upi--2020-12-28--Lessons learned during COVID-19 research pivot may improve medical studies, experts say

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has had both a positive and negative impact on medical research in 2020 , delaying some trials while streamlining the process for others , according to experts .
The complexities of the pandemic , and quick shift in research focus toward better understanding of the coronavirus and finding a cure , put many studies looking into other diseases on hold for the short term .
Those delayed studies , many involving chronic , non-life-threatening diseases , were put on hold primarily because study participants were blocked from visiting research centers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated for COVID-19 treatment .
Over the long-term , however , lessons learned from the unprecedented speed with which researchers pivoted in response to the pandemic could help streamline medical studies going forward , experts say .
`` As of February or March , most clinical trials in large medical centers stopped , '' clinical research expert Dr. Reynold A. Panettieri Jr. told UPI .
`` Although this likely delayed some of these trials for four or five months , overall I think the pandemic will end up being transformative in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Panettieri , vice chancellor of clinical and translational science at Rutgers University in New Jersey .
Most clinical trials , at least in the United States , restarted over the summer , when universities and academic medical centers began reopening more fully , according to Panettieri .
Most of these research centers defined `` life-threatening '' broadly , meaning that if discontinuing a treatment being evaluated in a trial entailed any risks to the participants the studies were allowed to continue , even during the pandemic lockdown .
Any disruption to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be quantified , he said , though a handful of studies have attempted to assess the impact in specific diseases and fields .
For example , in a survey of 300 surgeon researchers , conducted in April and published in September by the journal Surgery , 70 % cited a negative impact on research productivity due to mandatory building shutdowns , social distancing and suspensions of clinical trials .
`` Clinical trials were halted ... for the safety of researchers and patients [ and ] most available resources at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study co-author Dr. Sundeep G. Keswani told UPI .
`` However , it is too early to tell what true downstream effects are going to be of this pandemic on both clinical and basic science research , '' said Keswani , chief of pediatric surgery at Texas Children 's Hospital in Houston .
Similarly , an analysis of studies published between October 2019 and April found a small decline in articles not related to COVID-19 over that period .
This most likely reflects virus research that `` was undergoing faster peer review than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bian told UPI .
`` I think these delays in clinical trial accrual may cause delays in research advancement in non-COVID-19 areas , [ but ] I think the focus of research will likely not be shifted , just pushed back , '' said Bian , a clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology at the University of Southern California .
Now that research has restarted in most places across the United States , what the pandemic has done has changed the way research studies are conducted and participants are monitored , Panettieri said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical examinations of study participants have largely moved follow-up consultations online , primarily to platforms such as Zoom , he said .
This has led to greater efficiencies , allowing more time for data collection and analysis , while reducing inconvenience for study participants and , potentially , the costs of running studies , Panettieri said .
Limiting in-person visits by study participants also reduces their risk for potential exposure to infectious diseases , including COVID-19 , when visiting research centers , he said .
Similarly , the process with which clinical trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has largely moved online , streamlining the process and allowing more trials to start and start earlier , Keswani said .
`` There is a recognition now that , 'Hey , we do n't need to have people schlep into clinical research units and spend time and energy on monitoring if we can do this virtually , ' '' Panettieri said .
`` I think this is really going to be a game-changer .
Researchers in other fields , from chronic diseases such as diabetes to more life-threatening conditions like cancer and heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed with which COVID-19 studies were launched and yielded results .
The rapidly evolving technologies used to create viable vaccines against the virus , in less than a year , can be applied to other diseases , as well , according to Panettieri , Keswani and Bian .
`` There are some bright spots that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic -- just as we have transitioned much of our patient encounters to telemedicine , we have developed ways to conduct clinical research through remote platforms , '' Keswani said .

Clinical research has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both positively and negatively, experts say. Photo by Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has had both a positive and negative impact on medical research in 2020, delaying some trials while streamlining the process for others, according to experts. The complexities of the pandemic, and quick shift in research focus toward better understanding of the coronavirus and finding a cure, put many studies looking into other diseases on hold for the short term. Advertisement
Those delayed studies, many involving chronic, non-life-threatening diseases, were put on hold primarily because study participants were blocked from visiting research centers and a vast amount of medical resources were allocated for COVID-19 treatment.
Over the long-term, however, lessons learned from the unprecedented speed with which researchers pivoted in response to the pandemic could help streamline medical studies going forward, experts say.
"As of February or March, most clinical trials in large medical centers stopped," clinical research expert Dr. Reynold A. Panettieri Jr. told UPI.
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"Although this likely delayed some of these trials for four or five months, overall I think the pandemic will end up being transformative in terms of how we do research in medicine," said Panettieri, vice chancellor of clinical and translational science at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Most clinical trials, at least in the United States, restarted over the summer, when universities and academic medical centers began reopening more fully, according to Panettieri.
Most of these research centers defined "life-threatening" broadly, meaning that if discontinuing a treatment being evaluated in a trial entailed any risks to the participants the studies were allowed to continue, even during the pandemic lockdown.
Any disruption to medical research caused by the pandemic has yet to be quantified, he said, though a handful of studies have attempted to assess the impact in specific diseases and fields.
For example, in a survey of 300 surgeon researchers, conducted in April and published in September by the journal Surgery, 70% cited a negative impact on research productivity due to mandatory building shutdowns, social distancing and suspensions of clinical trials.
"Clinical trials were halted ... for the safety of researchers and patients [and] most available resources at the time were being reallocated towards COVID-19," study co-author Dr. Sundeep G. Keswani told UPI.
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"However, it is too early to tell what true downstream effects are going to be of this pandemic on both clinical and basic science research," said Keswani, chief of pediatric surgery at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.
Similarly, an analysis of studies published between October 2019 and April found a small decline in articles not related to COVID-19 over that period. This most likely reflects virus research that "was undergoing faster peer review than normal," study co-author Dr. Shelly Bian told UPI.
"I think these delays in clinical trial accrual may cause delays in research advancement in non-COVID-19 areas, [but] I think the focus of research will likely not be shifted, just pushed back," said Bian, a clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology at the University of Southern California.
Now that research has restarted in most places across the United States, what the pandemic has done has changed the way research studies are conducted and participants are monitored, Panettieri said.
Trial protocols that do not require physical examinations of study participants have largely moved follow-up consultations online, primarily to platforms such as Zoom, he said.
This has led to greater efficiencies, allowing more time for data collection and analysis, while reducing inconvenience for study participants and, potentially, the costs of running studies, Panettieri said.
Advertisement
Limiting in-person visits by study participants also reduces their risk for potential exposure to infectious diseases, including COVID-19, when visiting research centers, he said.
Similarly, the process with which clinical trials are evaluated and approved at research institutions has largely moved online, streamlining the process and allowing more trials to start and start earlier, Keswani said.
"There is a recognition now that, 'Hey, we don't need to have people schlep into clinical research units and spend time and energy on monitoring if we can do this virtually,'" Panettieri said. "I think this is really going to be a game-changer.
Researchers in other fields, from chronic diseases such as diabetes to more life-threatening conditions like cancer and heart disease, can draw inspiration from the speed with which COVID-19 studies were launched and yielded results.
The rapidly evolving technologies used to create viable vaccines against the virus, in less than a year, can be applied to other diseases, as well, according to Panettieri, Keswani and Bian.
"There are some bright spots that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic -- just as we have transitioned much of our patient encounters to telemedicine, we have developed ways to conduct clinical research through remote platforms," Keswani said.


upi--2020-12-28--Famous birthdays for Dec. 28: Maggie Smith, Seth Meyers

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn .
-- Woodrow @ @ @ @ @ the United States , in 1856

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Maggie Smith attends a screening for "The Lady In The Van" during the 59th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square in London on October 13, 2015. The actor turns 86 on December 28. File Photo by Paul Treadway/ UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include: Advertisement
-- Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States, in 1856
-- Jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines in 1903
-- Comic book writer and character creator Stan Lee in 1922
-- Actor Martin Milner in 1931
-- Actor Maggie Smith in 1934 (age 86)
-- Entrepreneur Philip Anschutz in 1939 (age 81)
File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI
-- Rock musician Edgar Winter in 1946 (age 74)
-- Actor Denzel Washington in 1954 (age 66)
-- TV personality Gayle King in 1954 (age 66)
-- Chinese activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo in 1955
-- Comedian Seth Meyers in 1973 (age 47)
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
-- Actor Joe Manganiello in 1976 (age 44)
-- Singer John Legend, born John Roger Stephens, in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Noomi Rapace in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Sienna Miller in 1981 (age 39)
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-- Actor Mackenzie Rosman in 1989 (age 31)
-- Singer David Archuleta in 1990 (age 30)
-- Actor Miles Brown in 2004 (age 16)


upi--2020-12-28--Presidential transition, weak funding put 2024 moon landing goal in doubt

