upi--2020-11-29--On This Day, Nov. 29: LBJ establishes Warren Commission

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1877 , Thomas Edison demonstrated a hand-cranked phonograph that recorded sound on grooved metal cylinders .
Edison shouted verses of `` Mary Had a Little Lamb '' into the machine , which played back his voice .
In 1890 , the first Army-Navy football game was played .
Navy won 24-0 .
In 1929 , U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr .
Richard Byrd and three crewmen became the first people to fly over the South Pole .
In 1935 , Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger published his famous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' to illustrate a paradox of quantum mechanics .
In 1947 , despite strong Arab opposition , the United Nations voted for the partition of Palestine and the creation of the independent Jewish state of Israel .
In 1963 , U.S. President Lyndon Johnson appointed the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John Kennedy .
In 1981 , actor Natalie Wood drowned while on a boat trip to Santa Catalina Island , Calif .
In 1986 , movie icon Cary Grant died of a stroke at the age of 82 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hero Nadia Comaneci fled to Hungary .
She eventually reached the United States .
In 1990 , the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution authorizing `` all necessary means , '' including military force , against Iraq if it did n't withdraw from Kuwait by Jan. 15 , 1991 .
In 1991 , a dust storm in Coalinga , Calif. , triggered a massive pileup by more than 250 vehicles on Interstate 5 , killing 15 people and injuring more than 100 .
In 1994 , voters in Norway rejected a proposal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , George Harrison , lead guitarist of the Beatles , died of cancer .
He was 58 .
In 2011 , Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in prison for an involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of Michael Jackson .
He was released on parole Oct. 28 , 2013 .
In 2012 , the United Nations voted 138-9 , with 31 abstentions , to give Palestinians non-member observer status .
In 2019 , two victims were killed and others injured in a terrorist knife attack at Fishmongers Hall near London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Members of the Warren Commission present their report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to President Lyndon B. Johnson. From L-R: John McCloy, J. Lee Rankin (General Counsel), Senator Richard Russell, Representative Gerald Ford, Chief Justice Earl Warren, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Allen Dulles, Senator John Sherman Cooper, and Representative Hale Boggs. On November 29, 1963, Johnson appointed the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John Kennedy. File Photo by LBJ Library/UPI
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1877, Thomas Edison demonstrated a hand-cranked phonograph that recorded sound on grooved metal cylinders. Edison shouted verses of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" into the machine, which played back his voice. Advertisement
In 1890, the first Army-Navy football game was played. Navy won 24-0.
In 1929, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Byrd and three crewmen became the first people to fly over the South Pole.
In 1935, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrödinger published his famous thought experiment dubbed "Schrödinger's cat," to illustrate a paradox of quantum mechanics.
In 1947, despite strong Arab opposition, the United Nations voted for the partition of Palestine and the creation of the independent Jewish state of Israel.
In 1963, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson appointed the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John Kennedy.
In 1981, actor Natalie Wood drowned while on a boat trip to Santa Catalina Island, Calif.
In 1986, movie icon Cary Grant died of a stroke at the age of 82.
UPI File Photo
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In 1989, Romanian Olympic gymnastic hero Nadia Comaneci fled to Hungary. She eventually reached the United States.
In 1990, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution authorizing "all necessary means," including military force, against Iraq if it didn't withdraw from Kuwait by Jan. 15, 1991.
In 1991, a dust storm in Coalinga, Calif., triggered a massive pileup by more than 250 vehicles on Interstate 5, killing 15 people and injuring more than 100.
In 1994, voters in Norway rejected a proposal to join the European Union.
In 2001, George Harrison, lead guitarist of the Beatles, died of cancer. He was 58.
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
In 2011, Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in prison for an involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of Michael Jackson. He was released on parole Oct. 28, 2013.
In 2012, the United Nations voted 138-9, with 31 abstentions, to give Palestinians non-member observer status.
In 2019, two victims were killed and others injured in a terrorist knife attack at Fishmongers Hall near London Bridge. The attacker was also killed.
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upi--2020-11-29--Officials: Utah's mysterious 'monolith' has disappeared

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Nearly two weeks after it was first discovered in the rural Utah desert , the mysterious object dubbed the `` monolith '' has disappeared , according to officials .
The Bureau of Land Management confirmed Sunday that the metallic tricornered beam found protruding from the earth in southern Utah was gone .
`` We may not know if an extraterrestrial or Earthling installed the 'monolith ' structure , but we can confirm that it has been taken by an unknown party or parties , '' the bureau tweeted late Sunday .
The bureau tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's former site and a triangle indent in the desert floor where it once stood .
It said on Saturday that it had received `` credible reports '' of its removal .
The three-sided , 10-12 foot beam was first sighted Nov. 18 by members of the Aero Bureau who were counting bighorn sheep from a helicopter , and its discovery garnered national and international attention and theories as to how it became planted in the public lands of Utah .
The bureau confirmed the installation 's mysterious disappearance during a visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement that someone over Friday night had removed the `` illegally installed structure . ''
`` The BLM did not remove the structure , which had been recently discovered on public lands in the Monticello Field Office , '' the statement read .
The BLM said it was investigating who was behind the installation when it was removed as development on public lands must be approved by the bureau and adhere to applicable laws .
`` We recognized the incredible interest the 'monolith has generated worldwide , '' Amber Denton Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is responsible for the land where the structure was located , said in a statement prior to its disappearance .
`` Many have been enjoying the mystery and view it as a welcome distraction from the 2020 news cycle .
Even so , it was installed without authorization on public lands and the site is in a remote area without services for the large number of people who now want to see it . ''
Visitors who flocked to the monolith parked on vegetation and left `` human waste '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots , the bureau said .
It had requested that visitors not attempt to visit the site as it has no cell service and is only accessible to high-clearance vehicles , and an unknown number of passenger vehicles attempting to access the site had become stuck and required a tow , the Monticello Field Office said , adding that driving off designated roads is illegal .
`` Whenever you visit public lands please follow 'Leave No Trace ' principles and federal and local laws and guidance , '' Johnson said .

Officials said the installation known as the "monolith" was removed over Friday night. Photo courtesy of Utah's Bureau of Land Management/ Facebook
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Nearly two weeks after it was first discovered in the rural Utah desert, the mysterious object dubbed the "monolith" has disappeared, according to officials. The Bureau of Land Management confirmed Sunday that the metallic tricornered beam found protruding from the earth in southern Utah was gone. Advertisement
"We may not know if an extraterrestrial or Earthling installed the 'monolith' structure, but we can confirm that it has been taken by an unknown party or parties," the bureau tweeted late Sunday.
We may not know if an extraterrestrial or earthling installed the "monolith" structure, but we can confirm that it has been taken by an unknown party or parties. More: https://t.co/zmlHF4kPn9 #monolith #utahmonolith #utah pic.twitter.com/TiQMHK9cyM— BLM Utah (@BLMUtah) November 30, 2020
The bureau tweeted pictures of tire tracks near the monolith's former site and a triangle indent in the desert floor where it once stood.
It said on Saturday that it had received "credible reports" of its removal.
The three-sided, 10-12 foot beam was first sighted Nov. 18 by members of the Aero Bureau who were counting bighorn sheep from a helicopter, and its discovery garnered national and international attention and theories as to how it became planted in the public lands of Utah.
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The bureau confirmed the installation's mysterious disappearance during a visit to the site on Saturday, explaining in a statement that someone over Friday night had removed the "illegally installed structure."
"The BLM did not remove the structure, which had been recently discovered on public lands in the Monticello Field Office," the statement read.
The BLM said it was investigating who was behind the installation when it was removed as development on public lands must be approved by the bureau and adhere to applicable laws.
"We recognized the incredible interest the 'monolith has generated worldwide," Amber Denton Johnson, the manager of the Monticello Field Office, which is responsible for the land where the structure was located, said in a statement prior to its disappearance. "Many have been enjoying the mystery and view it as a welcome distraction from the 2020 news cycle. Even so, it was installed without authorization on public lands and the site is in a remote area without services for the large number of people who now want to see it."
Visitors who flocked to the monolith parked on vegetation and left "human waste" in the undeveloped area that lacks restrooms and parking lots, the bureau said.
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It had requested that visitors not attempt to visit the site as it has no cell service and is only accessible to high-clearance vehicles, and an unknown number of passenger vehicles attempting to access the site had become stuck and required a tow, the Monticello Field Office said, adding that driving off designated roads is illegal.
"Whenever you visit public lands please follow 'Leave No Trace' principles and federal and local laws and guidance," Johnson said.


upi--2020-11-29--Jacksonville Jaguars fire GM Dave Caldwell after 10th consecutive loss

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars fired general manager Dave Caldwell after Sunday 's 27-25 loss to the Cleveland Browns .
Since opening the 2020 season with a 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts , the Jaguars have lost 10 consecutive games .
It is the Jaguars ' third straight season with double-digit losses .
`` I 've met with Dave Caldwell to express my appreciation for his service to the Jacksonville Jaguars as our general manager , '' Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement Sunday .
`` Dave was exceptionally committed and determined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately his efforts were not rewarded with the results our fans deserve and our organization expects .
`` Our football operation needs new leadership , and we will have it with a new general manager in 2021 . ''
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and his coaching staff will remain with the team through the rest of the season .
Trent Baalke , who is the franchise 's director of player personnel , will serve as the Jaguars ' interim general manager through the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign .
Caldwell had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 .
Under Caldwell , the franchise recorded only one winning season , which ended with a 24-20 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game during the 2017-18 campaign .
Jacksonville posted a 39-86 record in Caldwell 's tenure .
According to ESPN Stats & Information , the team 's 86 losses under Caldwell is tied with the Browns for the most in the NFL in that span .
Caldwell becomes the fourth general manager to be fired during the pandemic-impacted season .
The Houston Texans previously fired head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff .
On Saturday , the Detroit Lions moved on from head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn .
The Jaguars announced the decision shortly after its loss to the Browns ( 8-3 ) on Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville .
In that defeat , the Jaguars were limited to 235 passing yards and allowed 459 total offensive yards to the Browns .
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back Nick Chubb racked up 144 rushing yards and one score on 19 carries .
Jaguars signal-caller Mike Glennon was 20-of-35 passing with 235 yards and two touchdowns .
James Robinson led the team with 128 yards and a score on 22 carries .
The Jaguars are scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings next week , while the Browns will play the Tennessee Titans .

