upi--2020-12-17--2 from Purdue Pharma Sackler family to answer questions in Congress about opioid crisis

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Two members of the family that owns one of the largest manufacturers of narcotic pain medications will appear in Congress on Thursday to answer questions about the opioid crisis in the United States .
David Sackler and Kathe Sackler have agreed to testify before the House oversight committee on Thursday morning .
The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. EST .
They are members of the Sackler family that owns Purdue Pharma , one of the largest manufacturers of off-patent generic opioids in the United States .
David Sackler is a former member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a former Purdue vice president .
Purdue President and CEO Craig Landau will also testify at Thursday 's hearing , which is titled `` The Role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family in the Opioid Epidemic . ''
Committee Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney this week outlined documents that show how the Sackler family used Purdue 's OxyContin painkiller to `` stretch '' financial targets and increase company profits .
The documents also show that members of the Sackler family pressured executives to grow market share for OxyContin and other opioids by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maloney said .
Last month , Purdue agreed to pay more than $ 8 billion and formally pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges -- which include one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate the Food , Drug and Cosmetic Act and two counts of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute .
Prosecutors said the penalties were the largest ever imposed on a pharmaceutical company .
Purdue marketed OxyContin , which has been described by scientists as a highly addictive painkiller , for many years following its introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 35 billion in revenue from the drug .
The Justice Department has said Purdue Pharma worsened the U.S. opioid crisis through marketing its OxyContin painkiller and downplaying the risks of overdose and addiction .
Research has shown that millions of people have died from overdosing on prescription opioids over the last quarter-century .

Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Two members of the family that owns one of the largest makers of narcotic pain medications expressed regret Thursday about the U.S. opioid crisis, but acknowledged no personal wrongdoing.
David Sackler and Kathe Sackler, whose family owns Purdue Pharma, testified before the House oversight committee in rare public appearances at a remote hearing titled, "The Role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family in the Opioid Epidemic."
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Under questioning from panel Chair Rep. Carolyn Maloney and others, the Sacklers each expressed disappointment at Purdue's role in the crisis with its potent painkiller OxyContin. Neither, however, admitted wrongdoing.
Kathe Sackler, a former Purdue vice president and longtime board member, said she would not have done anything differently, given what she knew at the time when OxyContin entered the market in 1995.
After initially issuing an apology to the American people for the pain caused by the epidemic -- in which millions have died of opioid overdoses -- Kathe Sackler was pressed by Maloney if she would apologize for any personal role.
"I have asked myself over many years ... Is there anything that I could have done differently? Knowing what I knew then, not what I know now," she answered. "And I have to say that I can't."
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Sackler said she based her decisions in the 1990s on what she'd learned from company management and reports given to board members. She acknowledged, "It is extremely distressing."
Her cousin David Sackler, who was a member of Purdue's board for six years beginning in 2012, also was apologetic Thursday.
"I want to express my family's deep sadness about the opioid crisis," he said.
David Sackler also said there was no personal wrongdoing and said he acted "legally and ethically."
He also denied accusations that his family improperly shifted billions of dollars from OxyContin sales to off-shore accounts.
"Watching you testify makes my blood boil," Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., said in one terse exchange. "I'm not sure that I'm aware of any family in America that's more evil than yours."
Maloney this week outlined documents that indicate the Sackler family used OxyContin to "stretch" financial targets and increase company profits.
The documents also indicate that members of the family pressured executives to grow market share for OxyContin and other opioids by targeting high-volume prescribers and encouraging higher-strength doses, Maloney said.
Last month, Purdue agreed to pay more than $8 billion and formally pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges -- which include one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and two counts of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
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Prosecutors said the penalties were the largest ever imposed on a pharmaceutical company.
The Justice Department has said Purdue Pharma worsened the opioid crisis through its aggressive marketing of OxyContin and downplaying the risks of overdose and addiction.
Purdue has made an estimated $35 billion in revenue from OxyContin sales.


upi--2020-12-17--Hulu: What's coming and going in January 2021

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Hulu subscribers can watch Everyone is Doing Great , a comedy series starring James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti , and The Bachelor Season 25 premiere in January .
The streaming service released a list of the movies , TV shows , documentaries and specials coming and going next month .
Here 's the full list of what 's being added to Hulu in January : Austin Powers : The Spy Who Shagged Me Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell Gunfight at the O.K .
Corral How Do You Know Last of the Mohicans : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dead Everyone is Doing Great Season 1 The Secrets We Keep Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon ?
Season 3 Torn from the Headlines : New York Post Reports Season 1 Derek Delgaudio 's In & Of Itself ( Hulu Original ) The Have and Have Nots Season 7B Here 's the full list of what 's leaving Hulu in January : Once Upon a Time at Christmas The Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring The Lord of the Rings : The Return of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Two Towers

Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Hulu subscribers can watch Everyone is Doing Great, a comedy series starring James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, and The Bachelor Season 25 premiere in January.
The streaming service released a list of the movies, TV shows, documentaries and specials coming and going next month.
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Here's the full list of what's being added to Hulu in January:
Jan. 1
Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest
Fire Force Season 2, Episodes 1-12
1900
1900: Extended Cut
A Night at the Roxbury
American Gigolo
Arachnophobia
The Arrival
Austin Powers in Goldmember
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Bad Company
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Blood Diamond
Bloody Sunday
Blow
Boogie Nights
Breakdown
Broken Arrow
The Brothers McMullen
Bully
Changing Lanes
Chaplin
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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Cloverfield
Coneheads
Constantine
The Cooler
The Core
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Cujo
Dance Flick
Date Night
Dead Poets Society
Dead Presidents
The Dead Zone
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Donnie Brasco
The Duff
Enemy at the Gates
Escape from Alcatraz
Eve's Bayou
Face/Off
The Firm
The Foot Fist Way
Footloose
Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell
Frozen
The Gift
Girl Most Likely
Good Luck Chuck
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The Haunting
Hell or High Water
Hondo
Hot Shots!
How Do You Know
In & Out
Indecent Proposal
Internal Affairs
Kiss the Girls
The Ladies Man
Last of the Mohicans: Director's Cut
The Legend of Bagger Vance
Like a Boss
The Longest Yard
Look Who's Talking
Look Who's Talking Now
Look Who's Talking Too
Lost in Space
Love and Basketball
Major League
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Mexican
More Than a Game
Mousehunt
My Best Friend's Girl
New in Town
Night at the Museum
Paycheck
The Peacemaker
Places in the Heart
Poseidon
Pride
The Princess Bridge
Push
The Quick and the Dead
Regarding Henry
The Relic
The Rules of Attraction
Salt
Save Yourselves
Selena
Shrek
The Sons of Katie Elder
Soul Plane
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Species
Star Kid
Star Trek Beyond
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek: First Contact
Starman
Stephen King's Graveyard Shift
Super Dark Times
The Three Musketeers
The Truman Show
Vampire in Brooklyn
Virtuosity
Walking Tall
War
Where Hope Grows
Wonder Boys
Young Adult
Jan. 4
Call Me Kat Season 1 Finale
The Rookie Season 3 Premiere
Jan. 5
The Bachelor Season 25 Premiere
The Wall Season 4 Premiere
Boruto Season 1
Jan. 6
Gordon Ramsay's American Road Trip Series Premiere
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Season 2 Premiere
Mighty Oak
Jan. 7
Name That Tune Series Premiere
Vanderpump Rules Season 8
Gretel & Hansel
Jan. 8
The Hustler Series Premiere
The Chase Series Premiere
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Series Premiere
Mr. Mayor Series Premiere
A Certain Scientific Railgun Part 2 Season 3
Celebs Go Dating Seasons 6-8
Tattoo Fixers Extreme UK Seasons 5-6
Jan. 10
One-Punch Man Season 2
Jan. 11
Lights Out
The Rhythm Section
Jan. 12
A Little Late with Lilly Singh Season 2 Premiere
Jan. 13
Prodigal Son Season 2 Premiere
The Resident Season 4 Premiere
Everyone is Doing Great Season 1
Jan. 14
Call Your Mother Series Premiere
Alone
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The Secrets We Keep
Jan. 15
Endlings Season 2 (Hulu Original)
The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (Hulu Original)
Jan. 17
Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 3
No Escape
Jan. 18
9-1-1 Season 4 Premiere
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 2 Premiere
Jan. 20
90 Day Fiancé: Self-Quarantined Season 1
A Very Brady Renovation Season 1
Car Kings Season 1
Cutthroat Kitchen Season 14
Gold Rush Season 10
House Hunters International Season 138
House Hunters Season 163
Property Brothers: Forever Home Season 1
Puppy Bowl Seasons 14-15
River Monsters Season 9
Rob Riggle: Global Investigator Season 1
Rock the Block Season 1
Save My Skin Season 1
Torn from the Headlines: New York Post Reports Season 1
Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein? Season 1
Worst Bakers in America Season 2
Worst Cooks in America Season 17
Jan. 22
Derek Delgaudio's In & Of Itself (Hulu Original)
The Sister Season 1 (Hulu Original)
Grown-ish Season 3B Premiere
Terra Willy
Jan. 27
Mixed-ish Season 2 Premiere
The Have and Have Nots Season 7B
Jan. 29
Jann Seasons 1-2
Here's the full list of what's leaving Hulu in January:
Jan. 3
The Waterboy
Jan. 7
Scream 4
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Jan. 24
Awaiting
Janis: Little Blue Girl
Le Ride
Respectable: The Mary Millington Story
Soufra
The Ghoul
The Heart of Nuba
Jan. 29
School Dance
Jan. 31
12 Rounds
Arachnophobia
Bad Company
Beerfest
Blow
Blue City
Breakdown
Christmas in Compton
Christmas in Vermont
Click
Cloverfield
Constantine
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Dance Flick
Dead Presidents
Death at a Funeral
Donnie Brasco
I Heart Huckabees
In & Out
Indecent Proposal
Lady in a Cage
Look Who's Talking
Look Who's Talking Now
Look Who's Talking Too
Love Hurts
Major League
Maverick
My Best Friend's Wedding
Next Day Air
Once Upon a Time at Christmas
Pride
Shrink
Spy Next Door
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek: First Contact
Sydney White
The Blair Witch Project
The Christmas Tale
The Dog Who Saved Christmas
The Eye
The Fifth Element
The Final Girls
The Horse Whisperer
The Ladies Man
The Legend of Bagger Vance
The Longest Yard
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
The Prestige
The Skull
W.


