upi--2020-12-09--Biden to nominate Katherine Tai as U.S. trad representative

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Katherine Tai , the Democratic Party 's top trade lawyer in the House Ways and Means Committee , as U.S. trade representative , according to reports .
If confirmed by Congress , Tai will be responsible for ensuring that foreign states abide by U.S. trade rules , negotiating a new trade deal with China amid a protracted trade war and repairing relationships with allies that have soured under the Trump administration .
Biden 's choice of Tai to lead the nation 's trade deals was confirmed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times .
Her appointment would also make her the first woman of color and the first Asian American to sit lead at the negotiating table for U.S. trade interests , and comes amid a greater push by the Biden-Harris transition team to form a more diverse cabinet than seen in previous administrations .
The president-elect has already tapped several people of color and women for top positions , including retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin III to lead the Pentagon , current California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to head the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead the Treasury , among others .
All three nominations , if confirmed , would represent firsts for their departments : The first Black American to head the Department of Defense , the first Latino to head the HHS and the first woman to top the Treasury .
Tai , who is fluent in Mandarin , was named lead advisor to the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in 2017 .
She also worked as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement from 2007 to 2011 , according to a short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the U.S.-China Business Council .
News of her nomination follows 10 female House Democrats telling Biden in a November letter that Tai 's work ensuring Democratic demands were included in President Donald Trump 's North America trade deal `` makes her uniquely qualified '' for the job .
On Nov. 21 , The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus urged Biden in a statement to appoint Asian American and Pacific Islanders to his cabinet to ensure they account for at least 7 % of its body as they are 7 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group in the nation .
Democratic Reps. Judy Chu and Bonamici Praise , two women who signed the letter to Biden in November , praised the nomination in a joint statement .
`` Katherine Tai is immensely qualified to be our next trade ambassador , '' said Praise .
`` Her diplomatic skills and subject matter expertise have earned her the respect of Congress , labor and environmental leaders , and the trade community at large . ''
Chu , who chairs the CAPAC , said if confirmed , Tai would accomplish all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government that prioritizes expertise while reflecting those it governs .
`` I 'm thrilled to hear reports that Katherine Tai will be nominated to be our next U.S. trade representative .
From our work together on Ways and Means , I have seen firsthand Ms. Tai 's skill and experience with trade deals and have been impressed by her work on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement , as well as her vast knowledge of the current and coming trade challenges , '' Chu said .

Dec. 9 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Katherine Tai, the Democratic Party's top trade lawyer in the House Ways and Means Committee, as U.S. trade representative, according to reports.
If confirmed by Congress, Tai will be responsible for ensuring that foreign states abide by U.S. trade rules, negotiating a new trade deal with China amid a protracted trade war and repairing relationships with allies that have soured under the Trump administration.
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Biden's choice of Tai to lead the nation's trade deals was confirmed by unnamed sources to Politico, CNN and The New York Times.
Her appointment would also make her the first woman of color and the first Asian American to sit lead at the negotiating table for U.S. trade interests, and comes amid a greater push by the Biden-Harris transition team to form a more diverse cabinet than seen in previous administrations.
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The president-elect has already tapped several people of color and women for top positions, including retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin III to lead the Pentagon, current California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to head the Health and Human Services Department and Janet Yellen to lead the Treasury, among others.
All three nominations, if confirmed, would represent firsts for their departments: The first Black American to head the Department of Defense, the first Latino to head the HHS and the first woman to top the Treasury.
Tai, who is fluent in Mandarin, was named lead advisor to the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in 2017. She also worked as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement from 2007 to 2011, according to a short biography of her experience on the website of the U.S.-China Business Council.
News of her nomination follows 10 female House Democrats telling Biden in a November letter that Tai's work ensuring Democratic demands were included in President Donald Trump's North America trade deal "makes her uniquely qualified" for the job.
On Nov. 21, The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus urged Biden in a statement to appoint Asian American and Pacific Islanders to his cabinet to ensure they account for at least 7% of its body as they are 7% of the U.S. population while being the fastest-growing racial group in the nation.
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Democratic Reps. Judy Chu and Bonamici Praise, two women who signed the letter to Biden in November, praised the nomination in a joint statement.
"Katherine Tai is immensely qualified to be our next trade ambassador," said Praise. "Her diplomatic skills and subject matter expertise have earned her the respect of Congress, labor and environmental leaders, and the trade community at large."
Chu, who chairs the CAPAC, said if confirmed, Tai would accomplish all of Biden's promises of building a government that prioritizes expertise while reflecting those it governs.
"I'm thrilled to hear reports that Katherine Tai will be nominated to be our next U.S. trade representative. From our work together on Ways and Means, I have seen firsthand Ms. Tai's skill and experience with trade deals and have been impressed by her work on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as well as her vast knowledge of the current and coming trade challenges," Chu said.
Meet President Joe Biden's top adviser picks


upi--2020-12-09--Starbucks names Mellody Hobson chair of board of directors

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Starbucks on Wednesday announced Mellody Hobson will become the first Black woman to serve as the non-executive chair of its board of directors .
Hobson , who has served on the board of directors for 15 years and is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments , will take on the role of chair in March , succeeding Myron E. Ullman , the company announced .
`` I am thrilled and honored to take on the role of chair , '' Hobson said .
`` Over nearly two decades , I have seen the company continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapting to various market environments and evolving customer trends .
I look forward to working with the board and talented leadership team on accelerating our strategy supporting our valued partners and continuing to create significant value for all of our stakeholders . ''
Hobson also serves as a director of JPMorgan Chase and chair of After School Matters , a Chicago-based non-profit providing teens with high-quality after-school and summer programs .
`` Mellody has been a trusted advisor to me and the company for more than 20 years , '' Starbucks founder Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearless leader defined by her grace and wisdom .
She has long embraced the purpose of Starbucks and , along with the leadership team , will continue to reimagine Starbucks future through the foundation of its past . ''

Mellody Hobson on Wednesday was named the new non-executive chair of Starbucks' board of directors, becoming the first Black woman to hold the role for the company. Photo courtesy of Starbucks
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Starbucks on Wednesday announced Mellody Hobson will become the first Black woman to serve as the non-executive chair of its board of directors. Hobson, who has served on the board of directors for 15 years and is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, will take on the role of chair in March, succeeding Myron E. Ullman, the company announced. Advertisement
"I am thrilled and honored to take on the role of chair," Hobson said. "Over nearly two decades, I have seen the company continue to elevate and transform its business -- adapting to various market environments and evolving customer trends. I look forward to working with the board and talented leadership team on accelerating our strategy supporting our valued partners and continuing to create significant value for all of our stakeholders."
Hobson also serves as a director of JPMorgan Chase and chair of After School Matters, a Chicago-based non-profit providing teens with high-quality after-school and summer programs.
"Mellody has been a trusted advisor to me and the company for more than 20 years," Starbucks founder Howard Schultz said. "She is a fearless leader defined by her grace and wisdom. She has long embraced the purpose of Starbucks and, along with the leadership team, will continue to reimagine Starbucks future through the foundation of its past."
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upi--2020-12-09--Michigan State-Virginia basketball game postponed; N.C. State pauses activities

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- A men 's college basketball matchup between Michigan State and Virginia -- planned for Wednesday -- has been postponed due to COVID-19 issues within Virginia 's program , the school said .
The Cavaliers announced the postponement Tuesday night .
The ACC/Big Ten Challenge game was scheduled to tip off at 9:15 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Charlottesville , Va .
The status of Virginia 's game against William & Mary , which is scheduled for Sunday , is `` to be determined , '' the Cavaliers said in a news release .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
4 in the Division I men 's basketball coaches poll .
The Cavaliers ( 4-1 ) are No .
18 in the poll .
Michigan State is scheduled to host Oakland at noon EST on Sunday in East Lansing , Mich. Last week , the Atlantic Coast Conference also rescheduled Virginia 's Dec. 16 game against Wake Forest due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Wake Forest men 's basketball program .
Meanwhile , the North Carolina State Wolfpack paused all men 's basketball activities because of positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision Wednesday , saying two members of its traveling party tested positive for the coronavirus .
Due to the pause , N.C. State 's scheduled game against Florida Atlantic this weekend wo n't take place .
`` The health and safety of our student-athletes and staff remains our unwavering priority , '' N.C. State director of athletics Boo Corrigan said in a statement .
`` We will continue to work with all appropriate parties and adhere to ACC , campus and local protocols to make the most responsible decisions moving forward . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Tuesday that its scheduled game against Wofford on Thursday is canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within its program .
The Gamecocks have paused all team activities .
Kentucky also said Tuesday that its Dec. 15 men 's basketball game against Detroit Mercy has been postponed due to COVID-19 safety protocols .
The Kentucky-Detroit Mercy game had already been rescheduled from Nov. 27 .
The Houston men 's basketball team also paused on Tuesday after positive COVID-19 tests emerged from within the Cougars program .

