upi--2020-01-26--Madonna cancels Monday concert in London

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Pop music icon Madonna has canceled her planned concert in London Monday as she heals from unspecified injuries .
`` Under doctors guidance I have been told to rest for a few days .
As you all know , I have injuries that have plagued me since the beginning of the tour but I must always listen to my body and put my health first , '' the 61-year-old singer posted on Instagram Saturday .
`` The last thing I want to do is disappoint my fans or compromise the integrity of my show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can not .
As always- anyone who purchased a ticket will be refunded for tickets purchased that evening .
The show on Wednesday January 29th will go as scheduled .
Again I am deeply sorry to disappoint anyone and please know that it hurts me more than you can imagine to have to cancel any shows .
Thank you again for your understanding . ''
The entertainer last month canceled the final date on the North American leg of her Madame X concert tour because she was n't feeling well .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through March .

Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Pop music icon Madonna has canceled her planned concert in London Monday as she heals from unspecified injuries.
"Under doctors guidance I have been told to rest for a few days. As you all know, I have injuries that have plagued me since the beginning of the tour but I must always listen to my body and put my health first," the 61-year-old singer posted on Instagram Saturday.
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"The last thing I want to do is disappoint my fans or compromise the integrity of my show. So I will keep going until I cannot. As always- anyone who purchased a ticket will be refunded for tickets purchased that evening. The show on Wednesday January 29th will go as scheduled. Again I am deeply sorry to disappoint anyone and please know that it hurts me more than you can imagine to have to cancel any shows. Thank you again for your understanding."
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The entertainer last month canceled the final date on the North American leg of her Madame X concert tour because she wasn't feeling well.
She is scheduled to perform shows throughout Europe through March.


upi--2020-01-26--'Bad Boys for Life' tops North American box office with $34M

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- The action-comedy Bad Boys for Life is the No .
1 movie in North @ @ @ @ @ $ 34 million in receipts , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced on Sunday .
This is the second @ @ @ @ @ Will Smith-Martin Lawrence film topped the chart .
It earned $ 59.2 million when it @ @ @ @ @ in at No .
2 this weekend is 1917 with $ 15.8 million , followed @ @ @ @ @ 3 with $ 12.5 million , The Gentlemen at No .
4 with $ 11 @ @ @ @ @ Next Level at No .
5 with $ 7.9 million .
Rounding out the top @ @ @ @ @ No .
6 with $ 7.3 million , Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.2 million , Little Women at No .
8 with $ 4.7 million , @ @ @ @ @ 9 with $ 4.1 million and Knives Out at No .
10 with $ 3.4 @ @

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Will Smith's "Bad Boys for Life" is the No. 1 movie in North America for a second weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The action-comedy Bad Boys for Life is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend, earning $34 million in receipts, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced on Sunday. This is the second weekend in a row the Will Smith-Martin Lawrence film topped the chart. It earned $59.2 million when it opened last weekend. Advertisement
Coming in at No. 2 this weekend is 1917 with $15.8 million, followed by Dolittle at No. 3 with $12.5 million, The Gentlemen at No. 4 with $11 million and Jumanji: The Next Level at No. 5 with $7.9 million.
Rounding out the top tier are The Turning at No. 6 with $7.3 million, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker at No. 7 with $5.2 million, Little Women at No. 8 with $4.7 million, Just Mercy at No. 9 with $4.1 million and Knives Out at No. 10 with $3.4 million.


upi--2020-01-26--Trump: U.S. won't lift sanctions against Iran for negotiations

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump said the United States will not remove sanctions against Iran before negotiating a new nuclear agreement with the Middle East nation .
After Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif gave an interview won Friday with German newspaper Der Spiegel , Trump posted Saturday night on Twitter : `` Iranian Foreign Minister says Iran wants to negotiate with The United States , but wants sanctions removed .
@ FoxNews @ OANN No Thanks ! ''
He then posted the comment in Farsi .
On Sunday , Iran 's Foreign Minister responded by tweeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to base his foreign policy comments & decisions on facts , rather than @ FoxNews headlines or his Farsi translators . ''
The Iranian leader 's tweet also included an excerpt from the interview : '' Der Spiegel : Do you rule out the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. following Soleimani 's murder ?
`` Zarif : No , I never rule out the possibility that people will change their approach and recognize the realities .
For us , it does n't matter who is sitting in the White House .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration can correct its past , lift the sanctions and come back to the negotiating table .
We 're still at the negotiating table .
They 're the ones who left .
The U.S. has inflicted great harm on the Iranian people .
The day will come when they will have to compensate for that .
We have a lot of patience . ''
On Jan. 10 , the Trump administration formally announced new economic sanctions against Iran as punishment for missile attacks Tehran carried earlier in the week on two U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target Iran 's largest steel , aluminum , copper and iron manufacturers , as well as eight individuals .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions also are intended to curb Iran 's nuclear industry .
The missile strikes followed the assassination of Qassem Soleimani , a top Iranian military commander , In Iraq , on Jan. 2 .
Iran announced on Jan. 5 it would remove limitations on enriching uranium .
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal had limits but Trump has removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remaining are China , France , Germany , Russia , Britain and the European Union .

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement coordination bureau in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 20, 2019. File Photo by Miguel Gutierrez/EPA-EFE
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said the United States will not remove sanctions against Iran before negotiating a new nuclear agreement with the Middle East nation. After Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif gave an interview won Friday with German newspaper Der Spiegel, Trump posted Saturday night on Twitter: "Iranian Foreign Minister says Iran wants to negotiate with The United States, but wants sanctions removed. @FoxNews @OANN No Thanks!" Advertisement
He then posted the comment in Farsi.
On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister responded by tweeting: "@realdonaldtrump is better advised to base his foreign policy comments & decisions on facts, rather than @FoxNews headlines or his Farsi translators."
The Iranian leader's tweet also included an excerpt from the interview:
"Der Spiegel: Do you rule out the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. following Soleimani's murder?
"Zarif: No, I never rule out the possibility that people will change their approach and recognize the realities. For us, it doesn't matter who is sitting in the White House. What matters is how they behave. The Trump administration can correct its past, lift the sanctions and come back to the negotiating table. We're still at the negotiating table. They're the ones who left. The U.S. has inflicted great harm on the Iranian people. The day will come when they will have to compensate for that. We have a lot of patience."
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On Jan. 10, the Trump administration formally announced new economic sanctions against Iran as punishment for missile attacks Tehran carried earlier in the week on two U.S. military bases in Iraq. The sanctions target Iran's largest steel, aluminum, copper and iron manufacturers, as well as eight individuals.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions also are intended to curb Iran's nuclear industry.
The missile strikes followed the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian military commander, In Iraq, on Jan. 2.
Iran announced on Jan. 5 it would remove limitations on enriching uranium. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal had limits but Trump has removed the United States from the agreement. Remaining are China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the European Union.


upi--2020-01-26--Watch: Lovitz is Dershowitz, Driver is Epstein in 'SNL' send-up of hell

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Former Saturday Night Live cast member Jon Lovitz returned to the show this weekend @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's impeachment attorney Alan Dershowitz .
The 8 1/2-minute sketch opened with Dershowitz rehearsing @ @ @ @ @ name-dropping his previous celebrity clients Jeffrey Epstein , O.J .
Simpson and Claus von Bulow @ @ @ @ @ heart attack and goes to hell where he was welcomed by the devil , played @ @ @ @ @ calls him the GOAT -- Greatest of All Time -- then interviews him for her @ @ @ @ @ is anyone he wo n't represent , Dershowitz replied , `` As long as a @ @ @ @ @ get me on TV , it 's all good . ''
The segment also featured @ @ @ @ @ accused sex trafficker Epstein , Beck Bennett as Sen. Mitch McConnell , Cecily Strong as @ @ @ @ @ Yang as the writer of the song `` Baby Shark , '' Heidi Gardner as @ @ @ @ @ commercials , Alex Moffat as tech titan Mark Zuckerberg and mascot Mr. Peanut .

