upi--2020-10-16--Carter Center details its first-ever monitoring of an American election

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Carter Center , which Jimmy Carter started after his presidency in part to assure fair elections in the developing world , is making explicit its plan for watchdogging an American contest for the first time .
The organization has unveiled one video explaining the basics of voting rights and balloting logistics , and another video encouraging patience if the presidential result is not known soon after the voting stops Nov. 3 because millions of mailed ballots will still need to be counted .
It 's also finalizing arrangements for unprecedented on-the-ground observation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppression , in neighborhoods surrounding the center 's Atlanta headquarters and in other mostly Southern states .
The details underscore the degree of concern by human rights organizations about the adequacy of months of preparation for a safe and comprehensive Election Day that yields trustworthy results .
The Carter Center has monitored 111 elections in 39 countries since the 1980s and decided after the party conventions in August that the presidential contest merited similar treatment , citing a `` backsliding '' of American democracy that started a decade ago and has accelerated during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on places where democracy is either poised to take a step forward or in danger of taking a step backward , '' the head of the nonprofit 's democracy program , David Carroll , wrote last week in sketching some of the coming efforts on the center 's website .
He said the nations where election observers have gone before almost all have domestic stresses similar to those in the United States now : `` Countries characterized by political polarization , ethnic or racial divisions and fears that election results wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Since the center made the decision only six weeks ago , it decided it would be too ambitious to deploy volunteer observers nationwide -- in part because that would require getting permission from as many as 10,000 election administering jurisdictions , many of which would likely resist on the grounds that the monitors would have partisan bias because the former president is a Democrat .
President Donald Trump , who is trailing in the polls to former Vice President Joe Biden , has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the election and refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power if he 's defeated -- mainly by alleging , without evidence , that an unprecedented use of absentee ballots in response to the coronavirus pandemic will assure widespread fraud .
Carter co-chaired a bipartisan commission that in 2005 described mail-in ballots as the easiest way to commit election fraud .
But in May he announced he had changed his mind because the steady expansion in remote voting , and improved ballot security , had proved the process almost immune to cheating .
The former president reiterated that view last month after both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House cited the 15-year-old report in efforts to discredit the practice .
`` I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years , '' Carter said .
Part of the Carter Center 's work this fall has been collaborating with the National Vote at Home Institute on a report on how local election officials can make the absentee ballot process more transparent -- and with the National Conference of State Legislatures on a report explaining election observer rules in all 50 states .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall are Côte d'Ivoire , Myanmar and Bolivia .
Carter turned 96 two weeks ago and is the oldest person ever to have been president .
He was defeated by Ronald Reagan after a single term in 1980 and he and his wife , Rosalynn , started the humanitarian , peacekeeping and global democracy promotion organization two years later .
This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum .

Former President Jimmy Carter's Carter Center has monitored 111 elections in 39 countries since the 1980s and decided after the party conventions in August that the presidential contest merited similar treatment, citing a "backsliding" of American democracy. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The Carter Center, which Jimmy Carter started after his presidency in part to assure fair elections in the developing world, is making explicit its plan for watchdogging an American contest for the first time. The organization has unveiled one video explaining the basics of voting rights and balloting logistics, and another video encouraging patience if the presidential result is not known soon after the voting stops Nov. 3 because millions of mailed ballots will still need to be counted. It's working to help states and counties nationwide improve voter education and election transparency. And it's finalizing arrangements for "targeted observation efforts" mainly in Georgia, where the center is headquartered and which has a history of voter suppression and controversy over results tabulation. Advertisement
The details underscore the degree of concern by human rights organizations about the adequacy of months of preparation for a safe and comprehensive Election Day that yields trustworthy results.
Advertisement
The Carter Center has monitored 111 elections in 39 countries since the 1980s and decided after the party conventions in August that the presidential contest merited similar treatment, citing a "backsliding" of American democracy that started a decade ago and has accelerated during the Trump administration.
"We've focused on places where democracy is either poised to take a step forward or in danger of taking a step backward," the head of the nonprofit's democracy program, David Carroll, wrote last week in sketching some of the coming efforts on the center's website. He said the nations where election observers have gone before almost all have domestic stresses similar to those in the United States now: "Countries characterized by political polarization, ethnic or racial divisions and fears that election results won't be accepted or seen as credible."
Since the center made the decision only six weeks ago, it decided it would be too ambitious to deploy volunteer observers nationwide -- in part because that would require getting permission from as many as 10,000 election administering jurisdictions, many of which would likely resist on the grounds that the monitors would have partisan bias because the former president is a Democrat.
Advertisement
President Donald Trump, who is trailing in the polls to former Vice President Joe Biden, has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the election and refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he's defeated -- mainly by alleging, without evidence, that an unprecedented use of absentee ballots in response to the coronavirus pandemic will assure widespread fraud.
Carter co-chaired a bipartisan commission that in 2005 described mail-in ballots as the easiest way to commit election fraud. But in May he announced he had changed his mind because the steady expansion in remote voting, and improved ballot security, had proved the process almost immune to cheating.
The former president reiterated that view last month after both Attorney General William Barr and the White House cited the 15-year-old report in efforts to discredit the practice. "I approve the use of absentee ballots and have been using them for more than five years," Carter said.
Part of the Carter Center's work this fall has been collaborating with the National Vote at Home Institute on a report on how local election officials can make the absentee ballot process more transparent -- and with the National Conference of State Legislatures on a report explaining election observer rules in all 50 states.
Advertisement
The other nations where Carter elections teams are working this fall are Côte d'Ivoire, Myanmar and Bolivia.
Carter turned 96 two weeks ago and is the oldest person ever to have been president. He was defeated by Ronald Reagan after a single term in 1980 and he and his wife, Rosalynn, started the humanitarian, peacekeeping and global democracy promotion organization two years later.
This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum. The headline and story were updated Oct. 18 to more accurately reflect the group's plans.


upi--2020-10-16--Watch: Josh Gad announces 'Wayne's World' reunion on 'Kimmel'

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- Josh Gad announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that his Reunited Apart YouTube series will feature a Wayne 's World reunion .
`` I was n't going to do this tonight but I love you so much Jimmy I 'm going to reveal to you that the next episode of Reunited Apart is Wayne 's World , '' Gad said on Thursday .
`` Will Queen be there ? ''
Kimmel jokingly asked , due to the film 's iconic scene where stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey sing `` Bohemian Rhapsody '' from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be there .
I do n't know if the band will be there , but hoping some royalty will be there for sure .
We 're trying to get everybody .
It 's always really tough , but trying to get as many people as we can .
It 's going to be pretty amazing , '' Gad said .
Gad last hosted a Ferris Bueller 's Day Off reunion in June .
Reunited Apart airs on the actor 's YouTube channel .
Not date has been set for the Wayne 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olaf from Frozen once again in a new animated short that dives into the character 's origins titled Once Upon a Snowman , which comes to Disney+ on Oct. 23 .
`` I think that there 's something so innocent about him and this like lovable naiveté , '' Gad said about the character .
Gad ended his appearance by recalling how the late Fred Willard attended his wedding and delivered the news that their show Back to You had been canceled .
Gad said the show allowed him to pay for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'This looks pretty expensive , I guess now 's a bad time to tell you the show is canceled . '
And he walks away , '' Gad said .

Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Josh Gad announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live that his Reunited Apart YouTube series will feature a Wayne's World reunion.
"I wasn't going to do this tonight but I love you so much Jimmy I'm going to reveal to you that the next episode of Reunited Apart is Wayne's World," Gad said on Thursday.
Advertisement
"Will Queen be there?" Kimmel jokingly asked, due to the film's iconic scene where stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" from the band.
"I hope a queen will be there. I don't know if the band will be there, but hoping some royalty will be there for sure. We're trying to get everybody. It's always really tough, but trying to get as many people as we can. It's going to be pretty amazing," Gad said.
Gad last hosted a Ferris Bueller's Day Off reunion in June. Reunited Apart airs on the actor's YouTube channel. Not date has been set for the Wayne's World reunion.
The 39-year-old will voice Olaf from Frozen once again in a new animated short that dives into the character's origins titled Once Upon a Snowman, which comes to Disney+ on Oct. 23.
Advertisement
"I think that there's something so innocent about him and this like lovable naiveté," Gad said about the character.
Gad ended his appearance by recalling how the late Fred Willard attended his wedding and delivered the news that their show Back to You had been canceled. Gad said the show allowed him to pay for a big wedding.
"He goes, 'This looks pretty expensive, I guess now's a bad time to tell you the show is canceled.' And he walks away," Gad said.


