upi--2020-01-30--China rebukes United States over Tibet human rights bill

Jan. 30 ( UPI ) -- China chastised the United States and urged it to stop interfering in its international business after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation in support of human rights in Tibet .
On Tuesday , the House overwhelmingly passed The Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019 that would establish a U.S. policy recognizing the Tibetan Buddhist community as sole overseers of succession or reincarnation of its leaders , which is in contrast with China that claims this right to choose the next leaders of the religion .
Under the bill , sanctions could be imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
The bill also mandates that there will be no more Chinese consulates built on U.S. soil until a U.S. consulate is established in Lhasa , Tibet 's historical capital .
On Wednesday , China said Tibet has been under Chinese sovereignty since ancient times and the issues of Tibet are China 's internal affairs that do not invite foreign interference .
The passing of the bill `` grossly interfered in China 's internal affairs and sent a wrong message to 'Tibet independence ' forces , '' Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are indignant at and firmly opposed to it . ''
She said in the past 60 years following China invading Tibet in the 1950s , the region has experienced `` historical progress '' economically , socially , culturally and ecologically , and China urges the United States to right its mistake , take `` an objective stance '' of Tibet `` and stop interfering in China 's domestic affairs . ''
`` It should work to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between China and itself rather than doing the opposite , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will be sent to the Senate for vote before it can become law , amid mounting U.S. pressure on China concerning the Asian nation 's human rights record .
In the Congressional-Executive Commission on China 's 2019 annual report , it said Chinese authorities have continued to systematically repress the human rights of Tibetans through the restriction of their religious and cultural life .
House Speak Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said the passing of the bill shows the United States ' support for the people of Tibet and that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that officials `` will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet 's religious and cultural affairs . ''
The bill follows a similar one signed into law late last year in support of protesters in Hong Kong demonstrating against the pro-Chinese government .
China retaliated to its signing by suspending U.S. port calls to Hong Kong and imposing sanctions against NGOs , claiming they were instigating violence in the autonomous region .

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying condemned the U.S. passing of legislation in support of human rights in Tibet. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- China chastised the United States and urged it to stop interfering in its international business after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation in support of human rights in Tibet. On Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly passed The Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019 that would establish a U.S. policy recognizing the Tibetan Buddhist community as sole overseers of succession or reincarnation of its leaders, which is in contrast with China that claims this right to choose the next leaders of the religion. Under the bill, sanctions could be imposed against Chinese officials who interfere in the process. Advertisement
The bill also mandates that there will be no more Chinese consulates built on U.S. soil until a U.S. consulate is established in Lhasa, Tibet's historical capital.
On Wednesday, China said Tibet has been under Chinese sovereignty since ancient times and the issues of Tibet are China's internal affairs that do not invite foreign interference.
The passing of the bill "grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and sent a wrong message to 'Tibet independence' forces," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement. "We are indignant at and firmly opposed to it."
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She said in the past 60 years following China invading Tibet in the 1950s, the region has experienced "historical progress" economically, socially, culturally and ecologically, and China urges the United States to right its mistake, take "an objective stance" of Tibet "and stop interfering in China's domestic affairs."
"It should work to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between China and itself rather than doing the opposite," she said.
The House passed the bill, which will be sent to the Senate for vote before it can become law, amid mounting U.S. pressure on China concerning the Asian nation's human rights record.
In the Congressional-Executive Commission on China's 2019 annual report, it said Chinese authorities have continued to systematically repress the human rights of Tibetans through the restriction of their religious and cultural life.
House Speak Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the passing of the bill shows the United States' support for the people of Tibet and that they were sending a clear message to Beijing that officials "will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet's religious and cultural affairs."
The bill follows a similar one signed into law late last year in support of protesters in Hong Kong demonstrating against the pro-Chinese government.
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China retaliated to its signing by suspending U.S. port calls to Hong Kong and imposing sanctions against NGOs, claiming they were instigating violence in the autonomous region.


upi--2020-01-30--Treasury slaps sanctions against pro-Russian officials, railroad company over Crimea annexation

Jan. 30 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against a Moscow-based private railway company and seven Russian-backed officials in connection to the country 's continued attempts to occupy the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea .
The U.S. Treasury Department issued the sanctions Wednesday against Grand Service Express and its CEO Alexander Ganov after the company began a passenger service late last month between Russia and Crimea over the newly constructed , $ 4 billion Kerch Strait Bridge , stating the move was done in support of Russian efforts to deepen the economic integration of the two regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Russian prime minister , Yuri Gotsanyuk , were also sanctioned for asserting government authority over the Crimean Peninsula through holding elections last year without Ukrainian authorization , undermining its democratic processes and institutions while threatening security and peace in the region , the Treasury said .
Along with Gotsanyuk , the officials sanctioned were of the election commission and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation , the acting governor of Sevastopol and chairman of the Legislative Assembly .
The sanctions , which freeze all property and interests of the blacklisted individuals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same officials involved in the elections held on Sept. 8 and followed those slapped against them the day before by the European Union .
`` Treasury 's action , taken in close coordination with our international allies and partners , reiterates our unwavering support for restoring free and fair democratic political processes in Crimea , '' Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement .
`` The coordinated U.S. , EU and Canadian designations limit the ability of these illegitimate officials to do business internationally and highlights the strength of the transatlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued aggression . ''
The Russian Embassy in Washington condemned the U.S. sanctions , stating they will continue to aggravate their already frayed bilateral relations .
`` Washington still believes it can by means of restrictive measures undermine the positive changes occurring in Crimea after the reunification with Russia , '' the embassy said in a statement .
`` They ca n't reconcile with the success of the Russian authorities with the comprehensive development of the region . ''
The United States is trying to misrepresent Russia 's strengthening of the local government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like to remind our colleagues that restrictions will not change Russia 's policy , '' it said .
Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 , Western nations have slapped hundreds of sanctions against those deemed responsible with the EU freezing the assets and banning visas to 177 people and 44 entities and Canada doing the same to more than 430 individuals and entities .
Canada said its support of Ukraine 's sovereignty and territorial integrity is `` unwavering . ''
`` Today 's sanctions demonstrate that Canda and its allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's illegal annexation of Crimea and the illegitimate elections held there last fall and that Canada and the international community are ready to impose a cost for ignoring international law and the rules-based international order , '' Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement .
The sanctions also come ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompe 's planned trip to Kiev , Ukraine , on Thursday when he is to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials to highlight U.S. support for their country 's sovereignty , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his upcoming trip to Europe .

