upi--2020-11-20--Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may raise heart risks

Hormone therapy can be a lifesaver for men with prostate cancer , but it also appears to put some at increased risk of heart problems , a new study reports .
Long-term androgen deprivation therapy ( ADT ) increased the risk of heart-related death nearly fourfold in a group of prostate cancer patients , and also caused their heart fitness to decrease , researchers found .
There is one important caveat : These patients were not in great shape to begin with .
At the start of the study , 4 out of 5 men had two or more risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Our data are not suggesting that androgen deprivation therapy definitely causes worse heart health , '' said lead researcher Dr. Jingyi Gong .
`` Rather , it suggests that for folks who are sicker on baseline with multiple cardiac comorbidities , they are more likely to deteriorate with androgen deprivation therapy from a cardiopulmonary perspective , '' said Gong , a clinical fellow with the Brigham and Women 's Hospital Heart and Vascular Center in Boston .
Doctors treating prostate cancer patients with poor heart health need to be vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Dr. Bonnie Ky , editor-in-chief of JACC : CardioOncology , the journal in which the study appears .
`` We need to do everything we can to ensure the patients can receive lifesaving cancer therapy in a safe manner , '' Ky said .
About 1 in every 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime , researchers said in background notes .
It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men .
ADT combined with radiation therapy is a standard treatment for prostate cancer , researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male hormones , which are called androgens .
Drugs that block production of testosterone are used to lower androgen levels in the body , with the aim of stalling out the cancer .
Prolonged use of ADT in some patients has become more popular lately , in the wake of studies that showed keeping men on hormone therapy improves their cancer outcomes .
But questions have arisen about the effects of long-term hormone therapy on heart health .
This study tracked the heart health of 616 prostate cancer patients as they received hormone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer diagnosis .
All had an exercise treadmill test at the beginning of the study to determine their initial heart fitness , as well as a thorough analysis of their heart risk factors .
From the start , nearly 82 % of the men had two or more heart risk factors -- smoking , high cholesterol , diabetes , high blood pressure , excess weight , family history of heart problems , symptoms of heart disease , and the like .
About one-quarter of the men ( 150 ) received ADT before their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been exposed to long-term hormone therapy .
Most patients with prolonged exposure to hormone therapy ( 92 % ) had two or more risk factors for heart disease .
Researchers found that men on long-term ADT were 3.8 times more likely to die from heart-related illness during the five-year follow-up , and they were 2.7 times more likely to perform worse on subsequent treadmill tests .
Blocking male hormone production causes a number of changes to men 's bodies that could promote bad heart health , Gong said .
Men tend to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weight in the form of fat when their testosterone levels drop , Gong said .
Their insulin resistance and cholesterol levels also can go haywire , Ky added .
`` We postulate it 's all these things '' increasing heart risk among prostate cancer patients , Ky said .
`` These factors are each modifying the cardiovascular risk . ''
Prostate cancer patients can fight these effects by sticking to a heart-healthy lifestyle , Gong said .
That includes regular exercise , eating right , quitting smoking , managing blood pressure and cholesterol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the treatment is indicated from a cancer survival perspective , then at the very least these patients should be encouraged to stay physically active and manage their comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes , '' Gong said .
The American Heart Association has more on hormone therapy for prostate cancer .

Researchers found that men on long-term hormone therapy for prostate cancer were 3.8 times more likely to die from heart-related illness during the five-year follow-up. Photo by NIHClinicalCenter /Flickr
Hormone therapy can be a lifesaver for men with prostate cancer, but it also appears to put some at increased risk of heart problems, a new study reports. Long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) increased the risk of heart-related death nearly fourfold in a group of prostate cancer patients, and also caused their heart fitness to decrease, researchers found. Advertisement
There is one important caveat: These patients were not in great shape to begin with. At the start of the study, 4 out of 5 men had two or more risk factors for heart disease, the study says.
"Our data are not suggesting that androgen deprivation therapy definitely causes worse heart health," said lead researcher Dr. Jingyi Gong.
"Rather, it suggests that for folks who are sicker on baseline with multiple cardiac comorbidities, they are more likely to deteriorate with androgen deprivation therapy from a cardiopulmonary perspective," said Gong, a clinical fellow with the Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart and Vascular Center in Boston.
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Doctors treating prostate cancer patients with poor heart health need to be vigilant regarding heart-related side effects of ADT, said Dr. Bonnie Ky, editor-in-chief of JACC: CardioOncology, the journal in which the study appears.
"We need to do everything we can to ensure the patients can receive lifesaving cancer therapy in a safe manner," Ky said.
About 1 in every 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, researchers said in background notes. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men.
ADT combined with radiation therapy is a standard treatment for prostate cancer, researchers note.
Prostate cancer is fueled by male hormones, which are called androgens. Drugs that block production of testosterone are used to lower androgen levels in the body, with the aim of stalling out the cancer.
Prolonged use of ADT in some patients has become more popular lately, in the wake of studies that showed keeping men on hormone therapy improves their cancer outcomes. But questions have arisen about the effects of long-term hormone therapy on heart health.
This study tracked the heart health of 616 prostate cancer patients as they received hormone therapy for nearly five years after their cancer diagnosis.
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All had an exercise treadmill test at the beginning of the study to determine their initial heart fitness, as well as a thorough analysis of their heart risk factors.
From the start, nearly 82% of the men had two or more heart risk factors -- smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, excess weight, family history of heart problems, symptoms of heart disease, and the like.
About one-quarter of the men (150) received ADT before their first treadmill test, and 51 had been exposed to long-term hormone therapy. Most patients with prolonged exposure to hormone therapy (92%) had two or more risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers found that men on long-term ADT were 3.8 times more likely to die from heart-related illness during the five-year follow-up, and they were 2.7 times more likely to perform worse on subsequent treadmill tests.
Blocking male hormone production causes a number of changes to men's bodies that could promote bad heart health, Gong said.
Men tend to lose lean muscle mass and pack on excess weight in the form of fat when their testosterone levels drop, Gong said.
Their insulin resistance and cholesterol levels also can go haywire, Ky added.
"We postulate it's all these things" increasing heart risk among prostate cancer patients, Ky said. "These factors are each modifying the cardiovascular risk."
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Prostate cancer patients can fight these effects by sticking to a heart-healthy lifestyle, Gong said. That includes regular exercise, eating right, quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and losing weight.
"If the treatment is indicated from a cancer survival perspective, then at the very least these patients should be encouraged to stay physically active and manage their comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes," Gong said.
The American Heart Association has more on hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-11-20--HBO gives series order to video game adaptation 'The Last of Us'

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- HBO announced it has given a series order to The Last of Us , a drama series based on the video game franchise of the same name .
Francesca Orsi , executive vice president of HBO Programming , announced the cable network , which previously said The Last of Us was in development in March , has now given a series order for the show based on the Sony PlayStation video games .
The series is set to be executive produced by Neil Druckmann , the writer and creative director of The Last of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chernobyl ) and Carolyn Strauss ( Chernobyl , Game of Thrones ) .
Game developer Naughty Dog 's Evan Wells and PlayStation Productions ' Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan also serve as executive producers .
The show , a co-production with Sony Pictures Television , is being written by Mazin and Druckmann .
PlayStation Productions , Word Games and Naughty Dog are attached to produce .
`` Craig and Neil are visionaries in a league of their own , '' Orsi said .
`` With them at the helm alongside the incomparable Carolyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resonate with both die-hard fans of The Last of Us games and newcomers to this genre-defining saga .
We 're delighted to partner with Naughty Dog , Word Games , Sony and PlayStation to adapt this epic , powerfully immersive story . ''
Jeff Frost , president of Sony Pictures Television Studios and Asad Qizilbash , head of PlayStation Productions , welcomed news of the series order .
`` We 're thrilled to be working with HBO and this fantastic creative team to bring The Last of Us series to life , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` PlayStation 's innovative storytelling and ingenuity is a natural complement to SPT 's creative focus .
Our collaboration is a great example of our 'One Sony ' philosophy at work .
We look forward to developing even more iconic game IP in the future . ''
The first game in The Last of Us series follows a survivor named Joel working to smuggle a 14-year-old girl named Ellie out of an oppressive quarantine zone 20 years after the fall of modern civilization .
The pair learn to depend on each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
The Last of Us series will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max .

