upi--2020-12-02--'Mad Max' actor Hugh Keays-Byrne dead at 73

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Actor Hugh Keays-Byrne , most known for his roles as two separate villains in the Mad Max films , has died , his representation said .
He was 73 years old .
Representatives for Keays-Byrne told Deadline he died peacefully on Tuesday morning but did not mention a specific cause of death .
Keays-Byrne was born in 1947 to British parents in Kashmir , India , and launched his acting career in Australia where he earned his first credited role on the 1967 television series Bellbird .
He continued to appear in various roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast as Toecutter , the leader of a biker gang in George Miller 's 1979 film Mad Max .
Miller brought Keays-Byrne back for his 2015 film Mad Max : Fury Road , where he played the lead villain Immortan Joe , citing both his versatility as an actor and the fact that he dubbed over Keays-Byrne 's voice in an early print of the original Mad Max film .
`` I always felt so guilty about that , '' Miller said .
`` I thought I had to make up for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who starred in Fury Road alongside Keays-Byrne remembered him in a post on Twitter Wednesday .
`` It 's amazing you were able to play an evil warlord so well cause you were such a kind beautiful soul .
You will be deeply missed my friend , '' Theron wrote .
Filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smith , who directed Keays-Byrne in the 1975 film The Man From Hong Kong , shared a photo with him and praised him as `` a fine actor and a good friend . ''
`` We spent many happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christina and a group of fellow actors and artists ( the Macao Light Company ) at the house they shared in Centennial Park .
Christina , Jack , Shawn , Tim , Ralph , Robina , our hearts go out to you , '' he wrote .

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Actor Hugh Keays-Byrne, most known for his roles as two separate villains in the Mad Max films, has died, his representation said. He was 73 years old.
Representatives for Keays-Byrne told Deadline he died peacefully on Tuesday morning but did not mention a specific cause of death.
Advertisement
Keays-Byrne was born in 1947 to British parents in Kashmir, India, and launched his acting career in Australia where he earned his first credited role on the 1967 television series Bellbird.
He continued to appear in various roles throughout the 1960s and 1970s before being cast as Toecutter, the leader of a biker gang in George Miller's 1979 film Mad Max.
Miller brought Keays-Byrne back for his 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road, where he played the lead villain Immortan Joe, citing both his versatility as an actor and the fact that he dubbed over Keays-Byrne's voice in an early print of the original Mad Max film.
"I always felt so guilty about that," Miller said. "I thought I had to make up for it in some way."
Charlize Theron, who starred in Fury Road alongside Keays-Byrne remembered him in a post on Twitter Wednesday.
Advertisement
"It's amazing you were able to play an evil warlord so well cause you were such a kind beautiful soul. You will be deeply missed my friend," Theron wrote.
Filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smith, who directed Keays-Byrne in the 1975 film The Man From Hong Kong, shared a photo with him and praised him as "a fine actor and a good friend."
"We spent many happy Sunday mornings with him, his partner Christina and a group of fellow actors and artists (the Macao Light Company) at the house they shared in Centennial Park. Christina, Jack, Shawn, Tim, Ralph, Robina, our hearts go out to you," he wrote.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-02--Scenes from the holiday season

Scenes from the holiday season

The world heads into a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people preparing for the holidays in the @ @ @ @ @ world .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-12-02--Discovery streamer to feature new Mike Rowe, Kevin Hart shows

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Discovery+ -- a non-fiction , subscription streaming service -- is slated to debut in the United States on Jan. 4 .
`` We have been working methodically the past two years to bring all of our strategic advantages to the launch of Discovery+ , including distribution and advertising partnerships around the world , a world-class offering of quality brands , authentic personalities and the largest content library at launch , as well as a broad slate of exclusive programming , '' David Zaslav , president and chief executive officer of Discovery , Inc. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Discovery+ , we are seizing the global opportunity to be the world 's definitive product for unscripted storytelling , providing households and mobile consumers a distinct , clear and differentiated offering across valuable and enduring lifestyle , and real life verticals . ''
The new service -- which Verizon customers will get free for a year -- will feature established programs from HGTV , Food Network , TLC , ID , OWN , Travel Channel , Discovery Channel and Animal Planet .
Discovery+ will also offer new series from Chip and Joanna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bobby Flay , Giada De Laurentiis , Duff Goldman , Amy Schumer , Carla Hall , David Schwimmer , David Attenborough , Ben Napier , Sebastian Maniscalco , Joe Kenda and Mike Rowe .
`` Big announcement today from Discovery , who I 'm happy to say , has agreed to stream my new show , Six Degrees with Mike Rowe , '' the Dirty Jobs icon wrote on Facebook .

1/3
The Discovery+ streaming lineup will include a new docu-series starring Mike Rowe. File Photo by Martin Fried/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Discovery+ -- a non-fiction, subscription streaming service -- is slated to debut in the United States on Jan. 4. "We have been working methodically the past two years to bring all of our strategic advantages to the launch of Discovery+, including distribution and advertising partnerships around the world, a world-class offering of quality brands, authentic personalities and the largest content library at launch, as well as a broad slate of exclusive programming," David Zaslav, president and chief executive officer of Discovery, Inc., said in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement
"With Discovery+, we are seizing the global opportunity to be the world's definitive product for unscripted storytelling, providing households and mobile consumers a distinct, clear and differentiated offering across valuable and enduring lifestyle, and real life verticals."
The new service -- which Verizon customers will get free for a year -- will feature established programs from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.
Discovery+ will also offer new series from Chip and Joanna Gaines, Will Packer, Kevin Hart, Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Duff Goldman, Amy Schumer, Carla Hall, David Schwimmer, David Attenborough, Ben Napier, Sebastian Maniscalco, Joe Kenda and Mike Rowe.
Advertisement
Rowe celebrated the news on social media.
"Big announcement today from Discovery, who I'm happy to say, has agreed to stream my new show, Six Degrees with Mike Rowe," the Dirty Jobs icon wrote on Facebook.


upi--2020-12-02--Moderna to begin vaccine trials on children

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- U.S. drugmaker Moderna on Wednesday said it plans to soon begin testing its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 12 through 17 .
Notes listed on clinicaltrials.gov said the study will include 3,000 participants -- half of whom will receive the vaccine , while the other half receive a placebo -- in order to `` evaluate the safety '' of a single-dose level of the vaccine administered to `` an adolescent population . ''
Both the vaccine and placebo will be administered in two doses 28 days apart .
The web page for the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moderna spokeswoman Colleen Hussey told The New York Times the company was not certain when testing sites would be listed or begin accepting volunteers .
On Monday , Moderna said it would seek an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after further clinical trials of its vaccine on adults found it was 94 % effective .
The company 's vaccine has not been tested on children or pregnant women .
Fellow drugmaker Pfizer began testing its vaccine on children as young as 12 in October and AstraZeneca has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States .
Pfizer and BioNTech have also applied for an emergency use authorization and the FDA 's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee plans to meet Dec. 10 to review the vaccine and recommend whether it should be cleared .

Moderna said Wednesday it plans to begin testing its COVID-19 on children between the ages of 12 and 17. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. drugmaker Moderna on Wednesday said it plans to soon begin testing its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 12 through 17. Notes listed on clinicaltrials.gov said the study will include 3,000 participants -- half of whom will receive the vaccine, while the other half receive a placebo -- in order to "evaluate the safety" of a single-dose level of the vaccine administered to "an adolescent population." Advertisement
Both the vaccine and placebo will be administered in two doses 28 days apart.
The web page for the study said it is not yet recruiting candidates and Moderna spokeswoman Colleen Hussey told The New York Times the company was not certain when testing sites would be listed or begin accepting volunteers.
On Monday, Moderna said it would seek an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after further clinical trials of its vaccine on adults found it was 94% effective.
The company's vaccine has not been tested on children or pregnant women.
Fellow drugmaker Pfizer began testing its vaccine on children as young as 12 in October and AstraZeneca has begun trials on children but solely outside of the United States.
Advertisement
Pfizer and BioNTech have also applied for an emergency use authorization and the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee plans to meet Dec. 10 to review the vaccine and recommend whether it should be cleared.


upi--2020-12-02--Fifth missile warning satellite ready for launch, Lockheed Martin announces

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The fifth missile warning satellite of the U.S. Space Force has been constructed and is ready for launch , manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday .
The Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit , or SBIRS GEO-5 , is scheduled to be launched in 2021 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket .
The first satellite in the series was launched in 2011 , but the newest version features the LM 2100 military combat bus .
The bus , the space vehicle that carries the satellite 's sensors and electronics , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyber-hardening , '' Lockheed said in a statement .
The new satellite also includes `` enhanced spacecraft power , propulsion and electronics ; common components and procedures to streamline manufacturing , and a flexible design that reduces the cost to incorporate future , modernized sensor suites , '' according to the company .
The next satellite in the series , GEO-6 , and future Next Gen OPIR [ Overhead Persistent Infrared missile warning ] satellites , will also include the upgrade .
GEO-6 is expected to launch by 2022 , with the OPIR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The constellation of U.S. Space Force missile warning satellites are equipped with powerful scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors .
The sensors collect data useable in discovering missile launches It also supports ballistic missile defense , expands technical intelligence gathering and improves battlefield situational awareness .
`` SBIRS ' role as an ever-present , on-orbit guardian against global ballistic missile threats has never been more critical , '' Tom McCormick , Lockheed Martin 's vice in a statement on Wednesday .
`` In 2019 alone , SBIRS detected nearly 1,000 missile launches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in two years . ''

