upi--2020-12-21--Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Birmingham Bowl canceled due to COVID-19

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 Guaranteed Rate Bowl and 2021 Birmingham Bowl have been canceled due to ramifications from the COVID-19 pandemic , event organizers said .
Both bowl games announced the cancellations on Sunday .
The Guaranteed Rate Bowl -- planned for Saturday in Phoenix -- features teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences .
`` We were excited to host two quality institutions and stage a memorable experience for all involved , '' the Guaranteed Rate Bowl said in a news release .
`` This is a disappointing result for our organization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and volunteers .
A lot of care and thoughtful work has gone into planning , adjusting and executing an event of this stature . ''
Birmingham Bowl organizers cited `` recent changes and the number of teams opting out of bowl season '' in its cancellation announcement .
The 2021 Birmingham Bowl was slated for Jan. 1 at Legion Field in Birmingham , Ala .
The annual event features teams from the Southeastern Conference and American Athletic Conference .
`` We have made the difficult decision to cancel the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows said .
`` As the inventory of available teams lessened , our ability to stage the game was compromised .
We will direct our focus to next year 's bowl , and look forward to staging the game in the 2021 season . ''
Nearly two dozen Division I college football programs have opted out of bowl season due to COVID-19 .
Sixteen bowl games have been canceled so far because of the pandemic .

Cincinnati beat Boston College in the 2020 Birmingham Bowl on Jan. 2, 2020, while the 2021 edition of the game has been canceled due to COVID-19. Photo by Birmingham Bowl/Walt Disney Company
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The 2020 Guaranteed Rate Bowl and 2021 Birmingham Bowl have been canceled due to ramifications from the COVID-19 pandemic, event organizers said. Both bowl games announced the cancellations Sunday. The Guaranteed Rate Bowl -- planned for Saturday in Phoenix -- features teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences. Advertisement
"We were excited to host two quality institutions and stage a memorable experience for all involved," the Guaranteed Rate Bowl said in a news release.
"This is a disappointing result for our organization, community partners, sponsors, fans, staff and volunteers. A lot of care and thoughtful work has gone into planning, adjusting and executing an event of this stature."
Birmingham Bowl organizers cited "recent changes and the number of teams opting out of bowl season" in its cancellation announcement.
The 2021 Birmingham Bowl was slated for Jan. 1 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. The annual event features teams from the Southeastern Conference and American Athletic Conference.
"We have made the difficult decision to cancel the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl," Birmingham Bowl executive director Mark Meadows said.
"As the inventory of available teams lessened, our ability to stage the game was compromised. We will direct our focus to next year's bowl, and look forward to staging the game in the 2021 season."
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Meanwhile, the 2020 Military Bowl was canceled Monday because of the amount of bowl game opt-outs this postseason. The bowl, which matches teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the AAC, was scheduled to take place Dec. 28 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.
"While so many people worked tirelessly to make this year's Military Bowl happen, this is an incredibly disappointing step to take," Military Bowl president and executive director Steve Beck said in a statement.
Also Monday, it was announced that Army will replace Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31. The Volunteers said they were pausing all team activities because of COVID-19 issues, leaving them unable to compete against West Virginia in the bowl game.
Army previously had an agreement to play in the Independence Bowl, but the game was called off Sunday after multiple teams opted out of postseason play.
"They were desperate for an opportunity to play one more time," Army head coach Jeff Monken said Monday night. "I was just humbled that people would think that much of our team and our young men to be advocates for them. Our players can't advocate for themselves. They got to just take what's offered.
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"To have people that believe in them and think so highly of this institution and this program, really it's humbling."
Nearly two dozen Division I college football programs have opted out of bowl season due to COVID-19.


upi--2020-12-21--WWE TLC: Randy Orton sets The Fiend on fire, Roman Reigns takes on Kevin Owens

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Randy Orton and The Fiend Bray Wyatt took their rivalry to another level in the first ever Firefly Inferno match at WWE TLC : Tables , Ladders and Chairs .
The main event bout on Sunday could only be won by setting any part of your opponent on fire .
The Fiend and Orton were surrounded by raging flames that engulfed the outside ring area inside the ThunderDome .
The Fiend dominated the majority of the match , laughing off any attacks by Orton .
The Fiend brought the flames to life after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abigail .
The seemingly impervious Fiend attempted to set Orton on fire by using a leather strap he set ablaze along with a flaming axe handle .
The Fiend grabbed a rocking chair and placed Orton in it before leaving a trail of gasoline .
Orton was still able to escape the chair , however , before the flames reached him .
Orton got back into the fiery battle by nailing his nemesis with a Draping DDT .
Orton attempted the RKO but The Fiend responded with the Mandible Claw .
The Fiend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orton turned things around and set The Fiend on fire instead .
The Fiend , still on fire , chased Orton back into the ring where he was taken out with an RKO .
Orton then poured gasoline over his wounded opponent after the flames went out and set The Fiend 's entire body on fire as TLC went off the air .
Also at TLC , Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Tables , Ladders and Chairs match .
The bout is won by using a ladder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hanging above the ring .
Owens came out swinging , attacking Reigns while the title was put above the ring .
Owens delivered a Cannonball against the barricade and performed a Frog Splash to gain an early advantage .
Owens also had to deal with Reigns ' cousin Jey Uso who he took out with a steel chair .
KO focused on Uso 's ankle in order to send him backstage temporarily .
Reigns got back into control after landing a Drive By outside the ring .
The violent contest included multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning Uso through the announcer 's desk , while Reigns put Owens through a table with a Samoan Drop .
Owens would not quit not matter how much punishment he endured .
Reigns put Owens through another table with Spear but missed his second Spear , which sent him flying into a ringside barricade .
Owens put Uso away with a Stunner but was stopped by Reigns at the top of the ladder .
Reigns made Owens pass out on the ladder with the Guillotine and grabbed the Universal Championship to win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WWE Championship against AJ Styles in a TLC match .
The bout became a Triple Threat match after The Miz decided to officially cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase in surprising fashion .
The Miz cashed in while both McIntyre and Styles were incapacitated , after McIntyre had thrown The Phenomenal One into a table that was placed outside the ring .
The Miz climbed the ladder but was stopped by Styles ' towering bodyguard Omos who threw the A-lister into a table .
Omos also chased off The Miz 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match and retained the WWE Championship after he dumped The Miz and Styles off of a ladder and hit The Miz with a Claymore , allowing him to climb the ladder .
Other moments from TLC included Big E , Daniel Bryan , Otis and Chad Gable defeating Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn , King Corbin , Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura during the TLC kickoff ; SmackDown Women 's Champion Sasha Banks successfully defending her title against Carmella ; Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin of The Hurt Business defeating The New Day to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Raw Women 's Champion Asuka and a returning Charlotte Flair defeating Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler to become the new Women 's Tag Team Champions .
Flair , who has had a lengthy absence on WWE programming , was Asuka 's mystery partner and won the match after hitting Baszler with the Natural Selection .
Asuka is now a double champion .

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Randy Orton and The Fiend Bray Wyatt took their rivalry to another level in the first ever Firefly Inferno match at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.
The main event bout on Sunday could only be won by setting any part of your opponent on fire. The Fiend and Orton were surrounded by raging flames that engulfed the outside ring area inside the ThunderDome.
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The Fiend dominated the majority of the match, laughing off any attacks by Orton. The Fiend brought the flames to life after he nailed The Viper with an early Sister Abigail.
The seemingly impervious Fiend attempted to set Orton on fire by using a leather strap he set ablaze along with a flaming axe handle. The Fiend grabbed a rocking chair and placed Orton in it before leaving a trail of gasoline. Orton was still able to escape the chair, however, before the flames reached him.
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Orton got back into the fiery battle by nailing his nemesis with a Draping DDT. Orton attempted the RKO but The Fiend responded with the Mandible Claw. The Fiend moved Orton closer to the flames but Orton turned things around and set The Fiend on fire instead.
The Fiend, still on fire, chased Orton back into the ring where he was taken out with an RKO. Orton then poured gasoline over his wounded opponent after the flames went out and set The Fiend's entire body on fire as TLC went off the air.
Also at TLC, Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. The bout is won by using a ladder to retrieve the Universal Championship, which was hanging above the ring.
Owens came out swinging, attacking Reigns while the title was put above the ring. Owens delivered a Cannonball against the barricade and performed a Frog Splash to gain an early advantage.
Owens also had to deal with Reigns' cousin Jey Uso who he took out with a steel chair. KO focused on Uso's ankle in order to send him backstage temporarily. Reigns got back into control after landing a Drive By outside the ring.
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The violent contest included multiple tables being broken as Owens put a returning Uso through the announcer's desk, while Reigns put Owens through a table with a Samoan Drop.
Owens would not quit not matter how much punishment he endured. Reigns put Owens through another table with Spear but missed his second Spear, which sent him flying into a ringside barricade. Owens put Uso away with a Stunner but was stopped by Reigns at the top of the ladder.
Reigns made Owens pass out on the ladder with the Guillotine and grabbed the Universal Championship to win the match.
Drew McIntyre also defended his WWE Championship against AJ Styles in a TLC match. The bout became a Triple Threat match after The Miz decided to officially cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase in surprising fashion.
The Miz cashed in while both McIntyre and Styles were incapacitated, after McIntyre had thrown The Phenomenal One into a table that was placed outside the ring.
The Miz climbed the ladder but was stopped by Styles' towering bodyguard Omos who threw the A-lister into a table. Omos also chased off The Miz's partner John Morrison.
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McIntyre won the match and retained the WWE Championship after he dumped The Miz and Styles off of a ladder and hit The Miz with a Claymore, allowing him to climb the ladder.
Other moments from TLC included Big E, Daniel Bryan, Otis and Chad Gable defeating Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura during the TLC kickoff; SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks successfully defending her title against Carmella; Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin of The Hurt Business defeating The New Day to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions; and Raw Women's Champion Asuka and a returning Charlotte Flair defeating Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler to become the new Women's Tag Team Champions.
Flair, who has had a lengthy absence on WWE programming, was Asuka's mystery partner and won the match after hitting Baszler with the Natural Selection. Asuka is now a double champion.


