newsweek--2020-12-21--The Vampire's Wife Confessional Dress Featured in Martin Shkreli Story Has People Obsessed

On Sunday , an Elle article about a journalist 's love affair with Martin Shkreli , the `` Pharma Bro , '' took the internet by storm .
Christie Smythe , a former Bloomberg reporter , revealed how she upended her entire life for Shkreli .
She resigned from her job and divorced her husband .
`` These are incremental decisions , where you 're , like , slowly boiling yourself to death in the bathtub , '' she said , as she continued to involve herself in Shkreli 's life .
Shkreli came under scrutiny for buying and increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 5,000 percent .
He is now serving prison time after being convicted for securities fraud and `` scamming investors in hedge funds he ran before entering the pharmaceuticals industry . ''
He is currently not speaking to her , and wished her the best when asked for comment on the article .
However , Smythe told Elle that she would try to wait for the Pharma Bro .
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy parts of the piece was n't the article itself , but the dress Smythe wore in the pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confessional Dress from the Vampire 's Wife collection has captured the attention of many , and some see the garment 's name and collection name as a subtle yet cheeky play on words .
`` Okay , I know this is n't the point but the Vampire 's Wife Dress from the Elle article is the CONFESSIONAL dress .
Which .
*Slow clap* '' one user wrote .
`` Ok , I could only get halfway through this before quitting with a fried brain .
But , kudos to the stylist who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dresses .
Now that 's sartorial satire at its best , '' another added .
`` Shout out to the stylist at Elle who dressed Martin Shkreli 's ghosted girlfriend in The Vampire 's Wife for the accompanying photoshoot , '' a third chided .
`` We love a subtle fashion burn . ''
Someone else called picking the dress `` inspired '' for the story .
It 's safe to say everyone is obsessed and on the hunt for the dress .
For those curious , the Confessional Ruffled Floral Silk Maxi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operandi .
For $ 688 , you too could be the stylish owner of the silk Confessional Dress .
The description for the dress reads : `` Designer Susie Cave crafts hyper-feminine silhouettes with Gothic overtones for her label , The Vampire 's Wife ( named after husband Nick Cave 's unfinished novel ) .
Case in point , this 'Confessional ' dress is tailored from luxe silk crepe de chine printed with a falling poppy print and trimmed with hand-cut ruffles around the puffed sleeves and hips . ''
Vampire 's Wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pair of Mary Janes .
Newsweek contacted the Vampire 's Wife brand and designer Susie Cave for comment about the dress ' newfound fame but did not hear back at the time of publication .

On Sunday, an Elle article about a journalist's love affair with Martin Shkreli, the "Pharma Bro," took the internet by storm. Christie Smythe, a former Bloomberg reporter, revealed how she upended her entire life for Shkreli. She resigned from her job and divorced her husband. "These are incremental decisions, where you're, like, slowly boiling yourself to death in the bathtub," she said, as she continued to involve herself in Shkreli's life.
Shkreli came under scrutiny for buying and increasing the price of the HIV drug Daraprim over 5,000 percent. He is now serving prison time after being convicted for securities fraud and "scamming investors in hedge funds he ran before entering the pharmaceuticals industry." He is currently not speaking to her, and wished her the best when asked for comment on the article.
However, Smythe told Elle that she would try to wait for the Pharma Bro.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy parts of the piece wasn't the article itself, but the dress Smythe wore in the pictures accompanying it. The dress, named the Confessional Dress from the Vampire's Wife collection has captured the attention of many, and some see the garment's name and collection name as a subtle yet cheeky play on words.
"Okay, I know this isn't the point but the Vampire's Wife Dress from the Elle article is the CONFESSIONAL dress. Which. *Slow clap*" one user wrote.
Okay, I know this isn't the point but the Vampire's Wife Dress from the Elle article is the CONFESSIONAL dress.
Which.
*Slow clap* pic.twitter.com/qJNYGI93QQ — Geraldine (@everywhereist) December 21, 2020
"Ok, I could only get halfway through this before quitting with a fried brain. But, kudos to the stylist who put Smythe in Vampire's Wife designer dresses. Now that's sartorial satire at its best," another added.
Ok, I could only get halfway through this before quitting with a fried brain. But, kudos to the stylist who put Smythe in Vampire’s Wife designer dresses. Now that’s sartorial satire at its best 😂
The Journalist and the Pharma Bro https://t.co/BSC8u4NXWw — Avantika Mehta (@bitingfriends) December 21, 2020
"Shout out to the stylist at Elle who dressed Martin Shkreli's ghosted girlfriend in The Vampire's Wife for the accompanying photoshoot," a third chided. "We love a subtle fashion burn." Someone else called picking the dress "inspired" for the story.
Shout out to the stylist at Elle who dressed Martin Shkreli's ghosted girlfriend in The Vampire's Wife for the accompanying photoshoot. We love a subtle fashion burn. — Kayleigh Donaldson (@Ceilidhann) December 21, 2020
I’m ENTHRALLED with the styling on this story... a political wife riff on the prairie dress... ~quirky~ but sophisticated.... like she walked out of Bird Boutique and onto Martin’s arm.... and using a dress by Nick Cave’s wife’s line The Vampire’s Wife is INSPIRED brand selection pic.twitter.com/INGdUW0Fpo — rachel the row ss21 look 16 tashjian (@theprophetpizza) December 21, 2020
It's safe to say everyone is obsessed and on the hunt for the dress.
Sorry (not sorry) to any of my future students -- every class is now a Shkreli-vampire-wife-story class. It's a lot to cover in 15 weeks. — Natasha Lennard (@natashalennard) December 21, 2020
I want a Vampire’s Wife dress — Jessica Winter (@winterjessica) December 21, 2020
I'm ready for The Vampire's Wife knockoffs that are somewhat affordable, something like The Vampire's Broke Cousin. — Maris Kreizman (@mariskreizman) December 21, 2020
For those curious, the Confessional Ruffled Floral Silk Maxi Dress is currently on sale on Moda Operandi. For $688, you too could be the stylish owner of the silk Confessional Dress.
The description for the dress reads: "Designer Susie Cave crafts hyper-feminine silhouettes with Gothic overtones for her label, The Vampire's Wife (named after husband Nick Cave's unfinished novel). Case in point, this 'Confessional' dress is tailored from luxe silk crepe de chine printed with a falling poppy print and trimmed with hand-cut ruffles around the puffed sleeves and hips."
Vampire's Wife recommends wearing the floor length dress with a pair of Mary Janes.
Martin Shkreli, former chief executive officer of Turing Pharmaceuticals LLC, exits federal court on May 3, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Shkreli came under scrutiny for buying and increasing the price of the HIV drug Daraprim 5,000 percent. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images
Newsweek contacted the Vampire's Wife brand and designer Susie Cave for comment about the dress' newfound fame but did not hear back at the time of publication.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Millions of Americans Who Missed Out on Stimulus Checks Will Qualify Under New Deal

Millions of American citizens who were previously denied a stimulus check as an unintended consequence of the CARES Act will soon be eligible for a new round of direct payments , in addition to the $ 1,200 individual checks they missed out on in the Spring .
In the $ 900 billion stimulus package set to be approved by Congress Monday night , lawmakers amended the eligibility for a new round of $ 600 checks to include American adults and children in mixed-status families , where at least one spouse is not a U.S. citizen .
The legislation will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments doled out earlier this year .
While assessments vary , the American Business Immigration Coalition estimates that an additional 3.5 million American adults and children will now be eligible for direct payments who were otherwise excluded under the CARES Act .
`` It 's about time they opened their eyes and see that we matter , and we are not second-class citizens , '' Lacey Shontal , a certified nursing assistant in Quincy , Illinois , told Newsweek .
Because her husband is not a U.S. citizen , Shontal missed out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CARES Act : $ 1,200 for herself and $ 500 for each of their six children .
`` It was actually like a slap in the face when they told us , 'Hey , you 're not included in this . '
Why ?
We meet all the finical criteria , '' said Shontal , whose husband works in the restaurant industry and has seen his pay decrease significantly .
`` We actually had to drain my savings . ''
With the new wave of $ 600 checks for adults and $ 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get $ 4,200 on top of the $ 4,200 she 's owed from the CARES Act .
Eligible Americans will be able to claim the CARES Act money when they file their 2020 taxes .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the new round of payments could be deposited into Americans ' accounts within days .
In the wake of the CARES Act , lawmakers from both sides of the aisle conceded they had messed up—big time—by accidentally excluding so many adults and children who were U.S. citizens but had a spouse or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the remedy , you divorce them ? ''
Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-Fla. ) said at the time of Americans in mixed-status families who wanted to receive a check .
But as a new package languished in Congress and succumbed to the partisan gridlock that persisted for nearly the past nine months , so too did a correction to the stimulus money eligibility—until now .
The new package does not , however , include millions of noncitizens who pay taxes through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ( ITIN ) .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. citizens checks because of who they married or were parented by was a complete injustice , '' Rebecca Shi , Executive Director of the American Business Immigration Coalition , told Newsweek .
`` This is big for these families , but also as who we are as a nation . ''
Including Americans in mixed-status families was a big push by Democrats .
It was `` unfair and absurd '' that American taxpayers in need of assistance were `` previously denied access to these survival funds , '' Senate Minority Leader Chuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shi felt that support from a broad ideological range of Republicans—from the conservative Sen. Bill Cassidy ( R-La . )
to the moderate Sen. Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) —was vital to fixing what immigration advocates deemed a grave injustice .
`` This proves that even in this really horrible environment , that bipartisan solutions to our nation 's immigration challenges are possible , '' Shi said .
`` It does set a good example and is a launching pad for common sense immigration solutions for next year . ''
Democrats , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to also include millions of ITIN immigrant taxpayers , who makeup a large portion of essential workers .
The left-leaning Institute On Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that 4.3 million adults and 3.5 million children—7.8 million people—were excluded from the direct payments in the CARES Act because ITIN filers were ineligible .
`` Given there are 5.5 million immigrants working at the front lines of this crisis as essential workers , Congress should provide protection to all tax filers in the U.S. regardless of immigration status , '' Kerri Talbot , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
`` By explicitly including immigrant families in the collective effort to combat the consequences of this pandemic , we all benefit and prevail as a stronger nation . ''