ORLANDO , Fla. , Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The handoff from Donald Trump 's administration to that of Joe Biden , and a lack of congressional funding , have cast doubt on NASA 's goal for a lunar landing by 2024 -- a date that already had been seen as unlikely .
`` We can say , really , it 's impossible at this point to meet that 2024 goal , '' said Casey Dreier , chief advocate for The Planetary Society , which says it is the largest nonprofit in the world to support space exploration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general .
Even the Trump White House cut NASA 's funding in the first couple of years , '' said Dreier , who also is the society 's senior space policy adviser .
NASA had been aiming for a 2028 moon landing .
But Vice President Mike Pence advanced that by four years in a March 2019 address to the National Space Council in which he cited growing competition with China as a key reason .
`` I 'd say it 's unlikely that the Biden Administration will stick with the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Dreier said .
He added : `` That does n't mean the moon will fall out of favor .
The Democratic Party platform endorses a moon to Mars program .
It will just take a little longer . ''
In 2019 , Congress cut NASA 's funding request for $ 1 billion to build a human landing system to $ 600,000 for 2020 .
This fiscal year , the agency sought $ 3.2 billion for the landing system , but the final amount in the congressional bill is $ 850 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed confidence about getting to the moon by 2024 , he frequently warned that politics was the biggest obstacle .
Bridenstine will step down Jan. 20 , the day of Biden 's inauguration .
No new administrator has been named .
The return to the moon is seen as a step toward Mars under NASA 's Artemis program .
The first mission , an uncrewed launch on a new rocket , SLS , is scheduled for November .
But NASA is behind schedule on testing that rocket 's core stage , after 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work due to the coronavirus pandemic and hurricanes passing near the B-2 Test Stand at the agency 's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis , Miss .
NASA had planned to ship the core stage to Kennedy Space Center in Florida last month for final assembly with boosters and a capsule , but that step was delayed by the testing .
`` We 're getting to a point where we 've got very little margin left in the schedule relative to our commitment to our delivery date , '' John Honeycutt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said during a press conference Dec. 9 .
NASA had halted testing of the rocket on the day of that press conference , after discovering a problem with loading of liquid oxygen propellant leading to a test firing .
An investigation into the problem left the upcoming schedule in limbo .
The second Artemis mission would be a crewed flight of the SLS rocket around the moon , planned for 2023 .
Biden talks about the benefits of space exploration for science and humanity , but has n't specifically mentioned landing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence did , said Amy Foster , a professor of space history at the University of Central Florida .
`` Political will is what is missing , '' Foster said .
`` But it 's not just about presidential leadership .
It 's also about getting all the moving parts funded .
Planning for moon missions is far enough along that it will happen , Foster said , but the date is likely to slip .
`` In the '60s , [ President John F. ] Kennedy announced the moonshot because he needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War space race made it urgent , but it 's not that urgent today , '' Foster said .
`` I think we got to the moon less because of Kennedy saying it and more so because he died , and Johnson said we have to preserve his legacy . ''
NASA has selected 18 astronauts , nine men and nine women , for its Artemis Team of potential moonwalkers .
The space agency expects one of them to become the first woman to walk on the moon , while another will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon since 1972 .

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NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (C) gets a tour of the B-2 Test Stand on a work platform between the four RS-25 engines of the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket at the Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis early lat year. File Photo by Joel Kowsky/NASA
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The handoff from Donald Trump's administration to that of Joe Biden, and a lack of congressional funding, have cast doubt on NASA's goal for a lunar landing by 2024 -- a date that already had been seen as unlikely. "We can say, really, it's impossible at this point to meet that 2024 goal," said Casey Dreier, chief advocate for The Planetary Society, which says it is the largest nonprofit in the world to support space exploration. Advertisement
"The issue is funding for NASA in general. Even the Trump White House cut NASA's funding in the first couple of years," said Dreier, who also is the society's senior space policy adviser.
NASA had been aiming for a 2028 moon landing. But Vice President Mike Pence advanced that by four years in a March 2019 address to the National Space Council in which he cited growing competition with China as a key reason.
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"I'd say it's unlikely that the Biden Administration will stick with the goal of 2024, given the funding issues," Dreier said.
He added: "That doesn't mean the moon will fall out of favor. The Democratic Party platform endorses a moon to Mars program. It will just take a little longer."
In 2019, Congress cut NASA's funding request for $1 billion to build a human landing system to $600,000 for 2020. This fiscal year, the agency sought $3.2 billion for the landing system, but the final amount in the congressional bill is $850 million.
While NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has expressed confidence about getting to the moon by 2024, he frequently warned that politics was the biggest obstacle. Bridenstine will step down Jan. 20, the day of Biden's inauguration. No new administrator has been named.
The return to the moon is seen as a step toward Mars under NASA's Artemis program. The first mission, an uncrewed launch on a new rocket, SLS, is scheduled for November.
But NASA is behind schedule on testing that rocket's core stage, after 2020 delays that included a brief shutdown of work due to the coronavirus pandemic and hurricanes passing near the B-2 Test Stand at the agency's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss.
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NASA had planned to ship the core stage to Kennedy Space Center in Florida last month for final assembly with boosters and a capsule, but that step was delayed by the testing.
"We're getting to a point where we've got very little margin left in the schedule relative to our commitment to our delivery date," John Honeycutt, NASA's program manager on the rocket, said during a press conference Dec. 9.
NASA had halted testing of the rocket on the day of that press conference, after discovering a problem with loading of liquid oxygen propellant leading to a test firing. An investigation into the problem left the upcoming schedule in limbo.
The second Artemis mission would be a crewed flight of the SLS rocket around the moon, planned for 2023.
Biden talks about the benefits of space exploration for science and humanity, but hasn't specifically mentioned landing on the moon as much as Trump or Pence did, said Amy Foster, a professor of space history at the University of Central Florida.
"Political will is what is missing," Foster said. "But it's not just about presidential leadership. It's also about getting all the moving parts funded.
Planning for moon missions is far enough along that it will happen, Foster said, but the date is likely to slip.
Advertisement
"In the '60s, [President John F.] Kennedy announced the moonshot because he needed a political win, and the Cold War space race made it urgent, but it's not that urgent today," Foster said.
"I think we got to the moon less because of Kennedy saying it and more so because he died, and Johnson said we have to preserve his legacy."
NASA has selected 18 astronauts, nine men and nine women, for its Artemis Team of potential moonwalkers. The space agency expects one of them to become the first woman to walk on the moon, while another will be the first man to return to the moon since 1972.
NASA's women astronauts -- at least one likely to walk on moon


upi--2020-12-28--On This Day, Dec. 28: Westminster Abbey consecrated

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1832 , John Calhoun , at odds with U.S. President Andrew Jackson , became the first U.S. vice president to resign .
In 1846 , Iowa was admitted into the United States as the 29th state .
In 1865 , French film pioneers Auguste Lumiere and Louis Lumiere showed the first commercial motion pictures at a Paris cafe .
In 1869 , a group of tailors in Philadelphia staged the first Labor Day ceremonies in the United States .
In 1908 , an earthquake in the Messina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80,000 people .
Some estimates put the death toll upwards of 200,000 .
In 1950 , advancing Chinese troops crossed the 38th Parallel , dividing line between North and South Korea , to help the communist North Koreans fight U.S.-led U.N. forces .
In 1981 , the United States ' first test-tube baby , Elizabeth Jordan Carr , was born in a Norfolk , Va. , hospital .
In 1985 , warring Lebanese Muslim and Christian leaders signed a peace agreement backed by Syria .
In 1991 , Time magazine named CNN founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2007 , Nepal abolished its monarchy and became a federal democratic republic .
In 2011 , Kim Jong Un was declared supreme leader of North Korea at a memorial service in Pyongyang for his father and former leader Kim Jong Il .
In 2012 , a 23-year-old woman who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi died at a hospital in Singapore .
The attack by six men on the woman and her boyfriend caused outrage and protests throughout India .
In 2014 , Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven crew .
Searchers found the aircraft and bodies floating in the sea two days after it disappeared .
In 2015 , Japan and South Korea reached a deal to settle the issue of `` comfort women , '' sex slave victims forced to serve in Japanese military brothels during World War II .
Tokyo issued a formal apology and agreed to pay $ 8.3 million .
In 2019 , a car bomb rocked Somalia 's capital of Mogadishu , killing more than 80 people and injuring 125 others .