HBO announced it has given a series order to "The Last of Us," a post-apocalyptic drama based on the Sony PlayStation video game series of the same name. Photo courtesy of HBO
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- HBO announced it has given a series order to The Last of Us, a drama series based on the video game franchise of the same name. Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming, announced the cable network, which previously said The Last of Us was in development in March, has now given a series order for the show based on the Sony PlayStation video games. Advertisement
The series is set to be executive produced by Neil Druckmann, the writer and creative director of The Last of Us games, alongside Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Carolyn Strauss (Chernobyl, Game of Thrones). Game developer Naughty Dog's Evan Wells and PlayStation Productions' Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan also serve as executive producers.
The show, a co-production with Sony Pictures Television, is being written by Mazin and Druckmann. PlayStation Productions, Word Games and Naughty Dog are attached to produce.
"Craig and Neil are visionaries in a league of their own," Orsi said. "With them at the helm alongside the incomparable Carolyn Strauss, this series is sure to resonate with both die-hard fans of The Last of Us games and newcomers to this genre-defining saga. We're delighted to partner with Naughty Dog, Word Games, Sony and PlayStation to adapt this epic, powerfully immersive story."
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Jeff Frost, president of Sony Pictures Television Studios and Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, welcomed news of the series order.
"We're thrilled to be working with HBO and this fantastic creative team to bring The Last of Us series to life," Frost and Qizilbash said in a statement. "PlayStation's innovative storytelling and ingenuity is a natural complement to SPT's creative focus. Our collaboration is a great example of our 'One Sony' philosophy at work. We look forward to developing even more iconic game IP in the future."
The first game in The Last of Us series follows a survivor named Joel working to smuggle a 14-year-old girl named Ellie out of an oppressive quarantine zone 20 years after the fall of modern civilization. The pair learn to depend on each other for survival as they cross the former United States.
The Last of Us series will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max.


upi--2020-11-20--Watch: Wallet lost on Australian beach returned to owner 25 years later

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- An Australian man who lost his wallet at a New Year 's Eve party on the beach was reunited with his lost property when it was found 25 years later .
Joseph Bewes said he was on the beach this week in Lennox Head , New South Wales , when he came across a wallet that appeared to have spent a great deal of time exposed to the elements .
`` Paul G Davis .
Found your wallet washed up on the beach , '' Bewes wrote on a post in a local community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cards expired in '95 but the 5 bucks might still be good .
You just bought future you a coffee 25 years ago .
Yew ! ''
A woman named Jodie Davis recognized the name and identified the wallet 's owner as her husband 's cousin .
She sent a screenshot of the post to Paul Davis , who recalled losing the wallet 25 years earlier .
`` Straight away he remembered it and knew that he lost it -- yeah he was blown away , '' Jodie Davis told 7News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the beach , where the wallet was returned to its original owner .
Davis brought along a six pack of beer that the men shared as a thank-you for Bewes ' efforts to get the wallet back to him .

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Nov. 20 (UPI) -- An Australian man who lost his wallet at a New Year's Eve party on the beach was reunited with his lost property when it was found 25 years later.
Joseph Bewes said he was on the beach this week in Lennox Head, New South Wales, when he came across a wallet that appeared to have spent a great deal of time exposed to the elements.
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"Paul G Davis. Found your wallet washed up on the beach," Bewes wrote on a post in a local community Facebook group. "Sorry, all the cards expired in '95 but the 5 bucks might still be good. You just bought future you a coffee 25 years ago. Yew!"
A woman named Jodie Davis recognized the name and identified the wallet's owner as her husband's cousin. She sent a screenshot of the post to Paul Davis, who recalled losing the wallet 25 years earlier.
"Straight away he remembered it and knew that he lost it -- yeah he was blown away," Jodie Davis told 7News.
Bewes and Paul Davis met up Friday on the beach, where the wallet was returned to its original owner. Davis brought along a six pack of beer that the men shared as a thank-you for Bewes' efforts to get the wallet back to him.


upi--2020-11-20--Supreme Court drops hearing for Mueller grand jury documents

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- The Supreme Court on Friday dropped a hearing from its calendar to hear arguments in a case in which House Democrats sought to obtain secret grand jury material gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigators .
Lawyers for the House judiciary committee had asked for a delay for the Dec. 2 hearing until after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden .
The Justice Department said it was prepared to proceed with the hearing but said it would accept the Supreme Court 's decision .
In a motion to the high court on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that with the installation of a new Democratic president and new members of Congress , the `` newly constituted '' judiciary committee will likely want to evaluate whether to proceed with the case .
`` Under the circumstances , the committee respectfully requests that the Court remove this case from the December 2020 argument calendar , '' Letter 's motion read .
`` The committee believes that postponing oral argument would be in the interest of the parties and the court and may conserve judicial resources . ''
The judiciary committee has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since summer 2019 as part of its investigation into Russian electoral interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign .
The Justice Department argued earlier this year that the committee needs a court order to see the materials -- and even with that , without a judicial proceeding , they could only see redacted versions of the documents .
An appellate court disagreed .
In February , the Supreme Court took up the case and temporarily blocked the released of the documents as the case played out @ @ @ @

The Justice Department said that though it was prepared for the December 2 hearing, it would not fight the House judiciary's request to drop it from the Supreme Court calendar. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court on Friday dropped a hearing from its calendar to hear arguments in a case in which House Democrats sought to obtain secret grand jury material gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators. Lawyers for the House judiciary committee had asked for a delay for the Dec. 2 hearing until after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. The Justice Department said it was prepared to proceed with the hearing but said it would accept the Supreme Court's decision. Advertisement
In a motion to the high court on Tuesday, House counsel Doug Letter said that with the installation of a new Democratic president and new members of Congress, the "newly constituted" judiciary committee will likely want to evaluate whether to proceed with the case.
"Under the circumstances, the committee respectfully requests that the Court remove this case from the December 2020 argument calendar," Letter's motion read. "The committee believes that postponing oral argument would be in the interest of the parties and the court and may conserve judicial resources."
The judiciary committee has been fighting for the redacted grand jury materials since summer 2019 as part of its investigation into Russian electoral interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign.
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The Justice Department argued earlier this year that the committee needs a court order to see the materials -- and even with that, without a judicial proceeding, they could only see redacted versions of the documents. An appellate court disagreed.
In February, the Supreme Court took up the case and temporarily blocked the released of the documents as the case played out in the court.


upi--2020-11-20--Five countries to collaborate on NATO's next helicopters

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- Five European countries have agreed to collaborate on building next-generation helicopters , NATO announced on Friday .
A letter of intent for the Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability , involving the construction of medium multi-role helicopters , was signed by representatives of France , Britain , Italy , Germany and Greece on Thursday .
It calls for international cooperation to build helicopters to replace those currently in use by NATO countries , most of which will reach the end of their operable life cycles between 2035 and 2040 and were largely designed in the 20th century @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not revealed , and other NATO countries are welcome to join the consortium .
Although Thursday 's letter of intent is non-binding , a legally binding memorandum of understanding will be offered , after the initial concept phase of the project , in 2022 .
The signing ceremony was conducted by defense ministry representatives at their capital cities in a virtual meeting .
The new capability would be involved in missions including insertion and extraction of special operations forces , transport of cargo and troops , medical evacuation , search and rescue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they would fit between what NATO describes as light and heavy helicopters .
Following the signing , the five allies will `` start working on a robust statement of requirements for informing an envisioned concept phase , '' NATO said .

Five countries agreed to collaborate on producing the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability -- helicopters to replace NATO's aging flee -- including the Gazelle of Britain's armed forces, depicted. Photon courtesy of British Royal Navy
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Five European countries have agreed to collaborate on building next-generation helicopters, NATO announced on Friday. A letter of intent for the Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability, involving the construction of medium multi-role helicopters, was signed by representatives of France, Britain, Italy, Germany and Greece on Thursday. Advertisement
It calls for international cooperation to build helicopters to replace those currently in use by NATO countries, most of which will reach the end of their operable life cycles between 2035 and 2040 and were largely designed in the 20th century.
Details, timetables and costs were not revealed, and other NATO countries are welcome to join the consortium.
Although Thursday's letter of intent is non-binding, a legally binding memorandum of understanding will be offered, after the initial concept phase of the project, in 2022.
The signing ceremony was conducted by defense ministry representatives at their capital cities in a virtual meeting.
The new capability would be involved in missions including insertion and extraction of special operations forces, transport of cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. As medium-sized helicopters, they would fit between what NATO describes as light and heavy helicopters.
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Following the signing, the five allies will "start working on a robust statement of requirements for informing an envisioned concept phase," NATO said.


upi--2020-11-20--American Music Awards 2020: How to watch, what to expect

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 American Music Awards are set to air live Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC .
Taraji P. Henson is hosting the fan-voted event for the fist time .
The show will take place at the Microsoft theater in Los Angles .
The Weeknd and Roddy Ricch are among this year 's top nominees with eight nominations each .
Megan Thee Stallion has five nominations , while Taylor Swift , Bad Bunny , Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber have four .
Musical performances : The Weeknd will perform `` In Your Eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first television performance of his song `` Save Your Tears . ''
Billie Eilish , BTS , Jennifer Lopez with Maluma , Megan Thee Stallion , Bieber , Dua Lipa , Bad Bunny , Lil Baby , Shawn Mendes , Katy Perry , Bebe Rexha with Doja Cat , Dan + Shay , Bell Biv DeVoe , Nelly , Lewis Capaldi andMachine Gun Kelly will also perform .
Nominees : Swift , Bieber , Ricch , The Weekend and Post Malone are nominated for Artist of the Year .
Capaldi , Doja Cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Megan Thee Stallion are nominated for New Artist of the Year .
Doja Cat 's `` Say So , '' Future 's `` Life Is Good '' featuring Drake , Gaga and Ariana Grande 's `` Rain On Me , '' Swift 's `` Cardigan '' and The Weeknd 's `` Blinding Lights '' are up for Favorite Music Video Presenters : Ciara , Paris Hilton , Derek Hough , Bachelorette Tayshia Adams and more will present awards .

