upi--2020-12-06--Lions rally past Bears in first game after Matt Patricia, Bob Quinn firings

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Interim head coach Darrell Bevell led the Detroit Lions to a 34-30 comeback win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday in the team 's first game since the firings of former coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn .
Despite the recent turnover within the organization , the Lions erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and defended their late lead with a fourth-down stop deep in their own territory with 11 seconds remaining to seal the victory .
`` My emotions right now , I ca n't even think straight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just trying to wrap my head around this whole thing on what just happened .
...
It was a crazy , amazing week .
I just could n't be happier with how they did today . ''
Detroit trailed the Bears 30-20 early in the final quarter after Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky tossed an 11-yard touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet .
Chicago defensive lineman Bilal Nichols then intercepted Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford with under 10 minutes remaining .
But the Lions got back on track in the final minutes of the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass to receiver Marvin Jones Jr. with 2:18 left on the clock .
With the Lions trailing 30-27 , veteran running back Adrian Peterson then scored from five yards out after Romeo Okwara strip-sacked Trubisky with just under two minutes left in the game .
`` Guys were having a blast , '' said Stafford , who gave Bevell the game ball .
`` Obviously , it was a crazy one , down to the wire .
Defense made some huge plays late in the game .
We were able to put enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come away with the win .
`` Happy for [ Bevell ] , happy for our team .
Just excited to get a win and thought it was fitting [ for Bevell ] to get that game ball .
It 's his first game as a head coach , and to get a win is huge . ''
Bevell , who was the Lions ' offensive coordinator , was promoted to interim coach after Detroit ( 5-7 ) fired Quinn and Patricia following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Houston Texans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five entering Sunday 's game against the Bears , prompting the coaching and GM changes .
The Lions won for the first time when trailing by double digits since Nov. 19 , 2017 , a span of 23 games .
Detroit also snapped its five-game losing streak against the division rival Bears ( 5-7 ) .
Stafford completed 27 of his 42 pass attempts for 402 yards , three touchdowns and an interception .
Jones had eight receptions for 116 yards and one score on 12 targets .
Peterson finished with 57 rushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trubisky was 26 of 34 for 267 yards and a touchdown .
He connected with receiver Allen Robinson six times for 75 yards .
`` I think I was in shock a little bit , '' said Trubisky , who played turnover-free until his late fumble .
`` I thought we were pretty much in control the whole game .
...
I was just in shock because I felt like we were going to win that one . ''
David Montgomery ran 17 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns .
Cordarrelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one rushing score .
The Lions are scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday , while the Bears will welcome the Houston Texans to Soldier Field .

1/16
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) celebrate after a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Interim head coach Darrell Bevell led the Detroit Lions to a 34-30 comeback win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday in the team's first game since the firings of former coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn. Despite the recent turnover within the organization, the Lions erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and defended their late lead with a fourth-down stop deep in their own territory with 11 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Advertisement
"My emotions right now, I can't even think straight," Bevell said. "I'm just trying to wrap my head around this whole thing on what just happened. ... It was a crazy, amazing week. I just couldn't be happier with how they did today."
Detroit trailed the Bears 30-20 early in the final quarter after Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky tossed an 11-yard touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet. Chicago defensive lineman Bilal Nichols then intercepted Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford with under 10 minutes remaining.
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But the Lions got back on track in the final minutes of the fourth, starting with Stafford's 25-yard touchdown pass to receiver Marvin Jones Jr. with 2:18 left on the clock.
With the Lions trailing 30-27, veteran running back Adrian Peterson then scored from five yards out after Romeo Okwara strip-sacked Trubisky with just under two minutes left in the game.
"Guys were having a blast," said Stafford, who gave Bevell the game ball. "Obviously, it was a crazy one, down to the wire. Defense made some huge plays late in the game. We were able to put enough points on the board [to] come away with the win.
"Happy for [Bevell], happy for our team. Just excited to get a win and thought it was fitting [for Bevell] to get that game ball. It's his first game as a head coach, and to get a win is huge."
Bevell, who was the Lions' offensive coordinator, was promoted to interim coach after Detroit (5-7) fired Quinn and Patricia following a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Houston Texans. The Lions had lost four of their past five entering Sunday's game against the Bears, prompting the coaching and GM changes.
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The Lions won for the first time when trailing by double digits since Nov. 19, 2017, a span of 23 games. Detroit also snapped its five-game losing streak against the division rival Bears (5-7).
Stafford completed 27 of his 42 pass attempts for 402 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Jones had eight receptions for 116 yards and one score on 12 targets.
Peterson finished with 57 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Trubisky was 26 of 34 for 267 yards and a touchdown. He connected with receiver Allen Robinson six times for 75 yards.
"I think I was in shock a little bit," said Trubisky, who played turnover-free until his late fumble. "I thought we were pretty much in control the whole game. ... I was just in shock because I felt like we were going to win that one."
David Montgomery ran 17 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Cordarrelle Patterson had 10 rushes for 59 yards and one rushing score.
The Lions are scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday, while the Bears will welcome the Houston Texans to Soldier Field.
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upi--2020-12-06--Saints become first team to clinch playoff berth after win over Falcons

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to secure a playoff spot this season following their win over the division rival Atlanta Falcons .
The Saints ( 10-2 ) held on for a 21-16 victory over Matt Ryan and the Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to capture their ninth straight win .
New Orleans officially clinched the postseason berth when the Chicago Bears suffered a 34-30 loss to the Detroit Lions .
The Saints need just one victory or one more loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 7-5 ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth consecutive year .
`` It 's definitely a blessing to be in this situation , '' Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas said .
`` I feel like it 's the culture that we 've built since I 've gotten here .
We slowly built it , and we demand it now .
We demand success , we demand excellence .
`` ... As long as we keep that mindset , with the coaches that we have and the skill set we have on offense , defense and special teams , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone knows that . ''
Saints quarterback Taysom Hill , who was filling in for injured starter Drew Brees for the third straight game , completed 27 of his 37 pass attempts for 232 yards , including the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career .
He added 14 rushes for 83 yards against the Falcons .
Alvin Kamara had 88 rushing yards and one touchdown on 15 carries .
Thomas caught nine passes for 105 yards on 11 targets .
Ryan was 19 of 39 for 273 yards and one touchdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to record a winning season for the third consecutive year .
Atlanta ( 4-8 ) finished at 7-9 in each of the past two seasons .
`` They 're a good defense , that 's for sure , '' Ryan said of the Saints .
`` We needed to be in more third-and-shorts to give us better opportunities . ''
Ito Smith saw a larger workload due to a hobbled Todd Gurley and led the Falcons with eight carries for 36 yards .
Calvin Ridley had five receptions for a team-best 108 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 94 yards .
The Saints will travel to play the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday , while the Falcons will hit the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers .

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) threw two touchdown passes in the Saints' win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The New Orleans Saints became the first NFL team to secure a playoff spot this season following their win over the division rival Atlanta Falcons. The Saints (10-2) held on for a 21-16 victory over Matt Ryan and the Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to capture their ninth straight win. New Orleans officially clinched the postseason berth when the Chicago Bears suffered a 34-30 loss to the Detroit Lions. Advertisement
The Saints need just one victory or one more loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) to win the NFC South title for the fourth consecutive year.
"It's definitely a blessing to be in this situation," Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas said. "I feel like it's the culture that we've built since I've gotten here. We slowly built it, and we demand it now. We demand success, we demand excellence.
"... As long as we keep that mindset, with the coaches that we have and the skill set we have on offense, defense and special teams, we're a very dominant team. And everyone knows that."
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Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, who was filling in for injured starter Drew Brees for the third straight game, completed 27 of his 37 pass attempts for 232 yards, including the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career. He added 14 rushes for 83 yards against the Falcons.
Alvin Kamara had 88 rushing yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. Thomas caught nine passes for 105 yards on 11 targets.
Ryan was 19 of 39 for 273 yards and one touchdown for the Falcons, who will fail to record a winning season for the third consecutive year. Atlanta (4-8) finished at 7-9 in each of the past two seasons.
"They're a good defense, that's for sure," Ryan said of the Saints. "We needed to be in more third-and-shorts to give us better opportunities."
Ito Smith saw a larger workload due to a hobbled Todd Gurley and led the Falcons with eight carries for 36 yards. Calvin Ridley had five receptions for a team-best 108 yards, and Julio Jones recorded six catches for 94 yards.
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The Saints will travel to play the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, while the Falcons will hit the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
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upi--2020-12-06--Raiders beat Jets on miraculous deep ball in closing seconds

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders dropped the New York Jets to 0-12 after a miraculous deep pass in the final seconds of Sunday 's game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford , N.J. Derek Carr delivered a perfectly placed 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III with five seconds remaining to lift the Raiders to a stunning 31-28 win over the winless Jets .
`` Once I looked back , it felt like the ball was in the air forever , like it could n't come down , '' Ruggs said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make the play . ''
Facing a rare eight-man blitz in a situation that typically calls for max coverage , Carr stepped up in the pocket and found Ruggs streaking downfield .
Ruggs used his elite speed to create about two yards of separation , beating Jets rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson for the game-winning score .
`` I could n't believe they all-out blitzed us , '' Carr said .
`` As soon as I saw it , I was thankful . ''
After a squib kick by the Raiders ( 7-5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance .
But Sam Darnold 's Hail Mary throw was swatted down in front of the end zone , keeping the Jets winless in 12 games this season .
The Jets are now four losses away from becoming only the third 0-16 team in NFL history .
Las Vegas would join the 2017 Cleveland Browns and the 2008 Detroit Lions .
`` Our players work way too hard to go through this [ expletive ] , '' Jets head coach Adam Gase said .
Carr completed 28 of his 47 pass attempts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interception .
He also ran for a touchdown .
Carr 's favorite target in Sunday 's game was tight end Darren Waller , who caught 13 passes for 200 yards and two scores .
Ruggs finished with three receptions for 84 yards and the game-winning touchdown .
Darnold was 14 of 23 passing for 186 yards , two touchdowns and an interception .
He added three carries for 26 yards and a rushing score .
`` We should 've won , '' said Darnold , who also fumbled twice .
Jets running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carries for 104 yards and a touchdown .
Veteran receiver Jamison Crowder had five catches for 47 yards and two receiving scores .
The Raiders are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday , while the Jets will travel to play the Seattle Seahawks .

