upi--2020-01-16--Costs for multiple sclerosis meds tripled in past decade

The cost of essential medications for multiple sclerosis have nearly tripled this decade , despite the release of the first generic MS drug , a new study shows .
The 2015 release of glatiramer acetate -- the generic version of Copaxone -- did nothing to halt skyrocketing prices for MS medications , said lead researcher Daniel Hartung .
He 's an associate professor of pharmacy with Oregon State University , in Portland .
`` Overall , there were very minimal effects on the price of all the other medications in the class , '' Hartung said .
`` They continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had before . ''
Medicaid spending on 15 MS drugs increased from $ 453 million to just over $ 1.3 billion between 2011 and 2017 , Hartung and his colleagues found .
Even after adjusting for average rebate amounts paid to the Medicaid program , spending still more than doubled from $ 278 million to $ 600 million per year , the data showed .
The spending increase ca n't be blamed solely on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act , either .
The cost of MS drugs doubled from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than $ 4 per enrollee during the seven years of the study , Hartung said .
These drugs are essential for checking the progression of MS , a debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States , experts say .
According to Bari Talente , executive vice president of advocacy for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society , `` The best thing people can do is to get on a disease-modifying treatment early , as soon as possible after their diagnosis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that interrupts treatment opens someone up to a relapse that they may not recover from . ''
Unfortunately , two of every five people living with MS have had to alter the use of their medications to cope with rising drug costs , according to a recent survey sponsored by the society .
`` That can be anything from going with a medication that is not the one they prefer , to people skipping doses or delaying doses to make their prescription last longer , '' Talente said .
`` It opens that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hopes that generic glatiramer acetate would help stem drug costs were dashed in part because of a strategy that pharmaceutical companies often employ to stay one step ahead , Hartung noted .
Prior to the release of the generic version , Copaxone manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals created a slightly different formulation of its branded drug and put it on the market , Hartung said .
The new formulation came in a 40 mg dose , as opposed to the earlier 20 mg dose that would be used by the generic version .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the generic , he explained .
Between early 2014 and mid-2015 , nearly half of Teva 's market share was moved to the new 40 mg version , the researchers said .
`` This is a tried-and-true strategy that branded drug companies will use to extend their franchise , '' Hartung said .
`` They 'll release a slightly modified formulation or they 'll tweak the molecule a little bit so it 's virtually the same but technically not the same , so it ca n't be substituted . ''
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched at a price only 15 percent less expensive than the brand-name drug at the 20 mg dose and about the same price as the new 40 mg version , Hartung added .
As a result , `` about two-thirds of glatiramer was still dispensed as the branded product at the end of 2017 , which shows that even though there was a generic available , it did n't really penetrate the market very much , '' he said .
`` That 's probably one of the reasons why the availability of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upward trajectory of the prices for the other drugs in the class , '' Hartung concluded .
Teva Pharmaceuticals did not respond to a request for comment , nor did the industry group PhRMA .
A second company introduced its own generic version of glatiramer acetate in October 2017 at an even lower price , making it the cheapest MS drug on the market , Hartung said .
Increased competition like this has long been hoped to curtail drug price increases , but it has n't shaken out that way , Talente said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , we see prices for almost all of the medications continue to increase , '' she noted .
`` Even with the introduction of the generics , we have not seen an overall shift in the impact on people with MS. '' Hartung said , `` It 's an exceedingly complicated problem , and I do n't think there 's going to be one single solution .
I think it will require some enhanced understanding of the complexity of the drug distribution channel , as well as some federal reforms that get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's dysfunctional , that does n't behave like a normal consumer market . ''
He pointed out that `` some of these drugs have been around for 25 years , since the mid-1990s .
They 've escalated in price at the same rate as drugs that have come out in the last 10 years , and there 's nothing different about those drugs .
Nothing 's been changed about how they 're manufactured .
In fact , manufacturing has probably gotten more efficient .
It speaks to the failure of the marketplace to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these drugs to what the market can bear . ''
The new study was published online Jan. 15 in the journal Neurology .
The National MS Society has more about MS medications .

The cost of essential medications for multiple sclerosis have nearly tripled this decade, despite the release of the first generic MS drug, a new study shows.
The 2015 release of glatiramer acetate -- the generic version of Copaxone -- did nothing to halt skyrocketing prices for MS medications, said lead researcher Daniel Hartung. He's an associate professor of pharmacy with Oregon State University, in Portland.
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"Overall, there were very minimal effects on the price of all the other medications in the class," Hartung said. "They continued to escalate at about the rate they had before."
Medicaid spending on 15 MS drugs increased from $453 million to just over $1.3 billion between 2011 and 2017, Hartung and his colleagues found.
Even after adjusting for average rebate amounts paid to the Medicaid program, spending still more than doubled from $278 million to $600 million per year, the data showed.
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The spending increase can't be blamed solely on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, either. The cost of MS drugs doubled from $2 per Medicaid enrollee to a little more than $4 per enrollee during the seven years of the study, Hartung said.
These drugs are essential for checking the progression of MS, a debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, experts say.
According to Bari Talente, executive vice president of advocacy for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, "The best thing people can do is to get on a disease-modifying treatment early, as soon as possible after their diagnosis, and stay on treatment continuously. Anything that interrupts treatment opens someone up to a relapse that they may not recover from."
Unfortunately, two of every five people living with MS have had to alter the use of their medications to cope with rising drug costs, according to a recent survey sponsored by the society.
"That can be anything from going with a medication that is not the one they prefer, to people skipping doses or delaying doses to make their prescription last longer," Talente said. "It opens that person up to potential detrimental effects."
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Hopes that generic glatiramer acetate would help stem drug costs were dashed in part because of a strategy that pharmaceutical companies often employ to stay one step ahead, Hartung noted.
Prior to the release of the generic version, Copaxone manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals created a slightly different formulation of its branded drug and put it on the market, Hartung said.
The new formulation came in a 40 mg dose, as opposed to the earlier 20 mg dose that would be used by the generic version. This made the new Copaxone formula not interchangeable with the generic, he explained.
Between early 2014 and mid-2015, nearly half of Teva's market share was moved to the new 40 mg version, the researchers said.
"This is a tried-and-true strategy that branded drug companies will use to extend their franchise," Hartung said. "They'll release a slightly modified formulation or they'll tweak the molecule a little bit so it's virtually the same but technically not the same, so it can't be substituted."
It also didn't help that the generic drug launched at a price only 15 percent less expensive than the brand-name drug at the 20 mg dose and about the same price as the new 40 mg version, Hartung added.
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As a result, "about two-thirds of glatiramer was still dispensed as the branded product at the end of 2017, which shows that even though there was a generic available, it didn't really penetrate the market very much," he said.
"That's probably one of the reasons why the availability of this generic had pretty minimal effects on the upward trajectory of the prices for the other drugs in the class," Hartung concluded.
Teva Pharmaceuticals did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the industry group PhRMA.
A second company introduced its own generic version of glatiramer acetate in October 2017 at an even lower price, making it the cheapest MS drug on the market, Hartung said.
Increased competition like this has long been hoped to curtail drug price increases, but it hasn't shaken out that way, Talente said.
"As more medications come to market, we see prices for almost all of the medications continue to increase," she noted. "Even with the introduction of the generics, we have not seen an overall shift in the impact on people with MS."
Hartung said, "It's an exceedingly complicated problem, and I don't think there's going to be one single solution. I think it will require some enhanced understanding of the complexity of the drug distribution channel, as well as some federal reforms that get at the heart of a market that's dysfunctional, that doesn't behave like a normal consumer market."
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He pointed out that "some of these drugs have been around for 25 years, since the mid-1990s. They've escalated in price at the same rate as drugs that have come out in the last 10 years, and there's nothing different about those drugs. Nothing's been changed about how they're manufactured. In fact, manufacturing has probably gotten more efficient. It speaks to the failure of the marketplace to restrain pharmaceutical companies' ability to price these drugs to what the market can bear."
The new study was published online Jan. 15 in the journal Neurology.
More information
The National MS Society has more about MS medications.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-16--Farmers skeptical China will make good on promised crop purchases

