upi--2020-01-23--Individual action matters on climate crisis

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Climate change no longer seems just a future threat .
In 2019 , major fires in Australia , Russia and California burned over 13.5 million hectares of land -- an area four times greater than the size of Belgium .
Major floods and cyclones displaced over 4 million people in Bangladesh , India and Iran , while entire townships were laid to waste by storms such as Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas .
This year , things show no sign of letting up : The Australian fires continue , Greenland ice sheets are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice , and thawing Arctic permafrost is causing positive feedback effects that will intensify climate heating and future impacts .
In the face of such a global catastrophe , it can seem futile to take any action , individually .
Over 36 billion tons of CO₂ are emitted globally every year , with each of us responsible for a fraction of this ( for example , each person in the United Kingdom is responsible for around 5.8 tons ; each person in India 1.8 tons ) .
Even if we reduce personal CO₂ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who might not , plus a vast global economic system whose trajectory seems immovable .
It seems unlikely that our lone actions and voices can really make a difference .
But our actions do matter .
The global environment is withering from the accumulation of billions of small impacts .
Each of our individual purchases or travel choices is a vote for how we treat other people and the natural world , and even if we do n't directly see the results , our votes do count .
Our choices ripple across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create seemingly unstoppable tidal waves of destruction .
And those big global institutions that seem so powerful are actually just made up from our collective worldviews ( past and present ) .
We are not individuals fighting against some kind of faceless system : We are the system that needs to change .
As I explore in my new book The Self Delusion , scientific evidence from a wide range of disciplines shows that we are not isolated individuals , despite often perceiving ourselves this way .
There are many ways in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start with , most of our 37 trillion human cells have such a short lifespan that we are essentially made anew every few months , directed by a genetic code that is a shared heritage not just of humanity but all life on Earth .
Our minds , meanwhile , are deeply influenced by other people -- every word , touch , pheromone received from others alters the neural network in your brains , so you can not really call yourself the same person you were when you woke up this morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that we are linked together so closely that ideas , behaviors and preferences flow between us in a way that makes it unclear where one mind ends and another begins .
What 's more , new research in the field of environmental psychology finds that when we acknowledge this interconnectedness , we care more for others and the natural world .
This idea was first speculated by `` deep ecology '' philosophers such as Arne Naess and has now been confirmed through modern quantitative surveys .
When people feel more connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to have greater happiness , autonomy and personal growth , as well as stronger attitudes and behaviors toward protecting the environment .
Similarly , when people score highly on metrics assessing social connectedness , they tend to have lower anxiety , greater well-being and more empathy .
To gain all these benefits , we need a change of mindset .
It is often said that when we are young and optimistic , we strive to change the world around us , but when we are older and wiser , we realize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves instead .
Yet to solve the major environmental problems the world now faces , we actually need to do both -- to change the world and ourselves .
In fact , it is even more nuanced than that -- because changing ourselves is a prerequisite for changing the world .
Realizing the true nature of our human connectedness actually engenders more ethical and environmentally responsible behaviors .
So how do we achieve this ?
Once again , recent scientific research can help by identifying the most effective approaches .
Outdoor community activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connectedness to others and the natural world , as do meditation and similar practices .
Even computer games and books can be designed to increase empathy .
These offer empowering ways to become part of something bigger , to overcome the delusion of individual isolation .
So although the impact of a lone individual to tackle climate change is negligible , fortunately , you are not just a lone individual -- you are part of something much greater .
We are deeply connected to one another at both a physical and psychological level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged , we act differently , becoming more compassionate and caring for each other and the environment .
Our interconnectedness also means that positive behaviors can cascade to influence many others .
When we consider ourselves part of a collective , we can tackle the climate crisis .
Tom Oliver is a professor of applied ecology at the University of Reading .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

Protesters urge action on climate change outside Los Angeles City Hall on November 1. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Climate change no longer seems just a future threat. In 2019, major fires in Australia, Russia and California burned over 13.5 million hectares of land -- an area four times greater than the size of Belgium. Major floods and cyclones displaced over 4 million people in Bangladesh, India and Iran, while entire townships were laid to waste by storms such as Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. This year, things show no sign of letting up: The Australian fires continue, Greenland ice sheets are expected to lose another 267 billion tons of ice, and thawing Arctic permafrost is causing positive feedback effects that will intensify climate heating and future impacts. Advertisement
In the face of such a global catastrophe, it can seem futile to take any action, individually. Over 36 billion tons of CO₂ are emitted globally every year, with each of us responsible for a fraction of this (for example, each person in the United Kingdom is responsible for around 5.8 tons; each person in India 1.8 tons). Even if we reduce personal CO₂ emissions, there are billions of other people who might not, plus a vast global economic system whose trajectory seems immovable. It seems unlikely that our lone actions and voices can really make a difference.
Advertisement
But our actions do matter. The global environment is withering from the accumulation of billions of small impacts. Each of our individual purchases or travel choices is a vote for how we treat other people and the natural world, and even if we don't directly see the results, our votes do count.
Our choices ripple across the surface of the globe and accumulate to create seemingly unstoppable tidal waves of destruction. And those big global institutions that seem so powerful are actually just made up from our collective worldviews (past and present). We are not individuals fighting against some kind of faceless system: We are the system that needs to change.
Do individuals exist?
As I explore in my new book The Self Delusion, scientific evidence from a wide range of disciplines shows that we are not isolated individuals, despite often perceiving ourselves this way.
There are many ways in which this can be observed. To start with, most of our 37 trillion human cells have such a short lifespan that we are essentially made anew every few months, directed by a genetic code that is a shared heritage not just of humanity but all life on Earth.
Advertisement
Our minds, meanwhile, are deeply influenced by other people -- every word, touch, pheromone received from others alters the neural network in your brains, so you cannot really call yourself the same person you were when you woke up this morning. And the new science of social networks shows that we are linked together so closely that ideas, behaviors and preferences flow between us in a way that makes it unclear where one mind ends and another begins.
What's more, new research in the field of environmental psychology finds that when we acknowledge this interconnectedness, we care more for others and the natural world. This idea was first speculated by "deep ecology" philosophers such as Arne Naess and has now been confirmed through modern quantitative surveys.
When people feel more connected to nature according to various metrics, they tend to have greater happiness, autonomy and personal growth, as well as stronger attitudes and behaviors toward protecting the environment. Similarly, when people score highly on metrics assessing social connectedness, they tend to have lower anxiety, greater well-being and more empathy.
Collective change
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To gain all these benefits, we need a change of mindset. It is often said that when we are young and optimistic, we strive to change the world around us, but when we are older and wiser, we realize the futility of this and aspire to change ourselves instead.
Yet to solve the major environmental problems the world now faces, we actually need to do both -- to change the world and ourselves. In fact, it is even more nuanced than that -- because changing ourselves is a prerequisite for changing the world. Realizing the true nature of our human connectedness actually engenders more ethical and environmentally responsible behaviors.
So how do we achieve this? Once again, recent scientific research can help by identifying the most effective approaches. Outdoor community activities and environmental education increase both our psychological connectedness to others and the natural world, as do meditation and similar practices. Even computer games and books can be designed to increase empathy. These offer empowering ways to become part of something bigger, to overcome the delusion of individual isolation.
So although the impact of a lone individual to tackle climate change is negligible, fortunately, you are not just a lone individual -- you are part of something much greater. We are deeply connected to one another at both a physical and psychological level, and when that truth is genuinely acknowledged, we act differently, becoming more compassionate and caring for each other and the environment.
Advertisement
Our interconnectedness also means that positive behaviors can cascade to influence many others. When we consider ourselves part of a collective, we can tackle the climate crisis.
Tom Oliver is a professor of applied ecology at the University of Reading. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-01-23--Coronavirus: China expands travel ban to 2 more cities

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Chinese officials expanded travel restrictions Thursday to include two more cities , one of which was also ordered to lock down to mitigate the spread of a deadly coronavirus .
China has closed off access to the major port city of Wuhan , where the outbreak originated , but officials added Huanggang and Ezhou to the restricted list .
Huanggang , like Wuhan prevously , was also placed on lockdown .
Huanggang , 30 miles east of Wuhan , is home to 7 million people and Ezhou 1 million .
Chinese officials also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles leaving Wuhan , to prevent potentially infected persons from spreading the virus outside the restricted zone .
And drivers and conductors should all be monitored and disinfected , a notice said .
Earlier , Chinese scientists said the coronavirus may have originated with a snake .
The researchers published the findings in the Journal of Medical Virology , which says the virus most likely transferred to humans from the snake -- a many-banded krait or Chinese cobra .
Scientists conducted a sequence analysis of the virus isolated from a patient and compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two snakes -- which are common in southeastern China -- are most likely the source .
`` Our findings suggest that the snake is the most probable wildlife animal reservoir , '' the team wrote .
Researchers called for more investigation to confirm that snakes serve as reservoirs for the virus , but said their findings are `` highly significant for effective control of the outbreak . ''
Patients first became ill from the mystery virus last month that was later identified as a coronavirus the World Health Organization classifies as 2019-nCoV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ market in Wuhan , where a variety of live animals are sold , including snakes , chickens and bats .
The virus -- which is similar to that which caused a SARS outbreak that killed hundreds in China in the early 2000s -- has since jumped borders with cases reported in Japan , Thailand , South Korea , Hong Kong and the United States .
In China , at least 17 people have died and nearly 600 have become ill. Chinese officials placed Wuhan under partial lockdown ahead of the Lunar New Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel across the country .
The partial lockdown took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and halted all transportation in and out of the city .
Trains , airplanes , buses , subways and ferries have been grounded and highways have been closed .
`` People who do n't obey the requirements shall be dealt with by authorities in accordance with their respective duties and laws , '' the Wuhan government said in a statement .
The WHO will meet again Thursday to decide if the outbreak constitutes `` a public health emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team in China working with local experts and officials to investigate the outbreak , '' WHO Director-General Tedros Abhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday .
`` We will have much more to say [ Thursday ] . ''