Coach Tony Bennett and the Virginia men's basketball team postponed Wednesday's game against Michigan State and said the status of Sunday's game against William & Mary is to be determined due to COVID-19 issues. File Photo by Bryan Woolston/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A men's college basketball matchup between Michigan State and Virginia -- planned for Wednesday -- has been postponed due to COVID-19 issues within Virginia's program, the school said. The Cavaliers announced the postponement Tuesday night. The ACC/Big Ten Challenge game was scheduled to tip off at 9:15 p.m. EST on Wednesday in Charlottesville, Va. Advertisement
The status of Virginia's game against William & Mary, which is scheduled for Sunday, is "to be determined," the Cavaliers said in a news release.
The Spartans (5-0) are ranked No. 4 in the Division I men's basketball coaches poll. The Cavaliers (4-1) are No. 18 in the poll. Michigan State is scheduled to host Oakland at noon EST on Sunday in East Lansing, Mich.
Last week, the Atlantic Coast Conference also rescheduled Virginia's Dec. 16 game against Wake Forest due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Wake Forest men's basketball program.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Wolfpack paused all men's basketball activities because of positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent contact tracing.
The school announced the decision Wednesday, saying two members of its traveling party tested positive for the coronavirus. Due to the pause, N.C. State's scheduled game against Florida Atlantic this weekend won't take place.
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"The health and safety of our student-athletes and staff remains our unwavering priority," N.C. State director of athletics Boo Corrigan said in a statement. "We will continue to work with all appropriate parties and adhere to ACC, campus and local protocols to make the most responsible decisions moving forward."
South Carolina's men's basketball team announced Tuesday that its scheduled game against Wofford on Thursday is canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within its program. The Gamecocks have paused all team activities.
Kentucky also said Tuesday that its Dec. 15 men's basketball game against Detroit Mercy has been postponed due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Kentucky-Detroit Mercy game had already been rescheduled from Nov. 27.
The Houston men's basketball team also paused on Tuesday after positive COVID-19 tests emerged from within the Cougars program.


upi--2020-12-09--Washington halts football activities due to COVID-19; Indiana-Purdue canceled

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- The University of Washington has paused football team activities due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the program , the school said Wednesday .
`` The team will not practice Wednesday and will undergo additional polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) testing , '' the Huskies said in a statement .
The Huskies are scheduled to play Oregon at 4 p.m. EST Saturday in Eugene , Ore .
The winner of the game will decide which team wins the Pac-12 's North Division and appears in the Dec. 18 conference championship game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status of the scheduled game against Oregon will be shared `` when it becomes available . ''
Wednesday 's stoppage marks the first time this season that Washington has had to pause team activities .
The Huskies ' games against California and Washington State were canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19 cases within those programs .
Meanwhile , the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers have mutually agreed to call off their rivalry game scheduled for Saturday in Bloomington , Ind.
, because of a rise in COVID-19 cases at the schools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Scott Dolson and Purdue AD Mike Bobinski expressed their displeasure in having to cancel the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry matchup .
`` We both understand the history and tradition of one of the best rivalries in college football , but the safety and well-being of our student-athletes , coaches and staff is our primary priority , '' the statement said .
`` We will continue to monitor the situation on both campuses and listen to the advice of our medical professionals . ''
In other developments , Charlotte announced Wednesday that its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday -- has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Thundering Herd program .
The American Athletic Conference said Tuesday that Saturday 's Tulsa-Cincinnati football game will not be played due to COVID-19 cases and contact tracing within the Bearcats program .
The conference said Cincinnati and Tulsa remain on track to face off in the AAC Championship Game on Dec. 19 .
Also Tuesday , Michigan canceled its annual rivalry matchup against Ohio State due to positive COVID-19 cases within its program .

The Oregon-Washington football game, scheduled for Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., is now in doubt after a series of positive COVID-19 cases within the Washington football program. Photo by Kingofthedead/Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The University of Washington has paused football team activities due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the program, the school said Wednesday. "The team will not practice Wednesday and will undergo additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing," the Huskies said in a statement. Advertisement
The Huskies are scheduled to play Oregon at 4 p.m. EST Saturday in Eugene, Ore. The winner of the game will decide which team wins the Pac-12's North Division and appears in the Dec. 18 conference championship game.
Washington said more information regarding the status of the scheduled game against Oregon will be shared "when it becomes available."
Wednesday's stoppage marks the first time this season that Washington has had to pause team activities. The Huskies' games against California and Washington State were canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19 cases within those programs.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers have mutually agreed to call off their rivalry game scheduled for Saturday in Bloomington, Ind., because of a rise in COVID-19 cases at the schools.
In a joint statement, Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson and Purdue AD Mike Bobinski expressed their displeasure in having to cancel the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry matchup.
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"We both understand the history and tradition of one of the best rivalries in college football, but the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is our primary priority," the statement said. "We will continue to monitor the situation on both campuses and listen to the advice of our medical professionals."
In other developments, Charlotte announced Wednesday that its football game against Marshall -- scheduled for Friday -- has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Thundering Herd program.
The American Athletic Conference said Tuesday that Saturday's Tulsa-Cincinnati football game will not be played due to COVID-19 cases and contact tracing within the Bearcats program. The conference said Cincinnati and Tulsa remain on track to face off in the AAC Championship Game on Dec. 19.
Also Tuesday, Michigan canceled its annual rivalry matchup against Ohio State due to positive COVID-19 cases within its program.


upi--2020-12-09--LSU football program self-imposes bowl ban for 2020 season

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- The LSU football program self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2020-21 bowl season , the school announced Wednesday .
The one-year bowl ban is part of LSU 's effort to cooperate with an NCAA investigation into improper booster payments to its football players .
In late October , the Tigers self-imposed a series of sanctions , including a loss of eight scholarships over two years and a reduction in recruiting visits , evaluations and communication .
The school also banned Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from its football facilities for two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and SEC that it will self-impose a one-year postseason ban on its football program for the 2020-21 bowl season , in addition to self-imposed sanctions already declared , '' the school said in a statement Wednesday .
`` LSU leadership made this decision after careful deliberation and review of the NCAA rules violations that have been discovered in the university 's cooperative investigation with the NCAA and IARP .
`` This decision reflects LSU 's commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations and maintenance of institutional control .
We regret the impact that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we make it in the best interest of the football program and university .
LSU will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and IARP throughout the enforcement process . ''
Most of the violations occurred before the promotion of Ed Orgeron to head coach during the 2016 season and the hiring of athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019 .
`` I respect the university 's decision to proactively address NCAA issues from the past , '' Orgeron said .
`` I share the disappointment of our student-athletes who will not be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
I am especially proud of our players ' dedication to the program during these unprecedented times in our country . ''
The defending national champion Tigers are 3-5 this season .
LSU is scheduled to play at Florida on Saturday and at home vs. Ole Miss on Dec. 19 .
The postseason ban means LSU will fail to play in a bowl game for the first time since 1999 .
LSU 's football violations are part of a wider NCAA probe that has been ongoing for the last three years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by head coach Will Wade and the LSU men 's basketball program .

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron and the defending national champion Tigers are 3-5 this season. LSU won't play in a bowl game for the first time since 1999. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The LSU football program self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2020-21 bowl season, the school announced Wednesday. The one-year bowl ban is part of LSU's effort to cooperate with an NCAA investigation into improper booster payments to its football players. In late October, the Tigers self-imposed a series of sanctions, including a loss of eight scholarships over two years and a reduction in recruiting visits, evaluations and communication. Advertisement
The school also banned Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from its football facilities for two years.
"LSU has informed the NCAA and SEC that it will self-impose a one-year postseason ban on its football program for the 2020-21 bowl season, in addition to self-imposed sanctions already declared," the school said in a statement Wednesday. "LSU leadership made this decision after careful deliberation and review of the NCAA rules violations that have been discovered in the university's cooperative investigation with the NCAA and IARP.
"This decision reflects LSU's commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations and maintenance of institutional control. We regret the impact that this decision has on our current student-athletes, but we make it in the best interest of the football program and university. LSU will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and IARP throughout the enforcement process."
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Most of the violations occurred before the promotion of Ed Orgeron to head coach during the 2016 season and the hiring of athletic director Scott Woodward in 2019.
"I respect the university's decision to proactively address NCAA issues from the past," Orgeron said. "I share the disappointment of our student-athletes who will not be able to compete this season in a bowl game. I am especially proud of our players' dedication to the program during these unprecedented times in our country."
The defending national champion Tigers are 3-5 this season. LSU is scheduled to play at Florida on Saturday and at home vs. Ole Miss on Dec. 19.
The postseason ban means LSU will fail to play in a bowl game for the first time since 1999.
LSU's football violations are part of a wider NCAA probe that has been ongoing for the last three years. The NCAA is already investigating alleged violations by head coach Will Wade and the LSU men's basketball program.


upi--2020-12-09--Scenes from the holiday season

Scenes from the holiday season

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

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


upi--2020-12-09--Venice, Italy, floods after experimental barrier system not activated

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Venice , Italy , flooded after an experimental barrier system was not activated due to an inaccurate weather forecast .
Tides on Tuesday were expected to reach 49 inches , just below the 51 inches that would prompt the inflatable barriers to be deployed , but water instead continued to rise into the late afternoon , reaching 54 inches high .
The flooding resulted in damage to shops and other businesses throughout St. Mark 's Square .
Carlo Alberto Tessarin , a member of the board of procurators of the Byzantine Basilica of St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage in the flooding .
`` We 're underwater to a dramatic extent , the damage is serious , '' he said .
The barrier system , known as MOSE , is currently in a trial phase under the jurisdiction of the Italian state , requiring Venetian authorities to request permission to activate the barriers from the national government .
The system was able to hold back the floodwaters when it was tested for the first time in adverse conditions in October .
Venice is still recovering from its worst flooding in 53 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underwater in 2019 .