upi--2020-12-17--Netflix: What's coming and going in January 2021

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Netflix subscribers can watch The Dig , a new film starring Carey Mulligan and @ @ @ @ @ : The Winx Saga , a series based on the show Winx Club , in @ @ @ @ @ released a list of the movies , TV shows , comedy specials and documentaries that @ @ @ @ @ month .
Here 's the full list of what 's being added to Netflix in @ @ @ @ @ Less is Now ( Netflix Original ) Catch Me If You Can The Naked Gun @ @ @ @ @ Police Squad !
Sex and the City : The Movie The Girl with the Dragon @ @ @ @ @ Brooklyn Saints ( Netflix Original ) Here 's the full list of what 's leaving @ @ @ @ @ 4K : Classic Crackling Fireplace from Fireplace for Your Home Fireplace 4K : Crackling Birchwood @ @ @ @ @ We Are Your Friends

Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes star in "The Dig," a new film coming to Netflix in January. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Netflix subscribers can watch The Dig, a new film starring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, and Fate: The Winx Saga, a series based on the show Winx Club, in January. The streaming service released a list of the movies, TV shows, comedy specials and documentaries that are coming and going next month. Advertisement
Here's the full list of what's being added to Netflix in January:
Jan. 1
Dream Home Makeover Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Headspace Guide to Meditation (Netflix Original)
The Minimalists: Less is Now (Netflix Original)
Moncara Season 2 (Netflix Original)
What Happened to Mr. Cha? (Netflix Original)
17 Again
30 Minutes or Less
Abby Hatcher Season 1
Blue Streak
Bonnie and Clyde
Can't Hardly Wait
Catch Me If You Can
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Cool Hand Luke
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The Creative Brain
The Departed
Enter the Dragon
Gimme Shelter
Good Hair
Goodfellas
Gothika
The Haunted Hathaways Seasons 1-2
Into the Wild
Julie & Julia
Mud
Mystic Pizza
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Eddie Murphy: Raw
Sex and the City: The Movie
Sex and the City 2
Sherlock Holmes
Striptease
Superbad
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Jan. 2
Asphalt Burning (Børning 3) (Netflix Original)
Jan. 5
Gabby's Dollhouse (Netflix Original)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
History of Swear Words (Netflix Original)
LA's Finest Season 1
¡Nailed It! México Season 3 (Netflix Original)
Jan. 6
Ratones Paranoicos: The Band that Rocked Argentina (Netflix Original)
Surviving Death (Netflix Original)
Tony Parker: The Final Shot (Netflix Original)
Jan. 7
Pieces of a Woman (Netflix Original)
Jan. 8
Charming (Netflix Original)
The Idhun Chronicles Part 2 (Netflix Original)
Inside the World's Toughest Prisons Season 5 (Netflix Original)
Lupin (Netflix Original)
Mighty Little Bheem: Kite Festival (Netflix Original)
Pretend It's a City (Netflix Original)
Stuck Apart (Azizler) (Netflix Original)
Jan. 10
Spring Breakers
Jan. 11
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy (Netflix Original)
The Intouchables
Jan. 12
Last Tango in Halifax Season 4
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Jan. 13
An Imperfect Murder
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (Netflix Original)
Jan. 15
Bling Empire (Netflix Original)
Carmen Sandiego Season 4 (Netflix Original)
Disenchantment Part 3 (Netflix Original)
Double Dad (Pai Em Dobro) (Netflix Original)
Henry Danger Seasons 1-3
Hook
Kuroko's Basketball Season 1
The Magicians Season 5
Outside the Wire (Netflix Original)
Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie
Pinkfong & Baby Shark's Space Adventure
Jan. 16
A Monster Calls
Radium Girls
Jan. 18
Homefront
Jan. 19
Hello Ninja Season 4 (Netflix Original)
Jan. 20
Daughter from Another Mother (Madre solo hay dos) (Netflix Original)
Sightless
Spycraft (Netflix Original)
Jan. 21
Call My Agent Season 4 (Netflix Original)
Jan. 22
Blown Away Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Busted! Season 3 (Netflix Original)
Fate: The Winx Saga (Netflix Original)
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 (Netflix Original)
So My Grandma's a Lesbian! (Salir del ropero) (Netflix Original)
The White Tiger (Netflix Original)
Jan. 23
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) (Netflix Original)
Jan. 26
Go Dog Go (Netflix Original)
Jan. 27
Accomplice
Penguin Bloom (Netflix Original)
Jan. 29
Below Zero (Bajocero) (Netflix Original)
The Dig (Netflix Original)
Finding 'Ohana (Netflix Original)
We Are: The Brooklyn Saints (Netflix Original)
Jan. 31
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Fatima
Coming soon:
50M2 (Netflix Original)
Bonding Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Cobra Kai Season 3 (Netflix Original)
June & Kopi (Netflix Original)
The Netflix Afterparty (Netflix Original)
Here's the full list of what's leaving Netflix in January:
Jan. 1
Bloodsport
Jan. 3
QB1: Beyond the Lights Season 2
Jan. 4
Mara
Jan. 5
The Monster
Jan. 7
The Tudors Seasons 1-4
Jan. 8
Mary Poppins Returns
Jan. 14
Haven Seasons 1-5
The Master
Jan. 15
A Serious Man
Dallas Buyers Club
Waco
Jan. 16
Friday Night Tykes Seasons 1-4
Jan. 20
Fireplace 4K: Classic Crackling Fireplace from Fireplace for Your Home
Fireplace 4K: Crackling Birchwood from Fireplace for Your Home
Fireplace for Your Home
Jan. 24
When the Heart Calls Seasons 1-5
Jan. 26
We Are Your Friends
Jan. 29
Swiss Army Man
Jan. 30
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Jan. 31
A Thin Line Between Love & Hate
Braxton Family Values Seasons 1-2
Death at a Funeral
Employee of the Month
For Colored Girls
Malicious
Mr. Deeds
Pineapple Express


upi--2020-12-17--AEW Dynamite: Kenny Omega battles Joey Janela; Brandi Rhodes announces pregnancy

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- AEW World Champion Kenny Omega battled Joey Janela in a No Disqualification match on Dynamite .
The main event bout on Wednesday was also a World Title Eliminator match , meaning that if Janela could win , he would then receive a future AEW World Championship match against Omega .
Janela did n't want to waste any time and attacked the champ with a garbage can as Omega was making his entrance .
Omega recovered and delivered a Kotaro Crusher to Janela on a steel chair outside the ring .
Omega 's manager Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live commentary on how great Omega is .
Omega also briefly gave his own live commentary and performed a Moonsault Press while holding a garbage can to crash land onto Janela .
Omega was not able to connect with the One-Winged Angel , however , as Janela was able to reverse it .
Janela 's tag team partner Sonny Kiss got involved by setting up a table outside the ring .
Janela leaped from the top turnbuckle and hit Omega with Leg Drop , which sent him through the table .
Omega won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by the One-Winged Angel to earn the three count .
Omega 's victory celebration was cut short by PAC , who arrived onto the scene with his partners Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo .
The trio are collectively known as Death Triangle .
PAC spoke for his group and said Fenix was owed an AEW World Championship match due to Fenix being injured in the middle of the championship tournament weeks ago .
Omega originally won the tournament , which allowed him to face Jon Moxley for the title .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion what to do , '' Callis said to PAC , who responded that AEW President and CEO Tony Khan has made it official that Omega will defend his AEW World Championship against Fenix on the Dec. 30 edition of Dynamite .
Also on Dynamite , Cody Rhodes and his wife , Brandi Rhodes , announced during a special segment that they are expecting their first child together .
The couple released an announcement video during Dynamite that showed them decorating their Christmas tree before hearing a knock on the door .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contained an ornament that said they are expecting a baby in 2021 .
Cody Rhodes was in action against Angelico of tag team TH2 .
Cody Rhodes was unable to perform the Cross Rhodes but won the match with a Cody Cutter .
Team Taz showed up afterward and told Cody Rhodes that they would be putting him on paternity leave .
The arena then went dark as professional wrestling legend Sting made his entrance .
Sting was silent and pointed his baseball bat at Team Taz , who retreated .
Sting gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TNT champion Darby Allin watched everything that took place from the rafters .
Other moments from Dynamite included Matt Hardy and Private Party defeating John Silver and Alex Reynolds of The Dark Order with Hangman Adam Page ; Death Triangle and Lance Archer attacking Eddie Kingston , The Butcher and The Blade ; The Acclaimed , consisting of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster , defeating SCU in their Dynamite debut ; NWA Women 's Champion Serena Deeb and Big Swole defeating Diamante and Ivelisse ; and The Inner Circle winning a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Top Flight and The Varsity Blondes .
The Inner Circle , consisting of Chris Jericho , MJF , Sammy Guevara , Ortiz , Santana and Jake Hager , won the match after Hager planted Griff Garrison of The Varsity Blondes with the F10 .
The move paid homage to MJF 's bodyguard Wardlow , who was unable to appear on Dynamite .
Hager then tagged in MJF , who pinned Garrison for the victory .
Darius and Dante Martin of Top Flight hit Jericho and MJF with Dropkicks afterward .

