upi--2020-12-01--Bipartisan group proposes $900B COVID-19 stimulus plan; McConnell opposes

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled compromise legislation for a new round of coronavirus stimulus worth more than $ 900 billion that 's aimed at breaking months of deadlock between the House and Senate .
The group included Sens .
Mark Warner , D-Va. , and Mitt Romney , R-Utah , and specified their `` COVID Emergency Relief Framework , '' which calls for $ 288 billion in small-business support and $ 180 billion for extended unemployment insurance , among other fiscal appropriations .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeker , more targeted bill .
The new proposal follows months of stalled negotiations between House Democrats and Republican White House officials on another round of aid to help Americans and businesses overextended by the health crisis .
`` We are in a moment where we are hearing from our constituents from all walks of life about the importance of coming together to get people the relief they need to get through this winter a time when we are seeing cases spike , hospital beds full , our front-line workers exhausted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ They 're ] worried that somebody will come in for care and there will not be room for them , and they will not be able to do the jobs that they are trained to do , '' she told reporters at a news conference Tuesday .
`` COVID has created a crisis , and in a crisis , the people expect Congress to act , '' Romney added .
`` We 've got people unemployed , we 've got businesses shutting down , we 've got states and localities getting ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The bipartisan group said the pitch is a way to resolve the months-long deadlock between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican leaders , who have not wavered for months on their separate proposals .
The impasse is gaining more urgency as some of the measures enacted in March as part of the $ 2 trillion CARES Act are nearing their expiration , including expanded unemployment insurance and eviction moratoriums , which will vanish at the end of the year .
House Democrats approved a subsequent , $ 2.2 trillion stimulus package more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure has n't been considered by the GOP-held Senate .
McConnell has failed to pass an alternative , $ 500 billion `` skinny '' relief bill .
In a news conference Tuesday , he shot down the possibility of passing the $ 900 billion bill .
`` We just do n't have time to waste time , '' he said .
McConnell said that after speaking with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , he plans to send his own proposal to senators to get feedback .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaging games .
We do n't have time for lengthy negotiations , '' he said .
The bipartisan proposal includes $ 160 billion in state and local aid -- which is opposed by McConnell and other Senate Republicans -- and would shield businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits .
Other lawmakers supporting the bipartisan solution are Sens .
Joe Manchin , D-W.Va. ; Susan Collins , R-Maine ; Bill Cassidy R-La .
; Jeanne Shaheen D-N.H. ; Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska ; and Angus King , I-Maine .
They also include members of the House @ @ @ @

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A woman and child wear face masks to protect from and prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Central Park in New York City on November 20. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday unveiled compromise legislation for a new round of coronavirus stimulus worth more than $900 billion that's aimed at breaking months of deadlock between the House and Senate. The group included Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and specified their "COVID Emergency Relief Framework," which calls for $288 billion in small-business support and $180 billion for extended unemployment insurance, among other fiscal appropriations. Advertisement
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky shot down the proposal in favor of a sleeker, more targeted bill.
The new proposal follows months of stalled negotiations between House Democrats and Republican White House officials on another round of aid to help Americans and businesses overextended by the health crisis.
"We are in a moment where we are hearing from our constituents from all walks of life about the importance of coming together to get people the relief they need to get through this winter a time when we are seeing cases spike, hospital beds full, our front-line workers exhausted," said Sen. Maggie Hassen, D-N.H.
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"[They're] worried that somebody will come in for care and there will not be room for them, and they will not be able to do the jobs that they are trained to do," she told reporters at a news conference Tuesday.
"COVID has created a crisis, and in a crisis, the people expect Congress to act," Romney added. "We've got people unemployed, we've got businesses shutting down, we've got states and localities getting ready to lay off large numbers of people.
"It's simply unacceptable."
The bipartisan group said the pitch is a way to resolve the months-long deadlock between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican leaders, who have not wavered for months on their separate proposals.
The impasse is gaining more urgency as some of the measures enacted in March as part of the $2 trillion CARES Act are nearing their expiration, including expanded unemployment insurance and eviction moratoriums, which will vanish at the end of the year.
House Democrats approved a subsequent, $2.2 trillion stimulus package more than six months ago, but the measure hasn't been considered by the GOP-held Senate. McConnell has failed to pass an alternative, $500 billion "skinny" relief bill.
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In a news conference Tuesday, he shot down the possibility of passing the $900 billion bill.
"We just don't have time to waste time," he said.
McConnell said that after speaking with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, he plans to send his own proposal to senators to get feedback.
"We don't have time for messaging games. We don't have time for lengthy negotiations," he said.
The bipartisan proposal includes $160 billion in state and local aid -- which is opposed by McConnell and other Senate Republicans -- and would shield businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Other lawmakers supporting the bipartisan solution are Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Bill Cassidy R-La.; Jeanne Shaheen D-N.H.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Angus King, I-Maine. They also include members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus.


upi--2020-12-01--S&P 500, Nasdaq rise to new record highs to begin December

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- The S & P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new record highs on Tuesday to begin the month of December .
Markets bounced back from losses to end November as the S & P 500 increased 40.82 points , or 1.13 % , to a record 3,662.45 , while the Nasdaq Composite gained 156.37 points , or 1.28 % , to rise to a record 12,355.11 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average also climbed 185.28 , or 0.63 % .
Overall the S & P 500 has gained 13 % for the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 % .
Apple stock rose 3.08 % and Intel climbed 2.5 % to help lead the Dow higher .
Meanwhile Tesla stock increased 3.02 % upon news that it would join the S & P 500 on Dec. 21 .
Markets were driven higher Tuesday in part due to lawmakers unveiling a $ 900 billion stimulus plan , including more than $ 200 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses .
The rise also came as Adobe Analytics reported that U.S. shoppers spent a record $ 10.8 billion on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The Dow recorded its best single month performance since January 1987 despite all three major markets falling to end the month Monday .
The blue chip index gained a total of 11.8 % percent in November , while the S & P climbed 10.8 % and the Nasdaq grew 11.8 % .
While some analysts predicted the strong November performance could lead markets to retract in December , Tom Lee of Fundstrat Global Advisors cited data showing that markets consistently add gains in December during bull markets when the S & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % for the year through November .
`` December looks like it will be a very strong finish for 2020 , '' Lee wrote .

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hit new records on Tuesday to begin the month of trading as all three major indexes bounced back from losses on Monday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new record highs on Tuesday to begin the month of December. Markets bounced back from losses to end November as the S&P 500 increased 40.82 points, or 1.13%, to a record 3,662.45, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 156.37 points, or 1.28%, to rise to a record 12,355.11. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also climbed 185.28, or 0.63%. Advertisement
Overall the S&P 500 has gained 13% for the year, while the Nasdaq has soared up 38%.
Apple stock rose 3.08% and Intel climbed 2.5% to help lead the Dow higher.
Meanwhile Tesla stock increased 3.02% upon news that it would join the S&P 500 on Dec. 21.
Markets were driven higher Tuesday in part due to lawmakers unveiling a $900 billion stimulus plan, including more than $200 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses.
The rise also came as Adobe Analytics reported that U.S. shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion on Monday -- an increase of 15% from 2019.
The Dow recorded its best single month performance since January 1987 despite all three major markets falling to end the month Monday.
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The blue chip index gained a total of 11.8% percent in November, while the S&P climbed 10.8% and the Nasdaq grew 11.8%.
While some analysts predicted the strong November performance could lead markets to retract in December, Tom Lee of Fundstrat Global Advisors cited data showing that markets consistently add gains in December during bull markets when the S&P 500 was up more than 10% for the year through November.
"December looks like it will be a very strong finish for 2020," Lee wrote.


upi--2020-12-01--Supreme Court hears arguments from Nestle, Cargill in child slavery case

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- Nestle USA and Cargill argued in Supreme Court Tuesday against allowing a child slavery case against them alleging human rights violations to proceed .
Two U.S. chocolate companies had petitioned to toss out a lower court ruling allowing a 2005 lawsuit filed by men who allegedly were trafficked out of Mali as children and forced to work on Ivory Coast cocoa farms to proceed .
At issue was the Alien Tort Statute , which allows U.S. federal courts original jurisdiction over any civil action brought by foreign national seeking damages for violation of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about a 15-year-old lawsuit brought against the wrong defendant , in the wrong place , and under the wrong statute , '' according to a brief Neal Katyal and other attorneys filed earlier this month on behalf of Nestle USA .
Katyal argued before the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the ATS does n't apply to the lawsuit because the alleged damage `` occurred halfway across the globe . ''
`` Mr. Katyal , in this case , no foreign country has objected to the United States hauling its own citizens into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And why should we be cautious in terms of international relations in such a case ?
And what objection would foreign countries have to ensuring that U.S. corporations follow customary international law ? ''
Attorney Paul Hoffman , argued on behalf of the respondents to the petition .
`` Plaintiffs are former child slaves seeking compensation from two U.S. corporations , which maintain a system of child slavery and forced labor in their Ivory Coast supply chain as a matter of corporate policy to gain competitive advantage in the U.S. market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibiting child slavery and forced labor are indisputably specific , universal , and obligatory .
The norms apply directly to private parties , including corporations . ''
Hoffman accused the companies of aiding and abetting the human rights violations .
Hoffman added that small and mid-sized chocolate companies such as Tony 's Chocolonely do business without facilitating child slave labor in the Ivory Coast .
Charity Ryerson , an attorney for Corporate Accountability Lab , who traveled to Africa to probe cocoa practices , noted that Tony 's Chocolonely pays higher prices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocoa suppliers do not rely on child labor , and the extra costs make it hard for them to compete .
Katyal argued that a universal norm on aiding and abetting did not exist .
`` Could you set aside for me why you think international law -- there 's not an international law against aiding and abetting something as hideous as child slavery ? ''
Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked petitioners .
Deputy Solicitor General Curtis Gannon , supporting petitioners , cited Central Bank of Denver , a lower court case recognizing primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and abetting .