Floodwaters damaged businesses and other facilities in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday after its experimental MOSE barrier system was not activated due to an inaccurate weather forecast. Photo by Andrea Merola/EPA-EFE
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Venice, Italy, flooded after an experimental barrier system was not activated due to an inaccurate weather forecast. Tides on Tuesday were expected to reach 49 inches, just below the 51 inches that would prompt the inflatable barriers to be deployed, but water instead continued to rise into the late afternoon, reaching 54 inches high. Advertisement
The flooding resulted in damage to shops and other businesses throughout St. Mark's Square.
Carlo Alberto Tessarin, a member of the board of procurators of the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark, said the church sustained significant damage in the flooding.
"We're underwater to a dramatic extent, the damage is serious," he said.
The barrier system, known as MOSE, is currently in a trial phase under the jurisdiction of the Italian state, requiring Venetian authorities to request permission to activate the barriers from the national government.
The system was able to hold back the floodwaters when it was tested for the first time in adverse conditions in October.
Venice is still recovering from its worst flooding in 53 years which left much of the city underwater in 2019.


upi--2020-12-09--Players, officials kneel before PSG-Istanbul Basaksehir restart

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Players and match officials took a knee before the start of Wednesday 's Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir .
The match was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday after both clubs walked off the pitch and refused to return following accusations that the game 's fourth referee , Sebastian Coltescu , had used a racial term to identify Istanbul assistant coach Pierre Webo , who is from Cameroon , before he was sent off with a red card .
`` UEFA is aware of an incident during [ Tuesday 's ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Istanbul Basaksehir and will be conducting a thorough investigation , '' European soccer 's governing body , UEFA , said in a statement Tuesday .
`` Racism , and discrimination in all its forms , has no place within football .
`` UEFA has -- after discussion with both clubs -- decided on an exceptional basis to have the remaining minutes of the match played [ Wednesday ] with a new team of match officials . ''
When the teams entered the field Wednesday , players and the new group of officials gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and referees then kneeled , with some raising a fist , before the resumption of the match in the 13th minute .
The players also wore `` No To Racism '' shirts during warm-ups .
Neymar had a hat trick and Kylian Mbappe scored twice as PSG earned a 5-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir .
`` Of course , I am proud of what was done .
A lot of things were said but in fact , there 's nothing better than actions , '' Mbappe said after the match .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go through this again .
We 're all human beings and this was intolerable .
People are fed up and we had to do something . ''

Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Players and match officials took a knee before the start of Wednesday's Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir.
The match was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday after both clubs walked off the pitch and refused to return following accusations that the game's fourth referee, Sebastian Coltescu, had used a racial term to identify Istanbul assistant coach Pierre Webo, who is from Cameroon, before he was sent off with a red card.
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"UEFA is aware of an incident during [Tuesday's] Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir and will be conducting a thorough investigation," European soccer's governing body, UEFA, said in a statement Tuesday. "Racism, and discrimination in all its forms, has no place within football.
"UEFA has -- after discussion with both clubs -- decided on an exceptional basis to have the remaining minutes of the match played [Wednesday] with a new team of match officials."
When the teams entered the field Wednesday, players and the new group of officials gathered around the middle circle. The players and referees then kneeled, with some raising a fist, before the resumption of the match in the 13th minute. The players also wore "No To Racism" shirts during warm-ups.
Advertisement PSG and İstanbul Başakşehir make a powerful statement ahead of kick-off. pic.twitter.com/Qy9297PSR5— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 9, 2020
Neymar had a hat trick and Kylian Mbappe scored twice as PSG earned a 5-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
"Of course, I am proud of what was done. A lot of things were said but in fact, there's nothing better than actions," Mbappe said after the match. "We are tired. We don't want to go through this again. We're all human beings and this was intolerable. People are fed up and we had to do something."


upi--2020-12-09--House passes stopgap spending bill to avoid shutdown

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- The House on Wednesday passed a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week .
The short-term measure , known as a continuing resolution , passed by a vote of 343-67 .
It would extend the funding deadline from Friday to Dec. 18 after a previous extension at the end of September .
Congress sought a one-week extension as lawmakers have struggled to agree to a new sweeping omnibus funding bill .
An agreement on legislation has been held up by disagreements over immigration provisions , abortion language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move on to the Senate for another vote .
The bill comes as Congress has struggled to agree to terms on another round of COVID-19 stimulus , which is expected to be intertwined with a final spending bill .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Wednesday proposed a $ 916 billion coronavirus relief package that includes money for state and local governments , and liability protections for businesses , schools and universities .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said the offer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added it must not block progress on bipartisan talks after a group of lawmakers proposed a $ 908 billion package .
`` Members of the House and Senate have been engaged in good-faith negotiations and continue to make progress , '' they wrote in a joint statement .
`` The bipartisan talks are the best hope for a bipartisan solution . ''
The bipartisan talks have faced resistance from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , who has proposed that Congress `` set aside state and local and we pass those things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll be back at this after the first of the year . ''

The House voted 343-67 to approve a continuing resolution to extend the federal funding deadline to Dec. 18 and avoid a government shutdown on Friday. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The House on Wednesday passed a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week. The short-term measure, known as a continuing resolution, passed by a vote of 343-67. It would extend the funding deadline from Friday to Dec. 18 after a previous extension at the end of September. Advertisement
Congress sought a one-week extension as lawmakers have struggled to agree to a new sweeping omnibus funding bill.
An agreement on legislation has been held up by disagreements over immigration provisions, abortion language and other items.
Wednesday's bill will move on to the Senate for another vote.
The bill comes as Congress has struggled to agree to terms on another round of COVID-19 stimulus, which is expected to be intertwined with a final spending bill.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Wednesday proposed a $916 billion coronavirus relief package that includes money for state and local governments, and liability protections for businesses, schools and universities.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the offer was a step in the right direction but added it must not block progress on bipartisan talks after a group of lawmakers proposed a $908 billion package.
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"Members of the House and Senate have been engaged in good-faith negotiations and continue to make progress," they wrote in a joint statement. "The bipartisan talks are the best hope for a bipartisan solution."
The bipartisan talks have faced resistance from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has proposed that Congress "set aside state and local and we pass those things we can agree on knowing full well we'll be back at this after the first of the year."


upi--2020-12-09--Ohio State to play Northwestern in Big Ten title game after rule change

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Big Ten voted Wednesday to eliminate its policy that teams must play at least six games to qualify for the conference championship game , meaning undefeated Ohio State will play Northwestern on Dec. 19 .
The conference announced the decision shortly after its administrative council -- made up of all athletic directors and senior women administrators -- completed the vote to remove the minimum-game requirement .
The decision was made in collaboration with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and the conference office .
`` The decision was based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have advanced to the Big Ten Football Championship Game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana regardless of a win or loss against Michigan , '' the conference said in a statement .
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes ' place in the postseason landscape became a major question Tuesday after Michigan canceled the teams ' regular-season finale due to COVID-19 issues within the Wolverines ' football program .
It marked the third cancellation for Ohio State this season , leaving the program at only five games played .
Ohio State ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Big Ten title game , while the Northwestern Wildcats ( 5-1 ) will represent the West Division .
The Buckeyes sit behind No .
1 Alabama , No .
2 Notre Dame and the third-ranked Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff rankings .
The latest CFP rankings were released Tuesday night .