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Tourists walk around Westminster Abbey on April 27, 2011, as London prepares for the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. On December 28, 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. Advertisement
In 1832, John Calhoun, at odds with U.S. President Andrew Jackson, became the first U.S. vice president to resign.
In 1846, Iowa was admitted into the United States as the 29th state.
In 1865, French film pioneers Auguste Lumiere and Louis Lumiere showed the first commercial motion pictures at a Paris cafe.
In 1869, a group of tailors in Philadelphia staged the first Labor Day ceremonies in the United States.
File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
In 1908, an earthquake in the Messina area of southern Italy killed at least 80,000 people. Some estimates put the death toll upwards of 200,000.
In 1950, advancing Chinese troops crossed the 38th Parallel, dividing line between North and South Korea, to help the communist North Koreans fight U.S.-led U.N. forces.
In 1981, the United States' first test-tube baby, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, was born in a Norfolk, Va., hospital.
In 1985, warring Lebanese Muslim and Christian leaders signed a peace agreement backed by Syria.
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In 1991, Time magazine named CNN founder Ted Turner man of the year.
In 2007, Nepal abolished its monarchy and became a federal democratic republic.
In 2011, Kim Jong Un was declared supreme leader of North Korea at a memorial service in Pyongyang for his father and former leader Kim Jong Il.
File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI
In 2012, a 23-year-old woman who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi died at a hospital in Singapore. The attack by six men on the woman and her boyfriend caused outrage and protests throughout India.
In 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a law banning American parents from adopting Russian children.
In 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew. Searchers found the aircraft and bodies floating in the sea two days after it disappeared.
In 2015, Japan and South Korea reached a deal to settle the issue of "comfort women," sex slave victims forced to serve in Japanese military brothels during World War II. Tokyo issued a formal apology and agreed to pay $8.3 million.
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In 2019, a car bomb rocked Somalia's capital of Mogadishu, killing more than 80 people and injuring 125 others.


upi--2020-12-28--China jails citizen journalist for 4 years over coronavirus coverage

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- A Chinese court on Monday sentenced citizen journalist Zhang Zhan who reported on the coronavirus outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan to four years in prison .
The 37-year-old former lawyer was found guilty by the Shanghai Pudong New Area People 's Court of `` picking quarrels and provoking trouble , '' a broad charge that is often leveled at activists , South China Morning Post reported .
Zhang , arrested in May , was charged in connection to her reporting on China 's handling of the coronavirus in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The indictment accuses Zhang of having moved from her home in Shanghai to Wuhan in early February as it was battling a severe outbreak of the virus .
Authorities charged Zhang with spreading false information about the city 's coronavirus outbreak on WeChat , Twitter and YouTube as well as during media interviews with Western news organizations .
According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders , a coalition of Chinese and international human rights NGOs , Zhang produced numerous reports from Wuhan , including on the arrest of other reporters and government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citing Chinese-language news reports , the Committee to Protect Journalists said Zhang disappeared on May 14 after she published a YouTube video critical of the government a day prior .
On May 15 , authorities announced she was being detainment hundreds of miles away in Shanghai .
Zhang has maintained her innocence , protesting the charges by conducting a hunger strike .
Earlier this month , Amnesty International said Zhang has been force-fed by officials and has been shackled and bound for more than three months , raising fears over her health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Zhang Keke , one of her lawyers , said in a statement following a visit with his client this month that she was restrained 24 hours a day and was being force-fed by a feeding tube .
`` She needs assistance going to the bathroom and she tosses and turns in her her sleep , '' the statement said .
`` She feels psychologically exhausted , like every day is a torment . ''
A report released earlier this month by the Committee to Protect Journalists showed a record number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for jailing more journalists than any other nation with 47 .
The report published Dec. 15 said 47 journalists were jailed in China , with at least two , including Zhang , who were arrested for their coverage of the pandemic .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A Chinese court on Monday sentenced citizen journalist Zhang Zhan who reported on the coronavirus outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan to four years in prison.
The 37-year-old former lawyer was found guilty by the Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," a broad charge that is often leveled at activists, South China Morning Post reported.
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Zhang, arrested in May, was charged in connection to her reporting on China's handling of the coronavirus in the city of Wuhan, ground zero of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The indictment accuses Zhang of having moved from her home in Shanghai to Wuhan in early February as it was battling a severe outbreak of the virus.
Authorities charged Zhang with spreading false information about the city's coronavirus outbreak on WeChat, Twitter and YouTube as well as during media interviews with Western news organizations.
According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders, a coalition of Chinese and international human rights NGOs, Zhang produced numerous reports from Wuhan, including on the arrest of other reporters and government harassment of families of COVID-19 victims.
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Citing Chinese-language news reports, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Zhang disappeared on May 14 after she published a YouTube video critical of the government a day prior. On May 15, authorities announced she was being detainment hundreds of miles away in Shanghai.
Zhang has maintained her innocence, protesting the charges by conducting a hunger strike.
Earlier this month, Amnesty International said Zhang has been force-fed by officials and has been shackled and bound for more than three months, raising fears over her health and and "further torture and other ill-treatment."
Zhang Keke, one of her lawyers, said in a statement following a visit with his client this month that she was restrained 24 hours a day and was being force-fed by a feeding tube.
"She needs assistance going to the bathroom and she tosses and turns in her her sleep," the statement said. "She feels psychologically exhausted, like every day is a torment."
A report released earlier this month by the Committee to Protect Journalists showed a record number of journalists were jailed in 2020 with China responsible for jailing more journalists than any other nation with 47.
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The report published Dec. 15 said 47 journalists were jailed in China, with at least two, including Zhang, who were arrested for their coverage of the pandemic.


upi--2020-12-28--Knife-wielding man kills 7 in northeastern China

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Police officers in China have arrested a man suspected of killing seven people during @ @ @ @ @ Liaoning province , according to local media .
Police arrested the suspect , who has @ @ @ @ @ surname Yang , Sunday morning near a bath house in the city of Kaiyuan after @ @ @ @ @ of people being attacked by a knife-wielding assailant , state-run CCTV reported .
Authorities said @ @ @ @ @ in the rampage , including a police officer who participated in the suspect 's arrest @ @ @ @ @ local hospitals , CGTN reported .
Stabbings and other violent crimes are not uncommon in @ @ @ @ @ restricted .
In June , an attacker injured 37 students and two teachers at an @ @ @ @ @ Police arrested a security guard at the institution in connection to the attack .
Last @ @ @ @ @ injured 20 students at an elementary school where he had recently been fired from .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Police officers in China have arrested a man suspected of killing seven people during a stabbing rampage in northeastern Liaoning province, according to local media.
Police arrested the suspect, who has been identified only by his surname Yang, Sunday morning near a bath house in the city of Kaiyuan after officers were deployed following reports of people being attacked by a knife-wielding assailant, state-run CCTV reported.
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Authorities said seven others were also injured in the rampage, including a police officer who participated in the suspect's arrest. All were transferred to local hospitals, CGTN reported.
Stabbings and other violent crimes are not uncommon in China where gun-ownership is greatly restricted.
In June, an attacker injured 37 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Wangfu. Police arrested a security guard at the institution in connection to the attack.
Last January, a hammer-wielding man injured 20 students at an elementary school where he had recently been fired from.


upi--2020-12-28--U.S. strengthens investor ban on companies accused of being controlled by China's military

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Treasury Department on Monday strengthened an executive order President Donald Trump signed in November to prevent Americans from investing in Chinese military-controlled companies to include subsidiaries .
The Treasury issued the clarifying statement , saying U.S. investors are prohibited from owning securities of subsidiaries of companies accused of being Communist Chinese military companies .
The U.S. government has so far identified 35 companies under the executive order it accuses of being connected to the People 's Liberation Army , including tech giant Huawei , Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation and Aero Engine Corporation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on Jan. 11 , 2021 , giving investors time to fully divest from the listed companies .
The Treasury said it intends to publicly list as subsidiaries any entity that issues publicly traded securities that is a least 50 % owned by companies accused of being owned by China 's military or controlled or owned by one or more of the companies it has already identified .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the move is to prevent U.S. funds from developing and modernizing China 's military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Treasury 's Frequently Asked Questions statement `` should allay concerns '' from U.S. investors fearful of being punished for unknowingly supporting Chinese military-controlled companies .
`` President Donald Trump is protecting U.S. investors and pension funds , '' Pompeo said via Twitter .
`` His Executive Order prohibits ETF and index fund investments in Communist Chinese military companies and subsidiaries . ''
He also applauded the Treasury for `` great teamwork '' concerning Monday 's announcement .
Trump issued the executive order on Nov. 12 amid sinking relations between Beijing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemned the Asian nation for its handling of its coronavirus outbreak and human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang province .
The Trump administration has sought punitive measures targeting China and has also barred its companies from participating in the development of the United States ' next-generation 5G wireless infrastructure over national security concerns and has lobbied other countries to do the same .
China has repeatedly balked at the accusations and earlier this month described the White House 's blacklisting of Chinese companies and officials as an `` emotional lashing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the single greatest threat to the United States of America . ''