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case about two U.S. chocolate companies accused of facilitating child slavery in the Ivory Coast. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenber/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Nestle USA and Cargill argued in Supreme Court Tuesday against allowing a child slavery case against them alleging human rights violations to proceed. Two U.S. chocolate companies had petitioned to toss out a lower court ruling allowing a 2005 lawsuit filed by men who allegedly were trafficked out of Mali as children and forced to work on Ivory Coast cocoa farms to proceed. Advertisement
At issue was the Alien Tort Statute, which allows U.S. federal courts original jurisdiction over any civil action brought by foreign national seeking damages for violation of international human rights law.
"This case is about a 15-year-old lawsuit brought against the wrong defendant, in the wrong place, and under the wrong statute," according to a brief Neal Katyal and other attorneys filed earlier this month on behalf of Nestle USA.
Katyal argued before the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the ATS doesn't apply to the lawsuit because the alleged damage "occurred halfway across the globe."
Chief Justice John Roberts responded skeptically.
"Mr. Katyal, in this case, no foreign country has objected to the United States hauling its own citizens into its courts," Roberts said. "And why should we be cautious in terms of international relations in such a case? And what objection would foreign countries have to ensuring that U.S. corporations follow customary international law?"
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Attorney Paul Hoffman, argued on behalf of the respondents to the petition.
"Plaintiffs are former child slaves seeking compensation from two U.S. corporations, which maintain a system of child slavery and forced labor in their Ivory Coast supply chain as a matter of corporate policy to gain competitive advantage in the U.S. market," Hoffman said. "International norms prohibiting child slavery and forced labor are indisputably specific, universal, and obligatory. The norms apply directly to private parties, including corporations."
Hoffman accused the companies of aiding and abetting the human rights violations. Hoffman added that small and mid-sized chocolate companies such as Tony's Chocolonely do business without facilitating child slave labor in the Ivory Coast.
Charity Ryerson, an attorney for Corporate Accountability Lab, who traveled to Africa to probe cocoa practices, noted that Tony's Chocolonely pays higher prices and takes extra caution to make sure its cocoa suppliers do not rely on child labor, and the extra costs make it hard for them to compete.
Katyal argued that a universal norm on aiding and abetting did not exist.
"Could you set aside for me why you think international law -- there's not an international law against aiding and abetting something as hideous as child slavery?" Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked petitioners.
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Deputy Solicitor General Curtis Gannon, supporting petitioners, cited Central Bank of Denver, a lower court case recognizing primary civil liability did not extend to aiding and abetting.


upi--2020-12-01--Biden on economic team: 'Help is on the way'

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- President-elect Joe Biden formally nominated Janet Yellen as his treasury secretary Tuesday , saying his proposed economic team will be tasked with focusing on recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
In addition to Yellen , Biden nominated or appointed five others to lead his economic policies .
He said the team will begin on Day 1 of his administration to tackle the economic crisis spurred by the pandemic .
`` The team that I am announcing today will play a critical role in shaping our plan for action starting on Day 1 and move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said during a news conference in Wilmington , Del .
`` Our message to everybody struggling right now is this : Help is on the way . ''
In addition to Yellen , Biden nominated Wally Adeyemo to serve as deputy treasury secretary .
Adeyemo served as National Economic Council deputy director and deputy national security adviser under President Barack Obama .
Another pick was Cecilia Rouse , dean of Princeton School of Public and International Affairs , to serve as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economist when he was vice president , Jared Bernstein , along with Heather Boushey , co-founder of the progressive Washington Center for Equitable Growth .
The president-elect also nominated Neera Tanden , president of the liberal think tank Center For American Progress , as White House Office of Management and Budget director , who may have trouble in confirmation with some opposition from Republicans and progressives .
Biden called on the Senate to confirm his nominees despite already receiving some kickback on Tanden .
`` To the United States Senate , I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing and that we will be able to work across the aisle in good faith and move forward as one country , '' he said .

Vice President Joe Biden called on the Senate to confirm his Cabinet nominees. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden formally nominated Janet Yellen as his treasury secretary Tuesday, saying his proposed economic team will be tasked with focusing on recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to Yellen, Biden nominated or appointed five others to lead his economic policies. Advertisement
He said the team will begin on Day 1 of his administration to tackle the economic crisis spurred by the pandemic.
"The team that I am announcing today will play a critical role in shaping our plan for action starting on Day 1 and move fast to revive this economy," he said during a news conference in Wilmington, Del.
"Our message to everybody struggling right now is this: Help is on the way."
In addition to Yellen, Biden nominated Wally Adeyemo to serve as deputy treasury secretary. Adeyemo served as National Economic Council deputy director and deputy national security adviser under President Barack Obama.
Another pick was Cecilia Rouse, dean of Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, to serve as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
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Biden also tapped for the council his chief economist when he was vice president, Jared Bernstein, along with Heather Boushey, co-founder of the progressive Washington Center for Equitable Growth.
The president-elect also nominated Neera Tanden, president of the liberal think tank Center For American Progress, as White House Office of Management and Budget director, who may have trouble in confirmation with some opposition from Republicans and progressives.
Biden called on the Senate to confirm his nominees despite already receiving some kickback on Tanden.
"To the United States Senate, I hope these outstanding ... nominees receive a prompt hearing and that we will be able to work across the aisle in good faith and move forward as one country," he said.


upi--2020-12-01--Woman wins big after using late husband's lottery numbers for 20 years

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- An Australian woman won a lottery jackpot of more than $ 700,000 after loyally using her late husband 's set of numbers every week for two decades .
The Happy Valley , South Australia , woman told The Lott officials she was initially confused when the clerk at a local store told her they could n't pay her winnings from the Nov. 30 Monday X Lotto drawing .
`` I just went to the newsagent to buy the paper and scanned my ticket , and they said they could n't pay it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cause of the problem -- she had won a $ 737,030 jackpot .
`` I 've been playing these same numbers for donkey 's years .
I reckon 20 odd years I 've played them every week , '' the winner said .
`` I 've always thought one day they 'd win the big one . ''
She said the numbers were n't originally hers .
`` My late husband chose those numbers all these years ago .
I do n't know why he chose them , but we 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` He 's looking down on us from heaven very happy ! ''
The winner said she is planning to get new fences for her house and share her winnings with her two sons and their families .

A Happy Valley, South Australia, woman said the numbers that earned her a lottery jackpot of more than $700,000 were the same numbers she has used for 20 years and they were originally chosen by her late husband. Photo courtesy of The Lott
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 1 (UPI) -- An Australian woman won a lottery jackpot of more than $700,000 after loyally using her late husband's set of numbers every week for two decades. The Happy Valley, South Australia, woman told The Lott officials she was initially confused when the clerk at a local store told her they couldn't pay her winnings from the Nov. 30 Monday X Lotto drawing. Advertisement
"I just went to the newsagent to buy the paper and scanned my ticket, and they said they couldn't pay it," she said.
The woman soon discovered the cause of the problem -- she had won a $737,030 jackpot.
"I've been playing these same numbers for donkey's years. I reckon 20 odd years I've played them every week," the winner said. "I've always thought one day they'd win the big one."
She said the numbers weren't originally hers.
"My late husband chose those numbers all these years ago. I don't know why he chose them, but we've been playing them ever since," she said. "He's looking down on us from heaven very happy!"
The winner said she is planning to get new fences for her house and share her winnings with her two sons and their families.


upi--2020-12-01--Watch: 103-year-old time capsule found in New York state landmark

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- Crews working to restore a historical landmark in New York state discovered a century-old time capsule containing four rare coins and two letters from men who worked on a previous restoration project .
The Roslyn Landmark Society said workers restoring the Roslyn Grist Mill , which was built in the 1700s , discovered the time capsule buried in the concrete floor that was installed during a 1917 restoration project .
The half-pint milk bottle contained four rare coins : an 1863 Civil War money piece , an 1863 Haitian centime , an 1881 Indian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penny .
The bottle also contained two letters , one written in English and one in Italian .
The English letter was written by Stephen Speedling , who owned a nearby carpentry shop .
He wrote the building was being rebuilt for Harold Godwin , grandson of poet William Cullen Bryant .
The letter in Italian was written by Romolo Capparrelli , who identified himself as the person who designed the structure 's planking-style concrete roof .
`` To find such a piece of history is just really a treasure , '' Roslyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lister said the group is considering putting their own time capsule in the building before the restoration project is complete .
The mill is slated to become a museum after the project ends .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Crews working to restore a historical landmark in New York state discovered a century-old time capsule containing four rare coins and two letters from men who worked on a previous restoration project.
The Roslyn Landmark Society said workers restoring the Roslyn Grist Mill, which was built in the 1700s, discovered the time capsule buried in the concrete floor that was installed during a 1917 restoration project.
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The half-pint milk bottle contained four rare coins: an 1863 Civil War money piece, an 1863 Haitian centime, an 1881 Indian Head penny and a 1905 Indian Head penny.
The bottle also contained two letters, one written in English and one in Italian.
The English letter was written by Stephen Speedling, who owned a nearby carpentry shop. He wrote the building was being rebuilt for Harold Godwin, grandson of poet William Cullen Bryant.
The letter in Italian was written by Romolo Capparrelli, who identified himself as the person who designed the structure's planking-style concrete roof.
"To find such a piece of history is just really a treasure," Roslyn Landmark Society member Jennifer Lister told WCBS-TV.
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Lister said the group is considering putting their own time capsule in the building before the restoration project is complete. The mill is slated to become a museum after the project ends.


