upi--2020-10-18--World's coronavirus cases climbing at record level to 40 million

Oct. 18 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus cases worldwide have surged to around 40 million , growing about 1 million every three days .
Since the first cases were identified in Wuhan , China , last December , infections have grown to 40,229,438 in tracking by Worldometers.info and 39,845,660 by Johns Hopkins .
With a mortality rate of 2.8 % , the death toll stands at 1,117,540 , according to Worldometers .
Infections have been increasing around 1 % , which is double the fatalities .
So far Sunday , 3,334 deaths and 290,339 cases were reported after 5,567 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 413,277 cases were reported , exceeding 400,000 in a single day for the first time following consecutive record highs with 382,462 new cases on Wednesday and 397,083 Thursday .
The United States remains the leader in fatalities with 224,643 and cases nearing 8.4 million .
Brazil is second in deaths at 153905 , while India has the second-most infections with 7.8 million but third in fatalities with 114,031 .
Brazil is third with 5.2 million infections .
Coronavirus has been especially spiking in Europe , where the virus was largely contained a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continent reported 143,429 new cases , 38.5 % of the world 's total , as well as 1,099 deaths .
Four European nations are in the top 10 for deaths ( No .
5 Britain , No .
6 Italy , No .
7 Spain , No .
9 France ) and three are in the top 10 for cases ( No .
4 Russia , No .
5 Spain , No .
8 France ) with Britain 11th .
On Sunday , Britain reported 67 additional deaths for 43,646 in fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most since 159 on June 10 with the daily high 1,172 .
In addition , the 16,982 cases were less than the record 19,722 on Wednesday .
The British government is considering a `` circuit-breaker '' lockdown to control the outbreak .
This move has been backed by the opposition Labor Party but opposed by the cabinet .
`` It would seem an error to try to impose on every part of the country the same level of restriction when we know that the disease is spreading more intensively and quicker in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said Sunday .
He added that the epidemiology is `` different '' this time .
Italy , which at one time was the world 's epicenter and reached 919 in one day , reported 69 deaths and a record 11,705 cases , surpassing the mark of 10,925 cases Saturday .
The nation has reported 36,544 deaths .
Italian premier Giuseppe Conte , wearing a mask Sunday night , announced new restrictions , including giving mayors powers to close specific public areas after 9 p.m. as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bats most close by midnight with only table service allows from 6 p.m .
Conferences and local festivals are suspended with no contact sports allowed .
`` We can not waste time , we must put in place measures to avoid a generalized lockdown , which could severely compromise the economy , '' he said .
`` The most effective measures remain the basic precautions : mask , distance and hand hygiene .
We must pay attention to situations where we let our guard down -- with relatives and friends .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required . ''
A resident at Casa Santa Marta , the building that houses Pope Francis and other clergy members , has tested positive but is asymptomatic and in quarantine , the Vatican said Sunday .
In Spain 's Catalonia region around Barcelona , bars and restaurants have closed .
Spain has 33,775 deaths and reported no data this weekend after announcing 222 deaths and 12,169 cases , behind the record 14,087 on Sept. 18 .
France has reported 33,477 deaths , including 85 Saturday as well as 29,837 cases one day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , Paris and eight other French cities with a population of about 20 million were empty as a new curfew was enforced .
The month-long curfew runs from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly .
Russia is 11th in deaths at 24,187 , including 185 more Sunday , but has the fourth-most cases in the world with 1,399,334 , including 15,099 , slightly less than the record of 15,150 two days earlier .
Russia has ruled out a full lockdown with bars and restaurants remaining open .
But in Moscow , children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed in remote learning for two weeks when they come back from school holidays on Monday .
In all Europe has passed 7.0 million cases and 239,009 deaths .
Asia has the most cases in the world with 12.5 million but fewer deaths than Europe at 224,015 .
India has led the world in daily reported deaths and cases .
On Sunday , the nation announced 85,529 new cases as well as 1,033 deaths .
Until Saturday deaths were in triple digits since Oct. 2 .
India holds the world record for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iran reported 252 deaths , four days after a record 279 and is 10th overall .
Israel has begun easing its restrictions after reporting low cases , 141 Sunday after 874 Saturday .
The peak was 11,316 on Sept. 23 , two weeks after Rosh Hashanah .
`` If we all follow the rules , then I am certain that this will work , '' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said .
`` Another thing , I have said that if it appears that it is not working , if it appears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have no choice but to retighten the restrictions . ''
Easing includes allowing people to venture more than from their homes with natural parks and beaches to reopen .
Also , restaurants can serve takeout instead of just delivery .
The pandemic in the Far East has subsided , including China , the original epicenter with 4,634 deaths and none since April 26 , as well as 85,672 cases with 13 more Sunday .
Japan reported 9 deaths Sunday for a total of 1,670 with fatalities climbing as high as 19 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49 on May 4 .
It also reported 593 new cases after a record high of 1,998 on Aug. 3 .
South Korea announced one death Sunday for a total of 444 , as well as 91 cases .
On Aug. 2 it reported 441 cases and its high since April was six .
On Monday , South Korea relaxed some rules on social distancing , allowing nightspots to re-open and spectators to attend sports events .
But South Korea is mandating masks at all crowded facilities , on public transport and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 613,000 deaths , including 334,479 in North America and 279,075 in South America .
Besides Brazil , Peru is eighth , Colombia 11th , Argentina 12th , Chile 15th and Ecuador 17th .
From peaks of 1,554 deaths and 70,869 cases on July 29 in Brazil , the numbers have subsided .
Since 1,090 deaths on Sept. 15 , there has n't been a quadruple-digit day , including 461 Saturday .
Cases were 22,792 on Saturday .
But the nation of nearly 213 million has conducted far fewer tests than other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 84,035 per million compared with 376,564 in the United States .
In North America , all but around 14,000 deaths are in the United States , Mexico and Canada .
Canada has been reporting a spike in cases .
On Saturday , the nation announced 2,15 , behind the record of 4,042 Tuesday .
Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000 .
The nation is 21st in deaths , adding 24 Saturday for a total of 9,746 .
Borders among the U.S. , Mexico and Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Justin Trudeau expects that ban to last much longer .
`` The U.S. is not in a place where we would feel comfortable reopening those borders , '' he told the hosts of Smart Start , which airs on Canada 's Global Television Network .
`` We will continue to make sure that Canadian safety is top of mind when we move forward .
We see the cases in the United States and elsewhere around the world , and we need to continue to keep these border controls in place . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were never more than 1,000 .
In the worst shape are the provinces of Quebec and Ontario .
`` I think this second wave is really exhausting , '' Trudeau said .
`` It 's frustrating for everyone to have to keep going through this .
We showed that we can pull together and get through this , as we did in the spring .
Then people got used to the slow burn in the summer .
Now that cases are spiking again -- with the approach of winter , with the approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get things back under control . ''
He added , however , that he believes the situation is different this time around .
`` We know how to do it in a more targeted way now than in the spring , '' Trudeau said .
`` We know what kinds of businesses are more likely to spread COVID-19 , what kinds of activities . ''
The outbreak never was severe in Oceania .
There are 942 deaths with Australia at 904 , which is up four in one week , with Zealand remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Sunday , New Zealand reported three cases for a total of 1,886 and Australia with 8 for 27,391 .
Last week New Zealand reported its first community case -- as opposed to being imported -- in Auckland on Sunday for the first time in three weeks .
On Saturday , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern won by a landslide in a general election in response to her government 's handling of the response to the pandemic .
A lockdown in Australia 's Victoria ended after more than 100 days for the 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel as far as 16 miles from home .
On Nov. 1 the lockdown will be totally lifted , including most businesses allowed to reopen .
`` These lockdowns have come with pain and damage and hurt , but the strategy is working , '' Victoria 's Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters .
`` As other parts of the world are going into a deadly winter , with lockdowns and restrictions that are heartbreaking . ''
Summer starts on Dec. 1 in the Southern Hemisphere .
In Africa , there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 18,408 , including 38 more Saturday followed by Egypt at 6,109 with 10 more .
South Africa has the 12th-most cases in the world at more than 700,000 , including 1,928 more Saturday .

