upi--2020-11-12--Labor Dept.: More than 700,000 U.S. workers file new unemployment claims

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- More than 700,000 U.S. workers have filed for new unemployment benefits , the Labor @ @ @ @ @ report Thursday .
The report listed 709,000 new claims for the week ending Nov. 7 @ @ @ @ @ from the previous week .
It listed the unemployment rate at 4.6 % , a @ @ @ @ @ a point .
Thursday 's report also revised up last week 's claims by 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ beat expectations .
Most economists expected about 730,000 new claims .
The department said there @ @ @ @ @ claims , which lag initial claims by a week .
Thursday 's is the first @ @ @ @ @ said a week ago that the U.S. economy added about 640,000 jobs during the month @ @ @ @ @ first since former Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Reserve also decided last week to leave key interest rates near zero , a measure @ @ @ @ @ continues to deal with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic .

An unemployed man is seen reading information at the California Employment Development Department office in Canoga Park, Calif., on August 6. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- More than 700,000 U.S. workers have filed for new unemployment benefits, the Labor Department said in its weekly report Thursday. The report listed 709,000 new claims for the week ending Nov. 7, a decrease of 48,000 from the previous week. It listed the unemployment rate at 4.6%, a decline of a third of a point. Advertisement
Thursday's report also revised up last week's claims by 6,000.
The jobless figure slightly beat expectations. Most economists expected about 730,000 new claims.
The department said there are about 6.8 million continuing claims, which lag initial claims by a week.
Thursday's is the first unemployment report since the department said a week ago that the U.S. economy added about 640,000 jobs during the month of October, and the first since former Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
The Federal Reserve also decided last week to leave key interest rates near zero, a measure to aid the economy that continues to deal with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-11-12--WATCH: Flying taxi takes off over Seoul in demonstration flight

SEOUL , Nov. 11 ( UPI ) -- South Korea offered a glimpse of a science-fiction future on Wednesday with a demonstration flight of a two-seat drone taxi in Seoul , as the government outlined ambitious plans to commercialize urban air travel by 2025 .
At an event held next to the Han River near Yeouido , a finance and banking district in the heart of Seoul , a two-seat drone produced by Chinese manufacturer EHang buzzed quietly overhead for about seven minutes at an altitude of over 150 feet .
The eVTOL -- electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounds and can reach speeds up to 80 mph , was loaded with heavy sacks of rice instead of passengers for the flight .
The demonstration was hosted by the Seoul city government and South Korea 's Ministry of Land , Infrastructure and Transport , which is developing a `` K-drone '' air- traffic management system as it plans for a sky that will soon be filled with everything from taxis to delivery drones .
`` We are very happy to introduce drone taxi , the future transportation system , in Seoul for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Seo Jeong-hyup , acting mayor of Seoul .
`` The city government will do its best to ensure that the human dream of flying in the sky is safely settled as a reality for Seoul citizens and to support the future industry of Korea . ''
The event also featured demonstrations of several smaller unmanned package-delivery drones .
MOLIT Vice Minister Son Myung-soo said in a statement the government has created a comprehensive urban air mobility roadmap `` to achieve commercialization by 2025 without any disruptions through collaboration with industry , academia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Son , aerial drones will slash travel times on trips within the Seoul urban area by up to 70 % .
A journey from Yeouido to Incheon International Airport will take less than 20 minutes , as opposed to over an hour by car .
MOLIT projects that a drone taxi fare for the 30-mile trip would be nearly $ 100 , more than twice the cost of a taxi ride .
However , as the market grows and autonomous flight systems are increasingly adopted , the fare could drop to less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drones will play a key role in fighting traffic congestion in dense urban areas and are environmentally friendly , said Seo Jeong-seok , deputy director of the drone transport division at MOLIT , a department that was created last year .
`` Urban air mobility will be good for decarbonizing the economy , '' he said .
`` South Korea is aiming for a complete decarbonization of its transport systems by 2040-2050 . ''
Flying vehicles are also expected to be a big business globally in the coming decades : Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for autonomous urban aircraft could reach $ 1.5 trillion by 2040 .
South Korea 's MOLIT projects the country 's own market to be worth $ 11.6 billion by 2040 , with the industry creating 160,000 jobs .
South Korea is lagging behind drone aircraft developers in Europe and the United States , however .
Uber is planning to launch its aerial ride-sharing service , UberAir , in Dallas , Los Angeles and Melbourne , Australia , in 2023 .
But Korean manufacturers are quickly crowding into the market .
On Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale models of their own eVTOL drone aircraft under development .
Hanwha is aiming for a 2023 prototype release and a 2025 commercial rollout for its five-seat drone , called Butterfly .
Hyundai also showed off a five-seat vehicle , which it is developing in a partnership in Uber and is targeting for mass production in 2028 along with other flying cars .
In the meantime , Seo said that one of the key challenges for the industry will simply be getting future passengers comfortable with the idea of soaring over congested cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makers around the globe need to work together to gain high social acceptance for the vehicles , '' he said .

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A drone taxi flew over Seoul in a demonstration on Wednesday, as the South Korean government outlined ambitious plans to commercialize flying drone taxis by 2025. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- South Korea offered a glimpse of a science-fiction future on Wednesday with a demonstration flight of a two-seat drone taxi in Seoul, as the government outlined ambitious plans to commercialize urban air travel by 2025. At an event held next to the Han River near Yeouido, a finance and banking district in the heart of Seoul, a two-seat drone produced by Chinese manufacturer EHang buzzed quietly overhead for about seven minutes at an altitude of over 150 feet. Advertisement
The eVTOL -- electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicle -- which carries a payload of 485 pounds and can reach speeds up to 80 mph, was loaded with heavy sacks of rice instead of passengers for the flight.
The demonstration was hosted by the Seoul city government and South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which is developing a "K-drone" air- traffic management system as it plans for a sky that will soon be filled with everything from taxis to delivery drones.
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"We are very happy to introduce drone taxi, the future transportation system, in Seoul for the first time in Korea," said Seo Jeong-hyup, acting mayor of Seoul. "The city government will do its best to ensure that the human dream of flying in the sky is safely settled as a reality for Seoul citizens and to support the future industry of Korea."
The event also featured demonstrations of several smaller unmanned package-delivery drones.
MOLIT Vice Minister Son Myung-soo said in a statement the government has created a comprehensive urban air mobility roadmap "to achieve commercialization by 2025 without any disruptions through collaboration with industry, academia and research institutes."
According to Son, aerial drones will slash travel times on trips within the Seoul urban area by up to 70%. A journey from Yeouido to Incheon International Airport will take less than 20 minutes, as opposed to over an hour by car.
MOLIT projects that a drone taxi fare for the 30-mile trip would be nearly $100, more than twice the cost of a taxi ride. However, as the market grows and autonomous flight systems are increasingly adopted, the fare could drop to less than $20, the ministry said.
Drones will play a key role in fighting traffic congestion in dense urban areas and are environmentally friendly, said Seo Jeong-seok, deputy director of the drone transport division at MOLIT, a department that was created last year.
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"Urban air mobility will be good for decarbonizing the economy," he said. "South Korea is aiming for a complete decarbonization of its transport systems by 2040-2050."
Flying vehicles are also expected to be a big business globally in the coming decades: Last year, Morgan Stanley projected that the global market for autonomous urban aircraft could reach $1.5 trillion by 2040.
South Korea's MOLIT projects the country's own market to be worth $11.6 billion by 2040, with the industry creating 160,000 jobs.
South Korea is lagging behind drone aircraft developers in Europe and the United States, however. Uber is planning to launch its aerial ride-sharing service, UberAir, in Dallas, Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia, in 2023.
But Korean manufacturers are quickly crowding into the market. On Wednesday, Hyundai Motors and Hanwha Systems showed off scale models of their own eVTOL drone aircraft under development.
Hanwha is aiming for a 2023 prototype release and a 2025 commercial rollout for its five-seat drone, called Butterfly. Hyundai also showed off a five-seat vehicle, which it is developing in a partnership in Uber and is targeting for mass production in 2028 along with other flying cars.
In the meantime, Seo said that one of the key challenges for the industry will simply be getting future passengers comfortable with the idea of soaring over congested cities in flying drones.
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"All drone makers around the globe need to work together to gain high social acceptance for the vehicles," he said.


upi--2020-11-12--WWE NXT: Leon Ruff shocks Johnny Gargano, Pat McAfee kicks Tyler Breeze

