upi--2020-12-18--Britain, EU split on territorial waters with just 'hours' left for post-Brexit deal

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- British and European Union negotiators are trying to work through differences on Friday over fishing rights in Britain 's territorial waters , in what one official said are the final few hours to reach an elusive post-Brexit trade deal .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc wo n't back down from maintaining the right to sanction Britain if it decides to close territorial waters to EU fishermen after the transition period ends this month .
Britain has long argued that it should have sovereignty over its waters , including authority over who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The issue is just one of several that have kept negotiators from agreeing to a broad trade agreement for Britain 's post-Brexit existence .
Britain left the EU in January but a transition period to iron out trade details for its future trade relationship with the alliance expires on Jan. 1 .
Barnier said Friday there are just a `` few hours '' remaining to reach a deal , mainly because any agreement would need to clear necessary approvals on both sides before the transition ends in less than two weeks .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is deemed necessary , if [ Britain ] then wants to cut access to these waters for European fishermen , at any given time , then the European Union also has to maintain its sovereign right to react or to compensate by adjusting the conditions for products , and especially fisheries products to the single market , '' Barnier said .
`` And that is where we come up against one of the main hurdles of the negotiations at the moment , fisheries being part and parcel of the economic partnership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leyen said in a statement Thursday night , after a call phone with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , that the fishing issue remains `` very challenging . ''
`` We welcomed substantial progress on many issues , '' von der Leyen said .
`` However , big differences remain to be bridged , in particular on fisheries . ''
Johnson said Britain has made every effort to `` accommodate reasonable EU requests '' on `` level playing field '' issues , but argued that the bloc is asking for too much with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] could not accept a situation where it was the only sovereign country in the world not to be able to control access to its own waters for an extended period and to be faced with fisheries quotas which hugely disadvantaged its own industry , '' Johnson 's office said in a statement .
`` The EU 's position in this area was simply not reasonable and if there was to be an agreement it needed to shift significantly . ''
Johnson did say Friday , however , that British negotiators will keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's position is always that we want to keeping talking if there 's any chance of a deal , '' he said .

An EU flag is seen outside British Parliament in London, Britain. Both sides remain apart on a post-Brexit deal, but are working to overcome differences on fishing rights in British territorial waters. File Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- British and European Union negotiators are trying to work through differences on Friday over fishing rights in Britain's territorial waters, in what one official said are the final few hours to reach an elusive post-Brexit trade deal. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc won't back down from maintaining the right to sanction Britain if it decides to close territorial waters to EU fishermen after the transition period ends this month. Advertisement
Britain has long argued that it should have sovereignty over its waters, including authority over who can use them for commercial purposes.
The issue is just one of several that have kept negotiators from agreeing to a broad trade agreement for Britain's post-Brexit existence. Britain left the EU in January but a transition period to iron out trade details for its future trade relationship with the alliance expires on Jan. 1.
Barnier said Friday there are just a "few hours" remaining to reach a deal, mainly because any agreement would need to clear necessary approvals on both sides before the transition ends in less than two weeks.
"If following a critical period of adjustment that is deemed necessary, if [Britain] then wants to cut access to these waters for European fishermen, at any given time, then the European Union also has to maintain its sovereign right to react or to compensate by adjusting the conditions for products, and especially fisheries products to the single market," Barnier said.
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"And that is where we come up against one of the main hurdles of the negotiations at the moment, fisheries being part and parcel of the economic partnership."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement Thursday night, after a call phone with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, that the fishing issue remains "very challenging."
"We welcomed substantial progress on many issues," von der Leyen said. "However, big differences remain to be bridged, in particular on fisheries."
Johnson said Britain has made every effort to "accommodate reasonable EU requests" on "level playing field" issues, but argued that the bloc is asking for too much with the fishing rights.
"[Britain] could not accept a situation where it was the only sovereign country in the world not to be able to control access to its own waters for an extended period and to be faced with fisheries quotas which hugely disadvantaged its own industry," Johnson's office said in a statement.
"The EU's position in this area was simply not reasonable and if there was to be an agreement it needed to shift significantly."
Johnson did say Friday, however, that British negotiators will keep up negotiations.
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"Obviously the U.K.'s position is always that we want to keeping talking if there's any chance of a deal," he said.


upi--2020-12-18--Herbert, Chargers outlast Raiders for overtime win on 'TNF'

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert threw two passing scores and rushed for another touchdown to lead the Los Angeles Chargers to a 30-27 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football .
Herbert jumped over the Raiders defensive line for a one-yard score to win the game with 1:32 remaining in the bonus period on Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise , Nev. '' It was all kind of a blur , '' Herbert said on the Fox postgame show .
`` We ran a couple of players and through we got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came back to me and knew that I could get in there . ''
Herbert 's two touchdown tosses helped him tie the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season by a rookie ( 27 ) .
The win also helped the Chargers end a nine-game losing streak to AFC West division opponents .
Herbert completed 22 of 32 passes for 314 yards and did not throw an interception in the victory .
Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr sustained a groin injury in the second quarter and did not return .
Backup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 226 yards and had a passing score and rushing touchdown in the loss .
Herbert led the Chargers on a 12-play , 78-yard touchdown drive on their first possession .
He ended that drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry .
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson then made a 23-yard field goal on the next drive to cut the Chargers lead to four points .
The Raiders then put together a seven-play , 86-yard touchdown drive .
Mariota dropped in a 35-yard touchdown toss to tight end Darren Waller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possession and give the Raiders a 10-7 lead 9:26 before halftime .
Chargers kicker Michael Badgley responded with a 22-yard field goal before Los Angeles took a 17-10 lead at the break on a Herbert touchdown pass to Tyron Johnson .
The Raiders and Chargers continued to exchange momentum in the third quarter .
Las Vegas forced a three-and-out from the Chargers on the first possession of the second half .
The Raiders then got a one-yard score from running back Josh Jacobs to tie the game .
The Chargers answered with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back Kalen Ballage ended that possession with a one-yard rushing touchdown and the Chargers took a 24-17 lead with 2:12 remaining in the quarter .
Mariota then ended an 85-yard drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown for the Raiders midway through the fourth quarter .
Badgley went on to miss two field goals in the fourth frame , which pushed the game into overtime .
The Raiders began extra time with a 14-play , 70-yard drive .
They ended the possession with a 23-yard Carlson field goal .
Herbert then led the Chargers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His biggest play that possession was a 53-yard pass to Guyton , which got Los Angeles to the Las Vegas two-yard line .
The Raiders then stuffed the Chargers on three consecutive runs .
Herbert fumbled on last last of those efforts , but the Chargers recovered the ball .
He then took the final snap of the game and jumped over a pile of players , before stretching the ball over the goal line for the game-winning score .
`` It 's unfortunate we could n't find a way to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders coach Jon Gruden told reporters .
`` It 's on me . ''
Guyton had 91 yards on four catches in the victory .
Waller had nine catches for 150 yards and a score for the Raiders .
Jacobs had 114 yards from scrimmage and a score on 29 touches .
The Raiders ( 7-7 ) host the Miami Dolphins at 8:15 p.m. EST on Dec. 26 in Paradise .
The Chargers ( 5-9 ) host the Denver Broncos at 4:05 p.m. EST on Dec. 27 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood , @ @

1/3
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert tied the NFL rookie record for touchdown passes in a season (27) with two passing scores in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday in Paradise, Nev. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert threw two passing scores and rushed for another touchdown to lead the Los Angeles Chargers to a 30-27 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football. Herbert jumped over the Raiders defensive line for a one-yard score to win the game with 1:32 remaining in the bonus period on Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev. Advertisement
"It was all kind of a blur," Herbert said on the Fox postgame show.
"We ran a couple of players and through we got in. ... I'm glad they came back to me and knew that I could get in there."
Herbert's two touchdown tosses helped him tie the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season by a rookie (27). The win also helped the Chargers end a nine-game losing streak to AFC West division opponents.
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Herbert completed 22 of 32 passes for 314 yards and did not throw an interception in the victory.
Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr sustained a groin injury in the second quarter and did not return. Backup Marcus Mariota completed 17 of 28 passes for 226 yards and had a passing score and rushing touchdown in the loss.
Herbert led the Chargers on a 12-play, 78-yard touchdown drive on their first possession. He ended that drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson then made a 23-yard field goal on the next drive to cut the Chargers lead to four points.
The Raiders then put together a seven-play, 86-yard touchdown drive. Mariota dropped in a 35-yard touchdown toss to tight end Darren Waller down the left flank to end that possession and give the Raiders a 10-7 lead 9:26 before halftime.
Chargers kicker Michael Badgley responded with a 22-yard field goal before Los Angeles took a 17-10 lead at the break on a Herbert touchdown pass to Tyron Johnson.
The Raiders and Chargers continued to exchange momentum in the third quarter. Las Vegas forced a three-and-out from the Chargers on the first possession of the second half. The Raiders then got a one-yard score from running back Josh Jacobs to tie the game.
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The Chargers answered with a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. Running back Kalen Ballage ended that possession with a one-yard rushing touchdown and the Chargers took a 24-17 lead with 2:12 remaining in the quarter.
Mariota then ended an 85-yard drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown for the Raiders midway through the fourth quarter.
Badgley went on to miss two field goals in the fourth frame, which pushed the game into overtime. The Raiders began extra time with a 14-play, 70-yard drive. They ended the possession with a 23-yard Carlson field goal.
Herbert then led the Chargers down the field for the game-winning drive. His biggest play that possession was a 53-yard pass to Guyton, which got Los Angeles to the Las Vegas two-yard line.
The Raiders then stuffed the Chargers on three consecutive runs. Herbert fumbled on last last of those efforts, but the Chargers recovered the ball.
He then took the final snap of the game and jumped over a pile of players, before stretching the ball over the goal line for the game-winning score.
"It's unfortunate we couldn't find a way to win that game at the end," Raiders coach Jon Gruden told reporters. "It's on me."
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Guyton had 91 yards on four catches in the victory. Waller had nine catches for 150 yards and a score for the Raiders. Jacobs had 114 yards from scrimmage and a score on 29 touches.
The Raiders (7-7) host the Miami Dolphins at 8:15 p.m. EST on Dec. 26 in Paradise. The Chargers (5-9) host the Denver Broncos at 4:05 p.m. EST on Dec. 27 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-18--Congress faces Friday deadline to merge COVID-19 relief, deal to avoid shutdown

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- U.S. lawmakers face a midnight Friday deadline to combine a new coronavirus relief bill with a spending measure avoiding a government shutdown , although indications are that work may spill over into the weekend .
Congressional negotiators from both parties say they hope to attach a pandemic relief bill worth nearly $ 1 trillion onto a $ 1.4 trillion measure to fund federal government operations through September .
A stopgap measure that was passed last week expires at midnight , putting pressure on negotiators to iron out long-held differences on COVID-19 relief and pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some Senate Republicans , however , said a brief government shutdown during the weekend may be necessary if the talks need to continue past the deadline .
`` Government shutdowns are never good , '' Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, told reporters Thursday .
`` If it 's for a very short amount of time on a weekend hopefully it 's not going to be something that would be all that harmful . ''
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the upper chamber will remain in session this weekend if necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we have COVID relief out the door , '' he said Thursday on the Senate floor .
`` We 're staying right here until COVID relief is out the door .
In the meantime , we 're going to stay productive while these negotiations are going on . ''
It appeared a deal on a proposed $ 900 billion relief bill had been reached on Wednesday , but last-minute disagreements stalled progress .
One of the chief sticking points is a demand by Sen. Patrick Toomey , R-Pa. , and other Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve Bank and the Treasury Department to issue emergency pandemic loans .
The issue was a `` bright red line '' for him in negotiations , he told The Washington Post .
Democrats , however , opposed the idea because it would be an obstacle for the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden .
By late Thursday , the stimulus bill had called for a direct stimulus payment of $ 600 for millions of Americans , additional unemployment benefits of $ 300 per week for 10 weeks , about $ 325 billion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine distribution and schools , Politico reported .

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell walks to his office from the Senate floor on Thursday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Both chambers of Congress passed a 48-hour funding stopgap bill Friday, averting a government shutdown by hours. Lawmakers agreed to the continuing resolution after it became clear that negotiations on a bill to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year along with a new coronavirus relief package were stalled. Advertisement
House appropriations committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., introduced the continuing resolution Friday evening.
"The American people urgently need coronavirus relief and this short stopgap bill will allow bipartisan, bicameral negotiators to complete their work on this important issue," she said. "I look forward to swiftly passing omnibus appropriations and coronavirus relief legislation through the House as soon as possible."
U.S. lawmakers were attempting to combine a new coronavirus relief bill with a spending measure avoiding a pending government shutdown. The stopgap means work will likely spill over into the weekend.
Congressional negotiators from both parties say they hope to attach a pandemic relief bill worth nearly $1 trillion onto a $1.4 trillion measure to fund federal government operations through September.
A stopgap measure that was passed last week was set to expire at midnight, putting pressure on negotiators to iron out long-held differences on COVID-19 relief and pass both bills before Friday is over. They now have until Sunday to make a deal.
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Some Senate Republicans, however, said a brief government shutdown during the weekend may be necessary if the talks need to continue past the deadline.
"Government shutdowns are never good," Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters Thursday. "If it's for a very short amount of time on a weekend hopefully it's not going to be something that would be all that harmful."
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the upper chamber will remain in session this weekend if necessary.
"The Senate's not going anywhere until we have COVID relief out the door," he said Thursday on the Senate floor. "We're staying right here until COVID relief is out the door. In the meantime, we're going to stay productive while these negotiations are going on."
It appeared a deal on a proposed $900 billion relief bill had been reached on Wednesday, but last-minute disagreements stalled progress.
One of the chief sticking points is a demand by Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., and other Republicans to limit the ability of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Treasury Department to issue emergency pandemic loans.
The issue was a "bright red line" for him in negotiations, he told The Washington Post.
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Democrats, however, opposed the idea because it would be an obstacle for the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden.
By late Thursday, the stimulus bill had called for a direct stimulus payment of $600 for millions of Americans, additional unemployment benefits of $300 per week for 10 weeks, about $325 billion for small businesses and funding for transportation, vaccine distribution and schools, Politico reported.


upi--2020-12-18--Sony removes 'Cyberpunk 2077' from PlayStation Store, offers full refunds

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that Cyberpunk 2077 has been removed from the PlayStation Store and that anyone who has purchased the game digitally can get a full refund .
`` SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction , therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store .
SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice , '' the company said in a statement on Thursday .
Sony directed users on Twitter to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the refund process .
Cyberpunk 2077 was released on Dec. 10 for the PlayStation 4 , Xbox One and PC .
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game contain a number of technical issues .
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game do run better on newly released consoles , the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X , but still experience a number of glitches .
Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red said on Twitter Monday that they will fix the game 's issues on PlayStation 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patches .
The developer had also apologized for not showcasing the game on console beforehand .
CD Projekt Red directed unsatisfied customers who bought the digital version of the game to request a refund from Sony or Microsoft who heads Xbox , however , due to Sony 's refund policy , many gamers were unable to do so through PlayStation until Thursday 's announcement .
CD Projekt Red also said that those experiencing issues with returning the physical version of the game in-store can email the developer .
CD Projekt Red commented on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that the title will continue to be worked on and updated after it was removed from the PlayStation Store .
The studio noted that physical copies of the game can still be purchased .
`` We are working hard to bring Cyberpunk 2077 back to PlayStation Store as soon as possible , '' the developer said .
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure game set in the future .
Players control V , who is searching for an implant that grants immortality .
Keanu Reeves portrays the character of Johnny Silverhand .

SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, and we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store and want a refund. Please visit the following link to initiate the refund: https://t.co/DEZlC0LmUG.— Ask PlayStation (@AskPlayStation) December 18, 2020
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that Cyberpunk 2077 has been removed from the PlayStation Store and that anyone who has purchased the game digitally can get a full refund.
"SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store. SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice," the company said in a statement on Thursday.
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Sony directed users on Twitter to follow a website link in order to start the refund process.
Cyberpunk 2077 was released on Dec. 10 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game contain a number of technical issues.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game do run better on newly released consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but still experience a number of glitches.
Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red said on Twitter Monday that they will fix the game's issues on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One through a series of patches.
Advertisement
The developer had also apologized for not showcasing the game on console beforehand. CD Projekt Red directed unsatisfied customers who bought the digital version of the game to request a refund from Sony or Microsoft who heads Xbox, however, due to Sony's refund policy, many gamers were unable to do so through PlayStation until Thursday's announcement.
CD Projekt Red also said that those experiencing issues with returning the physical version of the game in-store can email the developer.
CD Projekt Red commented on Sony's announcement on Twitter Friday and confirmed that the title will continue to be worked on and updated after it was removed from the PlayStation Store. The studio noted that physical copies of the game can still be purchased.
"We are working hard to bring Cyberpunk 2077 back to PlayStation Store as soon as possible," the developer said.
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure game set in the future. Players control V, who is searching for an implant that grants immortality. Keanu Reeves portrays the character of Johnny Silverhand.


upi--2020-12-18--Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup preps overseas mark weekend horse racing

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- This week 's horse racing previews 2021 with a decidedly international flair , as qualifying races for next year 's Kentucky Derby run in Japan , Oklahoma and California , and Argentina hosts the first `` Win and You 're In '' event for next year 's Breeders ' Cup World Championships .
Gulfstream Park , Aqueduct and Fair Grounds all contribute important U.S. stakes , while Japan 's top 2-year-olds mix it up .
It 's a relatively light week , so we 'll catch up on a few issues including February 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jockey premiership race in Hong Kong and a few other matters .
The Road to the Roses Six signed on for Saturday 's $ 200,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity -- a field that includes Red Flag , winner of the Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar and Spielberg , a $ 1 million colt who so far has underperformed for trainer Bob Baffert .
Spielberg , a Union Rags colt , has just a single win from five starts .
He was second in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity and third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but then fourth in the Bob Hope on Nov. 15 .
Red Flag , a Tamarkuz colt , took two tries to graduate , then went immediately to the Bob Hope , where he won by 7 1/4 lengths after waiting behind the speed battle involving Spielberg .
It might be noteworthy that Flavien Prat takes the reins from Abel Cedillo aboard Spielberg for the Los Al Futurity .
Among the others , Weston won the Grade II Best Pal at Del Mar in August , but then was third in the Del @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hope .
The others will have to improve .
This is a stop on the Churchill Downs-approved `` Road to the Kentucky Derby '' with the first four finishers getting points on the 10-4-2-1 scale .
Moving back east , roughly in the direction of U.S. 66 : Steve Asmussen , Wesley Ward and Brad Cox are among trainers shipping into Oklahoma in quest of Kentucky Derby points in Friday 's $ 200,000 Remington Springboard Mile .
Eleven are entered .
Asmussen brings a pair : Cowan , a Kantharos colt who finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turf in his last start and tries the brown track for the second time ; and Saffa 's Day , by Carpe Diem .
Ward has Outadore , an Outwork colt who was third in the Breeders ' Cup Juvenile Turf and tries the dirt for the first time .
Cox ' representative is Joe Frazier , a Distorted Humor colt based at Churchill Downs , where he was third in an allowance last time out .
Bret Calhoun saddles Game Day Pass , winner of the Clever Trevor over the Remington Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Springboard Mile is worth 10 Kentucky Derby points to the winner with second through fourth getting four , two and one points .
Saturday 's $ 75,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes at Fair Grounds is 6 furlongs and a few of the seven entrants , including morning-line favorite Quick Tempo , still have to prove they can get even that far .
A few who would n't seem troubled by more distance are Tate , a Quality Road colt racing for Godolphin , and Gagetown , an Exaggerator colt .
Both add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- an angle to watch closely as some tracks give the medication a thumbs-up while an increasing number are eliminating it .
While the North American contenders battle it out , the `` Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby '' reached its halfway point Wednesday at Kawasaki Racecourse with Alain Barows , a Henny Hughes colt , scoring a 5-lengths victory in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun to take the series lead .
Alain Barows , who remains undefeated after five starts , earned 20 points for the win , topping Lemon Pop on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky-bred colt by Lemon Drop Kid , won the first leg in the series , the Cattleya Sho , on Japan Cup weekend in November .
None of the participants in the series has announced yet whether the Kentucky Derby would be a possibility for their contender and no Japanese horse contested this year 's pandemic-delayed Run for the Roses .
The `` Japan Road '' is separate from the U.S.-based competition .
The series returns to Tokyo for the Hyacinth Stakes in February with a 30-12-6-3 points offering , and concludes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winner of the Fukuryu Stakes gets 40 points and the minor placings are awarded 16 , eight , and four .
The Road to the Oaks Friday 's $ 60,000 Trapeze Stakes at Remington Park attracted 11 fillies with several out-of-towners among them .
Oliviaofthedesert , a Bernardini filly , has been battling on the Kentucky circuit and finally won for the second time Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs for Kenny McPeek .
She 's the favorite here , closely followed on the morning line by the Brad Cox-trained Cecile 's Chapter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wesley Ward .
Simply Sovereign , from the Steve Asmussen empire , is locally based and undefeated in two starts .
Saturday 's $ 75,000 Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds has a very competitive field of seven going six furlongs .
The 6-5 favorite on the morning line , Joy 's Rocket , comes off a win at the Songbird Stakes at Keeneland and the Steve Asmussen trainee looks like she might go a bit farther .
Others last raced in Kentucky , West Virginia , New Mexico and Indiana .
Only Mariah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maiden race three weeks ago over the course .
Saturday 's $ 100,000 Grade III Mr. Prospector , 7 furlongs , gets the snowbird competition seriously under way with rivals from Kentucky and the East Coast all very much involved .
Firenze Fire and Mind Control , for example , get this as a substitute for the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct -- they were scratched when the track came up sloppy .
Firenze Fire was last seen finishing third in the Breeders ' Cup Sprint at Keeneland .
Last year 's Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back off a sixth in the Breeders ' Cup .
Others last raced at Monmouth and Belmont Park .
Of special note : Haikal was on the 2019 Triple Crown trail , winning the Grade III Gotham and finishing third in the Grade II Wood Memorial , and then dropped off the map .
He made two starts early in 2020 , reporting fifth in the Grade II Gulfstream Park Mile on Feb. 28 and disappeared again .
He 's back now with Todd Pletcher taking over for Kiaran McLaughlin .
Saturday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mares , 1 3/16 miles on the turf , has nine takers with some talented distaffers arriving from the frozen north .
Court Return was last seen finishing second , beaten just a neck in the Grade I E.P .
Taylor at Woodbine in October .
Traipsing just failed to hold the lead in the Grade III Long Island at Aqueduct in her last start , finishing second .
Florida-based Always Shopping went to Keeneland for her last start , finishing second by a head in the Grade III Dowager .
And trainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Island , a 4-year-old Scat Daddy filly making just her fourth start .
In addition to the Sugar Bowl , five other $ 75,000 stakes grace the Saturday program with some interesting entries .
Among them , Maxfield , whose physical misfortunes kept him out of the 2020 Triple Crown picture , returns from a layoff in the day 's finale .
He 's undefeated in three starts including the Grade I Breeders ' Futurity at Keeneland in October 2019 and the Grade III Matt Winn at Churchill Downs in May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in top form .
Around the world , around the clock : Sunday 's Grade I Asahi Hai Futurity at Hanshin Racecourse should go a ways toward sorting out a promising and seemingly well-matched crop of Japanese 2-year-olds .
There 's a field of 16 , all colts , to tackle 1,600 meters and there are n't many pretenders .
The top two likely will be Red Belle Aube , a Deep Impact colt who enters the Futurity off a victory in the Grade 2 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes over the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second straight win .
Stella Veloce , a Bago colt , won at first asking at 1,600 meters at Hanshin July 5 , then was idle until Oct. 10 when he jumped up to win the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup ( G3 ) at Tokyo Racecourse -- by 3 lengths .
After those , there 's a long list of youngsters who have won or run well in Grade 2 and Grade 3 events .
Some are tackling the distance for the first time and others are stepping well up in company .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there will be at least a compass direction for the 2021 Classics .
Saturday 's Group 1 Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini at San Isidro in Argentina will be the first Breeders ' Cup Challenge Series automatic qualifying race of the 2021 season .
The winner will earn a free berth into the Longines Breeders ' Cup Turf on Nov. 6 at Del Mar .
Only a few weeks ago , it appeared Joao Moreira was running away with the jockey premiership , extending his lead over reigning champ Zac Purton by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some suspension time behind him and some better barrier draws , has come roaring back with a vengeance .
After three wins during the International Jockeys ' Championship , two more during the Longines Hong Kong International Races meeting and four more at Wednesday night 's races at Happy Valley , the score now stands : Moreira 51 , Purton 37 .
Purton said his biggest issue during the first half of the season was the luck of the draw .
`` I just had so many wide barriers .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and months and months just being on the outside all the time , '' Purton said .
`` Every time I came to the races , I was on the outside .
It was making it really hard . ''
Purton , an Australian with a fondness for American baseball team caps , explained how a wide draw translates to running a race .
`` You ask your horses to take a position , it takes an effort and they 're empty in the end .
Or you go back and give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
As to whether he can continue to make up ground and add to championships he earned in four previous seasons , Purton said , `` I need some luck .
Give me some good barriers and it makes all the difference . ''
It 's only two months out from the second Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh , and already the lineups for the big $ 20 million Cup and its undercard are taking shape .
Last weekend at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan , Justin earned a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dirt Sprint by winning the Grade 3 Capella Stakes .
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said the signs are good that the son of Orfevre will make the trip to the Middle East .
`` I will talk to the owner about future plans , Yahagi said .
`` When I had a little chat with him soon after the race , we shared the feeling that The Riyadh Dirt Sprint is a suitable race for Justin . ''
A week earlier , Chuwa Wizard earned a spot in the Saudi Cup itself with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The winners of next month 's Grade I Pegasus Cup races at Gulfstream Park also will be accorded guaranteed spots in the Riyadh starting gates .
`` We are committed to building relationships with key races and events around the world and following a successful meeting for the Japanese this year .
We hope to welcome a number of Japanese horses in February , '' said Tom Ryan , director of strategy and international racing for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia .

Alain Barows wins the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse on Wednesday, seizing the lead in the "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby." Photo courtesy of Katsumi Saito
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- This week's horse racing previews 2021 with a decidedly international flair, as qualifying races for next year's Kentucky Derby run in Japan, Oklahoma and California, and Argentina hosts the first "Win and You're In" event for next year's Breeders' Cup World Championships. Gulfstream Park, Aqueduct and Fair Grounds all contribute important U.S. stakes, while Japan's top 2-year-olds mix it up. Advertisement
It's a relatively light week, so we'll catch up on a few issues including February's Saudi Cup, the suddenly more interesting jockey premiership race in Hong Kong and a few other matters.
Let's roll.
The Road to the Roses
Six signed on for Saturday's $200,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity -- a field that includes Red Flag, winner of the Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar and Spielberg, a $1 million colt who so far has underperformed for trainer Bob Baffert.
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Spielberg, a Union Rags colt, has just a single win from five starts. He was second in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity and third in the Grade I American Pharoah, but then fourth in the Bob Hope on Nov. 15.
Red Flag, a Tamarkuz colt, took two tries to graduate, then went immediately to the Bob Hope, where he won by 7 1/4 lengths after waiting behind the speed battle involving Spielberg.
It might be noteworthy that Flavien Prat takes the reins from Abel Cedillo aboard Spielberg for the Los Al Futurity.
Among the others, Weston won the Grade II Best Pal at Del Mar in August, but then was third in the Del Mar Futurity and fifth in the Bob Hope. The others will have to improve.
This is a stop on the Churchill Downs-approved "Road to the Kentucky Derby" with the first four finishers getting points on the 10-4-2-1 scale.
Moving back east, roughly in the direction of U.S. 66: Steve Asmussen, Wesley Ward and Brad Cox are among trainers shipping into Oklahoma in quest of Kentucky Derby points in Friday's $200,000 Remington Springboard Mile. Eleven are entered.
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Asmussen brings a pair: Cowan, a Kantharos colt who finished second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in his last start and tries the brown track for the second time; and Saffa's Day, by Carpe Diem.
Ward has Outadore, an Outwork colt who was third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and tries the dirt for the first time. Cox' representative is Joe Frazier, a Distorted Humor colt based at Churchill Downs, where he was third in an allowance last time out.
Bret Calhoun saddles Game Day Pass, winner of the Clever Trevor over the Remington Park track.
Like the Los Alamitos tilt, the Springboard Mile is worth 10 Kentucky Derby points to the winner with second through fourth getting four, two and one points.
Saturday's $75,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes at Fair Grounds is 6 furlongs and a few of the seven entrants, including morning-line favorite Quick Tempo, still have to prove they can get even that far.
A few who wouldn't seem troubled by more distance are Tate, a Quality Road colt racing for Godolphin, and Gagetown, an Exaggerator colt. Both add Lasix for the first time, too -- an angle to watch closely as some tracks give the medication a thumbs-up while an increasing number are eliminating it.
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While the North American contenders battle it out, the "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby" reached its halfway point Wednesday at Kawasaki Racecourse with Alain Barows, a Henny Hughes colt, scoring a 5-lengths victory in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun to take the series lead.
Alain Barows, who remains undefeated after five starts, earned 20 points for the win, topping Lemon Pop on the leaderboard. Lemon Pop, a Kentucky-bred colt by Lemon Drop Kid, won the first leg in the series, the Cattleya Sho, on Japan Cup weekend in November.
None of the participants in the series has announced yet whether the Kentucky Derby would be a possibility for their contender and no Japanese horse contested this year's pandemic-delayed Run for the Roses. The "Japan Road" is separate from the U.S.-based competition.
The series returns to Tokyo for the Hyacinth Stakes in February with a 30-12-6-3 points offering, and concludes the following month at Nakayama Racecourse, where the winner of the Fukuryu Stakes gets 40 points and the minor placings are awarded 16, eight, and four.
The Road to the Oaks
Friday's $60,000 Trapeze Stakes at Remington Park attracted 11 fillies with several out-of-towners among them. Oliviaofthedesert, a Bernardini filly, has been battling on the Kentucky circuit and finally won for the second time Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs for Kenny McPeek.
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She's the favorite here, closely followed on the morning line by the Brad Cox-trained Cecile's Chapter and Tiz Splendid News, conditioned by Wesley Ward. Simply Sovereign, from the Steve Asmussen empire, is locally based and undefeated in two starts.
Saturday's $75,000 Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds has a very competitive field of seven going six furlongs.
The 6-5 favorite on the morning line, Joy's Rocket, comes off a win at the Songbird Stakes at Keeneland and the Steve Asmussen trainee looks like she might go a bit farther.
Others last raced in Kentucky, West Virginia, New Mexico and Indiana. Only Mariah's Princess has local experience, winning a maiden race three weeks ago over the course.
Gulfstream Park
Saturday's $100,000 Grade III Mr. Prospector, 7 furlongs, gets the snowbird competition seriously under way with rivals from Kentucky and the East Coast all very much involved.
Firenze Fire and Mind Control, for example, get this as a substitute for the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct -- they were scratched when the track came up sloppy. Firenze Fire was last seen finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Keeneland.
Last year's Mr. Prospector winner, Diamond Oops, is back off a sixth in the Breeders' Cup. Others last raced at Monmouth and Belmont Park.
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Of special note: Haikal was on the 2019 Triple Crown trail, winning the Grade III Gotham and finishing third in the Grade II Wood Memorial, and then dropped off the map. He made two starts early in 2020, reporting fifth in the Grade II Gulfstream Park Mile on Feb. 28 and disappeared again. He's back now with Todd Pletcher taking over for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Saturday's $100,000 Via Borghese for fillies and mares, 1 3/16 miles on the turf, has nine takers with some talented distaffers arriving from the frozen north.
Court Return was last seen finishing second, beaten just a neck in the Grade I E.P. Taylor at Woodbine in October. Traipsing just failed to hold the lead in the Grade III Long Island at Aqueduct in her last start, finishing second.
Florida-based Always Shopping went to Keeneland for her last start, finishing second by a head in the Grade III Dowager. And trainer Chad Brown contests the Via Borghese with Great Island, a 4-year-old Scat Daddy filly making just her fourth start.
Fair Grounds
In addition to the Sugar Bowl, five other $75,000 stakes grace the Saturday program with some interesting entries.
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Among them, Maxfield, whose physical misfortunes kept him out of the 2020 Triple Crown picture, returns from a layoff in the day's finale. He's undefeated in three starts including the Grade I Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland in October 2019 and the Grade III Matt Winn at Churchill Downs in May. It would be nice to have him back in top form.
Around the world, around the clock:
Japan
Sunday's Grade I Asahi Hai Futurity at Hanshin Racecourse should go a ways toward sorting out a promising and seemingly well-matched crop of Japanese 2-year-olds. There's a field of 16, all colts, to tackle 1,600 meters and there aren't many pretenders.
The top two likely will be Red Belle Aube, a Deep Impact colt who enters the Futurity off a victory in the Grade 2 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes over the same course and distance. That was his second straight win.
Stella Veloce, a Bago colt, won at first asking at 1,600 meters at Hanshin July 5, then was idle until Oct. 10 when he jumped up to win the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup (G3) at Tokyo Racecourse -- by 3 lengths.
After those, there's a long list of youngsters who have won or run well in Grade 2 and Grade 3 events. Some are tackling the distance for the first time and others are stepping well up in company. But by the end of the day, there will be at least a compass direction for the 2021 Classics.
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Argentina
Saturday's Group 1 Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini at San Isidro in Argentina will be the first Breeders' Cup Challenge Series automatic qualifying race of the 2021 season. The winner will earn a free berth into the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf on Nov. 6 at Del Mar.
Hong Kong
Only a few weeks ago, it appeared Joao Moreira was running away with the jockey premiership, extending his lead over reigning champ Zac Purton by more than 20 winners.
Now Purton, with some suspension time behind him and some better barrier draws, has come roaring back with a vengeance.
After three wins during the International Jockeys' Championship, two more during the Longines Hong Kong International Races meeting and four more at Wednesday night's races at Happy Valley, the score now stands: Moreira 51, Purton 37.
Purton said his biggest issue during the first half of the season was the luck of the draw.
"I just had so many wide barriers. You can't believe you just go months and months and months just being on the outside all the time," Purton said. "Every time I came to the races, I was on the outside. It was making it really hard."
Purton, an Australian with a fondness for American baseball team caps, explained how a wide draw translates to running a race.
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"You ask your horses to take a position, it takes an effort and they're empty in the end. Or you go back and give them too much of a start," he said.
As to whether he can continue to make up ground and add to championships he earned in four previous seasons, Purton said, "I need some luck. Give me some good barriers and it makes all the difference."
Saudi Arabia
It's only two months out from the second Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, and already the lineups for the big $20 million Cup and its undercard are taking shape.
Last weekend at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan, Justin earned a spot in the $1.5 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint by winning the Grade 3 Capella Stakes. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said the signs are good that the son of Orfevre will make the trip to the Middle East.
"I will talk to the owner about future plans, Yahagi said. "When I had a little chat with him soon after the race, we shared the feeling that The Riyadh Dirt Sprint is a suitable race for Justin."
A week earlier, Chuwa Wizard earned a spot in the Saudi Cup itself with a victory in the Grade 1 Champions Cup.
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The winners of next month's Grade I Pegasus Cup races at Gulfstream Park also will be accorded guaranteed spots in the Riyadh starting gates.
"We are committed to building relationships with key races and events around the world and following a successful meeting for the Japanese this year. We hope to welcome a number of Japanese horses in February," said Tom Ryan, director of strategy and international racing for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.