People wear face masks at Castello Square in Turin, Italy, on Sunday. Italy's government has made it mandatory to wear face masks outdoors in an attempt to counter the spread of coronavirus. Photo by Tino Romano//EPA-EFE
Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Coronavirus cases worldwide have surged to around 40 million, growing about 1 million every three days. Since the first cases were identified in Wuhan, China, last December, infections have grown to 40,229,438 in tracking by Worldometers.info and 39,845,660 by Johns Hopkins. Advertisement
With a mortality rate of 2.8%, the death toll stands at 1,117,540, according to Worldometers.
Infections have been increasing around 1%, which is double the fatalities.
So far Sunday, 3,334 deaths and 290,339 cases were reported after 5,567 fatalities and compared 372,552 infections.
On Friday, 413,277 cases were reported, exceeding 400,000 in a single day for the first time following consecutive record highs with 382,462 new cases on Wednesday and 397,083 Thursday.
The United States remains the leader in fatalities with 224,643 and cases nearing 8.4 million. Brazil is second in deaths at 153905, while India has the second-most infections with 7.8 million but third in fatalities with 114,031. Brazil is third with 5.2 million infections.
Advertisement
Coronavirus has been especially spiking in Europe, where the virus was largely contained a few months ago.
On Saturday, the continent reported 143,429 new cases, 38.5% of the world's total, as well as 1,099 deaths.
Four European nations are in the top 10 for deaths (No. 5 Britain, No. 6 Italy, No. 7 Spain, No. 9 France) and three are in the top 10 for cases (No. 4 Russia, No. 5 Spain, No. 8 France) with Britain 11th.
On Sunday, Britain reported 67 additional deaths for 43,646 in fifth place. Saturday's 150 was the most since 159 on June 10 with the daily high 1,172.
In addition, the 16,982 cases were less than the record 19,722 on Wednesday.
The British government is considering a "circuit-breaker" lockdown to control the outbreak. This move has been backed by the opposition Labor Party but opposed by the cabinet.
"It would seem an error to try to impose on every part of the country the same level of restriction when we know that the disease is spreading more intensively and quicker in some parts of the country," UK Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said Sunday.
He added that the epidemiology is "different" this time.
Advertisement
Italy, which at one time was the world's epicenter and reached 919 in one day, reported 69 deaths and a record 11,705 cases, surpassing the mark of 10,925 cases Saturday. The nation has reported 36,544 deaths.
Italian premier Giuseppe Conte, wearing a mask Sunday night, announced new restrictions, including giving mayors powers to close specific public areas after 9 p.m. as well as the size of groups to congregate. Restaurants and bats most close by midnight with only table service allows from 6 p.m.
Conferences and local festivals are suspended with no contact sports allowed.
"We cannot waste time, we must put in place measures to avoid a generalized lockdown, which could severely compromise the economy," he said. "The most effective measures remain the basic precautions: mask, distance and hand hygiene. We must pay attention to situations where we let our guard down -- with relatives and friends. In these situations, the maximum precaution is required."
A resident at Casa Santa Marta, the building that houses Pope Francis and other clergy members, has tested positive but is asymptomatic and in quarantine, the Vatican said Sunday.
In Spain's Catalonia region around Barcelona, bars and restaurants have closed. Spain has 33,775 deaths and reported no data this weekend after announcing 222 deaths and 12,169 cases, behind the record 14,087 on Sept. 18.
Advertisement
France has reported 33,477 deaths, including 85 Saturday as well as 29,837 cases one day after a record 32,427.
Like elsewhere in Europe, Paris and eight other French cities with a population of about 20 million were empty as a new curfew was enforced. The month-long curfew runs from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly.
Russia is 11th in deaths at 24,187, including 185 more Sunday, but has the fourth-most cases in the world with 1,399,334, including 15,099, slightly less than the record of 15,150 two days earlier.
Russia has ruled out a full lockdown with bars and restaurants remaining open. But in Moscow, children in first to fifth grade will be placed in remote learning for two weeks when they come back from school holidays on Monday.
In all Europe has passed 7.0 million cases and 239,009 deaths.
Asia has the most cases in the world with 12.5 million but fewer deaths than Europe at 224,015.
India has led the world in daily reported deaths and cases. On Sunday, the nation announced 85,529 new cases as well as 1,033 deaths. Until Saturday deaths were in triple digits since Oct. 2. India holds the world record for most cases in a single day with 97,894.
Advertisement
Iran reported 252 deaths, four days after a record 279 and is 10th overall.
Israel has begun easing its restrictions after reporting low cases, 141 Sunday after 874 Saturday. The peak was 11,316 on Sept. 23, two weeks after Rosh Hashanah.
"If we all follow the rules, then I am certain that this will work," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "Another thing, I have said that if it appears that it is not working, if it appears that we are going backwards, then we will have no choice but to retighten the restrictions."
Easing includes allowing people to venture more than from their homes with natural parks and beaches to reopen. Also, restaurants can serve takeout instead of just delivery.
The pandemic in the Far East has subsided, including China, the original epicenter with 4,634 deaths and none since April 26, as well as 85,672 cases with 13 more Sunday.
Japan reported 9 deaths Sunday for a total of 1,670 with fatalities climbing as high as 19 on Sept. 5 after a record high of 49 on May 4. It also reported 593 new cases after a record high of 1,998 on Aug. 3.
South Korea announced one death Sunday for a total of 444, as well as 91 cases. On Aug. 2 it reported 441 cases and its high since April was six.
Advertisement
On Monday, South Korea relaxed some rules on social distancing, allowing nightspots to re-open and spectators to attend sports events. But South Korea is mandating masks at all crowded facilities, on public transport and at demonstrations.
The Western Hemisphere has reported more than 613,000 deaths, including 334,479 in North America and 279,075 in South America.
Besides Brazil, Peru is eighth, Colombia 11th, Argentina 12th, Chile 15th and Ecuador 17th.
From peaks of 1,554 deaths and 70,869 cases on July 29 in Brazil, the numbers have subsided. Since 1,090 deaths on Sept. 15, there hasn't been a quadruple-digit day, including 461 Saturday. Cases were 22,792 on Saturday.
But the nation of nearly 213 million has conducted far fewer tests than other nations, around 17.9 million for an average of 84,035 per million compared with 376,564 in the United States.
In North America, all but around 14,000 deaths are in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Mexico reported 355 more Saturday.
Canada has been reporting a spike in cases. On Saturday, the nation announced 2,15, behind the record of 4,042 Tuesday. Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000.
The nation is 21st in deaths, adding 24 Saturday for a total of 9,746.
Advertisement
Borders among the U.S., Mexico and Canada remain closed through Wednesday but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expects that ban to last much longer.
"The U.S. is not in a place where we would feel comfortable reopening those borders," he told the hosts of Smart Start, which airs on Canada's Global Television Network. "We will continue to make sure that Canadian safety is top of mind when we move forward. We see the cases in the United States and elsewhere around the world, and we need to continue to keep these border controls in place."
Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000.
In the worst shape are the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
"I think this second wave is really exhausting," Trudeau said. "It's frustrating for everyone to have to keep going through this. We showed that we can pull together and get through this, as we did in the spring. Then people got used to the slow burn in the summer. Now that cases are spiking again -- with the approach of winter, with the approach of flu season -- we need to get things back under control."
He added, however, that he believes the situation is different this time around.
Advertisement
"We know how to do it in a more targeted way now than in the spring," Trudeau said. "We know what kinds of businesses are more likely to spread COVID-19, what kinds of activities."
The outbreak never was severe in Oceania.
There are 942 deaths with Australia at 904, which is up four in one week, with Zealand remaining at 25 since one on Sept. 16.
On Sunday, New Zealand reported three cases for a total of 1,886 and Australia with 8 for 27,391.
Last week New Zealand reported its first community case -- as opposed to being imported -- in Auckland on Sunday for the first time in three weeks.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern won by a landslide in a general election in response to her government's handling of the response to the pandemic.
A lockdown in Australia's Victoria ended after more than 100 days for the 5 million residents. They will be allowed to travel as far as 16 miles from home. On Nov. 1 the lockdown will be totally lifted, including most businesses allowed to reopen.
"These lockdowns have come with pain and damage and hurt, but the strategy is working," Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters. "As other parts of the world are going into a deadly winter, with lockdowns and restrictions that are heartbreaking."
Advertisement
Summer starts on Dec. 1 in the Southern Hemisphere.
In Africa, there have been 39,725 deaths, led by South Africa with 18,408, including 38 more Saturday followed by Egypt at 6,109 with 10 more. South Africa has the 12th-most cases in the world at more than 700,000, including 1,928 more Saturday.


upi--2020-10-18--Broadway actress Doreen Montalvo Mann dead at 56

Oct. 18 ( UPI ) -- Doreen Montalvo Mann 's manager announced the Broadway actress has died at age 56 .
Deadline.com said Mann died about a month after suffering a stroke .
`` It 's been my honor and extreme pleasure to have worked with Doreen , as her manager , '' Steve Maihack posted on Instagram Saturday .
`` From the minute we met it was like we had been friends for years .
Kindred spirits , for sure .
My favorite memory will be watching you as Gloria Fajardo in the OYF tour at the open-air outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tierra ' to an audience of 8000 , with the sun literally setting as if God himself was directing the most PERFECT moment for us all , '' Maihack added .
`` It was thrilling .
This last year had been such an exciting one for Doreen with the filming of both the IN THE HEIGHTS and WEST SIDE STORY feature films , as well as her return to Broadway in MRS DOUBTFIRE .
She was also making strides in the tv world- which she was a natural at .
Doreen could do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lotto ticket .
She was all of ours winning lotto ticket . ''
In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda , Mann 's longtime friend and collaborator , mourned her death on social media .
`` Doreen Montalvo was the first actress to audition for In The Heights in the basement of the Drama Book Shop in 2002 .
The first one .
She sang La Lupe 's Qué Te Pedi and embedded herself in my heart in an instant .
Her voice was had that tear in it -- that lágrima .
Inimitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In 2010 she happily became Doreen Montalvo Mann -- I DJ 'd the wedding , '' Miranda said .
`` She and Michael held it around the corner from the theater and every incarnation of our cast was there .
Michael was the light of her life and everyone who knows Doreen is holding him in their prayers . ''
Mann 's TV credits include Law & Order , The Good Wife , Smash , One Life to Live , Elementary and Madam Secretary .

Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Doreen Montalvo Mann's manager announced the Broadway actress has died at age 56.
Deadline.com said Mann died about a month after suffering a stroke.
Advertisement
"It's been my honor and extreme pleasure to have worked with Doreen, as her manager," Steve Maihack posted on Instagram Saturday.
"From the minute we met it was like we had been friends for years. Kindred spirits, for sure. My favorite memory will be watching you as Gloria Fajardo in the OYF tour at the open-air outside KC Starlight theater....belting out 'Mi Tierra' to an audience of 8000, with the sun literally setting as if God himself was directing the most PERFECT moment for us all," Maihack added. "It was thrilling. This last year had been such an exciting one for Doreen with the filming of both the IN THE HEIGHTS and WEST SIDE STORY feature films, as well as her return to Broadway in MRS DOUBTFIRE. She was also making strides in the tv world- which she was a natural at. Doreen could do anything. She was like a winning lotto ticket. She was all of ours winning lotto ticket."
Advertisement
In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mann's longtime friend and collaborator, mourned her death on social media.
"Doreen Montalvo was the first actress to audition for In The Heights in the basement of the Drama Book Shop in 2002. The first one. She sang La Lupe's Qué Te Pedi and embedded herself in my heart in an instant. Her voice was had that tear in it--that lágrima. Inimitable & hers," Miranda tweeted Saturday.
"In 2010 she happily became Doreen Montalvo Mann--I DJ'd the wedding," Miranda said. "She and Michael held it around the corner from the theater and every incarnation of our cast was there. Michael was the light of her life and everyone who knows Doreen is holding him in their prayers."
Mann's TV credits include Law & Order, The Good Wife, Smash, One Life to Live, Elementary and Madam Secretary.


upi--2020-10-18--Emily Maynard gives birth to her fifth child

Oct. 18 ( UPI ) -- The Bachelorette alum Emily Maynard announced on Instagram this weekend that she has given @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Baby # 5 ... .oh heavenly day ... .
{ thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ my ideas and short deadlines } @ mtylerjohnson , '' Maynard captioned a video of @ @ @ @ @ in the hospital .
The nearly 2-minute-long clip has gotten more than 300,000 views since @ @ @ @ @ .
Maynard , 34 , is also the mom of Gatlin Avery , 2 , @ @ @ @ @ Jennings Tyler , 5 , and Ricki , 15 .
She starred in Season 8 @ @ @ @ @ Bachelorette in 2012 .
She got engaged to Jef Holm at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ up after a few months .