Millions of American citizens who were previously denied a stimulus check as an unintended consequence of the CARES Act will soon be eligible for a new round of direct payments, in addition to the $1,200 individual checks they missed out on in the Spring.
In the $900 billion stimulus package set to be approved by Congress Monday night, lawmakers amended the eligibility for a new round of $600 checks to include American adults and children in mixed-status families, where at least one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. The legislation will also apply retroactively for the $1,200 individual payments doled out earlier this year.
While assessments vary, the American Business Immigration Coalition estimates that an additional 3.5 million American adults and children will now be eligible for direct payments who were otherwise excluded under the CARES Act.
"It's about time they opened their eyes and see that we matter, and we are not second-class citizens," Lacey Shontal, a certified nursing assistant in Quincy, Illinois, told Newsweek.
Because her husband is not a U.S. citizen, Shontal missed out on $4,200 in stimulus money from the CARES Act: $1,200 for herself and $500 for each of their six children.
President Donald Trump's name appears on the coronavirus economic assistance checks that were sent to citizens across the country April 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty
"It was actually like a slap in the face when they told us, 'Hey, you're not included in this.' Why? We meet all the finical criteria," said Shontal, whose husband works in the restaurant industry and has seen his pay decrease significantly. "We actually had to drain my savings."
With the new wave of $600 checks for adults and $600 per child, Shontal can now expect to get $4,200 on top of the $4,200 she's owed from the CARES Act.
Eligible Americans will be able to claim the CARES Act money when they file their 2020 taxes. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the new round of payments could be deposited into Americans' accounts within days.
In the wake of the CARES Act, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle conceded they had messed up—big time—by accidentally excluding so many adults and children who were U.S. citizens but had a spouse or parent who was not.
"What's the remedy, you divorce them?" Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said at the time of Americans in mixed-status families who wanted to receive a check.
But as a new package languished in Congress and succumbed to the partisan gridlock that persisted for nearly the past nine months, so too did a correction to the stimulus money eligibility—until now. The new package does not, however, include millions of noncitizens who pay taxes through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
"I think there was some acknowledgement that denying U.S. citizens checks because of who they married or were parented by was a complete injustice," Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of the American Business Immigration Coalition, told Newsweek. "This is big for these families, but also as who we are as a nation."
Including Americans in mixed-status families was a big push by Democrats. It was "unfair and absurd" that American taxpayers in need of assistance were "previously denied access to these survival funds," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
But Shi felt that support from a broad ideological range of Republicans—from the conservative Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to the moderate Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)—was vital to fixing what immigration advocates deemed a grave injustice.
"This proves that even in this really horrible environment, that bipartisan solutions to our nation's immigration challenges are possible," Shi said. "It does set a good example and is a launching pad for common sense immigration solutions for next year."
Democrats, along with immigration groups, would have preferred to also include millions of ITIN immigrant taxpayers, who makeup a large portion of essential workers. The left-leaning Institute On Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that 4.3 million adults and 3.5 million children—7.8 million people—were excluded from the direct payments in the CARES Act because ITIN filers were ineligible.
"Given there are 5.5 million immigrants working at the front lines of this crisis as essential workers, Congress should provide protection to all tax filers in the U.S. regardless of immigration status," Kerri Talbot, director of federal advocacy of the Immigration Hub, said in a statement. "By explicitly including immigrant families in the collective effort to combat the consequences of this pandemic, we all benefit and prevail as a stronger nation."


newsweek--2020-12-21--AOC Says Lawmakers Don't Have Time to Review $2.5T Spending Bill Before Voting on It

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out against congressional leaders as lawmakers rushed to pass a $ 2.5 trillion spending bill and provide economic relief to millions of Americans .
The progressive Democrat expressed concern that because members of Congress had yet to receive the massive 5,593-page bill as of early Monday afternoon , they would not have enough time to properly review the legislation before it is brought to a vote later in the day .
`` Congress is expected to vote on the second largest bill in US history *today* - $ 2.5 trillion - and as of about 1pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative text of it yet , '' Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Monday .
`` It 's not good enough to hear about what 's in the bill .
Members of Congress need to see & read the bills we are expected to vote on , '' she added .
`` I know it 's 'controversial ' & I get in trouble for sharing things like this , but the people of this country deserve to know .
They deserve better . ''
The freshman congresswoman from New York has been known to speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those she represents .
House Democrats filed a mammoth omnibus spending bill , which includes $ 900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief , on Monday afternoon , hours before the package is expected to be considered in the House .
The bill is set to be one of the largest pieces of legislation ever voted on in Congress , but lawmakers will have only a short period to review it before voting .
`` As I prepare to depart the House after 32 years of service , I could not be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a bipartisan agreement to provide the certainty of full-year funding for all of government and urgently-needed coronavirus relief to save lives and livelihoods , '' House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey said in a press release .
The release of the year-end legislation comes as the White House and Congress rush to complete numerous unresolved tasks before breaking for the holidays .
On Sunday , lawmakers reached an agreement on an economic relief package , ending a nearly nine-month-long stalemate , after pushing the deadline to strike a long-awaited deal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garnered the most attention .
It is significantly smaller than the $ 2.2 trillion package passed in March , but it is expected to include $ 600 stimulus checks , federal unemployment benefits , assistance to small businesses and funding for transportation , vaccines and education .
Apart from the relief package , the colossal bill will include funding for federal agencies through September 2021 and the extension of tax breaks for businesses .
The House was planning to vote on the measure Monday , and a Senate vote could come late in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell said lawmakers are `` going to stay here until we finish tonight . ''
If Congress fails to pass the bill , a government shutdown would begin at midnight .
Newsweek reached out to the House Appropriations Committee for comment but did not hear back before publication .

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out against congressional leaders as lawmakers rushed to pass a $2.5 trillion spending bill and provide economic relief to millions of Americans.
The progressive Democrat expressed concern that because members of Congress had yet to receive the massive 5,593-page bill as of early Monday afternoon, they would not have enough time to properly review the legislation before it is brought to a vote later in the day.
"Congress is expected to vote on the second largest bill in US history *today* - $2.5 trillion - and as of about 1pm, members don't even have the legislative text of it yet," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Monday.
"It's not good enough to hear about what's in the bill. Members of Congress need to see & read the bills we are expected to vote on," she added. "I know it's 'controversial' & I get in trouble for sharing things like this, but the people of this country deserve to know. They deserve better."
The freshman congresswoman from New York has been known to speak out against other congressional lawmakers in the interest of those she represents.
It’s not good enough to hear about what’s in the bill. Members of Congress need to see & read the bills we are expected to vote on.
I know it’s “controversial” & I get in trouble for sharing things like this, but the people of this country deserve to know. They deserve better. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 21, 2020
House Democrats filed a mammoth omnibus spending bill, which includes $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief, on Monday afternoon, hours before the package is expected to be considered in the House.
The bill is set to be one of the largest pieces of legislation ever voted on in Congress, but lawmakers will have only a short period to review it before voting.
"As I prepare to depart the House after 32 years of service, I could not be more pleased that we are concluding this Congress with a bipartisan agreement to provide the certainty of full-year funding for all of government and urgently-needed coronavirus relief to save lives and livelihoods," House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey said in a press release.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asks a question as U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testifies at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on August 24. Pool
The release of the year-end legislation comes as the White House and Congress rush to complete numerous unresolved tasks before breaking for the holidays. On Sunday, lawmakers reached an agreement on an economic relief package, ending a nearly nine-month-long stalemate, after pushing the deadline to strike a long-awaited deal.
The $900 billion economic relief component has garnered the most attention. It is significantly smaller than the $2.2 trillion package passed in March, but it is expected to include $600 stimulus checks, federal unemployment benefits, assistance to small businesses and funding for transportation, vaccines and education.
Apart from the relief package, the colossal bill will include funding for federal agencies through September 2021 and the extension of tax breaks for businesses.
The House was planning to vote on the measure Monday, and a Senate vote could come late in the evening. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said lawmakers are "going to stay here until we finish tonight."
If Congress fails to pass the bill, a government shutdown would begin at midnight.
Newsweek reached out to the House Appropriations Committee for comment but did not hear back before publication.


