upi--2020-12-30--In memoriam: Celebrity deaths of 2020

In memoriam: Celebrity deaths of 2020

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- 2020 was -- by most measures -- a tumultuous and depressing year , made only bleaker by the deaths of dozens of beloved music , stage and screen artists .
Here are a few who made unforgettable contributions to the arts .
Black Panther , Marshall , Get On Up and 42 actor Chadwick Boseman lost his secret , four-year battle with colon cancer Aug. 28 .
He was 43 .
Boseman 's death sent shock waves through Hollywood , as many of his closest friends and collaborators praised the strength , dignity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his life .
His performances in two films released after his death -- Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom -- have been generating Oscar buzz .
If he wins , Boseman would be only the third actor to receive that honor posthumously after The Dark Knight star Heath Ledger and Network 's Peter Finch .
Jerry Maguire and What a Girl Wants actress Kelly Preston died July 12 after privately struggling with breast cancer for two years .
She was 57 .
Preston , who was married to Grease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1991 , was known for her vivacious personality and a career that dated to the 1980s with memorable appearances in films like Secret Admirer , SpaceCamp and Twins .
She was predeceased by her eldest child , Jett , in 2009 .
He was 17 when he died after a seizure .
Preston is survived by Travolta ; daughter Ella , 20 , and son Benjamin , 10 .
This year also saw the drowning death of Glee and Devious Maids actress Naya Rivera .
She went missing July 9 while on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California 's Lake Piru .
Her body was discovered in the lake several days later , and her death was ruled an accidental drowning .
She was 33 .
Rivera 's death was the third tragedy to hit the cast of the musical dramedy series Glee .
Cory Monteith died in 2013 of a drug overdose at age 31 , and Mark Salling hanged himself in 2018 at age 35 .
He had been optimistic and candid about his health issues in the hopes of increasing awareness about the disease and how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he taped before his death was released on Thanksgiving .
In it , he urged fans to look out for each other during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors and that 's a good thing , '' he said .
`` Keep the faith .
We 're going to get through all of this and we will be a better society because of it . ''
The winner of five Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wizard of Odds , Double Dare , High Rollers , Battlestars , Classic Concentration and To Tell the Truth .
Oscar-winning film star Kirk Douglas , one of the last titans of Hollywood 's Golden Age , died Feb. 5 .
He was 103 .
Best known for his work in the films Champion , Ace in the Hole , 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea , The Bad and the Beautiful , The Big Sky , Gunfight at the O.K .
Corral , Paths of Glory , Spartacus , Tough Guys , Inherit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big-screen role was opposite his son Michael Douglas in 2003 's It Runs in the Family .
Rock ' n ' roll legend Eddie Van Halen died of cancer Oct. 6 .
The Grammy winner was 65 .
He co-founded the popular band Van Halen in 1972 , and it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 .
The group , which included Van Halen 's son , Wolfgang , on bass since 2006 , toured until not long before the coronavirus pandemic shut down live performances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers died March 20 .
He was 81 .
Best known for the classic songs `` The Gambler , '' `` Lady '' and `` Islands in the Stream '' -- a duet with Dolly Parton -- Rogers was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the winner of three Grammy Awards and six CMA Awards .
Rogers also acted in several Gambler and MacShayne TV movies , as well as the feature film Six Pack and episodes of How I Met Your Mother , Touched By an Angel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Richard died May 9 at age 87 after months of declining health .
He was famous for his flashy fashion and a string of 1950s hit songs that included `` TuttiFrutti , '' `` Good Golly Miss Molly , '' `` Long Tong Sally , '' `` Rip It Up , '' `` Jenny Jenny , '' `` Keep A-Knockin '' and `` Lucille . ''
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 .
COVID-19 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misery , stole the lives of about 330,000 Americans .
Among the most famous to succumb to complications from the virus was country music icon Charley Pride , who was 86 when he died Dec. 12 .
He had 51 more country Top 10 hits in the 20 years after his 1967 breakout record , `` Just Between You and Me , '' and , in 2000 , became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame .
In November , he received the Country Music Association 's Lifetime Achievement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus complications include country musician John Prine ( 73 ) , playwright Terrence McNally ( 81 ) , and Broadway actors Mark Blum ( 69 ) and Nick Cordero ( 41 . )
The world also bid farewell to Gone with the Wind heroine Olivia de Haviland , 104 ; comedian and The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner , 98 ; daytime television titan Regis Philbin 88 ; `` I Am Woman '' singer-songwriter Helen Reddy , 78 ; James Bond portrayer Sean Connery , 90 ; and Southern rock musician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final bows , as well , in 2020 were fashion designer Pierre Cardin , 98 ; Latin music singer and composer Armando Manzanero , 85 ; Deadliest Catch star Nick McGlashan , 33 ; spy thriller author John Le Carre , 89 ; Two and a Half Men and Mystic Pizza scene-stealer Conchata Ferrell , 77 ; Game of Thrones matriarch Diana Rigg , 82 ; Laverne & Shirley alum David Lander , 73 ; British model Stella Tennant , 50 ; Broadway star Rebecca Luker , 59 ; wrestler Jon Huber , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 69 .

Richard Thornburgh Richard "Dick" Thornburgh, former attorney general of the United States and former governor of Pennsylvania, takes a seat at the witness hearing after U.S. Chief Justice nominee Judge John Roberts testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2005. Thornburgh Richard "Dick" Thornburgh, former attorney general of the United States and former governor of Pennsylvania, takes a seat at the witness hearing after U.S. Chief Justice nominee Judge John Roberts testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2005. Thornburgh died on December 31 at age 88. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- 2020 was -- by most measures -- a tumultuous and depressing year, made only bleaker by the deaths of dozens of beloved music, stage and screen artists. Here are a few who made unforgettable contributions to the arts. Advertisement
Film and TV stars
Black Panther, Marshall, Get On Up and 42 actor Chadwick Boseman lost his secret, four-year battle with colon cancer Aug. 28. He was 43.
Boseman's death sent shock waves through Hollywood, as many of his closest friends and collaborators praised the strength, dignity and work ethic he maintained as he fought for his life.
His performances in two films released after his death -- Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom -- have been generating Oscar buzz.
If he wins, Boseman would be only the third actor to receive that honor posthumously after The Dark Knight star Heath Ledger and Network's Peter Finch.
Advertisement
Jerry Maguire and What a Girl Wants actress Kelly Preston died July 12 after privately struggling with breast cancer for two years. She was 57.
Preston, who was married to Grease and Pulp Fiction actor John Travolta since 1991, was known for her vivacious personality and a career that dated to the 1980s with memorable appearances in films like Secret Admirer, SpaceCamp and Twins.
She was predeceased by her eldest child, Jett, in 2009. He was 17 when he died after a seizure.
Preston is survived by Travolta; daughter Ella, 20, and son Benjamin, 10.
This year also saw the drowning death of Glee and Devious Maids actress Naya Rivera. She went missing July 9 while on a boating excursion with 4-year-old son Josey on California's Lake Piru.
Her body was discovered in the lake several days later, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning. She was 33.
Rivera's death was the third tragedy to hit the cast of the musical dramedy series Glee. Cory Monteith died in 2013 of a drug overdose at age 31, and Mark Salling hanged himself in 2018 at age 35.
Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, 80, died of pancreatic cancer Nov. 8.
Advertisement
He had been optimistic and candid about his health issues in the hopes of increasing awareness about the disease and how to detect and fight it. A video he taped before his death was released on Thanksgiving. In it, he urged fans to look out for each other during the coronavirus pandemic.
"There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors and that's a good thing," he said. "Keep the faith. We're going to get through all of this and we will be a better society because of it."
The winner of five Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show host previously presided over Music Hop, The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, High Rollers, Battlestars, Classic Concentration and To Tell the Truth.
Oscar-winning film star Kirk Douglas, one of the last titans of Hollywood's Golden Age, died Feb. 5. He was 103.
Best known for his work in the films Champion, Ace in the Hole, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Bad and the Beautiful, The Big Sky, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Paths of Glory, Spartacus, Tough Guys, Inherit the Wind and Diamonds, his final big-screen role was opposite his son Michael Douglas in 2003's It Runs in the Family.
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Musicians
Rock 'n' roll legend Eddie Van Halen died of cancer Oct. 6. The Grammy winner was 65.
He co-founded the popular band Van Halen in 1972, and it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
The group, which included Van Halen's son, Wolfgang, on bass since 2006, toured until not long before the coronavirus pandemic shut down live performances.
Country music star and occasional actor Kenny Rogers died March 20. He was 81.
Best known for the classic songs "The Gambler," "Lady" and "Islands in the Stream" -- a duet with Dolly Parton -- Rogers was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the winner of three Grammy Awards and six CMA Awards.
Rogers also acted in several Gambler and MacShayne TV movies, as well as the feature film Six Pack and episodes of How I Met Your Mother, Touched By an Angel and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Entertainer Little Richard died May 9 at age 87 after months of declining health.
He was famous for his flashy fashion and a string of 1950s hit songs that included "TuttiFrutti," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Long Tong Sally," "Rip It Up," "Jenny Jenny," "Keep A-Knockin" and "Lucille."
Advertisement
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
COVID-19 deaths
COVID-19, which was responsible for much of 2020's misery, stole the lives of about 330,000 Americans.
Among the most famous to succumb to complications from the virus was country music icon Charley Pride, who was 86 when he died Dec. 12.
He had 51 more country Top 10 hits in the 20 years after his 1967 breakout record, "Just Between You and Me," and, in 2000, became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In November, he received the Country Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other celebrities who died of coronavirus complications include country musician John Prine (73), playwright Terrence McNally (81), and Broadway actors Mark Blum (69) and Nick Cordero (41.)
The world also bid farewell to Gone with the Wind heroine Olivia de Haviland, 104; comedian and The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner, 98; daytime television titan Regis Philbin 88; "I Am Woman" singer-songwriter Helen Reddy, 78; James Bond portrayer Sean Connery, 90; and Southern rock musician Charlie Daniels, 83.
Taking their final bows, as well, in 2020 were fashion designer Pierre Cardin, 98; Latin music singer and composer Armando Manzanero, 85; Deadliest Catch star Nick McGlashan, 33; spy thriller author John Le Carre, 89; Two and a Half Men and Mystic Pizza scene-stealer Conchata Ferrell, 77; Game of Thrones matriarch Diana Rigg, 82; Laverne & Shirley alum David Lander, 73; British model Stella Tennant, 50; Broadway star Rebecca Luker, 59; wrestler Jon Huber, 41; and bluegrass icon Tony Rice, 69.


