after China provided it last month with suggestions for talking points and topics .
That same day , the U.S .
Naval Institute released a new maritime strategy report stating that the `` People 's Republic of China represents the most pressing , long-term strategic threat '' to U.S. maritime security .
`` China 's behavior and accelerated military growth place it on a trajectory that will challenge our ability to continue to do so .
We are at an inflection point , '' the report said .
`` Our integrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard must maintain clear-eyed resolve to compete with , deter , and , if necessary , defeat our adversaries while we accelerate development of a modernized , integrated all domain naval force for the future . ''
The Pentagon has already seen China , a country vowing to assemble a world-class military by 2050 , surpass the U.S. in certain military capabilities .
The latest U.S .
Naval Institute report described a fateful time for U.S. military power .
`` Our actions in this decade will shape the maritime balance of power for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report found .
But in Beijing , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the document and its assertions that China violated international law in its naval activities .
`` China is committed to peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature , '' Wang told reporters `` We are a builder of world peace , a contributor to global development , and an upholder of international order .
China 's national defense development is entirely aimed to safeguard national sovereignty , security and development interests , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He emphasized China was not a threat to the U.S. or any other nation , and that Beijing sought to mend broken relations with Washington .
`` We hope that the U.S. side will take a rational and objective view of China 's national defense and military development , work with China to meet each other half way , focus on cooperation to manage differences , and bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world , '' Wang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard line against China , but it remains to be seen how his successor , President-elect Joe Biden , will handle the only other country set on superpower status in the short term .
For China , engagement appears to be priority over confrontation and a conciliatory message was echoed Friday by China 's top diplomat during a virtual talk with the Asia Society .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized a need for the two countries to work together , including on maritime issues , and veer off the path of escalation—or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China-U.S. cooperation can make great things happen for the two countries and the entire world , '' he said , `` China-U.S. confrontation would definitely spell disaster for not only the two countries but also humanity as a whole . ''

A Chinese think tank specializing in the security situation around the disputed waters of the South China Sea has warned of a growing risk of conflict with the United States just as the country is weeks away from inaugurating a new president.
"We still believe that the risk of conflict is rising," the South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI) said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "Though less mentioned in media reports recently, there have always been several encounters of various kinds from two sides every single day."
At the end of a tumultuous year for U.S.-China relations — along with many other aspects of life across the globe — a cautious calm appears to have consumed the tense South China Sea, an expansive and strategic body of water rich with resources over which travels much of the world's maritime traffic.
But beneath the surface, heated tensions continue to boil.
Even with the international community's focus on efforts to develop and distribute vaccines to halt the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a painstaking political transition taking place in Washington, SCSPI says the likelihood of aggression or miscalculation between the U.S. and China erupting into hostilities over their differing definitions of sovereignty in the South China Sea continues to grow.
"If the U.S. and China couldn't find substantive crisis management measures, the risk of an accident or unexpected conflict would still be high," the think tank said.
A warship training as part of a frigate detachment of the People's Liberation Army Navy Southern Theater Command opens fire during exercises in the South China Sea in this image published December 15. Chinese People's Liberation Army
At its core, the South China Sea dispute revolves around territory subject to overlapping claims by China and neighboring nations such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Taiwan, a self-ruling island whose independence from mainland China is little-recognized abroad but tacitly supported by the United States, also lays claims, mirroring those of its rival government in Beijing.
China has by far the largest presence in the region among these players. In addition to its commercial and scientific activities, China's armed forces — the People's Liberation Army — have built up bases on disputed islands and reefs that dot the massive South China Sea.
This practice is justified by Beijing as a measure to safeguard its sovereignty, but it's stirred discontent throughout the Pacific, the venue of the last major naval war among nations. In Washington, officials feel U.S. military dominance is increasingly threatened by China's rise, making the South China Sea a geopolitical issue at the forefront of the 21st-century struggle for dominance among great powers.
To challenge China's sweeping maritime claims, the U.S. has conducted what it defines as "freedom of navigation" operations. These naval and air operations seek to enforce the right of international traffic to travel through sea lanes claimed by various countries, and they've increased significantly in size and scope over the past decade.
China sees such moves as a challenge to its national security, and routinely sends air and sea assets to intercept U.S. forces. The SCSPI called on the U.S. to cease intervening in the regional dispute and prevent potential provocations during encounters with Chinese forces.
With tensions between the two nations still soaring, the team felt a turnaround was unlikely.
"The U.S. needs: 1) to refrain from 'taking sides' on disputed issues and maintain necessary policy balance; 2) to avoid extreme moves on the front line," the initiative's team said. "However, under the backdrop of the great power competition, both mentioned above are hard to be seen."