The latest U.S. Space Force Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite, used to detect missile launches, is ready for launch, maker Lockheed Martin said on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin Space
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The fifth missile warning satellite of the U.S. Space Force has been constructed and is ready for launch, manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday. The Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit, or SBIRS GEO-5, is scheduled to be launched in 2021 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket. Advertisement
ULA is a Boeing and Lockheed Martin consortium.
The first satellite in the series was launched in 2011, but the newest version features the LM 2100 military combat bus. The bus, the space vehicle that carries the satellite's sensors and electronics, is designed to "provide greater resiliency and cyber-hardening," Lockheed said in a statement.
The new satellite also includes "enhanced spacecraft power, propulsion and electronics; common components and procedures to streamline manufacturing, and a flexible design that reduces the cost to incorporate future, modernized sensor suites," according to the company.
The next satellite in the series, GEO-6, and future Next Gen OPIR [Overhead Persistent Infrared missile warning] satellites, will also include the upgrade. GEO-6 is expected to launch by 2022, with the OPIR satellites expected to launch beginning in 2025.
The constellation of U.S. Space Force missile warning satellites are equipped with powerful scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors.
Advertisement
The sensors collect data useable in discovering missile launches It also supports ballistic missile defense, expands technical intelligence gathering and improves battlefield situational awareness.
"SBIRS' role as an ever-present, on-orbit guardian against global ballistic missile threats has never been more critical," Tom McCormick, Lockheed Martin's vice in a statement on Wednesday. "In 2019 alone, SBIRS detected nearly 1,000 missile launches, which is about a two-fold increase in two years."


upi--2020-12-02--'Walking Dead' holiday special to air Dec. 13

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The first Walking Dead holiday special is set to stream on AMC+ on Dec. @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday .
Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick will present the hourlong program , which @ @ @ @ @ cast members sharing their favorite yuletide memories and traditions .
There will also be music @ @ @ @ @ news release Wednesday .
Confirmed to participate are actors Lauren Cohan , Melissa McBride , @ @ @ @ @ , Eleanor Matsuura , Cooper Andrews , Cassady McClincy , Lauren Ridloff , Cailey Fleming @ @ @ @ @ Singleton , as well as Walking Dead Universe Chief Content Officer Scott M. Gimple and @ @ @ @ @ Angela Kang .
Season 10 is set to continue airing on AMC in February .

1/3
Lauren Cohan will appear in the first "Walking Dead" holiday special. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The first Walking Dead holiday special is set to stream on AMC+ on Dec. 13, the streaming service announced Wednesday. Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick will present the hourlong program, which will feature current and past cast members sharing their favorite yuletide memories and traditions. Advertisement
There will also be music, AMC+ promised in a news release Wednesday.
Confirmed to participate are actors Lauren Cohan, Melissa McBride, Josh McDermitt, Khary Payton, Eleanor Matsuura, Cooper Andrews, Cassady McClincy, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, Emily Kinney, IronE Singleton, as well as Walking Dead Universe Chief Content Officer Scott M. Gimple and The Walking Dead show-runner/executive producer Angela Kang.
Season 10 is set to continue airing on AMC in February.


upi--2020-12-02--Pelosi, Schumer back $908B pandemic relief bill

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday put their support behind a $ 908 billion pandemic relief bill , seeking to end months of congressional deadlock .
In a joint statement , the pair of Democratic leaders backed the plan introduced Tuesday by a group of bipartisan lawmakers led by Sens .
Mark Warner , D-Va. , and Mitt Romney , R-Utah , after months of struggling to provide additional relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` While we made a new offer to [ Senate Republican leader Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin McCarthy ] on Monday , in the spirit of compromise we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate partisan , bicameral negotiations , '' they wrote .
The $ 908 billion measure calls for $ 288 billion in small-business support and $ 180 billion for extended unemployment insurance , among other fiscal appropriations .
It costs less than half of the $ 2.2 trillion stimulus package passed by the House more than six months ago but is nearly double the $ 500 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell .
McConnell on Tuesday opposed passing the $ 908 billion bill and said he planned to send his own proposal to senators to get feedback .
In their statement , Pelosi and Schumer cited surging coronavirus cases and hospitalizations as they called for urgency in passing the bill .
`` In light of the urgency of meeting the needs of the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents , its time for leader McConnell to sit down with Democrats to finally begin a true bipartisan effort to meet the needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer backed a $908 billion pandemic relief bill introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers Wednesday. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday put their support behind a $908 billion pandemic relief bill, seeking to end months of congressional deadlock. In a joint statement, the pair of Democratic leaders backed the plan introduced Tuesday by a group of bipartisan lawmakers led by Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, after months of struggling to provide additional relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
"While we made a new offer to [Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell] and [House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy] on Monday, in the spirit of compromise we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate partisan, bicameral negotiations," they wrote.
The $908 billion measure calls for $288 billion in small-business support and $180 billion for extended unemployment insurance, among other fiscal appropriations.
It costs less than half of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package passed by the House more than six months ago but is nearly double the $500 billion "skinny" relief bill backed by McConnell.
Advertisement
McConnell on Tuesday opposed passing the $908 billion bill and said he planned to send his own proposal to senators to get feedback.
In their statement, Pelosi and Schumer cited surging coronavirus cases and hospitalizations as they called for urgency in passing the bill.
"In light of the urgency of meeting the needs of the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents, its time for leader McConnell to sit down with Democrats to finally begin a true bipartisan effort to meet the needs of the country," they said.


upi--2020-12-02--Two-thirds of parents worry about long-term impact of pandemic on kids

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Two-thirds of parents of children under 18 are worried about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their child 's mental health , according to the findings of a survey released Wednesday by Nationwide Children 's Hospital .
More than half of parents surveyed said they are running out of ways to help their children stay positive during the pandemic and the life changes that have come with it , including school closings and restrictions on social gatherings , the survey also found .
`` As parents , I think it 's on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , thinking through what our kids might need to be successful and to be able to roll with the punches as we continue to ride this out , '' Parker Huston , a psychologist at Nationwide Children 's Hospital , said in a press release .
`` The good news is that kids are incredibly adaptable when given the right support , '' he said .
Since March , many school districts across the country have shifted away from in-person learning in classrooms to online coursework .
In addition , parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social gatherings , as well as youth sports and arts programs , to help limit the spread of COVID-19 .
As a result , many children , adolescents and teens are spending more time at home and away from friends , said Huston , who has two children .
`` We have a structure to the day , '' he said .
`` We do our school work at certain times , we take breaks at certain times and we can be flexible with that some days , but most of the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , '' he added .
The Nationwide Children 's Hospital-led survey questioned more than 1,000 parents of children under age 18 from across the United States .
Sixty-six percent of respondents said they fear that the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their children 's mental health will be harder to reverse the longer it continues .
Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed indicated that they are running out of ways to help their children stay positive as the crisis continues , the data showed .
Huston and his colleagues are encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bounce back from stress , anxiety and disappointment they may experience during these challenging times , he said .
`` If the adults are responding negatively , or if they seem unsure or distressed by a decision , then the kids are likely to be , as well , '' Huston said .

Sixty-six percent of respondents to a survey said they fear that the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their children's mental health will be harder to reverse the longer it continues. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Two-thirds of parents of children under 18 are worried about the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their child's mental health, according to the findings of a survey released Wednesday by Nationwide Children's Hospital. More than half of parents surveyed said they are running out of ways to help their children stay positive during the pandemic and the life changes that have come with it, including school closings and restrictions on social gatherings, the survey also found. Advertisement
"As parents, I think it's on us to be a little bit creative this year, thinking through what our kids might need to be successful and to be able to roll with the punches as we continue to ride this out," Parker Huston, a psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, said in a press release.
"The good news is that kids are incredibly adaptable when given the right support," he said.
Since March, many school districts across the country have shifted away from in-person learning in classrooms to online coursework.
In addition, parts of the country have placed limits on social gatherings, as well as youth sports and arts programs, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Advertisement
As a result, many children, adolescents and teens are spending more time at home and away from friends, said Huston, who has two children.
"We have a structure to the day," he said.
"We do our school work at certain times, we take breaks at certain times and we can be flexible with that some days, but most of the time the kids know exactly what their expectations are," he added.
The Nationwide Children's Hospital-led survey questioned more than 1,000 parents of children under age 18 from across the United States.
Sixty-six percent of respondents said they fear that the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their children's mental health will be harder to reverse the longer it continues. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed indicated that they are running out of ways to help their children stay positive as the crisis continues, the data showed.
Huston and his colleagues are encouraging parents to help their children build resilience to bounce back from stress, anxiety and disappointment they may experience during these challenging times, he said.
"If the adults are responding negatively, or if they seem unsure or distressed by a decision, then the kids are likely to be, as well," Huston said.


upi--2020-12-02--EEOC reaches $250,000 with funeral home in Aimee Stephens transgender bias case

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge signed off on a settlement between the estate of Aimee Stephens and the funeral home that fired her after she came out as transgender .
The U.S .
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced that it reached the settlement on behalf of Stephens ' estate with her former employer , R.G .
& G.R .
Harris Funeral Homes , which agreed to pay a total of $ 250,000 .
The EEOC said that Harris agreed to pay $ 130,000 in back pay and compensatory damages to Stephens ' estate and $ 120,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay a total of $ 3,705 in clothing benefits for the period of September 2012 to the present divided among approximately 17 `` female front-facing employees '' as well as providing anti-discrimination training , revise its anti-discrimination policy and implement new procedures for handling discrimination complaints .
`` The law is now clear that discrimination against an employee because of his or her transgender status is sex discrimination , '' EEOC trial attorney Dale Price said .
`` Employers also can not discriminate on the basis of sex with regard to providing employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired from her job as an embalmer at the funeral home in 2013 after six years of employment upon informing her boss that she was transgender and planned to begin wearing appropriate women 's business attire to work .
Thomas Rost , the owner of R.G .
& G.R .
Harris Funeral Homes , said she was fired for failing to comply with the company 's dress code .
The EEOC filed a lawsuit on Stephens ' behalf , arguing her firing violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of Stephens , stating Title VII protects LGBT workers from employment discrimination .
Stephens died in May at the age of 59 due to complications from kidney disease .