upi--2020-12-18--Energy Dept., nuclear weapons agency, dozens of firms breached in 'remarkable' cyberattack

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The number of victims in an ongoing state-sponsored cyberattack continues to climb after the Department of Energy and the agency that oversees the nation 's nuclear stockpile confirmed they were targeted .
Microsoft also said it has identified more than 40 customers that were breached in the cyberattack , which it described as `` remarkable for its scope , sophistication and impact . ''
Earlier this week , the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed the government had been targeted in a complex state-sponsored cyberattack that utilized a vulnerability in software developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which serves more than 300,000 customers , including hundreds of U.S. Fortune 500 companies , five branches of the U.S. military and several federal departments including the office of the president .
On Thursday , the Department of Energy confirmed that it and its National Nuclear Security Administration were among the departments infiltrated .
Shaylyn Hynes , Department of Energy spokeswoman , said in a statement that an investigation is underway , which `` has found the malware has been isolated to business networks only , and has not impacted mission-essential national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Immediate action was taken to mitigate the risk , '' she said .
Sen. Deb Fisher , R-Neb , senior member of the Senate armed services committee , issued a statement of confidence in the safety of the nation 's nuclear weapons following the announcement of the NNSA breach but said it is a cause for concern .
`` Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security , '' she wrote .
`` The NNSA 's infrastructure and computer systems play a vital role and must be protected . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Department of Energy on the matter `` as soon as possible . ''
The Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security as well as the Treasury had already been confirmed as victims of the attack .
However , CISA warned Thursday that `` it is likely that the adversary has additional initial access vectors and tactics , techniques and procedures that have not yet been discovered . ''
Meanwhile , Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a blog post Thursday that `` it is certain '' the number of victims will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 40 victims who use its Defender software and had installed the affected SolarWinds Orion program containing the malware .
Of the customers identified , 80 % were located in the United States .
`` This latest cyber-assault is effectively an attack on the United States and its government and other critical institutions , including security firms , '' he said .
`` The attack unfortunately represents a broad and successful espionage-based assault on both the confidential information of the U.S. government and the tech tools used by firms to protect them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belgium , Spain , Britain , Israel and the United Arab Emirates were also victimized , he said , adding government agencies as well as security and technology firms and non-government organizations were the victims .
SolarWinds said it believes more than 17,000 of its customers had installed the software that contained the malware vulnerability , which was contained in two updates released in March and June .
The malware allowed the state-sponsored hackers , suspected to be Russian , to pick and choose from among those who installed it to attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was behind the breach but that it reached `` many national capitals outside of Russia . ''
The attack was uncovered by cybersecurity firm FireEye , which said governments , consulting firms , technology companies and telecoms had been victimized in North America , Asia and the Middle East .
FireEye described the attack as `` top-tier operational tradecraft '' consistent with `` state-sponsored threat actors . ''
CISA on Thursday warned that the threat `` poses a grave risk to the federal government and state , local , tribal and territorial governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other private sector organizations . ''
Microsoft said it also `` detected malicious SolarWinds binaries in our environment , '' which it has since removed , but did not find `` evidence of access to production services or customer data . ''
`` Our investigations , which are ongoing , have found absolutely no indications that our systems were used to attack others , '' it said .
Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , compared the attack to Russian bombers `` repeatedly flying undetected over our entire country . ''
`` Past time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cybersecurity capabilities and defenses , '' he said in a statement .
President Donald Trump has yet to mention the attack , but President-elect Joe Biden issued a statement on Thursday saying cybersecurity will be top priority at every government level once he 's in power .
`` Our adversaries should know that , as president , I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation , '' he said .

The Treasury Department was one of several federal agencies breached in an ongoing state-sponsored cyberattack. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The number of victims in an ongoing state-sponsored cyberattack continues to climb after the Department of Energy and the agency that oversees the nation's nuclear stockpile confirmed they were targeted. Microsoft also said it has identified more than 40 customers that were breached in the cyberattack, which it described as "remarkable for its scope, sophistication and impact." Advertisement
Earlier this week, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed the government had been targeted in a complex state-sponsored cyberattack that utilized a vulnerability in software developed by information and technology management company SolarWinds, which serves more than 300,000 customers, including hundreds of U.S. Fortune 500 companies, five branches of the U.S. military and several federal departments including the office of the president.
On Thursday, the Department of Energy confirmed that it and its National Nuclear Security Administration were among the departments infiltrated.
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Shaylyn Hynes, Department of Energy spokeswoman, said in a statement that an investigation is underway, which "has found the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted mission-essential national security functions," including the NNSA.
"Immediate action was taken to mitigate the risk," she said.
Sen. Deb Fisher, R-Neb, senior member of the Senate armed services committee, issued a statement of confidence in the safety of the nation's nuclear weapons following the announcement of the NNSA breach but said it is a cause for concern.
"Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security," she wrote. "The NNSA's infrastructure and computer systems play a vital role and must be protected."
She said she has requested a briefing from the Department of Energy on the matter "as soon as possible."
The Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security as well as the Treasury had already been confirmed as victims of the attack.
However, CISA warned Thursday that "it is likely that the adversary has additional initial access vectors and tactics, techniques and procedures that have not yet been discovered."
Meanwhile, Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a blog post Thursday that "it is certain" the number of victims will continue to grow.
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Smith said Microsoft identified more than 40 victims who use its Defender software and had installed the affected SolarWinds Orion program containing the malware. Of the customers identified, 80% were located in the United States.
"This latest cyber-assault is effectively an attack on the United States and its government and other critical institutions, including security firms," he said. "The attack unfortunately represents a broad and successful espionage-based assault on both the confidential information of the U.S. government and the tech tools used by firms to protect them."
Customers in Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Spain, Britain, Israel and the United Arab Emirates were also victimized, he said, adding government agencies as well as security and technology firms and non-government organizations were the victims.
SolarWinds said it believes more than 17,000 of its customers had installed the software that contained the malware vulnerability, which was contained in two updates released in March and June.
The malware allowed the state-sponsored hackers, suspected to be Russian, to pick and choose from among those who installed it to attack. Microsoft did not state the Kremlin was behind the breach but that it reached "many national capitals outside of Russia."
The attack was uncovered by cybersecurity firm FireEye, which said governments, consulting firms, technology companies and telecoms had been victimized in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
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FireEye described the attack as "top-tier operational tradecraft" consistent with "state-sponsored threat actors."
CISA on Thursday warned that the threat "poses a grave risk to the federal government and state, local, tribal and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations."
Microsoft said it also "detected malicious SolarWinds binaries in our environment," which it has since removed, but did not find "evidence of access to production services or customer data."
"Our investigations, which are ongoing, have found absolutely no indications that our systems were used to attack others," it said.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, compared the attack to Russian bombers "repeatedly flying undetected over our entire country."
"Past time for a national security re-set that prioritizes cybersecurity capabilities and defenses," he said in a statement.
President Donald Trump has yet to mention the attack, but President-elect Joe Biden issued a statement on Thursday saying cybersecurity will be top priority at every government level once he's in power.
"Our adversaries should know that, as president, I will not stand idly by in the face of cyber assaults on our nation," he said.


