upi--2020-12-14--Washington archdiocese sues the city over 50-person religious service limits

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- The Roman Catholic archdiocese of Washington , D.C. , sued the city over coronavirus public gathering restrictions that will limit the number of attendees at Christmas services .
The lawsuit , filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington says the city 's 50-person cap for attendees at religious services violates the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act rights of 650,000 Catholics in the city and five surrounding Maryland counties .
The suit calls the caps on religious services `` discriminatory '' and `` non-scientific '' and cites the U.S. Supreme Court 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo overturning mandatory occupancy limits on religious services in New York state .
Justice Amy Coney Barrett , who joined the high court in November , was the decisive vote siding with other conservative judges on the bench .
The Washington Archdiocese also said most of the Roman Catholic churches in the D.C. area can hold more than 500 people , and can adequately provide social-distancing room for parishioners .
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception , the largest Catholic church in the United States , can seat thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statue of Liberty `` with room to spare , '' the lawsuit says .
`` Yet under the Mayor 's orders , all of these churches are subject to the same cap of 50 people . ''
At other businesses , such as laundromats , nail salons , tattoo parlors , shops , gyms and libraries , the district imposes capacity-based limits rather than `` hard caps , '' the suit said .
`` If the Archdiocese were to fill its churches with library books , washing machines , exercise bikes , restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pews , the District would allow many more people to enter and remain for an unlimited amount of time , '' archdiocese lawyers added .
In March at the start of the pandemic , the archdiocese cancelled in-person masses and closed Catholic schools .
Since the city has partially reopened , Catholic churches have been operating under the city 's Phase 2 restrictions limiting religious gatherings to 100 people , the lawsuit said .
The suit is asking for expedited hearings in order to possibly get an exemption before Christmas Eve masses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House lawyer Don McGahn , who was fired by President Donald Trump for advising against prosecuting Hillary Clinton and James Comey , to sue mayor Muriel Bowser and the District of Columbia , according to The National Law Journal .
On Dec. 3 , the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn California Gov .
Gavin Newsom 's pandemic orders imposing limits on religious services , calling the governor 's rules `` unconstitutional . ''

The Washington Archdiocese sued the city of Washington, D.C., over mandatory 50-person caps on religious services ahead of the Christmas holidays. Catholics traditionally celebrate mass in large churches like the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The Roman Catholic archdiocese of Washington, D.C., sued the city over coronavirus public gathering restrictions that will limit the number of attendees at Christmas services. The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington says the city's 50-person cap for attendees at religious services violates the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act rights of 650,000 Catholics in the city and five surrounding Maryland counties. Advertisement
The suit calls the caps on religious services "discriminatory" and "non-scientific" and cites the U.S. Supreme Court's November 5-4 ruling against Gov. Andrew Cuomo overturning mandatory occupancy limits on religious services in New York state. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the high court in November, was the decisive vote siding with other conservative judges on the bench.
The Washington Archdiocese also said most of the Roman Catholic churches in the D.C. area can hold more than 500 people, and can adequately provide social-distancing room for parishioners.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in the United States, can seat thousands and is big enough to fit the Statue of Liberty "with room to spare," the lawsuit says. "Yet under the Mayor's orders, all of these churches are subject to the same cap of 50 people."
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At other businesses, such as laundromats, nail salons, tattoo parlors, shops, gyms and libraries, the district imposes capacity-based limits rather than "hard caps," the suit said.
"If the Archdiocese were to fill its churches with library books, washing machines, exercise bikes, restaurant tables, or shopping stalls instead of pews, the District would allow many more people to enter and remain for an unlimited amount of time," archdiocese lawyers added.
In March at the start of the pandemic, the archdiocese cancelled in-person masses and closed Catholic schools. Since the city has partially reopened, Catholic churches have been operating under the city's Phase 2 restrictions limiting religious gatherings to 100 people, the lawsuit said.
The suit is asking for expedited hearings in order to possibly get an exemption before Christmas Eve masses on Dec. 24.
The archdiocese hired former White House lawyer Don McGahn, who was fired by President Donald Trump for advising against prosecuting Hillary Clinton and James Comey, to sue mayor Muriel Bowser and the District of Columbia, according to The National Law Journal.
On Dec. 3, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn California Gov. Gavin Newsom's pandemic orders imposing limits on religious services, calling the governor's rules "unconstitutional."


upi--2020-12-14--Sugary drinks' effect on hormones could spur weight gain, study shows

It could be more than just added calories : New research gives insight into why sugary drinks are a leading cause of obesity .
Sugar-sweetened drinks are the largest source of calories from added sugar for U.S. adults , and researchers now report that the drinks also hinder hormones that quell hunger and regulate appetite .
`` Our study found that when young adults consumed drinks containing sucrose , they produced lower levels of appetite-regulating hormones than when they consumed drinks containing glucose -- the main type of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream , '' said researcher Dr. Kathleen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of medicine specializing in diabetes and childhood obesity at the University of Southern California 's Keck School of Medicine .
The study included 69 adults , aged 18 to 35 , who consumed drinks containing either sucrose or glucose during two separate sessions .
Sucrose is a combination of glucose and fructose from sugar cane or sugar beets .
Glucose is found in honey , grapes , figs and plums .
Blood samples were taken from the study participants 10 , 35 and 120 minutes after they had the drinks .
When they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower amounts of hormones that suppress hunger than when they had drinks with an equal amount of glucose , the findings showed .
The researchers also found that factors such as body weight and sex affected how the different types of sugars affected those hormones .
For example , obese people and those with lower insulin sensitivity had a smaller rise in hunger-suppressing hormones after they had drinks sweetened with sucrose than when they had drinks with glucose .
The study was published Dec. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should switch from one type of sweet drink to another , but that you should try to cut back on any type of added sugar , according to Page , head of the university 's Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute .
`` The majority of sucrose that people consume in the American diet comes from sugar-sweetened foods and beverages , whereas glucose is found naturally in most carbohydrate-containing foods , including fruits and whole grain breads , '' she said in a university news release .
`` I would advise reducing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead trying to eat more whole foods , like fruits , '' Page added .
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on sugary drinks .

It could be more than just added calories: New research gives insight into why sugary drinks are a leading cause of obesity.
Sugar-sweetened drinks are the largest source of calories from added sugar for U.S. adults, and researchers now report that the drinks also hinder hormones that quell hunger and regulate appetite.
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"Our study found that when young adults consumed drinks containing sucrose, they produced lower levels of appetite-regulating hormones than when they consumed drinks containing glucose -- the main type of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream," said researcher Dr. Kathleen Page. She's an associate professor of medicine specializing in diabetes and childhood obesity at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine.
The study included 69 adults, aged 18 to 35, who consumed drinks containing either sucrose or glucose during two separate sessions. Sucrose is a combination of glucose and fructose from sugar cane or sugar beets. Glucose is found in honey, grapes, figs and plums.
Blood samples were taken from the study participants 10, 35 and 120 minutes after they had the drinks. When they consumed drinks with sucrose, they produced lower amounts of hormones that suppress hunger than when they had drinks with an equal amount of glucose, the findings showed.
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The researchers also found that factors such as body weight and sex affected how the different types of sugars affected those hormones.
For example, obese people and those with lower insulin sensitivity had a smaller rise in hunger-suppressing hormones after they had drinks sweetened with sucrose than when they had drinks with glucose.
The study was published Dec. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The findings don't mean that you should switch from one type of sweet drink to another, but that you should try to cut back on any type of added sugar, according to Page, head of the university's Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute.
"The majority of sucrose that people consume in the American diet comes from sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, whereas glucose is found naturally in most carbohydrate-containing foods, including fruits and whole grain breads," she said in a university news release.
"I would advise reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages and instead trying to eat more whole foods, like fruits," Page added.
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on sugary drinks.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-14--Porch pirate steals bait box filled with cat poop

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- An Ontario woman fed up with package thieves said she left a box of poop on her front porch -- and it was stolen within 40 minutes .
Laurie Pringle of Hamilton said she 's had several packages disappear from her front porch during the past three years , so she decided to set out a bait package filled with cat poop .
`` I live on a very busy downtown street .
My front door pretty much opens out onto the sidewalk .
I 've had a number of packages stolen in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pringle told Narcity .
`` As a result I have a very clear label for all my Amazon packages , indicating that they should ring my video doorbell .
A couple of the couriers that Amazon uses almost never read the label , so that results in my packages being stolen fairly often , '' she said .
Pringle said the box of poop was stolen within 40 minutes of being set outside .
The homeowner said she captured the theft on video and a neighbor identified the culprit as the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their porch .