Taraji P. Henson is hosting the 2020 American Music Awards on Sunday. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The 2020 American Music Awards are set to air live Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Taraji P. Henson is hosting the fan-voted event for the fist time. The show will take place at the Microsoft theater in Los Angles. Advertisement
The Weeknd and Roddy Ricch are among this year's top nominees with eight nominations each.
Megan Thee Stallion has five nominations, while Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber have four.
How to Watch
Time: The show begins at 8 p.m. EST.
Network: ABC
Musical performances: The Weeknd will perform "In Your Eyes" with Kenny G and deliver the first television performance of his song "Save Your Tears." Billie Eilish, BTS, Jennifer Lopez with Maluma, Megan Thee Stallion, Bieber, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Lil Baby, Shawn Mendes, Katy Perry, Bebe Rexha with Doja Cat, Dan + Shay, Bell Biv DeVoe, Nelly, Lewis Capaldi andMachine Gun Kelly will also perform.
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Nominees: Swift, Bieber, Ricch, The Weekend and Post Malone are nominated for Artist of the Year. Capaldi, Doja Cat, DaBaby, Ricch, Lil Baby and Megan Thee Stallion are nominated for New Artist of the Year. Doja Cat's "Say So," Future's "Life Is Good" featuring Drake, Gaga and Ariana Grande's "Rain On Me," Swift's "Cardigan" and The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" are up for Favorite Music Video
Presenters: Ciara, Paris Hilton, Derek Hough, Bachelorette Tayshia Adams and more will present awards.


upi--2020-11-20--Ursula von der Leyen: EU, Britain making progress in Brexit talks

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- With a Dec. 31 deadline looming , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday the bloc and Britain are making `` better progress '' in negotiating final Brexit issues that will lead to a trade deal .
Little progress had been made between Britain and the European Union up to the recent round of negotiations that started after Britain agreed to a withdrawal agreement with the bloc .
Many details still had to be worked out , from quotas and tariffs to their relationship in various sectors , including energy , transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with very , very slow progress , now we 've seen in the last days better progress , more movement on important files , '' von der Leyen said .
`` This is good .
We still have of course the three main difficult issues : the governance , the fisheries and the level playing field . ''
Von der Leyen sounded optimistic about the movement , but realistic about the work still ahead in negotiations .
`` But within the frame of the level playing field , progress , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state aid but there are still quite some meters to the finish line so there 's a lot of work to do , '' she said .
Speaking a day before the G20 Summit , von der Leyen stressed the need for global cooperation in tackling the coronavirus pandemic , which has been on the rise again in many regions and countries , including Europe and the United States .
`` The upcoming G20 Summit this weekend could mark a new beginning for global cooperation , '' von der Leyen said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult year .
But the G20 rose to the challenge and it provided leadership . ''
She said healthcare , the economy , climate change and improving environmental protection to prevent future disasters will likely be the top agenda items this weekend along with the pandemic .

European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, shown at a news conference in Brussels, Belgium, on April 23, said Friday progress is being made during Brexit talks with Britain. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- With a Dec. 31 deadline looming, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday the bloc and Britain are making "better progress" in negotiating final Brexit issues that will lead to a trade deal. Little progress had been made between Britain and the European Union up to the recent round of negotiations that started after Britain agreed to a withdrawal agreement with the bloc. Many details still had to be worked out, from quotas and tariffs to their relationship in various sectors, including energy, transportation and security. Advertisement
"After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress, now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files," von der Leyen said. "This is good. We still have of course the three main difficult issues: the governance, the fisheries and the level playing field."
Von der Leyen sounded optimistic about the movement, but realistic about the work still ahead in negotiations.
"But within the frame of the level playing field, progress, for example, has been made on the question of state aid but there are still quite some meters to the finish line so there's a lot of work to do," she said.
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Speaking a day before the G20 Summit, von der Leyen stressed the need for global cooperation in tackling the coronavirus pandemic, which has been on the rise again in many regions and countries, including Europe and the United States.
"The upcoming G20 Summit this weekend could mark a new beginning for global cooperation," von der Leyen said in a statement. "2020 has been a very difficult year. But the G20 rose to the challenge and it provided leadership."
She said healthcare, the economy, climate change and improving environmental protection to prevent future disasters will likely be the top agenda items this weekend along with the pandemic.


upi--2020-11-21--G20 virtual summit tackles COVID-19 vaccine, funding

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- World leaders were slated to meet virtually Saturday for the annual G20 summit with a focus this year on the distribution of funds for COVID-19 vaccines .
The leaders were expected to approve a public statement on supplying vaccines and doses .
The weekend 's events were scheduled to be streamed on the G20 website .
Saudi Arabia is hosting the summit -- through Sunday -- virtually his year due to the pandemic , replacing the originally planned meeting to take place in Riyadh .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement ahead of the summit .
Von der Leyen said current pledges of $ 1.8 billion have fallen short of the $ 5 billion needed to reach the goal of purchasing 2 billion doses by the the end of 2021 for low-and middle-income countries .
To curb the spread of the pandemic not only in wealthier nations , but the entire world , the ACT-Accelerator and COVAX facility has been set up to mass produce and distribute vaccines and therapeutics and use `` collective purchasing power '' to negotiate affordable prices .
Ninety-four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVAX , while U.S. President Donald Trump has resisted because the World Health Organization is involved .
Another $ 38 billion in funding is needed for testing and treatment in the ACT-Accelerator of which $ 4 billion has been committed so far .
`` The pandemic has caused an unprecedented shock to the entire world , in terms of lives lost , livelihoods affected and of course economic costs , '' von der Leyen said in the statement .
`` Naturally , our top priority is to stop the virus not only in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this we need to continue investing to make sure that vaccines and therapeutics can be mass-produced and distributed globally at affordable prices . ''
G20 countries have put $ 11 trillion into pandemic economic recovery efforts , according to a report released ahead of the summit .
The two-day summit will also tackle climate change and global trade .
Trump 's closeness with the Saudi monarchy has hampered efforts to push Saudi Arabia to adopt climate change targets , and Trump 's trade war with China has impeded efforts to address global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Von der Leyen said in a statement Friday the election of Joe Biden as U.S. president created hope .
`` All countries need to work together for improving global health security , '' she said .
`` And while the United States has resisted engaging in this topic so far , I am very hopeful now with the new president-elect that this will change .
Indeed , the next president has already committed to increase multilateral cooperation including in the health field . ''

1/2
A handout photo made available by G20 Riyadh Summit shows a virtual family photo of G20 leaders projected on the walls of At-Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo courtesy of the G20 Riyadh summit
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- World leaders met virtually Saturday for the annual G20 summit with a focus this year on the distribution of funds for COVID-19 vaccines. "We must work to create the conditions for affordable and equitable access to these tools for all peoples," King Salman of Saudi Arabia, 84, said of vaccines and treatments during his opening address. "At the same time, we must prepare better for any future pandemic." Advertisement
President Donald Trump briefly participated in the summit from the White House, but was not listed as a participant at a sideline event on pandemic preparedness and later visited his Virginia country club to play golf. He also tweeted about the recent Presidential election while sessions were taking place.
The leaders were expected to approve a public statement on supplying vaccines and doses. The weekend's events were scheduled to be streamed on the G20 website.
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Saudi Arabia is hosting the summit -- through Sunday -- virtually his year due to the pandemic, replacing the originally planned meeting to take place in Riyadh.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the need for global cooperation in a statement ahead of the summit.
Von der Leyen said current pledges of $1.8 billion have fallen short of the $5 billion needed to reach the goal of purchasing 2 billion doses by the the end of 2021 for low-and middle-income countries.
To curb the spread of the pandemic not only in wealthier nations, but the entire world, the ACT-Accelerator and COVAX facility has been set up to mass produce and distribute vaccines and therapeutics and use "collective purchasing power" to negotiate affordable prices.
Ninety-four high-income countries have confirmed their participation in COVAX, while U.S. President Donald Trump has resisted because the World Health Organization is involved.
Another $38 billion in funding is needed for testing and treatment in the ACT-Accelerator of which $4 billion has been committed so far.
"The pandemic has caused an unprecedented shock to the entire world, in terms of lives lost, livelihoods affected and of course economic costs," von der Leyen said in the statement. "Naturally, our top priority is to stop the virus not only in Europe but in the world. And for this we need to continue investing to make sure that vaccines and therapeutics can be mass-produced and distributed globally at affordable prices."
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G20 countries have put $11 trillion into pandemic economic recovery efforts, according to a report released ahead of the summit.
The two-day summit will also tackle climate change and global trade. Trump's closeness with the Saudi monarchy has hampered efforts to push Saudi Arabia to adopt climate change targets, and Trump's trade war with China has impeded efforts to address global trading issues, some diplomats said.
Von der Leyen said in a statement Friday the election of Joe Biden as U.S. president created hope.
"All countries need to work together for improving global health security," she said. "And while the United States has resisted engaging in this topic so far, I am very hopeful now with the new president-elect that this will change. Indeed, the next president has already committed to increase multilateral cooperation including in the health field."


upi--2020-11-21--'Walking Dead' Season 10 to continue Feb. 28

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Walking Dead Season 10 is set to resume on AMC on Feb. 28 .
Guest stars in the last six episodes of the season include Robert Patrick , Hilarie Burton Morgan and Okea Eme-Akwari .
The season has stopped and started several times due to production challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Season 10 began in October 2019 , aired through the end of November 2019 , had a mid-season break through February , came back and aired through April , then broadcast one more episode in October .
`` In these six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to pick themselves up by their bootstraps following the destruction the Whisperers left in their wake , '' the cable network said in a news release .
`` The years of struggle weigh upon them as past traumas surface , exposing their more vulnerable sides .
As they question the state of humanity , the state of their collective community , and the states of their minds , will they find the inner strength to persevere with their lives , friendships , and group intact ? ''
AMC announced in September that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 11th season .
The Walking Dead franchise also includes the spinoffs Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead : World Beyond .