upi--2020-12-30--China jails 10 Hong Kong activists who fled to Taiwan

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- A Chinese court on Wednesday sentenced 10 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists from seven months to three years in prison on charges stemming from their attempt to escape Communist authorities by fleeing the former British colony for Taiwan .
The Yantian District People 's Court in Shenzhen handed down the sentences following a two-day trial during which the defendants allegedly pleaded guilty to charges of illegal border crossing , state-run Global Times reported .
Two defendants were convicted with organizing the border crossing and were handed three- and two-year sentences while the remaining eight were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two minors who were also charged were to be handed over to Hong Kong police .
The 12 activists , some facing charges connected to pro-democracy protests that rocked the former British colony , were arrested on Aug. 23 as they were attempting to flee Hong Kong by speedboat for Taiwan .
The self-governing island had offered refuge to Hong Kongers as China on the last day of June instituted a widely condemned draconian national security law that criminalized acts seen as undermining China 's national security with stiff prison terms .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract criticism from human rights organizations and Western nations , including the United States , which has called on the People 's Republic of China to release the detainees known as the Hong Kong 12 .
`` The Hong Kong 12 should be released immediately , '' U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Dec. 19 tweet .
`` Their so-called 'crime ' was to flee tyranny .
Communist China today is turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin of yesteryear , actively preventing its own people from seeking freedom elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about the fate of the Hong Kong 12 , stating they were `` tried in secret , having been given just three days ' notice of their trial . ''
Dominic Raab , Britain 's foreign affairs secretary , said in a statement that British officials were denied entry to the proceedings .
Yamini Mishra , Amnesty International 's Asia-Pacific regional director , warned the sentences handed down on Wednesday put more youth at risk of torture and jail terms decided by unfair trials .
`` These sentences meted out after an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by anybody who finds themselves tried under the Chinese criminal system , '' Mishra said in a statement .
Mishra said the jailed Hong Kongers are now at risk of torture and other ill-treatment and are proof that Chinese authorities will not give political activists a fair trial as diplomats , journalists and family members were not allowed to observe the closed-door hearing .
`` The Hong Kong youths were deprived of the right to defend themselves through legal representation of their own choosing , '' Mishra said .
`` Multiple mainland lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' request but they have been threatened by the Chinese authorities to force them to drop the cases . ''
The 10 jailed are the latest activists to be sentenced in China , which has imprisoned several high-profile demonstrators in the past few months .
Earlier this month , prominent pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong , Agnes Chow an Ivan lam were sentenced to 13 and a half months , seven months and 10 months in prison , respectively , for their involvement in the demonstrations that began in 2019 in protest of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some fugitives in Hong Kong to be sent to be tried on the mainland .

China on Wednesday sentenced to prison 10 of 12 Hong Kong activists charged with crossing the border when they tried to flee to Taiwan. Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA-EFE
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A Chinese court on Wednesday sentenced 10 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists from seven months to three years in prison on charges stemming from their attempt to escape Communist authorities by fleeing the former British colony for Taiwan. The Yantian District People's Court in Shenzhen handed down the sentences following a two-day trial during which the defendants allegedly pleaded guilty to charges of illegal border crossing, state-run Global Times reported. Advertisement
Two defendants were convicted with organizing the border crossing and were handed three- and two-year sentences while the remaining eight were sentenced to seven months in prison. Two minors who were also charged were to be handed over to Hong Kong police.
The 12 activists, some facing charges connected to pro-democracy protests that rocked the former British colony, were arrested on Aug. 23 as they were attempting to flee Hong Kong by speedboat for Taiwan.
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The self-governing island had offered refuge to Hong Kongers as China on the last day of June instituted a widely condemned draconian national security law that criminalized acts seen as undermining China's national security with stiff prison terms.
The sentences administered on Wednesday are expected to attract criticism from human rights organizations and Western nations, including the United States, which has called on the People's Republic of China to release the detainees known as the Hong Kong 12.
"The Hong Kong 12 should be released immediately," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Dec. 19 tweet. "Their so-called 'crime' was to flee tyranny. Communist China today is turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin of yesteryear, actively preventing its own people from seeking freedom elsewhere."
Britain on Monday also voiced concerns about the fate of the Hong Kong 12, stating they were "tried in secret, having been given just three days' notice of their trial."
Dominic Raab, Britain's foreign affairs secretary, said in a statement that British officials were denied entry to the proceedings.
Yamini Mishra, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific regional director, warned the sentences handed down on Wednesday put more youth at risk of torture and jail terms decided by unfair trials.
Advertisement
"These sentences meted out after an unfair trial lay bare the dangers faced by anybody who finds themselves tried under the Chinese criminal system," Mishra said in a statement.
Mishra said the jailed Hong Kongers are now at risk of torture and other ill-treatment and are proof that Chinese authorities will not give political activists a fair trial as diplomats, journalists and family members were not allowed to observe the closed-door hearing.
"The Hong Kong youths were deprived of the right to defend themselves through legal representation of their own choosing," Mishra said. "Multiple mainland lawyers attempted to represent them at the families' request but they have been threatened by the Chinese authorities to force them to drop the cases."
The 10 jailed are the latest activists to be sentenced in China, which has imprisoned several high-profile demonstrators in the past few months.
Earlier this month, prominent pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow an Ivan lam were sentenced to 13 and a half months, seven months and 10 months in prison, respectively, for their involvement in the demonstrations that began in 2019 in protest of a law that would allow for the extradition of some fugitives in Hong Kong to be sent to be tried on the mainland.


upi--2020-12-30--Study: ADHD raises adult suicide risk, especially for women

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , or ADHD , have a strikingly high prevalence of attempted suicide , with women being at particular risk , researchers say .
The study of nearly 22,000 Canadian adults found that 14 % of those with ADHD had attempted suicide .
That was roughly five times the rate of adults without ADHD , at 2.7 % .
The findings among women were particularly worrisome , the researchers said .
Almost one-quarter of those with ADHD said they had attempted suicide .
`` To see these numbers is devastating , '' said lead researcher Esme Fuller-Thomson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toronto 's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work in Canada .
She stressed , though , that the results do not imply ADHD , per se , leads to suicide attempts .
A large part of the relationship appeared to be explained by higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders among people with ADHD , the study found .
And certain adults with ADHD had greater odds than others : Those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse , for example , were more likely to report a suicide attempt .
The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to parents ' domestic violence as children .
What 's unclear is the timing of things , Fuller-Thomson said .
The researchers do n't know when the suicide attempts happened , and whether they came before or after issues like drug or alcohol abuse .
What is clear is that people with ADHD -- especially women -- faced a much greater-than-average risk of a suicide attempt .
That 's , unfortunately , not surprising , said Stephen Hinshaw , a professor of psychology at the University of California , Berkeley .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has found that girls with ADHD had a high prevalence of suicide attempts by their mid-20s , which is right on par with the new study 's findings .
And , Hinshaw said , girls with both ADHD and childhood traumas like physical or sexual abuse had an even higher risk of suicide attempt by adulthood .
That 's not to say that self-harm begins in adulthood , though .
Hinshaw said that self-harm without suicidal intent , such as cutting , often begins in the early- to mid-teens .
The current findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Suicide Research , come from a nationally representative survey of 21,744 Canadian adults , including 529 with ADHD .
Among men with ADHD , 8.5 % said they had ever attempted suicide , versus 2 % of men without the disorder .
Of women with ADHD , 23.5 % reported a past suicide attempt , compared with just over 3 % of other women .
Fuller-Thomson noted that `` a lot of factors could be contributing '' to the stark findings among women .
In a previous study , her team found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of various health issues and adversities -- from chronic pain and depression , to smoking and substance abuse , to poverty and a history of child abuse .
Hinshaw said his research has pointed to some additional factors linked to suicidal behavior in young people with ADHD : problems with peers and difficulty with schoolwork , and poor interactions with family .
Prevention , according to Hinshaw , needs to start early .
When health care providers are assessing kids for possible ADHD , he said , they should also look for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-harm or maltreatment .
Fuller-Thomson pointed out that while the findings certainly raise concerns , the large majority of adults with ADHD had never attempted suicide .
`` No one is saying this is inevitable , '' she said .
She also pointed to a potentially protective factor : education .
In the study , college graduates with ADHD were 64 % less likely to report a suicide attempt than those who had n't finished high school .
Of course , Fuller-Thomson said , college graduates may have less-severe ADHD , or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But helping kids with ADHD stay in school should be a priority .
`` I think a lot of people with ADHD do n't realize how bright they are , because they might not have done well in school , '' Fuller-Thomson said .
But that , she added , may simply be due to their difficulties with organization and focus .
She suggested students , or parents , ask about any academic support services that may be available to them .
Nationwide Children 's Hospital has more on ADHD and suicide @