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reached a settlement on behalf of the estate of Aimee Stephens with the funeral home that fired her after she came out as transgender. File Photo by Charles William Kelly/ACLU
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A federal judge signed off on a settlement between the estate of Aimee Stephens and the funeral home that fired her after she came out as transgender. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced that it reached the settlement on behalf of Stephens' estate with her former employer, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, which agreed to pay a total of $250,000. Advertisement
The EEOC said that Harris agreed to pay $130,000 in back pay and compensatory damages to Stephens' estate and $120,000 in attorney fees.
It will also pay a total of $3,705 in clothing benefits for the period of September 2012 to the present divided among approximately 17 "female front-facing employees" as well as providing anti-discrimination training, revise its anti-discrimination policy and implement new procedures for handling discrimination complaints.
"The law is now clear that discrimination against an employee because of his or her transgender status is sex discrimination," EEOC trial attorney Dale Price said. "Employers also cannot discriminate on the basis of sex with regard to providing employees with clothing benefits."
Stephens was fired from her job as an embalmer at the funeral home in 2013 after six years of employment upon informing her boss that she was transgender and planned to begin wearing appropriate women's business attire to work.
Advertisement
Thomas Rost, the owner of R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, said she was fired for failing to comply with the company's dress code.
The EEOC filed a lawsuit on Stephens' behalf, arguing her firing violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in June the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Stephens, stating Title VII protects LGBT workers from employment discrimination.
Stephens died in May at the age of 59 due to complications from kidney disease.


upi--2020-12-02--New airline rules define only dogs as service animals

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration on Wednesday issued a final rule saying only dogs can be defined as service animals when it comes to travel on airline flights .
The Department of Transportation rule , which comes after several months of public feedback , also says that emotional support animals will no longer be considered service animals .
Airlines will be required to allow psychiatric service animals , though .
`` The department received more than 15,000 comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking , '' the department said in a statement .
`` The final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals with disabilities , airlines , flight attendants , airports , other aviation transportation stakeholders , and other members of the public , regarding service animals on aircraft .
The new rules do n't require airlines to ban non-canine service animals , but does grant them the ability to do so -- limiting service animals to those that perform certain tasks to benefit a person with a disability .
The new rules also : -- Allow airlines to require forms attesting to a service animal 's good behavior and health .
-- Allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form up to 48 hours before their flight .
-- Allow airlines to limit the number of service animals per passenger to two .
-- Allow airlines to limit the size of a service animal to a passenger 's foot space .
-- Allow airlines to require all service animals to be harnessed or leashed at all times in the airport or on the aircraft .
Earlier this year , U.S. airlines expressed support for the Trump administration 's proposed rules , saying the measures would cut down on disputes with passengers attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board -- including monkeys , rabbits , snakes , and even miniature horses and peacocks .
American Airlines said flight attendants have dealt with problematic pets -- such as untrained support dogs relieving themselves in the passenger cabin and showing signs of hostility under the stressful conditions of crowded flights .
`` My greatest fear as a cabin crew member is that an untrained ESA will 'snap ' in flight and have an altercation with the one or more animals that are in the cabin , '' one attendant wrote in comments supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen animals react negatively to each other during boarding and continue to growl throughout the flight at one another on more than one occasion . ''

Travelers -- and their dog -- gather their luggage at Los Angeles International Airport on November 25. On Wednesday, the Trump administration finalized rules allowing airlines to restrict service animals only to dogs. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Trump administration on Wednesday issued a final rule saying only dogs can be defined as service animals when it comes to travel on airline flights. The Department of Transportation rule, which comes after several months of public feedback, also says that emotional support animals will no longer be considered service animals. Airlines will be required to allow psychiatric service animals, though. Advertisement
"The department received more than 15,000 comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking," the department said in a statement. "The final rule announced today addresses concerns raised by individuals with disabilities, airlines, flight attendants, airports, other aviation transportation stakeholders, and other members of the public, regarding service animals on aircraft.
The new rules don't require airlines to ban non-canine service animals, but does grant them the ability to do so -- limiting service animals to those that perform certain tasks to benefit a person with a disability.
The new rules also:
-- Allow airlines to require forms attesting to a service animal's good behavior and health.
-- Allow airlines to require passengers to submit the form up to 48 hours before their flight.
-- Allow airlines to limit the number of service animals per passenger to two.
Advertisement
-- Allow airlines to limit the size of a service animal to a passenger's foot space.
-- Allow airlines to require all service animals to be harnessed or leashed at all times in the airport or on the aircraft.
-- Prohibit airlines from refusing a service animal based solely on breed.
Earlier this year, U.S. airlines expressed support for the Trump administration's proposed rules, saying the measures would cut down on disputes with passengers attempting to bring all manner of animals on board -- including monkeys, rabbits, snakes, and even miniature horses and peacocks.
American Airlines said flight attendants have dealt with problematic pets -- such as untrained support dogs relieving themselves in the passenger cabin and showing signs of hostility under the stressful conditions of crowded flights.
"My greatest fear as a cabin crew member is that an untrained ESA will 'snap' in flight and have an altercation with the one or more animals that are in the cabin," one attendant wrote in comments supporting the proposed rule changes. "I have seen animals react negatively to each other during boarding and continue to growl throughout the flight at one another on more than one occasion."
Don Jacobson contributed to this report.
Advertisement


upi--2020-12-02--Circadian gene mutations linked to increased risk for substance abuse in study with mice

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Mice trained to self-administer cocaine went on more benders when they carried a mutation in the NPAS2 gene , a gene that regulates circadian rhythms .
The research , published Wednesday in the Journal of Neuroscience , suggests a link between the disruption of wake-sleep cycles and substance abuse .
Circadian genes are found in nearly every cell in the brain and body , but some circadian genes are unique to specific parts of the brain .
NPAS2 is highly expressed in the forebrain , specifically the striatum and nucleus accumbens , which helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This suggests that NPAS2 might play a particularly important role in regulating rhythms in these brains regions , which is part of the appeal of studying NPAS2 and rewards , '' lead study author Lauren DePoy told UPI in an email .
For the study , DePoy and her research partners trained them to self-administer a dose of cocaine .
The mice were implanted with a jugular intravenous catheter .
When the mice stepped on a lever inside an experimental chamber , the catheter released a dose of cocaine into their bloodstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cocaine usage , or lever-pressing .
The experiment revealed differences in the way mice with and without NPAS2 gene mutations used cocaine .
`` We found that mutant mice , particularly females and during the active phase , which is the dark phase for nocturnal mice , had a higher propensity to take cocaine , were impaired in their ability to stop seeking cocaine , and were more likely to show relapse-like behavior , '' said DePoy , a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine , were more motivated to take cocaine , were slower to extinguish their drug seeking behavior -- lever pressing -- and showed more cue-induced reinstatement , which we use to model relapse to drug associated cues , '' he said .
In addition to behavioral changes , researchers found females with NPAS2 gene mutations hosted heighten neural activity in the striatum , which helps control the brain 's reward system .
Though the NPAS2 gene mutation studied in mice is absent in the human genome , previous studies have identified links between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a variety of psychiatric disorders .
In followup studies , researchers plan to investigate the neural mechanisms that underpin the connection between circadian gene mutations and cocaine use .
`` We found that these results are likely mediated by neurons expressing the dopamine D1 receptor in certain subregions of the striatum , so we are interested in investigating how gene expression changes in these neurons in particular in mice with an NPAS2 mutation , '' DePoy said .
Interestingly , researchers found when they silenced hormones of female mice with NPAS2 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is clearly an interplay between hormones , rhythms and drug taking , but the mechanisms underlying these relationships are unknown , '' DePoy said .