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Season 10 of Norman Reedus' "The Walking Dead" will resume on AMC on Feb. 28. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The Walking Dead Season 10 is set to resume on AMC on Feb. 28. Guest stars in the last six episodes of the season include Robert Patrick, Hilarie Burton Morgan and Okea Eme-Akwari. Advertisement
The season has stopped and started several times due to production challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Season 10 began in October 2019, aired through the end of November 2019, had a mid-season break through February, came back and aired through April, then broadcast one more episode in October.
"In these six new episodes, we find our survivors trying to pick themselves up by their bootstraps following the destruction the Whisperers left in their wake," the cable network said in a news release.
"The years of struggle weigh upon them as past traumas surface, exposing their more vulnerable sides. As they question the state of humanity, the state of their collective community, and the states of their minds, will they find the inner strength to persevere with their lives, friendships, and group intact?"
AMC announced in September that the show will end with a 24-episode, 11th season.
The zombie-apocalypse drama stars Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan.
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The Walking Dead franchise also includes the spinoffs Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.


upi--2020-11-21--Federal government schedules 3 more executions before Biden inauguration

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department has scheduled three more federal executions to take place before President-elect Joe Biden 's inauguration next year .
In court filings Friday , the Federal Bureau of Prisons notified Alfred Bourgeois he 'd be executed Dec. 11 , Corey Johnson on Jan. 14 and Dustin Higgs on Jan. 15 .
They 're among several federal inmates to be slated for the death chamber this year after the federal government resumed carrying out executions in July .
Brandon Bernard is also scheduled for Dec. 10 , while Lisa Montgomery 's Dec. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appeal .
Lawyers for Bourgeois argue their client has intellectual disabilities and therefore ca n't understand his punishments .
The Eighth Amendment bans executing people with such impairments as cruel and usual punishment .
`` Mr. Bourgeois is a person with intellectual disability , and both the Constitution and the plain language of the Federal Death Penalty Act bar his execution , '' said defense attorney Victor J. Abreau .
`` The jury that sentenced Mr. Bourgeois to death never learned that he was a person with intellectual disability because his trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was available to them . ''
Bourgeois was among the first inmates slated for death last year when Attorney General William Barr announced the resumption of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus .
A federal judge stayed his execution in March , saying his lawyer made a strong case for his intellectual disability .
Bourgeois , 55 , was convicted in 2004 of capital murder for the 2002 death of his daughter in Corpus Christi , Texas .
Prosecutors said the girl died when Bourgeois became angry with her for turning over her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 18-wheeler and slammed her head into the vehicle 's window .
Investigators said he regularly physically and sexually abused the toddler before her death .
Bourgeois said he was innocent of the child 's death and blamed her mother .
His lawyers said he had two IQ test scores of 68 and 70 , adaptive impairments and deficiencies dating back to when he was a minor as evidence of his intellectual disability .
Abreu called for a hearing to determine whether Bourgeois should be allowed to prove his disability in court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for the chance to prove their client 's intellectual disability in court , saying no jury or court has heard evidence to date .
`` We are not aware of any other federal death penalty prisoner who has never had a single evidentiary hearing at which he could present his intellectual disability evidence , '' said Ronald J. Tabak and Donald P. Salzman .
`` The government should not proceed with Mr. Johnson 's execution in the absence of a thorough and fair opportunity for him to present this evidence . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 10 murders tied to his participation in a Richmond , Va. , drug gang .
Accomplices James Roane and Richard Tipton also received the death penalty for their involvement .
Johnson 's lawyers said a childhood of abuse and neglect led to intellectual disability , and at age 13 , his mother put him in a facility for children with intellectual and emotional impairments .
They said he had an IQ score of 69 at 16 years old and three doctors have since concluded he has intellectual disability .
The lawyers also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' because another accomplice , Vernon Thomas , received a life sentence because of his intellectual disability .
Higgs was sentenced to death in 2001 for the 1996 murders of Tanji Jackson , Tamika Black and Mishann Chinn in Prince George 's County , Md .
Prosecutors said accomplice Willis Haynes shot the three women under direction from Higgs .
Higgs ' lawyer called their client 's death sentence `` arbitrary and inequitable '' because Haynes , who pulled the trigger , was spared the death penalty and received life in prison .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and should not be executed , '' attorney Shawn Nolan said Friday .
`` Although compelling evidence was available at time of the trial and would have supported a plea for life , the jury that sentenced Mr. Higgs to death did not hear all of the mitigating information showing he is not 'the worst of the worst , ' because his attorneys failed to develop and present it fully , '' he added .
`` Mr. Higgs deserves clemency because of the unfair sentencing disparity in case , and because , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , he has been a model prisoner and is an active parent who is essential to the well-being of his son . ''
Higgs is scheduled to be executed less than a week before Biden 's Jan. 20 inauguration , and the Trump administration 's move to hold multiple executions during a lame-duck presidency has met backlash .
The federal government put to death Orlando Hall on Thursday .
It was the first execution during a lame-duck presidency since 1880 under the administration of President Grover Cleveland , according to the Death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a further illustration of how deviant and dangerously out of touch this government 's conduct has been during the entire course of this execution spree , '' DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham said .
`` No lame-duck president has attempted to carry out an execution in more than a century .
And to cavalierly do so , as infections from a virus that has killed a quarter million Americans are exploding across the country , exhibits a pathological lack of concern for public health and safety . ''
Death Penalty Action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump as `` the most-executing president since the 1950s . ''
The organization called on him to stop the remaining executions during his term .
`` The public is safe from dangerous individuals and holds them accountable to their crimes without executions in the vast majority of cases , '' DPA Director Abraham Bonowitz said .
`` This is so unnecessary that it begs the question , why is President Trump engaging in such an unprecedented execution spree ?
It must be a power trip .
The amazing thing is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about any of these executions , and yet he has always had a morbid fascination and blustery rhetoric when it comes to the death penalty . ''

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has scheduled three more federal executions to take place before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next year.
In court filings Friday, the Federal Bureau of Prisons notified Alfred Bourgeois he'd be executed Dec. 11, Corey Johnson on Jan. 14 and Dustin Higgs on Jan. 15.
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They're among several federal inmates to be slated for the death chamber this year after the federal government resumed carrying out executions in July. Brandon Bernard is also scheduled for Dec. 10, while Lisa Montgomery's Dec. 3 date has been stayed and is subject to appeal.
Alfred Bourgeois
Lawyers for Bourgeois argue their client has intellectual disabilities and therefore can't understand his punishments. The Eighth Amendment bans executing people with such impairments as cruel and usual punishment.
"Mr. Bourgeois is a person with intellectual disability, and both the Constitution and the plain language of the Federal Death Penalty Act bar his execution," said defense attorney Victor J. Abreau. "The jury that sentenced Mr. Bourgeois to death never learned that he was a person with intellectual disability because his trial lawyers did not present the evidence that was available to them."
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Bourgeois was among the first inmates slated for death last year when Attorney General William Barr announced the resumption of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus. A federal judge stayed his execution in March, saying his lawyer made a strong case for his intellectual disability.
Bourgeois, 55, was convicted in 2004 of capital murder for the 2002 death of his daughter in Corpus Christi, Texas. Prosecutors said the girl died when Bourgeois became angry with her for turning over her potty training chair in the cab of his 18-wheeler and slammed her head into the vehicle's window.
Investigators said he regularly physically and sexually abused the toddler before her death.
Bourgeois said he was innocent of the child's death and blamed her mother.
His lawyers said he had two IQ test scores of 68 and 70, adaptive impairments and deficiencies dating back to when he was a minor as evidence of his intellectual disability. Abreu called for a hearing to determine whether Bourgeois should be allowed to prove his disability in court.
Corey Johnson
Attorneys for Johnson, 45, likewise called for the chance to prove their client's intellectual disability in court, saying no jury or court has heard evidence to date.
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"We are not aware of any other federal death penalty prisoner who has never had a single evidentiary hearing at which he could present his intellectual disability evidence," said Ronald J. Tabak and Donald P. Salzman. "The government should not proceed with Mr. Johnson's execution in the absence of a thorough and fair opportunity for him to present this evidence."
Johnson was sentenced to death in 1993 for 10 murders tied to his participation in a Richmond, Va., drug gang. Accomplices James Roane and Richard Tipton also received the death penalty for their involvement.
Johnson's lawyers said a childhood of abuse and neglect led to intellectual disability, and at age 13, his mother put him in a facility for children with intellectual and emotional impairments.
They said he had an IQ score of 69 at 16 years old and three doctors have since concluded he has intellectual disability.
The lawyers also described Johnson's punishment as "arbitrary" because another accomplice, Vernon Thomas, received a life sentence because of his intellectual disability.
Dustin Higgs
Higgs was sentenced to death in 2001 for the 1996 murders of Tanji Jackson, Tamika Black and Mishann Chinn in Prince George's County, Md. Prosecutors said accomplice Willis Haynes shot the three women under direction from Higgs.
Advertisement
Higgs' lawyer called their client's death sentence "arbitrary and inequitable" because Haynes, who pulled the trigger, was spared the death penalty and received life in prison.
"Dustin Higgs did not kill anyone and should not be executed," attorney Shawn Nolan said Friday.
"Although compelling evidence was available at time of the trial and would have supported a plea for life, the jury that sentenced Mr. Higgs to death did not hear all of the mitigating information showing he is not 'the worst of the worst,' because his attorneys failed to develop and present it fully," he added. "Mr. Higgs deserves clemency because of the unfair sentencing disparity in case, and because, despite the tragedy and hardship of his early life, he has been a model prisoner and is an active parent who is essential to the well-being of his son."
Higgs is scheduled to be executed less than a week before Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, and the Trump administration's move to hold multiple executions during a lame-duck presidency has met backlash.
The federal government put to death Orlando Hall on Thursday. It was the first execution during a lame-duck presidency since 1880 under the administration of President Grover Cleveland, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Advertisement
"These executions are a further illustration of how deviant and dangerously out of touch this government's conduct has been during the entire course of this execution spree," DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham said.
"No lame-duck president has attempted to carry out an execution in more than a century. And to cavalierly do so, as infections from a virus that has killed a quarter million Americans are exploding across the country, exhibits a pathological lack of concern for public health and safety."
Death Penalty Action, an anti-death penalty advocacy group, described President Donald Trump as "the most-executing president since the 1950s." The organization called on him to stop the remaining executions during his term.
"The public is safe from dangerous individuals and holds them accountable to their crimes without executions in the vast majority of cases," DPA Director Abraham Bonowitz said. "This is so unnecessary that it begs the question, why is President Trump engaging in such an unprecedented execution spree? It must be a power trip. The amazing thing is that President Trump has not said anything publicly about any of these executions, and yet he has always had a morbid fascination and blustery rhetoric when it comes to the death penalty."