Dec. 17 (UPI) -- AEW World Champion Kenny Omega battled Joey Janela in a No Disqualification match on Dynamite.
The main event bout on Wednesday was also a World Title Eliminator match, meaning that if Janela could win, he would then receive a future AEW World Championship match against Omega.
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Janela didn't want to waste any time and attacked the champ with a garbage can as Omega was making his entrance.
Omega recovered and delivered a Kotaro Crusher to Janela on a steel chair outside the ring. Omega's manager Don Callis grabbed a microphone and started giving live commentary on how great Omega is.
Omega also briefly gave his own live commentary and performed a Moonsault Press while holding a garbage can to crash land onto Janela. Omega was not able to connect with the One-Winged Angel, however, as Janela was able to reverse it.
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Janela's tag team partner Sonny Kiss got involved by setting up a table outside the ring. Janela leaped from the top turnbuckle and hit Omega with Leg Drop, which sent him through the table.
Omega won the violent match after performing two V-triggers followed by the One-Winged Angel to earn the three count.
Omega's victory celebration was cut short by PAC, who arrived onto the scene with his partners Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo. The trio are collectively known as Death Triangle.
PAC spoke for his group and said Fenix was owed an AEW World Championship match due to Fenix being injured in the middle of the championship tournament weeks ago. Omega originally won the tournament, which allowed him to face Jon Moxley for the title.
"Wrestlers don't tell the world champion what to do," Callis said to PAC, who responded that AEW President and CEO Tony Khan has made it official that Omega will defend his AEW World Championship against Fenix on the Dec. 30 edition of Dynamite.
Also on Dynamite, Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi Rhodes, announced during a special segment that they are expecting their first child together.
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The couple released an announcement video during Dynamite that showed them decorating their Christmas tree before hearing a knock on the door. At the door was a gift box that contained an ornament that said they are expecting a baby in 2021.
Cody Rhodes was in action against Angelico of tag team TH2. Cody Rhodes was unable to perform the Cross Rhodes but won the match with a Cody Cutter.
Team Taz showed up afterward and told Cody Rhodes that they would be putting him on paternity leave. The arena then went dark as professional wrestling legend Sting made his entrance.
Sting was silent and pointed his baseball bat at Team Taz, who retreated. Sting gave a wink to Cody Rhodes before exiting. TNT champion Darby Allin watched everything that took place from the rafters.
Other moments from Dynamite included Matt Hardy and Private Party defeating John Silver and Alex Reynolds of The Dark Order with Hangman Adam Page; Death Triangle and Lance Archer attacking Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade; The Acclaimed, consisting of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster, defeating SCU in their Dynamite debut; NWA Women's Champion Serena Deeb and Big Swole defeating Diamante and Ivelisse; and The Inner Circle winning a massive 12-Man Tag Team match against Best Friends, Top Flight and The Varsity Blondes.
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The Inner Circle, consisting of Chris Jericho, MJF, Sammy Guevara, Ortiz, Santana and Jake Hager, won the match after Hager planted Griff Garrison of The Varsity Blondes with the F10.
The move paid homage to MJF's bodyguard Wardlow, who was unable to appear on Dynamite. Hager then tagged in MJF, who pinned Garrison for the victory. Darius and Dante Martin of Top Flight hit Jericho and MJF with Dropkicks afterward.


upi--2020-12-17--French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19 , officials said Thursday .
A statement from Elysee Palace said Macron , 42 , will self-isolate for seven days and continue to work .
French officials said Macron took a test as soon as first symptoms appeared , but did not specify which symptoms he has exhibited .
Officials also said French Prime Minister Jean Castex is self-isolating because he recently came into contact with Macron .
Castex will not be present in the French Senate Thursday , but officials say he 's so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to start receiving more than a million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine by the end of the month .
Since a strict lockdown in November that followed surges in cases , France has reduced its case totals from a record of 60,000 in one day to about 14,000 per day now .
Macron joins a number of government leaders who have been sickened by the coronavirus this year .
The list includes U.S. President Donald Trump , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also picked up the disease , including first lady Melania Trump , Barron Trump , aide Hope Hicks , chief of staff Mark Meadows , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , adviser Stephen Miller and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo went into quarantine Wednesday after he was exposed to the virus , the State Department said .

French President Emmanuel Macron began exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus disease recently, government officials in Paris said. Photo by Abir Sultan/UPI/Pool | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Thursday. A statement from Elysee Palace said Macron, 42, will self-isolate for seven days and continue to work. Advertisement
French officials said Macron took a test as soon as first symptoms appeared, but did not specify which symptoms he has exhibited.
Officials also said French Prime Minister Jean Castex is self-isolating because he recently came into contact with Macron. Castex will not be present in the French Senate Thursday, but officials say he's so far shown no symptoms.
France is expected to start receiving more than a million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine by the end of the month.
Since a strict lockdown in November that followed surges in cases, France has reduced its case totals from a record of 60,000 in one day to about 14,000 per day now.
Macron joins a number of government leaders who have been sickened by the coronavirus this year. The list includes U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
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A number of of White House residents and staffers have also picked up the disease, including first lady Melania Trump, Barron Trump, aide Hope Hicks, chief of staff Mark Meadows, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, adviser Stephen Miller and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo went into quarantine Wednesday after he was exposed to the virus, the State Department said.


upi--2020-12-17--Heavy snow in Northeast leads airlines to ground hundreds of flights

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Hundreds of flights have been canceled in the United States due to the nor'easter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions , which has so far dumped more than 2 feet of snow in some areas .
More than 700 flights were canceled on Wednesday and at least 600 more had been by early Thursday , according to FlightAware.com .
United Airlines canceled more than 100 flights , Southwest and JetBlue canceled about 60 and Delta and American airlines canceled about 100 .
Boston 's Logan Airport was the most-affected flight origination point on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and New York City 's John F. Kennedy International Airport .
Amtrak is operating on a modified schedule in parts of the Northeast and has canceled some services until at least Friday .
The storm has been blanketing wide swaths of the eastern United States , from the central Appalachians to New England early Thursday , the National Weather Service said .
Central Pennsylvania and south-central New York state began Thursday with up to 2 feet of new snow , with greater amounts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy in major cities along the Eastern Seaboard .
More than 6 inches had fallen in New York City 's Central Park by early Thursday and Boston had received a similar amount , the NWS said .
Snowfall is expected to continue throughout Thursday and gradually taper off into the evening .
Forecasters say an additional 6 to 12 inches are expected across parts of New England , in addition to what had already fallen .
By December standards , the storm is one of the largest storms in recent memory .
Prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City saw more than 6 inches from a single storm was 2010 , when about 20 inches fell in late December .

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A pedestrian holds a flipped umbrella while she takes a giant step over a wet puddle in New York City on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Hundreds of flights have been canceled in the United States due to a nor'easter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, which has dumped more than 2 feet of snow in some areas. More than 700 flights were canceled on Wednesday and another 700 had been by midday Thursday, according to FlightAware.com. Advertisement
United and Southwest airlines canceled about 100 flights each, JetBlue canceled about 65, and Delta and American airlines canceled about 50 each.
Boston's Logan Airport was the most affected flight origination point Thursday, with more than 100 canceled flights, followed by Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
At Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall, a Spirit Airlines jetliner skidded off the taxiway after landing Thursday morning. An airline representative told WUSA9-TV that no one was injured.
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Amtrak is operating on a modified schedule in parts of the Northeast and has canceled some services until at least Friday.
The storm has been blanketing wide swaths of the eastern United States, from the central Appalachians to New England, the National Weather Service said.
Central Pennsylvania and south-central New York state began Thursday with up to 2 feet of new snow, with some areas receiving up to 3 feet.
Snowfall has also been heavy in major cities along the Eastern Seaboard. More than 6 inches had fallen in New York City's Central Park by early Thursday. Boston set a new daily record of snow for Dec. 17, with 9.1 inches. It broke the previous record by nearly 3 inches.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who declared a state of emergency in 18 counties, said there were two storm-related deaths and about 600 car crashes. He warned residents to stay home if possible.
Jason Garnar, the executive of Broome County, which is south of Syracuse, called it a "historic snowstorm" with more than 40 inches of snow fell in 12 hours in the county.
"We have never seen anything like this before," he said in a storm response update Thursday afternoon. "I guess 2020 being what 2020 is I should have expected something like this to happen."
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Garnar had issued a travel ban on Wednesday, prohibiting all but essential vehicles from the road due to the quantity of snow that fell.
The 911 dispatch has received more than 600 snow-related calls, he said, adding four-wheel drive vehicles were called in to transport people to hospitals when ambulances were unable to move through the snow.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday said Code Blue was in effect to get homeless people off the streets amid the plunging temperatures.
"Look out for your neighbors," he said during a media availability. "Look out for someone that has any special need."
Zone Sgt. Jason Cawley rescued Kevin Kresen, 58, of Candor, a village about 64 miles south of Syracuse, who had been trapped by snow in his car by a snow plow truck for more than 10 hours, suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
New York State Police posted pictures on Twitter of Cawley with Kresen as he was recuperating at the hospital.
Meet Zone Sergeant Jason Cawley of Troop C. Today, Sergeant Cawley located a driver who had been stranded more than 10 hours after his car went off the road and he was plowed in, covered with almost 4 feet of snow. https://t.co/kGp9fT5EAj pic.twitter.com/240uh9UwQP— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) December 17, 2020
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In the Pittsburgh suburb of North Versailles, a 63-year-old man died after being struck by a snowplow Wednesday night, WTAE-TV reported.
Police in central Pennsylvania's Clinton County said two people died in a crash involving dozens of vehicles. Another driver died in a one-vehicle crash in Snyder County.
Snowfall is expected to continue throughout Thursday and gradually taper off into the evening. Forecasters say an additional 6 inches to 12 inches are expected across parts of New England, in addition to what had already fallen.
By December standards, the storm is one of the largest in recent memory.
Prior to this snowstorm, the last time New York City saw more than 6 inches from a single storm was 2010, when about 20 inches fell in late December.
AccuWeather contributed to this report.


upi--2020-12-17--Watch live: SpaceX plans to launch its second U.S. spy satellite

ORLANDO , Fla. , Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX plans to conduct the company 's second spy satellite mission , NROL-108 for the U.S. government , Thursday morning from Florida .
Liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket is planned at 9:45 a.m. from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center , but the launch could be as late as noon .
The U.S. Space Force forecasts a 30 percent chance that wind or thick clouds could cause a delay .
SpaceX plans to land the first-stage booster of the rocket on a landing pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the launch site .
SpaceX first launched a U.S. spy satellite , NROL-76 , in May 2017 for the National Reconnaissance Office , which is part of the Department of Defense .
Most such missions been conducted in recent years by United Launch Alliance .
The government says very little about such classified missions , except that the rocket is carrying a `` national security payload designed , built and operated by the agency ... to provide intelligence data to the United States ' senior policymakers , intelligence agencies and the defense department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission is to provide information for intelligence requirements , research and development , and to assist in emergency and disaster relief .