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have a strikingly high prevalence of attempted suicide, with women being at particular risk, researchers say.
The study of nearly 22,000 Canadian adults found that 14% of those with ADHD had attempted suicide. That was roughly five times the rate of adults without ADHD, at 2.7%.
Advertisement
The findings among women were particularly worrisome, the researchers said. Almost one-quarter of those with ADHD said they had attempted suicide.
"To see these numbers is devastating," said lead researcher Esme Fuller-Thomson, a professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work in Canada.
She stressed, though, that the results do not imply ADHD, per se, leads to suicide attempts.
A large part of the relationship appeared to be explained by higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders among people with ADHD, the study found.
And certain adults with ADHD had greater odds than others: Those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse, for example, were more likely to report a suicide attempt. The same was true of adults who had been exposed to parents' domestic violence as children.
Advertisement
What's unclear is the timing of things, Fuller-Thomson said. The researchers don't know when the suicide attempts happened, and whether they came before or after issues like drug or alcohol abuse.
What is clear is that people with ADHD -- especially women -- faced a much greater-than-average risk of a suicide attempt.
That's, unfortunately, not surprising, said Stephen Hinshaw, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
In his own long-running research project, Hinshaw has found that girls with ADHD had a high prevalence of suicide attempts by their mid-20s, which is right on par with the new study's findings.
And, Hinshaw said, girls with both ADHD and childhood traumas like physical or sexual abuse had an even higher risk of suicide attempt by adulthood.
That's not to say that self-harm begins in adulthood, though.
Hinshaw said that self-harm without suicidal intent, such as cutting, often begins in the early- to mid-teens.
The current findings, published online this month in Archives of Suicide Research, come from a nationally representative survey of 21,744 Canadian adults, including 529 with ADHD.
Among men with ADHD, 8.5% said they had ever attempted suicide, versus 2% of men without the disorder. Of women with ADHD, 23.5% reported a past suicide attempt, compared with just over 3% of other women.
Advertisement
Fuller-Thomson noted that "a lot of factors could be contributing" to the stark findings among women.
In a previous study, her team found that young women with ADHD had heightened rates of various health issues and adversities -- from chronic pain and depression, to smoking and substance abuse, to poverty and a history of child abuse.
Hinshaw said his research has pointed to some additional factors linked to suicidal behavior in young people with ADHD: problems with peers and difficulty with schoolwork, and poor interactions with family.
Prevention, according to Hinshaw, needs to start early. When health care providers are assessing kids for possible ADHD, he said, they should also look for signs of depression, substance abuse, self-harm or maltreatment.
Fuller-Thomson pointed out that while the findings certainly raise concerns, the large majority of adults with ADHD had never attempted suicide.
"No one is saying this is inevitable," she said.
She also pointed to a potentially protective factor: education. In the study, college graduates with ADHD were 64% less likely to report a suicide attempt than those who hadn't finished high school.
Of course, Fuller-Thomson said, college graduates may have less-severe ADHD, or other protective factors going on in their lives. But helping kids with ADHD stay in school should be a priority.
Advertisement
"I think a lot of people with ADHD don't realize how bright they are, because they might not have done well in school," Fuller-Thomson said.
But that, she added, may simply be due to their difficulties with organization and focus. She suggested students, or parents, ask about any academic support services that may be available to them.
Nationwide Children's Hospital has more on ADHD and suicide.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-29--Congressman-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana dies from COVID-19

Dec. 29 ( UPI ) -- Luke Letlow , who was elected to the U.S. Congress from Louisiana last month , died Tuesday night from complications of COVID-19 .
He was 41 .
The Republican congressman-elect died at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport where he had been in the intensive care unit since Dec. 22 , his representative Andrew Bautsch said in a statement , WDSU News reported .
`` The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time , '' Bautsch said .
`` A statement from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced at a later time . ''
He is the first U.S. congressman or congressman-elect to die from COVID-19 .
Letlow is survived by his wife , Julia Barnhill Letlow , and their two young children .
Letlow , who was to be sworn-in on Sunday , announced he had tested positive for the virus before he was admitted to the St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe on Dec. 19 Three days later , he was transferred to Shreveport , Bautsch said .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards offered his condolences to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public to pray for them .
`` I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative , but I am even more devastated for his loving family , '' he said .
`` I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Congressman-elect Letlow 's funeral , '' he said .
The Louisiana Congressional Delegation issued a statement saying they are `` devastated '' to hear of Letlow 's death .
`` Luke had such a positive spirit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement said .
`` He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress , and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation .
More than anything , Luke was a loving husband , father , brother and son , and his family -- like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease -- needs our prayers . ''
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives was in mourning .
`` Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service , '' she said .
`` May it be a comfort to Luke 's wife , Julia , and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time . ''
According to Govtrack.us , more than 40 House representatives have tested positive for the virus .
Since the pandemic began , nearly 338,561 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University showed late Tuesday .
Louisiana on Tuesday reported reported nearly 4,000 infections for a total of 304,485 .
Sixty-one deaths were also reported in the past 24 hours , lifting the number of people who have lost their lives to the virus in the state to 7,397 , according to the Louisiana Department of Health .

U.S. Congressman-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana died at the age of 41 following complications from COVID-19 on Tuesday night. Photo by Kayla Branch Photography/Startbosshogg/ Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Luke Letlow, who was elected to the U.S. Congress from Louisiana last month, died Tuesday night from complications of COVID-19. He was 41. The Republican congressman-elect died at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport where he had been in the intensive care unit since Dec. 22, his representative Andrew Bautsch said in a statement, WDSU News reported. Advertisement
"The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time," Bautsch said. "A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time."
He is the first U.S. congressman or congressman-elect to die from COVID-19.
Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and their two young children.
Letlow, who was to be sworn-in on Sunday, announced he had tested positive for the virus before he was admitted to the St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe on Dec. 19
Three days later, he was transferred to Shreveport, Bautsch said.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards offered his condolences to Letlow's family via Twitter, asking the public to pray for them.
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"I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family," he said.
"I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Congressman-elect Letlow's funeral," he said.
The Louisiana Congressional Delegation issued a statement saying they are "devastated" to hear of Letlow's death.
"Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him," the statement said. "He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother and son, and his family -- like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease -- needs our prayers."
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that the U.S. House of Representatives was in mourning.
"Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service," she said. "May it be a comfort to Luke's wife, Julia, and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."
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According to Govtrack.us, more than 40 House representatives have tested positive for the virus. Since the pandemic began, nearly 338,561 people have died in the United States from COVID-19, a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University showed late Tuesday.
Louisiana on Tuesday reported reported nearly 4,000 infections for a total of 304,485. Sixty-one deaths were also reported in the past 24 hours, lifting the number of people who have lost their lives to the virus in the state to 7,397, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-29--Browns place three players on COVID-19 list; Rams add Cooper Kupp to list

Dec. 29 ( UPI ) -- The Cleveland Browns placed tight end Harrison Bryant and safeties Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
The Browns announced the moves Tuesday , adding to the number of key players currently on the team 's COVID-19 list .
Cleveland was without receivers Jarvis Landry , Rashard Higgins , Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge during Sunday 's loss to the New York Jets .
All four wideouts , including starting linebacker Jacob Phillips , were moved to the COVID-19 list before the team traveled to take on the Jets .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player had tested positive for the coronavirus and placed starting linebacker B.J .
Goodson on the COVID-19 list .
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that he hopes to get his receivers back in practice by Thursday .
The Browns ( 10-5 ) are set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers this week .
Cleveland can clinch its first postseason berth in 17 seasons with a win .
Also Tuesday , the Rams announced they put standout receiver Cooper Kupp on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
The team did n't disclose whether he tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a close contact .
Kupp must stay on the list for 10 days if he tested positive or five days if he is considered a high-risk close contact .
Kupp leads the Rams with 92 receptions and 974 receiving yards this season .
He has three touchdowns in 15 games .