Ohio State star quarterback Justin Fields (1) and the Buckeyes will now play Northwestern on Dec. 19 in the Big Ten title game. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The Big Ten voted Wednesday to eliminate its policy that teams must play at least six games to qualify for the conference championship game, meaning undefeated Ohio State will play Northwestern on Dec. 19. The conference announced the decision shortly after its administrative council -- made up of all athletic directors and senior women administrators -- completed the vote to remove the minimum-game requirement. The decision was made in collaboration with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors and the conference office. Advertisement
"The decision was based on a competitive analysis which determined that Ohio State would have advanced to the Big Ten Football Championship Game based on its undefeated record and head-to-head victory over Indiana regardless of a win or loss against Michigan," the conference said in a statement.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes' place in the postseason landscape became a major question Tuesday after Michigan canceled the teams' regular-season finale due to COVID-19 issues within the Wolverines' football program. It marked the third cancellation for Ohio State this season, leaving the program at only five games played.
Ohio State (5-0) will represent the East Division in the Big Ten title game, while the Northwestern Wildcats (5-1) will represent the West Division.
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The Buckeyes sit behind No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Notre Dame and the third-ranked Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff rankings. The latest CFP rankings were released Tuesday night.


upi--2020-12-09--SpaceX flies Starship rocket; it crash lands on launch pad

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX sent its new-generation Starship rocket into the Texas sky just before sunset Wednesday and and saw it crash-land in a massive fireball on its launch pad .
The test flight was the first high-altitude attempt for the vehicle , which lifted off at 5:45 pm .
EST from the company 's launch and development site in Boca Chica , about 180 miles south of Corpus Christi .
Elon Musk 's company offered no commentary or reaction to the flight , which included the possible loss of one of three Raptor engines .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altitude -- nearly 8 miles high .
That model rocket , eyed as a transport vehicle to the moon and possibly Mars , also performed a flip maneuver mid-flight that the space company had planned .
`` Successful ascent , switchover to header tanks & precise flap control to landing point ! ''
founder Elon Musk tweeted after the explosive landing .
The test flight had been scheduled to take off in midafternoon , but SpaceX called a hold during the countdown without explanation .
Later in the afternoon , the countdown resumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liftoff .
At 5:45 p.m. , the rocket 's three engines ignited , sending the prototype steadily higher .
During midflight , video showed one of the three engines cutting out .
SpaceX offered no explanation .
After reaching the flight apogee , or highest point , the Starship fell over horizontally and began to glide -- as designed -- using its adjustable fins .
Upon nearing the ground , the fins adjusted to point the engines toward the surface again .
Although the engines fired , the rocket descended rapidly and burst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pad .
SpaceX has tested prototypes of the rocket in Boca Chica for more than a year .
The prototype that flew on Wednesday , SN8 , is the first to feature a nosecone and lower fins .
The flight was intended to test the features of the rocket as it ascended to about 41,000 feet .
The flip maneuver was a `` first for a vehicle of this size , '' SpaceX said on its website .
The company performs similar flip maneuvers with the booster stage of its Falcon-9 rocket , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the engines can be used to decelerate as the unit returns to Earth for a landing .
SpaceX will spend days poring over the data obtained from the test .
`` With a test such as this , success is not measured by completion of specific objectives but rather how much we can learn , which will inform and improve the probability of success , '' the company said .
Although SpaceX is known for Falcon 9 rockets taking supplies and astronauts to the International Space Station , the company always had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To get to the Red Planet , a more powerful rocket than Falcon 9 is needed .
Starship is that rocket .
SpaceX also intends to develop a version of Starship for a moon landing in the next few years as part of NASA 's Artemis program .
While SpaceX also is known for reusing the first-stage booster of Falcon 9 , the company plans to make Starship entirely reusable .
Starship 's Raptor engines , which also are under development , run on `` methalox '' -- rocket fuel composed of liquid @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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SpaceX's Starship lifts off on a test flight from Texas on Wednesday afternoon. Photo by SpaceX/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- SpaceX sent its new-generation Starship rocket into the Texas sky just before sunset Wednesday and and saw it crash-land in a massive fireball on its launch pad. The test flight was the first high-altitude attempt for the vehicle, which lifted off at 5:45 pm. EST from the company's launch and development site in Boca Chica, about 180 miles south of Corpus Christi. Advertisement
Elon Musk's company offered no commentary or reaction to the flight, which included the possible loss of one of three Raptor engines. But the rocket appeared to reach the intended altitude -- nearly 8 miles high.
That model rocket, eyed as a transport vehicle to the moon and possibly Mars, also performed a flip maneuver mid-flight that the space company had planned.
"Successful ascent, switchover to header tanks & precise flap control to landing point!" founder Elon Musk tweeted after the explosive landing.
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The test flight had been scheduled to take off in midafternoon, but SpaceX called a hold during the countdown without explanation.
Later in the afternoon, the countdown resumed, in anticipation of the early evening liftoff. At 5:45 p.m., the rocket's three engines ignited, sending the prototype steadily higher.
During midflight, video showed one of the three engines cutting out. SpaceX offered no explanation.
After reaching the flight apogee, or highest point, the Starship fell over horizontally and began to glide -- as designed -- using its adjustable fins. Upon nearing the ground, the fins adjusted to point the engines toward the surface again.
Although the engines fired, the rocket descended rapidly and burst into a fireball upon contact with the pad.
SpaceX has tested prototypes of the rocket in Boca Chica for more than a year. The prototype that flew on Wednesday, SN8, is the first to feature a nosecone and lower fins.
The flight was intended to test the features of the rocket as it ascended to about 41,000 feet. The flip maneuver was a "first for a vehicle of this size," SpaceX said on its website.
The company performs similar flip maneuvers with the booster stage of its Falcon-9 rocket, turning the booster around mid-air so that the engines can be used to decelerate as the unit returns to Earth for a landing.
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SpaceX will spend days poring over the data obtained from the test.
"With a test such as this, success is not measured by completion of specific objectives but rather how much we can learn, which will inform and improve the probability of success," the company said.
Although SpaceX is known for Falcon 9 rockets taking supplies and astronauts to the International Space Station, the company always had a bigger goal: travel to Mars.
To get to the Red Planet, a more powerful rocket than Falcon 9 is needed. Starship is that rocket. SpaceX also intends to develop a version of Starship for a moon landing in the next few years as part of NASA's Artemis program.
While SpaceX also is known for reusing the first-stage booster of Falcon 9, the company plans to make Starship entirely reusable.
Starship's Raptor engines, which also are under development, run on "methalox" -- rocket fuel composed of liquid oxygen oxidizer and explosive liquid methane.
NASA, SpaceX complete historic first mission to space station


upi--2020-12-09--Brandon Bernard seeks stay from U.S. appeals court

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Attorneys for a Texas man convicted of killing married couple two decades ago asked a federal appeals court on Wednesday to stay his execution .
Brandon Bernard , 40 , is scheduled to be executed Thursday at the U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute , Ind .
He 's one of several death row inmates to be scheduled for lethal injection this year after the U.S. Justice Department resumed federal executions this summer .
The defense team asked the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals for the stay while they pursue an appeal based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have spared Bernard the death penalty .
`` The community as a whole will suffer harm if no stay is granted , '' the motion reads .
`` Allowing the sort of government misconduct that took place here to go unremedied will erode the public 's confidence that the court system offers a level playing field , providing a forum to redress grievous wrongs . ''
The appeal comes one day after a second federal judge declined Bernard 's request for a stay .
U.S. District Judge James Sweeney of the Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't shown a `` strong likelihood '' of succeeding in his appeal .
Defense attorneys said they discovered evidence showing their client had a lesser role in the crime and the gang that perpetrated the killings .
They said that knowledge `` almost certainly '' would have persuaded at least one juror to vote for life in prison over the death penalty .
Defense lawyers accused the government of withholding the evidence , which they found while reviewing court documents for the re-sentencing of one of Bernard 's co-defendants , showing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bernard , along with an accomplice , Christopher Vialva , were sentenced to death in 2000 for the 1999 deaths of Todd Bagley and Stacie Bagley , married youth ministers .
Prosecutors said the Bagleys gave Vialva and two other accomplices in the case a ride in their car , but the men held the couple at gunpoint and put them in the trunk of the vehicle .
They stole the couple 's money and a wedding ring .
Bernard 's lawyers said he was not with the three accomplices when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the other perpetrators later in his own vehicle .
The four men then drove the Bagleys and the two vehicles to Fort Hood Army base , where prosecutors said Vialva shot both victims in the head , instantly killing Todd Bagley .
They then set the car on fire .
Stacie Bagley , unconscious from a gunshot wound , died of smoke inhalation , federal prosecutors said .
Defense lawyers said Bernard believed he was called to help dispose of the Bagley 's vehicles and let them go free .
Police arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the road into a ditch near the Bagleys ' burning vehicle .
Because the murders took place on a military reservation , they were considered federal offenses .
Vialva was executed for his role in September .
Earlier this month , dozens of people -- including jurors from Bernard 's trial -- signed a clemency petition asking President Donald Trump to commute his death sentence .
The petition asked Trump to consider Bernard 's age at the time of the crime -- 18 -- his clean prison record , his remorse and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his death sentence to be commuted to life in prison .
U.S. Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions in July after a 17-year hiatus .
Daniel Lewis Lee , Wesley Purkey and Dustin Honken were executed in July ; Lezmond Mitchell and Keith Dwayne Nelson in August ; William LeCroy and Vialva in September ; and Orlando Hall in November .
Hall 's execution was the first to be carried out during a lame-duck presidency since 1880 .
Some critics , including Democrats in Congress , have called for the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remainder of his term and leave them for the next administration to handle .