"The Bachelorette" Emily Maynard gave birth to her fifth child this weekend. Photo courtesy of ABC
Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The Bachelorette alum Emily Maynard announced on Instagram this weekend that she has given birth to her fifth child. "Baby #5....oh heavenly day....{thank you @heartstonefilms for helping me with my ideas and short deadlines} @mtylerjohnson," Maynard captioned a video of her and her baby girl in the hospital. Advertisement
The nearly 2-minute-long clip has gotten more than 300,000 views since it was posted on Saturday.
Maynard, 34, is also the mom of Gatlin Avery, 2, Gibson Kyle, 4, Jennings Tyler, 5, and Ricki, 15.
Maynard married Tyler Johnson in 2014.
She starred in Season 8 of the dating competition The Bachelorette in 2012. She got engaged to Jef Holm at the end of the season, but they split up after a few months.


upi--2020-10-18--'SNL' mocks presidential town halls

'SNL' mocks presidential town halls

Oct. 18 ( UPI ) -- Saturday Night Live has satirized last week 's competing town hall broadcasts between President Donald Trump and contender Joe Biden .
This weekend 's opening sketch was introduced with text scrolling across the screen and a voice reading the message : `` On Thursday , Vice President Biden held a town hall , as scheduled , on ABC .
`` At the same time , NBC laid a thirst trap for President Trump .
One town hall was a thoughtful , cogent discussion of the issues facing our country .
The other featured President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those town halls the way most Americans watched them ... Flipping back and forth , trying to decide between a Hallmark movie and an alien autopsy .
This is Dueling Town Halls . ''
Alec Baldwin reprised his role of Trump in an interview that devolved into a pro wrestling match where moderator Savannah Guthrie ( Kate McKinnon , ) hit him with a folding chair .
Jim Carrey played Biden as a rambling version of children 's television star Fred Rogers and painting guru Bob Ross , neither of whom offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked .
Issa Rae was the episode 's guest host and Justin Bieber provided the musical entertainment .

1/3
Alec Baldwin was back to play President Donald Trump on this weekend's edition of "Saturday Night Live." File Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Saturday Night Live has satirized last week's competing town hall broadcasts between President Donald Trump and contender Joe Biden. This weekend's opening sketch was introduced with text scrolling across the screen and a voice reading the message: "On Thursday, Vice President Biden held a town hall, as scheduled, on ABC. Advertisement
"At the same time, NBC laid a thirst trap for President Trump. One town hall was a thoughtful, cogent discussion of the issues facing our country. The other featured President Trump. We now present a rebroadcast of those town halls the way most Americans watched them ... Flipping back and forth, trying to decide between a Hallmark movie and an alien autopsy. This is Dueling Town Halls."
Alec Baldwin reprised his role of Trump in an interview that devolved into a pro wrestling match where moderator Savannah Guthrie (Kate McKinnon,) hit him with a folding chair.
Jim Carrey played Biden as a rambling version of children's television star Fred Rogers and painting guru Bob Ross, neither of whom offered clear answers to the questions they were asked.
Advertisement
Issa Rae was the episode's guest host and Justin Bieber provided the musical entertainment.


upi--2020-10-19--Look: Roxy Sowlaty marries Nicolas Bijan at backyard wedding

The 32-year-old television personality married her longtime love , Nicolas Bijan , at an intimate wedding Saturday in their backyard .
Sowlaty shared the news Sunday on Instagram .
Sowlaty wore a long sleeve Reem Acra wedding dress and long veil for the ceremony .
`` Finally and officially Mrs. Bijan .
love you forever @ nicolasbijan , '' she wrote .
Bijan confirmed the news in a post on his own account .
`` This weekend we ( finally ) got married in our backyard .
I am so proud of you @ roxysowlaty for adapting and adjusting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was meant to be !
It was a magical day and we felt so lucky to be surrounded by family and a few friends .
I love you Rox ! ''
he wrote .
Sowlaty and Bijan started dating in 2015 and got engaged in Paris in 2018 .
Bijan shared a video of his proposal on Instagram at the time .
Sowlaty and Bijan were originally to marry in May but changed their wedding plans to due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` I wish we could have done this fairy tale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taught me how much you make my life a fairy tale everyday , '' Sowlaty said May 27 on Instagram .
`` I love you forever and thank god we are already officially married @ nicolasbijan . ''
Sowlaty and her sister Tara Sowlaty starred on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills , which aired for four seasons on E !
.
The series followed the lives of several wealthy young people in the Beverly Hills area .

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Rich Kids of Beverly Hills alum Roxy Sowlaty is a married woman.
The 32-year-old television personality married her longtime love, Nicolas Bijan, at an intimate wedding Saturday in their backyard.
Advertisement
Sowlaty shared the news Sunday on Instagram. Sowlaty wore a long sleeve Reem Acra wedding dress and long veil for the ceremony.
"Finally and officially Mrs. Bijan. love you forever @nicolasbijan," she wrote.
Bijan confirmed the news in a post on his own account.
"This weekend we (finally) got married in our backyard. I am so proud of you @roxysowlaty for adapting and adjusting with the circumstances and It was exactly what was meant to be! It was a magical day and we felt so lucky to be surrounded by family and a few friends. I love you Rox!" he wrote.
Sowlaty and Bijan started dating in 2015 and got engaged in Paris in 2018. Bijan shared a video of his proposal on Instagram at the time.
Advertisement
Sowlaty and Bijan were originally to marry in May but changed their wedding plans to due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I wish we could have done this fairy tale today... but all of this has taught me how much you make my life a fairy tale everyday," Sowlaty said May 27 on Instagram. "I love you forever and thank god we are already officially married @nicolasbijan."
Advertisement
Sowlaty and her sister Tara Sowlaty starred on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, which aired for four seasons on E!. The series followed the lives of several wealthy young people in the Beverly Hills area.


upi--2020-10-19--Kim Jong Un rescued after SUV rolled into ditch, state media says

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Kim Jong Un 's luxury vehicle rolled into a ditch during a field guidance visit to a North Korean village damaged by flooding .
Remarks he made following the incident will be `` legendary , '' state media said .
Korean Workers ' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said in a second-page article published Monday the North Korean leader 's luxury crossover SUV , believed to be a Lexus LX 570 , ran into a deep puddle , when he visited a village in Taechongri , in North Hwanghae Province in August .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ditches here and there due to heavy rains , slipped into a rice field on the edge of a road , '' the Rodong said .
North Korea media did not include the reason for reporting belatedly on the incident .
The visit was first reported Aug. 7 .
The paper went on to say farmers and army officers in Unpa County helped to push Kim 's car out of the puddle .
According to the Rodong , Kim thanked the workers then said , `` Rather than coming here to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mud , it is I who am indebted '' to the people .
The North Korean newspaper said Kim 's remarks are a sign of his exemplary character .
`` Since he has thanked the hard work of people who are doing the right thing , and expressed his indebtedness to them , is there another person quite like our Marshal ? ''
the Rodong said .
`` This story will be passed down as a legend '' across generations , the newspaper said .
The report of Kim 's August visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tearful apology during the 75th anniversary of the Korean Workers ' Party .
Kim said at the anniversary he had `` failed '' to live up to his people 's expectations .
KCNA reported Monday the regime continues to `` aggressively carry out '' quarantining measures against COVID-19 , as part of Pyongyang 's 80-day campaign ahead of the Eighth Party Congress in January .
Kim had said at the anniversary there have been no cases of the coronavirus in North Korea .

North Korea state media reported Monday on a previously untold incident during Kim Jong Un's visit to a village in Taechongri, Unpa County, North Hwanghae Province in August. Photo by KCNA
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un's luxury vehicle rolled into a ditch during a field guidance visit to a North Korean village damaged by flooding. Remarks he made following the incident will be "legendary," state media said. Korean Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said in a second-page article published Monday the North Korean leader's luxury crossover SUV, believed to be a Lexus LX 570, ran into a deep puddle, when he visited a village in Taechongri, in North Hwanghae Province in August. Advertisement
"The off-road vehicle, which was running through ditches here and there due to heavy rains, slipped into a rice field on the edge of a road," the Rodong said. North Korea media did not include the reason for reporting belatedly on the incident. The visit was first reported Aug. 7.
The paper went on to say farmers and army officers in Unpa County helped to push Kim's car out of the puddle. According to the Rodong, Kim thanked the workers then said, "Rather than coming here to help the people, because my car fell into the mud, it is I who am indebted" to the people.
Advertisement
The North Korean newspaper said Kim's remarks are a sign of his exemplary character.
"Since he has thanked the hard work of people who are doing the right thing, and expressed his indebtedness to them, is there another person quite like our Marshal?" the Rodong said.
"This story will be passed down as a legend" across generations, the newspaper said.
The report of Kim's August visit comes after the North Korean leader issued a tearful apology during the 75th anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party. Kim said at the anniversary he had "failed" to live up to his people's expectations.
KCNA reported Monday the regime continues to "aggressively carry out" quarantining measures against COVID-19, as part of Pyongyang's 80-day campaign ahead of the Eighth Party Congress in January.
Kim had said at the anniversary there have been no cases of the coronavirus in North Korea.