Laurie Pringle of Hamilton, Ontatio, said she decided to get back at local package thieves by leaving a box of cat poop on her front porch -- and it was stolen within 40 minutes. Photo by josemiguels/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 14 (UPI) -- An Ontario woman fed up with package thieves said she left a box of poop on her front porch -- and it was stolen within 40 minutes. Laurie Pringle of Hamilton said she's had several packages disappear from her front porch during the past three years, so she decided to set out a bait package filled with cat poop. Advertisement
"I live on a very busy downtown street. My front door pretty much opens out onto the sidewalk. I've had a number of packages stolen in the three years I've lived here," Pringle told Narcity.
"As a result I have a very clear label for all my Amazon packages, indicating that they should ring my video doorbell. A couple of the couriers that Amazon uses almost never read the label, so that results in my packages being stolen fairly often," she said.
Pringle said the box of poop was stolen within 40 minutes of being set outside.
The homeowner said she captured the theft on video and a neighbor identified the culprit as the same person who had recently swiped a package from their porch.
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upi--2020-12-14--B-1B bomber carries, launches missile externally for first time, Air Force says

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- A test of a B-1B Lancer bomber demonstrated the plane 's ability to carry and launch missiles externally , the U.S. Air Force said on Monday .
The `` external weapon release demonstration '' at Holloman Air Force Base , N.M. , on Dec. 4 followed a similar test in November .
That demonstration included an inert Joint Air-to-Air Standoff Missile being carried , but not fired , beneath the fuselage of the aircraft .
The December test suggests that all manner of heavy missiles , notably hypersonic missiles currently under development , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have said .
`` The Air Force Test Center is enthusiastically teaming with the Air Force Global Strike Command to enable greater flexibility in bomber payloads , '' Maj. Gen. Christopher Azzano , Air Force Test Center commander , said Monday in a press release .
`` Demonstration of B-1B external carriage reflects the potential to keep weapon systems in the fight with increased combat capability , '' Azzano said .
The test was part of an analysis of whether a B-1B , in service since the 1990s , is capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan to utilize current resources .
The plane used for the Dec. 4 demonstration , which is an element of the 419th Flight Test Squadron of the 412th Test Wing , was fitted with a modified external pylon that normally carries a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod , the most widely used combat-tested targeting pod currently in use .
The test also required adjustments to the pod 's electro-optical targeting system and other modifications before the missile was successfully launched .
`` Arming a limited number of B-1s with more weapons externally could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons for geographic combatant commanders while putting fewer aircraft and aircrew in harm 's way , '' said Gen. Tim Ray , commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command .
`` Airmen continue to rise to the challenge , modernizing , adapting and innovating the fleet we have while bridging to the fleet of the future , '' Ray said .
The Air Force has 62 B-1Bs in service , and their use is expected into the 2030s .

1/2
A B-1B Lancer releases a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile during an external release demonstration over Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., on Dec. 4. Photo by Ethan Wagner/U.S. Air Force
Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A test of a B-1B Lancer bomber demonstrated the plane's ability to carry and launch missiles externally, the U.S. Air Force said on Monday. The "external weapon release demonstration" at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., on Dec. 4 followed a similar test in November. That demonstration included an inert Joint Air-to-Air Standoff Missile being carried, but not fired, beneath the fuselage of the aircraft. Advertisement
The December test suggests that all manner of heavy missiles, notably hypersonic missiles currently under development, could be fired from B-1Bs, Air Force officials have said.
"The Air Force Test Center is enthusiastically teaming with the Air Force Global Strike Command to enable greater flexibility in bomber payloads," Maj. Gen. Christopher Azzano, Air Force Test Center commander, said Monday in a press release.
"Demonstration of B-1B external carriage reflects the potential to keep weapon systems in the fight with increased combat capability," Azzano said.
The test was part of an analysis of whether a B-1B, in service since the 1990s, is capable of externally firing large missiles, part of a plan to utilize current resources.
The plane used for the Dec. 4 demonstration, which is an element of the 419th Flight Test Squadron of the 412th Test Wing, was fitted with a modified external pylon that normally carries a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, the most widely used combat-tested targeting pod currently in use.
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The test also required adjustments to the pod's electro-optical targeting system and other modifications before the missile was successfully launched.
"Arming a limited number of B-1s with more weapons externally could enable Global Strike Command to provide more weapons for geographic combatant commanders while putting fewer aircraft and aircrew in harm's way," said Gen. Tim Ray, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command.
"Airmen continue to rise to the challenge, modernizing, adapting and innovating the fleet we have while bridging to the fleet of the future," Ray said.
The Air Force has 62 B-1Bs in service, and their use is expected into the 2030s.


upi--2020-12-14--Barricades removed in Oregon neighborhood protest against family's eviction

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- The barricades for a protest in a three-block stretch of an Oregon neighborhood against a family 's eviction have come down upon a tentative deal with the city .
Barricades blocking North Mississippi Avenue to protest eviction of the Kinney family were removed upon the tentative deal to buy back the `` Red House on Mississippi , '' in north Portland .
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the family and developer were not in direct contact , but were negotiating through intermediaries .
`` I am very confident they will reach an amicable solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demonstrators removed barbed wire barricades in place since last week on Sunday ahead of a Monday deadline for the street to be cleared without police forcing the family to leave amid ongoing negotiations , activists said .
Multnomah County deputies served a court order for eviction to the Kinney family on Sept. 9 , the sheriff 's office said .
Since then , activists have been camping out on the property to support the fourth-generation Afro-Indigenous family 's right to stay in their home , an activists ' website shows .
Tensions heightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcibly remove the Kinney family , prompting the barricades .
The `` Red House '' had belonged to the Kinney family for more than six decades , but the home went into foreclosure when the family fell on hard times , and two years ago a developer bought it for $ 265,000 .
Julie Metcalf Kinney , who is Native American , and her husband William Kinney Jr , who is Black , owned the home before they fell on hard times financially when a son faced criminal charges , and they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they failed to pay for nearly a year and a half , leading to foreclosure .
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to save the Kinney family from eviction has raised over $ 308,000 .
`` We do n't need another empty , high-rise , high-rent luxury condominium , '' the GoFundMe post reads .
`` The Kinneys are one of the last Black families remaining on Mississippi and their fight for their home is also a real-time fight against gentrification .
In order to stand a chance against the big banks and developers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Northeast Portland , we need leverage . ''
Urban Housing Development , a construction company in Portland , currently owns the house , according to Multnomah County property records .
The family filed a formal request to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case in November and response is due Dec. 23 .

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The barricades for a protest in a three-block stretch of an Oregon neighborhood against a family's eviction have come down upon a tentative deal with the city.
Barricades blocking North Mississippi Avenue to protest eviction of the Kinney family were removed upon the tentative deal to buy back the "Red House on Mississippi," in north Portland.
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Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said the family and developer were not in direct contact, but were negotiating through intermediaries.
"I am very confident they will reach an amicable solution on this," Wheeler said.
Demonstrators removed barbed wire barricades in place since last week on Sunday ahead of a Monday deadline for the street to be cleared without police forcing the family to leave amid ongoing negotiations, activists said.
Multnomah County deputies served a court order for eviction to the Kinney family on Sept. 9, the sheriff's office said.
Since then, activists have been camping out on the property to support the fourth-generation Afro-Indigenous family's right to stay in their home, an activists' website shows. Tensions heightened Tuesday when sheriff's deputies attempted to forcibly remove the Kinney family, prompting the barricades.
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The "Red House" had belonged to the Kinney family for more than six decades, but the home went into foreclosure when the family fell on hard times, and two years ago a developer bought it for $265,000.
Julie Metcalf Kinney, who is Native American, and her husband William Kinney Jr, who is Black, owned the home before they fell on hard times financially when a son faced criminal charges, and they had to take out a mortgage, which they failed to pay for nearly a year and a half, leading to foreclosure.
A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to save the Kinney family from eviction has raised over $308,000.
"We don't need another empty, high-rise, high-rent luxury condominium," the GoFundMe post reads. "The Kinneys are one of the last Black families remaining on Mississippi and their fight for their home is also a real-time fight against gentrification. In order to stand a chance against the big banks and developers who've systematically displaced Black families across North and Northeast Portland, we need leverage."
Urban Housing Development, a construction company in Portland, currently owns the house, according to Multnomah County property records. The family filed a formal request to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case in November and response is due Dec. 23.


upi--2020-12-14--Navy identifies missing Roosevelt carrier sailor, declares him dead

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Navy on Monday identified a sailor who is suspected to have fallen overboard from the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Southern California waters , after a search for his body was called off .
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby , from San Antonio , Texas , was unaccounted for during a ship-wide assembly on Thursday .
A 55-hour search covered 607 square nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean and , although no body was found , the Navy declared him deceased on Monday .
Goolsby joined the Navy in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrier in July 2020 .
The incident remains under investigation .
He was reported missing three days after the aircraft carrier left San Diego , its homeport , for its second deployment of the year .
The carrier 's entire strike group was in quarantine since mid-November after the Navy confirmed two new onboard cases of COVID-19 .
In July , the ship returned to San Diego after six months in the Pacific Ocean for an extended deployment as sailors fought a COVID-19 outbreak on board .
Nearly one-fifth of its crew of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus at the time , and one , CPO Charles Robert Thacker Jr. , died from complications of the infection .
The incident caused a leadership shakeup aboard the ship and ultimately in the Navy itself .
Capt .
Brett Crozier , the ship 's commander , was fired following media reports of a memo pleading for more help in containing the outbreak .
Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly publicly criticized Crozier for allowing the memo to go public in a profanity-laden tirade to sailors on the ship , which was docked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other personnel were isolated and working to contain the outbreak .
Modly later resigned his position .