Brandon Bernard is set to be executed Thursday at the U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute, Ind. File Photo courtesy of the attorneys for Brandon Bernard
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Attorneys for a Texas man convicted of killing married couple two decades ago asked a federal appeals court on Wednesday to stay his execution. Brandon Bernard, 40, is scheduled to be executed Thursday at the U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute, Ind. He's one of several death row inmates to be scheduled for lethal injection this year after the U.S. Justice Department resumed federal executions this summer. Advertisement
The defense team asked the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the stay while they pursue an appeal based on allegations that prosecutors withheld evidence they say may have spared Bernard the death penalty.
"The community as a whole will suffer harm if no stay is granted," the motion reads. "Allowing the sort of government misconduct that took place here to go unremedied will erode the public's confidence that the court system offers a level playing field, providing a forum to redress grievous wrongs."
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The appeal comes one day after a second federal judge declined Bernard's request for a stay. U.S. District Judge James Sweeney of the Southern District of Indiana said Tuesday that Bernard hasn't shown a "strong likelihood" of succeeding in his appeal.
Defense attorneys said they discovered evidence showing their client had a lesser role in the crime and the gang that perpetrated the killings. They said that knowledge "almost certainly" would have persuaded at least one juror to vote for life in prison over the death penalty.
Defense lawyers accused the government of withholding the evidence, which they found while reviewing court documents for the re-sentencing of one of Bernard's co-defendants, showing the information was in the government's possession.
Bernard, along with an accomplice, Christopher Vialva, were sentenced to death in 2000 for the 1999 deaths of Todd Bagley and Stacie Bagley, married youth ministers.
Prosecutors said the Bagleys gave Vialva and two other accomplices in the case a ride in their car, but the men held the couple at gunpoint and put them in the trunk of the vehicle. They stole the couple's money and a wedding ring.
Bernard's lawyers said he was not with the three accomplices when they kidnapped the Bagleys and was called to join the other perpetrators later in his own vehicle.
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The four men then drove the Bagleys and the two vehicles to Fort Hood Army base, where prosecutors said Vialva shot both victims in the head, instantly killing Todd Bagley. They then set the car on fire.
Stacie Bagley, unconscious from a gunshot wound, died of smoke inhalation, federal prosecutors said.
Defense lawyers said Bernard believed he was called to help dispose of the Bagley's vehicles and let them go free. Police arrested the four men after their vehicle slid off the road into a ditch near the Bagleys' burning vehicle.
Because the murders took place on a military reservation, they were considered federal offenses.
Vialva was executed for his role in September.
Earlier this month, dozens of people -- including jurors from Bernard's trial -- signed a clemency petition asking President Donald Trump to commute his death sentence. The petition asked Trump to consider Bernard's age at the time of the crime -- 18 -- his clean prison record, his remorse and outreach work while incarcerated. They asked for his death sentence to be commuted to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions in July after a 17-year hiatus. Daniel Lewis Lee, Wesley Purkey and Dustin Honken were executed in July; Lezmond Mitchell and Keith Dwayne Nelson in August; William LeCroy and Vialva in September; and Orlando Hall in November.
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Hall's execution was the first to be carried out during a lame-duck presidency since 1880. Some critics, including Democrats in Congress, have called for the Trump administration to halt the executions scheduled during the remainder of his term and leave them for the next administration to handle.


upi--2020-12-09--California reverses decision to close playgrounds under stay-at-home order

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- California on Wednesday reversed a measure that would have closed playgrounds as part of the state 's stay-at-home order that began this week .
The updated guidance declared that `` playgrounds may remain open to facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise , '' overturning previous rules which said playgrounds would be closed in areas where critical care service was strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
On Monday , residents in 11 counties in Southern California were placed under the new restrictions , which also closed bars , hair salons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreational facilities .
Several state lawmakers sent a letter to California Gov .
Gavin Newsom last week , warning that the rule would particularly impact low-income areas where many residents do n't have outdoor spaces to take their children .
`` While we must appropriately consider best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission , we also must ensure the children across the state are not unfairly deprived of their opportunities for outdoor access and play , '' the letter stated .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed praised the decision in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playgrounds in the city would be open by Thursday , but urged parents visiting the facilities to practice proper COVID-19 safety procedures .
`` I agree with this decision and it 's important that people can safely exercise and be outdoors .
But it is imperative that we continue to avoid gatherings with people you do n't live with and wear a mask , '' Breed wrote .
`` We have to get this surge under control now before our hospitals are overrun . ''

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California on Wednesday reversed a provision of its newest stay-at-home order that closed playgrounds areas where critical care service was strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- California on Wednesday reversed a measure that would have closed playgrounds as part of the state's stay-at-home order that began this week. The updated guidance declared that "playgrounds may remain open to facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise," overturning previous rules which said playgrounds would be closed in areas where critical care service was strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
On Monday, residents in 11 counties in Southern California were placed under the new restrictions, which also closed bars, hair salons, museums, movie theaters and indoor recreational facilities.
Several state lawmakers sent a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, warning that the rule would particularly impact low-income areas where many residents don't have outdoor spaces to take their children.
"While we must appropriately consider best practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we also must ensure the children across the state are not unfairly deprived of their opportunities for outdoor access and play," the letter stated.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed praised the decision in a series of tweets on Wednesday, saying playgrounds in the city would be open by Thursday, but urged parents visiting the facilities to practice proper COVID-19 safety procedures.
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"I agree with this decision and it's important that people can safely exercise and be outdoors. But it is imperative that we continue to avoid gatherings with people you don't live with and wear a mask," Breed wrote. "We have to get this surge under control now before our hospitals are overrun."


upi--2020-12-09--Trump joins Texas' U.S. Supreme Court case contesting election

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday latched on to a longshot Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn a presidential election that handed the White House to Joe Biden .
Legal experts say Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton 's effort to contest election results of four key battleground states is all but certain to fail .
But it has drawn support from the Republican attorneys general of 17 other states .
As the president 's legal team loses case after improbable case in federal district and appellate courts , the Texas lawsuit offers a major advantage : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under a special legal avenue unique to states , Paxton filed the case directly with the U.S. Supreme Court , a body Trump has suggested could deliver him the victory that voters did not .
`` This is the big one ! ''
the president tweeted Wednesday morning , promising to get involved in the case .
The Texas lawsuit takes issue with changes to election procedures in four battleground states : Georgia , Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin .
Paxton argues those changes were unlawful and call into question Biden 's victories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high court to block the critical battlegrounds from participating in the Electoral College .
Though the Supreme Court has a six-member conservative majority , including three justices appointed by Trump himself , it has so far shown no interest in siding with him in the election cases his campaign has lobbed .
On Tuesday , it decisively rejected Pennsylvania Republicans ' effort to overturn Biden 's victory there in a one-sentence order with no dissents .
Legal experts and court watchers expect a similar outcome in the Texas case .
The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four battleground states Texas is suing , setting a Thursday deadline , but has given no indication about how it will decide the matter .
`` This is the Hail Mary with time running out the clock kind of play here , '' said David Coale , an appellate attorney in Dallas .
`` This is really the last little window to sort of sneak in there and try to get a court involved . ''
States have a special legal ability to take cases directly to the Supreme Court , though such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve boundary disputes like water rights .
If the high court accepts Texas ' argument that it can sue the four battlegrounds in this case , Coale said , `` then any state can sue any other state about just about anything . ''
Even if the court gets past tricky procedural issues , Texas ' case faces an uphill battle .
Officials in the battleground states have roundly rejected Paxton 's argument , calling it `` false , '' `` irresponsible , '' `` a publicity stunt , '' `` genuinely embarrassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` beneath the dignity of the office of attorney general . ''
They also point out that many of the claims Paxton makes about election irregularities in their states have already been litigated and roundly rejected .
Experts , state election officials and U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr have all said there is no evidence of voter fraud on a scale that could have affected the outcome of the election .
`` Texas alleges that there are 80,000 forged signatures on absentee ballots in Georgia , but they do n't bring forward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's because it did n't happen , '' said Jordan Fuchs , Georgia 's deputy secretary of state .
Still , the long-shot odds of the Texas case have not kept it from sparking hope among Republicans in Texas and across the country .
Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick , a firebrand conservative who has served as Trump 's Texas campaign chairman , said Paxton was right to challenge the battleground states , as did state GOP Chairman Allen West .
Gov .
Greg Abbott , a former Texas attorney general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for the lawsuit insofar as it `` tries to accelerate the process , providing certainty and clarity about the entire election process . ''
Texas was alone in filing the case this week , but on Wednesday , 17 states with Republican attorneys general signed onto an amicus brief at the high court backing Texas .
Trump asked to intervene in the case in a brief later Wednesday afternoon .
`` Missouri is in the fight , '' said the state 's attorney general , Eric Schmitt , who led the filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was unusual for the attorneys who are arguing it .
Paxton was listed as the state 's lead attorney on the case , a highly unusual move for the attorney general , who has rarely been involved in such a hands-on way in the state 's cases .
Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins , the state 's top appellate attorney and a former clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court , did n't sign his name to the filing .
Hawkins is the agency 's appellate expert , so it 's unusual for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , legal experts said .
Neither Hawkins nor the agency answered questions about why he was not involved .
Instead , the agency appears to have brought on an outside attorney , Lawrence Joseph , to handle the high-stakes case .
But court documents show he has often played a role in politically hot litigation .
According to his website , he formed his firm in 2003 to undertake `` politically incorrect '' representation .
In 2014 , Joseph authored a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of dozens of Texas Republicans , including U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a number of members of Congress .
In it , he argued against the Affordable Care Act .
The case was filed by Steve Hotze , a prominent conservative activist in Houston who has sued Abbott and others numerous times this year over pandemic-related restrictions and changes to election protocols .
In 2020 , Joseph wrote another amicus brief , siding with Trump , on behalf of the conservative group Eagle Forum Education and Legal Defense Fund .
He argued that Congress lacked the power to subpoena Trump 's tax returns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to questions about how much Joseph is being paid for his work on the case .
Paxton , who has been indicted since 2015 on felony securities fraud charges , has been facing fresh legal trouble this fall after eight of his top deputies told authorities they believed he broke the law in using the agency to do favors for a political donor .
The FBI is reportedly investigating the allegations .
Paxton has fired five of the eight whistleblowers and now faces a lawsuit from four of them , alleging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
Read the original here .
The Texas Tribune is a non-profit , non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy , politics , government and statewide issues .