upi--2020-11-21--Ariana Grande's 'Positions' tops U.S. album chart for 2nd week

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- Pop star Ariana Grande 's Positions is the No .
1 album in the @ @ @ @ @ week .
Coming in at No .
2 on the Billboard 200 roster dated Saturday @ @ @ @ @ For the Stars Aim For the Moon , followed by The Kid LAROI 's F*ck @ @ @ @ @ , Luke Combs ' What You See is What You Get at No .
4 @ @ @ @ @ to O'Block at No .
5 .
Rounding out the top tier are NAV 's @ @ @ @ @ 6 , Juice WRLD 's Legends Never Die at No .
7 , Lil Baby @ @ @ @ @ .
8 , the Hamilton soundtrack at No .
9 and Taylor Swift 's Folklore @ @ @ @ @

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Pop star Ariana Grande's Positions is the No. 1 album in the United States for a second week.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 roster dated Saturday is Pop Smoke's Shoot For the Stars Aim For the Moon, followed by The Kid LAROI's F*ck Love at No. 3, Luke Combs' What You See is What You Get at No. 4 and King Von's Welcome to O'Block at No. 5.


upi--2020-11-21--Toolkit may help hospitals reduce falls, fall-related injuries, study says

A new toolkit to help reduce falls and fall-related injuries among hospital patients is highly effective , a new study shows .
Falls are the leading cause of preventable injury , so researchers set out to create a fall prevention toolkit for patients and their families .
It includes measures such as a laminated poster to display by patients ' beds , and personalized prevention plans that can be included in patients ' electronic health records and printed out or displayed on a computer screensaver .
The researchers tested the toolkit among more than 37,000 patients at three hospitals -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center Hospital in New York City -- between September 2015 and November 2016 .
The toolkit led to a 15 % reduction in patient falls and a 34 % reduction in fall-related injuries , according to the study published this month in the journal JAMA Network Open .
`` Our study highlights just how important it is to engage with patients for prevention , '' said Patricia Dykes , a senior nurse scientist at Brigham and Women 's .
`` If you partner with your patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we can prevent them as a team , then patients and families respond to this and rise to the occasion , '' Dykes added in a hospital news release .
The toolkit -- which is available for free online -- is being used at Brigham and Women 's and Mass General Brigham , and has been adopted by 150 hospitals in the United States and other countries .
Dykes and colleagues continue to seek feedback from nurses to get ideas on how to make the toolkit even better .
`` This work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ input of nurses , patients and their families , '' Dykes said .
`` Falls take a staggering toll on patients and families , and we remain focused on continuing to decrease the rates of falls , especially injurious falls , at our hospital and globally . ''
For more on preventing falls , go to the U.S. National Library of Medicine .

A new toolkit to help reduce falls and fall-related injuries among hospital patients is highly effective, a new study shows.
Falls are the leading cause of preventable injury, so researchers set out to create a fall prevention toolkit for patients and their families.
Advertisement
It includes measures such as a laminated poster to display by patients' beds, and personalized prevention plans that can be included in patients' electronic health records and printed out or displayed on a computer screensaver.
The researchers tested the toolkit among more than 37,000 patients at three hospitals -- Brigham and Women's in Boston, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center Hospital in New York City -- between September 2015 and November 2016.
The toolkit led to a 15% reduction in patient falls and a 34% reduction in fall-related injuries, according to the study published this month in the journal JAMA Network Open.
"Our study highlights just how important it is to engage with patients for prevention," said Patricia Dykes, a senior nurse scientist at Brigham and Women's.
"If you partner with your patient to identify the risks and talk about how we can prevent them as a team, then patients and families respond to this and rise to the occasion," Dykes added in a hospital news release.
Advertisement
The toolkit -- which is available for free online -- is being used at Brigham and Women's and Mass General Brigham, and has been adopted by 150 hospitals in the United States and other countries.
Dykes and colleagues continue to seek feedback from nurses to get ideas on how to make the toolkit even better.
"This work represents a collaboration across disciplines and the input of nurses, patients and their families," Dykes said. "Falls take a staggering toll on patients and families, and we remain focused on continuing to decrease the rates of falls, especially injurious falls, at our hospital and globally."
For more on preventing falls, go to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-11-21--Famous birthdays for Nov. 21: Goldie Hawn, Carly Rae Jepsen

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Scorpio .
-- French @ @ @ @ @ as Voltaire , in 1694

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Goldie Hawn arrives for the the 24th annual SAG Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 21, 2018. The actor turns 75 on November 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Scorpio. They include: Advertisement
-- French author Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, in 1694
-- Pope Benedict XV in 1854
-- Belgian painter Rene Magritte in 1898
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Stan Musial in 1920
-- Actor Joseph Campanella in 1924
-- Actor Laurence Luckinbill in 1934 (age 86)
-- Actor Marlo Thomas in 1937 (age 83)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Actor Juliet Mills in 1941 (age 79)
-- TV producer Marcy Carsey in 1944 (age 76)
-- Filmmaker/actor Harold Ramis, also in 1944
-- Actor Goldie Hawn in 1945 (age 75)
-- Actor Lorna Luft in 1952 (age 68)
-- Actor Cherry Jones in 1956 (age 64)
-- Actor Nicollette Sheridan in 1963 (age 57)
-- Musician Björk Guðmundsdóttir in 1965 (age 55)
-- Football Hall of Fame member Troy Aikman in 1966 (age 54)
File Photo by Sergio Flores/UPI
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-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Ken Griffey Jr. in 1969 (age 51)
-- Television personality/former NFL player Michael Strahan in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Rain Phoenix in 1972 (age 48)
-- Wrestler Brie Bella in 1983 (age 37)
-- Wrestler Nikki Bella in 1983 (age 37)
-- Actor Jena Malone in 1984 (age 36)
-- Singer Carly Rae Jepsen in 1985 (age 35)


upi--2020-11-21--On This Day, Nov. 21: Rebecca Latimer Felton becomes first female U.S. senator

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1783 , in Paris , Jean de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes made the first free-flight ascent in a balloon .
In 1877 , Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph .
In 1916 , the HMHS Britannic , originally built as a passenger liner and later pressed into service as a hospital ship during World War I , was sunk by a naval mine .
Thirty people died and 1,035 survived .
In 1922 , Rebecca Latimer Felton of Georgia takes the oath of office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator .
Her appointment was of a temporary nature , as she served just 24 hours .
In 1938 , Nazi forces occupied western Czechoslovakia and declared its people German citizens .
In 1974 , the U.S. Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act over President Gerald Ford 's veto .
In 1985 , Jonathan Jay Pollard , a civilian U.S. Navy intelligence analyst and Jewish American , was arrested on charges of illegally passing classified U.S. security information about Arab nations to Israel .
Pollard , sentenced to life in prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1991 , U.S. President George H.W .
Bush signed the Civil Rights Act of 1991 , making it easier for workers to sue in job discrimination cases .
In 2003 , U.S. House of Representatives and Senate conferees finished the final version of an approximately $ 400 billion , 1,000-page bill that would create prescription drug coverage for 42 million Americans on Medicare .
In 2005 , General Motors Corp. , the world 's biggest carmaker , announced it was cutting its payroll by 30,000 employees and would be shutting down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2006 , Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced a restoration of diplomatic ties with Syria after 24 years of strained relations .
In 2012 , a cease-fire was announced after eight days of fighting that officials said killed about 130 Palestinians and six Israelis .
Hundreds of people were injured .
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he held Hamas responsible to keep the truce .
In 2013 , the U.S. Senate made a historic rules change that weakened the power of the filibuster , which opposition parties have used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change cut the number of votes needed for approval of executive and most judicial nominees from 60 votes to 51 .
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada said the action was taken because Americans `` believe the Senate is broken -- and I believe they are right . ''
In 2019 , Tesla Motors showed off its electric Cybertruck , a radically styled pickup with `` unbreakable '' windows , which shattered during the unveiling .