Indeed, the U.S. showed little sign of changing course, as the State Department announced new sanctions Friday to "impose costs on Beijing's unlawful campaign of coercion in the South China Sea." The Navy, for its part, showed no signs of halting its activities in the region.
"The U.S. will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in accordance with international norms and our agreements," a U.S. Navy spokesperson told Newsweek. "We expect the PLA to operate in accordance with the same."
While China views U.S. military activities in surrounding seas as a foreign intrusion, the Pentagon sees continuity in its presence there.
"The U.S. has a persistent military presence and routinely operates throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the waters and airspace surrounding the East China Sea and South China Sea, just as we have for more than a century," the Navy spokesperson said.
And as for chance encounters between the two forces, both countries are parties to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters Memorandum of Understanding. Beijing has also signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that forms the basis for U.S. freedom of navigation operations, while Washington has not.
A mass communications specialist aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), fires the M240B 7.62MM machine gun during a crew-served weapons shoot training exercise in the South China Sea, May 16. Petty Officer 2nd Class Brenton Poyser/Command Destroyer Squadron 7/U.S. Navy
Still, the Navy spokesperson said that "the vast majority of U.S. military interactions with the PLA, not just in the South China Sea but throughout the region, are safe and in accordance with international norms. Attempts to misconstrue or sensationalize our operations are irresponsible and counterproductive."
But mutual suspicions have dominated their relationship throughout 2020. This holds true at sea as well. Yet even as their ties frayed this year, Beijing and Washington have shown signs of cooperation, including a joint crisis communications training in late October.
The two nations were due to hold a joint maritime safety training this week, but China never showed up, and both sides blame each other for not living up to commitments.
Navy Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, called the refusal "another example that China does not honor its agreements" in a statement Wednesday, while People's Liberation Army Navy Senior Colonel Liu Wensheng said Davidson's remarks were "filled with distortion of facts" as "the U.S. side didn't abide by a consensus reached between the two sides and the responsibility entirely lies on the U.S. side."
The U.S., Liu said Thursday, "insisted on pushing its unilateral agenda" after China provided it last month with suggestions for talking points and topics. That same day, the U.S. Naval Institute released a new maritime strategy report stating that the "People's Republic of China represents the most pressing, long-term strategic threat" to U.S. maritime security.
"China's behavior and accelerated military growth place it on a trajectory
that will challenge our ability to continue to do so. We are at an inflection point," the report said. "Our integrated Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard must maintain clear-eyed resolve to compete with, deter, and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries while we accelerate development of a modernized, integrated all domain naval force for the future."
The Pentagon has already seen China, a country vowing to assemble a world-class military by 2050, surpass the U.S. in certain military capabilities. The latest U.S. Naval Institute report described a fateful time for U.S. military power.
"Our actions in this decade will shape the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century," the report found.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command staff members, as the lead U.S. agent for the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement dialogue, await the start of the virtual MMCA teleconference plenary sessions scheduled for December 14-16, at Camp Smith, Hawaii. Both sides accused the other of reneging on prior agreements ahead of the planned meeting. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony J. Rivera/U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
But in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the document and its assertions that China violated international law in its naval activities.
"China is committed to peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature," Wang told reporters "We are a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and an upholder of international order. China's national defense development is entirely aimed to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as regional and international peace."
He emphasized China was not a threat to the U.S. or any other nation, and that Beijing sought to mend broken relations with Washington.
"We hope that the U.S. side will take a rational and objective view of China's national defense and military development, work with China to meet each other half way, focus on cooperation to manage differences, and bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world," Wang said.
President Donald Trump took a hard line against China, but it remains to be seen how his successor, President-elect Joe Biden, will handle the only other country set on superpower status in the short term.
For China, engagement appears to be priority over confrontation and a conciliatory message was echoed Friday by China's top diplomat during a virtual talk with the Asia Society.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized a need for the two countries to work together, including on maritime issues, and veer off the path of escalation—or else risk global catastrophe.
"While China-U.S. cooperation can make great things happen for the two countries and the entire world," he said, "China-U.S. confrontation would definitely spell disaster for not only the two countries but also humanity as a whole."


newsweek--2020-12-18--CEO Charged With Fraud in 15-Second COVID Test Scheme

Keith Berman , the CEO of Decision Diagnostics Corporation ( DECN ) , was indicted for securities fraud after investors purchased stock in his company hoping to profit from a revolutionary COVID-19 test which , in reality , did not exist .
Berman claimed that his company had developed a test that could detect COVID-19 from a drop of blood within 15 seconds .