The U.S. Navy on Monday ruled Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby deceased following a 55-hour search for the missing sailor by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex Millar/U.S. Navy
Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy on Monday identified a sailor who is suspected to have fallen overboard from the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Southern California waters, after a search for his body was called off. Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby, from San Antonio, Texas, was unaccounted for during a ship-wide assembly on Thursday. Advertisement
A 55-hour search covered 607 square nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean and, although no body was found, the Navy declared him deceased on Monday.
Goolsby joined the Navy in 2019, and reported for duty aboard the aircraft carrier in July 2020. The incident remains under investigation.
He was reported missing three days after the aircraft carrier left San Diego, its homeport, for its second deployment of the year.
The carrier's entire strike group was in quarantine since mid-November after the Navy confirmed two new onboard cases of COVID-19.
In July, the ship returned to San Diego after six months in the Pacific Ocean for an extended deployment as sailors fought a COVID-19 outbreak on board.
Nearly one-fifth of its crew of about 5,000 was found to have the virus at the time, and one, CPO Charles Robert Thacker Jr., died from complications of the infection.
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The incident caused a leadership shakeup aboard the ship and ultimately in the Navy itself. Capt. Brett Crozier, the ship's commander, was fired following media reports of a memo pleading for more help in containing the outbreak.
Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly publicly criticized Crozier for allowing the memo to go public in a profanity-laden tirade to sailors on the ship, which was docked in Guam at the time as sailors and other personnel were isolated and working to contain the outbreak. Modly later resigned his position.


upi--2020-12-15--South Korea demands answers after Google service outage

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- An outage of all Google services in South Korea is drawing the attention of Seoul 's regulators , who say they are reviewing the service failure and whether the tech giant will be held accountable under a new telecommunications law .
The 45-minute blackout of Google 's services , including YouTube , took place on Monday evening .
The new law , dubbed the `` Netflix law '' in Korea , includes provisions for remuneration for financial losses , but Google may not face any damage claims , the Hankyoreh reported Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seoul 's science ministry .
`` In order to determine the cause of Google 's service failure , we will request the submission of data , '' the ministry said .
Seoul also said they will notify South Korean users of Google services of the interruption .
Google is under greater scrutiny under South Korea 's new Telecommunications Business Act , which went into effect on Dec. 10 , according to JoongAng Daily Tuesday .
The law states content providers , both foreign and domestic , will be held responsible for outages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators to demand data and resolution of issues that affect Korean consumers .
Refusal to cooperate with regulators can lead to a fine of about $ 9,100 .
The outage on Monday is not likely to lead to compensation .
The law stipulates a service failure must last four hours or longer for damage claims .
Google issued a notification at the time of the outage Monday , which lasted from 8:47 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. , according to reports .
`` Google experienced an authentication system outage for approximately 45 minutes due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the firm said .
`` We apologize to everyone affected , and we will conduct a thorough follow-up review to ensure this problem can not recur in the future . ''
South Korea 's new telecommunications law was passed after reports of lack of accountability from global tech giants drew criticism in Korea , according to News 1 .
The law covers firms that draw more than 1 million users daily and account for at least 1 % of domestic Internet traffic .

Google's system outage in South Korea Monday drew a response from Seoul's regulators after the passage of a new telecommunications law. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- An outage of all Google services in South Korea is drawing the attention of Seoul's regulators, who say they are reviewing the service failure and whether the tech giant will be held accountable under a new telecommunications law. The 45-minute blackout of Google's services, including YouTube, took place on Monday evening. The new law, dubbed the "Netflix law" in Korea, includes provisions for remuneration for financial losses, but Google may not face any damage claims, the Hankyoreh reported Tuesday. Advertisement
The service outage has drawn a response from Seoul's science ministry.
"In order to determine the cause of Google's service failure, we will request the submission of data," the ministry said. Seoul also said they will notify South Korean users of Google services of the interruption.
Google is under greater scrutiny under South Korea's new Telecommunications Business Act, which went into effect on Dec. 10, according to JoongAng Daily Tuesday.
The law states content providers, both foreign and domestic, will be held responsible for outages. The law also gives more powers to regulators to demand data and resolution of issues that affect Korean consumers. Refusal to cooperate with regulators can lead to a fine of about $9,100.
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The outage on Monday is not likely to lead to compensation. The law stipulates a service failure must last four hours or longer for damage claims.
Google issued a notification at the time of the outage Monday, which lasted from 8:47 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., according to reports.
"Google experienced an authentication system outage for approximately 45 minutes due to an internal storage quota issue," the firm said.
"We apologize to everyone affected, and we will conduct a thorough follow-up review to ensure this problem cannot recur in the future."
South Korea's new telecommunications law was passed after reports of lack of accountability from global tech giants drew criticism in Korea, according to News 1.
The law covers firms that draw more than 1 million users daily and account for at least 1% of domestic Internet traffic.


upi--2020-12-15--Brain scans, psychological surveys help scientists paint neural portrait of loneliness

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- Using brain scans , genetic analysis and psychological self-assessments , scientists have managed to render a kind of neural portrait of loneliness .
Researchers hope their efforts , detailed Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications , will help illuminate the impacts of isolation on human health .
For the study , scientists relied on an open-access database called U.K. Biobank .
The researchers sourced magnetic resonance imaging and genetics data , as well as psychological self-assessments , from some 40,000 middle-aged and older adults .
By comparing the brain scans of people who reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't , researchers were able to identify the ways isolation shapes the brain .
Researchers found those who reported feelings of loneliness were more likely to feature a more connected and robust `` default network , '' a collection of brain regions responsible for reminiscing , future planning , imagining and thinking about others .
Lonelier people also featured more well-structured fornices .
The fornix links the hippocampus to the default network .
It makes sense that lonelier people would strengthen the brain muscles that power the default network , which powers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daydream about the future -- perhaps , a future with more social interaction .
`` In the absence of desired social experiences , lonely individuals may be biased towards internally-directed thoughts such as reminiscing or imagining social experiences .
We know these cognitive abilities are mediated by the default network brain regions , '' lead study author Nathan Spreng said in a news release .
`` So this heightened focus on self-reflection , and possibly imagined social experiences , would naturally engage the memory-based functions of the default network , '' said Spreng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neurological Institute at McGill University in Montreal .
Humans all over the world have found themselves increasingly isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic , with restrictions on public gatherings and movement -- measures intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus -- stranding millions at home .
Studies suggest the pandemic has caused increased rates of loneliness , depression and anxiety among both younger and older adults .
In recent years , several studies have highlighted the links between loneliness and human health problems .
Among older adults , research suggests loneliness is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Understanding the ways loneliness influences brain structure and neural patterns could help researchers develop remedies for these problems .
`` We are just beginning to understand the impact of loneliness on the brain , '' said senior study author Danilo Bzdok .
`` Expanding our knowledge in this area will help us to better appreciate the urgency of reducing loneliness in today 's society , '' said Bzdok , a researcher at the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute .

Large numbers of adults, young and old, have reported feelings of loneliness during the pandemic. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Using brain scans, genetic analysis and psychological self-assessments, scientists have managed to render a kind of neural portrait of loneliness. Researchers hope their efforts, detailed Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, will help illuminate the impacts of isolation on human health. Advertisement
For the study, scientists relied on an open-access database called U.K. Biobank.
The researchers sourced magnetic resonance imaging and genetics data, as well as psychological self-assessments, from some 40,000 middle-aged and older adults.
By comparing the brain scans of people who reported feelings of loneliness with those who hadn't, researchers were able to identify the ways isolation shapes the brain.
Researchers found those who reported feelings of loneliness were more likely to feature a more connected and robust "default network," a collection of brain regions responsible for reminiscing, future planning, imagining and thinking about others.
Lonelier people also featured more well-structured fornices. The fornix links the hippocampus to the default network.
It makes sense that lonelier people would strengthen the brain muscles that power the default network, which powers the human ability to contemplate the past and daydream about the future -- perhaps, a future with more social interaction.
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"In the absence of desired social experiences, lonely individuals may be biased towards internally-directed thoughts such as reminiscing or imagining social experiences. We know these cognitive abilities are mediated by the default network brain regions," lead study author Nathan Spreng said in a news release.
"So this heightened focus on self-reflection, and possibly imagined social experiences, would naturally engage the memory-based functions of the default network," said Spreng, an associate professor at the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University in Montreal.
Humans all over the world have found themselves increasingly isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions on public gatherings and movement -- measures intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus -- stranding millions at home.
Studies suggest the pandemic has caused increased rates of loneliness, depression and anxiety among both younger and older adults.
In recent years, several studies have highlighted the links between loneliness and human health problems.
Among older adults, research suggests loneliness is a risk factor cognitive decline and dementia.
Understanding the ways loneliness influences brain structure and neural patterns could help researchers develop remedies for these problems.
"We are just beginning to understand the impact of loneliness on the brain," said senior study author Danilo Bzdok.
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"Expanding our knowledge in this area will help us to better appreciate the urgency of reducing loneliness in today's society," said Bzdok, a researcher at the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.


upi--2020-12-15--Astros' Dusty Baker undecided on managing past 2021

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker says he has n't decided if he wants to return for the job after the 2021 season .
Baker made the comments during a video conference call Monday .
The 71-year-old manager has one year remaining on his contract with the franchise .
`` Maybe , '' Baker told reporters , when asked about a return to the role after this season .
`` Depends how I feel .
Depends on how the team feels about me .
`` You never know what changes are going to come about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker in January to replace fired manager A.J .
Hinch .
Hinch -- now the manager of the Detroit Tigers -- was relieved of his duties after he was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in the Astros ' sign-stealing scheme .
Baker led the Astros to a 29-31 record in the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB season .
The Astros then beat the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card round before they beat the Oakland Athletics in the American League Division Series .
They then lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In July , the Astros picked up the second-year option on Baker 's contract .
Baker started his managerial career in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants .
The three-time Manager of the Year went on to a four-year tenure with the Chicago Cubs after he spent 10 years in San Francisco .
Baker also managed the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 through 2013 .
He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Washington Nationals before he was hired to coach the Astros .
He owns an 1,892-1,667 record over his 23-year career @

The Houston Astros picked up the second year on manager Dusty Baker's contract in July, but Baker said he doesn't know if he wants to manage past the 2021 season. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker says he hasn't decided if he wants to return for the job after the 2021 season. Baker made the comments during a video conference call Monday. The 71-year-old manager has one year remaining on his contract with the franchise. Advertisement
"Maybe," Baker told reporters, when asked about a return to the role after this season. "Depends how I feel. Depends on how the team feels about me.
"You never know what changes are going to come about in life."
The Astros hired Baker in January to replace fired manager A.J. Hinch. Hinch -- now the manager of the Detroit Tigers -- was relieved of his duties after he was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in the Astros' sign-stealing scheme.
Baker led the Astros to a 29-31 record in the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB season. The Astros then beat the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card round before they beat the Oakland Athletics in the American League Division Series. They then lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in a seven-game American League Championship Series.
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In July, the Astros picked up the second-year option on Baker's contract.
Baker started his managerial career in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants. The three-time Manager of the Year went on to a four-year tenure with the Chicago Cubs after he spent 10 years in San Francisco.
Baker also managed the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 through 2013. He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Washington Nationals before he was hired to coach the Astros.
He owns an 1,892-1,667 record over his 23-year career.


upi--2020-12-15--Look: Jeff Bridges 'feeling good,' shaves head amid cancer battle

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Jeff Bridges is `` feeling good '' amid his ongoing battle with cancer .
The 71-year-old actor gave an update Monday on Instagram after being diagnosed with lymphoma .
In a photo , Bridges showed his newly shaved head and his new puppy , Monty .
The actor celebrated his 71st birthday Dec. 4 .
`` Here 's the latest : • Feeling good • Shaved my head • Got a puppy - Monty • Had a Birthday - 71 , man , '' he captioned the post .
Bridges announced in October that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although it is a serious disease , I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good .
I 'm starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery , '' he said at the time .
Bridges later gave an update while undergoing cancer treatment .
He thanked fans for their support in a post on his website .
`` This cancer thing is bringing on feelings of preciousness , & gratitude , & good old fashion love , & lots of it , big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it comin ' my way , & man , I appreciate it , '' the star said .
`` It 's contagious , all this love , like some kind of positive virus , '' he added .
`` I want to acknowledge & thank you guys for reaching out during this time .
It feels good , getting all the well wishes & love ! ''
Bridges is known for such films as The Big Lebowski , Crazy Heart and True Grit .
He will star in an FX adaptation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Jeff Bridges is "feeling good" amid his ongoing battle with cancer.
The 71-year-old actor gave an update Monday on Instagram after being diagnosed with lymphoma.
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In a photo, Bridges showed his newly shaved head and his new puppy, Monty. The actor celebrated his 71st birthday Dec. 4.
"Here's the latest: • Feeling good • Shaved my head • Got a puppy - Monty • Had a Birthday - 71, man," he captioned the post.
Bridges announced in October that he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
"Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I'm starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery," he said at the time.
Bridges later gave an update while undergoing cancer treatment. He thanked fans for their support in a post on his website.
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"This cancer thing is bringing on feelings of preciousness, & gratitude, & good old fashion love, & lots of it, big time. I'm feeling so much of it comin' my way, & man, I appreciate it," the star said.
"It's contagious, all this love, like some kind of positive virus," he added. "I want to acknowledge & thank you guys for reaching out during this time. It feels good, getting all the well wishes & love!"
Bridges is known for such films as The Big Lebowski, Crazy Heart and True Grit. He will star in an FX adaptation of the Thomas Perry novel The Old Man.


upi--2020-12-15--Report: Record number of journalists jailed in 2020

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- A record number of journalists were jailed for their work in 2020 , according to a report published Tuesday , with China responsible for jailing more journalists than any other nation .
The annual census of data collected by the Committee to Protect Journalists shows that at least 274 journalists were in prisons worldwide as of Dec. 1 for charges connected to their coverage -- the most since CPJ began collecting such data in the early 1990s .
The number is two more than the previous record set in 2016 .
It is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 journalists were imprisoned .
`` It 's shocking and appalling that we are seeing a record number of journalists imprisoned in the midst of a global pandemic , '' Joel Simon , executive director of CPJ , said in a statement .
`` This wave of repression is a form of censorship that is disrupting the flow of information and fueling the infodemic . ''
China topped the list with 47 journalists jailed , followed by Turkey with 37 , Egypt with 27 and Saudi Arabia with 24 .
The report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison sentences or were detained in Xinjiang province without their charges having been disclosed .
At least two journalists in China -- Cai Wei and Zhang Zhan -- were arrested due to their coverage of the coronavirus pandemic , the report said .
Cai was arrested in April and was being held in pretrial detention in connection to publishing articles on COVID-19 , while Zhang , who covered the outbreak in city of Wuhan on Twitter and Facebook , was arrested in May , according to CPJ .
The report does n't include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haze Fan , a Chinese citizen who works for Bloomberg News .
China said she was arrested on suspension of endangering national security , attracting the condemnation of the European Union .
The report states that protests and political unrest have prompted many of the arrests , with Ethiopia and Belarus seeing significant increases in jailed reporters in the past year .
The CPJ report , which does not include journalists who were jailed but released , also notes that while zero reporters were behind bars in the United States for their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 110 journalists were arrested or criminally charged and 330 were assaulted in 2020 .
The CPJ also states President Donald Trump 's criticism of journalists and their work as `` fake news '' permitted other countries to crack down on the professionals .
`` The record number of journalists imprisoned around the world is President Trump 's press freedom legacy , '' Simon said .
`` The incoming Biden administration must work as part of a global coalition to bring the number down . ''