EVANSVILLE , Ind .
Jan. 16 ( UPI ) -- Excitement grew high among America 's farmers as President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed the long-awaited phase one trade deal Wednesday .
But as details emerged , their mood turned skeptical .
`` It 's reassuring to have an agreement signed , '' said Kyler Millershaski , a Kansas wheat farmer .
`` But I 'll feel a lot better when grain and commodities start shipping . ''
The agreement , which was released shortly after the White House signing ceremony , includes a promise from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. agricultural products annually .
That 's nearly double what that nation had been buying before the trade war began in July .
But agricultural experts question how China can achieve such a lofty promise .
The nation has not agreed to lower any of the retaliatory tariffs on American farm goods .
And the deal is carefully worded to say that agricultural purchases will be made `` based on commercial considerations . ''
`` The element of it being market-oriented is important , '' said Veronica Nigh , an economist with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs on American products mean our prices are not competitive with those from competing countries .
Until those tariffs are off , it will slow their ability to fulfill $ 40 billion in purchases . ''
Numerous farm groups across the country issued statements warning that -- despite the promised purchases -- high tariffs continue to block their access to the China market .
But hope is not lost , Nigh said .
China could lower tariffs at any time .
And even if it does not , it could bring in American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving rebates to Chinese importers or offering a tariff-free quota on certain items .
`` When you look at what China imports from the world , they buy $ 120 billion in agricultural products annually , '' Nigh said .
`` So , they certainly have the capacity to buy $ 40 billion of products from the United States . ''
What agricultural products it will buy is anybody 's guess .
The agreement lists oil seeds , meat , cereals , cotton and `` all other agricultural products . ''
It does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any given product China intends to buy .
`` I can see dramatic increase in lots of agricultural products , '' said Grant Kimberley , the senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association .
`` But , for soybeans , I 'm uncertain how we 're going to get there . ''
America 's soybean industry has been particularly hard hit by the trade war .
Before it began , China was the leading buyer of American beans , importing about 30 percent of all the soy grown in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levied billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese goods in summer 2018 , China responded with its own tariffs , many directed at agricultural goods like soybeans .
Its appetite for American soybeans plummeted .
And , though the nation has made some sporadic purchases in the 18 months since the trade war began , the market has not recovered .
`` It has kind of turned us into a residual supplier , '' Kimberley said .
China already has missed its window to buy the United States ' 2019 soybean harvest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazilian beans , which will be harvested in February , are about to flood the market .
Those beans will be cheaper than America 's soy -- even if the tariff on U.S. beans is removed .
With the tariffs in place , there is no contest .
The market seemed to understand the limits of the trade deal , Kimberley said .
The March futures price for soybeans opened at $ 9.40 a bushel Wednesday , but by the end of the day , it fell to $ 9.28 .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the question is will China actually buy more agricultural products -- and how much more ? ''
said Burt Schlichter , senior market strategist at Daniels Trading , a brokerage firm in Chicago .
`` It was a situation where the market buys on rumors , sells on facts . ''

1/3
Numerous farm groups across the U.S. issued statements warning that high tariffs continue to block their access to the China market. Photo courtesy of pxhere
EVANSVILLE, Ind. Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Excitement grew high among America's farmers as President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed the long-awaited phase one trade deal Wednesday. But as details emerged, their mood turned skeptical. "It's reassuring to have an agreement signed," said Kyler Millershaski, a Kansas wheat farmer. "But I'll feel a lot better when grain and commodities start shipping." Advertisement
The agreement, which was released shortly after the White House signing ceremony, includes a promise from China to buy $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually. That's nearly double what that nation had been buying before the trade war began in July.
But agricultural experts question how China can achieve such a lofty promise.
The nation has not agreed to lower any of the retaliatory tariffs on American farm goods. And the deal is carefully worded to say that agricultural purchases will be made "based on commercial considerations."
Advertisement
"The element of it being market-oriented is important," said Veronica Nigh, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation. "The tariffs on American products mean our prices are not competitive with those from competing countries. Until those tariffs are off, it will slow their ability to fulfill $40 billion in purchases."
Numerous farm groups across the country issued statements warning that -- despite the promised purchases -- high tariffs continue to block their access to the China market.
But hope is not lost, Nigh said.
China could lower tariffs at any time. And even if it does not, it could bring in American goods in other ways, such as giving rebates to Chinese importers or offering a tariff-free quota on certain items.
"When you look at what China imports from the world, they buy $120 billion in agricultural products annually," Nigh said. "So, they certainly have the capacity to buy $40 billion of products from the United States."
What agricultural products it will buy is anybody's guess.
The agreement lists oil seeds, meat, cereals, cotton and "all other agricultural products." It does not give any indication how much of any given product China intends to buy.
"I can see dramatic increase in lots of agricultural products," said Grant Kimberley, the senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association. "But, for soybeans, I'm uncertain how we're going to get there."
Advertisement
America's soybean industry has been particularly hard hit by the trade war. Before it began, China was the leading buyer of American beans, importing about 30 percent of all the soy grown in the United States.
When the Trump administration levied billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese goods in summer 2018, China responded with its own tariffs, many directed at agricultural goods like soybeans.
Its appetite for American soybeans plummeted. And, though the nation has made some sporadic purchases in the 18 months since the trade war began, the market has not recovered.
"It has kind of turned us into a residual supplier," Kimberley said.
China already has missed its window to buy the United States' 2019 soybean harvest in bulk and at a competitive price. Brazilian beans, which will be harvested in February, are about to flood the market. Those beans will be cheaper than America's soy -- even if the tariff on U.S. beans is removed.
With the tariffs in place, there is no contest.
The market seemed to understand the limits of the trade deal, Kimberley said. The March futures price for soybeans opened at $9.40 a bushel Wednesday, but by the end of the day, it fell to $9.28.
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"The phase one deal is done, but now the question is will China actually buy more agricultural products -- and how much more?" said Burt Schlichter, senior market strategist at Daniels Trading, a brokerage firm in Chicago. "It was a situation where the market buys on rumors, sells on facts."


upi--2020-01-16--Holy Cross rower killed in Florida car crash

Jan. 16 ( UPI ) -- A student-athlete of the College of the Holy Cross ' women 's rowing team was killed and several others were injured after a red pickup truck crashed into their team transport van in Florida , officials said .
Grace Rett died as a result of her injuries , the school said in a statement .
`` Grace was a light to all who knew her , '' said a visibly shaken Holy Cross Dean of Students Michele Murray during a press conference .
`` She was incredibly passionate and hardworking . ''
Thirteen people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup truck , were taken to the hospital as a result of the crash , said Vero Beach Police Department Chief David Currey .
He said some of those hospitalized sustained `` some serious injuries . ''
Murray said seven of the school 's row team , including a coach , remained hospitalized .
Officers responded to reports of the accident just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Vero Beach , roughly 100 miles southeast of Orlando , Currey said .
Base on their preliminary reports , Currey said the team 's van was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn .
The northbound pickup truck then smashed into its front right passenger side , where Rett was sitting .
The van was transporting 11 people , including a coach , when the crash occurred , he said .
`` To my knowledge , [ Rett ] was wearing a seatbelt , '' he said .
The student-athletes from the Massachusetts private Jesuit liberal arts college were in Florida for winter training ahead of the rowing season , the school said .
`` Our community has suffered a tragic loss , '' Holy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
`` I extend my deepest condolences to Grace 's family , members of the women 's rowing team and their coaches and all who loved Grace . ''
Murray said Rett , who turned 20 on Tuesday , had recently set a world record for continuous indoor rowing in her age group at 62 hours and three seconds .
`` This is a terrible loss for our community , '' she said .

Grace Rett died in a car crash a day after her 20th birthday. Photo courtesy College of the Holy Cross/ Website
Jan. 16 (UPI) -- A student-athlete of the College of the Holy Cross' women's rowing team was killed and several others were injured after a red pickup truck crashed into their team transport van in Florida, officials said. Grace Rett died as a result of her injuries, the school said in a statement. Advertisement
"Grace was a light to all who knew her," said a visibly shaken Holy Cross Dean of Students Michele Murray during a press conference. "She was incredibly passionate and hardworking."
Thirteen people, including the male driver of the pickup truck, were taken to the hospital as a result of the crash, said Vero Beach Police Department Chief David Currey.
He said some of those hospitalized sustained "some serious injuries."
Murray said seven of the school's row team, including a coach, remained hospitalized.
Officers responded to reports of the accident just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Vero Beach, roughly 100 miles southeast of Orlando, Currey said.
Base on their preliminary reports, Currey said the team's van was traveling south when it made a lefthand turn. The northbound pickup truck then smashed into its front right passenger side, where Rett was sitting.
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The van was transporting 11 people, including a coach, when the crash occurred, he said.
"To my knowledge, [Rett] was wearing a seatbelt," he said.
The student-athletes from the Massachusetts private Jesuit liberal arts college were in Florida for winter training ahead of the rowing season, the school said.
"Our community has suffered a tragic loss," Holy Cross President Rev. Philip L. Boroughs said in a statement. "I extend my deepest condolences to Grace's family, members of the women's rowing team and their coaches and all who loved Grace."
Murray said Rett, who turned 20 on Tuesday, had recently set a world record for continuous indoor rowing in her age group at 62 hours and three seconds.
"This is a terrible loss for our community," she said.


upi--2020-01-16--Number of U.S. drug deaths may be twice as high as thought

Drugs may kill twice as many Americans as government records suggest , a new study claims .
In 2016 , the reported rate of drug-related deaths among 15- to 64-year-olds was 9 percent -- compared with about 4 percent several years earlier -- with 63,000 deaths classified as drug-related .
However , the new study concluded that the actual number of drug-related deaths could have been about 142,000 in 2016 .
`` Drugs can kill in other ways , '' said study co-author Samuel Preston .
He is a professor of sociology and a member of the Population Studies Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis , impaired judgment , suicide , circulatory disease -- these are all affected by drug use .
People who are perpetual drug users have much higher mortality in general , '' Preston explained in a university news release .
For the study , his team analyzed more than 44 million death certificates issued nationwide over 18 years and identified just over 667,000 that were coded as drug-related .
But the team 's models showed that these drug-coded deaths -- which include drug overdoses and mental and behavioral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only about half of all drug-associated deaths .
`` It 's obvious that the drug epidemic is a major American disaster , '' Preston said .
`` The basic records being kept are annual reports on the number of deaths from drug overdose .
But that 's only part of the picture . ''
According to study co-author Dana Glei , `` The drug epidemic is probably killing a lot more Americans than we think .
That 's the main point we 're trying to make . ''
Glei is senior research investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Georgetown University , in Washington , D.C .
The study found that drug use decreased life expectancy after age 15 by an average of 1.4 years for men and by 0.7 years for women .
But those figures were more than two times higher in West Virginia , the state hardest hit by the country 's opioid crisis .
Glei said that the drug use-related decreases in life expectancy `` may not sound like a lot , but it 's a big effect .
It 's big enough to account for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States . ''
West Virginia had the highest rates of drug-associated deaths among 15- to 64-year-olds : 39 percent for men and 27 percent for women .
Other states with high rates included Massachusetts , Maryland , Pennsylvania and Ohio .
The lowest rate for both sexes was in Nebraska , with Iowa , Montana , North Dakota and South Dakota rounding out the five states with the lowest rates among men .
In terms of regions , rates are high in the Southwest , Appalachia and New England , and low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed .
The study was published Jan. 15 in the journal PLOS One .
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about drug addiction and treatment .