upi--2020-10-16--2,350-pound pumpkin, named 'The Tiger King,' wins contest

Oct. 15 ( UPI ) -- A 2,350-pound pumpkin called `` The Tiger King '' has been named the winning pumpkin in a competition .
Travis Gienger , of Minnesota , who grew the pumpkin , told CNN he felt honored to win after decided to enter the contest in Northern California since it 's known as the `` Super Bowl of Pumpkins . ''
He took home $ 16,450 in winnings for first prize in the pumpkin growing competition , or $ 7 per pound by the `` pay-by-the-pound '' system .
Gienger added that he named the winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King , because he noticed it might have striped coloring .
`` It was kind of funny deciding the name for this little , little pumpkin at the time , '' he said .
`` I noticed that it might be orange and white stripes and my brother goes .
'Oh it 's 2020 .
We should name him Tiger King . '
And I thought that 's great ! ''
`` The Tiger King '' also set a record for the heaviest grown pumpkin in North America this year , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off '' congratulated Gienger in a Facebook post , calling him `` this year 's Pumpkin King of Half Moon Bay ! ''
Gienger said that he drove 35 hours from Anoka , Minn. , to transport the gourd , which he planted on April 11 , to the contest in Half Moon Bay , Calif. , Monday .
He added that he took precautions to care for the pumpkin on the trip , including wrapping the pumpkin in wet blankets with air tarp over that , and watering it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were wondering what we were hauling when we stopped at the gas station and we had to throw buckets of water on it , '' Gienger said .
`` It was kind of funny . ''
Since 1974 , growers have gathered every Columbus Day in Half Moon Bay to compete in the contest , according to the website .
The current world record pumpkin is 2,624 pounds .
Mathias Wilemijns of Belgium set the record on October 9 , 2016 at the Giant Pumpkin European Championship in Ludwigsburg , Germany .

1/3
Travis Gienger of Anoka, Minn., polishes his pumpkin named Tiger King at the Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay, Calif., on Monday. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A 2,350-pound pumpkin called "The Tiger King" has been named the winning pumpkin in a competition. Travis Gienger, of Minnesota, who grew the pumpkin, told CNN he felt honored to win after decided to enter the contest in Northern California since it's known as the "Super Bowl of Pumpkins." Advertisement
He took home $16,450 in winnings for first prize in the pumpkin growing competition, or $7 per pound by the "pay-by-the-pound" system.
Gienger added that he named the winning pumpkin after the Netflix series, Tiger King, because he noticed it might have striped coloring.
"It was kind of funny deciding the name for this little, little pumpkin at the time," he said. "I noticed that it might be orange and white stripes and my brother goes. 'Oh it's 2020. We should name him Tiger King.' And I thought that's great!"
"The Tiger King" also set a record for the heaviest grown pumpkin in North America this year, according to contest officials.
"The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off" congratulated Gienger in a Facebook post, calling him "this year's Pumpkin King of Half Moon Bay!"
Gienger said that he drove 35 hours from Anoka, Minn., to transport the gourd, which he planted on April 11, to the contest in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Monday.
Advertisement
He added that he took precautions to care for the pumpkin on the trip, including wrapping the pumpkin in wet blankets with air tarp over that, and watering it down at gas station stops.
"People were wondering what we were hauling when we stopped at the gas station and we had to throw buckets of water on it," Gienger said. "It was kind of funny."
Since 1974, growers have gathered every Columbus Day in Half Moon Bay to compete in the contest, according to the website.
The current world record pumpkin is 2,624 pounds. Mathias Wilemijns of Belgium set the record on October 9, 2016 at the Giant Pumpkin European Championship in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Growers of giant pumpkins compete in California


upi--2020-10-16--Indianapolis Colts close practice facility after several test positive for COVID-19

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Indianapolis Colts on Friday closed their practice facility after `` several individuals '' within the organization tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Colts are scheduled to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday .
`` This morning , we were informed that several individuals within our organization have tested posted for COVID-19 , '' the Colts said in a statement .
`` The team is currently in the process of confirming those tests .
`` In the meantime , the practice facility will be closed and the team will work remotely while following NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL and will have more information when available . ''
Last Friday , the New York Jets experienced a similar situation before they closed their facility .
The Jets later determined the test result was a false positive and went on to play their Week 5 game two days later .
The Atlanta Falcons on Thursday closed their facility after they had a coach test positive for COVID-19 .
The Cleveland Browns have not announced any positive test results since their victory over the Colts last Sunday .
Indianapolis had a limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home game on Sep. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium .

The Indianapolis Colts reopened their practice facility Friday afternoon after a brief closure due to what turned out to be false positive COVID-19 test results among players and staff. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis Colts on Friday closed their facility after four people tested positive for COVID-19. Those tests later proved to be false positives, and the team remains on schedule to play Sunday. "After consultation with the NFL and chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, the team will open the practice facility this afternoon under the league's intensive protocol and will continue preparation for Sunday's game against Cincinnati," the Colts said in a statement. Advertisement
The Colts will host the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
"All is well," Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted.
Last Friday, the New York Jets experienced a similar situation before they closed their facility. The Jets later determined a positive test result was a false positive and went on to play their Week 5 game two days later.
The Atlanta Falcons closed their facility Thursday after a coach tested positive for COVID-19. The Falcons reopened the facility Friday morning for in-person team activities.
Advertisement
The Cleveland Browns -- who played the Colts Sunday -- also negative results for all players and staff members after Thursday's round of testing.
Indianapolis had a limited attendance of 7,480 fans at its last home game Sept. 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium.


upi--2020-10-16--Ozuna, Wilson lead Braves over Dodgers in Game 4 of NLCS

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- Marcell Ozuna swatted two home runs and Bryse Wilson allowed just one hit over six innings to lead the Atlanta Braves to a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series .
The Braves now own a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and are one win from reaching the World Series after the 10-2 victory on Thursday in Arlington , Texas .
Ozuna went 4 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs scored in the lopsided win .
Wilson allowed just one run and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to the Braves bullpen .
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw allowed seven hits and four runs in five innings in his start .
`` They build on momentum really well , '' Kershaw told reporters .
`` They have that domino effect .
When one thing gets going , they continue to build on that .
They have great hitters and are a good team .
We just have to come back and win . ''
Third baseman Justin Turner had two of the Dodgers three hits in the loss .
The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Wilson .
`` It 's a great honor to get to pitch against Kershaw , '' Wilson said .
`` I was super happy to get the team the win and one step closer to the World Series . ''
The Dodgers and Braves were scoreless through the first two innings before Rios stepped into the batter 's box to lead off the third inning .
The Dodgers designated hitter took a ball before he smacked a 1-1 Wilson fastball over the right field fence at Globe Life Field for a 399-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom of the fourth frame with a game-tying solo shot for the Braves .
Freddie Freeman lined out to start that half-inning before Ozuna stepped in to face Kershaw .
The Braves designated hitter proceeded to blast a 1-0 Kershaw slider to left field for a 422-foot homer .
The Braves broke the game open with a 6-run sixth inning .
Freeman , Ozuna and Dansby Swanson each had RBI doubles to push the Braves lead to 5-1 before Austin Riley and Christian Pache hit RBI singles for the final runs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodgers run with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning , but Ozuna responded with another solo homer in the bottom of the same frame .
That blast was a 434-foot solo shot to dead center field .
Freeman and Ozuna had back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the eighth inning for the final two runs of the game .
Dodgers stars Mookie Betts , Corey Seager , Cody Bellinger , Joc Pederson and Max Muncy went a combined 0 for 15 in the loss .
Ronald Acuna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hits apiece for Atlanta .
The Braves face the Dodgers in Game 5 at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Friday in Arlington .
Dustin May will start for the Dodgers .
The Braves have yet to announce their starting pitcher .
The winner of the series will face the Houston Astros or Tampa Bay Rays next week in the World Series .
The Rays own a 3-2 lead as the ALDS heads to Game 6 on Friday in San Diego .

1/3
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna had four hits and two home runs in a playoff win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas. File Photo by Tami Chappell/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Marcell Ozuna swatted two home runs and Bryse Wilson allowed just one hit over six innings to lead the Atlanta Braves to a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. The Braves now own a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and are one win from reaching the World Series after the 10-2 victory on Thursday in Arlington, Texas. Advertisement
Ozuna went 4 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs scored in the lopsided win. Wilson allowed just one run and had five strikeouts before he turned the game over to the Braves bullpen.
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw allowed seven hits and four runs in five innings in his start.
"They build on momentum really well," Kershaw told reporters. "They have that domino effect. When one thing gets going, they continue to build on that. They have great hitters and are a good team. We just have to come back and win."
Advertisement
Third baseman Justin Turner had two of the Dodgers three hits in the loss. The other hit was a Edwin Rios solo homer off Wilson.
"It's a great honor to get to pitch against Kershaw," Wilson said. "I was super happy to get the team the win and one step closer to the World Series."
The Dodgers and Braves were scoreless through the first two innings before Rios stepped into the batter's box to lead off the third inning. The Dodgers designated hitter took a ball before he smacked a 1-1 Wilson fastball over the right field fence at Globe Life Field for a 399-foot solo homer.
Ozuna responded in the bottom of the fourth frame with a game-tying solo shot for the Braves. Freddie Freeman lined out to start that half-inning before Ozuna stepped in to face Kershaw. The Braves designated hitter proceeded to blast a 1-0 Kershaw slider to left field for a 422-foot homer.
The Braves broke the game open with a 6-run sixth inning. Freeman, Ozuna and Dansby Swanson each had RBI doubles to push the Braves lead to 5-1 before Austin Riley and Christian Pache hit RBI singles for the final runs of the inning.
Advertisement
Rios brought in the final Dodgers run with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning, but Ozuna responded with another solo homer in the bottom of the same frame. That blast was a 434-foot solo shot to dead center field.
Freeman and Ozuna had back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the eighth inning for the final two runs of the game.
Dodgers stars Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson and Max Muncy went a combined 0 for 15 in the loss. Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies and Freeman had two hits apiece for Atlanta.
The Braves face the Dodgers in Game 5 at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Friday in Arlington. Dustin May will start for the Dodgers. The Braves have yet to announce their starting pitcher.
The winner of the series will face the Houston Astros or Tampa Bay Rays next week in the World Series. The Rays own a 3-2 lead as the ALDS heads to Game 6 on Friday in San Diego.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-10-16--Tens of thousands without power in California after wildfire blackout