upi--2020-12-21--President-elect Joe Biden, Jill Biden to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- President-elect Joe Biden will receive Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday during an event that will be broadcast live .
Biden and his wife Jill will be inoculated in Delaware and they will be broadcast on live television and over the Internet .
The publicity for the event is intended to build public confidence in two coronavirus vaccines that have now been approved in the United States -- the one from Pfizer and BioNTech and a second vaccine from Moderna that was approved over the weekend .
`` I do n't want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take , '' Biden said last week .
The transition team has n't said exactly when the Bidens will be inoculated , but it 's expected as soon as Monday morning .
Officials have begun to distribute the Moderna vaccine and many hospitals nationwide will begin receiving their first shipments on Monday .
Moderna and Pfizer have both said their vaccines have proven to be about 95 % effective in blocking the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emhoff will receive their vaccines next week .
Transition officials said health experts recommended that Biden and Harris stagger the timelines of their vaccines .
Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence both received the Pfizer vaccine on Friday at the White House .
Other government leaders who have also received the vaccine include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Surgeon General Jerome Adams .
President Donald Trump has not yet received the vaccine .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that persons who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease to wait at least 90 days until they are vaccinated .
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have both said they are also planning to publicly receive the vaccine .

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine on Monday during an event that was broadcast live. The Bidens were inoculated in Delaware by staff from Christiana Care.
"We owe these folks an awful lot," Biden said, praising scientists and frontline workers and clinical staff. "We owe you big." Biden said.
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He said the Trump administration "deserves some credit getting this off the ground with Operation Warp Speed."
"This is just the beginning, but it's going to take time," Biden said, urging people to wear masks, socially distance and not travel for the holidays.
The publicity for the event was intended to build public confidence in two coronavirus vaccines that have now been approved in the United States -- the one from Pfizer and BioNTech and a second vaccine from Moderna that was approved over the weekend.
"I don't want to get ahead of the line, but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take," Biden said last week.
Officials have begun to distribute the Moderna vaccine and many hospitals nationwide will begin receiving their first shipments on Monday.
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Moderna and Pfizer have both said their vaccines have proven to be about 95% effective in blocking the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff will receive their vaccines next week. Transition officials said health experts recommended that Biden and Harris stagger the timelines of their vaccines.
Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence both received the Pfizer vaccine on Friday at the White House.
Other government leaders who have also received the vaccine include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Surgeon General Jerome Adams.
President Donald Trump has not yet received the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that persons who have received a treatment for the coronavirus disease to wait at least 90 days until they are vaccinated.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush have both said they are also planning to publicly receive the vaccine.


upi--2020-12-21--College basketball: Northwestern upsets No. 4 Michigan State

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Unranked Northwestern pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the young college basketball season with a 14-point triumph over No .
4 Michigan State .
Sophomore guard Boo Buie scored a career-high 30 points in the 79-65 win on Sunday in Evanston , Ill. Pete Nance chipped in 15 points , 12 rebounds and four assists for the Wildcats ( 4-1 ) .
`` We just go out and we play hard and listen to the coach and lock in , '' Buie told reporters .
`` Whoever 's night it is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Spartans ( 6-1 ) -- ranked No .
4 in the coaches poll -- shot just 38.8 % from the field .
The unranked Wildcats shot at a 52.9 % clip and made 47.6 % of their 3-point attempts .
`` It was one of the more inept performances of my 26 years , '' Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said .
`` It 's kind of a harsh statement .
`` I 'm blaming myself .
I 'm the one that has to have my team ready . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the game before Northwestern snatched back momentum with an 11-0 run .
The Wildcats continued with additional runs at the end of the first frame and took a 43-30 lead at halftime on a Nance 3-pointer .
The Spartans cut the Wildcats lead to 10 points in the second half , but could not get closer .
Buie scored 16 points in the second half to help the Wildcats secure the upset .
Junior forward Aaron Henry led the Spartans with 11 points .
Gabe Brown and Malik Hall chipped in 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berry scored 12 points off the bench for the Wildcats .
`` I 'm just really proud of their resolve , '' Northwestern coach Chris Collins said of his players .
`` We you come out and put it together against a terrific team like Michigan State .
They see that they can do it . ''
Michigan State battles Wisconsin at 1:30 p.m. EST on Friday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing , Mich. Northwestern faces Indiana at 8:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington , @ @

Unranked Northwestern beat coach Tom Izzo (R) and Michigan State by allowing the Spartans to make just 38% of their shots on Sunday in Evanston, Ill. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Unranked Northwestern pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the young college basketball season with a 14-point triumph over No. 4 Michigan State. Sophomore guard Boo Buie scored a career-high 30 points in the 79-65 win on Sunday in Evanston, Ill. Pete Nance chipped in 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists for the Wildcats (4-1). Advertisement
"We just go out and we play hard and listen to the coach and lock in," Buie told reporters. "Whoever's night it is, we try to get them the ball."
The Spartans (6-1) -- ranked No. 4 in the coaches poll -- shot just 38.8% from the field. The unranked Wildcats shot at a 52.9% clip and made 47.6% of their 3-point attempts.
"It was one of the more inept performances of my 26 years,'' Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "It's kind of a harsh statement.
"I'm blaming myself. I'm the one that has to have my team ready.''
Michigan State scored the first four points of the game before Northwestern snatched back momentum with an 11-0 run. The Wildcats continued with additional runs at the end of the first frame and took a 43-30 lead at halftime on a Nance 3-pointer.
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The Spartans cut the Wildcats lead to 10 points in the second half, but could not get closer. Buie scored 16 points in the second half to help the Wildcats secure the upset.
Junior forward Aaron Henry led the Spartans with 11 points. Gabe Brown and Malik Hall chipped in 10 points apiece in the loss.
Ty Berry scored 12 points off the bench for the Wildcats.
"I'm just really proud of their resolve," Northwestern coach Chris Collins said of his players. "We you come out and put it together against a terrific team like Michigan State. They see that they can do it."
Michigan State battles Wisconsin at 1:30 p.m. EST on Friday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich. Northwestern faces Indiana at 8:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind.


upi--2020-12-21--Pictures of the Year: Top images from 2020

Pictures of the Year : Top images from 2020 2020 has been a year unlike any other , with the @ @ @ @ @ standstill amid the COVID-19 pandemic , which affected every aspect of life .
UPI photographers @ @ @ @ @ the world captured the year from all angles .
Here are some of the most @ @ @

Some 20,000 American flags are placed by the COVID Memorial Project on the National Mall to represent the 200,000 Americans who had died due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Washington, D.C., on September 21. The death toll has since surged even higher. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI


upi--2020-12-21--Britain, EU keep aiming for Brexit deal after Sunday deadline passes

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- British and European Union negotiators will keep reaching for a Brexit trade deal on Monday after what was viewed as a deadline on Sunday came and went without a resolution .
European Parliament had said an agreement was needed Sunday so it could pass through the required approval process by Jan. 1 , when the Brexit transition period ends .
A dispute about fishing in British territorial waters appears to be the main sticking point , however .
British health secretary Matt Hancock said the EU added `` unreasonable demands '' to their proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that a deal can be done , but obviously it needs movement on the EU side , '' Hancock said .
The EU has said it wants the right to sanction Britain if the British government closes off the waters to European vessels , beginning in January .
Britain has insisted that it has exclusive access to the 6-to-12 nautical mile zone off the British coast .
EU members France and Belgium said their fishermen have worked those same waters for centuries .
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , a longtime Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson to seek an extension for the transition period to go beyond Dec. 31 .
Both sides set the transition period early this year when Britain formally left the bloc .
The start of negotiations in the spring , however , were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic .
A new outbreak in Britain is now posing a threat to a potential agreement .
`` It 's now imperative that [ Johnson ] seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period , '' Sturgeon tweeted .
`` The new COVID strain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- means we face a profoundly serious situation and it demands our 100 % attention .
It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit . ''
`` Securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers more than ever before , '' he said .