upi--2020-12-18--U.S. Forces Korea tightens coronavirus restrictions amid outbreak

SEOUL , Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- United States Forces Korea announced Friday that it was strengthening its coronavirus containment measures as a COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea continues to surge , topping 1,000 cases for the third straight day .
In a statement , USFK commander Gen. Robert Abrams said he had `` supreme confidence '' that South Korean health officials would bring the outbreak under control , but added that the military would take an `` aggressive approach '' to containing the virus .
`` [ O ] ut of an abundance of caution to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety of our community by applying an immediate , aggressive approach to preventing the virus ' spread , '' Abrams said .
The USFK raised its restrictions to health protection level Charlie , the second-highest on the scheme laid out by the Pentagon for troops stationed overseas .
Under the new guidelines , which go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday , only `` mission essential '' workers will report for in-person duty , while all others will work remotely , the statement said .
Much of South Korea , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed off-limits except for official duties , and all other travel between facilities is discouraged .
Face masks have also been made mandatory inside buildings at all USFK installations and outdoors when 6.6 feet of distancing can not be maintained .
Abrams said that the USFK `` maintains one of the most aggressive quarantine programs with Department of Defense , and has zero transmissions of the virus from USFK to the ROK communities . ''
The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea .
He said the military 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of only 30 on-peninsula confirmed cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began . ''
Overall , the USFK has reported a total of 442 COVID-19 cases , with most of them coming from positive tests upon arrival to South Korea from the United States .
Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed on the Korean Peninsula .
South Korean health officials have been struggling to contain a third wave of COVID-19 cases that began in mid-November and has reached record-high numbers this week .
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 1,062 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 47,515 and straining the healthcare system , which is facing a shortage of hospital beds .
The government has ramped up testing to stem the spread of the virus , opening 150 makeshift testing centers around the Seoul area , but officials have avoided raising distancing restrictions to the highest phase , Level 3 .
The new restrictions would shut down schools and many businesses , ban all gatherings of more than 10 people and allow only essential workers into offices .
Restaurants and cafes would be restricted to only takeout and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government was working out the details for a rapid move to Level 3 if necessary , but warned that the additional guidelines would take a heavy toll on the economy .
`` If distancing is increased to Level 3 , approximately 2 million shops and facilities will be closed or restricted from operating , '' Chung said at a government meeting .

As coronavirus cases continued to surge Friday in South Korea, U.S. Forces Korea increased coronavirus containment measures. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- United States Forces Korea announced Friday that it was strengthening its coronavirus containment measures as a COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea continues to surge, topping 1,000 cases for the third straight day. In a statement, USFK commander Gen. Robert Abrams said he had "supreme confidence" that South Korean health officials would bring the outbreak under control, but added that the military would take an "aggressive approach" to containing the virus. Advertisement
"[O]ut of an abundance of caution to protect the force, we must maintain the overall health and safety of our community by applying an immediate, aggressive approach to preventing the virus' spread," Abrams said.
The USFK raised its restrictions to health protection level Charlie, the second-highest on the scheme laid out by the Pentagon for troops stationed overseas.
Under the new guidelines, which go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, only "mission essential" workers will report for in-person duty, while all others will work remotely, the statement said. Much of South Korea, including the Seoul metropolitan area, has been placed off-limits except for official duties, and all other travel between facilities is discouraged.
Face masks have also been made mandatory inside buildings at all USFK installations and outdoors when 6.6 feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
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Abrams said that the USFK "maintains one of the most aggressive quarantine programs with Department of Defense, and has zero transmissions of the virus from USFK to the ROK communities." The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea.
He said the military's efforts had "contributed to our remarkable record of only 30 on-peninsula confirmed cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began."
Overall, the USFK has reported a total of 442 COVID-19 cases, with most of them coming from positive tests upon arrival to South Korea from the United States. Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean health officials have been struggling to contain a third wave of COVID-19 cases that began in mid-November and has reached record-high numbers this week.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 1,062 new cases on Friday, bringing the overall caseload to 47,515 and straining the healthcare system, which is facing a shortage of hospital beds.
The government has ramped up testing to stem the spread of the virus, opening 150 makeshift testing centers around the Seoul area, but officials have avoided raising distancing restrictions to the highest phase, Level 3.
The new restrictions would shut down schools and many businesses, ban all gatherings of more than 10 people and allow only essential workers into offices. Restaurants and cafes would be restricted to only takeout and delivery services.
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On Friday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government was working out the details for a rapid move to Level 3 if necessary, but warned that the additional guidelines would take a heavy toll on the economy.
"If distancing is increased to Level 3, approximately 2 million shops and facilities will be closed or restricted from operating," Chung said at a government meeting.


upi--2020-12-18--Air pollution may take a toll on the kidneys, Chinese study suggests

Tiny particles of air pollution were already known to raise people 's risk of developing heart and lung disease , but a new study suggests they might also raise the risk of developing chronic kidney disease .
Researchers from Peking University in Beijing , China , found that the risks from this fine particulate matter was significantly stronger in urban areas , and among males , younger adults and adults without other health conditions .
The investigators analyzed survey data from more than 47,000 adults in China and estimated the two-year air pollution levels at each person 's residence from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of participants had chronic kidney disease .
Each increase of fine particulate matter of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air was associated with 1.3 times higher odds of having the disease .
The research was published online this week in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology .
`` Although ambient air quality has improved substantially during the past five years in China , the national annual particulate matter level in China exceeds the World Health Organization 's guideline , '' study author Dr. Luxia Zhang said in a journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to policymakers and public health officials for the need for stricter air quality control measures to help protect individuals ' kidney health , the researchers said .
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers more information on fine particulate matter 's impact on health and the environment .

Tiny particles of air pollution were already known to raise people's risk of developing heart and lung disease, but a new study suggests they might also raise the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Researchers from Peking University in Beijing, China, found that the risks from this fine particulate matter was significantly stronger in urban areas, and among males, younger adults and adults without other health conditions.
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The investigators analyzed survey data from more than 47,000 adults in China and estimated the two-year air pollution levels at each person's residence from satellite-based information.
They found that 10.8% of participants had chronic kidney disease. Each increase of fine particulate matter of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air was associated with 1.3 times higher odds of having the disease.
The research was published online this week in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
"Although ambient air quality has improved substantially during the past five years in China, the national annual particulate matter level in China exceeds the World Health Organization's guideline," study author Dr. Luxia Zhang said in a journal news release.
The findings provide evidence to policymakers and public health officials for the need for stricter air quality control measures to help protect individuals' kidney health, the researchers said.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers more information on fine particulate matter's impact on health and the environment.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-18--UCLA, Washington opt out of bowl season due to COVID-19; FSU-Wake Forest off

