upi--2020-01-27--Kyle Shanahan: 49ers must play 60 minutes to stop Chiefs, 'freak' Patrick Mahomes

MIAMI , Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said his team must play hard for the entire 60 minutes of Super Bowl LIV if they hope to contain Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes .
`` All good quarterbacks are tough to beat and plan for and Patrick is as good as anyone , '' Shanahan said at Super Bowl Opening Night Monday at Marlins Park in Miami .
`` When you have the arm strength he has and athletic ability he has , there is not one throw he ca n't make .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the pocket and play in a rhythm like a true pocket passer and when stuff breaks down he can be a freak and creative . ''
Mahomes showed his freakish features by leading the Chiefs out of a 24-0 hole to win their first game this postseason against the Houston Texans .
He threw three more touchdowns in the AFC Championship game , leading the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years .
`` I have n't played with anyone like him .
... Pat Mahomes is Pat Mahomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end Travis Kelce said .
Kelce said he had no doubt that the Chiefs could stage their miraculous comeback against the Texans .
He was thinking `` we got Pat Mahomes '' when his team looked like it was about to be eliminated from the playoffs early on .
Mahomes responded by throwing five touchdowns in the dramatic win , igniting the Chiefs ' run to the Super Bowl .
`` We knew it was a chess match where we would have to do some crazy things , '' Chiefs wide receiver Sammy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` [ We thought , ] why not ?
We have the best quarterback in the league who can do some crazy things and we scored literally seven straight times to get the win .
`` We have a lot of fire and character .
I do n't think any team can just come back from down 24-0 and be like 'we 're coming back we 're going to win this game . '
That 's why we 're in this position now . ''
Mahomes won NFL MVP in his first year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morphed his game into something many fans -- and teammates -- have never seen .
Mahomes can bust out of the pocket and run away from defenders , while throwing passes from any angle to connect with receivers for huge plays .
He can also stay in the pocket and calmly pick apart opposing defenses .
`` It 's this thing he does on the sideline , '' Chiefs star Tyreek Hill said .
`` He 's like a rock and he smolders .
He says 'guys , let 's go man .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick is a blessing .
He leads by example .
He is always working hard to be the best .
`` Pat is very different . ''
Mahomes ' leadership by example is no accident .
He patiently waited for that role with the Chiefs .
Many talented college prospects that go in the first round of an NFL Draft look to make an immediate impact and want to get on the field as much as possible .
Mahomes had to sit for an entire season while veteran Alex Smith quarterbacked the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity to listen and learn from the experienced gunslinger .
His veteran teammates watched , and Mahomes earned respect , without taking a single snap .
Smith left the team the next season , handing the gig over to the phenom .
`` He never tried to overstep his bounds with Alex , '' Chiefs coach Andy Reid said .
`` Alex was a great teacher .
The players respected how [ Mahomes ] handled that situation .
You could see the talent every day .
He did the same things he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mahomes attributes `` a lot '' of his early success to Smith 's teachings , saying Smith gave him a `` blueprint '' on being a professional quarterback .
He still uses that blueprint from Smith to prepare for each game .
Mahomes has always been compared to other premier quarterbacks , but fans did n't know if he would reach the lofty expectations until he became a full-time starter .
He answered the call by throwing 50 touchdowns last season , en route to being named the league 's best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has had so much success so young in his career , '' 49ers star cornerback Richard Sherman said .
`` It 's because he 's special .
He does things that are n't close to anyone else in this league .
`` He has qualities of Aaron Rodgers .
He has qualities of Russell Wilson .
He has qualities of Tony Romo .
He has qualities of a lot of great quarterbacks in this league , but he 's still unique on his own . ''
Sherman leads a 49ers unit that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the NFL this season .
The Chiefs had the most potent passing attack in the AFC .
As Shanahan said , his defense , offense and special teams need to play a full 60-minute game in order to hold off Mahomes and the Chiefs .
`` It 's about competitiveness , having the teammates around me that will listen to me and they know I 'm doing it for the best interest in the team , and not having to be the only leader , '' Mahomes said .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each other and keep positive mindsets .
It really helps us whenever we are down , or whenever we are up , to really keep the foot down . ''

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has completed 65.7 percent of his throws for 615 yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions in two games this postseason. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
MIAMI, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said his team must play hard for the entire 60 minutes of Super Bowl LIV if they hope to contain Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. "All good quarterbacks are tough to beat and plan for and Patrick is as good as anyone," Shanahan said at Super Bowl Opening Night Monday at Marlins Park in Miami. "When you have the arm strength he has and athletic ability he has, there is not one throw he can't make. Advertisement
"He can create stuff and play in the pocket and play in a rhythm like a true pocket passer and when stuff breaks down he can be a freak and creative."
Mahomes showed his freakish features by leading the Chiefs out of a 24-0 hole to win their first game this postseason against the Houston Texans. He threw three more touchdowns in the AFC Championship game, leading the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years.
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"I haven't played with anyone like him. ... Pat Mahomes is Pat Mahomes for a reason," Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said.
Kelce said he had no doubt that the Chiefs could stage their miraculous comeback against the Texans. He was thinking "we got Pat Mahomes" when his team looked like it was about to be eliminated from the playoffs early on. Mahomes responded by throwing five touchdowns in the dramatic win, igniting the Chiefs' run to the Super Bowl.
"We knew it was a chess match where we would have to do some crazy things," Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins said of the comeback win. "[We thought,] why not? We have the best quarterback in the league who can do some crazy things and we scored literally seven straight times to get the win.
"We have a lot of fire and character. I don't think any team can just come back from down 24-0 and be like 'we're coming back we're going to win this game.' That's why we're in this position now."
Mahomes won NFL MVP in his first year as a starting quarterback. He has morphed his game into something many fans -- and teammates -- have never seen. Mahomes can bust out of the pocket and run away from defenders, while throwing passes from any angle to connect with receivers for huge plays. He can also stay in the pocket and calmly pick apart opposing defenses.
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"It's this thing he does on the sideline," Chiefs star Tyreek Hill said. "He's like a rock and he smolders. He says 'guys, let's go man.' He gets fired up. Having Patrick is a blessing. He leads by example. He is always working hard to be the best.
"Pat is very different."
Mahomes earned respect from the bench
Mahomes' leadership by example is no accident. He patiently waited for that role with the Chiefs. Many talented college prospects that go in the first round of an NFL Draft look to make an immediate impact and want to get on the field as much as possible. Mahomes had to sit for an entire season while veteran Alex Smith quarterbacked the team.
Instead of complaining, Mahomes used the opportunity to listen and learn from the experienced gunslinger. His veteran teammates watched, and Mahomes earned respect, without taking a single snap. Smith left the team the next season, handing the gig over to the phenom.
"He never tried to overstep his bounds with Alex," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "Alex was a great teacher. The players respected how [Mahomes] handled that situation. You could see the talent every day. He did the same things he does now with the scout team then."
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Mahomes attributes "a lot" of his early success to Smith's teachings, saying Smith gave him a "blueprint" on being a professional quarterback. He still uses that blueprint from Smith to prepare for each game.
Comparisons to the greats
Mahomes has always been compared to other premier quarterbacks, but fans didn't know if he would reach the lofty expectations until he became a full-time starter. He answered the call by throwing 50 touchdowns last season, en route to being named the league's best player.
"There is a reason he has had so much success so young in his career," 49ers star cornerback Richard Sherman said. "It's because he's special. He does things that aren't close to anyone else in this league.
"He has qualities of Aaron Rodgers. He has qualities of Russell Wilson. He has qualities of Tony Romo. He has qualities of a lot of great quarterbacks in this league, but he's still unique on his own."
Sherman leads a 49ers unit that had the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL this season. The Chiefs had the most potent passing attack in the AFC. As Shanahan said, his defense, offense and special teams need to play a full 60-minute game in order to hold off Mahomes and the Chiefs.
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"It's about competitiveness, having the teammates around me that will listen to me and they know I'm doing it for the best interest in the team, and not having to be the only leader," Mahomes said. "There are leaders around this team. We talk to each other and keep positive mindsets. It really helps us whenever we are down, or whenever we are up, to really keep the foot down."


upi--2020-01-27--LeBron James on Kobe Bryant's death: I promise to continue your legacy

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- LeBron James , making his first public comments since the death of Kobe Bryant , said `` it 's my responsibility '' to continue the legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers legend .
In a lengthy post on Instagram , James said he was `` heartbroken and devastated '' by the death of Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas , Calif .
The current Lakers star said he has `` much more I want to say but just ca n't right now because I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to L.A. , '' James wrote .
`` Did n't think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we 'd have .
... Man I love you big bro .
My heart goes to Vanessa [ Bryant ] and the kids .
I promise you I 'll continue your legacy man !
You mean so much to us all here especially # LakerNation . ''
Bryant , 41 , and his daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went down about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles .
The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances .
There were no survivors .
The crash came one day after James passed Bryant for third place on the NBA 's all-time scoring list .
Bryant , who scored 33,643 points in his NBA career , was active on social media Saturday night , congratulating James on the feat .
James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff found out about Bryant 's death while the team was flying back to Los Angeles from Philadelphia .
The NBA postponed Tuesday night 's game between the L.A. Clippers and Lakers as the organizations attempt to cope with the tragedy .
Bryant , a two-time NBA Finals MVP , retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award ( 2008 ) with the Lakers .