In addition to President Donald Trump, 17 states have joined Texas' lawsuit. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday latched on to a longshot Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn a presidential election that handed the White House to Joe Biden. Advertisement
Legal experts say Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's effort to contest election results of four key battleground states is all but certain to fail. But it has drawn support from the Republican attorneys general of 17 other states.
As the president's legal team loses case after improbable case in federal district and appellate courts, the Texas lawsuit offers a major advantage: It goes straight to the top. Under a special legal avenue unique to states, Paxton filed the case directly with the U.S. Supreme Court, a body Trump has suggested could deliver him the victory that voters did not.
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"This is the big one!" the president tweeted Wednesday morning, promising to get involved in the case.
The Texas lawsuit takes issue with changes to election procedures in four battleground states: Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Paxton argues those changes were unlawful and call into question Biden's victories in those states. He is asking the high court to block the critical battlegrounds from participating in the Electoral College.
Though the Supreme Court has a six-member conservative majority, including three justices appointed by Trump himself, it has so far shown no interest in siding with him in the election cases his campaign has lobbed. On Tuesday, it decisively rejected Pennsylvania Republicans' effort to overturn Biden's victory there in a one-sentence order with no dissents.
Legal experts and court watchers expect a similar outcome in the Texas case. The court has asked for a response from the four battleground states Texas is suing, setting a Thursday deadline, but has given no indication about how it will decide the matter.
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"This is the Hail Mary with time running out the clock kind of play here," said David Coale, an appellate attorney in Dallas. "This is really the last little window to sort of sneak in there and try to get a court involved."
States have a special legal ability to take cases directly to the Supreme Court, though such cases are rare, and more typically involve boundary disputes like water rights. If the high court accepts Texas' argument that it can sue the four battlegrounds in this case, Coale said, "then any state can sue any other state about just about anything."
Even if the court gets past tricky procedural issues, Texas' case faces an uphill battle.
Officials in the battleground states have roundly rejected Paxton's argument, calling it "false," "irresponsible," "a publicity stunt," "genuinely embarrassing," "beyond reckless" and "beneath the dignity of the office of attorney general."
They also point out that many of the claims Paxton makes about election irregularities in their states have already been litigated and roundly rejected. Experts, state election officials and U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr have all said there is no evidence of voter fraud on a scale that could have affected the outcome of the election.
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"Texas alleges that there are 80,000 forged signatures on absentee ballots in Georgia, but they don't bring forward a single person who this happened to. That's because it didn't happen," said Jordan Fuchs, Georgia's deputy secretary of state.
Still, the long-shot odds of the Texas case have not kept it from sparking hope among Republicans in Texas and across the country.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a firebrand conservative who has served as Trump's Texas campaign chairman, said Paxton was right to challenge the battleground states, as did state GOP Chairman Allen West.
Gov. Greg Abbott, a former Texas attorney general, treaded a characteristically careful line, signaling support for the lawsuit insofar as it "tries to accelerate the process, providing certainty and clarity about the entire election process."
Texas was alone in filing the case this week, but on Wednesday, 17 states with Republican attorneys general signed onto an amicus brief at the high court backing Texas. Trump asked to intervene in the case in a brief later Wednesday afternoon.
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"Missouri is in the fight," said the state's attorney general, Eric Schmitt, who led the filing.
Beyond its unusual requests, the case was unusual for the attorneys who are arguing it.
Paxton was listed as the state's lead attorney on the case, a highly unusual move for the attorney general, who has rarely been involved in such a hands-on way in the state's cases.
Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins, the state's top appellate attorney and a former clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court, didn't sign his name to the filing. Hawkins is the agency's appellate expert, so it's unusual for him not to appear on the case, legal experts said. Neither Hawkins nor the agency answered questions about why he was not involved.
Instead, the agency appears to have brought on an outside attorney, Lawrence Joseph, to handle the high-stakes case.
But court documents show he has often played a role in politically hot litigation. According to his website, he formed his firm in 2003 to undertake "politically incorrect" representation.
In 2014, Joseph authored a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of dozens of Texas Republicans, including U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and a number of members of Congress. In it, he argued against the Affordable Care Act. The case was filed by Steve Hotze, a prominent conservative activist in Houston who has sued Abbott and others numerous times this year over pandemic-related restrictions and changes to election protocols.
Advertisement
In 2020, Joseph wrote another amicus brief, siding with Trump, on behalf of the conservative group Eagle Forum Education and Legal Defense Fund. He argued that Congress lacked the power to subpoena Trump's tax returns.
The Texas Attorney General's Office did not respond to questions about how much Joseph is being paid for his work on the case.
Paxton, who has been indicted since 2015 on felony securities fraud charges, has been facing fresh legal trouble this fall after eight of his top deputies told authorities they believed he broke the law in using the agency to do favors for a political donor. The FBI is reportedly investigating the allegations. Paxton has fired five of the eight whistleblowers and now faces a lawsuit from four of them, alleging wrongful termination. He has denied wrongdoing.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a non-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.


upi--2020-12-09--Hunter Biden says his tax affairs are under investigation

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Hunter Biden , President-elect Joe Biden 's son , said Wednesday he 's under federal investigation over his tax affairs .
The younger Biden issued a statement saying he learned of the probe Tuesday .
`` I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Delaware advised by legal counsel , also yesterday , that they are investigating my tax affairs , '' he said .
`` I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including with the benefit of professional tax advisors . ''
The Biden transition team sent out its own statement in response to the news .
`` President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son , who has fought through difficult challenges , including the vicious personal attacks of recent months , only to emerge stronger , '' the statement read .
The team did n't offer further information about the nature of the investigation or its scope .
The Biden family has previously faced scrutiny for Hunter Biden 's history with drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also the subject of accusations by President Donald Trump and his supporters , who said there was impropriety in Hunter Biden 's work for Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma .

President-elect Joe Biden holds his grandson as his son Hunter Biden and wife Melissa Cohen look on in Wilmington, Del., on November 7. Hunter Biden said his tax affairs are under investigation in Delaware. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Hunter Biden, President-elect Joe Biden's son, said Wednesday he's under federal investigation over his tax affairs. The younger Biden issued a statement saying he learned of the probe Tuesday. Advertisement
"I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware advised by legal counsel, also yesterday, that they are investigating my tax affairs," he said. "I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors."
The Biden transition team sent out its own statement in response to the news.
"President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger," the statement read.
The team didn't offer further information about the nature of the investigation or its scope.
The Biden family has previously faced scrutiny for Hunter Biden's history with drug addiction and a paternity lawsuit in Arkansas. He was also the subject of accusations by President Donald Trump and his supporters, who said there was impropriety in Hunter Biden's work for Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma.


upi--2020-12-09--Study: Heart disease leading cause of death worldwide

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide -- accounting for one-third of deaths in 2019 -- and the death toll continues to rise , a new paper says .
China had the highest number of heart disease deaths last year , followed by India , Russia , the United States and Indonesia .
Heart disease death rates were lowest in France , Peru and Japan , where rates were six times lower than in 1990 .
Countries need to create cost-effective public health programs to reduce heart disease risk through behavior changes , according to the report 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
Heart disease cases nearly doubled over the period -- from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019 , and the number of heart disease deaths rose from 12.1 million to 18.6 million .
In 2019 , the majority of heart disease deaths were attributed to ischemic heart disease and stroke , with a steady increase from 1990 .
Ischemic heart disease is a term for heart problems caused by narrowed arteries .
Last year , heart disease was the underlying cause of 9.6 million deaths among men and 8.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 6 million of those deaths occurred in people between 30 and 70 years of age .
The findings were published Dec. 9 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology .
Along with being the leading cause of death , cardiovascular disease , or CVD -- especially ischemic heart disease and stroke -- is a major cause of disability and rising health care costs .
There was a significant increase in the heart disease-related years of life lost and the number of years lived with heart disease-related disability doubled to 34.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study found .
`` Global patterns of total CVD have significant implications for clinical practice and public health policy development , '' said lead author Dr. Gregory Roth , an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Washington in Seattle .
`` Prevalent cases of total CVD are likely to increase substantially as a result of population growth and aging , especially in Northern Africa and Western Asia , Central and Southern Asia , Latin America and the Caribbean , and Eastern and Southeastern Asia , where the share of older persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2050 , '' he said , calling for increased attention to promoting heart health and healthy aging throughout life .
`` Equally important , the time has come to implement feasible and affordable strategies for the prevention and control of CVD and to monitor results , '' Roth said in a journal news release .
The U.S. National Heart , Lung , and Blood Institute offers a guide to a healthy heart .