Russian President Vladimir Putin (2-L, back to camera) travels aboard a rail-bus from Kerch to Taman before the opening ceremony of the railway part of the Krymsky (Crimean) Bridge over the Kerch Strait, Crimea, Dec. 23, 2019. Photo by Alexey Nikolsky/EPA-EFE/SPUTNIK/ KREMLIN POOL
Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against a Moscow-based private railway company and seven Russian-backed officials in connection to the country's continued attempts to occupy the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. The U.S. Treasury Department issued the sanctions Wednesday against Grand Service Express and its CEO Alexander Ganov after the company began a passenger service late last month between Russia and Crimea over the newly constructed, $4 billion Kerch Strait Bridge, stating the move was done in support of Russian efforts to deepen the economic integration of the two regions. Advertisement
Seven Crimean officials, including its pro-Russian prime minister, Yuri Gotsanyuk, were also sanctioned for asserting government authority over the Crimean Peninsula through holding elections last year without Ukrainian authorization, undermining its democratic processes and institutions while threatening security and peace in the region, the Treasury said.
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Along with Gotsanyuk, the officials sanctioned were of the election commission and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, the acting governor of Sevastopol and chairman of the Legislative Assembly.
The sanctions, which freeze all property and interests of the blacklisted individuals, coincided with Canada imposing sanctions on the same officials involved in the elections held on Sept. 8 and followed those slapped against them the day before by the European Union.
"Treasury's action, taken in close coordination with our international allies and partners, reiterates our unwavering support for restoring free and fair democratic political processes in Crimea," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement. "The coordinated U.S., EU and Canadian designations limit the ability of these illegitimate officials to do business internationally and highlights the strength of the transatlantic alliance in standing up to Russia's continued aggression."
The Russian Embassy in Washington condemned the U.S. sanctions, stating they will continue to aggravate their already frayed bilateral relations.
"Washington still believes it can by means of restrictive measures undermine the positive changes occurring in Crimea after the reunification with Russia," the embassy said in a statement. "They can't reconcile with the success of the Russian authorities with the comprehensive development of the region."
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The United States is trying to misrepresent Russia's strengthening of the local government and political process, it said.
"We would like to remind our colleagues that restrictions will not change Russia's policy," it said.
Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Western nations have slapped hundreds of sanctions against those deemed responsible with the EU freezing the assets and banning visas to 177 people and 44 entities and Canada doing the same to more than 430 individuals and entities.
Canada said its support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is "unwavering."
"Today's sanctions demonstrate that Canda and its allies stand united in their condemnation of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the illegitimate elections held there last fall and that Canada and the international community are ready to impose a cost for ignoring international law and the rules-based international order," Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement.
The sanctions also come ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompe's planned trip to Kiev, Ukraine, on Thursday when he is to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials to highlight U.S. support for their country's sovereignty, the State Department said in a summary of his upcoming trip to Europe.
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upi--2020-01-30--Massachusetts' health reforms helped catch more cancer early

In 2006 , state legislators passed a health insurance reform law with the aim of providing health care access to nearly all residents .
`` Colorectal cancer frequently occurs in adults under 65 who are not yet eligible for Medicare .
And we know from previous research that people who do not have health insurance or who are underinsured are less likely to get recommended preventive health screenings , '' said study lead author Lindsay Sabik .
She 's an associate professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh .
`` Cancer is only one disease area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a big difference in survival and cost of treatment , '' she said in a university news release .
`` Our study demonstrates the public health value of expanded health insurance coverage . ''
For the study , Sabik and her colleagues analyzed Massachusetts Cancer Registry data from 2001 through 2013 .
The investigators found a 7 percent decline in the likelihood of advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis among 50- to 64-year-olds after insurance reforms , compared with trends in other states .
The decline likely owed to increased access to screening and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the study authors suggested .
The findings were published in the February issue of the journal Medical Care .
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States , and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening starting at age 50 .
The survival rate is 90 percent when the cancer is treated early , but that rate drops significantly when it is more advanced at diagnosis , the study authors noted .
Extending the Massachusetts findings to the entire United States , Sabik 's team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colorectal cancer diagnoses a year among non-elderly people .
In the United States , colorectal cancer care costs about $ 16.3 billion a year , according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute .
`` Our study is the first to present evidence that Massachusetts ' health reform may be associated with a shift to earlier-stage diagnosis for a cancer that has a high cure rate when caught early , '' Sabik said .
`` This is exciting because key elements of the Affordable Care Act parallel those of the Massachusetts reform .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerging , we expect that early cancer diagnosis will likely be one of the major success stories of national health insurance reform , '' she said .
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on colon cancer screening .

Advanced-stage colon cancer diagnoses declined after Massachusetts expanded health insurance coverage, a new study finds.
In 2006, state legislators passed a health insurance reform law with the aim of providing health care access to nearly all residents.
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"Colorectal cancer frequently occurs in adults under 65 who are not yet eligible for Medicare. And we know from previous research that people who do not have health insurance or who are underinsured are less likely to get recommended preventive health screenings," said study lead author Lindsay Sabik. She's an associate professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh.
"Cancer is only one disease area where preventive care and early diagnosis can make a big difference in survival and cost of treatment," she said in a university news release. "Our study demonstrates the public health value of expanded health insurance coverage."
For the study, Sabik and her colleagues analyzed Massachusetts Cancer Registry data from 2001 through 2013. The investigators found a 7 percent decline in the likelihood of advanced-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis among 50- to 64-year-olds after insurance reforms, compared with trends in other states.
The decline likely owed to increased access to screening and diagnostic services that identified colon cancers earlier, the study authors suggested. The findings were published in the February issue of the journal Medical Care.
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Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening starting at age 50.
The survival rate is 90 percent when the cancer is treated early, but that rate drops significantly when it is more advanced at diagnosis, the study authors noted.
Extending the Massachusetts findings to the entire United States, Sabik's team estimated there would be 2,100 fewer late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses a year among non-elderly people.
In the United States, colorectal cancer care costs about $16.3 billion a year, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.
"Our study is the first to present evidence that Massachusetts' health reform may be associated with a shift to earlier-stage diagnosis for a cancer that has a high cure rate when caught early," Sabik said.
"This is exciting because key elements of the Affordable Care Act parallel those of the Massachusetts reform. While data on the long-term impacts are still emerging, we expect that early cancer diagnosis will likely be one of the major success stories of national health insurance reform," she said.
More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on colon cancer screening.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-30--U.S. life expectancy up for first time in four years, rises to 78.7 years

Jan. 30 ( UPI ) -- Americans ' life expectancy increased in 2018 for the first time in four years , as analyses revealed declines in several of the leading causes of death in the United States , according to new figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
In data released Thursday in the `` Mortality in the United States : 2018 '' report , the agency reported that deaths caused by drug overdoses declined for the first time in 28 years and death rates for six of the 10 leading causes also fell , including cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the entire U.S. population decreased by 1.1 percent in 2018 , increasing life expectancy in the country to 78.7 years , a slight jump of 0.1 years over 2017 .
`` The increase in life expectancy from 2017 to 2018 , after declines from 2014 to 2017 , is largely due to the shift from increasing mortality to a decrease from unintentional injuries , especially drug overdose , '' Robert Anderson , chief of mortality statistics at the CDC 's National Center for Health Statistics , told UPI .
`` Life expectancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall measure of population health , '' he added , which made the three year decline from a recent high of 78.9 years in 2014 all the more alarming .
According to final 2018 data , there were 723.6 deaths per 100,000 population in the United States that year , down from 731.9 in 2017 .
The 10 leading causes of death in 2018 remained the same for the third year in a row , with heart disease , cancer and unintentional injuries once again occupying the top three spots .
From 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just two of the 10 leading causes -- influenza or pneumonia , still eighth on the list , and suicide , which ranked tenth .
`` Surely , it is good news that US life expectancy has resumed its advance , '' Samuel H. Preston , a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania , told UPI .
However , he added , `` it was expected based on improvements in medical technology and social progress -- for example , gains in levels of educational attainment . ''
The NCHS estimated that more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 can be attributed to declines in mortality from cancer and accidents or unintentional injuries .
Included in the latter number is drug overdoses , which account for more than one-third of all accidental deaths .
From 2017 to 2018 , overdose deaths dropped 4 percent from more than 70,000 to 67,367 .
Nearly 90 percent of all overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2018 were deemed accidental/unintentional .
The drop in overdose deaths occurred despite increases in the number of deaths linked with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl , fentanyl analogs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three drugs increased by 10 percent .
`` The recent consecutive decline in life expectancy has been the anomaly and much of that decline seems to have been driven by midlife mortality , in particular drug-related mortality , '' Dana A. Glei , a senior research investigator in population health at Georgetown University , told UPI .
Glei said an analysis she and Preston published this month in PLOS One suggests that `` in the absence of drug-related mortality life expectancy would have continued to increase since 2012 . ''
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality is a major reason why the U.S. has seen the longest continued decline in life expectancy since World War I and the Spanish flu epidemic , '' Glei added .
`` I think the return to a rise in life expectancy suggests that the drug epidemic may have finally peaked .
Of course , drug-related mortality is still high among midlife Americans , and we have a long way to go to get back to levels at the turn of the millennium . ''
Glei noted that the `` big reason '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued drop in smoking within the U.S. population .
The NCHS report does not include data on specific cancers , which , Anderson said , is still being analyzed .
In a separate analysis , also released Thursday , the NCHS estimated the national maternal mortality rate to be 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births , which , the agency said , remains essentially unchanged from 2007 , the last time a national figure was reported .
The NCHS is lower than an estimate by NPR and ProPublica in 2017 of 26.4 material @ @ @ @ @ @

Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Americans' life expectancy increased in 2018 for the first time in four years, as analyses revealed declines in several of the leading causes of death in the United States, according to figures released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC's "Mortality in the United States: 2018" report says deaths caused by drug overdoses declined for the first time in 28 years, and death rates for six of the 10 leading causes also fell, including cancer.
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The nation's age-adjusted death rate for the entire U.S. population decreased by 1.1 percent in 2018, increasing life expectancy to 78.7 years, a slight jump of 0.1 years over 2017.
"The increase in life expectancy from 2017 to 2018, after declines from 2014 to 2017, is largely due to the shift from increasing mortality to a decrease from unintentional injuries, especially drug overdose," Robert Anderson, chief of mortality statistics at the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, told UPI.
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"Life expectancy at birth is often used as an overall measure of population health," he added, which made the three-year decline from a recent high of 78.9 years in 2014 all the more alarming.
According to final 2018 data, there were 723.6 deaths per 100,000 population in the United States that year, down from 731.9 in 2017. The 10 leading causes of death in 2018 remained the same for the third year in a row, with heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries once again occupying the top three spots.
From 2017 to 2018, death rates increased for just two of the 10 leading causes -- influenza or pneumonia, still eighth on the list, and suicide, which ranked 10th.
"Surely, it is good news that U.S. life expectancy has resumed its advance," Samuel H. Preston, a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told UPI. However, he added, "It was expected based on improvements in medical technology and social progress -- for example, gains in levels of educational attainment."
The NCHS estimated that more than half the increase in life expectancy in 2018 can be attributed to declines in mortality from cancer and accidents or unintentional injuries. Included in the latter number is drug overdoses, which account for more than one-third of all accidental deaths.
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From 2017 to 2018, overdose deaths dropped 4 percent from more than 70,000 to 67,367. Nearly 90 percent of all overdose deaths in the United States in 2018 were deemed accidental/unintentional.
The drop in overdose deaths occurred despite increases in the number of deaths linked with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, fentanyl analogs and tramadol. Deaths related to use of those three drugs increased by 10 percent.
"The recent consecutive decline in life expectancy has been the anomaly and much of that decline seems to have been driven by midlife mortality, in particular drug-related mortality," said Dana A. Glei, a senior research investigator in population health at Georgetown University.
Glei said an analysis she and Preston published this month in PLOS One suggests that "in the absence of drug-related mortality, life expectancy would have continued to increase since 2012."
"In my view, drug use and associated mortality is a major reason why the U.S. has seen the longest continued decline in life expectancy since World War I and the Spanish flu epidemic," Glei said. "The return to a rise in life expectancy suggests that the drug epidemic may have finally peaked. Of course, drug-related mortality is still high among midlife Americans, and we have a long way to go to get back to levels at the turn of the millennium."
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Glei noted that the "big reason" for lung cancer deaths declining is the continued drop in smoking within the U.S. population. The NCHS report does not include data on specific cancers, which, Anderson said, is still being analyzed.
In a separate analysis, also released Thursday, the NCHS estimated the national maternal mortality rate to be 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which, the agency said, remains essentially unchanged from 2007, the last time a national figure was reported. The NCHS state is lower than an estimate by NPR and ProPublica in 2017 of 26.4 material deaths per 100,000 live births.


upi--2020-01-30--Trump administration forms coronavirus task force as disease continues to spread worldwide

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration announced the formation of a coronavirus task force on Wednesday as the disease continues to spread worldwide .
The White House said in a statement that the President 's Coronavirus Task Force has been meeting daily since Monday and will lead the Trump Administration 's efforts to monitor , contain and mitigate the spread of the disease .
Chinese health officials announced early Thursday that the death toll climbed to 170 from 132 the day before and the number of confirmed cases surged to nearly 8,000 , well above the 5,327 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation during the outbreak of 2002 to 2003 that killed more than 800 people .
The disease has spread to more than 15 countries , including the United States where five patients have tested positive for the disease , called 2019-nCoV , with an additional 92 people still awaiting test results , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
President Donald Trump chaired the task force 's meeting Wednesday , charging the 12 health experts to lead the U.S. government 's response to the disease and to keep him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Just received a briefing on the Coronavirus in China from all our GREAT agencies , who are also working closely with China , '' Trump said via Twitter .
`` We will continue to monitor the ongoing developments .
We have the best experts anywhere in the world , and they are on top of it 24/7 ! ''
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar has been tapped to lead the task force , which is to be coordinated through the National Security Council and is composed of White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , State Department , Homeland Security , Transportation Department and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health , among others .
`` The risk of infection for Americans remains low , and all agencies are working aggressively to monitor this continuously evolving situation , '' the White House said .

U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the newly formed coronavirus task force on Wednesday to lead the U.S. government's response to the disease and to keep him updated Photo courtesy of U.S. President Donald Trump/ Twitter
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced the formation of a coronavirus task force on Wednesday as the disease continues to spread worldwide. The White House said in a statement that the President's Coronavirus Task Force has been meeting daily since Monday and will lead the Trump Administration's efforts to monitor, contain and mitigate the spread of the disease. Advertisement
Chinese health officials announced early Thursday that the death toll climbed to 170 from 132 the day before and the number of confirmed cases surged to nearly 8,000, well above the 5,327 cases of SARS reported in the Asian nation during the outbreak of 2002 to 2003 that killed more than 800 people.
The disease has spread to more than 15 countries, including the United States where five patients have tested positive for the disease, called 2019-nCoV, with an additional 92 people still awaiting test results, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
President Donald Trump chaired the task force's meeting Wednesday, charging the 12 health experts to lead the U.S. government's response to the disease and to keep him updated, the White House said.
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"Just received a briefing on the Coronavirus in China from all our GREAT agencies, who are also working closely with China," Trump said via Twitter. "We will continue to monitor the ongoing developments. We have the best experts anywhere in the world, and they are on top of it 24/7!"
Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar has been tapped to lead the task force, which is to be coordinated through the National Security Council and is composed of White House and government agency experts from the CDC, State Department, Homeland Security, Transportation Department and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, among others.
"The risk of infection for Americans remains low, and all agencies are working aggressively to monitor this continuously evolving situation," the White House said.


upi--2020-01-29--14 states sue EPA over chemical safety rule rollback

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- Attorney generals of 14 states , Washington , D.C. , and the city of Philadelphia sued the Trump administration 's Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday for rolling back Obama-era safety regulations adopted to protect against disasters at chemical plants .
Late last year , the Trump administration nixed rules requiring companies to publicly disclose information about the chemicals they store at their facilities and other safeguards , such as outside audits and analyses of safer technology .
Known as the Chemical Disaster Rule , it was put in place to prevent harm caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 .
The Trump administration argued the safeguards were a regulatory burden on businesses and were unnecessary as arson was ruled as the cause of the Texas plant explosion .
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia by New York Attorney General Letitia James with the attorney generals of the District of Columbia , Illinois , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , New Jersey , New Mexico , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Philadelphia .
`` The Trump EPA is gutting critical safeguards against explosions , fires poisonous gas releases and other accidents at these facilities , putting New Yorkers in harm 's way , '' said James said in a statement .
`` I am taking this fight to the courts because every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment . ''
She said more than 9 million New Yorkers will be affected by the rollback as they live within the so-called vulnerability zone of facilities covered by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could harm them .
The lawsuit follows one filed in December by a coalition of environmental groups by Earth Justice against the rollback .
`` By killing these critical protections , millions of people living near chemical facilities in the United States are put in harm 's way , '' the coalition said in a statement .
`` We are fighting for the lives and safety of our families and workers .
Our lives are more valuable than the bottom line of a few chemical barons . ''