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Former Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (R) and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant talk in the second half of a game on Dec. 25, 2013, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- LeBron James, making his first public comments since the death of Kobe Bryant, said "it's my responsibility" to continue the legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers legend. In a lengthy post on Instagram, James said he was "heartbroken and devastated" by the death of Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif. The current Lakers star said he has "much more I want to say but just can't right now because I can't get through it." Advertisement
"I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to L.A.," James wrote. "Didn't think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we'd have. ... Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa [Bryant] and the kids. I promise you I'll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation."
Bryant, 41, and his daughter were among nine aboard the helicopter that went down about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances. There were no survivors.
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The crash came one day after James passed Bryant for third place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Bryant, who scored 33,643 points in his NBA career, was active on social media Saturday night, congratulating James on the feat.
James, his teammates and the Lakers coaching staff found out about Bryant's death while the team was flying back to Los Angeles from Philadelphia.
The NBA postponed Tuesday night's game between the L.A. Clippers and Lakers as the organizations attempt to cope with the tragedy.
Bryant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award (2008) with the Lakers.


upi--2020-01-27--Mississippi governor calls for closing of Parchman penitentiary cell block after ninth death

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves vowed to close the Mississippi State Penitentiary 's Unit 29 cell block after the ninth death of an inmate in a month .
During his State of the State address on Monday evening , Reeves ordered the closing of the cell block in the prison known as Parchman where nine inmates have died since Dec. 29 .
`` I have instructed the Mississippi Department of Corrections to begin necessary work to start closing Parchman 's most notorious unit , Unit 29 , '' Reeves said .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page .
This is the first step and I have asked the department to begin the preparations to make it happen safely , justly and quickly . ''
On Sunday , the Mississippi Department of Corrections said 26-year-old inmate Joshua Norman was found dead in his one-man cell .
`` No foul play is suspected , according to the Sunflower County Coroner as an ongoing investigation continues and the official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results , '' the department said .
Earlier this month , entertainment mogul Jay-Z @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates in the state penal system who say authorities have done nothing to stem violence inside prison walls .
The suit names Mississippi corrections chief Pelicia Hall and Parchman Penitentiary Superintendent Marshal Turner as defendants and cites violations of Eighth Amendment rights and identifies conditions within the Parchman facility .

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves on Monday called for the closure of the Mississippi State Penitentiary's Unit 29 cell block after nine inmates have died in a month. Photo courtesy Mississippi Department of Corrections/Twitter
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves vowed to close the Mississippi State Penitentiary's Unit 29 cell block after the ninth death of an inmate in a month. During his State of the State address on Monday evening, Reeves ordered the closing of the cell block in the prison known as Parchman where nine inmates have died since Dec. 29. Advertisement
"I have instructed the Mississippi Department of Corrections to begin necessary work to start closing Parchman's most notorious unit, Unit 29," Reeves said. "I've seen enough. We have to turn the page. This is the first step and I have asked the department to begin the preparations to make it happen safely, justly and quickly."
On Sunday, the Mississippi Department of Corrections said 26-year-old inmate Joshua Norman was found dead in his one-man cell.
"No foul play is suspected, according to the Sunflower County Coroner as an ongoing investigation continues and the official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results," the department said.
Earlier this month, entertainment mogul Jay-Z filed a lawsuit on behalf of 29 inmates in the state penal system who say authorities have done nothing to stem violence inside prison walls.
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The suit names Mississippi corrections chief Pelicia Hall and Parchman Penitentiary Superintendent Marshal Turner as defendants and cites violations of Eighth Amendment rights and identifies conditions within the Parchman facility.


upi--2020-01-27--Coronavirus: At least 106 dead in China; WHO head in Beijing

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Chinese authorities on Tuesday raised the death toll from a coronavirus outbreak to 106 , ahead of a visit by the director-general of the World Health Organization who will help map out a plan to stem the virus ' spread .
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he planned to meet with health officials in Beijing and discuss what 's happening in Wuhan , where the outbreak began .
`` We are working 24/7 to support China and its people during this difficult time and remain in close contact with affected countries , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ghebreyesus tweeted Sunday .
`` [ WHO ] is updating all countries on the situation and providing specific guidance on what to do to respond . ''
Chinese officials said there are at least 4,535 confirmed coronavirus cases in China as of Tuesday morning and nearly 7,000 suspected , and the outbreak has so far killed 106 people in mainland China .
Of the dead , 100 were in Hubei province with 85 in Wuhan .
Health officials in Beijing on Monday confirmed the capital 's first death since the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who had visited Wuhan Jan. 8 and developed a fever after returning to Beijing a week later .
His cause of death is listed as respiratory failure .
By Monday afternoon , Beijing had accumulated 80 confirmed cases , an increase of eight from the day before , including one patient who had come into contact with a previously confirmed case and has since been sent to a municipal hospital for treatment .
Outside of China , eight cases have been confirmed in Thailand , five each in the United States and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan and South Korea and three in Malaysia , according to Chinese officials .
Two cases have been documented in Vietnam , where officials have quarantined a dozen people who may also have the virus .
At least two cases have also been confirmed and 19 more being investigated in Canada 's largest city of Toronto .
Ontario 's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams confirmed Canada 's second case on Monday as the wife of its first confirmed patient and has been in self-isolation since her arrival in Toronto for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has been in self-isolation , the risk to Ontarians remains low , '' Williams said .
Germany confirmed its first case of the disease late Monday , stating the Starnberg man has been placed in isolation and those who have come in close contact with him have been informed .
Health officials said they consider the risk to the greater bavarian population to the new disease `` to be low . ''
Officials said there are about 4,100 Wuhan residents still traveling overseas who are expected to return in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it hoped to show it 's taking proper measures to contain the coronavirus -- including the construction of a clinic to handle Chinese cases .
`` We have built an all-round and multilevel prevention and control system focusing on Wuhan and Hubei , '' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Japan 's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Sunday .
`` All are open and transparent , and we will speed up [ the implementation of prevention ] progress in a scientific and orderly manner . ''
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang traveled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .

People in Beijing, China, are seen wearing protective face masks on Sunday to guard against a coronavirus outbreak that has so far killed 81 people in mainland China. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Chinese authorities on Tuesday raised the death toll from a coronavirus outbreak to 106, ahead of a visit by the director-general of the World Health Organization who will help map out a plan to stem the virus' spread. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he planned to meet with health officials in Beijing and discuss what's happening in Wuhan, where the outbreak began. Advertisement
"We are working 24/7 to support China and its people during this difficult time and remain in close contact with affected countries, with our regional and country offices deeply involved," Ghebreyesus tweeted Sunday. "[WHO] is updating all countries on the situation and providing specific guidance on what to do to respond."
Chinese officials said there are at least 4,535 confirmed coronavirus cases in China as of Tuesday morning and nearly 7,000 suspected, and the outbreak has so far killed 106 people in mainland China.
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Of the dead, 100 were in Hubei province with 85 in Wuhan.
Health officials in Beijing on Monday confirmed the capital's first death since the outbreak began in late December -- a 50-year-old man who had visited Wuhan Jan. 8 and developed a fever after returning to Beijing a week later. His cause of death is listed as respiratory failure.
By Monday afternoon, Beijing had accumulated 80 confirmed cases, an increase of eight from the day before, including one patient who had come into contact with a previously confirmed case and has since been sent to a municipal hospital for treatment.
Outside of China, eight cases have been confirmed in Thailand, five each in the United States and Australia and Singapore and four each in Japan and South Korea and three in Malaysia, according to Chinese officials. Two cases have been documented in Vietnam, where officials have quarantined a dozen people who may also have the virus. At least two cases have also been confirmed and 19 more being investigated in Canada's largest city of Toronto.
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams confirmed Canada's second case on Monday as the wife of its first confirmed patient and has been in self-isolation since her arrival in Toronto for China.
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"Given the fact that she has been in self-isolation, the risk to Ontarians remains low," Williams said.
Germany confirmed its first case of the disease late Monday, stating the Starnberg man has been placed in isolation and those who have come in close contact with him have been informed.
Health officials said they consider the risk to the greater bavarian population to the new disease "to be low."
Officials said there are about 4,100 Wuhan residents still traveling overseas who are expected to return in the coming days.
Given past virus outbreaks, Beijing said it hoped to show it's taking proper measures to contain the coronavirus -- including the construction of a clinic to handle Chinese cases.
"We have built an all-round and multilevel prevention and control system focusing on Wuhan and Hubei," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Sunday. "All are open and transparent, and we will speed up [the implementation of prevention] progress in a scientific and orderly manner."
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang traveled to Wuhan Monday to visit patients and medical staff.