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III catches a 46-yard game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of Sunday's game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders dropped the New York Jets to 0-12 after a miraculous deep pass in the final seconds of Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Derek Carr delivered a perfectly placed 46-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III with five seconds remaining to lift the Raiders to a stunning 31-28 win over the winless Jets. Advertisement
"Once I looked back, it felt like the ball was in the air forever, like it couldn't come down," Ruggs said. "I just had to find it and make the play."
Facing a rare eight-man blitz in a situation that typically calls for max coverage, Carr stepped up in the pocket and found Ruggs streaking downfield. Ruggs used his elite speed to create about two yards of separation, beating Jets rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson for the game-winning score.
"I couldn't believe they all-out blitzed us," Carr said. "As soon as I saw it, I was thankful."
After a squib kick by the Raiders (7-5), the Jets had one last chance. But Sam Darnold's Hail Mary throw was swatted down in front of the end zone, keeping the Jets winless in 12 games this season.
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The Jets are now four losses away from becoming only the third 0-16 team in NFL history. Las Vegas would join the 2017 Cleveland Browns and the 2008 Detroit Lions.
"Our players work way too hard to go through this [expletive]," Jets head coach Adam Gase said.
Carr completed 28 of his 47 pass attempts for 381 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown.
Carr's favorite target in Sunday's game was tight end Darren Waller, who caught 13 passes for 200 yards and two scores. Ruggs finished with three receptions for 84 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Darnold was 14 of 23 passing for 186 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He added three carries for 26 yards and a rushing score.
"We should've won," said Darnold, who also fumbled twice.
Jets running back Ty Johnson led the team with 22 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. Veteran receiver Jamison Crowder had five catches for 47 yards and two receiving scores.
The Raiders are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday, while the Jets will travel to play the Seattle Seahawks.
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upi--2020-12-06--Trump says attorney Rudy Giuliani tested positive for COVID-19

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Sunday said his personal attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` [ Rudy Giuliani ] , by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC , and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election ( by far ! )
in the history of the USA , has tested positive for the China Virus .
Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on ! ''
Trump , who also tested positive for coronavirus virus and was hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday afternoon .
Giuliani was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington , D.C. , according to reports by The New York Times and ABC News .
Giuliani has participated in various legal challenges to the results of November 's election in key states such as Pennsylvania , Michigan and Arizona , which saw President-elect Joe Biden defeat Trump .
On Wednesday , Giuliani appeared without a mask at a hearing in the Michigan House of Representatives and on Thursday attended a hearing at the Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee contesting election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Andrew Giuliani -- a special assistant to the president -- tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 20 .
Trump 's son , Donald Trump Jr. , also announced he had tested positive on the same day .

President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for COVID-19, the president tweeted on Sunday afternoon. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Sunday said his personal attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for COVID-19. "[Rudy Giuliani], by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!" Trump, who also tested positive for coronavirus virus and was hospitalized in October, wrote on Twitter on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement
Giuliani was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., according to reports by The New York Times and ABC News.
Sunday night, Giuliani tweeted that he was "getting great care and feeling good."
"Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything," he said.
Giuliani has participated in various legal challenges to the results of November's election in key states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Arizona, which saw President-elect Joe Biden defeat Trump.
On Wednesday, Giuliani appeared without a mask at a hearing in the Michigan House of Representatives and on Thursday attended a hearing at the Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee contesting election results in that state.
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Giuliani's son, Andrew Giuliani -- a special assistant to the president -- tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 20. Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., also announced he had tested positive on the same day.


upi--2020-12-06--U.S. COVID-19 vaccine chief sees 'light at the end of the tunnel' in spring

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Moncef Slaoui , chief adviser of the White House 's vaccine distribution effort Operation Warp Speed , said Sunday he sees a `` light at the end of the tunnel '' regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Slaoui told CBS News ' Face the Nation he expects a positive impact on `` the most susceptible people '' in the months of January and February while suggesting lives of those in the general population to begin `` getting back to normal '' in April or May .
`` Therefore it is absolutely vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tunnel and find the energy in that to continue to wear our masks , distance , wash our hands , pay attention to what we 're doing to make sure we 're there by spring to benefit from the vaccine , '' he said .
The United States added 213,875 new cases of COVID-19 and 2,254 new deaths related to the virus on Saturday , with a total of 14,610,367 infections and a death toll of 281,347 since the start of the pandemic , according to data gathered by John 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet with President-elect Joe Biden for the first time this week , praising Biden 's plan to urge Americans to wear masks in his first 100 days in office .
`` I think it 's a good idea , it 's never too late .
This pandemic is ravaging the country .
We all need to take our precaution , wear our masks , wash our hands , keep our distance , remain aware that this virus is a killer , '' Slaoui told CNN 's State of the Union .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` there is no detailed plan that we 've seen anyway , as to how you get the vaccine out of a container , into an injection syringe into somebody 's arm . ''
Slaoui pushed back against Biden 's comments Sunday , saying there are videos and other explanations outlining Operation Warp Speed 's plans .
`` We plan to have all the ancillary material , the syringes , the needles , the swabs , everything co-localized with the vaccine .
So , I think the plans are there , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that once we will explain it , everything in detail , I hope the new transition teams will understand that things are well planned . ''
He added that the plan is for vaccines to ship immediately after authorization is granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
`` If the vaccine is approved on the 10th or the 11th , the minute it 's approved the shipments will start , '' said Slaoui .
`` And within , I would say , 36 hours from approval , potentially the first immunization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Fox News Sunday Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar also disputed Biden 's statement that there was no clear plan for distributing a vaccine .
`` With all respect , that 's just nonsense , '' Azar said .
`` We have comprehensive plans from the CDC , working with 64 public health jurisdictions around the country . ''
California added a record 30,075 cases on Sunday as it leads the nation in cases with 1,341,700 cases since the start of the pandemic and has the third highest death toll at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 33 million of the state 's 39 million residents will be placed under new stay-at-home orders beginning Sunday evening .
The orders call for the closure of bars , hair salons , museums , movie theaters and indoor recreational facilities , while retail businesses must maintain below 20 % capacity and restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery .
Travel is also prohibited for all purposes except for essential activities .
Schools and other critical infrastructure businesses that have been open for in-person operation may remain open , however .
Florida reported 8,436 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three consecutive days , for the third highest total in the nation at 1,058,074 .
The state also reported 93 deaths for a total of 19,423 , fourth in the nation .
Texas is second in cases with 1,240,750 and second in deaths with 22,502 as of Saturday .
New Jersey also reported a new record with 6,046 new cases bringing its total to 368,016 , while also adding 16 new deaths for a death toll of 15,485 .
New York reported 56 fatalities for a total of 27,149 confirmed deaths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9,702 for fifth place at 705,827 .
Illinois is fourth in cases with 787,573 , adding 7,598 , as well as 76 more deaths in sixth place .

Chief adviser of the White House's vaccine distribution effort Operation Warp Speed Moncef Slaoui said he believes the general population in the United States will see their lives "getting back to normal" in the spring. File Photo by Pfizer/EPA-EFE
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Moncef Slaoui, chief adviser of the White House's vaccine distribution effort Operation Warp Speed, said Sunday he sees a "light at the end of the tunnel" regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Slaoui told CBS News' Face the Nation he expects a positive impact on "the most susceptible people" in the months of January and February while suggesting lives of those in the general population to begin "getting back to normal" in April or May. Advertisement
"Therefore it is absolutely vital that we have light at the end of the tunnel and find the energy in that to continue to wear our masks, distance, wash our hands, pay attention to what we're doing to make sure we're there by spring to benefit from the vaccine," he said.
The United States added 213,875 new cases of COVID-19 and 2,254 new deaths related to the virus on Saturday, with a total of 14,610,367 infections and a death toll of 281,347 since the start of the pandemic, according to data gathered by John's Hopkins University.
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Slaoui said he plans to meet with President-elect Joe Biden for the first time this week, praising Biden's plan to urge Americans to wear masks in his first 100 days in office.
"I think it's a good idea, it's never too late. This pandemic is ravaging the country. We all need to take our precaution, wear our masks, wash our hands, keep our distance, remain aware that this virus is a killer," Slaoui told CNN's State of the Union.
The meeting comes after Biden on Friday said "there is no detailed plan that we've seen anyway, as to how you get the vaccine out of a container, into an injection syringe into somebody's arm."
Slaoui pushed back against Biden's comments Sunday, saying there are videos and other explanations outlining Operation Warp Speed's plans.
"We plan to have all the ancillary material, the syringes, the needles, the swabs, everything co-localized with the vaccine. So, I think the plans are there," he said. "And I feel confident that once we will explain it, everything in detail, I hope the new transition teams will understand that things are well planned."
He added that the plan is for vaccines to ship immediately after authorization is granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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"If the vaccine is approved on the 10th or the 11th, the minute it's approved the shipments will start," said Slaoui. "And within, I would say, 36 hours from approval, potentially the first immunization could be taking place."
Speaking on Fox News Sunday Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar also disputed Biden's statement that there was no clear plan for distributing a vaccine.
"With all respect, that's just nonsense," Azar said. "We have comprehensive plans from the CDC, working with 64 public health jurisdictions around the country."
California added a record 30,075 cases on Sunday as it leads the nation in cases with 1,341,700 cases since the start of the pandemic and has the third highest death toll at 19,876 after 85 new deaths.
About 33 million of the state's 39 million residents will be placed under new stay-at-home orders beginning Sunday evening. The orders call for the closure of bars, hair salons, museums, movie theaters and indoor recreational facilities, while retail businesses must maintain below 20% capacity and restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery.
Travel is also prohibited for all purposes except for essential activities. Schools and other critical infrastructure businesses that have been open for in-person operation may remain open, however.
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Florida reported 8,436 new cases, after more than 10,000 for three consecutive days, for the third highest total in the nation at 1,058,074. The state also reported 93 deaths for a total of 19,423, fourth in the nation.
Texas is second in cases with 1,240,750 and second in deaths with 22,502 as of Saturday.
New Jersey also reported a new record with 6,046 new cases bringing its total to 368,016, while also adding 16 new deaths for a death toll of 15,485.
New York reported 56 fatalities for a total of 27,149 confirmed deaths and 34,919 including probable. New cases were 9,702 for fifth place at 705,827.
Illinois is fourth in cases with 787,573, adding 7,598, as well as 76 more deaths in sixth place.