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp (L) leads the Rams with 92 receptions and 974 receiving yards this season. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Browns placed tight end Harrison Bryant and safeties Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Browns announced the moves Tuesday, adding to the number of key players currently on the team's COVID-19 list. Cleveland was without receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. Advertisement
All four wideouts, including starting linebacker Jacob Phillips, were moved to the COVID-19 list before the team traveled to take on the Jets. Earlier Sunday, the Browns reported that a player had tested positive for the coronavirus and placed starting linebacker B.J. Goodson on the COVID-19 list.
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that he hopes to get his receivers back in practice by Thursday.
The Browns (10-5) are set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Cleveland can clinch its first postseason berth in 17 seasons with a win.
Also Tuesday, the Rams announced they put standout receiver Cooper Kupp on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The team didn't disclose whether he tested positive for the virus or was deemed a close contact.
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Kupp must stay on the list for 10 days if he tested positive or five days if he is considered a high-risk close contact.
Kupp leads the Rams with 92 receptions and 974 receiving yards this season. He has three touchdowns in 15 games.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-30--Buffalo Bills given permission to host limited number of fans in playoffs

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the Buffalo Bills will be allowed to host a limited number of fans for the playoffs .
Bills games have been closed to fans for the entire 2020 regular season as part of New York state 's COVID-19 protocols related to professional sports .
The Bills will be hosting their first postseason game in 25 years .
`` We know that the fans have been waiting 25 years to be able to attend a playoff game and we are so excited to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can , '' Bills owner Kim Pegula said Wednesday .
`` I want to just say that we are so hopeful that there will be many more games that all fans can attend .
For us to do that ... we all need to be safe starting today even beyond the game .
`` ... We want to just encourage everyone out there , all our fans , that we just need to do our part .
Wear your mask , being compliant to CDC guidelines , social distancing .
We all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We all need to do our part to get it done so that we can have everyone back in our stadium soon . ''
The plan will allow about 6,700 fans to enter Bills Stadium , with attendees needing to register a negative COVID-19 test before gaining entry into the venue .
The team will collaborate with the state 's Department of Health to conduct contact tracing after the game .
Fans are required to pay for their COVID-19 testing , with the $ 63 cost of the test included in the ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans will be socially distanced throughout the stadium and will be required to wear masks at all times .
If patrons fail to comply with those measures , they will be ejected .
`` For all the Bills fans , please , everyone take these measures seriously , '' said Cuomo , who plans to attend the game .
`` We have made progress on the COVID virus over the past few weeks .
The numbers are down -- we want to keep them down . ''
The Bills said about 6,200 tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to season-ticket holders who opted into purchasing tickets earlier this year .
Tickets are n't expected to be available to the general public .
If the Bills reach the divisional round , fans also will be allowed to attend .
The Bills ( 12-3 ) conclude their regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday .
Buffalo currently is the No .
2 seed in the AFC .

The plan will allow about 6,700 fans to enter Bills Stadium, with attendees needing to register a negative COVID-19 test before gaining entry into the venue. File Photo by Sergio Flores/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the Buffalo Bills will be allowed to host a limited number of fans for the playoffs. Bills games have been closed to fans for the entire 2020 regular season as part of New York state's COVID-19 protocols related to professional sports. The Bills will be hosting their first postseason game in 25 years. Advertisement
"We know that the fans have been waiting 25 years to be able to attend a playoff game and we are so excited to be able to allow the limited amount of fans that we can," Bills owner Kim Pegula said Wednesday. "I want to just say that we are so hopeful that there will be many more games that all fans can attend. For us to do that ... we all need to be safe starting today even beyond the game.
"... We want to just encourage everyone out there, all our fans, that we just need to do our part. Wear your mask, being compliant to CDC guidelines, social distancing. We all know what needs to be done. We all need to do our part to get it done so that we can have everyone back in our stadium soon."
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The plan will allow about 6,700 fans to enter Bills Stadium, with attendees needing to register a negative COVID-19 test before gaining entry into the venue. The team will collaborate with the state's Department of Health to conduct contact tracing after the game.
Fans are required to pay for their COVID-19 testing, with the $63 cost of the test included in the ticket price. Tailgating will remain banned.
Fans will be socially distanced throughout the stadium and will be required to wear masks at all times. If patrons fail to comply with those measures, they will be ejected.
"For all the Bills fans, please, everyone take these measures seriously," said Cuomo, who plans to attend the game. "We have made progress on the COVID virus over the past few weeks. The numbers are down -- we want to keep them down."
The Bills said about 6,200 tickets will be available for purchase starting Thursday to season-ticket holders who opted into purchasing tickets earlier this year. Tickets aren't expected to be available to the general public.
If the Bills reach the divisional round, fans also will be allowed to attend.
The Bills (12-3) conclude their regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Buffalo currently is the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-30--Michigan establishes $641M fund for Flint water crisis settlement

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday approved the creation of a trust fund to distribute a $ 641 million settlement to residents affected by the Flint water crisis .
Whitmer signed a pair of bills passed by the state Senate creating the Flint Settlement Trust Fund , which authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover its $ 600 million share of the settlement .
The settlement includes $ 20 million from the city of Flint , $ 20 million from the McLaren Regional Medical Center and $ 1.25 million from the Rowe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repaid through an annual $ 35 million appropriation over the next 30 years .
In August , the state reached the settlement over the crisis that began in 2014 when Flint changed its water source from treated Lake Huron and Detroit water to water from the Flint River treated at the Flint Water Treatment Plant .
In the process , officials failed to apply corrosion inhibitors leading to aging pipes leaching lead into the water supply , exposing residents to toxic contamination .
The settlement includes hundreds of millions of dollars for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the payments going to residents who were under age 18 at the time of the crisis , since they are especially vulnerable to toxic effects of lead that can impact brain development and a designated $ 12 million fund to provide special education for students who suffer health and behavioral effects from lead poisoning .
On Wednesday , Whitmer said the legislation represented a bipartisan effort to help move toward helping the people of Flint heal .
`` What happened in Flint should never have happened , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Dana Nessel and I made it clear to our teams that even though we inherited this situation , it was our responsibility to achieve the best possible settlement for the children and families of Flint .
While this settlement may never be enough to compensate for what happened , it is a major step toward helping the people of Flint heal . ''

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills into law on Wednesday approving the establishment of a $641 million trust fund to deliver settlement money to residents affected by the Flint water crisis. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday approved the creation of a trust fund to distribute a $641 million settlement to residents affected by the Flint water crisis. Whitmer signed a pair of bills passed by the state Senate creating the Flint Settlement Trust Fund, which authorizes the state to issue bonds to cover its $600 million share of the settlement. Advertisement
The settlement includes $20 million from the city of Flint, $20 million from the McLaren Regional Medical Center and $1.25 million from the Rowe Professional Services Co., which will be repaid through an annual $35 million appropriation over the next 30 years.
In August, the state reached the settlement over the crisis that began in 2014 when Flint changed its water source from treated Lake Huron and Detroit water to water from the Flint River treated at the Flint Water Treatment Plant. In the process, officials failed to apply corrosion inhibitors leading to aging pipes leaching lead into the water supply, exposing residents to toxic contamination.
The settlement includes hundreds of millions of dollars for a victim compensation fund with nearly 80% of the payments going to residents who were under age 18 at the time of the crisis, since they are especially vulnerable to toxic effects of lead that can impact brain development and a designated $12 million fund to provide special education for students who suffer health and behavioral effects from lead poisoning.
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On Wednesday, Whitmer said the legislation represented a bipartisan effort to help move toward helping the people of Flint heal.
"What happened in Flint should never have happened," she said. "From my first month in office, Attorney General Dana Nessel and I made it clear to our teams that even though we inherited this situation, it was our responsibility to achieve the best possible settlement for the children and families of Flint. While this settlement may never be enough to compensate for what happened, it is a major step toward helping the people of Flint heal."


upi--2020-12-30--Rebels kill at least 26  in Yemen airport attack targeting new gov't cabinet ministers