upi--2020-01-27--CDC mulling expanded screening for coronavirus; spread risk still low

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday raised its travel warning for China to its highest alert level as they consider increased screenings for travelers from the Asian nation that is dealing with an increasing number of confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus .
The agency raised its travel advisory to a level 3 , warning U.S. citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to the country while urging those who must visit China to avoid sick people , animals , animal market and animal products .
Meanwhile , the agency told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases beyond the five currently known and that 110 people from 26 states are currently being tested for the virus .
People coming to the United States from China have been funneled through five airports during the last week-and-a-half , and the State Department on Friday issued a travel advisory and ordered Americans to leave Wuhan , China , where the outbreak started .
The State Department also issued an updated travel advisory encouraging Americans to avoid all nonessential travel to China and to not travel to the Hubei province , where Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been no confirmed reports of human-to-human transmission in the United States .
Chinese officials caused a bit of a firestorm over the weekend when they suggested that human-to-human transmission may be possible during the 2- to 14-day `` incubation '' period , when those sickened are still asymptomatic .
However , Nancy Messonnier , director of the agency 's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , said the CDC has `` no clear evidence '' of that at this point .
`` At this time in the U.S. , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` The risk remains low at this time . ''
Chinese officials canceled all flights last week out of Wuhan , the city that has been ground zero for the virus .
Messonnier said that the CDC , working with local departments of health , is still screening travelers at five airports across the country .
The agency has opted for a particular focus on those arriving from Hubei , the province in central China where Wuhan is located , or those who have had confirmed contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
To date , screeners have checked more than 2,400 travelers , according to Messonier .
The numbers of those detained for screening at the airports has been steadily declining , she added , as Chinese officials have imposed travel restrictions on the affected region .
`` We are considering a broadening of that screening '' to include all travelers from China , Messonnier said .
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told guests during a Lunar New Year event that the United States was conducting screenings at 20 U.S. airports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and any passengers who are ill will be subject to further screenings .
`` And so let me say once again , here in our country , we 've taking strong steps to see to the health and the wellbeing of the American people , '' he said .
`` But as President [ Donald ] Trump made clear today , the United States of America stands ready -- stands ready to assist the people of China and around the world as they deal with this virus . ''
The United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 novel coronavirus , or 2019 n-CoV , as of Monday .
However , 110 additional people from 26 states are currently being tested for the virus , and 32 others have been tested , and found to be negative .
They remain in isolation until test results are in .
The process takes approximately one day , Messonier noted , as the CDC is still recommending that samples be tested in its laboratories in Atlanta .
The agency has developed a testing protocol for local labs , which it made public over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop testing `` kits , '' which it will distribute to health departments in `` priority states '' within the next one to two weeks .
However , the agency will continue to recommend that all testing be performed in its labs to ensure accuracy .
`` Speed is important , but accuracy is more important , '' Messonier explained .

The CDC said it is reviewing a change to travel recommendations to and from China because of the now spreading coronavirus outbreak. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday raised its travel warning for China to its highest alert level as they consider increased screenings for travelers from the Asian nation that is dealing with an increasing number of confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus. The agency raised its travel advisory to a level 3, warning U.S. citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to the country while urging those who must visit China to avoid sick people, animals, animal market and animal products. Advertisement CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to #China due to the ongoing #2019nCoV (#coronavirus) outbreak. The outbreak is growing and there is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas. https://t.co/Km38IKxIAs pic.twitter.com/NHboTImlyr— CDC Travel Health (@CDCtravel) January 27, 2020 Advertisement
Meanwhile, the agency told reporters Monday that there have been no new cases beyond the five currently known and that 110 people from 26 states are currently being tested for the virus.
People coming to the United States from China have been funneled through five airports during the last week-and-a-half, and the State Department on Friday issued a travel advisory and ordered Americans to leave Wuhan, China, where the outbreak started.
The State Department also issued an updated travel advisory encouraging Americans to avoid all nonessential travel to China and to not travel to the Hubei province, where Wuhan is located.
As of Monday, there have been no confirmed reports of human-to-human transmission in the United States. Chinese officials caused a bit of a firestorm over the weekend when they suggested that human-to-human transmission may be possible during the 2- to 14-day "incubation" period, when those sickened are still asymptomatic.
However, Nancy Messonnier, director of the agency's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said the CDC has "no clear evidence" of that at this point.
"At this time in the U.S., the virus is not spreading throughout the community," she said. "The risk remains low at this time."
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Chinese officials canceled all flights last week out of Wuhan, the city that has been ground zero for the virus.
Messonnier said that the CDC, working with local departments of health, is still screening travelers at five airports across the country. The agency has opted for a particular focus on those arriving from Hubei, the province in central China where Wuhan is located, or those who have had confirmed contact with someone known to have been sickened by the virus.
To date, screeners have checked more than 2,400 travelers, according to Messonier. The numbers of those detained for screening at the airports has been steadily declining, she added, as Chinese officials have imposed travel restrictions on the affected region.
"We are considering a broadening of that screening" to include all travelers from China, Messonnier said.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told guests during a Lunar New Year event that the United States was conducting screenings at 20 U.S. airports that received 90 percent of all passengers from China and any passengers who are ill will be subject to further screenings.
"And so let me say once again, here in our country, we've taking strong steps to see to the health and the wellbeing of the American people," he said. "But as President [Donald] Trump made clear today, the United States of America stands ready -- stands ready to assist the people of China and around the world as they deal with this virus."
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The United States still has only five confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019 n-CoV, as of Monday. However, 110 additional people from 26 states are currently being tested for the virus, and 32 others have been tested, and found to be negative.
They remain in isolation until test results are in. The process takes approximately one day, Messonier noted, as the CDC is still recommending that samples be tested in its laboratories in Atlanta.
The agency has developed a testing protocol for local labs, which it made public over the weekend. It also plans to develop testing "kits," which it will distribute to health departments in "priority states" within the next one to two weeks.
However, the agency will continue to recommend that all testing be performed in its labs to ensure accuracy.
"Speed is important, but accuracy is more important," Messonier explained.


upi--2020-01-27--Giants to hire ex-Browns HC Freddie Kitchens as tight ends coach

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Joe Judge and the New York Giants are expected to hire former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Monday the Giants are hiring Kitchens to be the team 's tight ends coach .
According to ESPN , Kitchens ' hiring is a move that has been in the works for multiple weeks .
The Browns fired Kitchens in December after a 6-10 season , his first as a head coach .
The Giants named Judge as the team 's next head coach earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Judge were together at Mississippi State .
Judge was first a player and then a graduate assistant , while Kitchens served as the Bulldogs ' tight ends coach in 2004 and running backs coach in 2005 .
Kitchens , who originally arrived in Cleveland as a running backs coach , became the team 's offensive coordinator midway through the 2018 campaign after former head coach Hue Jackson was fired .
With Kitchens calling plays , quarterback Baker Mayfield broke the NFL rookie record with 27 touchdown passes .
The Browns ' offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 season prompted former general manager John Dorsey to promote Kitchens to head coach .
In the 2019 campaign , Mayfield threw 21 interceptions and Cleveland 's offense struggled .
Judge and the Giants previously hired ex-Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator .

Former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens was fired by the franchise after one season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Joe Judge and the New York Giants are expected to hire former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Monday the Giants are hiring Kitchens to be the team's tight ends coach. According to ESPN, Kitchens' hiring is a move that has been in the works for multiple weeks. Advertisement
The Browns fired Kitchens in December after a 6-10 season, his first as a head coach. The Giants named Judge as the team's next head coach earlier this month.
In 2004 and 2005, Kitchens and Judge were together at Mississippi State. Judge was first a player and then a graduate assistant, while Kitchens served as the Bulldogs' tight ends coach in 2004 and running backs coach in 2005.
Kitchens, who originally arrived in Cleveland as a running backs coach, became the team's offensive coordinator midway through the 2018 campaign after former head coach Hue Jackson was fired. With Kitchens calling plays, quarterback Baker Mayfield broke the NFL rookie record with 27 touchdown passes.
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The Browns' offensive production in the second half of the 2018 season prompted former general manager John Dorsey to promote Kitchens to head coach. In the 2019 campaign, Mayfield threw 21 interceptions and Cleveland's offense struggled.
Judge and the Giants previously hired ex-Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator.


upi--2020-01-27--Dallas Mavericks to retire No. 24 in honor of Lakers icon Kobe Bryant

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announced the franchise will retire Kobe Bryant 's famous No .
24 jersey number in a tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers legend .
Bryant , 41 , was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas , Calif. , along with his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , and seven others .
The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances .
Bryant , who played all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lakers , was a nemesis of the Mavericks for many years .
In 2005 , he scored 62 points against Dallas in three quarters despite being greeted by a variety of defenses .
He held a 42-22 overall record against the Mavs in the regular season .
`` We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter , Gianna , '' Cuban said in a statement Sunday night .
`` Kobe was an ambassador for our game , a decorated legend and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a loving and dedicated father .
`` Kobe 's legacy transcends basketball , and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick .
Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy .
We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa [ Bryant ] and the family , the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere . ''
Bryant , a two-time NBA Finals MVP , retired from the league in 2016 after winning five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Award ( 2008 ) with the Lakers .
The NBA postponed Tuesday night 's game between the L.A. Clippers and Lakers as the organizations attempt to cope with the tragedy .