Jon Lovitz played Alan Dershowitz and Kate McKinnon played the devil on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. Photo by Will Heath/NBC
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Former Saturday Night Live cast member Jon Lovitz returned to the show this weekend to play U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment attorney Alan Dershowitz. The 8 1/2-minute sketch opened with Dershowitz rehearsing his defense of Trump, name-dropping his previous celebrity clients Jeffrey Epstein, O.J. Simpson and Claus von Bulow. Advertisement
Dershowitz then suffers a heart attack and goes to hell where he was welcomed by the devil, played by Kate McKinnon, who calls him the GOAT -- Greatest of All Time -- then interviews him for her podcast.
Asked if there is anyone he won't represent, Dershowitz replied, "As long as a client is famous enough to get me on TV, it's all good."
The segment also featured guest host Adam Driver as accused sex trafficker Epstein, Beck Bennett as Sen. Mitch McConnell, Cecily Strong as Sen. Susan Collins, Bowen Yang as the writer of the song "Baby Shark," Heidi Gardner as Flo from the Progressive insurance commercials, Alex Moffat as tech titan Mark Zuckerberg and mascot Mr. Peanut.


upi--2020-01-26--Queen Elizabeth appoints Prince William to new title, roll

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Queen Elizabeth has added a new title and role for her grandson Prince William -- Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of Scotland -- though the position normally is normally held by a Scottish person .
Prince William , 37 , is the Duke of Cambridge in Windsor , England , and second in succession to the British throne .
He is married to Kate Middleton and they have three children .
`` The Queen has approved that His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Earl of Strathearn KG KT be appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2020 , '' according to a news release Saturday by the Prime Minister 's Office .
Each year , the queen appoints someone to the role .
Serving the past two years was Richard Scott , 65 .
The Scottish landholder and peer is the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry , as well as Chief of Clan Scott .
He is the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II and his mistress , Lucy Walter , according to The Douglas Archives .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Scottish figure , `` whose appointment is based on merit and their contribution to society '' though members of the royal family have been appointed in the past , according to the royal family website .
The Lord High Commissioner makes opening and closing addresses to the 850-member General Assembly and reports to the queen on its proceedings , which take place in May , generally in Edinburgh .
The commissioner resides at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and it is customary for the person to invite distinguished guests to stay at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a Presbyterian church and recognizes only Jesus Christ as 'King and Head of the Church , ' '' the Royal Family 's website says .
The church is also entirely self-governing , represented at the local level by `` kirk sessions '' and at a national level by the General Assembly .
`` Monarchs have sworn to maintain the Church of Scotland since the 16th century , '' according to the website .
`` The duty to 'preserve the settlement of the true Protestant religion as established by the laws made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act of Union between England and Scotland .
Starting in spring , Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer receive funds for royal duties .
They also will repay the $ 3 million Sovereign Grant funds they recently spent to renovate their official residence , Frogmore Cottage , Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Jan. 18 .

Britian's Prince William, the duke of Cambridge, delivers a speech during a reception at the British Consulate in East Jerusalem in 2018. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth has added a new title and role for her grandson Prince William -- lord high commissioner to the General Assembly of Scotland -- though the position normally is held by a Scottish person. Prince William, 37, is the duke of Cambridge in Windsor, England, and second in succession to the British throne. He is married to Kate Middleton, and they have three children. Advertisement
"The queen has approved that His Royal Highness the duke of Cambridge and earl of Strathearn KG KT be appointed as her majesty's lord high commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2020," according to a news release Saturday by the Prime Minister's Office.
Each year, the queen appoints someone to the role.
Serving the past two years was Richard Scott, 65. The Scottish landholder and peer is the duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, as well as chief of Clan Scott. He is the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II and his mistress, Lucy Walter, according to The Douglas Archives.
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The person appointed to the role is normally a Scottish figure, "whose appointment is based on merit and their contribution to society" though members of the royal family have been appointed in the past, according to the royal family website.
The lord high commissioner makes opening and closing addresses to the 850-member General Assembly and reports to the queen on its proceedings, which take place in May, generally in Edinburgh.
The commissioner resides at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and it is customary for the person to invite distinguished guests to stay at the palace.
The Church of Scotland "is a Presbyterian church and recognizes only Jesus Christ as 'king and head of the church,'" the Royal Family's website says. The church is also entirely self-governing, represented at the local level by "kirk sessions" and at a national level by the General Assembly.
"Monarchs have sworn to maintain the Church of Scotland since the 16th century," according to the website. "The duty to 'preserve the settlement of the true Protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland' was affirmed in the 1707 Act of Union between England and Scotland.
Starting in spring, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will no longer receive funds for royal duties. They also will repay the $3 million Sovereign Grant funds they recently spent to renovate their official residence, Frogmore Cottage, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Jan. 18.
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upi--2020-01-26--Grenades thrown at wedding party in Afghanistan wound 20

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Twenty wedding guests , including children , were wounded by hand grenades in eastern @ @ @ @ @ .
The incident took place late Saturday in the Waris village of Ali Shir district @ @ @ @ @ province , which borders Pakistan , provincial police spokesman Haider Adi said in a report @ @ @ @ @ said that an investigation had been initiated but no suspects or motive have been given @ @ @ @ @ suicide bomber from the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan killed 63 people at a wedding @ @ @ @ @ the most deadly attack in the capital in 2019 .
Elsewhere Saturday , a bystander @ @ @ @ @ civilians were wounded when a police vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in the capital @ @ @ @ @ Sunday no group claimed responsibility for the attack .
The Taliban has been linked to @ @ @ @ @ forces .

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Twenty wedding guests, including children, were wounded by hand grenades in the Khost province of eastern Afghanistan, police said Sunday. Google Maps screenshot
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Twenty wedding guests, including children, were wounded by hand grenades in eastern Afghanistan, police said Sunday. The incident took place late Saturday in the Waris village of Ali Shir district in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, which borders Pakistan, provincial police spokesman Haider Adi said in a report by Xinhua. Advertisement
Uknown men entered the building.
The official said that an investigation had been initiated but no suspects or motive have been given.
Last August, a suicide bomber from the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan killed 63 people at a wedding in Kabul. That was the most deadly attack in the capital in 2019.
Elsewhere Saturday, a bystander was killed and four other civilians were wounded when a police vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in the capital, Kabul. Police said Sunday no group claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Taliban has been linked to previous attacks on Afghanistan security forces.


upi--2020-01-26--Sam Mendes wins DGA Award for '1917'

Sam Mendes wins DGA Award for '1917'

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Sam Mendes won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in @ @ @ @ @ World War I epic , 1917 , in Los Angeles Saturday .
Alma Har'el earned @ @ @ @ @ Achievement in First-Time Feature Film for the drama Honey Boy and Steven Bognar and Julia @ @ @ @ @ Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary for American Factory .
In the TV categories , Nicole @ @ @ @ @ Achievement in Dramatic Series for Watchmen and Bill Hader went home with the trophy for @ @ @ @ @ Series for Barry .

Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Sam Mendes won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film for his World War I epic, 1917, in Los Angeles Saturday.
Alma Har'el earned the honor for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film for the drama Honey Boy and Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert scored the prize for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary for American Factory.


upi--2020-01-26--January's spring-like warmth kicks off the growing season early

This springlike warmth has even tricked some plants into thinking it is time to sprout with early budbreak seen in many locations .
Bitter cold to remain absent from midwestern , northeastern U.S. into end of January `` Usually the start of the growing season is defined by the estimated last frost date in a region .
With spring-like warmth across much of the south and east , there have been fewer frosts which have allowed plants to think it 's safe to emerge , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Travis said .
`` The start to the average start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the first half of April from central Texas to southern Kansas , all the way east to the Florida Panhandle and up to eastern Virginia , '' Travis said .
`` Cities from Houston to Atlanta to Chicago to Boston have all been running 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal through Jan. 24 , '' Travis said .
Temperatures have soared as high as the 60s to the low 70s across the region .
Buffalo , N.Y. , has been roughly 8.8 degrees higher than usual during the month of January , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8.9 degrees higher than average .
Boston experienced record highs in the 70s on consecutive January days for the first time since record-keeping began in 1872 .
Slow-moving storm to keep dumping snow over Midwest `` Temperatures this high are more characteristic of the normal temperatures for March , or even April , '' Travis said .
AccuWeather meteorologists expect near to slightly above normal temperatures to reign across the region through the end of January .
However , people enjoying these nice temperatures across the East should n't get used to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok forecasts abnormally warm air is not expected to hold out all the way into spring .
`` It will be a rather slow transition to spring in March for the Great Lakes , Ohio Valley and Northeast , with lingering snow , chilly air and more rain to the south , '' Pastelok said .