Drugs may kill twice as many Americans as government records suggest, a new study claims.
In 2016, the reported rate of drug-related deaths among 15- to 64-year-olds was 9 percent -- compared with about 4 percent several years earlier -- with 63,000 deaths classified as drug-related.
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However, the new study concluded that the actual number of drug-related deaths could have been about 142,000 in 2016.
"Drugs can kill in other ways," said study co-author Samuel Preston. He is a professor of sociology and a member of the Population Studies Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
"Infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, impaired judgment, suicide, circulatory disease -- these are all affected by drug use. People who are perpetual drug users have much higher mortality in general," Preston explained in a university news release.
For the study, his team analyzed more than 44 million death certificates issued nationwide over 18 years and identified just over 667,000 that were coded as drug-related.
But the team's models showed that these drug-coded deaths -- which include drug overdoses and mental and behavioral disorders related to drugs -- accounted for only about half of all drug-associated deaths.
"It's obvious that the drug epidemic is a major American disaster," Preston said. "The basic records being kept are annual reports on the number of deaths from drug overdose. But that's only part of the picture."
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According to study co-author Dana Glei, "The drug epidemic is probably killing a lot more Americans than we think. That's the main point we're trying to make." Glei is senior research investigator at the Center for Population and Health at Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C.
The study found that drug use decreased life expectancy after age 15 by an average of 1.4 years for men and by 0.7 years for women. But those figures were more than two times higher in West Virginia, the state hardest hit by the country's opioid crisis.
Glei said that the drug use-related decreases in life expectancy "may not sound like a lot, but it's a big effect. It's big enough to account for the recent reversal of life-expectancy trends in the United States."
West Virginia had the highest rates of drug-associated deaths among 15- to 64-year-olds: 39 percent for men and 27 percent for women. Other states with high rates included Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The lowest rate for both sexes was in Nebraska, with Iowa, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota rounding out the five states with the lowest rates among men.
In terms of regions, rates are high in the Southwest, Appalachia and New England, and low in the Great Plains, the findings showed.
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The study was published Jan. 15 in the journal PLOS One.
More information
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more about drug addiction and treatment.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-15--House delivers impeachment charges against President Donald Trump to Senate for trial

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed off on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday , setting the stage for the Senate to receive the charges .
In a speech before the documents were sent to the Senate , Pelosi said the House managers would make history by delivering the articles charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of the House .
`` As we make that history we will be making progress for the American people , progress in support of our Constitution , progress in honor of the sacrifice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in honor of the sacrifice of our men and women and uniform and progress for the future of our children , '' she said .
House managers walked the documents to the Senate where they were met by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell , who invited the House managers to present the articles of impeachment on Thursday .
`` The Senate is ready to receive the managers of the House with the purpose of exhibiting articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump , '' McConnell said .
After the articles are presented Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sworn in for the trial , followed by the senators who will serve as jurors .
The House voted Wednesday to send the Senate two articles of impeachment against Trump , after Democrats held onto the charging documents for a month hoping to receive some assurances there will be an impartial trial .
The lower chamber voted 228-193 to transmit the articles a short time before the vote , Pelosi assigned seven Democratic lawmakers as case managers for the Senate trial , which is now expected to begin early next week .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case against Trump at trial , are intelligence committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff , judiciary committee chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler , and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York , Val Demings of Florida , Zoe Lofgren of California , Jason Crow of Colorado and Sylvia Garcia of Texas .
`` Today is an important day , '' Pelosi said at a press briefing Wednesday morning .
`` The emphasis is making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our constitution , to seek the truth for the American people .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it are at stake .
That 's what the Senate must consider . ''
`` The managers of the impeachment trial of the president are public servants committed to protecting our Constitution -- and have the litigation and courtroom experience necessary to execute this task , '' she added in a tweet .
The White House , meanwhile , is finalizing the legal team that will defend Trump .
Jay Sekulow , Trump 's personal attorney , said he 's part of the team headed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone .
Cipollone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team by White House attorneys Patrick Philbin and Michael Purpura , the Washington Examiner reported .
The charges against Trump stem from his dealings with Ukraine last year -- specifically , his efforts pressing Kiev to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son , a former board member of a Ukrainian gas company .
In an interview with MSNBC 's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday , Lev Parnas , an associate of Trump 's attorney Rudy Guiliani , revealed new allegations that Trump had threatened to withhold more than just military aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it investigates the Bidens .
He said he `` gave a very harsh message '' to a Ukrainian presidential aide on behalf of Trump threatening all U.S. aid would be withheld unless the government announced the investigation .
`` It was n't just military aid , it was all aid , '' he said .
Parnas also said that Trump `` knew exactly what was going on '' despite the president 's denials of having done anything wrong .
Cipollone , 53 , has been a vocal critic of the House 's impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind White House efforts that blocked most witnesses in the administration from testifying during the lower chamber 's inquiry .
An Oct. 8 White House letter called the process `` partisan and unconstitutional '' and made a case for a broad interpretation of executive privilege covering nearly every aspect of presidential conduct .
Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer hoped to persuade McConnell to allow certain witnesses and new evidence at trial .
The stalemate ended , however , when the Kentucky Republican said this week he 's already secured enough support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ' involvement .
House Democrats released an example of the new evidence on Tuesday -- documents they say show Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani pressed Ukraine to investigate the Bidens .
They said the records , provided by an attorney for Giuliani associate Lev Parnas , also indicate U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch had been placed under surveillance .
Yovanovitch , who was removed from her diplomatic post last May , was among a number of witnesses who testified during the House impeachment hearings .
She said Trump mounted a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition to Giuliani 's efforts in Ukraine .
In light of the new evidence , Yovanovitch is now calling for an investigation of the surveillance claims , which she called `` disturbing . ''

1/6
| License Photo Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives Cheryl Johnson and Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives Paul Irving, followed by impeachment managers, transfer the articles of impeachment from the House to the Senate. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed off on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Wednesday, setting the stage for the Senate to receive the charges. In a speech before the documents were sent to the Senate, Pelosi said the House managers would make history by delivering the articles charging Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of the House. Advertisement
"As we make that history we will be making progress for the American people, progress in support of our Constitution, progress in honor of the sacrifice and the vision of our founders, progress in honor of the sacrifice of our men and women and uniform and progress for the future of our children," she said.
Tune in as House impeachment managers deliver the articles of impeachment against President Trump to the U.S. Senate. #DefendOurDemocracy https://t.co/zYOqfBQiZi— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 15, 2020 Advertisement
House managers walked the documents to the Senate where they were met by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who invited the House managers to present the articles of impeachment on Thursday.
"The Senate is ready to receive the managers of the House with the purpose of exhibiting articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump," McConnell said.
After the articles are presented Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will be sworn in for the trial, followed by the senators who will serve as jurors.
The House voted Wednesday to send the Senate two articles of impeachment against Trump, after Democrats held onto the charging documents for a month hoping to receive some assurances there will be an impartial trial.
The lower chamber voted 228-193 to transmit the articles a short time before the vote, Pelosi assigned seven Democratic lawmakers as case managers for the Senate trial, which is now expected to begin early next week.
The Democratic case managers, who will present the case against Trump at trial, are intelligence committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, judiciary committee chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler, and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Val Demings of Florida, Zoe Lofgren of California, Jason Crow of Colorado and Sylvia Garcia of Texas.
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"Today is an important day," Pelosi said at a press briefing Wednesday morning. "The emphasis is making the strongest possible case to protect and defend our constitution, to seek the truth for the American people.
"The Constitution and our oaths to protect it are at stake. That's what the Senate must consider."
"The managers of the impeachment trial of the president are public servants committed to protecting our Constitution -- and have the litigation and courtroom experience necessary to execute this task," she added in a tweet.
The White House, meanwhile, is finalizing the legal team that will defend Trump. Jay Sekulow, Trump's personal attorney, said he's part of the team headed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone.
Cipollone and Sekulow will be joined on the team by White House attorneys Patrick Philbin and Michael Purpura, the Washington Examiner reported.
The charges against Trump stem from his dealings with Ukraine last year -- specifically, his efforts pressing Kiev to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, a former board member of a Ukrainian gas company.
In an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Wednesday, Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump's attorney Rudy Guiliani, revealed new allegations that Trump had threatened to withhold more than just military aid from Ukraine as was originally claimed unless it investigates the Bidens.
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He said he "gave a very harsh message" to a Ukrainian presidential aide on behalf of Trump threatening all U.S. aid would be withheld unless the government announced the investigation.
"It wasn't just military aid, it was all aid," he said.
Parnas also said that Trump "knew exactly what was going on" despite the president's denials of having done anything wrong.
Cipollone, 53, has been a vocal critic of the House's impeachment process and is considered the main force behind White House efforts that blocked most witnesses in the administration from testifying during the lower chamber's inquiry.
An Oct. 8 White House letter called the process "partisan and unconstitutional" and made a case for a broad interpretation of executive privilege covering nearly every aspect of presidential conduct.
Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer hoped to persuade McConnell to allow certain witnesses and new evidence at trial. The stalemate ended, however, when the Kentucky Republican said this week he's already secured enough support in the chamber to move ahead without Democrats' involvement.
House Democrats released an example of the new evidence on Tuesday -- documents they say show Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani pressed Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. They said the records, provided by an attorney for Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, also indicate U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch had been placed under surveillance.
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Yovanovitch, who was removed from her diplomatic post last May, was among a number of witnesses who testified during the House impeachment hearings. She said Trump mounted a "smear campaign" as retaliation for her opposition to Giuliani's efforts in Ukraine.
In light of the new evidence, Yovanovitch is now calling for an investigation of the surveillance claims, which she called "disturbing."
This week in Washington