Disruptions to circadian rhythms -- the natural cycle of wake and sleep -- has been further linked to potential for substance abuse in a new study with mice that use cocaine. Photo by Wokandapix /Pixabay
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Mice trained to self-administer cocaine went on more benders when they carried a mutation in the NPAS2 gene, a gene that regulates circadian rhythms. The research, published Wednesday in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggests a link between the disruption of wake-sleep cycles and substance abuse. Advertisement
Circadian genes are found in nearly every cell in the brain and body, but some circadian genes are unique to specific parts of the brain.
NPAS2 is highly expressed in the forebrain, specifically the striatum and nucleus accumbens, which helps operate the brain's reward system.
"This suggests that NPAS2 might play a particularly important role in regulating rhythms in these brains regions, which is part of the appeal of studying NPAS2 and rewards," lead study author Lauren DePoy told UPI in an email.
For the study, DePoy and her research partners trained them to self-administer a dose of cocaine.
The mice were implanted with a jugular intravenous catheter. When the mice stepped on a lever inside an experimental chamber, the catheter released a dose of cocaine into their bloodstream. Researchers synced light and sound cues with cocaine usage, or lever-pressing.
The experiment revealed differences in the way mice with and without NPAS2 gene mutations used cocaine.
Advertisement
"We found that mutant mice, particularly females and during the active phase, which is the dark phase for nocturnal mice, had a higher propensity to take cocaine, were impaired in their ability to stop seeking cocaine, and were more likely to show relapse-like behavior," said DePoy, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh.
"More specifically, mutants took more cocaine, were more motivated to take cocaine, were slower to extinguish their drug seeking behavior -- lever pressing -- and showed more cue-induced reinstatement, which we use to model relapse to drug associated cues," he said.
In addition to behavioral changes, researchers found females with NPAS2 gene mutations hosted heighten neural activity in the striatum, which helps control the brain's reward system.
Though the NPAS2 gene mutation studied in mice is absent in the human genome, previous studies have identified links between other types of circadian gene mutations and a variety of psychiatric disorders.
In followup studies, researchers plan to investigate the neural mechanisms that underpin the connection between circadian gene mutations and cocaine use.
"We found that these results are likely mediated by neurons expressing the dopamine D1 receptor in certain subregions of the striatum, so we are interested in investigating how gene expression changes in these neurons in particular in mice with an NPAS2 mutation," DePoy said.
Advertisement
Interestingly, researchers found when they silenced hormones of female mice with NPAS2, the rodents were less likely to use cocaine.
"There is clearly an interplay between hormones, rhythms and drug taking, but the mechanisms underlying these relationships are unknown," DePoy said.


upi--2020-12-02--Reported burglary in California was a dozen fighting raccoons

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Police in California responded to a report of a suspected burglary in progress and @ @ @ @ @ of the ruckus actually was caused by about a dozen brawling raccoons .
The Richmond @ @ @ @ @ responded to the City Corporation Yard after an employee called authorities to report a banging @ @ @ @ @ that sounded like a burglar attempting to break in .
`` Although mentally prepared to @ @ @ @ @ felony , the crime-fighting duo were surprised to find approximately one dozen raccoons in a @ @ @ @ @ said in a Facebook post .
`` When challenged , all but one fled westbound @ @ @ @ @ broke up the `` raccoon invasion '' successfully , and they left the scene .

Police in Richmond, Calif., said officers responded to a report of a suspected burglary in progress, but arrived to find a large group of raccoons fighting. Photo by Korall/Wikimedia Commons
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Police in California responded to a report of a suspected burglary in progress and arrived to find the cause of the ruckus actually was caused by about a dozen brawling raccoons. The Richmond Police Department said two officers responded to the City Corporation Yard after an employee called authorities to report a banging on the administration office door that sounded like a burglar attempting to break in. Advertisement
"Although mentally prepared to take action for an in-progress felony, the crime-fighting duo were surprised to find approximately one dozen raccoons in a physical altercation," police said in a Facebook post. "When challenged, all but one fled westbound."
Police said they broke up the "raccoon invasion" successfully, and they left the scene.


upi--2020-12-02--Ontario man reunited with wallet lost 54 years earlier

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- An Ontario , Canada , man who lost his wallet 54 years ago had the item returned to him after another man found it in an old couch .
Darcy Major , 86 , of Port Dover , said his wallet went missing in 1966 , and he never found out what happened to it until Christopher Camacho got in touch with his children .
Camacho found the wallet in an old couch and got Major 's name from the documents inside , which included a driver 's license , an old check and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Currently in Port Dover group on Facebook that he had fished the wallet out of an old couch and was trying to find its owner .
Commenters on the post helped Camacho get in touch with Major 's children , who informed their father that his wallet was found .
`` It was unreal , where 's it been for all those years , '' Major told the Simcoe Reformer .
`` It must have been a good couch . ''
Major said he was grateful to Camacho for tracking him down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though everything is outdated , '' Major said .
`` There 's honest people out there to return it .
He could 've put it in the garbage , and it 's so nice that there 's people like that . ''

Christopher Camacho of Ontario, Canada, found a wallet in an old couch and returned it to owner Darcy Major, who last saw it in 1966. Photo by pprasantasahooo/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 2 (UPI) -- An Ontario, Canada, man who lost his wallet 54 years ago had the item returned to him after another man found it in an old couch. Darcy Major, 86, of Port Dover, said his wallet went missing in 1966, and he never found out what happened to it until Christopher Camacho got in touch with his children. Advertisement
Camacho found the wallet in an old couch and got Major's name from the documents inside, which included a driver's license, an old check and a dog license.
Camacho wrote in the Currently in Port Dover group on Facebook that he had fished the wallet out of an old couch and was trying to find its owner.
Commenters on the post helped Camacho get in touch with Major's children, who informed their father that his wallet was found.
"It was unreal, where's it been for all those years," Major told the Simcoe Reformer. "It must have been a good couch."
Major said he was grateful to Camacho for tracking him down.
"It's quite a thrill, even though everything is outdated," Major said. "There's honest people out there to return it. He could've put it in the garbage, and it's so nice that there's people like that."


upi--2020-12-02--Mark Kelly sworn in to Senate seat once held by John McCain

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Former astronaut Mark Kelly was sworn in Wednesday as the junior senator for Arizona after winning a special election for the seat once held by the late Sen. John McCain .
The oath of office ceremony took place on the Senate floor in the U.S. Capitol in Washington , D.C .
Fellow Sen. Kirsten Sinema , D-Ariz. , held the Bible , which belonged to the grandmother of Kelly 's wife , former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , D-Ariz. Giffords , along with the couple 's two daughters , Claudia and Claire , and Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly , also attended .
Shortly after the ceremony , Sinema tweeted her promise to work with her fellow Democrat from Arizona .
`` I look forward to partnering with @ SenMarkKelly to cut through Washington dysfunction and deliver results for everyday Arizonans -- and I am confident Mark will uphold the Arizona values of seeking common ground and putting country above party , '' she wrote .
Kelly defeated incumbent Sen. Martha McSally , R-Ariz. , in the November election .
She was appointed to the seat after McCain died from brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race by fewer than 80,000 votes , or 2.4 % of the vote .
His win narrows the Republican majority in the Senate to 52-48 .
With two runoff races scheduled for January in Georgia , the chamber could end up even , with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking any ties .
This is the first time Arizona has had two Democrats in the Senate since Sens .
Carl Hayden and Ernest McFarland in the 1950s .
Kelly will complete the remaining two years on McCain 's final six-year term in office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent gun violence since she survived a politically motivated shooting in 2011 that killed six .

1/2
Former astronaut Mark Kelly (L) is sworn in to the U.S. Senate during a reenactment by Vice President Mike Pence (R) as his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, looks on at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Pool Photo by Nicholas Kamm/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Former astronaut Mark Kelly was sworn in Wednesday as the junior senator for Arizona after winning a special election for the seat once held by the late Sen. John McCain. The oath of office ceremony took place on the Senate floor in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Advertisement
Fellow Sen. Kirsten Sinema, D-Ariz., held the Bible, which belonged to the grandmother of Kelly's wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. Giffords, along with the couple's two daughters, Claudia and Claire, and Kelly's twin brother, fellow astronaut Scott Kelly, also attended.
Shortly after the ceremony, Sinema tweeted her promise to work with her fellow Democrat from Arizona.
"I look forward to partnering with @SenMarkKelly to cut through Washington dysfunction and deliver results for everyday Arizonans -- and I am confident Mark will uphold the Arizona values of seeking common ground and putting country above party," she wrote.
Kelly defeated incumbent Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., in the November election. She was appointed to the seat after McCain died from brain cancer in 2019.
Kelly won the race by fewer than 80,000 votes, or 2.4% of the vote. His win narrows the Republican majority in the Senate to 52-48. With two runoff races scheduled for January in Georgia, the chamber could end up even, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking any ties.
Advertisement
This is the first time Arizona has had two Democrats in the Senate since Sens. Carl Hayden and Ernest McFarland in the 1950s.
Kelly will complete the remaining two years on McCain's final six-year term in office.
He and Giffords have been working to prevent gun violence since she survived a politically motivated shooting in 2011 that killed six.


upi--2020-12-02--Germany's Rheinmetall to build bombs for French, German air forces

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- German defense contractor Rheinmetall on Wednesday announced the sale of MK-82-EP general purpose aircraft-dropped bombs to France and Germany .
The order , for about 2,000 bombs , totals $ 42.3 million , Rheinmetall said in a statement .
The 500-pound bomb bodies will be used by France 's Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter planes , the Direction General de l'Armament said , and as the warhead of the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition system for Germany 's Tornado and Eurofighter platforms .
The upgraded bomb , designed by General Dynamics , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although it can be fitted with laser guidance and other improvements .
At 7 1/2 feet in length , and with an 18 in .
diameter , the warhead is typically filled with the explosive Tritonal , adding about 160 pounds , and designed to explode on impact .
The `` EP '' designation indicates enhanced performance , and the French and German orders include safety features for better storage , handling and operations .
With improvements over the years , the munition is among the most common air-dropped weapons in the @ @

