upi--2020-02-05--President Donald Trump touts U.S. economy, military in State of the Union address

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump touted the strength of the U.S. economy in his State of the Union address on Tuesday .
Trump praised the economy as the best it 's ever been declaring he has ushered in a `` great American comeback '' through trade deals , his tax package and repeals of regulatory legislations put in place by the previous administration .
`` From the instant I took office , I moved rapidly to revive the U.S. economy -- slashing a record number of job-killing regulations , enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Trump said .
He cited as an example last week 's signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement -- a revision of the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 -- which Trump has predicted will improve U.S. economic growth by 1.2 percent , generate $ 68 billion in new economic activity and create 176,000 new jobs .
Trump also mentioned that the United States signed a deal with China `` that will defend our workers , protect our intellectual property , bring billions of dollars into our treasury and open vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right here in the United States of America . ''
During the speech , Trump announced that Venezuelan National Assembly President Juan Guaido was in the chamber and reasserted the United State 's backing of Guaido 's claim that President Nicolas Maduro 's presidency is illegitimate and he is the country 's rightful leader .
`` All Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in the righteous struggle for freedom ! ''
Trump said .
`` Socialism destroys nations .
But always remember , freedom unifies the soul . ''
Trump said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's wars in the Middle East , citing the `` determination and valor '' of warfighters in Afghanistan .
`` I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan , many of them innocent , '' Trump said .
`` It is also not our function to serve other nations as a law enforcement agency .
These are warfighters , the best in the world and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all .
We are working to finally end America 's longest war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump also remarked on the January strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleomani at his direction .
`` Our message to the terrorists is clear : You will never escape American justice .
If you attack our citizens , you forfeit your life ! ''
Trump said .
Trump praised the United States ' $ 2.2 trillion investment in the military and his recent $ 738 billion defense bill that established the Space Force , a new sixth branch of the military that will be responsible for training , equipping and organizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect U.S. and allied interests in space while also providing space capabilities to the joint force . ''
He acknowledged Arizona eighth grader Iain Lanphier , 13 , who has expressed aspirations to join the newly formed military branch .
`` He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy and then , he has his eye on the Space Force , '' Trump said .
`` As Iain says , 'most people look up at space , I want to look down on the world . '
'' The president also called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation including the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act , which would provide scholarships to encourage freedom of school choice .
Trump awarded an Opportunity Scholarship to Philadelphia fourth-grader Janiyah Davis who was present for the address .
`` Now , I call on Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received , '' he said .
`` Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act -- because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. , that would allow Americans to sue so-called sanctuary cities and states that choose not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities if a loved one is injured or killed by an undocumented immigrant .
`` I ask the Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately , '' Trump said .
`` The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans -- not criminal aliens ! ''
He also called for legislation to cut the cost of prescription drugs and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made no mention of the impeachment proceeding against him , which is expected to end in a vote for acquittal after Senators voted against allowing witnesses and evidence in the trial .
As he spoke , several Democrats walked out .
Congressman Tim Ryan left , stating on Twitter that he `` had enough . ''
`` It 's like watching professional wrestling , '' he said .
`` It 's all fake . ''
Rep. Bill Pascrell , Jr. , D-N.Y , said he also left , as did Rep. Rashida Tlaib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bigotry and the shameless bragging about taking away food stamps that people depend on to live -- it was all beneath the dignity of the office he occupies , '' Tlaib said on Twitter .
`` Shame on this forever impeached president . ''
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi 's guest , Fred Guttenberg , father of a Parkland school shooting victim , was escorted from the building for heckling Trump after the president vowed to `` always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms '' during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his outburst .
`` I have tried to conduct myself with dignity throughout this process and I will do better as I pursue gun safety , '' he said .
As Trump concluded his speech , Pelosi dramatically tore a printed copy that the president had handed her earlier in half .
Asked why she tore the speech , Pelosi told reporters it was `` the courteous thing to do given the alternative . ''
Ten House Democrats chose to boycott Trump 's speech , including Reps. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Texas , Hank Johnson of Georgia , Frederica Wilson of Florida , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts , Maxine Waters of California , Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Bobby Rush of Illinois .
Rep. Gretchen Whitmer , D-Mich. , delivered the Democratic response to Trump 's speech in English and Rep. Veronica Escobar , D-Texas , gave the Spanish response .


upi--2020-02-05--'The Mandalorian' Season 2 set for October

Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Mandalorian Season 2 will be coming to Disney+ in October , Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during an earnings call .
Iger also stated on Tuesday that the Star Wars series starring Pedro Pascal as a masked bounty hunter will go beyond Season 2 and that spinoff shows are being considered .
The Mandalorian was created by Jon Favreau and launched with the Disney+ streaming service in November .
The space adventure gained attention for it 's introduction of a young , Yoda-like character who has been deemed Baby Yoda by fans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esposito , Nick Nolte and Werner Herzog starred in the first season , among others .
Iger said Marvel shows The Falcon and the Winter Soldier would be coming to Disney+ in August with WandaVision set for December .
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will star Anthony Mackie as Falcon , set to take on the mantle of Captain America following the events of Avengers : Endgame .
Sebastian Stan returns as the Winter Soldier .
WandaVision , which stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany as Vision , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live a normal life together .
A teaser trailer for the Marvel shows was released during Super Bowl LIV on Sunday and featured Wanda and Vision moving between different time periods with Wanda even donning her Scarlet Witch costume .

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"The Mandalorian" star Pedro Pascal. Season 2 of the "Star Wars" series will be released in October. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The Mandalorian Season 2 will be coming to Disney+ in October, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during an earnings call. Iger also stated on Tuesday that the Star Wars series starring Pedro Pascal as a masked bounty hunter will go beyond Season 2 and that spinoff shows are being considered. Advertisement
The Mandalorian was created by Jon Favreau and launched with the Disney+ streaming service in November. The space adventure gained attention for it's introduction of a young, Yoda-like character who has been deemed Baby Yoda by fans.
Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Giancarlo Esposito, Nick Nolte and Werner Herzog starred in the first season, among others.
Iger said Marvel shows The Falcon and the Winter Soldier would be coming to Disney+ in August with WandaVision set for December.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will star Anthony Mackie as Falcon, set to take on the mantle of Captain America following the events of Avengers: Endgame. Sebastian Stan returns as the Winter Soldier.
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WandaVision, which stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany as Vision, will follow the Marvel duo as they attempt to live a normal life together.
A teaser trailer for the Marvel shows was released during Super Bowl LIV on Sunday and featured Wanda and Vision moving between different time periods with Wanda even donning her Scarlet Witch costume.


upi--2020-02-05--Inside the looking glass: Trump is the GOP's new Ike

The impeachment of Donald J. Trump has clearly been a trip through Alice in Wonderland 's magic looking glass .
There is no other explanation .
Consider why .
First , despite impeachment , Trump is the new Ike , that is president and general of the Army Dwight David Eisenhower , at least in terms of Republican support .
The current Wall Street Journal/NBC poll measured the level of support for all presidents since Harry S. Truman about nine months prior to running for a second term in November .
Ike had by far the strongest party support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course easily won re-election .
Since then , according to this poll , only one president has come close to Ike 's level : Trump .
Among all Republicans , this president has an astounding 89 percent support or a statistical dead heat with the general who won the war in Europe .
Political scientists and psychiatrists will spend decades arguing how and why this happened .
By this measure , Trump 's chances of re-election are good .
And should Democrats nominate Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren , the president 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's trashing by Richard Nixon in 1972 look like a `` close run thing . ''
Of course , November is far away in political terms .
Next , the acquittal of the president to occur Wednesday afternoon marks a dramatic turn in jurisprudence .
Republican senators fully agree that House impeachment managers have made their case : Trump did abuse his powers by withholding vital military aid until Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to announce publicly investigations into the Biden family .
But that behavior did not rise to the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at worst was `` inappropriate . ''
Apply that standard to future jury trials in American courts .
After the foreman reads the verdict that `` We , the jury find the defendant guilty of ... , '' the judge rules that the behavior was only inappropriate and frees the litigant .
After all , this is precisely what 51 senators decided after denying the request for additional witnesses .
And some Republicans will complain that by knowing the Senate would never convict , why bring articles of impeachment at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecute anyone , given even the slightest unlikelihood of conviction ?
Alice would argue that this interpretation gives `` innocent until proven guilty '' new meaning .
Or it reaffirms the wisdom of the Red Queen in calling for sentence before verdict .
Most Americans know where this is headed .
Senate acquittal of the president will lead to countless victory laps , making the public dizzy .
Bragging rights understate how Trump will trumpet both the `` vindication '' from the Mueller Report of no Russian collusion and the Senate 's vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hoaxes '' by the Democrats trying to undo the 2016 election .
But most worrying is the degree to which Trump will be empowered and unrestrained in using what his sees as his now unbridled authority as president .
Instead of impeachment constraining presidential irresponsibility , the opposite could occur .
Despite Part II of the Mueller Report that outlined 10 possible scenarios for impeachment and lack of exoneration of foul play with Russia and now impeachment charges that were rejected , the president 's base will respond powerfully , or at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Journal/NBC polls are accurate .
Should Trump win a second term , will his disruptive plans to `` drain the swamp '' and make scofflaw allies pay their fair share to compensate for America 's role in defending them fully take hold ?
Given actuarial probabilities for a new Supreme Court associate justice , that appointment would make six conservative judges with profound consequences for Roe vs. Wade and other highly partisan issues .
Trump could also make good on his original view that NATO is obsolete .
Another Donald -- Rumsfeld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that is not knowing what we do n't know .
Of course , events could conspire to defeat Trump .
Mishandling the coronavirus ; an economic meltdown ; a decision to strike Iran ; or the nomination of a credible opponent are not impossible .
Still , at this point , Trump seems on a path to win in 2020 .
Yet it is stunning that Trump 's political support equals Eisenhower 's .
Pvt .
Bone Spur now equates to a general of the army politically .
And it is equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this to have happened , the GOP had to abandon the values of Abraham Lincoln and Ike .
Further , the willingness of Senate Republicans to accept the prosecution 's case and block any further action , even for witnesses , means that American politics are indeed operating inside the looking glass .
The only remaining question is this : When will the Red Queen turn into the Orange King ?
Harlan Ullman is a senior adviser at the Atlantic Council .
His latest book is `` Anatomy of Failure : Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Follow him @ harlankullman .