A SpaceX Falcon 9 was to launch a spy satellite for the U.S. government from Florida on Thursday, but they mission was scrubbed with fewer than two minutes left on the countdown clock. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- SpaceX on Thursday postponed the company's second spy satellite mission for the U.S. government due to a slightly high pressure reading in an upper stage liquid oxygen tank on the Falcon 9 rocket. The countdown stopped at 1 minute, 53 seconds before the planned 9:45 a.m. EST liftoff from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX said it plans another attempt Friday morning. Advertisement
"At this point, the vehicle and payload both appear to be in good health," Andy Tran, a SpaceX avionics production supervisor, said during a live broadcast by the company. "We do have a good shot tomorrow to send this NROL-108 satellite into orbit."
As part of the launch, Elon Musk's company intends to land the first-stage booster of the rocket on a landing pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, about 10 miles south of the launch site.
The company first launched a U.S. spy satellite, NROL-76, in May 2017 for the National Reconnaissance Office, which is part of the Department of Defense. Most such missions have been conducted in recent years by United Launch Alliance.
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The government says very little about such classified missions, except that the rocket is carrying a "national security payload designed, built and operated by the agency ... to provide intelligence data to the United States' senior policymakers, intelligence agencies and the defense department."
The National Reconnaissance Office's mission is to provide information for intelligence requirements, research and development, and to assist in emergency and disaster relief.
NASA, SpaceX complete historic first mission to space station


upi--2020-12-17--FDA panel meets to decide approval for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee will meet Thursday and vote on whether to authorize Moderna 's COVID-19 vaccine in the United States .
Approval would make the second coronavirus vaccine available in the coming days .
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will begin the meeting at 9 a.m. EST .
If the panel votes to give Moderna 's vaccine emergency use authorization , the FDA will immediately consider it for final approval .
If the FDA OKs the vaccine , initial shipments could begin within days .
The Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give approval .
The FDA and CDC took the same steps to approve the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech last Friday and the first vaccinations were given to health workers on Monday .
On Tuesday , FDA researchers said in a 54-page review that the Moderna vaccine is safe and effective enough for emergency use in the United States and affirmed the company 's clinical trial results that showed the vaccine is 94 % effective .
Moderna said last month its two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine was tested among participants in a 30,000-volunteer clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of the coronavirus disease .
Like Pfizer 's , Moderna 's is a new type `` messenger RNA '' vaccine that uses strands of genetic material from the coronavirus to activate the body 's immune system , rather than employing a whole , deactivated virus as traditional vaccines do .
The U.S. government has plans to purchase 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine if it 's approved .

Dr. Michelle Chester inoculates Dr. Duroseau Yves with Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine on Monday at Long Island Jewish Medical Center Northwell Health in New York City. A vaccine by Moderna is expected to receive regulatory approval in the United States in the coming days. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted Thursday to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna for emergency use authorization. The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted 20-0, with one abstention, to advise FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn to issue an EUA for the vaccine. The vote came after a roughly 8-hour meeting of the committee to discuss the efficacy and potential side effects of the vaccine. Advertisement
If the FDA issues the EUA, initial shipments could begin within days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also give its approval.
The FDA and CDC took the same steps to approve the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech last Friday and the first vaccinations were given to health workers on Monday.
There was one difference in the committee's recommendations, though. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was recommended for those 16 and older, while the Moderna vaccine was given the OK for those 18 and older.
On Tuesday, FDA researchers said in a 54-page review that the Moderna vaccine is safe and effective enough for emergency use in the United States and affirmed the company's clinical trial results that showed the vaccine is 94% effective.
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Moderna said last month its two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine was tested among participants in a 30,000-volunteer clinical trial. The FDA review said the vaccine is highly protective for adults and prevents severe cases of the coronavirus disease.
Like Pfizer's, Moderna's is a new type "messenger RNA" vaccine that uses strands of genetic material from the coronavirus to activate the body's immune system, rather than employing a whole, deactivated virus as traditional vaccines do.
The U.S. government has plans to purchase 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine if it's approved.


upi--2020-12-17--10 states sue Google over 'anti-market' practices

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- A coalition of 10 states led by Texas has filed a lawsuit against Google , accusing the tech behemoth of engaging in anti-competitive practices that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice .
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in the Eastern District of Texas , Sherman Division , accused Google of monopolizing and attempting to monopolize products and services used by advertisers and publishers in online-display advertising and engaging in deceptive acts to sell , buy and auction online ad space .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton described Google in a statement as `` a trillion-dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force other companies , including Facebook , to agree to its terms that undermine competition .
`` Google is essentially trading on 'insider information ' by acting as pitcher , catcher , batter and umpire , all at the same time , '' Paxton said .
`` This is n't the 'free market ' at work .
This is anti-market and illegal under state and federal law . ''
The lawsuit states that Google , in its `` monopoly position , '' uses its market power to extract a high tax on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and content producers , such as newspapers and blogs , which survive by selling advertisements on their websites and apps .
This tax , it said , is passed onto the consumers through paying higher prices for lower quality goods , services and information .
`` The open Internet is now threatened by a single company , '' the lawsuit said .
`` Google has become the controlling node and the central authority for online advertising , which serves as the primary currency enabling a free and open Internet . ''
The lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominance through transforming the architecture of the World Wide Web .
`` Google 's plan is to create a walled garden around the Internet in which it controls websites and mobile applications , '' it said .
`` Google 's documented plan is to capture online publishers on the open Internet and transform them into content creators generating revenue for Google on a completely closed platform . ''
The lawsuit follows a similar suit filed against Google by the Justice Department in October , which was joined by 11 states , and accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bars monopolistic business practices .
Attorneys general from Arkansas , Idaho , Indiana , Kentucky Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota , South Dakota and Utah joined Paxton in the Wednesday lawsuit .

Ten states sued Google on Wednesday accusing it of using its "monopoly position" to stifle competition. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A coalition of 10 states led by Texas has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech behemoth of engaging in anti-competitive practices that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division, accused Google of monopolizing and attempting to monopolize products and services used by advertisers and publishers in online-display advertising and engaging in deceptive acts to sell, buy and auction online ad space. Advertisement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton described Google in a statement as "a trillion-dollar monopoly" that is abusing its standing to force other companies, including Facebook, to agree to its terms that undermine competition.
"Google is essentially trading on 'insider information' by acting as pitcher, catcher, batter and umpire, all at the same time," Paxton said. "This isn't the 'free market' at work. This is anti-market and illegal under state and federal law."
#BREAKING: Texas takes the lead once more! Today, we're filing a lawsuit against #Google for anticompetitive conduct. This internet Goliath used its power to manipulate the market, destroy competition, and harm YOU, the consumer. Stay tuned... pic.twitter.com/fdEVEWQb0e— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) December 16, 2020 Advertisement
The lawsuit states that Google, in its "monopoly position," uses its market power to extract a high tax on the ad dollars flowing to online publishers and content producers, such as newspapers and blogs, which survive by selling advertisements on their websites and apps.
This tax, it said, is passed onto the consumers through paying higher prices for lower quality goods, services and information.
"The open Internet is now threatened by a single company," the lawsuit said. "Google has become the controlling node and the central authority for online advertising, which serves as the primary currency enabling a free and open Internet."
The lawsuit adds that Google plans to further its dominance through transforming the architecture of the World Wide Web.
"Google's plan is to create a walled garden around the Internet in which it controls websites and mobile applications," it said. "Google's documented plan is to capture online publishers on the open Internet and transform them into content creators generating revenue for Google on a completely closed platform."
The lawsuit follows a similar suit filed against Google by the Justice Department in October, which was joined by 11 states, and accused the company of violating the Sherman Act that bars monopolistic business practices.
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Attorneys general from Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah joined Paxton in the Wednesday lawsuit.


upi--2020-12-17--U.S. charges former Venezuelan treasurer, husband with accepting bribes

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department has charged a former Venezuelan treasurer and her husband for accepting bribes from a businessman seeking to make hundreds of millions of dollars by taking advantage of Venezuela 's foreign currency exchange .
The indictment field Tuesday but announced Wednesday charges Claudia Patricia Diaz Guillen , 47 , and her spouse , Adrian Jose Velasquez Figueroa , 41 , with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of money laundering .
According to the court document , Diaz and Velasquez , who now reside in Madrid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raul Gorrin Belisario as part of a scheme with others to take advantage of foreign currency exchanges conducted by the Venezuelan government .
`` In total , Raul Gorrin Belisario paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to secure the rights to engage in over $ 1 billion in foreign currency exchange transactions that resulted in profits to Raul Gorrin Belisario of hundreds of millions of dollars , '' the indictment said .
Gorrin is accused of making corrupt payments to government officials including Diaz and her treasurer predecessor , Alejandro Andrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights to conduct foreign currency exchange transactions at favorable rates , prosecutors said .
To conceal the bribes , Gorrin is accused in the indictment of using the bank accounts of shell companies and disguised those intended for Diaz by making the payments to her husband .
`` Gorrin wired money to and for the benefit of Andrade and Diaz , including money for private jets , yachts , homes , champion horses , high-end watches and a fashion line , '' the Justice Department said in a release .
Gorrin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused by the Justice Department of paying Diaz at least $ 65 million .
Andrade , 56 , was sentenced to 10 years in prison in November 2018 for his role in the conspiracy and admitted in his guilty plea of receiving more than $ 1 billion in bribes from Gorrin and others involved in the scheme .
Gabriel Arturo Jimenez Aray , a former owner of a Dominican Republic bank , was also sentenced to three years in November 2018 after pleading guilty to conspiring with Gorrin to help him launder bribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news network , was charged in August of 2018 , and is currently a fugitive residing in Venezuela .
He was added to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Most Wanted list in January .

