newsweek--2020-12-15--Cyberattack 'Leaves U.K. Infrastructure Exposed for Month'

A cyberattack on a U.S. technology company that has left U.K. infrastructure exposed , including the Home Office , National Health Service ( NHS ) and police forces , could take months to remove , it has been claimed .
U.S. officials confirmed that it had been hit by cyberattacks targeting SolarWinds corp .
The attack inserted malware into software updates .
The company supplies technology products to all five branches of the U.S. military as well as the NHS , European Parliament and NATO .
President and CEO of SolarWinds Kevin Thompson said in a statement : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a highly sophisticated , targeted and manual supply chain attack by a nation-state .
We are acting in close coordinate with FireEye , the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the intelligence community , and other law enforcement to investigate these matters .
As such , we are limited as to what we can share at this time . ''
A U.K. government spokesperson told Newsweek that the government was assessing the degree of infiltration in British networks but was unwilling to comment whether the APT29 group , a hacking group tied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect .
Professor Muttukrishnan Rajarajan , professor of security engineering & director of the Institute for Cyber Security at City University , said the aim of such a cyberattack was to bring down national infrastructure .
He told Newsweek : `` So it 's going to be banking systems , the utility systems the government system . ''
Professor Rajarajan added that the U.K. widely uses SolarWinds technology and that the aim of hackers would have been to penetrate as many networks as possible and to cause maximum damage .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so is the U.S .
Many countries invest heavily in cybersecurity protecting critical national infrastructure but the main challenge is that these kinds of threats happen because people do n't update their systems , people can reveal passwords and access controls .
`` Somebody has injected malware into the system a long time ago , it did n't just happen last night , in most of these threats , the planned attack intends to penetrate sensitive systems , they tend to leave the software installed in different terminals and they trigger them at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could take months to root out the malware especially given that the attack had taken place between the months of March to June , as stated by the president of SolarWinds .
The company 's Orion platform is also used by the Home Office and regional police forces .
Bill Conner , CEO and president at SonicWall , who in recent years has advised the U.K. and U.S. governments , as well as Government Communications Headquarters ( GCHQ ) , on how best they can protect critical national assets from cybercrime said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geopolitical control .
He said : `` The news of the attack on U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments , and other government agencies , is especially troubling given major events that have captivated the attention of all Americans including the historic effort to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to the United States ' most vulnerable citizens , the 2020 presidential election and the onboarding of new political players to the government 's highest-ranking offices .
`` The hackers , most likely Russian backed , appear motivated by geopolitical control as well as monetary gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information and intellectual property could potentially pose a series of threats to influence or control global healthcare , enterprise and government agencies . ''
The U.K. National Cyber Security Centre said it was still investigating .
A spokesperson said : `` We are continuing to investigate this incident and have produced guidance for SolarWinds ' Orion suite customers .
While it is important to note this issue has only been reported for the Orion product suite and will therefore not impact all SolarWinds customers , we strongly urge those who are affected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was assessing the scale of the attack .
A spokesperson said : `` SolarWinds software is used by a wide range of governments and organizations , including some entities in NATO .
Our experts are currently assessing the situation , with a view to identifying and mitigating any potential risks to our networks . ''
The NHS has been contacted for comment .

A cyberattack on a U.S. technology company that has left U.K. infrastructure exposed, including the Home Office, National Health Service (NHS) and police forces, could take months to remove, it has been claimed.
U.S. officials confirmed that it had been hit by cyberattacks targeting SolarWinds corp. The attack inserted malware into software updates. The company supplies technology products to all five branches of the U.S. military as well as the NHS, European Parliament and NATO.
President and CEO of SolarWinds Kevin Thompson said in a statement: "We believe that this vulnerability is the result of a highly sophisticated, targeted and manual supply chain attack by a nation-state. We are acting in close coordinate with FireEye, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the intelligence community, and other law enforcement to investigate these matters. As such, we are limited as to what we can share at this time."
A U.K. government spokesperson told Newsweek that the government was assessing the degree of infiltration in British networks but was unwilling to comment whether the APT29 group, a hacking group tied to the Russian government, was a potential suspect.
Professor Muttukrishnan Rajarajan, professor of security engineering & director of the Institute for Cyber Security at City University, said the aim of such a cyberattack was to bring down national infrastructure. He told Newsweek: "So it's going to be banking systems, the utility systems the government system."
Professor Rajarajan added that the U.K. widely uses SolarWinds technology and that the aim of hackers would have been to penetrate as many networks as possible and to cause maximum damage.
The cyberattack could take "months to recover from" according to Professor Rajarajan Getty
He said: "The U.K. is well prepared but so is the U.S. Many countries invest heavily in cybersecurity protecting critical national infrastructure but the main challenge is that these kinds of threats happen because people don't update their systems, people can reveal passwords and access controls.
"Somebody has injected malware into the system a long time ago, it didn't just happen last night, in most of these threats, the planned attack intends to penetrate sensitive systems, they tend to leave the software installed in different terminals and they trigger them at some point."
He added that it could take months to root out the malware especially given that the attack had taken place between the months of March to June, as stated by the president of SolarWinds. The company's Orion platform is also used by the Home Office and regional police forces.
Bill Conner, CEO and president at SonicWall, who in recent years has advised the U.K. and U.S. governments, as well as Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), on how best they can protect critical national assets from cybercrime said the hackers appeared to be motivated by geopolitical control.
He said: "The news of the attack on U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments, and other government agencies, is especially troubling given major events that have captivated the attention of all Americans including the historic effort to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to the United States' most vulnerable citizens, the 2020 presidential election and the onboarding of new political players to the government's highest-ranking offices.
"The hackers, most likely Russian backed, appear motivated by geopolitical control as well as monetary gain. A player in possession of valuable information and intellectual property could potentially pose a series of threats to influence or control global healthcare, enterprise and government agencies."
The U.K. National Cyber Security Centre said it was still investigating.
A spokesperson said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and have produced guidance for SolarWinds' Orion suite customers. While it is important to note this issue has only been reported for the Orion product suite and will therefore not impact all SolarWinds customers, we strongly urge those who are affected to follow our guidance."
NATO said it was assessing the scale of the attack. A spokesperson said: "SolarWinds software is used by a wide range of governments and organizations, including some entities in NATO. Our experts are currently assessing the situation, with a view to identifying and mitigating any potential risks to our networks."
The NHS has been contacted for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Mitch McConnell, GOP Leaders Tell Party Not to Dispute Election Results

In a pivot from the claims that Republican officials have bolstered over the last six weeks , a number of GOP leaders are now urging the party to stop disputing the results of the presidential election a day after Electoral College voters formalized President-elect Joe Biden 's win .
Among the group of Republicans telling the GOP to stand down is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
On a Tuesday caucus call , McConnell urged colleagues not to object during Congress ' count and certification of the Electoral College vote next month .
Senate Republican Whip John Thune and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advising House Republicans not to object the votes when they are to be ratified during a joint session of Congress on January 6 .
While no one has indicated that they would object to a state 's electoral votes , McConnell warned that an objection , which `` is n't in the best interest of everybody , '' would force the Senate to debate and vote on the objection and leave Republican senators in a tough spot , according to a report from The Hill .
`` It creates a debate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly fail , '' Blunt said .
`` I certainly do n't see any merit in that . ''
`` If you view the Electoral College vote as determinative , the receiving of those votes in the joint session should be very non-controversial , '' Blunt added .
`` I think objecting serves no purpose . ''
In order for a Trump supporter in the House to successfully force a debate , at least one GOP senator will need to support the objection .
Both chambers would then meet separately to debate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of yet , lawmakers have never been able to successfully throw out a state 's election results .
`` I think that there was encouragement on the phone for us to accept the result , as much as it 's not what we , you know , would have envisioned for the next four years , and to try to do what 's best for American people , which is to look forward , '' Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito , who was on the call , told The Hill .
Senate Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard McConnell was discouraging GOP senators from objecting .
`` I am told he… urged members to just go forward , not to mess around with the Electoral College or any shenanigans , '' the Democrat said to reporters on Tuesday .
McConnell acknowledged Biden 's win in the election for the first time on Tuesday .
`` Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result , but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20 .
The Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader said in a floor speech .
`` So today , I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign for comment .