Huawei is one of the more than 30 companies that the United States has accused of being controlled by the Chinese military. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Treasury Department on Monday strengthened an executive order President Donald Trump signed in November to prevent Americans from investing in Chinese military-controlled companies to include subsidiaries. The Treasury issued the clarifying statement, saying U.S. investors are prohibited from owning securities of subsidiaries of companies accused of being Communist Chinese military companies. Advertisement
The U.S. government has so far identified 35 companies under the executive order it accuses of being connected to the People's Liberation Army, including tech giant Huawei, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation and Aero Engine Corporation of China.
The rule is to take effect on Jan. 11, 2021, giving investors time to fully divest from the listed companies.
The Treasury said it intends to publicly list as subsidiaries any entity that issues publicly traded securities that is a least 50% owned by companies accused of being owned by China's military or controlled or owned by one or more of the companies it has already identified.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the move is to prevent U.S. funds from developing and modernizing China's military, intelligence and security services.
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Pompeo said the Treasury's Frequently Asked Questions statement "should allay concerns" from U.S. investors fearful of being punished for unknowingly supporting Chinese military-controlled companies.
"President Donald Trump is protecting U.S. investors and pension funds," Pompeo said via Twitter. "His Executive Order prohibits ETF and index fund investments in Communist Chinese military companies and subsidiaries."
He also applauded the Treasury for "great teamwork" concerning Monday's announcement.
President @realDonaldTrump is protecting U.S. investors and pension funds. His Executive Order prohibits ETF and index fund investments in Communist Chinese military companies and subsidiaries. Great teamwork on today's announcement. https://t.co/k6IgaE2g3H— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 29, 2020
Trump issued the executive order on Nov. 12 amid sinking relations between Beijing and Washington as the United States has repeatedly condemned the Asian nation for its handling of its coronavirus outbreak and human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang province.
The Trump administration has sought punitive measures targeting China and has also barred its companies from participating in the development of the United States' next-generation 5G wireless infrastructure over national security concerns and has lobbied other countries to do the same.
China has repeatedly balked at the accusations and earlier this month described the White House's blacklisting of Chinese companies and officials as an "emotional lashing out."
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Pompeo has called China "the single greatest threat to the United States of America."


upi--2020-12-28--Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey fined $50K for James Harden tweet

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was fined $ 50,000 for violating the NBA 's anti-tampering rule , the league announced Monday .
The NBA said the fine was in response to Morey 's Dec. 20 tweet about Houston Rockets star guard James Harden .
The post on social media , which was deleted shortly later , celebrated the one-year anniversary of Harden breaking the Rockets ' franchise assists record .
Rockets CEO Tad Brown appeared to respond to Morey 's tweet regarding Harden that night , posting an emoji with raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ESPN reported that Morey told league officials it was an inadvertent post from an automated app .
The 76ers hired Morey this past off-season after he stepped down as the Rockets ' general manager , a position he held for the past 13 seasons .
Later in the off-season , Harden requested a trade from the Rockets .
According to multiple reports , he initially informed Houston that he wanted to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets , but he has since expanded his list of preferred landing spots to include the @ @ @ @ @ @

The Philadelphia 76ers hired Daryl Morey this past off-season after he stepped down as the Houston Rockets' general manager. File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/EPA-EFE
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was fined $50,000 for violating the NBA's anti-tampering rule, the league announced Monday. The NBA said the fine was in response to Morey's Dec. 20 tweet about Houston Rockets star guard James Harden. The post on social media, which was deleted shortly later, celebrated the one-year anniversary of Harden breaking the Rockets' franchise assists record. Advertisement
Rockets CEO Tad Brown appeared to respond to Morey's tweet regarding Harden that night, posting an emoji with raised eyebrows and a hand rubbing the chin.
ESPN reported that Morey told league officials it was an inadvertent post from an automated app.
The 76ers hired Morey this past off-season after he stepped down as the Rockets' general manager, a position he held for the past 13 seasons.
Later in the off-season, Harden requested a trade from the Rockets. According to multiple reports, he initially informed Houston that he wanted to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets, but he has since expanded his list of preferred landing spots to include the 76ers and other potential suitors.


upi--2020-12-28--Watch: Grizzlies star Ja Morant exits in wheelchair after suffering ankle injury

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was taken off the floor in a wheelchair after suffering a left ankle injury during the first half of Monday night 's game against the Brooklyn Nets .
In a statement , the Grizzlies said Morant sustained a left ankle sprain and will not return to Monday 's game against the Nets .
Morant , the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year , jumped to block a shot attempt by Nets forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and landed awkwardly on Cabarrot 's foot .
The second-year guard -- unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- immediately hopped over to the sideline and collapsed next to the Grizzlies ' bench .
Morant rolled around on the floor in pain while the team 's medical staff ran over to attend to him .
After a few minutes , a trainer brought a wheelchair over and Morant 's teammates helped him into the chair .
He was then wheeled back to the locker room .
The 21-year-old Morant was off to a hot start in the 2020-21 season , averaging 36 points and eight assists through two games .
Morant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in the 2019-20 campaign .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was taken off the floor in a wheelchair after suffering a left ankle injury during the first half of Monday night's game against the Brooklyn Nets.
In a statement, the Grizzlies said Morant sustained a left ankle sprain and will not return to Monday's game against the Nets.
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Morant, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, jumped to block a shot attempt by Nets forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and landed awkwardly on Cabarrot's foot. The second-year guard -- unable to put any weight on his left leg -- immediately hopped over to the sideline and collapsed next to the Grizzlies' bench.
Morant rolled around on the floor in pain while the team's medical staff ran over to attend to him. After a few minutes, a trainer brought a wheelchair over and Morant's teammates helped him into the chair. He was then wheeled back to the locker room.
Ja Morant just left the court in a wheelchair. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/lTxNsuCtHq— FOX Sports Grizzlies (@GrizzliesOnFSSE) December 29, 2020 Advertisement
The 21-year-old Morant was off to a hot start in the 2020-21 season, averaging 36 points and eight assists through two games.
Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game in the 2019-20 campaign.


upi--2020-12-28--Biden says U.S. military must strengthen cyberdefense after massive hack

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- President-elect Joe Biden said Monday his incoming administration would focus on the defense implications of the massive cyberattack that swept through U.S. government agencies and businesses .
In a press conference in Wilmington , Del.
, after a series of transition briefings , Biden said his administration would concentrate on modernizing U.S. defense priorities to address growing threats in `` new realms like cyberspace '' as opposed to `` over-investing in legacy systems designed to address threats of the past . ''
Biden said the transition team was briefed on the hack by Stephanie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence , and retired U.S. Army Lt. General Karen Gibson .
`` We need to deter , detect , disrupt and respond , '' to secure the United States against `` malign cyberactors , '' Biden said .
`` We 're still learning about the extent of the SolarWinds hack and the vulnerabilities that have been exposed . ''
A cyberbreach accredited to Russian intelligence service , SVR , was concealed for months in software from the Austin , Texas , firm .
The hack exploited a patch to breach emails and computer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury , Commerce and Homeland Security , among others , as well as compromising thousands of U.S. business computers , the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned earlier in December .
Biden has called the breach a `` grave risk '' to national security .
U.S. President Donald Trump has not publicly addressed the massive hack , but tweeted that he had been `` fully briefed and everything is well under control '' last week .
`` Russia , Russia , Russia is the priority chant when anything happens , '' Trump wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be China ( it may ! )
. ''
Biden also complained Monday that his transition team has been obstructed by political leadership in the Department of Defense and the White House 's Office of Management and Budget , calling the roadblocks `` nothing short of irresponsibility . ''
He said his administration would have a task ahead to rebuild agencies `` critical to our security [ which ] have incurred enormous damage , '' Biden said .
Under the Trump administration , many agencies have been `` hollowed out in personnel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world , '' he said , to avoid a `` window of confusion or catch up our adversaries may try to exploit . ''
Seemingly in response to Biden 's claim , Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller issued a statement detailing the department 's efforts to aid the presidential transition , describing the number of documents they have handed over as being `` far more than initially requested by Biden 's transition team . ''
`` DOD 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with over three weeks to go and we continue to schedule additional meetings for the remainder of the transition and answer any and all requests for information in our purview , '' he said .
The statement contains bullet points listing that since Nov. 23 the department has conducted 164 interviews with more than 400 officials , responded to 188 requests for information and provided more than 5,000 pages of controlled non-public and classified information .
Miller said department staff `` have been working with the utmost professionalism to support transition activities '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to schedule interviews with senior staff for early January .
`` The American people expect nothing less and that is what I remain committed to , '' he said .