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (30) runs for a short gain in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars fired general manager Dave Caldwell after Sunday's 27-25 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Since opening the 2020 season with a 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars have lost 10 consecutive games. It is the Jaguars' third straight season with double-digit losses. Advertisement
"I've met with Dave Caldwell to express my appreciation for his service to the Jacksonville Jaguars as our general manager," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement Sunday. "Dave was exceptionally committed and determined to bring a winner to Jacksonville, but unfortunately his efforts were not rewarded with the results our fans deserve and our organization expects.
"Our football operation needs new leadership, and we will have it with a new general manager in 2021."
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and his coaching staff will remain with the team through the rest of the season. Trent Baalke, who is the franchise's director of player personnel, will serve as the Jaguars' interim general manager through the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
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Caldwell had been the Jaguars' general manager since January 2013. Under Caldwell, the franchise recorded only one winning season, which ended with a 24-20 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game during the 2017-18 campaign.
Jacksonville posted a 39-86 record in Caldwell's tenure. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the team's 86 losses under Caldwell is tied with the Browns for the most in the NFL in that span.
Caldwell becomes the fourth general manager to be fired during the pandemic-impacted season. The Houston Texans previously fired head coach and GM Bill O'Brien, while the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
On Saturday, the Detroit Lions moved on from head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn.
The Jaguars announced the decision shortly after its loss to the Browns (8-3) on Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. In that defeat, the Jaguars were limited to 235 passing yards and allowed 459 total offensive yards to the Browns.
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Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19 of his 29 pass attempts for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Nick Chubb racked up 144 rushing yards and one score on 19 carries.
Jaguars signal-caller Mike Glennon was 20-of-35 passing with 235 yards and two touchdowns. James Robinson led the team with 128 yards and a score on 22 carries.
The Jaguars are scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings next week, while the Browns will play the Tennessee Titans.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-11-29--Quarterback-less Broncos complete one pass in blowout loss to Saints

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- The New Orleans Saints cruised to a 31-3 win Sunday at Empower Field after the Denver Broncos were forced to use an emergency quarterback because of COVID-19 complications .
Broncos starting quarterback Drew Lock , backup Brett Rypien and practice squad signal-caller Blake Bortles were disqualified from competing over the weekend when the NFL learned the three players were n't wearing masks Wednesday , the day before third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel tested positive for the coronavirus .
With Lock , Rypien and Bortles out for Sunday 's game due to the league 's contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-year-old rookie Kendall Hinton -- a practice squad wide receiver and former Wake Forest quarterback -- under center against the Saints .
Hinton , who attempted his first pass since facing Clemson in 2018 while at Wake Forest , completed only one of his nine pass attempts for 13 yards and two interceptions .
The Broncos managed only 112 offensive yards , marking Denver 's lowest output on offense since finishing with 128 yards in a loss at Washington on Oct. 12 , 1992 .
The 112 offensive yards that New Orleans allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He did everything he could , '' Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said of Hinton .
`` That was a big , big ask . ''
Following Sunday 's loss to the Saints , Fangio told reporters he was `` disappointed '' in his quarterback group for putting the team at a disadvantage .
`` I was disappointed on a couple of levels .
Our quarterbacks put us in this position .
Our quarterbacks put the league in that position , '' Fangio said .
`` We count on them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leaders of our offense , and those guys made a mistake .
And that is disappointing . ''
Saints quarterback Taysom Hill , who was filling in for the injured Drew Brees for the second consecutive week , was 9 of 16 for 78 yards with an interception .
He also ran 10 times for 44 yards and two touchdowns .
Royce Freeman led the Broncos with 50 rushing yards on eight carries .
Tight end Noah Fant 's 13-yard grab was Denver 's only reception in the game .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kansas City Chiefs next week , while the Saints ( 9-2 ) will visit the Atlanta Falcons .

Denver Broncos starting quarterback Drew Lock was forced to miss Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints because of the league's contact tracing protocols. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The New Orleans Saints cruised to a 31-3 win Sunday at Empower Field after the Denver Broncos were forced to use an emergency quarterback because of COVID-19 complications. Broncos starting quarterback Drew Lock, backup Brett Rypien and practice squad signal-caller Blake Bortles were disqualified from competing over the weekend when the NFL learned the three players weren't wearing masks Wednesday, the day before third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel tested positive for the coronavirus. Advertisement
With Lock, Rypien and Bortles out for Sunday's game due to the league's contact tracing protocols, the Broncos went with 23-year-old rookie Kendall Hinton -- a practice squad wide receiver and former Wake Forest quarterback -- under center against the Saints.
Hinton, who attempted his first pass since facing Clemson in 2018 while at Wake Forest, completed only one of his nine pass attempts for 13 yards and two interceptions. The Broncos managed only 112 offensive yards, marking Denver's lowest output on offense since finishing with 128 yards in a loss at Washington on Oct. 12, 1992.
The 112 offensive yards that New Orleans allowed was the lowest total in franchise history.
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"He did everything he could," Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said of Hinton. "That was a big, big ask."
Following Sunday's loss to the Saints, Fangio told reporters he was "disappointed" in his quarterback group for putting the team at a disadvantage.
"I was disappointed on a couple of levels. Our quarterbacks put us in this position. Our quarterbacks put the league in that position," Fangio said. "We count on them to be the leaders of our team, the leaders of our offense, and those guys made a mistake. And that is disappointing."
Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, who was filling in for the injured Drew Brees for the second consecutive week, was 9 of 16 for 78 yards with an interception. He also ran 10 times for 44 yards and two touchdowns.
Royce Freeman led the Broncos with 50 rushing yards on eight carries. Tight end Noah Fant's 13-yard grab was Denver's only reception in the game.
The Broncos (4-7) are scheduled to play the Kansas City Chiefs next week, while the Saints (9-2) will visit the Atlanta Falcons.
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-11-29--Vanderbilt fires football coach Derek Mason amid winless season

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Vanderbilt head football coach Derek Mason was fired Sunday , one day after a 41-0 loss to Missouri that dropped the Commodores to 0-8 this season .
Mason , who was in his sixth season , posted a 27-55 record at the school .
He is the sixth-winningest head coach in program history and only the second to guide the Commodores to at least two bowl games .
`` On behalf of the entire Vanderbilt community , I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Coach Mason for his many years of dedication and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Storey Lee said in a statement Sunday .
`` Derek cares deeply about the student-athletes under his charge .
`` His tenure at Vanderbilt will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to our student-athletes , not only on the field , but in the classroom and as young people .
While this was a difficult decision , I know this change is necessary .
We wish Derek and his entire family the best . ''
Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will serve as Vanderbilt 's interim head coach .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coach will begin immediately .
In a statement on social media Sunday , Mason wrote : `` It has truly been my honor to have been given the opportunity to teach , mentor , champion and coach hundreds of Vanderbilt young men and one courageous female . ''
The female player Mason referred to in his statement is Sarah Fuller , who became the first woman to play in a Power Five conference football game during Saturday 's loss to Missouri .
Due to COVID-19 issues within the program , Fuller -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soccer team -- served as the Commodores ' kicker .
Vanderbilt hired Mason to be the school 's 28th coach in program history in 2014 .
He replaced James Franklin , who left for Penn State .
Under Mason , Vanderbilt has posted a 3-17 mark over the past two seasons combined , including a 1-15 record in the Southeastern Conference .
The Commodores have dropped 12 consecutive SEC games -- the longest active streak for a Power Five school .
Vanderbilt ( 0-8 ) is scheduled to play at Georgia on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home game against Tennessee , which was moved back by the SEC as a result of the pandemic .
Vanderbilt has never had a winless season in its 117-year history .

Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Vanderbilt head football coach Derek Mason was fired Sunday, one day after a 41-0 loss to Missouri that dropped the Commodores to 0-8 this season.
Mason, who was in his sixth season, posted a 27-55 record at the school. He is the sixth-winningest head coach in program history and only the second to guide the Commodores to at least two bowl games.
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"On behalf of the entire Vanderbilt community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Coach Mason for his many years of dedication and service leading our football program," Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Storey Lee said in a statement Sunday. "Derek cares deeply about the student-athletes under his charge.
"His tenure at Vanderbilt will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to our student-athletes, not only on the field, but in the classroom and as young people. While this was a difficult decision, I know this change is necessary. We wish Derek and his entire family the best."
Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch will serve as Vanderbilt's interim head coach. The school said the search process for a new coach will begin immediately.
In a statement on social media Sunday, Mason wrote: "It has truly been my honor to have been given the opportunity to teach, mentor, champion and coach hundreds of Vanderbilt young men and one courageous female."
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The female player Mason referred to in his statement is Sarah Fuller, who became the first woman to play in a Power Five conference football game during Saturday's loss to Missouri. Due to COVID-19 issues within the program, Fuller -- a member of the Vandy women's soccer team -- served as the Commodores' kicker.
Vanderbilt hired Mason to be the school's 28th coach in program history in 2014. He replaced James Franklin, who left for Penn State.
Under Mason, Vanderbilt has posted a 3-17 mark over the past two seasons combined, including a 1-15 record in the Southeastern Conference. The Commodores have dropped 12 consecutive SEC games -- the longest active streak for a Power Five school.
Head Coach Derek Mason meets with the media ahead of Saturday's SEC contest against Missouri.#RTI | #AnchorDown https://t.co/YgbtX3aOF2— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) November 24, 2020
Vanderbilt (0-8) is scheduled to play at Georgia on Saturday and is working to reschedule its final home game against Tennessee, which was moved back by the SEC as a result of the pandemic. Vanderbilt has never had a winless season in its 117-year history.


upi--2020-11-29--Biden selects all-female White House senior communications team

In a statement on Sunday evening , Biden 's transition team issued a statement declaring the team the `` first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women . ''
`` These qualified , experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better , '' said Biden .
Former President Barack Obama 's White House communications director , Jen Psaki will serve as White House press secretary , Biden announced .
Additionally , Kate Bedingfield , who served as deputy campaign manager and communications director for Biden 's campaign will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pili Tobar , Biden 's communications director for coalitions , will serve as deputy White House communications director .
Senior Biden campaign adviser and chief of staff to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will serve as principal deputy press secretary .
Symone Sanders and Ashley Etienne -- both senior advisers on Biden 's campaign -- will serve as chief spokesperson for the vice president and communications director for the vice president respectively .
The role of communications director for first lady Jill Biden will be filled by Elizabeth E. Alexander , another Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Biden has made selections for several cabinet positions including Janet Yellen , who would become the first woman to serve as treasury secretary .

President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday announced the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women, led by former President Barack Obama's White House communications director, Jen Psaki. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday announced an all-female White House senior communications team. In a statement on Sunday evening, Biden's transition team issued a statement declaring the team the "first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women." Advertisement
"These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better," said Biden.
Former President Barack Obama's White House communications director, Jen Psaki will serve as White House press secretary, Biden announced.
Additionally, Kate Bedingfield, who served as deputy campaign manager and communications director for Biden's campaign will be the new White House communications director and Pili Tobar, Biden's communications director for coalitions, will serve as deputy White House communications director.
Senior Biden campaign adviser and chief of staff to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will serve as principal deputy press secretary.
Symone Sanders and Ashley Etienne -- both senior advisers on Biden's campaign -- will serve as chief spokesperson for the vice president and communications director for the vice president respectively.
The role of communications director for first lady Jill Biden will be filled by Elizabeth E. Alexander, another Biden campaign senior adviser.
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The announcement comes after Biden has made selections for several cabinet positions including Janet Yellen, who would become the first woman to serve as treasury secretary.


upi--2020-11-29--NYC to re-open elementary schools Dec. 7, White House experts urge mask mandates

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that elementary schools in the city will re-open in early December , as cases throughout the United Sates continue to surge .
De Blasio said Sunday that public schools will re-open in phases with students in grades 3-k , Pre-k and K-5th grade returning in-person learning on Dec. 7 , followed by students with the most complex disabilities on Dec. 10 , while middle and high schools will remain closed .
`` It 's less concern about the spread when it comes to younger kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision comes after New York City Public Schools ended in-person instruction earlier this month after the city reached a 3 % COVID-19 testing positivity rate .
`` Whatever happens ahead , we want this to be the plan going forward , '' de Blasio said .
`` We know what we did n't know over the summer , we know what works from actual experience . ''
New York City added 2,294 cases bringing its seven-day positive test result average to 2.75 % and 3.5 % for Saturday .
Overall the state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its total to 641,161 , with a statewide positivity rate of 4.27 % , and 55 new deaths , bringing its death toll to 26,690 .
Also Sunday , Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis announced that he and his partner , first gentleman Marlon Reis , tested positive for COVID-19 , adding they are both asymptomatic and isolating in their home .
`` Marlon and I are feeling well so far and are in good spirits .
No person or family is immune to this virus .
I urge every Coloradan to practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask in public , stay six feet from others and wash your hands regularly , '' said Polis .
The United States added 155,596 cases and 1,189 new deaths on Saturday , bringing the nation 's total to 13,262,224 infections and 266,164 fatalities , according to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University .
Daily cases hit a record of 205,557 on Friday , with experts expressing concern that holiday gatherings could further the spread in coming weeks .
In the face of surging cases , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases , urged local leaders to `` close the bars and keep the schools open . ''
`` Let 's try to get the kids back and let 's try to mitigate the things that maintain and just push the kind of community spread that we 're trying to avoid , '' Fauci told ABC News ' This Week on Sunday .
`` And those are the things that you know well -- the bars , the restaurants where you have capacity seating indoors without masks . ''
Coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance on CBS News Face the Nation , adding that mask mandates are critical to reopening schools .
`` First , what we do know works is mask mandates , mask requirements in states that did those or mayors or counties that did that , we can see a really significant difference in not only cases but hospitalizations and fatalities , '' said Birx .
`` Starting with mask mandates and re-masking requirements -- absolutely key . ''
Further , Birx encouraged those who traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday to get tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks while at home to prevent the spread of the virus .
`` If you 're young and you gathered , you need to be tested about five to 10 days later , '' she said .
`` You need to assume that you 're infected and not go near your grandparents and aunts and others without a mask . ''
Birx also said she hopes the coronavirus task force will begin briefing the transition team for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris about the virus on Monday .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last nine months really developing sophisticated databases that are bringing together information from across the country down to the county level , '' she said .
`` We can see who 's being admitted , we can see who 's getting sick , we can see where this virus is moving in communities . ''
Adm. Brett Giroir , the White House 's coronavirus testing czar , urged the Biden-Harris team to place faith in the current administration 's vaccine distribution plan , stating they `` need to let it work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's there is pretty optimum , '' he told CNN 's State of the Union .
`` There was formal meetings with Operation Warp Speed last week with the Biden transition team , I 'm told that meeting went extremely well . ''
Giroir added that he believes there will be `` a smooth , professional transition '' as nearly everyone working on Operation Warp Speed , who 's actually delivering the vaccine and controlling the logistics , 'll be there on Jan. 19 , they 'll be there on Jan .
@ @ @

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday that the city's elementary schools will re-open Dec. 7. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that elementary schools in the city will re-open in early December, as cases throughout the United Sates continue to surge. De Blasio said Sunday that public schools will re-open in phases with students in grades 3-k, Pre-k and K-5th grade returning to in-person learning on Dec. 7, followed by students with the most complex disabilities on Dec. 10, while middle and high schools will remain closed. Advertisement
"It's less concern about the spread when it comes to younger kids," said de Blasio.
The decision comes after New York City Public Schools ended in-person instruction earlier this month after the city reached a 3% COVID-19 testing positivity rate.
"Whatever happens ahead, we want this to be the plan going forward," de Blasio said. "We know what we didn't know over the summer, we know what works from actual experience."
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New York City added 2,294 cases bringing its seven-day positive test result average to 2.75% and 3.5% for Saturday. Overall the state of New York added 6,723 new cases bringing its total to 641,161, with a statewide positivity rate of 4.27%, and 55 new deaths, bringing its death toll to 26,690.
Also Sunday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced that he and his partner, first gentleman Marlon Reis, tested positive for COVID-19, adding they are both asymptomatic and isolating in their home.
"Marlon and I are feeling well so far and are in good spirits. No person or family is immune to this virus. I urge every Coloradan to practice caution, limit public interactions, wear a mask in public, stay six feet from others and wash your hands regularly," said Polis.
The United States added 155,596 cases and 1,189 new deaths on Saturday, bringing the nation's total to 13,262,224 infections and 266,164 fatalities, according to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University.
Daily cases hit a record of 205,557 on Friday, with experts expressing concern that holiday gatherings could further the spread in coming weeks.
In the face of surging cases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, urged local leaders to "close the bars and keep the schools open."
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"Let's try to get the kids back and let's try to mitigate the things that maintain and just push the kind of community spread that we're trying to avoid," Fauci told ABC News' This Week on Sunday. "And those are the things that you know well -- the bars, the restaurants where you have capacity seating indoors without masks."
Coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx offered similar advice during an appearance on CBS News Face the Nation, adding that mask mandates are critical to reopening schools.
"First, what we do know works is mask mandates, mask requirements in states that did those or mayors or counties that did that, we can see a really significant difference in not only cases but hospitalizations and fatalities," said Birx. "Starting with mask mandates and re-masking requirements -- absolutely key."
Further, Birx encouraged those who traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday to get tested for COVID-19 and adopt precautions such as wearing masks while at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
"If you're young and you gathered, you need to be tested about five to 10 days later," she said. "You need to assume that you're infected and not go near your grandparents and aunts and others without a mask."
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Birx also said she hopes the coronavirus task force will begin briefing the transition team for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris about the virus on Monday.
"What's really critical is we've spent the last nine months really developing sophisticated databases that are bringing together information from across the country down to the county level," she said. "We can see who's being admitted, we can see who's getting sick, we can see where this virus is moving in communities."
Adm. Brett Giroir, the White House's coronavirus testing czar, urged the Biden-Harris team to place faith in the current administration's vaccine distribution plan, stating they "need to let it work."
"Obviously we think the plan that's there is pretty optimum," he told CNN's State of the Union. "There was formal meetings with Operation Warp Speed last week with the Biden transition team, I'm told that meeting went extremely well."
Giroir added that he believes there will be "a smooth, professional transition" as nearly everyone working on Operation Warp Speed, who's actually delivering the vaccine and controlling the logistics, 'll be there on Jan. 19, they'll be there on Jan. 21."