upi--2020-12-06--Georgia officials don't expect governor Brian Kemp to overturn election result

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Georgia Lt. Gov .
Geoff Duncan said Sunday he does not expect Gov .
Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to overturn the result of the state 's election .
Duncan told CNN 's State of the Union that he was not personally on a call between the Republican governor and President Donald Trump in which he reportedly asked Kemp to call a special session , but said he `` absolutely '' believes it to be the case that the governor will not .
`` The governor and I have spoken often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in at this point would be almost along the lines of a solution trying to find a problem , '' Duncan said .
`` And we 're certainly not going to move the goalposts at this point in the election .
We are going to continue to follow the letter of the law , which gives us a very clear-cut direction as to how to execute an election .
And we 're going to continue to take that on . ''
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also said he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly for a special session , adding the state has `` never found systemic fraud , not enough to overturn the election . ''
`` The people of Georgia spoke in this election and obviously , I 'm a conservative Republican disappointed in the results , '' he told ABC News ' This Week .
`` But I said we 'll count every legal vote and work hard to make sure that no illegal votes were counted and that 's what we 've been doing . ''
Georgia certified its election results late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 5 million votes , which showed that President-elect Joe Biden secured about 12,300 more votes than Trump in the state .
And a later preliminary results of a machine recount showed Biden won by about 900 fewer than the hand count .
On Saturday night , Trump criticized Kemp for not acting on the allegations of fraud , during a rally in Valdosta for two Republican Senate candidates facing a run-off election in the state that will decide the balance of the chamber .
`` Your governor could stop it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was doing , '' Trump said .
`` So far we have n't been able to find the people in Georgia willing to do the right thing . ''
Duncan on Sunday called Trump 's messaging surrounding the presidential election `` concerning . ''
`` The mountains of misinformation are not helping the process , '' he said in reference to the Jan. 5 run-off .
`` They 're only hurting it . ''
Appearing on NBC News ' Meet the Press on Sunday , Gabriel Sterling , voting implementation manager for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false and are `` stoking anger and fear among his supporters .
`` This undermines democracy , '' Sterling said .
`` We have got to get to a point where responsible people act responsibly . ''

Georgia election officials said they do not believe Gov. Brian Kemp will call for a special session of the general assembly to overturn the state's election results despite calls by President Donald Trump to do so. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said Sunday he does not expect Gov. Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to overturn the result of the state's election. Duncan told CNN's State of the Union that he was not personally on a call between the Republican governor and President Donald Trump in which he reportedly asked Kemp to call a special session, but said he "absolutely" believes it to be the case that the governor will not. Advertisement
"The governor and I have spoken often about this and calling the General Assembly back in at this point would be almost along the lines of a solution trying to find a problem," Duncan said. "And we're certainly not going to move the goalposts at this point in the election. We are going to continue to follow the letter of the law, which gives us a very clear-cut direction as to how to execute an election. And we're going to continue to take that on."
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also said he did not believe there was will in the general assembly for a special session, adding the state has "never found systemic fraud, not enough to overturn the election."
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"The people of Georgia spoke in this election and obviously, I'm a conservative Republican disappointed in the results," he told ABC News' This Week. "But I said we'll count every legal vote and work hard to make sure that no illegal votes were counted and that's what we've been doing."
Georgia certified its election results late last month after completing a manual recount of about 5 million votes, which showed that President-elect Joe Biden secured about 12,300 more votes than Trump in the state. And a later preliminary results of a machine recount showed Biden won by about 900 fewer than the hand count.
On Saturday night, Trump criticized Kemp for not acting on the allegations of fraud, during a rally in Valdosta for two Republican Senate candidates facing a run-off election in the state that will decide the balance of the chamber.
"Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing," Trump said. "So far we haven't been able to find the people in Georgia willing to do the right thing."
Duncan on Sunday called Trump's messaging surrounding the presidential election "concerning."
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"The mountains of misinformation are not helping the process," he said in reference to the Jan. 5 run-off. "They're only hurting it."
Appearing on NBC News' Meet the Press on Sunday, Gabriel Sterling, voting implementation manager for Georgia, said Trump's statements are false and are "stoking anger and fear among his supporters.
"This undermines democracy," Sterling said. "We have got to get to a point where responsible people act responsibly."


upi--2020-12-06--Dolphins hold off Bengals in Tua Tagovailoa's return

MIAMI GARDENS , Fla. , Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins overcame a sluggish first half and snatched momentum away from the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter to secure a 19-7 victory on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium .
Tagovailoa returned from his Week 12 injury absence to complete 26 of 39 passes for 296 yards and a score in the win .
The Dolphins ( 8-4 ) out-gained the Bengals 406 to 196 in total yards .
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy had three of the Dolphins ' six sacks .
Shaq Lawson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Xavien Howard and Nik Needham each had interceptions in the victory .
`` We did a good job of coming out in the second half with more energy and urgency , '' Von Noy said on a postgame video conference call .
`` We started playing football and it showed .
Our offense got the juice going and the defense kept it . ''
The ugly game featured multiple large scrums and five player ejections .
`` Games in this league are chippy , '' Dolphins coach Brian Flores said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , it can get chippy , but we have to keep our composure and poise . ''
The Bengals jumped ahead 7-0 when Tyler Boyd caught a short pass and ran for a 72-yard touchdown with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter .
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders then cut into the lead with a 25-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter .
He made another field goal as time expired in the first half to make the score 7-6 at the break .
The Dolphins came out hot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-yard touchdown toss to tight end Mike Gesicki to end the first possession of the third quarter and give the Dolphins the lead .
Sanders made his third field goal of the game with 5:37 left in the third quarter to give the Dolphins a 16-7 edge .
He later added a 19-yard field goal at the start of the fourth frame to give the Dolphins their final 12-point lead .
Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen completed 11 of 91 passes for 153 yards , one touchdown and an interception in the loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards from scrimmage on 23 touches .
The Bengals ( 2-9-1 ) have now lost four consecutive games .
The Dolphins have won seven of their last eight games .
The Dolphins host the Kansas City Chiefs at 1 p.m. EST on Dec. 13 in Miami Gardens .
The Bengals host the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. EST on Dec. 13 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati .

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a season-high 39 pass attempts in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo courtesy of the Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins overcame a sluggish first half and snatched momentum away from the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter to secure a 19-7 victory on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. Tagovailoa returned from his Week 12 injury absence to complete 26 of 39 passes for 296 yards and a score in the win. The Dolphins (8-4) out-gained the Bengals 406 to 196 in total yards. Advertisement
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy had three of the Dolphins' six sacks. Shaq Lawson also had two sacks for the Dolphins. Xavien Howard and Nik Needham each had interceptions in the victory.
"We did a good job of coming out in the second half with more energy and urgency," Von Noy said on a postgame video conference call.
"We started playing football and it showed. Our offense got the juice going and the defense kept it."
The ugly game featured multiple large scrums and five player ejections.
"Games in this league are chippy," Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. "This is a competitive league. At times, it can get chippy, but we have to keep our composure and poise."
The Bengals jumped ahead 7-0 when Tyler Boyd caught a short pass and ran for a 72-yard touchdown with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter.
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders then cut into the lead with a 25-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter. He made another field goal as time expired in the first half to make the score 7-6 at the break.
The Dolphins came out hot in the second half. Tagovailoa completed a five-yard touchdown toss to tight end Mike Gesicki to end the first possession of the third quarter and give the Dolphins the lead.
Sanders made his third field goal of the game with 5:37 left in the third quarter to give the Dolphins a 16-7 edge. He later added a 19-yard field goal at the start of the fourth frame to give the Dolphins their final 12-point lead.
Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen completed 11 of 91 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the loss. Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin had 141 yards from scrimmage on 23 touches.
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The Bengals (2-9-1) have now lost four consecutive games. The Dolphins have won seven of their last eight games.
The Dolphins host the Kansas City Chiefs at 1 p.m. EST on Dec. 13 in Miami Gardens. The Bengals host the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. EST on Dec. 13 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-06--Mahershala Ali, Jon Hamm join cast for Amazon's 'Invincible'