The air forces of France and Germany have purchased more than 2,000 MK82-EP aircraft bombs, an upgraded version of the MK-80s pictured being dropped by a U.S. B-2 bomber. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- German defense contractor Rheinmetall on Wednesday announced the sale of MK-82-EP general purpose aircraft-dropped bombs to France and Germany. The order, for about 2,000 bombs, totals $42.3 million, Rheinmetall said in a statement. Advertisement
The 500-pound bomb bodies will be used by France's Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter planes, the Direction General de l'Armament said, and as the warhead of the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition system for Germany's Tornado and Eurofighter platforms.
The upgraded bomb, designed by General Dynamics, is regarded as a free-fall, standard bomb, although it can be fitted with laser guidance and other improvements.
At 7 1/2 feet in length, and with an 18 in. diameter, the warhead is typically filled with the explosive Tritonal, adding about 160 pounds, and designed to explode on impact.
The "EP" designation indicates enhanced performance, and the French and German orders include safety features for better storage, handling and operations.
With improvements over the years, the munition is among the most common air-dropped weapons in the world.


upi--2020-12-02--Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients will need longer-term care at home

When COVID-19 patients go home from the hospital , their recovery is often far from over -- and many might benefit from home healthcare , a new study suggests .
At a time when U.S. COVID-19 cases are surging and hospitals are running out of room , experts say home healthcare could serve a critical role by allowing some patients to have shorter hospital stays and be monitored at home .
But until now , little has been known about COVID-19 patients ' recovery during home healthcare .
The new study suggests that , at least in New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at records from more than 1,400 COVID-19 patients who were discharged from New York hospitals into care from the Visiting Nurse Service of New York -- a large nonprofit home health agency .
`` When they entered home care , these patients were very sick , '' said lead researcher Kathryn Bowles , a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing .
Overall , 84 % still had trouble breathing with any exertion , while 42 % had daily or constant pain .
Half reported exhaustion , and just as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help with basics like bathing , dressing and moving around their home .
But by the time patients were discharged from home care , most were showing substantial improvements in those symptoms .
And only 10 % ended up in the hospital again .
Nearly all patients -- 94 % -- were discharged , after an average of one month of home care .
One percent of patients died , while others had to remain in home care for a longer term .
There was no comparison group of patients who did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole , Bowles said , the findings `` shine a light on the value of home healthcare . ''
In general , home care involves visits from nurses , physical therapists , occupational therapists and social workers , depending on the patient 's needs .
For some , Bowles said , home care might allow a quicker hospital discharge .
For others , it might be an alternative to being discharged to a skilled nursing facility or other institution .
But while the study patients mostly fared well in the end , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause debilitating problems that require weeks to months of recovery .
`` Death is not the only bad outcome of this disease , '' said Dr. Luis Ostrosky , a professor of infectious diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston .
`` In our clinic , we see young people with heart damage , lung damage and exacerbation of mental health conditions , '' said Ostrosky , who was not involved with the study .
The point that younger adults can suffer long-term consequences from COVID-19 is an important one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patients in Bowles ' study were older adults , but 43 % were younger than 65 .
Ostrosky agreed that home healthcare can be an important part of hospitalized COVID-19 patients ' recovery .
At his hospital , he said , patients are considered candidates for home care based on two broad measures -- whether they are ready for it medically , and whether they and their families feel ready .
Ostrosky also agreed that home care can help free up needed hospital beds .
But , he stressed , `` no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to discharge them sooner . ''
Bowles said it 's important for patients and families to understand what home care is .
`` Sometimes patients say things like , ' I do n't need it .
My wife will take care of me , ' '' she said .
`` But this is skilled care from nurses and therapists . ''
A limitation of the study is that patients received care from a single home health agency .
It 's not clear whether the outcomes of COVID-19 patients elsewhere would be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ varies , too .
Most patients in this study were on Medicare or Medicaid , which have their own rules about coverage , while around one-quarter had private insurance .
On the other hand , the study group was diverse ; the majority of patients were Black or Hispanic -- two groups hard-hit by the pandemic .
At this point , Bowles said , it 's not clear how often U.S. COVID-19 patients are being discharged into home care .
Government figures from June put the rate at only 11 % .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowles said .
The study was published online this month in Annals of Internal Medicine .
The Medicare Rights Center has more on home healthcare .

When COVID-19 patients go home from the hospital, their recovery is often far from over -- and many might benefit from home healthcare, a new study suggests.
At a time when U.S. COVID-19 cases are surging and hospitals are running out of room, experts say home healthcare could serve a critical role by allowing some patients to have shorter hospital stays and be monitored at home.
Advertisement
But until now, little has been known about COVID-19 patients' recovery during home healthcare.
The new study suggests that, at least in New York City, they do well.
Researchers looked at records from more than 1,400 COVID-19 patients who were discharged from New York hospitals into care from the Visiting Nurse Service of New York -- a large nonprofit home health agency.
"When they entered home care, these patients were very sick," said lead researcher Kathryn Bowles, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
Advertisement
Overall, 84% still had trouble breathing with any exertion, while 42% had daily or constant pain. Half reported exhaustion, and just as many had anxiety symptoms. Most patients needed help with basics like bathing, dressing and moving around their home.
But by the time patients were discharged from home care, most were showing substantial improvements in those symptoms. And only 10% ended up in the hospital again.
Nearly all patients -- 94% -- were discharged, after an average of one month of home care. One percent of patients died, while others had to remain in home care for a longer term.
There was no comparison group of patients who did not receive home care. But on the whole, Bowles said, the findings "shine a light on the value of home healthcare."
In general, home care involves visits from nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers, depending on the patient's needs.
For some, Bowles said, home care might allow a quicker hospital discharge. For others, it might be an alternative to being discharged to a skilled nursing facility or other institution.
But while the study patients mostly fared well in the end, the findings highlight a broader problem: COVID-19 can cause debilitating problems that require weeks to months of recovery.
Advertisement
"Death is not the only bad outcome of this disease," said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, a professor of infectious diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston.
"In our clinic, we see young people with heart damage, lung damage and exacerbation of mental health conditions," said Ostrosky, who was not involved with the study.
The point that younger adults can suffer long-term consequences from COVID-19 is an important one, according to Ostrosky.
Many of the patients in Bowles' study were older adults, but 43% were younger than 65.
Ostrosky agreed that home healthcare can be an important part of hospitalized COVID-19 patients' recovery. At his hospital, he said, patients are considered candidates for home care based on two broad measures -- whether they are ready for it medically, and whether they and their families feel ready.
Ostrosky also agreed that home care can help free up needed hospital beds. But, he stressed, "no hospital will put patients in danger in order to discharge them sooner."
Bowles said it's important for patients and families to understand what home care is. "Sometimes patients say things like, 'I don't need it. My wife will take care of me,'" she said. "But this is skilled care from nurses and therapists."
Advertisement
A limitation of the study is that patients received care from a single home health agency. It's not clear whether the outcomes of COVID-19 patients elsewhere would be the same.
Insurance coverage of home healthcare varies, too. Most patients in this study were on Medicare or Medicaid, which have their own rules about coverage, while around one-quarter had private insurance.
On the other hand, the study group was diverse; the majority of patients were Black or Hispanic -- two groups hard-hit by the pandemic.
At this point, Bowles said, it's not clear how often U.S. COVID-19 patients are being discharged into home care. Government figures from June put the rate at only 11%.
That suggests home care is being underused, Bowles said.
The study was published online this month in Annals of Internal Medicine.
The Medicare Rights Center has more on home healthcare.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-03--Brant Daugherty, wife Kim 'thrilled' to be expecting first child

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Pretty Little Liars alum Brant Daugherty is going to be a dad .
E !
News confirmed Wednesday that Daugherty , 34 , is expecting his first child with his wife , actress Kim Daugherty .
`` We 're thrilled our family is growing ! ''
the couple said in a statement .
`` We 've been patiently waiting to share the news and are looking forward to meeting the little one in the Spring . ''
Daugherty and Kim Daugherty told People they are `` both ready for the next chapter . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives where we are ready and excited to be parents , '' Kim Daugherty said .
`` It 's something we both knew we wanted .
It 's so special to start a family of our own . ''
`` When we were first dating and thinking about being exclusive , we had a talk about what we wanted for the future .
Marriage and kids were high on the list , '' Daugherty added .
`` It 's exciting to be at this point now , so far along in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married in June 2019 .
Daugherty expressed his gratitude for Kim Daugherty and their life together while celebrating Thanksgiving last week .
`` 2020 was nothing like I thought it would be ... but there 's still so much to be thankful for .
This year I 'm thankful for my beautiful wife , our crazy doggos and this feast , '' he wrote on Instagram .
Daugherty and Kim Daugherty co-wrote and star in the 2019 holiday film A Christmas Movie Christmas .
Daugherty played Noel Kahn on Pretty Little Liars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Pretty Little Liars alum Brant Daugherty is going to be a dad.
E! News confirmed Wednesday that Daugherty, 34, is expecting his first child with his wife, actress Kim Daugherty.
Advertisement
"We're thrilled our family is growing!" the couple said in a statement. "We've been patiently waiting to share the news and are looking forward to meeting the little one in the Spring."
Daugherty and Kim Daugherty told People they are "both ready for the next chapter."
"We're at that point in our lives where we are ready and excited to be parents," Kim Daugherty said. "It's something we both knew we wanted. It's so special to start a family of our own."
"When we were first dating and thinking about being exclusive, we had a talk about what we wanted for the future. Marriage and kids were high on the list," Daugherty added. "It's exciting to be at this point now, so far along in the plan."
Advertisement
Daugherty and Kim Daugherty married in June 2019. Daugherty expressed his gratitude for Kim Daugherty and their life together while celebrating Thanksgiving last week.
"2020 was nothing like I thought it would be... but there's still so much to be thankful for. This year I'm thankful for my beautiful wife, our crazy doggos and this feast," he wrote on Instagram.
Daugherty and Kim Daugherty co-wrote and star in the 2019 holiday film A Christmas Movie Christmas. Daugherty played Noel Kahn on Pretty Little Liars, which aired from 2010 to 2017.


