upi--2020-12-11--Famous birthdays for Dec. 11: John Kerry, Hailee Steinfeld

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius .
-- Actor @ @ @ @ @ to win an Oscar , Tony , Emmy and Grammy ) in 1931 ( age @ @ @ @ @ of State John Kerry in 1943 ( age 77 ) -- Rock and Roll Hall @ @ @ @ @ in 1954 ( age 66 )

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks about the recent attacks in Syria during the Security Council meeting at the United Nations in New York City on September 21, 2016. He turns 76 on December 11. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include: Advertisement
-- Pope Leo X in 1475
-- U.S. statesman George Mason in 1725
-- Actor Vampira, born Maila Nurmi, in 1922
-- Blues Hall of Fame member Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, in 1926
-- New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1882
-- Football Hall of Fame member Doc Blanchard in 1924
-- Actor Rita Moreno (first performer to win an Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy) in 1931 (age 89)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Singer David Gates in 1940 (age 80)
-- Actor Donna Mills in 1940 (age 80)
-- Former Secretary of State John Kerry in 1943 (age 77)
-- Singer Brenda Lee in 1944 (age 76)
-- Actor Teri Garr in 1944 (age 76)
-- Actor Bess Armstrong in 1953 (age 67)
-- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer member Jermaine Jackson in 1954 (age 66)
-- Rock musician Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna, in 1958 (age 62)
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
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-- Actor Mo'Nique, born Monique Angela Hicks, in 1967 (age 53)
-- Actor Mos Def, born Yasiin Bey, in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Rider Strong in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Karla Souza in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Hailee Steinfeld in 1996 (age 24)


upi--2020-12-11--UPI News Quiz: Biden's Cabinet, Mount Everest, 'The Prom'

U.S. News // 8 hours ago
Search for victims of Maui wildfire ongoing as death toll climbs to 101
Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The death toll from the Maui wildfires has risen to 101, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday night, as he announced plans to reopen the Lahaina Bypass for several hours a day to "reunite the pieces of Maui."


upi--2020-12-11--Pittsburgh football team to skip bowl game, end season at 6-5

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Pittsburgh football program wo n't participate in a bowl game this year , becoming the second team to decline a potential opportunity to compete in the 2020 postseason .
In a statement Friday , Pittsburgh said its decision to reject a future bowl invitation was made by the team and supported by the university .
On Thursday , the Boston College Eagles became the first team to opt out of playing in a bowl game this season .
Boston College and Pittsburgh cited the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with family .
`` In my three decades as a coach , I 've never been around a group of players who have faced greater challenges beyond the field than our team this year , '' Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said in a statement .
`` And yet , from the time they arrived back on campus in early June , these young men never wavered -- not in the face of rigorous health protocols , multiple rounds of COVID testing each week or while handling the mental and physical challenges of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've always been proud to be Pitt 's head football coach .
That pride was especially great in working with this 2020 team .
They have my eternal gratitude and respect . ''
The Panthers concluded their season with a 34-20 win over Georgia Tech on Thursday night to finish with a 6-5 record .

Pittsburgh head football coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers concluded their season with a win over Georgia Tech on Thursday night. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh football program won't participate in a bowl game this year, becoming the second team to decline a potential opportunity to compete in the 2020 postseason. In a statement Friday, Pittsburgh said its decision to reject a future bowl invitation was made by the team and supported by the university. Advertisement
On Thursday, the Boston College Eagles became the first team to opt out of playing in a bowl game this season. Boston College and Pittsburgh cited the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to have student-athletes be able to spend time with family.
"In my three decades as a coach, I've never been around a group of players who have faced greater challenges beyond the field than our team this year," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said in a statement.
"And yet, from the time they arrived back on campus in early June, these young men never wavered -- not in the face of rigorous health protocols, multiple rounds of COVID testing each week or while handling the mental and physical challenges of playing 11 games in a pandemic.
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"I've always been proud to be Pitt's head football coach. That pride was especially great in working with this 2020 team. They have my eternal gratitude and respect."
The Panthers concluded their season with a 34-20 win over Georgia Tech on Thursday night to finish with a 6-5 record.


upi--2020-12-11--Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Peters to undergo season-ending toe surgery

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Peters will undergo toe surgery and miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season , head coach Doug Pederson said Friday .
`` It 's an injury that we 've known about , and he 's literally battled through it , '' Pederson told reporters .
`` He wanted to be out there with his teammates for the remainder of the season .
It 's just to the point now where the injury is a little bit too bad for him to continue . ''
Nate Herbig is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eagles ' Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints .
It will be Philadelphia 's 12th different offensive line configuration in 13 weeks .
The Eagles moved Peters from left tackle to right guard for the team 's Week 12 game against the Seattle Seahawks to help him better deal with a broken and dislocated toe , according to ESPN .
Peters started at guard in each of the past two games , but he played only 58 % of the Eagles ' snaps during Sunday 's matchup against the Green Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peters , 38 , is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team .
The Eagles ' offensive line will try to keep rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts upright in his first NFL start Sunday .
Earlier this week , Pederson benched struggling starter Carson Wentz in favor of Hurts .
`` He 's handled it like a pro , '' Pederson said of Wentz .
`` He 's gone out to practice , you see him taking reps with the service team and providing a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done a great job in helping Jalen .
He 's been involved in the meetings and [ it 's ] just what I expected . ''
The Eagles ( 3-8-1 ) are scheduled to host the Saints ( 10-2 ) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field .

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Peters has been dealing with a broken and dislocated toe throughout this season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Peters will undergo toe surgery and miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season, head coach Doug Pederson said Friday. "It's an injury that we've known about, and he's literally battled through it," Pederson told reporters. "He wanted to be out there with his teammates for the remainder of the season. It's just to the point now where the injury is a little bit too bad for him to continue." Advertisement
Nate Herbig is expected to replace Peters at right guard for the Eagles' Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. It will be Philadelphia's 12th different offensive line configuration in 13 weeks.
The Eagles moved Peters from left tackle to right guard for the team's Week 12 game against the Seattle Seahawks to help him better deal with a broken and dislocated toe, according to ESPN. Peters started at guard in each of the past two games, but he played only 58% of the Eagles' snaps during Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers due to the toe ailment.
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Peters, 38, is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
The Eagles' offensive line will try to keep rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts upright in his first NFL start Sunday. Earlier this week, Pederson benched struggling starter Carson Wentz in favor of Hurts.
"He's handled it like a pro," Pederson said of Wentz. "He's gone out to practice, you see him taking reps with the service team and providing a really good look for our defense, and has done a great job in helping Jalen. He's been involved in the meetings and [it's] just what I expected."
The Eagles (3-8-1) are scheduled to host the Saints (10-2) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-11--Washington RB Antonio Gibson to miss 49ers game due to toe injury

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson will miss Sunday 's game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a toe injury , the team announced Friday .
Gibson , who missed practice all week , sustained a turf toe injury during the first quarter of Monday 's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers .
He was injured on his second carry of the game .
`` It is concerning , '' Washington head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Friday .
`` It is complicated for a running back because he 's got to plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big toe -- that 's where his power and energy that he runs with comes up . ''
The rookie tailback leads Washington with 659 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season .
In the two games before his toe injury , he ran for a combined 204 yards and four scores .
It remains unclear how much time he will miss .
With Gibson sidelined , the Football Team will rely on veteran running back Peyton Barber and third-down specialist J.D .
McKissic .
Barber has mostly served as Washington 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team 's primary pass-catcher out of the backfield .
Washington also has Javon Leake and Mike Warren on its practice squad .
Warren was signed earlier this week .
The Washington Football Team ( 5-7 ) is scheduled to play the 49ers ( 5-7 ) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale , Ariz .

Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) suffered a turf toe injury during Monday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson will miss Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers because of a toe injury, the team announced Friday. Gibson, who missed practice all week, sustained a turf toe injury during the first quarter of Monday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was injured on his second carry of the game. Advertisement
"It is concerning," Washington head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Friday. "It is complicated for a running back because he's got to plant, cut, turn. I think the big toe -- that's where his power and energy that he runs with comes up."
The rookie tailback leads Washington with 659 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In the two games before his toe injury, he ran for a combined 204 yards and four scores. It remains unclear how much time he will miss.
With Gibson sidelined, the Football Team will rely on veteran running back Peyton Barber and third-down specialist J.D. McKissic. Barber has mostly served as Washington's short-yardage back, while McKissic has been the team's primary pass-catcher out of the backfield.
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Washington also has Javon Leake and Mike Warren on its practice squad. Warren was signed earlier this week.
The Washington Football Team (5-7) is scheduled to play the 49ers (5-7) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-11--U.S. executes Alfred Bourgeois for murder of 2-year-old daughter