upi--2020-01-15--Rocky Johnson, WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and Dwayne Johnson's father, dies at 75

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Rocky Johnson , WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and father of actor Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson , has died at the age of 75 , the entertainment company announced on Wednesday .
`` WWE extends its condolences to Johnson 's family , friends and fans , '' WWE said in a statement .
The cause of death was not released .
The Cauliflower Alley Club , a club for professional wrestlers , confirmed his death via Twitter .
`` We just learned that Rocky Johnson passed away today at the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` His accolades in this business , all the people he influenced , all his accomplishments , and we are so deeply sorry and wish his family nothing but the most love at this time . ''
Born Wayde Douglas Bowles , the Canadian wrestler began his entertainment career in the National Wrestling Alliance in the mid-1960s before shifting to the WWE where his popularity grew due to his charisma and talent , the WWE said .
`` His legacy stretches across every promotion , '' the NWA said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion everywhere he went , including holding the NWA Georgia Championship . ''
His greatest ring accomplishment was becoming the first African American World Tag Team Champions in 1983 when he and Tony Atlas defeated The Wild Samoans for the title .
Johnson would retire in 1991 , but his influence in the WWE continued to be felt as he helped train his son , Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson , to become a household name and one of the biggest stars in the WWE 's history .
In 2008 , Dwayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall of Fame .
Following news of his death , the wrestling world took to social media in mourning .
Actor and retired wrestler Mick Foley said Wednesday was `` a very sad day for wrestling . ''
`` I am sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson , '' Foley said on Twitter .
`` Always a gentleman , I always enjoyed talking with him .
My deepest condolences to his family , friends and the fans who loved him . ''
Brutus Beefcake , WWE Hall Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` an amazing man who I admired greatly . ''
`` God bless you , Rocky , until we see each other in heaven !
! ''
he said .

Professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (R) attends the hand and footprint ceremony immortalizing his son, actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (C) in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 2015. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Rocky Johnson, WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and father of actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has died at the age of 75, the entertainment company announced on Wednesday. "WWE extends its condolences to Johnson's family, friends and fans," WWE said in a statement. Advertisement
The cause of death was not released.
The Cauliflower Alley Club, a club for professional wrestlers, confirmed his death via Twitter.
"We just learned that Rocky Johnson passed away today at the age of 75," the club said in a statement. "His accolades in this business, all the people he influenced, all his accomplishments, and we are so deeply sorry and wish his family nothing but the most love at this time."
Born Wayde Douglas Bowles, the Canadian wrestler began his entertainment career in the National Wrestling Alliance in the mid-1960s before shifting to the WWE where his popularity grew due to his charisma and talent, the WWE said.
"His legacy stretches across every promotion," the NWA said in a statement. "He was a champion everywhere he went, including holding the NWA Georgia Championship."
His greatest ring accomplishment was becoming the first African American World Tag Team Champions in 1983 when he and Tony Atlas defeated The Wild Samoans for the title.
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Johnson would retire in 1991, but his influence in the WWE continued to be felt as he helped train his son, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, to become a household name and one of the biggest stars in the WWE's history.
In 2008, Dwayne would induct his father into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Following news of his death, the wrestling world took to social media in mourning.
Actor and retired wrestler Mick Foley said Wednesday was "a very sad day for wrestling."
"I am sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson," Foley said on Twitter. "Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and the fans who loved him."
Brutus Beefcake, WWE Hall Of Fame wrestler, called Johnson a friend and "an amazing man who I admired greatly."
"God bless you, Rocky, until we see each other in heaven!!" he said.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-01-15--Texas carries out nation's first execution of 2020 for domestic violence slaying

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Texas , the state that has put to death more people than any other by far , carried out the nation 's first execution of the decade Wednesday .
John Gardner was executed for the 2005 Collin County murder of his soon-to-be ex-wife .
Tammy Gardner was shot and killed in her home weeks before the couple 's divorce was finalized , according to court records .
She called 911 before she died to say her husband had shot her .
With no pending appeals , John Gardner was taken into Texas ' death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal dose of pentobarbital at 6:20 p.m .
He was pronounced dead 16 minutes later .
Five of his friends and a spiritual adviser were expected to watch through a glass pane in a small room , according to a prison witness list .
Tammy Gardner 's mother , daughter and son planned to stand in an identical room next door .
In his final words , he told his friends he loved them after apologizing to the victim 's family .
`` I would like to say sorry for the grief I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace , joy and closure .
Whatever it takes to forgive me .
I am sorry .
I know you can not forgive , me but I hope one day you will , '' the 64-year-old man said .
John Gardner had a history of domestic violence , including the shooting of a previous wife who later died from her injuries , court records state .
He had argued for years that his crime should not have been prosecuted as a capital murder , which is the only crime in Texas that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital murder conviction in his case required the jury to decide that the killing was committed during another felony crime - home burglary or retaliation for his wife being a witness in their upcoming divorce proceeding .
Instead , his appellate attorneys said , John Gardner 's trial lawyers should have raised an `` abandonment rage '' defense .
They argued that he did n't break into his wife 's house and that he shot her to prevent her from leaving him , not because she was going to testify against him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the argument .
The Gardners had been married for more than five years , and court records indicate it was an abusive relationship .
Tammy Gardner 's friends and relatives testified at trial that her husband had put a gun to her head before and that she showed up to places with bruises on her face .
After she filed for divorce , they said that she was terrified for her life and that John Gardner was harassing her , asking if she was going to go through with it .
The day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Gardner was repeatedly texting his wife about the divorce and asked , `` YES OR NO ? ''
At trial , while jurors weighed whether to sentence John Gardner to death or life in prison without the option for parole , his sister testified that they had grown up with abusive parents .
Their father , a Baptist preacher , would interrupt church services to loudly beat his son with a belt in the hall , she said .
John Gardner 's appellate attorneys later said trial lawyers did n't properly search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jury toward life .
The slaying was n't John Gardner 's first domestic violence conviction .
Three of his previous four wives had also reportedly been abused by him , according to a federal court ruling .
In 1983 , he was convicted of aggravated assault in the shooting of his wife at the time , Rhoda Gardner , who was pregnant and later died from her injuries .
He served two years of an eight-year sentence in Mississippi .
After two years on parole , he was again imprisoned after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter , who required hospitalization , and kidnapping his wife at knifepoint .
At the Tammy Gardner murder trial , prosecutors also presented evidence that John Gardner sexually assaulted his wives ' young daughters .
His appellate lawyers argued most recently to the U.S. Supreme Court about the abandonment rage defense .
They said lower courts had wrongly rejected such claims .
`` [ John Gardner 's ] violent domestic history further supports the fact that he abused or killed his former spouses and their children 'to manage his relationships , ' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospective witnesses who would testify against him , '' his attorney , Lydia Brandt , wrote in a petition .
`` The killing of Tammy Gardner was an estrangement killing - which is not a capital murder offense . ''
If he had been convicted of murder , not capital murder , the harshest punishment he would have received is life in prison .
The Texas Attorney General 's Office argued to the high court that John Gardner killed his wife because of the upcoming divorce , where she was a prospective witness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the breakup .
John Gardner 's appellate attorneys also said the lack of evidence of a forced entry showed that he was n't committing a burglary , the other felony that could trigger the capital murder offense .
The state argued Tammy Gardner 's 911 call and her fear for her life indicated she would not willingly let him into her home .
`` In fact , uncontrollable rage triggered by abandonment makes it more likely Gardner entered Tammy 's home without her effective consent and for the purpose of harming her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matthew Ottoway .
Texas has seven more executions scheduled through May .
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
Read the original here .
The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state .
Explore the next 10 years with us .