newsweek--2020-12-21--As Defund the Police Loses Luster Activists Assess Joe Biden's Prospects for Police Reform

The day after cable networks projected Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election , House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn , a staunch Biden ally , made sure to lay blame at the feet of the `` defund the police '' movement for Democratic losses in Congress .
He said he and the late John Lewis concluded , `` it had the possibilities of doing to the Black Lives Matter movement and current movements across the country what 'Burn , baby , burn ' did to us back in 1960 . ''
Biden , and even President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential of the movement that arose to national prominence after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police , to divide rather than bring people under its banner .
`` That 's how they beat the living hell out of us across the country , saying that we 're talking about defunding the police .
We 're not , '' Biden said in a leaked recording of a meeting with civil rights leaders posted by The Intercept two weeks ago .
Biden went as far as to say Democrats should be cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 runoff elections in Georgia that will decide control of the Senate , further evidence of his belief that damage has been done to previously popular police reform efforts .
That reaction by the president-elect angered activists and has put a spotlight on the form police reform efforts should take with Democrats nervous about possible political blowback moving forward .
`` Post-election , the upcoming administration 's reactions have been very unsurprisingly disappointing , '' Aislinn Pulley , an organizer for Black Lives Matter Chicago , told Newsweek , before citing the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
`` The reaction toward the defund movement and comments made disparagingly about BLM , and other members of the movement , are extremely disappointing and unsurprising . ''
After Floyd 's killing , the Black Lives Matter protests were some of the largest in American history , according to a New York Times analysis .
A disjointed national movement drew its strength from local leaders young and old , and regular Americans who joined in , often fueled by what had already happened with police in their cities , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery increased the urgency .
`` Defund the police '' itself had different meanings to different activists , but generally came to mean taking away money in the budget for policing and using it for things like housing and community programs .
Nationally , however , the idea that Democrats wanted to get rid of police took hold because of Republicans and conservative media hammering that message .
Momentum in Congress because of the protests flagged when Democrats said a GOP bill did n't go far enough and Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on chokeholds , the end of qualified immunity that protects police from civil lawsuits , and a ban on no-knock warrants , which led to Taylor 's death in Kentucky when she was shot and killed by police who stormed her apartment looking for her boyfriend .
Activists who spoke to Newsweek said the makeup of Congress and Biden 's apprehension about police reform is a reminder that much can be done on the local level if the federal government will not step up .
`` The most transformational change with regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the local level , '' DeRay McKesson , a co-founder of Campaign Zero , which advocates policies to end police violence , told Newsweek .
`` The federal government can model transformative practices , notably by dramatically decreasing the federal prison population and ending the power of federalized police forces like ICE . ''
Pulley said both must happen—pressure for local and national reforms—but cited a controversy in Chicago as evidence of the ripple effects that can lead to national changes .
Video was recently released of a February 2019 house raid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anjanette Young .
Her home was wrongly raided , and Young , who was getting ready for bed , was naked and horrified as she pleaded with police that they had the wrong home .
Because it took nearly two years for the video to be released , Pulley said the community and country will never know what a Chicago fight to end home raids could have led to nationally .
`` Had this video been released two years ago , we could have organized and exposed this practice , and what would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement against home raids ? ''
Pulley asked .
`` It could have saved Breonna Taylor 's life . ''
Others , like Jamal Simmons , a Democratic strategist and CBS political commentator , said there is a `` great likelihood '' that some kind of police reform will get done because many middle-class Americans who watched the Floyd killing on cable news , along with the subsequent protests , want it to happen .
`` Do they want to defund police ?
No .
But do they want to end the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences ?
Yeah , they do , '' he argued .
The politics and makeup of the next Congress will decide what part of Biden 's agenda can move , but political considerations within the incoming White House also will play a role , Simmons said .
`` It 's in everybody 's interest for it to happen on the Democratic side , '' he added .
`` Activists want it to happen , Biden wants it to happen , and [ Vice President-elect ] Kamala Harris is thinking about the administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among that community for the future . ''

The day after cable networks projected Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a staunch Biden ally, made sure to lay blame at the feet of the "defund the police" movement for Democratic losses in Congress.
He said he and the late John Lewis concluded, "it had the possibilities of doing to the Black Lives Matter movement and current movements across the country what 'Burn, baby, burn' did to us back in 1960."
Biden, and even President Barack Obama, would follow suit in pointing to the potential of the movement that arose to national prominence after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, to divide rather than bring people under its banner.
"That's how they beat the living hell out of us across the country, saying that we're talking about defunding the police. We're not," Biden said in a leaked recording of a meeting with civil rights leaders posted by The Intercept two weeks ago.
Biden went as far as to say Democrats should be cautious with police reform conversations before the January 5 runoff elections in Georgia that will decide control of the Senate, further evidence of his belief that damage has been done to previously popular police reform efforts.
That reaction by the president-elect angered activists and has put a spotlight on the form police reform efforts should take with Democrats nervous about possible political blowback moving forward.
Do they want to defund police? No. But do they want to end the police killing of unarmed Americans, with no consequences? Yeah, they do. Jamal Simmons, Democratic strategist and political commentator
"Post-election, the upcoming administration's reactions have been very unsurprisingly disappointing," Aislinn Pulley, an organizer for Black Lives Matter Chicago, told Newsweek, before citing the response by the Democratic Party in general after the election. "The reaction toward the defund movement and comments made disparagingly about BLM, and other members of the movement, are extremely disappointing and unsurprising."
After Floyd's killing, the Black Lives Matter protests were some of the largest in American history, according to a New York Times analysis. A disjointed national movement drew its strength from local leaders young and old, and regular Americans who joined in, often fueled by what had already happened with police in their cities, even before the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery increased the urgency.
"Defund the police" itself had different meanings to different activists, but generally came to mean taking away money in the budget for policing and using it for things like housing and community programs. Nationally, however, the idea that Democrats wanted to get rid of police took hold because of Republicans and conservative media hammering that message.
Momentum in Congress because of the protests flagged when Democrats said a GOP bill didn't go far enough and Senate Republicans dismissed Democratic legislation, which included a ban on chokeholds, the end of qualified immunity that protects police from civil lawsuits, and a ban on no-knock warrants, which led to Taylor's death in Kentucky when she was shot and killed by police who stormed her apartment looking for her boyfriend.
Activists who spoke to Newsweek said the makeup of Congress and Biden's apprehension about police reform is a reminder that much can be done on the local level if the federal government will not step up.
"The most transformational change with regard to policing and criminal justice will happen at the local level," DeRay McKesson, a co-founder of Campaign Zero, which advocates policies to end police violence, told Newsweek. "The federal government can model transformative practices, notably by dramatically decreasing the federal prison population and ending the power of federalized police forces like ICE."
Pulley said both must happen—pressure for local and national reforms—but cited a controversy in Chicago as evidence of the ripple effects that can lead to national changes.
Video was recently released of a February 2019 house raid by Chicago police of 50-year-old social worker Anjanette Young. Her home was wrongly raided, and Young, who was getting ready for bed, was naked and horrified as she pleaded with police that they had the wrong home.
Because it took nearly two years for the video to be released, Pulley said the community and country will never know what a Chicago fight to end home raids could have led to nationally.
"Had this video been released two years ago, we could have organized and exposed this practice, and what would the effect have been nationally, a movement against home raids?" Pulley asked. "It could have saved Breonna Taylor's life."
Others, like Jamal Simmons, a Democratic strategist and CBS political commentator, said there is a "great likelihood" that some kind of police reform will get done because many middle-class Americans who watched the Floyd killing on cable news, along with the subsequent protests, want it to happen.
"Do they want to defund police? No. But do they want to end the police killing of unarmed Americans, with no consequences? Yeah, they do," he argued.
The politics and makeup of the next Congress will decide what part of Biden's agenda can move, but political considerations within the incoming White House also will play a role, Simmons said.
"It's in everybody's interest for it to happen on the Democratic side," he added. "Activists want it to happen, Biden wants it to happen, and [Vice President-elect] Kamala Harris is thinking about the administration, but needs to shore up her support among that community for the future."