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- Yemen 's Aden Airport came under attack on Wednesday just before members of the newly formed government arrived , killing more than two dozen people , officials said .
A loud explosion and gunfire were heard at the airport shortly before the plane carrying the cabinet officials arrived there .
Local media showed video footage of the blast at the airport .
Initial reports said either mortars or drones were used in the attack .
The United Nations said the blast has reportedly killed at least 26 people and injured more than 50 others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of casualties was near 100 .
Authorities said none of the incoming government cabinet leaders were injured .
Yemen information minister Moammar Al-Eryani described it as a `` cowardly terrorist incident '' carried out by opposition Houthi rebels .
Iranian-backed Houthi militants have been constantly fighting the Yemeni government , with support from Saudi Arabia , for almost seven years .
`` We assure our [ people ] that all cabinet members are safe and [ the ] cowardly terrorist attack by Iran-backed Houthi militia on Aden airport will not deter us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life is n't more valuable than other Yemenis , '' Al-Eryani tweeted .
`` May Allah have mercy on souls of martyrs and wish fast recovery for [ the ] injured . ''
One journalist was killed and 10 others were injured in the blast , he said .
The International Committee of the Red Cross said three of its staff were also killed in the blast and three others , one seriously , were injured .
They were transitioning through the airport when the explosion occurred , it said .
Doctors Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was preparing a `` mass casualty medical response plan '' at its trauma hospital in Aden , and it has received at least 17 wounded referred to them from the local Al Gumhoria Hospital , 11 of whom remained in its care after six were treated and discharged .
The newly formed Yemeni government , which was sworn in this month , was supposed to be a step toward ending the long-running civil war that has killed thousands and evolved into one of the world 's deadliest humanitarian crises .
Yemeni Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he also was unharmed .
Saeed tweeted that Wednesday 's attack will only increase Yemeni determination to keep the government functioning until the Houthi insurrection is defeated .
The Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that evidence indicates that `` the Houthi militia is the party that carried out this terrorist act . ''
Three missiles were used in the attack and techniques the Houthi rebels have previously deployed were utilized , though the ministry offered no specifics .
It said the targeting of a civilian airport `` is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a heinous terrorist crime '' that requires condemnation of the international community .
On Twitter , it published on-the-ground footage of that blast and said an investigation was being conducted to determine its size , which would prove the Houthis were responsible .
The United Nations and the Untied States were quick to condemn the attack .
Farhan Haq , the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres , said in a statement that Guterres , following the attack , reaffirmed the United Nations ' `` steadfast commitment '' to resume a Yemeni-led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inclusive , negotiated settlement to the conflict . ''
Cale Brown , principal deputy spokesman for the U.S. State Department , said the United States condemns and is `` deeply saddened '' by that attack , but that it will not stop the ongoing peace effort .
`` These violent acts must end , and the perpetrators must be brought to justice , '' Brown said in a statement .
`` The United States supports the legitimate government of Yemen as they work toward a better future . ''
Yemeni President Abed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has ordered the armed forces to form a committee that will investigate the attack '' The forces of good and sincere intentions will always triumph over the forces of evil and their various tools , '' he said .

Aden International Airport in Aden, Yemen, was the scene of an attack on Wednesday shortly before several government officials landed on the tarmac, authorities said. File Photo by EPA-EFE
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Yemen's Aden Airport came under attack on Wednesday just before members of the newly formed government arrived, killing more than two dozen people, officials said. A loud explosion and gunfire were heard at the airport shortly before the plane carrying the cabinet officials arrived there. Advertisement
Local media showed video footage of the blast at the airport. Initial reports said either mortars or drones were used in the attack.
The United Nations said the blast has reportedly killed at least 26 people and injured more than 50 others. Yemen's Foreign Ministry said the number of casualties was near 100.
Authorities said none of the incoming government cabinet leaders were injured.
Yemen information minister Moammar Al-Eryani described it as a "cowardly terrorist incident" carried out by opposition Houthi rebels. Iranian-backed Houthi militants have been constantly fighting the Yemeni government, with support from Saudi Arabia, for almost seven years.
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"We assure our [people] that all cabinet members are safe and [the] cowardly terrorist attack by Iran-backed Houthi militia on Aden airport will not deter us [from] our duty and our life isn't more valuable than other Yemenis," Al-Eryani tweeted.
"May Allah have mercy on souls of martyrs and wish fast recovery for [the] injured."
One journalist was killed and 10 others were injured in the blast, he said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said three of its staff were also killed in the blast and three others, one seriously, were injured. They were transitioning through the airport when the explosion occurred, it said.
Doctors Without Borders said via Twitter following the attack it was preparing a "mass casualty medical response plan" at its trauma hospital in Aden, and it has received at least 17 wounded referred to them from the local Al Gumhoria Hospital, 11 of whom remained in its care after six were treated and discharged.
The newly formed Yemeni government, which was sworn in this month, was supposed to be a step toward ending the long-running civil war that has killed thousands and evolved into one of the world's deadliest humanitarian crises.
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Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Maeen Abdulmalek Saeed immediately announced that he also was unharmed.
Saeed tweeted that Wednesday's attack will only increase Yemeni determination to keep the government functioning until the Houthi insurrection is defeated.
The Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that evidence indicates that "the Houthi militia is the party that carried out this terrorist act."
Three missiles were used in the attack and techniques the Houthi rebels have previously deployed were utilized, though the ministry offered no specifics.
It said the targeting of a civilian airport "is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a heinous terrorist crime" that requires condemnation of the international community.
On Twitter, it published on-the-ground footage of that blast and said an investigation was being conducted to determine its size, which would prove the Houthis were responsible.
The United Nations and the Untied States were quick to condemn the attack.
Farhan Haq, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement that Guterres, following the attack, reaffirmed the United Nations' "steadfast commitment" to resume a Yemeni-led and -owned political process to reach "an inclusive, negotiated settlement to the conflict."
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Cale Brown, principal deputy spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said the United States condemns and is "deeply saddened" by that attack, but that it will not stop the ongoing peace effort.
"These violent acts must end, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice," Brown said in a statement. "The United States supports the legitimate government of Yemen as they work toward a better future."
Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi said in a statement he has ordered the armed forces to form a committee that will investigate the attack
"The forces of good and sincere intentions will always triumph over the forces of evil and their various tools," he said.


upi--2020-12-30--Census Bureau to miss deadline for House apportionment data

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Census Bureau said it does not expect to meet its Thursday deadline to produce population counts used to allocate seats in Congress .
In a statement on Wednesday , the bureau said it will continue to process the data it has collected since October and plans to `` deliver a complete and accurate state population count for apportionment '' in early 2021 .
`` As issues that could affect the accuracy of the data are detected , they are corrected , '' the Census Bureau said .
`` This important process , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decennial census , is critical to producing data that can be used for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives among the states . ''
The Census Bureau said it plans to deliver the data `` as close to the statutory deadline as possible . ''
Earlier this month , House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carlyn Maloney held a hearing to weigh the possibility of a subpoena for census documents after reports that `` growing snags in the massive data-processing operation that generated population totals '' would delay the count `` at least until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In mid-October , the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end census field operations , which began on Jan. 21 but were suspended in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic , pushing the counting deadline from the end of July to Oct. 31 .
Wednesday 's announcement also came after the Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by 23 state 's to halt an order from President Donald Trump to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 Census figures .
The 6-3 majority said on Dec. 18 that deciding the case now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just how fully the Commerce Department , the parent agency of the Census Bureau , will implement the presidential memorandum .

The U.S. Census Bureau on Wednesday said it will deliver data used to allocate seats on the House of Representatives to states in early 2021, missing its deadline of Dec. 31. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Census Bureau said it does not expect to meet its Thursday deadline to produce population counts used to allocate seats in Congress. In a statement on Wednesday, the bureau said it will continue to process the data it has collected since October and plans to "deliver a complete and accurate state population count for apportionment" in early 2021. Advertisement
"As issues that could affect the accuracy of the data are detected, they are corrected," the Census Bureau said. "This important process, which has been a part of every decennial census, is critical to producing data that can be used for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives among the states."
The Census Bureau said it plans to deliver the data "as close to the statutory deadline as possible."
Earlier this month, House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carlyn Maloney held a hearing to weigh the possibility of a subpoena for census documents after reports that "growing snags in the massive data-processing operation that generated population totals" would delay the count "at least until January, and perhaps to mid-February."
In mid-October, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end census field operations, which began on Jan. 21 but were suspended in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the counting deadline from the end of July to Oct. 31.
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Wednesday's announcement also came after the Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by 23 state's to halt an order from President Donald Trump to exclude undocumented immigrants from the 2020 Census figures.
The 6-3 majority said on Dec. 18 that deciding the case now isn't feasible because it remains uncertain just how fully the Commerce Department, the parent agency of the Census Bureau, will implement the presidential memorandum.


upi--2020-12-30--Clemson OC Tony Elliott to miss CFP semifinal game due to COVID-19

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott will miss the Tigers ' College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State on Friday after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Elliott , who has been Clemson 's offensive playcaller for the last six seasons , did n't travel with the team to New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl .
Tigers head football coach Dabo Swinney said the 41-year-old Elliott has n't had any symptoms and will be in communication with coaches via Zoom up until the start of the game .
`` Just unfortunate that he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news is he 's doing great , '' Swinney told ESPN on Wednesday .
`` He does n't have any symptoms or anything like that .
So wish he was with us but he 'll be with us in spirit . ''
Swinney said that quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter will be in the coaches ' box to help with Clemson 's offensive playcalling against Ohio State .
`` Tony 's always been up and I 've been down .
We 've kind of always done it together , '' Swinney said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the box ] and that 'll be the biggest difference .
It 'll be Street and I .
[ C.J . ]
Spiller will handle the running backs on the field .
That 's really it . ''
Elliott , a former wide receiver at Clemson , joined Swinney 's coaching staff in 2011 and coached running backs for four seasons before moving into a co-offensive coordinator position with Jeff Scott .
When Scott left the Tigers to become the next head coach at South Florida this season , Elliott became Clemson @ @ @ @ @