John Gardner had a history of domestic violence, including the shooting of a previous wife who later died from her injuries, court records state. Photo courtesy of Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Texas Tribune
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Texas, the state that has put to death more people than any other by far, carried out the nation's first execution of the decade Wednesday. John Gardner was executed for the 2005 Collin County murder of his soon-to-be ex-wife. Tammy Gardner was shot and killed in her home weeks before the couple's divorce was finalized, according to court records. She called 911 before she died to say her husband had shot her. Advertisement
With no pending appeals, John Gardner was taken into Texas' death chamber in Huntsville and injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital at 6:20 p.m. He was pronounced dead 16 minutes later.
Five of his friends and a spiritual adviser were expected to watch through a glass pane in a small room, according to a prison witness list. Tammy Gardner's mother, daughter and son planned to stand in an identical room next door. In his final words, he told his friends he loved them after apologizing to the victim's family.
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"I would like to say sorry for the grief I have caused. I hope you find peace, joy and closure. Whatever it takes to forgive me. I am sorry. I know you cannot forgive, me but I hope one day you will," the 64-year-old man said.
John Gardner had a history of domestic violence, including the shooting of a previous wife who later died from her injuries, court records state.
He had argued for years that his crime should not have been prosecuted as a capital murder, which is the only crime in Texas that can result in the death penalty. A capital murder conviction in his case required the jury to decide that the killing was committed during another felony crime - home burglary or retaliation for his wife being a witness in their upcoming divorce proceeding.
Instead, his appellate attorneys said, John Gardner's trial lawyers should have raised an "abandonment rage" defense. They argued that he didn't break into his wife's house and that he shot her to prevent her from leaving him, not because she was going to testify against him in court. Texas and federal courts rejected the argument.
The Gardners had been married for more than five years, and court records indicate it was an abusive relationship. Tammy Gardner's friends and relatives testified at trial that her husband had put a gun to her head before and that she showed up to places with bruises on her face. After she filed for divorce, they said that she was terrified for her life and that John Gardner was harassing her, asking if she was going to go through with it.
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The day of the murder, her daughter said John Gardner was repeatedly texting his wife about the divorce and asked, "YES OR NO?"
At trial, while jurors weighed whether to sentence John Gardner to death or life in prison without the option for parole, his sister testified that they had grown up with abusive parents. Their father, a Baptist preacher, would interrupt church services to loudly beat his son with a belt in the hall, she said. John Gardner's appellate attorneys later said trial lawyers didn't properly search for other evidence that could have turned the jury toward life.
The slaying wasn't John Gardner's first domestic violence conviction. Three of his previous four wives had also reportedly been abused by him, according to a federal court ruling. In 1983, he was convicted of aggravated assault in the shooting of his wife at the time, Rhoda Gardner, who was pregnant and later died from her injuries. He served two years of an eight-year sentence in Mississippi. After two years on parole, he was again imprisoned after being accused of assaulting his new wife's daughter, who required hospitalization, and kidnapping his wife at knifepoint.
At the Tammy Gardner murder trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that John Gardner sexually assaulted his wives' young daughters.
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His appellate lawyers argued most recently to the U.S. Supreme Court about the abandonment rage defense. They said lower courts had wrongly rejected such claims.
"[John Gardner's] violent domestic history further supports the fact that he abused or killed his former spouses and their children 'to manage his relationships,' and not because of their status as a prospective witnesses who would testify against him," his attorney, Lydia Brandt, wrote in a petition. "The killing of Tammy Gardner was an estrangement killing - which is not a capital murder offense."
If he had been convicted of murder, not capital murder, the harshest punishment he would have received is life in prison. The Texas Attorney General's Office argued to the high court that John Gardner killed his wife because of the upcoming divorce, where she was a prospective witness, and not earlier at the time of the breakup.
John Gardner's appellate attorneys also said the lack of evidence of a forced entry showed that he wasn't committing a burglary, the other felony that could trigger the capital murder offense. The state argued Tammy Gardner's 911 call and her fear for her life indicated she would not willingly let him into her home.
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"In fact, uncontrollable rage triggered by abandonment makes it more likely Gardner entered Tammy's home without her effective consent and for the purpose of harming her," wrote Texas Assistant Attorney General Matthew Ottoway.
Texas has seven more executions scheduled through May.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state. Explore the next 10 years with us.


upi--2020-01-15--Police: Suspect accidentally shot and killed fellow student at Houston-area school

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Texas police charged a minor with manslaughter on Wednesday for the accidental shooting death of a fellow student at a Houston-area high school , authorities said .
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said evidence indicates the 16-year-old suspect had unintentionally shot and killed a 19-year-old student in a supply room of Bellaire High School , about 5 miles southwest of downtown Houston .
`` The act was not intentional but it was reckless , '' Ogg said .
`` So , this is not an accident because pulling a trigger on a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not is an intentional act .
But he did not , based on evidence we have right now , intend to kill his friend . ''
The suspect and a second person in his company were arrested Tuesday after leading police on a near four-hour manhunt following the school shooting .
The victim , who has been identified as Cesar Cortez , died at the hospital , police said .
Bellaire Police Department Lt. Greg Bartlett said the suspect has not been cooperating with authorities , so they can not confirm that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Six students were in the room when the shooting took place , but only two of them know exactly what happened and one of them is dead and the other is n't talking , '' he said .
`` As best we can tell they were just students , '' Bartlett told reports during a briefing .
`` They may have some personal interaction in the past but to what extent we do n't know because the suspect is not cooperating with us . ''
Bartlett said the suspect is calm , stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police and has n't shown any signs of remorse .
The suspect had the weapon tucked in his waistband before showing it to the students , some of whom left the room prior to the shooting because the weapon had been produced , Bartlett said .
The second person arrested has been released without charges , Bartlett said , explaining he was arrested as he was discovered with the suspect .
Authorities said police have been unable to locate the weapon used during the shooting , believing the suspect ditched it following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any witness to his path of travel after he left the school , '' Bartlett said .
`` So , we can only guess '' where the weapon may be .
Officers are conducting a search near the school for the weapon and a request has been sent to local residents informing them to notify local police should they find a handgun , the City of Bellaire said in a release .
Meanwhile , a vigil was held Wednesday evening for the slain Cortez at Bellaire 's Evelyn 's Park .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire [ Bellaire ] community , '' Harris County Constable Alan Rosen said via Twitter posting photos from the event .

Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Texas police charged a minor with manslaughter on Wednesday for the accidental shooting death of a fellow student at a Houston-area high school, authorities said.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said evidence indicates the 16-year-old suspect had unintentionally shot and killed a 19-year-old student in a supply room of Bellaire High School, about 5 miles southwest of downtown Houston.
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"The act was not intentional but it was reckless," Ogg said. "So, this is not an accident because pulling a trigger on a gun whether you know if it's loaded or not is an intentional act. But he did not, based on evidence we have right now, intend to kill his friend."
The suspect and a second person in his company were arrested Tuesday after leading police on a near four-hour manhunt following the school shooting. The victim, who has been identified as Cesar Cortez, died at the hospital, police said.
Bellaire Police Department Lt. Greg Bartlett said the suspect has not been cooperating with authorities, so they cannot confirm that it was an accidental discharge.
"Six students were in the room when the shooting took place, but only two of them know exactly what happened and one of them is dead and the other isn't talking," he said.
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"As best we can tell they were just students," Bartlett told reports during a briefing. "They may have some personal interaction in the past but to what extent we don't know because the suspect is not cooperating with us."
Bartlett said the suspect is calm, stated he didn't want to speak with the police and hasn't shown any signs of remorse.
The suspect had the weapon tucked in his waistband before showing it to the students, some of whom left the room prior to the shooting because the weapon had been produced, Bartlett said.
The second person arrested has been released without charges, Bartlett said, explaining he was arrested as he was discovered with the suspect.
Authorities said police have been unable to locate the weapon used during the shooting, believing the suspect ditched it following the incident.
"We don't have any witness to his path of travel after he left the school," Bartlett said. "So, we can only guess" where the weapon may be.
Officers are conducting a search near the school for the weapon and a request has been sent to local residents informing them to notify local police should they find a handgun, the City of Bellaire said in a release.
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Meanwhile, a vigil was held Wednesday evening for the slain Cortez at Bellaire's Evelyn's Park.
"Prayers to the family, friends and entire [Bellaire] community," Harris County Constable Alan Rosen said via Twitter posting photos from the event.


upi--2020-01-15--LSU football team to meet President Trump Friday at White House

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- The LSU Tigers football team will visit with President Donald Trump Friday at the White House , following their College Football Playoff national championship game victory .
A White House spokesperson confirmed the Tigers visit Wednesday , according to WAFB Baton Rouge and The Advocate .
The Tigers ' visit is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST in Washington , D.C. LSU beat Clemson 42-25 in the title game Monday in New Orleans .
Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome .
Trump also attended the Tigers ' game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ala. Clemson visited the White House after winning their 2019 national championship , meeting with Trump Jan. 14 , 2019 .
Alabama visited with Trump after winning a championship in 2018 .
Clemson made their first visit with Trump at the White House in 2017 .
LSU met with President George W. Bush after winning a title in 2008 .
They also met with President Bush after winning in 2004 .
The school is honoring the football team with a parade at noon EST Saturday on campus in Baton Rouge , La .