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Green Book Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and Mad Men alum Jon Hamm have joined @ @ @ @ @ Prime 's animated series , Invincible .
Also added to the ensemble for the adaptation @ @ @ @ @ series are Ezra Miller , Clancy Brown , Djimon Hounsou , Jonathan Groff , Nicole @ @ @ @ @ `` Whoa !
Thread , '' Kirkman tweeted Saturday , along with the show 's @ @ @

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Mahershala Ali has joined the voice cast of Amazon's "Invincible." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Green Book Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and Mad Men alum Jon Hamm have joined the voice cast for Amazon Prime's animated series, Invincible. Also added to the ensemble for the adaptation of Robert Kirkman's comic-book series are Ezra Miller, Clancy Brown, Djimon Hounsou, Jonathan Groff, Nicole Byer and Jeffrey Donovan. Advertisement
"Whoa! Thread," Kirkman tweeted Saturday, along with the show's casting news.
Previously announced stars include Zachary Quinto, Khary Payton, J.K. Simmons, Walton Goggins, Steven Yeun, Seth Rogen, Zazie Beetz and Mark Hamill.


upi--2020-12-06--Venezuela to hold National Assembly elections; Guaido, opposition protest

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Venezuela is set to elect a new National Assembly on Sunday in a vote that could deal a blow to claims to power from opposition leader Juan Guaido , who is protesting the election .
Guaido and other critics have described Sunday 's vote as a ruse crafted by President Nicolas Maduro who would gain control over the last major opposition-held political institution in the country if his allies win a majority of the 277-seat National Assembly .
The United States and dozens of other nations have supported Guiado 's claim to the presidency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of the National Assembly .
Guaido , however , will not appear on Sunday 's ballot as he and other opposition lawmakers will instead sponsor a weeklong referendum calling on Venezuelans to reject Maduro 's `` usurpation of the presidency . ''
`` The best thing we can do is leave the voting center alone , '' Guaido has said , asserting that participating in the election `` will only benefit the regime and its accomplices . ''
Guaido will no longer be a legislator after a new assembly is selected but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to claim to be Venezuela 's legitimate legislature .
Maduro has said he will resign if the opposition wins Sunday 's election but called for Venezuelans to cast votes for his allies .
`` I call my people to the battle , '' he said .
`` It 's been five years of [ the opposition ] saying they will destroy Maduro , asking for a military intervention and a war for Venezuela ... We need to recover the National Assembly . ''
Some opposition lawmakers who have chosen to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to protest the vote .
`` We ca n't renounce the vote as a means of struggle and an instrument of change , '' said candidate Armondo Amengual .
The election also comes amid near records in disapproval ratings for both Maduro at 82 % and Guaido at 67 % amid hunger , joblessness , gasoline shortages and lack of healthcare in the nation that have worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic .

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido is protesting elections on Sunday to elect new members to the National Assembly, which he currently heads. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Venezuela is set to elect a new National Assembly on Sunday in a vote that could deal a blow to claims to power from opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is protesting the election. Guaido and other critics have described Sunday's vote as a ruse crafted by President Nicolas Maduro who would gain control over the last major opposition-held political institution in the country if his allies win a majority of the 277-seat National Assembly. Advertisement
The United States and dozens of other nations have supported Guiado's claim to the presidency based on his role as the current head of the National Assembly.
Guaido, however, will not appear on Sunday's ballot as he and other opposition lawmakers will instead sponsor a weeklong referendum calling on Venezuelans to reject Maduro's "usurpation of the presidency."
"The best thing we can do is leave the voting center alone," Guaido has said, asserting that participating in the election "will only benefit the regime and its accomplices."
Guaido will no longer be a legislator after a new assembly is selected but he and his allies have said they will continue to claim to be Venezuela's legitimate legislature.
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Maduro has said he will resign if the opposition wins Sunday's election but called for Venezuelans to cast votes for his allies.
"I call my people to the battle," he said. "It's been five years of [the opposition] saying they will destroy Maduro, asking for a military intervention and a war for Venezuela ... We need to recover the National Assembly."
Some opposition lawmakers who have chosen to run in Sunday's election criticized Guaido's decision to protest the vote.
"We can't renounce the vote as a means of struggle and an instrument of change," said candidate Armondo Amengual.
The election also comes amid near records in disapproval ratings for both Maduro at 82% and Guaido at 67% amid hunger, joblessness, gasoline shortages and lack of healthcare in the nation that have worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-12-06--Europe leads continents in COVID cases, deaths per capita; cases pass 67M

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- With Europe in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus cases and deaths , the continent has the greatest per capita of infections and fatalities despite strong restrictions , including lockdowns .
Cases worldwide are increasing 1 million every two days and so far Sunday reached 67,287,511 with 1,540,293 deaths , according to tracking by Worldometers.info .
But with 423,975 fatalities and 18,439,062 infections in Europe , the percentage is 27 % each compared with a population of 9.6 % .
On Saturday , Europe 's share was 40.7 % of the 4,144 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30.5 % of the 191,292 new cases and 626,385 total .
So far Sunday , 6,454 deaths and 445,066 cases have been reported .
The records were Friday with 12,834 deaths and 688,333 cases .
Europe has the most cases , as well as second-most deaths , just a few thousand behind North America .
The United States , with only 4.3 % of the world 's population , leads with 281,938 deaths so far Sunday at 18.8 % and 14,705,821 cases at 22 % , according to tracking by Johns Hopkins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 for most deaths : No .
5 Britain at 61,245 , No .
6 Italy at 60,078 , No .
7 France at 55,155 , No .
9 Spain at 46,252 and Russia at 43,141 .
Russia has the most cases on the continent with 2,460,770 , fourth most in the world , including a record 29,039 Sunday .
In Europe cases are far below records set recently but deaths have been at high levels , including surpassing or near the first wave of the pandemic in the spring .
On Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths Saturday , behind the record 1,166 April 21 , as well 17,282 cases , far from the record 33,470 on Nov. 12 .
Italy , which at one time was the world 's epicenter , announced 564 deaths Sunday after 662 deaths , but set a record last week with 993 , as well as 18,887cases Sunday after a record 40,896 on Nov. 13 .
France reported 174 deaths Sunday after 214 deaths Saturday and 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record 86,852 on Oct. 31 and the nation is fifth in the world with 2,281,475 .
Spain reported no data over the weekend after 214 deaths and 5,554 cases .
Russia has been breaking deaths and cases records lately .
On Sunday , Russia reported 457 fatalities , four days after a record 589 cases .
With the record 29,039 cases , the nation is fourth overall with 2,460,770 .
Also in the top 20 for deaths are No .
15 Poland with 228 Sunday after 502 Saturday , No .
16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before and No .
18 Belgium with 122 .
Germany set a record Tuesday with 497 deaths .
Until mid-November the record was 333 on April 8 with deaths going into single digits subsequently .
Cases peaked at 23,676 on Nov. 19 with Saturday 's total 947 after 17,812 Saturday .
On Nov. 2 , Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel and minister from the 16 federal states enacted a partial lockdown and expanded it last week .
But Merkel says there was `` a light at the end of the tunnel '' since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We can now hope that there will be one or more vaccines very soon , '' she said Saturday .
`` Then we can defeat the virus step by step . ''
Last week Britain gave emergency approval to a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and plans to begin administering its first doses Tuesday .
With an initial batch of 800,000 vaccine doses , Britain is `` one of the first countries in the world to be able to start mass COVID-19 vaccination , '' Chris Hopson , CEO of the National Health Service Providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging the actual delivery of the vaccination will be , this is a fantastic development we need to welcome ! ''
The vaccine requires a second dose three weeks after the first and must be stored at minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit .
Britain 's lockdown ended last Wednesday but most of the country remains under tough restrictions .
Between Dec. 23 and Dec. 27 , families are allowed to `` bubble '' with two other households in all four home nations but they can not go inside pubs , hotels , shops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't say that Christmas will be normal this year -- but in a period of adversity , time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week .
`` We all want some kind of Christmas , we need it , we certainly feel we deserve it .
But what we do n't want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again , forcing us all back into lockdown in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight mass between Dec. 21 and Jan. 6 has been banned .
People are allowed to go between regions only for work , medical reasons and emergencies .
`` It 's clear this will be a Christmas that is different from the others but it will be no less authentic , '' Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said last week .
Regions in the highest zone of red are Tuscany , Abruzzo , Campania , Valle d'Aosta , province of Bolzano , meaning residents stay within their municipality , and are only allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health or other essential reasons .
Italy , France and Germany are shutting ski lifts over Christmas .
Random border checks will be imposed to prevent French residents from skiing in neighboring Switzerland , Prime Minister Jean Castex said .
Violators will face quarantine upon their returns .
In France , bars and restaurants will remain closed through Christmas .
The lockdown is due to end Dec. 15 .
Austria will allow slopes to open on Christmas Eve with Switzerland 's places already open .
Also , some slopes are open in northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to restrict movement but do n't allow a full lockdown .
Asia has the second-most cases with 17,501,385 as well as 301,607 deaths , which is fourth among the continents .
With a population of 4.6 billion people , which is 59 % of the world , the deaths are 20 % and cases are 26 % .
Mainland China is the original epicenter but has n't reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 40th place with 4,634 , behind Bulgaria with 4,729 .
It added 18 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases were reported , which is below the record of 149 on July 30 .
Since Nov. 22 , there have been 1,269 cases of the 6,898 total .
Hong Kong Disneyland closed down Wednesday indefinitely for the third time since the pandemic .
Elsewhere in the Far East , South Korea will raise its social distancing measures starting Tuesday amid rising cases .
The capital , Seoul , will enter the fourth-highest tier of five starting Tuesday .
That includes the closure of karaoke businesses and gyms with spectators banned at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theater close at 9 p.m. And only one-third of workers on site are encouraged .
The nation reported 631 cases Sunday , which is the highest since 853 on March 3 , and a total of 37,546 .
The death toll stands at 545 , including five Sunday .
Japan reported 22 deaths for a total of 2,341 , including 13 on a ship with cases at 2,508 , behind a record 2,679 one week earlier .
On Thursday , Osaka Prefecture issued a `` red alert '' on its scale of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid leaving their homes .
`` The strain on medical care is serious , and it is particularly dire on beds for severe cases , '' Osaka Gov .
Hirofumi Yoshimura told a meeting of his COVID-19 task force .
`` This is a situation where we can rightly declare a health emergency . ''
Two Asian nations are in the top 10 for deaths : India and Iran .
India is third in deaths with 140,182 , including 482 Sunday and national-record 1,299 .
India has the second-most cases in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 97,894 several months .
Iran is in eighth place for most deaths at 50,310 , including 294 Sunday after a record 486 on Nov. 16 in eighth and 11,561 cases after a record 14,051 Nov. 27 .
In Pakistan , seven patients being treated for the coronavirus have died after one of the largest hospitals in the northwestern city of Peshawar ran out of oxygen supplies .
The nation has 8,361 deaths and 416,499 cases .
South America has five spots in the top 20 for most deaths : Brazil in second with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colombia 12th with 37,633 , Peru 13th with 36,231 and Chile 19th with 15,592 .
With a population of 422.5 million , the continent is 5 % of the global number but 22 % of the deaths and 17 % of the cases .
On Saturday , the continent reported 1,105 deaths and 62,837 cases .
Of them , Brazil reported 660 deaths with the record 1,554 on July 29 and not exceeding 1,000 since mid-September .
Cases were 42,226 cases after a record 70,869 on July 29 .
Brazilian President Jair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus himself in July .
But the nation 's private healthcare system reached 98 % capacity in its intensive care units .
In states across the country , the situation was n't much better .
`` Brazil has to be very , very serious , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , the director general of the World Health Organization , told reporters .
He said the situation is `` very , very worrisome . ''
The WHO official also voiced concerned about Mexico , saying `` we would like to ask Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is third in the world for deaths at 109,456 and 12th in cases at 1,168,395 .
The nation reported 593 deaths Saturday compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4 .
And cases are 11,625 , one day after record 12,127 .
Until late November , cases had n't surpassed 10,000 .
Mexico , the United States and Canada have extended their travel ban through Dec. 21 where all but around 16,000 of the total 427,378 deaths are there .
That represents 28 % of the total deaths in the world though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17,426,351 cases , the percentage is 26 percent .
Canada ranks 23rd in the world for deaths at 12,589 , including 93 Saturday , as well as 408,921 cases , including 6,352 additional ones but behind last Saturday 's 6,495 .
Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000 .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has proposed $ 77 billion more in stimulus , which is 3 % of the gross domestic product .
`` This will be a significant investment to get our economy back on track and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one gets left behind , '' he said in a news conference last week in Ottawa .
Oceania , with only 42.3 million people , has a fraction of the deaths at 1,021 and cases at 45,927 .
New Zealand 's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia increased its death toll by one last week to 908 after none since Oct. 28 .
New Zealand last reported three cases Saturday for a total of 2,078 , which is 28 in one week , and Australia up nine Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in seven days .
Melbourne 's second lockdown began in July and ended last month .
In the state of Victoria , private companies are allowed to have 25 % of their employees back in offices with it increasing to 50 % on Jan. 11 .
Restrictions on gatherings at home have been eased .
But masks must be worn in indoor shopping centers and supermarkets .
Africa has 1.3 billion people , which is 17 % of the world population but 3 % each of the deaths at 53,933 and cases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22,206 deaths , including 139 Sunday followed by Egypt at 6,750 with 18 Saturday .
South Africa has the 16th-most cases in the world at 814,565 , including 4,116 more Sunday .