upi--2020-12-03--Watch: Kate Winslet to play 'water goddess' in 'Avatar' sequels

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Kate Winslet will play a `` water goddess '' in the Avatar sequels .
During Wednesday 's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , Winslet , 45 , discussed her character in Avatar 2 and 3 and training to hold her breath for underwater scenes .
Host Stephen Colbert showed a photo of Winslet , released in October , that shows Winslet filming underwater while wearing a pair of fabric wings .
Colbert asked Winslet to describe her experience .
`` They were really heavy , can I just tell you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ create definite movement underwater with a piece of fabric ... they had to really weight everything down , '' the star said of the wings .
`` So I 've also got weights around my waist , as well as my neck , actually , '' she added .
`` A neck weight to just hold me down . ''
Winslet said she was filming a scene where her character performs a `` birth-giving ceremony . ''
`` That 's actually a birth-giving ceremony that my character , who is a water goddess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We all held our breath and went underwater and gave birth . ''
Winslet trained to hold her breath for the underwater scenes and confirmed her longest breath hold was 7 minutes , 14 seconds .
`` It 's not the kind of thing I could just jump in a bathtub and do right now .
You have to prepare your body , '' the actress said .
`` It 's quite complicated , but I did it . ''
`` I thought I died , '' she added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I was like , am I dead , am I dead , I 've died , I 'm dead , I 'm dead , I 'm dead . ''
The Avatar cast and crew started production on the sequels in New Zealand in June .
There are four planned sequels to the original 2009 film , directed by James Cameron .
Cameron will return to helm the sequels .
Avatar 2 will open in theaters in December 2022 .
The movie co-stars Sam Worthington , Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver .
Winslet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the film Ammonite , which will premiere Friday on VOD services .
The movie follows the romance between a 19th century paleontologist ( Winslet ) and a geologist ( Ronan ) .

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Kate Winslet will play a "water goddess" in the Avatar sequels.
During Wednesday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Winslet, 45, discussed her character in Avatar 2 and 3 and training to hold her breath for underwater scenes.
Advertisement
Host Stephen Colbert showed a photo of Winslet, released in October, that shows Winslet filming underwater while wearing a pair of fabric wings. Colbert asked Winslet to describe her experience.
"They were really heavy, can I just tell you. They were really heavy, because to create definite movement underwater with a piece of fabric ... they had to really weight everything down," the star said of the wings.
"So I've also got weights around my waist, as well as my neck, actually," she added. "A neck weight to just hold me down."
Winslet said she was filming a scene where her character performs a "birth-giving ceremony."
"That's actually a birth-giving ceremony that my character, who is a water goddess, is essentially hosting," she said. "We all held our breath and went underwater and gave birth."
Winslet trained to hold her breath for the underwater scenes and confirmed her longest breath hold was 7 minutes, 14 seconds.
Advertisement
"It's not the kind of thing I could just jump in a bathtub and do right now. You have to prepare your body," the actress said. "It's quite complicated, but I did it."
"I thought I died," she added. "I mean, I surfaced, and I was like, am I dead, am I dead, I've died, I'm dead, I'm dead, I'm dead."
From Kate Winslet's recent interview in @THR: "I had to learn how to free-dive to play that role in Avatar, and that was just incredible. My longest breath hold was seven minutes and 14 seconds, like crazy, crazy stuff." pic.twitter.com/ZYAmZdNgHS— Avatar (@officialavatar) October 26, 2020
The Avatar cast and crew started production on the sequels in New Zealand in June. There are four planned sequels to the original 2009 film, directed by James Cameron. Cameron will return to helm the sequels.
Avatar 2 will open in theaters in December 2022. The movie co-stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver.
Winslet will next star with Saoirse Ronan in the film Ammonite, which will premiere Friday on VOD services. The movie follows the romance between a 19th century paleontologist (Winslet) and a geologist (Ronan).


upi--2020-12-03--Voyager 1 and 2 detect new kind of solar electron burst

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Data collected by the Voyager spacecraft , Voyager 1 and 2 , has revealed a new type of solar electron burst -- the satellites ' instruments detected speeding cosmic ray electrons accelerated by shock waves produced by solar eruptions .
The phenomenon was described Thursday in the Astrophysical Journal by a team of physicists led by the University of Iowa .
The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977 .
In 2012 , Voyager 1 left the heliosphere and entered interstellar space .
Its younger sibling , Voyager 2 , escaped the solar system in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 billion miles from the sun , farther than any human-built objects .
While traveling through interstellar space , the two craft observed electrons accelerating along magnetic field lines , some moving 670 times faster than the shock waves that initially triggered their acceleration .
The cosmic burst events were followed by plasma wave oscillations , detected by the same instruments several days after the electrons zipped past the spacecraft .
The shockwaves that accelerated the electron bursts detected by Voyager 1 and 2 were produced by coronal mass ejections from the sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and energy at speeds one million miles per hour .
It took more than a year for the shockwaves emanating from the sun to reach the two Voyager spacecraft .
`` What we see here specifically is a certain mechanism whereby when the shock wave first contacts the interstellar magnetic field lines passing through the spacecraft , it reflects and accelerates some of the cosmic ray electrons , '' Don Gurnett , the study 's corresponding author , said in a news release .
`` We have identified through the cosmic ray instruments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerated by interstellar shocks propagating outward from energetic solar events at the sun .
That is a new mechanism , '' said Gurnett , a professor of physics and astronomy at Iowa .
Previously , physicists have been forced to study only cosmic ray bursts moving the opposite direction -- those propelled toward Earth by explosions on distant variable stars .
Researchers suggest the detections made by Voyager 1 and 2 could help scientists better understand the physics underlying the propulsion of shock waves and cosmic radiation .
Scientists suspect electrons are first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the bow of the shockwave , and subsequently accelerated by the motion of the shockwave itself .
The reflected and accelerated electrons zip along interstellar magnetic field lines , getting faster as they separate from the shockwave .
This theoretical sequence of events has previously been described in the scientific literature , but -- for obvious reasons -- has never before detected in interstellar space .
`` The idea that shock waves accelerate particles is not new , '' Gurnett said .
`` It all has to do with how it works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we detected it in a new realm , the interstellar medium , which is much different than in the solar wind where similar processes have been observed .
`` No one has seen it with an interstellar shock wave , in a whole new pristine medium , '' Gurnett said .

Voyager 1 and 2 are more than 14 billion miles form the sun, farther away than any other human-made object has ever travelled. Photo by NASA/JPL
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Data collected by the Voyager spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, has revealed a new type of solar electron burst -- the satellites' instruments detected speeding cosmic ray electrons accelerated by shock waves produced by solar eruptions. The phenomenon was described Thursday in the Astrophysical Journal by a team of physicists led by the University of Iowa. Advertisement
The Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977. In 2012, Voyager 1 left the heliosphere and entered interstellar space. Its younger sibling, Voyager 2, escaped the solar system in 2018.
The two probes are now 14 billion miles from the sun, farther than any human-built objects.
While traveling through interstellar space, the two craft observed electrons accelerating along magnetic field lines, some moving 670 times faster than the shock waves that initially triggered their acceleration.
The cosmic burst events were followed by plasma wave oscillations, detected by the same instruments several days after the electrons zipped past the spacecraft.
The shockwaves that accelerated the electron bursts detected by Voyager 1 and 2 were produced by coronal mass ejections from the sun. These solar explosions propel hot gas and energy at speeds one million miles per hour.
Advertisement
It took more than a year for the shockwaves emanating from the sun to reach the two Voyager spacecraft.
"What we see here specifically is a certain mechanism whereby when the shock wave first contacts the interstellar magnetic field lines passing through the spacecraft, it reflects and accelerates some of the cosmic ray electrons," Don Gurnett, the study's corresponding author, said in a news release.
"We have identified through the cosmic ray instruments these are electrons that were reflected and accelerated by interstellar shocks propagating outward from energetic solar events at the sun. That is a new mechanism," said Gurnett, a professor of physics and astronomy at Iowa.
Previously, physicists have been forced to study only cosmic ray bursts moving the opposite direction -- those propelled toward Earth by explosions on distant variable stars.
Researchers suggest the detections made by Voyager 1 and 2 could help scientists better understand the physics underlying the propulsion of shock waves and cosmic radiation.
Scientists suspect electrons are first reflected off a localized magnetic field strengthened by the bow of the shockwave, and subsequently accelerated by the motion of the shockwave itself.
The reflected and accelerated electrons zip along interstellar magnetic field lines, getting faster as they separate from the shockwave.
Advertisement
This theoretical sequence of events has previously been described in the scientific literature, but -- for obvious reasons -- has never before detected in interstellar space.
"The idea that shock waves accelerate particles is not new," Gurnett said. "It all has to do with how it works, the mechanism - and the fact we detected it in a new realm, the interstellar medium, which is much different than in the solar wind where similar processes have been observed.
"No one has seen it with an interstellar shock wave, in a whole new pristine medium," Gurnett said.