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (C) said that quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter will be in the coaches' box to help with Clemson's offensive playcalling against Ohio State. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott will miss the Tigers' College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State on Friday after testing positive for COVID-19. Elliott, who has been Clemson's offensive playcaller for the last six seasons, didn't travel with the team to New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Tigers head football coach Dabo Swinney said the 41-year-old Elliott hasn't had any symptoms and will be in communication with coaches via Zoom up until the start of the game. Advertisement
"Just unfortunate that he's out. We love Tony. The good news is he's doing great," Swinney told ESPN on Wednesday. "He doesn't have any symptoms or anything like that. So wish he was with us but he'll be with us in spirit."
Swinney said that quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter will be in the coaches' box to help with Clemson's offensive playcalling against Ohio State.
"Tony's always been up and I've been down. We've kind of always done it together," Swinney said. "We'll put Street up [in the box] and that'll be the biggest difference. It'll be Street and I. [C.J.] Spiller will handle the running backs on the field. That's really it."
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Elliott, a former wide receiver at Clemson, joined Swinney's coaching staff in 2011 and coached running backs for four seasons before moving into a co-offensive coordinator position with Jeff Scott. When Scott left the Tigers to become the next head coach at South Florida this season, Elliott became Clemson's sole offensive coordinator.
Clemson's other offensive assistants include offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, tight ends coach Danny Pearman and wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham.


upi--2020-12-30--Temporary ground stops ordered at Dallas airports due to COVID-19, weather

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- Aviation officials issued a temporary ground stop for all flights into and out of Dallas ' two largest airports Wednesday due to a combination of factors including COVID-19 and severe thunderstorms .
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport -- the fourth largest in the United States -- and Dallas Love Field Airport announced the disruptions around 3:30 p.m. Flights resumed around 5:30 p.m. FlightAware tracking website said there was an average departure delay of 40 minutes to 49 minutes for the airports and average inbound delay of 58 minutes to 74 minutes shortly after the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 outgoing flights have been canceled and 427 flights delayed Wednesday , while 35 incoming flights have been canceled and 336 delayed .
At the smaller Love Field , two outgoing flights were canceled and 65 delayed , while one incoming flight was canceled and 56 delayed .
A post on DFW airport 's Twitter account said one reason for the ground stop was that the Regional Air Traffic Control center was getting a thorough cleaning after having multiple positive COVID-19 test results among personnel this month .
One of the positive employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past seven days , prompting a `` Level 3 '' cleaning of all areas where they 'd been .
`` Because the cleaning required controllers to temporarily leave the control room , the FAA declared a ground stop , which held traffic at departing facilities , '' the tweet said .
There have been 22 COVID-19 cases at the center in Fort Worth , Texas .
The FAA also sited inclement weather for delays in the region .
Widespread storms across Texas have dumped several inches of rain -- and even snow -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Aviation officials issued a temporary ground stop for all flights into and out of Dallas' two largest airports Wednesday due to a combination of factors including COVID-19 and severe thunderstorms.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport -- the fourth largest in the United States -- and Dallas Love Field Airport announced the disruptions around 3:30 p.m. Flights resumed around 5:30 p.m.
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FlightAware tracking website said there was an average departure delay of 40 minutes to 49 minutes for the airports and average inbound delay of 58 minutes to 74 minutes shortly after the ground stoppage was ordered.
At DFW, 29 outgoing flights have been canceled and 427 flights delayed Wednesday, while 35 incoming flights have been canceled and 336 delayed. At the smaller Love Field, two outgoing flights were canceled and 65 delayed, while one incoming flight was canceled and 56 delayed.
A post on DFW airport's Twitter account said one reason for the ground stop was that the Regional Air Traffic Control center was getting a thorough cleaning after having multiple positive COVID-19 test results among personnel this month. One of the positive employees had been inside the center in the past seven days, prompting a "Level 3" cleaning of all areas where they'd been.
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"Because the cleaning required controllers to temporarily leave the control room, the FAA declared a ground stop, which held traffic at departing facilities," the tweet said.
There have been 22 COVID-19 cases at the center in Fort Worth, Texas.
The FAA also sited inclement weather for delays in the region.
Widespread storms across Texas have dumped several inches of rain -- and even snow -- in some areas, AccuWeather reported.


upi--2020-12-30--Green Bay Packers claim veteran DT Damon 'Snacks' Harrison off waivers

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- The Green Bay Packers claimed veteran defensive lineman Damon `` Snacks '' Harrison off waivers on Wednesday , according to the NFL 's transaction wire .
The Packers have yet to announce the roster move , which came two days after the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with Harrison .
The Seahawks waived the 32-year-old defensive tackle after Harrison requested his release from the team .
All players waived at this point in the season are subject to waivers .
Following his release , Harrison said in a post on social media that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , he indicated in a tweet that he was prepared to play for the Packers given that they 're a Super Bowl-caliber team .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Harrison informed the Packers he will report to the team and play for them .
If the Packers beat the Chicago Bears in their regular-season finale Sunday , they would clinch the No .
1 seed in the NFC and receive a first-round bye .
Even if Green Bay has to play on wild-card weekend , the team could get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ready to compete that weekend .
The Seahawks signed Harrison to their practice squad in early October .
He made his debut in Seattle on Nov. 15 against the Los Angeles Rams .
Harrison played 138 total snaps in six games before his release , recording nine total tackles and a forced fumble with the Seahawks .

Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) played 138 total snaps in six games before his release, recording nine total tackles and a forced fumble with the Seattle Seahawks. File Photo by Tannen Maury/EPA-EFE
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The Green Bay Packers claimed veteran defensive lineman Damon "Snacks" Harrison off waivers on Wednesday, according to the NFL's transaction wire. The Packers have yet to announce the roster move, which came two days after the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with Harrison. Advertisement
The Seahawks waived the 32-year-old defensive tackle after Harrison requested his release from the team. All players waived at this point in the season are subject to waivers.
Following his release, Harrison said in a post on social media that he was uninterested in being claimed off waivers. However, he indicated in a tweet that he was prepared to play for the Packers given that they're a Super Bowl-caliber team.
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Harrison informed the Packers he will report to the team and play for them.
If the Packers beat the Chicago Bears in their regular-season finale Sunday, they would clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC and receive a first-round bye. Even if Green Bay has to play on wild-card weekend, the team could get Harrison through the league's COVID-19 protocols and ready to compete that weekend.
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The Seahawks signed Harrison to their practice squad in early October. He made his debut in Seattle on Nov. 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Harrison played 138 total snaps in six games before his release, recording nine total tackles and a forced fumble with the Seahawks.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-30--NASA approves two new missions to study space weather

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- NASA has given the go-ahead to a pair of heliophysics missions designed to aid the study of space weather .
Both the Extreme Ultraviolent High-Throughput Spectroscopic Telescope Epsilon Mission , or EUVST , and the Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer mission , or EZIE , aim to illuminate the physics of solar wind , solar flares and coronal mass ejections , the phenomena that produce electromagnetic storms and propel them toward Earth .
More specifically , the EUVST mission 's high-powered telescope will focus on how the sun 's atmosphere fuels solar winds and explosive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CubeSats will focus on the ways the particles released by the sun 's explosions impact the electric currents connecting Earth 's magnetosphere and its aurorae .
Japan 's space agency , JAXA , will lead the EUVST mission , but will be assisted by NASA and variety of other international organizations .
NASA 's efforts on the mission will be led by Harry Warren , a space scientist with the U.S .
Naval Research Laboratory in Washington .
In addition to the expertise of its scientists and engineers , NASA is also chipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
NASA 's own EZIE mission will get $ 53.3 million .
Jeng-Hwa `` Sam '' Yee , of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel , Maryland , will serve as the mission 's principal investigator .
`` We are very pleased to add these new missions to the growing fleet of satellites that are studying our sun-Earth system using an amazing array of unprecedented observational tools , '' Thomas Zurbuchen , associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington , said in a news release .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pioneering multi-point observatory focused on the auroral electrojets , I am particularly excited to follow up the success of the Yohkoh and Hinode solar science missions with another international collaboration with JAXA and other European partners on EUVST . ''
EUVST and EZIE join a variety of Earth- and space-based missions aimed at understanding electromagnetic storms , both their solar origins and their impacts on Earth .
Earlier this year , scientists working on NASA 's High Resolution Coronal Imager mission shared the sharpest-ever photos of the sun , revealing fine magnetic threads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sun 's outer layer -- offering further insights into physics of the sun 's eruptions .
EZIE 's three miniature satellites will be dedicated to investigating the mechanics of the auroral electrojet , a powerful current swirling through the atmosphere some 60 to 90 miles above the Earth 's surface .
The current connects Earth 's magnetosphere and atmosphere and plays a key role in fueling aurorae .
`` With these new missions , we 're expanding how we study the Sun , space , and Earth as an interconnected system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington .
`` EZIE 's use of instrument technology proven on Earth science CubeSat missions is just one example of how science and technology development at NASA go hand in hand across disciplines , '' Luce said .