In a pivot from the claims that Republican officials have bolstered over the last six weeks, a number of GOP leaders are now urging the party to stop disputing the results of the presidential election a day after Electoral College voters formalized President-elect Joe Biden's win.
Among the group of Republicans telling the GOP to stand down is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
On a Tuesday caucus call, McConnell urged colleagues not to object during Congress' count and certification of the Electoral College vote next month.
Senate Republican Whip John Thune and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt joined McConnell in advising House Republicans not to object the votes when they are to be ratified during a joint session of Congress on January 6.
While no one has indicated that they would object to a state's electoral votes, McConnell warned that an objection, which "isn't in the best interest of everybody," would force the Senate to debate and vote on the objection and leave Republican senators in a tough spot, according to a report from The Hill.
"It creates a debate that has a certain outcome and that will certainly fail," Blunt said. "I certainly don't see any merit in that."
"If you view the Electoral College vote as determinative, the receiving of those votes in the joint session should be very non-controversial," Blunt added. "I think objecting serves no purpose."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. John Barrasso leave after the weekly Senate policy lunch on Capitol Hill on December 15. McConnell and other GOP leaders are urging other Republican officials not to dispute the certification of the election results come January 6. Tasos Katopodis/Stringer
In order for a Trump supporter in the House to successfully force a debate, at least one GOP senator will need to support the objection. Both chambers would then meet separately to debate the issue before casting a vote.
As of yet, lawmakers have never been able to successfully throw out a state's election results.
"I think that there was encouragement on the phone for us to accept the result, as much as it's not what we, you know, would have envisioned for the next four years, and to try to do what's best for American people, which is to look forward," Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who was on the call, told The Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he also heard McConnell was discouraging GOP senators from objecting.
"I am told he… urged members to just go forward, not to mess around with the Electoral College or any shenanigans," the Democrat said to reporters on Tuesday.
McConnell acknowledged Biden's win in the election for the first time on Tuesday.
"Many of us hoped that the presidential election would yield a different result, but our system of government has processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20. The Electoral College has spoken," the Senate Majority Leader said in a floor speech. "So today, I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden."
Newsweek reached out to the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-15--California Stocks up on Body Bags in Anticipation of COVID-19 Death Surge

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday the state purchased thousands of body bags and is preparing refrigerated storage units as new COVID-19 infections and deaths continue rising throughout the state .
California on Tuesday led all other U.S. states in terms of statewide COVID-19 infections .
New case and death numbers were expected to increase in the weeks ahead , with experts at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicting California could report a total of 54,000 virus-related deaths by early April .
State health officials on Monday reported 1,585,044 COVID-19 cases and 21,046 virus-related deaths since the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases was 32,523 by Tuesday , Newsom said during a Tuesday news conference .
With new infections on the rise since November and recent daily case tallies breaking records set during earlier surges , Newsom said 60 53-foot refrigerated storage units were ready for use near county hospitals .
State officials also recently purchased 5,000 body bags to add to the state 's inventory , some of which were distributed to Inyo County , Los Angeles County and San Diego County , Newsom said .
The three counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California region , which had only 1.7 percent ICU availability by Tuesday , the Democratic governor said .
`` That should be sobering , '' Newsom said of the state 's ongoing COVID-19 preparations .
`` I do n't want people to scare folks , but this is a deadly disease , and we need to be mindful of where we are in this current journey together to the vaccine .
We are not at the finish line yet . ''
The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) issued an emergency use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pharmaceutical company Pfizer last week .
The FDA is expected to approve another vaccine candidate created by Moderna in the days ahead .
Following the FDA 's approval of Pfizer 's vaccine , doses began arriving in states earlier this week so health officials could begin the vaccination process .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended health care workers and long-term care facility residents be offered vaccinations first .
Newsom said 33,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were distributed to four California locations on Monday .
Two dozen additional locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the state is expecting to receive another 393,900 doses next week , the governor said .
By the end of the month , California is also expecting to receive 672,000 doses of Moderna 's vaccine , pending its emergency use approval by the FDA , Newsom said .
Though the governor said the arrival of the vaccine provided `` a very optimistic 48 hours '' at the start of this week , he cautioned Californians about the tough weeks ahead .
`` We 're going through perhaps the most intense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' he said .
Newsweek reached out to Newsom 's office for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday the state purchased thousands of body bags and is preparing refrigerated storage units as new COVID-19 infections and deaths continue rising throughout the state.
California on Tuesday led all other U.S. states in terms of statewide COVID-19 infections. New case and death numbers were expected to increase in the weeks ahead, with experts at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicting California could report a total of 54,000 virus-related deaths by early April.
State health officials on Monday reported 1,585,044 COVID-19 cases and 21,046 virus-related deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state's seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases was 32,523 by Tuesday, Newsom said during a Tuesday news conference.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday the state recently purchased 5,000 body bags as the state's number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continued to rise. In the photo above, Newsom holds up a vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center on December 14, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty
With new infections on the rise since November and recent daily case tallies breaking records set during earlier surges, Newsom said 60 53-foot refrigerated storage units were ready for use near county hospitals. State officials also recently purchased 5,000 body bags to add to the state's inventory, some of which were distributed to Inyo County, Los Angeles County and San Diego County, Newsom said.
Brian Ferguson, the deputy director of crisis communication and public affairs with the Governor's Office for Emergency Services, told Newsweek the state purchased the 5,000 body bags to support similar purchases by local coroners.
"Typically the local county coroners purchase their own supplies," Ferguson said. "Due to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic the state has stepped in to support procurement and commodities movement on items that may not be otherwise available on the open market or are not available in the quantities needed by local jurisdictions."
Inyo, Los Angeles and San Diego counties are part of the state's Southern California region, which had only 1.7 percent ICU availability by Tuesday, the Democratic governor said.
"That should be sobering," Newsom said of the state's ongoing coronavirus preparations. "I don't want people to scare folks, but this is a deadly disease, and we need to be mindful of where we are in this current journey together to the vaccine. We are not at the finish line yet."
The Food and Drug Administration last week granted emergency use authorization for a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine from pharmaceutical company Pfizer. The FDA is expected to approve another vaccine candidate, developed by Moderna, in the coming days.
Following the FDA's approval of Pfizer's vaccine, doses began arriving in states earlier this week so health officials could begin the vaccination process. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended health care workers and long-term care facility residents be offered vaccinations first.
Newsom said 33,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were distributed to four California locations on Monday. Two dozen additional locations are expected to receive doses later today, and the state is expecting to receive another 393,900 doses next week, the governor said. By the end of the month, California is also expecting to receive 672,000 doses of Moderna's vaccine, pending its emergency use approval by the FDA, Newsom said.
Though the governor said the arrival of the vaccine provided "a very optimistic 48 hours" at the start of this week, he cautioned Californians about the tough weeks ahead.
"We're going through perhaps the most intense and urgent moment since the beginning of this pandemic," he said.
Updated 12/16 at 11:20 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include comments from Brian Ferguson with the Governor's Office for Emergency Services.


newsweek--2020-12-16--How Tom Cruise's COVID Rant Compares to Other Famous Celebrity Meltdowns