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A record number of journalists were jailed for their work in 2020, according to a report published Tuesday, with China responsible for jailing more journalists than any other nation.
The annual census of data collected by the Committee to Protect Journalists shows that at least 274 journalists were in prisons worldwide as of Dec. 1 for charges connected to their coverage -- the most since CPJ began collecting such data in the early 1990s.
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The number is two more than the previous record set in 2016. It is also the fifth consecutive year that at least 250 journalists were imprisoned.
"It's shocking and appalling that we are seeing a record number of journalists imprisoned in the midst of a global pandemic," Joel Simon, executive director of CPJ, said in a statement. "This wave of repression is a form of censorship that is disrupting the flow of information and fueling the infodemic."
China topped the list with 47 journalists jailed, followed by Turkey with 37, Egypt with 27 and Saudi Arabia with 24.
The report said many jailed in China were serving long prison sentences or were detained in Xinjiang province without their charges having been disclosed.
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At least two journalists in China -- Cai Wei and Zhang Zhan -- were arrested due to their coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, the report said.
Cai was arrested in April and was being held in pretrial detention in connection to publishing articles on COVID-19, while Zhang, who covered the outbreak in city of Wuhan on Twitter and Facebook, was arrested in May, according to CPJ.
The report doesn't include China's arrest earlier this month of Haze Fan, a Chinese citizen who works for Bloomberg News.
China said she was arrested on suspension of endangering national security, attracting the condemnation of the European Union.
The report states that protests and political unrest have prompted many of the arrests, with Ethiopia and Belarus seeing significant increases in jailed reporters in the past year.
The CPJ report, which does not include journalists who were jailed but released, also notes that while zero reporters were behind bars in the United States for their work, the Press Freedom Tracker has tallied at least 110 journalists were arrested or criminally charged and 330 were assaulted in 2020.
The CPJ also states President Donald Trump's criticism of journalists and their work as "fake news" permitted other countries to crack down on the professionals.
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"The record number of journalists imprisoned around the world is President Trump's press freedom legacy," Simon said. "The incoming Biden administration must work as part of a global coalition to bring the number down."


upi--2020-12-15--Luka Doncic leads Mavericks over Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Luka Doncic came out on top of a battle between two of the NBA 's best players as the Dallas Mavericks beat Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA preseason .
Doncic scored a game-high 27 points and had eight rebounds and four assists in the 128-112 win on Monday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee .
Antetokounmpo -- the reigning NBA MVP -- had 24 points , 14 rebounds , four assists and three blocks in the loss .
`` We got ta play better , defend better and make more shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have to realize what our roles are .
It 's going to take time . ''
Doncic scored seven points in the first quarter to help the Mavericks earn an early 32-28 lead .
Antetokounmpo then poured in 11 points in the second quarter to help the Bucks rally for a 12-point lead .
Milwaukee held a 69-59 edge at the break .
The Mavericks started the third quarter with a 7-0 run as they snatched momentum away from the Bucks .
Doncic scored 14 points in the quarter to help Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frame .
The Mavericks went on a 14-2 run to start the fourth quarter to earn a 109-95 advantage .
Dallas never lost that lead .
Josh Richardson scored 23 points and had seven rebounds for the Mavericks .
Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 17 points in the win .
Bucks forward Khris Middleton had 13 points , six rebounds and five assists .
Bobby Portis had 12 points in the loss .
`` As a group , they stuck together , '' Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said .
`` It was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I decided to play the starters basically the entire third quarter , both to see them close out a quarter and to get some conditioning .
The second unit came out at the beginning of the fourth and did a really nice job . ''
The Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans in their final preseason game at 8 p.m. EST on Friday in New Orleans .
The Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves in their final preseason game at 8:30 p.m. EST on Thursday in Dallas .

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic scored a game-high 27 points in a preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in Milwaukee. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Luka Doncic came out on top of a battle between two of the NBA's best players as the Dallas Mavericks beat Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA preseason. Doncic scored a game-high 27 points and had eight rebounds and four assists in the 128-112 win on Monday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Advertisement
Antetokounmpo -- the reigning NBA MVP -- had 24 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in the loss.
"We gotta play better, defend better and make more shots," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "We have to realize what our roles are. It's going to take time."
Doncic scored seven points in the first quarter to help the Mavericks earn an early 32-28 lead. Antetokounmpo then poured in 11 points in the second quarter to help the Bucks rally for a 12-point lead. Milwaukee held a 69-59 edge at the break.
The Mavericks started the third quarter with a 7-0 run as they snatched momentum away from the Bucks. Doncic scored 14 points in the quarter to help Dallas take a 95-93 lead into the final frame.
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The Mavericks went on a 14-2 run to start the fourth quarter to earn a 109-95 advantage. Dallas never lost that lead.
Josh Richardson scored 23 points and had seven rebounds for the Mavericks. Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 17 points in the win.
Bucks forward Khris Middleton had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Bobby Portis had 12 points in the loss.
"As a group, they stuck together," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "It was a long wait to get back in because I decided to play the starters basically the entire third quarter, both to see them close out a quarter and to get some conditioning. The second unit came out at the beginning of the fourth and did a really nice job."
The Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans in their final preseason game at 8 p.m. EST on Friday in New Orleans. The Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves in their final preseason game at 8:30 p.m. EST on Thursday in Dallas.
The 2020-21 NBA season starts on Dec. 22.


upi--2020-12-15--Eli Lilly to buy gene therapy biotech Prevail for $1.04B

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced Tuesday that it has agreed to buy gene therapy biotech Prevail for more than $ 1 billion .
As part of the deal , Eli Lilly will buy Prevail stock for $ 22.50 in cash , representing a premium of 80 % to Monday 's closing price .
Prevail develops gene therapies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson 's disease , Alzheimer 's disease and ALS , or Lou Gehrig 's disease .
`` Gene therapy is a promising approach with the potential to deliver transformative treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parkinson 's , Gaucher and dementia , '' Dr. Mark Mintun , vice president of pain and neurodegeneration research at Lilly , said in a statement .
`` The acquisition of Prevail will bring critical technology and highly skilled teams to complement our existing expertise at Lilly , as we build a new gene therapy program anchored by well-researched assets . ''
Dr. Asa Abeliovich , founder and CEO of Prevail , said the new partnership will maximize efforts to bring gene therapies to a wider audience .
`` Lilly is an established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who shares our commitment to patients with neurodegenerative diseases , '' Abeliovich said .
`` With its global scale and resources , Lilly will be the ideal organization to maximize the potential of our pipeline and accelerate our ability to bring these therapies to as many patients as possible . ''
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Commission have given '' fast track '' and `` orphan drug '' designations to several Prevail therapies .

The companies said the deal will maximize efforts to bring gene therapies to a wider audience. File Photo by Wikimedia Commons /UPI
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly announced Tuesday that it has agreed to buy gene therapy biotech Prevail for more than $1 billion. As part of the deal, Eli Lilly will buy Prevail stock for $22.50 in cash, representing a premium of 80% to Monday's closing price. Advertisement
Prevail develops gene therapies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
"Gene therapy is a promising approach with the potential to deliver transformative treatments for patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Gaucher and dementia," Dr. Mark Mintun, vice president of pain and neurodegeneration research at Lilly, said in a statement.
"The acquisition of Prevail will bring critical technology and highly skilled teams to complement our existing expertise at Lilly, as we build a new gene therapy program anchored by well-researched assets."
Dr. Asa Abeliovich, founder and CEO of Prevail, said the new partnership will maximize efforts to bring gene therapies to a wider audience.
"Lilly is an established leader in neuroscience drug development and commercialization who shares our commitment to patients with neurodegenerative diseases," Abeliovich said.
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"With its global scale and resources, Lilly will be the ideal organization to maximize the potential of our pipeline and accelerate our ability to bring these therapies to as many patients as possible."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Commission have given"fast track" and "orphan drug" designations to several Prevail therapies.


upi--2020-12-15--FDA puts Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on track for approval this week