Negotiators have said a Brexit agreement needs to come very soon if negotiators want it to be ratified before the transition period ends on Jan. 1. File Photo by Will Oliver/EPA-EFE
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- British and European Union negotiators will keep reaching for a Brexit trade deal on Monday after what was viewed as a deadline on Sunday came and went without a resolution. European Parliament had said an agreement was needed Sunday so it could pass through the required approval process by Jan. 1, when the Brexit transition period ends. A dispute about fishing in British territorial waters appears to be the main sticking point, however. Advertisement
British health secretary Matt Hancock said the EU added "unreasonable demands" to their proposal on the issue.
"I'm sure that a deal can be done, but obviously it needs movement on the EU side," Hancock said.
The EU has said it wants the right to sanction Britain if the British government closes off the waters to European vessels, beginning in January. Britain has insisted that it has exclusive access to the 6-to-12 nautical mile zone off the British coast.
EU members France and Belgium said their fishermen have worked those same waters for centuries.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a longtime Brexit critic, has called on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek an extension for the transition period to go beyond Dec. 31.
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Both sides set the transition period early this year when Britain formally left the bloc. The start of negotiations in the spring, however, were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new outbreak in Britain is now posing a threat to a potential agreement.
"It's now imperative that [Johnson] seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period," Sturgeon tweeted.
"The new COVID strain -- and the various implications of it -- means we face a profoundly serious situation and it demands our 100% attention. It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit."
London's Mayor Sadiq Khan joined Sturgeon in calling for a postponed deadline.
"Securing our key supply chains and fighting the coronavirus pandemic requires the full and undivided efforts of ministers more than ever before," he said.


upi--2020-12-21--Mayfield, defense leads Browns over Giants on 'SNF'

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw two passing touchdowns and the Cleveland Browns defense held the New York Giants to just six points in a dominant Sunday Night Football performance .
The Browns also limited the Giants to 288 total yards in the 20-6 victory on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford , N.J. Cleveland now has 10 wins on the season for the first time since 2007 .
The Browns also hold the No .
5 seed in the AFC playoff picture with two weeks left in the 2020 NFL campaign .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the best part is everybody is like 'Yeah , 10 wins , but we are on to the next one , ' '' Mayfield told reporters .
`` [ It 's a ] notch on the belt and then move on because we are not done yet . ''
Neither team scored on the first two possessions of the game .
The Giants then took an early edge on a Graham Gano field goal with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter .
Mayfield and the Browns responded with a 13-play , 75-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a two-yard touchdown toss to tight end Austin Hooper to end that drive 2:24 into the second quarter .
The Giants offense sputtered once again on their next drive before Mayfield led the Browns on a 95-yard touchdown drive .
He ended that possession with a two-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry and the Browns had a 13-3 lead at halftime .
Both teams punted on their first drives of their second half before the Browns put together their longest drive of the game .
Browns running back Nick Chubb scored a one-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 115-yard possession .
Gano added another field goal in the fourth quarter for the final points of the game .
Mayfield completed 27 of 32 passes for 297 yards in the victory .
Giants quarterback Colt McCoy completed 19 of 31 passes for 221 yards in the loss .
`` Getting one win a week is hard , '' Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said .
`` We understand that .
Our focus will forever remain right there .
`` I 'm proud of the guys and how they battled tonight , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .
It is just the nature of this beast . ''
The Browns ( 10-4 ) face the New York Jets at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at MetLife Stadium .
The Giants ( 5-9 ) battle the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore .
`` We just have to come back in here on Wednesday and get focused on Baltimore -- find the best opportunity for our team to go down there and make plays , '' Giants coach Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go ahead and finish drives . ''

1/3
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield had two touchdown passes and did not throw an interception in a win over the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw two passing touchdowns and the Cleveland Browns defense held the New York Giants to just six points in a dominant Sunday Night Football performance. The Browns also limited the Giants to 288 total yards in the 20-6 victory on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Advertisement
Cleveland now has 10 wins on the season for the first time since 2007. The Browns also hold the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture with two weeks left in the 2020 NFL campaign.
"It is something to be proud of, but the best part is everybody is like 'Yeah, 10 wins, but we are on to the next one,'" Mayfield told reporters.
"[It's a] notch on the belt and then move on because we are not done yet."
Neither team scored on the first two possessions of the game. The Giants then took an early edge on a Graham Gano field goal with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter.
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Mayfield and the Browns responded with a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. The Browns quarterback threw a two-yard touchdown toss to tight end Austin Hooper to end that drive 2:24 into the second quarter.
The Giants offense sputtered once again on their next drive before Mayfield led the Browns on a 95-yard touchdown drive. He ended that possession with a two-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry and the Browns had a 13-3 lead at halftime.
Both teams punted on their first drives of their second half before the Browns put together their longest drive of the game. Browns running back Nick Chubb scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to end that 14-play, 115-yard possession.
Gano added another field goal in the fourth quarter for the final points of the game.
Mayfield completed 27 of 32 passes for 297 yards in the victory. Giants quarterback Colt McCoy completed 19 of 31 passes for 221 yards in the loss.
"Getting one win a week is hard," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We understand that. Our focus will forever remain right there.
"I'm proud of the guys and how they battled tonight, but we have to come back and do it next week. It is just the nature of this beast."
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The Browns (10-4) face the New York Jets at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The Giants (5-9) battle the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
"We just have to come back in here on Wednesday and get focused on Baltimore -- find the best opportunity for our team to go down there and make plays," Giants coach Joe Judge said. "We have to go ahead and finish drives."
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-21--Google celebrates 'great conjunction' with new Doodle

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Google is celebrating a rare occurrence between Jupiter and Saturn known as the great conjunction , with a new Doodle .
Jupiter and Saturn , the two largest planets in the solar system , will nearly overlap as they cross within .1 degrees of each other an hour after sunset on Monday .
The event has n't been seen since the Middle Ages .
The two planets will actually remain 450 million miles apart but will appear closer .
Jupiter , an hour after sunset , will be easily visible in the southwestern sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until Dec. 21 when Jupiter will overtake it and the planets reverse positions in the sky .
The planets can be seen without the use of binoculars .
The great conjunction happens on the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere and the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere , as they experience the first days of winter and summer , respectively .
Google 's homepage pays homage to the great conjunction and features an animated sequence of Saturn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The year 's final meteor shower will also occur Monday .

Google is celebrating the overlapping of Jupiter and Saturn known as the Great Conjunction, with a new Doodle. Image courtesy of Google.
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Google is celebrating a rare occurrence between Jupiter and Saturn known as the great conjunction, with a new Doodle. Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in the solar system, will nearly overlap as they cross within .1 degrees of each other an hour after sunset on Monday. Advertisement
The event hasn't been seen since the Middle Ages. The two planets will actually remain 450 million miles apart but will appear closer.
Jupiter, an hour after sunset, will be easily visible in the southwestern sky. Saturn will be fainter and appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until Dec. 21 when Jupiter will overtake it and the planets reverse positions in the sky.
The planets can be seen without the use of binoculars. The great conjunction happens on the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere and the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, as they experience the first days of winter and summer, respectively.
Google's homepage pays homage to the great conjunction and features an animated sequence of Saturn and Jupiter giving each other a high five.
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The year's final meteor shower will also occur Monday.


upi--2020-12-21--COVID-19 spread leads Greater Seoul to ban gatherings of 5 or more

SEOUL , Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Private gatherings of five or more people will be banned in the Greater Seoul area starting this week , officials announced Monday , as a COVID-19 outbreak that 's spread across South Korea shows no sign of slowing .
The ban , which goes into effect on Tuesday at midnight and lasts until Jan. 3 , will apply to all private get-togethers , including holiday parties , meetings of clubs or associations and personal social gatherings , both indoors and outdoors .
Exceptions will be made for weddings and funerals , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
`` The current crisis can not be overcome without reducing the spread of group infections through private gatherings with family , acquaintances and friends , '' acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said at a news conference Monday .
`` This is the last chance to curb the spread of COVID-19 . ''
The announcement came as South Korea recorded 24 deaths Monday , its highest daily toll since the beginning of the pandemic .
The country is also facing a shortage of hospital beds for critically ill patients .
Two Seoul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 this month , Seo said .
South Korea has so far avoided the draconian lockdowns seen in several other countries , finding early success controlling the virus through an intensive testing and tracing regimen .
However , the current outbreak , which has seen new cases climb above 1,000 per day several times over the past week , has proven far more challenging to contain as infections are popping up widely over multiple clusters .
The mayor said that if the limit on gatherings does n't work , Seoul may end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken more extreme shutdown measures .
`` The scenes from London or New York , where the streets are empty and the city is closed , can also happen in Seoul , '' he said .
`` In order to avoid reaching the stage where the economy and daily life stop , we must do everything we can now . ''
Neighboring Gyeonggi province and nearby Incheon , South Korea 's third-largest city , also announced prohibitions on gatherings of five people or more .
The Seoul metropolitan area is home to around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , and the majority of new cases have been found here .
`` The decision was not easy because of the great impact on the lives of the citizens , but it is necessary to take strong measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and break the link of regional infections , '' Gyeonggi Gov .
Lee Jae-Myung said in a statement Monday .
South Korea recorded more than 900 new COVID-19 cases on Monday , according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency , raising the total caseload to about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national toll to about 700 .