Venezuelan businessman Raul Gorrin Belisario was added to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Most Wanted list in January. Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Website
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has charged a former Venezuelan treasurer and her husband for accepting bribes from a businessman seeking to make hundreds of millions of dollars by taking advantage of Venezuela's foreign currency exchange. The indictment field Tuesday but announced Wednesday charges Claudia Patricia Diaz Guillen, 47, and her spouse, Adrian Jose Velasquez Figueroa, 41, with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of money laundering. Advertisement
According to the court document, Diaz and Velasquez, who now reside in Madrid, Spain, accepted million in bribes from Raul Gorrin Belisario as part of a scheme with others to take advantage of foreign currency exchanges conducted by the Venezuelan government.
"In total, Raul Gorrin Belisario paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to secure the rights to engage in over $1 billion in foreign currency exchange transactions that resulted in profits to Raul Gorrin Belisario of hundreds of millions of dollars," the indictment said.
Gorrin is accused of making corrupt payments to government officials including Diaz and her treasurer predecessor, Alejandro Andrade Cedeno, to gain and retain the rights to conduct foreign currency exchange transactions at favorable rates, prosecutors said.
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To conceal the bribes, Gorrin is accused in the indictment of using the bank accounts of shell companies and disguised those intended for Diaz by making the payments to her husband.
"Gorrin wired money to and for the benefit of Andrade and Diaz, including money for private jets, yachts, homes, champion horses, high-end watches and a fashion line," the Justice Department said in a release.
Gorrin, who has a residence in Miami, is accused by the Justice Department of paying Diaz at least $65 million.
Andrade, 56, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in November 2018 for his role in the conspiracy and admitted in his guilty plea of receiving more than $1 billion in bribes from Gorrin and others involved in the scheme.
Gabriel Arturo Jimenez Aray, a former owner of a Dominican Republic bank, was also sentenced to three years in November 2018 after pleading guilty to conspiring with Gorrin to help him launder bribe money.
Gorrin, who owns Globovision news network, was charged in August of 2018, and is currently a fugitive residing in Venezuela. He was added to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Most Wanted list in January.


upi--2020-12-17--High blood levels of cadmium linked to worse COVID-19

Old age and chronic health conditions are n't the only risk factors for serious COVID-19 infection .
Researchers say people with high levels of the heavy metal cadmium may also have higher odds of severe disease during the pandemic .
Cadmium is found in cigarettes and in contaminated vegetables .
Previous research has shown that long-term exposure to cadmium , even at low levels , may weaken the lungs ' defense system .
`` Our study suggests the public in general , both smokers and nonsmokers , could benefit from reduced exposure to cadmium , '' said study co-author Sung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of epidemiology and environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health , in Ann Arbor .
This study found that people with high levels of the chemical have higher death rates from respiratory viruses , such as the flu and pneumonia , suggesting they may also be more vulnerable to COVID-19 .
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 16,000 people who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988-1994 and 1999-2006 .
Cadmium was measured in urine in the first survey and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a number of factors , the investigators found that patients with cadmium levels in the 80th percentile were 15 % more likely to die of influenza or pneumonia than those in the 20th percentile .
Among those who never smoked , the difference was even greater , with a 27 % higher risk of death among those in the 80th percentile than those in the 20th percentile , according to the study .
The report was published in the December issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives .
`` We could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 patients in the early pandemic , '' Park said in a university news release .
`` Our motivation was to find a modifiable risk factor that can predispose people with COVID-19 infection to develop a severe complication and die of COVID-19 , '' Park added .
`` COVID-19 may not be a one-time event .
Our findings suggest that the public can benefit from reduced cadmium exposure when the next pandemic occurs .
This can not be done suddenly and takes time through policy changes , '' Park said .
Smokers should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about major sources of cadmium in their diet : cereal , rice , animal organs such as the liver and kidneys , soybeans and some types of leafy vegetables , Park said .
There are other vegetables you can eat instead , he suggested .
For instance , cabbage and broccoli and other cruciferous veggies contain high levels of antioxidants but relatively low levels of cadmium .
According to study senior author Howard Hu , `` The associations we found need to be verified in other populations and also studied with respect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mortality . ''
Hu is a professor and chair of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California , and an occupational/environmental physician .
`` Unfortunately , the human body finds it much more difficult to excrete cadmium than other toxic metals , and its presence in many nutritious foods means it is critical to continue reducing sources of environmental pollution that contribute to its presence in air , soil and water , '' Hu added .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on cadmium .

Old age and chronic health conditions aren't the only risk factors for serious COVID-19 infection.
Researchers say people with high levels of the heavy metal cadmium may also have higher odds of severe disease during the pandemic.
Advertisement
Cadmium is found in cigarettes and in contaminated vegetables. Previous research has shown that long-term exposure to cadmium, even at low levels, may weaken the lungs' defense system.
"Our study suggests the public in general, both smokers and nonsmokers, could benefit from reduced exposure to cadmium," said study co-author Sung Kyun Park.
He's an associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in Ann Arbor.
This study found that people with high levels of the chemical have higher death rates from respiratory viruses, such as the flu and pneumonia, suggesting they may also be more vulnerable to COVID-19.
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The researchers analyzed data from nearly 16,000 people who took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988-1994 and 1999-2006.
Cadmium was measured in urine in the first survey and in blood in the second. After adjusting for a number of factors, the investigators found that patients with cadmium levels in the 80th percentile were 15% more likely to die of influenza or pneumonia than those in the 20th percentile.
Among those who never smoked, the difference was even greater, with a 27% higher risk of death among those in the 80th percentile than those in the 20th percentile, according to the study.
The report was published in the December issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
"We couldn't directly look at cadmium body burden among COVID-19 patients in the early pandemic," Park said in a university news release.
"Our motivation was to find a modifiable risk factor that can predispose people with COVID-19 infection to develop a severe complication and die of COVID-19," Park added.
"COVID-19 may not be a one-time event. Our findings suggest that the public can benefit from reduced cadmium exposure when the next pandemic occurs. This cannot be done suddenly and takes time through policy changes," Park said.
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Smokers should stop smoking, and everyone should know about major sources of cadmium in their diet: cereal, rice, animal organs such as the liver and kidneys, soybeans and some types of leafy vegetables, Park said.
There are other vegetables you can eat instead, he suggested.
For instance, cabbage and broccoli and other cruciferous veggies contain high levels of antioxidants but relatively low levels of cadmium.
According to study senior author Howard Hu, "The associations we found need to be verified in other populations and also studied with respect to cadmium's potential impact on COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality."
Hu is a professor and chair of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California, and an occupational/environmental physician.
"Unfortunately, the human body finds it much more difficult to excrete cadmium than other toxic metals, and its presence in many nutritious foods means it is critical to continue reducing sources of environmental pollution that contribute to its presence in air, soil and water," Hu added.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on cadmium.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-17--Famous birthdays for Dec. 17: Laurie Holden, Eugene Levy

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius .
-- American @ @ @ @ @ , who fought as a man under the alias Robert Shurtlieff , in 1760

Laurie Holden arrives for the the 25th annual SAG Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 27. The actor turns 51 on December 17. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include: Advertisement
-- American Revolutionary War soldier Deborah Sampson, who fought as a man under the alias Robert Shurtlieff, in 1760
-- English writer Ford Madox Ford in 1873
-- Ice cream businessman Burt Baskin in 1913
-- Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in 1936 (age 84)
-- British singer/actor Tommy Steele in 1936 (age 84)
-- Blues musician Paul Butterfield in 1942
-- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in 1942 (age 78)
-- Political commentator Chris Matthews in 1945 (age 75)
-- Actor Ernie Hudson in 1945 (age 75)
-- Comedian Eugene Levy in 1946 (age 74)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- British rock singer Paul Rodgers in 1949 (age 71)
-- Actor Bill Pullman in 1953 (age 67)
-- Actor Barry Livingston in 1953 (age 67)
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-- Actor Laurie Holden in 1969 (age 51)
-- MMA fighter Chuck Liddell in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Sarah Paulson in 1974 (age 46)
File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI
-- Celebrity pastry chef Duff Goldman in 1974 (age 46)
-- Actor Milla Jovovich in 1975 (age 45)
-- Boxer/politician/entertainer Manny Pacquiao in 1978 (age 42)
-- Whistle-blower Chelsea Manning, born Bradley Manning, in 1987 (age 33)
-- Actor Kiersey Clemons in 1993 (age 27)
-- Actor Nat Wolff in 1994 (age 26)


upi--2020-12-17--Whoopi Goldberg: 'The Stand' remake shows a more conflicted Mother Abagail