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. government on Friday carried out its last execution of the year , that of a man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter nearly two decades ago .
Alfred Bourgeois , 55 , died by lethal injection shortly after 8 p.m. at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute , Ind .
The execution came about an hour after the U > S .
Supreme Court denied his request for a stay .
`` Tonight , the United States killed a man with intellectual disability in spite of clear directives from the U.S. Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' attorney Victor Abreu said .
`` Alfred Bourgeois suffered from this disability his entire life , but he was never given the opportunity to present the clear evidence of his intellectual disability to a fair court .
Instead , a court rejected his claim based on damaging and incorrect stereotypes about what intellectual disability looks like instead of the science-based standards that define the diagnosis . ''
The U.S. government on Friday plans to execute a man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter nearly two decades ago .
Alfred Bourgeois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal injection at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute , Ind .
The Supreme Court on Friday evening denied his request for a stay .
His attorneys said Bourgeois ' execution would be unconstitutional because he is intellectually disabled and ca n't understand his punishment .
They submitted evidence of IQ test scores of 70 and 75 , as well as assessments by experts .
The Eighth Amendment bans executing people with such impairments as cruel and usual punishment .
Bourgeois was among the first inmates slated for death last year when Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal executions after a 17-year hiatus .
A federal judge stayed his execution in March , saying his lawyer made a strong case for his intellectual disability .
Bourgeois was convicted in 2004 of capital murder for the 2002 death of his daughter in Corpus Christi , Texas .
Prosecutors said the girl died when Bourgeois became angry with her for turning over her potty training chair in the cab of his 18-wheeler and slammed her head into the vehicle 's window .
Investigators said he regularly physically and sexually abused the toddler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was innocent of the child 's death and blamed her mother .
Bourgeois was the 10th federal death row inmate to be put to death this year .
The last time a single presidential administration held that many executions was under President Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s .
The 34th president executed 10 people -- including the Rosenbergs , who were convicted of espionage -- over a seven-year period .
The U.S. Justice Department executed Brandon Bernard on Thursday and plans to hold three more executions before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 19 , more than a week after Biden was projected to win the presidency .
A group of anti-death penalty advocates protested the resumption of federal executions Thursday in a series of demonstrations in Washington , D.C. , and Terre Haute .
Death Penalty Action spokeswoman Allison Cohen told UPI that activists were especially concerned that executions were taking place after Trump lost his re-election bid .
Hall 's execution last month was the first to happen during the transition of a presidency since 1889 under the administration of President Grover Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are executing our federal death row prisoners during the lame-duck session , '' Cohen said , calling the effort `` politically motivated .

An exterior view of the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., where Alfred Bourgeois was executed Friday. File Photo by Mark Cowan/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. government on Friday carried out its last execution of the year, that of a man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter nearly two decades ago. Alfred Bourgeois, 55, died by lethal injection shortly after 8 p.m. at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind. The execution came about an hour after the U>S. Supreme Court denied his request for a stay. Advertisement
"Tonight, the United States killed a man with intellectual disability in spite of clear directives from the U.S. Supreme Court and federal laws that prohibited it," attorney Victor Abreu said.
"Alfred Bourgeois suffered from this disability his entire life, but he was never given the opportunity to present the clear evidence of his intellectual disability to a fair court. Instead, a court rejected his claim based on damaging and incorrect stereotypes about what intellectual disability looks like instead of the science-based standards that define the diagnosis."
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The U.S. government on Friday plans to execute a man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter nearly two decades ago.
Alfred Bourgeois, 55, is set to receive a lethal injection at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind. The Supreme Court on Friday evening denied his request for a stay.
His attorneys said Bourgeois' execution would be unconstitutional because he is intellectually disabled and can't understand his punishment. They submitted evidence of IQ test scores of 70 and 75, as well as assessments by experts.
The Eighth Amendment bans executing people with such impairments as cruel and usual punishment.
Bourgeois was among the first inmates slated for death last year when Attorney General William Barr announced the resumption of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus. A federal judge stayed his execution in March, saying his lawyer made a strong case for his intellectual disability.
Bourgeois was convicted in 2004 of capital murder for the 2002 death of his daughter in Corpus Christi, Texas. Prosecutors said the girl died when Bourgeois became angry with her for turning over her potty training chair in the cab of his 18-wheeler and slammed her head into the vehicle's window.
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Investigators said he regularly physically and sexually abused the toddler before her death. Bourgeois said he was innocent of the child's death and blamed her mother.
Bourgeois was the 10th federal death row inmate to be put to death this year.
The last time a single presidential administration held that many executions was under President Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s. The 34th president executed 10 people -- including the Rosenbergs, who were convicted of espionage -- over a seven-year period.
The U.S. Justice Department executed Brandon Bernard on Thursday and plans to hold three more executions before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Orlando Hall was executed Nov. 19, more than a week after Biden was projected to win the presidency.
A group of anti-death penalty advocates protested the resumption of federal executions Thursday in a series of demonstrations in Washington, D.C., and Terre Haute. Death Penalty Action spokeswoman Allison Cohen told UPI that activists were especially concerned that executions were taking place after Trump lost his re-election bid.
Hall's execution last month was the first to happen during the transition of a presidency since 1889 under the administration of President Grover Cleveland.
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"It's crazy that we are executing our federal death row prisoners during the lame-duck session," Cohen said, calling the effort "politically motivated.


upi--2020-12-11--U.S. Supreme Court rejects Texas bid to challenge election

The Supreme Court said Texas hasn't demonstrated sufficient interest to challenge other states' elections process. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday denied Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit challenging the election results in four battleground states. The high court said Texas hasn't demonstrated a sufficient interest in how another state handles its elections for the lawsuit to move forward. Advertisement
The decision deals a major blow to Republican efforts to overturn the election results, which gave President-elect Joe Biden the win.
Paxton on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to stop Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from voting in the Electoral College. He said the states broke the law by implementing pandemic-related changes to election policies.
He said those changes allowed for voter fraud to occur -- a conclusion experts and election officials have denied.
Allen West, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, said the Supreme Court ruling allows the four states to "take unconstitutional actions."
"This decision establishes a precedent that says states can violate the U.S. Constitution and not be held accountable," he said. "This decision will have far-reaching ramifications for the future of our constitutional republic. Perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of states that will abide by the Constitution."
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The Democratic Attorneys General Association welcomed the Supreme Court decision in a statement by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.
"The court's decision is an important reminder that we are a nation of laws -- and in America, our laws are designed to protect the will of the people. Democratic attorneys general will never waiver in fighting against anti-democratic efforts that threaten to undermine our free and fair elections.
"It's long past time our leaders respect the will of the American voter and move forward together to confront the challenges that lie ahead for our families and communities."
President Donald Trump joined Texas' bid to overturn the election after dozens of other efforts failed in the courts systems. Attorneys general from more than a dozen states and some 125 Republican members of Congress also joined the case or filed amicus briefs.
Trump didn't immediately responded to the Supreme Court decision, but he posted several allegations of election fraud on Twitter throughout the day.
Earlier Friday, courts in Michigan and Wisconsin dealt more blows to the Trump campaign's efforts to challenge the election.
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the Trump campaign on its allegations that poll challengers were denied access at the TCF Center in Detroit.
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A lower court judge ruled against the Trump campaign because the lawsuit named Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson as the defendant, but the responsibility of allowing access to poll challenges lies with local clerks.
In Wisconsin, a judge rejected Trump's attempt to challenge the way absentee ballots were handled in Dane and Milwaukee counties.
U.S. Election 2020
Balloons and signs fill the fence between Black Lives Matter Plaza and Lafayette Park near the White House on Monday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
All 50 states have certified their election results and electors are scheduled to meet Monday to vote in the Electoral College.
Biden defeated Trump in the Electoral College 306-232.


upi--2020-12-11--Houston Texans put Pro Bowl RB David Johnson on COVID-19 list

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Houston Texans placed starting running back David Johnson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday , meaning the Pro Bowl tailback will miss Sunday 's game against the Chicago Bears .
Johnson , who returned to the Texans ' active roster for their Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after missing three games because of a concussion , did n't practice Thursday due to what interim head coach Romeo Crennel called a `` personal issue . ''
`` So he had to deal with that , '' Crennel told reporters Friday morning .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that . ''
League sources told the Houston Chronicle that Johnson is considered a close contact , leading to his placement on the COVID-19 list .
The former Arizona Cardinals runner and his family are undergoing testing .
Texans backup running back Duke Johnson was limited in Thursday 's practice with an illness but was a full participant Friday .
He is expected to take over as the team 's primary tailback against the Bears .
In nine games this season , David Johnson has recorded 452 yards and four touchdowns on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals this past off-season .
Duke Johnson has 209 rushing yards and one score on 69 carries in 10 games this season .
He filled in for David Johnson during his recent three-game absence .