A health worker tests a patient for COVID-19 at a temporary walk-in site in Seoul on December 14. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Private gatherings of five or more people will be banned in the Greater Seoul area starting this week, officials announced Monday, as a COVID-19 outbreak that's spread across South Korea shows no sign of slowing. The ban, which goes into effect on Tuesday at midnight and lasts until Jan. 3, will apply to all private get-togethers, including holiday parties, meetings of clubs or associations and personal social gatherings, both indoors and outdoors. Exceptions will be made for weddings and funerals, which will be limited to fewer than 50 people. Advertisement
"The current crisis cannot be overcome without reducing the spread of group infections through private gatherings with family, acquaintances and friends," acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jeong-hyup said at a news conference Monday.
"This is the last chance to curb the spread of COVID-19."
The announcement came as South Korea recorded 24 deaths Monday, its highest daily toll since the beginning of the pandemic.
The country is also facing a shortage of hospital beds for critically ill patients. Two Seoul residents died while waiting to be hospitalized for COVID-19 this month, Seo said.
South Korea has so far avoided the draconian lockdowns seen in several other countries, finding early success controlling the virus through an intensive testing and tracing regimen.
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However, the current outbreak, which has seen new cases climb above 1,000 per day several times over the past week, has proven far more challenging to contain as infections are popping up widely over multiple clusters.
The mayor said that if the limit on gatherings doesn't work, Seoul may end up looking like other cities that have taken more extreme shutdown measures.
"The scenes from London or New York, where the streets are empty and the city is closed, can also happen in Seoul," he said. "In order to avoid reaching the stage where the economy and daily life stop, we must do everything we can now."
Neighboring Gyeonggi province and nearby Incheon, South Korea's third-largest city, also announced prohibitions on gatherings of five people or more.
The Seoul metropolitan area is home to around half of South Korea's 51 million residents, and the majority of new cases have been found here.
"The decision was not easy because of the great impact on the lives of the citizens, but it is necessary to take strong measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and break the link of regional infections," Gyeonggi Gov. Lee Jae-Myung said in a statement Monday.
South Korea recorded more than 900 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, raising the total caseload to about 50,600. The new deaths brought the national toll to about 700.


upi--2020-12-21--Monday night, the longest of 2020, will feature year's final meteor shower

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The longest night of the year on Monday will feature an astronomical double-header , giving stargazers plenty to look for from sundown until daybreak .
The December solstice occurred Monday at 5:02 a.m. EST , the day when the sun 's rays are most direct over the Southern Hemisphere .
For the Northern Hemisphere , this is the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks the transition from astronomical autumn to astronomical winter .
Meanwhile , the solstice signals the start of astronomical summer south of the equator , with Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
For folks in the Northern Hemisphere , the extended hours of darkness will feature two celestial happenings that may be worth staying up late to see .
The first of the two events can be seen globally and is an extraordinarily close encounter between the two largest planets in the solar system .
However , it will only be visible for an hour or two after sunset in the western sky on Monday .
Jupiter and Saturn will be so close to each other that they will look more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leading some to nickname the event the `` Christmas Star '' due to its proximity to the holiday season .
Later Monday night , shooting stars will streak across the sky as the first of winter 's two meteor showers reaches its peak .
The Ursid meteor shower will unfold during the second half of Monday night and into early Tuesday , but will only be visible for sky watchers across the Northern Hemisphere .
`` The Ursids are often neglected due to the fact it peaks just before Christmas and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which peaks just a week before the Ursids , '' the American Meteor Society explained .
`` Observers will normally see 5-10 Ursids per hour during the late morning hours on the date of maximum activity , '' the AMS added .
`` There have been occasional outbursts when rates have exceeded 25 per hour . ''
Generally , good weather is in the offing for much of the United States for both events , with cloud-free conditions in the forecast from California to Colorado and through the Carolinas .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf Coast and over Southern California .
Those across the northern tier of the United States and over much of Canada looking forward to these events may not be as lucky with cloudy conditions expected to obscure the sky throughout much of Monday night .
The best chances for breaks in the clouds will be over Atlantic Canada and in the interior Pacific Northwest .
After the Ursids subside , there will be one more opportunity to view a meteor shower in the coming weeks before there is a three-month spell of no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Quadrantid meteor shower will peak and , like the Ursids , will only be visible across the Northern Hemisphere .
This shower tends to be more impressive and can feature anywhere from 20 to 120 meteors per hour , the AMS says .
Once the Quadrantids come and go , it will be three months before another meteor shower sparkles in the night sky -- the Lyrids in late April .

A meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in August, seen from Spruce Knob, W.Va. The Ursid meteor shower will unfold late Monday and early Tuesday. File Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The longest night of the year on Monday will feature an astronomical double-header, giving stargazers plenty to look for from sundown until daybreak. The December solstice occurred Monday at 5:02 a.m. EST, the day when the sun's rays are most direct over the Southern Hemisphere. Advertisement
For the Northern Hemisphere, this is the shortest day and longest night of the year and marks the transition from astronomical autumn to astronomical winter.
Meanwhile, the solstice signals the start of astronomical summer south of the equator, with Monday bringing the longest day and shortest night of the year.
For folks in the Northern Hemisphere, the extended hours of darkness will feature two celestial happenings that may be worth staying up late to see.
The first of the two events can be seen globally and is an extraordinarily close encounter between the two largest planets in the solar system. However, it will only be visible for an hour or two after sunset in the western sky on Monday.
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Jupiter and Saturn will be so close to each other that they will look more like one single object in the sky, leading some to nickname the event the "Christmas Star" due to its proximity to the holiday season.
Later Monday night, shooting stars will streak across the sky as the first of winter's two meteor showers reaches its peak.
The Ursid meteor shower will unfold during the second half of Monday night and into early Tuesday, but will only be visible for sky watchers across the Northern Hemisphere.
"The Ursids are often neglected due to the fact it peaks just before Christmas and the rates are much less than the Geminids, which peaks just a week before the Ursids," the American Meteor Society explained.
"Observers will normally see 5-10 Ursids per hour during the late morning hours on the date of maximum activity," the AMS added. "There have been occasional outbursts when rates have exceeded 25 per hour."
Generally, good weather is in the offing for much of the United States for both events, with cloud-free conditions in the forecast from California to Colorado and through the Carolinas. However, some patchy clouds could linger along the Gulf Coast and over Southern California.
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Those across the northern tier of the United States and over much of Canada looking forward to these events may not be as lucky with cloudy conditions expected to obscure the sky throughout much of Monday night. The best chances for breaks in the clouds will be over Atlantic Canada and in the interior Pacific Northwest.
After the Ursids subside, there will be one more opportunity to view a meteor shower in the coming weeks before there is a three-month spell of no major meteor showers.
On Jan. 2, the Quadrantid meteor shower will peak and, like the Ursids, will only be visible across the Northern Hemisphere. This shower tends to be more impressive and can feature anywhere from 20 to 120 meteors per hour, the AMS says.
Once the Quadrantids come and go, it will be three months before another meteor shower sparkles in the night sky -- the Lyrids in late April.


upi--2020-12-21--U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan to leave Tottenham, return to Orlando Pride

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- United States Women 's National Team star Alex Morgan will return to the National Women 's Soccer League 's Orlando Pride next year after spending the first half of the 2020-21 season with the Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Women 's Super League .
Morgan announced in September that she was joining Tottenham on a short-term loan deal .
She made her first competitive appearance since giving birth to her daughter , Charlie , on Nov. 7 in a 1-1 draw against Reading .
The USWNT standout made five appearances for Tottenham and scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever grateful to the club , my teammates and Spurs supporters for taking such good care of me and my family , '' Morgan said in a statement Monday .
`` From the moment I arrived in London , I realized I was part of a first-class organization , one that helped provide me the opportunity to immerse myself back into the game I love .
`` Thank you to everyone who helped make this chapter in my soccer journey so special . ''
Morgan had a clause in her contract with Tottenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the club until the end of the 2020-21 WSL season .
The 31-year-old Morgan , however , said in October that she was anxious to help the NWSL grow and did n't envision herself staying overseas for more than a year .
`` I think that after pregnancy I needed to get as many games in as possible leading to 2021 knowing that the Olympics will hopefully be on next year , '' Morgan said .
`` I wanted to make sure to put myself in the best position possible to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competing in one of the best leagues in the world right now while it started back up after lockdown was the best option for me .
Joining Spurs was important to me because it 's such a good organization . ''
Morgan has amassed 170 caps at the international level and helped guide the U.S. women 's team to the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics .
Morgan and the USWNT also won the last two FIFA World Cup titles , including last year 's victory in France .