upi--2020-10-19--In photos: Moments from the National Football League for the week of Oct. 19, 2020

This week in the National Football League Here ’ s a look at moments from the National Football League for @ @ @

Philadelphia Eagles' Boston Scott (L) makes the 18-yard, game-winning touchdown catch at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Thursday, to defeat the New York Giants 22-21 . Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-10-19--Newer rheumatoid arthritis drug may ease tough-to-treat cases

A recently approved rheumatoid arthritis medication appears to be an effective second-line therapy when biologic treatments start to fail , a new clinical trial reports .
Arthritis sufferers treated with upadacitinib had a significantly greater reduction in their symptoms and disease activity than people treated with a standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drug , or DMARD , said co-researcher Dr. Aileen Pangan .
She is executive medical director of immunology clinical development for the pharmaceutical company AbbVie in North Chicago , Ill .
The drug , marketed under the brand name Rinvoq , also helped twice as many patients enter remission from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report this month in the New England Journal of Medicine .
`` Upadacitinib has shown superiority to one of the current standard-of-care treatment options in the clinic for these difficult-to-treat patients , '' Pangan said .
`` It is important for physicians to have multiple treatment options available , including medications with different mechanisms of action , to help provide patients with the treatment that is right for them . ''
Rinvoq received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in August 2019 for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis .
This 24-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness in helping rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom DMARD treatment had failed .
More than 600 patients were recruited for the trial .
All were suffering swollen or tender joints even though they were being treated with at least one biologic DMARD , or they had unacceptable side effects from a DMARD .
Half were treated with Rinvoq , and half were treated with a standard biologic DMARD called abatacept , or Orencia .
DMARDs act upon the immune system in different ways to reduce joint inflammation .
Rinvoq belongs in a class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JAK , inhibitors , which also treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by manipulating the immune system , Pangan said .
`` Janus kinase enzymes play a critical role in the body by transmitting messages from the outside to the inside of cells , '' she said .
`` In the immune system , a malfunction can lead to the generation of autoimmune inflammatory diseases .
In the immune cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis , JAK enzymes transmit signals that lead to the inappropriate activation of the immune system to attack and cause inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of patients treated with Rinvoq went into remission , compared with about 13 % of the Orencia patients , the researchers reported .
The results are strong enough to `` help push JAK inhibitors to the forefront of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis , '' according to an editorial by two University of Oslo rheumatologists , which accompanied the clinical trial results .
However , the editorial added that `` in order to compete in the crowded field of targeted treatments for rheumatoid arthritis , JAK inhibitors not only have to prove that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also need to be less expensive than or clinically superior to biologic DMARDs . ''
Based on this and other trials , editorialists Dr. Guro Goll and Dr. Tore Kvien noted that there appears to be a risk of blood clots in people taking JAK inhibitors .
One person on Rinvoq suffered a nonfatal stroke in this trial , and there also was one case each of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in those taking the drug , the results showed .
One patient in the Rinvoq group died from cardiac arrest suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our understanding of JAK inhibitors , particularly regarding the risk of thromboembolic events , is evolving , '' Goll and Kvien added .
`` A 24-week trial may be too short to detect meaningful long-term efficacy and safety . ''
The new drug is n't cheap , either , costing around $ 60,000 a year , according to the website pharmaphorum.com .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about rheumatoid arthritis .

Researchers say a new drug could help rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom first-line treatments have stopped working. Photo by stevepb /Pixabay
A recently approved rheumatoid arthritis medication appears to be an effective second-line therapy when biologic treatments start to fail, a new clinical trial reports. Arthritis sufferers treated with upadacitinib had a significantly greater reduction in their symptoms and disease activity than people treated with a standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, or DMARD, said co-researcher Dr. Aileen Pangan. She is executive medical director of immunology clinical development for the pharmaceutical company AbbVie in North Chicago, Ill. Advertisement
The drug, marketed under the brand name Rinvoq, also helped twice as many patients enter remission from their rheumatoid arthritis, according to a report this month in the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Upadacitinib has shown superiority to one of the current standard-of-care treatment options in the clinic for these difficult-to-treat patients," Pangan said. "It is important for physicians to have multiple treatment options available, including medications with different mechanisms of action, to help provide patients with the treatment that is right for them."
Advertisement
Rinvoq received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in August 2019 for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
This 24-week clinical trial aimed to assess Rinvoq's effectiveness in helping rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom DMARD treatment had failed.
More than 600 patients were recruited for the trial. All were suffering swollen or tender joints even though they were being treated with at least one biologic DMARD, or they had unacceptable side effects from a DMARD.
Half were treated with Rinvoq, and half were treated with a standard biologic DMARD called abatacept, or Orencia.
DMARDs act upon the immune system in different ways to reduce joint inflammation.
Rinvoq belongs in a class of drugs called Janus kinase, or JAK, inhibitors, which also treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by manipulating the immune system, Pangan said.
"Janus kinase enzymes play a critical role in the body by transmitting messages from the outside to the inside of cells," she said. "In the immune system, a malfunction can lead to the generation of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. In the immune cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, JAK enzymes transmit signals that lead to the inappropriate activation of the immune system to attack and cause inflammation in the joints."
Advertisement
About 30% of patients treated with Rinvoq went into remission, compared with about 13% of the Orencia patients, the researchers reported.
The results are strong enough to "help push JAK inhibitors to the forefront of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis," according to an editorial by two University of Oslo rheumatologists, which accompanied the clinical trial results.
However, the editorial added that "in order to compete in the crowded field of targeted treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, JAK inhibitors not only have to prove that they are efficacious and safe -- they also need to be less expensive than or clinically superior to biologic DMARDs."
Based on this and other trials, editorialists Dr. Guro Goll and Dr. Tore Kvien noted that there appears to be a risk of blood clots in people taking JAK inhibitors.
One person on Rinvoq suffered a nonfatal stroke in this trial, and there also was one case each of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in those taking the drug, the results showed. One patient in the Rinvoq group died from cardiac arrest suffered while in the hospital with pneumonia.
"Our understanding of JAK inhibitors, particularly regarding the risk of thromboembolic events, is evolving," Goll and Kvien added. "A 24-week trial may be too short to detect meaningful long-term efficacy and safety."
Advertisement
The new drug isn't cheap, either, costing around $60,000 a year, according to the website pharmaphorum.com.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about rheumatoid arthritis.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-19--College football: Florida coach Mullen, Purdue coach Brohm test positive for COVID-19

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Florida 's Dan Mullen and Purdue 's Jeff Brohm became the latest coaches to test positive for COVID-19 over the weekend , as the pandemic continues to infiltrate the top college football programs in the United States .
Purdue announced Brohm 's presumed positive test on Sunday .
Mullen announced Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Both coaches are in self-isolation inside their respective homes .
`` I 'm continuing to self-isolate from my family , who all remain healthy , and am following all the guidelines set forth by UF Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention ] and our public health officials , '' Mullen tweeted Saturday .
`` I am proud of how our players , staff and campus community have navigated this unprecedented time and hope all continue to be safe . ''
Last week , Florida paused all football activities and postponed Saturday 's scheduled game against LSU due to a coronavirus outbreak within the program .
Purdue is scheduled to start their 2020 schedule with a game against Iowa at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday in West Lafayette , Ind .
The Boilermakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Big Ten conference opponents .
Brohm is expected to speak with reporters at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday on a Zoom conference call .
Alabama 's Nick Saban , Kansas ' Les Miles , Florida State 's Mike Norvell , Arkansas State 's Blake Anderson , UCLA 's Chip Kelly , Toledo 's Jason Candle and Arizona 's Kevin Sumlin are among the other college football coaches this season to test positive for COVID-19 .
Saban tested positive on Wednesday before he tested negative on three subsequent tests .
He went into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the sideline to coach the Crimson Tide to a win over Georgia in front of nearly 20,000 fans on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa , Ala. '' It was very emotional for me , '' Saban told reporters Saturday .
`` I think I gained a lot of respect thinking that I had this , even through we 've done everything we can to set a good example with social distancing , wearing a mask and washing hands .
`` I think everyone should have proper respect [ for COVID-19 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive , it 's not a good feeling . ''

1/3
Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen has been in isolation since Thursday and announced Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Florida's Dan Mullen and Purdue's Jeff Brohm became the latest coaches to test positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, as the pandemic continues to infiltrate the top college football programs in the United States. Purdue announced Brohm's presumed positive test on Sunday. Mullen announced Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19. Both coaches are in self-isolation inside their respective homes. Advertisement
"I'm continuing to self-isolate from my family, who all remain healthy, and am following all the guidelines set forth by UF Health, the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and our public health officials," Mullen tweeted Saturday.
"I am proud of how our players, staff and campus community have navigated this unprecedented time and hope all continue to be safe."
Last week, Florida paused all football activities and postponed Saturday's scheduled game against LSU due to a coronavirus outbreak within the program.
Purdue is scheduled to start their 2020 schedule with a game against Iowa at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. The Boilermakers' abbreviated schedule features eight games against only Big Ten conference opponents.
Brohm is expected to speak with reporters at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday on a Zoom conference call.
Advertisement
Alabama's Nick Saban, Kansas' Les Miles, Florida State's Mike Norvell, Arkansas State's Blake Anderson, UCLA's Chip Kelly, Toledo's Jason Candle and Arizona's Kevin Sumlin are among the other college football coaches this season to test positive for COVID-19.
Saban tested positive on Wednesday before he tested negative on three subsequent tests. He went into a brief isolation period before he returned to the sideline to coach the Crimson Tide to a win over Georgia in front of nearly 20,000 fans on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"It was very emotional for me," Saban told reporters Saturday. "I think I gained a lot of respect thinking that I had this, even through we've done everything we can to set a good example with social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands.
"I think everyone should have proper respect [for COVID-19]. When they tell you that you tested positive, it's not a good feeling."


upi--2020-10-19--Watch: Robyn Dixon denies she secretly married Juan Dixon

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Robyn Dixon says she has n't secretly married her fiancé , Juan Dixon .
The 41-year-old television personality shared details about her relationship with Dixon during Sunday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Dixon and Juan Dixon previously married in 2005 and divorced in 2012 .
The couple , who have two sons , Corey and Carter , later reconciled and got engaged again .
On WWHL , Dixon said she and Juan Dixon have n't remarried yet .
`` No , we are not married , '' she told host Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , Andy . ''
Dixon answered other questions about her relationship , including whether she or Juan Dixon is the bigger grudge holder .
`` We 're pretty good at just moving on .
We do n't like holding grudges , '' she said .
`` I would say Juan , though . ''
Dixon said she `` turns up '' more after a couple of drinks and is `` the good cop '' when it comes to parenting their sons .
`` I am the good cop .
I 'm the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent , '' she said .
In addition , Dixon said she has a better fashion sense than Juan Dixon but said her husband is the first to apologize .
`` I never apologize , '' she said .
Dixon and Juan Dixon got engaged again in December 2019 .
`` Sweeter the second time around !
Thank you to everyone who loved , supported , rooted and prayed for Juan and I .
We truly appreciate all of the love and congratulatory wishes as we embark on # DixonsPartDeux , '' Dixon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On WWHL , Dixon also discussed her RHOP co-stars Gizelle Bryant and Monique Samuels meeting after Samuels ' physical fight with Candiace Dillard .
Dixon said it was `` super extra '' of Bryant to bring security with her to meet with Samuels .