This springlike warmth has even tricked some plants into thinking it is time to sprout with early budbreak seen in many locations. Read More Bitter cold to remain absent from midwestern, northeastern U.S. into end of January
Storm Gloria leaves path of destruction, 13 dead in Spain
Slow-moving storm to keep dumping snow over Midwest "Usually the start of the growing season is defined by the estimated last frost date in a region. With spring-like warmth across much of the south and east, there have been fewer frosts which have allowed plants to think it's safe to emerge," AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Travis said. "The start to the average start to the growing season is either in March or the first half of April from central Texas to southern Kansas, all the way east to the Florida Panhandle and up to eastern Virginia," Travis said. Advertisement "Cities from Houston to Atlanta to Chicago to Boston have all been running 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal through Jan. 24," Travis said. Temperatures have soared as high as the 60s to the low 70s across the region. Buffalo, N.Y., has been roughly 8.8 degrees higher than usual during the month of January, while Boston, Massachusetts, has been about 8.9 degrees higher than average. Boston experienced record highs in the 70s on consecutive January days for the first time since record-keeping began in 1872. "Temperatures this high are more characteristic of the normal temperatures for March, or even April," Travis said. AccuWeather meteorologists expect near to slightly above normal temperatures to reign across the region through the end of January. However, people enjoying these nice temperatures across the East shouldn't get used to the unusually warm weather for too long. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok forecasts abnormally warm air is not expected to hold out all the way into spring. "It will be a rather slow transition to spring in March for the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast, with lingering snow, chilly air and more rain to the south," Pastelok said.


upi--2020-01-26--Tazverik approved to treat metastatic, locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma

Tazverik has received the first approval for treatment of adults and pediatric patients 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma that can not be resected , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced .
The tazemetostat drug works by blocking activity of the EZH2 methyltransferase to help keep the cancer cells from growing .
Last month , the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously that the benefits of Tazverik outweigh the risks for patients with epithelioid sarcoma , which accounts for less than 1 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas , Dr. Richard Pazdur , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research , said in an agency news release Friday .
Approval was based on clinical data from 62 patients with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma .
Patients received 800 mg Tazverik twice a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity .
Researchers found an overall response rate of 15 percent ; 1.6 and 13 percent had a complete and partial response , respectively .
Sixty-seven percent of the patients who achieved response had a response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The most commonly reported side effects included pain , fatigue , nausea , decreased appetite , vomiting , and constipation .
Patients treated with Tazverik have an increased risk for secondary malignancies , including T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma , myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia .

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tazverik for the first drug treatment of adults and pediatric patients 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma that cannot be resected. Photo courtesy FDA/Flickr
Tazverik has received the first approval for treatment of adults and pediatric patients 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma that cannot be resected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced. The tazemetostat drug works by blocking activity of the EZH2 methyltransferase to help keep the cancer cells from growing. Last month, the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously that the benefits of Tazverik outweigh the risks for patients with epithelioid sarcoma, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all soft tissue sarcomas, Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release Friday. Advertisement
Approval was based on clinical data from 62 patients with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma. Patients received 800 mg Tazverik twice a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Researchers found an overall response rate of 15 percent; 1.6 and 13 percent had a complete and partial response, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of the patients who achieved response had a response that lasted at least six months.
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The most commonly reported side effects included pain, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation. Patients treated with Tazverik have an increased risk for secondary malignancies, including T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia.
Approval was granted to Epizyme.
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Health News Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-01-27--Officials investigate plane crashes in Afghanistan, Iran

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- A plane crashed in a Taliban-controlled region of central Afghanistan on Monday , officials said , but there is some mystery as to who the aircraft belonged to .
Authorities said the plane crashed near the center of Ghazni 's Dih Yak district , about 110 miles southwest of Kabul , a region held by Taliban militants .
Initial reports and a government official said it was a passenger jet with 83 people that was operated by national carrier Ariana .
The government-run airline , however , swiftly denied the crash involved an Ariana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were safe and accounted for .
It was n't immediately clear whether there were casualties from the crash .
Other reports indicated the downed aircraft may have been a U.S. military fighter jet .
Afghan special forces are being sent to the crash site to investigate .
Another plane also crashed in Iran on Monday -- a Caspian Airlines passenger jet that skidded off a runway and crash-landed in southwestern Iran .
The plane was carrying 144 people but no casualties were reported .
State-run ISNA reported the crash was caused by technical @ @ @ @ @ @

Afghan soldiers prepare to reach the scene of a plane crash near Ghazni, Afghanistan, on Monday. Photo by Sayed Mustafa/EPA-EFE
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- A plane that crashed in a Taliban-controlled region of central Afghanistan on Monday has been identified as a small U.S. Air Force jet, according to news reports. CBS News and Fox News reported that an Air Force Bombardier E-11 jet crashed in Ghazni province after initial reports had indicated the downed plane was a passenger jet operated by Afghan Ariana Airlines. Advertisement
A U.S. military official wouldn't comment on the fate of the crew, but a spokesman for the Ghazni provincial government said the bodies of the plane's two pilots had been found at the crash site about 110 miles southwest of Kabul, in a region held by Taliban militants.
It appeared the plane was flying between the southern city of Kandahar and Kabul when it went down.
U.S. military officials confirmed they were investigating the crash and that early efforts were hampered by poor weather, which kept crews grounded.
Initial reports indicated the downed plane was a passenger jet with 83 people aboard operated by national carrier Ariana. The government-run airline, however, swiftly denied the crash involved an Ariana flight, saying all of its planes were safe and accounted for.
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Another plane also crashed in Iran on Monday -- a Caspian Airlines passenger jet that skidded off a runway and crash-landed in southwestern Iran. The plane was carrying 144 people but no casualties were reported.
State-run ISNA reported the crash was caused by technical problems with the landing gear.


upi--2020-01-27--Gloria Steinem biopic puts spotlight on other women activists

PARK CITY , Utah , Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- While The Glorias portrays Gloria Steinem 's life as a feminist icon , it also puts the spotlight on lesser-known activists who helped shape her work .
Steinem and Julie Taymor , who directed the film , said at the Sundance premier Sunday they hope it brings more attention to activists like Dorothy Pitman Hughes ( Janelle Monae ) and Flo Kennedy ( Lorraine Toussant ) among modern audiences .
`` If this film at all opens up Google to Flo Kennedy [ or ] Wilma Mankiller , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taymor said .
`` These women deserve their own films , their own library , everything .
If we had a subtitle it would be : Meetings with Remarkable Women . ''
Four actresses ( Julianne Moore , Alicia Vikander , Lulu Wilson and Ryan Kiera Armstrong ) portray Steinem at various stages .
Moore takes on the role as Steinem is leading the women 's movement .
In one scene , Steinem refuses Newsweek coverage because the magazine insists on putting her on the cover .
Steinem wants her fellow leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included , although Newsweek sends a photographer to secretly grab a shot anyway .
Today , Steinem , 85 , still credits the African-American and Native American women who guided her in her advocacy .
`` I learned feminism , as you can see , disproportionately from black women , '' she said .
`` It 's so important that young women , old women , generations , men and women work together because we all have something different to bring . ''
The Glorias began as an adaptation of Steinem 's autobiography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew to include events from her life that she did not include in that book .
Steinem said she trusted Taymor with her life story and remained hands-off .
`` I think my exact words were something like , 'You 're a genius .
You can do anything you want , ' '' Steinem said .
`` I have something better than approval .
I have faith . ''
Since a narrative film is more docudrama than documentary , Taymor wanted to include a conversation Steinem had with Dolores Huerta ( Monica Sanchez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually occurred in history .
Steinem gave her blessing .
The notes Steinem had were more about personal details .
`` She said , 'My house in Toledo , there was a highway in front of it , ' '' Taymor said .
Taymor explained to Steinem that it would require visual effects to put a highway in front of the house .
`` She gave the blessing , which is if it 's emotionally right , it 's right , '' Taymor said .
Steinem has a cameo in the film .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her speaking engagements , Steinem plays herself in her apartment .
`` That 's me typing , '' Steinem said .
`` And standing in the window , that 's me . ''

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Gloria Steinem has a cameo in the biopic, "The Glorias." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
PARK CITY, Utah, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- While The Glorias portrays Gloria Steinem's life as a feminist icon, it also puts the spotlight on lesser-known activists who helped shape her work. Steinem and Julie Taymor, who directed the film, said at the Sundance premier Sunday they hope it brings more attention to activists like Dorothy Pitman Hughes (Janelle Monae) and Flo Kennedy (Lorraine Toussant) among modern audiences. Advertisement
Bette Midler plays women's movement leader Bella Abzug, and Kimberly Guerrero plays Native American activist Wilma Mankiller.
"If this film at all opens up Google to Flo Kennedy [or] Wilma Mankiller, then we would be really pleased," Taymor said. "These women deserve their own films, their own library, everything. If we had a subtitle it would be: Meetings with Remarkable Women."
Four actresses (Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Lulu Wilson and Ryan Kiera Armstrong) portray Steinem at various stages.
Moore takes on the role as Steinem is leading the women's movement. In one scene, Steinem refuses Newsweek coverage because the magazine insists on putting her on the cover. Steinem wants her fellow leaders and the women marching with them to be included, although Newsweek sends a photographer to secretly grab a shot anyway.
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Today, Steinem, 85, still credits the African-American and Native American women who guided her in her advocacy.
"I learned feminism, as you can see, disproportionately from black women," she said. "It's so important that young women, old women, generations, men and women work together because we all have something different to bring."
The Glorias began as an adaptation of Steinem's autobiography My Life on the Road. It grew to include events from her life that she did not include in that book.
Steinem said she trusted Taymor with her life story and remained hands-off.
"I think my exact words were something like, 'You're a genius. You can do anything you want,'" Steinem said. "I have something better than approval. I have faith."
Since a narrative film is more docudrama than documentary, Taymor wanted to include a conversation Steinem had with Dolores Huerta (Monica Sanchez) at a different moment than it actually occurred in history. Steinem gave her blessing.
The notes Steinem had were more about personal details.
"She said, 'My house in Toledo, there was a highway in front of it,'" Taymor said.
Taymor explained to Steinem that it would require visual effects to put a highway in front of the house.
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"She gave the blessing, which is if it's emotionally right, it's right," Taymor said.
Steinem has a cameo in the film. In addition to archival footage from some of her speaking engagements, Steinem plays herself in her apartment.
"That's me typing," Steinem said. "And standing in the window, that's me."