Berman told investors via press releases that the test would be ready for the commercial market in the summer of 2020 and raised millions of dollars in funds to support the product .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Berman 's indictment , which was unsealed Friday , DECN `` did not have a product that could test for COVID-19 using a blood sample , much less one that would accurately test for COVID-19 in less than 15 seconds . ''
`` DECN investors lost millions of dollars by , among other things , purchasing DECN common stock at artificially inflated prices and selling their shares at a loss , '' the indictment added .
Company funds were also allegedly misappropriated for personal use by Berman .
The indictment alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in DECN company funds to pay to chat live on webcams with individuals living in foreign countries . ''
Berman allegedly concocted the story to drum up financial support for his failing business .
Investors were allegedly informed that DECN 's COVID-19 test was on the verge of being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .
That news caused DECN 's stocks to rise by more than 1,500 percent between March and April of 2020 .
DECN had not applied for the government approvals or waivers required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korean vendor that Berman had employed to develop the test informed Berman that the technology used in the testing kit could not actually detect COVID-19 .
This information was not disclosed to investors .
Using the alias `` plutoniumimplosion , '' Berman allegedly hyped DECN on internet forums to provide false information to investors .
According to the Department of Justice , Berman posted that the demand for DECN 's testing kits would be near 3 billion units .
Berman allegedly denied making the posts while testifying before the SEC .
Berman was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one count of making false statements .
Newsweek reached out to DECN for comment .
Blood-testing chicanery also led to the closure of Theranos , which claimed to possess technology that could perform any blood test with a sample only consisting of a few drops of blood .
At one point , Theranos was reported to be worth $ 9 billion .
After reports surfaced that the technology did not live up to the company 's claims , potentially providing incorrect test results , Theranos closed its doors in 2018 .
Theranos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramesh Balwani were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud in 2018 .
Both Holmes and Balwani pleaded not guilty .

Keith Berman, the CEO of Decision Diagnostics Corporation (DECN), was indicted for securities fraud after investors purchased stock in his company hoping to profit from a revolutionary COVID-19 test which, in reality, did not exist.
Berman claimed that his company had developed a test that could detect COVID-19 from a drop of blood within 15 seconds. Berman told investors via press releases that the test would be ready for the commercial market in the summer of 2020 and raised millions of dollars in funds to support the product. However, the promised testing kits did not exist.
According to Berman's indictment, which was unsealed Friday, DECN "did not have a product that could test for COVID-19 using a blood sample, much less one that would accurately test for COVID-19 in less than 15 seconds."
"DECN investors lost millions of dollars by, among other things, purchasing DECN common stock at artificially inflated prices and selling their shares at a loss," the indictment added.
Company funds were also allegedly misappropriated for personal use by Berman. The indictment alleged that Berman spent "over $360,000 in DECN company funds to pay to chat live on webcams with individuals living in foreign countries."
Decision Diagnostics Corporation CEO Keith Berman was charged with securities fraud in connection with promoting a non-existent COVID-19 test. iStock/Getty
Berman allegedly concocted the story to drum up financial support for his failing business. Investors were allegedly informed that DECN's COVID-19 test was on the verge of being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That news caused DECN's stocks to rise by more than 1,500 percent between March and April of 2020.
DECN had not applied for the government approvals or waivers required to market its purported COVID-19 test. The Korean vendor that Berman had employed to develop the test informed Berman that the technology used in the testing kit could not actually detect COVID-19. This information was not disclosed to investors.
Using the alias "plutoniumimplosion," Berman allegedly hyped DECN on internet forums to provide false information to investors. According to the Department of Justice, Berman posted that the demand for DECN's testing kits would be near 3 billion units. Berman allegedly denied making the posts while testifying before the SEC.
Berman was charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of making false statements. Newsweek reached out to DECN for comment.
Blood-testing chicanery also led to the closure of Theranos, which claimed to possess technology that could perform any blood test with a sample only consisting of a few drops of blood. At one point, Theranos was reported to be worth $9 billion. After reports surfaced that the technology did not live up to the company's claims, potentially providing incorrect test results, Theranos closed its doors in 2018.
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and former Theranos CEO Ramesh Balwani were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud in 2018. Both Holmes and Balwani pleaded not guilty.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Photo Appears to Show Shark Swimming Right Past Man's Backyard After Major Floods

You may expect to see a deer , raccoon or even a turkey somewhere in your backyard , but a large shark is n't usually in the mix of standard backyard wildlife , even in Australia .
A Queensland man shared a post on Facebook about a bull shark that was able to swim up to his backyard after a large flood .
Posted to the Gold Coast Community Facebook page , Timothee Morrison Dufour shared the picture which shows the shark 's fin just outside a metal black fence in his backyard .
`` Another wild day on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backyard at Burleigh Waters , '' he wrote .
The post has received over 1,000 comments and over 2,500 shares on Facebook .
People commented making jokes about the unexpected aquatic visitor .