Remains of a fertilizer plant and other buildings smolder after the plant exploded in West, Texas, on April 17, 2013. Photo by Larry W. Smith/EPA
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Attorney generals of 14 states, Washington, D.C., and the city of Philadelphia sued the Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday for rolling back Obama-era safety regulations adopted to protect against disasters at chemical plants. Late last year, the Trump administration nixed rules requiring companies to publicly disclose information about the chemicals they store at their facilities and other safeguards, such as outside audits and analyses of safer technology. Advertisement
Known as the Chemical Disaster Rule, it was put in place to prevent harm caused by accidents after 15 people were killed in an explosion at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013.
The Trump administration argued the safeguards were a regulatory burden on businesses and were unnecessary as arson was ruled as the cause of the Texas plant explosion.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia by New York Attorney General Letitia James with the attorney generals of the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and the city of Philadelphia.
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"The Trump EPA is gutting critical safeguards against explosions, fires poisonous gas releases and other accidents at these facilities, putting New Yorkers in harm's way," said James said in a statement. "I am taking this fight to the courts because every New Yorker deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment."
She said more than 9 million New Yorkers will be affected by the rollback as they live within the so-called vulnerability zone of facilities covered by the regulations where a worst-case release of chemicals could harm them.
The lawsuit follows one filed in December by a coalition of environmental groups by Earth Justice against the rollback.
"By killing these critical protections, millions of people living near chemical facilities in the United States are put in harm's way," the coalition said in a statement. "We are fighting for the lives and safety of our families and workers. Our lives are more valuable than the bottom line of a few chemical barons."


upi--2020-01-29--Watch: Nets honor Kobe, Gianna Bryant with tribute video, empty courtside seats

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- The Brooklyn Nets honored Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , before Wednesday night 's game against the Detroit Pistons .
Bryant , 41 , and Gianna were among nine killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas , Calif .
The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances .
The crash remains under investigation .
There were no survivors .
Before the Nets tipped off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played on the video board at Barclays Center , showing Bryant 's on-court highlights and photos of him alongside his daughter .
The video tribute ended with a spotlight shining on two empty courtside seats .
The chairs had bouquets of purple and yellow flowers placed on them .
Bryant and his daughter previously sat in those courtside seats while watching the Nets play the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 21 .
During that matchup , cameras showed Bryant breaking down what was happening in the game with his daughter , who was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play for UConn .
The video clip of the moment between Bryant and Gianna went viral and has been recirculated in the days since the helicopter crash .
After the tribute video concluded , a 24-second moment of silence was observed in honor of one of Bryant 's famous jersey numbers with the Lakers .
Chants of `` Kobe !
Kobe ! ''
broke out around the arena once the period ended .
The video board displayed the names of all nine victims who died in Sunday 's crash .
Other lights in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` 24 '' on the court during the tribute .
Nets star point guard Kyrie Irving , playing in his first game since missing time to mourn the death of Bryant , shed tears throughout the tribute .
Spencer Dinwiddie , who debuted his new jersey number , scored 28 points against the Pistons .
Irving had 20 points , five assists and five rebounds in the Nets ' 125-115 victory .

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The Brooklyn Nets honored Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, before Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons.
Bryant, 41, and Gianna were among nine killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances.
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The crash remains under investigation. There were no survivors.
Before the Nets tipped off against the Pistons, a two-minute video played on the video board at Barclays Center, showing Bryant's on-court highlights and photos of him alongside his daughter.
The video tribute ended with a spotlight shining on two empty courtside seats. The chairs had bouquets of purple and yellow flowers placed on them.
Bryant and his daughter previously sat in those courtside seats while watching the Nets play the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 21. During that matchup, cameras showed Bryant breaking down what was happening in the game with his daughter, who was a skilled youth basketball player that intended to play for UConn.
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The video clip of the moment between Bryant and Gianna went viral and has been recirculated in the days since the helicopter crash.
After the tribute video concluded, a 24-second moment of silence was observed in honor of one of Bryant's famous jersey numbers with the Lakers. Chants of "Kobe! Kobe!" broke out around the arena once the period ended.
The Brooklyn Nets pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all of the lives lost on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/NedVruBIWg— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2020
The video board displayed the names of all nine victims who died in Sunday's crash. Other lights in the arena illuminated an "8" and "24" on the court during the tribute.
Nets star point guard Kyrie Irving, playing in his first game since missing time to mourn the death of Bryant, shed tears throughout the tribute.
Kyrie Irving felt all of the emotions during the Nets' Kobe and Gianna tribute (via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/5kGGG32WyV— SNY (@SNYtv) January 30, 2020
Spencer Dinwiddie, who debuted his new jersey number, scored 28 points against the Pistons. Irving had 20 points, five assists and five rebounds in the Nets' 125-115 victory.


upi--2020-01-29--Former Nxivm members accuse leadership of psychological, financial abuse

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- A federal lawsuit in New York accuses Nxivm founder Keith Raniere of conducting illegal psychological experiments on members and operating as a pyramid scheme .
The lawsuit was filed by more than 80 alleged victims who said they experienced physical , emotional and financial abuse at the hands of Raniere and 14 other associates of the purported self-help group .
Nxivm programs involved two components including `` a self-esteem eroding curriculum designed to break down students ' resistance to Raniere 's and Nancy Salzman 's radical reframing of ethics , morality and gender roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the lawsuit .
The second component involved `` an inherently dangerous form of psychotherapy called 'Exploration of Meaning ' ( EM ) , which was administered by so-called EM Practitioners ( EMPs ) , all of whom were unqualified to practice psychoanalysis , psychology or mental health counseling . ''
Some Nxivm members were subjected to illegal procedures including a `` human fright experiment '' where they were `` subjected to scenes of escalating violence including actual , extremely graphic footage of the brutal beheading and dismemberment of five women in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would watch a video of a talk from Raniere .
The lawsuit also details allegations of fraud , stating that Nxivm 's leaders drew from `` methods used in pyramid schemes '' to take people 's money and make it `` physically and psychologically difficult , and in some cases impossible , to leave the coercive community . ''
Plaintiffs alleged that more than 16,000 people took Nxivm courses but fewer than 100 ever saw earnings from its businesses and fewer than 25 received substantial earnings within Nxivm .
`` Most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collectively known within the organization as the 'Inner Circle , '' the lawsuit states .
Raniere , 58 , was convicted on one count each of racketeering , racketeering conspiracy , wire fraud conspiracy , forced labor conspiracy , sex trafficking , sex trafficking conspiracy and attempted sex trafficking in a lawsuit that said he conducted a scheme to force women into a sexual slavery cult .