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- Tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Northern California were without electricity early Friday after a statewide utility curtailed power transmission due to heightened wildfire danger .
Pacific Gas and Electric turned off power to tens of thousands of customers this week as hot , dry and windy weather made conditions ripe for wildfires triggered by faulty electrical equipment .
Original estimates had called for as many as 53,000 customers in 24 counties to be affected , mostly affecting areas in and around San Francisco Bay and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained without power .
Essentially all of those customers will have their power restored by the end of the day , PG & E said in an update .
Weather conditions improved Thursday , allowing the utility 's meteorology team to issue `` all clear '' notices to some of the affected areas .
Electric crews began visual inspections of power lines in those areas as the first step toward restoration .
Since the beginning of the year , 8,500 wildfires have burned more than 4 million acres in California , killing 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to state fire officials .
Power lines have been a frequent source of wildfires in California .
State authorities investigated this week whether PG & E equipment might have caused the deadly Zogg Fire , which killed four people and destroyed more than 200 structures in Shasta County , north of San Francisco .

Smoke from fires in Northern California lowers visability of the Bay Bridge and San Francico as viewed from Yerba Buena Island on October 2. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Northern California were without electricity early Friday after a statewide utility curtailed power transmission due to heightened wildfire danger. Pacific Gas and Electric turned off power to tens of thousands of customers this week as hot, dry and windy weather made conditions ripe for wildfires triggered by faulty electrical equipment. Advertisement
Original estimates had called for as many as 53,000 customers in 24 counties to be affected, mostly affecting areas in and around San Francisco Bay and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills.
By early Friday, more than 30,000 remained without power. Essentially all of those customers will have their power restored by the end of the day, PG&E said in an update.
Weather conditions improved Thursday, allowing the utility's meteorology team to issue "all clear" notices to some of the affected areas. Electric crews began visual inspections of power lines in those areas as the first step toward restoration.
Since the beginning of the year, 8,500 wildfires have burned more than 4 million acres in California, killing 31 people and destroying more than 9,200 structures, according to state fire officials.
Advertisement
Power lines have been a frequent source of wildfires in California.
State authorities investigated this week whether PG&E equipment might have caused the deadly Zogg Fire, which killed four people and destroyed more than 200 structures in Shasta County, north of San Francisco.


upi--2020-10-16--John Legend honors Chrissy Teigen after pregnancy loss: 'Our love will remain'

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- John Legend paid homage to his wife Chrissy Teigen on Instagram after the couple suffered from a pregnancy loss .
The singer , on Thursday , posted a video of himself performing `` Never Break '' at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards which he dedicated to Teigen .
Teigen announced in September that the pair suffered from a pregnancy loss after she was hospitalized due to excessive bleeding .
Legend and Teigen were expecting their third child together , a boy .
`` We 've experienced the highest highs and lowest lows together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so moving and humbling .
I 'm in awe of the strength you 've shown through the most challenging moments .
What an awesome gift it is to be able to bring life into the world .
We 've experienced the miracle , the power and joy of this gift , and now we 've deeply felt this inherent fragility , '' Legend said .
`` I wrote this song because I have faith that as long as we walk this earth , we will hold each other 's hands through every tear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through every test .
We promised each other this on our wedding day seven years ago , and every challenge we 've faced has made that promise more powerful , more resilient .
Our love will remain .
We will never break , '' he continued .
Legend then thanked everyone who has shown them support following their loss and how they have heard from other families who went through a similar experience , stating that it was comforting knowing that they are not alone .
`` I 'm sure Chrissy will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's ready .
But just know we 're grateful and we 're sending love to all of you and your families , '' Legend concluded .

Oct. 16 (UPI) -- John Legend paid homage to his wife Chrissy Teigen on Instagram after the couple suffered from a pregnancy loss.
The singer, on Thursday, posted a video of himself performing "Never Break" at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards which he dedicated to Teigen.
Advertisement
Teigen announced in September that the pair suffered from a pregnancy loss after she was hospitalized due to excessive bleeding. Legend and Teigen were expecting their third child together, a boy.
"We've experienced the highest highs and lowest lows together. Watching you carry our children has been so moving and humbling. I'm in awe of the strength you've shown through the most challenging moments. What an awesome gift it is to be able to bring life into the world. We've experienced the miracle, the power and joy of this gift, and now we've deeply felt this inherent fragility," Legend said.
Advertisement
"I wrote this song because I have faith that as long as we walk this earth, we will hold each other's hands through every tear, through every up and down, through every test. We promised each other this on our wedding day seven years ago, and every challenge we've faced has made that promise more powerful, more resilient. Our love will remain. We will never break," he continued.
Legend then thanked everyone who has shown them support following their loss and how they have heard from other families who went through a similar experience, stating that it was comforting knowing that they are not alone.
"I'm sure Chrissy will have much more to say about this when she's ready. But just know we're grateful and we're sending love to all of you and your families," Legend concluded.
Moments from Chrissy Teigen's career


upi--2020-10-16--Donald Trump pressed on COVID-19 response, Supreme Court at Miami town hall