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Leon Ruff scored the biggest win of his career and former NFL star Pat McAfee continued to rule over the black and yellow brand on WWE NXT .
Johnny Gargano sought to end his championship curse on Wednesday by successfully defending his North American Championship against Ruff .
Gargano , every time he wins a championship , is unable to keep it after one match .
Gargano was pitted against Ruff after he spun a wheel filled with potential opponents .
Ruff 's name was suspiciously labeled with tape .
Gargano dominated the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival Damian Priest who was watching the bout from ringside .
Ruff was able to dodge a Superkick from Gargano and placed him in a Crucifix pin to earn the three count in shocking fashion .
Ruff , after a huge upset , became the new North American Champion .
Ruff celebrated with Priest at the top of the entrance ramp .
Priest attempted to place the North American Championship around Ruff 's waist but he was too small with the title sinking down to his feet .
Priest gave Ruff the keys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wrestling Center .
Gargano , highly upset , blamed Priest and yelled at NXT general manager William Regal in the backstage area .
McAfee accompanied his partners Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch as they defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against Tyler Breeze and Fandango who are collectively known as Breezango .
McAfee gave guest commentary during the match and sat next to Pete Dunne .
McAfee , Dunne , Lorcan and Burch have formed a new group that has been dominating NXT in recent weeks .
Dunne and McAfee both got involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distract the referee .
Drake Maverick , looking to avenge his partner Killian Dain , arrived onto the scene and attacked McAfee 's squad .
Fandango was then able to land a top rope Leg Drop but it was n't enough to defeat Lorcan .
Lorcan and Burch nailed Fandango with an Elevated DDT to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships .
McAfee and his crew beat up Maverick before he had Breeze held down on the announcer 's table .
McAfee then delivered a hard punt kick right to Breeze 's head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santos Escobar successfully defending his Cruiserweight Championship against Jake Atlas ; Raquel Gonzalez attacking Boa after he informed her that Xia Li would be unable to compete ; Timothy Thatcher defeating Dexter Lumis following a distraction by Cameron Grimes ; and Candice LeRae defeating Toni Storm by using the ropes for leverage during a pinning attempt .
LeRae was later joined by her masked partner to attack Storm afterwards and Shotzi Blackheart who joined in on the brawl .
The masked assailant was later revealed to be Indi Hartwell .

Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Leon Ruff scored the biggest win of his career and former NFL star Pat McAfee continued to rule over the black and yellow brand on WWE NXT.
Johnny Gargano sought to end his championship curse on Wednesday by successfully defending his North American Championship against Ruff. Gargano, every time he wins a championship, is unable to keep it after one match.
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Gargano was pitted against Ruff after he spun a wheel filled with potential opponents. Ruff's name was suspiciously labeled with tape. Gargano dominated the majority of the match and ran into his rival Damian Priest who was watching the bout from ringside.
Ruff was able to dodge a Superkick from Gargano and placed him in a Crucifix pin to earn the three count in shocking fashion. Ruff, after a huge upset, became the new North American Champion.
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Ruff celebrated with Priest at the top of the entrance ramp. Priest attempted to place the North American Championship around Ruff's waist but he was too small with the title sinking down to his feet.
Priest gave Ruff the keys to his car to escape the Capitol Wrestling Center. Gargano, highly upset, blamed Priest and yelled at NXT general manager William Regal in the backstage area.
McAfee accompanied his partners Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch as they defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against Tyler Breeze and Fandango who are collectively known as Breezango.
McAfee gave guest commentary during the match and sat next to Pete Dunne. McAfee, Dunne, Lorcan and Burch have formed a new group that has been dominating NXT in recent weeks.
Dunne and McAfee both got involved in the match with McAfee attempting to distract the referee. Drake Maverick, looking to avenge his partner Killian Dain, arrived onto the scene and attacked McAfee's squad. Fandango was then able to land a top rope Leg Drop but it wasn't enough to defeat Lorcan.
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Lorcan and Burch nailed Fandango with an Elevated DDT to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships. McAfee and his crew beat up Maverick before he had Breeze held down on the announcer's table. McAfee then delivered a hard punt kick right to Breeze's head.
Other moments from WWE NXT included Santos Escobar successfully defending his Cruiserweight Championship against Jake Atlas; Raquel Gonzalez attacking Boa after he informed her that Xia Li would be unable to compete; Timothy Thatcher defeating Dexter Lumis following a distraction by Cameron Grimes; and Candice LeRae defeating Toni Storm by using the ropes for leverage during a pinning attempt.
LeRae was later joined by her masked partner to attack Storm afterwards and Shotzi Blackheart who joined in on the brawl. The masked assailant was later revealed to be Indi Hartwell.


upi--2020-11-12--Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: Opposing defenses know team's plays

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson says opposing defenses have known and called out some of his team 's plays during games this season .
Jackson made the revelation on Wednesday during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show .
The reigning NFL MVP led a record-setting offense in 2019 , but the team has struggled to return to that level in 2020 .
Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Jackson need to work on terminology changes and adjustments to their play-calling sequences to keep defenses more off-balance going forward .
`` They 're calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Jackson said .
`` They know what we 're doing .
Sometimes stuff wo n't go our way if they 're beating us to the punch . ''
Jackson said he can hear defenders tell each other if the Ravens are about to run or pass to help stop his team 's plays .
Baltimore ( 6-2 ) led the NFL in points scored and had an NFL record 3,296 rushing yards -- 206 rushing yards per game -- in 2019 .
The Ravens rank eighth in points scored and still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but are averaging 170 rushing yards per game this season .
Jackson completed 66.1 percent of his throws for 36 touchdowns and six interceptions and averaged 80.4 rushing yards per game in 2019 .
He also rushed for a total of 1,206 yards in 2019 , a single-season record for a quarterback .
This year , Jackson has completed 62.9 percent of his throws and has thrown 12 touchdowns and four interceptions .
He has averaged 58.6 rushing yards per game .
Jackson said he does n't know how he would rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 've had our ups and our downs , '' Jackson said .
`` It has been alright .
It 's not where we want to be , but we are still winning so it 's alright I guess . ''
The Ravens face the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass .

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) said the team needs to make adjustments on offense to keep defenses off-balance. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson says opposing defenses have known and called out some of his team's plays during games this season. Jackson made the revelation on Wednesday during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. The reigning NFL MVP led a record-setting offense in 2019, but the team has struggled to return to that level in 2020. Advertisement
Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Jackson need to work on terminology changes and adjustments to their play-calling sequences to keep defenses more off-balance going forward.
"They're calling out our plays, stuff like that," Jackson said. "They know what we're doing. Sometimes stuff won't go our way if they're beating us to the punch."
Jackson said he can hear defenders tell each other if the Ravens are about to run or pass to help stop his team's plays.
Baltimore (6-2) led the NFL in points scored and had an NFL record 3,296 rushing yards -- 206 rushing yards per game -- in 2019. The Ravens rank eighth in points scored and still lead the NFL with 1,361 rushing yards, but are averaging 170 rushing yards per game this season.
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Jackson completed 66.1 percent of his throws for 36 touchdowns and six interceptions and averaged 80.4 rushing yards per game in 2019. He also rushed for a total of 1,206 yards in 2019, a single-season record for a quarterback.
This year, Jackson has completed 62.9 percent of his throws and has thrown 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has averaged 58.6 rushing yards per game.
Jackson said he doesn't know how he would rate himself so far in 2020.
"We've had our ups and our downs," Jackson said. "It has been alright. It's not where we want to be, but we are still winning so it's alright I guess."
The Ravens face the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-11-12--Gallup: Americans, households victimized by crime fall to record low

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- The share of Americans who say they or a relative in their household were a victim of a crime in the past year has fallen to its lowest level in at least two decades , Gallup said in a survey Thursday .
Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults in every state and Washington , D.C. , for its analysis on crime victimization rates .
It found that about one in eight respondents ( 13 % ) said they were the victim of one of several types of crime over the last 12 months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said someone in their household had been victimized in that period .
Those who answered yes said they or a relative were victimized by at least one of seven crimes -- burglary , property theft , car theft , vandalism , aggravated theft , physical assault or sexual assault .
Both figures are the lowest Gallup has seen since it began the victimization survey in 2000 .
The previous lows were 22 % for household victims ( 2001 , 2017 ) and 14 % for individuals ( 2006 ) .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a low of 1 % for aggravated theft ( money or property stolen from them by force or threat of force ) to a high of 12 % for simple theft , '' Gallup wrote .
`` All are at or near the low points in Gallup 's trend , with reports of simple theft down five percentage points from its 2016 high and vandalism down four points from its 2015 high . ''
Gallup said COVID-19 may have influenced the low figures , as more people have been staying home and physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , that the victimization rate was falling before the health crisis arrived .
`` What separates 2020 from recent years is that the occurrence of the seven crimes has been concentrated in a more limited number of U.S. households , '' Gallup added .
`` This year , nearly as many Americans ( 9 % ) report their household has been victimized by two or more crimes as say it has been victimized by one ( 11 % ) .
From 2015 to 2019 , the average gap in multiple-crime households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 16 % ) was seven points . ''
Thursday 's survey also showed that declines in victimization rates were seen across a range of demographics , compared to a combined average from 2018 and 2019 .
Both urban ( down 6 % ) and rural residents ( -4 % ) saw a decline in crime , as did low-income ( -6 % ) , middle-income ( -5 % ) and upper-income ( -3 % ) households .
Gallup polled U.S. adults between Sept. 30 and Oct. 15 for the survey , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .

A New York City Police Department vehicle and police tape are seen in downtown Brooklyn during a shooting investigation. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The share of Americans who say they or a relative in their household were a victim of a crime in the past year has fallen to its lowest level in at least two decades, Gallup said in a survey Thursday. Gallup polled more than 1,000 adults in every state and Washington, D.C., for its analysis on crime victimization rates. It found that about one in eight respondents (13%) said they were the victim of one of several types of crime over the last 12 months. Advertisement
Just one in five (20%) said someone in their household had been victimized in that period.
Those who answered yes said they or a relative were victimized by at least one of seven crimes -- burglary, property theft, car theft, vandalism, aggravated theft, physical assault or sexual assault.
Both figures are the lowest Gallup has seen since it began the victimization survey in 2000.
The previous lows were 22% for household victims (2001, 2017) and 14% for individuals (2006).
"The reported incidence of these crimes varies from a low of 1% for aggravated theft (money or property stolen from them by force or threat of force) to a high of 12% for simple theft," Gallup wrote.
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"All are at or near the low points in Gallup's trend, with reports of simple theft down five percentage points from its 2016 high and vandalism down four points from its 2015 high."
Gallup said COVID-19 may have influenced the low figures, as more people have been staying home and physically distancing for several months. Gallup noted, however, that the victimization rate was falling before the health crisis arrived.
"What separates 2020 from recent years is that the occurrence of the seven crimes has been concentrated in a more limited number of U.S. households," Gallup added.
"This year, nearly as many Americans (9%) report their household has been victimized by two or more crimes as say it has been victimized by one (11%). From 2015 to 2019, the average gap in multiple-crime households (9%) and one-crime households (16%) was seven points."
Thursday's survey also showed that declines in victimization rates were seen across a range of demographics, compared to a combined average from 2018 and 2019. Both urban (down 6%) and rural residents (-4%) saw a decline in crime, as did low-income (-6%), middle-income (-5%) and upper-income (-3%) households.
Gallup polled U.S. adults between Sept. 30 and Oct. 15 for the survey, which has a margin of error of 4 points.


upi--2020-11-12--Penn State RB Journey Brown, 21, retires due to heart issue

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Penn State running back Journey Brown has medically retired from football after he was diagnosed with a heart condition .
Brown is 21 years old .
Nittany Lions coach James Franklin announced the move Wednesday when he met with reporters .
Brown then went on social media and explained how he learned of the diagnosis .
The redshirt junior had been held out this season after the school announced in October that a medical condition was discovered .
`` I finally had the opportunity to showcase what I was born to do , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifelong dream of playing in the NFL , '' Brown wrote on social media .
`` Unfortunately , that dream will never be realized as I have been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy , which will force me to medically retire from the game of football . ''
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease that involves the thickening of the heart muscle , which leads to abnormal valve function and may impeded blood flow out of the heart .
The disease can cause shortness of breath , chest pain or issues in the heart 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sudden death or life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms .
`` The pain of not being able to play the game I love anymore hurts and I ca n't explain how I 'm feeling right now , '' Brown wrote .
`` However , I can walk away from the game knowing I truly gave my all at every practice , on every down and in the locker room every day . ''
Franklin said Brown 's disease was discovered through a COVID-19 test , but is not COVID-related .
`` We learned about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been working through this and dealing with this as a team , '' Franklin told reporters .
`` Journey is one of the most popular and respected players on our team .
The entire organization has rallied behind Journey and his family . ''
Brown had a team-high 890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games last season .
He has assisted the team 's coaching staff this season .
The Nittany Lions face Nebraska at noon EST on Saturday in Lincoln , Neb .

Penn State running back Journey Brown (4) led the team in yards and touchdowns last season, but did not play this season after doctors discovered he had a heart disease. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Penn State running back Journey Brown has medically retired from football after he was diagnosed with a heart condition. Brown is 21 years old. Nittany Lions coach James Franklin announced the move Wednesday when he met with reporters. Brown then went on social media and explained how he learned of the diagnosis. The redshirt junior had been held out this season after the school announced in October that a medical condition was discovered. Advertisement
"I finally had the opportunity to showcase what I was born to do, and hopefully set myself up to achieve my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL," Brown wrote on social media.
"Unfortunately, that dream will never be realized as I have been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which will force me to medically retire from the game of football."
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease that involves the thickening of the heart muscle, which leads to abnormal valve function and may impeded blood flow out of the heart. The disease can cause shortness of breath, chest pain or issues in the heart's electrical system, which can lead to sudden death or life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.
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"The pain of not being able to play the game I love anymore hurts and I can't explain how I'm feeling right now," Brown wrote.
"However, I can walk away from the game knowing I truly gave my all at every practice, on every down and in the locker room every day."
Franklin said Brown's disease was discovered through a COVID-19 test, but is not COVID-related.
"We learned about this in early September, and we've been working through this and dealing with this as a team," Franklin told reporters.
"Journey is one of the most popular and respected players on our team. The entire organization has rallied behind Journey and his family."
Brown had a team-high 890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games last season. He has assisted the team's coaching staff this season. The Nittany Lions face Nebraska at noon EST on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.


upi--2020-11-12--AEW Dynamite: Pac returns, MJF officially joins The Inner Circle

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Pac returned to AEW after missing months of action and MJF was inducted into The Inner Circle along with his bodyguard Wardlow on Dynamite .
Pac made a surprise entrance on Wednesday following a match between tag team partners Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo who are collectively known as The Lucha Bros. Eddie Kingston , the leader of a group that includes The Lucha Bros. and The Butcher and The Blade , was giving gust commentary .
Fenix and Miedo got physical and each luchador had their mask ripped opened .
Miedo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Piledriver on the ring apron that was followed by a second Package Piledriver outside the ring and then a third one inside the ring to earn the three count .
Kingston congratulated Miedo , calling him his best friend as he kicked Fenix out of the ring .
Pac then returned and headed straight for the squared circle .
Pac wanted to get his hands on Kingston but AEW officials kept the two grapplers separated .
Pac and The Lucha Bros. had previously formed a team together named Death Triangle before Pac 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his bodyguard Wardlow officially joined Chris Jericho 's Inner Circle which also includes Jake Hager , Santana , Ortiz and Sammy Guevara .
MJF earned placement in the group after he defeated Jericho on Saturday at the Full Gear pay-per-view event .
The Inner Circle held an induction ceremony for MJF .
Guevara , the biggest critic of MJF joining , was not present .
MJF gave a speech and used lyrics from rapper Drake despite denying he knew who Drake was .
MJF also celebrated Jericho 's birthday and gave each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas .
Guevara eventually got a ticket too after he showed up later explaining that MJF had sent him an email about meeting everyone at the beach .
Cody Rhodes , after losing the TNT Championship to Darby Allin at Full Gear , was interrupted by Jade Cargill who made fun of Rhodes and mocked him for how he once referred to himself as a `` giant killer . ''
Cargill said that a real giant and has been awaken , none other than former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal .
Brandi Rhodes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told to leave .
FTW Champion Brian Cage and Ricky Starks of Team Taz ambushed Cody Rhodes from behind before Allin came in for the save along with Will Hobbs .
Other moments from Dynamite included Cage defeating Matt Sydal ; Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall defeating The Butcher and The Blade in a bloody Bunkhouse match ; Shawn Spears defeating Scorpio Sky by using a steel slug ; and Tay Conti defeating Red Velvet .
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will be defending his title against Kenny Omega on Dynamite on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the bout , was suspiciously on the phone and left the arena .

Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Pac returned to AEW after missing months of action and MJF was inducted into The Inner Circle along with his bodyguard Wardlow on Dynamite.
Pac made a surprise entrance on Wednesday following a match between tag team partners Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo who are collectively known as The Lucha Bros.
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Eddie Kingston, the leader of a group that includes The Lucha Bros. and The Butcher and The Blade, was giving gust commentary. Fenix and Miedo got physical and each luchador had their mask ripped opened.
Miedo won the hard-fought battle following a Package Piledriver on the ring apron that was followed by a second Package Piledriver outside the ring and then a third one inside the ring to earn the three count.
Kingston congratulated Miedo, calling him his best friend as he kicked Fenix out of the ring. Pac then returned and headed straight for the squared circle.
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Pac wanted to get his hands on Kingston but AEW officials kept the two grapplers separated. Pac and The Lucha Bros. had previously formed a team together named Death Triangle before Pac's sabbatical.
Also on Dynamite, MJF and his bodyguard Wardlow officially joined Chris Jericho's Inner Circle which also includes Jake Hager, Santana, Ortiz and Sammy Guevara. MJF earned placement in the group after he defeated Jericho on Saturday at the Full Gear pay-per-view event.
The Inner Circle held an induction ceremony for MJF. Guevara, the biggest critic of MJF joining, was not present. MJF gave a speech and used lyrics from rapper Drake despite denying he knew who Drake was.
MJF also celebrated Jericho's birthday and gave each member of The Inner Circle tickets to Las Vegas. Guevara eventually got a ticket too after he showed up later explaining that MJF had sent him an email about meeting everyone at the beach.
Cody Rhodes, after losing the TNT Championship to Darby Allin at Full Gear, was interrupted by Jade Cargill who made fun of Rhodes and mocked him for how he once referred to himself as a "giant killer."
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Cargill said that a real giant and has been awaken, none other than former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal. Brandi Rhodes then came out and confronted Cargill who she told to leave.
FTW Champion Brian Cage and Ricky Starks of Team Taz ambushed Cody Rhodes from behind before Allin came in for the save along with Will Hobbs.
Other moments from Dynamite included Cage defeating Matt Sydal; Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall defeating The Butcher and The Blade in a bloody Bunkhouse match; Shawn Spears defeating Scorpio Sky by using a steel slug; and Tay Conti defeating Red Velvet.
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will be defending his title against Kenny Omega on Dynamite on Dec. 2. Omega, when interviewed about the bout, was suspiciously on the phone and left the arena.


upi--2020-11-12--3 more test positive for COVID-19 after White House event, reports say

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Three more people who attended an Election Night event at the White House , including a key aide to President Donald Trump , have tested positive for COVID-19 , according to news reports .
The New York Times , NBC News and Bloomberg reported that political director Brian Jack , an unidentified White House staffer and a guest Trump supporter tested positive for the coronavirus disease after attending the Nov. 3 party in the East Room of the White House .
Trump ally and political adviser Healy Baumgardner told NBC News she 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the latest in the Trump administration to pick up COVID-19 .
Several others , including Trump and first lady Melania Trump , tested positive last month .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and campaign adviser David Bossie , who is leading Trump 's legal challenges to the election results in several states , have also tested positive recently .
Dozens of top Trump aides , donors and allies -- many not wearing masks or physically distancing -- were seen in the East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , at least 30 administration and campaign officials have tested positive since late September .
More than a dozen who attended a Sept. 26 event at the Rose Garden to introduce Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett later tested positive .
A record 144,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths were added in the United States on Tuesday , according to Johns Hopkins University .