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A federal lawsuit in New York accuses Nxivm founder Keith Raniere of conducting illegal psychological experiments on members and operating as a pyramid scheme.
The lawsuit was filed by more than 80 alleged victims who said they experienced physical, emotional and financial abuse at the hands of Raniere and 14 other associates of the purported self-help group.
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Nxivm programs involved two components including "a self-esteem eroding curriculum designed to break down students' resistance to Raniere's and Nancy Salzman's radical reframing of ethics, morality and gender roles and relations among other things," according to the lawsuit.
The second component involved "an inherently dangerous form of psychotherapy called 'Exploration of Meaning' (EM), which was administered by so-called EM Practitioners (EMPs), all of whom were unqualified to practice psychoanalysis, psychology or mental health counseling."
Some Nxivm members were subjected to illegal procedures including a "human fright experiment" where they were "subjected to scenes of escalating violence including actual, extremely graphic footage of the brutal beheading and dismemberment of five women in Mexico," after being told they would watch a video of a talk from Raniere.
The lawsuit also details allegations of fraud, stating that Nxivm's leaders drew from "methods used in pyramid schemes" to take people's money and make it "physically and psychologically difficult, and in some cases impossible, to leave the coercive community."
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Plaintiffs alleged that more than 16,000 people took Nxivm courses but fewer than 100 ever saw earnings from its businesses and fewer than 25 received substantial earnings within Nxivm.
"Most of the earnings were received by the small group collectively known within the organization as the 'Inner Circle," the lawsuit states.
Raniere, 58, was convicted on one count each of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, forced labor conspiracy, sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy and attempted sex trafficking in a lawsuit that said he conducted a scheme to force women into a sexual slavery cult.


upi--2020-01-29--Spinal fusion outcomes worse for black patients, study says

Black Americans who have lower spinal fusion surgery have more complications , spend more time in the hospital and have higher costs than white patients , new research shows .
For the study , the researchers analyzed the discharge records of nearly 268,000 patients in California , Florida , New York , Maryland and Kentucky who had this common surgery from 2007 through 2014 .
Of those , nearly 78 percent were white and 6.5 percent were black .
Compared to white patients , black patients were 8 percent more likely to have complications specific to spinal surgery and 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the findings showed .
In addition , black patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital , and also were more likely to have a longer hospital stay and higher costs .
The racial differences remained significant even after the investigators accounted for factors such as other medical conditions , surgical techniques and where patients were treated .
The study was published online Jan. 15 in the journal Spine .
Dr. Robert White , an anesthesiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City , led the investigation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race remains a social determinant of health impacting equity in surgical outcomes , '' the authors wrote .
`` Previous research has identified race as a social determinant of health that impacts outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion surgery , '' they added .
The racial disparities might be due to differences in the characteristics of black patients , such as higher rates of diabetes and obesity , or where they 're treated , such as at hospitals that do fewer spinal fusion surgeries , the authors pointed out in a journal news release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopt methods to promote equity in care , including employee educational programs focusing on health care disparities and the impact of unequal care , and through the utilization of standardized protocol-based care , such as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programs , that can reduce the impact of implicit bias on post-surgical outcomes , '' White 's team concluded .
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has more on spinal fusion .

Black Americans who have lower spinal fusion surgery have more complications, spend more time in the hospital and have higher costs than white patients, new research shows.
For the study, the researchers analyzed the discharge records of nearly 268,000 patients in California, Florida, New York, Maryland and Kentucky who had this common surgery from 2007 through 2014.
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Of those, nearly 78 percent were white and 6.5 percent were black.
Compared to white patients, black patients were 8 percent more likely to have complications specific to spinal surgery and 14 percent more likely to have general complications, the findings showed.
In addition, black patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital, and also were more likely to have a longer hospital stay and higher costs.
The racial differences remained significant even after the investigators accounted for factors such as other medical conditions, surgical techniques and where patients were treated.
The study was published online Jan. 15 in the journal Spine. Dr. Robert White, an anesthesiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, led the investigation.
"Our study reaffirms the concern that black race remains a social determinant of health impacting equity in surgical outcomes," the authors wrote.
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"Previous research has identified race as a social determinant of health that impacts outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion surgery," they added.
The racial disparities might be due to differences in the characteristics of black patients, such as higher rates of diabetes and obesity, or where they're treated, such as at hospitals that do fewer spinal fusion surgeries, the authors pointed out in a journal news release.
"Hospital systems and providers should adopt methods to promote equity in care, including employee educational programs focusing on health care disparities and the impact of unequal care, and through the utilization of standardized protocol-based care, such as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programs, that can reduce the impact of implicit bias on post-surgical outcomes," White's team concluded.
More information
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has more on spinal fusion.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-29--Trump administration blacklists 13 El Salvadoran officials over 1989 killing of 6 priests

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- The State Department on Wednesday sanctioned 13 current and former El Salvadoran military officials for their roles in the high-profile extrajudicial killings of eight people , including six Jesuit priests , over 30 years ago during the South American country 's civil war .
The six Jesuit priests , their housekeeper and her daughter were killed on Nov. 16 , 1989 , by uniformed gunmen at Central American University in the capital of San Salvador during the height of a major leftist rebel offensive during the civil war .
During the 12-year Salvadoran Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightist government with military and financial aid in their fight against leftist rebels but the deaths of the priests who supported a political solution to the conflict attracted widespread condemnation and attention , souring U.S. support and prompting it to cut military aid to the government .
The extrajudicial killings were widely seen as intended to silence human rights activities and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated this sentiment in a statement Wednesday , stating the 13 former and current military individuals , ranging in rank from general to private , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in violations of human rights ... related to the planning and execution '' of the eight people .
He said without elaborating that the State Department has `` credible information '' concerning their involvement in the killings , explaining they were being sanctioned under the Department of State Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act 2019 that arms the Secretary of State to punish current and former government officials who were involved , directly or indirectly , in committing gross violations of human rights or corruption .
The sanctions bar them and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
`` The United States supports the ongoing accountability , reconciliation and peace efforts in El Salvador , '' Pompeo said .
`` We value our ongoing working relationship with Salvadoran Armed Forces , but will continue to use all available tools and authorities , as appropriate , to address human rights violations and abuses around the world no matter when they occurred or who perpetrated them . ''
The El Salvadoran Civil War lasted from 1980 to 1992 , resulting in some 75,000 civilians killed by government forces , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a U.S.-based non-profit international human rights organization .

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The State Department on Wednesday sanctioned 13 current and former El Salvadoran military officials for their roles in the high-profile extrajudicial killings of eight people, including six Jesuit priests, over 30 years ago during the South American country's civil war.
The six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter were killed on Nov. 16, 1989, by uniformed gunmen at Central American University in the capital of San Salvador during the height of a major leftist rebel offensive during the civil war.
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During the 12-year Salvadoran Civil War, the United States backed the rightist government with military and financial aid in their fight against leftist rebels but the deaths of the priests who supported a political solution to the conflict attracted widespread condemnation and attention, souring U.S. support and prompting it to cut military aid to the government.
The extrajudicial killings were widely seen as intended to silence human rights activities and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated this sentiment in a statement Wednesday, stating the 13 former and current military individuals, ranging in rank from general to private, were being censored "due to their involvement in violations of human rights ... related to the planning and execution" of the eight people.
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He said without elaborating that the State Department has "credible information" concerning their involvement in the killings, explaining they were being sanctioned under the Department of State Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act 2019 that arms the Secretary of State to punish current and former government officials who were involved, directly or indirectly, in committing gross violations of human rights or corruption. The sanctions bar them and their immediate family members from entry to the United States.
"The United States supports the ongoing accountability, reconciliation and peace efforts in El Salvador," Pompeo said. "We value our ongoing working relationship with Salvadoran Armed Forces, but will continue to use all available tools and authorities, as appropriate, to address human rights violations and abuses around the world no matter when they occurred or who perpetrated them."
Today, @StateDept publicly designated 13 former military officials from #ElSalvador for gross violations of #HumanRights. We use many tools to promote accountability for abuse committed by all sides and seek justice for victims whenever and wherever abuses occur.— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 29, 2020
The El Salvadoran Civil War lasted from 1980 to 1992, resulting in some 75,000 civilians killed by government forces, according to The Center for Justice and Accountability, a U.S.-based non-profit international human rights organization.


upi--2020-01-29--Vanessa Bryant on deaths of Kobe, Gianna: 'There aren't enough words to describe our pain'

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- Vanessa Bryant , making her first public comments since the death of her husband , Kobe , and 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , thanked the millions of fans who have expressed their support during what she called a `` horrific '' time .
In the Instagram post , Bryant also mentioned the other families impacted by Sunday 's helicopter crash in Calabasas , Calif. She announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families that were affected .
`` There are n't enough words to describe our pain right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved .
We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives .
I wish they were here with us forever .
They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon .
`` I 'm not sure what our lives hold beyond today , and it 's impossible to imagine life without them .
But we wake up each day , trying to keep pushing because Kobe , and our baby girl , Gigi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way .
Our love for them is endless -- and that 's to say , immeasurable .
I just wish I could hug them , kiss them and bless them .
Have them here with us , forever . ''
Kobe Bryant , 41 , and Gianna were among nine killed in the helicopter crash .
The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances .
The crash remains under investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Vanessa Bryant married in 2001 and had four daughters together .
The couple 's oldest , Natalia , is 17 , and their youngest , Capri , is seven months old .
They also have a 3-year-old , Bianka .
Kobe Bryant , a two-time NBA Finals MVP , retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award ( 2008 ) with the Los Angeles Lakers .