Tom Cruise has been recorded ranting at the crew of his upcoming film Mission : Impossible 7 over COVID-19 guidelines .
As reported by The Sun , Cruise is said to have noticed two individuals hovering over a computer screen in violation of social distancing rules .
`` We are the gold standard , '' Cruise shouts on the recording .
`` They 're back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us .
Because they believe in us and what we 're doing .
I 'm on the phone with every f****** studio at night , insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at us and using us to make their movies .
We are creating thousands of jobs , you motherf****** .
I do n't ever want to see it again .
Ever ! ''
`` Am I clear ?
Do you understand what I want ?
Do you understand the responsibility that I have ?
Because I will deal with your reason , and if you ca n't be reasonable and I ca n't deal with your logic , you 're fired , '' Cruise screams in the audio .
`` That 's it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you guys to be here . ''
While Cruise 's concerns over coronavirus are certainly justified , losing his temper in such an extreme manner is not .
The production of Mission : Impossible 7 has run into repeated hurdles .
Earlier this year , the production faced difficulties from Norwegian authorities for housing both the cast and crew aboard privately chartered cruise ships in hopes of keeping individuals safe from the spread of the virus while filming in Norway .
The outburst has unsurprisingly prompted a wave of reactions and memes online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here we take a look at other times when actors have had similar meltdowns .
Christian Bale famously was embroiled in a meltdown controversy in February 2009 when TMZ recorded audio of the Batman actor losing his temper on the set of Terminator Salvation .
Bale lashed out at cinematographer Shane Hurlbut for walking into his eye line during a take .
`` F*** sake man , you 're an amateur , '' Bale shouted in audio that was released on the internet .
`` I 'm going to f****** kick your f****** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a second !
All right ? ''
he said .
The actor later `` apologized unreservedly '' for the outburst , saying he `` acted like a punk . ''
`` I was out of order beyond belief .
I make no excuses for it , '' he told radio hosts Kevin Ryder and Gene 'Bean ' Baxter .
Director David O'Russell lost it at actress Lily Tomlin on the set of the film I Heart Huckabees in 2014 .
The American Hustle filmmaker was famously recorded calling Tomlin a `` c*** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storming off set .
Tomlin said that she and O'Russell later patched things up , telling The Hollywood Reporter : `` But we 've overcome it .
It dissipates and it 's gone . ''
Shia LaBeouf was arrested for public drunkenness in 2017 .
Videos then surfaced of the Honey Boy actor calling a police officer a `` f***** bitch '' and going on a racist tirade .
LaBeouf is in the news this week after his ex-girlfriend , singer FKA Twigs accused him of abusive behavior during their relationship .
Mel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of controversies for racist and anti-semitic outbursts .
In 2006 , the Australian actor was forced to apologize to a Los Angeles police officer who claimed the actor had shouted abuse at him during an arrest , including a claim that `` the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world . ''
He later issued an apology asking Jewish people for forgiveness .
In 2010 , audio was released capturing an argument between Gibson and his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva , in which he launches into a racist , sexist rant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tiger blood '' meltdown happened back in 2011 before the Two and a Half Men star entered rehab .
Looking back on the incident , Sheen told Loose Women in 2019 that it was `` surreal . ''
`` It feels awful .
I ca n't sit there and lie to you , '' he said .
`` Some of it is very surreal .
To this day , I am not sure how I created such chaos and wound up in that headspace .
It 's as though there was some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Newsweek has reached out to Cruise 's publicist for comment .

Tom Cruise has been recorded ranting at the crew of his upcoming film Mission: Impossible 7 over COVID-19 guidelines.
As reported by The Sun, Cruise is said to have noticed two individuals hovering over a computer screen in violation of social distancing rules.
"We are the gold standard," Cruise shouts on the recording. "They're back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us. Because they believe in us and what we're doing. I'm on the phone with every f****** studio at night, insurance companies, producers and they're looking at us and using us to make their movies. We are creating thousands of jobs, you motherf******. I don't ever want to see it again. Ever!"
"Am I clear? Do you understand what I want? Do you understand the responsibility that I have? Because I will deal with your reason, and if you can't be reasonable and I can't deal with your logic, you're fired," Cruise screams in the audio. "That's it. That is it. I trust you guys to be here."
Actor Tom Cruise was allegedly captured on audiotape delivering a profanity-laced tirade against crew members who may have been breaking COVID-19 mitigation procedures on the set of "Mission: Impossible 7." Elisabetta A. Villa/GC Images/Getty
While Cruise's concerns over coronavirus are certainly justified, losing his temper in such an extreme manner is not.
Read more Tom Cruise Filmed 'Mission Impossible' in Hospital With COVID Patients Tom Cruise Filmed 'Mission Impossible' in Hospital With COVID Patients
The production of Mission: Impossible 7 has run into repeated hurdles. Earlier this year, the production faced difficulties from Norwegian authorities for housing both the cast and crew aboard privately chartered cruise ships in hopes of keeping individuals safe from the spread of the virus while filming in Norway.
The outburst has unsurprisingly prompted a wave of reactions and memes online as Twitter users share the audio.
Here we take a look at other times when actors have had similar meltdowns.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale famously was embroiled in a meltdown controversy in February 2009 when TMZ recorded audio of the Batman actor losing his temper on the set of Terminator Salvation.
Bale lashed out at cinematographer Shane Hurlbut for walking into his eye line during a take.
"F*** sake man, you're an amateur," Bale shouted in audio that was released on the internet. "I'm going to f****** kick your f****** a** if you don't shut up for a second! All right?" he said.
The actor later "apologized unreservedly" for the outburst, saying he "acted like a punk."
"I was out of order beyond belief. I make no excuses for it," he told radio hosts Kevin Ryder and Gene 'Bean' Baxter.
David O'Russell
Director David O'Russell lost it at actress Lily Tomlin on the set of the film I Heart Huckabees in 2014.
The American Hustle filmmaker was famously recorded calling Tomlin a "c***" and throwing things at her while storming off set.
Tomlin said that she and O'Russell later patched things up, telling The Hollywood Reporter: "But we've overcome it. It dissipates and it's gone."
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf was arrested for public drunkenness in 2017. Videos then surfaced of the Honey Boy actor calling a police officer a "f***** bitch" and going on a racist tirade.
LaBeouf is in the news this week after his ex-girlfriend, singer FKA Twigs accused him of abusive behavior during their relationship.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson has been involved in a number of controversies for racist and anti-semitic outbursts.
In 2006, the Australian actor was forced to apologize to a Los Angeles police officer who claimed the actor had shouted abuse at him during an arrest, including a claim that "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."
He later issued an apology asking Jewish people for forgiveness.
In 2010, audio was released capturing an argument between Gibson and his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, in which he launches into a racist, sexist rant against her.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen's famous "tiger blood" meltdown happened back in 2011 before the Two and a Half Men star entered rehab.
Looking back on the incident, Sheen told Loose Women in 2019 that it was "surreal."
"It feels awful. I can't sit there and lie to you," he said. "Some of it is very surreal. To this day, I am not sure how I created such chaos and wound up in that headspace. It's as though there was some alien or demonic possession going on."
Newsweek has reached out to Cruise's publicist for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Florida Teenager Accidentally Shoots 2-Year-Old Boy Dead, Police Say

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of accidentally shooting a 2-year-old boy in Florida .
The 16-year-old boy is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm after 2-year-old Brayden Howard was killed at a mobile home in Cocoa on the morning of December 14 .
According to the Cocoa Police Department , the teenager went to 1671 Owosso Street in the Sunrise Village mobile home community with several friends .
The teens had brought at least two firearms to the home , where they stayed often .
After interviewing the eyewitnesses , police said the teenager had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find the toddler handling a revolver that was lying on the mattress .
The teenager grabbed the revolver from Brayden and checked to see if the gun was loaded .
The 16-year-old , who was unfamiliar with the handling of a revolver , believed the weapon was not loaded and ended up firing it , striking the toddler .
Police said they do not believe the child was killed on purpose .
`` All of the evidence and witness statements indicate the shooting was not intentional , '' Detective Anthony Colombo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely emotional and remorseful . ''
Police said that after the shooting , the toddler ran towards his mother who began screaming for help .
Neighbor Mark Barclay said he came outside when he heard the commotion on Monday morning .
`` First thing I heard was all the screaming and I saw the baby laying on the ground and the mother screaming and yelling with blood all over her , '' Barclay told Click Orlando .
A police officer arrived and performed CPR on Brayden .
The young boy was taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police previously confirmed that the teenager and the toddler are not related .
The 16-year-old is being 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 .
According to the Gun Violence Archive , 278 children under the age of 12 have been killed by firearms in the U.S. this year , with a further 662 injured .
Another 1,003 children between 12 and 17 were killed as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,931 in this age group were injured .