newsweek--2020-12-21--Proscenic M7 Pro Review: A Smart, Powerful Robot Vacuum

The Proscenic M7 Pro is an excellent robot vacuum that does a great job of removing dust and dirt from carpet and laminate flooring .
I 've been testing the M7 Pro with the optional automatic dust collector in a 1,400-square-foot apartment with many obstacles , and it 's up to the task of keeping the apartment clean and maneuvering between rooms .
Proscenic 's M7 Pro vacuums our medium pile carpet well and cleans up any crumbs dropped in the kitchen .
It can also mop , though it gets the most use in our home in vacuum mode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the app , by pushing a button , with Alexa or with the included remote control .
Battery life is good , cleaning power is excellent , and with the optional dust collector , you do n't need to empty the vacuum manually as often .
The LIDAR scanning and mapping generate a cleaning map of your home automatically , and then you can set no-go zones as needed .
The Proscenic M7 Pro is $ 499 at Amazon and Proscenic .
The Automatic Dust and Dirt collector is $ 99 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M7 Pro Clean ?
The Proscenic M7 Pro does a fantastic job of cleaning our laminate flooring in the kitchen and the carpet throughout the apartment .
I love that it features a HEPA filter to help keep dust to a minimum .
The loft-style apartment I am testing in gets dusty very quickly , and the M7 Pro pulled a lot of dirt and dust out of the carpet , even after sweeping with an upright vacuum .
Cleaning larger debris is another area where the M7 Pro shines .
After getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mess on the floor with some needles and dirt from the pot .
The M7 Pro handled all the dirt with ease and did n't track dirt into any other apartment areas .
The vacuum can pick up larger pieces of dirt , kitchen items the size of a diced onion and even small pieces of plastic .
The M7 Pro can climb over the transition between rooms or between laminate and carpet quite easily .
When it detects carpet , the M7 Pro automatically increases the suction and decreases when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a premium feature that really helps with cleaning capabilities .
While running , especially on carpet , the M7 Pro is loud enough that I would n't want it running on a Zoom call , but not so loud that it prevents me from working from home as it cleans .
The Powerful mode option is noisy , but I use it sparingly for a deeper clean .
The Proscenic M7 Pro cleans the laminate and medium pile carpet in my apartment very well and simplifies my weekly cleaning routine .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a good option , but the reservoir is small .
There is n't an option to avoid carpet while mopping , other than setting a zone .
If the dock is on the carpet , you will need to watch the mop during this process to capture it .
Proscenic provides disposable mops and a washable microfiber mop .
Setting up the Proscenic M7 Pro is quick and straightforward .
Using a phone , you connect the vacuum to your WiFi network and , if applicable , install an update .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it 's time to charge the battery to full before you start cleaning .
After the initial cleaning process , where the M7 Pro scans the home using LIDAR , you have a room map .
It is essential to remove obstacles from the initial run and pay attention to the first cleaning session with any robot vacuum .
The M7 Pro laser mapping sensor and 24 additional sensors do a great job of detecting edges , presenting falls and mapping rooms , but I did need to set several areas to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment can easily trap a robot vacuum , or at least keep it there for too long , trying to find a way out .
The Proscenic M7 Pro is short enough that it can get underneath my entertainment stand and couch .
I used the Proscenic app to set no-go zones to keep the cords safe and the M7 Pro safe from getting stuck .
You can set up multiple levels so that the M7 Pro can clean a basement or an upstairs with one vacuum .
You do need to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ load the map .
If the vacuum gets stuck , it tells you with a built-in speaker , and you can also check in the app .
With the no-go zones for the Proscenic M7 Pro configured , it can clean my apartment with no real intervention on my part .
I typically start the M7 Pro using the button on the vacuum itself or the remote control .
You can also use Alexa voice controls or the app .
I like that the app shows the cleaning process and makes it easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the battery life at up to 150 minutes .
This drops in Powerful mode , but the vacuum can cover my apartment 's central area with one charge .
The M7 Pro returns to the base station with around 20 to 30 percent battery life to recharge .
The dust bin is large enough to hold the dust and dirt from one cleaning of my large apartment .
Emptying the bin takes less than 30 seconds .
The Proscenic M7 Pro dust bin takes the place of the charging base and automatically collects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When you use this optional accessory , you only need to change the base 's bag instead of emptying the vacuum bin between cleanings .
You can buy a three-pack of dirt disposal bags for $ 19.99 and a three-pack of HEPA filters for $ 15.99 .
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 @

The Proscenic M7 Pro pulled a lot of dirt and dust out of the carpet in our new apartment.
The Proscenic M7 Pro is an excellent robot vacuum that does a great job of removing dust and dirt from carpet and laminate flooring. I've been testing the M7 Pro with the optional automatic dust collector in a 1,400-square-foot apartment with many obstacles, and it's up to the task of keeping the apartment clean and maneuvering between rooms.
Proscenic's M7 Pro vacuums our medium pile carpet well and cleans up any crumbs dropped in the kitchen. It can also mop, though it gets the most use in our home in vacuum mode. You can control the robot vacuum with the app, by pushing a button, with Alexa or with the included remote control.
Battery life is good, cleaning power is excellent, and with the optional dust collector, you don't need to empty the vacuum manually as often. The LIDAR scanning and mapping generate a cleaning map of your home automatically, and then you can set no-go zones as needed.
The Proscenic M7 Pro is $499 at Amazon and Proscenic. The Automatic Dust and Dirt collector is $99 at Amazon.
How Well Does the Proscenic M7 Pro Clean?
How well does the Proscenic M7 Pro clean? This is what you need to know. Josh Smith
The Proscenic M7 Pro does a fantastic job of cleaning our laminate flooring in the kitchen and the carpet throughout the apartment. I love that it features a HEPA filter to help keep dust to a minimum. The loft-style apartment I am testing in gets dusty very quickly, and the M7 Pro pulled a lot of dirt and dust out of the carpet, even after sweeping with an upright vacuum.
Cleaning larger debris is another area where the M7 Pro shines. After getting a small potted pine, I left a mess on the floor with some needles and dirt from the pot. The M7 Pro handled all the dirt with ease and didn't track dirt into any other apartment areas. The vacuum can pick up larger pieces of dirt, kitchen items the size of a diced onion and even small pieces of plastic.
The M7 Pro can climb over the transition between rooms or between laminate and carpet quite easily. When it detects carpet, the M7 Pro automatically increases the suction and decreases when it is off the carpet. This is a premium feature that really helps with cleaning capabilities.
While running, especially on carpet, the M7 Pro is loud enough that I wouldn't want it running on a Zoom call, but not so loud that it prevents me from working from home as it cleans. The Powerful mode option is noisy, but I use it sparingly for a deeper clean.
The Proscenic M7 Pro cleans the laminate and medium pile carpet in my apartment very well and simplifies my weekly cleaning routine. If you have a small area to mop, this is a good option, but the reservoir is small. There isn't an option to avoid carpet while mopping, other than setting a zone. If the dock is on the carpet, you will need to watch the mop during this process to capture it. Proscenic provides disposable mops and a washable microfiber mop.
Setup, Sensors and Usability
The Proscenic M7 Pro uses LIDAR to map and two dozen sensors to know what is around it. Josh Smith
Setting up the Proscenic M7 Pro is quick and straightforward. Using a phone, you connect the vacuum to your WiFi network and, if applicable, install an update. It takes a few minutes, and then it's time to charge the battery to full before you start cleaning.
After the initial cleaning process, where the M7 Pro scans the home using LIDAR, you have a room map. It is essential to remove obstacles from the initial run and pay attention to the first cleaning session with any robot vacuum.
The M7 Pro laser mapping sensor and 24 additional sensors do a great job of detecting edges, presenting falls and mapping rooms, but I did need to set several areas to avoid. A few areas of my apartment can easily trap a robot vacuum, or at least keep it there for too long, trying to find a way out. The Proscenic M7 Pro is short enough that it can get underneath my entertainment stand and couch. I used the Proscenic app to set no-go zones to keep the cords safe and the M7 Pro safe from getting stuck.
Use the Proscenic app to name rooms and set up no go zones. Josh Smith
You can set up multiple levels so that the M7 Pro can clean a basement or an upstairs with one vacuum. You do need to move it to the other level and then load the map.
If the vacuum gets stuck, it tells you with a built-in speaker, and you can also check in the app. With the no-go zones for the Proscenic M7 Pro configured, it can clean my apartment with no real intervention on my part.
I typically start the M7 Pro using the button on the vacuum itself or the remote control. You can also use Alexa voice controls or the app. I like that the app shows the cleaning process and makes it easy to change cleaning modes.
Battery Life and Upkeep
The dust bin can hold a lot of dust and dirt, and the optional base station can empty this when it recharges. Josh Smith
Proscenic rates the battery life at up to 150 minutes. This drops in Powerful mode, but the vacuum can cover my apartment's central area with one charge. The M7 Pro returns to the base station with around 20 to 30 percent battery life to recharge.
The dust bin is large enough to hold the dust and dirt from one cleaning of my large apartment. Emptying the bin takes less than 30 seconds. The Proscenic M7 Pro dust bin takes the place of the charging base and automatically collects the dust and dirt into a bag. When you use this optional accessory, you only need to change the base's bag instead of emptying the vacuum bin between cleanings.
You can buy a three-pack of dirt disposal bags for $19.99 and a three-pack of HEPA filters for $15.99.
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--2020-12-21--What Counts as Income Toward Eligibility For Individual Stimulus Checks?