upi--2020-12-01--1,000 veterans died of COVID-19 in November, DoD cases climb higher

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs recorded its highest monthly death count due to COVID-19 in November while case counts among the military continue an upward climb .
The Department of Veterans Affairs reported Tuesday that COVID-19 killed more than 1,000 people in VA facilities in November -- its highest death count in a single month .
As of Tuesday , 5,022 people have died of the novel coronavirus in its facilities since the pandemic began , according to the VA. At the start of November , the VA reported that 4,017 patients had died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that 12 VA employees died of COVID-19 in November , bringing the cumulative total of employee deaths up to 74 .
November 's total breaks a record set in August for deaths due to the virus in VA facilities .
That month the department logged 820 COVID-19 deaths .
And the number of active cases of the virus more than doubled in the month of November -- the daily record of active cases prior to November was about 6,500 .
On Tuesday , the department was tracking 14,744 cases .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported 117,736 total cases of the novel coronavirus since March , with 79,020 among the military , 19,770 among civilian DoD employees , 11,721 among DoD dependents and 7,225 among contractors .
That 's an increase of 9,174 from Nov. 20 , when the Pentagon reported 108,562 total cases of the virus .
Of those , 70,890 have recovered , 1,930 have been hospitalized and 129 have died .
The increased case counts among veterans and DoD personnel mirrors civilian trends .
On Monday , there were 157,900 new COVID-19 cases and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States recorded 4.4 million cases new cases through the month of November , according to the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker .

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Richard Garcia (left) screens Machinist's Mate Fireman Taylor Welling prior to her COVID-19 test. Photo by Anthony Collier/U.S. Navy
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs recorded its highest monthly death count due to COVID-19 in November while case counts among the military continue an upward climb. The Department of Veterans Affairs reported Tuesday that COVID-19 killed more than 1,000 people in VA facilities in November -- its highest death count in a single month. Advertisement
As of Tuesday, 5,022 people have died of the novel coronavirus in its facilities since the pandemic began, according to the VA.
At the start of November, the VA reported that 4,017 patients had died of the virus. The department also reported that 12 VA employees died of COVID-19 in November, bringing the cumulative total of employee deaths up to 74.
November's total breaks a record set in August for deaths due to the virus in VA facilities. That month the department logged 820 COVID-19 deaths.
And the number of active cases of the virus more than doubled in the month of November -- the daily record of active cases prior to November was about 6,500.
On Tuesday, the department was tracking 14,744 cases.
As of Monday evening, the Department of Defense reported 117,736 total cases of the novel coronavirus since March, with 79,020 among the military, 19,770 among civilian DoD employees, 11,721 among DoD dependents and 7,225 among contractors.
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That's an increase of 9,174 from Nov. 20, when the Pentagon reported 108,562 total cases of the virus.
Of those, 70,890 have recovered, 1,930 have been hospitalized and 129 have died.
The increased case counts among veterans and DoD personnel mirrors civilian trends.
On Monday, there were 157,900 new COVID-19 cases and almost 2,200 coronavirus deaths, and the United States recorded 4.4 million cases new cases through the month of November, according to the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.


upi--2020-12-01--Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip won't spend Christmas at Sandringham this year

Dec. 1 ( UPI ) -- British Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip plan to spend their first Christmas in 33 years away from Sandringham Palace due to COVID-19 restrictions , Buckingham Palace said Tuesday .
Like many families , the royal family will break with tradition in how they celebrate the holidays this year .
Since 1988 , the family has spent each Christmas at their 20,000-acre estate in Norfolk , often drawing multiple extended family members .
The queen and duke of Edinburgh often stay at the residence through the New Year .
The royal family also traditionally attends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magdalene Church in Sandringham .
BBC News said the queen wo n't attend church on Christmas Day to avoid large crowds of well-wishers .
The British government has advised people to only visit with up to three other households during the Christmas holiday .
`` Having considered all the appropriate advice , the queen and the duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor , '' a representative told Sky News .
`` Like everyone , they hope things will get back to normal in 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 94 , and the duke , who is 99 , have largely quarantined since March at Windsor Castle with a scaled-down staff .
Their eldest son , Prince Charles , was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in March .
The prince of Wales and his wife , Camilla Bowles , duchess of Cornwall , plan to spend Christmas at their Gloucestershire estate , Highgrove , but are expected to visit with the queen and the duchess ' family during the holiday season .
It 's unclear where Prince William and Kate Middleton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend the holiday .

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, shown here at an Easter service in 2019, will not spend this Christmas at Sandringham Palace due to COVID-19 restrictions. File Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- British Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip plan to spend their first Christmas in 33 years away from Sandringham Palace due to COVID-19 restrictions, Buckingham Palace said Tuesday. Like many families, the royal family will break with tradition in how they celebrate the holidays this year. Advertisement
Since 1988, the family has spent each Christmas at their 20,000-acre estate in Norfolk, often drawing multiple extended family members. The queen and duke of Edinburgh often stay at the residence through the New Year.
The royal family also traditionally attends a Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. BBC News said the queen won't attend church on Christmas Day to avoid large crowds of well-wishers.
The British government has advised people to only visit with up to three other households during the Christmas holiday.
"Having considered all the appropriate advice, the queen and the duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor," a representative told Sky News.
"Like everyone, they hope things will get back to normal in 2021."
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The queen, who is 94, and the duke, who is 99, have largely quarantined since March at Windsor Castle with a scaled-down staff. Their eldest son, Prince Charles, was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in March.
The prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla Bowles, duchess of Cornwall, plan to spend Christmas at their Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove, but are expected to visit with the queen and the duchess' family during the holiday season.
It's unclear where Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend the holiday.


upi--2020-12-02--Weight-loss surgery often rids patients of Type 2 diabetes

Weight-loss surgery conquers Type 2 diabetes in more than 50 % of patients who have the procedure , new research shows .
So-called bariatric surgery helps severely obese people shed weight and improve their health .
Two types of weight-loss surgery are lap band surgery ( in which a band around the top of the stomach creates a pouch that can only hold a small amount of food ) and gastric bypass .
The bypass surgery reduces stomach size , causes hormonal changes and can lower the amount of nutrients absorbed from food .
`` If a patient with Type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choosing gastric bypass soon after diagnosis can increase their chance of remission or achieving a blood sugar level that does not need treatment , '' said study author Dr. Jonathan Purnell .
He 's a professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University , in Portland .
`` Our large study confirms the importance of weight loss on inducing diabetes remission , but also finds gastric bypass has benefits independent of weight .
If we can understand what these benefits are , it could lead to new diabetes treatments , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Endocrine Society .
For the study , Purnell 's team collected data on nearly 2,300 severely obese adults who had weight-loss surgery .
About 35 % had Type 2 diabetes .
In all , 57 % of those with diabetes who had a gastric bypass saw their diabetes disappear , as did 22 % of those who had lap band surgery .
Remission was more common in younger patients and those who had diabetes for a shorter time before their procedure , the study authors noted .
A greater likelihood of diabetes remission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not people lost weight , suggesting that mechanisms beyond weight loss contribute to improved blood sugar , the researchers said .
The findings were published online recently in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism .
To learn more about weight loss surgery , visit the American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery .

In a recent study, 57% of those with diabetes who had a gastric bypass saw their diabetes disappear, as did 22% of those who had lap band surgery. Photo by TeroVesalainen/Pixabay
Weight-loss surgery conquers Type 2 diabetes in more than 50% of patients who have the procedure, new research shows. So-called bariatric surgery helps severely obese people shed weight and improve their health. Two types of weight-loss surgery are lap band surgery (in which a band around the top of the stomach creates a pouch that can only hold a small amount of food) and gastric bypass. The bypass surgery reduces stomach size, causes hormonal changes and can lower the amount of nutrients absorbed from food. Advertisement
"If a patient with Type 2 diabetes is considering weight-loss surgery, choosing gastric bypass soon after diagnosis can increase their chance of remission or achieving a blood sugar level that does not need treatment," said study author Dr. Jonathan Purnell. He's a professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland.
"Our large study confirms the importance of weight loss on inducing diabetes remission, but also finds gastric bypass has benefits independent of weight. If we can understand what these benefits are, it could lead to new diabetes treatments," he said in a news release from the Endocrine Society.
For the study, Purnell's team collected data on nearly 2,300 severely obese adults who had weight-loss surgery. About 35% had Type 2 diabetes.
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In all, 57% of those with diabetes who had a gastric bypass saw their diabetes disappear, as did 22% of those who had lap band surgery.
Remission was more common in younger patients and those who had diabetes for a shorter time before their procedure, the study authors noted.
A greater likelihood of diabetes remission was seen after gastric bypass surgery whether or not people lost weight, suggesting that mechanisms beyond weight loss contribute to improved blood sugar, the researchers said.
The findings were published online recently in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit the American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
SOURCE: Endocrine Society, news release, Nov. 30, 2020
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-02--Look: Robert 'Memphis' Garrett, Christmas Abbott dating, go Instagram official