LSU beat Clemson 42-35 in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The LSU Tigers football team will visit with President Donald Trump Friday at the White House, following their College Football Playoff national championship game victory. A White House spokesperson confirmed the Tigers visit Wednesday, according to WAFB Baton Rouge and The Advocate. Advertisement
The Tigers' visit is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST in Washington, D.C.
LSU beat Clemson 42-25 in the title game Monday in New Orleans. Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Trump also attended the Tigers' game against Alabama in November in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Clemson visited the White House after winning their 2019 national championship, meeting with Trump Jan. 14, 2019. Alabama visited with Trump after winning a championship in 2018. Clemson made their first visit with Trump at the White House in 2017.
LSU met with President George W. Bush after winning a title in 2008. They also met with President Bush after winning in 2004.
The school is honoring the football team with a parade at noon EST Saturday on campus in Baton Rouge, La.


upi--2020-01-15--Pelicans' Zion Williamson expected to debut Jan. 22 against Spurs

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson -- the No .
1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft -- is expected to make his debut against the San Antonio Spurs Jan. 22 in New Orleans .
Williamson had surgery on the meniscus in his right knee Oct. 21 .
He was initially given a timetable to return of six to eight weeks .
Jan. 22 would be the 13-week mark after his surgery .
Williamson returned to full practices Jan. 2 .
He returned to five-on-five drills Jan. 7 .
The former Duke star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.1 assists per game in his lone season for the Blue Devils .
He averaged 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the NBA preseason .
`` This process has been one that has been really , really good , '' Griffin told reporters .
`` We 've learned a lot about him .
We 're getting the point where we think he is as ready as he thinks he is .
We 're moving in the right direction . ''
Griffin said Williamson will continue to get practice reps and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the team waits for the rookie to be medically cleared .
The Pelicans ( 15-26 ) face the Utah Jazz , Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies before battling San Antonio at 8 p.m. EST Wednesday , Jan. 22 in New Orleans .

Zion Williamson averaged 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the NBA preseason. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft -- is expected to make his debut against the San Antonio Spurs Jan. 22 in New Orleans. Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin announced Williamson's projected debut date Wednesday. Advertisement
Williamson had surgery on the meniscus in his right knee Oct. 21. He was initially given a timetable to return of six to eight weeks. Jan. 22 would be the 13-week mark after his surgery. Williamson returned to full practices Jan. 2. He returned to five-on-five drills Jan. 7.
The former Duke star averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in his lone season for the Blue Devils. He averaged 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the NBA preseason.
"This process has been one that has been really, really good," Griffin told reporters. "We've learned a lot about him. We're getting the point where we think he is as ready as he thinks he is. We're moving in the right direction."
Griffin said Williamson will continue to get practice reps and have a more intense practice Friday or Sunday as the team waits for the rookie to be medically cleared.
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The Pelicans (15-26) face the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies before battling San Antonio at 8 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 22 in New Orleans.


upi--2020-01-15--Joe Burrow: Odell Beckham Jr. gave real cash to LSU players after title win

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver and ex-LSU star Odell Beckham Jr. was seen handing what appeared to be cash to players after their national championship win .
Former Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow says the money was real .
Beckham was filmed handing the cash to several players after LSU 's 42-25 win against Clemson Monday in New Orleans .
LSU initially thought the cash was fake , but Burrow confirmed the authenticity of the money during an interview Tuesday with Barstool Sports .
Burrow said he was one of the players who received money from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elliott and Beckham 's former LSU teammate Jarvis Landry also attended the game .
`` I 'm not a student-athlete anymore , so I can say yeah [ he gave me money ] , '' Burrow said on the Pardon My Take podcast .
LSU issued a statement after Burrow 's comment .
The school is working with the NCAA and Southeastern Conference in examining the incident .
If the money was real , the players could be found to have violated NCAA bylaws .
Cash gifts are considered impermissible benefits prohibited by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night , '' LSU said .
`` Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills .
Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes .
`` We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation . ''
LSU coach Ed Orgeron said he was not aware of the incident when asked about it after Monday 's win .
Burrow -- who was a senior -- is expected to be the No .
1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft .

LSU Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said he was unaware of quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and some of his teammates receiving money from Cleveland Browns star Odell Beckham Jr. after winning the national championship Monday in New Orleans. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver and ex-LSU star Odell Beckham Jr. was seen handing what appeared to be cash to players after their national championship win. Former Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow says the money was real. Beckham was filmed handing the cash to several players after LSU's 42-25 win against Clemson Monday in New Orleans. LSU initially thought the cash was fake, but Burrow confirmed the authenticity of the money during an interview Tuesday with Barstool Sports. Advertisement
Burrow said he was one of the players who received money from Beckham. Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Beckham's former LSU teammate Jarvis Landry also attended the game.
"I'm not a student-athlete anymore, so I can say yeah [he gave me money]," Burrow said on the Pardon My Take podcast.
LSU issued a statement after Burrow's comment. The school is working with the NCAA and Southeastern Conference in examining the incident.
If the money was real, the players could be found to have violated NCAA bylaws. Cash gifts are considered impermissible benefits prohibited by the main governing body of college athletics.
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"We are aware of the situation regarding Odell Beckham Jr. interacting with LSU student-athletes and others unaffiliated with the team following the championship game Monday night," LSU said. "Initial information suggested bills that were exchanged were novelty bills. Information and footage reviewed since shows apparent cash may have also been given to LSU student-athletes.
"We were in contact with the NCAA and the SEC immediately upon learning of this situation in which some of our student-athletes may have been placed in a compromising position. We are working with our student-athletes, the NCAA and the SEC in order to rectify the situation."
LSU coach Ed Orgeron said he was not aware of the incident when asked about it after Monday's win. Burrow -- who was a senior -- is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Burrow graduated from LSU in December.


upi--2020-01-15--Virginia declares state of emergency due to threats ahead of gun control rally

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to threats of violence during a gun control rally in the state early next week .
Northam 's declaration prohibits all weapons including firearms , sticks , bats , chains and projectiles from Capitol grounds from 5 p.m. on Friday until 5 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a tip about potential violence during Monday 's Lobby Day against gun control legislation .
`` Law enforcement intelligence analysts have identified credible threats of violence surrounding the event , along with white nationalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend , '' Northam 's office said .
In a news conference on Wednesday , Northam said law enforcement analysts found discussions online and other venues that were similar to those observed ahead of the 2017 Charlottesville `` Unite the Right '' rally in the state during which three people died and 30 more were injured .
`` Please know that we have been preparing extensively to protect public safety at Monday 's rally , but no one wants another incident like the one we saw in Charlottesville in 2017 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow that mayhem and violence to happen here . ''
The Virginia Citizens Defense League , or VDCL , plans to hold a rally to bring attention to what it describes as the `` Second Amendment Sanctuary '' movement in the state .
VDCL President Philip Van Cleave on Wednesday said he does n't believe Northam has the right to ban weapons .
Northam said he respects the right of VDCL and other groups to protest gun control legislation in the state but called on them to keep the demonstrations peaceful .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wishes to use Monday 's rally to advance a violent agenda , '' said Northam .
`` HAte , intimidation and violence have no place here . ''

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after law enforcement reported threats of violence at a gun control rally in the state on Monday. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to threats of violence during a gun control rally in the state early next week. Northam's declaration prohibits all weapons including firearms, sticks, bats, chains and projectiles from Capitol grounds from 5 p.m. on Friday until 5 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a tip about potential violence during Monday's Lobby Day against gun control legislation. Advertisement
"Law enforcement intelligence analysts have identified credible threats of violence surrounding the event, along with white nationalist rhetoric and plans by out-of-state militia groups to attend," Northam's office said.
In a news conference on Wednesday, Northam said law enforcement analysts found discussions online and other venues that were similar to those observed ahead of the 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally in the state during which three people died and 30 more were injured.
"Please know that we have been preparing extensively to protect public safety at Monday's rally, but no one wants another incident like the one we saw in Charlottesville in 2017," he said. "We will not allow that mayhem and violence to happen here."
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The Virginia Citizens Defense League, or VDCL, plans to hold a rally to bring attention to what it describes as the "Second Amendment Sanctuary" movement in the state.
VDCL President Philip Van Cleave on Wednesday said he doesn't believe Northam has the right to ban weapons.
Northam said he respects the right of VDCL and other groups to protest gun control legislation in the state but called on them to keep the demonstrations peaceful.
"I call on them to disavow anyone who wishes to use Monday's rally to advance a violent agenda," said Northam. "HAte, intimidation and violence have no place here."


upi--2020-01-15--Raytheon awarded $9M to maintain HARM weapons for Morocco, Turkey, U.S.