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- The COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by U.S. biotech firm Moderna is safe and effective enough for emergency use in the United States , scientists at the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday .
The researchers issued their opinion in a 54-page report ahead of Thursday 's meeting of the agency 's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee , a group of outside medical experts who will advise FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn on whether to approve emergency use authorization for the vaccine .
The committee and the FDA took the same steps to approve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday and the first vaccinations were given to health workers on Monday .
`` FDA has determined that [ Moderna ] has provided adequate information to ensure the vaccine 's quality and consistency for authorization of the product under an EUA , '' the scientists wrote in their assessment of Moderna 's clinical trial data .
Moderna said last month its two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine was more than 94 % effective in preventing COVID-19 among participants in a 30,000-volunteer clinical trial .
The FDA review confirmed that finding and said the vaccine is highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus disease .
Like Pfizer 's , Moderna 's is a new type `` messenger RNA '' vaccine that uses strands of genetic material from the coronavirus to activate the body 's immune system , rather than employing a whole , deactivated virus as traditional vaccines do .
Tuesday 's FDA report came on the same day several states are planning to administer their first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine .
Thousands of additional doses will begin arriving at many U.S. hospitals .
In New York , Northwell Health , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinating hospital workers on Monday -- including one of the first doses in the United States , to critical care nurse Sandra Lindsay .
Almost 40 New York City hospitals will receive their first shipments on Tuesday , city health commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi told reporters .
In total , the city expects to receive 465,000 vaccine doses within the next three weeks .
New York City has seen some of the most coronavirus cases in the United States since the start of the crisis and more than 35,000 deaths .
In California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles hospital was among the first in the state to get the vaccine Monday , with Gov .
Gavin Newsom by her side .
Health officials say more than 80,000 doses will arrive at centers in Los Angeles County this week .
Hospitals in several states will begin administering doses of the vaccine to health workers on Tuesday , including New Jersey , Utah , Alabama and Ohio .
Several more will begin on Wednesday and Thursday .
Meanwhile , it appears more Americans are now willing to receive a coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kaiser Family Foundation , said Tuesday that 71 % of respondents said they `` definitely '' or `` probably '' would be inoculated -- an increase from 63 % in September .
The survey found that a third of respondents are enthusiastic about receiving the vaccine and another third are taking a `` wait-and-see '' approach .
It found that 15 % are opposed to a vaccine under any circumstances and 9 % said they will only be inoculated if it 's required for work , school or other activities .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in `` wait-and-see '' mode indicate that many Americans are concerned about the vaccine 's safety , but will likely change their minds once it 's shown to be safe .
The survey finds that hesitancy remains strong among Republicans , people ages 30-49 , rural residents and Black adults , a group that 's been disproportionately affected by the pandemic .
Forty-two percent of Republicans and 35 % of Black adults said they probably or definitely will not take the vaccine .
`` Many Americans who are hesitant are simply reserving judgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' KFF Executive Vice President Mollyann Brodie said .
`` However , nearly 1 in 4 Republicans do n't want to get vaccinated because they do n't believe COVID poses a serious threat .
`` It will be a real challenge to undo COVID denialism among this slice of President Trump 's political base . ''

Dr. Sheetal Sheth (L), an OB-GYN and medical director for labor and delivery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., receives the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/UPI/Pool | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by U.S. biotech firm Moderna is safe and effective enough for emergency use in the United States, scientists at the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. The researchers issued their opinion in a 54-page report ahead of Thursday's meeting of the agency's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, a group of outside medical experts who will advise FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn on whether to approve emergency use authorization for the vaccine. Advertisement
The committee and the FDA took the same steps to approve the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech last Friday and the first vaccinations were given to health workers on Monday.
"FDA has determined that [Moderna] has provided adequate information to ensure the vaccine's quality and consistency for authorization of the product under an EUA," the scientists wrote in their assessment of Moderna's clinical trial data.
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Moderna said last month its two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine was more than 94% effective in preventing COVID-19 among participants in a 30,000-volunteer clinical trial. The FDA review confirmed that finding and said the vaccine is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of the coronavirus disease.
Like Pfizer's, Moderna's is a new type "messenger RNA" vaccine that uses strands of genetic material from the coronavirus to activate the body's immune system, rather than employing a whole, deactivated virus as traditional vaccines do.
Tuesday's FDA report came on the same day several states are planning to administer their first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Thousands of additional doses will begin arriving at many U.S. hospitals.
In New York, Northwell Health, the state's largest healthcare provider, began vaccinating hospital workers on Monday -- including one of the first doses in the United States, to critical care nurse Sandra Lindsay.
Almost 40 New York City hospitals will receive their first shipments on Tuesday, city health commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi told reporters. In total, the city expects to receive 465,000 vaccine doses within the next three weeks.
New York City has seen some of the most coronavirus cases in the United States since the start of the crisis and more than 35,000 deaths.
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In California, an emergency room nurse at a Los Angeles hospital was among the first in the state to get the vaccine Monday, with Gov. Gavin Newsom by her side.
Health officials say more than 80,000 doses will arrive at centers in Los Angeles County this week.
Hospitals in several states will begin administering doses of the vaccine to health workers on Tuesday, including New Jersey, Utah, Alabama and Ohio. Several more will begin on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, it appears more Americans are now willing to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, said Tuesday that 71% of respondents said they "definitely" or "probably" would be inoculated -- an increase from 63% in September.
The survey found that a third of respondents are enthusiastic about receiving the vaccine and another third are taking a "wait-and-see" approach. It found that 15% are opposed to a vaccine under any circumstances and 9% said they will only be inoculated if it's required for work, school or other activities.
The KFF said the large number of people in "wait-and-see" mode indicate that many Americans are concerned about the vaccine's safety, but will likely change their minds once it's shown to be safe.
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The survey finds that hesitancy remains strong among Republicans, people ages 30-49, rural residents and Black adults, a group that's been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Forty-two percent of Republicans and 35% of Black adults said they probably or definitely will not take the vaccine.
"Many Americans who are hesitant are simply reserving judgment before they are ready to get vaccinated," KFF Executive Vice President Mollyann Brodie said. "However, nearly 1 in 4 Republicans don't want to get vaccinated because they don't believe COVID poses a serious threat.
"It will be a real challenge to undo COVID denialism among this slice of President Trump's political base."


upi--2020-12-15--Sharon Osbourne briefly hospitalized with COVID-19

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Sharon Osbourne announced on Twitter that she is recovering after being briefly hospitalized with @ @ @ @ @ now recuperating at a location away from Ozzy ( who has tested negative ) while @ @ @ @ @ scheduled hiatus , '' Sharon Osbourne , 68 , tweeted Monday , mentioning her rock @ @ @ @ @ Osbourne .
Sharon Osbourne 's The Talk co-host Carrie Ann Inaba recently announced that she @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Inaba said on Instagram she was experiencing a bad cough and a fever @ @ @ @ @ revelation that Ashanti and Ellen DeGeneres are also fighting the virus .
Charley Pride , @ @ @ @ @ superstar , died Saturday at age 86 due to complications of COVID-19 .

I wanted to share I've tested positive for Covid 19. After a brief hospitalization, I'm now recuperating at a location away from Ozzy (who has tested negative) while "The Talk" is on scheduled hiatus. Everyone please stay safe and healthy.— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) December 15, 2020
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Sharon Osbourne announced on Twitter that she is recovering after being briefly hospitalized with COVID-19.
"I'm now recuperating at a location away from Ozzy (who has tested negative) while 'The Talk' is on scheduled hiatus," Sharon Osbourne, 68, tweeted Monday, mentioning her rock star husband, 72-year-old Ozzy Osbourne.
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Sharon Osbourne's The Talk co-host Carrie Ann Inaba recently announced that she also has tested positive for COVID-19.
Inaba said on Instagram she was experiencing a bad cough and a fever.
The news follows the revelation that Ashanti and Ellen DeGeneres are also fighting the virus.
Charley Pride, country music's first Black superstar, died Saturday at age 86 due to complications of COVID-19.


upi--2020-12-15--Russia denies report of vaccine sale to North Korea

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- North Korea purchased a coronavirus vaccine from Russia and ordered thermal imaging systems from China , according to a Japanese newspaper .
Russia has denied the report .
The Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday that Pyongyang is acquiring Russia 's Sputnik V vaccine , approved for widespread public use by Moscow .
The North Koreans may be importing the vaccine , the Asahi said , citing South Korean intelligence sources and a trade official at the China-North Korea border .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund , Russia 's sovereign wealth fund , said Tuesday no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales of the Sputnik V vaccine , according to Russia 's Tass news agency .
A RDIF official told Tass there was `` no signing of contracts '' and no communication with Pyongyang on the vaccine .
According to the Asahi , the number of vaccine doses North Korea has purchased is unknown , but the vaccine could be being made available for members of the Korean Workers ' Party .
North Korea has reported zero cases of COVID-19 to the World Health Organization since the beginning of the pandemic .
In October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founding of the Korean Workers ' Party , leader Kim Jong Un claimed in his speech `` not even one '' North Korean had fallen victim to the `` evil virus . ''
More recently , the regime strengthened COVID-19 quarantine and screening procedures in Pyongyang , according to the Russian Embassy last week .
It is unclear whether Kim has been vaccinated against the coronavirus or there are plans underway for him to receive the Russian vaccine .
A South Korean intelligence official who spoke to the Asahi said lack of transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to not be vaccinated with Sputnik V. North Korea may have also received shipments of thermal imaging systems , including cameras , from China .
The cameras may have been installed at the North Korean border cities of Sinuiju and Sinuiju , according to the Asahi .