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of accidentally shooting a 2-year-old boy in Florida.
The 16-year-old boy is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm after 2-year-old Brayden Howard was killed at a mobile home in Cocoa on the morning of December 14.
According to the Cocoa Police Department, the teenager went to 1671 Owosso Street in the Sunrise Village mobile home community with several friends. The teens had brought at least two firearms to the home, where they stayed often.
After interviewing the eyewitnesses, police said the teenager had been sleeping on an air mattress and woke to find the toddler handling a revolver that was lying on the mattress.
The teenager grabbed the revolver from Brayden and checked to see if the gun was loaded.
The 16-year-old, who was unfamiliar with the handling of a revolver, believed the weapon was not loaded and ended up firing it, striking the toddler.
Police said they do not believe the child was killed on purpose.
"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 said that after the shooting, the toddler ran towards his mother who began screaming for help.
Neighbor Mark Barclay said he came outside when he heard the commotion on Monday morning.
"First thing I heard was all the screaming and I saw the baby laying on the ground and the mother screaming and yelling with blood all over her," Barclay told Click Orlando.
A police officer arrived and performed CPR on Brayden. The young boy was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police previously confirmed that the teenager and the toddler are not related.
The 16-year-old is being 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.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, 278 children under the age of 12 have been killed by firearms in the U.S. this year, with a further 662 injured.
Another 1,003 children between 12 and 17 were killed as a result of gun violence this year, and 2,931 in this age group were injured.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Woman Forced to Return Winning Lottery Ticket Worth Over $4 Million

A shop worker from Pennsylvania must hand back a $ 4.15 million winning lottery ticket after a court ruled it belonged to the supermarket where it was printed .
Beverlie Seltzer , who was employed by the Acme store in Doylestown , claimed the multi-million dollar slip was hers .
But a court ruled that the ticket—which it said was printed by mistake—was the store 's property .
State judge Mary Jane Bowes wrote that Seltzer only found the winning ticket when she reported for work on March 21 , 2019 , after the lottery numbers had been announced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket through the till , paying $ 10 , but took the winning slip instead and claimed it as her own .
According to Penn Live , the disagreement centers on the system governing tickets printed accidentally .
Stores must pay the lottery commission for each lottery slip mistakenly produced—but they are also allowed to keep any winnings .
The judge said CCTV footage showed Seltzer taking the winning ticket rather than leaving it for the store to claim .
A Bucks County judge ruled against Seltzer during an earlier hearing and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acme was the true owner of the successful ticket .
`` Acme became the owner of the mistake ticket as soon as it was printed , '' Bowes said , adding that Seltzer 's case was `` devoid of merit '' and included `` nonsensical musings . ''
`` When Ms Seltzer in this instance deviated from the Acme procedures that she usually followed , she acted surreptitiously and was not forthcoming about the circumstances of the purchase , '' Bowes wrote .
`` Even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could conclude that Ms Seltzer acted with the good faith belief that she was permitted by law or by Acme 's policies to give Acme $ 10 in exchange for $ 4,150,000.
`` In August , a man from Florida was arrested for trying to cash in a winning lottery ticket at the same store that he had stolen it and several others from , according to police .
The man identified by police as Herbert McClellan , 27 , of Clearwater , Florida , was accused of stealing 13 scratch-off lottery tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tickets was a $ 30 winner , police said .
Shortly after going back to the same store , Speedway employees , who remembered him from before , called the Clearwater Police Department .
He was arrested shortly after officers arrived at the Speedway , according to police .
Following the arrest , McClellan was charged with petit theft and dealing in stolen property , authorities said .

A shop worker from Pennsylvania must hand back a $4.15 million winning lottery ticket after a court ruled it belonged to the supermarket where it was printed.
Beverlie Seltzer, who was employed by the Acme store in Doylestown, claimed the multi-million dollar slip was hers.
But a court ruled that the ticket—which it said was printed by mistake—was the store's property.
State judge Mary Jane Bowes wrote that Seltzer only found the winning ticket when she reported for work on March 21, 2019, after the lottery numbers had been announced.
She said Seltzer ran a new lottery ticket through the till, paying $10, but took the winning slip instead and claimed it as her own.
According to Penn Live, the disagreement centers on the system governing tickets printed accidentally. Stores must pay the lottery commission for each lottery slip mistakenly produced—but they are also allowed to keep any winnings.
The judge said CCTV footage showed Seltzer taking the winning ticket rather than leaving it for the store to claim.
A Bucks County judge ruled against Seltzer during an earlier hearing and a Superior Court panel agreed on Tuesday that Acme was the true owner of the successful ticket.
"Acme became the owner of the mistake ticket as soon as it was printed," Bowes said, adding that Seltzer's case was "devoid of merit" and included "nonsensical musings."
"When Ms Seltzer in this instance deviated from the Acme procedures that she usually followed, she acted surreptitiously and was not forthcoming about the circumstances of the purchase," Bowes wrote.
"Even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Ms Seltzer, no reasonable fact-finder could conclude that Ms Seltzer acted with the good faith belief that she was permitted by law or by Acme's policies to give Acme $10 in exchange for $4,150,000. "
A sign showing a Powerball prize of $999 million, the largest jackpot winnings that the Powerball sign can display, with the actual Powerball jackpot estimated at $1.3 billion, outside a deli in Washington, DC, January 11, 2016. The latest case involved a smaller but not insignificant prize of more than $4 million. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
In August, a man from Florida was arrested for trying to cash in a winning lottery ticket at the same store that he had stolen it and several others from, according to police.
The man identified by police as Herbert McClellan, 27, of Clearwater, Florida, was accused of stealing 13 scratch-off lottery tickets from a Speedway convenience store. One of the tickets was a $30 winner, police said.
Shortly after going back to the same store, Speedway employees, who remembered him from before, called the Clearwater Police Department. He was arrested shortly after officers arrived at the Speedway, according to police.
Following the arrest, McClellan was charged with petit theft and dealing in stolen property, authorities said.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Detroit Seeks Fine and District Ban for 'Kraken' Lawyer Sidney Powell

The city of Detroit is asking a federal court to sanction attorney Sidney Powell and other lawyers involved in filing a suit that sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Michigan .
Powell , who is no longer associated with President Donald Trump 's campaign , promised to release `` the Kraken '' in a series of suits but has been unsuccessful so far , with courts in four states dismissing appeals for relief arising from unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud .
Now , Detroit is seeking fines for Powell and the other attorneys and asking that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern District of Michigan .
The motion also asks that they face sanction by the Michigan state bar .
`` Plaintiffs and their counsel understood that the mere filing of a suit ( no matter how frivolous ) could , without any evidence , raise doubts in the minds of millions of Americans about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election , '' lawyer David Fink wrote in the motion .
`` As this Court noted , 'Plaintiffs ask the Court to ignore the orderly statutory scheme established to challenge elections and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Fink is referring to a ruling by federal District Judge Linda Parker , who previously dismissed the Michigan `` Kraken '' suit .
Powell is attempting to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court , bypassing the federal courts of appeal .
`` The key 'factual ' allegations from the supposed fact witnesses , some of whom attempt to cloak their identities while attacking democracy , have been debunked , '' the Detroit motion goes on .
`` The allegations about supposed fraud in the processing and tabulation of absentee ballots by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rejected by every court which has considered them .
If any of the claims in this lawsuit had merit , that would have been demonstrated in those cases . ''
Powell and her co-counsels have 21 days to withdraw their litigation before a sanctions request is filed .
The motion has not yet been filed .
However , even if the case is withdrawn , Parker could choose to impose sanctions on her own initiative .
If the sanctions motion proceeds , Powell could be forced to pay a $ 100,000 bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would be in addition to measures requested by Detroit .
It 's not clear yet whether Parker will allow the motion for sanctions to move forward but she was critical of Powell 's suit in her ruling dismissing it , writing : `` Plaintiffs ask this court to ignore the orderly statutory scheme established to challenge elections and to ignore the will of millions of voters . ''
`` This , the Court can not , and will not , do , '' Parker said .