upi--2020-11-29--Wisconsin recount affirms Biden victory; he twists ankle playing with dog

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- A recount of two of Wisconsin 's largest county 's affirmed President-elect Joe Biden 's win in the state Sunday , but President Donald Trump said he would still pursue legal challenges in the state .
Also Sunday , Biden 's team told reporters that he twisted his ankle while playing with his German shepherd dog Major and arrived at the Delaware Orthopedic Specialists in Newark , N.J. , shortly after 4 p.m. Out of an abundance of caution , he will be examined this afternoon by an orthopedist , '' they said about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
Biden ' won Wisconsin by 20,000 votes and his lead over Trump increased by 87 votes following the recount requested and funded by Trump 's campaign as Milwaukee County completed its tally on Friday and Dane County finished its count on Sunday .
Danielle Melfi , Wisconsin state director of Biden 's campaign , said Sunday the recount `` only served to reaffirm '' the former vice president 's win and that local boards of canvassers `` resoundingly rejected -- often on a bipartisan basis -- the Trump campaign 's baseless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsinites who simply followed the law when they voted .
And despite repeated incendiary accusations , there was no evidence of fraud whatsoever . ''
In Dane County , Trump saw a net gain of 45 votes after Biden lost 91 and trump lost 46 , largely due to absentee ballot envelopes that were found lacking voter signatures , witness signatures or witness address , Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said .
Biden gained 132 more votes in Milwaukee County after tabulators discovered 386 votes were not counted on election day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was absolutely no evidence of voter fraud in this election even after looking at over 300,000 ballots , over 245,000 envelopes , '' said McDonell .
`` Really this incredible level of transparency should provide reassurance to the public that the election was run properly and accurately and there was no fraud . ''
Trump 's campaign requested the recount , seeking to toss out about 180,000 votes in the two counties as their lawyers arguing that a form signed by voters who cast ballots during in-person early voting was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objected to state practices including allowing election officials to fix errors on certification envelopes of some mail-in ballots and allowing some people to vote without providing photo ID by declaring themselves `` indefinitely confined '' due to age or disability .
Trump wrote on Twitter Saturday that his team plans to file a legal challenge in Wisconsin following the recount , claiming without evidence that they had `` found many illegal votes . ''
`` The Wisconsin recount is not about finding mistakes in the count , it is about finding people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be brought after the recount is over , on Monday or Tuesday , '' Trump wrote .
In an interview on Fox News ' Sunday Morning Futures , Trump also continued to claim that the election was `` rigged '' and `` a fraud '' complaining that he has `` not seen anything '' from either the Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation looking into the 2020 election .
`` You would think if you 're the FBI or Department of Justice , this is the biggest thing you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I 've not seen anything , '' Trump said .
`` They just keep moving along and they go on to the next president . ''
Trump has lost a series of challenges in key states , with Michigan officials certifying the state 's vote in favor of Biden , while Pennsylvania did the same .
A recount of ballots in Georgia also affirmed Biden 's victory in the state .
The Wisconsin Election Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday for election officials to vote on certifying the elections , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged Biden 's win -- is also set to finalize election results .
Despite the ongoing legal challenges , the formal transition process has begun with the General Service Administration releasing transition funds to Biden 's campaign , as his transition team has been cleared to receive key information including the President 's Daily Brief .
On Saturday , the Pennsylvania Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit from Rep. Mike Kelly , R-Penn.
, and other Republicans that attempted to invalidate absentee voting and block the certification of votes .
Trump returned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days at Camp David in Maryland with family members .

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Wisconsin's recount of votes in Milwaukee and Dane County was completed Sunday, netting President-elect Joe Biden 87 additional votes and affirming his victory over President Donald Trump. Pool photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A recount in Wisconsin affirmed President-elect Joe Biden's win in the state Sunday, but President Donald Trump said he would still pursue legal challenges. Also Sunday, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's physician and the director of executive medicine at GW Medical Faculty Associates, announced in a statement that the president-elect had suffered a hairline fracture in his foot. Advertisement
Biden's team earlier in the day told reporters he had twisted his ankle Saturday while playing with his German shepherd dog, Major.
Biden, who turned 78 on Nov. 20, arrived at the Delaware Orthopedic Specialists in Newark, Del., shortly after 4 p.m., to undergo an examination.
The follow-up CT scan confirmed that the president-elect had suffered a hairline fracture in the lateral and intermediate cuneiform bones in his foot, O'Connor said in a statement, adding that Biden will "likely require a walking boot" for a couple of weeks.
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Trump retweeted a video of Biden exciting the Delaware orthopedic office, with the comment: "Get well soon!"
The announcement of his broken foot followed the re-affirmation of his win in Wisconsin.
The former vice president had won the state by 20,000 votes and his lead over Trump increased by 87 votes following the recount requested and funded by Trump's campaign as Milwaukee County completed its tally on Friday and Dane County finished its count on Sunday.
Danielle Melfi, Wisconsin state director of Biden's campaign, said Sunday the recount "only served to reaffirm" the former vice president's win and that local boards of canvassers "resoundingly rejected -- often on a bipartisan basis -- the Trump campaign's baseless attempts to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who simply followed the law when they voted. And despite repeated incendiary accusations, there was no evidence of fraud whatsoever."
In Dane County, Trump saw a net gain of 45 votes after Biden lost 91 and trump lost 46, largely due to absentee ballot envelopes that were found lacking voter signatures, witness signatures or witness address, Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said.
Biden gained 132 more votes in Milwaukee County after tabulators discovered 386 votes were not counted on election day.
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"For me what this recount showed was that there was absolutely no evidence of voter fraud in this election even after looking at over 300,000 ballots, over 245,000 envelopes," said McDonell. "Really this incredible level of transparency should provide reassurance to the public that the election was run properly and accurately and there was no fraud."
Trump's campaign requested the recount, seeking to toss out about 180,000 votes in the two counties as their lawyers arguing that a form signed by voters who cast ballots during in-person early voting was not sufficient under state law.
They also objected to state practices including allowing election officials to fix errors on certification envelopes of some mail-in ballots and allowing some people to vote without providing photo ID by declaring themselves "indefinitely confined" due to age or disability.
Trump wrote on Twitter Saturday that his team plans to file a legal challenge in Wisconsin following the recount, claiming without evidence that they had "found many illegal votes."
"The Wisconsin recount is not about finding mistakes in the count, it is about finding people who have voted illegally and that case will be brought after the recount is over, on Monday or Tuesday," Trump wrote.
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In an interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Trump also continued to claim that the election was "rigged" and "a fraud" complaining that he has "not seen anything" from either the Department of Justice or the Federal Bureau of Investigation looking into the 2020 election.
"You would think if you're the FBI or Department of Justice, this is the biggest thing you could be looking at. Where are they? I've not seen anything," Trump said. "They just keep moving along and they go on to the next president."
Trump has lost a series of challenges in key states, with Michigan officials certifying the state's vote in favor of Biden, while Pennsylvania did the same. A recount of ballots in Georgia also affirmed Biden's victory in the state.
The Wisconsin Election Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday for election officials to vote on certifying the elections, while Arizona -- another state where Trump has challenged Biden's win -- is also set to finalize election results.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, the formal transition process has begun with the General Service Administration releasing transition funds to Biden's campaign, as his transition team has been cleared to receive key information including the President's Daily Brief.
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On Saturday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit from Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Penn., and other Republicans that attempted to invalidate absentee voting and block the certification of votes.
Trump returned to the White House on Sunday after spending two days at Camp David in Maryland with family members.


upi--2020-11-29--'Doctor Who' special to air on New Year's Day

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- The Doctor Who special , Revolution of the Daleks , got a premiere date and trailer on Sunday .
The episode is set to air on the BBC and BBC America on Jan. 1 .
The networks previously announced that Doctor Who and Torchwood alum John Barrowman would reprise his role of the immortal soace-traveler Capt .
Jack Harkness in the holiday adventure .
He can be seen in Sunday 's minute-long preview , which is now on YouTube .
Other guest stars for the episode include Chris Noth , Harriet Walter and Nathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's Doctor Who special with an explosion of extraordinary acting talent .
Where else would you get British acting royalty , a globally renowned US screen star , an ( inter ) national treasure of stage and screen and one of Britain 's hottest young actors -- just in the guest cast ! ''
executive producer Chris Chibnall said in a statement .
`` Put those together with Jodie Whittaker , Bradley Walsh , Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole ( and Daleks !
Did I mention Daleks ! )
-- and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And things will explode .
Promise . ''

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Jodie Whittaker's "Doctor Who" special is to air on the BBC on Jan. 1. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The Doctor Who special, Revolution of the Daleks, got a premiere date and trailer on Sunday. The episode is set to air on the BBC and BBC America on Jan. 1. Advertisement
The networks previously announced that Doctor Who and Torchwood alum John Barrowman would reprise his role of the immortal soace-traveler Capt. Jack Harkness in the holiday adventure.
He can be seen in Sunday's minute-long preview, which is now on YouTube.
Other guest stars for the episode include Chris Noth, Harriet Walter and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett.
"We've crammed this year's Doctor Who special with an explosion of extraordinary acting talent. Where else would you get British acting royalty, a globally renowned US screen star, an (inter)national treasure of stage and screen and one of Britain's hottest young actors -- just in the guest cast!" executive producer Chris Chibnall said in a statement.
"Put those together with Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole (and Daleks! Did I mention Daleks!) -- and you get a cast to be exterminated for. And things will explode. Promise."


upi--2020-11-29--Dozens killed in pair of suicide bombings in Afghanistan

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- At least 30 people were killed in a car bomb attack in Afghanistan 's @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Afghanistan 's Defense Ministry told Turkey 's Anadolu Agency that the death toll @ @ @ @ @ adding that nine soldiers were killed and seven more were injured .
The Ghazni public @ @ @ @ @ total to CNN , saying 40 people were killed and 24 were injured .
Naseer @ @ @ @ @ provincial council in Ghazni , said the bombing targeted security forces amid the morning rush @ @ @ @ @ said the attacker attempted to drive a car packed with explosives inside a military base @ @ @ @ @ forces .
A second bombing took place in the neighboring province of Zabul , killing @ @ @ @ @ others , mostly civilians .
No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack .
Violence @ @ @ @ @ ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the government , as well as calls from @ @ @ @ @ .