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Robyn Dixon says she hasn't secretly married her fiancé, Juan Dixon.
The 41-year-old television personality shared details about her relationship with Dixon during Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
Advertisement
Dixon and Juan Dixon previously married in 2005 and divorced in 2012. The couple, who have two sons, Corey and Carter, later reconciled and got engaged again.
On WWHL, Dixon said she and Juan Dixon haven't remarried yet.
"No, we are not married," she told host Andy Cohen. "I would let you know, Andy."
Dixon answered other questions about her relationship, including whether she or Juan Dixon is the bigger grudge holder.
"We're pretty good at just moving on. We don't like holding grudges," she said. "I would say Juan, though."
Dixon said she "turns up" more after a couple of drinks and is "the good cop" when it comes to parenting their sons.
"I am the good cop. I'm the fun parent and Juan is the frightening parent," she said.
In addition, Dixon said she has a better fashion sense than Juan Dixon but said her husband is the first to apologize.
Advertisement
"I never apologize," she said.
Dixon and Juan Dixon got engaged again in December 2019.
"Sweeter the second time around! Thank you to everyone who loved, supported, rooted and prayed for Juan and I. We truly appreciate all of the love and congratulatory wishes as we embark on #DixonsPartDeux," Dixon wrote on Instagram at the time.
On WWHL, Dixon also discussed her RHOP co-stars Gizelle Bryant and Monique Samuels meeting after Samuels' physical fight with Candiace Dillard. Dixon said it was "super extra" of Bryant to bring security with her to meet with Samuels.


upi--2020-10-19--Watch: 'Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean on battling addiction: 'There's too much to live for'

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean appeared on Good Morning America Monday to discuss his 20-year battle with drug addiction .
McLean said that he kept his addiction a secret until his destructive behavior started affecting the boy band .
The singer mentioned how Backstreet Boys members would dump ice water onto him in order to wake him up from being passed out .
`` Everybody started to catch on .
I was n't me anymore .
I was just living a lie , '' McLean said to ABC correspondent Will Reeve .
McLean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a trip to Vegas 11 months ago but has since stayed sober while working with a program and a sponsor .
`` The turning point for me was when I came back home my wife could smell it on my breath and my youngest of my two daughters would not sit with me , '' McLean said .
`` There 's too much to live for today .
My beautiful children , my amazing wife , my career , my brothers .
I never felt more grounded than I do today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Dancing with the Stars Season 29 .

Backstreet Boy @aj_mclean opens up on his battle with addiction and his journey to recovery. @ReeveWill reports. https://t.co/5jq7jG83Tg pic.twitter.com/KmLnkHIPil— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 19, 2020
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean appeared on Good Morning America Monday to discuss his 20-year battle with drug addiction.
McLean said that he kept his addiction a secret until his destructive behavior started affecting the boy band. The singer mentioned how Backstreet Boys members would dump ice water onto him in order to wake him up from being passed out.
Advertisement
"Everybody started to catch on. I wasn't me anymore. I was just living a lie," McLean said to ABC correspondent Will Reeve.
McLean, 42, said he hit rock bottom during a trip to Vegas 11 months ago but has since stayed sober while working with a program and a sponsor.
"The turning point for me was when I came back home my wife could smell it on my breath and my youngest of my two daughters would not sit with me," McLean said.
"There's too much to live for today. My beautiful children, my amazing wife, my career, my brothers. I never felt more grounded than I do today," he continued.
McLean currently competes on Dancing with the Stars Season 29.


upi--2020-10-19--Polling data show Luis Arce will become next president of Bolivia

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Luis Arce , a supporter of exiled Bolivian President Evo Morales , appears to have won the presidency with a solid majority in the politically-divided Central American country , exit polling indicates .
Polling indicators say Arce , who was Morales ' finance minister in the Movimiento al Socialismo Party , captured more than 50 % of the vote on Sunday .
The figures show that Arce 's opponent , former centrist president Carlos Mesa , earned 30 % .
Bolivian officials did not immediately announce the formal results .
`` We have reclaimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope , '' Arce said .
`` We will govern for all Bolivians .
We will bring unity to our country . ''
Interim President Jeanine Anez Chavez acknowledged Arce 's victory but noted the results were n't official .
`` From the data we have , Mr. Arce and [ his vice-presidential candidate ] Mr. [ David ] Choquehuanca have won the election , '' said Chavez .
`` I congratulate the winners and ask them to govern with Bolivia and democracy in mind . ''
Morales , who 's living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The will of the people has prevailed , '' he tweeted .
Morales was driven from Bolivia after mass protests a year ago that followed charges of election rigging in the previous campaign .

Luis Arce (C) and vice presidential candidate David Choquehuanca (3-R) celebrate on Monday after seeing unofficial results that indicate they received more than 50% of the vote, in La Paz, Bolivia. Photo by EPA-EFE
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Luis Arce, a supporter of exiled Bolivian President Evo Morales, appears to have won the presidency with a solid majority in the politically-divided Central American country, exit polling indicates. Polling indicators say Arce, who was Morales' finance minister in the Movimiento al Socialismo Party, captured more than 50% of the vote on Sunday. Advertisement
The figures show that Arce's opponent, former centrist president Carlos Mesa, earned 30%. Bolivian officials did not immediately announce the formal results.
"We have reclaimed democracy and above all we have reclaimed hope," Arce said. "We will govern for all Bolivians. We will bring unity to our country."
Interim President Jeanine Anez Chavez acknowledged Arce's victory but noted the results weren't official.
"From the data we have, Mr. Arce and [his vice-presidential candidate] Mr. [David] Choquehuanca have won the election," said Chavez.
"I congratulate the winners and ask them to govern with Bolivia and democracy in mind."
Morales, who's living in Argentina in exile, celebrated the victory.
"The will of the people has prevailed," he tweeted.
Morales was driven from Bolivia after mass protests a year ago that followed charges of election rigging in the previous campaign.


upi--2020-10-19--China becomes 1st nation to report economic recovery in COVID-19 era

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- China on Monday became the first country to post an economic recovery in the @ @ @ @ @ government figures .
Beijing reported an economic growth of 4.9 % for the third quarter @ @ @ @ @ of gross domestic product expansion .
As two consecutive quarters of negative growth typically define @ @ @ @ @ of growth indicate recovery .
China is the first G20 nation to post two straight @ @ @ @ @ start of the coronavirus pandemic .
While a bit lower than most analysts expected , @ @ @ @ @ acceleration over China 's 3.2 % growth in the second quarter .
Beijing 's report @ @ @ @ @ expanded 0.7 % so far for the year , after a 1.6 % contraction over @ @ @ @ @ International Monetary Fund said in June it expected the global economy to contract by nearly @ @ @ @ @ China 's report noted a significant increase in industrial output and a small rise in @ @ @

Pedestrians are seen at a shopping area in Beijing, China, on October 1. Beijing's report Monday said Chinese GDP has expanded 0.7% so far for the year, after a 1.6% contraction over the first half. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- China on Monday became the first country to post an economic recovery in the COVID-19 era, according to government figures. Beijing reported an economic growth of 4.9% for the third quarter, its second straight quarter of gross domestic product expansion. Advertisement
As two consecutive quarters of negative growth typically define a recession, two quarters of growth indicate recovery. China is the first G20 nation to post two straight quarters of growth since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
While a bit lower than most analysts expected, the new figures showed significant acceleration over China's 3.2% growth in the second quarter.
Beijing's report Monday said Chinese GDP has expanded 0.7% so far for the year, after a 1.6% contraction over the first half. The International Monetary Fund said in June it expected the global economy to contract by nearly 5% in 2020.
China's report noted a significant increase in industrial output and a small rise in retail sales.


upi--2020-10-19--2020 election: scenes from final stretch of presidential campaign

2020 election : scenes from final stretch of presidential campaign GOP President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger , former @ @ @ @ @ are crossing the country to sell voters , who are already casting ballots in many @ @ @ @ @ election .
Here 's a look at events on the campaign trial in the final @ @

Biden and Harris supporters celebrate before former President Obama speaks on stage at the Election Eve Close-Out drive-in rally campaigning for Biden for President at Florida International University, in Miami on Monday. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI


upi--2020-10-19--Look: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy wear costumes in 'Hocus Pocus' reunion photo

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Bette Midler , Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are witches once again in @ @ @ @ @ photo .
Midler posted the image on Instagram Sunday , which features herself , Parker @ @ @ @ @ their characters Winifred , Sarah and Mary , respectively , from the 1993 film .
@ @ @ @ @ Hocus Pocus virtual reunion that is set to take place on Oct. 30 at 8 @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit organization The New York Restoration Project .
Elvira will host the special , titled @ @ @ @ @ Sisters : A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover .
Tickets to view the reunion are available @ @ @ @ @ Close , Billy Crystal , Jamie Lee Curtis , John Debney , Samantha Diaz , @ @ @ @ @ , Jennifer Hudson , Anjelah Johnson-Reyes , Michael Kors , Adam Lambert , George Lopez @ @ @ @ @ Shaw , Martin Short , Sarah Silverman , John Stamos , Meryl Streep , Kenan @ @ @ @ @ and other surprise guests will also make appearances during the special .