The International Space Station offers a view of Earth's aurorae, including the so-called "southern lights," seen here swirling above the Indian Ocean. Photo by NASA
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- NASA has given the go-ahead to a pair of heliophysics missions designed to aid the study of space weather. Both the Extreme Ultraviolent High-Throughput Spectroscopic Telescope Epsilon Mission, or EUVST, and the Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer mission, or EZIE, aim to illuminate the physics of solar wind, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, the phenomena that produce electromagnetic storms and propel them toward Earth. Advertisement
More specifically, the EUVST mission's high-powered telescope will focus on how the sun's atmosphere fuels solar winds and explosive eruptions.
The EZIE mission's three CubeSats will focus on the ways the particles released by the sun's explosions impact the electric currents connecting Earth's magnetosphere and its aurorae.
Japan's space agency, JAXA, will lead the EUVST mission, but will be assisted by NASA and variety of other international organizations.
NASA's efforts on the mission will be led by Harry Warren, a space scientist with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington. In addition to the expertise of its scientists and engineers, NASA is also chipping in $55 million toward the mission.
NASA's own EZIE mission will get $53.3 million. Jeng-Hwa "Sam" Yee, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, will serve as the mission's principal investigator.
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"We are very pleased to add these new missions to the growing fleet of satellites that are studying our sun-Earth system using an amazing array of unprecedented observational tools," Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a news release.
"In addition to my enthusiasm at selecting a pioneering multi-point observatory focused on the auroral electrojets, I am particularly excited to follow up the success of the Yohkoh and Hinode solar science missions with another international collaboration with JAXA and other European partners on EUVST."
EUVST and EZIE join a variety of Earth- and space-based missions aimed at understanding electromagnetic storms, both their solar origins and their impacts on Earth.
Earlier this year, scientists working on NASA's High Resolution Coronal Imager mission shared the sharpest-ever photos of the sun, revealing fine magnetic threads of super heated plasma that make up the sun's outer layer -- offering further insights into physics of the sun's eruptions.
EZIE's three miniature satellites will be dedicated to investigating the mechanics of the auroral electrojet, a powerful current swirling through the atmosphere some 60 to 90 miles above the Earth's surface.
The current connects Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere and plays a key role in fueling aurorae.
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"With these new missions, we're expanding how we study the Sun, space, and Earth as an interconnected system," said Peg Luce, deputy director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
"EZIE's use of instrument technology proven on Earth science CubeSat missions is just one example of how science and technology development at NASA go hand in hand across disciplines," Luce said.


upi--2020-12-30--New Hampshire governor cancels inauguration ceremony citing anti-mask protests

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- New Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu on Wednesday canceled the state 's inaugural ceremony citing concerns over armed anti-mask protests .
In a statement , Sununu , a Republican , said he and the executive council will be sworn in Jan. 7 during a small ceremony attended by leaders of both houses of the legislature and attended by other members virtually , instead of holding an outdoor ceremony .
`` My first responsibility is ensuring the safety of my family and our citizens , '' he said .
`` For weeks , armed protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family , protesting outside my private residence and trespassing on my property -- an outdoor public ceremony simply brings too much risk .
We do not make this decision lightly but it is the right thing to do . ''
Protesters have gathered outside of Sununu 's home for weeks opposing a mask mandate requiring all people above the age of 5 to wear face covering when they are unable to remain 6 feet away from people from outside their households through Jan. 15 .
On Monday , one person was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a protest outside the governor 's home .
Brennan Christen , one of the organizers of the protests , accused Sununu of misleading the public , saying none of the protesters had ever `` open-carried '' a firearm outside of the governor 's home .
Christen also suggested that Sununu canceled the inauguration after groups opposing the mask mandate had received commitments from about 1,000 people to protest the inauguration .
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley condemned the protesters , lamenting that they had forced the cancelation of the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real concern , it is a truly sad situation when our elected officials need to even think about such a decision due to a small group of truly unhinged gun-toting citizens , '' he said .
`` Reasonable people across the state need to rise up against these bullies and say 'enough . '
''

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu canceled the state's outdoor inaugural ceremony due to armed protesters that have gathered outside of his home. Photo by Rich Girard/Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Wednesday canceled the state's inaugural ceremony citing concerns over armed anti-mask protests. In a statement, Sununu, a Republican, said he and the executive council will be sworn in Jan. 7 during a small ceremony attended by leaders of both houses of the legislature and attended by other members virtually, instead of holding an outdoor ceremony. Advertisement
"My first responsibility is ensuring the safety of my family and our citizens," he said. "For weeks, armed protesters have increasingly become more aggressive, targeting my family, protesting outside my private residence and trespassing on my property -- an outdoor public ceremony simply brings too much risk. We do not make this decision lightly but it is the right thing to do."
Protesters have gathered outside of Sununu's home for weeks opposing a mask mandate requiring all people above the age of 5 to wear face covering when they are unable to remain 6 feet away from people from outside their households through Jan. 15.
On Monday, one person was arrested and nine people were fined $100 after a protest outside the governor's home.
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Brennan Christen, one of the organizers of the protests, accused Sununu of misleading the public, saying none of the protesters had ever "open-carried" a firearm outside of the governor's home.
Christen also suggested that Sununu canceled the inauguration after groups opposing the mask mandate had received commitments from about 1,000 people to protest the inauguration.
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley condemned the protesters, lamenting that they had forced the cancelation of the ceremony.
"While I understand the very real concern, it is a truly sad situation when our elected officials need to even think about such a decision due to a small group of truly unhinged gun-toting citizens," he said. "Reasonable people across the state need to rise up against these bullies and say 'enough.'"


upi--2020-12-30--Watch: Wisconsin Badgers accidentally break trophy while celebrating Mayo Bowl win

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz accidentally shattered the trophy that Wisconsin received after beating Wake Forest on Wednesday in the Duke 's Mayo Bowl .
While dancing around in celebration of the Badgers ' 42-28 win over the Demon Deacons , Mertz dropped the championship trophy , which is shaped like a football and made of Lenox crystal .
The crystal football fell off its base and immediately shattered on the floor of the locker room .
`` We just wanted everybody to have a piece of that trophy , '' Wisconsin head football coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redshirt freshman , threw for 130 yards and recorded three touchdowns -- including two rushing scores -- in the victory over Wake Forest .
Five players scored touchdowns for the Badgers .
`` Yeah , I dropped it , '' said Mertz , who showed off an updated trophy that featured a mayonnaise bottle instead of the football-shaped crystal .
`` That 's on me .
It happened . ''
Wisconsin finished with a 4-3 record this season .
The Badgers ended their 2020 campaign with two consecutive wins over Minnesota and Wake @ @

Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz accidentally shattered the trophy that Wisconsin received after beating Wake Forest on Wednesday in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
While dancing around in celebration of the Badgers' 42-28 win over the Demon Deacons, Mertz dropped the championship trophy, which is shaped like a football and made of Lenox crystal. The crystal football fell off its base and immediately shattered on the floor of the locker room.
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"We just wanted everybody to have a piece of that trophy," Wisconsin head football coach Paul Chryst joked.
Mertz, a redshirt freshman, threw for 130 yards and recorded three touchdowns -- including two rushing scores -- in the victory over Wake Forest. Five players scored touchdowns for the Badgers.
"Yeah, I dropped it," said Mertz, who showed off an updated trophy that featured a mayonnaise bottle instead of the football-shaped crystal. "That's on me. It happened."
Advertisement THAT'S MY QB? pic.twitter.com/3iegCNfbdr— Duke's Mayo Bowl (@DukesMayoBowl) December 30, 2020
Wisconsin finished with a 4-3 record this season. The Badgers ended their 2020 campaign with two consecutive wins over Minnesota and Wake Forest.


upi--2020-12-30--Trump indefinitely extends pandemic-related halt on international visas

Dec. 30 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday indefinitely extended a suspension of international visas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trump said restrictions on green cards and various types of work visas during the pandemic -- originally set to expire Thursday -- will remain in place `` until terminated by the president . ''
`` The secretary of state , the secretary of health and human services and the secretary of homeland security shall , as appropriate and as United States foreign policy interests and continuing public health risks may warrant , submit a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a memorandum .
Trump initially signed an order placing a hold on the issuance of new green cards in April and then expanded it to include H1-B , H-4 , L and most J visas as well as some H2-B visas with an exception for food processing workers in June .
H-1B visas grant temporary work authorizations to people with highly specialized knowledge and are commonly utilized in the tech industry , while H-4 visas are issued to immediate family members of people who hold H-1B visas .
Issuances of H-1B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
H-2 visas provide temporary work for agriculture , construction , forestry and other industries ; L visas are for temporary intracompany transfers who serve in management positions or have specialized knowledge ; and J visas are provided for study-based exchange visitor programs .
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to reverse many of Trump 's immigration policies , including travel bans from majority-Muslim countries and policies separating children from parents at the border .
He 's also vowed to reform the visa system and restore refugee admissions to their levels prior to Trump @ @ @

President Donald Trump indefinitely extended a halt on new green cards and other work visas that was originally set to expire on Thursday. Pool photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump extended a suspension of international visas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump said restrictions on green cards and various types of work visas during the pandemic -- originally set to expire Thursday -- will remain in place until March 31. Advertisement
"The effects of COVID-19 on the United States labor market and on the health of American communities is a matter of ongoing national concern," Trump's proclamation on Thursday said. "The current number of new daily cases worldwide reported by the World Health Organization, for example, is higher than the comparable number presnet during June and while therapeutics and vaccines are recently available for an increasing number of Americans, their effect on the labor market and community health has not yet been fully realized."
Trump initially signed an order placing a hold on the issuance of new green cards in April and then expanded it to include H1-B, H-4, L and most J visas as well as some H2-B visas with an exception for food processing workers in June.
H-1B visas grant temporary work authorizations to people with highly specialized knowledge and are commonly utilized in the tech industry, while H-4 visas are issued to immediate family members of people who hold H-1B visas. Issuances of H-1B visas are currently capped to 85,000 annually.
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H-2 visas provide temporary work for agriculture, construction, forestry and other industries; L visas are for temporary intracompany transfers who serve in management positions or have specialized knowledge; and J visas are provided for study-based exchange visitor programs.
The order extends the restrictions on visas well beyond when President-elect Joe Biden is set to take office.
Biden has pledged to reverse many of Trump's immigration policies, including travel bans from majority-Muslim countries and policies separating children from parents at the border. He's also vowed to reform the visa system and restore refugee admissions to their levels prior to Trump's presidency.


upi--2020-12-30--2021 to get off to icy start for tens of millions in northeastern U.S.