More than 31 people were killed in a pair of suicide bombings in Afghanistan, including one targeting , officials said Sunday. Photo by Sayed Mustafa/EPA-EFE
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- At least 30 people were killed in a car bomb attack in Afghanistan's central province of Ghazni on Sunday. Afghanistan's Defense Ministry told Turkey's Anadolu Agency that the death toll included civilians and soldiers, adding that nine soldiers were killed and seven more were injured. The Ghazni public health department reported a higher total to CNN, saying 40 people were killed and 24 were injured. Advertisement
Naseer Ahmad, head of the provincial council in Ghazni, said the bombing targeted security forces amid the morning rush hour.
The Defense Ministry said the attacker attempted to drive a car packed with explosives inside a military base but was confronted by security forces.
A second bombing took place in the neighboring province of Zabul, killing one person and injuring 20 others, mostly civilians.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack.
Violence in Afghanistan has continued despite ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the government, as well as calls from international governments for a ceasefire.


upi--2020-11-29--'Croods' sequel tops the North American box office with $9.7M

Nov. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Croods : A New Age -- an animated adventure featuring the voice talents @ @ @ @ @ Stone and Ryan Reynolds -- is the No .
1 movie in North America this @ @ @ @ @ million in receipts , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday .
Coming in at No .
2 is @ @ @ @ @ by The War with Grandpa at No .
3 with $ 644,000 , Let Him @ @ @ @ @ with $ 453,000 and Come Play at No .
5 with $ 387,000 .
Rounding @ @ @ @ @ Honest Thief at No .
6 with $ 350,000 , Elf at No .
7 @ @ @ @ @ at No .
8 with $ 300,000 , The Santa Clause at No .
9 @ @ @ @ @ Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation at No .
10 with $ 170,000 .

Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The Croods: A New Age -- an animated adventure featuring the voice talents of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds -- is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend, earning $9.7 million in receipts, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday.
Coming in at No. 2 is Freaky with $770,000 followed by The War with Grandpa at No. 3 with $644,000, Let Him Go at No. 4 with $453,000 and Come Play at No. 5 with $387,000.


upi--2020-11-29--Europe's cases subside as deaths surge; world's infections psdd 63 million

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus deaths have been surging throughout Europe but cases have been subsiding after reaching record levels recently with nations implementing restrictions , including lockdowns .
The continent , which became the epicenter of the outbreak after starting in Mainland China early this year , has recorded the most cases at 17,082,009 and second most deaths at 389,784 , close behind North America at 407,174 , according to tracking by Worldometers.info .
So far Sunday , the total world death toll is 1,464,149 with cases at 63,022,243 , growing by 1 million every two days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , which is No .
1 with more than 266,000 deaths and in excess of 13 million cases , according to data from Johns Hopkins .
The daily cases record was set on Nov. 13 at 662,564 but the deaths mark was reached later on Wednesday at 12,243 .
Cases hit a peak about one month ago in Europe but later for deaths .
Over the past four weeks , cases in Europe have diminished from four Saturdays ago of 306,623 to 242,779 to 222,980 to 193,986 .
Meanwhile , the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago to 3,898 and most recently 4,278 .
So far Sunday , the total rose by 3,080 deaths and 1600,933 cases .
In specific countries , record deaths have lagged behind cases .
Five European nations are in the top 10 for most deaths with Russia joining the ranks for the first time in 10th place with 39,527 .
Others are No .
5 Britain at 58,425 , No .
6 Italy at 54,904 , No .
7 France at 52,127 and No .
9 Spain at 44,668 .
On Sunday , Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , behind the record 1,166 April 21 , as well 12,155 cases , far from the record 33,470 on Nov. 12 .
Italy , which at one time was the world 's epicenter , announced 541 deaths Sunday and 686 Saturday , which is behind a record 921 on March 28 , and 20,648 cases Sunday after a record 40,896 on Nov. 13 .
France reported 199 deaths Sunday after 213 Saturday and 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April .
But its 9,784 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 86,852 on Oct. 31 .
Spain reported no data one day after 294 deaths and 8,348 cases .
Russia 's deaths and cases have been at record level .
On Sunday , Russia reported 459 deaths , three days after a record 524 .
Its 26,683 cases are two days after a record 27,543 .
Also in the top 20 for deaths are No .
15 Poland with 283 Sunday , No .
17 Belgium with 122 and No .
18 Germany with 33 .
Poland has been surging with the previous high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The record was 674 Wednesday .
Germany , which at one time was in the top 10 for most deaths , recorded a record 416 on Wednesday .
Until mid-November the record was 333 on April 8 with deaths going into single digits subsequently .
Cases peaked at 23,676 on Nov. 19 with Sunday 's total 14,645 .
On Saturday , the nation passed 1 million cases .
Last Wednesday , Chancellor Angela Merkel announced restrictions will be in place through at least Dec. 20 and an extension into next year is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tough winter , but it will come to an end , '' she said in an address to Germany 's parliament .
`` And right now , as people start to think about Christmas and the New Year , my wish for us all is that we act responsibly and stand up for each other . ''
Most European nations have been in some form of lockdown .
Britain 's lockdown is scheduled to end Wednesday , but most of the country will remain under tough restrictions .
On Saturday , London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday during anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protests .
Metropolitan police said causes for the arrests included breaching coronavirus restrictions and assaulting police officers .
`` This year , Christmas will be different , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week .
`` Many of us are longing to spend time with family and friends , irrespective of our faith or background , and yet we can not throw caution to the wind .
The virus does n't know that it 's Christmas . ''
Certain regions in Italy eased restrictions starting Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Piedmont becoming orange .
Remaining in the highest zone are Tuscany , Abruzzo , Campania , Valle d'Aosta , province of Bolzano , meaning residents stay within their municipality , and are only allowed to leave for work , study , health or other essential reasons .
In France , the lockdown is due to end Dec. 15 though bars and restaurants will remain closed through Christmas , President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday evening in a televised address .
`` If we do not want to undergo a third confinement tomorrow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our loved ones , especially the most vulnerable , by wearing a mask , including at home when we are with friends or with relatives who do not live with us on a daily basis , '' Macron said .
`` Your efforts are paying dividends , '' Castex said .
`` Pressure from the pandemic is easing and it is easing more in France than in other European nations .
`` We can not lower our guard .
Our objective is to allow a gradual return to a more normal life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season with your loved ones while minimizing the risk of a resurgence of the virus , '' Castex added .
In Spain , regional authorities have the power to restrict movement but do n't allow a full lockdown .
In Russia , 60,296 medical students outside Moscow will receive $ 260 in payouts before the end of the year .
The eastern Siberian republic of Buryatia become the first Russian region to impose a second coronavirus lockdown for two weeks through the end of the month .
Asia has the second-most cases with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is fourth among the continents .
Most of the deaths and cases have been in India and Iran .
India has the second most cases in the world with 9,392,912 , including 41,810 Sunday and a record 97,894 several months .
The Asian nation is third in deaths with 1,36,696 , including 494 Sunday and national-record 1,299 .
Iran has been setting cases and deaths records .
Iran reported 389 deaths after a record 486 on Nov. 16 in eighth .
Cases were 12,950 two days after a record 14,051 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 38th place , behind Switzerland with 4,634 .
It added 11 cases Sunday .
But Hong Kong has been experiencing a surge in cases , reporting 115 new ones , the largest single-day increase since the same total Aug. 2 .
Of those , 109 were locally transmitted .
Hong Kong will suspend all in-person classes at kindergartens , primary and secondary schools starting Wednesday .
Hong Kong has reported 109 deaths .
Japan reported 2,066 cases one day after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 deaths to rise to 2,139 , including 13 on a ship .
Suicide is a bigger problem in the nation .
According to government statistics , the monthly number of suicides was 2,153 in October .
`` We did n't even have a lockdown , and the impact of COVID is very minimal compared to other countries ... but still we see this big increase in the number of suicides , '' said Michiko Ueda , an associate professor at Waseda University in Tokyo , and an expert on suicides , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 520 new cases Sunday for a total of 33,824 , last Tuesday increased social distancing measures to level 2 in the Seoul Metropolitan area for two weeks .
Masks are mandatory in all indoor facilities , entertainment facilities are prohibited , gatherings will be limited to less than 100 people , and schools are at one-third capacity .
`` Contact between people increased through travels , events and gatherings after the social distancing regulations eased in October while infected patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms have been piling up , '' Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eun-kyeong told reporters last week .
In South America , nations hold five spots in the top 20 for most deaths : Brazil in second with 172,637 , Argentina in 11th with 38,322 , Colombia 12th with 36,401 , Peru 13th with 35,879 , Chile 19th with 15,322 .
On Saturday , the continent reported 1,049 deaths and 73,553 cases .
Brazil reported most of them : 639 cases and 51,922 cases , which was the most since mid-August .
The record was 70,869 on July 29 .
The deaths record was 1,554 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 since mid-September .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the outbreak though he contracted the virus himself in July .
On Thursday , he said he wo n't take vaccine himself though he said they will be free to everyone .
He also has disdained the use of masks .
North America has the most deaths at 406,449 and cases are 15,867,159 .
All but around 16,000 of the deaths in North America are in the U.S. , Mexico and Canada .
The three nations have extended their travel ban through Dec. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 586 deaths compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4 for a total of 105,459 .
Cases were 10,008 one day after record 12,081 .
No .
24 Canada reported 49 deaths on Saturday for a total of 11,976 and 5,746 cases after a record 6,115 .
Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000 .
Last week , Mexico reported 61 % of the hospital beds with ventilators were filled , which rose 53 % in a week .
`` If we continue on the current pace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast significant increases in daily case counts and estimate that there could be up to 10,000 cases reported daily by mid-December , '' Dr. Theresa Tam , who is Canada 's top doctor , said in a written statement Saturday .
`` Right now , we have a window of opportunity to act collectively together with public health authorities to bring the infection rate down to a safer trajectory . ''
Despite soaring data in Canada , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a 60 % approval rating in his handling of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
In Oceania , New Zealand 's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia at 907 , including none since two on Oct. 28 .
New Zealand last reported three cases Saturday for a total of 2,050 , which is 31 in one week , and Australia up 8 for 27,893 , an increase of 72 in seven days .
Most of Australia 's cases and desks have been in the state of Victoria -- 819 fatalities and 20,345 infections .
But the state had gone 30 days through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's second lockdown began in July and ended this month .
Starting Monday , Melbourne office workers will be allowed back to work .
But many businesses will continue to have their employees work from home .
`` We do n't know how long the pandemic 's going to go on for and it 's not impacting our business .
And people were happier working from home , '' Digital First managing director Grant McWhirter told Australian Broadcasting Corporation News .
`` The whole team was happier working from home . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 3,275,980 cases .
South Africa leads the continent with 21,477 deaths , including 38 more Sunday followed by Egypt at 6,621 after 13 Saturday .
South Africa has the 16th-most cases in the world at 787,702 , including 2,563 more Sunday .