upi--2020-12-03--COVID-19 deaths, patients in hospital at record levels amid 200K new U.S. cases

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus cases , deaths and hospitalizations all have reached historic levels in the United States , according to updated data Thursday .
There were about 200,000 new cases nationwide on Wednesday , the data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University shows -- along with close to 3,200 coronavirus-related deaths , the most ever recorded for a single day .
Wednesday was just the second day to see more than 200,000 new cases and the first with more than 3,000 deaths .
The previous record toll for one day , 2,600 , came in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has surpassed 100,000 for the first time , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
About a fifth of those patients are in intensive care .
Since the start of the pandemic , there have been 13.93 million coronavirus cases and 273,900 deaths in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins .
Health providers are concerned about strains on the system that are emerging now , and will continue to arise over the winter .
`` The reality is December and January and February are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield said Wednesday at an event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce .
Noting that about 90 % of hospitals are in `` hot zones '' and `` red zones , '' Redfield said the next few months will be `` the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation , largely because of the stress that 's going to be put on our healthcare system . ''
Redfield warned that the national death toll could be close to 450,000 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has said the city is projected to run out of hospital bed space by Christmas .
Imposing new restrictions in response to the surge in cases , Garcetti strongly urged residents to prepare for a `` long , hard winter . ''
`` My message could n't be simpler , '' he said .
`` It 's time to hunker down .
It 's time to cancel everything .
And if it is n't essential , do n't do it . ''
Los Angeles County saw thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
In Missouri and Illinois , hospitals in metro St. Louis say hospital beds are in short supply .
Dr. Christopher Farrar , medical director at Anderson Hospital in Maryville , Ill. , said the spread puts all patients at risk .
`` This recent spike in cases has put a strain on the number of available hospital beds , in particular ICU beds , which could impact the care of patients including those who have non-COVID illnesses , '' Farrar told WLS-TV .

A masked man is pictured feeding a flock of pigeons on Fifth Avenue in New York City on November 19. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations all have reached historic levels in the United States, according to updated data Thursday. There were about 200,000 new cases nationwide on Wednesday, data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University shows -- along with close to 3,200 coronavirus-related deaths, the most ever recorded for a single day. Advertisement
Wednesday was the second day to see more than 200,000 new cases and the first with more than 3,000 deaths. The previous record toll for one day, 2,600, came in April.
In another grim milestone, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, according to the COVID Tracking Project. About a fifth of those patients are in intensive care.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 13.93 million coronavirus cases and 273,900 deaths in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins.
Advertisement
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will hold his first meeting with President-elect Joe Biden's transition team on Thursday.
"I'm going to be meeting with them today, by Zoom, virtually, so today will be the first day where there will be substantive discussions about the transition between me and the Biden team," Fauci told CBS News.
"I'm very pleased that today we're having the first discussion about a number of things, vaccinations and things like that."
Health providers are concerned about strains on the system that are emerging now, and will continue to arise over the winter.
"The reality is December and January and February are going to be rough times," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield said Wednesday at an event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Noting that about 90% of hospitals are in "hot zones" and "red zones," Redfield said the next few months will be "the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation, largely because of the stress that's going to be put on our healthcare system."
Advertisement
Redfield warned that the national death toll could be close to 450,000 by the end of January.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new lockdown rules to go into effect in regions if ICU capacities reach a certain threshold. A three-week stay-at-home order will be implemented if a region drops below 15% ICU capacity.
Under the new orders, bars, wineries, personal services, hair salons and barber shops will close.
"No regions have been placed into this Regional Stay-At-Home Order at this time," Newsom tweeted. "Remember: this is temporary. Hope is on the way. Relief is on the way. A vaccine is coming -- with first doses arriving in the next few weeks. We can get through this -- together."
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has said the city is projected to run out of hospital bed space by Christmas.
Imposing new restrictions in response to the surge in cases, Garcetti strongly urged residents to prepare for a "long, hard winter."
"My message couldn't be simpler," he said. "It's time to hunker down. It's time to cancel everything. And if it isn't essential, don't do it."
Los Angeles County saw thousands of new cases on Wednesday following a record-high on Tuesday.
Advertisement
In Missouri and Illinois, hospitals in metro St. Louis say hospital beds are in short supply.
Dr. Christopher Farrar, medical director at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill., said the spread puts all patients at risk.
"This recent spike in cases has put a strain on the number of available hospital beds, in particular ICU beds, which could impact the care of patients including those who have non-COVID illnesses," Farrar told WLS-TV.


upi--2020-12-03--Watch: George Clooney says 'Midnight Sky' is about 'regret' and 'redemption'

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- George Clooney appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss his upcoming Netflix film , sci-fi drama Midnight Sky .
Clooney stars in and directed Midnight Sky , which comes to Netflix and select theaters on Dec. 23 .
The actor portrays a lonely scientist in the Arctic who is trying to stop Felicity Jones and a team of astronauts from returning home to a global catastrophe .
`` It 's a film about regret and about redemption .
And about all those sort of other elements .
It had very little to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space or being out on the Arctic , '' Clooney said .
`` It 's really about sort of coming to terms with what we 're capable of doing to one another if we do n't pay attention , '' he continued before acknowledging that the film relates to the COVID-19 pandemic despite the fact that filming completed before the pandemic kicked into high-gear .
`` It 's nothing we 're proud of to be timely on this film .
There is a huge part of the story which is about our inability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To be with the people you love and to talk to them and see them , '' Clooney said .
Clooney also discussed how he cuts his own hair using a Flowbee and how his 3-year-old twins that he shares with wife Amal Clooney , daughter Ella and son Alexander , can speak fluent Italian .
`` We did a really dumb thing , which is they speak fluent Italian .
I mean fluent Italian at three .
But I do n't speak Italian , my wife does n't speak Italian , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Clooney said .

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- George Clooney appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss his upcoming Netflix film, sci-fi drama Midnight Sky.
Clooney stars in and directed Midnight Sky, which comes to Netflix and select theaters on Dec. 23. The actor portrays a lonely scientist in the Arctic who is trying to stop Felicity Jones and a team of astronauts from returning home to a global catastrophe.
Advertisement
"It's a film about regret and about redemption. And about all those sort of other elements. It had very little to do with sort of the idea of being in space or being out on the Arctic," Clooney said.
"It's really about sort of coming to terms with what we're capable of doing to one another if we don't pay attention," he continued before acknowledging that the film relates to the COVID-19 pandemic despite the fact that filming completed before the pandemic kicked into high-gear.
"It's nothing we're proud of to be timely on this film. There is a huge part of the story which is about our inability to communicate and to be home. To be with the people you love and to talk to them and see them," Clooney said.
Advertisement
Clooney also discussed how he cuts his own hair using a Flowbee and how his 3-year-old twins that he shares with wife Amal Clooney, daughter Ella and son Alexander, can speak fluent Italian.
"We did a really dumb thing, which is they speak fluent Italian. I mean fluent Italian at three. But I don't speak Italian, my wife doesn't speak Italian, so we've armed them with a language," Clooney said.


upi--2020-12-03--Neymar scores twice, leads PSG over Manchester United in Champions League

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Brazilian striker Neymar Jr. scored twice to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a vital victory over Manchester United in the group stage of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League .
The 3-1 win on Wednesday in Manchester , England , puts PSG , United and RB Leipzig in a three-way tie atop Group H as the tournament heads into the final round of group play prior to the knockout stage .
`` It 's a great win , '' PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes told the team website .
`` It 's what we came here to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very beginning of our preparation .
`` Mission accomplished , we are very happy .
We knew how important it was to win [ Wednesday ] .
It was down to us and we managed to ensure that our destiny remains in our own hands . ''
Neymar and fellow PSG forward Kylian Mbappe teamed up on the first score .
Mbappe dribbled up the right flank before he did a give-and-go pass sequence with Neymar and received the ball back at the top of the box .
Mbappe then ripped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the defense .
Neymar then tracked down the rebound and used his first touch to blast a shot by Red Devils keeper David de Gea in the 6th minute .
Red Devils forward Marcus Rashford then scored an equalizer in the 32nd minute .
Right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka sent Rashford a pass while he stood about 20 yards from the net during that play .
Rashford then ripped a shot , which deflected off a defender and slipped by PSG keeper Keylor Navas to level the score .
The score remained tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSG ahead in the 69th minute .
Left back Abdou Diallo collected a pass in traffic after a PSG corner kick during that play .
He then sent a pass to Marquinhos , who kicked a shot into the goal from point-blank range .
Neymar scored the final goal of the game in the first minute of stoppage game .
PSG first raced out into transition before midfielder Rafinha received a short pass in the box .
Rafinha drew several defenders before he found Neymar standing by himself about 6 yards from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch to send a shot into the empty net for PSG 's third score .
`` We should have been more clinical , of course , we know that , '' Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said .
`` More quality with the finish and then you 're celebrating .
But that 's football .
`` It 's always decided in the boxes with that quality .
Sometimes it goes for you , sometimes against you and definitely [ on Wednesday ] it went against us .
We did n't deserve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Ligue 1 match at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday in Montpellier , France , before another Champions League game against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday in Paris .
Manchester United battles West Ham in the Premier League at 12:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in London .
The Red Devils return to the Champions League group stage for a match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday in Leipzig , Germany .