The Arizona Cardinals traded running back David Johnson to the Houston Texans this past off-season. In his first year in Houston, he has recorded 452 rushing yards and four touchdowns. File Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Houston Texans placed starting running back David Johnson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, meaning the Pro Bowl tailback will miss Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Johnson, who returned to the Texans' active roster for their Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after missing three games because of a concussion, didn't practice Thursday due to what interim head coach Romeo Crennel called a "personal issue." Advertisement
"So he had to deal with that," Crennel told reporters Friday morning. "We'll see how he's done with that."
League sources told the Houston Chronicle that Johnson is considered a close contact, leading to his placement on the COVID-19 list. The former Arizona Cardinals runner and his family are undergoing testing.
Texans backup running back Duke Johnson was limited in Thursday's practice with an illness but was a full participant Friday. He is expected to take over as the team's primary tailback against the Bears.
In nine games this season, David Johnson has recorded 452 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries. The Texans acquired him as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals this past off-season.
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Duke Johnson has 209 rushing yards and one score on 69 carries in 10 games this season. He filled in for David Johnson during his recent three-game absence.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-11--Donald Trump signs stopgap, keeps government open for another week

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Friday signed a one-week stopgap funding bill , hours before the government was set to shut down .
The legislation funds the government through Dec. 18 , giving Congress another week to hammer out a deal for the new fiscal year .
The Senate passed the stopgap bill earlier Friday and the House passed passed it Wednesday .
Lawmakers have struggled since September to agree to a sweeping omnibus funding bill that would settle federal agency budgets and provide billions in aid related to the pandemic .
An agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held up by disagreements over immigration provisions , abortion language and other items .
Meanwhile , Congress is also working to come to terms on another round of COVID-19 stimulus , which is expected to be intertwined with the final spending bill .
Sens .
Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, both threatened to try to block the stopgap bill unless the Senate voted on legislation providing another round of $ 1,200 stimulus checks to individuals .
`` We will deal with the financial crisis facing tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Senate floor .
`` And if I have anything to say about it , and I guess I do , we 're not going to go home for the Christmas holidays unless we make sure that we provide for the millions of families in this country who are suffering . ''

1/2
President Donald Trump signed a stopgap bill that will fund the federal government for another week. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Friday signed a one-week stopgap funding bill, hours before the government was set to shut down. The legislation funds the government through Dec. 18, giving Congress another week to hammer out a deal for the new fiscal year. Advertisement
The Senate passed the stopgap bill earlier Friday and the House passed passed it Wednesday.
Lawmakers have struggled since September to agree to a sweeping omnibus funding bill that would settle federal agency budgets and provide billions in aid related to the pandemic.
An agreement on a $1.4 trillion omnibus has been held up by disagreements over immigration provisions, abortion language and other items.
Meanwhile, Congress is also working to come to terms on another round of COVID-19 stimulus, which is expected to be intertwined with the final spending bill.
Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., both threatened to try to block the stopgap bill unless the Senate voted on legislation providing another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to individuals.
"We will deal with the financial crisis facing tens of millions of Americans," Sanders said on the Senate floor. "And if I have anything to say about it, and I guess I do, we're not going to go home for the Christmas holidays unless we make sure that we provide for the millions of families in this country who are suffering."


upi--2020-12-11--Louisville Zoo records 1st coronavirus cases in snow leopards

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Louisville Zoo in Kentucky announced Friday that three snow leopards tested positive for the novel coronavirus -- the first known cases in the species since the start of the pandemic .
John Walczak , the zoo 's director , said all three of the facility 's snow leopards began showing symptoms of the virus over the past two weeks , including occasional dry cough and wheezing .
They sent samples for diagnostic testing , all of which returned positive for SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans .
Walczak said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kimti and Meru -- are minor and they 're all expected to recover .
The zoo took the snow leopards off exhibit and handlers are taking safety precautions , though the risk of animal-to-human transmission is considered low .
`` We will be closely monitoring the snow leopards for ongoing symptoms and resampling them to identify when they have cleared the infection , '' senior staff veterinarian Dr. Zoli Gyimesi said .
The zoo said it believes NeeCee initially caught the infection from a member of staff who had an asymptomatic case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that the risk of human-to-wildlife transmission of the virus is significant .
If COVID-19 managed to infect and spread among wild animals , it could pose a threat to endangered species .
As well , wild animal populations could serve as a reservoir for further virus evolution and a source of future human outbreaks .
So far , scientists have documented human-to-animal coronavirus spread on a mink farm and at the zoo , where several tigers and lions were infected .
At home , humans have transmitted the virus to domestic cats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan and the Netherlands have also tested positive for antibodies triggered by a coronavirus infection .

The Louisville Zoo's three snow leopards have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Louisville Zoo in Kentucky announced Friday that three snow leopards tested positive for the novel coronavirus -- the first known cases in the species since the start of the pandemic. John Walczak, the zoo's director, said all three of the facility's snow leopards began showing symptoms of the virus over the past two weeks, including occasional dry cough and wheezing. Advertisement
They sent samples for diagnostic testing, all of which returned positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.
Walczak said the symptoms in all three cats -- NeeCee, Kimti and Meru -- are minor and they're all expected to recover.
The zoo took the snow leopards off exhibit and handlers are taking safety precautions, though the risk of animal-to-human transmission is considered low.
"We will be closely monitoring the snow leopards for ongoing symptoms and resampling them to identify when they have cleared the infection," senior staff veterinarian Dr. Zoli Gyimesi said.
The zoo said it believes NeeCee initially caught the infection from a member of staff who had an asymptomatic case of COVID-19.
In October, scientists warned that the risk of human-to-wildlife transmission of the virus is significant.
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If COVID-19 managed to infect and spread among wild animals, it could pose a threat to endangered species. As well, wild animal populations could serve as a reservoir for further virus evolution and a source of future human outbreaks.
So far, scientists have documented human-to-animal coronavirus spread on a mink farm and at the zoo, where several tigers and lions were infected.
At home, humans have transmitted the virus to domestic cats and dogs. Some semi-feral cats in Wuhan and the Netherlands have also tested positive for antibodies triggered by a coronavirus infection.
Brooks Hays contributed to this report.


upi--2020-12-11--Study: Economic decline, rising inequality breeds polarization

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- They say familiarity breeds contempt , but according to a new study , so does socioeconomic stratification .
When economies falter and the gulf between the haves and have nots widens , polarization becomes contagious , according to a new paper published Friday in the journal Science Advances .
It 's a pattern researchers say can be seen playing out across many parts of the globe , inspiring the emergence of authoritarian leaders and fueling nativist movements .
To reverse the pattern and prevent inter-group conflict , authors of the new study prescribe stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when national unity is needed , like we 're seeing now with Covid-19 , but we should n't wait for a public health crisis or war to bring people together , '' study co-author Nolan McCarty said in a news release .
`` Policymakers and those in government should act now by investing in and protecting social safety nets that can prevent widening social and political divisions , '' said McCarty , a professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University .
To better understand the link between economic shocks and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolution and evolutionary game theory to predict people 's willingness to interact with people outside their own social group .
The new model makes several assumptions about human behavior .
First , the model assumes that a person 's economic success depends both on a person 's interactions with others and on the health of the economy .
Second , the model assumes people adopt , or imitate , the behaviors of more successful people , allowing behavior patterns to spread from the top down .
Finally , the model also assumes interacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-group is less risky than engaging with out-group members .
As a result , when economic conditions are bleak -- and the stakes are raised -- people become more likely to avoid risk , opting to interact only with members of their own group .
The new model lends credence to theories suggesting economic declines have helped spawn reactionary movements centered around the vilification of social out-groups .
Researchers point out that right-wing populists in both the United States and Britain enjoyed increased support in the wake of the Great Depression and global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted that rising levels of income inequality tend to embolden populist movements on the left , but the latest model failed to illuminate such a phenomenon .
Instead , the models showed rising income inequality tends to discourage engagement across social identity groups .
Since intergroup interactions foster economic growth , their decline further impoverishes society .
`` Rather than continue the unproductive debate over whether 'economic anxiety ' or group conflict is most responsible for our deeply divided politics , scholars should spend more effort considering the debilitating feedback between economics and @ @ @ @ @ @

Populist and nativist movements, such as the 'Pegida' movement and German right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany, are often driven by economic declines and gulfs between haves and have-nots, researchers say. File Photo by Filip Singer/EPA-EFE
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- They say familiarity breeds contempt, but according to a new study, so does socioeconomic stratification. When economies falter and the gulf between the haves and have nots widens, polarization becomes contagious, according to a new paper published Friday in the journal Science Advances. Advertisement
It's a pattern researchers say can be seen playing out across many parts of the globe, inspiring the emergence of authoritarian leaders and fueling nativist movements.
To reverse the pattern and prevent inter-group conflict, authors of the new study prescribe stronger social safety nets.
"Times arise when national unity is needed, like we're seeing now with Covid-19, but we shouldn't wait for a public health crisis or war to bring people together," study co-author Nolan McCarty said in a news release.
"Policymakers and those in government should act now by investing in and protecting social safety nets that can prevent widening social and political divisions," said McCarty, a professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University.
To better understand the link between economic shocks and political polarization, researchers adapted models of cultural evolution and evolutionary game theory to predict people's willingness to interact with people outside their own social group.
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The new model makes several assumptions about human behavior.
First, the model assumes that a person's economic success depends both on a person's interactions with others and on the health of the economy.
Second, the model assumes people adopt, or imitate, the behaviors of more successful people, allowing behavior patterns to spread from the top down.
Finally, the model also assumes interacting with other members of a person's in-group is less risky than engaging with out-group members.
As a result, when economic conditions are bleak -- and the stakes are raised -- people become more likely to avoid risk, opting to interact only with members of their own group.
The new model lends credence to theories suggesting economic declines have helped spawn reactionary movements centered around the vilification of social out-groups.
Researchers point out that right-wing populists in both the United States and Britain enjoyed increased support in the wake of the Great Depression and global financial crisis both.
Previous models have predicted that rising levels of income inequality tend to embolden populist movements on the left, but the latest model failed to illuminate such a phenomenon.
Instead, the models showed rising income inequality tends to discourage engagement across social identity groups. Since intergroup interactions foster economic growth, their decline further impoverishes society.
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"Rather than continue the unproductive debate over whether 'economic anxiety' or group conflict is most responsible for our deeply divided politics, scholars should spend more effort considering the debilitating feedback between economics and identity," said McCarty.