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Big Brother alums Robert `` Memphis '' Garrett and Christmas Abbott are going public with their relationship .
The Season 22 stars confirmed they 're dating Tuesday by making their relationship Instagram official .
Garrett and Abbott got close in a selfie on Garrett 's account .
`` Sometime people come into your life and you know they just belong .
We tried to fight it but fate had its own plan .
Excited for the future , '' he captioned the post .
Abbott posted the same photo and other pictures from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love is not found , it 's built .
@ memphisgarrett , '' she wrote .
`` ( I promise it was n't a kiss ) # 2020 # unexpected . ''
Fellow Big Brother alums Meg Maley and Kaycee Clark were among those to celebrate the news in the comments .
`` I mean ... this made me squeal !
Congrats you two ! ''
Maley wrote .
`` Oooo congratulations to you two !
See you guys in a couple days ! ''
Clark said .
In an interview with E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their favorite traits about each other .
`` My favorite trait about Memphis is that he understands and knows exactly who I am , '' Abbott said .
`` He sees me and appreciates me for me and not who he thinks I should be , or who I have been in the past .
He feels like my home . ''
`` The list could go on for days , but her contagious smile , unapologetic laugh and authenticity are just a few traits I love , '' Garrett said .
Garrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 , aka Big Brother : All-Stars , where they finished in second and third place , respectively .
Big Brother has been renewed for a 23rd season , which will air in summer 2021 .

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Big Brother alums Robert "Memphis" Garrett and Christmas Abbott are going public with their relationship.
The Season 22 stars confirmed they're dating Tuesday by making their relationship Instagram official.
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Garrett and Abbott got close in a selfie on Garrett's account.
"Sometime people come into your life and you know they just belong. We tried to fight it but fate had its own plan. Excited for the future," he captioned the post.
Abbott posted the same photo and other pictures from their relationship on her own account.
"Love is not found, it's built. @memphisgarrett," she wrote. "(I promise it wasn't a kiss) #2020 #unexpected."
Fellow Big Brother alums Meg Maley and Kaycee Clark were among those to celebrate the news in the comments.
"I mean... this made me squeal! Congrats you two!" Maley wrote.
"Oooo congratulations to you two! See you guys in a couple days!" Clark said.
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In an interview with E! News, Garrett and Abbott named their favorite traits about each other.
"My favorite trait about Memphis is that he understands and knows exactly who I am," Abbott said. "He sees me and appreciates me for me and not who he thinks I should be, or who I have been in the past. He feels like my home."
"The list could go on for days, but her contagious smile, unapologetic laugh and authenticity are just a few traits I love," Garrett said.
Garrett and Abbott met during Big Brother Season 22, aka Big Brother: All-Stars, where they finished in second and third place, respectively. Big Brother has been renewed for a 23rd season, which will air in summer 2021.


upi--2020-12-02--Watch: Melissa McCarthy on playing Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid'

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Melissa McCarthy says it 's been `` delicious to play '' the sea witch Ursula in The Little Mermaid .
The 50-year-old actress gave an update on the live-action Disney film and discussed her role as Ursula during Tuesday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
McCarthy said the movie will soon resume filming after halting production due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Hopefully if everything is hunky-dory and safe , we go back to shooting in January in London , which is very exciting , '' she said .
The Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 1989 animated film of the same name , which is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale .
The new movie is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Halle Bailey as the mermaid Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric .
On WWHL , McCarthy was asked how her Ursula will differ from the animated version , which depicts the character as a villain .
`` I have such an affection for Ursula .
I know she 's the villain , but I 've just always kind of been like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star said .
`` I mean , she 's kind of delicious to play . ''
`` I 'm just kind of doing it as if I could be the vaudevillian nightclub act that lives in my heart , '' she added .
`` It 's just so fun .
I mean , you ca n't go too far with her .
I 'm excited to see it . ''
McCarthy said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February that rehearsals for The Little Mermaid had been an `` absolute blast '' thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rob Marshall , it 's like a fever dream , '' she said .
`` All day he 's like , 'Do you want to slide down this 40-foot clam shell ? '
I 'm like , 'Yes !
Of course I do .
What are you , crazy ? '
It 's been wildly creative . ''
On WWHL , McCarthy also discussed her `` nerve-wracking '' experience singing with Barbra Streisand .
The pair collaborated on a 2016 duet of `` Anything You Can Do . ''
McCarthy and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new film Superintelligence , released on HBO Max last week .
McCarthy said in a recent interview that the movie shines `` a light on the good guys . ''

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Melissa McCarthy says it's been "delicious to play" the sea witch Ursula in The Little Mermaid.
The 50-year-old actress gave an update on the live-action Disney film and discussed her role as Ursula during Tuesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
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McCarthy said the movie will soon resume filming after halting production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Hopefully if everything is hunky-dory and safe, we go back to shooting in January in London, which is very exciting," she said.
The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake of Disney's 1989 animated film of the same name, which is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. The new movie is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Halle Bailey as the mermaid Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.
On WWHL, McCarthy was asked how her Ursula will differ from the animated version, which depicts the character as a villain.
"I have such an affection for Ursula. I know she's the villain, but I've just always kind of been like, oh my god," the star said. "I mean, she's kind of delicious to play."
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"I'm just kind of doing it as if I could be the vaudevillian nightclub act that lives in my heart," she added. "It's just so fun. I mean, you can't go too far with her. I'm excited to see it."
McCarthy said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February that rehearsals for The Little Mermaid had been an "absolute blast" thus far.
"Stepping into the world of Rob Marshall, it's like a fever dream," she said. "All day he's like, 'Do you want to slide down this 40-foot clam shell?' I'm like, 'Yes! Of course I do. What are you, crazy?' It's been wildly creative."
On WWHL, McCarthy also discussed her "nerve-wracking" experience singing with Barbra Streisand. The pair collaborated on a 2016 duet of "Anything You Can Do."
McCarthy and her husband, Ben Falcone, star in the new film Superintelligence, released on HBO Max last week. McCarthy said in a recent interview that the movie shines "a light on the good guys."


upi--2020-12-02--New lab-on-a-chip infection test can produce diagnostic results in minutes

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have successfully miniaturized the polymerase chain reaction , or PCR , the technology that powers the most popular tests for detecting viruses and bacteria in biological samples .
PCR is usually performed in the lab , but the new lab-on-a-chip , described Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications , could allow diagnostic testing to be done on-site , returning results in a matter of minutes .
To build their lab-on-a-chip , researchers at Imperial College London installed the miniature PCR onto a silicon chip , the same platform used to make electronic chips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lab or going to a clinic , the lab could come to you on a fingernail-sized chip , '' lead researcher Firat Guder said in a news release .
`` You would use the test much like how people with diabetes use blood sugar tests , by providing a sample and waiting for results -- except this time it 's for infectious diseases , '' said Guder , a bioengineer at Imperial .
Typically , the silicon chip production process requires massive `` clean rooms , '' factories that have been thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers developed a new , less-demanding production method .
The breakthrough could allow silicon chips to be produced at a variety of facilities around the world .
So far , scientists have used their lab-on-a-chip , dubbed TriSilix , to diagnose a type of bacterial infection common in animals .
The miniaturized PCR also successfully identified a synthetic version of the genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The lab-on-a-chip consists of a DNA sensor , temperature detector and heater to trigger the testing process , which can be powered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further validate the technology using a variety of clinical bacteria and virus samples .
In the future , researchers suggest the TriSilix could be integrated into blood sugar test-style devices and used at home to diagnose colds , flu , urinary tract infections and COVID-19 .
At-home testing technologies like TriSilix could eliminate the costs of transporting biological samples , as well as eliminate the need for potentially infected patients to leave their home , increasing the risk of transmission , researchers say .
`` Monitoring infections at home could even help patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to personalize and tailor their antibiotic use to help reduce the growing problem of antibiotic resistance , '' said Estefania Nunez-Bajo , also an Imperial bioengineer .