The city of Detroit is asking a federal court to sanction attorney Sidney Powell and other lawyers involved in filing a suit that sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Michigan.
Powell, who is no longer associated with President Donald Trump's campaign, promised to release "the Kraken" in a series of suits but has been unsuccessful so far, with courts in four states dismissing appeals for relief arising from unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud.
Now, Detroit is seeking fines for Powell and the other attorneys and asking that they be banned from practicing law in the Eastern District of Michigan. The motion also asks that they face sanction by the Michigan state bar.
Read more QAnoners Vow to Leave GOP After Mitch McConnell Accepts Election Result QAnoners Vow to Leave GOP After Mitch McConnell Accepts Election Result
"Plaintiffs and their counsel understood that the mere filing of a suit (no matter how frivolous) could, without any evidence, raise doubts in the minds of millions of Americans about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election," lawyer David Fink wrote in the motion.
"As this Court noted, 'Plaintiffs ask the Court to ignore the orderly statutory scheme established to challenge elections and to ignore the will of millions of voters."
Fink is referring to a ruling by federal District Judge Linda Parker, who previously dismissed the Michigan "Kraken" suit. Powell is attempting to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, bypassing the federal courts of appeal.
"The key 'factual' allegations from the supposed fact witnesses, some of whom attempt to cloak their identities while attacking democracy, have been debunked," the Detroit motion goes on.
"The allegations about supposed fraud in the processing and tabulation of absentee ballots by the City at the TCF Center have been rejected by every court which has considered them. If any of the claims in this lawsuit had merit, that would have been demonstrated in those cases."
Powell and her co-counsels have 21 days to withdraw their litigation before a sanctions request is filed. The motion has not yet been filed. However, even if the case is withdrawn, Parker could choose to impose sanctions on her own initiative.
If the sanctions motion proceeds, Powell could be forced to pay a $100,000 bond before filing further appeals of the suit. This would be in addition to measures requested by Detroit.
It's not clear yet whether Parker will allow the motion for sanctions to move forward but she was critical of Powell's suit in her ruling dismissing it, writing: "Plaintiffs ask this court to ignore the orderly statutory scheme established to challenge elections and to ignore the will of millions of voters."
"This, the Court cannot, and will not, do," Parker said.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Mega Millions Results, Numbers for 12/15/20: Did Anyone Win the $291 Million?

The Mega Millions winning numbers of last night 's draw were 1 , 10 , 18 , 20 , and 46 , and the Mega Ball was 15 .
The jackpot was $ 291 million with a cash option of $ 223.5 million , but did anyone win ?
Nobody won the jackpot , so the Mega Millions grand prize will roll over to the next drawing on Friday .
However , three players from Georgia , North Carolina , and New Jersey each matched five numbers and won $ 1 million each .
Additionally , 28 players matched four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10,000 each , while three of these winners used the Megaplier to double their prizes , winning $ 20,000 each .
More than 570 players matched four numbers and won $ 500 each , while more than 100 of these winners won $ 1,000 by using the Megaplier .
Nearly 1,500 players won $ 200 by matching three numbers and the Mega Ball and nearly 300 of these winners used the Megaplier and won $ 400 .
Hundreds of thousands of other players also won minor prizes .
More than 36,000 players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nearly 7,000 of these winners doubling their prizes to $ 20 using the Megaplier .
An additional 27,000 winners also won $ 10 , but by matching two numbers and the Mega Ball .
Nearly 200,000 players won $ 4 by matching one number and the Mega Ball and more than 36,000 of these players won $ 8 using the Megaplier .
Finally , almost 460,000 players won $ 2 by matching just the Mega Ball .
On Friday , December 18 , the jackpot will be an estimated $ 310 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , which is the largest prize offered since early June .
This is also the fourth year in a row that that jackpot has grown to more than $ 300 million during the holiday season .
On December 17 , 2019 , an Ohio player won the $ 375 million jackpot , while the grand prize had exceeded $ 300 million in 2018 and 2017 , too .
Though the year is coming to a close , there are still a few more opportunities to win the jackpot in 2020 .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jackpot has been won five times , with two states , Arizona and Wisconsin , winning their first-ever jackpot .
A player in Arizona won the largest prize of the year when they won $ 414 million on June 9 , and a player in Wisconsin won $ 120 million on September 15 .
This year , two 2020 jackpots have been won in New Jersey , as a player from the state won $ 202 million on February 11 and another won $ 123 million on July 24 .
The fifth jackpot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , when a California winner took home a $ 22 million prize .

The Mega Millions winning numbers of last night's draw were 1, 10, 18, 20, and 46, and the Mega Ball was 15. The jackpot was $291 million with a cash option of $223.5 million, but did anyone win?
Nobody won the jackpot, so the Mega Millions grand prize will roll over to the next drawing on Friday.
However, three players from Georgia, North Carolina, and New Jersey each matched five numbers and won $1 million each.
Additionally, 28 players matched four numbers and the Mega Ball and won $10,000 each, while three of these winners used the Megaplier to double their prizes, winning $20,000 each.
More than 570 players matched four numbers and won $500 each, while more than 100 of these winners won $1,000 by using the Megaplier. Nearly 1,500 players won $200 by matching three numbers and the Mega Ball and nearly 300 of these winners used the Megaplier and won $400.
Hundreds of thousands of other players also won minor prizes. More than 36,000 players won $10 by matching three numbers with nearly 7,000 of these winners doubling their prizes to $20 using the Megaplier. An additional 27,000 winners also won $10, but by matching two numbers and the Mega Ball.
A machine prints a Mega Millions lottery ticket for a customer at a convenience store on December 17, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson/Getty
Nearly 200,000 players won $4 by matching one number and the Mega Ball and more than 36,000 of these players won $8 using the Megaplier. Finally, almost 460,000 players won $2 by matching just the Mega Ball.
On Friday, December 18, the jackpot will be an estimated $310 million with a cash option of $238 million, which is the largest prize offered since early June.
This is also the fourth year in a row that that jackpot has grown to more than $300 million during the holiday season. On December 17, 2019, an Ohio player won the $375 million jackpot, while the grand prize had exceeded $300 million in 2018 and 2017, too.
Though the year is coming to a close, there are still a few more opportunities to win the jackpot in 2020. So far this year, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won five times, with two states, Arizona and Wisconsin, winning their first-ever jackpot.
A player in Arizona won the largest prize of the year when they won $414 million on June 9, and a player in Wisconsin won $120 million on September 15.
This year, two 2020 jackpots have been won in New Jersey, as a player from the state won $202 million on February 11 and another won $123 million on July 24. The fifth jackpot of the year was won on July 31, when a California winner took home a $22 million prize.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Either Stimulus Plan Would Fill Economic Hole Caused by COVID: Research