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Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (R) kisses his wife, Vanessa, prior to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 19, 2014, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Vanessa Bryant, making her first public comments since the death of her husband, Kobe, and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, thanked the millions of fans who have expressed their support during what she called a "horrific" time. In the Instagram post, Bryant also mentioned the other families impacted by Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. She announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families that were affected. Advertisement
"There aren't enough words to describe our pain right now," Bryant wrote on social media. "I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.
"I'm not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it's impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless -- and that's to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever."
Kobe Bryant, 41, and Gianna were among nine killed in the helicopter crash. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances.
The crash remains under investigation. There were no survivors.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant married in 2001 and had four daughters together. The couple's oldest, Natalia, is 17, and their youngest, Capri, is seven months old. They also have a 3-year-old, Bianka.
Kobe Bryant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award (2008) with the Los Angeles Lakers.


upi--2020-01-29--Shaq to donate proceeds from Super Bowl event to Bryant Foundation

Jan. 29 ( UPI ) -- Former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal plans to donate all proceeds from his Fun House pre-Super Bowl event to the families of the victims of Sunday 's helicopter crash in Calabasas , Calif. , that killed Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna .
In addition , a portion of the donations will go to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation , a charity that benefits youths and families in need .
`` Been going back and forth the past couple of days on if I should even have my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Neal wrote on Twitter .
`` Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family .
But in thinking what would Kobe want , what would he do ?
Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life .
So let 's do just that .
`` I 'll be dedicating and donating all my proceeds from Friday night 's Fun House to all the families who lost loved ones and to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lost their lives in Sunday 's tragedy .
RIP my brother , my friend and my homie , the Black Mamba .
Until we meet again . ''
The Fun House event , which will take place Friday at Mana Wynwood in Miami , is teased as `` part festival , part carnival , '' and will feature performances and appearances by artists Pitbull , Diddy , Tiesto , Diplo , DaBaby and Carnage , among others .
Bryant , 41 , and Gianna were among nine killed in Sunday 's helicopter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances .
There were no survivors .
In an emotional interview during a special edition of Inside the NBA on Tuesday night , O'Neal said the tragedy `` definitely changes me . ''
`` I just really now have to take time and call and say , ' I love you , ' '' O'Neal said .
`` I 'm going to try to do a better job of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people rather than always procrastinating because you never know . ''
Bryant and O'Neal were teammates with the Lakers from 1996 to 2004 .
The duo won three NBA championships together before O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat .

Former Los Angeles Lakers teammates Shaquille O'Neal (L) and Kobe Bryant watch from the bench during the fourth quarter of a game on March 21, 2002, in San Antonio. File Photo by Joe Mitchell/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal plans to donate all proceeds from his Fun House pre-Super Bowl event to the families of the victims of Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., that killed Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. In addition, a portion of the donations will go to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, a charity that benefits youths and families in need. Advertisement
"Been going back and forth the past couple of days on if I should even have my event in Miami this weekend," O'Neal wrote on Twitter. "Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family. But in thinking what would Kobe want, what would he do? Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So let's do just that.
"I'll be dedicating and donating all my proceeds from Friday night's Fun House to all the families who lost loved ones and to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation. Together we will celebrate all those who lost their lives in Sunday's tragedy. RIP my brother, my friend and my homie, the Black Mamba. Until we meet again."
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The Fun House event, which will take place Friday at Mana Wynwood in Miami, is teased as "part festival, part carnival," and will feature performances and appearances by artists Pitbull, Diddy, Tiesto, Diplo, DaBaby and Carnage, among others.
Bryant, 41, and Gianna were among nine killed in Sunday's helicopter crash. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances. There were no survivors.
In an emotional interview during a special edition of Inside the NBA on Tuesday night, O'Neal said the tragedy "definitely changes me."
"I just really now have to take time and call and say, 'I love you,'" O'Neal said. "I'm going to try to do a better job of just reaching out and just talking to other people rather than always procrastinating because you never know."
"I haven't felt a pain that sharp in a while.. it definitely changes me."'@SHAQ on the loss of his brother, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/dM5i0DDgGK— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020
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Bryant and O'Neal were teammates with the Lakers from 1996 to 2004. The duo won three NBA championships together before O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.


upi--2020-02-04--No Season 8 for 'Ray Donovan' on Showtime

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- Showtime said Tuesday it has canceled its drama Ray Donovan after seven seasons .
`` After seven incredible seasons , Ray Donovan has concluded its run on Showtime , '' the cable network said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter .
`` We are proud that the series ended amid such strong viewership and on such a powerful note .
Our deepest thanks go to Liev Schreiber , Jon Voight , show-runner David Hollander and the entire cast and crew , past and present , for their dedicated work . ''
The news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other long-running series Homeland and Shameless .
Cast member Dash Mihok -- who played Brendan `` Bunchy '' Donovan -- mourned on Twitter the cancellation of Ray Donovan .
`` It 's with a super heavy heart that I have to say # RayDonovan will not be coming back .
It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work on this show .
You all have embraced us in ways I could never imagine , '' Mihok tweeted .
`` You opened your Sunday nights and your hearts to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so extremely grateful for every minute we got to share with you .
Thank you to my incredible cast and to the best crew on both coasts , '' he added .
`` I Love you and have Loved this experience I will cherish forever .
Thank you again to all for tuning in and being part of our family all these years .
# Farewell # Love # Gratitude , '' Mihok concluded .
Season 7 of the show about a fixer for the rich and powerful ended on Jan. 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Zach Grenier , Eddie Marsan , Pooch Hall , Kerris Dorsey and Graham Rogers .
The series was created by Ann Biderman .

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Showtime has canceled Liev Schreiber's show "Ray Donovan" after seven seasons. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Showtime said Tuesday it has canceled its drama Ray Donovan after seven seasons. "After seven incredible seasons, Ray Donovan has concluded its run on Showtime," the cable network said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "We are proud that the series ended amid such strong viewership and on such a powerful note. Our deepest thanks go to Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, show-runner David Hollander and the entire cast and crew, past and present, for their dedicated work." Advertisement
The news arrives as Showtime is wrapping up its other long-running series Homeland and Shameless.
Cast member Dash Mihok -- who played Brendan "Bunchy" Donovan -- mourned on Twitter the cancellation of Ray Donovan.
"It's with a super heavy heart that I have to say #RayDonovan will not be coming back. It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work on this show. You all have embraced us in ways I could never imagine," Mihok tweeted.
"You opened your Sunday nights and your hearts to this crazy dysfunctional family of characters and I/We are so extremely grateful for every minute we got to share with you. Thank you to my incredible cast and to the best crew on both coasts," he added.
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"I Love you and have Loved this experience I will cherish forever. Thank you again to all for tuning in and being part of our family all these years. #Farewell #Love #Gratitude," Mihok concluded.
Season 7 of the show about a fixer for the rich and powerful ended on Jan. 19. The ensemble also included Alan Alda, Zach Grenier, Eddie Marsan, Pooch Hall, Kerris Dorsey and Graham Rogers.
The series was created by Ann Biderman.


upi--2020-02-04--R.J. Hampton returns to United States to recover from hip injury, prepare for NBA Draft