One person warned Dufour not to get `` tempted to go for a dip . ''
Another person remarked that were likely a `` few snakes in there as well . ''
The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology tweeted a thunderstorm warning on Thursday .
It said the heavy rain could produce flash floods .
It also said there had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 9am . ''
Burleigh Waters , where Dufour had reportedly taken the photo had received about 104mm ( about 4 inches ) of rain in the past day , according to News.com.au .
Despite Dufour sharing the photo and people believing that it is entirely possible that the flooding created enough water that a shark could mosey up close to the photographer 's backyard , some people were more skeptical , thinking it was fake .
`` That 's actually the worst photoshop how people fell for this is beyond me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out issues he took with the picture , indicating that it was fake , but said that a video would prove him wrong .
`` The shadows are n't matching up right and there 's a a bit of pixelation around the fin , '' he wrote .
While it does appear possible that the photographer lives near a body of water , and a shark could have made its way over with flooding , the details of the amount of rain and the average size of a bull shark also raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Geographic , bull sharks usually are between 7 and 11.5 feet long and weigh between 200 and 500 pounds , which makes it seem like much more than just the fin would be sticking out in a maximum of about 7 inches of water .
While flooding may have gotten particularly high near where Dufour snapped the picture , it 's also entirely plausible that the picture is just a well-designed hoax , and he 's having a laugh at all of us .
Newsweek reached out to Dufour via Facebook message @ @ @

You may expect to see a deer, raccoon or even a turkey somewhere in your backyard, but a large shark isn't usually in the mix of standard backyard wildlife, even in Australia. A Queensland man shared a post on Facebook about a bull shark that was able to swim up to his backyard after a large flood.
Posted to the Gold Coast Community Facebook page, Timothee Morrison Dufour shared the picture which shows the shark's fin just outside a metal black fence in his backyard.
Cannabella HQ has its own security guard patrolling Burleigh Waters. Stay Safe on the Gold Coast Canals.
"Another wild day on the Gold Coast! Bull Shark in the backyard at Burleigh Waters," he wrote.
The post has received over 1,000 comments and over 2,500 shares on Facebook.
People commented making jokes about the unexpected aquatic visitor. One person warned Dufour not to get "tempted to go for a dip." Another person remarked that were likely a "few snakes in there as well."
The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology tweeted a thunderstorm warning on Thursday. It said the heavy rain could produce flash floods. It also said there had been (190mm [7 inches] rain since 9am."
⚠UPDATE: #SevereThunderstormWarning in #SEQ⚠
Severe storms are producing heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding. 190mm rain since 9am has been reported at Tallebudgera Creek. Flood warning also current.
Warnings: https://t.co/1HUH2xIf9E #GoldCoast #ScenicRim pic.twitter.com/A1E6dg8DHx — Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 17, 2020
Burleigh Waters, where Dufour had reportedly taken the photo had received about 104mm (about 4 inches) of rain in the past day, according to News.com.au.
Underwater view of the Barcelona's Aquarium scene with shark in big pool. Artur Debat/Getty
Despite Dufour sharing the photo and people believing that it is entirely possible that the flooding created enough water that a shark could mosey up close to the photographer's backyard, some people were more skeptical, thinking it was fake.
"That's actually the worst photoshop how people fell for this is beyond me," one person commented.
Another commenter pointed out issues he took with the picture, indicating that it was fake, but said that a video would prove him wrong.
"The shadows aren't matching up right and there's a a bit of pixelation around the fin," he wrote.
While it does appear possible that the photographer lives near a body of water, and a shark could have made its way over with flooding, the details of the amount of rain and the average size of a bull shark also raise a few red flags. According to National Geographic, bull sharks usually are between 7 and 11.5 feet long and weigh between 200 and 500 pounds, which makes it seem like much more than just the fin would be sticking out in a maximum of about 7 inches of water.
While flooding may have gotten particularly high near where Dufour snapped the picture, it's also entirely plausible that the picture is just a well-designed hoax, and he's having a laugh at all of us.
Newsweek reached out to Dufour via Facebook message for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Arizona Anti-Maskers Parade Through Wal-Mart and Target Stores

A group of anti-mask protesters made their way into Arizona retail chains where they protested COVID-19 regulations and restrictions , including wearing a mask .
A video of the group of about 20 people protesting lockdowns and mask mandates was shared on Twitter by freelance reporter and activist @ DaveNewWorld_2 , who frequently posts videos of anti-mask protesters , police brutality and scuffles with far-right organizations .
The video shows two clips .
The first appears to show protesters walking through a Wal-Mart , but the latter part appears to have been filmed in front of a fast-food counter at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visible in the short video , appears to say `` End A1 Mask Mandate , '' but that 's the clearest message that these protesters seem to have .