United States Women's National Team star Alex Morgan made five appearances for Tottenham and scored two goals. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- United States Women's National Team star Alex Morgan will return to the National Women's Soccer League's Orlando Pride next year after spending the first half of the 2020-21 season with the Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Women's Super League. Morgan announced in September that she was joining Tottenham on a short-term loan deal. She made her first competitive appearance since giving birth to her daughter, Charlie, on Nov. 7 in a 1-1 draw against Reading. Advertisement
The USWNT standout made five appearances for Tottenham and scored two goals.
"I will be forever grateful to the club, my teammates and Spurs supporters for taking such good care of me and my family," Morgan said in a statement Monday. "From the moment I arrived in London, I realized I was part of a first-class organization, one that helped provide me the opportunity to immerse myself back into the game I love.
"Thank you to everyone who helped make this chapter in my soccer journey so special."
Morgan had a clause in her contract with Tottenham that would have allowed her to remain with the club until the end of the 2020-21 WSL season. The 31-year-old Morgan, however, said in October that she was anxious to help the NWSL grow and didn't envision herself staying overseas for more than a year.
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"I think that after pregnancy I needed to get as many games in as possible leading to 2021 knowing that the Olympics will hopefully be on next year," Morgan said.
"I wanted to make sure to put myself in the best position possible to get ready for that and I thought that competing in one of the best leagues in the world right now while it started back up after lockdown was the best option for me. Joining Spurs was important to me because it's such a good organization."
Morgan has amassed 170 caps at the international level and helped guide the U.S. women's team to the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. Morgan and the USWNT also won the last two FIFA World Cup titles, including last year's victory in France.


upi--2020-12-21--U.S. targets Chinese, Russian companies with military ties

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration on Monday announced trade restrictions on dozens of Chinese and Russian companies , accusing them having military ties .
The Commerce Department unveiled its new Military End User List on Monday , naming 58 Chinese and 45 Russian companies in its first tranche of entities the U.S. government has determined represent `` an unacceptable risk of use in or diversion to a 'military end use ' '' in China , Russia or Venezuela .
The list restricts the companies from buying U.S. goods and technologies through requiring exporters to secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a license that in all probability will be denied .
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross described the list as aiding exporters to screen their customers for military end users .
`` The department recognizes the importance of leveraging its partnerships with U.S. and global companies to combat efforts by China and Russia to divert U.S. technology for their destabilizing military programs , including by highlighting red flag indicators such as those related to Communist Chinese military companies identified by the Department of Defense , '' he said in a statement .
The list is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Register , giving the public time to respond to the entities named .
Ross said the list is non-exhaustive and the administration retains the right to amend it .
Tensions between the Washington and Beijing have been escalating as the Trump administration has pushed back against China 's moves it views as human rights abuses and threats to its national security .
The actions have come to include targeting companies with restrictions , and the State Department has been lobbying other nations to exclude Chinese telecoms from developing their next generation 5G wireless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worries the private data of Americans will end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party .
It has also ramped up pressure against China over the past year , rejecting its claims in the South China Sea , accusing it of failing to prevent the coronavirus pandemic and punishing it over committing human rights abuses in Xinjiang province and Hong Kong .
As it nears the end of its tenure , the State Department has continued to tighten its diplomatic and financial vises on China , sanctioning several companies over conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as its campaign in the south China Sea on Friday .
On Monday , Pompeo announced visa restrictions against Chinese officials `` who are believed to be responsible for , or complicit in , policies or actions aimed at repressing religious and spiritual practitioners , members of ethnic minority groups , dissidents , human rights defenders , journalists , labor organizers , civili society organizers and peaceful protests . ''
Pompeo specifically states the United States stands with Jimmy Lai , a Hong Kong businessman and activist , who was jailed earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law imposed during the summer .
Several other lawyers and religious groups , leaders and academics were named .
The moves are expected to anger China , which has previously warned the United States against `` meddling '' in its internal affairs .
After reports were published stating the Commerce Department was fashioning a list of companies with military ties , China accused the United States of `` wanton suppression of Chinese companies by the United States '' and of `` politicizing economic and trade issues , abusing state power and stretching national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` What the U.S. has done gravely violates market competition principles and international trade rules it always claims to champion , and will eventually damage investor 's interests as well as its own national interests and image , '' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said earlier this month during a regular press conference .
Late last week , China accused the United States of `` emotional lashing out . ''
`` There is no evidence to support their accusation , '' Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Yi said on Friday during a live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumptions of guilt . ''

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced visa restrictions on Monday targeting Chinese officials over being connected to human rights abuses committed by the Asian nation. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The Trump administration on Monday announced trade restrictions on dozens of Chinese and Russian companies, accusing them having military ties. The Commerce Department unveiled its new Military End User List on Monday, naming 58 Chinese and 45 Russian companies in its first tranche of entities the U.S. government has determined represent "an unacceptable risk of use in or diversion to a 'military end use'" in China, Russia or Venezuela. Advertisement
The list restricts the companies from buying U.S. goods and technologies through requiring exporters to secure a license to sell them such products, a license that in all probability will be denied.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross described the list as aiding exporters to screen their customers for military end users.
"The department recognizes the importance of leveraging its partnerships with U.S. and global companies to combat efforts by China and Russia to divert U.S. technology for their destabilizing military programs, including by highlighting red flag indicators such as those related to Communist Chinese military companies identified by the Department of Defense," he said in a statement.
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The list is to be published Tuesday on the Federal Register, giving the public time to respond to the entities named. Ross said the list is non-exhaustive and the administration retains the right to amend it.
Tensions between the Washington and Beijing have been escalating as the Trump administration has pushed back against China's moves it views as human rights abuses and threats to its national security.
The actions have come to include targeting companies with restrictions, and the State Department has been lobbying other nations to exclude Chinese telecoms from developing their next generation 5G wireless Internet infrastructure over national security concerns and worries the private data of Americans will end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
It has also ramped up pressure against China over the past year, rejecting its claims in the South China Sea, accusing it of failing to prevent the coronavirus pandemic and punishing it over committing human rights abuses in Xinjiang province and Hong Kong.
As it nears the end of its tenure, the State Department has continued to tighten its diplomatic and financial vises on China, sanctioning several companies over conducting mass surveillance and human rights abuses as well as its campaign in the south China Sea on Friday.
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On Monday, Pompeo announced visa restrictions against Chinese officials "who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, policies or actions aimed at repressing religious and spiritual practitioners, members of ethnic minority groups, dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists, labor organizers, civili society organizers and peaceful protests."
Pompeo specifically states the United States stands with Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong businessman and activist, who was jailed earlier this month under a draconian national security law imposed during the summer. Several other lawyers and religious groups, leaders and academics were named.
The moves are expected to anger China, which has previously warned the United States against "meddling" in its internal affairs.
After reports were published stating the Commerce Department was fashioning a list of companies with military ties, China accused the United States of "wanton suppression of Chinese companies by the United States" and of "politicizing economic and trade issues, abusing state power and stretching national security concept to suppress foreign businesses."
"What the U.S. has done gravely violates market competition principles and international trade rules it always claims to champion, and will eventually damage investor's interests as well as its own national interests and image," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said earlier this month during a regular press conference.
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Late last week, China accused the United States of "emotional lashing out."
"There is no evidence to support their accusation," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Yi said on Friday during a live webcast. "They are merely irresponsible presumptions of guilt."


upi--2020-12-21--Milwaukee Bucks lose second-round draft pick for tampering violation

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Milwaukee Bucks were docked their 2022 second-round draft pick for a tampering violation that occurred this past off-season , the league said .
In a statement released Monday , the NBA said it conducted an investigation into whether the Bucks held discussions with Bogdan Bogdanovic or his agent before it was allowed under the league 's free-agency rules .
The league determined that Milwaukee had talks with Bogdanovic or his agent before the date when it was permitted .
The NBA said the Bucks ' violation constituted `` conduct detrimental to the NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricted free agent , eventually signed with the Atlanta Hawks in late November after the Bucks ' sign-and-trade agreement with the Sacramento Kings fell through .
`` We were fully cooperative with the league and we look forward to our season beginning on Wednesday , '' the Bucks said in a statement Monday .
The NBA said the penalty took into account the Bucks ' cooperation throughout the league 's probe , the absence of evidence that Milwaukee reached an impermissible agreement with Bogdanovic and that the Bucks ultimately did n't acquire Bogdanovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the No .
27 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft , averaged a career-best 15.1 points per game last season , his third with the Kings .

Former Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (L), who was a restricted free agent, eventually signed with the Atlanta Hawks after the Milwaukee Bucks' sign-and-trade agreement with the Kings fell through. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The Milwaukee Bucks were docked their 2022 second-round draft pick for a tampering violation that occurred this past off-season, the league said. In a statement released Monday, the NBA said it conducted an investigation into whether the Bucks held discussions with Bogdan Bogdanovic or his agent before it was allowed under the league's free-agency rules. Advertisement
The league determined that Milwaukee had talks with Bogdanovic or his agent before the date when it was permitted. The NBA said the Bucks' violation constituted "conduct detrimental to the NBA."
Bogdanovic, who was a restricted free agent, eventually signed with the Atlanta Hawks in late November after the Bucks' sign-and-trade agreement with the Sacramento Kings fell through.
"We were fully cooperative with the league and we look forward to our season beginning on Wednesday," the Bucks said in a statement Monday.
The NBA said the penalty took into account the Bucks' cooperation throughout the league's probe, the absence of evidence that Milwaukee reached an impermissible agreement with Bogdanovic and that the Bucks ultimately didn't acquire Bogdanovic.
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The 28-year-old Bogdanovic, who was the No. 27 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, averaged a career-best 15.1 points per game last season, his third with the Kings.