Lawmakers on Sunday finally reached an agreement regarding the terms of another coronavirus relief package , which is expected to provide eligible Americans with additional individual stimulus payments totaling as much as $ 600 .
That figure excludes further sums that individuals and families can receive for qualified dependents .
The proposed legislation has not yet formally passed in Congress , although both chambers are voting to finalize the $ 900 billion package on Monday .
In addition to a second round of direct payments—following the $ 1,200 checks distributed earlier this year under the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid , Relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act—the latest bill includes enhanced unemployment benefits and financial support to small businesses .
Much like the stimulus package signed into law last spring , this one is designed to offset economic burdens incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
How much individuals , or married couples , can expect to receive in direct payments under the new legislation depends on their annual income brackets .
Similar to eligibility criteria established through the CARES Act , individuals who earn $ 75,000 or less will qualify for the full $ 600 relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice that amount .
Individuals considered a head of household will also qualify for the full payment if their annual incomes amount to $ 112,500 or less .
Recipients with qualified dependents can also expect an additional $ 600 in federal aid per child .
The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) offers a number of resources and guides that allow individuals to determine whether they are eligible for stimulus payments , and if so , what their relief compensation might look like in dollar amounts .
As the IRS notes , income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments is based on an individual 's most recent federal tax returns .
This most likely means returns filed for income earned in 2019 , although officials will use an individual 's 2018 tax information if the person ( s ) did not file federal returns this year .
A person 's adjusted gross income ( AGI ) , or taxable income , is the amount federal officials will evaluate when determining qualifications for stimulus payments .
An AGI is calculated by subtracting adjustments from annual gross income , which can incorporate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular wages .
For example , withdrawals from a 401 ( k ) or IRA account , under circumstances that classify the distributions as taxable , are considered income and generally contribute to individual 's annual AGI .
Other earnings , such as proceeds from insurance policies and inheritances , typically are not considered taxable income , so when they 're not , they are not determining factors in an individual 's AGI .
The value of inherited property becomes taxable only after it produces additional income , either through interest , rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` If a beneficiary receives a lump-sum distribution from a traditional IRA he or she inherited , all or some of it may be taxable . ''
Payments received through federal COVID-19 relief initiatives will not contribute to an individual or couple 's taxable income when filing returns next year .
Both the CARES Act and upcoming relief legislation stipulate that eligible recipients are qualified for payments tax-free , meaning the relief funds are not considered taxable income .
Newsweek reached out to the Treasury Department for comment but did not receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The IRS could not provide additional information at this time .

Lawmakers on Sunday finally reached an agreement regarding the terms of another coronavirus relief package, which is expected to provide eligible Americans with additional individual stimulus payments totaling as much as $600. That figure excludes further sums that individuals and families can receive for qualified dependents.
The proposed legislation has not yet formally passed in Congress, although both chambers are voting to finalize the $900 billion package on Monday. In addition to a second round of direct payments—following the $1,200 checks distributed earlier this year under the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act—the latest bill includes enhanced unemployment benefits and financial support to small businesses.
Much like the stimulus package signed into law last spring, this one is designed to offset economic burdens incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How much individuals, or married couples, can expect to receive in direct payments under the new legislation depends on their annual income brackets.
Similar to eligibility criteria established through the CARES Act, individuals who earn $75,000 or less will qualify for the full $600 relief check, as will couples who earn twice that amount.
Individuals considered a head of household will also qualify for the full payment if their annual incomes amount to $112,500 or less. Recipients with qualified dependents can also expect an additional $600 in federal aid per child.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a number of resources and guides that allow individuals to determine whether they are eligible for stimulus payments, and if so, what their relief compensation might look like in dollar amounts.
As the IRS notes, income information used to determine eligibility for stimulus payments is based on an individual's most recent federal tax returns. This most likely means returns filed for income earned in 2019, although officials will use an individual's 2018 tax information if the person(s) did not file federal returns this year.
A person's adjusted gross income (AGI), or taxable income, is the amount federal officials will evaluate when determining qualifications for stimulus payments. An AGI is calculated by subtracting adjustments from annual gross income, which can incorporate a number of personal revenue sources outside of regular wages.
For example, withdrawals from a 401(k) or IRA account, under circumstances that classify the distributions as taxable, are considered income and generally contribute to individual's annual AGI.
Other earnings, such as proceeds from insurance policies and inheritances, typically are not considered taxable income, so when they're not, they are not determining factors in an individual's AGI. The value of inherited property becomes taxable only after it produces additional income, either through interest, rent payments or dividends. For traditional IRAs: "If a beneficiary receives a lump-sum distribution from a traditional IRA he or she inherited, all or some of it may be taxable."
Payments received through federal COVID-19 relief initiatives will not contribute to an individual or couple's taxable income when filing returns next year. Both the CARES Act and upcoming relief legislation stipulate that eligible recipients are qualified for payments tax-free, meaning the relief funds are not considered taxable income.
Newsweek reached out to the Treasury Department for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication. The IRS could not provide additional information at this time.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Joe Biden Gets Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine at Delaware Hospital

President-elect Joe Biden received the first of two COVID-19 vaccine doses on Monday .
`` I 'm ready , '' Biden proclaimed before a nurse practitioner gave a masked Biden the shot in his left arm .
After getting the shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark , Delaware , Biden urged people to get the vaccine when it 's available to them .
`` I 'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it 's available to take the vaccine , '' Biden said .
Biden did not respond to reporters ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His wife , future first lady Jill Biden , also received the vaccine Monday .
The time line of Biden 's vaccine means he will get the second shot and become inoculated before being sworn into office on January 20 .
Officials have been publicizing the vaccine since its approval this month to build public confidence in it .
The still limited supply is primarily being dedicated to front-line workers and older people and people with other health issues and at added risk for severe complications from COVID-19 .
Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to publicly receive the vaccine when he got his first shot in front of cameras alongside his wife and Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday .
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California , and GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky , also received their first doses on Friday .
President Donald Trump , who tested positive for COVID-19 in October , has n't said whether he will get the vaccine publicly to build public trust .
He has indicated through Twitter that he will get the shot at some point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is scheduled to get the vaccine next week .
Health Secretary Alex Azar announced that he and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease director Dr. Anthony Fauci , who has been one of the most visible members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , will get their first vaccine doses on Tuesday .
Fauci is expected to join the Biden administration as chief medical adviser .
More than 318,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 and cases continue to surge .
There 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Trump , who have announced they tested positive .
Trump was briefly hospitalized and treated with an experimental drug cocktail before returning to the White House .

President-elect Joe Biden received the first of two COVID-19 vaccine doses on Monday.
"I'm ready," Biden proclaimed before a nurse practitioner gave a masked Biden the shot in his left arm.
After getting the shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware, Biden urged people to get the vaccine when it's available to them.
"I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine," Biden said.
Biden did not respond to reporters' shouted questions after publicly receiving the vaccine. His wife, future first lady Jill Biden, also received the vaccine Monday.
The time line of Biden's vaccine means he will get the second shot and become inoculated before being sworn into office on January 20.
Officials have been publicizing the vaccine since its approval this month to build public confidence in it. The still limited supply is primarily being dedicated to front-line workers and older people and people with other health issues and at added risk for severe complications from COVID-19.
Vice President Mike Pence last week became the highest-profile official to publicly receive the vaccine when he got his first shot in front of cameras alongside his wife and Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, and GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, also received their first doses on Friday.
President Donald Trump, who tested positive for COVID-19 in October, hasn't said whether he will get the vaccine publicly to build public trust. He has indicated through Twitter that he will get the shot at some point but no timeline has been outlined.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is scheduled to get the vaccine next week.
President-elect Joe Biden speaks at the Queen theater on December 19, in Wilmington, Delaware. After getting the shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware, Biden urged people to get the vaccine when it's available to them. Joshua Roberts/Getty
Health Secretary Alex Azar announced that he and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease director Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been one of the most visible members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, will get their first vaccine doses on Tuesday. Fauci is expected to join the Biden administration as chief medical adviser.
More than 318,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 and cases continue to surge.
There's been a steady run of high-profile politicians, including Trump, who have announced they tested positive. Trump was briefly hospitalized and treated with an experimental drug cocktail before returning to the White House.


newsweek--2020-12-22--'Star Citizen' Assault on Stanton Live Event Starts Soon With Idris Battle