President Donald Trump speaks in the early morning hours after Election Night in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., where a large group of officials, aides and guests gathered to watch election returns on November 4. Experts now say the party may have been a "super spreader" event for COVID-19. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Trump campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski and three other people who attended an election night event at the White House last week have tested positive for COVID-19. The New York Times was the first to report on Lewandowski's diagnosis, which he confirmed to CNBC in a statement Thursday. Advertisement
"I feel great," he told CNBC when asked if he had any symptoms of the virus.
He said he tested positive Wednesday.
In addition to being at the White House on Election Day, Lewandowski took part in a news conference with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The New York Times, NBC News and Bloomberg reported that political director Brian Jack, an unidentified White House staffer and a guest Trump supporter also tested positive for the coronavirus disease after attending the Nov. 3 party in the East Room of the White House.
Trump ally and political adviser Healy Baumgardner told NBC News she's the guest who tested positive.
The trio are the latest in the Trump administration to pick up COVID-19. Several others, including Trump and first lady Melania Trump, tested positive last month.
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White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and campaign adviser David Bossie, who is leading Trump's legal challenges to the election results in several states, have also tested positive.
Dozens of top Trump aides, donors and allies -- many not wearing masks or physically distancing -- were seen in the East Room on election night to watch returns.
So far, at least 30 administration and campaign officials have tested positive since late September. More than a dozen who attended a Sept. 26 event at the Rose Garden to introduce Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett later tested positive.
A record 144,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths were documented in the United States on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.


upi--2020-11-12--Moon Jae-in, Joe Biden vow in phone call to work on North Korea nuclear issues

SEOUL , Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President-elect Joe Biden agreed to cooperate closely to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue during a phone call on Thursday , according to South Korea 's presidential Blue House .
Moon and Biden spoke for 14 minutes on Thursday morning in their first call since the former vice president won last week 's election , Blue House presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok said at a press briefing .
Biden said the United States will `` continue to firmly maintain our defense commitment to South Korea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear issue , '' Kang said .
The president-elect called South Korea `` the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region , '' Kang added .
Moon offered congratulations to the president-elect and said his victory was a reflection of Biden 's `` long experience in government affairs , outstanding leadership and the high expectations of the American people for a clear vision . ''
The South Korean president noted the 70-year alliance between the two countries to defend their shared values of democracy and human rights and said he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Korean Peninsula and the denuclearization of North Korea .
Nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been at a standstill since a summit with Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi , Vietnam , last year failed to produce an agreement .
Inter-Korean relations have also been strained , with North Korea cutting off all communications with the South and blowing up a shared liaison office in June .
Earlier this week , Moon said that the Biden administration will offer an `` environment in which new opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve the atmosphere on the peninsula .
Moon and Biden agreed to work together on global challenges , including climate change and COVID-19 and agreed to meet `` as soon as possible '' after Biden 's inauguration , Kang said .
Biden also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga by phone Thursday and vowed to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance .
He also affirmed Washington 's commitment to defending the Senkaku Islands , a group of uninhabited islets whose sovereignty is disputed by China , Kyodo News reported .
Thursday 's phone calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of conversations he 's had with foreign leaders since his election , including those from Canada , France , Germany , Ireland and Britain .
Biden clinched victory on Saturday after winning a series of battleground states to cross the 270-electoral vote threshold .
Trump , however , has not yet conceded and continues to file lawsuits calling for state recounts and making baseless claims of voter fraud , despite widespread consensus that the election was held fairly .
His administration has also refused to assist with the transition efforts .

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on May 22, 2018. File Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President-elect Joe Biden agreed to cooperate closely to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue during a phone call on Thursday, according to South Korea's presidential Blue House. Moon and Biden spoke for 14 minutes on Thursday morning in their first call since the former vice president won last week's election, Blue House presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok said at a press briefing. Advertisement
Biden said the United States will "continue to firmly maintain our defense commitment to South Korea and cooperate closely to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue," Kang said.
The president-elect called South Korea "the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," Kang added.
Moon offered congratulations to the president-elect and said his victory was a reflection of Biden's "long experience in government affairs, outstanding leadership and the high expectations of the American people for a clear vision."
The South Korean president noted the 70-year alliance between the two countries to defend their shared values of democracy and human rights and said he will communicate with Biden to work toward peace on the Korean Peninsula and the denuclearization of North Korea.
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Nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been at a standstill since a summit with Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, last year failed to produce an agreement.
Inter-Korean relations have also been strained, with North Korea cutting off all communications with the South and blowing up a shared liaison office in June. Earlier this week, Moon said the Biden administration will offer an "environment in which new opportunities and solutions can be found" to improve the atmosphere on the peninsula.
Moon and Biden agreed to work together on global challenges, including climate change and COVID-19 and agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's inauguration, Kang said.
Biden also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga by phone Thursday and vowed to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. He also affirmed Washington's commitment to defending the Senkaku Islands, a group of uninhabited islets whose sovereignty is disputed by China, Kyodo News reported.
Thursday's phone calls by the president-elect were the latest in a series of conversations he's had with foreign leaders since his election, including those from Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and Britain.
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Biden clinched victory on Saturday after winning a series of battleground states to cross the 270-electoral vote threshold.
Trump, however, has not conceded and continues to file lawsuits calling for state recounts and making baseless claims of voter fraud, despite widespread consensus that the election was held fairly. His administration has also refused to assist with the transition efforts.


upi--2020-11-12--WFP: Yemen faces 'looming famine' in era of COVID-19, civil war

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley warned the U.N. Security Council of the `` looming famine '' in war-torn Yemen amid the coronavirus pandemic , urging nations to donate nearly $ 2 billion to avert the impending crisis .
Beasley said the world needs to open its eyes to the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Yemen before it 's too late , and if they turn away , it will collapse into a devastating famine in a number of months .
`` We are on a countdown right now to a catastrophe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday during the U.N. Security Council consultation on the Middle Eastern country .
`` The people have been ravaged by years of conflict-fueled hunger and malnutrition .
Now , there 's a toxic combination taking place of surging violence , a deepening of the economic and currency collapse and COVID-19 is ratcheting up the misery to a whole new level . ''
The civil war , which began in 2015 , has displaced some 3.6 million people with an estimated 24.3 million people , or 80 % of the country 's population , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday .
Beasley said that Yemen has been on the brink of collapse before in 2018 and 2019 , catastrophes that were averted by the help of donors but all the work they have done is now being wiped away and `` once again , famine is knocking on the door . ''
The head of Nobel Prize-winning organization said they have already needed to cut rations to 9 million people in the country who they support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get additional funding they will have to cut rations for an additional 6 million people .
`` And we will run completely out in March , '' he said .
`` And I ca n't even begin to tell you the catastrophe that will be . ''
Beasley said they need authorities to work with them to restore donors ' confidence while needing donors to give more .
`` Let me say this very clearly -- to avert famine for 2021 , we will need $ 1.9 billion , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to death .
We have got to move now and people are going to die if we do n't . ''

A 1-year-old Yemeni girl who is suffering from malnutrition undergoes a medical examination. Photo by Alaa Noman/WFP
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley warned the U.N. Security Council of the "looming famine" in war-torn Yemen amid the coronavirus pandemic, urging nations to donate nearly $2 billion to avert the impending crisis. Beasley said the world needs to open its eyes to the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Yemen before it's too late, and if they turn away, it will collapse into a devastating famine in a number of months. Advertisement
"We are on a countdown right now to a catastrophe in Yemen," he said on Wednesday during the U.N. Security Council consultation on the Middle Eastern country. "The people have been ravaged by years of conflict-fueled hunger and malnutrition. Now, there's a toxic combination taking place of surging violence, a deepening of the economic and currency collapse and COVID-19 is ratcheting up the misery to a whole new level."
The civil war, which began in 2015, has displaced some 3.6 million people with an estimated 24.3 million people, or 80% of the country's population, in need of some sort of assistance, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.
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Beasley said that Yemen has been on the brink of collapse before in 2018 and 2019, catastrophes that were averted by the help of donors but all the work they have done is now being wiped away and "once again, famine is knocking on the door."
The head of Nobel Prize-winning organization said they have already needed to cut rations to 9 million people in the country who they support, and come January if they don't get additional funding they will have to cut rations for an additional 6 million people.
"And we will run completely out in March," he said. "And I can't even begin to tell you the catastrophe that will be."
Beasley said they need authorities to work with them to restore donors' confidence while needing donors to give more.
"Let me say this very clearly -- to avert famine for 2021, we will need $1.9 billion," he said. "We can't nickel and dime this to death. We have got to move now and people are going to die if we don't."