Chinese wear protective respiratory masks in Beijing, China, on Wednesday. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- World Health Organization officials announced Thursday that they will not be declaring a public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC, in response to the coronavirus outbreak in China, despite the fact that isolated cases have surfaced in several other countries. "Do not take this decision today as a sign that WHO doesn't take this outbreak seriously," Tedros Adhanom, the organization's Director-General, said. "Nothing could be further from the truth." Advertisement
Adhanom said the international organization remains concerned about the outbreak in China, and understands that some in the region of the country that has been particularly affected already consider it a health emergency. However, it still doesn't meet the criteria for an "international" emergency -- although that could change as soon as Friday, as more data comes in.
Officials noted the outbreak is "still evolving," and they don't yet know the source of the virus or how it spreads.
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The WHO made the decision following an all-day meeting of its Emergency Committee. According to the committee's chair, Didier Houssin, members were "split 50/50" on whether or not to declare a PHEIC, but collectively the group opted for a cautious approach -- for now.
"We are committed to ending the outbreak as soon as possible," Adhanom said, adding that he could reconvene the emergency committee within days to reconsider declaring PHEIC, if the outbreak continues to worsen.
According to the committee, to date, all of the cases in areas outside China, where the virus was first identified, occurred in people who had traveled to the Asian nation. There have been no reports of human-to-human transmission outside of China, and all of the cases of human-to-human transmission there have involved family members and health workers caring for people already sickened with the virus, the added.
They also noted that Chinese officials have taken important steps to contain the virus. Adhanom lauded the country's surveillance system for lower respiratory tract infections, which first identified the coronavirus outbreak and enabled healthy authorities in the affected region to quickly implement containment measures. However, he urged officials in the country to continue sharing data with the WHO and other nations, particularly if the outbreak spread.
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Chinese officials on Thursday effectively placed three cities -- including Wuhan, where the outbreak began -- on lockdown. While the WHO didn't feel "travel and trade restrictions" were necessary at this time, they did strongly recommend exit screenings of travelers at international airports. The WHO has also provided health authorities in its member nations with guidance as to surveillance for coronavirus, and the organization is allocating resources to fund accelerated research and development into diagnostic tests, drug treatments and vaccines against the disease.
Huanggang, 30 miles east of Wuhan, is home to 7 million people and Ezhou 1 million.
To date, 584 cases of coronavirus have been reported to WHO, with 575 of them in China. All 17 deaths linked with the disease have been in China, and all of them occurred in people with compromised immune systems due to underlying health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Vietnam and Singapore also reported their first cases Thursday.
Earlier, Chinese scientists said the coronavirus may have originated with a snake. The researchers published the findings in the Journal of Medical Virology, which says the virus most likely transferred to humans from the snake -- a many-banded krait or Chinese cobra.
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Scientists conducted a sequence analysis of the virus isolated from a patient and compared it to other animals, determining the two snakes -- which are common in southeastern China -- are most likely the source.


upi--2020-01-23--In Photos: Moments from 2020 Paris Fashion Week

A model takes to the catwalk during Jean Paul Gaultier 's show as part of the presentations of the Spring/Summer @ @ @ @ @ Paris on Wednesday .
Photo by Eco Clement/UPI

A model takes to the catwalk during Jean Paul Gaultier's show as part of the presentations of the Spring/Summer 2020 High Fashion collections in Paris on Wednesday. Photo by Eco Clement/UPI


upi--2020-01-23--Shaq's son Shareef O'Neal leaving UCLA basketball program

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Shareef O'Neal , the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal , is leaving UCLA 's basketball program .
O'Neal announced his decision to transfer from the Bruins Wednesday night on social media .
The redshirt freshman committed to UCLA in February 2018 , after de-committing from Arizona .
The former four-star high school prospect sat out his first season after being diagnosed with a heart problem .
He had open heart surgery , before being cleared to return to play in March .
`` My parents have always taught me that transparency is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this spirit that I announced today my departure from the University of California Los Angeles , '' O'Neal wrote on Twitter and Instagram .
O'Neal -- who averaged 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench -- also thanked UCLA coach Mick Cronin , former coach Steve Alford , the Bruins medical staff and fans for assisting him during his time at the school .
`` A part of me will always be at UCLA figuratively and literally , '' O'Neal said .
O'Neal said he was `` looking forward to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his next destination .
Cronin met with O'Neal on Tuesday .
The first-year UCLA coach said the program `` fully supports '' O'Neal 's decision to leave the program and wishes him the best .

Shareef O'Neal (L) is the oldest son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, while son Shaqir O'Neal (R) plays basketball in high school. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Shareef O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, is leaving UCLA's basketball program. O'Neal announced his decision to transfer from the Bruins Wednesday night on social media. The redshirt freshman committed to UCLA in February 2018, after de-committing from Arizona. Advertisement
The former four-star high school prospect sat out his first season after being diagnosed with a heart problem. He had open heart surgery, before being cleared to return to play in March.
"My parents have always taught me that transparency is the best form of communication. It is in this spirit that I announced today my departure from the University of California Los Angeles," O'Neal wrote on Twitter and Instagram.
O'Neal -- who averaged 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench -- also thanked UCLA coach Mick Cronin, former coach Steve Alford, the Bruins medical staff and fans for assisting him during his time at the school.
"A part of me will always be at UCLA figuratively and literally," O'Neal said.
O'Neal said he was "looking forward to the next chapter" but did not announce his next destination.
Cronin met with O'Neal on Tuesday. The first-year UCLA coach said the program "fully supports" O'Neal's decision to leave the program and wishes him the best.


upi--2020-01-23--In photos: Highlights from the week of January 20, 2020 in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , who is running for the Democratic nomination for president , is interviewed by reporters @ @ @ @ @ Capitol .
All 100 senators are serving as jurors to decide whether to remove Trump @ @ @ @ @ by pressuring Ukraine for personal political favors .
Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI

Thousands participate in the annual March for Life, which marked the 47th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI


upi--2020-01-23--Watch: Colin Farrell says 'The Batman' script is 'beautiful, dark' on 'Kimmel'

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Colin Farrell discussed on Jimmy Kimmel Live his role as The Penguin in The Batman and how much he enjoyed the script for the upcoming superhero movie .
`` I 'm still in the process of talking to Matt Reeves who is the director and wrote the script and wrote a really , like really beautiful , dark , moving script .
Really gorgeous , '' Farrell said on Wednesday .
`` He has a real love for it Matt , so we 're still in the process of just finishing designing the aesthetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reference to how his Penguin look is still in development .
Farrell joked that he has about three weeks before he starts shooting , which should give him enough time to gain weight for the role .
The Penguin is normally portrayed as short and overweight .
The Batman , set to hit theaters on June 25 , 2021 , will also star Robert Pattinson as Batman , Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman , Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth , Paul Dano as The Riddler and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon .
Farrell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Gentlemen from director Guy Ritchie .
The film opens in theaters on Friday .
Matthew McConaughey , Charlie Hunnam , Henry Golding , Michelle Dockery , Jeremy Strong , Eddie Marsan and Hugh Grant also star .

Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Colin Farrell discussed on Jimmy Kimmel Live his role as The Penguin in The Batman and how much he enjoyed the script for the upcoming superhero movie.
"I'm still in the process of talking to Matt Reeves who is the director and wrote the script and wrote a really, like really beautiful, dark, moving script. Really gorgeous," Farrell said on Wednesday.
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"He has a real love for it Matt, so we're still in the process of just finishing designing the aesthetic of the character," he continued in reference to how his Penguin look is still in development.
Farrell joked that he has about three weeks before he starts shooting, which should give him enough time to gain weight for the role. The Penguin is normally portrayed as short and overweight.
The Batman, set to hit theaters on June 25, 2021, will also star Robert Pattinson as Batman, Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, Paul Dano as The Riddler and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon.
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Farrell will next be seen in crime drama The Gentlemen from director Guy Ritchie. The film opens in theaters on Friday. Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan and Hugh Grant also star.


upi--2020-01-23--Lakers' LeBron James nears Kobe Bryant on NBA scoring list

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- LeBron James is now just 45 points away from passing Kobe Bryant on the NBA 's all-time scoring list after netting 21 points in a Los Angeles Lakers win against the New York Knicks .
LeBron scored 19 points in the first half of the 100-92 win Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City .
His 33,599 career points currently rank fourth on the career points list .
`` He was inspiration for me ... he helped me before he even knew of me because of what he was able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Just to be able to share the same jersey he wore , be with this historical franchise and represent the purple and gold [ Lakers ] is very humbling . ''
Anthony Davis scored a game-high 28 points in the Lakers ' win .
Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 20 points .
The Lakers led 28-25 after the first quarter , fueled by 10 points from James and nine points from Davis .
The Knicks fought back to tie the score at 48-48 at halftime .
Davis was held to two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James added nine points in the frame .
The Lakers held a 76-70 lead entering the fourth quarter , before finishing off the Knicks down the stretch .
James also had six rebounds , five steals and five assists in the win .
Damyean Dotson scored 17 points off the bench for the Knicks .
James has a chance to pass Bryant for third on the all-time scoring list when the Lakers face the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m. EST Thursday in Brooklyn .
He will more likely pass Bryant when the Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kareem Abdul-Jabaar tops the NBA 's all-time scoring list with 38,387 points .
Karl Malone is in second place with 36,928 .
James is averaging 26.2 points per game in his last six games .
He is posting 25.2 points and 11 assists per game this season .