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are witches once again in a new Hocus Pocus reunion photo.
Midler posted the image on Instagram Sunday, which features herself, Parker and Najimy in costume as their characters Winifred, Sarah and Mary, respectively, from the 1993 film.
Advertisement
Midler is promoting a one-hour Hocus Pocus virtual reunion that is set to take place on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. EDT to benefit her nonprofit organization The New York Restoration Project.
Elvira will host the special, titled In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover. Tickets to view the reunion are available for $10.
Glenn Close, Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Debney, Samantha Diaz, Harry Guinness, Todrick Hall, Jennifer Hudson, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Michael Kors, Adam Lambert, George Lopez, Alex Moffat, Vanessa Shaw, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, John Stamos, Meryl Streep, Kenan Thompson, Sophie von Haselberg and other surprise guests will also make appearances during the special.


upi--2020-10-19--Tom Brady leads Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 38 straight points to beat Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Tom Brady prevailed in a matchup between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 38 unanswered points to beat the Green Bay Packers by four touchdowns to move to 4-2 on the season .
Brady completed 17 of 27 passes and threw two touchdowns in the 38-10 win on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa , Fla. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 16 of 35 passes and threw two interceptions .
Green Bay led Tampa Bay 10-0 in the first quarter before the Buccaneers scored the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignited by a 32-yard interception return by Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean in the second quarter .
`` Jamel made a hell of a play , '' Brady said .
`` He did that to us in training camp a few times , so that was huge play .
It sparked us .
Then we got another turnover , got the ball in , had [ another ] decent drive and got the ball in [ again ] .
`` I think not turning the ball over helped a lot .
I think not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot .
But certainly [ there are ] better things that we can do and do things better than what we did today .
We 're going to keep working at it . ''
Brady is now 2-1 in head-to-head matchups with Rodgers during their decorated NFL tenures .
Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones had 113 yards and two scores on 23 carries in the victory .
Tampa Bay sacked Rodgers five times and outgained Green Bay 324 to 201 in total yards .
The Packers opened the game with a 10-play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 39-yard Mason Crosby field goal to give Green Bay a 3-0 lead .
The Packers defense then forced a 3-and-out from the Bucs before Rodgers led an 11-play , 90-yard scoring drive .
Rodgers threw the interception to Dean on the Packers next drive to make the score 10-7 , and momentum swung to the Buccaneers .
Tampa Bay defensive back Mike Edwards intercepted Rodgers again on the Packers ' next drive and returned it 37 yards to the Green Bay two-yard line .
Jones ran for a short touchdown on the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge four minutes into the second quarter .
Tampa Bay then forced a three-and-out from the Packers before Brady threw a seven-yard touchdown toss to Tyler Johnson .
Brady connected with tight end Rob Gronkowski for another touchdown just before halftime to push the Buccaneers lead to 28-10 at the break .
Tampa kicker Ryan Succop made a 50-yard field goal on the first drive of the second half and Ronald Jones ran for a one-yard touchdown with 2:43 remaining in the third quarter for the final points of the game .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just 15 yards on 10 carries .
Packers wide receiver Davante Adams had six catches for 61 yards in the loss .
Bucs linebackers Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David each had 1.5 sacks and Pierre-Paul forced a fumble in the win .
Devin White and Ndamukong Suh also logged sacks for Tampa Bay .
`` They deserve credit , '' Rodgers said .
`` They got inside of our rhythm .
They stopped the run early .
I missed a few throws I usually hit .
Those are frustrating plays . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas at 8:20 p.m. EDT on Sunday at the Raiders ' new Allegiant Stadium ; the Packers ( 4-1 ) travel to face the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. EDT at NRG Stadium .

1/3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady completed 17 of 27 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Tampa, Fla. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Tom Brady prevailed in a matchup between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 38 unanswered points to beat the Green Bay Packers by four touchdowns to move to 4-2 on the season. Brady completed 17 of 27 passes and threw two touchdowns in the 38-10 win on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 16 of 35 passes and threw two interceptions. Advertisement
Green Bay led Tampa Bay 10-0 in the first quarter before the Buccaneers scored the rest of the game's points, ignited by a 32-yard interception return by Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean in the second quarter.
"Jamel made a hell of a play," Brady said. "He did that to us in training camp a few times, so that was huge play. It sparked us. Then we got another turnover, got the ball in, had [another] decent drive and got the ball in [again].
Advertisement
"I think not turning the ball over helped a lot. I think not being behind on down and distance helped a lot. But certainly [there are] better things that we can do and do things better than what we did today. We're going to keep working at it."
Brady is now 2-1 in head-to-head matchups with Rodgers during their decorated NFL tenures.
Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones had 113 yards and two scores on 23 carries in the victory. Tampa Bay sacked Rodgers five times and outgained Green Bay 324 to 201 in total yards.
PICK 6! Jamel Dean takes it to the house! #GoBucs : #GBvsTB on FOX : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/qYnOYOB3CA pic.twitter.com/qk0Tn7O45M— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
The Packers opened the game with a 10-play, 54-yard drive that ended with a 39-yard Mason Crosby field goal to give Green Bay a 3-0 lead. The Packers defense then forced a 3-and-out from the Bucs before Rodgers led an 11-play, 90-yard scoring drive.
Rodgers threw the interception to Dean on the Packers next drive to make the score 10-7, and momentum swung to the Buccaneers.
Advertisement
Tampa Bay defensive back Mike Edwards intercepted Rodgers again on the Packers' next drive and returned it 37 yards to the Green Bay two-yard line. Jones ran for a short touchdown on the next play to give the Bucs a 14-10 edge four minutes into the second quarter.
Tampa Bay then forced a three-and-out from the Packers before Brady threw a seven-yard touchdown toss to Tyler Johnson. Brady connected with tight end Rob Gronkowski for another touchdown just before halftime to push the Buccaneers lead to 28-10 at the break.
Tampa kicker Ryan Succop made a 50-yard field goal on the first drive of the second half and Ronald Jones ran for a one-yard touchdown with 2:43 remaining in the third quarter for the final points of the game.
The Buccaneers held Packers running back Aaron Jones to just 15 yards on 10 carries. Packers wide receiver Davante Adams had six catches for 61 yards in the loss.
Bucs linebackers Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David each had 1.5 sacks and Pierre-Paul forced a fumble in the win. Devin White and Ndamukong Suh also logged sacks for Tampa Bay.
Advertisement
"They deserve credit," Rodgers said. "They got inside of our rhythm. They stopped the run early. I missed a few throws I usually hit. Those are frustrating plays."
The Buccaneers (4-2) next face Las Vegas at 8:20 p.m. EDT on Sunday at the Raiders' new Allegiant Stadium; the Packers (4-1) travel to face the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. EDT at NRG Stadium.


upi--2020-10-19--Revolution is in the air with Iran's economy in free fall

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Sixty million Iranians , 75 % of the population , are living below the international poverty line .
The grinding privation and penury has driven people to sell their livers , kidneys and even their corneas for cash .
Sick organ traders are exploiting the poor to rake in huge profits .
The Iranian currency -- the rial -- is in free fall .
It has lost 49 % of its value this year , as the United States ramps up economic pressure with renewed sanctions .
Iran , as one of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has one of the world 's most worthless currencies , with hyper-inflation topping 34.4 % annually .
Forty-one years of venal corruption , dim-witted incompetence and brutal oppression by the fascist Iranian government has brought this once prosperous and successful nation to its knees .
Revolution is in the air .
When the theocratic regime announced a threefold hike in gasoline prices in November , millions of poor Iranians took to the streets in protest .
The mullahs ' predictable reaction was to order their Gestapo , the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Basij -- to brutally suppress the nationwide uprising .
Black-clad and masked IRGC snipers gunned down unarmed protesters from the rooftops of government buildings , shooting to kill .
Basij goons beat young demonstrators with batons .
Some 1,500 protesters were killed , thousands more were wounded .
The IRGC dragged injured protesters from their hospital beds .
They were taken to specially prepared torture centers , where many perished .
Over 12,000 were arrested and thrown into the regime 's medieval prisons .
Dozens have been sentenced to death for daring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The execution of political prisoners has become almost a daily event , as the so-called `` moderate '' President Hassan Rouhani , in his absurd speech to the United Nations General Assembly , proclaimed that `` political freedom at home is very important to us , and as the most ancient democracy in the Middle East , we are proud of our democracy and we will not compromise our freedoms with foreign intervention . ''
His pathological lies have fooled no one inside Iran .
The seething resentment and antipathy to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Poverty-stricken Iranians are appalled that their government continues to pour money and military personnel into Syria in support of Bashar al-Assad 's bloody civil war .
They are horrified that the mullahs are funneling endless Iranian cash to the Houthi rebels in Yemen , Hezbollah in Lebanon and the vicious Shi'ia militias in Iraq .
They are shocked to learn that vast resources are being channeled into the secret production of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles despite Rouhani 's international denials .
And they are dismayed that corruption and incompetence has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 125,000 nationwide .
Resistance units of the main , democratic opposition movement , the People 's Mojahedin Organization of Iran ( PMOI/MEK ) have been formed in every town and city in the country .
Sporadic outbursts of anger and protests against the regime have occurred daily , with defiant youths torching and vandalizing regime-affiliated sites .
Barely a day goes by without senior regime officials warning of the dangers of another uprising .
Even the IRGC has admitted its concern .
The Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami said recently , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The enemy has attacked our youth with psychological warfare .
This is a battlefield and the focal point of our efforts . ''
The state-run daily Arman , a mouthpiece for the regime , issued a stark warning in a recent editorial , stating : `` Our hopes will drown if the barrier of outrage , anger and violence breaks . ''
Another state-run newspaper , Setareyeh Sobh , said : `` The youth are fed up .
They are waiting .
It was just two weeks ago when social media users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not execute ' in protest to death sentences for three youths arrested during the November 2019 incidents .
If this match is lit , putting down the fire will be very difficult . ''
It was a reference to the nationwide social media campaign that caused the regime to halt the execution of three young protesters .
The regime did , however , go ahead with the execution of the young wrestling champion Navid Afkari , despite a global campaign to stop his judicial murder .
His hanging has further outraged young Iranians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Courageous young protesters vandalized a courthouse in Shiraz , which had passed the death sentence on Afkari .
Several other courts were attacked by rebellious protesters across Iran , including Khavaran district court , which had issued orders to demolish the makeshift homes of impoverished people .
Young resistance fighters have also attacked IRGC and Basij bases in towns and cities throughout Iran .
A center for promoting fundamentalist Islam was torched in Karaj .
Banners , posters and images of Iran 's supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , and of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani , killed by a drone strike in January , have been repeatedly targeted and set on fire by protesters .
Marchers in street protests routinely chant slogans such as `` the Supreme Leader 's end is near , '' and `` rise up to avenge Navid 's execution . ''
Anti-regime slogans and messages from the Iranian Resistance leader Massoud Rajavi , and president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavi regularly appear on walls and hoardings .
In Karaj , brave young resistance fighters set fire to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The `` women 's unit '' is particularly detested for its role in enforcing the Islamic Republic 's misogynistic dress and behavior laws .
They are notorious for vicious crackdowns on women and girls who stand up for their rights and defy the strict hijab rules .
As resistance to the mullahs continues to grow across Iran , there are increasing demands for the international community to end their policy of appeasement and show their support for the Iranian people .
The ongoing torture and execution of political prisoners is a crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations has singularly failed to hold the mullahs ' regime to account for the massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners , mostly supporters of the MEK , in 1988 .
Although there is irrefutable evidence of this horrendous crime , which even senior figures in the regime openly admit and boast about , no one has yet been indicted for this horror , one of the worst cases of genocide of the late 20th century .
The revolution is coming and when it does , the mullahs will face justice and those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appease them will be held answerable and shamed in the court of public opinion .
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change .
He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland ( 1999-2014 ) , president of the Parliament 's Delegation for Relations with Iraq ( 2009-14 ) and chairman of Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup ( 2004-14 ) .
He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association .