People wait for a COVID-19 test in the yard of the KitKatClub in Berlin, Germany, o Friday. The club has been closed as a result of coronavirus restrictions, and now serves as a testing center. Photo by Cl;emens Bilan/EPA-EFE
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- With Europe in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus cases and deaths, the continent has the greatest per capita of infections and fatalities despite strong restrictions, including lockdowns. Cases worldwide are increasing 1 million every two days and onSunday reached 67,377,463 with 1,541,373 deaths, according to tracking by Worldometers.info. But with 424,087 fatalities and 18,440,400 infections in Europe, the percentage is 27% each compared with a population of 9.6%. Advertisement
On Saturday, Europe's share was 40.7% of the 4,144 new deaths and 10,186 total, and 30.5% of the 191,292 new cases and 626,385 total. On Sunday, 7,537 deaths and 535,018 cases were reported worldwide.
The records were Friday with 12,834 deaths and 688,333 cases.
Europe has the most cases, as well as second-most deaths, just a few thousand behind North America.
The United States, with only 4.3% of the world's population, leads with 282,268 deaths so far Sunday at 18.8% and 14,756,914 cases at 22%, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins.
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Five European nations are in the top 10 for most deaths: No. 5 Britain at 61,245, No. 6 Italy at 60,078, No. 7 France at 55,155, No. 9 Spain at 46,252 and Russia at 43,141. Russia has the most cases on the continent with 2,460,770, fourth most in the world, including a record 29,039 Sunday.
In Europe cases are far below records set recently but deaths have been at high levels, including surpassing or near the first wave of the pandemic in the spring.
On Sunday, Britain reported 231 deaths after 397 deaths Saturday, behind the record 1,166 April 21, as well 17,272 cases, far from the record 33,470 on Nov. 12.
Italy, which at one time was the world's epicenter, announced 564 deaths Sunday after 662 deaths, but set a record last week with 993, as well as 18,887cases Sunday after a record 40,896 on Nov. 13.
France reported 174 deaths Sunday after 214 deaths Saturday and 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April. But its 11,022 cases Sunday were far below a record 86,852 on Oct. 31 and the nation is fifth in the world with 2,281,475.
Spain reported no data over the weekend after 214 deaths and 5,554 cases on Friday.
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Russia has been breaking deaths and cases records lately. On Sunday, Russia reported 457 fatalities, four days after a record 589 cases. With the record 29,039 cases, the nation is fourth overall with 2,460,770.
Also in the top 20 for deaths are No. 15 Poland with 228 Sunday after 502 Saturday, No. 16 Germany with 184 but 284 the day before and No. 18 Belgium with 122.
Germany set a record Tuesday with 497 deaths. Until mid-November the record was 333 on April 8 with deaths going into single digits subsequently. Cases peaked at 23,676 on Nov. 19 with Sunday's total 14,750 after 17,812 on Saturday.
On Nov. 2, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and minister from the 16 federal states enacted a partial lockdown and expanded it last week.
But Merkel says there was "a light at the end of the tunnel" since the pandemic started nine months ago.
"We can now hope that there will be one or more vaccines very soon," she said Saturday. "Then we can defeat the virus step by step."
Last week Britain gave emergency approval to a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and plans to begin administering its first doses Tuesday.
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With an initial batch of 800,000 vaccine doses, Britain is "one of the first countries in the world to be able to start mass COVID-19 vaccination," Chris Hopson, CEO of the National Health Service Providers, posted on Twitter. "However challenging the actual delivery of the vaccination will be, this is a fantastic development we need to welcome!"
The vaccine requires a second dose three weeks after the first and must be stored at minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Britain's lockdown ended last Wednesday but most of the country remains under tough restrictions.
Between Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, families are allowed to "bubble" with two other households in all four home nations but they cannot go inside pubs, hotels, shops, theaters or restaurants.
"I can't say that Christmas will be normal this year -- but in a period of adversity, time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week. "We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it. But what we don't want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January."
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In Italy, travel and midnight mass between Dec. 21 and Jan. 6 has been banned. People are allowed to go between regions only for work, medical reasons and emergencies.
"It's clear this will be a Christmas that is different from the others but it will be no less authentic," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said last week.
Regions in the highest zone of red are Tuscany, Abruzzo, Campania, Valle d'Aosta, province of Bolzano, meaning residents stay within their municipality, and are only allowed to leave for work, study, health or other essential reasons.
Italy, France and Germany are shutting ski lifts over Christmas.
Random border checks will be imposed to prevent French residents from skiing in neighboring Switzerland, Prime Minister Jean Castex said. Violators will face quarantine upon their returns.
In France, bars and restaurants will remain closed through Christmas. The lockdown is due to end Dec. 15.
Austria will allow slopes to open on Christmas Eve with Switzerland's places already open.
Also, some slopes are open in northern Spain.
Spain's regional authorities have the power to restrict movement but don't allow a full lockdown.
Asia has the second-most cases with 17,503,038 as well as 301,621 deaths, which is fourth among the continents.
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With a population of 4.6 billion people, which is 59% of the world, the deaths are 20% and cases are 26%.
Mainland China is the original epicenter but hasn't reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 40th place with 4,634, behind Bulgaria with 4,797. It added 87 cases Sunday.
In Hong Kong, 112 new cases were reported, which is below the record of 149 on July 30. Since Nov. 22, there have been 1,269 cases of the 6,898 total.
Hong Kong Disneyland closed down Wednesday indefinitely for the third time since the pandemic.
Elsewhere in the Far East, South Korea will raise its social distancing measures starting Tuesday amid rising cases. The capital, Seoul, will enter the fourth-highest tier of five starting Tuesday. That includes the closure of karaoke businesses and gyms with spectators banned at sports events. Hair salons and movie theater close at 9 p.m. And only one-third of workers on site are encouraged.
The nation reported 631 cases Sunday, which is the highest since 853 on March 3, and a total of 37,546. The death toll stands at 545, including five Sunday.
Japan reported 32 deaths for a total of 2,315, including 13 on a ship with cases at 2,424, behind a record 2,679 one week earlier.
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On Thursday, Osaka Prefecture issued a "red alert" on its scale of the pandemic's severity, urging residents to avoid leaving their homes.
"The strain on medical care is serious, and it is particularly dire on beds for severe cases," Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told a meeting of his COVID-19 task force. "This is a situation where we can rightly declare a health emergency."
Two Asian nations are in the top 10 for deaths: India and Iran.
India is third in deaths with 140,573, including 482 Sunday and national-record 1,299. India has the second-most cases in the world with 9,644,222 including 36,011 and a record 97,894 several months.
Iran is in eighth place for most deaths at 50,310, including 294 Sunday after a record 486 on Nov. 16 and 11,561 cases after a record 14,051 on Nov. 27.
In Pakistan, seven patients being treated for the coronavirus have died after one of the largest hospitals in the northwestern city of Peshawar ran out of oxygen supplies. The nation has 8,361 deaths and 416,499 cases.
South America has five spots in the top 20 for most deaths: Brazil in second with 176,962, Argentina in 11th with 39,770, Colombia 12th with 37,808, Peru 13th with 36,274 and Chile 19th with 15,628.
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With a population of 422.5 million, the continent is 5% of the global number but 22% of the deaths and 17% of the cases.
On Sunday, the continent reported 766 deaths and 43,545 cases, a drop from Saturday's 1,105 deaths and 62,837 cases.
Of them, Brazil reported 660 deaths with the record 1,554 on July 29 and not exceeding 1,000 since mid-September. Cases were 42,226 cases after a record 70,869 on July 29.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the outbreak though he contracted the virus himself in July.
But the nation's private healthcare system reached 98% capacity in its intensive care units. In states across the country, the situation wasn't much better.
"Brazil has to be very, very serious," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, told reporters. He said the situation is "very, very worrisome."
The WHO official also voiced concerned about Mexico, saying "we would like to ask Mexico to be very serious."
Mexico is fourth in the world for deaths at 109,456 and 12th in cases at 1,168,395.
The nation reported 593 deaths Saturday compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4. And cases are 11,625, one day after record 12,127. Until late November, cases hadn't surpassed 10,000.
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Mexico, the United States and Canada have extended their travel ban through Dec. 21 where all but around 16,000 of the total 428,261 deaths are there. That represents 28% of the total deaths in the world though the population is 7%. With 17,573,188 cases, the percentage is 26%.
Canada ranks 23rd in the world for deaths at 12,665, including 93 Saturday and 76 Sundy, as well as 415,182 cases, including 6,261 additional cases Sunday but behind last Saturday's 6,495. Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has proposed $77 billion more in stimulus, which is 3% of the gross domestic product.
"This will be a significant investment to get our economy back on track and it's an investment that will make sure no one gets left behind," he said in a news conference last week in Ottawa.
Oceania, with only 42.3 million people, has a fraction of the deaths at 1,021 and cases at 45,927.
New Zealand's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia increased its death toll by one last week to 908 after none since Oct. 28.
New Zealand last reported three cases Saturday for a total of 2,078, which is 28 in one week, and Australia up nine Sunday for 27,965, an increase of 72 in seven days.
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Melbourne's second lockdown began in July and ended last month.
In the state of Victoria, private companies are allowed to have 25% of their employees back in offices with it increasing to 50% on Jan. 11. Restrictions on gatherings at home have been eased.
But masks must be worn in indoor shopping centers and supermarkets.
Africa has 1.3 billion people, which is 17% of the world population but 3% each of the deaths at 53,961 and cases at 2,276,574
South Africa leads the continent with 22,206 deaths, including 139 Sunday followed by Egypt at 6,771 with 21 on Sunday and 18 Saturday. South Africa has the 16th-most cases in the world at 814,565, including 4,116 more Sunday.