upi--2020-01-27--NTSB eyes fog as possible cause of crash that killed Kobe Bryant, 8 others

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team of investigators to Southern California to examine the helicopter crash that killed basketball icon Kobe Bryant , his teenage daughter and seven others , officials said .
The top U.S. civil aviation body sent an 18-member `` go team '' to the rugged and mountainous crash site near Calabasas , Calif .
The team will pay particular attention to the weather conditions at the time the chopper crashed .
The helicopter carrying Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna went down in foggy conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , the conditions had grounded helicopters of the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Office on Sunday morning .
`` The weather situation did not meet our minimum standards for flying , '' LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein told the Los Angeles Times .
Also killed in the crash was college baseball coach John Altobelli , his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa and assistant girls basketball coach Christina Mauser .
They were associated with Bryant 's Mamba Sports Academy and it was reported they were headed there for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Three others on board , including the pilot , were not immediately identified .
Authorities said it could take days to recover the bodies from the mountainous crash site and make official identifications .
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva called the terrain a `` logistical nightmare '' and said it 's tough to navigate even in daylight in good weather conditions .
`` In closing , 9 lives were lost today in this tragedy , I want to reiterate my heartfelt condolences to all of their family and friends , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am a father , a brother and son ...
I can not imagine their pain and ask all of us to keep them in your prayers . ''
Bryant , 41 , who retired from the NBA four years ago , was honored worldwide upon news of his death Sunday .
He was frequently mentioned by winners at the 62nd Grammy Awards Sunday night , which were held at Staples Center , the home venue of Bryant 's Los Angeles Lakers .
Additional tributes were seen during NBA games all day Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking a 24-second shot clock violation and then an 8-second half-court violation to honor Bryant 's jersey numbers , 8 and 24 .
`` Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act , '' said longtime basketball fan and former President Barack Obama .
`` To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents .
Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day . ''
`` Kobe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was a family man , '' added former Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal .
`` That was what we had most in common .
I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his .
His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me'Arah . ''
After retiring from basketball , Bryant started his own media production company and was active in producing content , such as his popular Detail series for ESPN in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and games .

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Fans attend a makeshift memorial to Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team of investigators to Southern California to examine the helicopter crash that killed basketball icon Kobe Bryant, his teenage daughter and seven others, officials said. The top U.S. civil aviation body sent an 18-member "go team" to the rugged and mountainous crash site near Calabasas, Calif. The team will pay particular attention to the weather conditions at the time the chopper crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the crash. Advertisement
"NTSB Go Team meeting Monday morning to organize investigative groups that will focus on specific areas of interest in [the] investigation," the NTSB said Monday.
"Meeting serves several purposes; sharing preliminary information on accident; introduce participants of investigation; establish rules of conduct for investigation; reiterate safety & health guidelines for participants."
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The helicopter carrying Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna went down in foggy conditions. The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter was making a climbing left turn immediately preceding the crash, and ground controllers at one point told the pilot he was "too low," ESPN reported.
The skies were so foggy, in fact, the conditions had grounded helicopters of the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Sunday morning.
"The weather situation did not meet our minimum standards for flying," LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein told the Los Angeles Times.
Federal investigators will look into a report that Bryant's party received "special permission" from air traffic controllers when other aircraft were grounded due to the fog, KNBC-TV reported.
Also killed in the crash was college baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa and assistant girls basketball coach Christina Mauser. The other three were identified by relatives as Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, and pilot Ara Zobayan. They were associated with Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy and it was reported they were headed there for a basketball game Sunday when the chopper crashed.
Remembering the career of NBA legend Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant stands during a time out against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City during a game on January 26, 2014. Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in Calabasas, Calif., on January 26, 2020. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Authorities said it could take days to recover the bodies from the mountainous crash site and make official identifications. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva called the terrain a "logistical nightmare" and said it's tough to navigate even in daylight in good weather conditions.
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"In closing, 9 lives were lost today in this tragedy, I want to reiterate my heartfelt condolences to all of their family and friends," he said early Monday. "I am a father, a brother and son...I cannot imagine their pain and ask all of us to keep them in your prayers."
Bryant, 41, who retired from the NBA four years ago, was honored worldwide upon news of his death Sunday. He was frequently mentioned by winners at the 62nd Grammy Awards Sunday night, which were held at Staples Center, the home venue of Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers. Additional tributes were seen during NBA games all day Sunday, in which multiple teams began by intentionally taking a 24-second shot clock violation and then an 8-second half-court violation to honor Bryant's jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
"Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act," said longtime basketball fan and former President Barack Obama. "To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."
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"Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man," added former Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal. "That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me'Arah."
After retiring from basketball, Bryant started his own media production company and was active in producing content, such as his popular Detail series for ESPN in which he analyzed game film of certain NBA players and games.


upi--2020-01-27--On This Day, Jan. 27: Auschwitz concentration camp liberated

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1606 , the surviving conspirators in the `` Gunpowder Treason '' plot to blow up the English Parliament and the king of England on Nov. 5 , 1605 , were convicted .
They were executed four days later .
In 1785 , the first public university in the United States was founded as the University of Georgia .
In 1888 , The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington .
In 1926 , Scottish inventor John Logie Baird launched a revolution in communication and entertainment with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in London .
In 1944 , the Soviet army lifted the Siege of Leningrad , a more than 2-year occupation of the Russian city by Nazi forces in which more than 1 million civilians died or went missing .
In 1945 , the Soviet army liberated the Auschwitz network of concentration camps in Poland , freeing some 7,000 survivors .
Months later , four Jewish young women told United Press correspondent Edward W. Beattie Jr. how they used rouge to during their captivity to avoid being killed along with other prisoners who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1967 , U.S. astronauts Virgil `` Gus '' Grissom , Ed White and Roger Chaffee died in a fire aboard the Apollo 1 spacecraft during a launch simulation at Florida 's Kennedy Space Center .
In 1973 , the United States and North Vietnam signed a cease-fire agreement following lengthy Paris talks between U.S. national security adviser Henry Kissinger and Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho .
The same day , the United States announced an end to the military draft .
Although the U.S.combat mission officially ended in 1973 , the Vietnam War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1975 .
In 1984 , singer Michael Jackson sustained a burn on his scalp during the filming of a soft-drink commercial .
In 1987 , U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged mistakes and accepted responsibility in the Iran-Contra arms scandal .
In 1991 , U.S. planes bombed pipelines to Kuwaiti oil fields to cut off the flow of oil into the Persian Gulf .
In 1996 , France conducted an open-air nuclear test in the South Pacific .
In 1998 , in his State of the Union address , U.S. President Bill Clinton hailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a balanced budget in 1999 -- the first in 30 years .
In 2002 , a series of explosions at a military depot in Lagos , Nigeria , killed more than 1,000 people .
In 2011 , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was replacing the nationwide color-coded , terror-alert scale with a system that would focus on specific terror threats to potential targets .
In 2013 , fire at the overcrowded Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria , Brazil , killed more than 230 people , most of them victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were injured .
In 2017 , President Donald Trump signed his first executive order banning travel to the United States for people from seven mostly Muslim countries , prompting protests and multiple lawsuits .