upi--2020-12-11--Study: Most kids with neurological impairment take 10 or more medications

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Children with seizure disorders , cerebral palsy and other neurological problems often experience `` problematic '' symptoms that involve treatment with multiple drugs , raising concern that the medications can cause new issues , a study published Friday by JAMA Network Open found .
The analysis of 100 children with severe neurological impairment found that 65 % suffered from irritability , 55 % had insomnia and 54 % experienced pain , the data showed .
Just over three-quarters of the children in the study took 10 or more prescription medications for their neurological disorders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In our study , children with severe neurological impairment frequently experienced a multitude of symptoms , such as irritability , pain , insomnia , breathing issues and constipation , '' study co-author Dr. James A. Feinstein told UPI .
`` Some of these symptoms can be alleviated by medications , [ but ] some of these symptoms can be worsened by medications , '' said Feinstein , an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora .
Up to 14 % of children in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and fewer than 10 % of them have severe neurological impairment , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates .
Polypharmacy , or the use of several medications , can result in serious health complications , particularly in those who may be unable to communicate about their symptoms , according to Feinstein and his colleagues .
The drugs may have potentially dangerous side effects and interactions or , in the case of opioid-based pain medications , carry the risk for addiction , the researchers said .
In this study of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in age from 5 to 12 years , 62 % had three or more `` complex chronic conditions , '' according to the researchers .
Those with more troublesome -- and severe -- symptoms , had 12 % higher medication counts , the data showed .
Of the 54 % of children with pain symptoms , 61 % received one or more prescription analgesic drugs , including the potentially addictive opioid oxycodone , the researchers said .
`` As children 's medication regimens become more complex , it increases the risk of adverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration errors , all of which can lead to emergency visits and hospitalizations , '' Feinstein said .
`` For children with limited communication abilities , we are working on ways to improve symptom management and medication safety , '' he said .

It is common for children with severe neurological impairment to take 10 or more medications, according to a new study. Photo by Ratna Fitry/ Pixabay
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Children with seizure disorders, cerebral palsy and other neurological problems often experience "problematic" symptoms that involve treatment with multiple drugs, raising concern that the medications can cause new issues, a study published Friday by JAMA Network Open found. The analysis of 100 children with severe neurological impairment found that 65% suffered from irritability, 55% had insomnia and 54% experienced pain, the data showed. Advertisement
Just over three-quarters of the children in the study took 10 or more prescription medications for their neurological disorders and other symptoms, the researchers said.
"In our study, children with severe neurological impairment frequently experienced a multitude of symptoms, such as irritability, pain, insomnia, breathing issues and constipation," study co-author Dr. James A. Feinstein told UPI.
"Some of these symptoms can be alleviated by medications, [but] some of these symptoms can be worsened by medications," said Feinstein, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora.
Up to 14% of children in the United States suffer from a developmental disorder, and fewer than 10% of them have severe neurological impairment, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.
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Polypharmacy, or the use of several medications, can result in serious health complications, particularly in those who may be unable to communicate about their symptoms, according to Feinstein and his colleagues.
The drugs may have potentially dangerous side effects and interactions or, in the case of opioid-based pain medications, carry the risk for addiction, the researchers said.
In this study of 100 children with severe neurological impairment ranging in age from 5 to 12 years, 62% had three or more "complex chronic conditions," according to the researchers.
Those with more troublesome -- and severe -- symptoms, had 12% higher medication counts, the data showed.
Of the 54% of children with pain symptoms, 61% received one or more prescription analgesic drugs, including the potentially addictive opioid oxycodone, the researchers said.
"As children's medication regimens become more complex, it increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions and medication administration errors, all of which can lead to emergency visits and hospitalizations," Feinstein said.
"For children with limited communication abilities, we are working on ways to improve symptom management and medication safety," he said.


upi--2020-12-11--Man buys 160 tickets for one lottery drawing, wins 160 times

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia man said he had `` a feeling '' about some numbers he @ @ @ @ @ show that led to his buying 160 tickets for a single lottery drawing -- and @ @ @ @ @ Cross of Dumfries told Virginia Lottery officials he bought 160 tickets for the Pick 4 @ @ @ @ @ from the Roselyn Sunoco in Arlington and all of the tickets bore the same number @ @ @ @ @ I saw an address in a TV show , in the background , and for @ @ @ @ @ me , '' he told Lottery officials .
`` I just had a feeling .
@ @ @ @ @ 160 tickets won a $ 5,000 top prize in the drawing , for a grand @ @ @ @ @ `` I thought , 'This ca n't be real ! '
'' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ over and check like 82 times .
It feels surreal ! ''
Cross said he @ @ @ @ @ to do with his winnings .

Kwame Cross of Dumfries, Va., said he had a lucky feeling about a set of numbers he copied down from a TV show so he bought 160 tickets bearing those digits for a single Pick 4 drawing -- and won 160 times. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A Virginia man said he had "a feeling" about some numbers he copied down from a TV show that led to his buying 160 tickets for a single lottery drawing -- and winning $800,000. Kwame Cross of Dumfries told Virginia Lottery officials he bought 160 tickets for the Pick 4's Dec. 5 night drawing from the Roselyn Sunoco in Arlington and all of the tickets bore the same number combination: 7314. Advertisement
"I saw an address in a TV show, in the background, and for some reason it stayed with me," he told Lottery officials. "I just had a feeling."
Each of Cross' 160 tickets won a $5,000 top prize in the drawing, for a grand total of $800,000.
"I thought, 'This can't be real!'" he said. "I had to pull over and check like 82 times. It feels surreal!"
Cross said he hasn't yet decided what to do with his winnings.


upi--2020-12-11--Metal detecting club finds lost wedding ring at Florida beach

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- A trio of volunteers with metal detectors came to the rescue of a Florida couple who lost a wedding ring during a trip to the beach .
The Clearwater Police Department said Imke Borawski sent an email to the department recently asking if anyone had turned in a lost ring .
Borawski said her husband , Tobias , had lost his wedding ring at Clearwater Beach the previous day .
Police Service Technician Val Hornbeck put Borawski in touch with the Suncoast Research and Recovery Club , a member of an international group called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to using metal detectors to find lost rings and other precious items .
Howard Metts , president of the local club , brought fellow metal detecting enthusiasts Ed Osmar and Bill Gallant to meet with Borawski at the beach .
The men searched for about 45 minutes with their metal detectors before handing the ring over to Borawski .
`` I was overwhelmed .
I started to cry and I could not find the words for it , '' Imke Borawski said .
`` It 's priceless .
The emotional value of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ring is the same one her husband has worn since their wedding 17 years ago .
`` These three people shared their time with us and they did n't even know us .
It was so amazing , '' she said .
`` It was our perfect Christmas story .
I think we will smile about this for the rest of our lives . ''

Three members of Florida's Suncoast Research and Recovery Club met with Imke Borawski at Clearwater Beach and were able to use their metal detectors to find her husband's lost wedding ring. Photo courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A trio of volunteers with metal detectors came to the rescue of a Florida couple who lost a wedding ring during a trip to the beach. The Clearwater Police Department said Imke Borawski sent an email to the department recently asking if anyone had turned in a lost ring. Borawski said her husband, Tobias, had lost his wedding ring at Clearwater Beach the previous day. Advertisement
Police Service Technician Val Hornbeck put Borawski in touch with the Suncoast Research and Recovery Club, a member of an international group called The Ring Finders, which is dedicated to using metal detectors to find lost rings and other precious items.
Howard Metts, president of the local club, brought fellow metal detecting enthusiasts Ed Osmar and Bill Gallant to meet with Borawski at the beach.
The men searched for about 45 minutes with their metal detectors before handing the ring over to Borawski.
"I was overwhelmed. I started to cry and I could not find the words for it," Imke Borawski said. "It's priceless. The emotional value of this ring is priceless."
Borawski said the ring is the same one her husband has worn since their wedding 17 years ago.
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"These three people shared their time with us and they didn't even know us. It was so amazing," she said. "It was our perfect Christmas story. I think we will smile about this for the rest of our lives."


upi--2020-12-11--U.S. Navy plan calls for 82 new ships, at $147B, by 2026

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Navy 's 30-year shipbuilding plan calls for building 82 new ships by 2026 at a cost of $ 147 billion , a significant increase over previous plans .
The 23-page `` Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels , '' released on Thursday , calls for construction of three new attack submarines , four large unmanned surface vessels , designation of a second shipbuilder for frigates and retirement of most of the Navy 's current cruiser fleet .
It also refers to development of light amphibious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans differ from previous Navy projections , which in part include an increase of 44 ships between Fiscal Years 2021 and 2026 at a cost of $ 102 billion .
The ambitious plan , based on a classified study presented to Congress earlier in December , was released on Thursday and will likely initiate a battle in Congress between the Navy and other U.S. service branches over funding .
`` The plan calls for a larger fleet of both manned and unmanned vessels prepared to face greater challenges on , above or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction , modernizing aircraft , extending the service life of cruisers and increasing the number of destroyers , '' David L. Norquist , deputy secretary of defense , said in a Pentagon press release .
In January , the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps released a future force design concentrating on small but lethal small across wide areas of ocean , a plan declined by then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on economic grounds .
Esper ordered the Navy to find the funding internally , but agreed to the plan in September .
Weeks later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think , internally , certainly we 'll have challenges again with the new administration [ of President-elect Joe Biden ] in terms of explaining the rationale for making the investments in the naval force and heading down in the direction the commandant and I want to go in , '' Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday commented on at a USNI event on Dec. 3 .
A Pentagon said Thursday the report cites a greater need for unmanned vessels and smaller and more versatile ships , the Constellation-class frigates offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still sail proven , traditional capabilities , such as attack submarines , nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and air wings , and logistics forces , but the study also looked at building more small multi-mission combatants , '' the Defense Department said in a press release .
`` This would enable more efficient distribution of missions across the surface fleet , freeing other assets for critical high-end missions , '' DoD said .