President-elect Joe Biden said Monday the U.S.military must update its cyberattack strategy to keep pace with "malign cyber actors." File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden said Monday his incoming administration would focus on the defense implications of the massive cyberattack that swept through U.S. government agencies and businesses. In a press conference in Wilmington, Del., after a series of transition briefings, Biden said his administration would concentrate on modernizing U.S. defense priorities to address growing threats in "new realms like cyberspace" as opposed to "over-investing in legacy systems designed to address threats of the past." Advertisement
Biden said the transition team was briefed on the hack by Stephanie O'Sullivan, former principal director of national intelligence, and retired U.S. Army Lt. General Karen Gibson.
"We need to deter, detect, disrupt and respond," to secure the United States against "malign cyberactors," Biden said. "We're still learning about the extent of the SolarWinds hack and the vulnerabilities that have been exposed."
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A cyberbreach accredited to Russian intelligence service, SVR, was concealed for months in software from the Austin, Texas, firm.
The hack exploited a patch to breach emails and computer systems of the departments of the U.S. Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security, among others, as well as compromising thousands of U.S. business computers, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned earlier in December.
Biden has called the breach a "grave risk" to national security.
U.S. President Donald Trump has not publicly addressed the massive hack, but tweeted that he had been "fully briefed and everything is well under control" last week.
"Russia, Russia, Russia is the priority chant when anything happens," Trump wrote raising the possibility that "it may be China (it may!)."
Biden also complained Monday that his transition team has been obstructed by political leadership in the Department of Defense and the White House's Office of Management and Budget, calling the roadblocks "nothing short of irresponsibility."
He said his administration would have a task ahead to rebuild agencies "critical to our security [which] have incurred enormous damage," Biden said.
Under the Trump administration, many agencies have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and morale," Biden added.
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"My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world," he said, to avoid a "window of confusion or catch up our adversaries may try to exploit."
Seemingly in response to Biden's claim, Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller issued a statement detailing the department's efforts to aid the presidential transition, describing the number of documents they have handed over as being "far more than initially requested by Biden's transition team."
"DOD's efforts already surpass those of recent administrations with over three weeks to go and we continue to schedule additional meetings for the remainder of the transition and answer any and all requests for information in our purview," he said.
The statement contains bullet points listing that since Nov. 23 the department has conducted 164 interviews with more than 400 officials, responded to 188 requests for information and provided more than 5,000 pages of controlled non-public and classified information.
Miller said department staff "have been working with the utmost professionalism to support transition activities" in a compressed schedule and that they will continue to schedule interviews with senior staff for early January.
"The American people expect nothing less and that is what I remain committed to," he said.


upi--2020-12-28--House votes to overturn Trump's veto of $740B defense spending bill

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The House on Monday voted to override President Donald Trump 's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act .
The move to override the veto passed by a vote of 322-87 , easily surpassing the two-thirds majority required to overturn Trump 's rejection of the $ 740 billion defense spending bill that both the House and Senate passed earlier this month with veto-proof majorities .
A total of 109 Republicans broke with Trump to vote in favor of the first successful override of his presidency , while 20 Democrats who voted in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the veto .
The bill includes funding for major military programs and weapons systems , and authorizes dozens of special pay and bonuses for service members .
However , Trump criticized it for `` provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military 's history , '' by renaming military installations that honor Confederate leaders .
Before it was passed , Trump had also threatened to veto the defense bill if it did n't include a repeal of Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act , which protects tech giants such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content posted on their platforms .
The Senate is set to meet to begin the process of overriding the veto on Tuesday .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , said he would object a vote in the Senate to overturn the veto until Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell approves a vote to increase payments in the $ 900 billion coronavirus relief bill to $ 2,000 , which the House passed on Monday night .
Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , also said he may seek to hold up the vote as he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this year '' I very much am opposed to the Afghan war and I 've told them I 'll come back to try to prevent them from easily overriding the president 's veto , '' he said last week .

The House voted 322-87 Monday to overturn President Donald Trump's veto of the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The House on Monday voted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. The move to override the veto passed by a vote of 322-87, easily surpassing the two-thirds majority required to overturn Trump's rejection of the $740 billion defense spending bill that both the House and Senate passed earlier this month with veto-proof majorities. Advertisement
A total of 109 Republicans broke with Trump to vote in favor of the first successful override of his presidency, while 20 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill switched their votes to support the veto.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement following the vote, calling on Trump to "end his eleventh-hour campaign of chaos," condemning the veto as "reckless."
"With this overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, the House has upheld our sacred Constitutional responsibility to keep our country and our people safe," she said. "The National Defense Authorization Act has been passed on a bipartisan and bicameral manner for sixty years and it will become law, despite the president's dangerous sabotage efforts."
The bill includes funding for major military programs and weapons systems, and authorizes dozens of special pay and bonuses for service members. However, Trump criticized it for "provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military's history," by renaming military installations that honor Confederate leaders.
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Before it was passed, Trump had also threatened to veto the defense bill if it didn't include a repeal of Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, which protects tech giants such as Facebook and Twitter from legal liability for content posted on their platforms.
The Senate is set to meet to begin the process of overriding the veto on Tuesday.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he would object a vote in the Senate to overturn the veto until Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell approves a vote to increase payments in the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill to $2,000, which the House passed on Monday night.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., also said he may seek to hold up the vote as he did in a vote to pass the bill earlier this year
"I very much am opposed to the Afghan war and I've told them I'll come back to try to prevent them from easily overriding the president's veto," he said last week.


upi--2020-12-28--Seattle Seahawks waive veteran DT Damon 'Snacks' Harrison

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Seattle Seahawks have waived veteran defensive lineman Damon `` Snacks '' Harrison , the team said Monday .
The decision , which was made one day after Harrison was a healthy scratch for Seattle 's win over the Los Angeles Rams , was announced after the defensive tackle and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll met Monday morning .
`` He 's decided to stop playing , '' Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle on Monday .
`` He 's done playing .
I talked to him this morning .
He 's in good spirits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really grateful for the opportunity in playing here , and he did really well by us .
But he just ... he 's done .
`` I do n't know what will happen with any other club , but I know he 's got a big family .
He 's got a bunch of kids .
He 's got seven kids to corral and take care of , and it 's a very trying time and challenging .
So he 's just trying to get them back home and safe .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved him , and I 'm sorry to see him go , but we 've got to keep going . ''
In a post on social media , Harrison wrote that he plans to play for another team this year if he `` can work out the logistics of it . ''
He noted that he is n't interested in being claimed off waivers .
Harrison also indicated on Twitter that his decision to part ways with the Seahawks was related to his role with the team .
`` I just want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about stats , snaps , etc .
I 'm a football player and I just want to play , '' Harrison tweeted .
`` There 's no bad blood at all .
I understand the business side .
`` Before I sit around and try to take snaps from a young guy who deserves to be out there playing I 'd rather leave .
There 's a lot of snakes in the NFL but I 'm not one of them . ''
The Seahawks signed the 32-year-old Harrison to their practice squad in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Seattle on Nov. 15 against the Rams .
Harrison was credited with nine total tackles and a forced fumble in six games with the Seahawks .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Seattle Seahawks have waived veteran defensive lineman Damon "Snacks" Harrison, the team said Monday.
The decision, which was made one day after Harrison was a healthy scratch for Seattle's win over the Los Angeles Rams, was announced after the defensive tackle and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll met Monday morning.
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"He's decided to stop playing," Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle on Monday. "He's done playing. I talked to him this morning. He's in good spirits and all of that. He's really grateful for the opportunity in playing here, and he did really well by us. But he just ... he's done.
"I don't know what will happen with any other club, but I know he's got a big family. He's got a bunch of kids. He's got seven kids to corral and take care of, and it's a very trying time and challenging. So he's just trying to get them back home and safe. It was awesome to have him around. We loved him, and I'm sorry to see him go, but we've got to keep going."
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In a post on social media, Harrison wrote that he plans to play for another team this year if he "can work out the logistics of it." He noted that he isn't interested in being claimed off waivers.
Harrison also indicated on Twitter that his decision to part ways with the Seahawks was related to his role with the team.
"I just want to play. Period. Don't care about stats, snaps, etc. I'm a football player and I just want to play," Harrison tweeted. "There's no bad blood at all. I understand the business side.
"Before I sit around and try to take snaps from a young guy who deserves to be out there playing I'd rather leave. There's a lot of snakes in the NFL but I'm not one of them."
The @Seahawks made one roster move this afternoon. https://t.co/Eu2ia8vpkh— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) December 28, 2020
The Seahawks signed the 32-year-old Harrison to their practice squad in early October. He made his debut in Seattle on Nov. 15 against the Rams.
Harrison was credited with nine total tackles and a forced fumble in six games with the Seahawks.
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-28--Columbus officer who shot Andre Hill fired

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Columbus , Ohio , officer Adam Coy , who shot and killed 47-year-old Andre Hill , has been fired , the Columbus Police Division said Monday .
Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. said Coy was fired after a disciplinary hearing Monday morning .
`` The information , evidence and representations made by Chief [ Thomas ] Quinlan as the investigator are , in my opinion , indisputable .
His disciplinary recommendation is well-supported and appropriate , '' Pettus said .
`` The actions of Adam Coy do not live up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the standards we , and the community , demand of our officers . ''
An autopsy report released Monday by the Franklin County Coroner said Hill 's preliminary cause of death was `` multiple gunshot wounds . ''
Hill 's manner of death was declared a homicide .
Coy shot Hill , a Black man , within seconds of arriving at a noise disturbance call with another unnamed female officer , around 1:30 a.m Tuesday morning in the north Columbus neighborhood of Cranbrook .
Hill was inside a garage and emerged unarmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's police bodycam showed .
Coy , a 19-year veteran of the force , did not turn on his body camera until after the shooting , but the camera 's `` look back '' feature recorded the 60 seconds before the camera was activated .
Chief Quinlan sought Coy 's termination because Coy did n't turn on his camera and because he did not render aid to Hill as the man lay dying .
Coy also failed to use trained techniques to de-escalate the situation , police hearing officers said .
Coy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Fraternal Order of Police .
Coy , 44 , had a history of complaints of excessive force during his time with the police division , the Columbus Dispatch reported .
Quinlan called for Coy 's termination last week and said he would skip department procedures meant to investigate officer-involved shootings .
`` Like all of you , I witnessed his critical misconduct firsthand via his body-worn camera .
I have seen everything I need to see to reach the conclusion that Officer Coy must be terminated , immediately , '' Quinlan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief , I changed our core values to include accountability , '' Quinlan said Monday in a statement .
`` This is what accountability looks like .
The evidence provided solid rationale for termination .
Mr. Coy will now have to answer to the state investigators for the death of Andre Hill . ''
The case will proceed to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to determine whether criminal charges against Coy will be brought .
Along with the state police investigation , Ohio Attorney General David Yost and the state 's criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. attorney 's office and the FBI 's Civil Rights Division .
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he supported the decision to fire Coy .
`` The actions of Adam Coy do not live up to the oath of a Columbus Police officer , `` Ginther said in a statement .
`` The shooting of Andre Hill is a tragedy for all who loved him in addition to the community and our Division of Police . ''
On Dec. 4 , Franklin County Sheriff 's officers shot and killed 23-year-old Casey Goodson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandmother 's home .
Officers said Goodson , a furloughed truck driver , displayed a handgun .