A storm brewing at the end of 2020 in Texas and northern Mexico with snow , ice and rain has eyes for the northeastern United States , with the potential to disrupt electricity and travel from the central Appalachians to New England due to a buildup of ice during the first couple of days of the new year .
AccuWeather meteorologists estimate that at least 35 million people from northwestern Virginia to Maine will experience at least a few hours of ice that can coat untreated roads , sidewalks and elevated surfaces spanning late Thursday night , New Year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some locations in this zone , ice may accrue for multiple hours with this storm , and there is the potential for a significant buildup on trees and power lines .
`` It appears that parts of western , central and northern Pennsylvania to central New York state is one spot where a shallow layer of cold may become entrenched and could result in an ice buildup of at least 0.25 of an inch , '' said AccuWeather forecasting manager Dan DePodwin .
An area of high pressure sliding by through the Northeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shallow layer of cold air and result in a period of freezing rain and sleet for many interior locations with this storm .
`` Another zone where ice may linger for an extended period is over part of the Connecticut River Valley from northern Connecticut to western Massachusetts and portions of Vermont and New Hampshire , '' added AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys .
Even in the northern and western suburbs of Philadelphia and New York City , a few hours of freezing temperatures can be enough to allow a bit of ice at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Friday and the same around Boston Friday night .
Around Pittsburgh , temperatures near the freezing mark can result in icy conditions in the city for a time early Friday morning .
At this point , a major , debilitating ice storm is not expected for the majority of the region , but as general good practice with any winter storm that has the potential to cut power for a time , it may be advantageous to locate flashlights , check batteries and have cellphones charged should the power go out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ AccuWeather forecasters always remind people to avoid opening the freezer and to place some non-frozen perishable items in a cooler with ice for several hours , especially outdoors where temperatures will be substantially lower than indoors .
`` Farther to the north , toward the St. Lawrence Valley and across northern New England in general , the layer of the cold air will be deep enough to allow snow to be the primary form of precipitation , rather than ice or rain , '' according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Bowers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall on northern New York state and the northern parts of Vermont , New Hampshire and Maine before any mixing of ice and rain occurs with the storm from late Friday to Saturday , '' Bowers said .
From 6 inches 12 inches of snow is forecast to fall from northern Vermont to northwestern Maine , where cold air will hang on the longest .
An AccuWeather Local StormMax & trade of 18 inches is anticipated over the higher elevations in this area .
In the Northeast , the arrival of the storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on New Year 's Day , rather than 12 hours earlier during New Year 's Eve , which may make the difference between this weather event being a nuisance versus a heavy buildup of hazardous ice .
The forecast arrival of the storm has been slowed down considerably since this past weekend , and that change has to do with the challenge of timing of storms that are ejected from the Southwestern states .
Storms tend to break up and then regenerate crossing the Rockies , and the speed of this process can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles farther to the east .
Often , storms moving out from this zone have to wait for a disturbance at the jet stream level to give them a push or kick .
Since that process was finally beginning on Wednesday , a more accurate timetable of the arrival of precipitation should result moving forward with the storm .
The slow forward speed and delayed arrival of precipitation will allow outdoor televised New Year 's Eve events , such as in Times Square in New York City , to carry on without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in store through at least the first few hours of 2021 in other cities such as Washington , D.C. , Baltimore , Philadelphia , Boston , Pittsburgh , Buffalo , New York , Atlantic City , N.J. , and Burlington , Vt .
There will be leftover showers that cycle through part of the region during the daylight hours on Thursday , as a front pushes through the region .
Enough rain is still forecast to fall along the coast and in inland areas to raise the risk of urban and small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers , which are still running high from the storm prior to Christmas , are likely to experience a secondary rise in water levels , but they will generally remain below that which occurred last weekend .
Anytime milder and moist air flows over top a shallow layer of cold air , cold ground or snow cover , there is the risk of fog forming and becoming locally dense .
Fog may be an additional hazard for motorists and could lead to airline delays at the smaller airports as well as the major @ @ @ @ @ @

A storm brewing at the end of 2020 in Texas and northern Mexico with snow, ice and rain has eyes for the northeastern United States, with the potential to disrupt electricity and travel from the central Appalachians to New England due to a buildup of ice during the first couple of days of the new year.
AccuWeather meteorologists estimate that at least 35 million people from northwestern Virginia to Maine will experience at least a few hours of ice that can coat untreated roads, sidewalks and elevated surfaces spanning late Thursday night, New Year's Day and Saturday.
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But, for some locations in this zone, ice may accrue for multiple hours with this storm, and there is the potential for a significant buildup on trees and power lines.
"It appears that parts of western, central and northern Pennsylvania to central New York state is one spot where a shallow layer of cold may become entrenched and could result in an ice buildup of at least 0.25 of an inch," said AccuWeather forecasting manager Dan DePodwin.
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An area of high pressure sliding by through the Northeast states on Thursday will set up the shallow layer of cold air and result in a period of freezing rain and sleet for many interior locations with this storm.
"Another zone where ice may linger for an extended period is over part of the Connecticut River Valley from northern Connecticut to western Massachusetts and portions of Vermont and New Hampshire," added AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Even in the northern and western suburbs of Philadelphia and New York City, a few hours of freezing temperatures can be enough to allow a bit of ice at the onset of the storm during the day Friday and the same around Boston Friday night. Around Pittsburgh, temperatures near the freezing mark can result in icy conditions in the city for a time early Friday morning.
At this point, a major, debilitating ice storm is not expected for the majority of the region, but as general good practice with any winter storm that has the potential to cut power for a time, it may be advantageous to locate flashlights, check batteries and have cellphones charged should the power go out. During these types of weather events, AccuWeather forecasters always remind people to avoid opening the freezer and to place some non-frozen perishable items in a cooler with ice for several hours, especially outdoors where temperatures will be substantially lower than indoors.
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"Farther to the north, toward the St. Lawrence Valley and across northern New England in general, the layer of the cold air will be deep enough to allow snow to be the primary form of precipitation, rather than ice or rain," according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Bowers.
"Several inches of snow are expected to fall on northern New York state and the northern parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before any mixing of ice and rain occurs with the storm from late Friday to Saturday," Bowers said.
From 6 inches 12 inches of snow is forecast to fall from northern Vermont to northwestern Maine, where cold air will hang on the longest. An AccuWeather Local StormMax&trade of 18 inches is anticipated over the higher elevations in this area.
In the Northeast, the arrival of the storm could be delayed until the daylight hours on New Year's Day, rather than 12 hours earlier during New Year's Eve, which may make the difference between this weather event being a nuisance versus a heavy buildup of hazardous ice.
The forecast arrival of the storm has been slowed down considerably since this past weekend, and that change has to do with the challenge of timing of storms that are ejected from the Southwestern states. Storms tend to break up and then regenerate crossing the Rockies, and the speed of this process can affect the arrival of precipitation thousands of miles farther to the east. Often, storms moving out from this zone have to wait for a disturbance at the jet stream level to give them a push or kick.
Advertisement
Since that process was finally beginning on Wednesday, a more accurate timetable of the arrival of precipitation should result moving forward with the storm.
The slow forward speed and delayed arrival of precipitation will allow outdoor televised New Year's Eve events, such as in Times Square in New York City, to carry on without any interference from Mother Nature. Dry weather is in store through at least the first few hours of 2021 in other cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, New York, Atlantic City, N.J., and Burlington, Vt. There will be leftover showers that cycle through part of the region during the daylight hours on Thursday, as a front pushes through the region.
Enough rain is still forecast to fall along the coast and in inland areas to raise the risk of urban and small stream flooding. Some of the major rivers, which are still running high from the storm prior to Christmas, are likely to experience a secondary rise in water levels, but they will generally remain below that which occurred last weekend.
Anytime milder and moist air flows over top a shallow layer of cold air, cold ground or snow cover, there is the risk of fog forming and becoming locally dense. Fog may be an additional hazard for motorists and could lead to airline delays at the smaller airports as well as the major hubs from Friday to Saturday.