Oct. 15 ( UPI ) -- After backing out of a virtual debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden , President Donald Trump participated in a town hall event in Miami on Thursday night , where he was pressed by questions on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , the Supreme Court and healthcare .
Trump 's one-hour town hall event was held outdoors at Miami 's Perez Art Museum and was moderated by NBC host Savannah Guthrie .
Trump said he shifted his opinion on Supreme Court nominations after witnessing Justice Brett Kavanaugh being `` treated so badly '' during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hearing , after being asked by Guthrie why he chose to nominate conservative jurist Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after previously saying former President Barack Obama should not have made a nomination to the court before the 2016 election .
`` The whole ball game changed when I saw the way they treated Justice Kavanaugh , '' Trump said of the process where Kavanaugh faced allegations of sexual assault .
`` I have never seen any human being , and I 'm not just talking about Supreme Court ...
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so badly with false accusations and everything else . ''
The Senate judiciary committee on Thursday set Oct. 22 as the date it will vote whether to recommend Barrett 's nomination to the full chamber following four days of testimony .
Trump , when asked if he expected Barrett to vote in his favor if the result of November 's election is placed before the Supreme Court said he `` never asked her '' about the issue .
`` It would be totally up to her .
I think that she would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against me , I do n't see any conflict whatsoever , '' Trump said .
The president also answered similarly when asked if he would like to see Barrett overturn the landmark abortion case Roe vs. Wade , declining to comment as he said it would be `` inappropriate '' to potentially influence her ruling .
`` I would like to see a brilliant jurist , a brilliant person , who has done this in great depth and has actually skirted this issue for a long time to make a decision .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump said .
`` I think she 's going to make a great decision . ''
Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participated in competing town halls on separate networks Thursday night as the president refused to take part in a virtual debate requested by the Commission on Presidential Debates after he tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of this month .
`` I 'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate , '' Trump said at the time .
`` The commission changed the debate style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Biden participated in his own town hall in Philadelphia , broadcast by ABC in the same time slot .
His conversation with participants was heavy on details on a variety of policy issues , including the Supreme Court , racial and LGBT equality and climate change and criticism of Trump 's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
During the Miami event , Trump said that he could not recall if he was tested for COVID-19 before the first debate with Biden in late September , days before he tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly '' was tested before the debate but could not say for sure .
`` If you ask the doctor they 'll give you a perfect answer ... but they take a test and I leave and I go about my business , '' said Trump .
Trump also said that he had no remaining symptoms of COVID-19 , 10 days after being discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he received three days of treatment for the virus .
`` I 'm great , I feel good , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies in Florida , Pennsylvania and North Carolina since his release .
Trump did not expressly state if he experienced pneumonia after testing positive for the virus , saying doctors told him his lungs were `` a little bit different , a little bit perhaps infected , '' without clarifying what the infection was .
The president added that he was admitted to the hospital at the encouragement of his doctors following the positive test .
`` I did n't feel good , I did n't feel strong , I had a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the White House are fantastic , as you can imagine .
They really did n't want to take a chance and they said 'Let 's go to the hospital , ' '' Trump said .
Trump also weighed in on ongoing negotiations for another round of economic stimulus in response to the pandemic , blaming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , for the holdup but signaling that the White House is prepared for a deal .
`` Nancy Pelosi , we are ready to sign and pass stimulus , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an end to negotiations but quickly changed course , urging Republicans to `` go big '' and saying he would support a larger sum than both parties have proposed .
Democrats have remained steadfast in their push for a $ 2.2 trillion deal including funding for state and local governments , while Republicans have called for a smaller , more focused release package .
Trump on Thursday night however claimed that Republicans would support a larger bill if he and Pelosi are able to reach a deal .
`` If Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly , I do n't care ... if we agree to something , the Republicans will agree to it , '' he said .
Responding to a question from a voter , Trump repeated his 2016 campaign pledge that he would `` repeal and replace '' the Affordable Care Act , also known as Obamacare , while promising to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions .
`` The problem with Obamacare [ is that ] it 's not good , we 'd like to terminate it and we want much less expensive healthcare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's what we 're aiming for , '' Trump said .
Guthrie questioned Trump about his administration 's failure to pass a replacement for the healthcare legislation put in place by his predecessor , despite Republicans holding both chambers of Congress early in his presidency .
`` If we do n't succeed , we are running the remnants of whatever is left ... much better than the previous administration , which ran it very badly , '' Trump said .
Trump was also asked about a Supreme Court case set for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the constitutionality of the law , threatening to scrap the program and the protections for people with pre-existing conditions included in it .
He touted the removal of the individual mandate , which requires people to carry a minimum level of health insurance coverage with a tax penalty imposed against those who do not comply , as part of Trump 's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act .
In September , Trump signed a series of orders that `` laid out his vision '' for a healthcare system he called the America First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with pre-existing conditions that was largely seen as a symbolic gesture .
Trump on Thursday repeated claims about fraud related to mail-in ballots when asked whether he would peacefully transfer power if defeated in November 's elections .
Guthrie countered his claims , citing testimony by FBI Director Christopher Wray last month in which he stated there was no evidence of a `` coordinated national voter fraud effort '' and that it would be a `` major challenge for an adversary '' to carry out such fraud .
The president responded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes Wray is `` not doing a very good job . ''
He also accused Democrats of spying on his 2016 campaign and decried impeachment proceedings at the beginning of the year regarding his interactions with Ukraine as an attempt to remove him from office .
`` They tried to take down a duly elected , sitting president and then they talk about 'Will you accept a peaceful transfer ? '
'' Trump said .
`` And the answer is yes , I will .
But I want it to be an honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Oct. 15 (UPI) -- After backing out of a virtual debate with Democratic challenger Joe Biden, President Donald Trump participated in a town hall event in Miami on Thursday night, where he was pressed by questions on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court and healthcare.
Trump's one-hour town hall event was held outdoors at Miami's Perez Art Museum and was moderated by NBC host Savannah Guthrie.
Advertisement
Supreme Court
Trump said he shifted his opinion on Supreme Court nominations after witnessing Justice Brett Kavanaugh being "treated so badly" during his confirmation process.
Trump cited Kavanaugh's hearing, after being asked by Guthrie why he chose to nominate conservative jurist Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after previously saying former President Barack Obama should not have made a nomination to the court before the 2016 election.
Advertisement
"The whole ball game changed when I saw the way they treated Justice Kavanaugh," Trump said of the process where Kavanaugh faced allegations of sexual assault. "I have never seen any human being, and I'm not just talking about Supreme Court ... I have never seen a human being treated so badly with false accusations and everything else."
The Senate judiciary committee on Thursday set Oct. 22 as the date it will vote whether to recommend Barrett's nomination to the full chamber following four days of testimony.
Trump, when asked if he expected Barrett to vote in his favor if the result of November's election is placed before the Supreme Court said he "never asked her" about the issue.
"It would be totally up to her. I think that she would be able to rule either for me or against me, I don't see any conflict whatsoever," Trump said.
The president also answered similarly when asked if he would like to see Barrett overturn the landmark abortion case Roe vs. Wade, declining to comment as he said it would be "inappropriate" to potentially influence her ruling.
"I would like to see a brilliant jurist, a brilliant person, who has done this in great depth and has actually skirted this issue for a long time to make a decision. And that's why I chose her," Trump said. "I think she's going to make a great decision."
Advertisement
COVID-19
Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participated in competing town halls on separate networks Thursday night as the president refused to take part in a virtual debate requested by the Commission on Presidential Debates after he tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of this month.
"I'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate," Trump said at the time. "The commission changed the debate style and that's not acceptable to us."
Biden participated in his own town hall in Philadelphia, broadcast by ABC in the same time slot. His conversation with participants was heavy on details on a variety of policy issues, including the Supreme Court, racial and LGBT equality and climate change and criticism of Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the Miami event, Trump said that he could not recall if he was tested for COVID-19 before the first debate with Biden in late September, days before he tested positive for the virus.
Trump said he "possibly" was tested before the debate but could not say for sure.
"If you ask the doctor they'll give you a perfect answer ... but they take a test and I leave and I go about my business," said Trump.
Advertisement
Trump also said that he had no remaining symptoms of COVID-19, 10 days after being discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he received three days of treatment for the virus.
"I'm great, I feel good," the president said, noting he has held rallies in Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina since his release.
Trump did not expressly state if he experienced pneumonia after testing positive for the virus, saying doctors told him his lungs were "a little bit different, a little bit perhaps infected," without clarifying what the infection was.
The president added that he was admitted to the hospital at the encouragement of his doctors following the positive test.
"I didn't feel good, I didn't feel strong, I had a little bit of a temperature. The doctors at the White House are fantastic, as you can imagine. They really didn't want to take a chance and they said 'Let's go to the hospital,'" Trump said.
Trump also weighed in on ongoing negotiations for another round of economic stimulus in response to the pandemic, blaming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for the holdup but signaling that the White House is prepared for a deal.
Advertisement
"Nancy Pelosi, we are ready to sign and pass stimulus," he said.
Last week, Trump called for an end to negotiations but quickly changed course, urging Republicans to "go big" and saying he would support a larger sum than both parties have proposed.
Democrats have remained steadfast in their push for a $2.2 trillion deal including funding for state and local governments, while Republicans have called for a smaller, more focused release package.
Trump on Thursday night however claimed that Republicans would support a larger bill if he and Pelosi are able to reach a deal.
"If Nancy Pelosi and I, through my representatives or directly, I don't care ... if we agree to something, the Republicans will agree to it," he said.
Healthcare
Responding to a question from a voter, Trump repeated his 2016 campaign pledge that he would "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, while promising to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions.
"The problem with Obamacare [is that] it's not good, we'd like to terminate it and we want much less expensive healthcare, that's a much better healthcare and that's what we're aiming for," Trump said.
Advertisement
Guthrie questioned Trump about his administration's failure to pass a replacement for the healthcare legislation put in place by his predecessor, despite Republicans holding both chambers of Congress early in his presidency.
"If we don't succeed, we are running the remnants of whatever is left ... much better than the previous administration, which ran it very badly," Trump said.
Trump was also asked about a Supreme Court case set for a week after the election regarding a challenge to the constitutionality of the law, threatening to scrap the program and the protections for people with pre-existing conditions included in it.
He touted the removal of the individual mandate, which requires people to carry a minimum level of health insurance coverage with a tax penalty imposed against those who do not comply, as part of Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
In September, Trump signed a series of orders that "laid out his vision" for a healthcare system he called the America First Healthcare Plan, including guaranteeing care for people with pre-existing conditions that was largely seen as a symbolic gesture.
Elections
Trump on Thursday repeated claims about fraud related to mail-in ballots when asked whether he would peacefully transfer power if defeated in November's elections.
Advertisement
Guthrie countered his claims, citing testimony by FBI Director Christopher Wray last month in which he stated there was no evidence of a "coordinated national voter fraud effort" and that it would be a "major challenge for an adversary" to carry out such fraud.
The president responded that if that was the case then he believes Wray is "not doing a very good job."
He also accused Democrats of spying on his 2016 campaign and decried impeachment proceedings at the beginning of the year regarding his interactions with Ukraine as an attempt to remove him from office.
"They tried to take down a duly elected, sitting president and then they talk about 'Will you accept a peaceful transfer?'" Trump said. "And the answer is yes, I will. But I want it to be an honest election and so does everybody else."


upi--2020-10-16--Joe Biden talks COVID-19 vaccine, Supreme Court, equality at Philadelphia town hall