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Raytheon inked a $ 9 million deal to maintain high-speed anti-radiation missiles , known @ @ @ @ @ Air Force , the government of Morocco and the government of Turkey , according to @ @ @ @ @ funds repair and sustainment services for 155 missiles owned by Turkey , Morocco and the @ @ @ @ @ high-speed anti-radiation missile is a joint U.S. Navy and Air Force program developed by the @ @ @ @ @ missile can operate in preemptive , missile-as-sensor and self-protect modes and was developed to suppress @ @ @ @ @ and radar-directed air defense systems In July Raytheon received $ 17.8 million to develop computers @ @ @ @ @ and in 2017 in the contractor was awarded $ 17 million to deliver a targeting @ @ @ @ @ Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $ 251,665 , and Air Force funds @ @ @ @ @ 8.24 million are obligated at the time of the award .
Work will be performed @ @ @ @ @ and is expected to be completed in December 2020 .

A senior airman shakes an AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile loaded onto an F-16CM Fighting Falcon to ensure proper attachment in 2017. Raytheon has received a $9 million contract to maintain HARM weapons for the U.S., Morocco and Turkey. Photo by Kathryn R.C. Reaves/U.S. Air Force
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Raytheon inked a $9 million deal to maintain high-speed anti-radiation missiles, known as HARM, for the Air Force, the government of Morocco and the government of Turkey, according to the Pentagon. The agreement funds repair and sustainment services for 155 missiles owned by Turkey, Morocco and the United States. Advertisement
The AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile is a joint U.S. Navy and Air Force program developed by the Navy and Raytheon..
The 800-pound missile can operate in preemptive, missile-as-sensor and self-protect modes and was developed to suppress or destroy surface-to-air missile radar and radar-directed air defense systems
In July Raytheon received $17.8 million to develop computers to launch HARM weapons, and in 2017 in the contractor was awarded $17 million to deliver a targeting system for the program.
Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $251,665, and Air Force funds in the amount of $8.24 million are obligated at the time of the award.
Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in December 2020.


upi--2020-01-15--Watch: Juventus' Dybala, Higuain team up for incredible scoring sequence

Jan. 15 ( UPI ) -- Juventus stars Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain teamed up for an incredible scoring sequence during a 4-0 win over Udinese , trading a series of quick passes for the first goal of the game .
The score came in the 16th minute of the Copa Italia triumph Wednesday at Allianz Stadium in Turin , Italy .
Higuain received a pass while about 30 yards from the goal at the start of the exchange .
He then passed the ball back to Dybala .
Dybala used his first touch to tap the ball back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running into the box .
Higuain then chipped the ball back toward Dybala , who had to run back out of the box to retrieve the feed .
Dybala raced back to the ball and has his back toward the goal before he used his left foot to lob a pass over the defense and ahead of a running Higuain .
Higuain brought the ball down with his chest before using his right boot to hit a shot into the left side of the net , beating Udinese goalie Nicolas .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass the round because we want to win the Italian Cup , '' Higuain told reporters .
`` The agreement [ of playing styles ] with Dybala ?
I 'm fine , we have to do the best for Juve and we hope to help the team win .
It is a pleasure to play with great players , today the team did well and now we will have to repeat ourselves against Parma on Sunday . ''
Dybala gave Juventus a 2-0 lead by making a penalty kick in the 26th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-0 with a score -- assisted by Higuain -- in the 57th minute .
Douglas Costa scored the final goal by making another penalty kick in the 61st minute .
`` The [ Copa Italia ] knockout fixtures are always an unknown factor , but the feeling in training was that the team was brilliant , so I expected a great performance , and , in fact , we had a good match , '' Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri said .
`` The first goal is of rare beauty , with trade at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in Wednesday 's match due to an illness .
Juventus hosts Parma in a Serie A matchup at 2:45 p.m. EST Sunday in Turin .

Paulo Dybala (R) had two goals and an assist, while Gonzalo Higuain (21) had a goal and an assist in Juventus' win against Udinese Wednesday in Turin, Italy. Photo by Alessandro Di Marco/EPA-EFE
Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Juventus stars Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain teamed up for an incredible scoring sequence during a 4-0 win over Udinese, trading a series of quick passes for the first goal of the game. The score came in the 16th minute of the Copa Italia triumph Wednesday at Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. Advertisement
Higuain received a pass while about 30 yards from the goal at the start of the exchange. He then passed the ball back to Dybala. Dybala used his first touch to tap the ball back to Higuain, starting a give-and-go, before running into the box. Higuain then chipped the ball back toward Dybala, who had to run back out of the box to retrieve the feed.
Dybala raced back to the ball and has his back toward the goal before he used his left foot to lob a pass over the defense and ahead of a running Higuain. Higuain brought the ball down with his chest before using his right boot to hit a shot into the left side of the net, beating Udinese goalie Nicolas.
This link-up play between Dybala and Higuain is UNREAL Advertisement Stream the Coppa Italia on ESPN+  https://t.co/s2J9Rqd0GD pic.twitter.com/EaanVmWiJx— ESPN (@espn) January 15, 2020
"It was an important game, we wanted to pass the round because we want to win the Italian Cup," Higuain told reporters. "The agreement [of playing styles] with Dybala? I'm fine, we have to do the best for Juve and we hope to help the team win. It is a pleasure to play with great players, today the team did well and now we will have to repeat ourselves against Parma on Sunday."
Dybala gave Juventus a 2-0 lead by making a penalty kick in the 26th minute. He increased the lead to 3-0 with a score -- assisted by Higuain -- in the 57th minute. Douglas Costa scored the final goal by making another penalty kick in the 61st minute.
"The [Copa Italia] knockout fixtures are always an unknown factor, but the feeling in training was that the team was brilliant, so I expected a great performance, and, in fact, we had a good match," Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri said. "The first goal is of rare beauty, with trade at full speed."
Ronaldo did not play in Wednesday's match due to an illness. Juventus hosts Parma in a Serie A matchup at 2:45 p.m. EST Sunday in Turin.


upi--2020-01-17--Greg Page suffers cardiac arrest at Australia benefit concert

Jan. 17 ( UPI ) -- The Wiggles singer Greg Page is recovering after having a medical emergency at the @ @ @ @ @ Wiggles , an Australian children 's music group , said in a tweet Friday that @ @ @ @ @ into cardiac arrest at the show .
`` As has been reported , our friend @ @ @ @ @ arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ and is now recovering in hospital .
We appreciate your kind messages and concern , @ @ @ @ @ The Wiggles were performing a sold-out reunion concert to raise funds for Australian bushfire relief @

As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital. He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern.— The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 17, 2020
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Wiggles singer Greg Page is recovering after going into cardiac arrest at the group's concert.
The Wiggles, an Australian children's music group, confirmed in a tweet Friday that Page, 48, was hospitalized and treated for cardiac arrest.
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"As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital. He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern," the group wrote.
The Wiggles were performing a sold-out reunion concert to raise funds for Australian bushfire relief. CNN said Page collapsed toward the end of the show.
"At the end of the show this evening there was a medical incident off stage involving Greg Page. Medics were called immediately and he was taken to hospital where is receiving treatment," The Wiggles tweeted.
Page, the original Yellow Wiggle, left The Wiggles in 2006 due to health issues but returned in 2012. He told People in 2012 that he was diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance after experiencing fainting spells.
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At the end of 2012, Page and original Wiggles Murray Cook and Jeff Fatt retired from the group. The present lineup consists of Anthony Field, Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce and Emma Watkins.


upi--2020-01-17--'Soulmates': Charlie Heaton, Malin Akerman join AMC anthology series

Jan. 17 ( UPI ) -- Charlie Heaton , Malin Akerman , Betsy Brandt and JJ Feild have joined the cast of AMC 's upcoming six-part anthology series , Soulmates .
The group joins previously announced stars Sarah Snook , David Costabile and Sonya Cassidy , among others .
Soulmates takes place 15 years into the future when a test can determine who everyone 's soulmate is .
Each episode will explore a different group of characters as they grapple with the test .
Heaton ( Stranger Things ) will portray Kurt who discovers that his soulmate is dead and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people deal with the loss of their soulmate .
Akerman ( Billions ) will appear in the same episode as Martha who has gone through a number of bad relationships and joins the church .
Joe Anderson ( Brave New World ) and Steven Mackintosh ( Rocketman ) will also appear alongside Heaton and Akerman in the episode .
Brandt ( Breaking Bad ) in a different episode will star as Caitlin , a pushover who starts to stand up for herself after meeting her soulmate .
Feild ( Turn ) will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side and shares it with Caitlin .
Tom Goodman-Hill ( Cheat ) will also star in the episode .
Soulmates is written by Emmy Award-winner Will Bridges ( Stranger Things , Black Mirror ) and Brett Goldstein ( Superbob , Adult Life Skills ) .
Directors include Rob Savage ( Britannia ) , Marco Kreuzpaintner ( Beat ) , Andrea Harkin ( The Trial of Christine Keeler ) and Bridges who also serves as creator and executive producer .