A couple pass coronavirus advice and a Christmas tree in Covent Garden in London on Monday. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen when lockdown ends Wednesday. Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Coronavirus deaths have been surging throughout Europe but cases have been subsiding after reaching record levels recently with nations implementing restrictions, including lockdowns. The continent, which became the epicenter of the outbreak after starting in Mainland China early this year, has recorded the most cases at 17,083,259 and second most deaths at 389,885, close behind North America at 407,344, according to tracking by Worldometers.info. Advertisement
On Sunday, the total world death toll was 1,464,845 with cases at 63,059,356, growing by 1 million every two days, mainly in Europe and the United States, which is No. 1 with more than 266,000 deaths and in excess of 13 million cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins. The daily cases record was set on Nov. 13 at 662,564 but the deaths mark was reached later on Wednesday at 12,243.
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Cases hit a peak about one month ago in Europe but later for deaths.
Over the past four weeks, cases in Europe have diminished from four Saturdays ago of 306,623 to 242,779 to 222,980 to 193,986. Meanwhile, the death toll has spiked from 3,773 one month ago to 3,898 and most recently 4,278.
On Sunday, the total rose by 3,181 deaths and 162,183 cases.
In specific countries, record deaths have lagged behind cases.
Five European nations are in the top 10 for most deaths with Russia joining the ranks for the first time in 10th place with 39,527. Others are No. 5 Britain at 58,425, No. 6 Italy at 54,904, No. 7 France at 52,325 and No. 9 Spain at 44,668.
On Sunday, Britain reported 211 deaths one day after 479 deaths, behind the record 1,166 April 21, as well 12,155 cases, far from the record 33,470 on Nov. 12.
Italy, which at one time was the world's epicenter, announced 541 deaths Sunday and 686 Saturday, which is behind a record 921 on March 28, and 20,648 cases Sunday after a record 40,896 on Nov. 13.
France reported 198 deaths Sunday after 213 Saturday and 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April. But its 9,784 cases Sunday were far below a record 86,852 on Oct. 31. Spain reported no data one day after 294 deaths and 8,348 cases.
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Russia's deaths and cases have been at record level. On Sunday, Russia reported 459 deaths, three days after a record 524. Its 26,683 cases are two days after a record 27,543.
Also in the top 20 for deaths are No. 15 Poland with 283 Sunday, No. 17 Germany with 156 and No. 18 Belgium with 122.
Poland has been surging with the previous high before October at 44 on April 24. The record was 674 Wednesday.
Germany, which at one time was in the top 10 for most deaths, recorded a record 416 on Wednesday. Until mid-November the record was 333 on April 8 with deaths going into single digits subsequently. Cases peaked at 23,676 on Nov. 19 with Sunday's total 14,645. On Saturday, the nation passed 1 million cases.
Last Wednesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced restrictions will be in place through at least Dec. 20 and an extension into next year is likely.
"We're in for a tough winter, but it will come to an end," she said in an address to Germany's parliament. "And right now, as people start to think about Christmas and the New Year, my wish for us all is that we act responsibly and stand up for each other."
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Most European nations have been in some form of lockdown.
Britain's lockdown is scheduled to end Wednesday, but most of the country will remain under tough restrictions.
On Saturday, London police arrested more than 150 people on Saturday during anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protests. Metropolitan police said causes for the arrests included breaching coronavirus restrictions and assaulting police officers.
"This year, Christmas will be different," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week. "Many of us are longing to spend time with family and friends, irrespective of our faith or background, and yet we cannot throw caution to the wind. The virus doesn't know that it's Christmas."
Certain regions in Italy eased restrictions starting Sunday, with red-zone regions of Calabria, Lombardy and Piedmont becoming orange. Remaining in the highest zone are Tuscany, Abruzzo, Campania, Valle d'Aosta, province of Bolzano, meaning residents stay within their municipality, and are only allowed to leave for work, study, health or other essential reasons.
In France, the lockdown is due to end Dec. 15 though bars and restaurants will remain closed through Christmas, President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday evening in a televised address.
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"If we do not want to undergo a third confinement tomorrow, we must redouble our vigilance: protect our loved ones, especially the most vulnerable, by wearing a mask, including at home when we are with friends or with relatives who do not live with us on a daily basis," Macron said.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Jean Castex farmed against complacency.
"Your efforts are paying dividends," Castex said. "Pressure from the pandemic is easing and it is easing more in France than in other European nations.
"We cannot lower our guard. Our objective is to allow a gradual return to a more normal life, to allow you to spend the holiday season with your loved ones while minimizing the risk of a resurgence of the virus," Castex added.
In Spain, regional authorities have the power to restrict movement but don't allow a full lockdown.
In Russia, 60,296 medical students outside Moscow will receive $260 in payouts before the end of the year.
The eastern Siberian republic of Buryatia become the first Russian region to impose a second coronavirus lockdown for two weeks through the end of the month.
Asia has the second-most cases with 16,637,088, as well as 290,168 deaths, which is fourth among the continents.
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Most of the deaths and cases have been in India and Iran.
India has the second most cases in the world with 9,392,919 including 41,810 Sunday and a record 97,894 several months. The Asian nation is third in deaths with 1,36,696, including 494 Sunday and national-record 1,299.
Iran has been setting cases and deaths records. Iran reported 389 deaths after a record 486 on Nov. 16 in eighth. Cases were 12,950 two days after a record 14,051.
In the Far East, Mainland China has not reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 38th place, behind Switzerland with 4,634. It added 11 cases Sunday.
But Hong Kong has been experiencing a surge in cases, reporting 115 new ones, the largest single-day increase since the same total Aug. 2. Of those, 109 were locally transmitted.
Hong Kong will suspend all in-person classes at kindergartens, primary and secondary schools starting Wednesday. Hong Kong has reported 109 deaths.
Japan reported 2,066 cases one day after a record 2,684 cases, as well as 13 deaths to rise to 2,139, including 13 on a ship.
Suicide is a bigger problem in the nation. According to government statistics, the monthly number of suicides was 2,153 in October.
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"We didn't even have a lockdown, and the impact of COVID is very minimal compared to other countries ... but still we see this big increase in the number of suicides," said Michiko Ueda, an associate professor at Waseda University in Tokyo, and an expert on suicides, told CNN.
South Korea, which reported 520 new cases Sunday for a total of 33,824, last Tuesday increased social distancing measures to level 2 in the Seoul Metropolitan area for two weeks. Masks are mandatory in all indoor facilities, entertainment facilities are prohibited, gatherings will be limited to less than 100 people, and schools are at one-third capacity.
"Contact between people increased through travels, events and gatherings after the social distancing regulations eased in October while infected patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms have been piling up," Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong told reporters last week.
In South America, nations hold five spots in the top 20 for most deaths: Brazil in second with 172,637, Argentina in 11th with 38,322, Colombia 12th with 36,401, Peru 13th with 35,879 and Chile 19th with 15,322.
On Saturday, the continent reported 1,049 deaths and 73,553 cases.
Brazil reported most of them: 639 cases and 51,922 cases, which was the most since mid-August. The record was 70,869 on July 29. The deaths record was 1,554 on July 29 with fatalities not exceeding 1,000 since mid-September.
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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the outbreak though he contracted the virus himself in July. On Thursday, he said he won't take vaccine himself though he said they will be free to everyone. He also has disdained the use of masks.
North America has the most deaths at 407,344 and cases are 16,013,672. All but around 16,000 of the deaths in North America are in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The three nations have extended their travel ban through Dec. 21.
No. 4 Mexico announced 586 deaths compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4 for a total of 105,459. Cases were 10,008 one day after record 12,081.
No. 24 Canada reported 56 deaths on Sunday for a total of 12,032 and 5,468 cases. Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000.
Last week, Mexico reported 61% of the hospital beds with ventilators were filled, which rose 53% in a week.
"If we continue on the current pace, our longer range models continue to forecast significant increases in daily case counts and estimate that there could be up to 10,000 cases reported daily by mid-December," Dr. Theresa Tam, who is Canada's top doctor, said in a written statement Saturday. "Right now, we have a window of opportunity to act collectively together with public health authorities to bring the infection rate down to a safer trajectory."
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Despite soaring data in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a 60% approval rating in his handling of the crisis in a poll by Ipsos for Global News.
In Oceania, New Zealand's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia at 907, including none since two on Oct. 28.
New Zealand last reported three cases Saturday for a total of 2,050, which is 31 in one week, and Australia up 8 for 27,893, an increase of 72 in seven days.
Most of Australia's cases and desks have been in the state of Victoria -- 819 fatalities and 20,345 infections. But the state had gone 30 days through Sunday without reporting a case.
Melbourne's second lockdown began in July and ended this month.
Starting Monday, Melbourne office workers will be allowed back to work. But many businesses will continue to have their employees work from home.
"We don't know how long the pandemic's going to go on for and it's not impacting our business. And people were happier working from home," Digital First managing director Grant McWhirter told Australian Broadcasting Corporation News. "The whole team was happier working from home."
In Africa, there have been 51,796 deaths and 3,275,980 cases.
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South Africa leads the continent with 21,477 deaths, including 38 more Sunday followed by Egypt at 6,636 after 15 on Sunday and 13 on Saturday. South Africa has the 16th-most cases in the world at 787,702, including 2,563 more Sunday.