Oct. 15 ( UPI ) -- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was heavy on details on a variety of subjects Thursday night -- including COVID-19 , the Supreme Court , racial and LGBT equality and climate change -- at his town hall event in Philadelphia , which was broadcast by ABC News .
The Democratic presidential nominee opened up the town hall taking President Donald Trump to task for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and offering his own answers .
`` He missed enormous opportunities and kept saying things that were n't true , '' Biden said of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away by Easter .
Do n't worry about it .
...
When the summer comes , it 's all going to go away like a miracle . '
He 's still saying all those things . ''
The former vice president said there should have been earlier national standards on how to limit the spread of the virus , including a face mask mandate .
When asked whether he would require all Americans to take a COVID-19 vaccine once one 's available , Biden said , `` It depends on the state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes out and how it 's being distributed . ''
Biden acknowledged such a mandate would be difficult to enforce completely , comparing it to measles vaccines required by schools .
`` We should be thinking about making it mandatory , '' he said , adding that he 'd ask governors , mayors and council members to encourage and mandate vaccines .
He added a vaccine at the earliest may be ready by next spring but he is `` worried about '' the lack of a distribution plan for when one does come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to date when asked whether he would `` pack '' the Supreme Court if he were elected president .
Previously , he 'd declined to answer the question , saying whatever answer he gave would distract voters from Republicans rushing to confirm Trump nominee Amy Coney Barett on the high court bench .
`` No matter what I answer I gave you , that 's the headline tomorrow , '' he said .
`` It wo n't be about what 's going on now , the improper way they 're proceeding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he could possibly expand the size of the Supreme Court as president -- but promised that he would consult with members of Congress and a number of top legal experts and advisers on the matter .
Biden did say he 's `` not a fan '' of court-packing and promised announce a full and direct answer on the question before Election Day , after the Senate concludes its confirmation process for Barrett .
Biden took some heated questions from the audience concerning courting Black voters and his support of a 1990s crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discriminating against people of color .
A young Black student asked Biden , beside stelling them `` you ai n't Black , '' a comment the former vice president made that he has said he regrets , how will he convince Black Americans he is not part of a system that fails to protect them .
Biden responded that Black men and women could determine the outcome of this election , touting his economic and education policies as evidence of his worthiness for their vote .
`` We have to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain wealth , generate wealth , '' he said .
To accomplish that , he proposed increased funding for Title I low-income schools from $ 15 billion to $ 45 billion a year , allowing each teacher in those schools to earn a salary of up to $ 60,000 .
All children from the age of 3 would also go to school , which would increase their chances of graduating by nearly 60 % , and more social workers and psychologists will be staffed at educational institutions , he said .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with $ 70 billion in new funding to give them foundational support for endowments .
First-time home buyers will also receive a guaranteed $ 15,000 credit toward their down payment , he said .
`` It 's about accumulating wealth , '' he said .
`` You 're behind an 8 ball .
The vast majority of people of color are behind an 8 ball . ''
He then fielded a question concerning his support of the 1994 Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act that has been widely blamed for incarcerating people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a mistake , Biden said , `` Yes , it was . ''
He said there was some good in the bill , but that he opposes its increased funding to state prison systems .
Biden added that he also believes no one should go to jail for drug use offenses , they should undergo mandatory rehabilitation , while marijuana should be decriminalized and those arrested under such offenses should have their records cleaned .
`` We got to change the system ... changing the system from punishment to rehabilitation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden said the Trump administration has made the United States less secure by isolating it more than its ever been .
`` America first has made America alone , '' he said .
`` You have Iran closer to having enough nuclear material to build a bomb .
North Korea has more bombs and missiles available to it .
We find ourselves with our NATO allies saying they publicly ca n't count on us . ''
He said Trump deserves some credit for bringing Israel together with its Arab neighbors , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world '' amid a rise in authoritarian regimes .
`` If you take a look , we 're not very well trusted around the world , '' he said .
Biden said Trump is `` literally '' laughed at when he goes to the United Nations .
`` So I would respectfully suggest no , there is no plan -- no coherent plan for foreign policy , '' he said .
Biden took a strong stance concerning laws Trump has made that either reverse or roll back transgender rights , stating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would flat out just change the law , '' he said , responding to a question about his stance on Trump 's moves that bar transgendered people from serving in the military , among others .
`` I would eliminate those executive orders . ''
He said there should be `` zero discrimination , '' voicing support of LGBTQ rights .
Biden spent a segment talking about his plans for creating high-paying jobs while investing heavily in clean energies .
While saying he would not ban fracking , `` it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' And he said the country would eventually have to wean itself off fossil fuels in part by ending billions in federal subsidies on oil and gas operations .
He also said again that as president he would not ban fracking and reiterated that he opposes the Green New Deal proposed by progressive Democrats , insisting that his environmental plan is better .
Biden signed up for the event after Trump refused to participate in a virtual town hall-style debate that was supposed to take place Thursday night .
The Commission on Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Trump called such a virtual debate `` ridiculous '' and a `` waste of time . ''
Instead , Trump held his own town hall in Miami , broadcast by NBC , where he was pressed by questions on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , the Supreme Court and healthcare .
The final debate between Trump and Biden is scheduled for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville .

Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was heavy on details on a variety of subjects Thursday night -- including COVID-19, the Supreme Court, racial and LGBT equality and climate change -- at his town hall event in Philadelphia, which was broadcast by ABC News.
ABC News political analyst George Stephanopoulos moderated the 90-minute event.
Advertisement
COVID-19
The Democratic presidential nominee opened up the town hall taking President Donald Trump to task for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and offering his own answers.
"He missed enormous opportunities and kept saying things that weren't true," Biden said of Trump.
"'It's going to go away by Easter. Don't worry about it. ... When the summer comes, it's all going to go away like a miracle.' He's still saying all those things."
Advertisement
The former vice president said there should have been earlier national standards on how to limit the spread of the virus, including a face mask mandate.
When asked whether he would require all Americans to take a COVID-19 vaccine once one's available, Biden said, "It depends on the state and the nature of the vaccine when it comes out and how it's being distributed."
Biden acknowledged such a mandate would be difficult to enforce completely, comparing it to measles vaccines required by schools.
"We should be thinking about making it mandatory," he said, adding that he'd ask governors, mayors and council members to encourage and mandate vaccines.
He added a vaccine at the earliest may be ready by next spring but he is "worried about" the lack of a distribution plan for when one does come available.
Supreme Court
Biden offered his most complete answer to date when asked whether he would "pack" the Supreme Court if he were elected president.
Previously, he'd declined to answer the question, saying whatever answer he gave would distract voters from Republicans rushing to confirm Trump nominee Amy Coney Barett on the high court bench.
"No matter what I answer I gave you, that's the headline tomorrow," he said. "It won't be about what's going on now, the improper way they're proceeding."
Advertisement
Biden did not dismiss the idea that he could possibly expand the size of the Supreme Court as president -- but promised that he would consult with members of Congress and a number of top legal experts and advisers on the matter.
Biden did say he's "not a fan" of court-packing and promised announce a full and direct answer on the question before Election Day, after the Senate concludes its confirmation process for Barrett.
Racial equality
Biden took some heated questions from the audience concerning courting Black voters and his support of a 1990s crime bill that has been widely criticized for discriminating against people of color.
A young Black student asked Biden, beside stelling them "you ain't Black," a comment the former vice president made that he has said he regrets, how will he convince Black Americans he is not part of a system that fails to protect them.
Biden responded that Black men and women could determine the outcome of this election, touting his economic and education policies as evidence of his worthiness for their vote.
"We have to be able to put Black Americans in a position to gain wealth, generate wealth," he said.
To accomplish that, he proposed increased funding for Title I low-income schools from $15 billion to $45 billion a year, allowing each teacher in those schools to earn a salary of up to $60,000. All children from the age of 3 would also go to school, which would increase their chances of graduating by nearly 60%, and more social workers and psychologists will be staffed at educational institutions, he said.
Advertisement
He also said he would provide historically black universities with $70 billion in new funding to give them foundational support for endowments.
First-time home buyers will also receive a guaranteed $15,000 credit toward their down payment, he said.
"It's about accumulating wealth," he said. "You're behind an 8 ball. The vast majority of people of color are behind an 8 ball."
He then fielded a question concerning his support of the 1994 Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act that has been widely blamed for incarcerating people of color.
Asked if his support of it was a mistake, Biden said, "Yes, it was."
He said there was some good in the bill, but that he opposes its increased funding to state prison systems.
Biden added that he also believes no one should go to jail for drug use offenses, they should undergo mandatory rehabilitation, while marijuana should be decriminalized and those arrested under such offenses should have their records cleaned.
"We got to change the system ... changing the system from punishment to rehabilitation," he said.
Foreign policy
On foreign policy, Biden said the Trump administration has made the United States less secure by isolating it more than its ever been.
Advertisement
"America first has made America alone," he said. "You have Iran closer to having enough nuclear material to build a bomb. North Korea has more bombs and missiles available to it. We find ourselves with our NATO allies saying they publicly can't count on us."
He said Trump deserves some credit for bringing Israel together with its Arab neighbors, but he also "embraces all the thugs in the world" amid a rise in authoritarian regimes.
"If you take a look, we're not very well trusted around the world," he said.
Biden said Trump is "literally" laughed at when he goes to the United Nations.
"So I would respectfully suggest no, there is no plan -- no coherent plan for foreign policy," he said.
LGBTQ rights
Biden took a strong stance concerning laws Trump has made that either reverse or roll back transgender rights, stating that he would undo them.
"I would flat out just change the law," he said, responding to a question about his stance on Trump's moves that bar transgendered people from serving in the military, among others. "I would eliminate those executive orders."
He said there should be "zero discrimination," voicing support of LGBTQ rights.
Advertisement
Climate change
Biden spent a segment talking about his plans for creating high-paying jobs while investing heavily in clean energies.
While saying he would not ban fracking, "it has to be managed very, very well." And he said the country would eventually have to wean itself off fossil fuels in part by ending billions in federal subsidies on oil and gas operations.
He also said again that as president he would not ban fracking and reiterated that he opposes the Green New Deal proposed by progressive Democrats, insisting that his environmental plan is better.
Biden signed up for the event after Trump refused to participate in a virtual town hall-style debate that was supposed to take place Thursday night. The Commission on Presidential Debates made the debate virtual after Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Trump called such a virtual debate "ridiculous" and a "waste of time."
Instead, Trump held his own town hall in Miami, broadcast by NBC, where he was pressed by questions on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court and healthcare.
The final debate between Trump and Biden is scheduled for Oct. 22 at Belmont University in Nashville.