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Whoopi Goldberg said the Mother Abagail she plays in the remake of The Stand is a better developed and more conflicted version of the prophet than depicted in previous incarnations of Stephen King 's post-apocalyptic epic .
Co-starring James Marsden , Alexander Skarsgard , Amber Heard , Greg Kinnear , Odessa Young , Owen Teague , Henry Zaga and Jovan Adepo , the nine-part , sci-fi drama debuts on CBS All Access Thursday .
King 's 1978 novel had been adapted previously as an ABC miniseries in 1994 .
The story focuses on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camps -- one in Boulder , Colo. , where hard-working folks follow God 's messenger Mother Abagail and try to rebuild society , while the other is a violent , depraved group in Las Vegas , led by Randall Flagg , who is evil incarnate .
Oscar-winning Ghost and The Color Purple actress Goldberg emphasized that the mystical figure she plays in The Stand is not God , but his servant on Earth , and she is n't always clued in on his plans .
`` I needed her not to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the magic information .
She does n't .
She is hopeful that she is right , but she is not positive .
She 's told everybody where to come , how to meet her , but now what ?
And then God stops communicating , '' Goldberg said in a recent virtual panel discussion for New York Comic Con .
The character had to be a fully realized person for 2020 audiences , she added .
`` You have to be able to feel her .
You have to know her .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming , why she made the choices she made , '' Goldberg said .
Abagail has lived to age 108 , and her own human experience helps her deal with the sudden cataclysm and her new role in leading people out of it .
`` What Mother Abagail recognizes is that change comes all the time , '' Goldberg said .
`` It 's a constant .
It is the one thing that you always know is going to be there -- so that when she is awakened in her divineness , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what I am supposed to do . '
'' The character tries to remind herself she is only God 's messenger , even when she is tempted to act without his direction as people demand answers from her that she does n't have .
`` She 's very different from the person she is going up against , '' Goldberg said of Flagg , `` because he does think he is God . ''
`` Even though the book is about , obviously , good and evil , [ it was important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who follow one or the other kind of cartoonishly one thing or the other .
It was very important to make Flagg seem like a viable option , somebody one could imagine people following , '' showrunner Ben Cavell said .
Executive producer Taylor Elmore agreed about the casting of the Big Little Lies and True Blood alum .
`` You could n't ask for a more beautiful Randall Flagg than Alexander Skarsgard , '' Elmore said .
`` Flagg represents , in the book , almost like an American rock- ' n'-roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` You just want to listen to what he has to say .
You want to believe what he has to say .
Mother Abagail and Flagg facing off on some level was a very exciting prospect for us . ''
X-Men and Mrs. America actor Marsden plays Stu , one of Mother Abagail 's disciples , a veteran with a strong sense of morality and community .
`` He 's a level-headed human being who speaks only when he needs to , and when he speaks , there is real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him a natural leader , '' Marsden said .
`` He believes in rebuilding society and letting goodness and kindness and all those virtues lead the way . ''
Also living in Boulder is Nadine , a teacher who , unbeknownst to most of the other survivors , has a psychic link to Flagg .
Aquaman actress Heard said Nadine struggles with the concept of goodness and represents selfish interests : She wants to save herself , while those around her want to protect each other .
`` We meet her , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally and figuratively figure out her way and place in the world , '' Heard said .
`` She has a long history with Flagg in ways that are not very clear and difficult to explain , but it is that sort of grooming of a relationship , and she , as a human , makes her decisions the opposite side of what a lot of our hero characters face and ultimately choose . ''
It actor Teague plays Harold , a bullied teen who discovers his former babysitter and lifelong crush , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
They travel together and settle in Boulder .
As Frannie takes her place beside Stu as a leader , Flagg persuades Nadine to recruit the vulnerable Harold to secretly work against their friends and neighbors .
`` It 's not that he does n't have empathy .
It 's that he has n't had a lot of practice using it , '' Teague said .
`` He 's so caught up in this shell of anger and pain that he has built around himself .
There 's this Harold that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh ... or there is this Harold that can carry that all with him and that is the choice he has to make . ''
The novel and script for its latest adaptation were written long before the real-life coronavirus pandemic erupted earlier this year , so viewers should n't see it as a response to what they are enduring now , the filmmakers said .
`` It 's a testament to how universal the book is and how prescient it is that it does seem to have resonance with the way the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the vast improvement in visual effects in the 26 years since the story was last told on screen , and the freedom that comes with creating a project for streaming as opposed to broadcast television , `` It felt like this was time to tell this story again , '' Cavell added .
Elmore relished having the chance to update the tale using a more modern lens .
`` And looking at the world like it is now and not like it was in 1978 , '' Elmore said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deepen characters and cast differently . ''

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Whoopi Goldberg stars in the new adaptation of Stephen King's "The Stand," which debuts Thursday on CBS All Access. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Whoopi Goldberg said the Mother Abagail she plays in the remake of The Stand is a better developed and more conflicted version of the prophet than depicted in previous incarnations of Stephen King's post-apocalyptic epic. Co-starring James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, Amber Heard, Greg Kinnear, Odessa Young, Owen Teague, Henry Zaga and Jovan Adepo, the nine-part, sci-fi drama debuts on CBS All Access Thursday. Advertisement
King's 1978 novel had been adapted previously as an ABC miniseries in 1994.
The story focuses on the survivors of a pandemic who form two camps -- one in Boulder, Colo., where hard-working folks follow God's messenger Mother Abagail and try to rebuild society, while the other is a violent, depraved group in Las Vegas, led by Randall Flagg, who is evil incarnate.
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Oscar-winning Ghost and The Color Purple actress Goldberg emphasized that the mystical figure she plays in The Stand is not God, but his servant on Earth, and she isn't always clued in on his plans.
"I needed her not to be the little old Black lady who has all the magic information. She doesn't. She is hopeful that she is right, but she is not positive. She's told everybody where to come, how to meet her, but now what? And then God stops communicating," Goldberg said in a recent virtual panel discussion for New York Comic Con.
The character had to be a fully realized person for 2020 audiences, she added.
"You have to be able to feel her. You have to know her. You have to know from where she was coming, why she made the choices she made," Goldberg said.
Abagail has lived to age 108, and her own human experience helps her deal with the sudden cataclysm and her new role in leading people out of it.
"What Mother Abagail recognizes is that change comes all the time," Goldberg said. "It's a constant. It is the one thing that you always know is going to be there -- so that when she is awakened in her divineness, when it comes, she thinks, 'This is what I am supposed to do.'"
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The character tries to remind herself she is only God's messenger, even when she is tempted to act without his direction as people demand answers from her that she doesn't have.
"She's very different from the person she is going up against," Goldberg said of Flagg, "because he does think he is God."
"Even though the book is about, obviously, good and evil, [it was important] that we not make the characters who follow one or the other kind of cartoonishly one thing or the other. It was very important to make Flagg seem like a viable option, somebody one could imagine people following," showrunner Ben Cavell said.
Executive producer Taylor Elmore agreed about the casting of the Big Little Lies and True Blood alum.
"You couldn't ask for a more beautiful Randall Flagg than Alexander Skarsgard," Elmore said.
"Flagg represents, in the book, almost like an American rock-'n'-roll version of the devil," he added. "You just want to listen to what he has to say. You want to believe what he has to say. Mother Abagail and Flagg facing off on some level was a very exciting prospect for us."
X-Men and Mrs. America actor Marsden plays Stu, one of Mother Abagail's disciples, a veteran with a strong sense of morality and community.
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"He's a level-headed human being who speaks only when he needs to, and when he speaks, there is real purpose behind it, and it makes him a natural leader," Marsden said.
"He believes in rebuilding society and letting goodness and kindness and all those virtues lead the way."
Also living in Boulder is Nadine, a teacher who, unbeknownst to most of the other survivors, has a psychic link to Flagg.
Aquaman actress Heard said Nadine struggles with the concept of goodness and represents selfish interests: She wants to save herself, while those around her want to protect each other.
"We meet her, like everyone else, lost and trying to literally and figuratively figure out her way and place in the world," Heard said.
"She has a long history with Flagg in ways that are not very clear and difficult to explain, but it is that sort of grooming of a relationship, and she, as a human, makes her decisions the opposite side of what a lot of our hero characters face and ultimately choose."
It actor Teague plays Harold, a bullied teen who discovers his former babysitter and lifelong crush, Frannie (Young), also survived the pandemic. They travel together and settle in Boulder.
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As Frannie takes her place beside Stu as a leader, Flagg persuades Nadine to recruit the vulnerable Harold to secretly work against their friends and neighbors.
"It's not that he doesn't have empathy. It's that he hasn't had a lot of practice using it," Teague said.
"He's so caught up in this shell of anger and pain that he has built around himself. There's this Harold that can leave it all behind and start fresh... or there is this Harold that can carry that all with him and that is the choice he has to make."
The novel and script for its latest adaptation were written long before the real-life coronavirus pandemic erupted earlier this year, so viewers shouldn't see it as a response to what they are enduring now, the filmmakers said.
"It's a testament to how universal the book is and how prescient it is that it does seem to have resonance with the way the world has responded," Cavell said.
With the vast improvement in visual effects in the 26 years since the story was last told on screen, and the freedom that comes with creating a project for streaming as opposed to broadcast television, "It felt like this was time to tell this story again," Cavell added.
Advertisement
Elmore relished having the chance to update the tale using a more modern lens.
"And looking at the world like it is now and not like it was in 1978," Elmore said. "It gave us a lot of opportunities to deepen characters and cast differently."


upi--2020-12-17--On This Day, Dec. 17: 'The Simpsons' airs first standalone episode