upi--2020-11-12--China condemns opposition resignations as a 'farce,' challenge to authority

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- China condemned the resignation of opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong as `` a farce '' on Thursday , describing the protest as `` a blatant challenge '' to its authority over the former British colony .
On Wednesday , 15 pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmakers resigned in protest against the removal of four colleagues who were disqualified from office by a new law passed by the central government that rules out anyone from public service who has promoted independence or engaged in `` unpatriotic '' acts .
A spokesperson from the central government 's Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass resignation in a statement on Thursday as a challenge to Beijing 's authority and the Basic Law , Hong Kong 's mini constitution in which the principle of `` one country , two systems '' is enshrined that affords the region rights and freedoms the mainland does not enjoy .
The spokesman accused the legislators who in resigning called the new law political suppression of slandering the National People 's Congress and of using their positions `` as a tool of political manipulation . ''
`` This farce fully exposed the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of the public for political self-interest , and once again demonstrated their stubborn stand against the central government , '' the statement said .
The spokesman defended the new law under which legislators Alvin Yeung , Kwok Ka-ki , Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung were unseated , stating public officials `` must meet the statutory conditions and requirements , and offenders must bear legal responsibility . ''
`` These measures are all aimed at maintaining the rule of law and the constitutional order of the [ Hong Kong ] Special Administration Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation of the legislature and social stability , '' the spokesman said .
The spokesman warned the opposition lawmakers from using the situation to reignite pro-democracy protests or to `` beg for intervention from outside forces , '' saying the government is `` unwavering . ''
In July following a year of pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong , China implemented a widely condemned draconian national security law that criminalizes acts that are seen as threatening to China 's national security in the former British colony .
Since its implementation , the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chanted pro-Hong Kong independence songs and waved flags supporting the movement .
Politicians and activists have also been charged under the new law .
Human rights groups see the expulsion of the legislators as a further whittling away of the remaining autonomy Hong Kong has left .
U.S.-based Human Rights Watch described the move as a watershed moment that gives the Hong Kong government the ability to unseat anyone who it disagrees with , turning the semi-democratic Legislative Council `` into a rubber-stamp body . ''
`` Beijing is tearing down the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people in Hong Kong , '' Maya Wang , a senior China researcher for HRW , said in a statement .
`` Now that Beijing has removed even the veneer of democratic rule and autonomy from Hong Kong , other governments should respond with concrete measures . ''
Amnesty International described it as `` a politically motivated attempt to legitimize repression of opposition legislators . ''
Britain 's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called the expulsion of the pro-democracy lawmakers from the LegCo part of Beijing 's `` campaign to harass , stifle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's decision to arbitrarily remove elected pro-democracy Hong Kong legislators from their positions represents a further assault on Hong Kong 's high degree of autonomy and freedoms under the U.K.-China Joint Declaration , '' he said in reference to the agreement that saw Hong Kong return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 .
The United States has taken a hard stance on China over its treatment of Hong Kong , sanctioning high-ranking government officials it holds responsible for degrading the autonomy of the former British colony .
Robert O'Brien , a national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disqualification of the pro-democracy legislators leaves no doubt that the Chinese Communist Party `` flagrantly violated '' its commitments to the international community and to the people of Hong Kong .
He warned China in the statement on Wednesday that the United States will use all the powers at its disposal `` to identify and sanction those responsible for extinguishing Hong Kong 's freedom . ''

China on Thursday condemned the mass resignation of 15 pan-democratic lawmakers who stepped down after Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that four pro-democracy lawmakers had been stripped of their seats in the Legislative Council with immediate effect. Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA-EFE
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- China condemned the resignation of opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong as "a farce" on Thursday, describing the protest as "a blatant challenge" to its authority over the former British colony. On Wednesday, 15 pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmakers resigned in protest against the removal of four colleagues who were disqualified from office by a new law passed by the central government that rules out anyone from public service who has promoted independence or engaged in "unpatriotic" acts. Advertisement
A spokesperson from the central government's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office condemned the mass resignation in a statement on Thursday as a challenge to Beijing's authority and the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini constitution in which the principle of "one country, two systems" is enshrined that affords the region rights and freedoms the mainland does not enjoy.
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The spokesman accused the legislators who resigned of slandering the National People's Congress and of using their positions "as a tool of political manipulation."
"This farce fully exposed the nature of some opposition lawmakers in disregarding the interests of the public for political self-interest, and once again demonstrated their stubborn stand against the central government," the statement said.
The spokesman defended the new law under which legislators Alvin Yeung, Kwok Ka-ki, Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung were unseated, stating public officials "must meet the statutory conditions and requirements, and offenders must bear legal responsibility."
"These measures are all aimed at maintaining the rule of law and the constitutional order of the [Hong Kong] Special Administration Region, and are conducive to the orderly operation of the legislature and social stability," the spokesman said.
The spokesman warned the opposition lawmakers against using the situation to reignite pro-democracy protests or to "beg for intervention from outside forces," saying the government is "unwavering."
The move is expected to further fray relations between the Asian nation and Western democracies with the United States and the European Union warning China that repercussions may follow.
In July following a year of pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong, China implemented a widely condemned draconian national security law that criminalizes acts that are seen as threatening to China in the former British colony. Since its implementation, the law has been used to arrest people who chanted pro-Hong Kong independence songs and waved flags supporting the movement. Politicians and activists have also been charged under the new law.
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Human rights groups see the expulsion of the legislators as a further whittling away of the remaining autonomy Hong Kong has left following the law's imposition.
U.S.-based Human Rights Watch described the move as a watershed moment that gives the Hong Kong government the ability to unseat anyone who it disagrees with, turning the semi-democratic Legislative Council "into a rubber-stamp body."
"Beijing is tearing down the last vestiges of its promise of democracy to the people in Hong Kong," Maya Wang, a senior China researcher for HRW, said in a statement. "Now that Beijing has removed even the veneer of democratic rule and autonomy from Hong Kong, other governments should respond with concrete measures."
Amnesty International described it as "a politically motivated attempt to legitimize repression of opposition legislators."
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called the expulsion of the pro-democracy lawmakers from the LegCo part of Beijing's "campaign to harass, stifle and disqualify democratic opposition."
"China's decision to arbitrarily remove elected pro-democracy Hong Kong legislators from their positions represents a further assault on Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and freedoms under the U.K.-China Joint Declaration," he said in reference to the agreement that saw Hong Kong return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
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On Thursday, Josep Borrell, the high representative of the European Union, demanded China reinstate four legislators and to repeal its new law.
In July, the EU agreed to a package of measures in support of the Hong Kong people, that include halting all negotiations with the Hong Kong government, reviewing members states' agreements and exports with the region, and encouraging encouraging scholarships and academic exchanges for Hong Kong students.
Borrell warned that the union is to meet again before the end of this year to discuss its measures.
"These latest developments will form part of the assessment," he said in a statement.
The United States has taken a harsh stance on China over its treatment of Hong Kong, sanctioning high-ranking government officials it holds responsible for degrading the autonomy of the former British colony -- moves that China has retaliated against with its own sanctions and threats against meddling in its internal affairs.
On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States will hold those responsible from trampling on Hong Kong's freedoms.
"Beijing has eliminated nearly all of Hong Kong's promised autonomy, as it neuters democratic processes and legal traditions that have been the bedrock of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity," he said in a statement. "Once again, the [Chinese Communist Party's] twisted vision of patriotism is a pretext to stifle freedom and the call for democracy."
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Robert O'Brien, President Donald Trump's national security advisor, said the disqualification of the pro-democracy legislators leaves no doubt that the Chinese Communist Party "flagrantly violated" its commitments to the international community and to the people of Hong Kong.
He warned China in the statement on Wednesday that the United States will use all the powers at its disposal "to identify and sanction those responsible for extinguishing Hong Kong's freedom."


upi--2020-11-12--Pre-pregnancy high blood pressure rates rising in U.S., study shows