Among all Republicans, President Donald Trump has an astounding 89 percent support -- or a statistical dead heat with Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who won the war in Europe. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
The impeachment of Donald J. Trump has clearly been a trip through Alice in Wonderland's magic looking glass. There is no other explanation. Consider why. First, despite impeachment, Trump is the new Ike, that is president and general of the Army Dwight David Eisenhower, at least in terms of Republican support. The current Wall Street Journal/NBC poll measured the level of support for all presidents since Harry S. Truman about nine months prior to running for a second term in November. Ike had by far the strongest party support of any candidate -- 91 percent -- and of course easily won re-election. Advertisement
Since then, according to this poll, only one president has come close to Ike's level: Trump. Among all Republicans, this president has an astounding 89 percent support or a statistical dead heat with the general who won the war in Europe. Political scientists and psychiatrists will spend decades arguing how and why this happened.
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By this measure, Trump's chances of re-election are good. And should Democrats nominate Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, the president's victory margin could make Sen. George McGovern's trashing by Richard Nixon in 1972 look like a "close run thing." Of course, November is far away in political terms.
Next, the acquittal of the president to occur Wednesday afternoon marks a dramatic turn in jurisprudence. Republican senators fully agree that House impeachment managers have made their case: Trump did abuse his powers by withholding vital military aid until Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to announce publicly investigations into the Biden family. But that behavior did not rise to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanors" and at worst was "inappropriate."
Apply that standard to future jury trials in American courts. After the foreman reads the verdict that "We, the jury find the defendant guilty of...," the judge rules that the behavior was only inappropriate and frees the litigant. After all, this is precisely what 51 senators decided after denying the request for additional witnesses. And some Republicans will complain that by knowing the Senate would never convict, why bring articles of impeachment at all.
According to this logic, then why prosecute anyone, given even the slightest unlikelihood of conviction? Alice would argue that this interpretation gives "innocent until proven guilty" new meaning. Or it reaffirms the wisdom of the Red Queen in calling for sentence before verdict.
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Most Americans know where this is headed. Senate acquittal of the president will lead to countless victory laps, making the public dizzy. Bragging rights understate how Trump will trumpet both the "vindication" from the Mueller Report of no Russian collusion and the Senate's vote as proof positive of "witch hunts and hoaxes" by the Democrats trying to undo the 2016 election. But most worrying is the degree to which Trump will be empowered and unrestrained in using what his sees as his now unbridled authority as president.
Instead of impeachment constraining presidential irresponsibility, the opposite could occur. Despite Part II of the Mueller Report that outlined 10 possible scenarios for impeachment and lack of exoneration of foul play with Russia and now impeachment charges that were rejected, the president's base will respond powerfully, or at least 89 percent of it will if the Journal/NBC polls are accurate.
Should Trump win a second term, will his disruptive plans to "drain the swamp" and make scofflaw allies pay their fair share to compensate for America's role in defending them fully take hold? Given actuarial probabilities for a new Supreme Court associate justice, that appointment would make six conservative judges with profound consequences for Roe vs. Wade and other highly partisan issues. Trump could also make good on his original view that NATO is obsolete.
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Another Donald -- Rumsfeld -- famously defined "unknown unknowns," that is not knowing what we don't know. Of course, events could conspire to defeat Trump. Mishandling the coronavirus; an economic meltdown; a decision to strike Iran; or the nomination of a credible opponent are not impossible. Still, at this point, Trump seems on a path to win in 2020.
Yet it is stunning that Trump's political support equals Eisenhower's. Pvt. Bone Spur now equates to a general of the army politically. And it is equally stunning, though not surprising, that for this to have happened, the GOP had to abandon the values of Abraham Lincoln and Ike. Further, the willingness of Senate Republicans to accept the prosecution's case and block any further action, even for witnesses, means that American politics are indeed operating inside the looking glass.
The only remaining question is this: When will the Red Queen turn into the Orange King?
Harlan Ullman is a senior adviser at the Atlantic Council. His latest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Has Lost Every War It Starts." Follow him @harlankullman.


upi--2020-02-05--People on blood pressure, cholesterol meds often let healthy habits slip

Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- People diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol often let heart-healthy habits slip after starting treatment with prescription drugs , a new study has found .
In an analysis published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association , Finnish researchers found adults at risk for heart disease and stroke who took cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering medications were more likely to reduce their activity levels and gain weight over time than those not on drug treatment .
`` Medication should n't be viewed as a free pass to continue or start an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J. Korhonen , senior researcher at the University of Turku in Finland , said in a press release .
`` People starting on medications should be encouraged to continue or start managing their weight , be physically active , manage alcohol consumption and quit smoking . ''
Heart-healthy lifestyle habits -- like exercise and a balanced diet -- are always recommended whether or not blood pressure or cholesterol medications are prescribed .
Korhonen and her colleagues assessed more than 40,000 public-sector workers in Finland who had not been previously diagnosed with heart disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 52 years of age at the beginning of the study , and 80 percent of them were female .
Each participant was given two or more surveys in four-year intervals between 2000 and 2013 .
The surveys assessed BMI , physical activity , alcohol consumption and smoking history .
The researchers also obtained pharmacy data if they began taking the prescribed high blood pressure or statin medications , categorizing medication use based on those who began the preventive medications between the start of the study and the four-year follow-up surveys and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those who did not start medications , the researchers found that those who did were 8 percent more likely to become physically inactive .
They also noted that those on medication were 82 percent more likely to become obese or have an increase in body mass index .
The researchers note that , because of a public health initiative in Finland , as well as variations in the habits of participants -- such as smoking , the cessation of which can affect weight gain , and a lack of specific information on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study may not be broadly generalizable .
But , they say , the research suggests that many slack off in lifestyle habits when they start drug treatment .
`` Our findings support the notion that there is scope to improve management of lifestyle-related risk factors among individuals who have initiated preventive medication , '' researchers wrote in the study .
`` Patients ' awareness of their risk factors alone seems not to be effective in improving health behaviors . ''

Finnish adults treated for high blood pressure or cholesterol were more likely to stop exercising and eating healthy, a new study finds. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association
Feb. 5 (UPI) -- People diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol often let heart-healthy habits slip after starting treatment with prescription drugs, a new study has found. In an analysis published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Finnish researchers found adults at risk for heart disease and stroke who took cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering medications were more likely to reduce their activity levels and gain weight over time than those not on drug treatment. Advertisement
"Medication shouldn't be viewed as a free pass to continue or start an unhealthy lifestyle," study co-author Maarit J. Korhonen, senior researcher at the University of Turku in Finland, said in a press release. "People starting on medications should be encouraged to continue or start managing their weight, be physically active, manage alcohol consumption and quit smoking."
Heart-healthy lifestyle habits -- like exercise and a balanced diet -- are always recommended whether or not blood pressure or cholesterol medications are prescribed.
Korhonen and her colleagues assessed more than 40,000 public-sector workers in Finland who had not been previously diagnosed with heart disease or stroke. On average, participants were 52 years of age at the beginning of the study, and 80 percent of them were female.
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Each participant was given two or more surveys in four-year intervals between 2000 and 2013. The surveys assessed BMI, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking history.
The researchers also obtained pharmacy data if they began taking the prescribed high blood pressure or statin medications, categorizing medication use based on those who began the preventive medications between the start of the study and the four-year follow-up surveys and those who did not start medications.
Compared to those who did not start medications, the researchers found that those who did were 8 percent more likely to become physically inactive. They also noted that those on medication were 82 percent more likely to become obese or have an increase in body mass index.
The researchers note that, because of a public health initiative in Finland, as well as variations in the habits of participants -- such as smoking, the cessation of which can affect weight gain, and a lack of specific information on participant diets -- the results of the study may not be broadly generalizable. But, they say, the research suggests that many slack off in lifestyle habits when they start drug treatment.
"Our findings support the notion that there is scope to improve management of lifestyle-related risk factors among individuals who have initiated preventive medication," researchers wrote in the study. "Patients' awareness of their risk factors alone seems not to be effective in improving health behaviors."


upi--2020-02-05--Coronavirus evacuation flight lands in New Zealand; Death toll climbs to 492

Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- An Air New Zealand flight carrying some 200 people of various nationalities fleeing China amid an outbreak of a deadly coronavirus touched down in Auckland on Wednesday , officials said , as the global death toll from the disease climbed to nearly 500 .
New Zealand 's Ministry of Health Director-General Ashley Bloomfield told reporters the plane landed in Auckland Wednesday evening with all 190 passengers on board tired but well .
`` They were all very relieved to be here , '' he said .
Officials said in a statement Wednesday the plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international airport in Wuhan , the central Chinese city that has been under lockdown for weeks amid an outbreak of a new coronavirus called 2019-nCoV .
The city in Hubei province is home to a seafood and wild animal market where the disease is believed to have emerged from .
People first starting falling ill from the coronavirus in early December , but it has since infected people in at least 23 countries , which are now rushing to stymie it from further spreading .
China on Wednesday announced 65 people , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease in the past 24 hours , causing the national death toll to climb to 490 .
Globally , 492 have died from the disease .
China 's National Health Commission said it had 24,324 confirmed cases of the disease , an increase of 3,887 new cases from the day prior .
The majority of the cases were from Hubei , it added .
Outside of China , there are at least 149 confirmed cases of the disease , according to the World Health Organization .
New Zealand has yet to register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contamination all passengers of the Air New Zealand flight were screened before boarding resulting in one person barred from the flight by Chinese authorities , according to the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade .
Among the passengers to land in Auckland were 98 New Zealanders , 23 Australians and 69 nationals from predominantly Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea , Samoa , Kiribati and others .
Bloomfield said some nations had asked New Zealand to fly their citizens out of Wuhan .
Britain confirmed that 14 people , including eight Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plane .
`` So grateful to NZ colleagues for getting 14 Brits/family members onto NZ flight from Wuhan last night , '' said Danae Dholakia , a British diplomate in Beijing , on Twitter .
Dholakia said the departure of the plane was delayed to allow the British Embassy to acquire clearances for a 4-year-old child .
`` New Zealand : you 're wonderful , '' she said .
On Tuesday , Bloomfield said 263 people had registered to travel .
However , some had removed their names from the manifest while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport , the foreign affairs ministry said .
Aside from the Australians , the passengers will be transported to Whangaparaoa Peninsula , some 25 miles north of Auckland , where they will be quarantined during the coronavirus ' 14-day incubation period , Bloomfield said .
`` I 'm very pleased to say that the flight is here , the people on board are all well and I 'm pleased the Ministry of Health is now taking responsibility for them , and we will be taking care of them for the 14 days that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whangaparaoa Peninsula , '' he said .
He said , the Australians who landed in Auckland will be transferred directly to a flight to take them home , he said .
The evacuation comes after Australia repatriated 241 citizens from Wuhan on Tuesday who are now under quarantine on Christmas Island .
Meanwhile , the United States said two flights have departed from Wuhan with 350 passengers and were heading to California military bases .

The first Australians evacuated from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, arrive on Christmas Island on Tuesday. Photo by Australia's Department of Home Affairs/EPA-EFE
Feb. 5 (UPI) -- An Air New Zealand flight carrying some 200 people of various nationalities fleeing China amid an outbreak of a deadly coronavirus touched down in Auckland on Wednesday, officials said, as the global death toll from the disease climbed to nearly 500. New Zealand's Ministry of Health Director-General Ashley Bloomfield told reporters the plane landed in Auckland Wednesday evening with all 190 passengers on board tired but well. Advertisement
"They were all very relieved to be here," he said.
Officials said in a statement Wednesday the plane had departed before 7 a.m. from the international airport in Wuhan, the central Chinese city that has been under lockdown for weeks amid an outbreak of a new coronavirus called 2019-nCoV.
The city in Hubei province is home to a seafood and wild animal market where the disease is believed to have emerged from. People first starting falling ill from the coronavirus in early December, but it has since infected people in at least 23 countries, which are now rushing to stymie it from further spreading.
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China on Wednesday announced 65 people, all in Hubei province, had died from the disease in the past 24 hours, causing the national death toll to climb to 490. Globally, 492 have died from the disease.
China's National Health Commission said it had 24,324 confirmed cases of the disease, an increase of 3,887 new cases from the day prior. The majority of the cases were from Hubei, it added.
Outside of China, there are at least 149 confirmed cases of the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
New Zealand has yet to register a confirmed case and to prevent possible contamination all passengers of the Air New Zealand flight were screened before boarding resulting in one person barred from the flight by Chinese authorities, according to the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Among the passengers to land in Auckland were 98 New Zealanders, 23 Australians and 69 nationals from predominantly Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kiribati and others.
Bloomfield said some nations had asked New Zealand to fly their citizens out of Wuhan.
Britain confirmed that 14 people, including eight Britons and their family members, were aboard the plane.
"So grateful to NZ colleagues for getting 14 Brits/family members onto NZ flight from Wuhan last night," said Danae Dholakia, a British diplomate in Beijing, on Twitter.
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Dholakia said the departure of the plane was delayed to allow the British Embassy to acquire clearances for a 4-year-old child.
"New Zealand: you're wonderful," she said.
So grateful to #NZ colleagues for getting 14 Brits/family members onto NZ flight from Wuhan last night, incl. holding up departure so @ukinchina could get clearances for the last passenger, a British 4 yr old child, to board. New Zealand: you're wonderful! @UKinNZ @foreignoffice— Danae Dholakia (@danaedholakia) February 5, 2020
On Tuesday, Bloomfield said 263 people had registered to travel. However, some had removed their names from the manifest while 60 others failed to arrive at the airport, the foreign affairs ministry said.
Aside from the Australians, the passengers will be transported to Whangaparaoa Peninsula, some 25 miles north of Auckland, where they will be quarantined during the coronavirus' 14-day incubation period, Bloomfield said.
"I'm very pleased to say that the flight is here, the people on board are all well and I'm pleased the Ministry of Health is now taking responsibility for them, and we will be taking care of them for the 14 days that they are here in isolation up on Whangaparaoa Peninsula," he said.
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He said, the Australians who landed in Auckland will be transferred directly to a flight to take them home, he said.
The evacuation comes after Australia repatriated 241 citizens from Wuhan on Tuesday who are now under quarantine on Christmas Island.
Meanwhile, the United States said two flights have departed from Wuhan with 350 passengers and were heading to California military bases.


upi--2020-02-05--Texting while walking poses serious safety risk, researchers say

The dangers of `` distracted driving '' are well-known , but texting while walking may also be a road hazard , a new research review finds .
Pedestrians who are busy texting are less likely to look both ways before crossing the street and have caused a growing number of `` close calls '' with cars , the review found .
And while chatting on a cellphone or listening to music can be distracting , neither was as bad as texting .
Much of the evidence comes from simulation studies -- where researchers observe people during virtual street crossings that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not clear how often distracted walking factors into traffic crashes , the Canadian researchers said .
`` Controlled experiments do not necessarily reflect the real world , '' said Alex Epstein , director of transportation safety at the nonprofit National Safety Council .
He was n't part of the study , but reviewed the findings .
On the other hand , Epstein said , `` it just stands to reason '' that if pedestrians are distracted by their phones , that could compromise their safety .
`` You need all of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
The study , published Feb. 3 in the journal Injury Prevention , comes at a time when pedestrian deaths are on the rise .
In 2018 , an estimated 6,283 pedestrians died in traffic crashes on U.S. roads , according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .
The reasons for the rise are unclear , Epstein said , but several factors are thought to be behind it : higher speed limits in many areas of the country ; impaired driving , and distracted driving .
The dangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellphones , fiddling with the car 's navigation system , or talking with passengers -- are well-documented .
Texting is considered the most worrisome distraction , according to the NHTSA .
Sending or reading a text takes a driver 's eyes off the road for about 5 seconds , the agency says .
Because of that , texting while driving is now against the law in most U.S. states , according to the Governors Highway Safety Association .
Many also prohibit drivers from using hand-held cellphones .
Much less is known about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the new review , researchers led by Sarah Simmons at the University of Calgary were able to find 14 simulation studies .
Overall , those studies found , texting or browsing on a smartphone compromised people 's virtual street-crossing skills .
They were less likely to look both ways before crossing , and the distraction increased their risk of being `` hit '' or having a close call with a virtual vehicle .
In general , texting and browsing dulled pedestrians ' skills more than talking on a cellphone or listening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight studies in which researchers observed pedestrians in the real world .
Again , pedestrians who were busy with their phones were less likely to look around before or during street crossings .
`` It 's a mirror of the general issue of distraction , '' Epstein said .
`` We 're more interested in our screens than in the reality around us . ''
Steve Marshall directs the Injury Prevention Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .
`` Undoubtedly , pedestrians are more distracted these days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall , who was not involved in the study .
For pedestrians , the message is simple : `` Please prioritize your safety over your device , '' Marshall said .
However , he stressed , `` traffic safety is a communal responsibility . ''
And the United States has a long way to go in making its streets safer for pedestrians , cyclists and vehicle passengers alike , Marshall said .
He pointed to Oslo , Norway , as an example of what 's possible .
The city -- which is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that no pedestrian or cyclist was killed on its roads in 2019. Credit was given to several steps that Oslo has taken to boost traffic safety -- including lower speed limits , replacing nearly all on-street parking with bike lanes and sidewalks , and closing major downtown streets to cars .
`` The U.S. needs to create roads that are designed for the collective safety , '' Marshall said .
Yet as it stands , he noted , many communities lack even basic sidewalks .
Marshall also pointed to the `` No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow down .
`` Slowing down gives you more time to react , and it can make the difference between injuring someone and killing someone , '' he said .
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has advice on road safety .