upi--2020-12-06--South Carolina to hire Shane Beamer as football coach

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The University of South Carolina is expected to hire Shane Beamer , the son @ @ @ @ @ Frank Beamer , as its next head football coach .
Sources told The Athletic , @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday that Beamer agreed to become the Gamecocks coach ahead of the 2021 season @ @ @ @ @ is an assistant head coach for offense at Oklahoma .
He has worked on the @ @ @ @ @ three seasons .
Beamer was a recruiting coordinator at South Carolina in 2009 and 2010 @ @ @ @ @ assistant head coach and running backs coach from 2011 to 2015 under his dad at @ @ @ @ @ coached at Tennessee , Mississippi State , Georgia Tech and Georgia .
He played under @ @ @ @ @ 1999 at Virginia Tech .
South Carolina fired head coach Will Muschamp in November .
@ @ @ @ @ in five seasons with the Gamecocks .
The Gamecocks went 2-8 this season after a @ @ @ @ @

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The University of South Carolina is expected to hire Shane Beamer, the son of Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer, as its next head football coach.
Sources told The Athletic, ESPN and Fox 57 Columbia on Saturday that Beamer agreed to become the Gamecocks coach ahead of the 2021 season.
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Beamer, 43, is an assistant head coach for offense at Oklahoma. He has worked on the Sooners staff for the last three seasons.
Beamer was a recruiting coordinator at South Carolina in 2009 and 2010. He served as an assistant head coach and running backs coach from 2011 to 2015 under his dad at Virginia Tech.
He also coached at Tennessee, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and Georgia. He played under his dad from 1995 through 1999 at Virginia Tech.
South Carolina fired head coach Will Muschamp in November. Muschamp posted a 28-30 record in five seasons with the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks went 2-8 this season after a 4-8 campaign in 2019.


upi--2020-12-06--Eminem has cameo in Pete Davidson's 'Stan' parody on 'SNL'

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Rapper Eminem made a brief appearance in Saturday Night Live 's parody of his @ @ @ @ @ Stan . ''
In the comic video , SNL cast-mate Pete Davidson plays Stu , @ @ @ @ @ becomes increasingly threatening in the letters he writes to Santa Claus asking for a hard-to-find @ @ @ @ @ the end of the song , Eminem -- wearing an ugly Christmas sweater -- sits @ @ @ @ @ a present addressed to his nickname `` Shady . ''
`` That 's crazy !
@ @ @ @ @ n't even ask for this , '' the hip-hop star said .
`` I guess @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Sorry , Stu .
You [ expletive ] up . ''

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Eminem briefly appeared in an "SNL" parody of his song "Stan" this weekend. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Rapper Eminem made a brief appearance in Saturday Night Live's parody of his obsessed fan song, "Stan." In the comic video, SNL cast-mate Pete Davidson plays Stu, a disturbed young man who becomes increasingly threatening in the letters he writes to Santa Claus asking for a hard-to-find PS5 game system. Advertisement
At the end of the song, Eminem -- wearing an ugly Christmas sweater -- sits under a tree and opens a present addressed to his nickname "Shady."
"That's crazy! A PS5? I didn't even ask for this," the hip-hop star said. "I guess Shady was a good boy this year. Sorry, Stu. You [expletive] up."


upi--2020-12-06--Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa, Ravens' Lamar Jackson expected to start in Week 13

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are both expected @ @ @ @ @ teams in Week 13 .
Sources informed NFL Network and ESPN of the moves on @ @ @ @ @ the Ravens ' Week 12 game after he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Tagovailoa missed @ @ @ @ @ to a thumb injury .
Tagovailoa has completed 61 % of his throws for 593 @ @ @ @ @ no interceptions in four starts .
He owns a 3-1 record as a starter during @ @ @ @ @ -- the reigning NFL MVP -- has completed 63.4 % of his throws for 1,948 @ @ @ @ @ six interceptions in 10 starts .
He also has 575 rushing yards and three rushing @ @ @ @ @ on the season .
The Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. EST on @ @ @ @ @ in Miami Gardens , Fla .
The Ravens host the Dallas Cowboys at 8:05 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore , Md .