Star Citizen has a major live event in the works , and it 's starting over the next few days .
Dubbed the Assault on Stanton , players will seemingly work together to fight against a fleet of some of the game 's most powerful Capital Ships .
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to go toe to toe with an Idris ?
You 'll soon get your chance .
The event was announced via a short teaser trailer debuted on the game 's social media channel 's on Monday afternoon .
Following the launch of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player-controlled fleets will soon take aim at an intergalactic terrorist organization called the XenoThreat .
The group has most of the game 's most powerful spacecraft lined up and ready to wage war on the Stanton System that millions of pilots in the Persistent Universe call home .
However , unlike the live events popularized by games like Fortnite , Star Citizen 's take on the concept will roll out in phases over several days , with the first step beginning sometime this week .
And , in true Star Citizen fashion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long the rollout of these phases will actually take .
In essence , the trajectory of the event depends on the type of in-game offensive players are able to mount .
Should the heaviest of firepower come in quickly , it 's possible the event could end somewhat rapidly , while a less formidable force might mean a more protracted war is required .
Regardless of how long the fight takes , the Assault on Stanton event is perhaps the most developed version of the kind of action Star Citizen 's creators at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last decade of active tool designing and technology building .
For the first time , the game 's Persistent Universe will feature large-scale encounters against powerful AI foes .
Especially for the project 's millions-strong backers , hopefully this high-profile test is just the beginning of a much larger showcase of AI-controlled ships and in-game storylines .
To access the event , all players need to do is log in and check out the latest update from the Civilian Defense Force .
The Assault on Stanton event arrives shortly after the deployment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The feature-rich download offers the first version of a reputation system , new gas cloud locations and additional ships like the Esperia Talon and Esperia Talon Strike variant .
While larger additions like the highly anticipated Pyro system wait in the wings , many of the features listed in update 3.12 prepare players for entering the pirate-dominated territory .
Star Citizen is in development on PC .
What are your thoughts on Star Citizen 's Assault on Stanton live event ?
Will it be enough to prove the game 's army of skeptics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section !

Star Citizen has a major live event in the works, and it's starting over the next few days. Dubbed the Assault on Stanton, players will seemingly work together to fight against a fleet of some of the game's most powerful Capital Ships.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to go toe to toe with an Idris? You'll soon get your chance. The event was announced via a short teaser trailer debuted on the game's social media channel's on Monday afternoon.
Following the launch of the Alpha 3.12 Assault on Stanton update, player-controlled fleets will soon take aim at an intergalactic terrorist organization called the XenoThreat. The group has most of the game's most powerful spacecraft lined up and ready to wage war on the Stanton System that millions of pilots in the Persistent Universe call home.
However, unlike the live events popularized by games like Fortnite, Star Citizen's take on the concept will roll out in phases over several days, with the first step beginning sometime this week.
And, in true Star Citizen fashion, it's not entirely clear just how long the rollout of these phases will actually take. In essence, the trajectory of the event depends on the type of in-game offensive players are able to mount. Should the heaviest of firepower come in quickly, it's possible the event could end somewhat rapidly, while a less formidable force might mean a more protracted war is required.
'Star Citizen's first big live event starts soon. A fleet of the game's toughest ships is about to descend on Stanton. 'Star Citizen' is in development on PC. Cloud Imperium Games
Regardless of how long the fight takes, the Assault on Stanton event is perhaps the most developed version of the kind of action Star Citizen's creators at Cloud Imperium Games have promised over the last decade of active tool designing and technology building.
For the first time, the game's Persistent Universe will feature large-scale encounters against powerful AI foes. Especially for the project's millions-strong backers, hopefully this high-profile test is just the beginning of a much larger showcase of AI-controlled ships and in-game storylines. To access the event, all players need to do is log in and check out the latest update from the Civilian Defense Force.
The Assault on Stanton event arrives shortly after the deployment of Star Citizen's Alpha 3.12 update. The feature-rich download offers the first version of a reputation system, new gas cloud locations and additional ships like the Esperia Talon and Esperia Talon Strike variant. While larger additions like the highly anticipated Pyro system wait in the wings, many of the features listed in update 3.12 prepare players for entering the pirate-dominated territory.
Star Citizen is in development on PC.
What are your thoughts on Star Citizen's Assault on Stanton live event? Will it be enough to prove the game's army of skeptics wrong? Tell us in the comments section!


newsweek--2020-12-22--Two Women Win $10,000 After Finding Item Hidden Under Las Vegas Bench For Almost 10 Years

Two women have won $ 10,000 after tracking down a silver ornament made in the shape of the letter Z that 's been hidden under a bench at Eldorado Park in Las Vegas for almost 10 years .
The discovery was made as part a nationwide treasure hunt offering $ 10,000 for each of four hidden items that are found .
Clues on the location of the items are outlined in The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt ebook released by David Steele in November , who placed the ornament under the bench nearly a decade ago while he was visiting Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` decode a message in any of the four chapters of the book and the message leads you to an ordinary item hidden ( not buried ) in public , somewhere in the 48 continental United States , '' according to the ebook 's Amazon listing .
`` Hidden within each chapter are messages which guide the readers to 4 exact locations and describe items to be found at each location .
There are no illustrations , only text .
If you can read English , you can decode the messages , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book was released , a clue was shared on December 13 on the Twitter account of the ebook , which noted : `` This is the first bonus clue for The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt .
CHAPTER FOUR .
Singing loudly for all to hear , if it 's a One Hit Wonder , then it should be clear , start your quest for treasure there . ''
The clue prompted Beth Hovanec , an artist based in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania , to use the letters from the 'One Hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the book to spell out the message : `` North Vegas , Eldorado Bench , Silver Z . ''
Hovanec recruited a friend , Nancy Zitko , who lives just a few miles away from Eldorado Park where the treasure was to be found .
Zitko set out for the park at 7 a.m. local time on a Sunday morning where she found the ornament at the bottom of the bench .
Hovanec was given $ 9,000 for solving the riddle , while Zitko won $ 1,000 for physically finding the ornament , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunt , which state `` an 'accidental ' find earns only $ 1,000 ... you must solve the code for the full $ 10,000 prize , '' according to the ebook 's Amazon listing .
Three hidden items remain to be found in The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt .
`` They are within 500 feet of a free , safe parking space .
No hiking , boating , swimming , or any dangerous activity is required .
Simply travel to the location , park , and go to the spot where the item @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you win $ 10,000 .
`` Winners must be 18 or older , but readers as young as 10 or 11 might be able to discover the methods needed to crack the codes .
`` For every 30 days that we have no winner , a clue will be given on social media .
Those clues do not work alone ; they require having the book to make any sense , so only Hunters who have purchased the book will be able to make use of them , '' according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , the owner of a candy-making factory launched a hunt for golden tickets , similar to the plot for the book and film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory .
The founder of The Jelly Belly jelly beans and Tricky Treasures arranged for gold tickets to be hidden across the world for people to find ahead of his retirement .
In June , a treasure chest hidden by author and artifacts dealer Forrest Fenn was found following a decade-long treasure hunt .
The author hid the chest , worth at least $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New Mexico , Colorado , Wyoming and Montana 10 years ago .
Earlier this month , a grandson of Fenn confirmed the identity of the chest locator , who was revealed to be a medical school student from Michigan .
Back in April , an elementary school teacher in New York , Jenifer Levinson , launched a virtual scavenger hunt to help students who are at home amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic better connect with each other as well as herself .

Two women have won $10,000 after tracking down a silver ornament made in the shape of the letter Z that's been hidden under a bench at Eldorado Park in Las Vegas for almost 10 years. The discovery was made as part a nationwide treasure hunt offering $10,000 for each of four hidden items that are found.
Clues on the location of the items are outlined in The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt ebook released by David Steele in November, who placed the ornament under the bench nearly a decade ago while he was visiting Las Vegas.
Interested treasure hunters need to "decode a message in any of the four chapters of the book and the message leads you to an ordinary item hidden (not buried) in public, somewhere in the 48 continental United States," according to the ebook's Amazon listing.
"Hidden within each chapter are messages which guide the readers to 4 exact locations and describe items to be found at each location. There are no illustrations, only text. If you can read English, you can decode the messages," the listing noted.
A month after the book was released, a clue was shared on December 13 on the Twitter account of the ebook, which noted: "This is the first bonus clue for The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt. CHAPTER FOUR. Singing loudly for all to hear, if it's a One Hit Wonder, then it should be clear, start your quest for treasure there."
The clue prompted Beth Hovanec, an artist based in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania, to use the letters from the 'One Hit Wonders' listed in chapter four of the book to spell out the message: "North Vegas, Eldorado Bench, Silver Z."
Hovanec recruited a friend, Nancy Zitko, who lives just a few miles away from Eldorado Park where the treasure was to be found. Zitko set out for the park at 7 a.m. local time on a Sunday morning where she found the ornament at the bottom of the bench.
Hovanec was given $9,000 for solving the riddle, while Zitko won $1,000 for physically finding the ornament, as per the rules of the treasure hunt, which state "an 'accidental' find earns only $1,000...you must solve the code for the full $10,000 prize," according to the ebook's Amazon listing.
The item for Chapter 4 has been stuck under a bench in Eldorado Park in North Vegas for nearly 10 years.
We last checked on it in July, and now it's finally been found! pic.twitter.com/3zPXMsCRk7 — The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt (@GreatUSTreasure) December 20, 2020
Three hidden items remain to be found in The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt. "They are within 500 feet of a free, safe parking space. No hiking, boating, swimming, or any dangerous activity is required. Simply travel to the location, park, and go to the spot where the item is hidden. Get the item, and you win $10,000.
"Winners must be 18 or older, but readers as young as 10 or 11 might be able to discover the methods needed to crack the codes.
"For every 30 days that we have no winner, a clue will be given on social media. Those clues do not work alone; they require having the book to make any sense, so only Hunters who have purchased the book will be able to make use of them," according to the ebook listing.
Beth H from Pittsburgh solved it.
Nancy Z from Vegas found it.
Great teamwork!
3 more $10,000 items remain in the Great U.S. Treasure Hunt. Will you win next?
No digging. No dangerous areas. No entry or parking fees. 3 states, 3 time zones.#TreasureHunt pic.twitter.com/DXBGs7OjOZ — The Great U.S. Treasure Hunt (@GreatUSTreasure) December 21, 2020
Earlier this year in September, the owner of a candy-making factory launched a hunt for golden tickets, similar to the plot for the book and film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The founder of The Jelly Belly jelly beans and Tricky Treasures arranged for gold tickets to be hidden across the world for people to find ahead of his retirement.
In June, a treasure chest hidden by author and artifacts dealer Forrest Fenn was found following a decade-long treasure hunt. The author hid the chest, worth at least $1 million, in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana 10 years ago.
Earlier this month, a grandson of Fenn confirmed the identity of the chest locator, who was revealed to be a medical school student from Michigan.
Back in April, an elementary school teacher in New York, Jenifer Levinson, launched a virtual scavenger hunt to help students who are at home amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic better connect with each other as well as herself.