Overall, texting or browsing distracted pedestrians more than talking or listening to music, researchers say. Photo by StockSnap /Pixabay
The dangers of "distracted driving" are well-known, but texting while walking may also be a road hazard, a new research review finds. Pedestrians who are busy texting are less likely to look both ways before crossing the street and have caused a growing number of "close calls" with cars, the review found. And while chatting on a cellphone or listening to music can be distracting, neither was as bad as texting. Advertisement
Much of the evidence comes from simulation studies -- where researchers observe people during virtual street crossings that pose no real danger. And it's not clear how often distracted walking factors into traffic crashes, the Canadian researchers said.
"Controlled experiments do not necessarily reflect the real world," said Alex Epstein, director of transportation safety at the nonprofit National Safety Council. He wasn't part of the study, but reviewed the findings.
On the other hand, Epstein said, "it just stands to reason" that if pedestrians are distracted by their phones, that could compromise their safety.
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"You need all of your faculties available to navigate the roads," he said.
The study, published Feb. 3 in the journal Injury Prevention, comes at a time when pedestrian deaths are on the rise. In 2018, an estimated 6,283 pedestrians died in traffic crashes on U.S. roads, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The reasons for the rise are unclear, Epstein said, but several factors are thought to be behind it: higher speed limits in many areas of the country; impaired driving, and distracted driving.
The dangers of distracted driving -- whether from using cellphones, fiddling with the car's navigation system, or talking with passengers -- are well-documented. Texting is considered the most worrisome distraction, according to the NHTSA. Sending or reading a text takes a driver's eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, the agency says.
Because of that, texting while driving is now against the law in most U.S. states, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Many also prohibit drivers from using hand-held cellphones.
Much less is known about whether distracted pedestrians contribute to traffic crashes. For the new review, researchers led by Sarah Simmons at the University of Calgary were able to find 14 simulation studies.
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Overall, those studies found, texting or browsing on a smartphone compromised people's virtual street-crossing skills. They were less likely to look both ways before crossing, and the distraction increased their risk of being "hit" or having a close call with a virtual vehicle.
In general, texting and browsing dulled pedestrians' skills more than talking on a cellphone or listening to music.
The Calgary team also found eight studies in which researchers observed pedestrians in the real world. Again, pedestrians who were busy with their phones were less likely to look around before or during street crossings.
"It's a mirror of the general issue of distraction," Epstein said. "We're more interested in our screens than in the reality around us."
Steve Marshall directs the Injury Prevention Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"Undoubtedly, pedestrians are more distracted these days, and so are drivers," said Marshall, who was not involved in the study.
For pedestrians, the message is simple: "Please prioritize your safety over your device," Marshall said.
However, he stressed, "traffic safety is a communal responsibility." And the United States has a long way to go in making its streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers alike, Marshall said.
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He pointed to Oslo, Norway, as an example of what's possible. The city -- which is the size of Washington, D.C. -- recently reported that no pedestrian or cyclist was killed on its roads in 2019.
Credit was given to several steps that Oslo has taken to boost traffic safety -- including lower speed limits, replacing nearly all on-street parking with bike lanes and sidewalks, and closing major downtown streets to cars.
"The U.S. needs to create roads that are designed for the collective safety," Marshall said. Yet as it stands, he noted, many communities lack even basic sidewalks.
Marshall also pointed to the "No. 1 priority" for drivers: slow down.
"Slowing down gives you more time to react, and it can make the difference between injuring someone and killing someone," he said.
More information
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has advice on road safety.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-05--On This Day, Feb. 5: FDR Supreme Court proposal prompts accusations of 'court-packing'

Feb. 05 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1631 , British clergyman Roger Williams , who founded the colony of Rhode Island , arrived in Salem , Mass.
, seeking religious freedom .
In 1918 , a German U-boat torpedoed the SS Tuscania , sinking the liner as it transported thousands of U.S. troops to Europe .
More than 200 died , the rest were rescued by other ships in the convoy .
In 1937 , President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed expanding the Supreme Court to up to 15 justices , prompting accusations he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He dropped the plan later that year .
In 1945 , U.S. troops led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to Manila , liberating the Philippine capital from Japanese authority .
In 1971 , Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edward Mitchell were on the moon for 4 hours .
They were the fifth and sixth astronauts to walk on the moon since Apollo 11 in 1969 .
In 1989 , the last Soviet troops left Kabul , ending a nearly decadelong involvement in a war between Afghanistan 's communist government and Muslim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by within weeks of the vacating the capital .
In 1994 , white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of the 1963 killing of Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evers .
In 2003 , making a case for U.N.-endorsed military action in Iraq , U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell accused the Saddam Hussein regime of deceiving U.N. weapons inspectors and having ties with the al-Qaida terrorist network .
In 2007 , U.S. astronaut Lisa Marie Nowak , a naval officer , was arrested on several charges , including attempted kidnapping , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fla. , to confront another officer she viewed as a romantic rival for a fellow astronaut .
Nowak eventually pleaded guilty to lesser charges , avoided prison and was forced to leave the Navy .
In 2018 , the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 1,175 points -- or 4.6 percent -- the largest single-day drop in Dow history .

1/3
President Franklin Roosevelt waiting in his car outside the White House ca. 1936. On February 5, 1937, Roosevelt proposed expanding the Supreme Court to up to 15 justices. File Photo by Library of Congress
Feb. 05 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1631, British clergyman Roger Williams, who founded the colony of Rhode Island, arrived in Salem, Mass., seeking religious freedom. Advertisement
In 1918, a German U-boat torpedoed the SS Tuscania, sinking the liner as it transported thousands of U.S. troops to Europe. More than 200 died, the rest were rescued by other ships in the convoy.
In 1919, screen legends Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and D.W. Griffith formed United Artists.
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed expanding the Supreme Court to up to 15 justices, prompting accusations he was trying to "pack" the court. He dropped the plan later that year.
In 1945, U.S. troops led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned to Manila, liberating the Philippine capital from Japanese authority.
File Photo by US Army/UPI
In 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edward Mitchell were on the moon for 4 hours. They were the fifth and sixth astronauts to walk on the moon since Apollo 11 in 1969.
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In 1989, the last Soviet troops left Kabul, ending a nearly decadelong involvement in a war between Afghanistan's communist government and Muslim rebels. All troops left the country by within weeks of the vacating the capital.
In 1994, white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of the 1963 killing of Mississippi civil rights leader Medgar Evers.
In 2003, making a case for U.N.-endorsed military action in Iraq, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell accused the Saddam Hussein regime of deceiving U.N. weapons inspectors and having ties with the al-Qaida terrorist network.
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
In 2007, U.S. astronaut Lisa Marie Nowak, a naval officer, was arrested on several charges, including attempted kidnapping, after she drove from Houston to Orlando, Fla., to confront another officer she viewed as a romantic rival for a fellow astronaut. Nowak eventually pleaded guilty to lesser charges, avoided prison and was forced to leave the Navy.
In 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 1,175 points -- or 4.6 percent -- the largest single-day drop in Dow history.
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upi--2020-02-05--Risk of aviation hacking prompts new training

ORLANDO , Fla. , Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- A Florida university has started a new program to train students how to prevent hacking airplane systems and devices carried by airborne travelers -- a growing concern , according to aviation industry experts .
The program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University began in the fall after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that hackers who gain physical access to a plane could attach a device and possibly could cause pilots to lose control .
Cybersecurity experts said hackers also might gain access to onboard electronics by invading in-flight entertainment systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're flying they 're secure .
They 're not , and it 's a growing threat '' because flyers often view the airplane as a mobile office , said Neill Fulbright , an instructor of aviation maintenance science at Embry-Riddle 's Daytona Beach , Fla. , campus .
Embry-Riddle 's new program teaches students how to apply common cybersecurity tools and strategies in an aviation setting .
They also learn how to identify and block bad actors and suspicious behavior on aircraft or at aircraft facilities .
As part of the course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic understanding of laws and government policy regarding cybersecurity in the air and how data can be encrypted in flight .
Coursework also describes threats faced by airport operations , airlines , and manufacturers of aircraft and aviation technology .
Classes will offer insight cybersecurity trends , how hackers identify weaknesses and how the information technology industry anticipates or responds to attacks .
`` Cybersecurity experts have been working in aviation for years , but they are usually coming from pure computer science programs , '' Fulbright said .
`` With our program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and computer science . ''
The school 's aviation cybersecurity certificate program is tailored to aircraft maintenance personnel who work on systems such as navigation , communications and collision avoidance .
`` With all the networks we have on an airplane , you 've got a lot of technicians who are n't trained in IT .
So they are going to be tasked with installing and maintaining IT networks ... and they have to teach other people , '' Fulbright said .
The growing interest in avionics cybersecurity comes as business travel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion in spending by 2022 , up from $ 1.33 trillion in 2017 , according to the Global Business Travel Association .
`` There 's a lot of cybersecurity research and development being done in aviation now , '' said Guy Smith , president of the Aviation Accreditation Board International .
He said the board accredits several avionics programs , but none that specifically target avionics cybersecurity .
The aviation industry has many active training programs led by companies like Honeywell and Garmin to address the threat of being hacked in flight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulatory and international affairs at the National Business Aviation Association .
New programs by any institution are welcome , he said .
`` There has been a lot of investment to make these systems nearly impossible to breach , but it 's helpful to have new graduates entering the market with skills and abilities , '' Carr said .
`` We saw this after 9/11 , as well , where you had institutions developing aircraft security programs . ''
Carr said training all employees to be aware of hacking risks is crucial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once you 're connected to the Internet , regardless of whether you 're thousands of feet in the air or in a bunker underground , you 're at risk to some degree , '' he said .