The U.S. Navy released a report on Thursday calling for a massive increase in its shipbuilding plans. Pictured, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford under construction in 2012. Photo by Ricky Thompson/U.S. Navy
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's 30-year shipbuilding plan calls for building 82 new ships by 2026 at a cost of $147 billion, a significant increase over previous plans. The 23-page "Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels," released on Thursday, calls for construction of three new attack submarines, four large unmanned surface vessels, designation of a second shipbuilder for frigates and retirement of most of the Navy's current cruiser fleet. Advertisement
It also refers to development of light amphibious warships and next-generation logistics programs.
The announced plans differ from previous Navy projections, which in part include an increase of 44 ships between Fiscal Years 2021 and 2026 at a cost of $102 billion.
The ambitious plan, based on a classified study presented to Congress earlier in December, was released on Thursday and will likely initiate a battle in Congress between the Navy and other U.S. service branches over funding.
"The plan calls for a larger fleet of both manned and unmanned vessels prepared to face greater challenges on, above or under the sea, by accelerating submarine construction, modernizing aircraft, extending the service life of cruisers and increasing the number of destroyers," David L. Norquist, deputy secretary of defense, said in a Pentagon press release.
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In January, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps released a future force design concentrating on small but lethal small across wide areas of ocean, a plan declined by then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper on economic grounds.
Esper ordered the Navy to find the funding internally, but agreed to the plan in September. Weeks later Esper was fired from his position.
"I think, internally, certainly we'll have challenges again with the new administration [of President-elect Joe Biden] in terms of explaining the rationale for making the investments in the naval force and heading down in the direction the commandant and I want to go in," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday commented on at a USNI event on Dec. 3.
A Pentagon said Thursday the report cites a greater need for unmanned vessels and smaller and more versatile ships, the Constellation-class frigates offered as an example.
"The Navy will still sail proven, traditional capabilities, such as attack submarines, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and air wings, and logistics forces, but the study also looked at building more small multi-mission combatants," the Defense Department said in a press release.
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"This would enable more efficient distribution of missions across the surface fleet, freeing other assets for critical high-end missions," DoD said.


upi--2020-12-11--Sentence spelled out by balloons breaks Guinness record

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- A party balloon company broke a Guinness World Record in Florida by using 7,236 @ @ @ @ @ phrase : `` Success has nothing to do with luck , it is a matter @ @ @ @ @ Globos , a Venezuelan balloon company founded by sisters Genesis and Iravid Nieves , recently @ @ @ @ @ in Miami and decided to celebrate by breaking a Guinness record for the world 's @ @ @ @ @ sisters , along with Francisco Gonzalez , led the effort to arrange the 7,236 balloons @ @ @ @ @ Guinness verified the resulting sentence -- `` Success has nothing to do with luck , @ @ @ @ @ consistency '' -- was the largest balloon sentence in the world .
Iravid Nieves said @ @ @ @ @ the record .
`` This world record is the living example of this phrase , @ @ @ @

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A party balloon company broke a Guinness World Record in Florida by using 7,236 balloons to spell out the phrase: "Success has nothing to do with luck, it is a matter of consistency."
Decoraciones Globos, a Venezuelan balloon company founded by sisters Genesis and Iravid Nieves, recently opened its first U.S. branch in Miami and decided to celebrate by breaking a Guinness record for the world's largest balloon sentence.
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The sisters, along with Francisco Gonzalez, led the effort to arrange the 7,236 balloons into the 53-letter sentence.
Guinness verified the resulting sentence -- "Success has nothing to do with luck, it is a matter of consistency" -- was the largest balloon sentence in the world.
Iravid Nieves said the sentence was appropriate for the record.
"This world record is the living example of this phrase," she said.


upi--2020-12-11--Hill AFB demonstrates quick launch of F-35As

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Hill Air Force Base , Utah , demonstrated its short-notice capability of F-35A fighter planes , with `` nearly instantaneous '' launches , the Air Force announced .
A base exercise last week involved interception of two civilian aircraft over the Utah Test and Training Range of the base in a quick-alert action .
It was the first time the fighter wings of the base executed the exercise since F-35As started arriving in 2015 .
The base now houses 78 F-35As , the last arriving in December 2019 .
`` The exercise tested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve 419th Fighter Wings to perform nearly instantaneous launches from Hill Air Force Base in case of emergencies , '' a statement from the base on Thursday said .
It added that the 75th Air Base Wing and Utah 's Civil Air Patrol , which typically operates aircraft most often encountered on intercept missions , were involved in the exercise .
`` Because of CAP 's participation , we were able to perform training that we do n't normally get , '' said Lt. Col. Nicholas Edwards of the 388th Fighter Wing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ identifications and comm-out/comm-in [ in-flight communications ] maneuvers that will aid in the defense of the local area if that is ever required .
It 's the most realistic type of training we can get for this mission , '' Edwards said .
`` This is one of those missions you never want to be called for , but if it ever happens , it 's good to know we are ready , '' he added .

Hill Air Force Base, Utah, announced a successful short-notice exercise of quick launches by its F35A fighter planes. Photo by Todd Cromar/U.S. Air Force
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Hill Air Force Base, Utah, demonstrated its short-notice capability of F-35A fighter planes, with "nearly instantaneous" launches, the Air Force announced. A base exercise last week involved interception of two civilian aircraft over the Utah Test and Training Range of the base in a quick-alert action. Advertisement
It was the first time the fighter wings of the base executed the exercise since F-35As started arriving in 2015.
The base now houses 78 F-35As, the last arriving in December 2019.
"The exercise tested the ability of the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings to perform nearly instantaneous launches from Hill Air Force Base in case of emergencies," a statement from the base on Thursday said.
It added that the 75th Air Base Wing and Utah's Civil Air Patrol, which typically operates aircraft most often encountered on intercept missions, were involved in the exercise.
"Because of CAP's participation, we were able to perform training that we don't normally get," said Lt. Col. Nicholas Edwards of the 388th Fighter Wing.
"We practiced low and slow visual identifications and comm-out/comm-in [in-flight communications] maneuvers that will aid in the defense of the local area if that is ever required. It's the most realistic type of training we can get for this mission," Edwards said.
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"This is one of those missions you never want to be called for, but if it ever happens, it's good to know we are ready," he added.


upi--2020-12-11--Senate passes NDAA with veto-proof majority

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The Senate overwhelmingly approved the annual defense spending bill Friday , giving the legislation enough votes to avoid President Donald Trump 's threat of a veto .
The chamber voted 84-13 to pass the $ 740 billion National Defense Authorization Act .
The House also gave it the two-thirds passage needed to prevent a veto Tuesday .
`` This annual bill will unlock the training , tools , and cutting-edge equipment that our service members and civilian employees need as they bravely defend American lives and American interests , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and weapons systems , and authorizes dozens of special pay and bonuses for service members .
Trump , however , has opposed the measure based on a provision that would require the Pentagon to rename military bases and other property named after Confederate figures and establish a commission to determine how those changes will be executed .
Additionally , Trump has demanded that the bill include a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , which provides liability protection to online platforms for content posted by third parties .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very weak National Defense Authorization Act , which I will VETO , '' Trump wrote on Twitter on Tuesday before the House vote .
`` Must include a termination of Section 230 ( for National Security purposes ) , preserve our National Monuments , & allow for 5G & troop reductions in foreign lands ! ''

Both the Senate and the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act with more than the two-thirds majority needed to prevent President Donald Trump from vetoing it. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Senate overwhelmingly approved the annual defense spending bill Friday, giving the legislation enough votes to avoid President Donald Trump's threat of a veto. The chamber voted 84-13 to pass the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act. The House also gave it the two-thirds passage needed to prevent a veto Tuesday. Advertisement
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced the legislation's passage on Twitter.
"This annual bill will unlock the training, tools, and cutting-edge equipment that our service members and civilian employees need as they bravely defend American lives and American interests," he said.
The NDAA includes funding for major military programs and weapons systems, and authorizes dozens of special pay and bonuses for service members.
Trump, however, has opposed the measure based on a provision that would require the Pentagon to rename military bases and other property named after Confederate figures and establish a commission to determine how those changes will be executed.
Additionally, Trump has demanded that the bill include a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides liability protection to online platforms for content posted by third parties.
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"I hope House Republicans will vote against the very weak National Defense Authorization Act, which I will VETO," Trump wrote on Twitter on Tuesday before the House vote. "Must include a termination of Section 230 (for National Security purposes), preserve our National Monuments, & allow for 5G & troop reductions in foreign lands!"
Daniel Uria contributed to this report.