A woman walks past an anti-U.S. painting on the wall of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Wednesday. Photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Sixty million Iranians, 75% of the population, are living below the international poverty line. The grinding privation and penury has driven people to sell their livers, kidneys and even their corneas for cash. Sick organ traders are exploiting the poor to rake in huge profits. The Iranian currency -- the rial -- is in free fall. It has lost 49% of its value this year, as the United States ramps up economic pressure with renewed sanctions. Iran, as one of the world's leading oil and gas producers, has one of the world's most worthless currencies, with hyper-inflation topping 34.4% annually. Forty-one years of venal corruption, dim-witted incompetence and brutal oppression by the fascist Iranian government has brought this once prosperous and successful nation to its knees. Advertisement
Revolution is in the air.
When the theocratic regime announced a threefold hike in gasoline prices in November, millions of poor Iranians took to the streets in protest. The mullahs' predictable reaction was to order their Gestapo, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and their internal security thugs -- the Basij -- to brutally suppress the nationwide uprising. Black-clad and masked IRGC snipers gunned down unarmed protesters from the rooftops of government buildings, shooting to kill.
Advertisement
Basij goons beat young demonstrators with batons. Some 1,500 protesters were killed, thousands more were wounded. The IRGC dragged injured protesters from their hospital beds. They were taken to specially prepared torture centers, where many perished. Over 12,000 were arrested and thrown into the regime's medieval prisons. Dozens have been sentenced to death for daring to challenge the authority of the religious dictatorship. The execution of political prisoners has become almost a daily event, as the so-called "moderate" President Hassan Rouhani, in his absurd speech to the United Nations General Assembly, proclaimed that "political freedom at home is very important to us, and as the most ancient democracy in the Middle East, we are proud of our democracy and we will not compromise our freedoms with foreign intervention."
His pathological lies have fooled no one inside Iran.
The seething resentment and antipathy to the clerical regime has begun to boil over. Poverty-stricken Iranians are appalled that their government continues to pour money and military personnel into Syria in support of Bashar al-Assad's bloody civil war. They are horrified that the mullahs are funneling endless Iranian cash to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the vicious Shi'ia militias in Iraq. They are shocked to learn that vast resources are being channeled into the secret production of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles despite Rouhani's international denials. And they are dismayed that corruption and incompetence has seen the death toll from COVID-19 soar to over 125,000 nationwide.
Advertisement
Resistance units of the main, democratic opposition movement, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) have been formed in every town and city in the country. Sporadic outbursts of anger and protests against the regime have occurred daily, with defiant youths torching and vandalizing regime-affiliated sites.
Barely a day goes by without senior regime officials warning of the dangers of another uprising. Even the IRGC has admitted its concern. The Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami said recently, in a clear reference to the MEK: "The enemy has attacked our youth with psychological warfare. This is a battlefield and the focal point of our efforts." The state-run daily Arman, a mouthpiece for the regime, issued a stark warning in a recent editorial, stating: "Our hopes will drown if the barrier of outrage, anger and violence breaks."
Another state-run newspaper, Setareyeh Sobh, said: "The youth are fed up. They are waiting. It was just two weeks ago when social media users tweeted 12 million times the hashtag 'do not execute' in protest to death sentences for three youths arrested during the November 2019 incidents. If this match is lit, putting down the fire will be very difficult." It was a reference to the nationwide social media campaign that caused the regime to halt the execution of three young protesters.
Advertisement
The regime did, however, go ahead with the execution of the young wrestling champion Navid Afkari, despite a global campaign to stop his judicial murder. His hanging has further outraged young Iranians who regarded Afkari as a sporting hero. Courageous young protesters vandalized a courthouse in Shiraz, which had passed the death sentence on Afkari. Several other courts were attacked by rebellious protesters across Iran, including Khavaran district court, which had issued orders to demolish the makeshift homes of impoverished people.
Young resistance fighters have also attacked IRGC and Basij bases in towns and cities throughout Iran. A center for promoting fundamentalist Islam was torched in Karaj. Banners, posters and images of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and of the terrorist IRGC Quds Force Gen. Qassem Soleimani, killed by a drone strike in January, have been repeatedly targeted and set on fire by protesters. Marchers in street protests routinely chant slogans such as "the Supreme Leader's end is near," and "rise up to avenge Navid's execution."
Anti-regime slogans and messages from the Iranian Resistance leader Massoud Rajavi, and president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran Maryam Rajavi regularly appear on walls and hoardings. In Karaj, brave young resistance fighters set fire to the Basij "Women's Unit" headquarters. The "women's unit" is particularly detested for its role in enforcing the Islamic Republic's misogynistic dress and behavior laws. They are notorious for vicious crackdowns on women and girls who stand up for their rights and defy the strict hijab rules.
Advertisement
As resistance to the mullahs continues to grow across Iran, there are increasing demands for the international community to end their policy of appeasement and show their support for the Iranian people. The ongoing torture and execution of political prisoners is a crime against humanity and continues because the United Nations has singularly failed to hold the mullahs' regime to account for the massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners, mostly supporters of the MEK, in 1988. Although there is irrefutable evidence of this horrendous crime, which even senior figures in the regime openly admit and boast about, no one has yet been indicted for this horror, one of the worst cases of genocide of the late 20th century.
The revolution is coming and when it does, the mullahs will face justice and those in the international community who have sought to appease them will be held answerable and shamed in the court of public opinion.
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change. He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland (1999-2014), president of the Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq (2009-14) and chairman of Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup (2004-14). He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association.


upi--2020-10-19--Gallup: Nearly 80% of U.S. voters say 2020 election matters more

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- A record number of American voters -- more than three-quarters -- believe this year 's presidential election is more important than elections of the past , according to a new Gallup survey .
The poll says 77 % of registered voters said the results of the 2020 election will matter more than previous campaigns .
That figure is six points higher than it was four years ago .
The new figure Monday eclipses the previous record -- 74 % in 2008 before then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was elected as the first Black U.S. president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting so far this year is already setting records and there are signals that turnout may be remarkably higher .
`` The 2020 election is unique given that , amid the coronavirus pandemic , early voting is already reaching record-high levels , '' Gallup wrote .
`` While some election indicators suggest that this year might not be remarkable in terms of turnout , the latest reading on Gallup 's 24-year measure tracking voters ' view that the election matters more than in the past suggests that turnout in this year 's election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in recent years . ''
Politically , 85 % of Democrats , 79 % of Republicans and 69 % of independents surveyed said the outcome of this election matters more than prior votes have .
By comparison , 80 % of Republicans and 69 % of Democrats said four years ago that the 2016 election mattered more than it did in previous years .
Gallup polled more than 1,000 registered U.S. voters for the survey , which has a margin of error of 4 points .