The Columbus, Ohio, Police Division fired officer Adam Coy after a hearing following Coy's shooting of Andre Hill on Tuesday. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Columbus, Ohio, officer Adam Coy, who shot and killed 47-year-old Andre Hill, has been fired, the Columbus Police Division said Monday. Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. said Coy was fired after a disciplinary hearing Monday morning. Advertisement
"The information, evidence and representations made by Chief [Thomas] Quinlan as the investigator are, in my opinion, indisputable. His disciplinary recommendation is well-supported and appropriate," Pettus said. "The actions of Adam Coy do not live up to the oath of a Columbus police officer, or the standards we, and the community, demand of our officers."
An autopsy report released Monday by the Franklin County Coroner said Hill's preliminary cause of death was "multiple gunshot wounds." Hill's manner of death was declared a homicide.
Coy shot Hill, a Black man, within seconds of arriving at a noise disturbance call with another unnamed female officer, around 1:30 a.m Tuesday morning in the north Columbus neighborhood of Cranbrook. Hill was inside a garage and emerged unarmed but holding a cell phone, Coy's police bodycam showed.
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Coy, a 19-year veteran of the force, did not turn on his body camera until after the shooting, but the camera's "look back" feature recorded the 60 seconds before the camera was activated.
Chief Quinlan sought Coy's termination because Coy didn't turn on his camera and because he did not render aid to Hill as the man lay dying. Coy also failed to use trained techniques to de-escalate the situation, police hearing officers said.
Coy was represented at the disciplinary hearing by members of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Coy, 44, had a history of complaints of excessive force during his time with the police division, the Columbus Dispatch reported.
Quinlan called for Coy's termination last week and said he would skip department procedures meant to investigate officer-involved shootings.
"Like all of you, I witnessed his critical misconduct firsthand via his body-worn camera. I have seen everything I need to see to reach the conclusion that Officer Coy must be terminated, immediately," Quinlan said Thursday.
"When I became chief, I changed our core values to include accountability," Quinlan said Monday in a statement. "This is what accountability looks like. The evidence provided solid rationale for termination. Mr. Coy will now have to answer to the state investigators for the death of Andre Hill."
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The case will proceed to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to determine whether criminal charges against Coy will be brought.
Along with the state police investigation, Ohio Attorney General David Yost and the state's criminal investigations unit is being assisted by the U.S. attorney's office and the FBI's Civil Rights Division.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he supported the decision to fire Coy.
"The actions of Adam Coy do not live up to the oath of a Columbus Police officer, " Ginther said in a statement. "The shooting of Andre Hill is a tragedy for all who loved him in addition to the community and our Division of Police."
On Dec. 4, Franklin County Sheriff's officers shot and killed 23-year-old Casey Goodson, a Black man who was entering his grandmother's home. Officers said Goodson, a furloughed truck driver, displayed a handgun.


upi--2020-12-28--Washington Football Team releases former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Washington Football Team released second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins on Monday , one day after he was benched in a loss to the Carolina Panthers .
In a statement , Washington head coach Ron Rivera said he met with Haskins on Monday to inform him of the decision .
`` I told him that I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways , '' Rivera said .
`` We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and wish him well moving forward . ''
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I take full responsibility for not meeting the standards of a NFL QB [ and ] will become a better man [ and ] player because of this experience . ''
About two hours before Haskins ' release , Rivera said that Washington would start Taylor Heinicke if veteran quarterback Alex Smith was unable to play in Sunday 's regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles .
The Football Team ( 6-9 ) can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Eagles .
Following the WFT 's 20-13 loss to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had the `` hardest week '' of his life and needs to get his life together .
The No .
15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 14 of 28 passes for 154 yards and had two interceptions and a fumble before he was benched in the fourth quarter of Sunday 's game in Landover , Md .
`` You sign up for this job .
It is what it is , '' Haskins said .
`` Sometimes being human is n't enough .
`` You 've got to own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a better person moving forward , put your best foot forward and pray for an opportunity .
When you have it [ you have to ] make the most of it .
You never know when you 'll get another one . ''
Haskins began the season as Washington 's starter before he was benched in Week 5 .
He returned to the field after Smith was injured in Week 14 and started each of Washington 's last two games .
Haskins on Wednesday was fined $ 40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This was definitely the hardest week of my life , '' Haskins said .
`` I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together . ''
Haskins on Wednesday said that he felt Sunday 's game was his last chance to prove that he deserved to be the team 's starting quarterback .
Rivera said he considered benching Haskins earlier in Sunday 's game , but he hoped the team could repeat the strong second-half effort he saw in Week 15 .
He called Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haskins -- `` gutsy '' and said the backup quarterback gave the team a chance to win .
`` We did n't get anything going , so I decided to make the change , '' Rivera said Sunday when asked about benching Haskins .
Rivera also said Haskins `` deserved '' to start on Sunday .
Smith was on track to play in Week 16 before Rivera said `` he was n't feeling it '' on Saturday and was n't active on Sunday due to a calf injury .
`` Sometimes you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to hit rock bottom before you can dig your way back out of it .
Sometimes a change helps , '' Rivera said Monday .
`` With Dwayne , it 's what have you learned ?
What are you going to take from these experiences that are going to help you grow and get better ?
`` That 's the big thing with him and the thing I hope he learns from these experiences .
Hopefully , they 'll make him stronger and they 'll help him and , hopefully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'll make the best of it . ''
In two seasons with Washington , Haskins completed 60.1 % of his passes for 2,804 yards with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions .
Washington faces the Eagles at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday in Philadelphia .

1/3
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins threw two interceptions and had a fumble in a loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Landover, Md. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Washington Football Team released second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins on Monday, one day after he was benched in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. In a statement, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said he met with Haskins on Monday to inform him of the decision. Advertisement
"I told him that I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways," Rivera said. "We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and wish him well moving forward."
In a post on social media, Haskins wrote: "I take full responsibility for not meeting the standards of a NFL QB [and] will become a better man [and] player because of this experience."
About two hours before Haskins' release, Rivera said that Washington would start Taylor Heinicke if veteran quarterback Alex Smith was unable to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Football Team (6-9) can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Eagles.
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Following the WFT's 20-13 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, Haskins said he had the "hardest week" of his life and needs to get his life together.
The No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 14 of 28 passes for 154 yards and had two interceptions and a fumble before he was benched in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game in Landover, Md.
"You sign up for this job. It is what it is," Haskins said. "Sometimes being human isn't enough.
"You've got to own up to your responsibilities and mistakes and be a better person moving forward, put your best foot forward and pray for an opportunity. When you have it [you have to] make the most of it. You never know when you'll get another one."
t r e b o pic.twitter.com/NiNxakfw7w— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 27, 2020
Haskins began the season as Washington's starter before he was benched in Week 5. He returned to the field after Smith was injured in Week 14 and started each of Washington's last two games.
Haskins on Wednesday was fined $40,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols and later stripped of his captaincy.
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"This was definitely the hardest week of my life," Haskins said. "I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together."
Haskins on Wednesday said that he felt Sunday's game was his last chance to prove that he deserved to be the team's starting quarterback.
Rivera said he considered benching Haskins earlier in Sunday's game, but he hoped the team could repeat the strong second-half effort he saw in Week 15. He called Taylor Heinicke's performance -- in relief of Haskins -- "gutsy" and said the backup quarterback gave the team a chance to win.
"We didn't get anything going, so I decided to make the change," Rivera said Sunday when asked about benching Haskins.
Oh he got a piece of that pic.twitter.com/xkAohbSLhD— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 27, 2020
Rivera also said Haskins "deserved" to start on Sunday. Smith was on track to play in Week 16 before Rivera said "he wasn't feeling it" on Saturday and wasn't active on Sunday due to a calf injury.
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"Sometimes you have to go through hard knocks. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can dig your way back out of it. Sometimes a change helps," Rivera said Monday. "With Dwayne, it's what have you learned? What are you going to take from these experiences that are going to help you grow and get better?
"That's the big thing with him and the thing I hope he learns from these experiences. Hopefully, they'll make him stronger and they'll help him and, hopefully, when he gets his next opportunity, he'll make the best of it."
In two seasons with Washington, Haskins completed 60.1% of his passes for 2,804 yards with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Washington faces the Eagles at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday in Philadelphia.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-28--Federal judge denies accused Epstein ally Ghislaine Maxwell's request for bail