upi--2020-12-11--FKA Twigs accuses Shia LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault in lawsuit

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Singer FKA Twigs accused actor Shia LaBeouf of sexual battery , assault and inflection of emotional distress during their nearly one-year romantic relationship in a lawsuit she filed Friday in California .
The suit said the couple met in 2018 while filming Honey Boy , an autobiographical movie written by LaBeouf in which both acted .
FKA Twigs said that while the relationship began with a `` honeymoon phase , '' LaBeouf became demanding of her attention and gradually worked to separate her from her friends and support system in London .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually transmitted disease , she said .
`` For too long , LaBeouf has sought to excuse his reprehensible actions as the eccentricities of a free-thinking 'artist , ' '' the lawsuit says .
`` Even though his history of violent behavior was well-documented , many in the media have treated LaBeouf as a harmless figure of fun , which has helped enable him to perpetuate his cycle of abuse of women over the years .
There is nothing funny about the exploitation of and battering of women . ''
In one instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she asked LaBeouf to pull over his vehicle because he was driving too fast and recklessly .
She said he stopped at a gas station , and when she attempted to take her bags from the trunk , he threw her against the vehicle and began screaming in her face .
Another former girlfriend of LaBeouf 's added her voice to the lawsuit , saying she , too , was assaulted during their relationship .
Karolyn Pho said once , while drunk , he held her down on a bed and head-butted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
LaBeouf responded to the allegations , telling The New York Times that many of the allegations made in the lawsuit are untrue .
He said he 's now involved in a sober treatment program .
`` I 'm not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel , '' he told the Times .
`` I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression , only rationalizations .
I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years .
I have a history of hurting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt .
There is nothing else I can really say . ''
The lawsuit says LaBeouf made it difficult for FKA Twigs to leave him , encouraging her to live with him in California and separating her from her friends in her home of London .
The singer said she once tried to leave him , but he locked her in a room and screamed at her .
FKA Twigs said she plans to donate a portion of any monetary damages she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence .
`` This action has been brought not for personal gain , but to set the record straight , and to help ensure that no more women must undergo the abuse that Shia LaBeouf has inflicted on his prior romantic partners , '' the lawsuit says .
`` The days in which LaBeouf can mistreat and harm women with impunity are over . ''
LaBeouf has had a history of public , violent behavior .
In 2018 , police arrested him in Georgia on charges of public drunkenness and disorderly conduct .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him making racial remarks to one of the officers .
He was sentenced to probation , and ordered to pay a fine and attend therapy .

1/2
Shia LaBeouf attends the 35th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on February 8. He's being sued for sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress. File Photo Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Singer FKA Twigs accused actor Shia LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault and inflection of emotional distress during their nearly one-year romantic relationship in a lawsuit she filed Friday in California. The suit said the couple met in 2018 while filming Honey Boy, an autobiographical movie written by LaBeouf in which both acted. FKA Twigs said that while the relationship began with a "honeymoon phase," LaBeouf became demanding of her attention and gradually worked to separate her from her friends and support system in London. Advertisement
He also became violent and knowingly gave her a sexually transmitted disease, she said.
"For too long, LaBeouf has sought to excuse his reprehensible actions as the eccentricities of a free-thinking 'artist,'" the lawsuit says. "Even though his history of violent behavior was well-documented, many in the media have treated LaBeouf as a harmless figure of fun, which has helped enable him to perpetuate his cycle of abuse of women over the years. There is nothing funny about the exploitation of and battering of women."
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In one instance detailed in the lawsuit, FKA Twigs said she asked LaBeouf to pull over his vehicle because he was driving too fast and recklessly. She said he stopped at a gas station, and when she attempted to take her bags from the trunk, he threw her against the vehicle and began screaming in her face.
Another former girlfriend of LaBeouf's added her voice to the lawsuit, saying she, too, was assaulted during their relationship. Karolyn Pho said once, while drunk, he held her down on a bed and head-butted her hard enough to make her bleed.
LaBeouf responded to the allegations, telling The New York Times that many of the allegations made in the lawsuit are untrue. He said he's now involved in a sober treatment program.
"I'm not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel," he told the Times. "I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations. I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me.
"I'm ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say."
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The lawsuit says LaBeouf made it difficult for FKA Twigs to leave him, encouraging her to live with him in California and separating her from her friends in her home of London. The singer said she once tried to leave him, but he locked her in a room and screamed at her.
FKA Twigs said she plans to donate a portion of any monetary damages she receives to organizations devoted to stoping domestic violence.
"This action has been brought not for personal gain, but to set the record straight, and to help ensure that no more women must undergo the abuse that Shia LaBeouf has inflicted on his prior romantic partners," the lawsuit says. "The days in which LaBeouf can mistreat and harm women with impunity are over."
LaBeouf has had a history of public, violent behavior. In 2018, police arrested him in Georgia on charges of public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Body camera footage of the incident showed him making racial remarks to one of the officers.
He was sentenced to probation, and ordered to pay a fine and attend therapy.


upi--2020-12-11--BAE Systems gets go-ahead for production of Marines' amphibious combat vehicles

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Marine Corps authorized full-rate production of Amphibious Combat Vehicles in a $ 184 million contract with BAE Systems , the company announced .
The contract covers the first lot of 36 ACVs , an eight-wheeled , ship-to-shore landing craft , with 36 more to be built in 2021 , and an option for 80 vehicles per year for five years .
The Marines announced the vehicle 's Initial Operational Capability in November , indicating that full production can begin .
The vehicles will `` replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships to shore under hostile conditions '' but has only a two-mile ship-to-shore range , a July report to Congress said .
A prior attempt to design a suitable vehicle , known as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle , was cancelled in 2018 because of expected cost overruns .
BAE Systems began building the first ACVs in 2018 , and the contract , announced on Thursday , assures a steady production run .
Each vehicle is armed with a 30mm medium caliber cannon and other weapons , and can carry up to 13 personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its V-shaped hull , and seating suspended over the hull , provides protection from underbody explosions '' The ACV is a highly mobile , survivable , and adaptable platform for conducting full spectrum ship-to-shore operations and brings enhanced combat power to the battlefield , '' the company said on Thursday in a press release .
`` With a force protection capability three times greater than the Assault Amphibious Vehicle , the ACV is designed so Marines can complete their missions successfully , '' BAE said .

BAE Systems will begin full production of the U.S. Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle, the company announced on Thursday. Photo by Kaitlin Kelly/Marine Corps Systems Command
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps authorized full-rate production of Amphibious Combat Vehicles in a $184 million contract with BAE Systems, the company announced. The contract covers the first lot of 36 ACVs, an eight-wheeled, ship-to-shore landing craft, with 36 more to be built in 2021, and an option for 80 vehicles per year for five years. Advertisement
The Marines announced the vehicle's Initial Operational Capability in November, indicating that full production can begin.
The vehicles will "replace the 40-year-old Amphibious Assault Vehicle, or AAV, which currently transports Marines from ships to shore under hostile conditions" but has only a two-mile ship-to-shore range, a July report to Congress said.
A prior attempt to design a suitable vehicle, known as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, was cancelled in 2018 because of expected cost overruns.
BAE Systems began building the first ACVs in 2018, and the contract, announced on Thursday, assures a steady production run.
Each vehicle is armed with a 30mm medium caliber cannon and other weapons, and can carry up to 13 personnel, or an entire rifle squad. Its V-shaped hull, and seating suspended over the hull, provides protection from underbody explosions
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"The ACV is a highly mobile, survivable, and adaptable platform for conducting full spectrum ship-to-shore operations and brings enhanced combat power to the battlefield," the company said on Thursday in a press release.
"With a force protection capability three times greater than the Assault Amphibious Vehicle, the ACV is designed so Marines can complete their missions successfully," BAE said.


upi--2020-12-11--Lost cat found one year later, 75 miles away

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- A British woman whose cat went missing in November 2019 was reunited with her pet more than a year later when the feline turned up 75 miles away .
Sybil Gillatt , 70 , of Doncaster , England , said her long-haired black cat , Laddo , went missing from her home in November 2019 .
Gillatt said she searched for Laddo and put up posters bearing his pictures , but there was no sign of her beloved cat .
It turned out Laddo had turned up in April in the garden of Karen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Snodgrass .
`` As the nights got colder I tried coaxing him in but he seemed to prefer being outdoors whatever the weather .
There was some tension with one of my other cats and I knew that if they could n't accept him , I would need to contact Cats Protection to find him a new home , '' Rice told The Lincolnite .
Rice said she had borrowed a microchip scanner to check the status of the chips in her own cats , and she decided to try it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I could n't believe it when he was chipped .
I contacted my local Cats Protection branch , gave them the chip number and the next day they phoned to tell me that the owner had been traced .
She was over the moon that her cat had been found , '' Rice said .
Gillatt said she had kept Laddo 's bedding , toys and scratching post in the hopes that the cat would someday return .
`` I 'm so glad we got him microchipped .
Without that chip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to collect my boy , '' she said .
`` When I brought him home , Laddo sat in the middle of the room and had a good look round .
Then he went and sat by the settee where he always used to sleep . ''