The bipartisan stimulus proposal on the table could yield as much as $ 20 billion more for U.S. economic output than the deal proposed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , according to think tank research .
Despite this slight difference , both deals would be enough to close the economic output gap for 2021 , researchers at the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget ( CRFB ) concluded this week .
The output gap is the difference between expected economic output under current law and possible economic output if the economy were operating at full potential .
Using simplified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBO ) and the Brookings Institution , the CRFB estimate Mnuchin 's plan would boost the economy by about $ 640 billion ( within a range of $ 550 billion to $ 725 billion ) .
The bipartisan plan would boost output by $ 660 billion ( within a range of $ 560 to $ 760 billion ) , the research suggests .
Assuming the midpoint estimate for this economic boost and underlying GDP , the stimulus would be enough in both cases to boost GDP by roughly 1 percent over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have endorsed plans to provide over $ 900 billion of COVID-19 relief as part of a year-end funding deal .
The Democratic leadership has called for something similar to the bipartisan group 's $ 908 billion plan , while the Republican leadership has reportedly endorsed a $ 916 billion offer put forward by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin .
Though the packages differ in significant ways , the CRFB estimates that both would boost economic output enough to close almost half of the output gap over the next three years .
Lawmakers also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund the government to avoid a shutdown going into the holidays .
There is a push to attach coronavirus relief to the government funding bill in order to expedite it .
On Tuesday , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) said a deal was `` close '' while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) told reporters he was `` optimistic '' one was imminent .
Congress ' top four leaders—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) , McCarthy , McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the budget and COVID relief .
As of late that night , the leaders had yet to strike a deal .
Two sticking points in the negotiations are liability protections and money for state and local governments .
Most Americans are not optimistic about the prospects of a deal .
On December 15 , YouGov asked 11,399 respondents if they thought it was likely lawmakers would reach a COVID relief deal by Friday 's deadline .
The most common response was not likely at all , with 31 percent .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very likely , meaning some 61 percent of those asked cast doubt on the chances of a deal by Friday .

The bipartisan stimulus proposal on the table could yield as much as $20 billion more for U.S. economic output than the deal proposed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, according to think tank research.
Despite this slight difference, both deals would be enough to close the economic output gap for 2021, researchers at the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) concluded this week.
The output gap is the difference between expected economic output under current law and possible economic output if the economy were operating at full potential.
Using simplified multipliers from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Brookings Institution, the CRFB estimate Mnuchin's plan would boost the economy by about $640 billion (within a range of $550 billion to $725 billion).
The bipartisan plan would boost output by $660 billion (within a range of $560 to $760 billion), the research suggests.
Assuming the midpoint estimate for this economic boost and underlying GDP, the stimulus would be enough in both cases to boost GDP by roughly 1 percent over the next three years.
Lawmakers from both parties have endorsed plans to provide over $900 billion of COVID-19 relief as part of a year-end funding deal.
The Democratic leadership has called for something similar to the bipartisan group's $908 billion plan, while the Republican leadership has reportedly endorsed a $916 billion offer put forward by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
Though the packages differ in significant ways, the CRFB estimates that both would boost economic output enough to close almost half of the output gap over the next three years.
Lawmakers also have until Friday to pass a bill to fund the government to avoid a shutdown going into the holidays. There is a push to attach coronavirus relief to the government funding bill in order to expedite it.
On Tuesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said a deal was "close" while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told reporters he was "optimistic" one was imminent.
Congress' top four leaders—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), McCarthy, McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—met privately for several hours on Tuesday about the budget and COVID relief. As of late that night, the leaders had yet to strike a deal.
Two sticking points in the negotiations are liability protections and money for state and local governments.
Most Americans are not optimistic about the prospects of a deal. On December 15, YouGov asked 11,399 respondents if they thought it was likely lawmakers would reach a COVID relief deal by Friday's deadline.
The most common response was not likely at all, with 31 percent. This was followed by 30 percent who said not very likely, meaning some 61 percent of those asked cast doubt on the chances of a deal by Friday.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Pelosi Mask Mandate Violates Her Rights: 'My Body My Choice'

Marjorie Taylor Greene , congresswoman-elect for Georgia 's 14th congressional district , has branded a mask mandate issued by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) a `` violation of my rights . ''
Pelosi announced Tuesday that lawmakers in the House of Representatives would be required at all times to wear masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , insisting recognition in the chamber would hinge on members following this .
Responding to this Greene , who has openly supported the QAnon conspiracy theory in the past , wrote on Twitter : `` Is this the Marjorie Mask Mandate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my rights . ''
Greene , an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump who has backed him in his push against the election outcome , ended the tweet using the hashtag # MyBodyMyChoice .
This phrase is often used by pro-choice advocates , but has been appropriated by some on social media against the wearing of face coverings amid the COVID-19 crisis .
Pelosi , speaking at a pro forma session , said : `` Masks will now be required at all times in the hall of the House without exception .
Including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To be clear , members will not be recognized unless they are wearing a mask and recognition will be withdrawn if they remove the mask while speaking . ''
Rep. Don Beyer ( D-VA ) responded to Greene 's post , criticizing her comments about her rights .
`` Masks protect people around you and you do n't have a special 'right ' to endanger Congressional staff or Capitol Police officers , '' Beyer wrote .
According to a tally from CNN , 36 members of the House have tested positive or presumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
At least 17 of these have been since November 1 , CNN reports .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people aged 2 or older should wear masks in public settings and when they are around people who do not live with them .
A page detailing considerations for wearing masks on its website reads : `` COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets .
Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you cough , sneeze , talk , shout , or sing .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or noses of people who are near you or they may breathe these droplets in .
`` Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others .
Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth . ''
Newsweek has contacted Greene and Pelosi for comment .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is going up across the country , with more than 16 million across the United States throughout the pandemic according to Johns Hopkins University figures .
The COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300,000 .
The below graphic , from Statista , shows the nations with the highest COVID-19 death tolls .

Marjorie Taylor Greene, congresswoman-elect for Georgia's 14th congressional district, has branded a mask mandate issued by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) a "violation of my rights."
Pelosi announced Tuesday that lawmakers in the House of Representatives would be required at all times to wear masks amid the coronavirus pandemic, insisting recognition in the chamber would hinge on members following this rule.
Responding to this Greene, who has openly supported the QAnon conspiracy theory in the past, wrote on Twitter: "Is this the Marjorie Mask Mandate, @SpeakerPelosi? An oppressive violation of my rights."
Greene, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump who has backed him in his push against the election outcome, ended the tweet using the hashtag #MyBodyMyChoice.
This phrase is often used by pro-choice advocates, but has been appropriated by some on social media against the wearing of face coverings in the COVID-19 crisis.
Greene told Newsweek she wanted to ask Pelosi why she was imposing the rules, which she suggested were "more oppressive" than the regulations in place when Pelosi made a controversial trip to a hair salon in September. Pelosi was spotted not wearing a face mask when she visited the salon.
Greene added: "Also, when is she getting the vaccine? If she did that, she wouldn't have a reason to force me to wear a mask."
Is this the Marjorie Mask Mandate, @SpeakerPelosi?
An oppressive violation of my rights. #MyBodyMyChoice https://t.co/UKUqCAyznl — Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) December 15, 2020
Pelosi, speaking at a pro forma session, said: "Masks will now be required at all times in the hall of the House without exception. Including while members are under recognition.
"To be clear, members will not be recognized unless they are wearing a mask and recognition will be withdrawn if they remove the mask while speaking."
Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) arrives to the Hyatt Regency hotel on Capitol Hill on November 12, 2020. She has criticized mask rules for lawmakers in the House. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) responded to Greene's post, criticizing her comments.
"Masks protect people around you and you don't have a special 'right' to endanger Congressional staff or Capitol Police officers," Beyer wrote.
Masks protect people around you and you don't have a special "right" to endanger Congressional staff or Capitol Police officers. https://t.co/nF9ig9imgW — Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) December 15, 2020
According to a tally from CNN, 36 members of the House have tested positive or presumed positive for coronavirus or its antibodies. At least 17 of these have been since November 1, CNN reports.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people aged 2 or older should wear masks in public settings and when they are around people who do not live with them.
A page detailing considerations for wearing masks on its website reads: "COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing. These droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are near you or they may breathe these droplets in.
Read more How Georgia's Economy, COVID Cases Stack up Ahead of Senate Runoffs How Georgia's Economy, COVID Cases Stack up Ahead of Senate Runoffs
"Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others. Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth."
Newsweek has contacted Greene and Pelosi for comment.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is going up across the country, with more than 16 million across the United States throughout the pandemic according to Johns Hopkins University. The COVID-19 death toll in the nation has surpassed 300,000.
The below graphic, from Statista, shows the nations with the highest COVID-19 death tolls.
Statista
Update 12/16/2020: This page has been updated with further comments from Greene.