The number of women entering pregnancy with high blood pressure has nearly doubled in a decade , new research finds .
The study found that 2 % of women living in urban areas and 2.4 % of women living in rural areas had high blood pressure as they started their pregnancies in 2018 .
When the researchers looked back at 2007 , those numbers were 1.1 % and 1.4 % , respectively .
`` High blood pressure complicated nearly 80,000 of the pregnancies studied , and this was n't just older women .
Something concerning that we found was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure in women between 15 and 24 , '' explained study author Dr. Natalie Cameron .
She 's a third-year internal medicine resident at Northwestern University 's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago .
The rates in the youngest women were still lower than in older women , age 40-44 , but all of the age groups saw similar increases in high blood pressure rates between 2007 and 2018 .
The researchers also saw much higher rates of pre-pregnancy high blood pressure -- two to three times higher -- in Black women compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Cameron .
Blood pressure levels going into pregnancy make a difference in the health of mom and baby .
If a mother 's blood pressure is high in pregnancy , she faces a greater risk of complications , such as preeclampsia and preterm labor and delivery .
The risk of kidney problems and ICU admissions is also higher for women with elevated blood pressure in pregnancy , Cameron said .
Mom 's high blood pressure also ups the baby 's odds of complications , such as being born at a lower weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood pressure have an increased risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease later in life , Cameron explained .
The study included data on 50 million expectant mothers in the United States between 2007 and 2018 .
They were between 15 and 44 years old .
According to Cameron , there was n't enough data to explain why these numbers are increasing .
Rising rates of obesity are likely one reason .
Another possibility is a lack of access to health care , especially preventive health care .
She said a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more of a problem for the two groups with higher rates of high blood pressure in this study -- people living in rural areas and Black people .
Dr. Navid Mootabar , chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco , N.Y. , is familiar with the new study .
He said he 's seen an increase in women with higher pre-pregnancy blood pressure .
But , he added , `` It 's unclear what exactly is making the rates go up . ''
Mootabar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care may play a role .
`` A woman 's first exposure to the health care system may be when she 's pregnant , '' he said .
If you 're heading into pregnancy with high blood pressure , Mootabar stressed the importance of good blood pressure management .
`` If you have high blood pressure , get preconception counseling , if you can .
Try to make sure your blood pressure is optimally controlled and that you have good heart and kidney function before pregnancy , '' he said .
Both Mootabar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for controlling blood pressure during pregnancy .
But what 's best `` is preventing high blood pressure in the first place , '' Mootabar said .
Cameron agreed .
`` I would encourage all women to establish a relationship with a primary care provider and talk about preventive measures to stay healthy throughout your lifetime .
Learn to follow an optimal diet and get some activity in every day .
This not only extends your life , but also your quality of life , '' she said .
Cameron is scheduled to present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heart Association 's virtual Scientific Sessions .
Findings presented at meetings are typically viewed as preliminary until they 've been peer-reviewed .
Learn more about high blood pressure and women from the American Heart Association .

The number of women entering pregnancy with high blood pressure has nearly doubled in a decade, new research finds.
The study found that 2% of women living in urban areas and 2.4% of women living in rural areas had high blood pressure as they started their pregnancies in 2018. When the researchers looked back at 2007, those numbers were 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively.
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"High blood pressure complicated nearly 80,000 of the pregnancies studied, and this wasn't just older women. Something concerning that we found was that there was an increase in high blood pressure in women between 15 and 24," explained study author Dr. Natalie Cameron.
She's a third-year internal medicine resident at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
The rates in the youngest women were still lower than in older women, age 40-44, but all of the age groups saw similar increases in high blood pressure rates between 2007 and 2018.
Advertisement
The researchers also saw much higher rates of pre-pregnancy high blood pressure -- two to three times higher -- in Black women compared to White and Hispanic women, according to Cameron.
Blood pressure levels going into pregnancy make a difference in the health of mom and baby. If a mother's blood pressure is high in pregnancy, she faces a greater risk of complications, such as preeclampsia and preterm labor and delivery.
The risk of kidney problems and ICU admissions is also higher for women with elevated blood pressure in pregnancy, Cameron said.
Mom's high blood pressure also ups the baby's odds of complications, such as being born at a lower weight.
Babies born to women with high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease later in life, Cameron explained.
The study included data on 50 million expectant mothers in the United States between 2007 and 2018. They were between 15 and 44 years old.
According to Cameron, there wasn't enough data to explain why these numbers are increasing. Rising rates of obesity are likely one reason. Another possibility is a lack of access to health care, especially preventive health care.
She said a lack of access to health care tends to be more of a problem for the two groups with higher rates of high blood pressure in this study -- people living in rural areas and Black people.
Advertisement
Dr. Navid Mootabar, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y., is familiar with the new study.
He said he's seen an increase in women with higher pre-pregnancy blood pressure. But, he added, "It's unclear what exactly is making the rates go up."
Mootabar also suspected that a lack of preventive care may play a role. "A woman's first exposure to the health care system may be when she's pregnant," he said.
If you're heading into pregnancy with high blood pressure, Mootabar stressed the importance of good blood pressure management.
"If you have high blood pressure, get preconception counseling, if you can. Try to make sure your blood pressure is optimally controlled and that you have good heart and kidney function before pregnancy," he said.
Both Mootabar and Cameron said there are safe options for controlling blood pressure during pregnancy.
But what's best "is preventing high blood pressure in the first place," Mootabar said.
Cameron agreed. "I would encourage all women to establish a relationship with a primary care provider and talk about preventive measures to stay healthy throughout your lifetime. Learn to follow an optimal diet and get some activity in every day. This not only extends your life, but also your quality of life," she said.
Advertisement
Cameron is scheduled to present the study on Friday at the American Heart Association's virtual Scientific Sessions. Findings presented at meetings are typically viewed as preliminary until they've been peer-reviewed.
Learn more about high blood pressure and women from the American Heart Association.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-11-12--On This Day, Nov. 12: Akihito installed as emperor of Japan

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1892 , the first professional football game was played in Pittsburgh .
The Allegheny Athletic Association defeated the Pittsburgh Athletic Club , 4-0 .
Touchdowns at the time were worth 4 points .
In 1893 , the Durand Line which marks the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan was agreed to by Sir Mortimer Durand , a British diplomat in British India , and the Afghan Amir Abdur Rahman Khan .
In 1927 , Joseph Stalin consolidated power in the Soviet Union following the expulsion of Leon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 1936 , President Franklin Roosevelt pressed the Presidential Gold Key to officially open the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge .
In 1941 , the German army 's drive to take Moscow was halted on the city 's outskirts in World War II .
In 1948 , a war crimes tribunal in Japan sentenced former premier Hideki Tojo and six other World War II Japanese leaders to death by hanging .
Tojo survived a suicide attempt three years earlier days after Japan had surrendered .
In 1954 , after processing more than 12 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island closed its doors for the last time .
In 1980 , the Voyager 1 spacecraft passed Saturn and sent back stunning pictures .
In 1982 , former KGB chief Yuri Andropov succeeded the late Leonid Brezhnev as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party .
In 1990 , Akihito was installed as the 125th emperor of Japan .
In 1997 , Ramzi Ahmed Yousef and Eyad Ismoil were convicted of involvement in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York .
They were sentenced to life in prison .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also received life sentences .
In 2001 , an American Airlines Airbus A300 crashed shortly after takeoff from JFK Airport in New York , killing 265 people , including five on the ground .
In 2011 , Silvio Berlusconi , longest serving Italian prime minister since Benito Mussolini , announced his resignation after the lower house of Parliament passed economic policies demanded by the European Union .
In 2017 , a 7.3-magnitude earthquake near the Iran-Iraq border left more than 600 people dead .
In 2019 , Major League Baseball opened an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former pitcher Mike Fiers , reported that the Houston Astros stole signs during its championship 2017 season .

1/5
Japanese Emperor Akihito officially declares the opening of the Extraordinary Diet session in Tokyo on September 28, 2006. On November 12, 1990, Akihito was installed as the 125th emperor of Japan. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1892, the first professional football game was played in Pittsburgh. The Allegheny Athletic Association defeated the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, 4-0. Touchdowns at the time were worth 4 points. Advertisement
In 1893, the Durand Line which marks the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan was agreed to by Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat in British India, and the Afghan Amir Abdur Rahman Khan.
In 1927, Joseph Stalin consolidated power in the Soviet Union following the expulsion of Leon Trotsky from the Soviet Communist Party.
In 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt pressed the Presidential Gold Key to officially open the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
In 1941, the German army's drive to take Moscow was halted on the city's outskirts in World War II.
In 1948, a war crimes tribunal in Japan sentenced former premier Hideki Tojo and six other World War II Japanese leaders to death by hanging. Tojo survived a suicide attempt three years earlier days after Japan had surrendered.
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In 1954, after processing more than 12 million immigrants, the immigration station at Ellis Island closed its doors for the last time.
In 1980, the Voyager 1 spacecraft passed Saturn and sent back stunning pictures.
In 1982, former KGB chief Yuri Andropov succeeded the late Leonid Brezhnev as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party.
In 1990, Akihito was installed as the 125th emperor of Japan.
In 1997, Ramzi Ahmed Yousef and Eyad Ismoil were convicted of involvement in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York. They were sentenced to life in prison. Four others had been convicted in 1994 and also received life sentences.
In 2001, an American Airlines Airbus A300 crashed shortly after takeoff from JFK Airport in New York, killing 265 people, including five on the ground.
File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
In 2011, Silvio Berlusconi, longest serving Italian prime minister since Benito Mussolini, announced his resignation after the lower house of Parliament passed economic policies demanded by the European Union.
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In 2017, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake near the Iran-Iraq border left more than 600 people dead.
In 2019, Major League Baseball opened an investigation after multiple team sources, including former pitcher Mike Fiers, reported that the Houston Astros stole signs during its championship 2017 season.