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies joined a growing list of college football programs that have opted out of postseason play due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
UCLA said Thursday it will decline any bowl game invitation this postseason .
The decision was made by players on the team and supported by athletic director Martin Jarmond , head coach Chip Kelly and the school 's athletic department .
The Bruins host Stanford in their regular-season finale at 4 p.m. PST on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena , Calif. '' The health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff has been our North Star throughout the pandemic , but the student-athlete experience is also always at the forefront of my mind , '' Jarmond said in a statement .
`` These young men have already sacrificed so much for each other ; now is the time for them to shift their focus , be with their families and take a well-deserved break . ''
UCLA and Oregon State are the only Pac-12 teams that have played all six games on the schedule so far this season .
All other teams have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive coronavirus tests and contact tracing , including Washington , which was forced to pull out of Friday 's conference championship game against USC .
The Oregon Ducks replaced Washington in the Pac-12 title game .
On Friday , Washington announced it will not pursue a bowl bid this postseason due to medical reasons .
`` I 'm truly disappointed for our players , coaches and staff who dedicated themselves to this very challenging season , '' Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement .
`` The last 10 days we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all football-related activities and continued aggressive testing protocols , to be able to have our team ready to return to the field .
However , with the number of positive cases , specifically at the offensive line position , we will not have a team ready for competition due to our comprehensive return-to-play medical protocols . ''
Washington and UCLA joined Stanford , Boston College , Pittsburgh , Virginia , Kansas State , Louisville , Virginia Tech and San Diego State as schools that have opted out of this postseason .
Also Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Saturday was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns within the Seminoles ' football program .
FSU told the league office that a positive test and contact tracing left the team without enough offensive linemen .
This is the third game this season that Florida State has called off within 24 hours because of coronavirus issues .
Meanwhile , Iowa Hawkeyes head football coach Kirk Ferentz tested positive for COVID-19 , the school announced Friday .
The 65-year-old Ferentz tested positive Thursday during his daily antigen test and had the result confirmed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will self-isolate until Dec. 27 .
`` We have been fortunate this season to have played eight games and to have very few positive cases , '' Ferentz said in a statement .
`` When the team returns to practice on Tuesday , I will participate via Zoom and our collective focus will be on preparing for the bowl game . ''
Iowa 's home game against Michigan -- scheduled for Saturday -- previously was canceled due to COVID-19 issues inside the Wolverines ' program .
Iowa will learn its bowl destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ten head coach known to have tested positive for the coronavirus , joining Ohio State 's Ryan Day , Wisconsin 's Paul Chryst , Maryland 's Mike Locksley and Purdue 's Jeff Brohm .

UCLA says Saturday's game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., will be the Bruins' final game of the season. File Photo by Juan Ocampo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies joined a growing list of college football programs that have opted out of postseason play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UCLA said Thursday it will decline any bowl game invitation this postseason. The decision was made by players on the team and supported by athletic director Martin Jarmond, head coach Chip Kelly and the school's athletic department. Advertisement
The Bruins host Stanford in their regular-season finale at 4 p.m. PST on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been our North Star throughout the pandemic, but the student-athlete experience is also always at the forefront of my mind," Jarmond said in a statement.
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"These young men have already sacrificed so much for each other; now is the time for them to shift their focus, be with their families and take a well-deserved break."
UCLA and Oregon State are the only Pac-12 teams that have played all six games on the schedule so far this season. All other teams have had at least one game interrupted by positive coronavirus tests and contact tracing, including Washington, which was forced to pull out of Friday's conference championship game against USC. The Oregon Ducks replaced Washington in the Pac-12 title game.
On Friday, Washington announced it will not pursue a bowl bid this postseason due to medical reasons.
"I'm truly disappointed for our players, coaches and staff who dedicated themselves to this very challenging season," Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement.
"The last 10 days we have made every effort, including pausing all football-related activities and continued aggressive testing protocols, to be able to have our team ready to return to the field. However, with the number of positive cases, specifically at the offensive line position, we will not have a team ready for competition due to our comprehensive return-to-play medical protocols."
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Washington and UCLA joined Stanford, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Kansas State, Louisville, Virginia Tech and San Diego State as schools that have opted out of this postseason.
Also Friday, the Florida State-Wake Forest matchup scheduled for Saturday was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns within the Seminoles' football program.
FSU told the league office that a positive test and contact tracing left the team without enough offensive linemen. This is the third game this season that Florida State has called off within 24 hours because of coronavirus issues.
Meanwhile, Iowa Hawkeyes head football coach Kirk Ferentz tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Friday.
The 65-year-old Ferentz tested positive Thursday during his daily antigen test and had the result confirmed by a PCR test. The coach is asymptomatic and will self-isolate until Dec. 27.
"We have been fortunate this season to have played eight games and to have very few positive cases," Ferentz said in a statement. "When the team returns to practice on Tuesday, I will participate via Zoom and our collective focus will be on preparing for the bowl game."
Iowa's home game against Michigan -- scheduled for Saturday -- previously was canceled due to COVID-19 issues inside the Wolverines' program. Iowa will learn its bowl destination Sunday.
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Ferentz is the fifth Big Ten head coach known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, joining Ohio State's Ryan Day, Wisconsin's Paul Chryst, Maryland's Mike Locksley and Purdue's Jeff Brohm.


upi--2020-12-18--NHL, union reach tentative agreement on 56-game season starting Jan. 13

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The NHL and its players ' association reached a tentative deal Friday to stage a 56-game season in 2021 .
The upcoming season would start Jan. 13 under the 56-game plan .
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the agreement , which is pending the approval of the NHL board of governors and the National Hockey League Players Association 's executive board .
The 2020-21 season has been delayed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We are focused on starting at some point hopefully in mid-January , '' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that we will not be playing an 82-game schedule for the regular season , which we normally do , but we 're going to try and play as many games as possible . ''
The NHLPA executive board held a conference call Friday night to discuss the deal , according to The Athletic .
League sources told Sportsnet that the NHLPA executive board will support the temporary agreement .
The league plans to schedule a call between team owners this weekend to vote on the proposal .
The NHL also needs approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provinces that have franchises before the league can proceed with the season .
The NHL said games will be within realigned divisions only , including a division of the seven teams based in Canada .
It remains unclear whether clubs will play in their home arenas or in hub cities .
The NHL finished last season in two hub cities -- Edmonton and Toronto -- due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Dallas Stars to win the Stanley Cup .

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the league plan to schedule a call between team owners this weekend to vote on the 56-game proposal. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The NHL and its players' association reached a tentative deal Friday to stage a 56-game season in 2021. The upcoming season would start Jan. 13 under the 56-game plan. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the agreement, which is pending the approval of the NHL board of governors and the National Hockey League Players Association's executive board. Advertisement
The 2020-21 season has been delayed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are focused on starting at some point hopefully in mid-January," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday. "... It is clear that we will not be playing an 82-game schedule for the regular season, which we normally do, but we're going to try and play as many games as possible."
The NHLPA executive board held a conference call Friday night to discuss the deal, according to The Athletic. League sources told Sportsnet that the NHLPA executive board will support the temporary agreement.
The league plans to schedule a call between team owners this weekend to vote on the proposal. The NHL also needs approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have franchises before the league can proceed with the season.
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The NHL said games will be within realigned divisions only, including a division of the seven teams based in Canada. It remains unclear whether clubs will play in their home arenas or in hub cities.
The NHL finished last season in two hub cities -- Edmonton and Toronto -- due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Dallas Stars to win the Stanley Cup.


upi--2020-12-18--Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez to play Sunday after removal of cancerous tumor

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Less than three weeks after having a cancerous tumor removed , Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez will return to the field for Sunday 's game against the Houston Texans .
Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Friday that Sanchez will resume handling kickoff and punting duties this week against the Texans .
`` Great training staff , working with great doctors and guys who are mature , '' Reich said .
`` Those three things are all important , and we 're very fortunate to have the people that we do . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of cancer he was dealing with , noticed something was off while warming up before practice Nov. 25 .
He underwent an ultrasound and an MRI , which revealed the tumor .
Sanchez still played in the Colts ' Nov. 29 loss to the Tennessee Titans before having surgery Dec. 1 to remove the cancerous tumor .
He then missed Indianapolis ' next two games while recovering from the procedure .
`` I was n't going to do that to my team , '' Sanchez said earlier this week .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the day , I do n't think they would have been able to get a punter in time , and it was n't going to be any worse .
That was already worst-case scenario .
I was going to fight through the pain , whatever it was . ''
Sanchez said doctors informed him that things are looking `` pretty good '' and his `` numbers are definitely lower . ''
The fourth-year punter returned to the Colts ' practice facility and was a full participant this week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around all the time , use my body in all sorts of ways , '' Sanchez said .
`` It 's crazy because I think [ Reich ] mentioned that if I was doing some kind of desk work , maybe I would n't have caught it right away .
I 'm just fortunate to be young and be able to do what I do , and that 's play football here .
`` I was just fortunate enough to catch it in time , and after that , doctors took the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just grateful that they caught it early . ''
In 11 games this season , Sanchez has punted 31 times for 1,464 yards -- a career-best average of 47.2 yards per punt .
He has downed 15 punts inside the 20-yard line , with only three touchbacks .