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide -- accounting for one-third of deaths in 2019 -- and the death toll continues to rise, a new paper says.
China had the highest number of heart disease deaths last year, followed by India, Russia, the United States and Indonesia.
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Heart disease death rates were lowest in France, Peru and Japan, where rates were six times lower than in 1990.
Countries need to create cost-effective public health programs to reduce heart disease risk through behavior changes, according to the report's authors, who examined 30 years of data.
Heart disease cases nearly doubled over the period -- from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019, and the number of heart disease deaths rose from 12.1 million to 18.6 million.
In 2019, the majority of heart disease deaths were attributed to ischemic heart disease and stroke, with a steady increase from 1990. Ischemic heart disease is a term for heart problems caused by narrowed arteries.
Last year, heart disease was the underlying cause of 9.6 million deaths among men and 8.9 million deaths among women globally. More than 6 million of those deaths occurred in people between 30 and 70 years of age.
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The findings were published Dec. 9 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Along with being the leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease, or CVD -- especially ischemic heart disease and stroke -- is a major cause of disability and rising health care costs.
There was a significant increase in the heart disease-related years of life lost and the number of years lived with heart disease-related disability doubled to 34.4 million from 1990 to 2019, the study found.
"Global patterns of total CVD have significant implications for clinical practice and public health policy development," said lead author Dr. Gregory Roth, an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
"Prevalent cases of total CVD are likely to increase substantially as a result of population growth and aging, especially in Northern Africa and Western Asia, Central and Southern Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern and Southeastern Asia, where the share of older persons is projected to double between 2019 and 2050," he said, calling for increased attention to promoting heart health and healthy aging throughout life.
"Equally important, the time has come to implement feasible and affordable strategies for the prevention and control of CVD and to monitor results," Roth said in a journal news release.
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The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a guide to a healthy heart.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-09--CO2 pricing, transfers may pay large dividends in the fight to curb climate change

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- To curb global carbon emissions and slow climate change , a group of economists recommend using a variable carbon price and mandating moderate financial transfers from mature to developing economies .
Small tweaks to existing policy frameworks would ensure the burden of climate change mitigation is shared more efficiently and equitably , researchers argue in a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature .
Efforts to build on the Paris Agreement and spur more aggressive emissions reduction pledges have been plagued by disagreements between nations with more advanced economies and those with quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tricky question is : how to achieve a climate target while respecting equitable burden sharing ? ''
lead study author Nico Bauer said in a news release .
`` This translates into a trade-off between economic efficiency and sovereignty , as an either-or solution turns out to be quite expensive : either huge international transfers or higher costs for all , '' said Bauer , who researches climate change mitigation at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany .
`` Now , our calculations show that surprisingly moderate deviations from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money transfers needed , '' said Bauer .
`` And moderate financial transfers can strongly reduce inefficiencies of differentiated carbon pricing .
Both policy instruments turn out to have non-linear effects : small changes can make a big difference . ''
Bauer and his research partner acknowledge that the cheapest way to quickly curb carbon emissions would be to institute uniform CO2 pricing and international trading of emissions allowances .
However , such a paradigm would put a prohibitive burden on developing economies -- costs that would require even greater assistance from mature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to enact more stringent emissions reduction rules , increasing the overall costs of climate change mitigation .
`` A uniform carbon price delivering global emission reductions at the lowest cost , therefore , hits less developed countries harder , '' Bauer said .
`` To establish equity , advanced countries would have to compensate developing countries financially to neutralize the differences in income losses . ''
`` If advanced countries for the sake of sovereignty refuse this kind of financial transfers , to maintain equity their national CO2 prices would need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reductions themselves , '' Bauer said .
For the study , researchers used computer models to analyze the effectiveness of alternative pricing frameworks .
The data showed the opposite of a uniform pricing model would be equally problematic , with carbon prices in developed economies indexed at more than 100 times the carbon price in developing economies .
According to the new analysis , the best way to ensure the economic costs of climate mitigation are shared equitably by both advanced and developing economies is to deploy a combination of moderate variations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Any ambitious international greenhouse gas reduction policy has to meet three criteria to become acceptable to governments worldwide : it must secure fair effort-sharing , cost-efficiency , and national sovereignty -- which means limiting financial transfers , '' said study co-author Ottmar Edenhofer .
`` Our approach explores the wiggle room to find an acceptable compromise for this 'trilemma , ' especially if it is complemented with specific energy policies and international technology transfers , '' said Edenhofer , director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research .

New research suggests moderate carbon pricing variability, as well as moderate financial transfers, can be used to ensure the economic costs of climate change mitigation are shared equitably among advanced and developing economies. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- To curb global carbon emissions and slow climate change, a group of economists recommend using a variable carbon price and mandating moderate financial transfers from mature to developing economies. Small tweaks to existing policy frameworks would ensure the burden of climate change mitigation is shared more efficiently and equitably, researchers argue in a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Advertisement
Efforts to build on the Paris Agreement and spur more aggressive emissions reduction pledges have been plagued by disagreements between nations with more advanced economies and those with quickly growing but less mature economies.
"The tricky question is: how to achieve a climate target while respecting equitable burden sharing?" lead study author Nico Bauer said in a news release.
"This translates into a trade-off between economic efficiency and sovereignty, as an either-or solution turns out to be quite expensive: either huge international transfers or higher costs for all," said Bauer, who researches climate change mitigation at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.
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"Now, our calculations show that surprisingly moderate deviations from uniform carbon pricing can strongly reduce the money transfers needed," said Bauer. "And moderate financial transfers can strongly reduce inefficiencies of differentiated carbon pricing. Both policy instruments turn out to have non-linear effects: small changes can make a big difference."
Bauer and his research partner acknowledge that the cheapest way to quickly curb carbon emissions would be to institute uniform CO2 pricing and international trading of emissions allowances.
However, such a paradigm would put a prohibitive burden on developing economies -- costs that would require even greater assistance from mature economies.
Conversely, advanced economies would need to enact more stringent emissions reduction rules, increasing the overall costs of climate change mitigation.
"A uniform carbon price delivering global emission reductions at the lowest cost, therefore, hits less developed countries harder," Bauer said. "To establish equity, advanced countries would have to compensate developing countries financially to neutralize the differences in income losses."
"If advanced countries for the sake of sovereignty refuse this kind of financial transfers, to maintain equity their national CO2 prices would need to be very high to achieve stronger emission reductions themselves," Bauer said.
For the study, researchers used computer models to analyze the effectiveness of alternative pricing frameworks.
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The data showed the opposite of a uniform pricing model would be equally problematic, with carbon prices in developed economies indexed at more than 100 times the carbon price in developing economies.
According to the new analysis, the best way to ensure the economic costs of climate mitigation are shared equitably by both advanced and developing economies is to deploy a combination of moderate variations in carbon prices and moderate financial transfers.
"Any ambitious international greenhouse gas reduction policy has to meet three criteria to become acceptable to governments worldwide: it must secure fair effort-sharing, cost-efficiency, and national sovereignty -- which means limiting financial transfers," said study co-author Ottmar Edenhofer.
"Our approach explores the wiggle room to find an acceptable compromise for this 'trilemma,' especially if it is complemented with specific energy policies and international technology transfers," said Edenhofer, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.


upi--2020-12-09--Nasdaq records worst day since October as tech stocks fall

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Tech stocks dragged the three major U.S. indexes down from record highs on Wednesday as the Nasdaq Composite marked its worst day since late October .
The tech-heavy Nasdaq was the biggest loser on Wednesday as it fell 243.82 points , or 1.94 % , its worst day since dropping 2.5 % on Oct. 30 .
The S & P 500 dropped 29.43 points , or 0.79 % , while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 105.07 points , or 0.35 % .
Salesforce dropped 3.21 % , Apple stock fell 2.09 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade Commission and attorneys general from 48 states filed a lawsuit against the company .
The S & P 's tech sector also fell 1.9 % to drag the index lower .
Food delivery service DoorDash saw its stock skyrocket 85 % as it held its Initial Public Offering , giving it a market valuation of bout $ 60.2 billion .
Markets fell from early gains after Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans and Democrats in Congress were `` still looking for a way forward '' in negotiations for another round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Wednesday 's losses came after all three major markets posted record highs on Tuesday , including the S & P topping 3,700 for the first time , largely in response to positive news surrounding a coronavirus vaccine .