newsweek--2020-12-16--PS5 Restock Updates as Antonline and Newegg Expect Consoles Coming Soon

The PlayStation 5 was briefly restocked at both Walmart and Best Buy on Tuesday but predictably sold out instantly .
Just over a week until Christmas Day , gamers will hopefully have a few more opportunities to get their hands on the PS5 as Newegg and Antonline are expected to restock the console .
However , as the next-gen Sony console is so in demand , there are a few PS5 scams circulating online .
Find out below how to increase your chances of purchasing a PS5 for Christmas and how to avoid falling for a scam .
On Newegg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` coming soon . ''
One includes the Playstation 5 Console , DualSense Controller , Demon 's Souls , and HD Camera for PS5 .
The other includes the Playstation 5 Digital Console , DualSense Controller , HD Camera for PS5 , and PlayStation Media Remote .
Both currently out of stock , but the website suggests that they will be restocked soon , so check back with Newegg over the next few days .
Gamers were alerted to a potential restock at Newegg by Twitter-user @ Wario64 who posts about new products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Series X drops .
His is a good account to follow if you want to stay in the loop .
Antonline said that it will have more next-gen consoles , including the PS5 , available this month .
Antonline did not announce any specific dates , but with the update coming via Twitter , it would be a good idea to follow @ antonlinecom to be notified when the consoles become available .
Walmart restocked the PS5 console at 3 p.m. on Tuesday without much warning .
The PlayStation 5 consoles quickly sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more would become available .
The retailer had previously been selling the next-gen Sony console in-store but signs spotted in Walmart stores suggest that the PS5 will be sold exclusively online in the immediate future .
Tuesday 's drop came around a week before the rumored restock date of December 21 , but it is still worth checking the Walmart website on Monday .
Best Buy restocked the PS5 console on Tuesday too , though the retailer gave gamers a heads up the day before .
As the consoles were expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gamers flooded to the Best Buy website at this time , causing issues with loading and overcrowding .
Once the consoles became available , they quickly sold out , as they have done with every release .
Best Buy has not announced any more restock dates for the PS5 at the time of writing .
Bergen Reach is a fake , scam website claiming to sell the PS5 consoles for cheaper than the regular retail price .
Some Twitter users are sharing the link claiming that the site has the PlayStation 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be trusted .
Shoppers are urged to stay away from this website and any other non-reputable retailers claiming to sell the highly in-demand consoles at a discounted price .
Scam Detector reported that the Bergen Reach scam is run by the people behind the Phar Sold scam which emerged a few days ago , also claiming to sell the PlayStation 5 .
The website also says that Bergen Reach is linked to another website named Anth Sold , which is also a scam .
Although the PS5 is highly coveted and might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christmas , it is not worth risking hundreds of dollars on a scam website .
Only buy the PS5 or Xbox Series X from trusted retailers , and remember that if a price seems too good to be true , it 's probably a scam .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn a share of the sale .

The PlayStation 5 was briefly restocked at both Walmart and Best Buy on Tuesday but predictably sold out instantly. Just over a week until Christmas Day, gamers will hopefully have a few more opportunities to get their hands on the PS5 as Newegg and Antonline are expected to restock the console.
However, as the next-gen Sony console is so in demand, there are a few PS5 scams circulating online. Find out below how to increase your chances of purchasing a PS5 for Christmas and how to avoid falling for a scam.
Newegg PS5 Restock
On Newegg, two PS5 bundles are marked as "coming soon." One includes the Playstation 5 Console, DualSense Controller, Demon's Souls, and HD Camera for PS5. The other includes the Playstation 5 Digital Console, DualSense Controller, HD Camera for PS5, and PlayStation Media Remote. Both currently out of stock, but the website suggests that they will be restocked soon, so check back with Newegg over the next few days.
Gamers were alerted to a potential restock at Newegg by Twitter-user @Wario64 who posts about new products and deals, including PS5 and Xbox Series X drops. His is a good account to follow if you want to stay in the loop.
The PS5 continues to sell out as it is restocked, but gamers should keep an eye on retailers Antonline and Newegg. PlayStation
Antonline PS5 Restock
Antonline said that it will have more next-gen consoles, including the PS5, available this month. Antonline did not announce any specific dates, but with the update coming via Twitter, it would be a good idea to follow @antonlinecom to be notified when the consoles become available.
Gamers: We’ve had a lot of requests and wanted to update you. We still have more next gen console drops coming this month. If your looking for AMD Zen 3 we will have those soon too. Happy gaming! 😀 — antonline (@antonlinecom) December 16, 2020
Walmart PS5 Restock
Walmart restocked the PS5 console at 3 p.m. on Tuesday without much warning. The PlayStation 5 consoles quickly sold out and Walmart has not announced when more would become available.
The retailer had previously been selling the next-gen Sony console in-store but signs spotted in Walmart stores suggest that the PS5 will be sold exclusively online in the immediate future.
Tuesday's drop came around a week before the rumored restock date of December 21, but it is still worth checking the Walmart website on Monday.
Best Buy PS5 Restock
Best Buy restocked the PS5 console on Tuesday too, though the retailer gave gamers a heads up the day before. As the consoles were expected to be released sometime after 9 a.m. ET, gamers flooded to the Best Buy website at this time, causing issues with loading and overcrowding.
Once the consoles became available, they quickly sold out, as they have done with every release. Best Buy has not announced any more restock dates for the PS5 at the time of writing.
Bergen Reach PS5 Scam
Bergen Reach is a fake, scam website claiming to sell the PS5 consoles for cheaper than the regular retail price. Some Twitter users are sharing the link claiming that the site has the PlayStation 5 in stock but Bergen Reach should not be trusted.
Shoppers are urged to stay away from this website and any other non-reputable retailers claiming to sell the highly in-demand consoles at a discounted price.
Scam Detector reported that the Bergen Reach scam is run by the people behind the Phar Sold scam which emerged a few days ago, also claiming to sell the PlayStation 5. The website also says that Bergen Reach is linked to another website named Anth Sold, which is also a scam.
Although the PS5 is highly coveted and might be more in-demand than ever in the run-up to Christmas, it is not worth risking hundreds of dollars on a scam website. Only buy the PS5 or Xbox Series X from trusted retailers, and remember that if a price seems too good to be true, it's probably a scam.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-16--French Laundry Restaurant Where Newsom Dined Received Over $2.4 Million in PPP COVID Loans