Omar Espinoza (L) and Gabrielle Wells, students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., work in the avionics laboratory in October. Photo by Paul Brinkmann/UPI
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A Florida university has started a new program to train students in how to prevent the hacking of airplane systems and devices carried by air travelers -- a growing concern, according to aviation industry experts. The program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University began in the fall after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that hackers who gain physical access to a plane could attach a device and possibly could cause pilots to lose control. Advertisement
Cybersecurity experts said hackers also might gain access to onboard electronics by invading in-flight entertainment systems.
"Many people think that because they're flying, they're secure. They're not, and it's a growing threat" because flyers often view the airplane as a mobile office, said Neill Fulbright, an instructor of aviation maintenance science at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach, Fla., campus.
Embry-Riddle's new program teaches students how to apply common cybersecurity tools and strategies in an aviation setting. They also learn how to identify and block bad actors and suspicious behavior on aircraft or at aircraft facilities.
Advertisement
As part of the course, the students are to gain a basic understanding of laws and government policy regarding cybersecurity in the air and how data can be encrypted in flight. Coursework also describes threats faced by airport operations, airlines and manufacturers of aircraft and aviation technology.
Classes will offer insight into cybersecurity trends, how hackers identify weaknesses and how the information technology industry anticipates or responds to attacks.
"Cybersecurity experts have been working in aviation for years, but they are usually coming from pure computer science programs," Fulbright said. "With our program, they will get both aviation training and computer science."
The school's aviation cybersecurity certificate program is tailored to aircraft maintenance personnel who work on systems such as navigation, communications and collision avoidance.
"With all the networks we have on an airplane, you've got a lot of technicians who aren't trained in IT. So they are going to be tasked with installing and maintaining IT networks ... and they have to teach other people," Fulbright said.
The growing interest in avionics cybersecurity comes as business travel is booming -- expected to reach $1.7 trillion in spending by 2022, up from $1.33 trillion in 2017, according to the Global Business Travel Association.
Advertisement
"There's a lot of cybersecurity research and development being done in aviation now," said Guy Smith, president of the Aviation Accreditation Board International. He said the board accredits several avionics programs, but none that specifically target avionics cybersecurity.
The aviation industry has many active training programs led by companies like Honeywell and Garmin to address the threat of being hacked in flight, said Doug Carr, vice president of regulatory and international affairs at the National Business Aviation Association.
New programs by any institution are welcome, he said.
"There has been a lot of investment to make these systems nearly impossible to breach, but it's helpful to have new graduates entering the market with skills and abilities," Carr said. "We saw this after 9/11, as well, where you had institutions developing aircraft security programs."
Carr said training all employees to be aware of hacking risks is crucial, no matter where they work.
"Once you're connected to the Internet, regardless of whether you're thousands of feet in the air or in a bunker underground, you're at risk to some degree," he said.


upi--2020-02-05--Todd Gurley: Rams have to do 'little things' better to return to Super Bowl

Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- Almost exactly one year ago , the Los Angeles Rams were in the same position as the San Francisco 49ers are in now : Super Bowl losers after a spectacular run through the NFC .
Running back Todd Gurley says `` little things '' kept the Rams out of the playoffs this season .
Gurley is referring to intricacies of the game , including blocking , defensive assignments , footwork , clean route-running , penalties and overall consistency .
The 2018 Rams were an offensive juggernaut , leading the NFC in total offense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and passing -- before being stonewalled by the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl .
The Rams slipped in 2019 , ranking 11th in points and 26th in rushing .
Gurley made the Pro Bowl three times in his first four seasons , but failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards on a career-low 223 carries in 2019 .
Injuries piled up , the offensive line struggled and the Rams had 118 penalties , the most in coach Sean McVay 's three seasons with the franchise .
`` Hopefully , the 49ers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they did last year [ in the coming season ] , '' said Gurley , who was at Gatorade 's Bolt24 Studio before Super Bowl LIV in Miami .
`` We have to focus on the little things .
We still ended up with a winning season , but we just have to do a little better . ''
Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw 10 fewer touchdown passes in 2019 than in 2018 , while tossing a career-high 16 interceptions .
Goff threw a league-high 626 times , while the Rams had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's lack of offensive balance .
The Rams averaged just 86.5 more passing attempts than rush attempts in 2017 and 2018 .
`` It 's not something we ca n't do or do n't know how to do , '' Goff said at his end-of-season news conference .
`` The answers are there .
We just need to execute consistently . ''
The Rams ' defense was inconsistent in 2019 , allowing 30 points or more in five games and at least 44 points in three games .
A loaded NFC West also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason , with the 49ers advancing to the Super Bowl and the Seahawks also punching their playoff ticket .
The Rams ( 9-7 ) were the only team with a winning record to miss the playoffs .
`` This is obviously a little bit different of a scenario than we have been used to over the last couple of years , '' McVay told reporters .
`` I 'm never going to make excuses .
I 'm certainly excited about learning from all the things this season entailed . ''
Gurley said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SoFi Stadium , which should be ready for the start of the 2020 regular season .
The Rams said the facility was 85 percent complete at the end of January .
The NFC West franchise has played regular season games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since moving from to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016 .
The Rams are 33-15 since McVay , 34 , took over the team in 2017 .
He said he needs to figure out what the Rams need to do next season to perform more consistently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play for a coach like him , '' Gurley said .
`` He is a great coach and offensive-minded . ''
Gurley said he attends the Super Bowl every year , but the Rams will need to do more of those little things right if he wants to be playing in the next one .
Super Bowl LV will be held Feb. 7 , 2021 , at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay , Fla .

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley had 1,064 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns this past season after leading the league in total scores in 2017 and 2018. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Almost exactly one year ago, the Los Angeles Rams were in the same position as the San Francisco 49ers are in now: Super Bowl losers after a spectacular run through the NFC. Running back Todd Gurley says "little things" kept the Rams out of the playoffs this season. Advertisement
Gurley is referring to intricacies of the game, including blocking, defensive assignments, footwork, clean route-running, penalties and overall consistency.
The 2018 Rams were an offensive juggernaut, leading the NFC in total offense and ranking in the top five for rushing and passing -- before being stonewalled by the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The Rams slipped in 2019, ranking 11th in points and 26th in rushing. Gurley made the Pro Bowl three times in his first four seasons, but failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards on a career-low 223 carries in 2019. Injuries piled up, the offensive line struggled and the Rams had 118 penalties, the most in coach Sean McVay's three seasons with the franchise.
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"Hopefully, the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks don't do as well as they did last year [in the coming season]," said Gurley, who was at Gatorade's Bolt24 Studio before Super Bowl LIV in Miami. "We have to focus on the little things. We still ended up with a winning season, but we just have to do a little better."
Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw 10 fewer touchdown passes in 2019 than in 2018, while tossing a career-high 16 interceptions. Goff threw a league-high 626 times, while the Rams had just 401 carries, showing the team's lack of offensive balance. The Rams averaged just 86.5 more passing attempts than rush attempts in 2017 and 2018.
"It's not something we can't do or don't know how to do," Goff said at his end-of-season news conference. "The answers are there. We just need to execute consistently."
The Rams' defense was inconsistent in 2019, allowing 30 points or more in five games and at least 44 points in three games. A loaded NFC West also made it difficult to return to the postseason, with the 49ers advancing to the Super Bowl and the Seahawks also punching their playoff ticket.
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The Rams (9-7) were the only team with a winning record to miss the playoffs.
"This is obviously a little bit different of a scenario than we have been used to over the last couple of years," McVay told reporters. "I'm never going to make excuses. I'm certainly excited about learning from all the things this season entailed."
Gurley said he's excited to play in the new SoFi Stadium, which should be ready for the start of the 2020 regular season. The Rams said the facility was 85 percent complete at the end of January.
The NFC West franchise has played regular season games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since moving from to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016.
The Rams are 33-15 since McVay, 34, took over the team in 2017. He said he needs to figure out what the Rams need to do next season to perform more consistently.
"It's great being able to play for a coach like him," Gurley said. "He is a great coach and offensive-minded."
Gurley said he attends the Super Bowl every year, but the Rams will need to do more of those little things right if he wants to be playing in the next one. Super Bowl LV will be held Feb. 7, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla.
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NFL season highlights


upi--2020-02-05--Famous birthdays for Feb. 5: Henry Golding, Bobby Brown

Feb. 05 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ , founder of the London Police Force , in 1788 -- Scotsman John Dunlop , @ @ @ @ @ , in 1840 -- Trayvon Martin , unarmed teen fatally shot by a neighbor who @ @ @ @ @ defense , in 1995