North Korea may have purchased a Russia-developed vaccine, according to a Japanese press report. Russia has denied the claims, according to Tass news agency. File Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- North Korea purchased a coronavirus vaccine from Russia and ordered thermal imaging systems from China, according to a Japanese newspaper. Russia has denied the report. The Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday that Pyongyang is acquiring Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, approved for widespread public use by Moscow. The North Koreans may be importing the vaccine, the Asahi said, citing South Korean intelligence sources and a trade official at the China-North Korea border. Advertisement
Russia has disputed the report.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund, Russia's sovereign wealth fund, said Tuesday no North Korean official has contacted Moscow regarding sales of the Sputnik V vaccine, according to Russia's Tass news agency.
A RDIF official told Tass there was "no signing of contracts" and no communication with Pyongyang on the vaccine.
According to the Asahi, the number of vaccine doses North Korea has purchased is unknown, but the vaccine could be being made available for members of the Korean Workers' Party.
North Korea has reported zero cases of COVID-19 to the World Health Organization since the beginning of the pandemic. In October, during the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party, leader Kim Jong Un claimed in his speech "not even one" North Korean had fallen victim to the "evil virus." More recently, the regime strengthened COVID-19 quarantine and screening procedures in Pyongyang, according to the Russian Embassy last week.
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It is unclear whether Kim has been vaccinated against the coronavirus or there are plans underway for him to receive the Russian vaccine. A South Korean intelligence official who spoke to the Asahi said lack of transparency on the Russian vaccine could mean Kim is likely to not be vaccinated with Sputnik V.
North Korea may have also received shipments of thermal imaging systems, including cameras, from China. The cameras may have been installed at the North Korean border cities of Sinuiju and Sinuiju, according to the Asahi.


upi--2020-12-15--Commissioner Roger Goodell says NFL not planning pre-Super Bowl COVID-19 vaccinations

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- The NFL is not planning to inoculate players or personnel with the COVID-19 vaccine before Super Bowl LV in February , commissioner Roger Goodell said on a conference call .
Goodell made the comments on Monday after hospitals nationwide began to administer the first COVID-19 vaccines to health workers .
Super Bowl LV is scheduled for Feb. 7 in Tampa , Fla. , and the playoffs start Jan. 9 .
There are three weeks remaining in the regular season .
`` We are not planning on any of our personnel being vaccinated in advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters , according to the Tampa Bay Times and WFLA-TV .
`` That 's obviously being done at higher levels and given priority to health care workers , first responders and those that are in the riskiest state .
We do n't fall into those categories , so we do n't anticipate that and we 're not planning for that . ''
In October , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis gave clearance for sports stadiums in the state to open at full capacity .
However , no NFL teams have hosted more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacities so far this season .
The NFL has not yet announced the capacity that will be allowed for Super Bowl LV .
`` We 're going to try to bring in as many fans as we can safely do into [ Tampa 's ] Raymond James Stadium , '' Goodell said .
`` I 'm not sure there is a specific number that we are confident saying , 'This is what it will be , ' but obviously our focus will be on keeping them safe , whoever is [ allowed ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has less than a 1 % COVID-19 positivity rate .
The 2020-21 season began with dozens of player opt-outs and several games have been rescheduled -- but none canceled -- as the campaign enters Week 15 .
The league also has made repeated adjustments to its COVID-19 safety protocol in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus .
The latest round of NFL COVID-19 test results -- released on Dec. 8 -- showed 18 positives from players and 27 from other personnel from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5 .
The league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested postitive between Aug. 1 and Dec. 5 .
A total of 757,100 tests were administered to players and personnel from Aug. 1 to Nov. 28 .

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league has not determined the capacity allowed for Super Bowl LV and will not distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to players or personnel before the game. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The NFL is not planning to inoculate players or personnel with the COVID-19 vaccine before Super Bowl LV in February, commissioner Roger Goodell said on a conference call. Goodell made the comments on Monday after hospitals nationwide began to administer the first COVID-19 vaccines to health workers. Super Bowl LV is scheduled for Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla., and the playoffs start Jan. 9. There are three weeks remaining in the regular season. Advertisement
"We are not planning on any of our personnel being vaccinated in advance of the Super Bowl," Goodell told reporters, according to the Tampa Bay Times and WFLA-TV.
"That's obviously being done at higher levels and given priority to healthcare workers, first responders and those that are in the riskiest state. We don't fall into those categories, so we don't anticipate that and we're not planning for that."
In October, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave clearance for sports stadiums in the state to open at full capacity. However, no NFL teams have hosted more than 25% of their stadiums' capacities so far this season.
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The NFL has not yet announced the capacity that will be allowed for Super Bowl LV.
"We're going to try to bring in as many fans as we can safely do into [Tampa's] Raymond James Stadium," Goodell said. "I'm not sure there is a specific number that we are confident saying, 'This is what it will be,' but obviously our focus will be on keeping them safe, whoever is [allowed] in."
Goodell said the NFL has less than a 1% COVID-19 positivity rate. The 2020-21 season began with dozens of player opt-outs and several games have been rescheduled -- but none canceled -- as the campaign enters Week 15. The league also has made repeated adjustments to its COVID-19 safety protocol in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
The latest round of NFL COVID-19 test results -- released on Dec. 8 -- showed 18 positives from players and 27 from other personnel from Nov. 29 through Dec. 5.
The league said 173 players and 297 personnel members tested postitive between Aug. 1 and Dec. 5. A total of 757,100 tests were administered to players and personnel from Aug. 1 to Nov. 28.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-15--Fast-growing India, Brazil key to curbing climate change post-COVID-19

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- India and Brazil -- two of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world -- also have the second- and third-highest number of COVID-19 cases .
Both are facing pressure to launch recoveries after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic .
Will they backslide on their Paris Climate Agreement commitments , or will the expected return of the United States to the pact provide some needed encouragement to treat the pandemic crisis as an opportunity to build a more sustainable economic future ?
The United States and other signatories would need to re-embrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and engage with leaders to reverse recent trends in India and Brazil .
With the right support , however , both Brazil and India could leverage their displaced workers , many of whom work in the informal economy , to fuel a green recovery .
India and Brazil face tremendous climate change risks to food security , access to shelter and the livelihoods of their most vulnerable communities .
Both also have large informal labor markets : Around 80 percent of India 's 500 million labor force and close to 40 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated to be employed in the informal sector -- meaning their jobs have no contract and often provide low pay , unsafe working conditions and no social safety net .
The pandemic has made such economically vulnerable people more so .
But the path forward need not be seen as an either-or .
The environmental imperative can be the cornerstone for COVID-19 economic recovery .
India 's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement includes a pledge to reduce carbon emissions by over a third by 2030 ( from 2005 levels ) , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power generation from renewable sources .
India has made steady investments in renewable energy resources and created jobs in that sector , but the country also faces critical constraints and has not moved away from relying on coal as a major source of energy .
Similarly , Brazil pledged to halt illegal deforestation as well as embark on significant forest restoration by 2030 .
Enforcement and prevention of illegal deforestation declined in recent years , but Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is seen by some as likely to shift course under international pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
Drawing on previous work that has examined this issue , we identified three ways India and Brazil might reskill a portion of its informal workforce to fuel a more environmentally sustainable economic future and fundamentally change the trajectory of global climate change .
Train workers to build and improve infrastructure .
A shift to a `` greener '' economy will require improvements , repair and construction of infrastructure .
This includes investments in wastewater management , sustainable agriculture , and retrofitting buildings with renewable energy sources .
Vocational training institutions can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through short-term training courses that grant credentials that they can use to continue their training should they choose to remain in this field .
Support sustainable livelihoods in rural areas .
A large but declining share of the labor force of both India ( over 40 percent ) and Brazil ( 9 percent ) are employed in the agricultural sector .
In addition to incorporating innovations in pest management , water use and other sustainable farming practices , training could be directed toward farmers and rural residents , including displaced migrant workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy installation and other similar renewable-based initiatives in rural areas .
Support eco-friendly entrepreneurship .
COVID-19 may obliterate previous income-generating business activities .
India and Brazil can use this opportunity to develop policies that encourage small-enterprise growth , especially creation of sustainable , eco-friendly businesses .
Both countries could use help and expertise from developed countries on this front , such as financial incentives , access to low- or zero-interest loans and technical support and training .
India and Brazil are at a critical juncture .
Both have large economies , among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sizeable workforces devastated by the pandemic .
Both also face enormously high stakes with extreme weather events attributed to climate change likely to worsen over time .
Will they take this moment as an opportunity to integrate climate action into their post-COVID economic recovery plans ?
Much will depend on the leadership role that the United States and other developed countries choose to play .
Louay Constant is a senior policy researcher at the nonprofit , nonpartisan RAND Corp. and an affiliate faculty member at the Pardee RAND Graduate School .
He conducts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on labor markets , education and training , and the implications of forced displacement and return .
Troy Smith is an economist at RAND and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School .
He conducts research on innovation , entrepreneurship , education and labor markets .