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The gate reading in German "Arbeit Macht Frei" meaning, "Work Makes You Free" is seen near the entrance to the former German Nazi Concentration Camp Auschwitz I in Oswiecim, Poland. On January 27, 1945, the Soviet army liberated the Auschwitz network of concentration camps in Poland, freeing some 7,000 survivors. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1606, the surviving conspirators in the "Gunpowder Treason" plot to blow up the English Parliament and the king of England on Nov. 5, 1605, were convicted. They were executed four days later. Advertisement
In 1785, the first public university in the United States was founded as the University of Georgia.
In 1888, The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington.
In 1926, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird launched a revolution in communication and entertainment with the first public demonstration of a true television system in London.
In 1944, the Soviet army lifted the Siege of Leningrad, a more than 2-year occupation of the Russian city by Nazi forces in which more than 1 million civilians died or went missing.
In 1945, the Soviet army liberated the Auschwitz network of concentration camps in Poland, freeing some 7,000 survivors. Months later, four Jewish young women told United Press correspondent Edward W. Beattie Jr. how they used rouge to during their captivity to avoid being killed along with other prisoners who looked too ill to work.
In 1967, U.S. astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee died in a fire aboard the Apollo 1 spacecraft during a launch simulation at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.
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In 1973, the United States and North Vietnam signed a cease-fire agreement following lengthy Paris talks between U.S. national security adviser Henry Kissinger and Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho. The same day, the United States announced an end to the military draft. Although the U.S.combat mission officially ended in 1973, the Vietnam War would not be over until April of 1975.
UPI File Photo
In 1984, singer Michael Jackson sustained a burn on his scalp during the filming of a soft-drink commercial.
In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged mistakes and accepted responsibility in the Iran-Contra arms scandal.
In 1991, U.S. planes bombed pipelines to Kuwaiti oil fields to cut off the flow of oil into the Persian Gulf.
In 1996, France conducted an open-air nuclear test in the South Pacific.
In 1998, in his State of the Union address, U.S. President Bill Clinton hailed the fact that the federal government would have a balanced budget in 1999 -- the first in 30 years.
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President Bill Clinton prepares January 27, 1998, for his State of the Union address at the White House. UPI File Photo
In 2002, a series of explosions at a military depot in Lagos, Nigeria, killed more than 1,000 people.
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was replacing the nationwide color-coded, terror-alert scale with a system that would focus on specific terror threats to potential targets.
In 2013, fire at the overcrowded Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil, killed more than 230 people, most of them victims of smoke inhalation. About 170 others were injured.
In 2017, President Donald Trump signed his first executive order banning travel to the United States for people from seven mostly Muslim countries, prompting protests and multiple lawsuits.
In 2019, Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal to win a record seventh Australian Open.


upi--2020-01-27--Famous birthdays for Jan. 27: Patton Oswalt, John Roberts

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius .
-- Edward @ @ @ @ @ RMS Titanic , in 1850 -- U.S. Adm. Hyman Rickover , `` father of the @ @ @ @ @ 1900 -- Art Rooney , founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers , in 1901 -- Chief @ @ @ @ @ John Roberts in 1955 ( age 65 )

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James Cromwell attends the premiere of "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on June 12, 2018. The actor turns 80 on January 27. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aquarius. They include: Advertisement
-- Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1756
-- Author Lewis Carroll in 1832
-- Labor organizer Samuel Gompers in 1850
-- Edward Smith, captain of the RMS Titanic, in 1850
-- U.S. Adm. Hyman Rickover, "father of the nuclear Navy," in 1900
-- Art Rooney, founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, in 1901
-- U.S. newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst Jr. in 1908
-- Musician Elmore James in 1918
-- Actor Donna Reed in 1921
UPI File Photo
-- Actor James Cromwell in 1940 (age 80)
-- Actor John Witherspoon in 1942
-- Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire in 1944 (age 76)
-- Drummer Nick Mason of Pink Floyd in 1944 (age 76)
-- Ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1948 (age 72)
-- Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts in 1955 (age 65)
File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
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-- Actor Mimi Rogers in 1956 (age 64)
-- News commentator Keith Olbermann in 1959 (age 61)
-- Former NFL player/television commentator Cris Collinsworth in 1959 (age 61)
-- Actor Bridget Fonda in 1964 (age 56)
-- Actor Alan Cumming in 1965 (age 55)
-- Comedian Patton Oswalt in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Guillermo Rodriguez in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Rosamund Pike in 1979 (age 41)


upi--2020-01-26--Billie Eilish, Lizzo win big at Grammy Awards

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Billie Eilish and Lizzo were the big , first-time winners of the night Sunday at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles .
Eilish won Record of the Year , Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go ?
, Song of the Year for `` Bad Guy '' and Best New Artist .
Her brother , Finneas , also earned Producer of the Year , Non-Classical .
Lizzo picked up the first televised award of the night , Best Pop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hurts . ''
She led the award show in nominations with eight , and also picked up Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You ( Deluxe ) and Best Traditional R & B Performance for `` Jerome '' in awards handed out before the televised portion of the show .
Gary Clark Jr. was another big winner of the night , taking home awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance ( `` This Land '' ) , and Best Contemporary Blues Album ( This Land ) .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a performance of the song .
Dan + Shay 's `` Speechless '' won for Best Country Duo/Group Performance ; Dave Chapelle won Best Comedy Album ; and Tyler the Creator took Best Rap Album for Igor .
Earlier in the evening , Lil Nas X got assists from Billy Ray Cyrus , K-pop band BTS and Mason Ramsey and Diplo for a performance of `` Old Time Road , '' which included a revolving stage .
The evening also featured Lovato 's first public performance since she had a drug overdose more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down her face as she sang `` Anyone , '' which she said she wrote as a `` cry for help '' in the days before the overdose .
Ariana Grande sang `` Imagine '' before giving her own take on `` My Favorite Things , '' the Sound of Music tune that inspired her song `` 7 Rings , '' which she sang next .
She finished up her set with `` thank u , next . ''
Eilish and Finneas followed up with `` When the Party 's Over . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance of `` Walk This Way '' two days after the rock band was honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year .
MusiCares is the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ' non-profit organization that benefits musical artists in need .
Opening the show , Lizzo , Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men had Kobe Bryant on their minds as they performed in what Keys described as `` the house that Kobe Bryant built . ''
`` We 're all feeling crazy sadness right now , '' Keys said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gianna Bryant , died along with seven others in a helicopter crash earlier Sunday .
The Lakers have played home games at the Staples Center since its construction in 1999 .
Lizzo opened the performances with renditions of her hits `` Cuz I Love You '' and `` Truth Hurts . ''
Before she began singing , though , she told the audience , `` Tonight is for Kobe . ''
Keys and Boyz II Men followed up with an a cappella version of the latter 's hit `` It 's So Hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his performance later in the evening , Lil Nas X performed while sitting next to a Kobe Bryant jersey .
The former NBA star also got a mention during a star-studded version of `` Higher '' honoring the late Nipsey Hussle .
DJ Khaled , John Legend , Meek Mill , YG , Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin performed alongside a video of Nipsey Hussle , who died in April .
The song won the award for Best Rap/Sung Performance .
Country star Blake Shelton and pop singer Gwen Stefani performed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Host Keys welcomed the audience with a take on Lewis Capaldi 's `` Someone You Loved , '' replacing the lyrics with mentions of Beyonce , Eilish , the Jonas Brothers and even the ongoing impeachment trial .
The Jonas Brothers made their return to the Grammy stage with `` What a Man Got ta Do '' and Tyler the Creator joined with Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men for `` Earfquake '' and `` New Magic Wand . ''
Usher paid tribute to Prince with a medley of the late rocker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corvette , '' `` When Doves Cry '' and `` Kiss . ''
Camila Cabello serenaded her father with `` First Man , '' and Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile paired up for `` Bring My Flowers Now . ''
Awards announced earlier in the evening went to Elvis Costello & The Imposters ' Look Now for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album ; `` Old Town Road '' by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ; Keb ' Mo 's Oklahoma for Best Americana Album ; Sara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best American Roots Performance ; Vampire Weekend 's Father of the Bride for Best Alternative Music Album ; Tool 's `` 7empest '' for Best Metal Performance ; Cage the Elephant 's Social Cues for Best Rock Album ; and Nipsey Hussle featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy 's `` Racks in the Middle '' for Best Rap Performance .

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Billie Eilish arrives for the Grammy Awards held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Billie Eilish and Lizzo were the big first-time winners of the night Sunday at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Eilish won Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Song of the Year for "Bad Guy" and Best New Artist. Her brother, Finneas, also earned Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. Advertisement
Lizzo picked up the first televised award of the night, Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit "Truth Hurts." She led the award show in nominations with eight, and also picked up Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Jerome" in awards handed out before the televised portion of the show.
Gary Clark Jr. was another big winner of the night, taking home awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance ("This Land"), and Best Contemporary Blues Album (This Land). He also literally set the stage on fire during a performance of the song.
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Dan + Shay's "Speechless" won for Best Country Duo/Group Performance; Dave Chapelle won Best Comedy Album; and Tyler the Creator took Best Rap Album for Igor.
Earlier in the evening, Lil Nas X got assists from Billy Ray Cyrus, K-pop band BTS and Mason Ramsey and Diplo for a performance of "Old Time Road," which included a revolving stage.
The evening also featured Demi Lovato's first public performance since she had a drug overdose more than a year ago. Tears ran down her face as she sang "Anyone," which she said she wrote as a "cry for help" in the days before the overdose.
Ariana Grande sang "Imagine" before giving her own take on "My Favorite Things," the Sound of Music tune that inspired her song "7 Rings," which she sang next. She finished her set with "thank u, next." Eilish and Finneas followed up with "When the Party's Over."
Aerosmith reunited with Run DMC for a performance of "Walk This Way" two days after the rock band was honored as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year. MusiCares is the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' non-profit organization that benefits musical artists in need.
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Opening the show, Lizzo, Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men had Kobe Bryant on their minds as they performed in what Keys described as "the house that Kobe Bryant built."
"We're all feeling crazy sadness right now," Keys said.
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, died along with seven others in a helicopter crash earlier Sunday. The Lakers have played home games at the Staples Center since its construction in 1999.
Lizzo opened the performances with renditions of her hits "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts." Before she began singing, though, she told the audience, "Tonight is for Kobe."
Keys and Boyz II Men followed up with an a cappella version of the latter's hit "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday." During his performance later in the evening, Lil Nas X performed while sitting next to a Kobe Bryant jersey.
The former NBA star also got a mention during a star-studded version of "Higher" honoring the late Nipsey Hussle. DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, YG, Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin performed alongside a video of Hussle, who died in April. The song won the award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
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Country star Blake Shelton and pop singer Gwen Stefani performed their hit duet "Nobody But You."
Host Keys welcomed the audience with a take on Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved," replacing the lyrics with mentions of Beyonce, Eilish, the Jonas Brothers and even the ongoing impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
The Jonas Brothers made their return to the Grammy stage with "What a Man Gotta Do," and Tyler the Creator joined with Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men for "Earfquake" and "New Magic Wand."
Usher paid tribute to Prince with a medley of the late rocker's biggest hits -- "Little Red Corvette," "When Doves Cry" and "Kiss."
Camila Cabello serenaded her father with "First Man," and Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile paired up for "Bring My Flowers Now."
Awards announced earlier in the evening went to Elvis Costello & The Imposters' Look Now for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album; "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance; Keb' Mo's Oklahoma for Best Americana Album; Sara Bareilles' "Saint Honesty" for Best American Roots Performance; Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride for Best Alternative Music Album; Tool's "7empest" for Best Metal Performance; Cage the Elephant's Social Cues for Best Rock Album; and Nipsey Hussle featuring Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy's "Racks in the Middle" for Best Rap Performance.
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Moments from the 2020 Grammys red carpet