upi--2020-10-16--OECD: South Korea has top digital government; Britain, Japan also in top 5

SEOUL , Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- South Korea ranked first among 33 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 's Digital Government Index , a survey that measures the level and maturity of government digitization efforts .
The index 's top countries have made `` consistent and comprehensive efforts to implement coherent digital government reforms , '' said the OECD report , which was released Wednesday .
`` Their outstanding results derive from long-term institutional arrangements and sustainable strategies . ''
This year marked the first edition of the index , which surveyed 29 OECD member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some countries , including the United States , Australia , Switzerland and Mexico , was not available .
Countries were rated according to six metrics .
South Korea scored especially well for its sustained efforts to integrate digital technology into existing government systems , its digital delivery of services to citizens and the openness of its data , processes and services to the public .
Following South Korea in the top five were Britain , Colombia , Denmark and Japan .
President Moon Jae-in said Friday the ranking was `` the result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Dae-jung administration , '' according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok .
Kim was president of South Korea from 1998 to 2003 .
`` Digital government is directly connected to the daily life of the people , '' Moon said , and pointed to the speed and effectiveness of South Korea 's government in disbursing emergency support funds to citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example .
Moon also highlighted his administration 's Korean New Deal , an ambitious $ 139 billion package of economic , environmental and social reforms that includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Digital New Deal will focus on South Korea 's competitiveness in technologies such as 5G , big data , artificial intelligence and remote working and learning .
The plan calls for heavy government integration , including healthcare and public sector big data platforms and smart infrastructure systems .
The OECD report stressed the importance of digital government in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Well-established digital governments can help make government more resilient and responsive -- qualities that become acutely important in times of emergency , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report said .
In a press release , South Korea 's Interior Minister Chin Young said the government 's `` innovative efforts to actively promote digital transformation in the public sector have been internationally recognized .
`` We will continue to promote digital government in order to lead the post-pandemic era , '' Chin said .

The South Korean national flag is seen hanging on a government complex building in Seoul. File Photo by Kim Hee-Chui/EPA-EFE
SEOUL, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- South Korea ranked first among 33 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Digital Government Index, a survey that measures the level and maturity of government digitization efforts. The index's top countries have made "consistent and comprehensive efforts to implement coherent digital government reforms," said the OECD report, which was released Wednesday. "Their outstanding results derive from long-term institutional arrangements and sustainable strategies." Advertisement
This year marked the first edition of the index, which surveyed 29 OECD member and four non-member countries. Data for some countries, including the United States, Australia, Switzerland and Mexico, was not available.
Countries were rated according to six metrics. South Korea scored especially well for its sustained efforts to integrate digital technology into existing government systems, its digital delivery of services to citizens and the openness of its data, processes and services to the public.
Following South Korea in the top five were Britain, Colombia, Denmark and Japan.
President Moon Jae-in said Friday the ranking was "the result of considerable time and efforts starting from the Kim Dae-jung administration," according to presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok. Kim was president of South Korea from 1998 to 2003.
Advertisement
"Digital government is directly connected to the daily life of the people," Moon said, and pointed to the speed and effectiveness of South Korea's government in disbursing emergency support funds to citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example.
Moon also highlighted his administration's Korean New Deal, an ambitious $139 billion package of economic, environmental and social reforms that includes a Digital New Deal as a centerpiece.
The Digital New Deal will focus on South Korea's competitiveness in technologies such as 5G, big data, artificial intelligence and remote working and learning. The plan calls for heavy government integration, including healthcare and public sector big data platforms and smart infrastructure systems.
The OECD report stressed the importance of digital government in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Well-established digital governments can help make government more resilient and responsive -- qualities that become acutely important in times of emergency, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated," the report said.
In a press release, South Korea's Interior Minister Chin Young said the government's "innovative efforts to actively promote digital transformation in the public sector have been internationally recognized.
"We will continue to promote digital government in order to lead the post-pandemic era," Chin said.


upi--2020-10-16--ALCS: Astros win third straight game vs. Rays to force Game 7

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Houston Astros earned a 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday for their third consecutive victory , forcing a decisive Game 7 in the AL Championship Series .
The Astros are now one win away from their third World Series in four seasons , and the club can join the 2004 Boston Red Sox as the only teams to rally from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series .
The Red Sox stunned the New York Yankees to win the ALCS before going on to win their first World Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , MLB teams leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven playoff series are 37-1 .
Houston also is attempting to become the first team to win a pennant with a losing record in the regular season .
The Astros -- who have been criticized for their sign-stealing scheme used in 2017 -- posted a 29-31 record in the pandemic-shortened regular season .
The Rays grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Willy Adames doubled to center field to score Brandon Lowe .
Behind starting pitcher Blake Snell , the Rays entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared ready to end the series in shutout fashion .
But Astros stars George Springer and Jose Altuve keyed a four-run rally in the fifth to chase Snell , who gave up only two hits through four innings .
Springer plated two runs with a single to push the Astros in front 2-1 , and Altuve 's RBI double made it 3-1 .
Carlos Correa , who had the walk-off home run in Game 5 of the series , singled to left to score Altuve , giving the Astros a 4-1 lead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth extended that lead to 5-1 , and Houston added two more runs in the seventh to jump ahead 7-1 .
Manuel Margot then homered twice and drove in three runs over the next two innings for the Rays , who again fell short of closing out the series .
Snell ( 0-1 ) allowed two runs on three hits across four innings .
He struck out four and walked four .
Rays starter Framber Valdez ( 1-0 ) threw six strong innings and gave up only one run on three hits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Game 7 of the ALCS is set for Saturday night .
Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is expected to start for the Astros , while Charlie Morton will take the mound for the Rays .

Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) and shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrate their win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA-EFE
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The Houston Astros earned a 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday for their third consecutive victory, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the AL Championship Series. The Astros are now one win away from their third World Series in four seasons, and the club can join the 2004 Boston Red Sox as the only teams to rally from a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series. The Red Sox stunned the New York Yankees to win the ALCS before going on to win their first World Series in 86 seasons that year. Advertisement
Otherwise, MLB teams leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven playoff series are 37-1.
Houston also is attempting to become the first team to win a pennant with a losing record in the regular season. The Astros -- who have been criticized for their sign-stealing scheme used in 2017 -- posted a 29-31 record in the pandemic-shortened regular season.
The Rays grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Willy Adames doubled to center field to score Brandon Lowe. Behind starting pitcher Blake Snell, the Rays entered the fifth with a one-run lead and appeared ready to end the series in shutout fashion.
Advertisement
But Astros stars George Springer and Jose Altuve keyed a four-run rally in the fifth to chase Snell, who gave up only two hits through four innings. Springer plated two runs with a single to push the Astros in front 2-1, and Altuve's RBI double made it 3-1.
Carlos Correa, who had the walk-off home run in Game 5 of the series, singled to left to score Altuve, giving the Astros a 4-1 lead. Kyle Tucker's solo homer in the sixth extended that lead to 5-1, and Houston added two more runs in the seventh to jump ahead 7-1.
Manuel Margot then homered twice and drove in three runs over the next two innings for the Rays, who again fell short of closing out the series.
Snell (0-1) allowed two runs on three hits across four innings. He struck out four and walked four. Rays starter Framber Valdez (1-0) threw six strong innings and gave up only one run on three hits. He recorded nine strikeouts and walked three.
Game 7 of the ALCS is set for Saturday night. Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is expected to start for the Astros, while Charlie Morton will take the mound for the Rays.