Other signs say things like `` Masks=666 , '' implying masks are Satanic , or `` Love your smile '' with `` Saving face '' on the opposite side .
These people clearly do n't know how to smile with their eyes .
Some of the protesters in the clip can be heard singing `` We 're Not Gon na Take It , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As previously reported , members of the band have disavowed anti-maskers singing their song .
Chants of `` Free your face '' can also be heard in the first clip from the video .
In the second part , people also shout things like `` This is America , '' and `` You do n't have to wear a mask , it 's not a law . ''
A few protesters also appear to be wearing festive holiday attire , although Santa would likely put them on the naughty list .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disregard for others ' health .
One person responded to the video , showing a screengrab of someone who appears to be a security guard wearing a mask following them out , noting that none of the people seemed to want to mess with the large gentleman .
Other people mocked the group , calling them Karens .
One person came up with a strong analogy to critique them .
`` This is like marching through a McDonalds with dirty bare feet and then spitting in the fries , filming yourself as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patriotism , '' he wrote .
When asked for comment Target directed Newsweek to its `` coronavirus response '' page , which lists steps that the retail chain is taking to help prevent the spread of the virus .
On the page , people can click the various precautions for more information .
Besides reminding to social distance , increase cleaning and more , masks are also made available and required by the store .
`` We require guests to wear masks or face coverings in all of our stores , except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
We also require all store team members to wear masks at work and have provided them with reusable and disposable masks , '' an FAQ on the Target website says .
Newsweek reached out to Wal-Mart for comment via a media contact form , but did not receive a response in time for publication .

A group of anti-mask protesters made their way into Arizona retail chains where they protested COVID-19 regulations and restrictions, including wearing a mask.
Anti-maskers in Arizona invade a Target pic.twitter.com/qMDsG6jjlA — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) December 18, 2020
A video of the group of about 20 people protesting lockdowns and mask mandates was shared on Twitter by freelance reporter and activist @DaveNewWorld_2, who frequently posts videos of anti-mask protesters, police brutality and scuffles with far-right organizations.
The video shows two clips. The first appears to show protesters walking through a Wal-Mart, but the latter part appears to have been filmed in front of a fast-food counter at a Target.
One of the signs visible in the short video, appears to say "End A1 Mask Mandate," but that's the clearest message that these protesters seem to have. Other signs say things like "Masks=666," implying masks are Satanic, or "Love your smile" with "Saving face" on the opposite side. These people clearly don't know how to smile with their eyes.
Some of the protesters in the clip can be heard singing "We're Not Gonna Take It," by '80s hard rock band Twisted Sister. As previously reported, members of the band have disavowed anti-maskers singing their song.
Chants of "Free your face" can also be heard in the first clip from the video. In the second part, people also shout things like "This is America," and "You don't have to wear a mask, it's not a law." A few protesters also appear to be wearing festive holiday attire, although Santa would likely put them on the naughty list.
Many people criticized the protesters for their blatant disregard for others' health. One person responded to the video, showing a screengrab of someone who appears to be a security guard wearing a mask following them out, noting that none of the people seemed to want to mess with the large gentleman.
Those *tough guys* walked right tf out when this dude rolled up lol. pic.twitter.com/K7BptffsQf — 🇺🇲SHUT UP MAN I'M SPEAKING🇺🇲 (@regularcorrect) December 18, 2020
Other people mocked the group, calling them Karens. One person came up with a strong analogy to critique them. "This is like marching through a McDonalds with dirty bare feet and then spitting in the fries, filming yourself as you go and declaring it an act of patriotism," he wrote.
What do you call a large group of Karens?
A warren of Karens?
A murder of Karens?
A privilege of Karens?
A mess of Karens? https://t.co/5hCLltAVj9 — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) December 18, 2020
This is like marching through a McDonalds with dirty bare feet and then spitting in the fries, filming yourself as you go and declaring it an act of patriotism. https://t.co/1SeKJ2ZsgU — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) December 18, 2020
When asked for comment Target directed Newsweek to its "coronavirus response" page, which lists steps that the retail chain is taking to help prevent the spread of the virus. On the page, people can click the various precautions for more information. Besides reminding to social distance, increase cleaning and more, masks are also made available and required by the store. "We require guests to wear masks or face coverings in all of our stores, except for guests with underlying medical conditions and young children. We also require all store team members to wear masks at work and have provided them with reusable and disposable masks," an FAQ on the Target website says.
Newsweek reached out to Wal-Mart for comment via a media contact form, but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Coronavirus Cases Are Rising Fastest in These 12 Counties

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the U.S. , newly released data reveals where cases are rising the fastest .
Among the 12 counties with the highest number of cases over the past week , five are in California and three are in Florida , according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
The remainder are in Arizona , Illinois , Florida and Nevada .