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1790 , the Aztec Calendar , or Solar Stone , was uncovered by workmen repairing Mexico City 's Central Plaza .
In 1903 , Orville Wright made history 's first sustained airplane flight , lasting 12 seconds and covering 120 feet near Kitty Hawk , N.C. His brother Wilbur flew 852 feet later that day .
In 1925 , U.S. Army Gen. William `` Billy '' Mitchell , considered to be the father of the U.S. Air Force , was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was awarded the Medal of Honor 20 years after his death .
In 1939 , the Nazi warship Graf Spee was scuttled off the coast of Uruguay as British vessels pursued it after the Battle of the River Plate .
United Press reporter Roscoe Snipes observed the explosions aboard an airplane .
In 1944 , the more than 110,000 Japanese Americans who had been relocated from the West Coast shortly after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were told they would be allowed to return home on Jan. 2 .
In 1967 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson .
In 1975 , a federal jury in Sacramento sentenced Lynette Alice `` Squeaky '' Fromme to life in prison for her attempted assassination of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford .
She was released from prison in August 2009 .
In 1981 , U.S. Army Brig .
Gen. James Dozier was kidnapped in Verona by Italy 's Red Brigades .
He was freed 42 days later in a raid by Italian anti-terrorist forces .
In 1986 , a Las Vegas federal jury awarded entertainer Wayne Newton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against NBC .
A judge reduced the award to $ 5.3 million .
In 1989 , The Simpsons , which began as a feature of The Tracy Ullman Show , had its first stand-alone episode broadcast .
The popular animated series has spurred look-alike contests , college classes , tattoos and controversy .
In 1990 , Jean-Bertrand Aristide , a radical Roman Catholic priest and opponent of the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier , was elected president of Haiti in a landslide victory .
In 1992 , U.S. President George H.W .
Bush and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed the North American Free Trade Treaty .
In 1996 , Kofi Annan of Ghana is elected secretary-general of the United Nations .
In 1997 , New Jersey became the first state in the United States to permit same-sex couples to adopt children .
In 2004 , the United States officially forgave all of the $ 4.1 billion owed the government by Iraq and urged other creditors to do the same .
In 2010 , Mohamed Bouazizi self-immolated in protest of his treatment at the hands of a municipal official .
This would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tunisian Revolution and set the stage for the Arab Spring .
In 2011 , North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died and his son , Kim Jong Un , took over leadership .
In 2015 , Libya 's warring factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government after years of violence following the death of Moammar Gadhafi .
In 2018 , Merriam-Webster announced its 2018 Word of the Year was `` justice . ''

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"The Simpsons" store is promoted at an international fashion mall in Beijing on May 6, 2016. On December 17, 1989, "The Simpsons," which began as a feature of "The Tracy Ullman Show," had its first stand-alone episode broadcast. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1790, the Aztec Calendar, or Solar Stone, was uncovered by workmen repairing Mexico City's Central Plaza. Advertisement
In 1903, Orville Wright made history's first sustained airplane flight, lasting 12 seconds and covering 120 feet near Kitty Hawk, N.C. His brother Wilbur flew 852 feet later that day.
In 1925, U.S. Army Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, considered to be the father of the U.S. Air Force, was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the good of the armed services. He was awarded the Medal of Honor 20 years after his death.
In 1939, the Nazi warship Graf Spee was scuttled off the coast of Uruguay as British vessels pursued it after the Battle of the River Plate. United Press reporter Roscoe Snipes observed the explosions aboard an airplane.
Advertisement
In 1944, the more than 110,000 Japanese Americans who had been relocated from the West Coast shortly after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor were told they would be allowed to return home on Jan. 2.
A woman visits the National Japanese American Memorial during the dedication November 9, 2000, in Washington, D.C. The memorial is dedicated to the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were interned in camps and the 800 who died fighting during WWII. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI
In 1967, the Clean Air Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In 1975, a federal jury in Sacramento sentenced Lynette Alice "Squeaky" Fromme to life in prison for her attempted assassination of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford. She was released from prison in August 2009.
In 1981, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Dozier was kidnapped in Verona by Italy's Red Brigades. He was freed 42 days later in a raid by Italian anti-terrorist forces.
In 1986, a Las Vegas federal jury awarded entertainer Wayne Newton $19.3 million in his defamation suit against NBC. A judge reduced the award to $5.3 million.
Advertisement
In 1989, The Simpsons, which began as a feature of The Tracy Ullman Show, had its first stand-alone episode broadcast. The popular animated series has spurred look-alike contests, college classes, tattoos and controversy.
In 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a radical Roman Catholic priest and opponent of the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier, was elected president of Haiti in a landslide victory.
In 1992, U.S. President George H.W. Bush and the leaders of Mexico and Canada formally signed the North American Free Trade Treaty.
In 1996, Kofi Annan of Ghana is elected secretary-general of the United Nations.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan becomes the first secretary-general to toss out the first pitch for a World Series game during the game between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, October 26, 1999. File Photo by H. R. Celestin/UPI
In 1997, New Jersey became the first state in the United States to permit same-sex couples to adopt children.
In 2004, the United States officially forgave all of the $4.1 billion owed the government by Iraq and urged other creditors to do the same.
Advertisement
In 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi self-immolated in protest of his treatment at the hands of a municipal official. This would prove to be the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution and set the stage for the Arab Spring.
In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died and his son, Kim Jong Un, took over leadership.
In 2015, Libya's warring factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government after years of violence following the death of Moammar Gadhafi.
In 2018, Merriam-Webster announced its 2018 Word of the Year was "justice."


upi--2020-12-17--Trump administration blacklists companies over Iranian petrochemicals

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- The United States has blacklisted several companies in China , Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates , accusing them of dealing in Iranian petrochemicals as the Trump administration continues with its `` maximum pressure '' campaign in its final weeks in office .
The Treasury announced sanctions against four entities -- two in China and two in the UAE -- for facilitating the export of petrochemical products by Triliance Petrochemical Co. , which was designated by the Trump administration in January .
The Chinese firms designated are Donghai International Ship Management Limited and Petrochem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FZE and Petroliance Trading FZE are the UAE-based companies that were named .
The State Department on Wednesday concurrently announced sanctions against Vietnam Gas and Chemicals Transportation Corporation and its managing director , Vo Ngoc Phung , for `` knowingly engaging , on or after Nov. 5 , 2018 , in a significant transaction for the transport of petroleum products from Iran . ''
`` Iran 's petrochemical and petroleum sectors are primary sources of funding for the Iranian regime , which it uses to support its malign domestic and foreign agenda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` The United States will act against persons who support illicit actors engaged in the movement of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales . ''
The Treasury said the four companies have provided Triliance with `` critical shipping services '' as well as conducting financial transactions on its behalf , measures that enable it to continue to move Iranian petrochemical products .
Profits from petrochemical products are an important revue source for Tehran , and the United States accuses the Middle Eastern country of using those proceeds to enrich its leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of weapons of mass destruction .
Donghai has been accused by the Treasury of operating a shipping vessel that transported tens of thousands of metric tons of petrochemicals worth millions of dollars early this year from Iran to China in a deal brokered by Triliance .
Petrochem has been accused of channeling payments to Donghai for it to transport the petroleum for Triliance , the Treasury said , adding that the two UAE-based companies have been used as fronts for Triliance to broker the sales of thousands of tons of petrochemicals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use , various front companies in connection with the purchase of petrochemical products by foreign buyers and the transportation of those petrochemical products from Iran , '' Mnuchin said .
The sanctions were imposed following several others leveled this week against entities and individuals connected to the Iranian regime as the Trump administration further tightens its financial vises on Tehran in its final weeks at helm of the United States .
The Trump administration has been applying a `` maximum pressure '' campaign against Tehran since President Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear accord aimed at preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon , calling it `` defective at its core . ''
Sanctions have been at the heart of the campaign with the goal of forcing Iran back to the negotiating table on a new deal .
Despite the lack of a new deal , the Trump administration has claimed the sanction campaign is working .
`` As a direct result of the U.S. maximum pressure campaign , Iran 's military and 'security ' budget proposal for next year has decreased by a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` These latest sanctions degrade the regime 's ability to inflict human rights abuses on the Iranian people .
We reiterate that only a fundamental change in the Iranian regime 's behavior can provide a path toward sanctions relief . ''
President-elect Joe Biden has said he intends to rejoin the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , which would require sanctions imposed since 2018 to be removed .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (R) and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sanctioned several companies on Wednesday over their connections to selling and shipping petrochemicals for Iran. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The United States has blacklisted several companies in China, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of dealing in Iranian petrochemicals as the Trump administration continues with its "maximum pressure" campaign in its final weeks in office. The Treasury announced sanctions against four entities -- two in China and two in the UAE -- for facilitating the export of petrochemical products by Triliance Petrochemical Co., which was designated by the Trump administration in January. Advertisement
The Chinese firms designated are Donghai International Ship Management Limited and Petrochem South East Limited. Alpha Tech Trading FZE and Petroliance Trading FZE are the UAE-based companies that were named.
The State Department on Wednesday concurrently announced sanctions against Vietnam Gas and Chemicals Transportation Corporation and its managing director, Vo Ngoc Phung, for "knowingly engaging, on or after Nov. 5, 2018, in a significant transaction for the transport of petroleum products from Iran."
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"Iran's petrochemical and petroleum sectors are primary sources of funding for the Iranian regime, which it uses to support its malign domestic and foreign agenda," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "The United States will act against persons who support illicit actors engaged in the movement of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales."
The Treasury said the four companies have provided Triliance with "critical shipping services" as well as conducting financial transactions on its behalf, measures that enable it to continue to move Iranian petrochemical products.
Profits from petrochemical products are an important revue source for Tehran, and the United States accuses the Middle Eastern country of using those proceeds to enrich its leaders and finance destabilizing activities, including the production of weapons of mass destruction.
Donghai has been accused by the Treasury of operating a shipping vessel that transported tens of thousands of metric tons of petrochemicals worth millions of dollars early this year from Iran to China in a deal brokered by Triliance.
Petrochem has been accused of channeling payments to Donghai for it to transport the petroleum for Triliance, the Treasury said, adding that the two UAE-based companies have been used as fronts for Triliance to broker the sales of thousands of tons of petrochemicals.
Advertisement
"Triliance has used, and continues to use, various front companies in connection with the purchase of petrochemical products by foreign buyers and the transportation of those petrochemical products from Iran," Mnuchin said.
The sanctions were imposed following several others leveled this week against entities and individuals connected to the Iranian regime as the Trump administration further tightens its financial vises on Tehran in its final weeks at helm of the United States.
The Trump administration has been applying a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran since President Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew the United States from an Obama-era multination nuclear accord aimed at preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling it "defective at its core."
Sanctions have been at the heart of the campaign with the goal of forcing Iran back to the negotiating table on a new deal.
Despite the lack of a new deal, the Trump administration has claimed the sanction campaign is working.
"As a direct result of the U.S. maximum pressure campaign, Iran's military and 'security' budget proposal for next year has decreased by a massive 24%," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Wednesday. "These latest sanctions degrade the regime's ability to inflict human rights abuses on the Iranian people. We reiterate that only a fundamental change in the Iranian regime's behavior can provide a path toward sanctions relief."
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President-elect Joe Biden has said he intends to rejoin the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which would require sanctions imposed since 2018 to be removed.