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is expected to start on Sunday after he missed Week 12 due to a thumb injury. Photo courtesy of the Miami Dolphins
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are both expected to start for their respective teams in Week 13. Sources informed NFL Network and ESPN of the moves on Sunday morning. Jackson missed the Ravens' Week 12 game after he tested positive for COVID-19. Tagovailoa missed his Week 12 start due to a thumb injury. Advertisement
Tagovailoa has completed 61% of his throws for 593 yards, six scores and no interceptions in four starts. He owns a 3-1 record as a starter during his rookie campaign.
Jackson -- the reigning NFL MVP -- has completed 63.4% of his throws for 1,948 yards, 15 scores and six interceptions in 10 starts. He also has 575 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Jackson is 6-4 on the season.
The Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Ravens host the Dallas Cowboys at 8:05 p.m. EST on Tuesday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-06--'Croods' sequel tops North American box office for 2nd week

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The animated adventure The Croods : A New Age is the No .
1 @ @ @ @ @ a second weekend , earning an additional $ 4.5 million in receipts , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced @ @ @ @ @ No .
2 is Half Brothers with $ 670,000 , followed by Freaky at No @ @ @ @ @ , All My Life at No .
4 with $ 350,000 and The War with @ @ @ @ @ with $ 335,000 .
Rounding out the top tier are Come Play at No .
@ @ @ @ @ Let Him Go at No .
7 with $ 210,000 and The Grinch at No @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier in the week , Warner Bros. announced plans to release all of its @ @ @ @ @ dates simultaneously in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming platform due to viewer habits @ @ @ @ @

Emma Stone's cartoon comedy, "The Croods: A New Age" is the No. 1 movie in North America for a second weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The animated adventure The Croods: A New Age is the No. 1 movie in North America for a second weekend, earning an additional $4.5 million in receipts, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday. Coming in at No. 2 is Half Brothers with $670,000, followed by Freaky at No. 3 with $450,000, All My Life at No. 4 with $350,000 and The War with Grandpa at No. 5 with $335,000. Advertisement
Rounding out the top tier are Come Play at No. 6 with $231,000, Let Him Go at No. 7 with $210,000 and The Grinch at No. 8 with $59,000.
Earlier in the week, Warner Bros. announced plans to release all of its 2021 films on their scheduled dates simultaneously in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming platform due to viewer habits amid the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-12-06--SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifts off, en route to International Space Station

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX 's Falcon 9 rocket , with 1.7 million pounds of thrust , lifted off at 11:17 a.m. EST Sunday on clear skies from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida with cargo headed to the International Space Station that include seven astronauts .
The private company 's launch was scheduled for Saturday morning , but was delayed because of poor weather in the area designated for recovery of the first-stage booster .
The booster , which launched its fourth payload into space , separated at 2 minutes , 45 seconds and six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic Ocean .
The flight was SpaceX 's first upgraded cargo Dragon capsule .
At 1:30 p.m. EST Monday , it is scheduled to join the Crew Dragon , marking the first time two Dragon capsules are docked there .
In all there will be seven vehicles , including two Soyuz .
`` It 's a really big vehicle and takes a lot of cargo up .
It has 20 % more volume than the previous version , '' Sarah Walker , SpaceX director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference Friday .
The 6,400 pounds of cargo include simulated heart tissue for a medical experiment , a holiday meal and the first privately owned airlock .
The heart experiment includes 192 chunks of tissue engineered from blood cells of six people -- three men and three women -- that will be kept healthy in a small laboratory .
Other projects on board the mission , SpaceX CRS-21 , include research on microbes that could be used to break down rocky material on asteroids ; a tool being tested for quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another human tissue study regarding the effects of spaceflight on post-traumatic osteoarthritis and bone loss .
Four astronauts arrived Nov. 16 on SpaceX 's first operational flight of the Crew Dragon capsule .
Also aboard the SpaceX 's storage trunk are a Bishop Airlock , built by Pittsburgh-based space company Nanoracks .
Astronauts plan to install the airlock on the exterior of the space station , where it will release science experiments and small satellites into space .
NASA says the private airlock just for science experiments and small satellites will allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlocks and allow for more commercial activity .

1/3
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches a Dragon 2 spacecraft to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at 11:17 a.m. Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, with 1.7 million pounds of thrust, lifted off at 11:17 a.m. EST Sunday on clear skies from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida with cargo headed to the International Space Station that include seven astronauts. The private company's launch was scheduled for Saturday morning, but was delayed because of poor weather in the area designated for recovery of the first-stage booster. The booster, which launched its fourth payload into space, separated at 2 minutes, 45 seconds and six minutes later landed on the drone barge called Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic Ocean. Advertisement
The flight was SpaceX's first upgraded cargo Dragon capsule. At 1:30 p.m. EST Monday, it is scheduled to join the Crew Dragon, marking the first time two Dragon capsules are docked there. In all there will be seven vehicles, including two Soyuz.
"It's a really big vehicle and takes a lot of cargo up. It has 20% more volume than the previous version," Sarah Walker, SpaceX director of Dragon mission management, said at a press conference Friday.
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The 6,400 pounds of cargo include simulated heart tissue for a medical experiment, a holiday meal and the first privately owned airlock.
The heart experiment includes 192 chunks of tissue engineered from blood cells of six people -- three men and three women -- that will be kept healthy in a small laboratory.
Other projects on board the mission, SpaceX CRS-21, include research on microbes that could be used to break down rocky material on asteroids; a tool being tested for quick and accurate blood analysis in microgravity; and another human tissue study regarding the effects of spaceflight on post-traumatic osteoarthritis and bone loss.
Holiday meal items include roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, jellied cranberry sauce, potatoes au gratin, macaroni and cheese, French vanilla cappuccino, shortbread cookies and decorative sparkle gel.
Four astronauts arrived Nov. 16 on SpaceX's first operational flight of the Crew Dragon capsule.
Also aboard the SpaceX's storage trunk are a Bishop Airlock, built by Pittsburgh-based space company Nanoracks. Astronauts plan to install the airlock on the exterior of the space station, where it will release science experiments and small satellites into space.
NASA says the private airlock just for science experiments and small satellites will allow more efficient use of the station's airlocks and allow for more commercial activity.
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Topics
SpaceX
Drones
Paul Brinkmann contributed to this report.


upi--2020-12-06--Fantasy football: Mahomes, Rodgers top Week 13 quarterback rankings

Aaron Rodgers , Russell Wilson , Lamar Jackson and Ben Roethlisberger round out my Top 5 options for Week 13 .
Josh Allen , Kirk Cousins , Kyler Murray , Deshaun Watson and Justin Herbert also land in my Top 10 .
I also would consider starting Taysom Hill , Mitchell Trubisky or Philip Rivers this week if you are desperate at the position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater should be removed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers have Week 13 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Patrick Mahomes has been the top quarterback in fantasy football this season on a points per game basis .
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has thrown at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his 11 games this season .
He also has averaged nearly 400 passing yards per game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four appearances .
I expect Mahomes to have another virtuoso performance in Week 13 , when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos .
The Broncos have n't been bad in defending quarterbacks this season , but I do n't think any defense can contain Mahomes when he is this hot .
He is my top option for Week 13 and for the fantasy football playoffs .
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also thrown at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his 11 starts in 2020 .
He threw four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 win over the Chicago Bears .
Rodgers is my No .
2 quarterback for Week 13 as he heads into a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles .
The Eagles secondary struggled to defend D.K .
Metcalf in Week 12 , but did n't do a terrible job of limiting Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson .
I think Rodgers can exploit this inconsistent unit .
I expect at least three touchdown passes from the Packers quarterback in this matchup .
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a great fantasy football streamer late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two touchdown passes in four consecutive games and in six of his last seven appearances .
He should have another stellar performance in Week 13 , when the Vikings face the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns and third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
Cousins also should get Pro Bowler Adam Thielen back this week after the Vikings wide receiver missed Week 12 due to a positive COVID-19 test .
Cousins is my No .
7 quarterback for Week 13 .
New Orleans Saints quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of value as a passer since he stepped in for injured starter Drew Brees , but he can produce on the ground .
Hill has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season , but has scored two rushing touchdowns in each of his last two starts .
I expect Hill to throw his first touchdown toss of 2020 this week when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons .
The Falcons have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
Hill is my No .
11 option for Week 13 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantasy football lineup this week if you are in desperate need of a quarterback .
The Chicago Bears starter is a risky play , but could pay off as a streamer due to a great matchup against the Detroit Lions .
Trubisky threw for 242 yards and two scores in Week 12 .
The Lions have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and I expect this NFC North matchup to be a shootout .
Trubisky is my No .
18 option and a suitable steamer for Week 13 .
Indianapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
19 quarterback for Week 13 .
Rivers has thrown at least two touchdown passes in two consecutive games as he heads into a matchup against the Houston Texans .
The Texans have allowed 20 passing touchdowns and have just three interceptions this season .
Houston also just lost starting cornerback Bradley Roby to a suspension .
I expect Rivers to post a low-end QB1 fantasy football point total in Week 13 for leagues with at least 14 teams .