Researchers suggest their new lab-on-a-chip, called TriSilix, could be integrated into blood sugar test-style devices and used at home to diagnose colds, flu, urinary tract infections and COVID-19. Photo by Imperial College London
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Scientists have successfully miniaturized the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, the technology that powers the most popular tests for detecting viruses and bacteria in biological samples. PCR is usually performed in the lab, but the new lab-on-a-chip, described Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications, could allow diagnostic testing to be done on-site, returning results in a matter of minutes. Advertisement
To build their lab-on-a-chip, researchers at Imperial College London installed the miniature PCR onto a silicon chip, the same platform used to make electronic chips.
"Rather than sending swabs to the lab or going to a clinic, the lab could come to you on a fingernail-sized chip," lead researcher Firat Guder said in a news release.
"You would use the test much like how people with diabetes use blood sugar tests, by providing a sample and waiting for results -- except this time it's for infectious diseases," said Guder, a bioengineer at Imperial.
Typically, the silicon chip production process requires massive "clean rooms," factories that have been thoroughly sanitized.
For the new study, researchers developed a new, less-demanding production method. The breakthrough could allow silicon chips to be produced at a variety of facilities around the world.
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So far, scientists have used their lab-on-a-chip, dubbed TriSilix, to diagnose a type of bacterial infection common in animals. The miniaturized PCR also successfully identified a synthetic version of the genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19.
The lab-on-a-chip consists of a DNA sensor, temperature detector and heater to trigger the testing process, which can be powered by a smartphone battery.
Researchers plan to further validate the technology using a variety of clinical bacteria and virus samples.
In the future, researchers suggest the TriSilix could be integrated into blood sugar test-style devices and used at home to diagnose colds, flu, urinary tract infections and COVID-19.
At-home testing technologies like TriSilix could eliminate the costs of transporting biological samples, as well as eliminate the need for potentially infected patients to leave their home, increasing the risk of transmission, researchers say.
"Monitoring infections at home could even help patients, with the help of their doctor, to personalize and tailor their antibiotic use to help reduce the growing problem of antibiotic resistance," said Estefania Nunez-Bajo, also an Imperial bioengineer.


upi--2020-12-02--North Korea raises coronavirus alert to highest despite ‘zero’ cases

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- North Korea raised its alert level for the novel coronavirus to the highest of three stages despite state claims of `` zero '' cases of COVID-19 .
Pyongyang 's Korea Central Television reported Wednesday the country is `` taking strong measures '' so citizens `` strictly adhere to emergency quarantine regulations . ''
The social distancing rules require restaurants , some stores , public bathhouses and other facilities to close down .
Movement is being restricted , state media said .
North Korean workplaces have also shuttered , according to KCTV .
Workers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use networks to `` reduce business trips as much as possible , '' state media said .
North Korea 's COVID-19 alert-level system includes three stages .
The country is raising its level to the highest stage as new cases continue to be reported in neighboring China , where the government previously claimed `` victory '' over the coronavirus .
Pyongyang has claimed there have been no COVID-19 patients since the start of the pandemic , but the country is also ramping up testing .
Edwin Salvador , the World Health Organization representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Free Asia the country has been testing on average 1,600 people per week .
North Korea has also increased the number of front-line health workers administering the tests , the report says .
The WHO does not have direct access to the North Korean population .
The agency reports numbers approved by Pyongyang , according to the United Nations .
The WHO 's most recent weekly situation report on COVID-19 in Southeast Asia indicates 8,594 people in North Korea were registered as `` suspected cases '' since the start of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 804 people were suspected between Nov. 12 and 19 as a result of `` intensified surveillance , '' according to the WHO .
North Korea is raising the COVID-19 alert level as new claims are being made about vaccines .
Harry Kazianis , an analyst at the Center for the National Interest , a think tank in Washington , said in a recent statement Kim Jong-un and other top North Korean officials may have been vaccinated for the coronavirus .
The information is from Japanese intelligence sources that can not be identified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday they had not heard of the report and denied knowing of any delivery of Chinese vaccines to North Korea .

North Korea is raising its level to the highest stage as new cases continue to be reported in neighboring China. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- North Korea raised its alert level for the novel coronavirus to the highest of three stages despite state claims of "zero" cases of COVID-19. Pyongyang's Korea Central Television reported Wednesday the country is "taking strong measures" so citizens "strictly adhere to emergency quarantine regulations." The social distancing rules require restaurants, some stores, public bathhouses and other facilities to close down. Movement is being restricted, state media said. Advertisement
North Korean workplaces have also shuttered, according to KCTV. Workers will communicate via "videoconferencing systems" and use networks to "reduce business trips as much as possible," state media said.
North Korea's COVID-19 alert-level system includes three stages. The country is raising its level to the highest stage as new cases continue to be reported in neighboring China, where the government previously claimed "victory" over the coronavirus.
Pyongyang has claimed there have been no COVID-19 patients since the start of the pandemic, but the country is also ramping up testing. Edwin Salvador, the World Health Organization representative in North Korea, recently told Radio Free Asia the country has been testing on average 1,600 people per week. North Korea has also increased the number of front-line health workers administering the tests, the report says.
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The WHO does not have direct access to the North Korean population. The agency reports numbers approved by Pyongyang, according to the United Nations. The WHO's most recent weekly situation report on COVID-19 in Southeast Asia indicates 8,594 people in North Korea were registered as "suspected cases" since the start of the pandemic, including eight foreigners. A total of 804 people were suspected between Nov. 12 and 19 as a result of "intensified surveillance," according to the WHO.
North Korea is raising the COVID-19 alert level as new claims are being made about vaccines.
Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the Center for the National Interest, a think tank in Washington, said in a recent statement Kim Jong-un and other top North Korean officials may have been vaccinated for the coronavirus. The information is from Japanese intelligence sources that cannot be identified, Kazianis said.
Beijing's foreign ministry said Tuesday they had not heard of the report and denied knowing of any delivery of Chinese vaccines to North Korea.


upi--2020-12-02--U.S. reaches 2nd-highest daily COVID-19 death toll to date -- almost 2,600

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The United States has seen its second-deadliest day of the COVID-19 era , along with 180,000 new cases , according to updated data Wednesday from Johns Hopkins University .
The data show there were just under 2,600 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday .
The only other day that saw a higher toll was April 15 , when 2,607 patients died nationwide .
The new deaths pushed the national toll beyond 270,000 since the pandemic began nearly a year ago , according to Johns Hopkins data .
The United States also added about 180,100 cases on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
The most deaths Tuesday were seen in Texas , Michigan and Pennsylvania , according to Worldometer .
The U.S. daily average for the past week is 1,500 .
There have been 13.73 million coronavirus cases in the United States since the start of the crisis .
Hospitalizations also set a record for fourth day in a row on Tuesday .
There are nearly 99,000 patients in hospitals nationwide , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
About a fifth are in intensive care .
Hospitalizations nationwide have more than doubled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of October .
A top health official said emergency approval for a vaccine is coming soon .
Dr. Moncef Slaoui , chief science adviser to the Trump administration 's Operation Warp Speed , said he expects the Food and Drug Administration will approve Pfizer 's vaccine next week .
Pfizer says the vaccine is 95 % efficient .
`` I hope by the 10th or 11th of December the Pfizer vaccine is approved , '' Slaoui told ABC 's Good Morning America , urging Americans to trust that government approval means the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been cut , '' he said .
`` The [ vaccine ] development has been done very quickly because we had great science to allow us to do all the discovery work in weeks rather than in years . ''
The British government on Wednesday gave emergency approval for Pfizer 's vaccine , the first Western nation to sign off one .
In Texas , officials announced a single-day record in cases Tuesday and said hospital admissions in North Texas , which includes Dallas , are also close to an all-time high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential surge on our hospitals over the next few weeks , as we see the impact holiday gatherings may have on the spread , '' Dallas County officials said in a statement .
In Michigan , health officials on Tuesday reported the third-highest single-day death toll and the most since April .
Wisconsin also set a single-day record for deaths .

A masked woman walks past the site of the iconic Christmas tree in New York City's Rockefeller Center last Thursday. The lighting ceremony on Wednesday night will be a little different, under multiple coronavirus restrictions in effect this year. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The United States has seen its second-deadliest day of the COVID-19 era, along with 180,000 new cases, according to updated data Wednesday from Johns Hopkins University. The data show there were just under 2,600 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday. The only other day that saw a higher toll was April 15, when 2,607 patients died nationwide. Advertisement
The new deaths pushed the national toll beyond 270,000 since the pandemic began nearly a year ago, according to Johns Hopkins data. The United States also added about 180,100 cases on Tuesday, the fifth-highest daily count to date.
The most deaths Tuesday were seen in Texas, Michigan and Pennsylvania, according to Worldometer. The U.S. daily average for the past week is 1,500.
There have been 13.73 million coronavirus cases in the United States since the start of the crisis.
Hospitalizations also set a record for fourth day in a row on Tuesday. There are nearly 99,000 patients in hospitals nationwide, according to the COVID Tracking Project. About a fifth are in intensive care.
Hospitalizations nationwide have more than doubled in the past month and tripled since the start of October.
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A top health official said emergency approval for a vaccine is coming soon.
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed, said he expects the Food and Drug Administration will approve Pfizer's vaccine next week. Pfizer says the vaccine is 95% efficient.
"I hope by the 10th or 11th of December the Pfizer vaccine is approved," Slaoui told ABC's Good Morning America, urging Americans to trust that government approval means the vaccine is safe.
"No corners have been cut," he said. "The [vaccine] development has been done very quickly because we had great science to allow us to do all the discovery work in weeks rather than in years."
The British government on Wednesday gave emergency approval for Pfizer's vaccine, the first Western nation to sign off one.
In Texas, officials announced a single-day record in cases Tuesday and said hospital admissions in North Texas, which includes Dallas, are also close to an all-time high.
"We remain concerned about a potential surge on our hospitals over the next few weeks, as we see the impact holiday gatherings may have on the spread," Dallas County officials said in a statement.
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In Michigan, health officials on Tuesday reported the third-highest single-day death toll and the most since April. Wisconsin also set a single-day record for deaths.


upi--2020-12-02--Armie Hammer to star in drama about making of 'The Godfather' titled 'The Offer'

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Armie Hammer is set to star in drama series The Offer for Paramount Plus , which will explore the making of 1972 's The Godfather .
Hammer will portray Al Ruddy on the show , who produced the classic mafia film .
The limited series will explore Ruddy 's experience on set across 10 episodes .
The actor confirmed the casting on Instagram .
`` So beyond excited to finally announce the newest @ paramountpics project about not only one of the best movies ever made , but also a chance to play friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Godfather ! ''
Hammer said .
`` If you thought the movie was good , wait till you see what it took to get made ... .
So long 2020 , 2021 is looking pretty good , '' he continued .
The real Ruddy will serve as an executive producer on The Offer .
Michael Tolkin is writing and executive producing with Paramount Television Studios producing .
Paramount Plus is a rebranding of streaming service CBS All Access that will arrive in 2021 .
Paramount and Godfather series director Francis Ford Coppola are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of 1990 's The Godfather Part III that is titled The Godfather , Coda : The Death of Michael Corleone .
Coppola has said the new version has a new beginning , ending and rearranged scenes with restored footage and sound .