1/5
Sen. Rebecca Felton of Georgia is pictured at her desk in Washington, D.C. On October 3, 1922, Mrs. Felton was chosen to fill the seat left vacant following the premature death of Sen. Thomas E. Watson, becoming the first woman to serve in the United States Senate. She was sworn in on November 21, 1922, and served 24 hours. Photo by National Photo Company/Library of Congress/UPI
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1783, in Paris, Jean de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes made the first free-flight ascent in a balloon. Advertisement
In 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph.
In 1916, the HMHS Britannic, originally built as a passenger liner and later pressed into service as a hospital ship during World War I, was sunk by a naval mine. Thirty people died and 1,035 survived.
In 1922, Rebecca Latimer Felton of Georgia takes the oath of office, becoming the first female United States senator. Her appointment was of a temporary nature, as she served just 24 hours.
In 1938, Nazi forces occupied western Czechoslovakia and declared its people German citizens.
In 1974, the U.S. Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act over President Gerald Ford's veto.
In 1985, Jonathan Jay Pollard, a civilian U.S. Navy intelligence analyst and Jewish American, was arrested on charges of illegally passing classified U.S. security information about Arab nations to Israel. Pollard, sentenced to life in prison, was released on November 20, 2016.
File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Advertisement
In 1991, U.S. President George H.W. Bush signed the Civil Rights Act of 1991, making it easier for workers to sue in job discrimination cases.
In 2003, U.S. House of Representatives and Senate conferees finished the final version of an approximately $400 billion, 1,000-page bill that would create prescription drug coverage for 42 million Americans on Medicare.
In 2005, General Motors Corp., the world's biggest carmaker, announced it was cutting its payroll by 30,000 employees and would be shutting down all or parts of a dozen plants.
In 2006, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced a restoration of diplomatic ties with Syria after 24 years of strained relations.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
In 2012, a cease-fire was announced after eight days of fighting that officials said killed about 130 Palestinians and six Israelis. Hundreds of people were injured. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he held Hamas responsible to keep the truce.
In 2013, the U.S. Senate made a historic rules change that weakened the power of the filibuster, which opposition parties have used to slow or derail presidential nominations. The change cut the number of votes needed for approval of executive and most judicial nominees from 60 votes to 51. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada said the action was taken because Americans "believe the Senate is broken -- and I believe they are right."
Advertisement
In 2019, Tesla Motors showed off its electric Cybertruck, a radically styled pickup with "unbreakable" windows, which shattered during the unveiling.


upi--2020-11-21--Study: More childbearing women having suicidal thoughts

The number of women who contemplate suicide or self-harm during or after pregnancy may be on the rise , a large , new study suggests .
Among nearly 600,000 U.S. childbearing women , researchers found that close to 2,700 were diagnosed with suicidality in the year before or after giving birth .
And the diagnosis -- defined as suicidal thoughts or intentional self-harm -- grew more common over time .
In 2006 , 0.2 % of women were diagnosed with suicidality .
By 2017 , that figure stood at 0.6 % .
`` The absolute numbers might sound small , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are millions of births per year in the U.S. , that translates into a lot of women , '' said Dr. Christine Crawford , associate medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Arlington , Va .
Beyond that , the figures almost certainly underestimate the scope of the problem , according to Crawford , who was not involved in the study .
The numbers represent only diagnoses of suicidality , and not cases that went undetected by a health care provider , which could be many times more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients reporting this to their provider , '' Crawford said , including stigma , guilt or even fear that the doctor will call child protective services .
Dr. Lindsay Admon , lead researcher on the study , agreed that the findings are likely an underestimate .
Besides focusing on diagnoses , she said , the study included only women with private insurance .
None were on Medicaid , the government insurance program for low-income Americans .
And those pregnant women and new moms may be at relatively greater risk of suicidality , Admon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are encouraged to screen pregnant women and new mothers for depression symptoms .
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends it , for example , but women generally see their ob-gyn only once after giving birth .
Pediatricians have begun stepping up , too .
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends pediatricians screen moms for depression symptoms when babies have their routine well-child visits over the first six months of life .
Still , that may not be enough , Crawford said .
A recent U.S. government study found that postpartum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- or take time to arise .
The researchers suggested that screening for two years might be more effective .
That screening is important , said Admon , an ob-gyn at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women 's Hospital in Ann Arbor .
But , she added , women also need the `` next step '' -- a referral to a mental health professional .
And they need it to be affordable , Admon stressed .
Women below a certain income can get Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related health care , with the qualifications varying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 days after she gives birth .
For the study , published online this week in JAMA Psychiatry , Admon 's team used a medical-claims database on more than 595,000 U.S. women who gave birth between 2006 and 2017 .
Personally identifying information was removed , researchers said .
During that time , the prevalence of suicidal thoughts rose from 0.1 % to 0.5 % , and self-harm increased from 0.1 % to 0.2 % , the investigators found .
And as with many areas of health care , Black women were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose from 0.2 % to 0.9 % .
What the study can not say is why rates are increasing .
One possibility , Admon said , is that suicidality is now being detected more often because of screening and efforts to decrease stigma .
But it 's also possible the true prevalence is rising , she said .
Both Admon and Crawford stressed that help is available , and women should not hesitate to ask for it .
`` Women who are having these thoughts should know they 're not alone , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk to a clinician as soon as possible . ''
Mental health symptoms are not a sign of being a `` bad parent , '' she pointed out .
Admon said it 's important for women 's partners , family and friends to try to help if they notice any worrying signs or changes in behavior .
She noted that now , in the midst of a pandemic , many pregnant women and new moms may feel isolated from their usual social support systems .
So they might appreciate friends checking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has more on preventing maternal suicide .

The number of women who contemplate suicide or self-harm during or after pregnancy may be on the rise, a large, new study suggests.
Among nearly 600,000 U.S. childbearing women, researchers found that close to 2,700 were diagnosed with suicidality in the year before or after giving birth. And the diagnosis -- defined as suicidal thoughts or intentional self-harm -- grew more common over time.
Advertisement
In 2006, 0.2% of women were diagnosed with suicidality. By 2017, that figure stood at 0.6%.
"The absolute numbers might sound small, but if you consider the fact that there are millions of births per year in the U.S., that translates into a lot of women," said Dr. Christine Crawford, associate medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Arlington, Va.
Beyond that, the figures almost certainly underestimate the scope of the problem, according to Crawford, who was not involved in the study.
Advertisement
The numbers represent only diagnoses of suicidality, and not cases that went undetected by a health care provider, which could be many times more.
"There could be multiple barriers to patients reporting this to their provider," Crawford said, including stigma, guilt or even fear that the doctor will call child protective services.
Dr. Lindsay Admon, lead researcher on the study, agreed that the findings are likely an underestimate.
Besides focusing on diagnoses, she said, the study included only women with private insurance. None were on Medicaid, the government insurance program for low-income Americans. And those pregnant women and new moms may be at relatively greater risk of suicidality, Admon said.
As it stands, doctors are encouraged to screen pregnant women and new mothers for depression symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends it, for example, but women generally see their ob-gyn only once after giving birth.
Pediatricians have begun stepping up, too. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends pediatricians screen moms for depression symptoms when babies have their routine well-child visits over the first six months of life.
Still, that may not be enough, Crawford said.
A recent U.S. government study found that postpartum depression symptoms can sometimes last for years -- or take time to arise. The researchers suggested that screening for two years might be more effective.
Advertisement
That screening is important, said Admon, an ob-gyn at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital in Ann Arbor. But, she added, women also need the "next step" -- a referral to a mental health professional.
And they need it to be affordable, Admon stressed. Women below a certain income can get Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related health care, with the qualifications varying by state. But that coverage ends 60 days after she gives birth.
For the study, published online this week in JAMA Psychiatry, Admon's team used a medical-claims database on more than 595,000 U.S. women who gave birth between 2006 and 2017. Personally identifying information was removed, researchers said.
During that time, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts rose from 0.1% to 0.5%, and self-harm increased from 0.1% to 0.2%, the investigators found.
And as with many areas of health care, Black women were at increased risk: Their rate of suicidality rose from 0.2% to 0.9%.
What the study cannot say is why rates are increasing.
One possibility, Admon said, is that suicidality is now being detected more often because of screening and efforts to decrease stigma. But it's also possible the true prevalence is rising, she said.
Both Admon and Crawford stressed that help is available, and women should not hesitate to ask for it.
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"Women who are having these thoughts should know they're not alone," Crawford said. "It's imperative to talk to a clinician as soon as possible."
Mental health symptoms are not a sign of being a "bad parent," she pointed out.
Admon said it's important for women's partners, family and friends to try to help if they notice any worrying signs or changes in behavior.
She noted that now, in the midst of a pandemic, many pregnant women and new moms may feel isolated from their usual social support systems. So they might appreciate friends checking in with a call or a video chat.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has more on preventing maternal suicide.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-11-20--Lakers' Dwight Howard to sign 1-year deal with 76ers