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Monday for a second time denied bail to Ghislaine Maxwell , the British socialite facing charges of acting as an accomplice of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
Judge Alison Nathan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York again ruled that Maxwell , 59 , poses a flight risk , citing the severity of the charges she faces .
`` The court again concludes that no conditions of release can reasonably assure the defendant 's appearance at future proceedings , '' Nathan wrote .
In July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with prosecutors who said that her wealth and dozens of overseas bank accounts make her an `` extreme '' flight risk .
Earlier this month , Maxwell 's attorneys proposed a $ 28.5 million bail package secured with $ 8 million in property and $ 500,000 in cash , the filing noted .
Additionally , Maxwell 's relatives and friends have agreed to give an additional $ 5 million .
Maxwell pleaded not guilty to eight counts related to accusations that she helped Epstein sexually exploit and abuse multiple minor girls as young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charges include conspiracy , perjury , enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity .
If convicted , Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison .
She is set to stand trial in July .

A federal judge denied Ghislaine Maxwell's request to be released on bail Monday, again ruling that the British socialite facing charges of acting as an accomplice of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein poses a flight risk. File Photo by Rick Bajornas/EPA-EFE
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Monday for a second time denied bail to Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite facing charges of acting as an accomplice of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Alison Nathan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York again ruled that Maxwell, 59, poses a flight risk, citing the severity of the charges she faces. Advertisement
"The court again concludes that no conditions of release can reasonably assure the defendant's appearance at future proceedings," Nathan wrote.
In July, Nathan denied her bail, siding with prosecutors who said that her wealth and dozens of overseas bank accounts make her an "extreme" flight risk.
Earlier this month, Maxwell's attorneys proposed a $28.5 million bail package secured with $8 million in property and $500,000 in cash, the filing noted. Additionally, Maxwell's relatives and friends have agreed to give an additional $5 million.
Maxwell pleaded not guilty to eight counts related to accusations that she helped Epstein sexually exploit and abuse multiple minor girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997.
The charges include conspiracy, perjury, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sexual acts and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. If convicted, Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison.
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She is set to stand trial in July.


upi--2020-12-28--Home Depot recalls large ceiling fans for faulty blades

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Home Depot is recalling about 190,000 large ceiling fans after the company received at least 47 reports of blades flying off and hitting people or causing property damage , the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission said .
The 54-inch Hampton Bay Mara Ceiling Fans , manufactured by Fort Lauderdale , Fla.-based King of Fans , were sold for about $ 150 exclusively through Home Depot from April to October 2020 , the agency said .
About 8,000 of the fans were sold in Canada .
The fans present a possible injury hazard , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying blades that detached , federal safety officials said .
The company said in a press release that the defect was an isolated manufacturing problem where `` one of the two screws retaining the locking clip is not adequately secured to the flywheel '' and it offered an apology .
`` We take pride in the quality of our products , and the safety of our customers is our priority , '' King of Fans said .
The indoor-outdoor fans came with a white color-changing integrated LED light and remote control , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black , black and polished nickel .
Home Depot tweeted a recall notice Monday .
Customers should immediately stop using the ceiling fans , and be on the lookout for unusual blade movement or uneven gaps between the blades and fan body , the manufacturer said .
Recall return instructions are available on the King of Fans website .

Home Depot is recalling about 190,000 large Hampton Bay Mara ceiling fans because detaching blades present a risk of injury. Photo courtesy of King of Fans
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Home Depot is recalling about 190,000 large ceiling fans after the company received at least 47 reports of blades flying off and hitting people or causing property damage, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission said. The 54-inch Hampton Bay Mara Ceiling Fans, manufactured by Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based King of Fans, were sold for about $150 exclusively through Home Depot from April to October 2020, the agency said. About 8,000 of the fans were sold in Canada. Advertisement
The fans present a possible injury hazard, and at least two customers were hit by flying blades that detached, federal safety officials said.
The company said in a press release that the defect was an isolated manufacturing problem where "one of the two screws retaining the locking clip is not adequately secured to the flywheel" and it offered an apology.
"We take pride in the quality of our products, and the safety of our customers is our priority," King of Fans said.
The indoor-outdoor fans came with a white color-changing integrated LED light and remote control, and were sold in matte white, matte black, black and polished nickel. Home Depot tweeted a recall notice Monday.
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Customers should immediately stop using the ceiling fans, and be on the lookout for unusual blade movement or uneven gaps between the blades and fan body, the manufacturer said. Recall return instructions are available on the King of Fans website.


upi--2020-12-28--Brooklyn Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie to undergo surgery for partially torn ACL

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn right ACL , the team announced Monday .
Dinwiddie suffered the knee injury during the third quarter of Sunday 's game against the Charlotte Hornets .
He drove against Hornets big man Bismack Biyombo and planted his leg awkwardly .
The 27-year-old Dinwiddie remained on the floor and grabbed his right knee .
He then hobbled over to the sideline and was evaluated on the Nets ' bench by the team 's medical staff .
Dinwiddie was ruled out for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nets called a right knee sprain .
The team said Monday that he is scheduled to have surgery next week .
League sources told ESPN that Dinwiddie is expected to miss an extended amount of time .
His ability to return this season will depend on his rehabilitation .
According to The Athletic , the former second-round pick could miss the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign .
Dinwiddie has averaged 6.7 points , 4.3 rebounds and three assists in three games this year .
He has a $ 12.3 million player option for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was a starter for the Nets last season , will likely replace Dinwiddie in Brooklyn 's starting lineup .
The Nets play the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night .

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) suffered the injury during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn right ACL, the team announced Monday. Dinwiddie suffered the knee injury during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He drove against Hornets big man Bismack Biyombo and planted his leg awkwardly. Advertisement
The 27-year-old Dinwiddie remained on the floor and grabbed his right knee. He then hobbled over to the sideline and was evaluated on the Nets' bench by the team's medical staff.
Dinwiddie was ruled out for the rest of the game with what the Nets called a right knee sprain. The team said Monday that he is scheduled to have surgery next week.
League sources told ESPN that Dinwiddie is expected to miss an extended amount of time. His ability to return this season will depend on his rehabilitation. According to The Athletic, the former second-round pick could miss the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
Dinwiddie has averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and three assists in three games this year. He has a $12.3 million player option for the 2021-22 season.
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Caris LeVert, who was a starter for the Nets last season, will likely replace Dinwiddie in Brooklyn's starting lineup. The Nets play the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.


upi--2020-12-28--House approves increasing stimulus payments to $2,000

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Less than a day after President Donald Trump signed the $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief package , the House passed a measure Monday to increase direct stimulus payments to Americans to $ 2,000 each from $ 600 .
The legislation -- called the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help , or CASH Act -- passed in a 275-134 floor vote brought by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Monday 's vote sends the measure to the Republican-held Senate .
In a statement Sunday , House Republican leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this much-needed assistance '' after Trump signed the bill that included the $ 600 payments .
But McConnell did not comment on the Senate taking up the $ 2,000 payment bill if passed by the House .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , said he planned to block a vote to override Trump 's veto of a defense funding bill until the chamber votes on the stimulus measure .
`` This week on the Senate floor , Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump 's veto of the $ 740 billion defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New Year , '' Sanders wrote on Twitter .
`` I 'm going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $ 2,000 direct payment to the working class . ''
The newly signed relief measure , as it currently stands , provides only $ 600 payments to most Americans , but Trump delayed signing the bill for days over a multitude of complaints , including his desire to raise the amount to $ 2,000 .
A bid by House Democrats on Thursday to get unanimous consent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy , forcing Monday 's vote .
`` The signing of the bipartisan , bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the 14 million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend , and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis , '' Pelosi said in a statement Sunday .
`` We need to ensure robust support for state and local government to distribute and administer a vaccine , keep workers employed and prevent devastating service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible .
`` Now , the president must immediately call on congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our standalone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $ 2,000 .
`` Every Republican vote against this bill is a vote to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny the American people the relief they need . ''
This time , the prospect of increasing the stimulus amount received more Republican support , as Rep. Tom Reed of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would support the increase .
`` The American people are hurting , '' Reed , co-chair of the bipartisan `` Problem Solvers '' group of about 50 lawmakers , said in a statement .
`` Economic stagnation and lockdowns have left many in difficult financial situations .
I 've communicated to the president my support for his directive to increase the total size of stimulus checks to $ 2,000 per individual and will be voting in favor of the CASH Act tomorrow to do so , '' the statement said .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Americans who earned less than $ 75,000 last year .
The amount will gradually decrease by $ 5 for every $ 100 earned over the income threshold .
The president last week called the relief package and attached omnibus spending bill a `` disgrace , '' even though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was Trump 's point man for months in the negotiations with House Democrats for what ultimately became the aid package .
The spending bill , like the relief measure , was also signed Sunday night and will fund the federal @ @ @ @