upi--2020-11-29--Kamala Harris visits outdoor Washington, D.C. market for Small Business Saturday

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , her husband Doug Emhoff and Washington , D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser visited an outdoor market in the nation 's capital to participate in Small Business Saturday .
The trio toured the newly opened D.C. Holiday Market , a socially distant , outdoor market in downtown Washington , D.C. where they spent about 25 minutes visiting booths and browsing goods .
`` Had a wonderful time getting some Small Business Saturday Shopping done with @ DouglasEmhoff this morning at the outdoor @ dtwnholidaymkt .
Thank you @ MurielBowser , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our communities but all over the country today , '' Harris wrote on Twitter .
Harris and Emhoff purchased puzzles from the New York Puzzle Company and a print of different types of cheeses from Marcella Kriebel Art and Illustration , according to pool reports .
Harris also laughed after finding a T-shirt at the Pop-Up Collaborative : Made in D.C. booth that read `` Madam Vice President '' and Emhoff purchased the shirt for her .
The vice president-elect also briefly answered questions stressing the importance of patronizing small businesses amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support our small businesses they are always really an essential part of the lifeblood of the community , part of the civic social fabric of the community .
And sadly since COVID started , one in four small businesses in our country has closed , '' Harris said .
`` We know that we 're going to get beyond this virus and we want to make sure that we sustain these small businesses to help them through this moment , so they can continue to do what they do , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they are civic leaders . ''
Harris also spoke about how she and President-elect Joe Biden are preparing for the transition of power by `` focusing on experts '' as they are set to receive their first classified intelligence briefings on Monday .
`` We 've been meeting with everyone from labor leaders to the heads of Fortune 500 companies , '' she said .

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Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff buy a shirt that reads, "Madam Vice President" on it at the Downtown Holiday Market on small business Saturday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser visited an outdoor market in the nation's capital to participate in Small Business Saturday. The trio toured the newly opened D.C. Holiday Market, a socially distant, outdoor market in downtown Washington, D.C. where they spent about 25 minutes visiting booths and browsing goods. Advertisement
"Had a wonderful time getting some Small Business Saturday Shopping done with @DouglasEmhoff this morning at the outdoor @dtwnholidaymkt. Thank you @MurielBowser, and everyone who supported small businesses not just in our communities but all over the country today," Harris wrote on Twitter.
Harris and Emhoff purchased puzzles from the New York Puzzle Company and a print of different types of cheeses from Marcella Kriebel Art and Illustration, according to pool reports.
Harris also laughed after finding a T-shirt at the Pop-Up Collaborative: Made in D.C. booth that read "Madam Vice President" and Emhoff purchased the shirt for her.
The vice president-elect also briefly answered questions stressing the importance of patronizing small businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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"We want to support our small businesses they are always really an essential part of the lifeblood of the community, part of the civic social fabric of the community. And sadly since COVID started, one in four small businesses in our country has closed," Harris said. "We know that we're going to get beyond this virus and we want to make sure that we sustain these small businesses to help them through this moment, so they can continue to do what they do, which is really about being not only business leaders, but they are civic leaders."
Harris also spoke about how she and President-elect Joe Biden are preparing for the transition of power by "focusing on experts" as they are set to receive their first classified intelligence briefings on Monday.
"We've been meeting with everyone from labor leaders to the heads of Fortune 500 companies," she said.


upi--2020-11-29--No Season 2 for 'Utopia' on Amazon

No Season 2 for 'Utopia' on Amazon

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Amazon has canceled its sci-fi series , Utopia , after one season .
Deadline @ @ @ @ @ the news regarding the project 's fate .
Utopia was written by Gone Girl author @ @ @ @ @ who served as show-runner .
Starring John Cusack , Sasha Lane and Rainn Wilson , @ @ @ @ @ who try to save the world after stumbling upon dark government secrets .
Amazon also @ @ @ @ @ Bosch and Goliath .

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John Cusack's "Utopia" won't get a second season at Amazon. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Amazon has canceled its sci-fi series, Utopia, after one season. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported the news regarding the project's fate. Advertisement
Utopia was written by Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, who served as show-runner.
Starring John Cusack, Sasha Lane and Rainn Wilson, the series followed comic-book fans who try to save the world after stumbling upon dark government secrets.
Amazon also recently canceled The Expanse, Bosch and Goliath.


upi--2020-11-29--'Star Wars,' 'Casino Royale' actor David Prowse dead at 85

Nov. 29 ( UPI ) -- Bodybuilder and Star Wars actor David Prowse has died , his management announced .
Prowse had disclosed in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with dementia .
`` It 's with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world , to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E .
has passed away at the age of 85 .
# DaveProwse @ starwars # DarthVader # GreenCrossCodeMan # iconic # actor # bodybuilder # MBE , '' Bowington Management tweeted Saturday .
The exact cause of his death was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was 6-foot-6-inches tall , famously played the villain Darth Vader in the Star Wars films of the 1970s and '80s , but actor James Earl Jones gave the masked character his iconic voice .
Mark Hamill , who played Vader 's son Luke Skywalker in the blockbusters , took to Twitter to mourn Prowse 's death .
`` So sad to hear David Prowse has passed .
He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader , '' Hamill wrote .
`` Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Green Cross Code Man .
He loved his fans as much as they loved him .
# RIP . ''
Prowse 's other credits include the films Casino Royale , A Clockwork Orange , Horror of Frankenstein and Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell , as well as the TV shows The Saint , Space 1999 and Doctor Who .
He earned his MBE honor from Queen Elizabeth II for playing Green Cross Code Man in a campaign promoting road safety in the United Kingdom .

"Star Wars" actor David Prowse, seen here in 2013, has died at the age of 85. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Bodybuilder and Star Wars actor David Prowse has died, his management announced. Prowse had disclosed in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with dementia. Advertisement
"It's with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85. #DaveProwse @starwars #DarthVader #GreenCrossCodeMan #iconic #actor #bodybuilder #MBE," Bowington Management tweeted Saturday.
The exact cause of his death was not specified.
It's with great regret and heart-wrenching sadness for us and million of fans around the world, to announce that our client DAVE PROWSE M.B.E. has passed away at the age of 85. #DaveProwse @starwars #DarthVader #GreenCrossCodeMan #iconic #actor #bodybuilder #MBE pic.twitter.com/dL2RmdIqg8- Bowington Management (@BowingtonM) November 29, 2020
The British actor, who was 6-foot-6-inches tall, famously played the villain Darth Vader in the Star Wars films of the 1970s and '80s, but actor James Earl Jones gave the masked character his iconic voice.
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Mark Hamill, who played Vader's son Luke Skywalker in the blockbusters, took to Twitter to mourn Prowse's death.
"So sad to hear David Prowse has passed. He was a kind man & much more than Darth Vader," Hamill wrote. "Actor-Husband-Father-Member of the Order of the British Empire-3 time British Weightlifting Champion & Safety Icon the Green Cross Code Man. He loved his fans as much as they loved him. #RIP."
Prowse's other credits include the films Casino Royale, A Clockwork Orange, Horror of Frankenstein and Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell, as well as the TV shows The Saint, Space 1999 and Doctor Who.
He earned his MBE honor from Queen Elizabeth II for playing Green Cross Code Man in a campaign promoting road safety in the United Kingdom.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-11-30--In photos: Scenes from LuminoCity Festival in NYC

The LuminoCity Festival in New York City is a month-long , outdoor , holiday-event with displays of lights , performances @ @ @ @ @ Here 's a look at the event from UPI photographer John Angelillo .