A woman prepares to deposit her ballot in a drop box in the Silver Lake section of Los Angeles, Calif., on October 10. After a troublesome primary election in the spring that was marked by breakdowns and delays at the polls, Los Angeles County officials are approaching the Nov. 3 vote with a new set of challenges brought on by the pandemic. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A record number of American voters -- more than three-quarters -- believe this year's presidential election is more important than elections of the past, according to a new Gallup survey. The poll says 77% of registered voters said the results of the 2020 election will matter more than previous campaigns. That figure is six points higher than it was four years ago. Advertisement
The new figure Monday eclipses the previous record -- 74% in 2008 before then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was elected as the first Black U.S. president.
The Gallup survey notes that early voting so far this year is already setting records and there are signals that turnout may be remarkably higher.
"The 2020 election is unique given that, amid the coronavirus pandemic, early voting is already reaching record-high levels," Gallup wrote.
"While some election indicators suggest that this year might not be remarkable in terms of turnout, the latest reading on Gallup's 24-year measure tracking voters' view that the election matters more than in the past suggests that turnout in this year's election could be significantly higher than it has been in recent years."
Advertisement
Politically, 85% of Democrats, 79% of Republicans and 69% of independents surveyed said the outcome of this election matters more than prior votes have.
By comparison, 80% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats said four years ago that the 2016 election mattered more than it did in previous years.
Gallup polled more than 1,000 registered U.S. voters for the survey, which has a margin of error of 4 points.
2020 election: scenes from final stretch of presidential campaign


upi--2020-10-19--Jamie Lynn Spears teases 'Zoey 101' reunion on Instagram

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Jamie Lynn Spears teased a Zoey 101 reunion on Instagram and tagged her former @ @ @ @ @ .
Spears , on Sunday , uploaded a short , teal and purple colored video @ @ @ @ @ Are you ready ? ''
`` WE '' RE BACK !
ARE YOU READY ?
@ @ @ @ @ the post before tagging her co-stars Sean Flynn , Erin Sanders , Matthew Underwood , @ @ @ @ @ who also uploaded reunion teasers on their Instagram pages .
Zoey 101 aired for four @ @ @ @ @ to 2008 .
The series followed Spears as she attended a private boarding school .
@ @ @ @ @ reunited in July during a special sketch on All That !

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Jamie Lynn Spears teased a Zoey 101 reunion on Instagram and tagged her former co-stars from the Nickelodeon series.
Spears, on Sunday, uploaded a short, teal and purple colored video that features the phrase "Are you ready?"
Advertisement
"WE"RE BACK! ARE YOU READY?!" the actress captioned the post before tagging her co-stars Sean Flynn, Erin Sanders, Matthew Underwood, Chantel Jeffries and Chris Massey who also uploaded reunion teasers on their Instagram pages.
Zoey 101 aired for four season on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The series followed Spears as she attended a private boarding school.
Spears and her castmates previously reunited in July during a special sketch on All That!


upi--2020-10-19--CVS to hire 15,000 workers for expected COVID-19, flu cases

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- CVS Health said Monday it will immediately hire 15,000 additional employees to cope with an expected surge in COVID-19 and seasonal influenza cases during the fall and winter months .
The U.S. pharmacy chain announced two-thirds of the new workers will be pharmacy technicians , who help administer COVID-19 tests and dispense medications .
`` We 're estimating a much greater need for trained pharmacy technicians this year given the continued presence of COVID-19 in our communities , '' CVS Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Bisaccia said .
The new hiring was announced amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` twindemic '' of COVID-19 and influenza .
The United States has seen nearly 17 % more cases during the past two weeks , according to the health news website Stat .
CVS and competitor Walgreens were tapped by the Department of Health and Human Services last week to administer free vaccinations to residents and workers at nursing homes nationwide , once a vaccine is approved for use against the coronavirus .
Under the program , CVS and Walgreens will schedule and coordinate on-site clinic dates directly with each facility -- likely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to administer two doses .

Two-thirds of the new workers will be pharmacy technicians, who perform COVID-19 tests and dispense medications, CVS said. File Photo by Michael Kleinfeld/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- CVS Health said Monday it will immediately hire 15,000 additional employees to cope with an expected surge in COVID-19 and seasonal influenza cases during the fall and winter months. The U.S. pharmacy chain announced two-thirds of the new workers will be pharmacy technicians, who help administer COVID-19 tests and dispense medications. Advertisement
"We're estimating a much greater need for trained pharmacy technicians this year given the continued presence of COVID-19 in our communities," CVS Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Bisaccia said.
The new hiring was announced amid rising cases nationwide and fears of a "twindemic" of COVID-19 and influenza.
The United States has seen nearly 17% more cases during the past two weeks, according to the health news website Stat.
CVS and competitor Walgreens were tapped by the Department of Health and Human Services last week to administer free vaccinations to residents and workers at nursing homes nationwide, once a vaccine is approved for use against the coronavirus.
Under the program, CVS and Walgreens will schedule and coordinate on-site clinic dates directly with each facility -- likely a total of three visits over two months to administer two doses.


upi--2020-10-19--Jimmy Garoppolo rebounds, leads San Francisco 49ers over Los Angeles Rams

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Jimmy Garoppolo bounced back from a poor performance in Week 5 by throwing three touchdowns passes to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football .
Garoppolo completed 23 of 33 passes for 268 yards in the 24-16 victory at Levi 's Stadium in Santa Clara , Calif .
The 49ers quarterback completed just 7 of 17 passes for 77 yards and two interceptions before he was benched last week during a loss to the Miami Dolphins .
`` You could feel in the locker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this game , '' Garoppolo told reporters .
`` It was a different mindset that everyone had .
`` The last couple of weeks before this , no one liked that feeling .
It was n't who we are as a team and I think this week it just kind of got us back right on track . ''
The 49ers got off to a great start on Sunday .
Garoppolo orchestrated a six-play , 76-yard drive on the game 's first possession .
He ended the drive with a six-yard touchdown toss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchdown pass to tight end George Kittle at the start of the second quarter to give the 49ers a 14-0 lead .
Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Robert Woods to cut the deficit to 14-6 four minutes into the second quarter .
The 49ers responded with a 13-play , 81-yard touchdown drive .
Garoppolo threw a touchdown pass to rookie Brandon Aiyuk to cap off that drive .
The Rams opened the second half with a seven-play , 52-yard drive , which ended with a Sam Sloman field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scoreboard for the next 18:39 before 49ers kicker Robbie Gould made a 49-yard field goal with 5:32 remaining .
Goff then led the Rams on a 10-play , 79-yard scoring drive .
He ended the drive with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Josh Reynolds for the final points of the game .
Goff completed 19 of 38 passes for 198 yards , two touchdowns and an interception in the loss .
Kittle had 109 yards and a score on seven catches for San Francisco .
Neither team registered a sack in the NFC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the 49ers , they did a nice job , but we made a lot of uncharacteristic decisions , '' Rams coach Sean McVay said .
`` We had a lot of our players that we count on that did n't come through in some situations that they typically do , but it 's a great learning opportunity for us . ''
The 49ers ( 3-3 ) next face the New England Patriots at 4:25 p.m. EDT on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass .
The Rams ( 4-2 ) host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 26 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood , Calif .

1/3
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo completed 23 of 33 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Jimmy Garoppolo bounced back from a poor performance in Week 5 by throwing three touchdowns passes to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. Garoppolo completed 23 of 33 passes for 268 yards in the 24-16 victory at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers quarterback completed just 7 of 17 passes for 77 yards and two interceptions before he was benched last week during a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Advertisement
"You could feel in the locker room throughout the entire week coming into this game," Garoppolo told reporters. "It was a different mindset that everyone had.
"The last couple of weeks before this, no one liked that feeling. It wasn't who we are as a team and I think this week it just kind of got us back right on track."
Advertisement
The 49ers got off to a great start on Sunday. Garoppolo orchestrated a six-play, 76-yard drive on the game's first possession.
He ended the drive with a six-yard touchdown toss to Deebo Samuel. He threw another touchdown pass to tight end George Kittle at the start of the second quarter to give the 49ers a 14-0 lead.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Robert Woods to cut the deficit to 14-6 four minutes into the second quarter. The 49ers responded with a 13-play, 81-yard touchdown drive. Garoppolo threw a touchdown pass to rookie Brandon Aiyuk to cap off that drive.
The Rams opened the second half with a seven-play, 52-yard drive, which ended with a Sam Sloman field goal. Neither team got on the scoreboard for the next 18:39 before 49ers kicker Robbie Gould made a 49-yard field goal with 5:32 remaining.
Goff then led the Rams on a 10-play, 79-yard scoring drive. He ended the drive with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Josh Reynolds for the final points of the game.
Goff completed 19 of 38 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. Kittle had 109 yards and a score on seven catches for San Francisco.
Advertisement
Neither team registered a sack in the NFC West matchup.
"You give credit to the 49ers, they did a nice job, but we made a lot of uncharacteristic decisions," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "We had a lot of our players that we count on that didn't come through in some situations that they typically do, but it's a great learning opportunity for us."
The 49ers (3-3) next face the New England Patriots at 4:25 p.m. EDT on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The Rams (4-2) host the Chicago Bears at 8:15 p.m. EDT on Oct. 26 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.


upi--2020-10-19--Stephen Colbert to host election day special on Showtime

Oct. 19 ( UPI ) -- Stephen Colbert will host a live election day special Nov. 3 on Showtime at @ @ @ @ @ Late Show host will give commentary on the election in the commercial-free special , titled @ @ @ @ @ 2020 : Democracy 's Last Stand : Building Back America Great Again Better 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ Wagner , John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon of Showtime 's political series The Circus , @ @ @ @ @ .
No audience will be present due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Colbert last hosted @ @ @ @ @ on Showtime in 2016 , titled Stephen Colbert 's Live Election Night Democracy Series Finale @ @ @ @ @ Clean Up This [ Expletive ] ?
`` It 's going to be a great @ @ @ @ @ reminded me America has to want to change , '' Colbert said in a statement @

Stephen Colbert will host his second election day special on Showtime, titled "Stephen Colbert's Election Night 2020: Democracy's Last Stand: Building Back America Great Again Better 2020." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Stephen Colbert will host a live election day special Nov. 3 on Showtime at 11 p.m. EDT. The Late Show host will give commentary on the election in the commercial-free special, titled Stephen Colbert's Election Night 2020: Democracy's Last Stand: Building Back America Great Again Better 2020. Advertisement
Charlamagne Tha God and Alex Wagner, John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon of Showtime's political series The Circus, will appear as special guests. No audience will be present due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colbert last hosted a live election day special on Showtime in 2016, titled Stephen Colbert's Live Election Night Democracy Series Finale: Who's Going to Clean Up This [Expletive]?
"It's going to be a great night although my therapist has reminded me America has to want to change," Colbert said in a statement.