Nov. 20 ( UPI ) -- Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is signing a short-term contract with the Philadelphia 76ers .
League sources told ESPN and The Athletic on Friday that Howard 's one-year deal is for the veteran minimum of $ 2.6 million .
Howard 's agreement with the 76ers was reported shortly after the eight-time All-Star selection indicated on social media that he was re-signing with the Lakers .
In the since-deleted tweet , the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year said he was `` staying right where I belong . ''
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nation I love y'all .
Purple and gold never gets old , '' Howard wrote on Twitter .
Howard signed a one-year , $ 2.56 million contract with the Lakers in August 2019 .
He came off the bench in all but two of his 69 games this past season , averaging 7.5 points , 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game .
The 34-year-old Howard played even fewer minutes in the playoffs , but he managed to win his first NBA championship in his 16th season .
Howard , who is considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his generation , has averaged 16.7 points , 12.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in his NBA career .
He has played for the Orlando Magic , Houston Rockets , Charlotte Hornets , Washington Wizards and Lakers .

Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) has averaged 16.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in his NBA career. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Former Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is signing a short-term contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. League sources told ESPN and The Athletic on Friday that Howard's one-year deal is for the veteran minimum of $2.6 million. Advertisement
Howard's agreement with the 76ers was reported shortly after the eight-time All-Star selection indicated on social media that he was re-signing with the Lakers. In the since-deleted tweet, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year said he was "staying right where I belong."
"I'm staying right where I belong. Laker Nation I love y'all. Purple and gold never gets old," Howard wrote on Twitter.
Howard signed a one-year, $2.56 million contract with the Lakers in August 2019. He came off the bench in all but two of his 69 games this past season, averaging 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
The 34-year-old Howard played even fewer minutes in the playoffs, but he managed to win his first NBA championship in his 16th season.
Howard, who is considered one of the greatest big men of his generation, has averaged 16.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in his NBA career. He has played for the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Lakers.


upi--2020-11-21--COVID-19: FDA approves experimental treatment; U.S. reports 195,500 new cases

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- The United States Food and Drug Administration on Saturday approved use of monoclonal antibodies for treatment of COVID-19 reported the highest number of new infections and the highest number of hospitalizations .
On Saturday the FDA issued a press release saying it has issued an emergency use authorization ( EUA ) for casirivimab and imdevimab to be administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients over age 12 .
`` The emergency authorization of these monoclonal antibodies administered together offers health care providers another tool in combating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M.D.
, acting director of the FDA 's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research , said in the release .
President Donald Trump received an infusion of Regeneron 's investigational cocktail Oct. 2 after he was diagnosed with the virus , but the drug is expected to be in short supply initially .
The approval comes nearly every state reporting rapid surges in cases , and as public health officials continue to unearth evidence that South Dakota 's Sturgis motorcycle rally in August caused outbreaks elsewhere in the country .
On Friday more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 82,178 people were hospitalized with the illness .
Both of those numbers set new records in the United States , and the number of new cases is more than double the new number recorded in July -- 77,100 -- during the summer surge .
In the month of November alone , the U.S. has recorded 2.7 million new infections , and in the past week more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the country .
The country has now recorded nearly 12 million cases and 255,098 deaths since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's COVID-19 tracker .
The number of new daily cases has increased in recent weeks in nearly all states and U.S. territories , but in many states , elected officials are reluctant to impose the sort of sweeping stay-at-home orders jurisdictions implemented this spring as the virus took hold in the country .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report this week that pinpointed the 10-day Sturgis rally -- which was attended by 460,000 people without any restrictions or business closures -- as the cause of an outbreak in Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to control the spread of the virus .
Minnesota 's public health department found at least 51 Minnesota residents attended the rally and became sick , then infected an additional 35 people -- - household , social and workplace contacts -- who did not attend the event .
Of the 86 people who became ill , four were hospitalized and one died .
The CDC noted that the report 's findings provide a snapshot on the rally 's impact on other states and are likely an underestimate of its impact on Minnesota , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had at least one case associated with the rally .
The report comes as Americans contemplate holiday travel and shopping , and as public health experts reiterate the importance of mask wearing and social distancing .
The CDC has strenuously recommended avoiding Thanksgiving travel and Black Friday crowds , and this week published a brief Friday on the efficacy of cloth masks for preventing the spread of the virus .
`` Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets ( 'source control ' ) , which is especially relevant for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well and may be unaware of their infectiousness to others , and who are estimated to account for more than 50 % of transmissions , '' the brief said .
While local elected officials in both parties have been reluctant to reinstitute the types of sweeping closures they instituted in the spring , the rhetoric is slowly shifting in some areas .
Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds of Iowa announced a statewide mask mandate this week after insisting such measures were unenforceable and did not help .
`` If Iowans do n't buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Reynolds , whose state has the sixth-highest rate of new cases in the country .
`` The cost in human life will be high . ''

St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force leader Dr. Alexander Garza puts on his face mask after speaking about the effect coronavirus has had on the front-line workers during his daily report Friday at Saint Louis University. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The United States Food and Drug Administration on Saturday approved the use of monoclonal antibodies for treatment of COVID-19 as the highest number of new infections and hospitalizations were reported in the United States. On Saturday the FDA issued a press release saying granted emergency use authorization for casirivimab and imdevimab to be administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients over age 12. Advertisement
"The emergency authorization of these monoclonal antibodies administered together offers health care providers another tool in combating the pandemic," Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the release.
President Donald Trump received an infusion of Regeneron's investigational cocktail Oct. 2 after he was diagnosed with the virus, but the drug is expected to be in short supply initially.
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The approval comes nearly every state reporting rapid surges in cases, and as public health officials continue to unearth evidence that South Dakota's Sturgis motorcycle rally in August caused outbreaks elsewhere in the country.
On Friday more than 195,500 new infections were recorded nationwide and 82,178 people were hospitalized with the illness.
Both of those numbers set new records in the United States, and the number of new cases is more than double the new number recorded in July -- 77,100 -- during the summer surge.
In the month of November alone, the U.S. has recorded 2.7 million new infections, and in the past week more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the country.
The country has now recorded nearly 12 million cases and 255,098 deaths since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 tracker.
The number of new daily cases has increased in recent weeks in nearly all states and U.S. territories, but in many states, elected officials are reluctant to impose the sort of sweeping stay-at-home orders jurisdictions implemented this spring as the virus took hold in the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report this week that pinpointed the 10-day Sturgis rally -- which was attended by 460,000 people without any restrictions or business closures -- as the cause of an outbreak in Minnesota, which had tighter measures in place to control the spread of the virus.
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Minnesota's public health department found at least 51 Minnesota residents attended the rally and became sick, then infected an additional 35 people --- household, social and workplace contacts -- who did not attend the event.
Of the 86 people who became ill, four were hospitalized and one died.
The CDC noted that the report's findings provide a snapshot on the rally's impact on other states and are likely an underestimate of its impact on Minnesota, where one-third of the state's counties had at least one case associated with the rally.
The report comes as Americans contemplate holiday travel and shopping, and as public health experts reiterate the importance of mask wearing and social distancing.
The CDC has strenuously recommended avoiding Thanksgiving travel and Black Friday crowds, and this week published a brief Friday on the efficacy of cloth masks for preventing the spread of the virus.
"Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets ('source control'), which is especially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected wearers who feel well and may be unaware of their infectiousness to others, and who are estimated to account for more than 50% of transmissions," the brief said.
While local elected officials in both parties have been reluctant to reinstitute the types of sweeping closures they instituted in the spring, the rhetoric is slowly shifting in some areas.
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Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa announced a statewide mask mandate this week after insisting such measures were unenforceable and did not help.
"If Iowans don't buy into this, we lose," said Reynolds, whose state has the sixth-highest rate of new cases in the country. "The cost in human life will be high."


upi--2020-11-21--Mourners say farewell to head of Serbian Orthodox Church

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- Thousands of mourners paid respect to the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church Saturday following his death of COVID-1 .
Patriarch Irinej , 90 , died Friday in a Belgrade hospital after contracting the virus earlier this month .
Irinej conducted an open-casket funeral service for the church 's top cleric in Montenegro , Metropolitan Amfilohije Radović , Nov. 1 , and tested positive for COVID-19 three days later .
Irinej has been lying in state in advance of his funeral Sunday , and the Serbian government has declared three days of national mourning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aleksandar Vucic posted a photo on Irinej on Instagram with the caption : `` I was honored to know you .
People like you never depart . ''
While doctors cautioned mourners to observe coronavirus safety guidelines , and Irinej 's coffin had a glass cover to discourage worshippers from kissing the patriarch 's hands and face , some kissed the coffin regardless -- and , at one church event , worshippers drank from the same communion spoon .
Some mourners wore face masks and practiced social distancing as they gathered in churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Irinej himself did not wear a mask while conducting Radović 's service earlier this month , and neither did any of the other priests taking part in the liturgy .