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- New Zealand Breakers star R.J. Hampton ended his short stint with the team and will return to the United States to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft .
`` We would like to thank RJ and his family for their time here , '' Breakers CEO Matt Walsh said in a statement Monday .
`` We are proud to have played a role in such a talented young player on his journey to the NBA . ''
Hampton joins highly touted prospect LaMelo Ball in leaving Australia and New Zealand 's National Basketball League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team to continue the rehabilitation on his injured hip in preparation for the upcoming draft in June , where he is expected to be in hot demand .
`` Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory , '' Hampton said in a video posted Tuesday on social media .
`` First off , I would like to thank God and also my parents and brother for making the sacrifice to come with me .
New Zealand , thank you for the memories that I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To the fans that supported me and my team night in and night out , I appreciate you guys .
Although my time in New Zealand has come to an end , interacting with you all on a daily basis has been a blast .
... With that being said , I will be going home to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft in June .
New Zealand will always hold a special place in my heart . ''
Hampton , 18 , has n't played for more than three weeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 15 games in the league , averaging 8.8 points , 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game .
CBS Sports lists Hampton as the 11th-ranked prospect in the upcoming draft class .
ESPN ranks him as the seventh-best talent in the draft .

Feb. 4 (UPI) -- New Zealand Breakers star R.J. Hampton ended his short stint with the team and will return to the United States to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft.
"We would like to thank RJ and his family for their time here," Breakers CEO Matt Walsh said in a statement Monday. "We are proud to have played a role in such a talented young player on his journey to the NBA."
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Hampton joins highly touted prospect LaMelo Ball in leaving Australia and New Zealand's National Basketball League prematurely. Hampton opted to leave the team to continue the rehabilitation on his injured hip in preparation for the upcoming draft in June, where he is expected to be in hot demand.
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory," Hampton said in a video posted Tuesday on social media. "First off, I would like to thank God and also my parents and brother for making the sacrifice to come with me. New Zealand, thank you for the memories that I will cherish and hold for a lifetime.
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"To the fans that supported me and my team night in and night out, I appreciate you guys. Although my time in New Zealand has come to an end, interacting with you all on a daily basis has been a blast. ... With that being said, I will be going home to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft in June. New Zealand will always hold a special place in my heart."
Go get it Rook RJ Hampton returns to the US to continue rehab and prepare for the 2020 draft - "We would like to thank RJ and his family for their time here... We are proud to have played a role in such a talented young player on his journey to the NBA". Matt Walsh,CEO @NBL pic.twitter.com/UZ8a9vaL8c— SKY Sport Breakers NZ (@NZBreakers) February 3, 2020
Forever Family , Sincerely , Number 14 pic.twitter.com/TNPilQLRE7— 14 (@RjHampton14) February 4, 2020
Hampton, 18, hasn't played for more than three weeks in the NBL. The young guard appeared in 15 games in the league, averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
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CBS Sports lists Hampton as the 11th-ranked prospect in the upcoming draft class. ESPN ranks him as the seventh-best talent in the draft.


upi--2020-02-04--Tennessee prison escapee indicted in rape, slaying of corrections employee

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- A Tennessee man accused of raping and killing a corrections employee was indicted on @ @ @ @ @ Watson was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated rape @ @ @ @ @ Department of Corrections administrator Debra Johnson .
According to the indictment , a grand jury @ @ @ @ @ and with premeditation '' kill Johnson in August .
The indictment also included a charge @ @ @ @ @ left the West Tennessee Penitentiary and led police on a manhunt .
Johnson , a @ @ @ @ @ was found dead in her residence on prison grounds 1 hour after prison officials discovered @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said she was strangled and sexually assaulted by Watson .

A Tennessee man who escaped from prison last year was indicted on 15 counts in the killing and rape of a Tennessee Department of Corrections employee. Photo courtesy Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A Tennessee man accused of raping and killing a corrections employee was indicted on 15 counts Tuesday. Curtis Watson was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated rape in the death of Tennessee Department of Corrections administrator Debra Johnson. Advertisement
According to the indictment, a grand jury determined Watson "did unlawfully and with premeditation" kill Johnson in August.
The indictment also included a charge of felony escape after Watson left the West Tennessee Penitentiary and led police on a manhunt.
Johnson, a 64-year-old penitentiary corrections administrator, was found dead in her residence on prison grounds 1 hour after prison officials discovered Watson was missing.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said she was strangled and sexually assaulted by Watson.


upi--2020-02-04--Macy's to close 125 stores, cut 2,000 corporate jobs in next three years

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- Macy 's announced Tuesday that it plans to close 125 stores throughout the next three years .
The department store said it will close stores in `` lower tier malls '' -- including about 30 already in the process of closing -- that account for $ 1.4 billion in annual sales , while focusing on growth of its remaining stores and exploring new `` off-mall '' formats .
It also plans to cut about 2,000 corporate jobs , establish a single corporate headquarters and relocate its online headquarters from San Francisco to New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources on the healthy parts of our business , directly address the unhealthy parts of the business and explore new revenue streams , '' Macy 's CEO Jeff Gennette said .
Macy 's expects the moves to generate annual gross savings of about $ 1.5 billion by the end of 2022 .
The restructuring will cost between $ 450 million and $ 490 million , the majority of which would be recorded in 2019 .
Macy 's said it plans to release its fourth-quarter sales and earnings on Feb. 25 and 2020 will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which it expects revenues to fall because of store closures .

Macy's expects the moves to generate annual gross savings of about $1.5 billion by the end of 2022. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Macy's announced Tuesday that it plans to close 125 stores throughout the next three years. The department store said it will close stores in "lower tier malls" -- including about 30 already in the process of closing -- that account for $1.4 billion in annual sales, while focusing on growth of its remaining stores and exploring new "off-mall" formats. Advertisement
It also plans to cut about 2,000 corporate jobs, establish a single corporate headquarters and relocate its online headquarters from San Francisco to New York City.
"We will focus our resources on the healthy parts of our business, directly address the unhealthy parts of the business and explore new revenue streams," Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette said.
Macy's expects the moves to generate annual gross savings of about $1.5 billion by the end of 2022.
The restructuring will cost between $450 million and $490 million, the majority of which would be recorded in 2019.
Macy's said it plans to release its fourth-quarter sales and earnings on Feb. 25 and 2020 will be a "transition year" during which it expects revenues to fall because of store closures.


upi--2020-02-04--Survey: Online bullying makes teen depression, PTSD worse

Cyberbullying can worsen symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in young people , new research shows .
That 's the conclusion of a recent survey of 50 teens who were inpatients at a suburban psychiatric hospital near New York City .
Researchers reported that those who had been bullied had higher severity of PTSD and anger than those who were not bullied .
`` Even against a backdrop of emotional challenges in the kids we studied , we noted cyberbullying had an adverse impact .
It 's real and should be assessed , '' said study co-author Philip Harvey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sciences at the University of Miami 's Miller School of Medicine .
One-fifth of participants reported being bullied online in the two months before they entered the psychiatric hospital .
Half were bullied by text messages and half on Facebook .
Others were bullied through transmitted pictures or videos , Instagram , instant messages and chat rooms , the survey revealed .
Harvey noted that teens who had been abused were more likely to be bullied online .
This finding suggests that childhood assessments for trauma and for cyberbullying should be integrated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other forms of bullying because of its reach , '' Harvey said in a university news release .
`` The bullying can be viral and persistent .
To really be bullying , it has to be personal -- a directly negative comment attempting to make the person feel bad . ''
The study also uncovered other facts about cyberbullying : • Time spent online is not a determining factor in who is cyberbullied .
• People from all economic and ethnic backgrounds are vulnerable .
• Those who have previously been bullied are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
In addition to mental health professionals , parents and teens can also do their part to discourage cyberbullying , Harvey said .
`` It 's not hard to block someone on the internet , whether it 's texting , Facebook , Twitter or sending pictures , '' he said .
`` Ask why are people choosing you to bully ?
If it 's something you 're posting , assess that and make a change . ''
The findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry .
The U.S. Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on cyberbullying .