upi--2020-10-16--DOJ announces two more federal death-row executions

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that it had scheduled the executions of two more federal death-row inmates , bringing the total number of federal executions to nine carried out this year after a 17-year hiatus .
Lisa Montgomery and Brandon Bernard are both scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on December 8 and 10 , respectively , at the U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute , Ind.
, the agency said in a statement .
Montgomery , then 36 , of Kansas was accused in 2004 of fatally strangling her pregnant acquaintance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open her body , and kidnapping Stinnett 's baby .
Prosecutors said Montogmery came to the Missouri home of her friend under the guise of buying a puppy and beat and killed Stinnett , stealing her child , which she tried to pass off as her own .
In 2007 , a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri found Montgomery guilty of federal kidnapping resulting in death , and recommended a death sentence .
Her conviction and sentence were affirmed on appeal , the DOJ said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of the crime , was convicted with accomplices in the murders of two Iowa youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley , on a Texas military reservation in 1999 .
Bernard has been on federal death row for almost 20 years .
In 2017 , lawyers for Bernard argued that he deserved a new trial because the former chief judge of the Western District of Texas who oversaw his appeal , was determined to be unfit and forced to retire because of drinking and sexual harassment claims against him .
The appeal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 20 at the time of the crime , was also convicted in the deaths of the Bagleys .
He was executed Sept. 22 , at the Terre Haute penitentiary .
U.S. Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions in July after a 17-year break .
Daniel Lewis Lee , Wesley Purkey and Dustin Honken were executed in July ; Lezmond Mitchell and Keith Dwayne Nelson in August ; and William LeCroy and Vialva in September .

The U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., will be the site of two more lethal injection federal executions of death row prisoners this year, the U.S. Department of Justice said Friday. File Photo by Mark Cowan/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that it had scheduled the executions of two more federal death-row inmates, bringing the total number of federal executions to nine carried out this year after a 17-year hiatus. Lisa Montgomery and Brandon Bernard are both scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Dec. 8 and 10, respectively, at the U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute, Ind., the agency said in a statement. Advertisement
Montgomery, then 36, of Kansas was accused in 2004 of fatally strangling her pregnant acquaintance, Bobbie Jo Stinnett, 23, cutting open her body, and kidnapping Stinnett's baby. Prosecutors said Montogmery came to the Missouri home of her friend under the guise of buying a puppy, and beat and killed Stinnett, stealing her child, which she tried to pass off as her own.
In 2007, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri found Montgomery guilty of federal kidnapping resulting in death, and recommended a death sentence. Her conviction and sentence were affirmed on appeal, the Justice Department said.
Bernard, who was 18 at the time of the crime, was convicted with accomplices in the murders of two Iowa youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley, on a Texas military reservation in 1999. Bernard has been on federal death row for almost 20 years.
Advertisement
In 2017, lawyers for Bernard argued that he deserved a new trial because the former chief judge of the Western District of Texas who oversaw his appeal, was determined to be unfit and forced to retire because of drinking and sexual harassment claims against him. The appeal was denied.
Accomplice Christopher Vialva, who was 19 at the time of the crime, was also convicted in the deaths of the Bagleys. He was executed Sept. 24, at the Terre Haute penitentiary.
U.S. Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions in July after a 17-year break. Daniel Lewis Lee, Wesley Purkey and Dustin Honken were executed in July; Lezmond Mitchell and Keith Dwayne Nelson in August; and William LeCroy and Vialva in September.


upi--2020-10-16--Trump reverses course, approves emergency aid for Calif. wildfires

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump reversed course Friday and approved hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid for the state of California for recent wildfires that have scorched the state .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom tweeted Friday afternoon that after a midday phone call , the president had granted an emergency declaration to make funding available for counties burned by the Creek Fire and five others .
Newsom said he had `` just got off the phone '' with the president who had approved California 's major disaster declaration request .
`` Grateful for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .
Earlier in the day , Trump had declined to approve the request , sent by Newsom on Sept. 28 to cover damage from the most recent fires in northern California .
In the letter , Newsom thanked the president for emergency aid received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for wildfires in August .
He also thanked the president for visiting the state last month to tour the damage .
California has suffered this year from the most extreme fire season in the state 's recorded history .
More than 8,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and windy season , burning more than 4.1 acres and destroying more than 9,200 structures and killing at least 31 people .
But the worst fires have taken place in northern California in September , where the Glass Fire , Creek Fire and others have burned nearly 2 million acres , destroyed more than 3,000 structures , and killed at least three people .
Newsom 's appeal said the state was , `` experiencing another siege of fires from early September , which continue to devastate communities throughout the state . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were tapped out , Newsom said .
Initially , FEMA 's press secretary , Lizzie Litzow , said in a statement Friday that the agency determined `` the early September fires were not of such severity and magnitude to exceed the combined capabilities of the state , affected local governments , voluntary agencies and other responding federal agencies . ''
But Brian Ferguson , spokesman for the California Governor 's Office of Emergency Services , said the state could n't know right away how many hundreds of millions of dollars in damage had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be known for months or years afterward , '' Furguson said .
Trump 's decision may have helped embattled Republican lawmakers facing challenging elections on Nov. 3 .
`` Californians have been devastated by this year 's fires , and now , with [ the president ] set to declare a federal disaster , we are going to get the assistance needed to rebuild and repair , '' tweeted GOP House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy .
`` Thank you Mr .
President . ''
`` The Presidential Disaster Declaration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' tweeted Repubilcan U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock , who represents a northern California district that includes Yosemite National Park .
`` Thank you , Mr. President ... Our voices were heard and our prayers were answered . ''

President Donald Trump changed his mind Friday and approved an emergency aid request from the state of California for damaging September wildfires that have burned almost 2 million acres. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump reversed course Friday and approved hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid for the state of California for recent wildfires that have scorched the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted Friday afternoon that after a midday phone call, the president had granted an emergency declaration to make funding available for counties burned by the Creek Fire and five others. Advertisement
Newsom said he had "just got off the phone" with the president who had approved California's major disaster declaration request. "Grateful for his quick response," the Democratic governor tweeted.
Earlier in the day, Trump had declined to approve the request, sent by Newsom on Sept. 28 to cover damage from the most recent fires in northern California.
In the letter, Newsom thanked the president for emergency aid received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for wildfires in August. He also thanked the president for visiting the state last month to tour the damage.
California has suffered this year from the most extreme fire season in the state's recorded history. More than 8,500 fires have started in an exceptionally dry and windy season, burning more than 4.1 acres and destroying more than 9,200 structures and killing at least 31 people.
Advertisement
But the worst fires have taken place in northern California in September, where the Glass Fire, Creek Fire and others have burned nearly 2 million acres, destroyed more than 3,000 structures, and killed at least three people.
Newsom's appeal said the state was, "experiencing another siege of fires from early September, which continue to devastate communities throughout the state." The state's capabilities to manage the devastation were tapped out, Newsom said.
Initially, FEMA's press secretary, Lizzie Litzow, said in a statement Friday that the agency determined "the early September fires were not of such severity and magnitude to exceed the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments, voluntary agencies and other responding federal agencies."
But Brian Ferguson, spokesman for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said the state couldn't know right away how many hundreds of millions of dollars in damage had been done.
"The true cost won't be known for months or years afterward," Furguson said.
Trump's decision may have helped embattled Republican lawmakers facing challenging elections on Nov. 3.
"Californians have been devastated by this year's fires, and now, with [the president] set to declare a federal disaster, we are going to get the assistance needed to rebuild and repair," tweeted GOP House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy. "Thank you Mr. President."
Advertisement
"The Presidential Disaster Declaration is imminent and help is on the way," tweeted Repubilcan U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, who represents a northern California district that includes Yosemite National Park. "Thank you, Mr. President...Our voices were heard and our prayers were answered."


upi--2020-10-16--Supreme Court to hear appeal to erase undocumented immigrants from U.S. Census

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will expedite a review next month on President Donald Trump 's proposal to erase undocumented immigrant residents from the 2020 U.S. Census when apportioning congressional representation , the court announced Friday .
U.S. House districts are re-drawn every 10 years based on population results from the U.S. Census .
The proposal could cut the number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives , along with federal funding , for states , such as California , Illinois and Texas that have large immigrant populations .
The Supreme Court will hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal based on Trump 's July 21 memo which declared that the executive branch had the authority to `` exclude from the apportionment base aliens who are not in a lawful immigration status under the Immigration and Nationality Act . ''
A three-judge District Court panel in New York on Sept. 10 blocked Trump 's order with an injunction , after the Trump administration was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union .
The panel declared the presidential memorandum to be `` an unlawful exercise of the authority granted to the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of saying the memo was unconstitutional .
`` President Trump has repeatedly tried -- and failed -- to weaponize the census for his attacks on immigrant communities , '' said Dale Ho , director of the ACLU 's Voting Rights Project .
`` The Supreme Court rejected his attempt last year and should do so again .
The legal mandate is clear -- every single person counts in the census , and every single person is represented in Congress . ''
About 11 million undocumented immigrants are believed to live in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sanctuary cities '' and has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funds from municipal governments that provide services to undocumented residents .
Even if the courts did validate the president 's order , it is unclear how the number of non-compliant immigrant residents in any state could be calculated .
A citizenship question did not appear on the 2020 U.S. Census after the Trump administration lost a legal challenge last year .
Democrats and the ACLU fear that a Supreme Court with a conservative majority might overturn the lower court 's ruling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members to immigrant heavy states , as well as federal education and health resources .
The Supreme Court will likely have a full nine members by Nov. 30 , as the Senate plans to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the highest court on Thursday , which could give the court a 6-3 conservative majority .
The Trump administration 's lawyers argued that the Supreme Court should fast-track their appeal because the president must submit the new census congressional apportionment numbers to Congress by January .
The Trump administration was successful in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early when the Supreme Court issued a temporary ruling last week .