1/3
Armie Hammer will star in "The Offer," a series about the making of "The Godfather." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Armie Hammer is set to star in drama series The Offer for Paramount Plus, which will explore the making of 1972's The Godfather. Hammer will portray Al Ruddy on the show, who produced the classic mafia film. The limited series will explore Ruddy's experience on set across 10 episodes. Advertisement
The actor confirmed the casting on Instagram.
"So beyond excited to finally announce the newest @paramountpics project about not only one of the best movies ever made, but also a chance to play friend Al Ruddy in a series about The Godfather!" Hammer said.
"If you thought the movie was good, wait till you see what it took to get made.... So long 2020, 2021 is looking pretty good," he continued.
The real Ruddy will serve as an executive producer on The Offer. Michael Tolkin is writing and executive producing with Paramount Television Studios producing.
Paramount Plus is a rebranding of streaming service CBS All Access that will arrive in 2021.
Paramount and Godfather series director Francis Ford Coppola are releasing on Dec. 8 a newly edited version of 1990's The Godfather Part III that is titled The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.
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Coppola has said the new version has a new beginning, ending and rearranged scenes with restored footage and sound.


upi--2020-12-02--Activist Joshua Wong given prison sentence for Hong Kong police protest

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- A prominent pro-democracy leader in Hong Kong was sentenced Wednesday to more than a year in prison for his role in a police protest that was part of mass demonstrations there last year .
Joshua Wong entered a guilty plea last month in connection with a July 21 , 2019 , protest at police headquarters .
Wednesday , he was sentenced to 13 and a half months .
Two other anti-government protesters received lighter sentences .
Wong 's protest , like many others throughout 2019 , grew out of opposition to a controversial law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persons from Hong Kong , which is a special administrative region of China .
The protests later grew to include other grievances , including police brutality .
The magistrate said at Wong 's sentencing Wednesday that he and the other two charged demonstrators posed a threat to public safety and seriously disrupted traffic with their protest .
`` They committed the offense in a joint enterprise of which they were active participants , '' the judge said .
In a letter posted to his social media account , Wong promised he will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the fight , '' he wrote .
`` Ahead of us is another challenging battleground .
`` We 're now joining the battle in prison along with many brave protesters , less visible yet essential in the fight for democracy and freedom for [ Hong Kong ] . ''
The other two protesters in court Wednesday , Ivan Lam Long-ying and Agnes Chow Ting , were sentenced to seven and 10 months , respectively .

Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, pictured here after voting last year in Hong Kong's district council elections, vowed to keep fighting after Wednesday's sentencing. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A prominent pro-democracy leader in Hong Kong was sentenced Wednesday to more than a year in prison for his role in a police protest that was part of mass demonstrations there last year. Joshua Wong entered a guilty plea last month in connection with a July 21, 2019, protest at police headquarters. Wednesday, he was sentenced to 13 and a half months. Two other anti-government protesters received lighter sentences. Advertisement
Wong's protest, like many others throughout 2019, grew out of opposition to a controversial law that allowed mainland China to extradite accused persons from Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China. The protests later grew to include other grievances, including police brutality.
The magistrate said at Wong's sentencing Wednesday that he and the other two charged demonstrators posed a threat to public safety and seriously disrupted traffic with their protest.
"They committed the offense in a joint enterprise of which they were active participants," the judge said.
In a letter posted to his social media account, Wong promised he will keep fighting.
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"It's not the end of the fight," he wrote. "Ahead of us is another challenging battleground.
"We're now joining the battle in prison along with many brave protesters, less visible yet essential in the fight for democracy and freedom for [Hong Kong]."
The other two protesters in court Wednesday, Ivan Lam Long-ying and Agnes Chow Ting, were sentenced to seven and 10 months, respectively.
Protesters clash with police in Hong Kong


upi--2020-12-02--Clippers to waive veteran Joakim Noah, likely ending career

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Clippers plan to waive veteran center Joakim Noah , a move that likely ends his 13-year NBA career , his agent said .
Noah 's agent , Bill Duffy , told ESPN on Tuesday that his client is `` likely headed toward retirement '' after the move .
`` What an illustrious career for Joakim , starting with two national titles at the University of Florida , to becoming an NBA Defensive Player of the Year and ultimately evolving into one of the most passionate , spirited players to ever come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ESPN .
`` It 's been my honor to represent Joakim through his journey . ''
Noah , 35 , sustained a torn Achilles tendon in September 2019 before he joined the Clippers on a 10-day contract prior to the pandemic , then extended that agreement for the rest of the season .
He appeared in just five games last season .
The two-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive Team selection entered the league as the No .
9 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft .
Noah spent his first nine seasons with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Player of the Year and All-NBA selection averaged a career-high 12.6 points , 11.3 rebounds , 5.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game during that campaign .
Noah also spent time with the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies before he joined the Clippers .
The 6-foot-11 , 230-pound center posted 8.8 points , nine rebounds and 2.8 assists per game for his career .

Veteran center Joakim Noah is expected to retire after he is waived by the Los Angeles Clippers. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Clippers plan to waive veteran center Joakim Noah, a move that likely ends his 13-year NBA career, his agent said. Noah's agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN on Tuesday that his client is "likely headed toward retirement" after the move. Advertisement
"What an illustrious career for Joakim, starting with two national titles at the University of Florida, to becoming an NBA Defensive Player of the Year and ultimately evolving into one of the most passionate, spirited players to ever come through our sport," Duffy told ESPN.
"It's been my honor to represent Joakim through his journey."
Noah, 35, sustained a torn Achilles tendon in September 2019 before he joined the Clippers on a 10-day contract prior to the pandemic, then extended that agreement for the rest of the season. He appeared in just five games last season.
The two-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive Team selection entered the league as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Noah spent his first nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls. The 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA selection averaged a career-high 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game during that campaign.
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Noah also spent time with the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies before he joined the Clippers. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound center posted 8.8 points, nine rebounds and 2.8 assists per game for his career.


upi--2020-12-02--Watch: The Smashing Pumpkins perform 'Cyr' on 'Tonight Show'

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The Smashing Pumpkins gave a virtual performance of `` Cyr , '' the title @ @ @ @ @ album on The Tonight Show .
Frontman Billy Corgan and his bandmates James Iha , @ @ @ @ @ performed the song in a studio .
The performance , on Tuesday , was edited @ @ @ @ @ multiple screens .
`` Fragments form the mind/ Shadows hold the mist/ Fractured as this @ @ @ @ @ 're on the verge , we 're on the verge , '' Corgan sings .
@ @ @ @ @ Cyr album in November .
The project includes 20 tracks in total including `` The @ @ @ @ @ The band last released Shiny and Oh So Bright Vol .
1 in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ video for `` Cyr '' was released in August , which was directed , edited @ @ @ @ @ .

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Smashing Pumpkins gave a virtual performance of "Cyr," the title track from their newly released album on The Tonight Show.
Frontman Billy Corgan and his bandmates James Iha, Jeff Schroeder and Jimmy Chamberlin performed the song in a studio.
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The performance, on Tuesday, was edited into a unique video with multiple screens.
"Fragments form the mind/ Shadows hold the mist/ Fractured as this wish/ Shattered I resign/ We're on the verge, we're on the verge," Corgan sings.
The Smashing Pumpkins released the Cyr album in November. The project includes 20 tracks in total including "The Colour of Love." The band last released Shiny and Oh So Bright Vol. 1 in 2018.
A black and white music video for "Cyr" was released in August, which was directed, edited and colored by Linda Strawberry.


upi--2020-12-02--In photos: Scenes from the holiday season

The world heads into a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people preparing for the holidays in the @ @ @ @ @ world .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-12-02--In Photos: Moments from Britney Spears' career

Spears ( L ) and then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake , of the vocal group 'NSync , arrive at the Jive Records @ @ @ @ @ the release of Spears ' new album , `` Britney , '' in New York @ @ @ @ @ 2001 .
The couple met on the set of `` The All-New Mickey Mouse Club @ @ @ @ @ 1999 and split in 2002 .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Spears won Female Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on December 10, 1999. She was also awarded New Artist of the Year, Female Hot 100 Singles Artist of the Year and Female Album Artist of the Year. Photo by Nasser Khan/UPI


upi--2020-12-02--U.S. women's soccer team, federation agree to partial settlement in equality suit