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Henry Golding attends the premiere of "Last Christmas" at the AMC Lincoln Square Theatre on October 29 in New York City. The actor turns 33 on February 5. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 05 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius. They include: Advertisement
-- Former British Prime Minister Robert Peel, founder of the London Police Force, in 1788
-- Scotsman John Dunlop, inventor of the pneumatic tire, in 1840
-- French automotive pioneer Andre Citroen in 1878
-- U.S. statesman Adlai E. Stevenson in 1900
-- Actor John Carradine in 1906
-- Novelist William Burroughs in 1914
-- Comedian/actor Red Buttons in 1919
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Henry "Hank" Aaron in 1934 (age 86)
File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
-- Hockey commentator Don Cherry in 1934 (age 86)
-- Financial writer Jane Bryant Quinn in 1939 (age 81)
-- Swiss artist H.R. Giger in 1940
-- Television writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell in 1941
-- Heisman Trophy winner/football Hall of Fame member Roger Staubach in 1942 (age 78)
-- Film director Michael Mann in 1943 (age 77)
-- Musician Al Kooper in 1944 (age 76)
-- Race car driver Darrell Waltrip in 1947 (age 73)
-- Writer/comedian Christopher Guest in 1948 (age 72)
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File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI
-- Actor Barbara Hershey in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Tom Wilkinson in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Tim Meadows in 1961 (age 59)
-- Actor Jennifer Jason Leigh in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor Laura Linney in 1964 (age 56)
-- Golf Hall of Fame member Jose Maria Olazabal in 1966 (age 54)
-- Singer Bobby Brown in 1969 (age 51)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Actor Michael Sheen in 1969 (age 51)
-- Country music singer Sara Evans in 1971 (age 49)
-- Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Darren Criss in 1987 (age 33)
-- Actor Henry Golding in 1987 (age 33)
-- Brazilian soccer star Neymar in 1992 (age 28)
-- Trayvon Martin, unarmed teen fatally shot by a neighbor who was acquitted after claiming self defense, in 1995
File Photo


upi--2020-02-05--Farmers fear 2020 will bring more bankruptcies, closures

Evansville , Ind.
, Feb. 5 ( UPI ) -- American farmers are beginning to fear that , despite the flurry of trade deals that came through at the start of 2020 , this year will bring more low commodity prices , farm closures and bankruptcies .
Commodity prices have remained low this year -- even after the Jan. 15 signing of a phase one trade deal with China in which that nation promised to purchase $ 80 billion of American agricultural goods over the next two years .
Market experts and farmers immediately questioned whether China would make good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for certain , commodity prices likely will remain low .
And that 's bad news farmers .
`` All of agriculture has really been struggling for four or five years now , and it all boils down to what farmers are getting paid for their products , '' said Darin Von Ruden , a Wisconsin dairy farmer and the president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union .
Commodity prices started to fall in 2014 , said John Newton , the chief economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation .
At that time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above demand , pushing prices down , Newton said .
It 's common in agriculture for commodity prices to rise and fall in a cyclical pattern every few years .
But this period of low prices has endured longer than normal because in 2018 , as prices were beginning to rebound , the United States entered a trade dispute with its No .
1 agricultural buyer -- China .
As trade with China slowed to a trickle , commodity prices plummeted yet further .
At these levels , some farmers say they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn a wage or pay down farm debt .
According to data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation , family farm bankruptcy filings rose by 20 percent in 2019 .
`` If you have a bad year , you add the debt on , '' said Donald Swanson , a bankruptcy attorney who handles farm bankruptcies at Koley Jessen , in Omaha , Neb .
`` Then you have another bad year , and you add that debt on .
Sooner or later , you 're in trouble . ''
With so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt , banks that extend farm loans are likely no longer taking on new clients , Swanson said .
The question now is whether those banks will continue to extend loans to existing clients .
For many farmers , now is when they take out loans to pay for their 2020 crop .
`` Farmers are feeling really on edge , '' farmer Von Ruden said .
`` This is the time of year when they 're booking seed and fertilizer , and a lot of farmers are wondering if the money will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , those farms could be heading for bankruptcy court this spring , he said .
`` The reality is this is what we 're facing , '' Von Ruden said .
`` It 's not a positive picture .
And I want people to understand that . ''

Farmers remain skeptical that China will fulfill its promise to buy $80 billion of American agricultural goods. File Photo by Jessie Higgins/UPI
EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- American farmers are beginning to fear that, despite the flurry of trade deals that came through at the start of 2020, this year will bring more low commodity prices, farm closures and bankruptcies. Commodity prices have remained low this year -- even after the Jan. 15 signing of a phase one trade deal with China that includes a promise to purchase $80 billion of American agricultural goods over the next two years. Advertisement
Market experts and farmers immediately questioned whether China would make good on its promise. Until they know for certain, commodity prices likely will remain low.
"All of agriculture has really been struggling for four or five years now, and it all boils down to what farmers are getting paid for their products," said Darin Von Ruden, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union.
Commodity prices started to fall in 2014, said John Newton, chief economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation. At that time, the global supplies of many commodity foods rose above demand, pushing prices down.
It's common in agriculture for commodity prices to rise and fall in a cyclical pattern every few years. But this period of low prices has endured longer than normal because in 2018, as prices were beginning to rebound, the United States entered a trade dispute with its No. 1 agricultural buyer -- China.
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As trade with China slowed to a trickle, commodity prices plummeted further. At these levels, some farmers say they are struggling to break even -- much less earn a wage or pay down farm debt.
According to data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation, family farm bankruptcy filings rose by 20 percent in 2019.
"If you have a bad year, you add the debt on," said Donald Swanson, an attorney who handles farm bankruptcies at Koley Jessen in Omaha, Neb. "Then you have another bad year, and you add that debt on. Sooner or later, you're in trouble."
With so many farmers struggling to pay their farm debt, banks that extend farm loans are likely no longer taking on new clients, Swanson said. The question now is whether those banks will continue to extend loans to existing clients.
For many farmers, now is when they take out loans to pay for their 2020 crop.
"Farmers are feeling really on edge," farmer Von Ruden said. "This is the time of year when they're booking seed and fertilizer, and a lot of farmers are wondering if the money will be there."
If it's not, those farms could be heading for bankruptcy court this spring, he said.
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"The reality is this is what we're facing," Von Ruden said. "It's not a positive picture. And I want people to understand that."


upi--2020-02-05--Pete Buttigieg takes narrow lead as first Iowa caucus results roll in

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- Pete Buttigieg held a narrow lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders in the early returns announced late Tuesday in the Iowa caucuses .
With about two-thirds of precincts reporting , the former South Bend , Ind.
, mayor received 26.8 percent of the state 's delegates , while Sanders , I-Vt. , had 25.2 percent .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, had 18.4 percent , former Vice President Joe Biden had 15.4 percent and Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , had 12.6 percent .
At the bottom of the field were Andrew Yang ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.3 percent ) .
Buttigieg , speaking on the campaign trail in Laconia , N.H. , announced the early results of the caucuses to his supporters .
`` We do n't know all of the numbers , but we know this much : A campaign that started a year ago with four staff members ... has taken its place at the front of this race to replace the current president with a better vision for this country , '' he said .
`` That fact represents an astonishing victory for this campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all have been a part of . ''
The results of the Iowa caucus were delayed by nearly a full day , giving a black eye to the first state voting in the 2020 primary season .
State Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price told the candidates ' campaigns more than half of the results would be available by 5 p.m. EST , though he did n't specify when the full results might be known .
Earlier Tuesday , he told reporters the `` underlying data collected '' on a smartphone app used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sound , '' but a coding issue in the system produced only partial results .
`` This issue was identified and fixed , '' he said .
`` The application 's reporting issue did not impact the ability of precinct chairs to report data accurately . ''
The ultimate goal , he said , is to ensure the `` integrity and accuracy of the process . ''
He added the party has `` every indication '' the app was secure and there was no hacking .
Tom Perez , chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Tuesday , stating what happened Monday night `` should never happen again . ''
`` We have staff working around the clock to assist the Iowa Democratic Party to ensure that all votes are counted , '' he said .
`` It is clear that the app in question did not function adequately . ''
The technology vendor must provide `` absolute transparent accounting '' of what went wrong with the application , he demanded .
Some Iowa precinct chairs had noticed problems with the app during tests earlier Monday but assumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moines Register reported .
The issue turned into a paralyzing malfunction after the caucuses concluded , and organizers found they were unable to log into the app .
Price said the trouble was first spotted when initial results began to arrive and officials vetted them with accuracy checks .
Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy II said on Tuesday that the party `` can confidently say what happened in the Iowa Caucus last night will not happen in Nevada on Feb. 22 , `` denying reports that it was set to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be employing the same app or vendor used in the Iowa Caucus , '' he said .
`` We had already developed a series of backups and redundant reporting systems and are currently evaluating the best path forward . ''
Democratic presidential hopefuls who 'd spent a number of days in Iowa left for New Hampshire -- the next stop on the primary calendar -- without knowing how they performed .
New Hampshire will stage its primary next Tuesday .
`` It 's a total meltdown , '' Anita Dunn , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said earlier .
`` From all indications , it 's going to be close , '' he said .
`` We 're going to walk out of here with our share of delegates .
We do n't know what it is yet , but we feel good about how we are . ''
The campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders , who has led some of the recent polls , released its own internal polling numbers showing him as the winner with 30 percent of the vote in nearly 40 percent of precincts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when [ results are announced ] , we 'll be doing well in Iowa , '' the Vermont senator said .
The Sanders ' camp 's figures showed former South Bend.
, Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg second with 24.6 percent , followed by 21.2 percent for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and 12.4 percent for Biden .
Not all precincts , however , were included in Sanders ' numbers .
`` We recognize that this does not replace the full data from the Iowa Democratic Party , but we believe firmly that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the results of that work delayed , '' Sanders ' adviser Jeff Weaver said .
`` The race still appears to be wide open , and that 's what we thought would happen after last night , '' Benjamin Gerdes , spokesman for businessman and philanthropist Tom Steyer , told The Hill .
`` We still feel like we have a real shot at this thing . ''
In a speech to her supporters Monday night , Warren focused on criticism of Trump .
`` [ Tuesday ] Donald Trump will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the union , '' she said .
`` But I have a message for every American : Our union is stronger than Donald Trump .
And in less than a year , our union will be stronger than ever when that one man is replaced by one very persistent woman . ''
`` We know there are delays , but we know one thing : We are punching above our weight , '' she told a crowd Monday night .
`` Somehow , someway , I 'm going to get on a plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he 's confident he 's the big winner in the Hawkeye State .
`` We do n't know all the results , but we know by the time it 's all said and done , Iowa , you have shocked the nation , '' he said .
`` Because by all indications , we are going on to New Hampshire victorious . ''
`` This race is a muddled mess , '' added candidate Andrew Yang .
`` That means the opportunity for us is growing because there is n't a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be more important than ever . ''
Author Marianne Williamson , who left the race last month , criticized Iowa election officials .
`` Making it all about the app is a red herring , '' she said .
`` Something went wrong here tonight , and it was n't just an app .
`` In a healthy democracy , [ Democratic Party leader ] Tom Perez would resign today .
As it is , the results will probably never be fully determined , the DNC attitude will be 'They 'll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident will hang like a cloud of uncertainty over the entire campaign . ''