upi--2020-01-26--Moments from the 2020 Grammys red carpet

Lizzo leads all artists with eight nominations including Album of the Year , Record of the Year and Best New @ @ @ @ @ Ruymen/UPI

Lizzo leads all artists with eight nominations including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-01-26--In Photos: Winners of 2020 Grammy Awards

Rob Kinelski ( L ) and John Greenham appears backstage with their award for Best Engineered Album , Non-Classical award @ @ @ @ @ Asleep , Where Do We Go ? ''
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

Billie Eilish appears backstage with her awards for Record of the Year for "Bad Guy," Album of the Year for "when we all fall asleep, where do we go?," Song of the Year for "Bad Guy," Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for "when we all fall asleep, where do we go?" Photo by Christine Chew/UPI


upi--2020-01-26--Sports world reacts to death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Athletes from around the world took to social media Sunday to mourn the death of Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant .
Bryant , 41 , and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning in Calabasas , Calif. Bryant and his daughter were 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 coached Gianna 's team , the Los Angeles Lady Mambas .
Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired from the league in 2016 after winning five NBA championships and one Most Valuable Player Award ( 2008 ) with the Lakers .
The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl featured multiple tributes to Bryant throughout the annual All-Star event .
Around the NBA , teams paid their respects by committing 24-second violations and 8-second violations on opening possessions , honoring Bryant 's famous jersey numbers .
Before Sunday night 's televised Grammy Awards ceremony , actors , musicians and other artists posted their condolences on social media .
Athletes from every sport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also posted tributes .

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 morning in Calabasas, Calif. Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were killed in the crash. Photo by John McCoy/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Athletes from around the world took to social media Sunday to mourn the death of Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning in Calabasas, Calif. Advertisement
Bryant and his daughter were 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 coached Gianna's team, the Los Angeles Lady Mambas.
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 2020 NFL Pro Bowl featured multiple tributes to Bryant throughout the annual All-Star event. Around the NBA, teams paid their respects by committing 24-second violations and 8-second violations on opening possessions, honoring Bryant's famous jersey numbers.
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Before Sunday night's televised Grammy Awards ceremony, actors, musicians and other artists posted their condolences on social media. Athletes from every sport, including some of Bryant's previous teammates, also posted tributes.
There's no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It's hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020 Advertisement
You will be missed brother. My thoughts are with the Bryant family at this difficult time. RIP Kobe. pic.twitter.com/WV58jRJ5FZ— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) January 26, 2020
My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I'll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna — Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 26, 2020
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones This doesn't even feel real man..— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020
Struggling to process what is now a reality. Kobe's life after basketball was just beginning and his second act was going to be even greater. His legacy, Gigi's legacy both will live on forever!— Derek Fisher (@derekfisher) January 26, 2020
Tiger Woods reflects on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/t4F2Sqj57Z— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Neymar dedicated his 2nd goal to the late Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/F5ES0prtdP— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 26, 2020
Terribly sad RIP to a legend who meant so much to so many. You will be remembered forever as the champion you are. pic.twitter.com/xRVuSf157X— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) January 26, 2020
Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. — Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020 Advertisement


upi--2020-01-26--In photos: A look at the NBA career of Lakes legend Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant stands during a time out against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in @ @ @ @ @ game on January 26 , 2014 .
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash with @ @ @ @ @ Calabasas , Calif. , on January 26 , 2020 .
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant stands during a time out against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City during a game on January 26, 2014. Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in Calabasas, Calif., on January 26, 2020. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-01-26--2020 Pro Bowl: NFL players pay respects to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 Pro Bowl featured multiple tributes to former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant , who was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning in Calabasas , Calif. Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith , Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox were among a group of players that got together after a fumble and imitated fadeaway jump shots in honor of Bryant .
Smith and another group of NFC defenders gathered and performed the jump-shot celebration again following a second-quarter sack .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and his family , '' Smith said in a sideline interview .
`` When we first started off in the locker room , we were listening to music and we actually found out when it happened .
[ Seattle Seahawks quarterback ] Russell Wilson called us up and we said a prayer for [ Bryant ] and his family .
`` We came in on third down [ and said ] , 'Man , this is what we 're going to do .
We 're going to do two steps and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams , who finished with two touchdown catches , also paid respects to Bryant in the NFL 's annual All-Star event .
Following a 13-yard score , Adams pointed to the sky and flashed the numbers `` 2-4 '' at the camera in honor of Bryant 's famous jersey number before dunking the football over the goalposts .
`` I 've always been able to dunk a little bit .
I 'm a big basketball guy , '' Adams said .
`` Kobe always meant something special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so yeah , had to get my shout-out to 2-4 , do my 360 at the goalpost . ''
The Pro Bowl also held a moment of silence for Bryant at the two-minute warning in the first half .
The scoreboard at Camping World Stadium in Orlando , Fla. , showed a picture of the retired NBA legend while announcing his death at age 41 .
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , were headed to Mamba Sports Academy , a facility that Bryant created and coached at , for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under unknown circumstances .
Bryant coached Gianna 's team , the Los Angeles Lady Mambas .
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 National Football League extends its deepest condolences to the friends and families of all those who lost their lives in today 's accident , including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter , Gianna , '' the NFL said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrilled and entertained sports fans around the world for a generation .
`` Our thoughts are with the Bryant family , Kobe 's fans , his teammates , the Lakers organization , and the NBA . ''
The AFC squad beat the NFC 38-33 in the Pro Bowl .

Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The 2020 Pro Bowl featured multiple tributes to former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning in Calabasas, Calif.
Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox were among a group of players that got together after a fumble and imitated fadeaway jump shots in honor of Bryant.
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Smith and another group of NFC defenders gathered and performed the jump-shot celebration again following a second-quarter sack.
"It was a tribute to Kobe, him and his family," Smith said in a sideline interview. "When we first started off in the locker room, we were listening to music and we actually found out when it happened. [Seattle Seahawks quarterback] Russell Wilson called us up and we said a prayer for [Bryant] and his family.
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"We came in on third down [and said], 'Man, this is what we're going to do. We're going to do two steps and then do a fadeaway for him.'"
"Kobe always meant something special to me."@tae15adams & @TheRealZSmith both honored Kobe Bryant in the #ProBowl. pic.twitter.com/3qQkI3hVfX— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 26, 2020
Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams, who finished with two touchdown catches, also paid respects to Bryant in the NFL's annual All-Star event. Following a 13-yard score, Adams pointed to the sky and flashed the numbers "2-4" at the camera in honor of Bryant's famous jersey number before dunking the football over the goalposts.
"I've always been able to dunk a little bit. I'm a big basketball guy," Adams said. "Kobe always meant something special to me, being from California especially, so yeah, had to get my shout-out to 2-4, do my 360 at the goalpost."
@tae15adams pays tribute to Kobe Bryant after his #ProBowl touchdown. pic.twitter.com/Vj9OE84Y72— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 26, 2020 Advertisement
The Pro Bowl also held a moment of silence for Bryant at the two-minute warning in the first half. The scoreboard at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., showed a picture of the retired NBA legend while announcing his death at age 41.
Fans at the Pro Bowl broke out in "Kobe" chants when he was honored during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/VAQHYzQ28m— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were 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 coached Gianna's team, the Los Angeles Lady Mambas.
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 National Football League extends its deepest condolences to the friends and families of all those who lost their lives in today's accident, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," the NFL said in a statement. "Kobe was an extraordinary athlete who thrilled and entertained sports fans around the world for a generation.
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"Our thoughts are with the Bryant family, Kobe's fans, his teammates, the Lakers organization, and the NBA."
The AFC squad beat the NFC 38-33 in the Pro Bowl.