Flowers lie outside the entrance of the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, Calif., in memory of Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif. Photo by John McCoy/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban announced the franchise will retire Kobe Bryant's famous No. 24 jersey number in a tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Bryant, 41, was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif., along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances. Advertisement
Bryant, who played all 20 seasons of his NBA career with the Lakers, was a nemesis of the Mavericks for many years. In 2005, he scored 62 points against Dallas in three quarters despite being greeted by a variety of defenses. He held a 42-22 overall record against the Mavs in the regular season.
"We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," Cuban said in a statement Sunday night. "Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
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"Kobe's legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick. Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa [Bryant] and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere."
Bryant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award (2008) with the Lakers.
The NBA postponed Tuesday night's game between the L.A. Clippers and Lakers as the organizations attempt to cope with the tragedy.


upi--2020-01-27--Common diuretic drug may ease autism symptoms

A prescription drug that 's long been used to treat the buildup of fluid in the body might do double duty as a means of easing autism symptoms in young children , new research shows .
If replicated in future trials , the drug treatment might be a breakthrough , since current treatments for autism in preschool kids are mainly behavioral -- therapies such as using play and activities with parents to improve a child 's language , social and thinking skills .
The drug bumetanide is currently used to help reduce fluid-linked swelling that comes with heart failure or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autism symptoms by affecting two chemical `` messengers '' that help nerve cells in the brain communicate .
The drug appears to lower the ratio of one key brain chemical called GABA , to another chemical called glutamate , explained a team from the University of Cambridge and several institutions in Taiwan and China .
It 's this mechanism that appears to help ease autism symptoms .
`` This is the first demonstration that bumetanide improves brain function and reduces symptoms by reducing the amount of the brain chemical GABA , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University in Taipei , Taiwan .
Speaking in a Cambridge news release , he said , `` Understanding this mechanism is a major step towards developing new and more effective drug treatments . ''
`` This study is important and exciting , because it means that there is a drug that can improve social learning and reduce [ autism ] symptoms during the time when the brains of these children are still developing , '' she said in the release .
`` We know that GABA and glutamate are key chemicals in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these children should have an opportunity for better quality of life and well-being , '' Sahakian said .
According to the researchers , prior studies in rats and small clinical trials involving children had suggested that bumetanide might help reduce symptoms of autism .
The new study was still relatively small -- just 83 children with autism , ranging between 3 to 6 years of age .
The children were divided : One group of 42 received 0.5 milligrams of bumetanide twice a day for three months , while a `` control '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Along with reducing autism symptoms , bumetanide appeared to cause no significant side effects , according to the study published Jan. 26 in Translational Psychiatry .
Any medicine that might alleviate autism symptoms would be very welcome , because behavioral treatments are not always accessible , particularly in developing countries , the research team noted .
`` I have many children with autism spectrum disorder under my care , but as psychological treatment resources are not available in many places , we are unable to offer them treatment .
An effective and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them , '' study clinical leader Dr. Fei Li , of Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai , said in the release .
Dr. Andrew Adesman directs developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Children 's Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park .
He was n't involved in the new study , but was cautiously optimistic about the results .
Future trials will reveal how useful bumetanide might be against autism .
`` Several methodologically rigorous , double-blind , placebo-controlled studies are now underway , '' Adesman noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more in a year or two as to whether bumetanide is indeed safe and effective . ''
The current trial did have one key shortcoming , he said .
`` Because this study lacked a placebo control group , it is hard to know if all of the clinical improvements reported were due to the bumetanide treatment itself or to placebo effects , '' Adesman said .
But he said certain brain scan evidence presented in the study does suggest a real and beneficial effect .
Adesman added that parents should probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet , however .
`` I think families should wait until we know a little more about its potential benefits and side effects , '' he said .
`` We need a methodologically rigorous , well-designed clinical trial to better assess the clinical benefits of bumetanide . ''
The Autism Society has more on autism .

A prescription drug that's long been used to treat the buildup of fluid in the body might do double duty as a means of easing autism symptoms in young children, new research shows.
If replicated in future trials, the drug treatment might be a breakthrough, since current treatments for autism in preschool kids are mainly behavioral -- therapies such as using play and activities with parents to improve a child's language, social and thinking skills. The drug bumetanide is currently used to help reduce fluid-linked swelling that comes with heart failure or kidney disease.
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But bumetanide may improve autism symptoms by affecting two chemical "messengers" that help nerve cells in the brain communicate. The drug appears to lower the ratio of one key brain chemical called GABA, to another chemical called glutamate, explained a team from the University of Cambridge and several institutions in Taiwan and China.
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It's this mechanism that appears to help ease autism symptoms.
"This is the first demonstration that bumetanide improves brain function and reduces symptoms by reducing the amount of the brain chemical GABA," said researcher Ching-Po Lin, of National Yang-Ming University in Taipei, Taiwan.
Speaking in a Cambridge news release, he said, "Understanding this mechanism is a major step towards developing new and more effective drug treatments."
Study co-author Barbara Sahakian, from Cambridge's department of psychiatry, agreed.
"This study is important and exciting, because it means that there is a drug that can improve social learning and reduce [autism] symptoms during the time when the brains of these children are still developing," she said in the release. "We know that GABA and glutamate are key chemicals in the brain for plasticity and learning and so these children should have an opportunity for better quality of life and well-being," Sahakian said.
According to the researchers, prior studies in rats and small clinical trials involving children had suggested that bumetanide might help reduce symptoms of autism.
The new study was still relatively small -- just 83 children with autism, ranging between 3 to 6 years of age. The children were divided: One group of 42 received 0.5 milligrams of bumetanide twice a day for three months, while a "control" group of 41 children received no treatment.
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Along with reducing autism symptoms, bumetanide appeared to cause no significant side effects, according to the study published Jan. 26 in Translational Psychiatry.
Any medicine that might alleviate autism symptoms would be very welcome, because behavioral treatments are not always accessible, particularly in developing countries, the research team noted.
"I have many children with autism spectrum disorder under my care, but as psychological treatment resources are not available in many places, we are unable to offer them treatment. An effective and safe treatment will be very good news for them," study clinical leader Dr. Fei Li, of Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, said in the release.
Dr. Andrew Adesman directs developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park. He wasn't involved in the new study, but was cautiously optimistic about the results.
Future trials will reveal how useful bumetanide might be against autism.
"Several methodologically rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are now underway," Adesman noted, "and we should know much more in a year or two as to whether bumetanide is indeed safe and effective."
The current trial did have one key shortcoming, he said.
"Because this study lacked a placebo control group, it is hard to know if all of the clinical improvements reported were due to the bumetanide treatment itself or to placebo effects," Adesman said. But he said certain brain scan evidence presented in the study does suggest a real and beneficial effect.
Advertisement
Adesman added that parents should probably not demand the drug for their kids just yet, however.
"I think families should wait until we know a little more about its potential benefits and side effects," he said. "We need a methodologically rigorous, well-designed clinical trial to better assess the clinical benefits of bumetanide."
More information
The Autism Society has more on autism.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-27--NBA postpones Los Angeles Lakers-Clippers game after Kobe Bryant's death

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers ' game against the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday night at Staples Center following the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant .
League sources told ESPN that discussions took place between the Lakers , Clippers and NBA across several hours before the Lakers ' request to postpone the game was honored .
The game will be rescheduled at a later date .
`` The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization , which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a helicopter crash Sunday , '' the NBA said in a statement Monday .
`` In consultation with the NBA League office , the game scheduled between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers for Tuesday , January 28 will be postponed and scheduled for a future date , '' the Lakers said in a statement .
`` The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences .
`` This is a very difficult time for all of us .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will share more information as it is available . ''
The Lakers canceled Monday 's practice as the entire franchise attempted to cope with the tragedy .
According to ESPN , the organization determined it just could n't move forward with Tuesday night 's matchup .
Bryant , 41 , was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas , Calif. , along with his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , and seven others .
The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashed under unknown circumstances .
Bryant , a two-time NBA Finals MVP , retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award ( 2008 ) with the Lakers .