A health worker collects swab samples for a COVID-19 test in Jammu, India, in October. File Photo by Jaipal Singh/EPA-EFE
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- India and Brazil -- two of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world -- also have the second- and third-highest number of COVID-19 cases. Both are facing pressure to launch recoveries after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. Will they backslide on their Paris Climate Agreement commitments, or will the expected return of the United States to the pact provide some needed encouragement to treat the pandemic crisis as an opportunity to build a more sustainable economic future? Advertisement
The United States and other signatories would need to re-embrace a global leadership role on climate change and engage with leaders to reverse recent trends in India and Brazil. With the right support, however, both Brazil and India could leverage their displaced workers, many of whom work in the informal economy, to fuel a green recovery.
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India and Brazil face tremendous climate change risks to food security, access to shelter and the livelihoods of their most vulnerable communities. Both also have large informal labor markets: Around 80 percent of India's 500 million labor force and close to 40 percent of Brazil's 100 million-plus labor force are estimated to be employed in the informal sector -- meaning their jobs have no contract and often provide low pay, unsafe working conditions and no social safety net.
The pandemic has made such economically vulnerable people more so. But the path forward need not be seen as an either-or. The environmental imperative can be the cornerstone for COVID-19 economic recovery.
India's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement includes a pledge to reduce carbon emissions by over a third by 2030 (from 2005 levels), as well as a commitment to 40 percent of power generation from renewable sources. India has made steady investments in renewable energy resources and created jobs in that sector, but the country also faces critical constraints and has not moved away from relying on coal as a major source of energy.
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Similarly, Brazil pledged to halt illegal deforestation as well as embark on significant forest restoration by 2030. Enforcement and prevention of illegal deforestation declined in recent years, but Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is seen by some as likely to shift course under international pressure from the United States and other developed countries.
Drawing on previous work that has examined this issue, we identified three ways India and Brazil might reskill a portion of its informal workforce to fuel a more environmentally sustainable economic future and fundamentally change the trajectory of global climate change.
Train workers to build and improve infrastructure. A shift to a "greener" economy will require improvements, repair and construction of infrastructure. This includes investments in wastewater management, sustainable agriculture, and retrofitting buildings with renewable energy sources. Vocational training institutions can prepare displaced workers to fill such jobs through short-term training courses that grant credentials that they can use to continue their training should they choose to remain in this field.
Support sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. A large but declining share of the labor force of both India (over 40 percent) and Brazil (9 percent) are employed in the agricultural sector. In addition to incorporating innovations in pest management, water use and other sustainable farming practices, training could be directed toward farmers and rural residents, including displaced migrant workers, for jobs in forest restoration, solar-powered energy installation and other similar renewable-based initiatives in rural areas.
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Support eco-friendly entrepreneurship. COVID-19 may obliterate previous income-generating business activities. India and Brazil can use this opportunity to develop policies that encourage small-enterprise growth, especially creation of sustainable, eco-friendly businesses. Both countries could use help and expertise from developed countries on this front, such as financial incentives, access to low- or zero-interest loans and technical support and training.
India and Brazil are at a critical juncture. Both have large economies, among the top 10 in the world, and sizeable workforces devastated by the pandemic. Both also face enormously high stakes with extreme weather events attributed to climate change likely to worsen over time. Will they take this moment as an opportunity to integrate climate action into their post-COVID economic recovery plans? Much will depend on the leadership role that the United States and other developed countries choose to play.
Louay Constant is a senior policy researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corp. and an affiliate faculty member at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He conducts research on international development issues with a focus on labor markets, education and training, and the implications of forced displacement and return. Troy Smith is an economist at RAND and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He conducts research on innovation, entrepreneurship, education and labor markets.


upi--2020-12-15--Boko Haram leader says group kidnapped 300 boys from Nigeria school

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- The leader of Nigerian Islamic extremist group Boko Haram said Tuesday his group was behind the abduction of more than 300 boys from a school in the northwestern part of the country last week .
The leader , Abubakar Shekau , said in an audio recording that Boko Haram was responsible for the abductions at the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara , in Katsina State on Friday .
Nigerian officials had initially suspected other bandits for the kidnappings , but some experts said the attack resembled a Boko Haram operation .
A large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security at the school before marching more than 300 students into the forest .
Boko Haram has previously attacked residents in the northeastern part of Nigeria and experts say the kidnapping marks a significant spread for the militant organization .
`` [ Shekau ] wanted to make a big political statement that we are attacking you in the northeast , we are abducting your children in the northeast , and now we are doing it in the northwest , '' Bulama Bukarti , a Boko Haram specialist at the Tony Blair Institute for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a huge announcement -- an audacious demonstration of capacity . ''
Boko Haram is widely known for kidnapping almost 300 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok in 2014 .
Many of them are still missing .

An advertisement against Boko Haram is seen on the back of a public bus in Lagos, Nigeria. The group said Tuesday it abducted 300 children from an all-boys school in Katsina State. File Photo by Ahmed Jallanzo/EPA
Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The leader of Nigerian Islamic extremist group Boko Haram said Tuesday his group was behind the abduction of more than 300 boys from a school in the northwestern part of the country last week. The leader, Abubakar Shekau, said in an audio recording that Boko Haram was responsible for the abductions at the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, in Katsina State on Friday. Advertisement
Nigerian officials had initially suspected other bandits for the kidnappings, but some experts said the attack resembled a Boko Haram operation.
A large group of men armed with AK-47s overwhelmed security at the school before marching more than 300 students into the forest.
Boko Haram has previously attacked residents in the northeastern part of Nigeria and experts say the kidnapping marks a significant spread for the militant organization.
"[Shekau] wanted to make a big political statement that we are attacking you in the northeast, we are abducting your children in the northeast, and now we are doing it in the northwest," Bulama Bukarti, a Boko Haram specialist at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in London, said.
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"This is a huge announcement -- an audacious demonstration of capacity."
Boko Haram is widely known for kidnapping almost 300 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok in 2014. Many of them are still missing.


upi--2020-12-15--Watch: Taylor Swift discusses fan theories, denies 'Woodvale' rumors on 'Kimmel'

Dec. 15 ( UPI ) -- Taylor Swift appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and denied fan theories that her next album will be titled Woodvale .
Swift explained to Kimmel on Monday how fans discovered the word Woodvale on the cover of her July album Folklore .
The singer said the name was just a placeholder that she forgot to remove .
`` I tend to be sort of annoyingly secret-agenty about dropping clues and hints and Easter eggs .
It 's very annoying but fun for fans and fun for me because they like to pick up on things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodvale was not an Easter egg .
`` I came up with a fake code name that had the same amount of letters as Folklore .
Chose a random name , chose Woodvale .
Wanted to see how it would look on the album covers , mocked them up and then decided I do n't actually want to have a title on the album covers .
And we forgot to take the fake code name off of one of them , '' she continued .
Swift also discussed working on Folklore and Evermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was released on Friday .
Swift praised collaborator Aaron Dessner of The National who worked on both albums .
`` He 's so talented , he 's so prolific .
But he 's also such a wonderful , kind , generous creative person and he has a lot of people who want to collaborate with him .
So I sort of grifted off of that , '' Swift said .
Swift also released a music video for her Evermore single `` Willow '' on Friday .
The clip features the 31-year-old following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , portrayed by Taeok Lee .

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Taylor Swift appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and denied fan theories that her next album will be titled Woodvale.
Swift explained to Kimmel on Monday how fans discovered the word Woodvale on the cover of her July album Folklore. The singer said the name was just a placeholder that she forgot to remove.
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"I tend to be sort of annoyingly secret-agenty about dropping clues and hints and Easter eggs. It's very annoying but fun for fans and fun for me because they like to pick up on things," Swift said before describing how Woodvale was not an Easter egg.
"I came up with a fake code name that had the same amount of letters as Folklore. Chose a random name, chose Woodvale. Wanted to see how it would look on the album covers, mocked them up and then decided I don't actually want to have a title on the album covers. And we forgot to take the fake code name off of one of them," she continued.
Swift also discussed working on Folklore and Evermore, her surprise sister album to Folklore that was released on Friday. Swift praised collaborator Aaron Dessner of The National who worked on both albums.
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"He's so talented, he's so prolific. But he's also such a wonderful, kind, generous creative person and he has a lot of people who want to collaborate with him. So I sort of grifted off of that," Swift said.
Swift also released a music video for her Evermore single "Willow" on Friday. The clip features the 31-year-old following a gold string to find a love interest, portrayed by Taeok Lee.
Taylor Swift's career: awards, No. 1 hits and red carpets