The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday it would fast-track a hearing on whether to overrule a lower court's injunction of an order blocking undocumented immigrants from being counted in the U.S. Census. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will expedite a review next month on President Donald Trump's proposal to erase undocumented immigrant residents from the 2020 U.S. Census when apportioning congressional representation, the court announced Friday. U.S. House districts are re-drawn every 10 years based on population results from the U.S. Census. Advertisement
The proposal could cut the number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives, along with federal funding, for states, such as California, Illinois and Texas that have large immigrant populations.
The Supreme Court will hold a hearing by Nov. 30 to fast-track an appeal based on Trump's July 21 memo which declared that the executive branch had the authority to "exclude from the apportionment base aliens who are not in a lawful immigration status under the Immigration and Nationality Act."
A three-judge District Court panel in New York on Sept. 10 blocked Trump's order with an injunction, after the Trump administration was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union.
The panel declared the presidential memorandum to be "an unlawful exercise of the authority granted to the president by statute," but stopped short of saying the memo was unconstitutional.
Advertisement
"President Trump has repeatedly tried -- and failed -- to weaponize the census for his attacks on immigrant communities," said Dale Ho, director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project. "The Supreme Court rejected his attempt last year and should do so again. The legal mandate is clear -- every single person counts in the census, and every single person is represented in Congress."
About 11 million undocumented immigrants are believed to live in the United States.
Trump has campaigned against so-called "sanctuary cities" and has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funds from municipal governments that provide services to undocumented residents.
Even if the courts did validate the president's order, it is unclear how the number of non-compliant immigrant residents in any state could be calculated. A citizenship question did not appear on the 2020 U.S. Census after the Trump administration lost a legal challenge last year.
Democrats and the ACLU fear that a Supreme Court with a conservative majority might overturn the lower court's ruling, which could cut the number of congressional members to immigrant heavy states, as well as federal education and health resources.
The Supreme Court will likely have a full nine members by Nov. 30, as the Senate plans to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the highest court on Thursday, which could give the court a 6-3 conservative majority.
Advertisement
The Trump administration's lawyers argued that the Supreme Court should fast-track their appeal because the president must submit the new census congressional apportionment numbers to Congress by January.
The Trump administration was successful in a push to end the census a month early when the Supreme Court issued a temporary ruling last week.


upi--2020-10-16--Manchester United signs Paul Pogba to contract extension

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Friday that star midfielder Paul Pogba will remain with the club for the next two years .
United triggered a one-year option in Pogba 's contract that will keep him with the Premier League club until 2022 .
The Frenchman could have negotiated with clubs outside the English league in January if United did n't extend his deal .
`` Paul is our player , and he 's going to be here for another two years , '' Solskjaer told reporters Friday .
`` I 'm sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us , and we want to see the best of Paul .
I 'm sure in the next couple of years we 'll get the best out of him . ''
The 27-year-old Pogba returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in a then-record deal in 2016 .
He has 25 goals in 111 appearances since returning to Manchester United that year .
Pogba recorded 28 goals in 124 appearances for Juventus from 2012-16 .
In 72 career international appearances , Pogba has notched 10 goals , including one score in France 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FIFA World Cup final .

Star midfielder Paul Pogba will remain with Manchester United until 2022 after the extension. File Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Friday that star midfielder Paul Pogba will remain with the club for the next two years. United triggered a one-year option in Pogba's contract that will keep him with the Premier League club until 2022. The Frenchman could have negotiated with clubs outside the English league in January if United didn't extend his deal. Advertisement
"Paul is our player, and he's going to be here for another two years," Solskjaer told reporters Friday. "I'm sure Paul is focused on doing his best for us, and we want to see the best of Paul. I'm sure in the next couple of years we'll get the best out of him."
The 27-year-old Pogba returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in a then-record deal in 2016. He has 25 goals in 111 appearances since returning to Manchester United that year.
Pogba recorded 28 goals in 124 appearances for Juventus from 2012-16.
In 72 career international appearances, Pogba has notched 10 goals, including one score in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.


upi--2020-10-16--Ex-Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay on two charges related to the 2019 overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs .
According to the indictment , which was filed Friday morning in a U.S. District Court in Texas , Kay -- who told federal agents he provided drugs to Skaggs -- is charged with distributing a controlled substance that resulted in Skaggs ' death .
Kay also is accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl starting in or before 2017 .
Skaggs died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being found unconscious in his Southlake , Texas , hotel room .
The Angels were in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a game against the Texas Rangers .
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner 's Office determined Skaggs died from an accidental overdose of opioids and alcohol .
Tests revealed that Skaggs had oxycodone , ethanol and fentanyl -- a painkiller that is significantly stronger than oxycodone -- in his system .
Federal authorities arrested Kay on Aug. 7 on a charge of distributing fentanyl , but he had not yet entered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't indicate whether they would charge him in Skaggs ' death .
Kay , the Angels ' former director of communications , faces up to life in federal prison if convicted .

Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died in July 2019 at the age of 27 after being found unconscious in his Southlake, Texas, hotel room. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay on two charges related to the 2019 overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. According to the indictment, which was filed Friday morning in a U.S. District Court in Texas, Kay -- who told federal agents he provided drugs to Skaggs -- is charged with distributing a controlled substance that resulted in Skaggs' death. Kay also is accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl starting in or before 2017. Advertisement
Skaggs died in July 2019 at the age of 27 after being found unconscious in his Southlake, Texas, hotel room. The Angels were in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a game against the Texas Rangers.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office determined Skaggs died from an accidental overdose of opioids and alcohol. Tests revealed that Skaggs had oxycodone, ethanol and fentanyl -- a painkiller that is significantly stronger than oxycodone -- in his system.
Federal authorities arrested Kay on Aug. 7 on a charge of distributing fentanyl, but he had not yet entered a plea. At the time, prosecutors didn't indicate whether they would charge him in Skaggs' death.
Advertisement
Kay, the Angels' former director of communications, faces up to life in federal prison if convicted.


upi--2020-10-16--Alabama's Nick Saban tests negative for COVID-19, could coach against Georgia

Oct. 16 ( UPI ) -- Alabama head athletic trainer Jeff Allen announced Friday that a subsequent test of Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban on Thursday showed he is negative for COVID-19 .
The news comes two days after Saban 's initial positive test and opens up the possibility that Saban could coach in Saturday night 's marquee matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs .
In the school 's statement , Allen said Saban was evaluated by team physician Dr. Eugene Robinson on Friday and remains asymptomatic .
`` We are continuing to follow the SEC Return to Activity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic positives , '' Allen said .
`` A PCR test was repeated Thursday by the SEC appointed lab and was negative . ''
Under Southeastern Conference protocols , if Saban tests negative two more times -- each 24 hours apart -- he would be considered a false positive and would be allowed to return to full activity .
The 68-year-old Saban will continue to be tested daily by the Alabama medical staff , meaning he could test negative Friday and Saturday and be on the sideline for the Crimson Tide 's game @ @ @

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban (R) initially tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. File Photo by Kent Gidley/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Alabama head athletic trainer Jeff Allen announced Friday that a subsequent test of Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban on Thursday showed he is negative for COVID-19. The news comes two days after Saban's initial positive test and opens up the possibility that Saban could coach in Saturday night's marquee matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. Advertisement
In the school's statement, Allen said Saban was evaluated by team physician Dr. Eugene Robinson on Friday and remains asymptomatic.
"We are continuing to follow the SEC Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force Protocol for testing asymptomatic positives," Allen said. "A PCR test was repeated Thursday by the SEC appointed lab and was negative."
Under Southeastern Conference protocols, if Saban tests negative two more times -- each 24 hours apart -- he would be considered a false positive and would be allowed to return to full activity.
The 68-year-old Saban will continue to be tested daily by the Alabama medical staff, meaning he could test negative Friday and Saturday and be on the sideline for the Crimson Tide's game against Georgia.