1/3
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is 45 points away from passing Kobe Bryant for third on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- LeBron James is now just 45 points away from passing Kobe Bryant on the NBA's all-time scoring list after netting 21 points in a Los Angeles Lakers win against the New York Knicks. LeBron scored 19 points in the first half of the 100-92 win Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. His 33,599 career points currently rank fourth on the career points list. Advertisement
"He was inspiration for me ... he helped me before he even knew of me because of what he was able to do," James said of Bryant.
"Just to be able to share the same jersey he wore, be with this historical franchise and represent the purple and gold [Lakers] is very humbling."
Anthony Davis scored a game-high 28 points in the Lakers' win. Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 20 points. The Lakers led 28-25 after the first quarter, fueled by 10 points from James and nine points from Davis. The Knicks fought back to tie the score at 48-48 at halftime. Davis was held to two points in the second quarter, while James added nine points in the frame.
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The Lakers held a 76-70 lead entering the fourth quarter, before finishing off the Knicks down the stretch.
James also had six rebounds, five steals and five assists in the win. Damyean Dotson scored 17 points off the bench for the Knicks.
James has a chance to pass Bryant for third on the all-time scoring list when the Lakers face the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m. EST Thursday in Brooklyn. He will more likely pass Bryant when the Lakers face the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday in Philadelphia. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar tops the NBA's all-time scoring list with 38,387 points. Karl Malone is in second place with 36,928.
James is averaging 26.2 points per game in his last six games. He is posting 25.2 points and 11 assists per game this season.


upi--2020-01-23--Australian Open: Roger Federer and Simona Halep cruise; Domnic Thiem wins 5-set marathon

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Roger Federer and Simona Halep coasted to wins at the Australian Open and Dominic Thiem survived a five-set thriller to advance to the third round of the Melbourne tournament on Thursday .
The fourth-seeded Halep dispatched Britain 's Harriet Dart in 1:17 , while No .
3 Federer took 1:32 to beat Serbia 's Filip Krajinovic .
Thiem 's marathon match against wildcard Alex Bolt lasted 3:22 , which he ultimately won 6-2 , 5-7 , 6-7 , 6-1 , 6-2 .
`` It was a tough match , Alex played great , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was great crowd support and fun to play with such an atmosphere . ''
The Austrian had just three double faults and made half the unforced errors as his opponent in the victory .
Bolt fired 14 aces , compared to Thiem 's 12 .
Thiem won the first two games of the first set before closing out Bolt by winning the final three .
The two exchanged game points in the second set , until Bolt closed out the set by winning the final four games .
The duo battled for alternating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set , before Bolt triumphed in the rally with an ace .
Thiem turned it on down the stretch , dropping just two of the final 15 games .
He won match point with a forehand winner .
Federer fired 14 aces and did not have a double fault in his domination of Krajinovic .
He also made just 14 unforced errors in the straight-sets victory .
Halep had just one ace , but also did n't double fault in her triumph .
`` It was not easy at all , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has good angles , '' Halep said of Dart .
`` Her ball does n't have that much power to play against , but I had to work a little bit more . ''
`` I 'm ready for the next match , '' she added .
`` It does n't matter who I play , I just have to do my job on the court and not lose my focus . ''
No .
1 Rafael Nadal also advanced to the third round .
Australian Nick Kyrgios , seeded 23rd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Key third round matchups in the men 's circuit include : Federer vs. John Millman ; Thiem vs. No .
29 Taylor Fritz ; No .
2 Novak Djokovic vs. Yoshihito Nishioka ; No .
6 Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Milos Raonic ; No .
19 John Isner vs. No .
15 Stan Wawrinka ; and Nadal vs. fellow Spaniard and 27th-seeded Pablo Carrento Busta .
Women 's third round matchups include : Halep vs. Yulia Putintseva ; No .
1 Ashleigh Barty vs. No .
29 Elena Rybakina ; No .
10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sakkari ; No .
3 Naomi Osaka vs. Cori `` Coco '' Gauff ; No .
8 Serena Williams vs. No .
27 Qiang Wang ; and No .
2 Karolina Pliskova vs. No .
30 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova .

Dominic Thiem had just three double faults in his second round win against Alex Bolt Thursday at the 2020 Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo by Lukas Coch/EPA-EFE
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Roger Federer and Simona Halep coasted to wins at the Australian Open and Dominic Thiem survived a five-set thriller to advance to the third round of the Melbourne tournament on Thursday. The fourth-seeded Halep dispatched Britain's Harriet Dart in 1:17, while No. 3 Federer took 1:32 to beat Serbia's Filip Krajinovic. Thiem's marathon match against wildcard Alex Bolt lasted 3:22, which he ultimately won 6-2, 5-7, 6-7, 6-1, 6-2. Advertisement
"It was a tough match, Alex played great," the fifth-seeded Thiem said. "It was great crowd support and fun to play with such an atmosphere."
The Austrian had just three double faults and made half the unforced errors as his opponent in the victory. Bolt fired 14 aces, compared to Thiem's 12.
Thiem won the first two games of the first set before closing out Bolt by winning the final three. The two exchanged game points in the second set, until Bolt closed out the set by winning the final four games. The duo battled for alternating wins through eight games in the third set, before Bolt triumphed in the rally with an ace.
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Thiem turned it on down the stretch, dropping just two of the final 15 games. He won match point with a forehand winner.
Federer fired 14 aces and did not have a double fault in his domination of Krajinovic. He also made just 14 unforced errors in the straight-sets victory. Halep had just one ace, but also didn't double fault in her triumph.
"It was not easy at all, even if she does not hit very strong, she has good angles," Halep said of Dart. "Her ball doesn't have that much power to play against, but I had to work a little bit more."
"I'm ready for the next match," she added. "It doesn't matter who I play, I just have to do my job on the court and not lose my focus."
No. 1 Rafael Nadal also advanced to the third round. Australian Nick Kyrgios, seeded 23rd, won in four sets over Gilles Simon.
Key third round matchups in the men's circuit include: Federer vs. John Millman; Thiem vs. No. 29 Taylor Fritz; No. 2 Novak Djokovic vs. Yoshihito Nishioka; No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Milos Raonic; No. 19 John Isner vs. No. 15 Stan Wawrinka; and Nadal vs. fellow Spaniard and 27th-seeded Pablo Carrento Busta.
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Women's third round matchups include: Halep vs. Yulia Putintseva; No. 1 Ashleigh Barty vs. No. 29 Elena Rybakina; No. 10 Madison Keys vs. No. 22 Maria Sakkari; No. 3 Naomi Osaka vs. Cori "Coco" Gauff; No. 8 Serena Williams vs. No. 27 Qiang Wang; and No. 2 Karolina Pliskova vs. No. 30 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.


upi--2020-01-23--WWE NXT: Keith Lee captures gold, Imperium attacks

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Keith Lee took on Roderick Strong of The Undisputed Era for the North American Championship on WWE NXT .
The main event on Wednesday featured the powerful Lee having to deal with all of Strong 's Undisputed Era teammates including NXT Champion Adam Cole and NXT Tag Team Champions Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish .
Strong pulled out all the stops to defeat Lee , hitting his opponent with an Avalanche Olympic Slam , but Lee kept powering through .
Lee , after previously dispatching of Cole , O'Reilly and Fish with punches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the three count , earning him the North American Championship .
The Undisputed Era were then greeted by Imperium of NXT UK which is led by United Kingdom Champion Walter .
Imperium starred down The Undisputed Era from a balcony before they came down and brawled with their rivals .
The two factions will battle at World 's Collide on Saturday , which pits NXT against NXT UK .
Imperium , which also consists of Alexander Wolfe , Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner , had earlier prevented O'Reilly and Fish from advancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tag Team Classic tournament , helping The Grizzled Young Veterans to win .
The Grizzled Young Veterans will be taking on Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne in the final , who defeated Aichner and Barthel to advance .
Also on WWE NXT , Toni Storm and Io Shirai had their bout cut short after Bianca Belair attacked Storm in the middle of the match .
NXT Women 's Champion Rhea Ripley joined in on the ensuing fight that took place between all four women .
Storm came out on top at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ripley will be defending the NXT Women 's Championship against Storm at World 's Collide with Belair then set to face the winner in a future match .
Other moments from WWE NXT included Finn Balor defeating Joaquin Wilde ; and Shayna Baszler defeating Shotzi Blackheart .

Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Keith Lee took on Roderick Strong of The Undisputed Era for the North American Championship on WWE NXT.
The main event on Wednesday featured the powerful Lee having to deal with all of Strong's Undisputed Era teammates including NXT Champion Adam Cole and NXT Tag Team Champions Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish.
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Strong pulled out all the stops to defeat Lee, hitting his opponent with an Avalanche Olympic Slam, but Lee kept powering through.
Lee, after previously dispatching of Cole, O'Reilly and Fish with punches, nailed Strong with the Big Bang Catastrophe for the three count, earning him the North American Championship.
The Undisputed Era were then greeted by Imperium of NXT UK which is led by United Kingdom Champion Walter.
Imperium starred down The Undisputed Era from a balcony before they came down and brawled with their rivals. The two factions will battle at World's Collide on Saturday, which pits NXT against NXT UK.
Imperium, which also consists of Alexander Wolfe, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner, had earlier prevented O'Reilly and Fish from advancing to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, helping The Grizzled Young Veterans to win.
The Grizzled Young Veterans will be taking on Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne in the final, who defeated Aichner and Barthel to advance.
Also on WWE NXT, Toni Storm and Io Shirai had their bout cut short after Bianca Belair attacked Storm in the middle of the match.
NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley joined in on the ensuing fight that took place between all four women. Storm came out on top at the end and held up Ripley's title.
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Ripley will be defending the NXT Women's Championship against Storm at World's Collide with Belair then set to face the winner in a future match.
Other moments from WWE NXT included Finn Balor defeating Joaquin Wilde; and Shayna Baszler defeating Shotzi Blackheart.


upi--2020-01-23--Tax plans by Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders would cut into U.S. economy, Penn Wharton study says

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Sweeping tax reform plans offered by Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders would adversely affect the U.S. economy by the end of the decade , an analysis by the non-partisan Penn Wharton Budget Model said Thursday .
The Democratic hopefuls ' plans have been hailed by both as mechanisms they would use to pay for investments in healthcare , infrastructure and climate change initiatives .
The Penn Wharton Budget Model said in its studies , however , both would put a dent in the U.S. gross domestic product by 2030 -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money both campaigns expect .
The Biden campaign said its proposal , which would significantly raise taxes for the top 0.1 percent of American earners , would generate $ 3.2 trillion over 10 years .
The analysis by Penn Wharton , however , says the total would be more than a half-trillion dollars less -- and fall between $ 2.3 trillion and $ 2.6 trillion .
The former vice president 's proposal will also raise the capital gains rate , reduce itemized reductions and create a minimum tax rate for corporations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's plan will have cut the U.S. economy by 0.1 percent , Wharton 's study said , and will have the same effect by 2040 .
However , it would ultimately expand the GDP by the same amount , 0.1 percent , by 2050 , the study noted .
`` The Biden proposal has two opposing effects on the macroeconomy , '' Penn Wharton said .
`` On one hand , reducing federal deficits increases investment , leading to greater capital accumulation and , therefore , increasing GDP .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates discourage labor and savings .
We project that these two effects are largely offsetting over time . ''
Sanders ' plan includes a wealth tax , similar to Biden 's , that the Vermont senator says will generate $ 4.4 trillion over 10 years .
The Wharton analysis says the actual result would fall well short -- between $ 2.8 trillion and $ 3.3 trillion .
The study of Sanders ' plan said it would cut into the domestic economy even more than Biden 's proposal would -- 0.8 percent by 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent by 2050 .
Sanders has said his escalating tax rate , which includes up to an 8 percent tax on wealth of more than $ 10 billion , will help pay for his `` Medicare for All '' plan and other initiatives .
The Wharton study said such a plan to tax the ultra rich , though , would have unintended consequences for the American economy .
`` The wealth tax discourages wealthier households from accumulating as many assets , '' it said .
`` This disincentive to save outweighs the effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect is a 2.9 percent decline in the total capital stock in 2050 .
Workers become less productive as a result of the decline in capital , leading to a 1 percent decline in wages by 2050 . ''
Sanders and Biden are expected to face off again in the next Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire on Feb. 7 .
Before then , both will face their first real test from voters in the Iowa Democratic caucuses on Feb. 3 .

The tax plans by Biden (L) and Sanders will raise far less money than they expect and will cut into the U.S. economy, the studies said. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Sweeping tax reform plans offered by Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders would adversely affect the U.S. economy by the end of the decade, an analysis by the non-partisan Penn Wharton Budget Model said Thursday. The Democratic hopefuls' plans have been hailed by both as mechanisms they would use to pay for investments in healthcare, infrastructure and climate change initiatives. The Penn Wharton Budget Model said in its studies, however, both would put a dent in the U.S. gross domestic product by 2030 -- and still would not raise the kind of money both campaigns expect. Advertisement
The Biden campaign said its proposal, which would significantly raise taxes for the top 0.1 percent of American earners, would generate $3.2 trillion over 10 years. The analysis by Penn Wharton, however, says the total would be more than a half-trillion dollars less -- and fall between $2.3 trillion and $2.6 trillion.
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The former vice president's proposal will also raise the capital gains rate, reduce itemized reductions and create a minimum tax rate for corporations.
By the end of the decade, Biden's plan will have cut the U.S. economy by 0.1 percent, Wharton's study said, and will have the same effect by 2040. However, it would ultimately expand the GDP by the same amount, 0.1 percent, by 2050, the study noted.
"The Biden proposal has two opposing effects on the macroeconomy," Penn Wharton said. "On one hand, reducing federal deficits increases investment, leading to greater capital accumulation and, therefore, increasing GDP. On the other hand, the increase in marginal tax rates discourage labor and savings. We project that these two effects are largely offsetting over time."
Sanders' plan includes a wealth tax, similar to Biden's, that the Vermont senator says will generate $4.4 trillion over 10 years. The Wharton analysis says the actual result would fall well short -- between $2.8 trillion and $3.3 trillion.
The study of Sanders' plan said it would cut into the domestic economy even more than Biden's proposal would -- 0.8 percent by 2030, 1 percent by 2040 and 1.1 percent by 2050. Sanders has said his escalating tax rate, which includes up to an 8 percent tax on wealth of more than $10 billion, will help pay for his "Medicare for All" plan and other initiatives.
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The Wharton study said such a plan to tax the ultra rich, though, would have unintended consequences for the American economy.
"The wealth tax discourages wealthier households from accumulating as many assets," it said. "This disincentive to save outweighs the effects of deficit reduction, and the net effect is a 2.9 percent decline in the total capital stock in 2050. Workers become less productive as a result of the decline in capital, leading to a 1 percent decline in wages by 2050."
Sanders and Biden are expected to face off again in the next Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire on Feb. 7. Before then, both will face their first real test from voters in the Iowa Democratic caucuses on Feb. 3.


upi--2020-01-23--Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto: Mitch Haniger likely needs surgery

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is expected to miss the beginning of the 2020 regular season after suffering a setback during his off-season training .
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters Thursday that Haniger likely needs to undergo core muscle surgery for a sports hernia , but the club is still waiting to learn more about the injury .
Haniger suffered the injury during one of his off-season workouts earlier this week at the Sparta Science facility in Menlo Park , Calif. Dipoto said the latest setback is connected to Haniger 's injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all coming together in the course of the last 40 hours or so , but he 's attacking it very aggressively because he does n't want to miss any more time , '' Dipoto said .
`` Mitch was in the midst of what , perhaps , was his best off-season since he 's been with the Mariners .
`` Mitch is very diligent in his preparation , and all of his metrics , the test scores and athletic explosiveness , were off the charts . ''
Haniger missed the final four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ruptured testicle .
He then experienced back and core issues during his recovery .
Haniger was limited to 63 games last season and batted .220 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs .
In the 2018 campaign , he was an All-Star selection after hitting .285 with 26 homers and 93 RBIs .
Dipoto said the team hopes Haniger 's recovery will take about six to eight weeks after the surgical procedure .
He could return to the major league club in late April .

Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger was limited to 63 games last season and batted .220 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is expected to miss the beginning of the 2020 regular season after suffering a setback during his off-season training. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters Thursday that Haniger likely needs to undergo core muscle surgery for a sports hernia, but the club is still waiting to learn more about the injury. Advertisement
Haniger suffered the injury during one of his off-season workouts earlier this week at the Sparta Science facility in Menlo Park, Calif. Dipoto said the latest setback is connected to Haniger's injury issues from last season.
"This is all coming together in the course of the last 40 hours or so, but he's attacking it very aggressively because he doesn't want to miss any more time," Dipoto said. "Mitch was in the midst of what, perhaps, was his best off-season since he's been with the Mariners.
"Mitch is very diligent in his preparation, and all of his metrics, the test scores and athletic explosiveness, were off the charts."
Haniger missed the final four months of the 2019 season after sustaining a ruptured testicle. He then experienced back and core issues during his recovery.
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Haniger was limited to 63 games last season and batted .220 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs. In the 2018 campaign, he was an All-Star selection after hitting .285 with 26 homers and 93 RBIs.
Dipoto said the team hopes Haniger's recovery will take about six to eight weeks after the surgical procedure. He could return to the major league club in late April.


upi--2020-01-23--Portraits of Barack, Michelle Obama to travel on five-city tour

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- The official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will depart the Smithsonian 's National Portrait Gallery in Washington , D.C. , for a five-city tour next summer .
The tour will begin at the Art Institute in Chicago , where Barack Obama served as a senator before his presidency , before traveling to other locations in New York , Los Angeles , Atlanta and Houston .
`` Since the unveiling of these two portraits of the Obamas , the Portrait Gallery has experienced a record number of visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person but to be part of the communal experience of a particular moment in time , '' said Kim Sajet , director of the National Portrait Gallery .
`` This tour is an opportunity for audiences in different parts of the country to witness how portraiture can engage people in the beauty of dialogue and shared experience . ''
Art Institute President James Rondeau described the portraits ' stop in Chicago as `` a narrative homecoming that we 're excited about . ''
`` There 's a very special relationship between not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between our museum and the president and first lady , '' he said .
`` We 're still , especially in Chicago , very much in the present tense with the president and Mrs. Obama .
So yes , this notion of kind of living history feels very , very powerful to me . ''
The portraits by artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald were revealed in February 2018 and have hung in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery where they drew 2.3 million visitors in their first year on display , the museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call it 'the Obama effect , ' but I think it was a little bit more than just those pictures .
I think what happened was there was so much interest in them , but there was also an awakening across the country that the portrait gallery exists , '' she said .