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has scored the most fantasy points per game this season and is my top option for Week 13. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Patrick Mahomes tops my Week 13 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2020. Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson and Ben Roethlisberger round out my Top 5 options for Week 13. Josh Allen, Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson and Justin Herbert also land in my Top 10. Advertisement
I also would consider starting Taysom Hill, Mitchell Trubisky or Philip Rivers this week if you are desperate at the position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability.
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Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater should be removed from all starting lineups, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers have Week 13 byes.
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Patrick Mahomes has been the top quarterback in fantasy football this season on a points per game basis. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has thrown at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his 11 games this season. He also has averaged nearly 400 passing yards per game and has just one interception over his last four appearances.
I expect Mahomes to have another virtuoso performance in Week 13, when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos haven't been bad in defending quarterbacks this season, but I don't think any defense can contain Mahomes when he is this hot.
He is my top option for Week 13 and for the fantasy football playoffs.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also thrown at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his 11 starts in 2020. He threw four touchdown passes in the Packers' Week 12 win over the Chicago Bears.
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Rodgers is my No. 2 quarterback for Week 13 as he heads into a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles secondary struggled to defend D.K. Metcalf in Week 12, but didn't do a terrible job of limiting Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
I think Rodgers can exploit this inconsistent unit. I expect at least three touchdown passes from the Packers quarterback in this matchup.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a great fantasy football streamer late this season. Cousins has thrown at least two touchdown passes in four consecutive games and in six of his last seven appearances.
He should have another stellar performance in Week 13, when the Vikings face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns and third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Cousins also should get Pro Bowler Adam Thielen back this week after the Vikings wide receiver missed Week 12 due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Cousins is my No. 7 quarterback for Week 13.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill hasn't provided a ton of value as a passer since he stepped in for injured starter Drew Brees, but he can produce on the ground.
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Hill has yet to throw a touchdown pass this season, but has scored two rushing touchdowns in each of his last two starts.
I expect Hill to throw his first touchdown toss of 2020 this week when the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Hill is my No. 11 option for Week 13.
LONGSHOTS
Mitchell Trubisky should only be in your fantasy football lineup this week if you are in desperate need of a quarterback. The Chicago Bears starter is a risky play, but could pay off as a streamer due to a great matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Trubisky threw for 242 yards and two scores in Week 12. The Lions have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and I expect this NFC North matchup to be a shootout. Trubisky is my No. 18 option and a suitable steamer for Week 13.
Indianapolis Colts veteran Philip Rivers is my No. 19 quarterback for Week 13. Rivers has thrown at least two touchdown passes in two consecutive games as he heads into a matchup against the Houston Texans.
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The Texans have allowed 20 passing touchdowns and have just three interceptions this season. Houston also just lost starting cornerback Bradley Roby to a suspension.
I expect Rivers to post a low-end QB1 fantasy football point total in Week 13 for leagues with at least 14 teams.
Week 13 fantasy football quarterback rankings
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs vs. DEN
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. PHI
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYG
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens vs. DAL
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. WAS
6. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills at SF
7. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings vs. JAX
8. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR
9. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans vs. IND
10. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers vs. NE
11. Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints at ATL
12. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders at NYJ
13. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans vs. CLE
14. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams at ARI
15. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. NO
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16. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins vs. CIN
17. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions at CHI
18. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears vs. DET
19. Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts at HOU
20. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles at GB
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-06--Fantasy football: Cook, Montgomery lead Week 13 running back rankings

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Dalvin Cook , David Montgomery , Nick Chubb , Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler top my Week 13 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Kareem Hunt , James Robinson , Raheem Mostert , Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones round out my Top 10 options for Week 13 .
J.K. Dobbins and Frank Gore also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players should be removed from all starting lineups , as those teams have Week 13 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Dalvin Cook was forced to the sideline with an injury in Week 12 , but appears to be available ahead of the Minnesota Vikings ' Week 13 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars .
Cook is a no-brainer start in any league this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Jaguars , a defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Cook is my top option for Week 13 .
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery is my No .
7 option .
Montgomery rushed for a season-high 103 yards and had a receiving touchdown in Week 12 .
This week , the Bears host a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Montgomery should be in all lineups and is a high-end RB1 due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arguably the best free agent pickup this year in fantasy football .
The Jacksonville Jaguars running back has the third-most rushing yards in the NFL and should be in all lineups every week .
This week , Robinson 's Jaguars battle a Minnesota Vikings team that is tied for allowing the 10th most rushing yards in the NFL .
I expect the Jaguars to lean on the rookie once again in this matchup .
Robinson is my No .
7 option for Week 13 .
Raheem Mostert returned from a long injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco 49ers ' Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams .
I expect Mostert to have even more success this week when he faces the Buffalo Bills .
The Bills are tied for allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Mostert is a near-lock for at least 15 carries and a score in this matchup .
He is my No .
8 option and a matchup-dependent RB1 for the rest of the season .
Rookie J.K. Dobbins is in a great position to take over as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I expect Dobbins to show off his talent and have a very productive fantasy football performance in Week 13 when the Ravens host the Dallas Cowboys .
The Cowboys have allowed the second-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
I expect Dobbins to rush for at least 100 yards and score a touchdown in a breakout performance .
He is my No .
13 option and can be used as an RB1 , RB2 or flex play in Week 13 .
Veteran running back Frank Gore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , but is n't a terrible option if you need help at the position .
Gore 's New York Jets host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in East Rutherford , N.J .
The Raiders have allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns and fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
I expect Gore to score from a goal-line carry in this matchup .
He is my No .
22 option and could be a useful RB2 streamer for Week 13 .
He is more valuable in standard-scoring leagues with at least @ @ @

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David Montgomery of the Chicago Bears is my No. 2 fantasy football running back for Week 13. File Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Dalvin Cook, David Montgomery, Nick Chubb, Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler top my Week 13 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Kareem Hunt, James Robinson, Raheem Mostert, Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones round out my Top 10 options for Week 13. J.K. Dobbins and Frank Gore also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position. Advertisement
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers players should be removed from all starting lineups, as those teams have Week 13 byes.
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Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Dalvin Cook was forced to the sideline with an injury in Week 12, but appears to be available ahead of the Minnesota Vikings' Week 13 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Cook is a no-brainer start in any league this season, but should have a spectacular outing against the Jaguars, a defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Cook is my top option for Week 13.
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery is my No. 7 option. Montgomery rushed for a season-high 103 yards and had a receiving touchdown in Week 12.
This week, the Bears host a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Montgomery should be in all lineups and is a high-end RB1 due to his great matchup.
SNEAKY PLAYS
James Robinson has been arguably the best free agent pickup this year in fantasy football. The Jacksonville Jaguars running back has the third-most rushing yards in the NFL and should be in all lineups every week.
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This week, Robinson's Jaguars battle a Minnesota Vikings team that is tied for allowing the 10th most rushing yards in the NFL.
I expect the Jaguars to lean on the rookie once again in this matchup. Robinson is my No. 7 option for Week 13.
Raheem Mostert returned from a long injury absence and scored a touchdown in the San Francisco 49ers' Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams. I expect Mostert to have even more success this week when he faces the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills are tied for allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Mostert is a near-lock for at least 15 carries and a score in this matchup. He is my No. 8 option and a matchup-dependent RB1 for the rest of the season.
LONGSHOTS
Rookie J.K. Dobbins is in a great position to take over as the lead running back for the Baltimore Ravens. I expect Dobbins to show off his talent and have a very productive fantasy football performance in Week 13 when the Ravens host the Dallas Cowboys.
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The Cowboys have allowed the second-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect Dobbins to rush for at least 100 yards and score a touchdown in a breakout performance. He is my No. 13 option and can be used as an RB1, RB2 or flex play in Week 13.
Veteran running back Frank Gore is in the only-use-if-you're-desperate category for Week 13, but isn't a terrible option if you need help at the position.
Gore's New York Jets host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. The Raiders have allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns and fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
I expect Gore to score from a goal-line carry in this matchup. He is my No. 22 option and could be a useful RB2 streamer for Week 13. He is more valuable in standard-scoring leagues with at least 14 teams.
Week 13 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings vs. JAX
2. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears vs. DET
3. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns at TEN
4. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints at ATL
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5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. NE
6. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns at TEN
7. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars at MIN
8. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers vs. BUF
9. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. CLE
10. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. PHI
11. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs vs. DEN
12. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYG
13. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens vs. DAL
14. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles at GB
15. Devontae Booker , Las Vegas Raiders at NYJ
16. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR
17. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys at BAL
18. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos at KC
19. Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts at HOU
20. Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers vs. WAS
21. Wayne Gallman, New York Giants at SEA
22. Frank Gore, New York Jets vs. LV
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23. Adrian Peterson, Detroit Lions at CHI
24. Duke Johnson Jr., Houston Texans vs. IND
25. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team at PIT
26. Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins vs. CIN
27. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals at MIA
28. James White, New England Patriots at LAC
29. Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills at SF
30. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams at ARI
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-06--Late Naya Rivera's ex Ryan Dorsey shares holiday photo of their son

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Naya Rivera 's ex-husband , Ryan Dorsey , posted online a photo of their @ @ @ @ @ on top of a Christmas tree this weekend , months after the Glee actress drowned @ @ @ @ @ Happy Holidays to all .
You , you , and even you , all of @ @ @ @ @ nothing but happiness .
Except you .
I 'm talking to you , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ captioned Saturday 's portrait .
Dorsey , 37 , can be seen holding little Josey @ @ @ @ @ secures the ornament .
They are both smiling and wearing Santa hats .
Rivera had @ @ @ @ @ a California lake in July when she disappeared .
Her body was found days later @ @ @ @ @ Josey was able to climb back onto the rented boat .
She and Dorsey were @ @ @

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The late Naya Rivera's son and ex-husband were decorating for the holidays this weekend. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Naya Rivera's ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, posted online a photo of their 5-year-old son placing a star on top of a Christmas tree this weekend, months after the Glee actress drowned in a lake. "Happy Holidays to all. You, you, and even you, all of ya. Hope you get nothing but happiness. Except you. I'm talking to you, 2020. #f***2020," Dorsey captioned Saturday's portrait. Advertisement
Dorsey, 37, can be seen holding little Josey while he teaches high and secures the ornament.
They are both smiling and wearing Santa hats.
Rivera had been boating with Josey on a California lake in July when she disappeared. Her body was found days later. She was 33.
Josey was able to climb back onto the rented boat.
She and Dorsey were married 2014-18.
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