Sybil Gillatt, 70, of Doncaster, England, was reunited with her cat, Laddo, when he turned up 75 miles away from her home over a year after he went missing. Photo by siala/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A British woman whose cat went missing in November 2019 was reunited with her pet more than a year later when the feline turned up 75 miles away. Sybil Gillatt, 70, of Doncaster, England, said her long-haired black cat, Laddo, went missing from her home in November 2019. Advertisement
Gillatt said she searched for Laddo and put up posters bearing his pictures, but there was no sign of her beloved cat.
It turned out Laddo had turned up in April in the garden of Karen Rice, who lives 75 miles away in Snodgrass.
"As the nights got colder I tried coaxing him in but he seemed to prefer being outdoors whatever the weather. There was some tension with one of my other cats and I knew that if they couldn't accept him, I would need to contact Cats Protection to find him a new home," Rice told The Lincolnite.
Rice said she had borrowed a microchip scanner to check the status of the chips in her own cats, and she decided to try it on the cat living in her garden.
"I couldn't believe it when he was chipped. I contacted my local Cats Protection branch, gave them the chip number and the next day they phoned to tell me that the owner had been traced. She was over the moon that her cat had been found," Rice said.
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Gillatt said she had kept Laddo's bedding, toys and scratching post in the hopes that the cat would someday return.
"I'm so glad we got him microchipped. Without that chip, I wouldn't have been driving over to collect my boy," she said. "When I brought him home, Laddo sat in the middle of the room and had a good look round. Then he went and sat by the settee where he always used to sleep."


upi--2020-12-11--Test of Gremlin drones a near success, but C-130 couldn't retrieve them

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- X-61A unmanned aerial vehicles flew successfully in a test but could not be retrieved by a cargo plane , the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency said .
It was the third test of the vehicles , nicknamed Gremlins Air Vehicles .
Three were launched at an undisclosed location in tests beginning in late October , DARPA said in a statement on Thursday .
While all autonomous flying positions and safety functions were achieved , the final step , retrieval by an extended arm from a C-130 plane , called a docking bullet , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 32.4 million contract begun in 2018 by Dynetics , a subsidiary of Leidos , parachuted safely to the ground .
`` All of our systems looked good during the ground tests , but the flight test is where you truly find how things work , '' said Scott Wierzbanowski of DARPA 's Tactical Technology Office .
`` We came within inches of connection on each attempt but , ultimately , it just was n't close enough to engage the recovery system . ''
`` We made great strides in learning and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three test flight deployments to date , '' he added .
`` We were so close this time that I am confident that multiple airborne recoveries will be made in the next deployment . ''
The current DARPA tests call for launch , from a variety of aircraft , and recovery within 30 minutes .
The Gremlins are designed as recoverable , low-cost unmanned vehicles with digital flight controls , navigation systems and mission-specific technologies , to be recovered in midair after their missions .
The 1,500-pound vehicles are 14 feet in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet .
The first flight of an X61-A occurred in 2019 .
While an airborne retrieval was not scheduled , the vehicle crashed when its parachute failed to open .

A test of the X61-A Gremlin unmanned aerial vehicle ended without the retrieval of the vehicles by a cargo plane, DARPA said on Thursday. Photo courtesy of DARPA
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- X-61A unmanned aerial vehicles flew successfully in a test but could not be retrieved by a cargo plane, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency said. It was the third test of the vehicles, nicknamed Gremlins Air Vehicles. Three were launched at an undisclosed location in tests beginning in late October, DARPA said in a statement on Thursday. Advertisement
While all autonomous flying positions and safety functions were achieved, the final step, retrieval by an extended arm from a C-130 plane, called a docking bullet, was not. The Gremlins, built in a $32.4 million contract begun in 2018 by Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, parachuted safely to the ground.
"All of our systems looked good during the ground tests, but the flight test is where you truly find how things work," said Scott Wierzbanowski of DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. "We came within inches of connection on each attempt but, ultimately, it just wasn't close enough to engage the recovery system."
"We made great strides in learning and responding to technological challenges between each of the three test flight deployments to date," he added. "We were so close this time that I am confident that multiple airborne recoveries will be made in the next deployment."
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The current DARPA tests call for launch, from a variety of aircraft, and recovery within 30 minutes.
The Gremlins are designed as recoverable, low-cost unmanned vehicles with digital flight controls, navigation systems and mission-specific technologies, to be recovered in midair after their missions. The 1,500-pound vehicles are 14 feet in length, with a wingspan of 11.5 feet.
The first flight of an X61-A occurred in 2019. While an airborne retrieval was not scheduled, the vehicle crashed when its parachute failed to open.


upi--2020-12-11--Watch: Onewe reflects on the past in 'A Book in Memory' music video

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band Onewe released on Friday the music video for their single @ @ @ @ @ , '' which appears on newly released single album , Memory : Illusion .
Onewe @ @ @ @ @ the clip , which also features the band performing the song together .
The members @ @ @ @ @ a brightly lit brick building that is eventually engulfed in a blue light and fog @ @ @ @ @ also released on Friday , additionally includes the songs `` Trauma ( Aquarium ) and @ @ @ @ @ consists of members Yonghoon , Kanghyun , Harin , Dongmyeong , and CyA .
The @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 under the name M.A.S .
0094 .

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band Onewe released on Friday the music video for their single "A Book in Memory," which appears on newly released single album, Memory: Illusion.
Onewe reflect on past memories in the clip, which also features the band performing the song together.
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The members of Onewe rock out in a brightly lit brick building that is eventually engulfed in a blue light and fog.
Memory: Illusion, also released on Friday, additionally includes the songs "Trauma (Aquarium) and "Eraser."
Onewe consists of members Yonghoon, Kanghyun, Harin, Dongmyeong, and CyA. The group originally made its debut in 2015 under the name M.A.S. 0094.


upi--2020-12-11--Magazine returned to Manitoba library was 45 years overdue

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- A Manitoba library said employees were shocked to see a magazine dropped into the return slot this week was last checked out in June 1975 .
The Winnipeg Public Library said employees at the St. James-Assiniboia branch emptied the return bin this week and found a 1975 issue of Car Craft magazine .
The card inside the magazine revealed it had been due back 45 years earlier .
`` There was no note or anything , just the return , '' Stephanie George , the branch 's head librarian , told CTV News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning out their basements and their homes these days because of the extra time , so I 'm not sure if it 's one of those sorts of things , but it was definitely a treasure . ''
George said the magazine is still in `` pretty good shape . ''
`` It 's not completely falling apart or anything , '' she said .
`` I think at this time , they were binding the magazines in a different way .
Now , we just kind of put them out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and some black tape around the edge , so the cover is still in really good shape . ''
George said the magazine was likely considered lost and is no longer in the library 's system .
She said overdue fees for magazines max out at $ 7 , but the library is currently not charging any late fees .

1/2
The St. James-Assiniboia Library, a branch of the Winnipeg Public Library in Manitoba, said an issue of Car Craft magazine returned this week was 45 years past its due date. Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Public Library
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A Manitoba library said employees were shocked to see a magazine dropped into the return slot this week was last checked out in June 1975. The Winnipeg Public Library said employees at the St. James-Assiniboia branch emptied the return bin this week and found a 1975 issue of Car Craft magazine. Advertisement
The card inside the magazine revealed it had been due back 45 years earlier.
"There was no note or anything, just the return," Stephanie George, the branch's head librarian, told CTV News. "I know lots of people are cleaning out their basements and their homes these days because of the extra time, so I'm not sure if it's one of those sorts of things, but it was definitely a treasure."
George said the magazine is still in "pretty good shape."
"It's not completely falling apart or anything," she said. "I think at this time, they were binding the magazines in a different way. Now, we just kind of put them out, but there was a plastic covering on them, and some black tape around the edge, so the cover is still in really good shape."
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George said the magazine was likely considered lost and is no longer in the library's system. She said overdue fees for magazines max out at $7, but the library is currently not charging any late fees.


upi--2020-12-11--Tulsi Gabbard gets heat for co-sponsoring Title IX bill that excludes trans people

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- For Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , D-Hawaii , and Republican Rep. Markwayne Mullin , R-Okla. , introduced a bill Thursday tying Title IX protections for female athletes based on `` biological sex . ''
The bill , which attempts to address the issue of transgender women in sports , clarifies that Title IX compliance should be `` determined on the basis of biological sex as determined at birth by a physician . ''
Title IX outlaws discrimination based on sex at any school receiving federal funding .
The law has been widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's collegiate sports , placing them on equal footing as men 's sports .
Recently court rulings pointed to the law for allowing transgender women to play on women 's sports teams .
`` Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX , creating uncertainty , undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes , '' Gabbard , who did not run for re-election to her House seat , said in a statement .
`` Our legislation protects Title IX 's original intent which was based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletes based on sex . ''
Mullin said in his statement that allowing `` biological males '' to compete in women 's sports diminishes opportunities and a `` level playing field '' for all women .
`` As the father of three girls involved in athletics , I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field , '' he said .
`` I am proud to lead this bill that will safeguard the integrity of women 's sports and ensure female athletes can compete fairly . ''
Delaware 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the first transgender woman to win an election as a state senator , mocked Gabbard for being connected with the bill .
LBGTQ rights advocate Charlotte Clymer called the legislation `` blatantly transphobic '' and accused Gabbard supporters of using trans people as `` bargaining chips . ''
`` Usually , when I 've criticized Tulsi Gabbard in the past for her heinous record and positions , I 've had her fans bombard me with nonsense , '' Clymer said .
`` It 'll be interesting to see how quiet they remain @ @ @ @