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A portrait of former President Barack Obama is displayed at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., on February 13, 2018. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will depart the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., for a five-city tour next summer. The tour will begin at the Art Institute in Chicago, where Barack Obama served as a senator before his presidency, before traveling to other locations in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston. Advertisement
"Since the unveiling of these two portraits of the Obamas, the Portrait Gallery has experienced a record number of visitors, not only to view these works in person but to be part of the communal experience of a particular moment in time," said Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery. "This tour is an opportunity for audiences in different parts of the country to witness how portraiture can engage people in the beauty of dialogue and shared experience."
Art Institute President James Rondeau described the portraits' stop in Chicago as "a narrative homecoming that we're excited about."
"There's a very special relationship between not only the City of Chicago, but between our museum and the president and first lady," he said. "We're still, especially in Chicago, very much in the present tense with the president and Mrs. Obama. So yes, this notion of kind of living history feels very, very powerful to me."
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The portraits by artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald were revealed in February 2018 and have hung in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery where they drew 2.3 million visitors in their first year on display, the museum's director Sajet said.
"We call it 'the Obama effect,' but I think it was a little bit more than just those pictures. I think what happened was there was so much interest in them, but there was also an awakening across the country that the portrait gallery exists," she said.


upi--2020-01-23--Rosters unveiled for 2020 McDonald's All-American Games in Houston

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- The rosters for the 2020 McDonald 's All-American Games were revealed Thursday , with @ @ @ @ @ school basketball prospects in the country earning a trip to the All-Star event .
North @ @ @ @ @ four signees on the boys ' side , while Duke has three and Kentucky has @ @ @ @ @ prospect and UConn signee Paige Bueckers headlines the roster for the girls ' game .
@ @ @ @ @ All-American Games will take place April 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston .
It @ @ @ @ @ city is hosting either game .
The McDonald 's All-American Games took place in Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ seven years in Chicago .
Below are the full rosters for each game :

Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The rosters for the 2020 McDonald's All-American Games were revealed Thursday, with some of the elite high school basketball prospects in the country earning a trip to the All-Star event.
North Carolina led the way with four signees on the boys' side, while Duke has three and Kentucky has two. No. 1 prospect and UConn signee Paige Bueckers headlines the roster for the girls' game.
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This year's McDonald's All-American Games will take place April 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston. It marks the first time the city is hosting either game.
The McDonald's All-American Games took place in Atlanta the last two years after seven years in Chicago.
The 2020 roster has dropped! These @McDonalds All Americans are no doubt the future of the game  Grab to see them in Clutch City https://t.co/3RGeHuLrxa #WhereTheFutureStarts pic.twitter.com/2CwkcXZEm0— McDonald's All American Games (@McDAAG) January 23, 2020
Below are the full rosters for each game:
Boys' Roster (Ranking, Committed to)
Jalen Green (No. 1 ESPN, uncommitted)
Evan Mobley (No. 2 ESPN, USC)
Cade Cunningham (No. 3 ESPN, Oklahoma State)
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Scottie Barnes (No. 4 ESPN, Florida State)
Jalen Suggs (No. 5 ESPN, Gonzaga)
B.J. Boston (No. 6 ESPN, Kentucky)
Ziaire Williams (No. 7 ESPN, uncommitted)
Terrence Clarke (No. 8 ESPN, Kentucky)
Greg Brown (No. 9 ESPN, uncommitted)
Josh Christopher (No. 10 ESPN, uncommitted)
Day'Ron Sharpe (No. 11 ESPN, North Carolina)
Isaiah Todd (No. 13 ESPN, Michigan)
Walker Kessler (No. 14 ESPN, North Carolina)
Jaden Springer (No. 16 ESPN, Tennessee)
Caleb Love (No. 17 ESPN, North Carolina)
Jeremy Roach (No. 18 ESPN, Duke)
Sharife Cooper (No. 19 ESPN, Auburn)
Daishen Nix (No. 20 ESPN, UCLA)
Nimari Burnett (No. 21 ESPN, Texas Tech)
D.J. Steward (No. 23 ESPN, Duke)
Bryce Thompson (No. 27 ESPN, Kansas)
Mark Williams (No. 28 ESPN, Duke)
R.J. Davis (No. 39 ESPN, North Carolina)
Dawson Garcia (No. 43 ESPN, Marquette)
Girls' Roster (Ranking, Committed to)
Paige Bueckers (No. 1 ESPN, UConn)
Angel Reese (No. 2 ESPN, Maryland)
Cameron Brink (No. 3 ESPN, Stanford)
Caitlin Clark (No. 4 ESPN, Iowa)
Kamilla Cardoso (No. 5 ESPN, Syracuse)
Hailey Van Lith (No. 8 ESPN, uncommitted)
Hannah Gusters (No. 9 ESPN, Baylor)
Sydney Parrish (No. 10 ESPN, Oregon)
Priscilla Williams (No. 11 ESPN, Syracuse)
Lexi Donarski (No. 12 ESPN, Iowa State)
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Madison Scott (No. 13 ESPN, Ole Miss)
Dalayah Daniels (No. 14 ESPN, California)
Kylee Watson (No. 15 ESPN, Oregon)
Sasha Goforth (No. 16 ESPN, Oregon State)
Deja Kelly (No. 17 ESPN, North Carolina)
Olivia Cochran (No. 18 ESPN, Louisville)
Maddie Scherr (No. 19 ESPN, Oregon)
Mir McLean (No. 21 ESPN, UConn)
Madeline Westbeld (No. 23 ESPN, Notre Dame)
Angela Dugalic (No. 24 ESPN, Oregon)
Treasure Hunt (No. 28 ESPN, Kentucky)
Madison Hayes (No. 29 ESPN, Mississippi State)
Te-Hina Paopao (No. 33 ESPN, Oregon)
Eniya Russell (No. 43 ESPN, South Carolina)


upi--2020-01-23--Huntington Ingalls awarded ISR contract for up to $954M

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Huntington Ingalls has been awarded a task order to provide airborne intelligence , surveillance @ @ @ @ @ Air Force in the European and African theatres of operation , the contractor announced Thursday @ @ @ @ @ which has a base period of one year with four option years , has a @ @ @ @ @ million , according to Huntington Ingalls .
`` Critical readiness of our defense intelligence enterprise @ @ @ @ @ technology solutions , '' said Garry Schwartz , president of Technical Solutions ' Mission Driven @ @ @ @ @ Over the last several years , HII has continued to expand its ISR support to @ @ @ @ @ other components of the Department of Defense .
We are looking forward to continuing to @ @ @ @ @ ISR solutions for USAFE and across the DOD . ''
Under the task order Huntington @ @ @ @ @ multi-role and cross-domain ISR work with the objective of enabling freedom of movement , increasing @ @ @ @ @ Europe and Africa .

Paul Stride, an airframe and powerplant specialist with the 319th Special Operations Squadron, services oil on a U-28A Draco at Hurlburt Field, Fla., in 2019, in support of. tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for support of special operations forces worldwide. Photo by Airman Edward Coddington/U.S. Air Force
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Huntington Ingalls has been awarded a task order to provide airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the U.S. Air Force in the European and African theaters of operation, the contractor announced Thursday. The task order, which has a base period of one year with four option years, has a potential value of $954 million, according to Huntington Ingalls. Advertisement
"Critical readiness of our defense intelligence enterprise demands unique expertise and advanced technology solutions," said Garry Schwartz, president of Technical Solutions' Mission Driven Innovative Solutions group.
"Over the last several years, HII has continued to expand its ISR support to the U.S. Air Force and other components of the Department of Defense. We are looking forward to continuing to advance the implementation of innovative ISR solutions for USAFE and across the DOD," Schwartz added.
Under the task order Huntington Ingalls will provide persistent, multi-role and cross-domain ISR work with the objective of enabling freedom of movement, increasing partnership capacity and interoperability throughout Europe and Africa.


upi--2020-01-23--Low-dose aspirin may reduce risk for pre-term birth in first-time mothers

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- First-time mothers may be able to reduce their risk for delivering pre-term by taking low-dose aspirin , a new study by researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has found .
In results published Thursday in the Lancet , researchers report that daily low-dose aspirin , taken starting as early as the sixth week of pregnancy through the 36th week , may lower the risk for pre-term birth among first-time mothers .
Overall , the clinical trial , which included more than 11,000 women in several low- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking daily low-dose aspirin were 11 percent less likely to deliver before the 37th week of pregnancy , compared to those given a placebo .
`` Our results suggest that low-dose aspirin therapy in early pregnancy could provide an inexpensive way to lower the preterm birth rate in first-time mothers , '' study co-author Marion Koso-Thomas , of NICHD 's Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch , said in a statement .
According to NICHD , pre-term birth is the most common cause of infant death and the leading cause of long-term neurological disability in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have improved survival for babies born prematurely , care is often limited or unavailable in many parts of the world , researchers say .
Previous studies have suggested low-dose aspirin could reduce risk for pre-eclampsia , a potentially life-threatening blood pressure disorder that occurs during pregnancy , but researchers say the studies were too small too draw firm conclusions from .
The NICHD study enrolled 11,976 first-time mothers from seven sites in India , Pakistan , Zambia , Democratic Republic of the Congo , Guatemala and Kenya .
Roughly half were assigned at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily ; the rest were given a daily placebo .
Women remained in the study only if they maintained a pregnancy for more than 20 weeks .
In all , pre-term birth -- delivery prior to week 37 -- occurred in 11.6 percent of the women who took aspirin and in 13.1 percent of the women who took the placebo .
Similarly , birth prior to week 34 occurred in 3.3 percent of the aspirin group compared to 4 percent of the placebo group .
Women in the aspirin group also had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or newborn death in the first seven days of life -- compared to the placebo group .
The risk for high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy at term did not differ significantly between the groups , researchers reported .