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., walks from the House floor to her office on Monday as the House voted to increase a new round of stimulus payments to most Americans to $2,000. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Less than a day after President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, the House passed a measure Monday to increase direct stimulus payments to Americans to $2,000 each from $600. The legislation -- called the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help, or CASH Act -- passed in a 275-134 floor vote brought by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Advertisement
Monday's vote sends the measure to the Republican-held Senate.
In a statement Sunday, House Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he was "glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance" after Trump signed the bill that included the $600 payments.
But McConnell did not comment on the Senate taking up the $2,000 payment bill if passed by the House.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said he planned to block a vote to override Trump's veto of a defense funding bill until the chamber votes on the stimulus measure.
"This week on the Senate floor, Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump's veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year," Sanders wrote on Twitter.
"I'm going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class."
The newly signed relief measure, as it currently stands, provides only $600 payments to most Americans, but Trump delayed signing the bill for days over a multitude of complaints, including his desire to raise the amount to $2,000.
A bid by House Democrats on Thursday to get unanimous consent for the raised amount was blocked by House Republican leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, forcing Monday's vote.
"The signing of the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the 14 million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas weekend, and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis," Pelosi said in a statement Sunday.
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"We need to ensure robust support for state and local government to distribute and administer a vaccine, keep workers employed and prevent devastating service cuts -- and we must do so as soon as possible.
"Now, the president must immediately call on congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our standalone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $2,000.
"Every Republican vote against this bill is a vote to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny the American people the relief they need."
This time, the prospect of increasing the stimulus amount received more Republican support, as Rep. Tom Reed of New York, declared before the vote that he would support the increase.
"The American people are hurting," Reed, co-chair of the bipartisan "Problem Solvers" group of about 50 lawmakers, said in a statement.
"Economic stagnation and lockdowns have left many in difficult financial situations. I've communicated to the president my support for his directive to increase the total size of stimulus checks to $2,000 per individual and will be voting in favor of the CASH Act tomorrow to do so," the statement said.
The new round of stimulus payments will go to most Americans who earned less than $75,000 last year. The amount will gradually decrease by $5 for every $100 earned over the income threshold.
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The president last week called the relief package and attached omnibus spending bill a "disgrace," even though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was Trump's point man for months in the negotiations with House Democrats for what ultimately became the aid package.
The spending bill, like the relief measure, was also signed Sunday night and will fund the federal government until October.
Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020


upi--2020-12-28--Self-deleting genes to be tested as part of mosquito population control concept

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Scientists at Texas A & M have developed a new technique for altering the genes of mosquitoes -- the new technology will cause genetic changes to self-delete from the mosquitoes ' genome .
Thanks to the breakthrough , described Monday in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B , researchers can now test-run experimental gene edits without permanently altering a mosquito 's genome .
`` People are wary of transgenes spreading in the environment in an uncontrolled manner .
We feel that ours is a strategy to potentially prevent that from happening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Texas A & M College of Agriculture , said in a news release .
`` The idea is , can we program a transgene to remove itself ?
Then , the gene wo n't persist in the environment . ''
`` What it really comes down to is , how do you test a gene drive in a real-world scenario ? ''
Adelman said .
`` What if a problem emerges ?
We think ours is one possible way to be able to do risk assessment and field testing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mosquito populations -- and their ability to spread diseases like malaria -- call for gene edits to be combined with a gene drive .
A gene drive causes the altered DNA to spread quickly throughout a population .
`` A number of high-profile publications have talked about using a gene drive to control mosquitoes , either to change them so they ca n't transmit malaria parasites anymore , or to kill off all the females so the population dies out , '' Adelman said .
In the new paper , Adelman and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing gene drive systems that expire after a certain amount of time or certain number of mosquito generations .
The novel method utilizes a cellular process that all animals rely on to repair damaged DNA .
In every cell nuclei , repair enzymes constantly hunt for repeated genetic sequences that bookend broken genetic code .
The enzymes delete everything in between the repeated sequences .
To take advantage of this process , researchers plan to introduce a gene drive , a DNA-cutting enzyme and a small DNA repeat to fruit flies and mosquitoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enzyme is introduced , the insect 's own repair enzyme should chase down the tear and remove the gene drive and small DNA repeat from the insect 's genome .
Adelman and his research partners are slated to receive $ 3.9 million in funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to test and improve their self-deleting gene technology .
The research team has already started testing different gene drive systems to determine how quickly they move through a population before the DNA-cutting enzyme can stop their spread .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often the mechanism does not work as expected , '' Adelman said .
`` The models predict that even with a very high rate of failure , if it succeeds just 5 percent of the time , that 's still enough to get rid of the transgene . ''

Researchers have developed a new strategy for testing gene drive technologies without causing permanent change's to the population's genome. Photo by WikiImages/ Pixabay
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Scientists at Texas A&M have developed a new technique for altering the genes of mosquitoes -- the new technology will cause genetic changes to self-delete from the mosquitoes' genome. Thanks to the breakthrough, described Monday in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, researchers can now test-run experimental gene edits without permanently altering a mosquito's genome. Advertisement
"People are wary of transgenes spreading in the environment in an uncontrolled manner. We feel that ours is a strategy to potentially prevent that from happening," Zach Adelman, professor of entomology at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture, said in a news release. "The idea is, can we program a transgene to remove itself? Then, the gene won't persist in the environment."
"What it really comes down to is, how do you test a gene drive in a real-world scenario?" Adelman said. "What if a problem emerges? We think ours is one possible way to be able to do risk assessment and field testing."
Most genetic engineering strategies designed to curb mosquito populations -- and their ability to spread diseases like malaria -- call for gene edits to be combined with a gene drive. A gene drive causes the altered DNA to spread quickly throughout a population.
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"A number of high-profile publications have talked about using a gene drive to control mosquitoes, either to change them so they can't transmit malaria parasites anymore, or to kill off all the females so the population dies out," Adelman said.
In the new paper, Adelman and his research partners detail a new strategy for testing gene drive systems that expire after a certain amount of time or certain number of mosquito generations.
The novel method utilizes a cellular process that all animals rely on to repair damaged DNA.
In every cell nuclei, repair enzymes constantly hunt for repeated genetic sequences that bookend broken genetic code. The enzymes delete everything in between the repeated sequences.
To take advantage of this process, researchers plan to introduce a gene drive, a DNA-cutting enzyme and a small DNA repeat to fruit flies and mosquitoes in the lab.
Once the DNA-cutting enzyme is introduced, the insect's own repair enzyme should chase down the tear and remove the gene drive and small DNA repeat from the insect's genome.
Adelman and his research partners are slated to receive $3.9 million in funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to test and improve their self-deleting gene technology.
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The research team has already started testing different gene drive systems to determine how quickly they move through a population before the DNA-cutting enzyme can stop their spread.
"We assigned various rates of failure for how often the mechanism does not work as expected," Adelman said. "The models predict that even with a very high rate of failure, if it succeeds just 5 percent of the time, that's still enough to get rid of the transgene."


upi--2020-12-28--Australian friends win $750,000 using lottery numbers from a hat

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- A pair of Australian friends are celebrating after winning a lottery jackpot of more @ @ @ @ @ numbers they picked out of a hat .
The friends , a man and a @ @ @ @ @ Victoria , told The Lott officials they have been playing the lottery together for several @ @ @ @ @ group of numbers they selected through unusual means .
`` We 've been using the @ @ @ @ @ .
He gave me some numbers , then I had some numbers , and we @ @ @ @ @ a hat to put on our entry , '' the woman said .
The winner @ @ @ @ @ plans for her share of the jackpot .
`` I want my floorboards done , @ @ @ @ @ I 've got carpet under the dining table and I 've always wanted floorboards .
@ @ @ @ @ car , too .
I also want to help my family .
I 'll be @ @ @ @ @ lot . ''

Two friends from Point Cook, Victoria, Australia, said the lottery numbers that earned them a $758,127.12 jackpot were chosen by picking them out of a hat. Photo courtesy of The Lott
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A pair of Australian friends are celebrating after winning a lottery jackpot of more than $750,000 by using numbers they picked out of a hat. The friends, a man and a woman from Point Cook, Victoria, told The Lott officials they have been playing the lottery together for several years after settling on a group of numbers they selected through unusual means. Advertisement
"We've been using the same numbers all this time. He gave me some numbers, then I had some numbers, and we just drew them out of a hat to put on our entry," the woman said.
The pair won a TattsLotto jackpot totaling $758,127.12.
The winner said she is already making plans for her share of the jackpot.
"I want my floorboards done," she said. "I've got carpet under the dining table and I've always wanted floorboards. I might get a new car, too. I also want to help my family. I'll be able to help them a lot."