upi--2020-11-12--Fantasy football: DeShaun Watson, Aaron Rodgers top Week 10 quarterback rankings

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans tops my Week 10 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2020 .
Aaron Rodgers , Kyler Murray , Josh Allen and Drew Brees round out my Top 5 options for Week 10 .
Justin Herbert , Russell Wilson , Tom Brady , Jared Goff and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10 .
I also would consider starting Baker Mayfield or Tua Tagovailoa this week if you are desperate at the position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kansas City Chiefs , New York Jets , Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons players should be removed from all starting lineups , as those teams have Week 10 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 10 matchup .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's top 20 quarterback rankings : Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans got off to a sluggish start , but have started to turn around their season from an offensive standpoint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ player as he has averaged the fourth-most points among quarterbacks over his last four games .
He is my top option this week as the Texans face a Cleveland Browns defense that is tied for allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position .
I expect a 300-yard , three-touchdown performance from Watson in Week 10 .
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown 24 touchdown passes and just two interceptions this season .
He also has been one of the most reliable fantasy football quarterbacks in 2020 .
Rodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 10 , when the Packers host a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
He should continue to pepper top target Davante Adams with targets and get the Packers other weapons involved for another elite performance on Sunday at Lambeau Field .
Justin Herbert could be a fantasy football league winner this year for team owners who had the foresight to pluck him off the waiver wire or add him in free agency .
The Los Angeles Chargers rookie has averaged the second-most fantasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four games , trailing only Kyler Murray .
Herbert has now thrown at least two touchdown passes in five consecutive games .
He also has averaged over 330 passing yards per game in his seven starts .
Herbert is my No .
6 option for Week 10 .
He has a tough road matchup against the Miami Dolphins , but I expect the game to be a shootout , which should allow Herbert to produce a solid fantasy point total .
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff is my No .
9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least two touchdown passes in five of six games before he was held without a touchdown toss in Week 9 .
He should rebound this week when the Rams face a Seattle Seahawks defense that has allowed the most passing yards and most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
I expect Goff to throw at least two touchdown passes and eclipse 300 yards in this NFC West matchup .
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield came off the team 's reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday and is set to start against the Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is my No .
14 option and is a borderline QB1 due to his matchup .
I would use Mayfield as a bye week fill in or a streamer as he faces a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks , Mayfield has thrown at least two touchdown passes in five of his last seven games .
He has a great shot to do that again in Week 10 .
Miami Dolphins rookie Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes in his second career start in Week 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out a bit more in Week 10 when they face a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
You should only start Tagovailoa if you are desperate at the position .
He lands at No .
15 in my rankings and is a high-upside option if you need a bye week fill in .

1/3
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been an elite fantasy football option over his last four games and should continue that trend in Week 10. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans tops my Week 10 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2020. Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, Josh Allen and Drew Brees round out my Top 5 options for Week 10. Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, Jared Goff and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10. Advertisement
I also would consider starting Baker Mayfield or Tua Tagovailoa this week if you are desperate at the position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule. Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons players should be removed from all starting lineups, as those teams have Week 10 byes.
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 10 matchup.
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Here are some of my favorite players in this week's top 20 quarterback rankings:
TOP SHELF
Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans got off to a sluggish start, but have started to turn around their season from an offensive standpoint. Watson is now a must-start fantasy football player as he has averaged the fourth-most points among quarterbacks over his last four games.
He is my top option this week as the Texans face a Cleveland Browns defense that is tied for allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. I expect a 300-yard, three-touchdown performance from Watson in Week 10.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown 24 touchdown passes and just two interceptions this season. He also has been one of the most reliable fantasy football quarterbacks in 2020.
Rodgers is my No. 2 option for Week 10, when the Packers host a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
He should continue to pepper top target Davante Adams with targets and get the Packers other weapons involved for another elite performance on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Justin Herbert could be a fantasy football league winner this year for team owners who had the foresight to pluck him off the waiver wire or add him in free agency. The Los Angeles Chargers rookie has averaged the second-most fantasy points per game among quarterbacks over his last four games, trailing only Kyler Murray.
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Herbert has now thrown at least two touchdown passes in five consecutive games. He also has averaged over 330 passing yards per game in his seven starts.
Herbert is my No. 6 option for Week 10. He has a tough road matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but I expect the game to be a shootout, which should allow Herbert to produce a solid fantasy point total.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff is my No. 9 play this week. Goff had thrown at least two touchdown passes in five of six games before he was held without a touchdown toss in Week 9.
He should rebound this week when the Rams face a Seattle Seahawks defense that has allowed the most passing yards and most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
I expect Goff to throw at least two touchdown passes and eclipse 300 yards in this NFC West matchup.
LONGSHOTS
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield came off the team's reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday and is set to start against the Houston Texans on Sunday in Cleveland.
Mayfield is my No. 14 option and is a borderline QB1 due to his matchup. I would use Mayfield as a bye week fill in or a streamer as he faces a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks,
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Mayfield has thrown at least two touchdown passes in five of his last seven games. He has a great shot to do that again in Week 10.
Miami Dolphins rookie Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes in his second career start in Week 9. I expect the Dolphins to air it out a bit more in Week 10 when they face a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
You should only start Tagovailoa if you are desperate at the position. He lands at No. 15 in my rankings and is a high-upside option if you need a bye week fill in.
Week 10 fantasy football quarterback rankings
1. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans at CLE
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. JAX
3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals vs. BUF
4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills at ARI
5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. SF
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers at MIA
7. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks at LAR
8. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at CAR
9. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams vs. SEA
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CIN
11. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens at NE
12. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles at NYG
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13. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions vs. WAS
14. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns vs. HOU
15. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins vs. LAC
16. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders vs. DEN
17. Drew Lock, Denver Broncos at LV
18. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals at PIT
19. Daniel Jones, New York Giants vs. PHI
20. Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers vs. TB
This week in the National Football League
The New Orleans Saints' Jared Cook grabs a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead during the first half at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla, on Sunday. Photo by Steve Nesius/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-11-12--'Chick Fight' star Malin Akerman: ‘We love to root for an underdog’

NEW YORK , Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Watchmen and Billions star Malin Akerman thinks her new action comedy movie , Chick Fight , might comfort and inspire people pummeled by a tumultuous 2020 .
`` I 'm sad that we are in this time , but I am glad that we can bring levity and , hopefully , some laughs to people in their homes , '' Akerman told UPI in a recent phone interview .
`` We love to root for the underdog , and I think , at its core , the film is about sisterhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I 've definitely experienced that in my life when I 've had hardships and been able to lean on girlfriends .
I think a lot of times women are portrayed as catty toward one another , and I think it 's so important that we stick together . ''
Directed by Paul Leydon in Puerto Rico over about three weeks , Chick Fight is set to premiere on digital and video-on-demand platforms Friday .
At the center of the story is Anna , a down-on-her-luck woman who earns back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose at an underground fight club for women .
Bella Thorne plays her nemesis , Olivia ; Dulce Sloan plays her best friend , Charleen ; Fortune Feimster plays the club 's referee , Bear ; Alec Baldwin plays Anna 's drunk trainer , Jack ; and Kevin Connolly plays Anna 's love interest , Dr. Roy .
`` This is breaking the mold a little bit , '' Akerman said , noting how the film shows women working out their problems in a way that is not often seen on the screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that outlet right now , '' she laughed .
The role was physically demanding , requiring the actress to train for weeks in the gym and work with stunt coordinators .
`` I love a good challenge when it comes to physical acting .
It also gives me an opportunity to not have to learn lines , '' Ackerman joked .
`` This 42-year-old body was getting beat up .
I had to stay strong . ''
Fight scenes were shot slowly in pieces and from clever camera angles to make the brawling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping the actors safe .
Stunt performers filled in for the most dangerous moves .
`` Bella and I were focused , and none of us wanted to hurt each other , so we did this dance together and it worked out well , '' Akerman said .
The January film shoot was a quick one , far from home , so the cast and crew became close since they were always together .
Two months later , the coronavirus pandemic struck , shutting down film and TV productions and keeping people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It felt great that we got some of that physicality out and got to bond with good friends , '' Akerman said .
`` It was almost like a wrap party for the next few months .
I was surprised by how quickly [ the filmmakers ] turned it around and I 'm so glad that it 's coming out the same year that we shot it . ''
Feimster , a standup comedian also known for her roles in The Mindy Project and Office Christmas Party , joined Chick Fight because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having worked with her previously on the movie Friendsgiving .
`` I love the idea of any movie that stars women .
We do n't get the opportunity to do that a lot and I love the idea that it was this female fight club -- certainly not based on the regular fight club movie , '' Feimster said , referring to the 1999 Brad Pitt-Edward Norton cult classic , Fight Club .
The character of Bear also was a draw for Feimster .
`` I liked that she was this referee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' I 'm not as tough as maybe this character is , but I certainly can give it some spunk . '
I did like that I would only be fighting one fight and mostly just refereeing , '' she said .
Bear also has a supportive den mother side to her .
`` She 's the one that 's making sure that people are following some sort of rules and that they are not going too far , '' Feimster said .
`` She , obviously , has this history with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those traditions and make sure the new people respect those traditions .
`` She 's just sort of looking out for everybody .
I like that sort of tough nurturer . ''
Before she got the job , Feimster was required to submit to the filmmakers a video showing off her fighting skills .
`` I 'm sure it was pathetic .
I remember my now-wife laughing at me while we were filming it and I was like , 'This is not the response my fighting is supposed to bring out in you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of making the movie cemented Feimster 's respect for women fighters and stunt performers .
Although she admires their skills , Feimster knows fighting is not the hobby for her since she admits to overreacting to the slightest injury .
`` So , the idea of getting punched in the face or kicked does not appeal to me whatsoever .
I like the pretend part of it , '' she said , noting she thinks hitting a heavy bag could be cathartic in expelling negative emotions .
`` Anything that does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into , '' she said .
While coronavirus was n't a fear when they made the film , the cast and crew frequently wore face masks because they were working in an old building and equipment was sometimes running in close quarters .
`` We all just remember thinking how crazy it is that we 're wearing masks every day and then cut to a month later and that was the norm , '' Feimster said .
Like Akerman , she hopes Chick Fight offers a boost to viewers who have been experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy the movies where people find their voice and find their power and , certainly , you have that in this movie , '' Feimster said .
`` When you watch this movie , not only are you seeing this cool journey with Malin 's character , but the fight scenes are so good and so cool .
...
The best part is seeing women kick butt . ''