newsweek--2020-12-22--Donald Trump Meets Members of Congress Plotting to 'Fight Back' Against Election Result

President Donald Trump met with Republican lawmakers to discuss `` mounting evidence '' of alleged `` voter fraud '' on Monday as he continues to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows revealed details of the meeting on social media on Monday night , and told followers to `` stay tuned '' for further updates on the president 's plans .
But he did not reveal which lawmakers had attended the meeting , or the precise details on who they planned to `` fight back '' after President-elect Joe Biden was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Electoral College earlier this month .
`` Several members of Congress just finished a meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump , preparing to fight back against mounting evidence of voter fraud , '' Meadows tweeted .
`` Stay tuned . ''
Reuters reported that Reps. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) and Jim Jordan ( R-OH ) , long-term allies of Trump and his agenda , attended the Monday meeting with the president .
Gaetz retweeted Meadows ' post about the `` voter fraud '' talks last night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment and further details of the meeting .
This article will be updated with any response .
President Trump has not conceded the election to President-elect Joe Biden , more than a month after the Democrat won the contest with 306 Electoral College votes—putting him 36 votes above the 270 needed to secure the White House .
The commander-in-chief has repeatedly made claims that mass voter fraud cost him the election .
However , several lawsuits filed by his campaign contesting state results and election practices have been tossed out .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lawsuit filed by Texas that aimed to overturn the election results in four key swing states that elected Biden to the presidency .
The court refused to even hear the case .
The New York Times reported on Saturday that Trump had talked about naming Sidney Powell as a special counsel overseeing an investigation into voter fraud during the presidential election .
The attorney has previously peddled baseless conspiracy theories about voting machines and a supposed Venezuelan plot to rig the contest .
Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has since sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told Newsmax on Monday night that she was `` definitively '' not part of the re-election campaign 's legal team .
`` She is not a special counsel for the president , she does not speak for the president , nor does she speak for the administration , '' the former New York City mayor said .
`` She speaks for herself . ''

President Donald Trump met with Republican lawmakers to discuss "mounting evidence" of alleged "voter fraud" on Monday as he continues to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows revealed details of the meeting on social media on Monday night, and told followers to "stay tuned" for further updates on the president's plans.
But he did not reveal which lawmakers had attended the meeting, or the precise details on who they planned to "fight back" after President-elect Joe Biden was confirmed as the winner of the election by the Electoral College earlier this month.
"Several members of Congress just finished a meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump, preparing to fight back against mounting evidence of voter fraud," Meadows tweeted. "Stay tuned."
President Donald Trump golfs at Trump National Golf Club on December 13, 2020 in Sterling, Virginia. Al Drago/Getty Images
Reuters reported that Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Jim Jordan (R-OH), long-term allies of Trump and his agenda, attended the Monday meeting with the president. Gaetz retweeted Meadows' post about the "voter fraud" talks last night.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment and further details of the meeting. This article will be updated with any response.
President Trump has not conceded the election to President-elect Joe Biden, more than a month after the Democrat won the contest with 306 Electoral College votes—putting him 36 votes above the 270 needed to secure the White House.
The commander-in-chief has repeatedly made claims that mass voter fraud cost him the election. However, several lawsuits filed by his campaign contesting state results and election practices have been tossed out.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit filed by Texas that aimed to overturn the election results in four key swing states that elected Biden to the presidency. The court refused to even hear the case.
The New York Times reported on Saturday that Trump had talked about naming Sidney Powell as a special counsel overseeing an investigation into voter fraud during the presidential election. The attorney has previously peddled baseless conspiracy theories about voting machines and a supposed Venezuelan plot to rig the contest.
Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has since sought to distance Powell from the commander-in-chief. He told Newsmax on Monday night that she was "definitively" not part of the re-election campaign's legal team.
"She is not a special counsel for the president, she does not speak for the president, nor does she speak for the administration," the former New York City mayor said. "She speaks for herself."


newsweek--2020-12-22--First-time Buyers at Disadvantage as Housing Prices Surge

The U.S. housing market has rebounded from the low hit last spring during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic , the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported .
Sales of new and existing houses are driven by low mortgage rates and a desire by many to leave cities for the suburbs .
The robust housing market underscores the growing split between those who could work from home during the pandemic and remained employed , and those who could n't , and did n't .
Lean housing inventories have led to bidding wars in many markets , pricing many first-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have clearly seen a bifurcated outcome in the housing market , '' Lawrence Yun , Ph.D. , chief economist at the National Association of Realtors in Washington , told Newsweek .
`` People who can work from home or have exposure to the stock market have done well in 2020 , but those in the front lines at restaurants , hotels and grocery stores who tend to be renters have not . ''
He attributed strong sales to low mortgage rates and the ability of many to work from home .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage is about 2.30 % and about 2.39 % for a 30-year fixed mortgage .
Competition is fierce and lower rates may be available .
Mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 when the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation , known as Freddie Mac , a government-sponsored enterprise , began tracking them .
In March , the U.S. Federal Reserve , the nation 's central bank , cut interest rates to 0 % to 0.25 % as part of its effort to stabilize the economy and encourage consumer spending .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` This is remarkable during the pandemic and a still high unemployment rate .
The housing market is seeing strong buyer activity with solid price appreciation . ''
Yun expects the housing market to remain strong in 2021 because interest rates are likely to remain low .
He believes employment will rebound with the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines , further increasing housing demand .
`` I anticipate more housing inventory , especially in single family homes , and more inventory means more home sales , '' he said .
Yun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and consider a house in the outer suburbs – especially if work-from-home becomes a permanent feature in many jobs .
Many hourly workers lost their jobs last spring and the unemployment rate peaked at 14.7 % in April , up from February 's pre-pandemic low of 3.5 % .
The current unemployment rate is 6.7 % , and the number of initial jobless claims increased last week as the number of new Covid-19 infections rose , the U.S. Labor Department reported .
New home construction beat analysts ' estimates and rose to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Census Bureau reported .
Residential starts increased 1.2 % to 1.547 million annualized rate from 1.527 million in October .
The consensus estimate was 1.535 million new home starts .
In October , home sales rose for the fifth consecutive month and continued one of the strongest runs in the market for several years , HUD said .
A shortage of existing homes for sale has boosted demand for new construction .
That could spur additional hiring in the construction industry and increased spending on materials , boosting employment throughout the supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industry Index is up about 29.99 % this year compared with about 13.93 % for the S & P 500 , a measure of 500 large companies listed on U.S. exchanges .
Stocks of major homebuilders , including D.R .
Horton , Lennar , PulteGroup and Toll Brothers have recovered from last spring 's lows and are approaching the strong valuations reached before the pandemic hit .
Purchases of new houses dipped 0.3 % in October , to 999,000 units from September 's upward revision of 1.002 million .
However , October 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same month a year ago , HUD reported .
Sales of existing houses increased for the fifth consecutive month and remained on their strongest pace since February 2006 .
The National Association of Realtors said sales of single-family homes , townhouses , condos and co-ops increased 4.3 % to 6.85 million units from the September 's upwardly revised number of 6.57 million , and were 26.6 % higher than a year earlier .
New home sales are based on signing a purchase agreement while existing home sales are based on contract signings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest level since April 2007 , increasing 6.4 % in October to 1.179 million .
New starts were up 29.4 % from a year earlier .
But multifamily housing , or those with 5 or more units , declined 3.2 % to 334,000 and were down 19.9 % from a year earlier , the federal government reported .
However , HUD cautioned that the multifamily housing market is often volatile , making it hard to spot a trend .
The S & P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index showed a 7.0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 5.8 % in August .
A 20-city composite showed a 6.6 % year-over-year increase , up from 5.3 % the previous months .
Phoenix led with an 11.4 % year-over-year price increase , followed by Seattle of 10.1 % and San Diego with 9.5 % .
`` The strength of the housing market was consistent nationally – all 19 cities for which we have September data rose , and all 19 gained more in the 12 months ended in September than they had done in the 12 months ended in August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global Head of Index Investment Strategy at S & P Dow Jones Indices , said in a report .
`` A trend of accelerating increases in the National Composite Index began in August 2019 but was interrupted in May and June , as COVID-related restrictions produced modestly-decelerating price gains , '' the report said .
`` Our three monthly readings since June of this year have all shown accelerating growth in home prices , and September 's results are quite strong . ''