All 12 had more than 10,000 newly confirmed cases in the past seven days .
According to the data , Los Angeles County had the highest number of newly confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 91,471 .
Over the past month , Los Angeles has become the new epicenter of the nation 's epidemic , a distinction previously held by New York City last spring .
On Thursday , the county 's department of health reported 14,418 newly confirmed cases , bringing the total number to over 580,000 , and at least 8,664 deaths .
During a press conference on Friday , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that an emergency declaration could force the county to impose stricter restrictions to ensure that `` we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors deciding who gets that last ventilator and who does n't . ''
Four other counties follow behind Los Angeles , and all have had more than 20,000 new cases in the past week .
Those counties are Maricopa County , Arizona ( 26,779 ) ; San Bernardino County , California ( 26,030 ) ; Riverside County , California ( 24,202 ) ; and Cook County , Illinois ( 22,024 ) .
According to the data , seven other counties follow behind these five , with each having between 19,000 and 10,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Orange County , California ( 19,767 ) ; San Diego County , California ( 16,699 ) ; Miami-Dade County , Florida ( 15,630 ) ; Dallas County , Texas ( 13,942 ) ; Clark County , Nevada ( 13,081 ) ; Harris County , Texas ( 11,190 ) ; and Tarrant County , Texas ( 10,159 ) .
With coronavirus cases rising the fastest in the 12 counties , the states in which they are located , specifically California and Texas , have also seen a surge in cases .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are over 1.7 million cases in California , more than 1.5 million in Texas and over 1.1 million in Florida .
The data also shows the test positivity rates across all U.S. states and categorizes them in five different colors .
A majority , or 30 states , are listed as red states , as they have a testing positivity rate above 10 percent , based on data from the week of December 8 to 14 .
According to the data , Tennessee had the highest positivity rate , 30.8 percent over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20.9 percent ) , Oklahoma ( 20.2 percent ) and Idaho ( 19 percent ) .
Across the U.S. there are now more than 17 million confirmed cases of the virus and at least 312.524 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins .
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the U.S., newly released data reveals where cases are rising the fastest.
Among the 12 counties with the highest number of cases over the past week, five are in California and three are in Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remainder are in Arizona, Illinois, Florida and Nevada. All 12 had more than 10,000 newly confirmed cases in the past seven days.
According to the data, Los Angeles County had the highest number of newly confirmed cases in the past week, with at least 91,471. Over the past month, Los Angeles has become the new epicenter of the nation's epidemic, a distinction previously held by New York City last spring. On Thursday, the county's department of health reported 14,418 newly confirmed cases, bringing the total number to over 580,000, and at least 8,664 deaths.
During a press conference on Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that an emergency declaration could force the county to impose stricter restrictions to ensure that "we don't have to have those harrowing visions of doctors deciding who gets that last ventilator and who doesn't."
Four other counties follow behind Los Angeles, and all have had more than 20,000 new cases in the past week. Those counties are Maricopa County, Arizona (26,779); San Bernardino County, California (26,030); Riverside County, California (24,202); and Cook County, Illinois (22,024).
According to the data, seven other counties follow behind these five, with each having between 19,000 and 10,000 cases over the past week. These seven are Orange County, California (19,767); San Diego County, California (16,699); Miami-Dade County, Florida (15,630); Dallas County, Texas (13,942); Clark County, Nevada (13,081); Harris County, Texas (11,190); and Tarrant County, Texas (10,159).
A testing site worker gives instructions on how to complete a coronavirus oral swab test at a pop-up community testing site in the Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles on December 9. Patrick T. Fallon/Getty
With coronavirus cases rising the fastest in the 12 counties, the states in which they are located, specifically California and Texas, have also seen a surge in cases. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, there are over 1.7 million cases in California, more than 1.5 million in Texas and over 1.1 million in Florida.
The data also shows the test positivity rates across all U.S. states and categorizes them in five different colors.
A majority, or 30 states, are listed as red states, as they have a testing positivity rate above 10 percent, based on data from the week of December 8 to 14. According to the data, Tennessee had the highest positivity rate, 30.8 percent over the past week, followed by Nevada (20.9 percent), Oklahoma (20.2 percent) and Idaho (19 percent).
Across the U.S. there are now more than 17 million confirmed cases of the virus and at least 312.524 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-18--Democrats Abandon Insistence On Aid to Cash-strapped Cities and States in Stimulus Talks

Congressional debate over the pending $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill again underscores the split between Democrats and Republicans over who should receive the funds and how the money can best be used .
Critics charge that Democrats seek to use the Federal Reserve , the nation 's central bank , to funnel billions in aid to state and local governments .
Opponents argue that such a move would , in effect , be a transfer of wealth from low-tax , well-governed states to high-tax , profligate states .