1/3
Malin Akerman's "Chick Fight" will be available on digital and video-on-demand platforms Friday. Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
NEW YORK, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Watchmen and Billions star Malin Akerman thinks her new action comedy movie, Chick Fight, might comfort and inspire people pummeled by a tumultuous 2020. "I'm sad that we are in this time, but I am glad that we can bring levity and, hopefully, some laughs to people in their homes," Akerman told UPI in a recent phone interview. Advertisement
"We love to root for the underdog, and I think, at its core, the film is about sisterhood and holding each other up," she said.
"I've definitely experienced that in my life when I've had hardships and been able to lean on girlfriends. I think a lot of times women are portrayed as catty toward one another, and I think it's so important that we stick together."
Directed by Paul Leydon in Puerto Rico over about three weeks, Chick Fight is set to premiere on digital and video-on-demand platforms Friday.
Advertisement
At the center of the story is Anna, a down-on-her-luck woman who earns back her confidence and discovers a sense of purpose at an underground fight club for women.
Bella Thorne plays her nemesis, Olivia; Dulce Sloan plays her best friend, Charleen; Fortune Feimster plays the club's referee, Bear; Alec Baldwin plays Anna's drunk trainer, Jack; and Kevin Connolly plays Anna's love interest, Dr. Roy.
"This is breaking the mold a little bit," Akerman said, noting how the film shows women working out their problems in a way that is not often seen on the screen.
"We could probably all use that outlet right now," she laughed.
The role was physically demanding, requiring the actress to train for weeks in the gym and work with stunt coordinators.
"I love a good challenge when it comes to physical acting. It also gives me an opportunity to not have to learn lines," Ackerman joked. "This 42-year-old body was getting beat up. I had to stay strong."
Fight scenes were shot slowly in pieces and from clever camera angles to make the brawling look difficult and gritty, while also keeping the actors safe. Stunt performers filled in for the most dangerous moves.
Advertisement
"Bella and I were focused, and none of us wanted to hurt each other, so we did this dance together and it worked out well," Akerman said.
The January film shoot was a quick one, far from home, so the cast and crew became close since they were always together.
Two months later, the coronavirus pandemic struck, shutting down film and TV productions and keeping people at home all over the world.
"It felt great that we got some of that physicality out and got to bond with good friends," Akerman said. "It was almost like a wrap party for the next few months. I was surprised by how quickly [the filmmakers] turned it around and I'm so glad that it's coming out the same year that we shot it."
Feimster, a standup comedian also known for her roles in The Mindy Project and Office Christmas Party, joined Chick Fight because the script was hilarious and she liked Akerman, having worked with her previously on the movie Friendsgiving.
"I love the idea of any movie that stars women. We don't get the opportunity to do that a lot and I love the idea that it was this female fight club -- certainly not based on the regular fight club movie," Feimster said, referring to the 1999 Brad Pitt-Edward Norton cult classic, Fight Club.
Advertisement
The character of Bear also was a draw for Feimster.
"I liked that she was this referee that was tough. I told them, 'I'm not as tough as maybe this character is, but I certainly can give it some spunk.' I did like that I would only be fighting one fight and mostly just refereeing," she said.
Bear also has a supportive den mother side to her.
"She's the one that's making sure that people are following some sort of rules and that they are not going too far," Feimster said. "She, obviously, has this history with the club and wants to carry on those traditions and make sure the new people respect those traditions.
"She's just sort of looking out for everybody. I like that sort of tough nurturer."
Before she got the job, Feimster was required to submit to the filmmakers a video showing off her fighting skills.
"I'm sure it was pathetic. I remember my now-wife laughing at me while we were filming it and I was like, 'This is not the response my fighting is supposed to bring out in you,'" she recalled.
The experience of making the movie cemented Feimster's respect for women fighters and stunt performers.
Advertisement
Although she admires their skills, Feimster knows fighting is not the hobby for her since she admits to overreacting to the slightest injury.
"So, the idea of getting punched in the face or kicked does not appeal to me whatsoever.
I like the pretend part of it," she said, noting she thinks hitting a heavy bag could be cathartic in expelling negative emotions.
"Anything that doesn't hit back basically, I would be into," she said.
While coronavirus wasn't a fear when they made the film, the cast and crew frequently wore face masks because they were working in an old building and equipment was sometimes running in close quarters.
"We all just remember thinking how crazy it is that we're wearing masks every day and then cut to a month later and that was the norm," Feimster said.
Like Akerman, she hopes Chick Fight offers a boost to viewers who have been experiencing a rough year.
"I always enjoy the movies where people find their voice and find their power and, certainly, you have that in this movie," Feimster said.
"When you watch this movie, not only are you seeing this cool journey with Malin's character, but the fight scenes are so good and so cool. ... The best part is seeing women kick butt."


upi--2020-11-12--Los Angeles Angels hire Atlanta Braves' Perry Minasian as general manager

Nov. 12 ( UPI ) -- Atlanta Braves assistant general manager Perry Minasian was hired as the Los Angeles Angels ' next GM , the franchise announced Thursday .
Minasian 's deal , which makes him the 13th general manager in Angels history , is for four years , according to the team .
He will be officially introduced in a press conference Tuesday .
`` After an expansive process , we are thrilled to announce Perry as our general manager , '' Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement .
`` His background in scouting and player development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction were the leading factors in our decision .
`` We are proud to welcome Perry , his wife , Michelle , and their four children to the Angels family . ''
The 40-year-old Minasian was one of two finalists for the Angels ' GM job .
He beat out Seattle Mariners assistant general manager Justin Hollander , who previously worked for the Angels for nine years .
Minasian replaces former general manager Billy Eppler , who was fired by the Angels in late September after the club 's fifth consecutive losing season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualified for the playoffs only once .
Minasian will be tasked with guiding the Angels to the postseason for the first time since 2014 .
`` I am humbled and honored to lead the baseball operations of the Los Angeles Angels , '' Minasian said in a statement .
`` I am grateful to Arte Moreno , [ Angels ] president John Carpino , and the entire Angels family for this opportunity .
My family and I could n't be more excited to be a part of this community . ''
Braves executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Since that year , he has served as Anthopoulos ' right-hand man .
Atlanta won the NL East in each of Minasian 's three seasons with the organization .

Perry Minasian replaces former Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler (C), who was fired by the Angels in late September after the club's fifth consecutive losing season. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Atlanta Braves assistant general manager Perry Minasian was hired as the Los Angeles Angels' next GM, the franchise announced Thursday. Minasian's deal, which makes him the 13th general manager in Angels history, is for four years, according to the team. He will be officially introduced in a press conference Tuesday. Advertisement
"After an expansive process, we are thrilled to announce Perry as our general manager," Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. "His background in scouting and player development along with his unique understanding of roster construction were the leading factors in our decision.
"We are proud to welcome Perry, his wife, Michelle, and their four children to the Angels family."
The 40-year-old Minasian was one of two finalists for the Angels' GM job. He beat out Seattle Mariners assistant general manager Justin Hollander, who previously worked for the Angels for nine years.
Minasian replaces former general manager Billy Eppler, who was fired by the Angels in late September after the club's fifth consecutive losing season. Since 2009, the Angels have qualified for the playoffs only once.
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Minasian will be tasked with guiding the Angels to the postseason for the first time since 2014.
"I am humbled and honored to lead the baseball operations of the Los Angeles Angels," Minasian said in a statement. "I am grateful to Arte Moreno, [Angels] president John Carpino, and the entire Angels family for this opportunity. My family and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this community."
Braves executive Alex Anthopoulos hired Minasian before the 2018 season. Since that year, he has served as Anthopoulos' right-hand man. Atlanta won the NL East in each of Minasian's three seasons with the organization.