upi--2020-01-26--Coronavirus death toll climbs to 80 in mainland China

Jan. 26 ( UPI ) -- Mainland China 's death toll in the coronavirus increased by 24 to 80 on Monday as a sign the disease is accelerating in the nation despite efforts to control the outbreak .
No other deaths have been reported elsewhere in the world although there have been confirmed 56 cases .
China 's National Health Commission also said that 2,744 people had so far been infected .
There were 769 new cases Sunday , compared with 688 recorded the day before .
On Monday , Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Wuhan , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You are trying every means to save lives , '' LI told medical staff at Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan , and one of the designated institutions for treating infected patients .
`` When you are putting your efforts to save lives , you have to protect yourselves too . ''
Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang estimated that 45 percent of the 2,800 who are suspected to be infected with the virus will turn into confirmed cases , causing the total to rise by at least 1,000 in the Chinese city .
Zhou added Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus have been hospitalized including 53 in critical condition , while an additional 643 unconfirmed carriers are under medical observation .
The Bejing municipal health authority said Sunday that the city now has 68 confirmed cases of the coronavirus .
A 9-month-old girl was included among the new confirmed cases , the youngest case confirmed so far , the city said .
Elsewhere in China , there have been eight reported cases in Hong Kong , five in Macau and four in Taiwan .
On Sunday , China Health Minister Ma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting stronger and can be transmitted during incubation of one to 14 days .
`` There are signs showing the virus is becoming more transmissible .
These walking 'contagious agents ' [ hidden carriers ] make controlling the outbreak a lot more difficult , '' Ma said at a news conference .
`` From observations , the virus is capable of transmission even during incubation period . ''
A different severe acute respiratory syndrome , SARS , was not contagious during incubation .
From 2002-03 , SARS killed more than 600 people across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 elsewhere in the world .
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday warned of an `` accelerating spread '' of the virus as the number of cases has increased 50 percent in 24 hours .
More than 50 million people in central China were ordered on lockdown and a travel ban has been instituted for 16 cities in the Hubei province where the virus was first reported .
Before the lockdown and the Spring Festival holiday , about 5 million residents left Wuhan .
About 9 million people remained in the city after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference .
The most effective way to stop the transmission would be to reduce travel and avoid meetings , Feng Luzhao , researcher with the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention , said .
`` [ We have decided ] to extend the Chinese New Year holidays because [ we want ] to encourage people to stay home and avoid going to areas where infection may be prevalent and places with large crowds of people , '' Feng said at the news conference .
`` [ We believe ] this can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hong Kong Disneyland and rival attraction Ocean Park shut down on Sunday in response to concerns about the coronavirus and Shanghai 's Disneyland also closed on Saturday .
Hong Kong Disney land said it chose to close the park to protect `` the health and safety of our guests and cast members '' and said guests would receive refunds .
The Chinese Football Association withdrew as the host of the host for the women 's soccer Olympic qualifying tournament next month and Sydney , Australia was chosen as the replacement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful tournament here in Sydney , said Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou .
Several cruise lines , including Costa Crociere , MSC , Royal Caribbean and Genting Cruise Lines , have suspended cruise operations in mainland China .
Cruise Industry News reported sailing have been canceled at least through the next week .
Genting plans to continue to operate from Hong Kong .
In addition , Semester at Sea will divert the MV World Odyssey from the anticipated port stop in Shanghai , China , and extend a planned stay in Ho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six days .
Semester at Sea offers 100-plus days programs that travel around the world .
Outside China , the virus has been reported in 11 nations .
Thailand has the most with eight , followed by Australia and United States with five ; Japan , Malaysia , Singapore with four ; France and South Korea with three ; two in Vietnam ; and one each in Canada and Nepal .

1/4
The Forbidden City, as well as other popular tourist destinations, have been closed as the government takes steps to counter the spread of the new, deadly coronavirus in Beijing. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Mainland China's death toll in the coronavirus increased by 24 to 80 on Monday as a sign the disease is accelerating in the nation despite efforts to control the outbreak. No other deaths have been reported elsewhere in the world although there have been confirmed 56 cases. Advertisement
China's National Health Commission also said that 2,744 people had so far been infected. There were 769 new cases Sunday, compared with 688 recorded the day before.
On Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Wuhan, which is the epicenter of the outbreak.
"You are trying every means to save lives," LI told medical staff at Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan, and one of the designated institutions for treating infected patients. "When you are putting your efforts to save lives, you have to protect yourselves too."
Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang estimated that 45 percent of the 2,800 who are suspected to be infected with the virus will turn into confirmed cases, causing the total to rise by at least 1,000 in the Chinese city.
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Zhou added Sunday that 553 people confirmed to be infected with the virus have been hospitalized including 53 in critical condition, while an additional 643 unconfirmed carriers are under medical observation.
The Bejing municipal health authority said Sunday that the city now has 68 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
A 9-month-old girl was included among the new confirmed cases, the youngest case confirmed so far, the city said.
Elsewhere in China, there have been eight reported cases in Hong Kong, five in Macau and four in Taiwan.
On Sunday, China Health Minister Ma Xiaowei said the virus appears to be getting stronger and can be transmitted during incubation of one to 14 days.
"There are signs showing the virus is becoming more transmissible. These walking 'contagious agents' [hidden carriers] make controlling the outbreak a lot more difficult," Ma said at a news conference. "From observations, the virus is capable of transmission even during incubation period."
A different severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, was not contagious during incubation. From 2002-03, SARS killed more than 600 people across mainland China and Hong Kong, and 100 elsewhere in the world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday warned of an "accelerating spread" of the virus as the number of cases has increased 50 percent in 24 hours.
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More than 50 million people in central China were ordered on lockdown and a travel ban has been instituted for 16 cities in the Hubei province where the virus was first reported.
Before the lockdown and the Spring Festival holiday, about 5 million residents left Wuhan. About 9 million people remained in the city after the lockdown, Zhou told a news conference.
The most effective way to stop the transmission would be to reduce travel and avoid meetings, Feng Luzhao, researcher with the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
"[We have decided] to extend the Chinese New Year holidays because [we want] to encourage people to stay home and avoid going to areas where infection may be prevalent and places with large crowds of people," Feng said at the news conference. "[We believe] this can help curb the spread of the disease."
Hong Kong Disneyland and rival attraction Ocean Park shut down on Sunday in response to concerns about the coronavirus and Shanghai's Disneyland also closed on Saturday.
Hong Kong Disney land said it chose to close the park to protect "the health and safety of our guests and cast members" and said guests would receive refunds.
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The Chinese Football Association withdrew as the host of the host for the women's soccer Olympic qualifying tournament next month and Sydney, Australia was chosen as the replacement.
"We are confident we will host a successful tournament here in Sydney, said Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou.
Several cruise lines, including Costa Crociere, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Genting Cruise Lines, have suspended cruise operations in mainland China. Cruise Industry News reported sailing have been canceled at least through the next week. Genting plans to continue to operate from Hong Kong.
In addition, Semester at Sea will divert the MV World Odyssey from the anticipated port stop in Shanghai, China, and extend a planned stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by six days. Semester at Sea offers 100-plus days programs that travel around the world.
Outside China, the virus has been reported in 11 nations. Thailand has the most with eight, followed by Australia and United States with five; Japan, Malaysia, Singapore with four; France and South Korea with three; two in Vietnam; and one each in Canada and Nepal.


upi--2020-01-27--Hackers target several NFL teams on social media ahead of Super Bowl

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- Several social media accounts belonging to NFL teams , including the Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers , appeared to have been infiltrated by a hacker group over the past two days .
The NFL 's own Twitter and Facebook accounts also were apparently hacked , as fans from around the world prepare for Super Bowl LIV on Sunday in Miami .
On Sunday , the Chicago Bears ' official Twitter account was the first to start showing messages from a hacker group that called itself `` OurMine . ''
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cyber attack was to announce that `` we 're back '' and to `` show people that everything is hackable . ''
In the since-deleted tweets , the group claiming responsibility said it could `` improve your accounts security '' and provided an email for additional information .
Similar messages popped up on other team feeds as well as the NFL 's Facebook account Monday .
Among the social media pages impacted by the hacker group were the Houston Texans , Buffalo Bills , Minnesota Vikings , Green Bay Packers , Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet on the Packers ' account was published multiple times after being deleted .
Several other teams had their Twitter profile pictures and header images removed .
`` OurMine '' has previously been linked to other social media hacks , claiming credit for breaking into Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg 's Twitter and Pinterest accounts .
The group also took credit for accessing the Twitter accounts of Netflix and Marvel , among other organizations .