Cyberbullying can worsen symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in young people, new research shows.
That's the conclusion of a recent survey of 50 teens who were inpatients at a suburban psychiatric hospital near New York City. Researchers reported that those who had been bullied had higher severity of PTSD and anger than those who were not bullied.
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"Even against a backdrop of emotional challenges in the kids we studied, we noted cyberbullying had an adverse impact. It's real and should be assessed," said study co-author Philip Harvey, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine.
One-fifth of participants reported being bullied online in the two months before they entered the psychiatric hospital. Half were bullied by text messages and half on Facebook. Others were bullied through transmitted pictures or videos, Instagram, instant messages and chat rooms, the survey revealed.
Harvey noted that teens who had been abused were more likely to be bullied online. This finding suggests that childhood assessments for trauma and for cyberbullying should be integrated.
"Cyberbullying is possibly more pernicious than other forms of bullying because of its reach," Harvey said in a university news release. "The bullying can be viral and persistent. To really be bullying, it has to be personal -- a directly negative comment attempting to make the person feel bad."
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The study also uncovered other facts about cyberbullying:
Time spent online is not a determining factor in who is cyberbullied.
People from all economic and ethnic backgrounds are vulnerable.
Those who have previously been bullied are at a higher risk of being bullied again.
In addition to mental health professionals, parents and teens can also do their part to discourage cyberbullying, Harvey said.
"It's not hard to block someone on the internet, whether it's texting, Facebook, Twitter or sending pictures," he said. "Ask why are people choosing you to bully? If it's something you're posting, assess that and make a change." The findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
More information
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has more on cyberbullying.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-02-04--Shooting at Mexican arcade leaves 9 dead

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- A shooting at a video arcade in Mexico 's Michoacan state left nine people @ @ @ @ @ , local officials said .
The shooting happened Monday in Uruapan , located in western @ @ @ @ @ general 's office said four people entered the arcade and spoke to some patrons before @ @ @ @ @ .
Investigators said they collected 65 `` ballistic elements '' from a 9mm caliber weapon @ @ @ @ @ four minors between the ages of 12 and 17 .
Police said the arcade was @ @ @ @ @ , Los Viagra , to sell drugs .
BBC News reported the shooting came days @ @ @ @ @ of Los Viagra .

Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A shooting at a video arcade in Mexico's Michoacan state left nine people dead, including four minors, local officials said.
The shooting happened Monday in Uruapan, located in western Mexico.
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The Michoacan attorney general's office said four people entered the arcade and spoke to some patrons before opening fire with military-grade weapons. Investigators said they collected 65 "ballistic elements" from a 9mm caliber weapon.
Among the dead were four minors between the ages of 12 and 17.
Police said the arcade was used by a local gang, Los Viagra, to sell drugs. BBC News reported the shooting came days after police arrested a leader of Los Viagra.


upi--2020-02-04--Mark Dantonio steps down as head football coach at Michigan State

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- Longtime Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio announced Tuesday that he 's stepping down from his role at the school .
Mike Tressel will serve as the Spartans ' interim head coach while a search is conducted to find Dantonio 's replacement , according to the school .
`` Today marks one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State , '' Dantonio said in a statement Tuesday .
`` I would first like to thank our fans , alumni , and our administration ; both past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and past players and coaches for all their support , hard work and dedication over these past 13 years .
`` You have truly helped make my dreams come true .
Every February since 2007 , I have reset this program in preparation for the next year 's challenges .
After much reflection and discussion with my family , I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State football . ''
Dantonio , 63 , coached at Michigan State for 13 seasons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championships , a Rose Bowl win and a College Football Playoff berth .
Dantonio , the winningest coach in program history , is expected to remain at the school in a `` special projects '' role with the athletic department .
`` I have told our players on many occasions that 'Michigan State is bigger than any one person .
Someday there will be someone else here talking to you from this podium . '
That day has come , '' Dantonio said .
`` My plan is to stay on within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving special projects , especially transitioning our players , both current and incoming , to their next challenges . ''

Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio (L) coached the Spartans for 13 seasons and won three Big Ten championships. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Longtime Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio announced Tuesday that he's stepping down from his role at the school. Mike Tressel will serve as the Spartans' interim head coach while a search is conducted to find Dantonio's replacement, according to the school. Advertisement
"Today marks one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State," Dantonio said in a statement Tuesday. "I would first like to thank our fans, alumni, and our administration; both past and present staff and especially our current and past players and coaches for all their support, hard work and dedication over these past 13 years.
"You have truly helped make my dreams come true. Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year's challenges. After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State football."
Dantonio, 63, coached at Michigan State for 13 seasons, guiding the program to three Big Ten championships, a Rose Bowl win and a College Football Playoff berth.
Advertisement To all Spartans: Thank you for everything. You have truly helped my dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/uKkubvp1cW— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) February 4, 2020
Dantonio, the winningest coach in program history, is expected to remain at the school in a "special projects" role with the athletic department.
"I have told our players on many occasions that 'Michigan State is bigger than any one person. Someday there will be someone else here talking to you from this podium.' That day has come," Dantonio said. "My plan is to stay on within the university and athletic department in a role involving special projects, especially transitioning our players, both current and incoming, to their next challenges."


upi--2020-02-04--New York Knicks fire team president Steve Mills

Feb. 4 ( UPI ) -- The New York Knicks parted ways with team president Steve Mills , the organization announced Tuesday .
General manager Scott Perry will oversee the Knicks ' basketball operations on an interim basis , according to the team .
The Knicks said it was anticipated that Mills would be nominated to the board of Madison Square Garden 's stand-alone sports company .
`` Steve and I have come to the decision that it would be best for him to leave his role as president of the New York Knicks , '' owner James Dolan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank Steve for his many years of service to our organization and look forward to continuing our relationship with him as part of our board . ''
Mills , 60 , has served as the Knicks ' president since July 2017 .
Before being promoted to that role , he worked as the team 's executive vice president and general manager .
Mills originally joined the Knicks organization in 1999 as executive vice president of franchise operations before leaving in 2009 .
Since rejoining the Knicks in 2013 , the franchise has posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA .
`` It has been a great honor to represent the Knicks , '' Mills said in a statement .
`` I will always be grateful to Jim for giving me the chance to represent this franchise and I 'm disappointed we were unable to achieve success for New York .
I would like to thank the staff and players for their hard work during my tenure .
I will always be a Knicks fan . ''
The Knicks are 15-36 this season , the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference @

New York Knicks president Steve Mills served in that role since July 2017. He previously worked as the Knicks' executive vice president and general manager before being promoted. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The New York Knicks parted ways with team president Steve Mills, the organization announced Tuesday. General manager Scott Perry will oversee the Knicks' basketball operations on an interim basis, according to the team. The Knicks said it was anticipated that Mills would be nominated to the board of Madison Square Garden's stand-alone sports company. Advertisement
"Steve and I have come to the decision that it would be best for him to leave his role as president of the New York Knicks," owner James Dolan said in a statement Tuesday. "We thank Steve for his many years of service to our organization and look forward to continuing our relationship with him as part of our board."
Mills, 60, has served as the Knicks' president since July 2017. Before being promoted to that role, he worked as the team's executive vice president and general manager.
Mills originally joined the Knicks organization in 1999 as executive vice president of franchise operations before leaving in 2009. Since rejoining the Knicks in 2013, the franchise has posted a 178-365 record, the worst in the NBA.
"It has been a great honor to represent the Knicks," Mills said in a statement. "I will always be grateful to Jim for giving me the chance to represent this franchise and I'm disappointed we were unable to achieve success for New York. I would like to thank the staff and players for their hard work during my tenure. I will always be a Knicks fan."
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The Knicks are 15-36 this season, the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.