upi--2020-12-17--EU imposes 3rd round of sanctions against Belarus over repression

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- The European Union on Thursday imposed further sanctions against Belarusian authorities and companies , accusing them of participating in the ongoing violent repression of demonstrators , opposition politicians and journalists by the government .
`` This decision aims to send a powerful message to the responsible political and economic actors that their support to the regime comes at a cost , '' the EU said in a statement .
A total of 29 people and seven companies were targeted with travel bans and asset freezes with the sanctions on Thursday that prohibit those blacklisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
EU citizens are also prohibited from doing business with those named .
The sanctions are in relation to the repressive actions the government of Aleksander Lukashenko has employed against the Belarusian people protesting the results of August 's presidential election , which many countries , including Britain , the Untied States and those of the European bloc , have not accepted deeming them to have been neither free nor fair .
The European Parliament has accused the Lukashenko regime of having responded to the protests with `` an unprecedented level of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Parliament announced the Sakharov Prize for human rights would be awarded to Belarus ' democratic opposition .
That same month , the EU announced its first round of sanctions against 40 Belarusians in condemnation of the violence .
The second set of sanctions targeting Lukashenko and 14 other officials was imposed early last month .
In total , 88 individuals and seven entities have been designated .
Among those sanctioned Thursday include the Deputy Prime Minister Anatol Aliaksandravich Sivak , Minister of Information Ihar Uladzimiravich and Prosecutor General Andrei Ivanavich .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put pressure on the Belarusian political leadership to prevent further violence and repression , to release all political prisoners and other unjustly detained people and to initiate a genuine and inclusive national dialogue with broader society , '' the EU said .
`` The EU stands ready to support a peaceful democratic transition .

A protester marches during a rally to protest against the presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus, on September 27. Opposition activists continue their every day protest actions, demanding new elections under international observation. Photo by EPA-EFE
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The European Union on Thursday imposed further sanctions against Belarusian authorities and companies, accusing them of participating in the ongoing violent repression of demonstrators, opposition politicians and journalists by the government. "This decision aims to send a powerful message to the responsible political and economic actors that their support to the regime comes at a cost," the EU said in a statement. Advertisement
A total of 29 people and seven companies were targeted with travel bans and asset freezes with the sanctions on Thursday that prohibit those blacklisted from entering or transiting through EU territories. EU citizens are also prohibited from doing business with those named.
The sanctions are in relation to the repressive actions the government of Aleksander Lukashenko has employed against the Belarusian people protesting the results of August's presidential election, which many countries, including Britain, the Untied States and those of the European bloc, have not accepted deeming them to have been neither free nor fair.
The European Parliament has accused the Lukashenko regime of having responded to the protests with "an unprecedented level of violence and repression."
In October, the European Parliament announced the Sakharov Prize for human rights would be awarded to Belarus' democratic opposition.
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That same month, the EU announced its first round of sanctions against 40 Belarusians in condemnation of the violence.
The second set of sanctions targeting Lukashenko and 14 other officials was imposed early last month.
In total, 88 individuals and seven entities have been designated.
Among those sanctioned Thursday include the Deputy Prime Minister Anatol Aliaksandravich Sivak, Minister of Information Ihar Uladzimiravich and Prosecutor General Andrei Ivanavich.
"The purpose of these sanctions is to put pressure on the Belarusian political leadership to prevent further violence and repression, to release all political prisoners and other unjustly detained people and to initiate a genuine and inclusive national dialogue with broader society," the EU said. "The EU stands ready to support a peaceful democratic transition.


upi--2020-12-17--Modeling agent Jean Luc Brunel arrested in connection to Jeffrey Epstein investigation

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- French modeling agent Jean Luc Brunel was detained in Paris on Thursday as his agency is suspected of providing underage girls to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
Brunel , 74 , was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a plane to Dakar , Senegal , after he showed his passport and airport authorities noted he was wanted for questioning by national police , NBC News reported .
He faces charges including rape , sexual assault of a minor and trafficking of minors , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecutors said the arrest was part of an investigation into the possible `` events of a sexual nature thought to have been committed by Jeffrey Epstein and other accomplices '' opened on Aug. 23 , 2019 .
Virginia Giuffre , who has campaigned for justice for victims of sex trafficking after being abused by Epstein , said that Epstein bragged that he had slept with more than `` 1,000 of Brunel 's girls . ''
Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in August , while being held on sex trafficking charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's former girlfriend , are alleged to have helped Epstein traffick underage girls .
Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy , perjury , enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity .
Brunel has denied any wrongdoing in a 2015 lawsuit alleging `` adverse publicity '' surrounding Epstein has damaged his reputation .

French modeling agent Jean Luc Brunel was arrested in Paris on charges related to allegations that his agency provided underage girls to Jeffrey Epstein, pictured here. Photo by New York State Division of Criminal Justice/EPA-EFE
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- French modeling agent Jean Luc Brunel was detained in Paris on Thursday as his agency is suspected of providing underage girls to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brunel, 74, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a plane to Dakar, Senegal, after he showed his passport and airport authorities noted he was wanted for questioning by national police, NBC News reported. Advertisement
He faces charges including rape, sexual assault of a minor and trafficking of minors, according to the prosecutor's office in Paris.
Prosecutors said the arrest was part of an investigation into the possible "events of a sexual nature thought to have been committed by Jeffrey Epstein and other accomplices" opened on Aug. 23, 2019.
Virginia Giuffre, who has campaigned for justice for victims of sex trafficking after being abused by Epstein, said that Epstein bragged that he had slept with more than "1,000 of Brunel's girls."
Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell in August, while being held on sex trafficking charges.
Brunel and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend, are alleged to have helped Epstein traffick underage girls.
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Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, perjury, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Brunel has denied any wrongdoing in a 2015 lawsuit alleging "adverse publicity" surrounding Epstein has damaged his reputation.


upi--2020-12-17--Ex-Baltimore Ravens RB Lorenzo Taliaferro dies at 28

Dec. 17 ( UPI ) -- Former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro died Wednesday at the age of 28 , the York-Poquoson Sheriff 's Office said .
Taliaferro , who was in his hometown of Williamsburg , Va. , was transported at 3:30 p.m. EST to Riverside Doctors ' Hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
A family member told WBFF-TV in Baltimore that Taliaferro died of a heart attack .
`` We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lorenzo Taliaferro , '' Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement .
`` Lorenzo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and determined young man -- someone always committed to his teammates and well-liked by everyone in our organization .
`` We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lorenzo 's family .
May he rest in peace . ''
The Ravens selected Taliaferro in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina .
He spent three seasons in Baltimore , totaling 339 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 19 games from 2014-16 .
In 2017 , Taliaferro switched from running back to fullback but was waived before the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of football , he attempted to latch on with the Canadian Football League 's Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a defensive player in 2018 .
He was released after the preseason .
Before being drafted by the Ravens , Taliaferro was a standout player at Coastal Carolina .
In the 2013 season , he ran for 1,729 yards and 27 touchdowns and was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Year .

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (34) spent three seasons in Baltimore, totaling 339 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 19 games. File Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro died Wednesday at the age of 28, the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said. Taliaferro, who was in his hometown of Williamsburg, Va., was transported at 3:30 p.m. EST to Riverside Doctors' Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A family member told WBFF-TV in Baltimore that Taliaferro died of a heart attack. Advertisement
The Ravens confirmed the tailback's death Thursday morning.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lorenzo Taliaferro," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "Lorenzo was a kind, smart, respectful and determined young man -- someone always committed to his teammates and well-liked by everyone in our organization.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lorenzo's family. May he rest in peace."
This one hurts. Losing a brother & a friend. Zo had 1 of the biggest hearts I've ever been around. He was kind, humble, curious about life, & joy to be around. I'll be there for Major bro & let him know his dad was a good man who worked his butt off! Rest Easy Zobot! Gone 2 soon pic.twitter.com/RME8KMCXpe— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) December 17, 2020
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The Ravens selected Taliaferro in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina. He spent three seasons in Baltimore, totaling 339 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 19 games from 2014-16.
In 2017, Taliaferro switched from running back to fullback but was waived before the start of the regular season. After a year out of football, he attempted to latch on with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a defensive player in 2018. He was released after the preseason.
Before being drafted by the Ravens, Taliaferro was a standout player at Coastal Carolina. In the 2013 season, he ran for 1,729 yards and 27 touchdowns and was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Year.
Notable deaths of 2020