The U.S. housing market has rebounded from the low hit last spring during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported.
Sales of new and existing houses are driven by low mortgage rates and a desire by many to leave cities for the suburbs.
The robust housing market underscores the growing split between those who could work from home during the pandemic and remained employed, and those who couldn't, and didn't. Lean housing inventories have led to bidding wars in many markets, pricing many first-time buyers out of the market.
"We have clearly seen a bifurcated outcome in the housing market," Lawrence Yun, Ph.D., chief economist at the National Association of Realtors in Washington, told Newsweek. "People who can work from home or have exposure to the stock market have done well in 2020, but those in the front lines at restaurants, hotels and grocery stores who tend to be renters have not."
Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, the real estate market in the US is on an upswing. PhotoMIX Company/PEXELS
He attributed strong sales to low mortgage rates and the ability of many to work from home.
The annual percentage rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is about 2.30% and about 2.39% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. Competition is fierce and lower rates may be available. Mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971 when the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, known as Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored enterprise, began tracking them.
In March, the U.S. Federal Reserve, the nation's central bank, cut interest rates to 0% to 0.25% as part of its effort to stabilize the economy and encourage consumer spending.
"The market is hot," Yun said. "This is remarkable during the pandemic and a still high unemployment rate. The housing market is seeing strong buyer activity with solid price appreciation."
Yun expects the housing market to remain strong in 2021 because interest rates are likely to remain low. He believes employment will rebound with the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines, further increasing housing demand.
"I anticipate more housing inventory, especially in single family homes, and more inventory means more home sales," he said.
Yun said prospective buyers should stay within budget and consider a house in the outer suburbs – especially if work-from-home becomes a permanent feature in many jobs.
Many hourly workers lost their jobs last spring and the unemployment rate peaked at 14.7% in April, up from February's pre-pandemic low of 3.5%. The current unemployment rate is 6.7%, and the number of initial jobless claims increased last week as the number of new Covid-19 infections rose, the U.S. Labor Department reported.
New home construction beat analysts' estimates and rose to a nine-month high in November, the U.S. Census Bureau reported. Residential starts increased 1.2% to 1.547 million annualized rate from 1.527 million in October. The consensus estimate was 1.535 million new home starts. In October, home sales rose for the fifth consecutive month and continued one of the strongest runs in the market for several years, HUD said.
The interior of Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons' tiny house, including this year's Christmas decorations. Alexis Stephens
A shortage of existing homes for sale has boosted demand for new construction. That could spur additional hiring in the construction industry and increased spending on materials, boosting employment throughout the supply chain.
The S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index is up about 29.99% this year compared with about 13.93% for the S&P 500, a measure of 500 large companies listed on U.S. exchanges. Stocks of major homebuilders, including D.R. Horton, Lennar, PulteGroup and Toll Brothers have recovered from last spring's lows and are approaching the strong valuations reached before the pandemic hit.
Purchases of new houses dipped 0.3% in October, to 999,000 units from September's upward revision of 1.002 million. However, October's sales were 41.5% higher than the same month a year ago, HUD reported. Sales of existing houses increased for the fifth consecutive month and remained on their strongest pace since February 2006.
The National Association of Realtors said sales of single-family homes, townhouses, condos and co-ops increased 4.3% to 6.85 million units from the September's upwardly revised number of 6.57 million, and were 26.6% higher than a year earlier.
New home sales are based on signing a purchase agreement while existing home sales are based on contract signings.
Construction of new single-family houses reached their highest level since April 2007, increasing 6.4% in October to 1.179 million. New starts were up 29.4% from a year earlier. But multifamily housing, or those with 5 or more units, declined 3.2% to 334,000 and were down 19.9% from a year earlier, the federal government reported. However, HUD cautioned that the multifamily housing market is often volatile, making it hard to spot a trend.
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index showed a 7.0% annual gain in September, up from 5.8% in August. A 20-city composite showed a 6.6% year-over-year increase, up from 5.3% the previous months. Phoenix led with an 11.4% year-over-year price increase, followed by Seattle of 10.1% and San Diego with 9.5%.
"The strength of the housing market was consistent nationally – all 19 cities for which we have September data rose, and all 19 gained more in the 12 months ended in September than they had done in the 12 months ended in August," Craig Lazzara, Managing Director and Global Head of Index Investment Strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said in a report.
"A trend of accelerating increases in the National Composite Index began in August 2019 but was interrupted in May and June, as COVID-related restrictions produced modestly-decelerating price gains," the report said. "Our three monthly readings since June of this year have all shown accelerating growth in home prices, and September's results are quite strong."


newsweek--2020-12-22--Texas Mom Shooting at Husband Misses, Wounds 8-Year-Old Son

A mother in Texas has been charged after allegedly shooting her 8-year-old son during an argument with her husband .
Antionette Gina Corder , 31 , is accused of aggravated assault against a family member following an incident at 6500 Dunlap Street , Houston , just after 11 a.m. on Friday , December 18 .
Houston police said Corder and her husband had had a verbal altercation that morning , during which she picked up a gun and attempted to shoot her husband .
The 31-year-old is alleged to have accidentally hit her son in the upper left chest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in a stable condition .
Corder was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged in the 183rd State District Court .
Newsweek has contacted Houston police for an update on the boy 's condition .
According to the Gun Violence Archive , 673 children under the age of 12 have been injured as a result of gun violence in the U.S. so far this year—and another 284 have been killed .
A further 2,969 children aged between 12 and 17 have been injured this year in incidents with guns—and 1,026 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 7-year-old girl was shot while riding in a car in Washington D.C .
The girl was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after the shooting on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway at about 1 p.m. U.S. Park Police said they were searching for Alec Wilbur , 20 , in connection with the incident .
Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting , which forced the closure of a 2-mile stretch of the road for several hours .
Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to contact the Tip Line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or USPP_tipline @ nps.gov .
Last week , a Florida teenager was detained after allegedly shooting a 2-year-old boy at a mobile home in Cocoa .
The 16-year-old is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm after the incident on the morning of December 14 .
`` All of the evidence and witness statements indicate the shooting was not intentional , '' Detective Anthony Colombo said in a statement .
`` He was extremely emotional and remorseful . ''
Police confirmed that the teenager and the toddler were not related .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Department of Juvenile Justice , where he will be held for a minimum of 21 days while the State Attorney 's Office determines how to proceed with prosecution .

A mother in Texas has been charged after allegedly shooting her 8-year-old son during an argument with her husband.
Antionette Gina Corder, 31, is accused of aggravated assault against a family member following an incident at 6500 Dunlap Street, Houston, just after 11 a.m. on Friday, December 18.
Houston police said Corder and her husband had had a verbal altercation that morning, during which she picked up a gun and attempted to shoot her husband.
The 31-year-old is alleged to have accidentally hit her son in the upper left chest. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital in a stable condition.
Corder was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged in the 183rd State District Court.
Newsweek has contacted Houston police for an update on the boy's condition.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, 673 children under the age of 12 have been injured as a result of gun violence in the U.S. so far this year—and another 284 have been killed.
A further 2,969 children aged between 12 and 17 have been injured this year in incidents with guns—and 1,026 have been killed.
On December 21, a 7-year-old girl was shot while riding in a car in Washington D.C.
The girl was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after the shooting on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway at about 1 p.m.
U.S. Park Police said they were searching for Alec Wilbur, 20, in connection with the incident. Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting, which forced the closure of a 2-mile stretch of the road for several hours.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have information to contact the Tip Line at 1-888-361-3332, (202) 379-4877 or USPP_tipline@nps.gov.
Last week, a Florida teenager was detained after allegedly shooting a 2-year-old boy at a mobile home in Cocoa.
The 16-year-old is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm after the incident on the morning of December 14.
"All of the evidence and witness statements indicate the shooting was not intentional," Detective Anthony Colombo said in a statement. "He was extremely emotional and remorseful."
Police confirmed that the teenager and the toddler were not related.
The 16-year-old was due to be turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice, where he will be held for a minimum of 21 days while the State Attorney's Office determines how to proceed with prosecution.