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, shown at the Democratic presidential primary debate in Atlanta on November 20, 2019, co-sponsored a bill targeting Title IX. Photo by Tami Chappell/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- For Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and Republican Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., introduced a bill Thursday tying Title IX protections for female athletes based on "biological sex." The bill, which attempts to address the issue of transgender women in sports, clarifies that Title IX compliance should be "determined on the basis of biological sex as determined at birth by a physician." Advertisement
Title IX outlaws discrimination based on sex at any school receiving federal funding. The law has been widely used in promoting the growth of women's collegiate sports, placing them on equal footing as men's sports.
Recently court rulings pointed to the law for allowing transgender women to play on women's sports teams.
"Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX, creating uncertainty, undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes," Gabbard, who did not run for re-election to her House seat, said in a statement. "Our legislation protects Title IX's original intent which was based on the general biological distinction between men and women athletes based on sex."
Mullin said in his statement that allowing "biological males" to compete in women's sports diminishes opportunities and a "level playing field" for all women.
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"As the father of three girls involved in athletics, I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field," he said. "I am proud to lead this bill that will safeguard the integrity of women's sports and ensure female athletes can compete fairly."
Delaware's Sarah McBride, who recently made history as the first transgender woman to win an election as a state senator, mocked Gabbard for being connected with the bill.
"Tulsi Gabbard: assigned Republican at birth," McBride wrote on Twitter.
LBGTQ rights advocate Charlotte Clymer called the legislation "blatantly transphobic" and accused Gabbard supporters of using trans people as "bargaining chips."
"Usually, when I've criticized Tulsi Gabbard in the past for her heinous record and positions, I've had her fans bombard me with nonsense," Clymer said. "It'll be interesting to see how quiet they remain over this."


upi--2020-12-11--What to stream this weekend: 'Prom,' 'Pennyworth'

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Meryl Streep , James Corden and Nicole Kidman star in Ryan Murphy 's star-studded The Prom , DC Comics series Pennyworth debuts its second season and Cyndi Lauper holds her annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert this weekend .
In addition , Rachel Brosnahan is on the run in I 'm Your Woman , AMC+ is presenting a Walking Dead holiday special featuring the cast of the series and Drew Barrymore portrays both lead roles in The Stand In .
Here 's a rundown of some of the films , television shows and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
Meryl Streep , James Corden , Nicole Kidman , Andrew Rannells , Keegan-Michael Key , Kerry Washington , Tracey Ullman and more star in Ryan Murphy 's The Prom , which comes to Netflix on Friday .
The film centers on Broadway actors who try to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom .
Canvas , an animated feature , which arrives on Netflix Friday , follows a grandfather who decides to try and paint again after suffering from a devastating loss .
The film is directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Paige Johnstone .
Joe Manganiello portrays a hero from another dimension who comes to Earth where he has no powers in Archenemy , which is available on video-on-demand services starting Friday .
Skylan Brooks stars as Hamster , a teenager who is the only person to believe Manganiello 's story .
Rachel Brosnahan stars as a criminal 's wife in the 1970s in I 'm Your Woman , which comes to Amazon Prime Video on Friday .
Brosnahan must flee with a baby her husband ( Bill Heck ) kidnapped , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrymore is a comedy actress who has fallen on hard times and must go to rehab in The Stand In , which comes to video-on-demand services on Friday .
Barrymore gets her lookalike stand-in also portrayed by Barrymore , to take her place at rehab and beyond .
'Let Them All Talk ' -- HBO Max Meryl Streep is a famous author who takes an ocean cruise with her two oldest friends and her nephew to finish writing a book in Let Them All Talk , available on HBO Max .
Candice Bergen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gemma Chan also star .
High School Musical : The Musical is celebrating the holidays with fans in a new special , which arrives Friday on Disney+ .
Stars Olivia Rodrigo , Joshua Bassett , Matt Cornett , Sofia Wylie , Larry Saperstein , Julia Lester , Dara Reneé , Frankie Rodriguez , Joe Serafini , Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders will perform holiday favorites while discussing childhood holiday memories .
The zoo crew returns in the second season of Madagascar : A Little Wild , which premieres Friday on Hulu .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue their adventures in New York City as they look after a litter of hedgehogs and Alex gets mistaken for a house cat .
Jack Bannon is back as Batman 's future butler Alfred Pennyworth in Season 2 Pennyworth , which premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on EPIX .
Alfred is looking for a way out of London following a devastating civil war and has his eye on America .
Jason Flemyng , Hainsley Lloyd Bennett and Ryan Fletcher also star .
Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick presents an hour-long Walking Dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
Stars Lauren Cohen , Melissa McBride Josh McDermitt , Khary Payton , Eleanor Matsuura , Cooper Andrews , Cassady McClincy , Lauren Ridloff , Cailey Fleming , Emily Kinney and IronE Singleton will discuss their favorite holiday memories and traditions .
Cyndi Lauper is hosting her 10th annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert , which streams Friday on Lauper 's TikTok at 8 p.m. EST .
The event will stream again Sunday on her YouTube and Facebook pages on 8 p.m. EST .
Billie Eillish , Taylor Swift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Porter , Brandi Carlile , Cher , Dolly Parton , Kim Petras , King Princess , LL Cool J , Phebe Bridgers , Sharon Osbourne , Whoopi Goldberg and more will make appearances and perform .

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Meryl Streep, James Corden and Nicole Kidman star in Ryan Murphy's star-studded The Prom, DC Comics series Pennyworth debuts its second season and Cyndi Lauper holds her annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert this weekend.
In addition, Rachel Brosnahan is on the run in I'm Your Woman, AMC+ is presenting a Walking Dead holiday special featuring the cast of the series and Drew Barrymore portrays both lead roles in The Stand In.
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Here's a rundown of some of the films, television shows and holiday specials that will be released this weekend.
Film
'The Prom' -- Netflix
Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, Keegan-Michael Key, Kerry Washington, Tracey Ullman and more star in Ryan Murphy's The Prom, which comes to Netflix on Friday. The film centers on Broadway actors who try to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom.
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'Canvas' -- Netflix
Canvas, an animated feature, which arrives on Netflix Friday, follows a grandfather who decides to try and paint again after suffering from a devastating loss. The film is directed by Frank E. Abney III and produced by Paige Johnstone.
'Archenemy' -- VOD
Joe Manganiello portrays a hero from another dimension who comes to Earth where he has no powers in Archenemy, which is available on video-on-demand services starting Friday. Skylan Brooks stars as Hamster, a teenager who is the only person to believe Manganiello's story.
'I'm Your Woman' -- Amazon
Rachel Brosnahan stars as a criminal's wife in the 1970s in I'm Your Woman, which comes to Amazon Prime Video on Friday. Brosnahan must flee with a baby her husband (Bill Heck) kidnapped, after the criminal betrays his partners.
'The Stand In' -- VOD
Drew Barrymore is a comedy actress who has fallen on hard times and must go to rehab in The Stand In, which comes to video-on-demand services on Friday. Barrymore gets her lookalike stand-in also portrayed by Barrymore, to take her place at rehab and beyond.
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'Let Them All Talk' -- HBO Max
Meryl Streep is a famous author who takes an ocean cruise with her two oldest friends and her nephew to finish writing a book in Let Them All Talk, available on HBO Max. Candice Bergen, Dianne Wiest, Lucas Hedges and Gemma Chan also star.
TV
'High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special' -- Disney+
High School Musical: The Musical is celebrating the holidays with fans in a new special, which arrives Friday on Disney+. Stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders will perform holiday favorites while discussing childhood holiday memories.
'Madagascar: A Little Wild' Season 2 -- Hulu
The zoo crew returns in the second season of Madagascar: A Little Wild, which premieres Friday on Hulu. Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria continue their adventures in New York City as they look after a litter of hedgehogs and Alex gets mistaken for a house cat.
'Pennyworth' Season 2 -- EPIX
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Jack Bannon is back as Batman's future butler Alfred Pennyworth in Season 2 Pennyworth, which premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on EPIX. Alfred is looking for a way out of London following a devastating civil war and has his eye on America. Jason Flemyng, Hainsley Lloyd Bennett and Ryan Fletcher also star.
'The Walking Dead' holiday special -- AMC+
Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick presents an hour-long Walking Dead holiday special, which comes to AMC+ on Sunday. Stars Lauren Cohen, Melissa McBride Josh McDermitt, Khary Payton, Eleanor Matsuura, Cooper Andrews, Cassady McClincy, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, Emily Kinney and IronE Singleton will discuss their favorite holiday memories and traditions.
Music
Cyndi Lauper's 'Home for the Holidays' benefit concert -- TikTok, YouTube, Facebook
Cyndi Lauper is hosting her 10th annual Home for the Holidays benefit concert, which streams Friday on Lauper's TikTok at 8 p.m. EST. The event will stream again Sunday on her YouTube and Facebook pages on 8 p.m. EST. Billie Eillish, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Bette Midler, Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Cher, Dolly Parton, Kim Petras, King Princess, LL Cool J, Phebe Bridgers, Sharon Osbourne, Whoopi Goldberg and more will make appearances and perform.