Orthodox believers light candles for the late Serbian Patriarch Irinej in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday. Patriarch Irinej died on Friday in Belgrade at the age of 90 of COVID-19. Patriarch IrinejÕs funeral will take place on 22 November 2020. Photo by Andrej Cukic/EPA-EFE
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Thousands of mourners paid respect to the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church Saturday following his death of COVID-1. Patriarch Irinej, 90, died Friday in a Belgrade hospital after contracting the virus earlier this month. Advertisement
Irinej conducted an open-casket funeral service for the church's top cleric in Montenegro, Metropolitan Amfilohije Radović, Nov. 1, and tested positive for COVID-19 three days later.
Irinej has been lying in state in advance of his funeral Sunday, and the Serbian government has declared three days of national mourning.
On Friday, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic posted a photo on Irinej on Instagram with the caption: "I was honored to know you. People like you never depart."
While doctors cautioned mourners to observe coronavirus safety guidelines, and Irinej's coffin had a glass cover to discourage worshippers from kissing the patriarch's hands and face, some kissed the coffin regardless -- and, at one church event, worshippers drank from the same communion spoon.
Some mourners wore face masks and practiced social distancing as they gathered in churches to grieve, but some did neither.
Irinej himself did not wear a mask while conducting Radović's service earlier this month, and neither did any of the other priests taking part in the liturgy.


upi--2020-11-21--RNC, Michigan GOP ask state to pause election certification; judge throws out Pennsylvania suit

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- The heads of the Michigan Republican Party and the Republican National Committee issued a joint statement Saturday asking the state 's canvassing board to delay certification of the 2020 presidential election .
In the letter , Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel and Michigan Republican Chair Laura Cox suggested the board adjourn for 14 days for a `` full audit and investigation '' before certifying the state 's election results .
Prior to the letter 's release , Michigan 's Democratic secretary of state tweeted that an audit could not be conducted until after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following a two-hour meeting with President Donald Trump , State Senate Republican leader Mike Shirkey and state House Speaker Lee Chatfield said they did not find evidence that would change the outcome of the election -- and that they had used the meeting to ask the President for funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic .
The state , one of a handful where President Donald Trump has filed legal challenges , is scheduled to certify election results Monday .
Also on Saturday , a U.S. District Court judge dismissed a Trump campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania mail-in votes .
The Pennsylvania suit was essentially the last major case seeking to throw out or block enough votes that could move a swing state in the incumbent 's favor .
The Saturday decision is the 30th loss or withdrawal of a case from the campaign and its allies since Election Day .

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel gavels the call-to-order at the opening of the first day of the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on August 24. Pool Photo by Chris Carlson/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The heads of the Michigan Republican Party and the Republican National Committee issued a joint statement Saturday asking the state's canvassing board to delay certification of the 2020 presidential election. Also on Saturday, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed a Trump campaign lawsuit that attempted to invalidate millions of Pennsylvania mail-in votes. The Trump campaign on Saturday night said the decision would be appealed with the intention of taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement
Also late Saturday, Trump's campaign said it is seeking a machine recount in Georgia after a hand recount showed he lost by 12,284 votes, 49.51 percent at 49.25, and Gov. Brian Kemp signed certification of the vote. Campaigns can request an additional machine recount if a vote margin is within 0.5 percent. "We are focused on ensuring that every aspect of Georgia State Law and the U.S. Constitution are followed so that every legal vote is counted," the campaign said in a statement.
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Trump posted on Twitter on Wednesday: "The Georgia recount is a joke and is being done UNDER PROTEST. Even though thousands of fraudulent votes have been found, the real number is in matching signatures. Governor must open up the unconstitutional Consent Decree and call in the Legislature!"
In the letter, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel and Michigan Republican Chair Laura Cox suggested the board adjourn for 14 days for a "full audit and investigation" before certifying the state's election results.
Before the letter's release, Michigan's Democratic secretary of state tweeted that an audit could not be conducted until after the election is certified.
Not sure who needs to hear this but under state law (MCL 168.31a) audits can only be conducted after the State Canvassers certify the election. This is b/c election officials do not have legal access to the documents needed to complete audits until the certification. More here: https://t.co/mjyUB1UMba- Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) November 20, 2020
On Friday, following a two-hour meeting with President Donald Trump, State Senate Republican leader Mike Shirkey and state House Speaker Lee Chatfield said they did not find evidence that would change the outcome of the election -- and that they had used the meeting to ask the President for funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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President-elect Joe Biden won Michigan by about 150,000 votes.
The state, one of a handful where President Donald Trump has filed legal challenges, is scheduled to certify election results Monday.
The Pennsylvania suit was essentially the last major case seeking to throw out or block enough votes that could move a swing state in the incumbent's favor. Biden has about an 80,000 vote lead.
"This claim, like Frankenstein's Monster, has been haphazardly stitched together from two distinct theories in an attempt to avoid controlling precedent," Brann wrote.
"Even assuming that they can establish that their right to vote has been denied, which they cannot, Plaintiffs seek to remedy the denial of their votes by invalidating the votes of millions of others. Rather than requesting that their votes be counted, they seek to discredit scores of other votes, but only for one race. This is simply not how the Constitution works."
After the decision, Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania congratulated Biden as the president-elect, breaking from party leaders and a vast majority of congressional Republicans who continue to back Trump's efforts to challenge the results.
"With today's decision by Judge Matthew Brann, a longtime conservative Republican whom I know to be a fair and unbiased jurist, to dismiss the Trump campaign's lawsuit, President Trump has exhausted all plausible legal options to challenge the result of the presidential race in Pennsylvania," the GOP senator said in a statement. "These developments, together with the outcomes in the rest of the nation, confirm that Joe Biden won the 2020 election and will become the 46th President of the United States.
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Most congressional Republicans continue to back Trump's efforts to challenge the results.
Trump said the decision will be appealed.
"Judge Brann, who would not even allow us to present our case or evidence, is a product of Senator Pat "No Tariffs" Toomey of Pennsylvania, no friend of mine, & Obama - No wonder. 900,000 Fraudulent Votes!," Trump posted on Twitter. "WILL APPEAL!"
The decision in Pennsylvania is the 30th loss or withdrawal of a case from the campaign and its allies since Election Day.


upi--2020-11-21--Pompeo meets with Afghan, Taliban leadership in Qatar

Nov. 21 ( UPI ) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Afghan and Taliban negotiators in Qatar Friday to work through a deadlock in peace negotiations .
The outgoing top diplomat arrived in the country hours after a rocket strike in Kabul , Afghanistan , killed 11 people and injured more than two dozen others .
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack .
Pompeo told negotiators the United States would `` sit on the side and help where we can '' and discussed ways to reduce violence in the country , according to a State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating in September in Doha after signing a deal in February , under which the U.S. agreed to withdraw foreign troops in exchange for a commitment from the Taliban to begin negotiating .
Earlier this month the United States promised to withdraw 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq .
Pompeo also met with Qatari leader Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani , the deputy prime minister and the foreign prime minister , and thanked him for Qatar 's military partnership at the Al Udeid Air Base .
Pompeo and Al-Thani also discussed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stability in the region .
The Qatar visit is the latest stop on a 10-day , seven-nation tour of the Middle East and Europe that began last week .
On Friday Pompeo wrapped what 's expected to be his final trip to Israel as U.S. secretary of state by visiting a museum in Jerusalem founded by an evangelical supporter of President Donald Trump .

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make a joint statement after meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Pompeo made an unprecedented visit to a Jewish settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Pool Photo by Maya Alleruzzo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Afghan and Taliban negotiators in Qatar Friday to work through a deadlock in peace negotiations. The outgoing top diplomat arrived in the country hours after a rocket strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed 11 people and injured more than two dozen others. Advertisement
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pompeo told negotiators the United States would "sit on the side and help where we can" and discussed ways to reduce violence in the country, according to a State Department spokesman.
Afghanistan's government began negotiating in September in Doha after signing a deal in February, under which the U.S. agreed to withdraw foreign troops in exchange for a commitment from the Taliban to begin negotiating.
Earlier this month the United States promised to withdraw 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Pompeo also met with Qatari leader Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the deputy prime minister and the foreign prime minister, and thanked him for Qatar's military partnership at the Al Udeid Air Base.
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Pompeo and Al-Thani also discussed the need to work together to confront threats to stability in the region.
The Qatar visit is the latest stop on a 10-day, seven-nation tour of the Middle East and Europe that began last week.
On Friday Pompeo wrapped what's expected to be his final trip to Israel as U.S. secretary of state by visiting a museum in Jerusalem founded by an evangelical supporter of President Donald Trump.