upi--2020-12-21--Florida COVID-19 whistleblower sues law enforcement over raid

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The former Florida Department of Health data scientist who was fired from running the state 's COVID-19 data dashboard sued the Florida Department of Law Enforcement over a raid on her home earlier this month .
Rebekah Jones filed the 19-page lawsuit in Leon County civil court stating that the FDLE violated her constitutional rights by serving the search warrant on Dec. 7 , which the suit states sought to `` silence '' her online speech and gain the favor of Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis .
`` The basis of this warrant was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her protected speech , '' the suit states .
Jones on Dec. 7 posted video from a home surveillance camera that appeared to show armed officers entering her home and demanding that she , her two children and husband leave the house as FDLE said it served a search warrant as part of an investigation alleging Jones had breached an emergency messaging alert system and had `` illegally accessed the system . ''
She said law enforcement took the phone and computer she used to run her personally developed coronavirus dashboard that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical professionals for its `` scrupulously accurate and honest data . ''
Jones ' attorney , Rick Johnson , on Monday said her legal team will file a motion on Tuesday asking a judge to order the FDLE to return the electronics taken from her home .
The suit also said law enforcement pointed guns at Jones and her family and then an unnamed agent `` ran his hands up and down her ribs and grasped her sides just below her breasts and held her '' as she stood with her arms raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May for `` insubordination '' after publicly complaining that state officials were pressuring her to falsify data related to the coronavirus and filed a whistleblower report against the Florida Department of Health saying she was terminated for refusing to do so .
The raid stemmed from an allegation that Jones had hacked into the Florida Department of Emergency Management text message service and sent the message to thousands of Department of Health employees stating `` It 's time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead .
You know this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with a crime but has denied breaching the system and her suit states that officials failed to consider her IP address may have been spoofed and noted that log-in information for the platform had been posted online .
The suit also states that Jones has received hate mail and harassing phone calls after state law enforcement released a warrant including her home address and other personal information .
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen on Monday issued a statement saying he was `` proud of the professionalism shown by our FDLE agents as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence of Rebekah Jones , '' adding that a criminal investigation is ongoing .

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The former Florida Department of Health data scientist who was fired from running the state's COVID-19 data dashboard sued the Florida Department of Law Enforcement over a raid on her home earlier this month.
Rebekah Jones filed the 19-page lawsuit in Leon County civil court stating that the FDLE violated her constitutional rights by serving the search warrant on Dec. 7, which the suit states sought to "silence" her online speech and gain the favor of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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"The basis of this warrant was a sham to punish the plaintiff for her protected speech," the suit states.
Jones on Dec. 7 posted video from a home surveillance camera that appeared to show armed officers entering her home and demanding that she, her two children and husband leave the house as FDLE said it served a search warrant as part of an investigation alleging Jones had breached an emergency messaging alert system and had "illegally accessed the system."
She said law enforcement took the phone and computer she used to run her personally developed coronavirus dashboard that the lawsuit described as popular with scientists and medical professionals for its "scrupulously accurate and honest data."
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Jones' attorney, Rick Johnson, on Monday said her legal team will file a motion on Tuesday asking a judge to order the FDLE to return the electronics taken from her home.
The suit also said law enforcement pointed guns at Jones and her family and then an unnamed agent "ran his hands up and down her ribs and grasped her sides just below her breasts and held her" as she stood with her arms raised.
Jones was fired by the state in May for "insubordination" after publicly complaining that state officials were pressuring her to falsify data related to the coronavirus and filed a whistleblower report against the Florida Department of Health saying she was terminated for refusing to do so.
The raid stemmed from an allegation that Jones had hacked into the Florida Department of Emergency Management text message service and sent the message to thousands of Department of Health employees stating "It's time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. You know this is wrong."
Jones has not been charged with a crime but has denied breaching the system and her suit states that officials failed to consider her IP address may have been spoofed and noted that log-in information for the platform had been posted online.
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The suit also states that Jones has received hate mail and harassing phone calls after state law enforcement released a warrant including her home address and other personal information.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen on Monday issued a statement saying he was "proud of the professionalism shown by our FDLE agents as they served a legal search warrant on the residence of Rebekah Jones," adding that a criminal investigation is ongoing.


upi--2020-12-21--House approves $900B COVID-19 bill, including stimulus payments

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The House on Monday approved a $ 900 billion coronavirus relief bill and a government funding measure in a deal reached over the weekend .
The House voted to approve the two long-awaited bills on Monday evening , sending them to the Senate , which was expected to quickly follow with its own vote .
If the measure passes the Senate , it will go to President Donald Trump , who has said he will sign it .
The package contains direct stimulus payments for individuals of $ 600 to $ 700 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 300 per week , $ 330 billion for small business loans , more than $ 80 billion for schools and several billion dollars to cover the costs of distributing COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC Monday the first stimulus payments should be sent out next week .
`` This is a very , very fast way of getting money into the economy , '' he said .
`` Let me emphasize : People are going to see this money at the beginning of next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spend this money , and that helps small business and that helps getting more people back to work . ''
`` While this bill is far from perfect -- nor is it the bill that we would pass if Democrats had a majority in the Senate -- it is a strong shot in the arm to help American families weather the storm , '' Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday .
`` And this is just the first step ; this is an emergency .
We need a second bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start stimulating our economy so we get back to where we were . ''
`` President Trump has pushed hard for months to send Americans badly needed financial relief , '' White House spokesman Ben Williamson said Sunday .
`` We look forward to Congress sending a bill to his desk imminently for signature . ''
The deal also expands eligibility under the Paycheck Protection Program for nonprofits and local newspapers , television and radio broadcasters , as well as `` key modifications '' to assist independent restaurants .
Also included is $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent movie theaters and cultural institutions .
Democrats announced they had secured $ 25 billion in rental assistance for families and an extension of the eviction moratorium , as well as $ 13 billion in increased food stamp and child nutrition benefits `` to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure . ''
The bill does not include a couple of major items sought by each party -- aid for state and local governments requested by Democrats and a liability shield to protect businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced Sunday that lawmakers had come to an agreement on a new COVID-19 aid package and an accompanying $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill to avoid a federal shutdown .
The spending bill would fund the federal government until October .
Congress had adopted a two-day short-term funding extension on Friday to prevent a shutdown .
A one-day spending measure was then reached to cover Monday and avoid a shutdown that would have begun at midnight Sunday .

Congress will vote Monday on a $900 billion coronavirus aid package and a spending measure to keep the government operating. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Congress on Monday approved a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill and a government funding measure in a deal reached over the weekend. The House voted to approve the two long-awaited bills on Monday evening, followed by the Senate near midnight. Advertisement
It will now go to President Donald Trump, who has said he will sign it.
The package contains direct stimulus payments for individuals of $600 to $700. It also includes enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, $330 billion for small business loans, more than $80 billion for schools and several billion dollars to cover the costs of distributing COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC Monday the first stimulus payments should be sent out next week.
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"This is a very, very fast way of getting money into the economy," he said. "Let me emphasize: People are going to see this money at the beginning of next week."
"People go out and spend this money, and that helps small business and that helps getting more people back to work."
"While this bill is far from perfect -- nor is it the bill that we would pass if Democrats had a majority in the Senate -- it is a strong shot in the arm to help American families weather the storm," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday.
"And this is just the first step; this is an emergency. We need a second bill to continue dealing with the emergency and to start stimulating our economy so we get back to where we were."
"President Trump has pushed hard for months to send Americans badly needed financial relief," White House spokesman Ben Williamson said Sunday. "We look forward to Congress sending a bill to his desk imminently for signature."
The deal also expands eligibility under the Paycheck Protection Program for nonprofits and local newspapers, television and radio broadcasters, as well as "key modifications" to assist independent restaurants.
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Also included is $15 billion for live performance venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions.
Democrats announced they had secured $25 billion in rental assistance for families and an extension of the eviction moratorium, as well as $13 billion in increased food stamp and child nutrition benefits "to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure."
The bill does not include a couple of major items sought by each party -- aid for state and local governments requested by Democrats and a liability shield to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits sought by Republicans.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced Sunday that lawmakers had come to an agreement on a new COVID-19 aid package and an accompanying $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill to avoid a federal shutdown. The spending bill would fund the federal government until October.
Congress had adopted a two-day short-term funding extension on Friday to prevent a shutdown. A one-day spending measure was then reached to cover Monday and avoid a shutdown that would have begun at midnight Sunday.


upi--2020-12-21--NFL reveals AFC, NFC rosters for virtual 2021 Pro Bowl

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The NFL unveiled the complete AFC and NFC rosters for the virtual 2021 Pro Bowl on Monday , with the Kansas City Chiefs , Green Bay Packers , Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks leading the way in selections .
The Chiefs , Packers , Ravens and Seahawks each had a league-best seven players selected to the upcoming Pro Bowl .
Kansas City 's Patrick Mahomes and Green Bay 's Aaron Rodgers were designated as the starting quarterbacks for their respective conferences .
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the NFC , quarterbacks Russell Wilson of the Seahawks and Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals were behind Rodgers .
Defensive end Frank Clark , offensive lineman Eric Fisher , wide receiver Tyreek Hill , defensive tackle Chris Jones , tight end Travis Kelce and safety Tyrann Mathieu also were named to the Pro Bowl for the Chiefs .
The Ravens have offensive tackle Orlando Brown , cornerback Marlon Humphrey , linebacker Matthew Judon , defensive tackle Calais Campbell , long snapper Morgan Cox , fullback Patrick Ricard and kicker Justin Tucker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Packers , Rodgers was joined on the NFC roster by receiver Davante Adams , cornerback Jaire Alexander , running back Aaron Jones , linebacker Za'Darius Smith , offensive tackle David Bakhtiari and guard Elgton Jenkins .
Along with Wilson , Seattle has safety Jamal Adams , wideout D.K .
Metcalf , linebacker Bobby Wagner , special-teamer Nick Bellore , safety Quandre Diggs and long snapper Tyler Ott on the NFC roster .
The Dallas Cowboys were among five teams without a Pro Bowl selection , with the others being the Jacksonville Jaguars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cincinnati Bengals .
This is only the third time in franchise history that Dallas did n't have at least one Pro Bowl player -- 1986 and 1989 being the other years .
The 2021 Pro Bowl was initially scheduled to take place Jan. 31 in Las Vegas , but the annual game was canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Instead , the league is working with EA Sports to stage a week-long virtual experience , culminating with Pro Bowl players competing within the Madden NFL 21 video game .
Roster selections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaches and fans .
There were 26 first-time Pro Bowlers this year .

Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes was designated as the starting quarterback for the AFC in the 2021 Pro Bowl. File Photo by Steve Nesius/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The NFL unveiled the complete AFC and NFC rosters for the virtual 2021 Pro Bowl on Monday, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks leading the way in selections. The Chiefs, Packers, Ravens and Seahawks each had a league-best seven players selected to the upcoming Pro Bowl. Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers were designated as the starting quarterbacks for their respective conferences. Advertisement
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans joined Mahomes on the AFC roster. For the NFC, quarterbacks Russell Wilson of the Seahawks and Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals were behind Rodgers.
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Defensive end Frank Clark, offensive lineman Eric Fisher, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, defensive tackle Chris Jones, tight end Travis Kelce and safety Tyrann Mathieu also were named to the Pro Bowl for the Chiefs.
The Ravens have offensive tackle Orlando Brown, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, linebacker Matthew Judon, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, long snapper Morgan Cox, fullback Patrick Ricard and kicker Justin Tucker on the AFC roster.
For the Packers, Rodgers was joined on the NFC roster by receiver Davante Adams, cornerback Jaire Alexander, running back Aaron Jones, linebacker Za'Darius Smith, offensive tackle David Bakhtiari and guard Elgton Jenkins.
Along with Wilson, Seattle has safety Jamal Adams, wideout D.K. Metcalf, linebacker Bobby Wagner, special-teamer Nick Bellore, safety Quandre Diggs and long snapper Tyler Ott on the NFC roster.
The Dallas Cowboys were among five teams without a Pro Bowl selection, with the others being the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals. This is only the third time in franchise history that Dallas didn't have at least one Pro Bowl player -- 1986 and 1989 being the other years.
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The 2021 Pro Bowl was initially scheduled to take place Jan. 31 in Las Vegas, but the annual game was canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the league is working with EA Sports to stage a week-long virtual experience, culminating with Pro Bowl players competing within the Madden NFL 21 video game.
Roster selections were determined by voting among players, coaches and fans. There were 26 first-time Pro Bowlers this year.
AFC Pro Bowl roster:
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans)
Running back: Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans), Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns), Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders)
Wide receiver: Tyreek Hill (Kansas City Chiefs), Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills), Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers), A.J. Brown (Tennessee Titans)
Tight end: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs), Darren Waller (Las Vegas Raiders)
Fullback: Patrick Ricard (Baltimore Ravens)
Offensive tackle: Laremy Tunsil (Houston Texans), Eric Fisher (Kansas City Chiefs), Orlando Brown (Baltimore Ravens)
Offensive guard: Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts), Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns), David DeCastro (Pittsburgh Steelers)
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Center: Maurkice Pouncey (Pittsburgh Steelers), Ryan Kelly (Indianapolis Colts)
Defensive end: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers), Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs)
Defensive tackle: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers), Calais Campbell (Baltimore Ravens)
Outside linebacker: T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers), Bradley Chubb (Denver Broncos), Matthew Judon (Baltimore Ravens)
Inside linebacker: Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts), Tremaine Edmunds (Buffalo Bills)
Cornerback: Xavien Howard (Miami Dolphins), Tre'Davious White (Buffalo Bills), Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens), Stephon Gilmore (New England Patriots)
Free safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers), Justin Simmons (Denver Broncos)
Strong safety: Tyrann Mathieu (Kansas City Chiefs)
Long snapper: Morgan Cox (Baltimore Ravens)
Punter: Jake Bailey (New England Patriots)
Kicker: Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
Return specialist: Andre Roberts (Buffalo Bills)
Special teamer: Matthew Slater (New England Patriots)
NFC Pro Bowl roster:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Running back: Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings), Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints), Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers)
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Wide receiver: Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers), DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals), D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings)
Tight end: T.J. Hockenson (Detroit Lions), Evan Engram (New York Giants)
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco 49ers)
Offensive tackle: David Bakhtiari (Green Bay Packers), Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers), Terron Armstead (New Orleans Saints)
Offensive guard: Brandon Scherff (Washington Football Team), Elgton Jenkins (Green Bay Packers), Andrus Peat (New Orleans Saints)
Center: Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles), Frank Ragnow (Detroit Lions)
Defensive end: Cameron Jordan (New Orleans Saints), Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), Chase Young (Washington Football Team)
Defensive tackle: Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles), Grady Jarrett (Atlanta Falcons)
Outside linebacker: Khalil Mack (Chicago Bears), Za'Darius Smith (Green Bay Packers), Jason Pierre-Paul (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Inside linebacker: Bobby Wagner (Seattle Seahawks), Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers)
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Cornerback: Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams), Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers), Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans Saints), James Bradberry (New York Giants)
Free safety: Quandre Diggs (Seattle Seahawks)
Strong safety: Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals), Jamal Adams (Seattle Seahawks)
Long snapper: Tyler Ott (Seattle Seahawks)
Punter: Jack Fox (Detroit Lions)
Kicker: Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons)
Return specialist: Cordarrelle Patterson (Chicago Bears)
Special teamer: Nick Bellore (Seattle Seahawks)
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-21--73 West Point cadets accused in cheating scandal

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Military Academy in West Point , N.Y. , is investigating a cheating ring involving 73 cadets who allegedly took the same online calculus test last spring .
The cheating scandal is the worst at the nation 's prestigious military training ground since the 1970s , according to USA Today .
Seventy-two of the cadets were first year , or `` plebe '' students , and one was a second-year .
Of those , 58 cadets admitted cheating on the May exam , which was administered online because of the pandemic .
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of the cases were dropped for lack of evidence , officials said Monday .
The investigation began last spring when a test grader noted that all of the accused students made a similar error on the math exam .
West Point cadets are held to an honor system and must abide by the school code : `` A cadet will not lie , cheat , steal , or tolerate those who do . ''
The students who admitted cheating will be placed on the academy 's `` willful admissions '' probation system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the honor code , the school said .
Army Col. Mark Weathers , West Point 's chief of staff , said Monday that he was `` disappointed '' in the cadets for cheating , but did n't consider the incident a breach of conduct because the cadets would not have cheated if they had taken the exam on campus .
But other administrators said the school would be holding students accountable .
`` Cadets are being held accountable for breaking the code , '' Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt , a spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While disappointing , the Honor System is working , and these ... remaining cases will be held accountable for their actions . ''
West Point last investigated a major cheating scandal in 1976 , which involved more than 150 cadets .
Other universities have reported cheating episodes complicated by less supervision and online final exams due to the pandemic .
A `` large number '' of computer science students at University of Chicago were found last week to have been allegedly copying code from each other and the Internet for final exams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many students were accused of cheating .