Neymar scored a goal in each half of PSG's win over Manchester United in the group stage of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in Manchester, England. Photo by Peter Powell/EPA-EFE
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Brazilian striker Neymar Jr. scored twice to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a vital victory over Manchester United in the group stage of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League. The 3-1 win on Wednesday in Manchester, England, puts PSG, United and RB Leipzig in a three-way tie atop Group H as the tournament heads into the final round of group play prior to the knockout stage. Advertisement
"It's a great win," PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes told the team website. "It's what we came here to get. It was our objective from the very beginning of our preparation.
"Mission accomplished, we are very happy. We knew how important it was to win [Wednesday]. It was down to us and we managed to ensure that our destiny remains in our own hands."
Advertisement
Neymar and fellow PSG forward Kylian Mbappe teamed up on the first score. Mbappe dribbled up the right flank before he did a give-and-go pass sequence with Neymar and received the ball back at the top of the box. Mbappe then ripped a shot, but it was deflected away by the defense.
Neymar then tracked down the rebound and used his first touch to blast a shot by Red Devils keeper David de Gea in the 6th minute.
Red Devils forward Marcus Rashford then scored an equalizer in the 32nd minute. Right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka sent Rashford a pass while he stood about 20 yards from the net during that play. Rashford then ripped a shot, which deflected off a defender and slipped by PSG keeper Keylor Navas to level the score.
The score remained tied through the halftime whistle before Marquinhos put PSG ahead in the 69th minute. Left back Abdou Diallo collected a pass in traffic after a PSG corner kick during that play. He then sent a pass to Marquinhos, who kicked a shot into the goal from point-blank range.
Neymar scored the final goal of the game in the first minute of stoppage game. PSG first raced out into transition before midfielder Rafinha received a short pass in the box. Rafinha drew several defenders before he found Neymar standing by himself about 6 yards from the goal. Neymar then used his first touch to send a shot into the empty net for PSG's third score.
Advertisement
"We should have been more clinical, of course, we know that," Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. "More quality with the finish and then you're celebrating. But that's football.
"It's always decided in the boxes with that quality. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you and definitely [on Wednesday] it went against us. We didn't deserve to lose."
PSG faces Montpellier in a Ligue 1 match at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday in Montpellier, France, before another Champions League game against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday in Paris.
Manchester United battles West Ham in the Premier League at 12:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in London. The Red Devils return to the Champions League group stage for a match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday in Leipzig, Germany.


upi--2020-12-03--In Photos: Scenes from the holiday season

The world heads into a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people preparing for the holidays in the @ @ @ @ @ world .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-12-03--In photos: New York lights Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

The Christmas tree lights are turned on for the first time at Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @

The Christmas tree lights are turned on for the first time at Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-12-03--OPEC expected to cut oil production after stalled talks

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- OPEC members will meet Thursday to aim for an agreement to extend cuts in oil production after discussions ended in stalemate earlier this week .
Negotiations fell apart on Tuesday when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries failed to reach a compromise detailing production .
The oil industry has been hampered for months by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on air travel and vehicle traffic .
OPEC+ , which is comprised of 23 member nations and allies , is expected to prolong production cuts of 7.7 million barrels per day through at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely Thursday and could agree to a small production increase , The Wall Street Journal reported .
The small hike , a compromise between Russia and Saudi Arabia , could amount to an additional 500,000 barrels per day , starting in January .
OPEC agreed in the spring to an increase of 2 million barrels a day at the start of 2021 after months of production cuts .
`` Ministers are inching closer to a compromise that should break the impasse , '' Amrita Sen , Energy Aspects Ltd. 's co-founder , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more limited adjustment to the current deal than the proposed three-month delay . ''

An oil tanker truck deposits 9,000 gallons of gasoline at a fueling station in South Florida. Gas prices worldwide have fallen on weaker demand this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- OPEC members will meet Thursday to aim for an agreement to extend cuts in oil production after discussions ended in stalemate earlier this week. Negotiations fell apart on Tuesday when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries failed to reach a compromise detailing production. The oil industry has been hampered for months by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on air travel and vehicle traffic. Advertisement
OPEC+, which is comprised of 23 member nations and allies, is expected to prolong production cuts of 7.7 million barrels per day through at least March.
The group will meet remotely Thursday and could agree to a small production increase, The Wall Street Journal reported. The small hike, a compromise between Russia and Saudi Arabia, could amount to an additional 500,000 barrels per day, starting in January.
OPEC agreed in the spring to an increase of 2 million barrels a day at the start of 2021 after months of production cuts.
"Ministers are inching closer to a compromise that should break the impasse," Amrita Sen, Energy Aspects Ltd.'s co-founder, said. "OPEC+ officials are debating a more limited adjustment to the current deal than the proposed three-month delay."
Advertisement


upi--2020-12-03--Champions League soccer: Giroud scores four as Chelsea sinks Sevilla

Dec. 3 ( UPI ) -- Veteran forward Olivier Giroud scored four goals -- with three in the second half -- in Chelsea 's dominant 4-0 win over Sevilla FC in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League .
Giroud found the net in the 8th , 54th , 74th and 83rd minutes of the shutout on Wednesday at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville , Spain .
The Blues have now clinched Group E with four wins , a draw and no losses .
`` When I 'm on the pitch I 'm the happiest man , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to be patient , keep the faith and bring something else to the team .
`` It is always special to play in the Champions League and it was an important game to finish first in the group , so I 'm pleased to help the team to win . ''
Blues right wing Kai Havertz received the ball just behind midfield while in transition to spark the first scoring sequence .
Havertz first took a quick turn before he dribbled up the right flank .
He then sent a short pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Blues striker put the ball on his left foot before he sent a shot over Sevilla keeper Alfonso Pastor and into the left side of the net .
Chelsea held the narrow lead through halftime before Giroud doubled the advantage nine minutes into the second frame .
Left wing Mateo Kovacic sparked the Blues ' second score .
The midfielder received a pass at the top of the Sevilla box at the start of that play before he turned and slapped a through ball into the box for Giroud .
Giroud then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he chipped Pastor for another score .
N'Golo Kante assisted Giroud 's third score about 20 minutes later .
Kante raced up the right flank during that play before he chipped a cross into the box .
Giroud put his head on the pass to flick a shot over Pastor and into the middle of the goal .
Giroud 's final score came on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute .
He was tripped up in the box by a defender to prompt the attempt .
Giroud then stepped up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right side of the net for the final score of the night .
`` It was an amazing performance , to score four goals at this level , the Champions League level , and against a really good opponent , '' Blues manager Frank Lampard said .
`` The individual quality of all of his goals -- I know the last one was a penalty -- but the team quality of the goals and his individual input were good to see .
`` Four goals , rightly he got a standing ovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm delighted for him . ''
Chelsea hosts Leeds United in a Premier League match at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday at Stamford Bridge in London .
The Blues then battle Krasnodar in their final group stage match of the Champions League at 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday in London .

Chelsea's Oliver Giroud (3) now has five goals in his last three games after he scored four times in a Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday in Seville, Spain. Photo by Julio Munoz/EPA-EFE
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Veteran forward Olivier Giroud scored four goals -- with three in the second half -- in Chelsea's dominant 4-0 win over Sevilla FC in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Giroud found the net in the 8th, 54th, 74th and 83rd minutes of the shutout on Wednesday at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, Spain. The Blues have now clinched Group E with four wins, a draw and no losses. Advertisement
"When I'm on the pitch I'm the happiest man," Giroud told ChelseaFC.com. "I just try to be patient, keep the faith and bring something else to the team.
"It is always special to play in the Champions League and it was an important game to finish first in the group, so I'm pleased to help the team to win."
Blues right wing Kai Havertz received the ball just behind midfield while in transition to spark the first scoring sequence. Havertz first took a quick turn before he dribbled up the right flank. He then sent a short pass to his right to find Giroud.
Advertisement
The Blues striker put the ball on his left foot before he sent a shot over Sevilla keeper Alfonso Pastor and into the left side of the net.
Chelsea held the narrow lead through halftime before Giroud doubled the advantage nine minutes into the second frame.
Left wing Mateo Kovacic sparked the Blues' second score. The midfielder received a pass at the top of the Sevilla box at the start of that play before he turned and slapped a through ball into the box for Giroud. Giroud then took a series of quick touches before he chipped Pastor for another score.
N'Golo Kante assisted Giroud's third score about 20 minutes later. Kante raced up the right flank during that play before he chipped a cross into the box. Giroud put his head on the pass to flick a shot over Pastor and into the middle of the goal.
Giroud's final score came on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute. He was tripped up in the box by a defender to prompt the attempt. Giroud then stepped up to the penalty mark and blasted a shot into the right side of the net for the final score of the night.
Advertisement
"It was an amazing performance, to score four goals at this level, the Champions League level, and against a really good opponent," Blues manager Frank Lampard said. "The individual quality of all of his goals -- I know the last one was a penalty -- but the team quality of the goals and his individual input were good to see.
"Four goals, rightly he got a standing ovation as he came off the pitch. I'm delighted for him."
Chelsea hosts Leeds United in a Premier League match at 3 p.m. EST on Saturday at Stamford Bridge in London. The Blues then battle Krasnodar in their final group stage match of the Champions League at 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday in London.