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"Stranger Things" star Charlie Heaton is set to appear in AMC's "Soulmates" along with Malin Akerman. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Charlie Heaton, Malin Akerman, Betsy Brandt and JJ Feild have joined the cast of AMC's upcoming six-part anthology series, Soulmates. The group joins previously announced stars Sarah Snook, David Costabile and Sonya Cassidy, among others. Advertisement
Soulmates takes place 15 years into the future when a test can determine who everyone's soulmate is. Each episode will explore a different group of characters as they grapple with the test.
Heaton (Stranger Things) will portray Kurt who discovers that his soulmate is dead and finds comfort in a church that helps people deal with the loss of their soulmate. Akerman (Billions) will appear in the same episode as Martha who has gone through a number of bad relationships and joins the church.
Joe Anderson (Brave New World) and Steven Mackintosh (Rocketman) will also appear alongside Heaton and Akerman in the episode.
Brandt (Breaking Bad) in a different episode will star as Caitlin, a pushover who starts to stand up for herself after meeting her soulmate. Feild (Turn) will be featured as Nathan who has a dark side and shares it with Caitlin. Tom Goodman-Hill (Cheat) will also star in the episode.
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Soulmates is written by Emmy Award-winner Will Bridges (Stranger Things, Black Mirror) and Brett Goldstein (Superbob, Adult Life Skills).
Directors include Rob Savage (Britannia), Marco Kreuzpaintner (Beat), Andrea Harkin (The Trial of Christine Keeler) and Bridges who also serves as creator and executive producer.


upi--2020-01-17--U.S., Taliban at 'important' stage of Afghanistan peace talks, officials say

Jan. 17 ( UPI ) -- U.S. and Taliban negotiators are working toward a deal to reduce the level of violence in Afghanistan during talks in Qatar Friday , officials said .
U.S. envoy for Afghan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said this week talks have reached an `` important stage '' amid a new push for an agreement .
He made the remarks after meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul .
Government officials have been excluded from the U.S.-Taliban discussions , since the insurgent group views Ghani 's regime a puppet working in behalf of U.S. interests .
Taliban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they would commit to reducing violence , the New York Times reported .
While far short of the complete cease-fire sought by the Afghan government , such a commitment would still represent a key development in the talks that are ultimately aimed at removing U.S. forces from Afghanistan , where they have been stationed since late 2001 .
The two sides began discussions again last month .
Ghani spokesman Sediq Seddiqi said Khalilzad and Ghani discussed the need for a truce before a full withdrawal deal .
Taliban officials , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a full agreement , Al Jazeera reported .
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen tweeted Friday negotiators are discussing a peace deal and a ceremony for it .
U.S. President Donald Trump , who favors pulling U.S. forces from Afghanistan , called off negotiations in September following a Taliban attack in Kabul that killed an American soldier .
He allowed them to resume after a surprise Thanksgiving trip to visit troops at Bagram Airfield .

Officials indicated U.S. and Taliban negotiators have reached a key stage of a preliminary peace agreement. File Photo by Ghulamullah Habibi/EPA-EFE
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. and Taliban negotiators are working toward a deal to reduce the level of violence in Afghanistan during talks in Qatar Friday, officials said. U.S. envoy for Afghan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said this week talks have reached an "important stage" amid a new push for an agreement. He made the remarks after meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. Advertisement
Government officials have been excluded from the U.S.-Taliban discussions, since the insurgent group views Ghani's regime a puppet working in behalf of U.S. interests.
Taliban negotiators have offered a short window in which they would commit to reducing violence, the New York Times reported.
While far short of the complete cease-fire sought by the Afghan government, such a commitment would still represent a key development in the talks that are ultimately aimed at removing U.S. forces from Afghanistan, where they have been stationed since late 2001. The two sides began discussions again last month.
Ghani spokesman Sediq Seddiqi said Khalilzad and Ghani discussed the need for a truce before a full withdrawal deal. Taliban officials, however, don't want a cease-fire until there's a full agreement, Al Jazeera reported.
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Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen tweeted Friday negotiators are discussing a peace deal and a ceremony for it.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who favors pulling U.S. forces from Afghanistan, called off negotiations in September following a Taliban attack in Kabul that killed an American soldier. He allowed them to resume after a surprise Thanksgiving trip to visit troops at Bagram Airfield.


upi--2020-01-17--Acoustic communication first emerged nearly 200 million years ago

Jan. 17 ( UPI ) -- For the first time , scientists took acoustic communication back to its evolutionary roots .
Researchers followed acoustic communication 's phylogenic path back some 200 million years through evolutionary history .
Scientists began by plotting the relationships among some 1,800 species of tetrapods , including birds , frogs , crocodilians and mammals on a giant evolutionary tree .
Next , they surveyed the scientific literature for data on the presence of acoustic communication within each plotted species , drawing connections across the branches of the evolutionary tree .
Using various methods of statistical analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree data for patterns related to the emergence and persistence of acoustic communication .
The research team wanted to know if acoustic communication emerged independently in different groups and whether it was preserved in certain lineages .
Scientists also wanted to figure out if it was linked with any other traits , like nocturnal activity .
Their analysis -- published Friday in the journal Nature Communications -- showed the common ancestor for all tetrapods , land-living vertebrates , did not communicate acoustically .
Scientists determined the ability to communicate acoustically emerged independently among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 100 and 200 million years ago .
Their statistical analysis also showed a strong link between vocalization and nocturnal activity .
Many nocturnal species evolved communication abilities and later adapted to life during the day , keeping their vocal abilities when they did .
`` There appears to be an advantage to evolving acoustic communication when you 're active at night , but no disadvantage when you switch to being active during the day , '' study author John J. Wiens , a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
`` We have examples of acoustic communication being retained in groups of frogs and mammals that have become diurnal , even though both frogs and mammals started out being active by night hundreds of millions of years ago . ''
Authors suspect the fact that birds are their most boisterous song-singing selves at dawn is a remnant from their pasts as nocturnal species .
Researchers were surprised to find acoustic communication to be so stable across lineages , more stable than most other appearance-related communicative traits .
Unexpectedly , scientists found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are 10,000 bird species , all of which vocalize .
But crocodiles can make communicative sounds , too , and there are only 25 species .
There are just as many lizards and snakes as there are birds , and yet , most are silent .
Meanwhile , some 95 percent of the more than 6,000 mammal species communicate acoustically .
`` If you look at a smaller scale , such as a few million years , and within certain groups like frogs and birds , the idea that acoustic communication drives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But here we look at 350 million years of evolution , and acoustic communication does n't appear to explain the patterns of species diversity that we see . ''
Researchers did find evidence that ecological conditions drive the evolution of signalling like vocalization .
`` Here , we show that this idea of ecology shaping signal evolution applies over hundreds of millions of years and to fundamental types of signals , such as being able to communicate acoustically or not , '' Wiens said .

Researchers suspect the fact that birds are their most boisterous song-singing selves at dawn is a remnant from their pasts as nocturnal species. Photo by Pixabay /CC
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- For the first time, scientists took acoustic communication back to its evolutionary roots. Researchers followed acoustic communication's phylogenic path back some 200 million years through evolutionary history. Scientists began by plotting the relationships among some 1,800 species of tetrapods, including birds, frogs, crocodilians and mammals on a giant evolutionary tree. Next, they surveyed the scientific literature for data on the presence of acoustic communication within each plotted species, drawing connections across the branches of the evolutionary tree. Advertisement
Using various methods of statistical analysis, scientists attempted to parse the evolutionary tree data for patterns related to the emergence and persistence of acoustic communication.
The research team wanted to know if acoustic communication emerged independently in different groups and whether it was preserved in certain lineages. Scientists also wanted to figure out if it was linked with any other traits, like nocturnal activity.
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Their analysis -- published Friday in the journal Nature Communications -- showed the common ancestor for all tetrapods, land-living vertebrates, did not communicate acoustically. Scientists determined the ability to communicate acoustically emerged independently among mammals, birds, frogs and crocodilians between 100 and 200 million years ago.
Their statistical analysis also showed a strong link between vocalization and nocturnal activity. Many nocturnal species evolved communication abilities and later adapted to life during the day, keeping their vocal abilities when they did.
"There appears to be an advantage to evolving acoustic communication when you're active at night, but no disadvantage when you switch to being active during the day," study author John J. Wiens, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona, said in a news release. "We have examples of acoustic communication being retained in groups of frogs and mammals that have become diurnal, even though both frogs and mammals started out being active by night hundreds of millions of years ago."
Authors suspect the fact that birds are their most boisterous song-singing selves at dawn is a remnant from their pasts as nocturnal species.
Researchers were surprised to find acoustic communication to be so stable across lineages, more stable than most other appearance-related communicative traits.
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Unexpectedly, scientists found no evidence that vocalization drives diversification. There are 10,000 bird species, all of which vocalize. But crocodiles can make communicative sounds, too, and there are only 25 species. There are just as many lizards and snakes as there are birds, and yet, most are silent. Meanwhile, some 95 percent of the more than 6,000 mammal species communicate acoustically.
"If you look at a smaller scale, such as a few million years, and within certain groups like frogs and birds, the idea that acoustic communication drives speciation works out," Wiens said. "But here we look at 350 million years of evolution, and acoustic communication doesn't appear to explain the patterns of species diversity that we see."
Researchers did find evidence that ecological conditions drive the evolution of signalling like vocalization.
"Here, we show that this idea of ecology shaping signal evolution applies over hundreds of millions of years and to fundamental types of signals, such as being able to communicate acoustically or not," Wiens said.