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The United States Soccer Federation and United States Women 's National Team players have agreed to a partial settlement in the players ' lawsuit claiming unequal work conditions compared to the men 's team .
The two sides reached an agreement Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California .
U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner still must issue a final approval of the proposed settlement .
Klausner previously dismissed the players ' allegations of gender discrimination for earnings compared to the men 's team .
He said in the May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a triable issue that [ women 's ] players are paid less than [ men 's ] players . ''
The players still plan to appeal the wage discrimination decision under the Equal Pay Act .
Tuesday 's agreement averts a trial on the working condition claims , but does not end the lawsuit due to the pending appeal .
The federation has not admitted to wrongdoing or discrimination .
`` We are pleased that the [ U.S. women 's team ] players have fought for -- and achieved -- long overdue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levinson , the players ' spokeswoman .
`` We now intend to file our appeal to the court 's decision , which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job .
`` We remain as committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve .
Our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As part of Tuesday 's agreement , the federation pledges to implement policies related to hotel accommodations , staffing , venues and travel for the women 's team .
The federation also will implement a senior national team professional support policy , put in place to ensure equality of staffing for the men 's and women 's teams .
The policy also allows flexibility based on each team 's needs .
Each team will be provided `` equally acceptable venues and field playing surfaces . ''
`` [ The federation ] denies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it has not discriminated against plaintiffs on the basis of sex in pay or working conditions , '' the settlement documents state .
The lawsuit , filed in March , initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used `` institutionalized gender discrimination '' toward the women 's team .
It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November , meaning players from 2015 to the present day could be represented .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the class .
The players had asked for more than $ 66 million in back pay and compensation .
`` We hope today 's positive step forward will result in the [ players ] accepting our standing offer to discuss contract options , '' said Cindy Parlow Cone , president of the federation .
`` As a former [ U.S. ] player , I can promise you that I am committed to equality between the [ women 's team ] and [ men 's team ] .
`` My goal is , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resolution on all equal pay matters and inspire a new era of collaboration , partnership and trust between the [ women 's team ] and the federation .
`` Just as important , we want to work with the [ women 's team ] on growing women 's soccer here in the U.S. and across the globe .
Part of this is encouraging FIFA to invest equally in the men 's and women 's game , including increasing the World Cup prize money .
I will lend my voice and efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , but for all women 's national team players and everyone who believes in the women 's game throughout the world . ''
Klausner is expected to rule on final approval of the settlement agreement in early 2021 .

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The United States Soccer Federation pledges to implement policies related to hotel accommodations, staffing, venues and travel as part of a settlement agreement in the lawsuit filed by women's team players. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The United States Soccer Federation and United States Women's National Team players have agreed to a partial settlement in the players' lawsuit claiming unequal work conditions compared to the men's team. The two sides reached an agreement Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner still must issue a final approval of the proposed settlement. Advertisement
Klausner previously dismissed the players' allegations of gender discrimination for earnings compared to the men's team. He said in the May ruling that the players did not demonstrate "a triable issue that [women's] players are paid less than [men's] players."
The players still plan to appeal the wage discrimination decision under the Equal Pay Act. Tuesday's agreement averts a trial on the working condition claims, but does not end the lawsuit due to the pending appeal.
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The federation has not admitted to wrongdoing or discrimination.
"We are pleased that the [U.S. women's team] players have fought for -- and achieved -- long overdue equal working conditions," said Molly Levinson, the players' spokeswoman. "We now intend to file our appeal to the court's decision, which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job.
"We remain as committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve. Our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play for this team and this country."
As part of Tuesday's agreement, the federation pledges to implement policies related to hotel accommodations, staffing, venues and travel for the women's team.
The federation also will implement a senior national team professional support policy, put in place to ensure equality of staffing for the men's and women's teams. The policy also allows flexibility based on each team's needs. Each team will be provided "equally acceptable venues and field playing surfaces."
"[The federation] denies that it did anything wrong and maintains that it has not discriminated against plaintiffs on the basis of sex in pay or working conditions," the settlement documents state.
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The lawsuit, filed in March, initially included 28 players who alleged that the federation used "institutionalized gender discrimination" toward the women's team. It was filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The plaintiffs were granted class status in November, meaning players from 2015 to the present day could be represented. In total, 72 women have opted into the class. The players had asked for more than $66 million in back pay and compensation.
"We hope today's positive step forward will result in the [players] accepting our standing offer to discuss contract options," said Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the federation. "As a former [U.S.] player, I can promise you that I am committed to equality between the [women's team] and [men's team].
"My goal is, and has always been, to come to a resolution on all equal pay matters and inspire a new era of collaboration, partnership and trust between the [women's team] and the federation.
"Just as important, we want to work with the [women's team] on growing women's soccer here in the U.S. and across the globe. Part of this is encouraging FIFA to invest equally in the men's and women's game, including increasing the World Cup prize money. I will lend my voice and efforts to making this happen not only for the U.S., but for all women's national team players and everyone who believes in the women's game throughout the world."
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Klausner is expected to rule on final approval of the settlement agreement in early 2021.


upi--2020-12-02--Laura Benanti's 'Homeschool Musical' to debut on Dec. 17

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- HBO Max has announced its documentary special , Homeschool Musical : Class of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Laura Benanti , will debut on Dec. 17 .
The program will feature teen performers @ @ @ @ @ were sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic this year .
`` Each teen will perform @ @ @ @ @ expresses their emotions about their experience as high school seniors faced with their world turned @ @ @ @ @ press release said .
`` Along with their musical numbers , we 'll hear directly @ @ @ @ @ showcase their unique perspective , their wide range of emotions , hurdles , laughs and @ @ @ @ @ during the past year . ''

Laura Benanti's "Homeschool Musical" special is to debut on HBO Max Dec. 17. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- HBO Max has announced its documentary special, Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020, hosted by Broadway star Laura Benanti, will debut on Dec. 17. The program will feature teen performers whose school concerts and musicals were sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic this year. Advertisement
"Each teen will perform a well-known song which organically expresses their emotions about their experience as high school seniors faced with their world turned upside down," a press release said.
"Along with their musical numbers, we'll hear directly from them in interviews that showcase their unique perspective, their wide range of emotions, hurdles, laughs and resilience that they've experienced during the past year."


upi--2020-12-02--Watch: Rita Wilson tells Jimmy Kimmel she still has COVID-19 antibodies

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Rita Wilson appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss how she still has COVID-19 antibodies and talk about her new singles , including `` I Wan na Kiss Bob Dylan . ''
Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March while Hanks was in Australia shooting a movie .
Kimmel remarked on Tuesday that he feels safe around Wilson due to her antibodies .
`` I still have antibodies and I get tested every couple of months because we 're part of a program at UCLA .
They test us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Wilson said .
`` They diminish as you get farther away from your infection , but they 're still there helping us out , '' she continued .
Wilson has recently released two new singles titled `` Everybody Cries '' and `` I Wan na Kiss Bob Dylan . ''
A third track , `` Pray for Peace , '' is releasing on Friday .
The actress and singer said its a metaphorical kissing of Dylan and that the song was inspired by his 1997 album , Time Out of Mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable he was , he must have just gone through a bad breakup or something , '' Wilson said .
`` I started getting into the music thinking , 'Oh my god , look , he 's so romantic .
He 's standing under a doorway , he 's singing to this woman .
He wants her to come back .
I want to kiss Bob Dylan . '
That guy whose like writing the songs because we all know people are not the way they really are in real life , '' @ @ @

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Rita Wilson appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss how she still has COVID-19 antibodies and talk about her new singles, including "I Wanna Kiss Bob Dylan."
Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March while Hanks was in Australia shooting a movie. Kimmel remarked on Tuesday that he feels safe around Wilson due to her antibodies.
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"I still have antibodies and I get tested every couple of months because we're part of a program at UCLA. They test us and so far we still have them," Wilson said.
"They diminish as you get farther away from your infection, but they're still there helping us out," she continued.
Wilson has recently released two new singles titled "Everybody Cries" and "I Wanna Kiss Bob Dylan." A third track, "Pray for Peace," is releasing on Friday.
The actress and singer said its a metaphorical kissing of Dylan and that the song was inspired by his 1997 album, Time Out of Mind.
"I was struck by how vulnerable he was, he must have just gone through a bad breakup or something," Wilson said.
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"I started getting into the music thinking, 'Oh my god, look, he's so romantic. He's standing under a doorway, he's singing to this woman. He wants her to come back. I want to kiss Bob Dylan.' That guy whose like writing the songs because we all know people are not the way they really are in real life," she continued.


upi--2020-12-02--Gallup: Confidence in U.S. economy at highest point in 8 months

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Americans are becoming more optimistic about the U.S. economy , almost a year after the start of the coronavirus crisis as multiple companies are nearing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines , a Gallup survey showed Wednesday .
Gallup reported the findings of its latest Economic Confidence Index , which measures sentiment in the United States throughout each year .
It said the index is now at a -1 -- up from -4 a month ago .
The -1 rating is the index 's highest since the early weeks of the pandemic in March .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April when businesses and schools closed nationwide in response to the spread of the coronavirus .
Before the health crisis , the index had a 44 rating .
Gallup asked U.S. adults if they believe the economic climate is excellent , good , fair or poor , and whether it 's improving or getting worse .
`` It has since been improving gradually and is now back to the level seen just before the 2016 election , '' Gallup wrote , noting that the new rating reflects `` a period of record highs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 after Pfizer 's announcement that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be highly effective . ''
The new figures were collected last month after the presidential election and a government report showing unemployment had fallen below 7 % In the spring , 43 % rated economic conditions as `` poor . ''
That figure is now down to 23 % , the lowest number of the coronavirus era and 6 points better than the last survey .
Gallup also found that 55 % said the economy is getting worse and 40 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views of the U.S. economy continues to become less negative , as much of the economy has reopened after this spring 's shutdowns and the employment situation gradually improves , '' Gallup added .
`` Yet , this is more at the margins of opinion than overall , because the majority still call the economy 'poor ' or 'only fair , ' rather than 'excellent ' or even 'good . '
`` Further , with no economic stimulus plan in the works at the time of the poll and widespread distribution of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority continue to believe economic conditions are worsening rather than improving . ''
Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults nationwide for the survey , which has a margin of error of 4 points .