1/2
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg held an early lead Tuesday evening as the Iowa Democratic Party began reporting caucus results. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Pete Buttigieg held a narrow lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders in the early returns announced late Tuesday in the Iowa caucuses. With about two-thirds of precincts reporting, the former South Bend, Ind., mayor received 26.8 percent of the state's delegates, while Sanders, I-Vt., had 25.2 percent. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., had 18.4 percent, former Vice President Joe Biden had 15.4 percent and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., had 12.6 percent. Advertisement
At the bottom of the field were Andrew Yang (1 percent) and Tom Steyer (0.3 percent).
Buttigieg, speaking on the campaign trail in Laconia, N.H., announced the early results of the caucuses to his supporters.
"We don't know all of the numbers, but we know this much: A campaign that started a year ago with four staff members ... has taken its place at the front of this race to replace the current president with a better vision for this country," he said.
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"That fact represents an astonishing victory for this campaign, this candidacy and this vision that you all have been a part of."
The results of the Iowa caucus were delayed by nearly a full day, giving a black eye to the first state voting in the 2020 primary season.
State Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price told the candidates' campaigns more than half of the results would be available by 5 p.m. EST, though he didn't specify when the full results might be known.
Earlier Tuesday, he told reporters the "underlying data collected" on a smartphone app used by precinct leaders to report vote tallies were "sound," but a coding issue in the system produced only partial results.
"This issue was identified and fixed," he said. "The application's reporting issue did not impact the ability of precinct chairs to report data accurately."
The ultimate goal, he said, is to ensure the "integrity and accuracy of the process." He added the party has "every indication" the app was secure and there was no hacking.
Tom Perez, chair of the Democratic National Committee, issued a statement late Tuesday, stating what happened Monday night "should never happen again."
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"We have staff working around the clock to assist the Iowa Democratic Party to ensure that all votes are counted," he said. "It is clear that the app in question did not function adequately."
The technology vendor must provide "absolute transparent accounting" of what went wrong with the application, he demanded.
Some Iowa precinct chairs had noticed problems with the app during tests earlier Monday but assumed they were sporadic issues, the Des Moines Register reported. The issue turned into a paralyzing malfunction after the caucuses concluded, and organizers found they were unable to log into the app. Price said the trouble was first spotted when initial results began to arrive and officials vetted them with accuracy checks.
Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman William McCurdy II said on Tuesday that the party "can confidently say what happened in the Iowa Caucus last night will not happen in Nevada on Feb. 22, " denying reports that it was set to use the same app.
"We will not be employing the same app or vendor used in the Iowa Caucus," he said. "We had already developed a series of backups and redundant reporting systems and are currently evaluating the best path forward."
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Democratic presidential hopefuls who'd spent a number of days in Iowa left for New Hampshire -- the next stop on the primary calendar -- without knowing how they performed. New Hampshire will stage its primary next Tuesday.
"It's a total meltdown," Anita Dunn, an adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden, said earlier.
Biden
told supporters he'd anticipated "a long night" due to the delay, but added, "I'm feeling good."
"From all indications, it's going to be close," he said. "We're going to walk out of here with our share of delegates. We don't know what it is yet, but we feel good about how we are."
The campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has led some of the recent polls, released its own internal polling numbers showing him as the winner with 30 percent of the vote in nearly 40 percent of precincts.
"I have a good feeling when [results are announced], we'll be doing well in Iowa," the Vermont senator said.
The Sanders' camp's figures showed former South Bend., Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg second with 24.6 percent, followed by 21.2 percent for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and 12.4 percent for Biden. Not all precincts, however, were included in Sanders' numbers.
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"We recognize that this does not replace the full data from the Iowa Democratic Party, but we believe firmly that our supporters worked too hard for too long to have the results of that work delayed," Sanders' adviser Jeff Weaver said.
"The race still appears to be wide open, and that's what we thought would happen after last night," Benjamin Gerdes, spokesman for businessman and philanthropist Tom Steyer, told The Hill.
"We still feel like we have a real shot at this thing."
In a speech to her supporters Monday night, Warren focused on criticism of Trump.
"[Tuesday] Donald Trump will make a speech about the state of the union," she said. "But I have a message for every American: Our union is stronger than Donald Trump. And in less than a year, our union will be stronger than ever when that one man is replaced by one very persistent woman."
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar promised to press forward amid the Iowa mystery.
"We know there are delays, but we know one thing: We are punching above our weight," she told a crowd Monday night. "Somehow, someway, I'm going to get on a plane tonight to New Hampshire."
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Buttigieg said he's confident he's the big winner in the Hawkeye State.
"We don't know all the results, but we know by the time it's all said and done, Iowa, you have shocked the nation," he said. "Because by all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious."
"This race is a muddled mess," added candidate Andrew Yang. "That means the opportunity for us is growing because there isn't a clear front-runner or even field. New Hampshire will be more important than ever."
Author Marianne Williamson, who left the race last month, criticized Iowa election officials.
"Making it all about the app is a red herring," she said. "Something went wrong here tonight, and it wasn't just an app.
"In a healthy democracy, [Democratic Party leader] Tom Perez would resign today. As it is, the results will probably never be fully determined, the DNC attitude will be 'They'll get over it,' and the entire incident will hang like a cloud of uncertainty over the entire campaign."
Democrats campaign in Iowa ahead of caucus


upi--2020-02-05--Two-thirds in U.S. unaware heart disease is leading killer of women

More than two-thirds of Americans do n't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. women , a new survey reveals .
Overall , 68 percent of respondents were n't aware that heart disease is the top killer of women , but the rate was much higher -- 80 percent -- among millennials .
A large number of respondents mistakenly believed breast cancer is the main cause of death in women , and men were more likely to think that than women -- 44 percent versus 33 percent -- according to the Cleveland Clinic survey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know important symptoms of heart attack in women , including that 24 percent have chest pain , 28 percent have shortness of breath or sweating , 43 percent have pain in the neck or back of jaw , 55 percent have new or dramatic fatigue and 60 percent have nausea or vomiting .
Heart disease causes one in every four deaths in the United States .
Most heart disease is preventable , with 90 percent of heart disease caused by modifiable or controllable risk factors .
However , only 8 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had poor knowledge about how and when to prevent heart disease .
`` Treatment of heart disease has come a long way in the past few decades , but we still need to work on prevention .
There are so many simple changes that patients and the public can make that can provide significant improvements to their cardiovascular health , '' said Dr. Samir Kapadia , chair of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic .
`` Whether it be regarding diet , exercise or other lifestyle factors , we need to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their heart health , '' Kapadia said in a clinic news release .
The survey found that : 80 percent did n't know the proper time to start getting their cholesterol tested is in their 20s ; only 19 percent knew that the Mediterranean diet is the most heart-healthy diet ; and 58 percent wrongly believed that taking an aspirin a day is a good way to prevent heart disease .
Among the other survey findings : 18 percent of respondents believed that e-cigarettes do n't cause heart harm , with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 58 percent get less than the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week , and 14 percent said they never exercise ; 63 percent believe they 're likely to develop heart disease in the next 10 years .
The online survey was conducted in September and the results were published online Jan. 30 .
The U.S. Office on Women 's Health has more about heart disease .