Study finds that low-dose aspirin may reduce pre-term delivery risk in first-time mothers. File photo by vidallari /Pixabay
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- First-time mothers may be able to reduce their risk for delivering pre-term by taking low-dose aspirin, a new study by researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has found. In results published Thursday in the Lancet, researchers report that daily low-dose aspirin, taken starting as early as the sixth week of pregnancy through the 36th week, may lower the risk for pre-term birth among first-time mothers. Advertisement
Overall, the clinical trial, which included more than 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries, determined that women taking daily low-dose aspirin were 11 percent less likely to deliver before the 37th week of pregnancy, compared to those given a placebo.
"Our results suggest that low-dose aspirin therapy in early pregnancy could provide an inexpensive way to lower the preterm birth rate in first-time mothers," study co-author Marion Koso-Thomas, of NICHD's Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, said in a statement.
According to NICHD, pre-term birth is the most common cause of infant death and the leading cause of long-term neurological disability in children. While advances in newborn care have improved survival for babies born prematurely, care is often limited or unavailable in many parts of the world, researchers say.
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Previous studies have suggested low-dose aspirin could reduce risk for pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening blood pressure disorder that occurs during pregnancy, but researchers say the studies were too small too draw firm conclusions from.
The NICHD study enrolled 11,976 first-time mothers from seven sites in India, Pakistan, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala and Kenya. Roughly half were assigned at random to receive 81 milligrams of aspirin daily; the rest were given a daily placebo.
Women remained in the study only if they maintained a pregnancy for more than 20 weeks.
In all, pre-term birth -- delivery prior to week 37 -- occurred in 11.6 percent of the women who took aspirin and in 13.1 percent of the women who took the placebo. Similarly, birth prior to week 34 occurred in 3.3 percent of the aspirin group compared to 4 percent of the placebo group.
Women in the aspirin group also had a lower rate of perinatal mortality -- stillbirth or newborn death in the first seven days of life -- compared to the placebo group. The risk for high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy at term did not differ significantly between the groups, researchers reported.


upi--2020-01-23--Watch live: Rep. Jerrold Nadler focuses on abuse of power to open 3rd day of impeachment trial

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- The third day of President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial in the Senate began Thursday with Democratic manager Rep. Jerrold Nadler arguing the president did n't necessarily need to commit a crime to be removed from office .
Nadler 's comments support the Democrats ' overall plan to focus Thursday on the Constitution and lay out legal justification for Trump 's removal .
In making his point , Nadler cited Trump attorney and Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and played a video that showed him speaking about the impeachment proceedings against former President Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly does n't have to be a crime if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and poses great danger to our liberties , '' Dershowitz said in the video .
`` You do n't need a technical crime . ''
Now a member of Trump 's legal team , Dershowitz told CNN on Monday his view is `` far more correct now , '' and that there must be a criminal act to justify removal from office .
Nadler 's opening statement supported the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Trump .
`` The president 's conduct is wrong .
It is illegal .
It is dangerous .
And it captures the worst fears of our founders and the framers of the Constitution , '' he said .
`` First , he withheld the release of $ 391 million in vital military assistance as appropriated by Congress on a bipartisan basis which Ukraine needed to fight Russian aggression .
And second , President Trump withheld a long-sought-after White House meeting which would confirm to the world that America stands behind Ukraine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question would have involved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
House intelligence committee Chairman Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , said Trump cited a `` very specific conspiracy theory '' that Ukraine and not Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton 's campaign .
`` This theory was brought to you by the Kremlin , '' Schiff said .
`` So we 're not talking about generic interference ... what Donald Trump wanted investigated or announced , this completely bogus Kremlin-pushed conspiracy theory . ''
Rep. Sylvia Garcia , D-Texas , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was beneficial to both him and Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` While Putin and Russia clearly stood to gain from promoting this conspiracy theory , so did Donald Trump , '' she said .
`` He knew it would be politically helpful to his 2020 election . ''
The seven managers , who are acting as the de facto prosecutors in the Senate , spent about 8 hours Wednesday detailing the first article of impeachment -- arguing the president abused his power last year by withholding Ukraine 's military aid and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
Democrats are expected to take 8 hours per day to fulfill the 24 hours they 're allotted to make their opening presentation before Trump 's White House attorneys make their case , most likely beginning Saturday .
Senators and their aides told CNN on Thursday there 's been some discussion among the chamber of holding an short , early session Saturday .
The trial begins each day at 1 p.m. EST to accommodate Chief Justice John Roberts ' morning duties on the Supreme Court .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A change in the schedule could give senators more time for rest and those running for president the chance to squeeze in some campaign time in Iowa .
`` I 'm hoping for an early start on Saturday , '' Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, said .
The Senate would have to unanimously approve the change in schedule .
Trump 's team will continue their opening remarks Monday and Tuesday before the questioning stage begins mid-next week .
After that , the off-ramp stage will consider motions , including any by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those to include witnesses .
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow indicated Wednesday , however , the president 's defense team will not seek to dismiss the case .
`` I want to let them try their case , '' he told reporters .
`` And we want to try our case because we believe without a question the president will be acquitted .
There is not a doubt . ''
Wednesday 's session followed a marathon fight to set the rules on Tuesday , during which Republicans defeated nearly a dozen Democratic amendments -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like former national security adviser John Bolton .
Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer assailed his GOP counterpart , Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , and accused him of continuing a coverup on behalf of Trump .
Trump , who returned to the United States Wednesday after attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland , said he would like to see witnesses such as Bolton appear at the trial , but said it 's out of the question due to national security concerns .

Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer and Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., (L) speak to reporters Thursday before the third day of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The third day of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate began Thursday with Democratic manager Rep. Jerrold Nadler arguing the president didn't necessarily need to commit a crime to be removed from office. Nadler's comments support the Democrats' overall plan to focus Thursday on the Constitution and lay out legal justification for Trump's removal. Advertisement
In making his point, Nadler cited Trump attorney and Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and played a video that showed him speaking about the impeachment proceedings against former President Bill Clinton 20 years ago.
"It certainly doesn't have to be a crime if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and poses great danger to our liberties," Dershowitz said in the video. "You don't need a technical crime."
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Now a member of Trump's legal team, Dershowitz told CNN on Monday his view is "far more correct now," and that there must be a criminal act to justify removal from office.
Nadler's opening statement supported the House Democrats' charge of abuse of power against Trump.
"The president's conduct is wrong. It is illegal. It is dangerous. And it captures the worst fears of our founders and the framers of the Constitution," he said.
"First, he withheld the release of $391 million in vital military assistance as appropriated by Congress on a bipartisan basis which Ukraine needed to fight Russian aggression. And second, President Trump withheld a long-sought-after White House meeting which would confirm to the world that America stands behind Ukraine in its ongoing struggle."
The meeting in question would have involved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
House intelligence committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Trump cited a "very specific conspiracy theory" that Ukraine and not Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign.
"This theory was brought to you by the Kremlin," Schiff said. "So we're not talking about generic interference ... what Donald Trump wanted investigated or announced, this completely bogus Kremlin-pushed conspiracy theory."
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Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, said Trump pursued the conspiracy theory because it was beneficial to both him and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"While Putin and Russia clearly stood to gain from promoting this conspiracy theory, so did Donald Trump," she said. "He knew it would be politically helpful to his 2020 election."
Rep. Zoe Lofgren noted that Trump did not provide a reason for the hold on Ukrainian aid and that no one in the administration knew why the money wasn't being released.
"I think we know why the president ordered the hold," said Lofgren. "He was so determined to turn up the pressure on Ukraine that he kept the hold for no legitimate purpose and without an congressional notification for long enough to violate the law."
The seven managers, who are acting as the de facto prosecutors in the Senate, spent about 8 hours Wednesday detailing the first article of impeachment -- arguing the president abused his power last year by withholding Ukraine's military aid and a White House meeting to pressure Kiev to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
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Democrats are expected to take 8 hours per day to fulfill the 24 hours they're allotted to make their opening presentation before Trump's White House attorneys make their case, most likely beginning Saturday.
Senators and their aides told CNN on Thursday there's been some discussion among the chamber of holding an short, early session Saturday. The trial begins each day at 1 p.m. EST to accommodate Chief Justice John Roberts' morning duties on the Supreme Court. He doesn't have those obligations Saturday. A change in the schedule could give senators more time for rest and those running for president the chance to squeeze in some campaign time in Iowa.
"I'm hoping for an early start on Saturday," Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said.
The Senate would have to unanimously approve the change in schedule.
Trump's team will continue their opening remarks Monday and Tuesday before the questioning stage begins mid-next week. After that, the off-ramp stage will consider motions, including any by the White House to dismiss the case and those to include witnesses.
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow told reporters Thursday that the attention House managers paid to asserting Biden's innocence provided Trump's legal team the opportunity to focus on him during their portion of the trial.
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"They kind of opened the door for that response, so we'll determine as a defense team the appropriate way to do it," he said.
Sekulow indicated Wednesday, however, the president's defense team will not seek to dismiss the case.
"I want to let them try their case," he told reporters. "And we want to try our case because we believe without a question the president will be acquitted. There is not a doubt."
Wednesday's session followed a marathon fight to set the rules on Tuesday, during which Republicans defeated nearly a dozen Democratic amendments -- including those to include key administration witnesses like former national security adviser John Bolton. Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer assailed his GOP counterpart, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, and accused him of continuing a coverup on behalf of Trump.
Trump, who returned to the United States Wednesday after attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, said he would like to see witnesses such as Bolton appear at the trial, but said it's out of the question due to national security concerns.


upi--2020-01-23--Researchers resurrect the voice of an ancient Egyptian priest

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Some 3,000 years after he died , Nesyamun , an ancient Egyptian priest , is uttering vowels .
The sounds are n't coming from the mummified priest himself , but from a computerized voice box .
To best understand what Nesyamun would have sounded like , researchers in Britain used CT scans to image and measure the dimensions of his voice tract .
Scientists then used the images to build a 3D-printed model called the Vocal Tract Organ .
Scientists combined the 3D voice box with an artificial larynx , commonly used for artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to the baa of a sheep .
`` I was demonstrating the Vocal Tract Organ in June 2013 to colleagues , with implications for providing authentic vocal sounds back to those who have lost the normal speech function of their vocal tract or larynx following an accident or surgery for laryngeal cancer , '' David Howard , professor at Royal Holloway , University of London , said in a news release .
Howard was approached by John Schofield , professor of archaeology and cultural heritage at the University of York , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the past .
The researchers settled on Nesyamun as their first subject .
The mummified priest 's vocal box was surprisingly well preserved .
Howard and Schofield described their effort to bring Nesyamun 's voice back to life in a new paper , published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports .
`` It has been such an interesting project that has opened a novel window onto the past and we 're very excited to be able to share the sound with people for the first time in 3,000 years , '' Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temple of Karnak in Thebes during the reign of pharaoh Ramses XI , who ruled from 1099 to 1069 BC .
Nesyamun and his vocal tract would have been required to sing as part of his daily duties as a state priest .
`` The voice is such a significant part of being human , and every voice is distinctive , '' Schofield said .
`` As an archaeologist , the opportunity of recreating a voice from the past with greater accuracy than has even been done before was an exciting and unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists , the new technology could offer a fresh way to engage with and excite visitors to museums .
Visitors to the Leeds Museum where Nesyamun is on display will not only get to see the ancient Egyptian , but also hear what he sounded like .