Los Angeles Lakers fans gather in a plaza at LA LIVE near the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the loss of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant, his daughter Gianna, 13, and seven other people were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif. Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday night at Staples Center following the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. League sources told ESPN that discussions took place between the Lakers, Clippers and NBA across several hours before the Lakers' request to postpone the game was honored. The game will be rescheduled at a later date. Advertisement
"The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash Sunday," the NBA said in a statement Monday.
"In consultation with the NBA League office, the game scheduled between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers for Tuesday, January 28 will be postponed and scheduled for a future date," the Lakers said in a statement. "The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences.
"This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available."
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The Lakers canceled Monday's practice as the entire franchise attempted to cope with the tragedy. According to ESPN, the organization determined it just couldn't move forward with Tuesday night's matchup.
Bryant, 41, was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, Calif., along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The group was headed to Mamba Sports Academy, a facility that Bryant created and coached at, for a girls basketball game when their helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances.
Bryant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award (2008) with the Lakers.


upi--2020-01-28--Navy SEALS recover remains of two people from military plane crash in Afghanistan

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Navy forces recovered the remains of two Americans from the wreckage of a @ @ @ @ @ that crashed in a Taliban-controlled region of central Afghanistan , military officials announced Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ aircraft flight data recorder and destroyed the remnants of the aircraft after recovering the remains @ @ @ @ @ Sonny Leggett said in a statement .
`` The remains were found near the crash @ @ @ @ @ and respect by the local Afghan community , in accordance with their culture , '' @ @ @ @ @ were recovered from an Air Force Bombardier E-11 jet that crashed in the Ghazni province @ @ @ @ @ the plane was flying between the southern city of Kandahar and Kabul when it went @ @ @ @ @ said the cause of the crash was under investigation .

Navy SEALS recovered the remains of two Americans from a U.S. Bombardier E-11A that crashed in Afghanistan. Photo by STR/EPA
Jan. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. Navy forces recovered the remains of two Americans from the wreckage of a small U.S. Air Force jet that crashed in a Taliban-controlled region of central Afghanistan, military officials announced Tuesday. The forces also recovered the aircraft flight data recorder and destroyed the remnants of the aircraft after recovering the remains, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett said in a statement. Advertisement
"The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture," Leggett said.
The remains were recovered from an Air Force Bombardier E-11 jet that crashed in the Ghazni province on Monday.
It appeared the plane was flying between the southern city of Kandahar and Kabul when it went down.
Leggett on Tuesday said the cause of the crash was under investigation.


upi--2020-01-28--Chipotle to pay $1.37M for violating Massachusetts' child labor laws

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Chipotle must pay $ 1.37 million for violating child labor laws -- among others -- in Massachusetts , the state 's attorney general announced Tuesday .
The chain of fast food restaurants voluntarily reached an agreement to pay the restitution and penalties for some 13,253 violations .
The office of Attorney General Maura Healy said it began investigating Chipotle after receiving a complaint from a parent who said their minor child worked past midnight at a location in Beverly , Mass .
State officials said minors also worked without valid work permits , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds in Massachusetts may work a maximum of 9 hours per day and a maximum of 48 hours per week .
`` Chipotle is a major national restaurant chain that employs thousands of young people across the country and it has a duty to ensure minors are safe working in its restaurants , '' Healey said .
`` We hope these citations send a message to other fast food chains and restaurants that they can not violate our child labor laws and put young people at risk . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , failed to make timely payment of wages and had records violations .
As part of the agreement , Chipotle paid $ 500,000 into a fund to be used for educating young people about child labor laws and training young workers .

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Chipotle must pay $1.37 million for violating child labor laws -- among others -- in Massachusetts, the state's attorney general announced Tuesday.
The chain of fast food restaurants voluntarily reached an agreement to pay the restitution and penalties for some 13,253 violations.
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The office of Attorney General Maura Healy said it began investigating Chipotle after receiving a complaint from a parent who said their minor child worked past midnight at a location in Beverly, Mass.
State officials said minors also worked without valid work permits, and too many hours per day and per week. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds in Massachusetts may work a maximum of 9 hours per day and a maximum of 48 hours per week.
"Chipotle is a major national restaurant chain that employs thousands of young people across the country and it has a duty to ensure minors are safe working in its restaurants," Healey said. "We hope these citations send a message to other fast food chains and restaurants that they cannot violate our child labor laws and put young people at risk."
Chipotle also violated earned sick time laws, failed to make timely payment of wages and had records violations.
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As part of the agreement, Chipotle paid $500,000 into a fund to be used for educating young people about child labor laws and training young workers.


upi--2020-01-28--Former NBA star Allen Iverson has backpack with $500K in jewelry stolen

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- A backpack belonging to former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson that contained $ 500,000 worth of jewelry was stolen Monday , Philadelphia police said .
According to a police report released Tuesday , the backpack was reported missing around 10:30 a.m. EST at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia .
Police said a 21-year-old male turned himself in for the theft .
`` As of today , the jewelry that was stolen from Allen Iverson has been found and the suspect has been apprehended , '' Iverson 's representatives said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the people of Philadelphia for their support in this matter .
Thank you . ''
Police are withholding the name of the individual who turned himself in because he has n't been formally charged .
Iverson , 44 , officially retired from the NBA in 2013 after a 14-year career .
The 76ers selected him with the No .
1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Georgetown .
Iverson was an 11-time All-Star selection and was named the league 's Most Valuable Player in 2001 .
He was inducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fame in 2016 .

Police said Tuesday that NBA great Allen Iverson had the backpack stolen at a Philadelphia hotel. File Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A backpack belonging to former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson that contained $500,000 worth of jewelry was stolen Monday, Philadelphia police said. According to a police report released Tuesday, the backpack was reported missing around 10:30 a.m. EST at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia. Police said a 21-year-old male turned himself in for the theft. Advertisement
"As of today, the jewelry that was stolen from Allen Iverson has been found and the suspect has been apprehended," Iverson's representatives said in a statement. "Allen thanks the Philadelphia Police Department along with the people of Philadelphia for their support in this matter. Thank you."
Police are withholding the name of the individual who turned himself in because he hasn't been formally charged.
Iverson, 44, officially retired from the NBA in 2013 after a 14-year career. The 76ers selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Georgetown.
Iverson was an 11-time All-Star selection and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
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upi--2020-01-28--Fotis Dulos in critical condition with carbon monoxide poisoning

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- A Connecticut man accused of killing his estranged wife was in critical condition Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Emergency officials took Fotis Dulos , 52 , to Jacobi Hospital in New York via @ @ @ @ @ a hyperbaric chamber at 4 p.m. Police and paramedics were called to his Farmington , @ @ @ @ @ well-being check because Dulos did not appear at Stamford court for a hearing in connection @ @ @ @ @ his estranged wife .
Jennifer Farber Dulos has been missing for seven months .
Farmington @ @ @ @ @ in his garage where he was in medical distress from carbon monoxide poisoning .
Court @ @ @ @ @ to address Dulos ' $ 6 million bond during the hearing Tuesday .
Dulos posted @ @ @ @ @ arrested earlier this month and was placed on house arrest but allegedly broke the conditions @ @ @ @ @ out of his car and removing items from a makeshift memorial on the edge of @ @ @

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man accused of killing his estranged wife was in critical condition Tuesday after an attempted suicide.
Emergency officials took Fotis Dulos, 52, to Jacobi Hospital in New York via helicopter to be treated with a hyperbaric chamber at 4 p.m.
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Police and paramedics were called to his Farmington, Conn., home for a well-being check because Dulos did not appear at Stamford court for a hearing in connection with the presumed death of his estranged wife. Jennifer Farber Dulos has been missing for seven months.
Farmington police said officers found Dulos in his garage where he was in medical distress from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Court officials said they were supposed to address Dulos' $6 million bond during the hearing Tuesday.
Dulos posted his bond after he was arrested earlier this month and was placed on house arrest but allegedly broke the conditions of his release by getting out of his car and removing items from a makeshift memorial on the edge of his property.


upi--2020-01-28--Too much early childhood screen time may set kids up for less physical activity