More than two-thirds of Americans don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. women, a new survey reveals.
Overall, 68 percent of respondents weren't aware that heart disease is the top killer of women, but the rate was much higher -- 80 percent -- among millennials.
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A large number of respondents mistakenly believed breast cancer is the main cause of death in women, and men were more likely to think that than women -- 44 percent versus 33 percent -- according to the Cleveland Clinic survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.
Many respondents didn't know important symptoms of heart attack in women, including that 24 percent have chest pain, 28 percent have shortness of breath or sweating, 43 percent have pain in the neck or back of jaw, 55 percent have new or dramatic fatigue and 60 percent have nausea or vomiting.
Heart disease causes one in every four deaths in the United States. Most heart disease is preventable, with 90 percent of heart disease caused by modifiable or controllable risk factors. However, only 8 percent of respondents knew that.
The respondents also had poor knowledge about how and when to prevent heart disease.
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"Treatment of heart disease has come a long way in the past few decades, but we still need to work on prevention. There are so many simple changes that patients and the public can make that can provide significant improvements to their cardiovascular health," said Dr. Samir Kapadia, chair of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
"Whether it be regarding diet, exercise or other lifestyle factors, we need to continue to educate people about how to take control of their heart health," Kapadia said in a clinic news release.
The survey found that: 80 percent didn't know the proper time to start getting their cholesterol tested is in their 20s; only 19 percent knew that the Mediterranean diet is the most heart-healthy diet; and 58 percent wrongly believed that taking an aspirin a day is a good way to prevent heart disease.
Among the other survey findings: 18 percent of respondents believed that e-cigarettes don't cause heart harm, with this belief higher among millennials at 26 percent; 58 percent get less than the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, and 14 percent said they never exercise; 63 percent believe they're likely to develop heart disease in the next 10 years.
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The online survey was conducted in September and the results were published online Jan. 30.
More information
The U.S. Office on Women's Health has more about heart disease.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-05--Whitmer says 'it's time for action' in Dems' response to Trump's State of the Union

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- With a smile and an air of optimism , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer gave the Democratic response to President Donald Trump 's State of the Union Tuesday night by sidestepping his comments to emphasize the maxim that actions speak louder than words .
From East Lansing High School where her daughters attend , Whitmer said she 'd need more than her 10 minutes to respond to the president 's speech -- which focused largely on the U.S. economy -- and instead would highlight what Democrats are doing -- specifically , fighting against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and healthcare system .
`` You can listen to what someone says , but to know the truth , watch what they do , '' she said .
The public may be weary of politics , she said , referring to Trump 's ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate , but it must stay engaged and not forget amid the divisiveness and dishonesty `` that together we have boundless potential . ''
She said Democrats were building bridges , patching roads and expanding broadband Internet across the United States in response to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the damage an aging infrastructure costs them , including car repairs and lost wages and health issues .
Everyone benefits from improved infrastructure , but the Republicans in the Senate , led by Trump , have stymied their proposals , she said .
`` Bullying people on Twitter does n't fix bridges -- it burns them , '' she said , referring to the president who is known for voicing his opinions and attacking his opponents on the social media platform .
Healthcare is personal , not political , and all Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take on Trump for the presidency in November have a plan to expand coverage to all Americans and voted in favor of the affordable care act , which is another example of how Democrats are putting actions above words , she said .
In contrast , she said Trump is asking the courts to `` rip '' those protections away .
`` It 's pretty simple , '' she said , `` Democrats are trying to make your health care better .
Republicans in Washington are trying to take it away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ references of Trump 's State of the Union , Whitmer said that his championing of the stock market matters little when millions of people are struggling under debt and low wages .
`` So when the president says the economy is strong my question is : Strong for whom ? ''
she said , stating it should not be strong for the wealthy reaping tax benefits but for the struggling middle class .
She said Democrats are working to fix this by having sent nearly 300 bills to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since .
She then called on the Kentucky senator directly to move them .
Her confidence in America 's future comes from its youth who , through demanding action on climate change and school shootings , have felt at times to be `` the adults in the room '' but it should n't be their job to fix the problems the adults created , she said .
She concluded her speech by stating 2020 is an important year for America as it is amid its third impeachment trial in history and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a yet-to-be-named Democratic candidate .
The state of the union , and the Democratic response , comes amid the final phase of Trump 's impeachment trial that is expected to end this week with an acquittal after over a week of contentious debate .
Whitmer called on the public to pay more attention to what the senators do in the impeachment trial than to what they say as the truth matters and `` no one should be above the law . ''
`` It 's time for action , '' she said .

Feb. 4 (UPI) -- With a smile and an air of optimism, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union Tuesday night by sidestepping his comments to emphasize the maxim that actions speak louder than words.
From East Lansing High School where her daughters attend, Whitmer said she'd need more than her 10 minutes to respond to the president's speech -- which focused largely on the U.S. economy -- and instead would highlight what Democrats are doing -- specifically, fighting against the Republicans to improve the country's infrastructure and healthcare system.
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"You can listen to what someone says, but to know the truth, watch what they do," she said.
The public may be weary of politics, she said, referring to Trump's ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate, but it must stay engaged and not forget amid the divisiveness and dishonesty "that together we have boundless potential."
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She said Democrats were building bridges, patching roads and expanding broadband Internet across the United States in response to their constituencies' frustration with incurring costs associated with the damage an aging infrastructure costs them, including car repairs and lost wages and health issues.
Everyone benefits from improved infrastructure, but the Republicans in the Senate, led by Trump, have stymied their proposals, she said.
"Bullying people on Twitter doesn't fix bridges -- it burns them," she said, referring to the president who is known for voicing his opinions and attacking his opponents on the social media platform.
Healthcare is personal, not political, and all Democrats currently running in the party's primary to take on Trump for the presidency in November have a plan to expand coverage to all Americans and voted in favor of the affordable care act, which is another example of how Democrats are putting actions above words, she said.
In contrast, she said Trump is asking the courts to "rip" those protections away.
"It's pretty simple," she said, "Democrats are trying to make your health care better. Republicans in Washington are trying to take it away."
In one of the few direct references of Trump's State of the Union, Whitmer said that his championing of the stock market matters little when millions of people are struggling under debt and low wages.
Advertisement
"So when the president says the economy is strong my question is: Strong for whom?" she said, stating it should not be strong for the wealthy reaping tax benefits but for the struggling middle class.
She said Democrats are working to fix this by having sent nearly 300 bills to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell's desk where they have sat ever since.
She then called on the Kentucky senator directly to move them.
Her confidence in America's future comes from its youth who, through demanding action on climate change and school shootings, have felt at times to be "the adults in the room" but it shouldn't be their job to fix the problems the adults created, she said.
She concluded her speech by stating 2020 is an important year for America as it is amid its third impeachment trial in history and will be voting to either re-elect Trump or elect a yet-to-be-named Democratic candidate.
The state of the union, and the Democratic response, comes amid the final phase of Trump's impeachment trial that is expected to end this week with an acquittal after over a week of contentious debate.
Whitmer called on the public to pay more attention to what the senators do in the impeachment trial than to what they say as the truth matters and "no one should be above the law."
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"It's time for action," she said.


upi--2020-02-04--LeBron James becomes first Laker since Kobe Bryant to earn Player of the Month honors

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James was named Western Conference Player of the Month for January , the NBA announced Tuesday .
James became the first Lakers player to win the monthly award since legendary guard Kobe Bryant in February 2013 .
James averaged 25.4 points , 10.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game in January .
He recorded 14 double-digit scoring performances in the month , including five games with at least 30 points .
During the Lakers ' Jan. 25 game against the Philadelphia 76ers , James passed Bryant for third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list .
Bryant posted a congratulatory tweet when James accomplished the feat and talked with him on the phone a few hours after the game .
Less than 12 hours after their phone conversation , Bryant , 41 , and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , were among nine killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 in Calabasas , Calif .
Since the tragedy , James and the Lakers organization have honored Bryant in a variety of ways .
James , who revealed a new tattoo last week in honor of Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' first game following the crash .
`` Kobe 's a brother to me , '' James told fans before Friday 's game at Staples Center .
`` From the time I was in high school , watching him from afar to getting in this league at 18 , watching him up close .
All the battles we had throughout my career .
The one thing that we always shared was that determination to just always want to win and just want to be great .
`` The fact that I 'm here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to continue along with my teammates , to continue his legacy , not only for this year , but for as long as we can play the game of basketball that we love because that 's what Kobe Bryant would want . ''
Bryant , a two-time NBA Finals MVP , retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award ( 2008 ) with the Lakers .
Entering Tuesday night , James has averaged 25 points , 10.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds per @ @

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James averaged 25.4 points, 10.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game in January. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James was named Western Conference Player of the Month for January, the NBA announced Tuesday. James became the first Lakers player to win the monthly award since legendary guard Kobe Bryant in February 2013. Advertisement
James averaged 25.4 points, 10.4 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game in January. He recorded 14 double-digit scoring performances in the month, including five games with at least 30 points.
During the Lakers' Jan. 25 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, James passed Bryant for third place on the league's all-time scoring list. Bryant posted a congratulatory tweet when James accomplished the feat and talked with him on the phone a few hours after the game.
Less than 12 hours after their phone conversation, Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 in Calabasas, Calif.
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Since the tragedy, James and the Lakers organization have honored Bryant in a variety of ways. James, who revealed a new tattoo last week in honor of Bryant, gave a speech before Los Angeles' first game following the crash.
"Kobe's a brother to me," James told fans before Friday's game at Staples Center. "From the time I was in high school, watching him from afar to getting in this league at 18, watching him up close. All the battles we had throughout my career. The one thing that we always shared was that determination to just always want to win and just want to be great.
"The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue along with my teammates, to continue his legacy, not only for this year, but for as long as we can play the game of basketball that we love because that's what Kobe Bryant would want."
Bryant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award (2008) with the Lakers.
Entering Tuesday night, James has averaged 25 points, 10.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.