The California restaurant where Gov .
Gavin Newsom and San Fransisco Mayor London Breed were spotted dining during a COVID surge , reportedly received $ 2.4 million in Payment Protection Program ( PPP ) loans .
The French Laundry , a three Michelin-star restaurant in Younteville , Napa Valley , apparently received two loans which were both approved on April 30 - the first loan for more than $ 2.2 million to retain 163 employees and the second loan for $ 194,656 to retain a further five employees .
This was 17 times more than what the average Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to analysis from ABC7 .
The PPP was established by the CARES Act of 2020 to help `` small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits . ''
The program was closed in August .
It comes after photos emerged of Newsom dining with at least 10 other people at the French Laundry last month , prompting criticism that the governor was flaunting state guidelines against private meetings in groups from more than three households .
Breed then attended an eight-person birthday party at the restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media reports .
The French Laundry offers an exclusive outdoor culinary experience starting at $ 450 per person or a `` White Truffle and Caviar dinner '' for $ 1,200 per person among several other dining options , according to its reservation service .
The company 's website states that celebrity chef Thomas Keller owns the 1,600 square foot building .
It is reportedly is one of at least seven restaurants in the Bay Area with two or three Michelin stars that also received PPP loans , according to the SBA .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Atelier , and Californios Restaurant Group .
Beyond The French Laundry , ABC7 analysed thousands of California loans from data released by the U.S. Small Business Association ( SBA ) , finding that larger , wealthier businesses were often given PPP loans before small mom-and-pop owners .
According to the media outlet , 91 percent of larger restaurants with 300 or more employees got their loan approved in April versus only 52 percent of smaller restaurants with 100 or fewer employees .
Laurie Aaronson , a financial consultant serving hundreds of restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for PPP loans , told the broadcaster : `` Those who had access to financial advisors , accountants , and attorneys to make sense of the application received the loans . ''
This is the latest analysis of PPP data which shows a trend of funds going to larger companies , while smaller businesses were often left without the federal financial support .
Recent analysis from The Washington Post showed that national chains have received tens of millions of dollars more under the PPP than had been previously known .
The publication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in the same time frame went to bigger businesses while only 28 percent of the money was distributed in amounts less than $ 150,000 .
But officials from the Treasury Department and SBA had reportedly argued that the program mainly benefited smaller businesses because more than 87 percent of the loans were for less than $ 150,000 .
Newsweek has contacted The French Laundry , the Treasury Department and SBA for comment .
On November 6 , Newsom was photographed dining with at least 10 other people at the French Laundry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines against private meetings of groups from more than three households .
Although Newsom and other attendees insisted the event did not technically violate restrictions on restaurant dining at the time , he later admitted that `` the spirit of what I 'm preaching all the time was contradicted . ''
`` I made a bad mistake , '' Newsom said .
`` I should have stood up and walked back , got in my car and drove back to my house .
Instead , I chose to sit there with my wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were outside the household . ''
A few days later he announced that the state 's list of public health restrictions for most residents would soon include a new stay-at-home order to last until December 21 .
It applied to more than 94 percent of California residents who live in 41 counties under the strictest `` purple tier '' of COVID-19 restrictions .
The order includes a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew , although essential workers are exempted .
On November 7 , Breed also attended a gathering for socialite Gorretti Lo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laundry .
Three days later , on November 10 , Breed announced in a statement that San Francisco would be temporarily banning indoor dining once again—effective November 13—following a 250 percent increase in COVID-19 cases since October 2 .
Breed and Newsom are among several California elected officials who have been called out for not following their own advice on COVID-19 restrictions .
Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl was spotted dining outdoors at a restaurant just hours after casting one of three votes to prohibit outdoor dining , stating in a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely serving unmasked diners was `` a bit of magical thinking . ''
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo also drew criticism after traveling to attend a holiday dinner in Saratoga , California , with his elderly parents and other relatives from different households , despite urging his own residents to avoid big gatherings for Thanksgiving .

The California restaurant where Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Fransisco Mayor London Breed were spotted dining during a COVID surge, reportedly received $2.4 million in Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans.
The French Laundry, a three Michelin-star restaurant in Younteville, Napa Valley, apparently received two loans which were both approved on April 30 - the first loan for more than $2.2 million to retain 163 employees and the second loan for $194,656 to retain a further five employees.
This was 17 times more than what the average Bay Area restaurant received from the PPP, according to analysis from ABC7.
The PPP was established by the CARES Act of 2020 to help "small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits." The program was closed in August.
The French Laundry Restaurant reportedly received more than $2.4 million in PPP loans. Google Maps
It comes after photos emerged of Newsom dining with at least 10 other people at the French Laundry last month, prompting criticism that the governor was flaunting state guidelines against private meetings in groups from more than three households. Breed then attended an eight-person birthday party at the restaurant just a day later, according to media reports.
The French Laundry offers an exclusive outdoor culinary experience starting at $450 per person or a "White Truffle and Caviar dinner" for $1,200 per person among several other dining options, according to its reservation service. The company's website states that celebrity chef Thomas Keller owns the 1,600 square foot building.
It is reportedly is one of at least seven restaurants in the Bay Area with two or three Michelin stars that also received PPP loans, according to the SBA. The others include Saison, Acquerello, Benu, Atelier, and Californios Restaurant Group.
Beyond The French Laundry, ABC7 analysed thousands of California loans from data released by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), finding that larger, wealthier businesses were often given PPP loans before small mom-and-pop owners.
According to the media outlet, 91 percent of larger restaurants with 300 or more employees got their loan approved in April versus only 52 percent of smaller restaurants with 100 or fewer employees.
Laurie Aaronson, a financial consultant serving hundreds of restaurants across the Bay Area who helped many apply for PPP loans, told the broadcaster: "Those who had access to financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys to make sense of the application received the loans."
This is the latest analysis of PPP data which shows a trend of funds going to larger companies, while smaller businesses were often left without the federal financial support.
Recent analysis from The Washington Post showed that national chains have received tens of millions of dollars more under the PPP than had been previously known.
The publication found that half of the $522 billion in the same time frame went to bigger businesses while only 28 percent of the money was distributed in amounts less than $150,000.
But officials from the Treasury Department and SBA had reportedly argued that the program mainly benefited smaller businesses because more than 87 percent of the loans were for less than $150,000.
Newsweek has contacted The French Laundry, the Treasury Department and SBA for comment.
California politicians accused of breaching own COVID rules
On November 6, Newsom was photographed dining with at least 10 other people at the French Laundry, prompting criticism that he was flaunting state guidelines against private meetings of groups from more than three households.
California Governor Gavin Newsom gestures while speaking at a press conference in Oakland, California on January 16. Justin Sullivan/Getty
Although Newsom and other attendees insisted the event did not technically violate restrictions on restaurant dining at the time, he later admitted that "the spirit of what I'm preaching all the time was contradicted."
"I made a bad mistake," Newsom said. "I should have stood up and walked back, got in my car and drove back to my house. Instead, I chose to sit there with my wife and a number of other couples that were outside the household."
A few days later he announced that the state's list of public health restrictions for most residents would soon include a new stay-at-home order to last until December 21.
It applied to more than 94 percent of California residents who live in 41 counties under the strictest "purple tier" of COVID-19 restrictions. The order includes a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, although essential workers are exempted.
On November 7, Breed also attended a gathering for socialite Gorretti Lo Lui's 60th birthday at the French Laundry.
Three days later, on November 10, Breed announced in a statement that San Francisco would be temporarily banning indoor dining once again—effective November 13—following a 250 percent increase in COVID-19 cases since October 2.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed dined at the French Laundry a day after Gov. Gavin Newsom. In this photo, Breed speaks during a press conference about the coronavirus on March 16. Justin Sullivan/Getty
Breed and Newsom are among several California elected officials who have been called out for not following their own advice on COVID-19 restrictions. Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl was spotted dining outdoors at a restaurant just hours after casting one of three votes to prohibit outdoor dining, stating in a virtual press conference last month that restaurant staffers safely serving unmasked diners was "a bit of magical thinking."
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo also drew criticism after traveling to attend a holiday dinner in Saratoga, California, with his elderly parents and other relatives from different households, despite urging his own residents to avoid big gatherings for Thanksgiving.