Scientists used a CT scanner to image, measure and model the voice tract of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy. Photo by Leeds Museums and Galleries
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Some 3,000 years after he died, Nesyamun, an ancient Egyptian priest, is uttering vowels. The sounds aren't coming from the mummified priest himself, but from a computerized voice box. To best understand what Nesyamun would have sounded like, researchers in Britain used CT scans to image and measure the dimensions of his voice tract. Scientists then used the images to build a 3D-printed model called the Vocal Tract Organ. Advertisement
Scientists combined the 3D voice box with an artificial larynx, commonly used for artificial speech, to produce a vowel-like sound similar to the baa of a sheep.
"I was demonstrating the Vocal Tract Organ in June 2013 to colleagues, with implications for providing authentic vocal sounds back to those who have lost the normal speech function of their vocal tract or larynx following an accident or surgery for laryngeal cancer," David Howard, professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, said in a news release.
Howard was approached by John Schofield, professor of archaeology and cultural heritage at the University of York, about using the technology to investigate the voices of the past.
The researchers settled on Nesyamun as their first subject. The mummified priest's vocal box was surprisingly well preserved.
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Howard and Schofield described their effort to bring Nesyamun's voice back to life in a new paper, published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.
"It has been such an interesting project that has opened a novel window onto the past and we're very excited to be able to share the sound with people for the first time in 3,000 years," Howard said.
Nesyamun served at a state temple of Karnak in Thebes during the reign of pharaoh Ramses XI, who ruled from 1099 to 1069 BC. Nesyamun and his vocal tract would have been required to sing as part of his daily duties as a state priest.
"The voice is such a significant part of being human, and every voice is distinctive," Schofield said. "As an archaeologist, the opportunity of recreating a voice from the past with greater accuracy than has even been done before was an exciting and unexpected prospect."
In addition to exciting scientists, the new technology could offer a fresh way to engage with and excite visitors to museums. Visitors to the Leeds Museum where Nesyamun is on display will not only get to see the ancient Egyptian, but also hear what he sounded like.


upi--2020-01-23--Minnesota Vikings to name Gary Kubiak as offensive coordinator

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Former Denver Broncos and Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is expected to become the Minnesota Vikings ' next offensive coordinator .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that the Vikings are handing offensive coordinator duties to Kubiak .
He served as the team 's assistant head coach and offensive adviser this season .
Kubiak will take over the position previously held by Kevin Stefanski since Week 15 of the 2018 campaign .
Earlier this month , Stefanski left the Vikings after 14 seasons to become the next head coach of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , coached the Texans from 2006-13 and helped guide the Broncos to a Super Bowl win during his two-season stint ( 2015-16 ) as Denver 's head coach .
He dealt with health issues at those previous coaching stops but has remained one of the top offensive minds in the league .
Kubiak had a significant impact on the Vikings ' offense this season , which ended with a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs .
From 2018 to 2019 , Minnesota 's offense climbed from 19th to eighth in points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run percentage ( 47 ) in the league this season , ranking sixth in the NFL with 133.3 rushing yards per game .
Before joining the Vikings ' staff last January , Kubiak held a position in the Broncos ' personnel department after retiring from coaching following the 2016 campaign .
According to ESPN , he was already under contract with Minnesota through the 2020 season .

Former Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak served as the Minnesota Vikings' assistant head coach and offensive adviser this season. File Photo by Gary C. Caskey/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Former Denver Broncos and Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is expected to become the Minnesota Vikings' next offensive coordinator. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that the Vikings are handing offensive coordinator duties to Kubiak. He served as the team's assistant head coach and offensive adviser this season. Advertisement
Kubiak will take over the position previously held by Kevin Stefanski since Week 15 of the 2018 campaign. Earlier this month, Stefanski left the Vikings after 14 seasons to become the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Kubiak, 58, coached the Texans from 2006-13 and helped guide the Broncos to a Super Bowl win during his two-season stint (2015-16) as Denver's head coach. He dealt with health issues at those previous coaching stops but has remained one of the top offensive minds in the league.
Kubiak had a significant impact on the Vikings' offense this season, which ended with a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs. From 2018 to 2019, Minnesota's offense climbed from 19th to eighth in points.
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The Vikings had the second-highest designed run percentage (47) in the league this season, ranking sixth in the NFL with 133.3 rushing yards per game.
Before joining the Vikings' staff last January, Kubiak held a position in the Broncos' personnel department after retiring from coaching following the 2016 campaign. According to ESPN, he was already under contract with Minnesota through the 2020 season.


upi--2020-01-23--3rd Marine Aircraft Wing receives first F-35C

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing has welcomed the first F-35C Lightning II fighter jet to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron , according to the Marine Corps .
Lt. Col. Cedar Hinton , commanding officer of VMFA-314 , flew the aircraft from Naval Station Lemore , Calif. , to MCAS Miramar on Jan. 21 , the Marine Corps said Thursday in a press release announcing the flight .
While the Marine Corps also uses the F-35B , which is capable of vertical takeoff and landing , the F-35C variant of the aircraft is designed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F-35C is the first 5th generation stealth strike fighter jet designed for that mission , according to officials .
`` Transitioning a squadron into a new aircraft with many new Marines comes with a lot of challenges , '' Hinton said .
`` However , it also provides a unique opportunity to start fresh and build a strong squadron culture from the ground up .
We are all extremely excited to ensure the 'Black Knights ' continue our legacy of leading from the front as we deliver this new capability to 3rd MAW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's history dates back to 1943 , when it was commissioned in North Carolina as the `` Bob 's Cats , later taking on the names the `` Black Knights '' with the introduction of the F-4D Skyray .
The 3rd MAW is the Marine Corps ' largest aircraft wing and remains combat-ready and deployable on short notice , the branch said .
`` The aircraft is designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations and gives the MAW a marked advantage in preserving security throughout the globe .
The addition of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key role in ensuring we remain well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow , '' said a post on the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing 's Facebook page .

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing welcomed its first F-35C Lightning II fighter jet to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron this week. Photo courtesy of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing /Facebook
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing has welcomed the first F-35C Lightning II fighter jet to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron, according to the Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Cedar Hinton, commanding officer of VMFA-314, flew the aircraft from Naval Station Lemore, Calif., to MCAS Miramar on Jan. 21, the Marine Corps said Thursday in a press release announcing the flight. Advertisement
While the Marine Corps also uses the F-35B, which is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, the F-35C variant of the aircraft is designed for use from an aircraft carrier. The F-35C is the first 5th generation stealth strike fighter jet designed for that mission, according to officials.
"Transitioning a squadron into a new aircraft with many new Marines comes with a lot of challenges," Hinton said. "However, it also provides a unique opportunity to start fresh and build a strong squadron culture from the ground up. We are all extremely excited to ensure the 'Black Knights' continue our legacy of leading from the front as we deliver this new capability to 3rd MAW."
The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron's history dates back to 1943, when it was commissioned in North Carolina as the "Bob's Cats, later taking on the names the "Black Knights" with the introduction of the F-4D Skyray.
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The 3rd MAW is the Marine Corps' largest aircraft wing and remains combat-ready and deployable on short notice, the branch said.
"The aircraft is designed and built explicitly for aircraft carrier operations and gives the MAW a marked advantage in preserving security throughout the globe. The addition of the F-35Cs to 3rd MAW will serve a key role in ensuring we remain well-equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow," said a post on the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's Facebook page.


upi--2020-01-23--California adds digital safeguard to marijuana deliveries

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- California residents who have marijuana delivered will be able to verify through their cell phone that the product is from a state-licensed source , officials said Thursday .
A new emergency rule announced by California 's Bureau of Cannabis Control said the state 's licensed marijuana businesses must display a cell phone-readable code that links to information about the source of their products .
`` Consumers will be able to ask a delivery driver to scan their QR code , '' said Alex Traverso , spokesperson for the state bureau , in an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online information about the cannabis seller , including the state license number , license status , licensee 's name , licensed premises address , business contact information and owner , the bureau said .
The state bureau cited the national vaping crisis as the rationale for the emergency ruling .
Federal investigators have pointed the finger at illicit or counterfeit THC vapes for a national vaping-related lung illness outbreak that has killed 60 people and hospitalized more than 2,600 .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that vitamin E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that appeared in spring 2019 , is likely the culprit for the outbreak that has spread to all 50 states .
More than 190 people have been hospitalized with vaping-related lung illness in California , and four people have died , the California Department of Public Health reported on their website this week .
In recent months , California 's state cannabis bureau has cracked down on illicit pop-up cannabis shops and sellers of counterfeit vape cartridges , many tainted with vitamin E acetate .
`` Often , illegal retail commercial cannabis businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to legal cannabis businesses , '' the bureau said in a press release .
Previously , licensed cannabis retailers only were encouraged to display their state license , but now they must display the QR code in a place that the customer can see upon entering the store .
The new rules for delivery services also will help law enforcement determine whether delivery drivers are legitimate , officials said .
Under the rule , police will have another tool to identify vehicles carrying illegal cannabis goods to `` prevent these potentially harmful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ultimately sell them to consumers , '' the bureau said Thursday .
California was the first state to permit delivery of recreational cannabis products and has the most developed delivery network of states where cannabis is legal .