More than 70 students at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. were accused of cheating on a calculus exam administered online last spring, the school said. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., is investigating a cheating ring involving 73 cadets who allegedly took the same online calculus test last spring. The cheating scandal is the worst at the nation's prestigious military training ground since the 1970s, according to USA Today. Advertisement
Seventy-two of the cadets were first year, or "plebe" students, and one was a second-year. Of those, 58 cadets admitted cheating on the May exam, which was administered online because of the pandemic. Four students resigned from the military academy and two of the cases were dropped for lack of evidence, officials said Monday.
The investigation began last spring when a test grader noted that all of the accused students made a similar error on the math exam.
West Point cadets are held to an honor system and must abide by the school code: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."
The students who admitted cheating will be placed on the academy's "willful admissions" probation system, which includes extracurricular classes on ethics and the honor code, the school said.
Army Col. Mark Weathers, West Point's chief of staff, said Monday that he was "disappointed" in the cadets for cheating, but didn't consider the incident a breach of conduct because the cadets would not have cheated if they had taken the exam on campus.
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But other administrators said the school would be holding students accountable.
"Cadets are being held accountable for breaking the code," Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt, a spokesman for West Point, told CNN. "While disappointing, the Honor System is working, and these ... remaining cases will be held accountable for their actions."
West Point last investigated a major cheating scandal in 1976, which involved more than 150 cadets.
Other universities have reported cheating episodes complicated by less supervision and online final exams due to the pandemic. A "large number" of computer science students at University of Chicago were found last week to have been allegedly copying code from each other and the Internet for final exams, but the university declined to say how many students were accused of cheating.


upi--2020-12-21--Georgia tax accountants plead guilty in conservation easement scheme

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Two Georgia sibling tax accountants pleaded guilty Monday to federal criminal charges that they encouraged clients to swindle the Internal Revenue Service out of $ 250 million in tax revenue through fraudulent syndicated conservation easement tax shelters , federal prosecutors announced .
Brothers Stein and Corey Agee of Canton and Atlanta , Ga. , respectively , worked with clients between 2013 and 2019 to arrange $ 1.2 billion in fraudulent charitable contributions , and received $ 1.7 million in commissions , a statement from Richard Zuckerman , deputy assistant attorney general for the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The brothers filed guilty pleas before federal magistrate judge Carleton Metcalf in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina .
The Agee brothers allegedly told their wealthy clients that they could earn $ 4 in charitable tax credit for every $ 1 spent to buy a piece of real estate destined for conservation easement status , and allegedly urged clients to backdate checks and paperwork to take advantage of end-of year donation deadlines , prosecutors said .
About 1 million acres of U.S. land a year is placed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners , Lori Faeth , government relations director of the Washington , D.C.-based Land Trust Alliance , told UPI in 2019 .
Voluntary land trust gifts of private property allow large parcels to remain undeveloped to protect wildlife corridors or natural resources .
About 15 states now allow those who give property to land trusts to declare a state tax rebate .
But in some areas of the country , a subculture of real estate tax shelter abuses popped up over the years that involved wildly inflating the valuation of parcels of land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly in Georgia .
Typically in a conservation easement scheme , pass-through LLC corporations are created that then sell shares of the properties to investors based on highly inflated values for the land .
Investors then file conservation easement tax deductions .
The IRS has warned that syndicated conservation tax easements are among their `` dirty dozen '' tax schemes to avoid .
In June , the IRS clamped down on fraudulent conservation schemes , offering settlements for those charged by federal tax authorities to claw back taxes , penalties and interest from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public 's trust in private land conservation and defraud the government of revenue .
Ending these abusive schemes remains a top priority for the IRS , '' IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement .
In the past , land trust defendants accused of abusive conservation syndicates were sued in civil tax court , but Monday 's announcement was the first time conservation easement tax defendants were charged in federal criminal court .
`` The defendants and their co-conspirators used conservation easement donations to personally enrich themselves and allow wealthy tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rettig said Monday .
`` The charges and guilty pleas demonstrate that participation in abusive [ conservation easement syndications ] will not be tolerated .
Once again , the IRS recommends that anyone who participated in an abusive [ scheme ] consult independent counsel about coming into compliance , '' he added .

Two Georgia sibling tax accountants pleaded guilty in federal criminal court Monday for defrauding the Internal Revenue Service for $250,000 in tax revenue through conservation easement schemes. Photo by DJ Glisson II/Land Trust Alliance
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Two Georgia sibling tax accountants pleaded guilty Monday to federal criminal charges that they encouraged clients to swindle the Internal Revenue Service out of $250 million in tax revenue through fraudulent syndicated conservation easement tax shelters, federal prosecutors announced. Brothers Stein and Corey Agee of Canton and Atlanta, Ga., respectively, worked with clients between 2013 and 2019 to arrange $1.2 billion in fraudulent charitable contributions, and received $1.7 million in commissions, a statement from Richard Zuckerman, deputy assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice's tax division said. Advertisement
The brothers filed guilty pleas before federal magistrate judge Carleton Metcalf in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
The Agee brothers allegedly told their wealthy clients that they could earn $4 in charitable tax credit for every $1 spent to buy a piece of real estate destined for conservation easement status, and allegedly urged clients to backdate checks and paperwork to take advantage of end-of year donation deadlines, prosecutors said.
About 1 million acres of U.S. land a year is placed into a conservation land trust by private property owners, Lori Faeth, government relations director of the Washington, D.C.-based Land Trust Alliance, told UPI in 2019.
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Voluntary land trust gifts of private property allow large parcels to remain undeveloped to protect wildlife corridors or natural resources. About 15 states now allow those who give property to land trusts to declare a state tax rebate.
But in some areas of the country, a subculture of real estate tax shelter abuses popped up over the years that involved wildly inflating the valuation of parcels of land to be made into conservation easements, particularly in Georgia.
Typically in a conservation easement scheme, pass-through LLC corporations are created that then sell shares of the properties to investors based on highly inflated values for the land. Investors then file conservation easement tax deductions.
The IRS has warned that syndicated conservation tax easements are among their "dirty dozen" tax schemes to avoid.
In June, the IRS clamped down on fraudulent conservation schemes, offering settlements for those charged by federal tax authorities to claw back taxes, penalties and interest from investors.
"These abusive transactions undermine the public's trust in private land conservation and defraud the government of revenue. Ending these abusive schemes remains a top priority for the IRS," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement.
In the past, land trust defendants accused of abusive conservation syndicates were sued in civil tax court, but Monday's announcement was the first time conservation easement tax defendants were charged in federal criminal court.
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"The defendants and their co-conspirators used conservation easement donations to personally enrich themselves and allow wealthy tax clients to evade their tax obligations," Rettig said Monday. "The charges and guilty pleas demonstrate that participation in abusive [conservation easement syndications] will not be tolerated. Once again, the IRS recommends that anyone who participated in an abusive [scheme] consult independent counsel about coming into compliance," he added.


upi--2020-12-21--Hall of Fame linebacker Kevin Greene dies at 58

Dec. 21 ( UPI ) -- Hall of Famer Kevin Greene , who is considered one of the greatest pass-rushers in NFL history , died at his home in Florida , the Pro Football Hall of Fame said .
He was 58 .
Greene 's family and the Hall of Fame confirmed the death of the NFL legend Monday .
No cause of death was given .
`` The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene , '' Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement Monday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a true Hall of Famer in every sense .
`` He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met .
He was a great player , but more than that , he was a great man . ''
Greene , known for his long blonde hair and relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks , finished his career with 160 sacks , which ranks third in NFL history behind only Bruce Smith ( 200 ) and Reggie White ( 198 ) .
He added 23 forced fumbles and five interceptions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sacks twice ( 1994 , 1996 ) and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1996 .
He also was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team .
Greene spent 15 seasons in the NFL and played for the Los Angeles Rams ( 1985-92 ) , Pittsburgh Steelers ( 1993-95 ) , Carolina Panthers ( 1996 , 1998-99 ) and San Francisco 49ers ( 1997 ) .
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 .
`` We lost an amazing player and person this morning with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president Art Rooney II said in a statement Monday .
`` His sudden death is a shock to us all as he was a close friend and teammate to so many people in the Steelers family .
`` When Kevin came to the Steelers in 1993 he had an immediate impact .
Paired with Greg Lloyd , Kevin and Greg led a defense that became known as 'Blitzburgh ' and went on to play in Super Bowl 30 .
Kevin 's energy and enthusiasm were inspiring for our team as well as our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kevin 's wife , Tara , their children and the entire Greene family in this most difficult time .
They will always be members of the Steelers family and in our thoughts and prayers . ''
Greene , born in Schenectady , N.Y. , played college football at Auburn .
The Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 1985 draft .
Greene recorded 14 or more sacks in five different seasons , including twice as a member of the Panthers toward the end of his playing career .
He coached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Jets after his retirement .

Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Greene (L) coached for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets after his retirement from playing. File Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Hall of Famer Kevin Greene, who is considered one of the greatest pass-rushers in NFL history, died at his home in Florida, the Pro Football Hall of Fame said. He was 58. Greene's family and the Hall of Fame confirmed the death of the NFL legend Monday. No cause of death was given. Advertisement
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene," Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement Monday. "I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense.
"He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man."
Greene, known for his long blonde hair and relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks, finished his career with 160 sacks, which ranks third in NFL history behind only Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198). He added 23 forced fumbles and five interceptions.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection led the league in sacks twice (1994, 1996) and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1996. He also was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
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Greene spent 15 seasons in the NFL and played for the Los Angeles Rams (1985-92), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993-95), Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998-99) and San Francisco 49ers (1997). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
"We lost an amazing player and person this morning with the passing of Kevin Greene," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement Monday. "His sudden death is a shock to us all as he was a close friend and teammate to so many people in the Steelers family.
"When Kevin came to the Steelers in 1993 he had an immediate impact. Paired with Greg Lloyd, Kevin and Greg led a defense that became known as 'Blitzburgh' and went on to play in Super Bowl 30. Kevin's energy and enthusiasm were inspiring for our team as well as our fans.
"My condolences go out to Kevin's wife, Tara, their children and the entire Greene family in this most difficult time. They will always be members of the Steelers family and in our thoughts and prayers."
Greene, born in Schenectady, N.Y., played college football at Auburn. The Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 1985 draft.
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Greene recorded 14 or more sacks in five different seasons, including twice as a member of the Panthers toward the end of his playing career. He coached for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets after his retirement.
Notable deaths of 2020