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Children who spend more time looking at tablets or television screens as infants are likely to be less physically active as they enter school age , a new study has found .
In an analysis involving more than 500 children from Singapore published Tuesday in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health , researchers concluded that children between age two and three who spend more than three hours a day `` viewing screens '' were likely to spend significantly more time sitting , or at least at rest , by the time they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our findings support public health efforts to reduce screen viewing time in young children and suggest further research into the long term effects of screen viewing on movement behaviors is needed , '' co-author Bozhi Chen , of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health , National University of Singapore , said in a press release .
She added that she and her colleagues believe that the negative impact of early-life screen time on movement behaviors in later childhood highlights the importance of strategies to limit screen use during a child 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childhood has been linked with a wide range of health problems , including increased risk for obesity and reduced cognitive development .
Efforts to investigate this relationship have had mixed results , with most studies focusing on school-aged children and adolescents .
Researchers have suggested that one way screen time may influence health is by effectively replacing time spent doing something else , including physical activity , sleep , playing with toys or reading .
Guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend parents limit screen time for children to one hour per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years of age , suggesting that this may promote healthier behaviors in later life .
The authors of the new study say , however , that theirs is the first to look at the effects of early-life screen use on daily activity in pre-school children .
In the first of two assessments as part of the study , parents were asked to report how much time their two- and three-year-old children spent , on average , either watching TV or playing video games using a computer or a handheld device , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second assessment , conducted when the children enrolled in the study reached age five , the young participants wore an activity tracker continuously for seven days to monitor their sleep , sedentary behavior and physical activity levels .
In all , the authors found that children in the study spent an average of 2.5 hours a day watching screens at two to three years of age , with only a small proportion of them meeting WHO recommendations of one hour per day or less .
TV was the most commonly used device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
Children between two and three years of age who spent three or more hours a day viewing screens on TV , computers or handheld devices spent an average of 40 minutes more time sitting down each day when they reached five years of age than those who had used screens for less than an hour a day at the younger age .
Overall , higher screen use in infancy was associated with around 30 minutes less light physical activity each day , and around 10 minutes less moderate to vigorous activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a linked commentary , Dorothea Dumuid , of the University of South Australia , who was not involved in the screen time study , argued that the findings do not provide evidence of a causal link between screen time and reduced physical activity .
`` In this rapidly evolving digital age , children 's screen use is a key concern for parents and medical bodies , '' Dumuid wrote .
`` Guidelines to limit screen time have been released by many governments and WHO , however , screens offer digital and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research is needed to assess the influence of media content , to determine optimum durations of screen time in the context of 24-hour time use , and to explore causal pathways . ''

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Children who spend more time looking at tablets or television screens as infants are likely to be less physically active as they enter school age, a new study has found.
In an analysis involving more than 500 children from Singapore published Tuesday in the journal The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, researchers concluded that children between age two and three who spend more than three hours a day "viewing screens" were likely to spend significantly more time sitting, or at least at rest, by the time they reached five years of age.
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"Our findings support public health efforts to reduce screen viewing time in young children and suggest further research into the long term effects of screen viewing on movement behaviors is needed," co-author Bozhi Chen, of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, said in a press release.
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She added that she and her colleagues believe that the negative impact of early-life screen time on movement behaviors in later childhood highlights the importance of strategies to limit screen use during a child's formative years.
Excessive screen time in childhood has been linked with a wide range of health problems, including increased risk for obesity and reduced cognitive development.
Efforts to investigate this relationship have had mixed results, with most studies focusing on school-aged children and adolescents. Researchers have suggested that one way screen time may influence health is by effectively replacing time spent doing something else, including physical activity, sleep, playing with toys or reading.
Guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend parents limit screen time for children to one hour per day or less among those between two and five years of age, suggesting that this may promote healthier behaviors in later life. The authors of the new study say, however, that theirs is the first to look at the effects of early-life screen use on daily activity in pre-school children.
In the first of two assessments as part of the study, parents were asked to report how much time their two- and three-year-old children spent, on average, either watching TV or playing video games using a computer or a handheld device, such as a cellphone or tablet.
Advertisement
For the second assessment, conducted when the children enrolled in the study reached age five, the young participants wore an activity tracker continuously for seven days to monitor their sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity levels.
In all, the authors found that children in the study spent an average of 2.5 hours a day watching screens at two to three years of age, with only a small proportion of them meeting WHO recommendations of one hour per day or less. TV was the most commonly used device and was associated with the longest viewing times.
Children between two and three years of age who spent three or more hours a day viewing screens on TV, computers or handheld devices spent an average of 40 minutes more time sitting down each day when they reached five years of age than those who had used screens for less than an hour a day at the younger age.
Overall, higher screen use in infancy was associated with around 30 minutes less light physical activity each day, and around 10 minutes less moderate to vigorous activity each day, regardlesss of screen type.
In a linked commentary, Dorothea Dumuid, of the University of South Australia, who was not involved in the screen time study, argued that the findings do not provide evidence of a causal link between screen time and reduced physical activity.
Advertisement
"In this rapidly evolving digital age, children's screen use is a key concern for parents and medical bodies," Dumuid wrote. "Guidelines to limit screen time have been released by many governments and WHO, however, screens offer digital and social connectedness and educational opportunities. Future research is needed to assess the influence of media content, to determine optimum durations of screen time in the context of 24-hour time use, and to explore causal pathways."


upi--2020-01-28--SAIC receives $13.9 million contract to care for animals in Navy Marine Mammal Program

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Science Applications International Corp. has received a one-year , $ 13.9 million contract to provide animal care , training and maintenance of marine mammals in the Navy Marine Mammal Program , the Pentagon announced .
The Navy Marine Mammal Program , which began in 1959 and has been headquarted at Point Loma in San Diego since the 1960s , trains bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to detect , locate and recover objects in water -- particularly mines and other potentially dangerous objects that are difficult to detect with electronic sonar .
Using dolphins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-light vision and underwater directional hearing -- as well as their ability to dive to depths that would give human divers decompression sickness , the Navy is able to track undersea targets and detect potential maritime threats .
The contract includes four one-year option periods that , if exercised , would bring its overall potential value to $ 73.3 million .
Fiscal 2020 funds using Navy working capital funds are obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the year .
More than half the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego , with some work being performed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay , Georgia , and Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor , Wash .

A U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program MARK 7 Marine Mammal System bottlenose dolphin places a marking device in the vicinity of an exercise sea mine in Southern California during Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2018. Science Applications International Corp. has been awarded a $13.9 million contract to provide animal care, training and maintenance of marine mammals in the program. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy
Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Science Applications International Corp. has received a one-year, $13.9 million contract to provide animal care, training and maintenance of marine mammals in the Navy Marine Mammal Program, the Pentagon announced. The Navy Marine Mammal Program, which began in 1959 and has been headquarted at Point Loma in San Diego since the 1960s, trains bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to detect, locate and recover objects in water -- particularly mines and other potentially dangerous objects that are difficult to detect with electronic sonar. Advertisement
Using dolphins' superior sonar and both species' low-light vision and underwater directional hearing -- as well as their ability to dive to depths that would give human divers decompression sickness, the Navy is able to track undersea targets and detect potential maritime threats.
The contract funds work through Jan. 26, 2021.
The contract includes four one-year option periods that, if exercised, would bring its overall potential value to $73.3 million.
Fiscal 2020 funds using Navy working capital funds are obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the year.
More than half the work on the contract will be performed in San Diego, with some work being performed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Wash.


upi--2020-01-28--Florida judge frees Antonio Brown from house arrest

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- A Broward County judge freed NFL free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown from house arrest Tuesday , allowing him to remove his ankle monitor and travel freely as he awaits trial on battery and burglary charges .
The judge lessened the terms of Brown 's bond release , permitting the wideout to travel throughout the United States to fulfill contractual obligations , according to NBC Miami .
Instead of requiring Brown to wear an ankle GPS monitor , he will have to phone in with pre-trial services daily .
Brown still must submit to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he is n't permitted to possess firearms and ammunition .
His $ 110,000 bail remains in place and he must surrender his passport .
`` He needs to be treated like everyone else , '' Brown 's defense attorney , Eric Schwartzreich , told Local 10 News in Florida after the hearing .
`` He should n't be given special treatment or treated differently because he 's Antonio Brown .
The co-defendant in this case , he was put on just a $ 20,000 bond , so the judge understands that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because everyone gets treated the same , the monitor is going to be removed . ''
In an Instagram Live video , Brown showed viewers his ankle monitor and said , `` I 'm about to get this taken off .
I 'm free to go . ''
`` I put myself in a bad predicament , '' Brown told USA Today Sports on Tuesday .
`` I 'm out of it now , man .
Unfortunate situation , but we do n't make excuses and we 're going to make the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week with burglary with battery , burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and criminal mischief of less than $ 1,000 in damage .
The charges stemmed from a Jan. 21 incident at Brown 's Hollywood , Fla. , home , when a man told police he was attacked by Brown and his trainer , Glenn Holt , who was arrested last week and released on bond .
Entering this season , Brown was one of the most productive receivers in the NFL .
He played in only one game in 2019 , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being traded to the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 off-season .
He was released before playing a regular-season game after numerous disputes with the organization 's front office .
Brown then signed with the New England Patriots , who ultimately released him in September after a second woman in a span of 10 days accused him of sexual misconduct .
Brown has denied the accusations and has n't been charged .