Senator Pat Toomey , a Pennsylvania Republican , said he wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unspent money from the $ 2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act ( CARES ) to cover nearly 50 % of the cost of the proposed new spending .
President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law in March .
It included direct payments of up to $ 1,200 to millions of individuals .
The Federal Reserve issued about $ 25 billion in loans authorized by the measure because most cities ' private-sector companies could tap the private debt market more cheaply .
Jerome Powell , chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be returned to the U.S. Treasury as requested by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Opponents of the Democrats ' plan note that the CARES Act clearly states all programs end December 31 .
If the law is followed , President Biden 's Treasury Department then would need new approval from Congress to spend .
Republicans argue that opposition to Toomey 's plan shows that Democrats intend to use the Federal Reserve to bypass Congress if they fail to win the Georgia runoff election next month and remain in the minority in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate won a majority as required by Georgia law , forcing a runoff on January 5 .
Republican Senator David Perdue is facing off against Democrat Jon Ossoff .
Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler is facing Democrat Raphael Warnock .
Loeffler was appointed to fill Senator Johnny Isakson 's seat after he resigned for health reasons .
The latest polls show both races are dead heats .
Republicans now how 53 seats in the Senate and the Democrats hold 45 seats .
Two Independents caucus with the Democrats .
Republicans argue , that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the majority party will tap the Federal Reserve to bail out big-spending states such as New York , New Jersey , Illinois and California .
But that argument ignores the fact that all four of those states are net contributors to the federal Treasury , with New York ranked 24th , California 41st , Illinois 45th and New Jersey 49th among the 50 states in dependency on the U.S. Treasury , according to Wallethub.com .
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's home state of Kentucky is the second-most dependent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico , and barely ahead of Mississippi , the poorest state in the nation .
The Federal Reserve still has about $ 40 billion in its special coronavirus pandemic fund that could be used to help hard-hit cities and states , Republicans said .
Critics of the plan note that bond rates are low , making the private debt market a better alternative for cash-strapped states .
They argue that the COVID-19 bill pending in Congress includes billions of dollars for public transit , hospitals , protective equipment , childcare and food stamps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said subway , suburban commuter rail and bus service face deep cuts without billions in federal aid .
Other aspects of the $ 900 billion coronavirus relief bill also underscore the split between liberals and conservatives .
`` Tucked into the bill is a provision to allow businesses to deduct expenses that were paid for by the government 's Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) , '' Adam Looney , a nonresident senior fellow at the liberal Brookings Institution , a Washington think tank , wrote in an opinion piece .
`` Passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expenses with taxpayer-provided PPP funds and then to deduct those expenses against their own taxes would be a windfall to high-income business owners — a windfall that would exceed the amounts that Congress is considering in unemployment insurance , rental assistance , food aid , or healthcare . ''
Looney called the current proposal a `` trifecta of inequality '' because in order to qualify a person needs to own a company `` sophisticated enough '' to receive a PPP loan .
The higher the company 's income , the higher the benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in the highest tax bracket .
Writing for the libertarian Cato Institute , Alan Reynolds said the proposed $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill would `` repeat the most wasteful political stunt of the last 'stimulus bill . '
'' `` Borrowing money to send everyone a little check may sound clever to myopic politicians , '' he wrote in an opinion article .
`` But it is morally indefensible because it does nothing address to the problem of helping those injured by the pandemic itself or by related state-mandated business restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on targeted COVID relief , not scattershot direct payments — the overwhelming bulk of which would go to employed people who were not economically injured by the pandemic . ''
He called the desire to put money into peoples ' pockets `` a naïve caricature of Keynesian economics '' and noted that `` debt must be serviced by taxpayers which means that any borrowed money going into some pockets must be forcibly removed from others . ''
In an editorial , the Los Angeles Times wrote , `` The deal that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but rather a failure to find consensus .
McConnell offered to drop his 'red line ' demand for a liability shield in exchange for Democrats ' abandoning their demand for a state and local government bailout .
The package would still send billions of dollars to states and cities , but in a highly targeted way — for example , to support COVID vaccinations , testing and contact tracing . ''
The Wall Street Journal opined , `` If Democrats want to bail out public unions in progressive states , they ought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fed out of it . ''
Debate on the bill continues , as a possible government shutdown looms .

Congressional debate over the pending $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill again underscores the split between Democrats and Republicans over who should receive the funds and how the money can best be used.
Critics charge that Democrats seek to use the Federal Reserve, the nation's central bank, to funnel billions in aid to state and local governments. Opponents argue that such a move would, in effect, be a transfer of wealth from low-tax, well-governed states to high-tax, profligate states.
Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, said he wants to redirect about $429 billion in unspent money from the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to cover nearly 50% of the cost of the proposed new spending. President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law in March. It included direct payments of up to $1,200 to millions of individuals.
The Federal Reserve issued about $25 billion in loans authorized by the measure because most cities' private-sector companies could tap the private debt market more cheaply. Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, has said unused funds will be returned to the U.S. Treasury as requested by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Opponents of the Democrats' plan note that the CARES Act clearly states all programs end December 31. If the law is followed, President Biden's Treasury Department then would need new approval from Congress to spend.
Republicans argue that opposition to Toomey's plan shows that Democrats intend to use the Federal Reserve to bypass Congress if they fail to win the Georgia runoff election next month and remain in the minority in the Senate. In November, no Senate candidate won a majority as required by Georgia law, forcing a runoff on January 5.
Republican Senator David Perdue is facing off against Democrat Jon Ossoff. Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler is facing Democrat Raphael Warnock. Loeffler was appointed to fill Senator Johnny Isakson's seat after he resigned for health reasons. The latest polls show both races are dead heats.
Republicans now how 53 seats in the Senate and the Democrats hold 45 seats. Two Independents caucus with the Democrats.
Republicans argue, that if Democrats control both houses of Congress next year, the majority party will tap the Federal Reserve to bail out big-spending states such as New York, New Jersey, Illinois and California.
But that argument ignores the fact that all four of those states are net contributors to the federal Treasury, with New York ranked 24th, California 41st, Illinois 45th and New Jersey 49th among the 50 states in dependency on the U.S. Treasury, according to Wallethub.com.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's home state of Kentucky is the second-most dependent on the U.S. Treasury, behind only New Mexico, and barely ahead of Mississippi, the poorest state in the nation.
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) leaves the Senate chamber during a recess in the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump continues at the U.S. Capitol on January 30, 2020. Toomey said he wants to redirect about $429 billion in unspent money from the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to cover nearly 50 percent of the cost of the proposed new spending. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The Federal Reserve still has about $40 billion in its special coronavirus pandemic fund that could be used to help hard-hit cities and states, Republicans said.
Critics of the plan note that bond rates are low, making the private debt market a better alternative for cash-strapped states. They argue that the COVID-19 bill pending in Congress includes billions of dollars for public transit, hospitals, protective equipment, childcare and food stamps.
The New York Metropolitan Transit Agency said subway, suburban commuter rail and bus service face deep cuts without billions in federal aid. Other aspects of the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill also underscore the split between liberals and conservatives.
"Tucked into the bill is a provision to allow businesses to deduct expenses that were paid for by the government's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)," Adam Looney, a nonresident senior fellow at the liberal Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, wrote in an opinion piece.
"Passing legislation to allow businesses to pay their expenses with taxpayer-provided PPP funds and then to deduct those expenses against their own taxes would be a windfall to high-income business owners — a windfall that would exceed the amounts that Congress is considering in unemployment insurance, rental assistance, food aid, or healthcare."
Borrowing money to send everyone a little check may sound clever to myopic politicians. But it is morally indefensible because it does nothing address to the problem of helping those injured by the pandemic itself or by related state-mandated business restrictions and stay-at-home orders. Alan Reynolds, Cato Institute
Looney called the current proposal a "trifecta of inequality" because in order to qualify a person needs to own a company "sophisticated enough" to receive a PPP loan. The higher the company's income, the higher the benefit, and the largest benefit goes to those in the highest tax bracket.
Writing for the libertarian Cato Institute, Alan Reynolds said the proposed $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill would "repeat the most wasteful political stunt of the last 'stimulus bill.'"
"Borrowing money to send everyone a little check may sound clever to myopic politicians," he wrote in an opinion article. "But it is morally indefensible because it does nothing address to the problem of helping those injured by the pandemic itself or by related state-mandated business restrictions and stay-at-home orders.
"Congress should focus on targeted COVID relief, not scattershot direct payments — the overwhelming bulk of which would go to employed people who were not economically injured by the pandemic."
He called the desire to put money into peoples' pockets "a naïve caricature of Keynesian economics" and noted that "debt must be serviced by taxpayers which means that any borrowed money going into some pockets must be forcibly removed from others."
In an editorial, the Los Angeles Times wrote, "The deal that's emerging wasn't a triumph of compromise but rather a failure to find consensus. McConnell offered to drop his 'red line' demand for a liability shield in exchange for Democrats' abandoning their demand for a state and local government bailout. The package would still send billions of dollars to states and cities, but in a highly targeted way — for example, to support COVID vaccinations, testing and contact tracing."
The Wall Street Journal opined, "If Democrats want to bail out public unions in progressive states, they ought to do it honestly through Congress. Leave the Fed out of it."
Debate on the bill continues, as a possible government shutdown looms.