A restaurant for rent is seen on Madison Avenue in New York City on September 30. Thousands of similar businesses nationwide have been forced to close, some temporarily and some permanently, by the coronavirus pandemic this year. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Americans are becoming more optimistic about the U.S. economy, almost a year after the start of the coronavirus crisis as multiple companies are nearing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, a Gallup survey showed Wednesday. Gallup reported the findings of its latest Economic Confidence Index, which measures sentiment in the United States throughout each year. It said the index is now at a -1 -- up from -4 a month ago. The -1 rating is the index's highest since the early weeks of the pandemic in March. Advertisement
The index sank to a -33 rating in April when businesses and schools closed nationwide in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Before the health crisis, the index had a 44 rating.
Gallup asked U.S. adults if they believe the economic climate is excellent, good, fair or poor, and whether it's improving or getting worse.
"It has since been improving gradually and is now back to the level seen just before the 2016 election," Gallup wrote, noting that the new rating reflects "a period of record highs in the stock market, starting Nov. 9 after Pfizer's announcement that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be highly effective."
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The new figures were collected last month after the presidential election and a government report showing unemployment had fallen below 7%
In the spring, 43% rated economic conditions as "poor." That figure is now down to 23%, the lowest number of the coronavirus era and 6 points better than the last survey.
Gallup also found that 55% said the economy is getting worse and 40% said it's improving.
"Americans' views of the U.S. economy continues to become less negative, as much of the economy has reopened after this spring's shutdowns and the employment situation gradually improves," Gallup added. "Yet, this is more at the margins of opinion than overall, because the majority still call the economy 'poor' or 'only fair,' rather than 'excellent' or even 'good.'
"Further, with no economic stimulus plan in the works at the time of the poll and widespread distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine still months away, the majority continue to believe economic conditions are worsening rather than improving."
Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults nationwide for the survey, which has a margin of error of 4 points.


upi--2020-12-02--Naomi Watts-Andrew Lincoln film, 'Penguin Bloom,' to premiere on Netflix Jan. 21

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- Netflix said it will stream the film Penguin Bloom -- starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln -- on Jan. 21 in North America , the United Kingdom , France and some countries in Asia .
The drama is based on the true story recounted in Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive 's book by the same name .
The movie 's cast will also include Jacki Weaver , Rachel House , Leeanna Walsman , Lisa Hensley , Griffin Murray-Johnston , Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr .
Glendyn Ivin directed the project , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The story follows Samantha Bloom , a married mother and avid outdoorswoman who is paralyzed from the chest down during a mishap .
She begins to emerge from her depression a year later when her children rescue and care for a baby bird .
`` We all fell in love with the life-affirming nature of Sam 's story and her undeniable spirit , '' the film 's producers said in a press release .
`` The emotional journey she and her family go on after Penguin enters their lives is unforgettable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're delighted they will be bringing Penguin Bloom to audiences around the world . ''

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Naomi Watts' film "Penguin Bloom" is set to premiere on Netflix on Jan. 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Netflix said it will stream the film Penguin Bloom -- starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln -- on Jan. 21 in North America, the United Kingdom, France and some countries in Asia. The drama is based on the true story recounted in Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive's book by the same name. Advertisement
The movie's cast will also include Jacki Weaver, Rachel House, Leeanna Walsman, Lisa Hensley, Griffin Murray-Johnston, Felix Cameron and Abe Clifford-Barr.
Glendyn Ivin directed the project, which was penned by Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps.
The story follows Samantha Bloom, a married mother and avid outdoorswoman who is paralyzed from the chest down during a mishap. She begins to emerge from her depression a year later when her children rescue and care for a baby bird.
"We all fell in love with the life-affirming nature of Sam's story and her undeniable spirit," the film's producers said in a press release. "The emotional journey she and her family go on after Penguin enters their lives is unforgettable. We have a wonderful partner in Netflix and we're delighted they will be bringing Penguin Bloom to audiences around the world."


upi--2020-12-02--Britain gives emergency approval for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The British government on Wednesday became the first Western nation to approve a COVID-19 vaccine , the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech that 's shown to be better than 90 % effective .
London 's health ministry announced it has accepted a recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) to give emergency approval for the vaccine , which officials said will be made available next week .
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved after late-stage clinical data showed it is 95 % effective in protecting people over 65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety concerns were found among clinical volunteers .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel will meet next week to make a recommendation for the vaccine about emergency use in the United States .
The British government said in October it 's secured 40 million doses of Pfizer 's vaccine to be distributed in stages , `` to ensure an equitable allocation of vaccines across the geographies with executed contracts . ''
An official committee will soon make final recommendations for which people in Britain will receive priority for the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , health workers , the elderly and the clinically vulnerable will be first to receive it .
`` The [ National Health Service ] has decades of experience in delivering large-scale vaccination programs and will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to provide care and support to all those eligible for vaccination , '' the British government said in a statement Wednesday announcing the vaccine 's approval .
`` This is fantastic news , '' British health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News .
`` The MHRA , the fiercely independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for rollout .
The NHS stands ready to make that happen . ''
`` Today 's Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19 , '' added Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla .
The British government said last week it has secured 357 million vaccine doses from seven different providers , including the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca , Novavax and Moderna .

Vials of the coronavirus vaccine manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech are seen at a facility in Puurs, Belgium. Photo by Pfizer/EPA-EFE
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The British government on Wednesday became the first Western nation to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, the one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech that's shown to be better than 90% effective. London's health ministry announced it has accepted a recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to give emergency approval for the vaccine, which officials said will be made available next week. Advertisement
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved after late-stage clinical data showed it is 95% effective in protecting people over 65 years old from coronavirus. No serious safety concerns were found among clinical volunteers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel will meet next week to make a recommendation for the vaccine about emergency use in the United States.
The British government said in October it's secured 40 million doses of Pfizer's vaccine to be distributed in stages, "to ensure an equitable allocation of vaccines across the geographies with executed contracts."
An official committee will soon make final recommendations for which people in Britain will receive priority for the vaccine. It's expected that long-term care home residents, health workers, the elderly and the clinically vulnerable will be first to receive it.
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"The [National Health Service] has decades of experience in delivering large-scale vaccination programs and will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to provide care and support to all those eligible for vaccination," the British government said in a statement Wednesday announcing the vaccine's approval.
"This is fantastic news," British health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News. "The MHRA, the fiercely independent regulator, has clinically authorized the vaccine for rollout. The NHS stands ready to make that happen."
"Today's Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19," added Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla.
The British government said last week it has secured 357 million vaccine doses from seven different providers, including the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, Novavax and Moderna.


upi--2020-12-02--The Mandalorian joins 'Fortnite' Season 5 for 'Zero Point'

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- The Mandalorian from Star Wars has joined Fortnite , along with other new characters in the game 's newly released fifth season , titled Zero Point .
Players can unlock The Mandalorian , who comes with his companion The Child -- also known as Baby Yoda -- through Fortnite 's new Battle Pass .
Zero Point revolves around Agent Jones who oversees Fortnite 's reality and is trying to stop more characters from escaping the game 's loop .
Agent Jones has hired a group of hunters to get the job done , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new locations to Fortnite 's map including an ancient arena , a jungle and a desert .
Players will be able to acquire quests and bounties from in-game characters and use a new currency named Bars to spend on weapons and upgrades .
`` The hunters on the island are only the first to arrive from outside the loop .
Throughout the season , Agent Jones will bring in even more hunters from the realities beyond .
Who will be next , '' developer Epic Games said .
Fortnite , for Season 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and villains into the game including Thor , Iron Man , Wolverine , Storm , Groot with Rocket Raccoon , She-Hulk , Doctor Doom and Mystique .

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Mandalorian from Star Wars has joined Fortnite, along with other new characters in the game's newly released fifth season, titled Zero Point.
Players can unlock The Mandalorian, who comes with his companion The Child -- also known as Baby Yoda-- through Fortnite's new Battle Pass.
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Zero Point revolves around Agent Jones who oversees Fortnite's reality and is trying to stop more characters from escaping the game's loop. Agent Jones has hired a group of hunters to get the job done, including The Mandalorian.
The event will bring new locations to Fortnite's map including an ancient arena, a jungle and a desert.
Players will be able to acquire quests and bounties from in-game characters and use a new currency named Bars to spend on weapons and upgrades.
"The hunters on the island are only the first to arrive from outside the loop. Throughout the season, Agent Jones will bring in even more hunters from the realities beyond. Who will be next," developer Epic Games said.
Fortnite, for Season 4, introduced a number of Marvel heroes and villains into the game including Thor, Iron Man, Wolverine, Storm, Groot with Rocket Raccoon, She-Hulk, Doctor Doom and Mystique.