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown (17) still must submit to a mental health evaluation and has to surrender his passport, firearms and ammunition. File Photo by Rhona Wise/EPA-EFE
Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A Broward County judge freed NFL free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown from house arrest Tuesday, allowing him to remove his ankle monitor and travel freely as he awaits trial on battery and burglary charges. The judge lessened the terms of Brown's bond release, permitting the wideout to travel throughout the United States to fulfill contractual obligations, according to NBC Miami. Instead of requiring Brown to wear an ankle GPS monitor, he will have to phone in with pre-trial services daily. Advertisement
Brown still must submit to a mental health evaluation and random drug testing, and he isn't permitted to possess firearms and ammunition. His $110,000 bail remains in place and he must surrender his passport.
"He needs to be treated like everyone else," Brown's defense attorney, Eric Schwartzreich, told Local 10 News in Florida after the hearing. "He shouldn't be given special treatment or treated differently because he's Antonio Brown. The co-defendant in this case, he was put on just a $20,000 bond, so the judge understands that.
"So, for proportionality, because everyone gets treated the same, the monitor is going to be removed."
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In an Instagram Live video, Brown showed viewers his ankle monitor and said, "I'm about to get this taken off. I'm free to go."
"I put myself in a bad predicament," Brown told USA Today Sports on Tuesday. "I'm out of it now, man. Unfortunate situation, but we don't make excuses and we're going to make the best of it."
Police charged Brown last week with burglary with battery, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and criminal mischief of less than $1,000 in damage.
The charges stemmed from a Jan. 21 incident at Brown's Hollywood, Fla., home, when a man told police he was attacked by Brown and his trainer, Glenn Holt, who was arrested last week and released on bond.
Entering this season, Brown was one of the most productive receivers in the NFL. He played in only one game in 2019, however, due to multiple off-the-field issues.
Brown spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being traded to the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 off-season. He was released before playing a regular-season game after numerous disputes with the organization's front office.
Brown then signed with the New England Patriots, who ultimately released him in September after a second woman in a span of 10 days accused him of sexual misconduct. Brown has denied the accusations and hasn't been charged.


upi--2020-01-28--3M announces 1,500 layoffs in company restructuring effort

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Industrial conglomerate 3M announced on Tuesday it is laying off 1,500 workers globally in an effort to restructure the company The company announced the layoffs in its fourth-quarter earnings release in which it reported 2.1 percent increase in sales in the quarter , year on year , and a 27 percent decline in earnings .
The layoffs spanned all business groups , functions and countries the company operates in .
3M said it took a $ 134 million restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 2019 and expects annual pre-tax savings of $ 110 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 million to $ 50 million in 2020 .
`` 3M continues to transform how it operates and build a more customer-driven and streamlined organization for the future , '' 3M Chairman and CEO Mike Roman said .
`` The latest phase of our transformation journey is designed to improve growth and operational efficiency and will enable us to create even more value for our customers and shareholders .
This is a defining moment in how we run our company and positions 3M for success in the years ahead . ''
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the news of the layoffs and its earnings report .
Julie Bushman , the company 's executive vice president of international operations , also announced her intention to retire effective April 1 .
`` Throughout her 36 years at 3M , Julie has been an exceptional leader and created tremendous value for our company and shareholders , '' Roman said .
`` Julie 's leadership has been invaluable throughout her time leading our international team , including playing a critical role in our transformation journey . ''

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Industrial conglomerate 3M announced on Tuesday it is laying off 1,500 workers globally in an effort to restructure the company
The company announced the layoffs in its fourth-quarter earnings release in which it reported 2.1 percent increase in sales in the quarter, year on year, and a 27 percent decline in earnings.
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The layoffs spanned all business groups, functions and countries the company operates in. 3M said it took a $134 million restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 2019 and expects annual pre-tax savings of $110 million to $120 million with $40 million to $50 million in 2020.
"3M continues to transform how it operates and build a more customer-driven and streamlined organization for the future," 3M Chairman and CEO Mike Roman said. "The latest phase of our transformation journey is designed to improve growth and operational efficiency and will enable us to create even more value for our customers and shareholders. This is a defining moment in how we run our company and positions 3M for success in the years ahead."
The company's stock fell 5.72 percent on Tuesday following the news of the layoffs and its earnings report.
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Julie Bushman, the company's executive vice president of international operations, also announced her intention to retire effective April 1.
"Throughout her 36 years at 3M, Julie has been an exceptional leader and created tremendous value for our company and shareholders," Roman said. "Julie's leadership has been invaluable throughout her time leading our international team, including playing a critical role in our transformation journey."


upi--2020-01-28--Harvard science professor accused of lying about ties to Chinese recruitment program

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department said Tuesday it charged a Harvard University science professor with lying about his connections to a scientific research outfit in China .
Charles Lieber , chairman of the school 's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology , faces one count of making a materially false , fictitious and fraudulent statement .
He was arrested Monday .
Federal prosecutors said Lieber failed to notify the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health about his connection to China 's Thousand Talents Plan .
The 60-year-old 's Lieber Research Group at Harvard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant money from the federal agencies .
As part of the conditions of receiving the grant money , he 's required to inform the government of any `` significant foreign financial conflicts of interest . ''
The Department of Justice said Lieber declined to notify the government of his work as a strategic scientist at Wuhan University of Technology in 2011 .
He also did n't mention he did so as a contractual participant in China 's Thousand Talents Plan , which seeks to recruit `` high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security . ''
The Department of Justice said the plan encourages scientists to steal proprietary information and bring it to the United States .
Officials said the plan paid him $ 50,000 a month , living expenses of up to $ 158,000 per year and $ 1.5 million to establish a lab at WUT .
Harvard apparently was n't aware of the arrangement .
Lieber allegedly told investigators he was n't asked to participate in the plan .

Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The Justice Department said Tuesday it charged a Harvard University science professor with lying about his connections to a scientific research outfit in China.
Charles Lieber, chairman of the school's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, faces one count of making a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement. He was arrested Monday.
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Federal prosecutors said Lieber failed to notify the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health about his connection to China's Thousand Talents Plan. The 60-year-old's Lieber Research Group at Harvard received more than $15 million in grant money from the federal agencies.
As part of the conditions of receiving the grant money, he's required to inform the government of any "significant foreign financial conflicts of interest."
The Department of Justice said Lieber declined to notify the government of his work as a strategic scientist at Wuhan University of Technology in 2011. He also didn't mention he did so as a contractual participant in China's Thousand Talents Plan, which seeks to recruit "high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China's scientific development, economic prosperity and national security."
The Department of Justice said the plan encourages scientists to steal proprietary information.
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Officials said the plan paid him $50,000 a month, living expenses of up to $158,000 per year and $1.5 million to establish a lab at WUT. Harvard apparently wasn't aware of the arrangement.
Lieber allegedly told investigators he wasn't asked to participate in the plan.