Hackers infiltrated social media accounts of multiple NFL teams over the past two days, including the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl matchup. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Several social media accounts belonging to NFL teams, including the Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, appeared to have been infiltrated by a hacker group over the past two days. The NFL's own Twitter and Facebook accounts also were apparently hacked, as fans from around the world prepare for Super Bowl LIV on Sunday in Miami. Advertisement
On Sunday, the Chicago Bears' official Twitter account was the first to start showing messages from a hacker group that called itself "OurMine." One of the messages on the account said the cyber attack was to announce that "we're back" and to "show people that everything is hackable."
In the since-deleted tweets, the group claiming responsibility said it could "improve your accounts security" and provided an email for additional information.
Similar messages popped up on other team feeds as well as the NFL's Facebook account Monday. Among the social media pages impacted by the hacker group were the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, 49ers and Chiefs.
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The tweet on the Packers' account was published multiple times after being deleted. Several other teams had their Twitter profile pictures and header images removed.
"OurMine" has previously been linked to other social media hacks, claiming credit for breaking into Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Twitter and Pinterest accounts. The group also took credit for accessing the Twitter accounts of Netflix and Marvel, among other organizations.


upi--2020-01-27--Dow Jones falls 450 points amid rising coronavirus concerns

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- U.S. stocks tumbled on Monday amid growing concerns over the coronavirus as multiple new @ @ @ @ @ The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 453.83 points or 1.57 percent , as the S @ @ @ @ @ 1.57 percent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.89 percent by the end of trading as @ @ @ @ @ of the virus in China rose to 2,835 and the death toll rose to 81 @ @ @ @ @ total of five confirmed cases in the United States as of Monday .
The Dow @ @ @ @ @ saw their largest declines since October , while the Nasdaq had its worst losses since @ @ @ @ @ such as Carnival , Expedia and Mariott International all dropped at least 2.1 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ airlines both fell more than 3.3 percent , while American slipped 5.5 percent .
Caterpillar @ @ @ @ @ for global growth fell 3.3. percent while companies that generate revenue from China also felt @ @ @ @ @ fell 4.1 percent and Nike dropped 1.8 percent .

Stock markets tumbled on Monday amid concerns about rising cases of the novel coronavirus in China and the United States. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. stocks tumbled on Monday amid growing concerns over the coronavirus as multiple new cases were confirmed worldwide. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 453.83 points or 1.57 percent, as the S&P 500 also fell 1.57 percent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.89 percent by the end of trading as the number of confirmed cases of the virus in China rose to 2,835 and the death toll rose to 81. Advertisement
There were also a total of five confirmed cases in the United States as of Monday.
The Dow and the S&P saw their largest declines since October, while the Nasdaq had its worst losses since August.
Travel related stocks such as Carnival, Expedia and Mariott International all dropped at least 2.1 percent.
Stocks for United and Delta airlines both fell more than 3.3 percent, while American slipped 5.5 percent.
Caterpillar, regarded as a bellwether for global growth fell 3.3. percent while companies that generate revenue from China also felt the impact as Estee Lauder fell 4.1 percent and Nike dropped 1.8 percent.


upi--2020-01-27--'Redlined' neighborhoods have higher rates of asthma than others

Jan. 27 ( UPI ) -- The discriminatory practice of `` redlining '' neighborhoods may be history , but its legacy includes health effects that linger today , a new study suggests .
In an analysis published Monday in the The Lancet Planetary Health , researchers report that current rates of asthma-related emergency room visits are more than twice as high in areas that were once redlined -- or categorized as high risk for investment as part of government-sponsored programs .
The analysis was based on findings in eight California cities .
`` Redlining may have shaped neighborhood development in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' study co-author Neeta Thakur , assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco , said in a press release .
Overall , approximately 8 percent of all Americans have asthma , a disease of airway inflammation often linked with pollution or poor air quality that causes difficulty breathing .
However , past research has suggested that the disease disproportionately affects communities of color .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , more than 10 percent of black Americans and nearly 13 percent of Puerto Ricans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to determine whether this discrepancy might be traced to where these people live .
The researchers specifically considered if study participants lived in areas that had been redlined by the Home Owners ' Loan Corporation , or HOLC , a New Deal-era federal government-sponsored corporation created to provide mortgages to homebuyers and spur real estate sales during the Great Depression .
In evaluating loan applicants , the HOLC essentially graded their neighborhoods based on investment risk , with `` A '' areas -- typically affluent ones -- considered lowest risk and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red on maps -- considered highest risk .
The redlined areas were typically low-income neighborhoods with high minority and immigrant populations .
Many were located in industrial areas and subsequently earmarked for development projects not wanted in more affluent neighborhoods , like highways and railroad lines , further worsening the air quality .
`` Redlined neighborhoods had high rates of low socioeconomic status , which are associated with decreased access in health service and increased psychosocial stress , both contributors to asthma incidence , prevalence and severity , '' Thakur said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , Oakland , Sacramento , San Diego , San Jose , San Francisco and Stockton against rates of ER visits due to asthma between 2011 and 2013 .
They also looked at levels of diesel exhaust particle emissions , or PM2.5 levels , in these areas , and the proportion of the current residents living with incomes below twice the federal poverty level .
In all , they found the risk for ER visits due to asthma was 2.4 times higher in neighborhoods that were redlined than those in A-graded neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 residents .
In `` D '' neighborhoods , they authors also noted that there were more people who were non-Hispanic black and Hispanic , more people living in poverty and higher amounts of diesel exhaust particle emissions .
`` Eighty years or more after the development of the security maps , we observed persistently higher asthma-related emergency department visits in redlined neighborhoods compared with higher-graded neighborhoods , '' said co-author John Balmes , a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at UCSF .
`` These areas also see higher diesel particle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together these might partly reflect a discriminatory legacy of redlining , '' Balmes added .
`` Similar research is needed to assess whether our findings apply beyond the eight Californian cities we studied . ''

Researchers say residents of cities that were redlined during a program in the 1920s have higher rates of asthma than those in cities that did not receive the redline designation. Photo by 12019 /Pixabay
Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The discriminatory practice of "redlining" neighborhoods may be history, but its legacy includes health effects that linger today, a new study suggests. In an analysis published Monday in the The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers report that current rates of asthma-related emergency room visits are more than twice as high in areas that were once redlined -- or categorized as high risk for investment as part of government-sponsored programs. Advertisement
The analysis was based on findings in eight California cities.
"Redlining may have shaped neighborhood development in ways that compound risk factors for asthma," study co-author Neeta Thakur, assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, said in a press release.
Overall, approximately 8 percent of all Americans have asthma, a disease of airway inflammation often linked with pollution or poor air quality that causes difficulty breathing.
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However, past research has suggested that the disease disproportionately affects communities of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 10 percent of black Americans and nearly 13 percent of Puerto Ricans have asthma.
Thakur and her colleagues sought to determine whether this discrepancy might be traced to where these people live. The researchers specifically considered if study participants lived in areas that had been redlined by the Home Owners' Loan Corporation, or HOLC, a New Deal-era federal government-sponsored corporation created to provide mortgages to homebuyers and spur real estate sales during the Great Depression.
In evaluating loan applicants, the HOLC essentially graded their neighborhoods based on investment risk, with "A" areas -- typically affluent ones -- considered lowest risk and "D" areas -- those marked in red on maps -- considered highest risk.
The redlined areas were typically low-income neighborhoods with high minority and immigrant populations. Many were located in industrial areas and subsequently earmarked for development projects not wanted in more affluent neighborhoods, like highways and railroad lines, further worsening the air quality.
"Redlined neighborhoods had high rates of low socioeconomic status, which are associated with decreased access in health service and increased psychosocial stress, both contributors to asthma incidence, prevalence and severity," Thakur said.
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The researchers reviewed HOLC maps for Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Stockton against rates of ER visits due to asthma between 2011 and 2013. They also looked at levels of diesel exhaust particle emissions, or PM2.5 levels, in these areas, and the proportion of the current residents living with incomes below twice the federal poverty level.
In all, they found the risk for ER visits due to asthma was 2.4 times higher in neighborhoods that were redlined than those in A-graded neighborhoods -- 63.5 versus 26.5 visits annually per 10,000 residents. In "D" neighborhoods, they authors also noted that there were more people who were non-Hispanic black and Hispanic, more people living in poverty and higher amounts of diesel exhaust particle emissions.
"Eighty years or more after the development of the security maps, we observed persistently higher asthma-related emergency department visits in redlined neighborhoods compared with higher-graded neighborhoods," said co-author John Balmes, a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at UCSF.
"These areas also see higher diesel particle emission levels and rates of poverty. Together these might partly reflect a discriminatory legacy of redlining," Balmes added. "Similar research is needed to assess whether our findings apply beyond the eight Californian cities we studied."