California marijuana delivery drivers and dispensaries will now require a QR code readable by the public to show that products came from a legally licensed source. Photo courtesy of the California Department of Consumer Affairs
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- California residents who have marijuana delivered will be able to verify through their cell phone that the product is from a state-licensed source, officials said Thursday. A new emergency rule announced by California's Bureau of Cannabis Control said the state's licensed marijuana businesses must display a cell phone-readable code that links to information about the source of their products. Advertisement
"Consumers will be able to ask a delivery driver to scan their QR code," said Alex Traverso, spokesperson for the state bureau, in an email.
The QR code will link to online information about the cannabis seller, including the state license number, license status, licensee's name, licensed premises address, business contact information and owner, the bureau said.
The state bureau cited the national vaping crisis as the rationale for the emergency ruling.
Federal investigators have pointed the finger at illicit or counterfeit THC vapes for a national vaping-related lung illness outbreak that has killed 60 people and hospitalized more than 2,600.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that vitamin E acetate, a vape liquid thickening agent that appeared in spring 2019, is likely the culprit for the outbreak that has spread to all 50 states.
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More than 190 people have been hospitalized with vaping-related lung illness in California, and four people have died, the California Department of Public Health reported on their website this week.
In recent months, California's state cannabis bureau has cracked down on illicit pop-up cannabis shops and sellers of counterfeit vape cartridges, many tainted with vitamin E acetate.
"Often, illegal retail commercial cannabis businesses visibly resemble or have names that sound similar to legal cannabis businesses," the bureau said in a press release.
Previously, licensed cannabis retailers only were encouraged to display their state license, but now they must display the QR code in a place that the customer can see upon entering the store.
The new rules for delivery services also will help law enforcement determine whether delivery drivers are legitimate, officials said.
Under the rule, police will have another tool to identify vehicles carrying illegal cannabis goods to "prevent these potentially harmful products from reaching illegal retailers, who will ultimately sell them to consumers," the bureau said Thursday.
California was the first state to permit delivery of recreational cannabis products and has the most developed delivery network of states where cannabis is legal.


upi--2020-01-23--Watch: Man finds box of $27,000 outside Michigan credit union

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- A Michigan man leaving the drive-through ATM at a credit union investigated a plastic box in the middle of a road and discovered it contained $ 27,000 .
George Condash said he was leaving the Westland Federal Credit Union in Westland when he spotted the plastic box in the roadway .
`` Well , first , I just thought it was trash .
For some reason it hit me that , 'Why do n't I just pick this up so no one else has to swerve around it ? '
'' Condish told WDIV-TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATM cassette full of cash .
Security video from the credit union shows Condish picking up the box and carrying it inside .
`` I picked it up and noticed a tag that said it was $ 40,000 , '' he said .
`` I said , 'Is there a reward for $ 40,000 ? '
And I put it on their counter and they just looked dumbfounded . ''
The box , which actually only contained $ 27,000 , had mistakenly been left in the roadway by an armored truck security guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any honest person , I would hope , would take it back in , '' Condash said .
Condash said the credit union did give him a reward for his honesty .

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Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A Michigan man leaving the drive-through ATM at a credit union investigated a plastic box in the middle of a road and discovered it contained $27,000.
George Condash said he was leaving the Westland Federal Credit Union in Westland when he spotted the plastic box in the roadway.
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"Well, first, I just thought it was trash. For some reason it hit me that, 'Why don't I just pick this up so no one else has to swerve around it?'" Condish told WDIV-TV.
Condish discovered the box was an ATM cassette full of cash. Security video from the credit union shows Condish picking up the box and carrying it inside.
"I picked it up and noticed a tag that said it was $40,000," he said. "I said, 'Is there a reward for $40,000?' And I put it on their counter and they just looked dumbfounded."
The box, which actually only contained $27,000, had mistakenly been left in the roadway by an armored truck security guard.
"It's not mine and any honest person, I would hope, would take it back in," Condash said.
Condash said the credit union did give him a reward for his honesty.


upi--2020-01-23--Fire at Firefly Aerospace interrupts rocket test

Jan. 23 ( UPI ) -- Firefly Aerospace said Thursday that it is investigating a problem with a first-stage booster rocket that caused a fire during a test near Austin , Texas , on Wednesday .
`` There were no injuries and no significant damage to the facility , '' said Eric Salwan , Firefly 's director of commercial business development .
`` We wo n't know about the rocket until an investigation . ''
The company , based in suburban Austin , has been planning its first launch to enter the small satellite launcher market .
It had announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rocket plant near Kennedy Space Center in Florida .
CBS Austin reported that homes were evacuated for a mile around the company 's 200-acre test facility in Briggs , Texas , when the fire broke out .
Briggs is about 50 miles from Austin .
The company said test engineers were conducting a planned test of the first stage of the Alpha launch vehicle .
This was first in a series of propulsion tests intended to verify design and operation , and involved a five-second firing of the stage 's four engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the stage 's engines were fired , and a fire broke out in the engine bay at the base of the rocket 's stage , '' a statement said .
The company aborted the test immediately and fire suppression system extinguished the fire , according to the statement .
A video taken from a distance and posted by CBS Austin showed apparent flames lasting for several minutes .
`` Firefly engineers are reviewing test data from the stage to identify potential causes for the test failure , and Firefly will share results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement said .
In September the company told UPI it had pushed back its first launch from late 2019 to early 2020 due to supplier delays .
`` We were trying for this year , but wo n't get there , '' Salwan said at the time .
`` Primarily , we are having issues with a few externally sourced components , such as the flight termination system . ''
Issues included late delivery of components and testing or qualifying them for launch , Salwan said .
Firefly said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in launch business lined up .
It has been funded by Noosphere Ventures , the strategic venture arm of Noosphere Global .
A leading investor in Noosphere is Ukrainian technologist and investor Max Polyakov .
Since that time , at least one potential competitor , rocket startup Vector Launch , based in Tucson , Ariz. , said it was `` undertaking a pause of operations . ''
Firefly had announced in October it would partner with Aerojet Rocketdyne .
One of the first projects on which the two are to collaborate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the formal announcement .
Firefly has said it intends to offer relatively inexpensive launches for small satellites on the Alpha rocket .
The company also plans a bigger rocket , Firefly Beta , and possibly a space plane , Firefly Gamma .

Firefly Aerospace acting CFO Mark Watt addresses the crowd on Feb. 22, 2019, at Cape Canaveral, Fla., atop Space Launch Complex 20. File photo by Paul Brinkmann/UPI
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Firefly Aerospace said Thursday that it is investigating a problem with a first-stage booster rocket that caused a fire during a test near Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. "There were no injuries and no significant damage to the facility," said Eric Salwan, Firefly's director of commercial business development. "We won't know about the rocket until an investigation." Advertisement
The company, based in suburban Austin, has been planning its first launch to enter the small satellite launcher market. It had announced in February 2019 that it would build a rocket plant near Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
CBS Austin reported that homes were evacuated for a mile around the company's 200-acre test facility in Briggs, Texas, when the fire broke out. Briggs is about 50 miles from Austin.
Just got this video of the Firefly Aerospace fire last night from Shelina Faurie. She says the explosion at the beginning is part of normal testing, but the fire around the 6 second mark was out of the ordinary, prompting law enforcement to evacuate homes within a mile radius. pic.twitter.com/bqE5isBWEw— Christian Flores (@CFloresNews) January 23, 2020
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The company said test engineers were conducting a planned test of the first stage of the Alpha launch vehicle.
This was first in a series of propulsion tests intended to verify design and operation, and involved a five-second firing of the stage's four engines.
"At 6:23 p.m. local time, the stage's engines were fired, and a fire broke out in the engine bay at the base of the rocket's stage," a statement said.
The company aborted the test immediately and fire suppression system extinguished the fire, according to the statement. A video taken from a distance and posted by CBS Austin showed apparent flames lasting for several minutes.
"Firefly engineers are reviewing test data from the stage to identify potential causes for the test failure, and Firefly will share results of that investigation once it is complete," the statement said.
In September the company told UPI it had pushed back its first launch from late 2019 to early 2020 due to supplier delays.
"We were trying for this year, but won't get there," Salwan said at the time. "Primarily, we are having issues with a few externally sourced components, such as the flight termination system."
Issues included late delivery of components and testing or qualifying them for launch, Salwan said.
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Firefly said in February 2019 that it had $1.3 billion in launch business lined up. It has been funded by Noosphere Ventures, the strategic venture arm of Noosphere Global. A leading investor in Noosphere is Ukrainian technologist and investor Max Polyakov.
Since that time, at least one potential competitor, rocket startup Vector Launch, based in Tucson, Ariz., said it was "undertaking a pause of operations."
Firefly had announced in October it would partner with Aerojet Rocketdyne. One of the first projects on which the two are to collaborate is 3D printing of Firefly's Reaper engines, according to the formal announcement.
Firefly has said it intends to offer relatively inexpensive launches for small satellites on the Alpha rocket. The company also plans a bigger rocket, Firefly Beta, and possibly a space plane, Firefly Gamma.