upi--2020-01-28--Super Bowl planners, players set for game's return to Miami

MIAMI , Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Planners are working to ensure everything is perfect when players take the field and fans head to their seats and hit the streets Sunday to celebrate Super Bowl LIV .
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens , Fla. , will host Sunday 's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers .
While the stadium sits in the same place , a lot has changed since the game last was held there in 2010 .
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has spent more than $ 700 million on the stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , upgrading video boards and more .
`` What people do n't understand is [ the Dolphins ] spent hundreds of millions of dollars , along with our governments , so our residents can have an event that produces hundreds of millions of dollars and economic impact , '' Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said on Monday .
Chiefs and 49ers players will be the first athletes to use the surface on the Hard Rock Stadium field .
The hybrid Bermuda grass was grown specifically for Super Bowl LIV .
The NFL peeled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used 33 trucks to transport 2,000-pound rolls -- 800 of them -- to Florida .
Installation was completed Jan. 10 , but because of the sun 's angle at Hard Rock Stadium , the league is using LED lights to improve growth .
The 40-member ground crew represents a big increase since the the original event .
`` At the first Super Bowl [ in 1967 ] , we had myself and four people at the Memorial Coliseum [ in Los Angeles ] and six days to get ready , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led grounds crews at every Super Bowl .
Toma said he initially used a 3-by-4 trunk for his equipment , but now employs two semis .
`` This field started [ growing ] over two years ago , '' NFL field director Ed Mangan said .
`` We got it primed and groomed and in the right conditions to put down , and obviously we 've been working on it ever since/ We will be working on it until game day . ''
The grass was grown to be tougher than a typical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withstand rehearsals for pregame and halftime shows , live game-day entertainment and the actual game , for which fans and players are paying a hefty fee to watch in person .
NFL players get access to as many as 15 tickets for the Super Bowl from their teams , but that does n't stop them from getting more if they are willing to spend the money .
The 15 ticket allotment includes two free tickets ; the rest are sold at face value , which is generally $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jimmy Garoppolo said they bought the most tickets among their teammates -- 18 each .
`` I have n't gotten many requests , but I know many people want to go to the game .
These are record-breaking ticket prices .
I had to tell a couple of my family members that we might not be able to make it work , '' 49ers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said .
Sherman and Garoppolo have more experience than some teammates in getting Super Bowl tickets .
Garoppolo has never played in a Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New England Patriots for two championship runs .
Sherman appeared in two Super Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks .
The average resale price for Super Bowl tickets at Ticketmaster is nearly $ 9,000 , the highest in the past six years .
Tickets at other resale markets were selling for $ 4,000 to $ 50,000 as of Tuesday night .
Detours and road closures are popping up in Miami as the city prepares for more than 150,000 Super Bowl visitors and events surrounding the game .
`` If you think about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sundays than those who vote in this country , '' Super Bowl LIV host committee member and Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel said .
`` NFL football is the most relevant and most significant thing in this country . ''
City and county leaders have worked with the host committee to coordinate transportation , including an increased emphasis on ride hailing services .
The last time the game was in Miami , those services did n't exist .
Some 10,000 people will serves as volunteers for Super Bowl LIV and events related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected daily at the Super Bowl Experience fan event at the Miami Beach Convention Center .
Fans are n't allowed to tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium before the Super Bowl , which the NFL has ordered to ease the access of 65,000 fans going in and out of the stadium on game day .
A spokesperson from the Miami International Airport said officials expect an additional 30,000 to 40,000 passengers daily during the week of the Super Bowl .
An American Airlines spokesman said the company expects more than 47,000 passengers between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience with Super Bowl crowds , NFL planners will work on stadium operations until kickoff .
`` I would n't ever say there is anything difficult about it , '' NFL senior director of event operations Eric Finkelstein said of planning a Super Bowl .
`` It 's a unique opportunity from year to year .
No two stadiums are alike .
No two cities are alike .
Every year , you are dealing with different elements and different things you have to do to really have it all come together the right @ @ @

1/3
Workers install signage outside of Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday as part of preparations for Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sunday evening. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
MIAMI, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Planners are working to ensure everything is perfect when players take the field and fans head to their seats and hit the streets Sunday to celebrate Super Bowl LIV. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., will host Sunday's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. While the stadium sits in the same place, a lot has changed since the game last was held there in 2010. Advertisement
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has spent more than $700 million on the stadium, adding suites and an open-air canopy, upgrading video boards and more.
"What people don't understand is [the Dolphins] spent hundreds of millions of dollars, along with our governments, so our residents can have an event that produces hundreds of millions of dollars and economic impact," Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said on Monday.
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New, tough grass
Chiefs and 49ers players will be the first athletes to use the surface on the Hard Rock Stadium field. The hybrid Bermuda grass was grown specifically for Super Bowl LIV.
The NFL peeled the grass off a field in southern Georgia and used 33 trucks to transport 2,000-pound rolls -- 800 of them -- to Florida. Installation was completed Jan. 10, but because of the sun's angle at Hard Rock Stadium, the league is using LED lights to improve growth.
The 40-member ground crew represents a big increase since the the original event.
"At the first Super Bowl [in 1967], we had myself and four people at the Memorial Coliseum [in Los Angeles] and six days to get ready," said George Toma, 90, who has led grounds crews at every Super Bowl.
Toma said he initially used a 3-by-4 trunk for his equipment, but now employs two semis.
"This field started [growing] over two years ago," NFL field director Ed Mangan said. "We got it primed and groomed and in the right conditions to put down, and obviously we've been working on it ever since/ We will be working on it until game day."
The grass was grown to be tougher than a typical football playing surface, so it can withstand rehearsals for pregame and halftime shows, live game-day entertainment and the actual game, for which fans and players are paying a hefty fee to watch in person.
Advertisement
Players get tickets
NFL players get access to as many as 15 tickets for the Super Bowl from their teams, but that doesn't stop them from getting more if they are willing to spend the money. The 15 ticket allotment includes two free tickets; the rest are sold at face value, which is generally $1,000 to $2,000 each.
San Francisco 49ers stars Richard Sherman and Jimmy Garoppolo said they bought the most tickets among their teammates -- 18 each.
"I haven't gotten many requests, but I know many people want to go to the game. These are record-breaking ticket prices. I had to tell a couple of my family members that we might not be able to make it work," 49ers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said.
Sherman and Garoppolo have more experience than some teammates in getting Super Bowl tickets. Garoppolo has never played in a Super Bowl, but was a member of the New England Patriots for two championship runs. Sherman appeared in two Super Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks.
The average resale price for Super Bowl tickets at Ticketmaster is nearly $9,000, the highest in the past six years. Tickets at other resale markets were selling for $4,000 to $50,000 as of Tuesday night.
Advertisement
Planning for a crowd
Detours and road closures are popping up in Miami as the city prepares for more than 150,000 Super Bowl visitors and events surrounding the game.
"If you think about it, more people watch NFL football on Sundays than those who vote in this country," Super Bowl LIV host committee member and Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel said. "NFL football is the most relevant and most significant thing in this country."
City and county leaders have worked with the host committee to coordinate transportation, including an increased emphasis on ride hailing services. The last time the game was in Miami, those services didn't exist.
Some 10,000 people will serves as volunteers for Super Bowl LIV and events related to the game. Between 100,000 and 150,000 people are expected daily at the Super Bowl Experience fan event at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Fans aren't allowed to tailgate at Hard Rock Stadium before the Super Bowl, which the NFL has ordered to ease the access of 65,000 fans going in and out of the stadium on game day.
A spokesperson from the Miami International Airport said officials expect an additional 30,000 to 40,000 passengers daily during the week of the Super Bowl. An American Airlines spokesman said the company expects more than 47,000 passengers between Friday and Monday.
Advertisement
Despite Miami's experience with Super Bowl crowds, NFL planners will work on stadium operations until kickoff.
"I wouldn't ever say there is anything difficult about it," NFL senior director of event operations Eric Finkelstein said of planning a Super Bowl.
"It's a unique opportunity from year to year. No two stadiums are alike. No two cities are alike. Every year, you are dealing with different elements and different things you have to do to really have it all come together the right way."
Miami prepares for Super Bowl LIV


upi--2020-01-28--U.S., Japan kick off Northern Viper exercise in Hokkaido

Jan. 28 ( UPI ) -- Armed forces from Japan and the United States have kicked off a new iteration of the training exercise Northern Viper in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan , the Marine Corps announced .
According to the Marine Corps , forces will conduct a combined arms exercise and live-fire training with ground and aviation units in the Hokudaien and Yausubetsu Training Areas in Hokkaido .
This year 's exercise , which began Sunday and ends Feb. 8 , involves 2,300 Marines , 650 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and 500 soldiers from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The combined force will focus on winter combat training , bilateral marksmanship integrated with firepower and maneuver , helicopter diving fire , sniper training , combined arms integration and a Japan and U.S. comprehensive attack .
`` This is an opportunity for us to improve our own tactics , techniques , and procedures in cold weather and also an opportunity for us to improve our interoperability with our Ground Self-Defense Force counterparts , '' said Col. Jason S.D .
Perry , commander of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force , who is currently participating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an annual joint exercise that kicked off in 2017 to test the interoperability and bilateral capability of the JSDF and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together across a variety of areas including peacekeeping operations , humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region .
More than 2,000 Marines joined forces with about 1,500 service members with the Japan Self-Defense Force for the 2017 iteration of Northern Viper .

U.S. Marines and Soldiers from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force watch as flags are presented during an opening ceremony for exercise Northern Viper on Hokudaien Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26, 2020. Photo by Cameron E. Parks/U.S. Marine Corps
Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Armed forces from Japan and the United States have kicked off a new iteration of the training exercise Northern Viper in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan, the Marine Corps announced. According to the Marine Corps, forces will conduct a combined arms exercise and live-fire training with ground and aviation units in the Hokudaien and Yausubetsu Training Areas in Hokkaido. Advertisement
This year's exercise, which began Sunday and ends Feb. 8, involves 2,300 Marines, 650 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and 500 soldiers from the U.S. Army's 5th Field Artillery Unit.
The combined force will focus on winter combat training, bilateral marksmanship integrated with firepower and maneuver, helicopter diving fire, sniper training, combined arms integration and a Japan and U.S. comprehensive attack.
"This is an opportunity for us to improve our own tactics, techniques, and procedures in cold weather and also an opportunity for us to improve our interoperability with our Ground Self-Defense Force counterparts," said Col. Jason S.D. Perry, commander of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, who is currently participating in Northern Viper.
Northern Viper is an annual joint exercise that kicked off in 2017 to test the interoperability and bilateral capability of the JSDF and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together across a variety of areas including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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More than 2,000 Marines joined forces with about 1,500 service members with the Japan Self-Defense Force for the 2017 iteration of Northern Viper.