The Nasdaq Composite recorded its worst day in six weeks as tech stocks dragged all three major U.S. indexes down on Wednesday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Tech stocks dragged the three major U.S. indexes down from record highs on Wednesday as the Nasdaq Composite marked its worst day since late October. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was the biggest loser on Wednesday as it fell 243.82 points, or 1.94%, its worst day since dropping 2.5% on Oct. 30. The S&P 500 dropped 29.43 points, or 0.79%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 105.07 points, or 0.35%. Advertisement
Salesforce dropped 3.21%, Apple stock fell 2.09% and Facebook slid 1.93% after the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from 48 states filed a lawsuit against the company.
The S&P's tech sector also fell 1.9% to drag the index lower.
Food delivery service DoorDash saw its stock skyrocket 85% as it held its Initial Public Offering, giving it a market valuation of bout $60.2 billion.
Markets fell from early gains after Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans and Democrats in Congress were "still looking for a way forward" in negotiations for another round of financial aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday's losses came after all three major markets posted record highs on Tuesday, including the S&P topping 3,700 for the first time, largely in response to positive news surrounding a coronavirus vaccine.


upi--2020-12-09--FTC, coalition of states accuse Facebook of monopoly in lawsuits

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Federal Trade Commission and a group of 48 states and territories filed lawsuits Wednesday accusing Facebook of anticompetitive conduct in its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp .
Though the FTC and attorneys general from the 46 states , Washington , D.C. , and Guam worked together to investigate the company , they filed two separate lawsuits in federal courts .
The FTC said Facebook , for years , engaged in a systematic strategy to eliminate any threats to its monopoly in the social media industry .
In addition to purchasing competing products , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticompetitive conditions on software developers .
`` Personal social networking is central to the lives of millions of Americans , '' said Ian Conner , director of the FTC 's Bureau of Competition .
`` Facebook 's actions to entrench and maintain its monopoly deny consumers the benefits of competition .
Our aim is to roll back Facebook 's anticompetitive conduct and restore competition so that innovation and free competition can thrive . ''
The company is asking the courts to force Facebook to divest itself of assets , which could include Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain conditions on software developers ; and require the company to seek approval before future mergers and acquisitions .
New York Attorney General Letitia James ' office described Facebook 's acquisitions as `` predatory . ''
`` For nearly a decade , Facebook has used its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition , all at the expense of everyday users , '' she said .
`` Instead of competing on the merits , Facebook used its power to suppress competition so it could take advantage of users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a cash cow .
Almost every state in this nation has joined this bipartisan lawsuit because Facebook 's efforts to dominate the market were as illegal as they were harmful . ''
Facebook said it 's reviewing the complaints and would issue a full statement at a future time .
`` Years after the FTC cleared our acquisitions , the government now wants a do-over with no regard for the impact that precedent would have on the broader business community or the people who choose our products every day , '' Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia .

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House financial services committee October 23, 2019. On Wednesday, a pair of lawsuits accused the company of anticompetitive conduct. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The Federal Trade Commission and a group of 48 states and territories filed lawsuits Wednesday accusing Facebook of anticompetitive conduct in its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. Though the FTC and attorneys general from the 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam worked together to investigate the company, they filed two separate lawsuits in federal courts. Advertisement
The FTC said Facebook, for years, engaged in a systematic strategy to eliminate any threats to its monopoly in the social media industry. In addition to purchasing competing products, the federal agency accused Facebook of imposing anticompetitive conditions on software developers.
"Personal social networking is central to the lives of millions of Americans," said Ian Conner, director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition. "Facebook's actions to entrench and maintain its monopoly deny consumers the benefits of competition. Our aim is to roll back Facebook's anticompetitive conduct and restore competition so that innovation and free competition can thrive."
The company is asking the courts to force Facebook to divest itself of assets, which could include Instagram and WhatsApp; prevent the company from certain conditions on software developers; and require the company to seek approval before future mergers and acquisitions.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James' office described Facebook's acquisitions as "predatory."
"For nearly a decade, Facebook has used its dominance and monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users," she said.
"Instead of competing on the merits, Facebook used its power to suppress competition so it could take advantage of users and make billions by converting personal data into a cash cow. Almost every state in this nation has joined this bipartisan lawsuit because Facebook's efforts to dominate the market were as illegal as they were harmful."
Facebook said it's reviewing the complaints and would issue a full statement at a future time.
"Years after the FTC cleared our acquisitions, the government now wants a do-over with no regard for the impact that precedent would have on the broader business community or the people who choose our products every day," Facebook's communications department said in a statement.
Both lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.


upi--2020-12-09--Look: Festive deer rescued from holiday light entanglement in Colorado

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Wildlife officials in Colorado came to the assistance of a deer found with its @ @ @ @ @ a large string of holiday lights .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region said an @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Springs to assist a buck spotted with its head covered in holiday lights .
@ @ @ @ @ apparently had thrashed in an attempt to get the lights out of its antlers and @ @ @ @ @ tangled around its neck and mouth .
`` This buck 's vision was obscured , @ @ @ @ @ .
With wires wrapped in its mouth , it likely could n't eat or drink @ @ @ @ @ .
Had it jumped a fence , the cords might have gotten caught and hung @ @ @ @ @ agency said .
The lights were removed and the deer was released .

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Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Wildlife officials in Colorado came to the assistance of a deer found with its antlers and face tangled in a large string of holiday lights.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region said an officer was dispatched Tuesday in Colorado Springs to assist a buck spotted with its head covered in holiday lights.
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Wildlife officials said the deer apparently had thrashed in an attempt to get the lights out of its antlers and ended up getting the lights tangled around its neck and mouth.
"This buck's vision was obscured, making it vulnerable around cars. With wires wrapped in its mouth, it likely couldn't eat or drink. It might have starved. Had it jumped a fence, the cords might have gotten caught and hung the animal," the agency said.
The lights were removed and the deer was released.
This buck's vision was obscured making it vulnerable around cars. With wires wrapped in its mouth, it likely couldn't eat or drink. It might have starved. Had it jumped a fence, the cords might have gotten caught and hung the animal. Please decorate with #wildlife in mind. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/IHTHpbKkkY— CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) December 9, 2020


upi--2020-12-09--Look: Dog rescued from roof of abandoned school in Michigan

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters and animal rescuers in Michigan rescued a dog spotted stranded on the roof @ @ @ @ @ The Flint Fire Department responded Tuesday alongside Genesee County Animal Control and personnel from the @ @ @ @ @ of the public reported a dog appeared to be stranded on the roof of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Rescuers said it was unclear how the dog had gotten onto the roof and @ @ @ @ @ long the canine had been stranded .
The rescuers used a ladder truck to reach @ @ @ @ @ dog back down to earth .
The rescue took about two hours , officials said @ @ @ @ @ to Genesee County Animal Control .

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Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Firefighters and animal rescuers in Michigan rescued a dog spotted stranded on the roof of an abandoned school.
The Flint Fire Department responded Tuesday alongside Genesee County Animal Control and personnel from the Streethearts Animal Rescue after members of the public reported a dog appeared to be stranded on the roof of the Flint Central High School building.
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Rescuers said it was unclear how the dog had gotten onto the roof and they did not know how long the canine had been stranded.
The rescuers used a ladder truck to reach the roof and bring the dog back down to earth. The rescue took about two hours, officials said.
The dog was taken to Genesee County Animal Control.


upi--2020-12-09--Navy creates program for specialists to operate MQ-25 Stingray drone

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- A U.S. Navy warrant officer specialty for Aerial Vehicle Operators was announced this week , with plans to train about 450 personnel for the designation .
The AVO warrant officer will be charged with operating MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles , which are typically launched from maritime vessels .
The aircraft will be included aboard fleet carrier airwings in 2024 , the Navy said Wednesday in a statement .
The new AVOs will be trained , over the next six to 10 years , at the Navy 's Officer Candidate School in Newport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer One .
They will receive distinctive ceremonial `` wings of gold '' before their assignment .
`` Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officers , the majority of these officers will be accessed much younger and trained along the lines of current Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers , '' said Capt .
Christopher Wood of the Bureau of Naval Personnel .
`` Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers require assignments that progress in tactical and leadership scope to be competitive for promotion , while warrant officer AVO 's will be technical specialists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wood said .
The AVO 's scope could increase as the Navy adds additional unmanned aerial vehicles to its capabilities , the Navy said .
The Navy Recruiting Command will begin accepting applications for the first AVO positions in 2022 .
Enlisted sailors will also be able to apply for the program .

The U.S. Navy announced the Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer specialty on Wednesday for personnel charged with operating the MQ-25 unmanned aerial vehicle. Photo courtesy of Boeing
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A U.S. Navy warrant officer specialty for Aerial Vehicle Operators was announced this week, with plans to train about 450 personnel for the designation. The AVO warrant officer will be charged with operating MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are typically launched from maritime vessels. Advertisement
The aircraft will be included aboard fleet carrier airwings in 2024, the Navy said Wednesday in a statement.
The new AVOs will be trained, over the next six to 10 years, at the Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and then designated as Warrant Officer One. They will receive distinctive ceremonial "wings of gold" before their assignment.
"Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officers, the majority of these officers will be accessed much younger and trained along the lines of current Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers," said Capt. Christopher Wood of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
"Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers require assignments that progress in tactical and leadership scope to be competitive for promotion, while warrant officer AVO's will be technical specialists and spend their careers as operators," Wood said.
The AVO's scope could increase as the Navy adds additional unmanned aerial vehicles to its capabilities, the Navy said.
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The Navy Recruiting Command will begin accepting applications for the first AVO positions in 2022. Enlisted sailors will also be able to apply for the program.