Revelers walk the grounds of LuminoCity Festival at sunset on opening night on Randall's Island Park in New York City on November 27. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-11-30--Watch: Monique Samuels teases 'Real Housewives of Potomac' reunion

Nov. 30 ( UPI ) -- Monique Samuels says her husband , Chris Samuels , got `` heated '' at the Real Housewives of Potomac Season 5 reunion .
The 37-year-old television personality shared details about the reunion during Sunday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Samuels answered a number of `` the most '' questions about the reunion where she was asked to name one of her co-stars .
When asked whose significant other got `` the most heated '' at the reunion , Samuels said her husband .
`` I got ta say mine , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Gizelle Bryant was `` full of the most BS '' and was on the receiving end of Karen Huger 's `` sharp tongue '' the most during the reunion .
She named Huger as the best dressed and the housewife who provided the most comedic relief , besides herself .
In addition , Samuels said she herself brought the best `` receipts '' to the reunion .
Samuels showed off an organized binder full of proof and evidence to back her claims up .
Part 1 of the RHOP Season 5 reunion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reunion episodes will conclude a season defined by Samuels ' physical fight with her co-star Candiace Dillard .
In a September episode of RHOP , Samuels appeared to drag Dillard by the hair and hit her during an argument .
Dillard and Samuels both subsequently accused each other of second-degree assault .
On WWHL last week , Robyn Dixon addressed how Huger said she 'd seen Dillard 's legal statement about the fight .
Dixon believes Dillard threw a glass at Samuels in `` self-defense '' and said Huger 's comments did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I did n't see what that information had to do with the fight and the fact that Monique was the aggressor first , '' Dixon said .
`` Candiace was throwing that in self-defense , clearly . ''

Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Monique Samuels says her husband, Chris Samuels, got "heated" at the Real Housewives of Potomac Season 5 reunion.
The 37-year-old television personality shared details about the reunion during Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
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Samuels answered a number of "the most" questions about the reunion where she was asked to name one of her co-stars. When asked whose significant other got "the most heated" at the reunion, Samuels said her husband.
"I gotta say mine," she said with a smile.
Samuels said Gizelle Bryant was "full of the most BS" and was on the receiving end of Karen Huger's "sharp tongue" the most during the reunion. She named Huger as the best dressed and the housewife who provided the most comedic relief, besides herself.
In addition, Samuels said she herself brought the best "receipts" to the reunion. Samuels showed off an organized binder full of proof and evidence to back her claims up.
Part 1 of the RHOP Season 5 reunion is expected to air in December. The reunion episodes will conclude a season defined by Samuels' physical fight with her co-star Candiace Dillard.
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In a September episode of RHOP, Samuels appeared to drag Dillard by the hair and hit her during an argument. Dillard and Samuels both subsequently accused each other of second-degree assault.
On WWHL last week, Robyn Dixon addressed how Huger said she'd seen Dillard's legal statement about the fight. Dixon believes Dillard threw a glass at Samuels in "self-defense" and said Huger's comments didn't change her perception of the altercation.
"I didn't see what that information had to do with the fight and the fact that Monique was the aggressor first," Dixon said. "Candiace was throwing that in self-defense, clearly."


upi--2020-11-30--More than 100 Nigerian farmers killed in suspected terrorist attack

Nov. 30 ( UPI ) -- At least 110 civilian farmers have been killed and many others wounded while harvesting crops in an apparent terrorist attack in Nigeria 's northeastern Borno State , United Nations officials said .
Edward Kallon , the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria , said the `` gruesome attack '' was carried out Saturday by armed men on motorcycles , targeting people harvesting rice fields in Koshobe and nearby rural areas .
Several women may also have been kidnapped during the assaults in an area where the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency has been active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack , '' Kallon said while demanding the `` immediate release and return to safety '' of those kidnapped in the assault .
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the incident , but Kallon said the massacre stood out as `` the most violent attack against innocent civilians this year '' in Nigeria , where Boko Haram has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions from their homes .
`` The killing of rice farmers in ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted .
`` [ The government ] has given and continues to give all the needed support to the Nigerian Armed Forces to take all necessary steps to protect the country 's population and its territory . ''
A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for `` the immediate and safe return of the abductees and those still reported missing . ''
`` The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support the government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian needs in the northeast of the country , '' the statement added .
Rural communities in restive Borno State are facing `` untold hardships , '' UN officials said , including a looming food crisis .

The bodies of Nigerian farm workers slain in a suspected Boko Haram terrorist attack awaited burial Sunday in northeastern Borno State. Photo by EPA-EFE/STR
Nov. 30 (UPI) -- At least 110 civilian farmers have been killed and many others wounded while harvesting crops in an apparent terrorist attack in Nigeria's northeastern Borno State, United Nations officials said. Edward Kallon, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said the "gruesome attack" was carried out Saturday by armed men on motorcycles, targeting people harvesting rice fields in Koshobe and nearby rural areas. Advertisement
Several women may also have been kidnapped during the assaults in an area where the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency has been active in recent years.
"I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack," Kallon said while demanding the "immediate release and return to safety" of those kidnapped in the assault.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the incident, but Kallon said the massacre stood out as "the most violent attack against innocent civilians this year" in Nigeria, where Boko Haram has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions from their homes.
"The killing of rice farmers in ... Borno State is tragic and condemnable," Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted. "[The government] has given and continues to give all the needed support to the Nigerian Armed Forces to take all necessary steps to protect the country's population and its territory."
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A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for "the immediate and safe return of the abductees and those still reported missing."
"The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to support the government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and in its response to pressing humanitarian needs in the northeast of the country," the statement added.
Rural communities in restive Borno State are facing "untold hardships," UN officials said, including a looming food crisis.


upi--2020-11-30--Soccer player fractures skull in Arsenal-Wolves Premier League match

Nov. 30 ( UPI ) -- Striker Raul Jimenez sustained a fractured skull after he had a collision with defender David Luiz during a soccer matchup between the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in England 's Premier League .
Wolves said Jimenez is now `` comfortable '' after he had surgery Sunday night , hours after the 2-1 win over the Gunners at Emirates Stadium in London .
`` He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting , '' Wolves said in a news release .
`` He will remain under observation for a few days while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal , the paramedics , hospital staff and surgeons who , through their skill and early response , were of such help . ''
Jimenez , 29 , and Luiz , 33 , each jumped up in the fifth minute and attempted to win a ball in the air from a corner kick before they smacked heads .
They both fell to the ground after the collision .
Luiz had a bandage applied to his wound and played until halftime .
Jimenez received 10 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital .
`` I was at the front , just behind him , so I jumped , and you heard it , '' Wolves fullback Conor Coady told reporters .
`` As they dropped , he was on his side , and it was important we kept him on his side and got the doctors on .
`` When you see them drop and they 're not really responding , it becomes horrible to see .
Player health comes into question and comes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neto went on to give Wolves a 1-0 lead with a score in the 27th minute .
Gabriel netted an equalizer three minutes later for the Gunners .
Daniel Podence gave Wolves the final advantage with another score in the 42nd minute .
The Gunners face Rapid Wien in the group stage of the Europa League at 3 p.m. EST Thursday in London .
Wolves battle Liverpool in another Premier League match at 2:15 p.m. EST Sunday at Anfield in Liverpool .

David Luiz of Arsenal (C) smacks heads with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez (L) in the fifth minute of a Premier League game on Sunday in London. Photo by Catherine Ivill/EPA-EFE
Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Striker Raul Jimenez sustained a fractured skull after he had a collision with defender David Luiz during a soccer matchup between the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in England's Premier League. Wolves said Jimenez is now "comfortable" after he had surgery Sunday night, hours after the 2-1 win over the Gunners at Emirates Stadium in London. Advertisement
"He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting," Wolves said in a news release. "He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery.
"The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help."
Jimenez, 29, and Luiz, 33, each jumped up in the fifth minute and attempted to win a ball in the air from a corner kick before they smacked heads.
They both fell to the ground after the collision. Luiz had a bandage applied to his wound and played until halftime. Jimenez received 10 minutes of on-field treatment before he was wheeled off on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital.
"I was at the front, just behind him, so I jumped, and you heard it," Wolves fullback Conor Coady told reporters. "As they dropped, he was on his side, and it was important we kept him on his side and got the doctors on.
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"When you see them drop and they're not really responding, it becomes horrible to see. Player health comes into question and comes before any sort of performance."
Pedro Neto went on to give Wolves a 1-0 lead with a score in the 27th minute. Gabriel netted an equalizer three minutes later for the Gunners. Daniel Podence gave Wolves the final advantage with another score in the 42nd minute.
The Gunners face Rapid Wien in the group stage of the Europa League at 3 p.m. EST Thursday in London. Wolves battle Liverpool in another Premier League match at 2:15 p.m. EST Sunday at Anfield in Liverpool.