Indianapolis Colts punter and holder Rigoberto Sanchez (2) underwent surgery earlier this month to remove a cancerous tumor. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Less than three weeks after having a cancerous tumor removed, Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Friday that Sanchez will resume handling kickoff and punting duties this week against the Texans. Advertisement
"Great training staff, working with great doctors and guys who are mature," Reich said. "Those three things are all important, and we're very fortunate to have the people that we do."
Sanchez, who declined to reveal what type of cancer he was dealing with, noticed something was off while warming up before practice Nov. 25. He underwent an ultrasound and an MRI, which revealed the tumor.
Sanchez still played in the Colts' Nov. 29 loss to the Tennessee Titans before having surgery Dec. 1 to remove the cancerous tumor. He then missed Indianapolis' next two games while recovering from the procedure.
"I wasn't going to do that to my team," Sanchez said earlier this week. "It's all about the team. At the end of the day, I don't think they would have been able to get a punter in time, and it wasn't going to be any worse. That was already worst-case scenario. I was going to fight through the pain, whatever it was."
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Sanchez said doctors informed him that things are looking "pretty good" and his "numbers are definitely lower." The fourth-year punter returned to the Colts' practice facility and was a full participant this week.
"I'm just fortunate enough to move around all the time, use my body in all sorts of ways," Sanchez said. "It's crazy because I think [Reich] mentioned that if I was doing some kind of desk work, maybe I wouldn't have caught it right away. I'm just fortunate to be young and be able to do what I do, and that's play football here.
"I was just fortunate enough to catch it in time, and after that, doctors took the lead and I just followed. I'm just grateful that they caught it early."
In 11 games this season, Sanchez has punted 31 times for 1,464 yards -- a career-best average of 47.2 yards per punt. He has downed 15 punts inside the 20-yard line, with only three touchbacks.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-18--FDA grants emergency approval for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency use authorization for Moderna 's COVID-19 vaccine -- the second vaccine to get such approval in the United States .
The FDA announced the EUA for the Moderna vaccine on Twitter Friday evening , adding another tool in the government 's fight to lower the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of # COVID19 , the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States each day , '' FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said .
The agency said trials for Moderna 's two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine have shown it may be effective in preventing COVID-19 and meets the requirements for an EUA for people 18 years old and older .
Trial results show the vaccine has 95 % efficacy , Moderna said last month .
Last weeks ' EUA for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech allowed recipients to be as young as 16 years old .
The Pfizer vaccine began to be administered this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live or work in nursing homes .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also give its approval for the Moderna vaccine before it can be shipped and administered to recipients .
The U.S. government has agreed to purchase 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and retained the option to purchase an additional 300 million doses .
Nearly 6 million doses of the vaccine will be shipped out to the states next week .
Moderna said it plans to deliver about 20 million doses by the end of the month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ company 's partners and trial participants for the speedy development of the vaccine .
`` I am proud of what the Moderna team has achieved in collaboration with our partners , '' he said .
`` We were able to create and manufacture the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in 11 months from sequence to authorization , while advancing clinical development with a Phase 1 , Phase 2 and pivotal Phase 3 study of 30,000 participants .
It has been a 10-year scientific , entrepreneurial and medical journey and I am thankful to all those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We remain focused on scaling up manufacturing to help us protect as many people as we can from this terrible disease . ''
As of Friday evening , the coronavirus has sickened more than 17.4 million people and killed at least 313,000 in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins University .

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine -- the second vaccine to get such approval in the United States.
The FDA announced the EUA for the Moderna vaccine on Twitter Friday evening, adding another tool in the government's fight to lower the spread of the novel coronavirus.
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"With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of #COVID19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each day," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said.
The agency said trials for Moderna's two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccine have shown it may be effective in preventing COVID-19 and meets the requirements for an EUA for people 18 years old and older.
Trial results show the vaccine has 95% efficacy, Moderna said last month.
Last weeks' EUA for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech allowed recipients to be as young as 16 years old. The Pfizer vaccine began to be administered this week to healthcare workers, and those who live or work in nursing homes.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also give its approval for the Moderna vaccine before it can be shipped and administered to recipients.
The U.S. government has agreed to purchase 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and retained the option to purchase an additional 300 million doses. Nearly 6 million doses of the vaccine will be shipped out to the states next week.
Moderna said it plans to deliver about 20 million doses by the end of the month.
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel thanked the biotech company's partners and trial participants for the speedy development of the vaccine.
"I am proud of what the Moderna team has achieved in collaboration with our partners," he said.
"We were able to create and manufacture the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in 11 months from sequence to authorization, while advancing clinical development with a Phase 1, Phase 2 and pivotal Phase 3 study of 30,000 participants. It has been a 10-year scientific, entrepreneurial and medical journey and I am thankful to all those who have helped us get here today. We remain focused on scaling up manufacturing to help us protect as many people as we can from this terrible disease."
As of Friday evening, the coronavirus has sickened more than 17.4 million people and killed at least 313,000 in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University.


upi--2020-12-18--Saints' Drew Brees to return vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Michael Thomas ruled out

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to return for Sunday 's marquee matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs .
Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters Friday that the plan is for Brees to suit up and start against the Chiefs on Sunday .
`` He 's looked good .
He feels good , '' Payton said .
`` We were encouraged at the start of the week .
We wanted to see how it felt as he went through a full practice week , and he 's done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe Brees is fully healthy and doctors have cleared him to compete , according to ESPN .
The 41-year-old quarterback returned to practice this week after missing the past four games due to 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung .
`` We would n't be playing him if he was n't healthy and able to function and feeling good and recovered , '' Payton said .
With Brees back in the lineup , veteran signal-caller Jameis Winston will serve as the Saints ' No .
2 quarterback .
Taysom Hill , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-1 record as the team 's starter , will play his jack-of-all-trades role , including some snaps at quarterback .
Meanwhile , the Saints ruled out Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas on Friday .
The star wideout did n't practice all week because of a lingering ankle injury .
Thomas had played through the ailment since returning to the Saints ' starting lineup in Week 9 .
The Saints ( 10-3 ) will host the Chiefs ( 12-1 ) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans .

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has missed the past four games because of broken ribs and a punctured lung. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to return for Sunday's marquee matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters Friday that the plan is for Brees to suit up and start against the Chiefs on Sunday. Advertisement
"He's looked good. He feels good," Payton said. "We were encouraged at the start of the week. We wanted to see how it felt as he went through a full practice week, and he's done a good job."
The Saints believe Brees is fully healthy and doctors have cleared him to compete, according to ESPN. The 41-year-old quarterback returned to practice this week after missing the past four games due to 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung.
"We wouldn't be playing him if he wasn't healthy and able to function and feeling good and recovered," Payton said.
With Brees back in the lineup, veteran signal-caller Jameis Winston will serve as the Saints' No. 2 quarterback. Taysom Hill, who filled in for Brees and posted a 3-1 record as the team's starter, will play his jack-of-all-trades role, including some snaps at quarterback.
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Meanwhile, the Saints ruled out Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas on Friday. The star wideout didn't practice all week because of a lingering ankle injury.
Thomas had played through the ailment since returning to the Saints' starting lineup in Week 9.
The Saints (10-3) will host the Chiefs (12-1) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-18--Congress passes two-day stopgap as negotiations stall

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Both chambers of Congress passed a 48-hour funding stopgap bill Friday , averting a government shutdown by hours .
Lawmakers agreed to the continuing resolution after it became clear that negotiations on a bill to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year along with a new coronavirus relief package were stalled .
`` The American people urgently need coronavirus relief and this short stopgap bill will allow bipartisan , bicameral negotiators to complete their work on this important issue , '' she said .
`` I look forward to swiftly passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House as soon as possible . ''
U.S. lawmakers were attempting to combine a new coronavirus relief bill with a spending measure avoiding a pending government shutdown .
The stopgap means work will likely spill over into the weekend .
Congressional negotiators from both parties say they hope to attach a pandemic relief bill worth nearly $ 1 trillion onto a $ 1.4 trillion measure to fund federal government operations through September .
A stopgap measure that was passed last week was set to expire at midnight , putting pressure on negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief and pass both bills before Friday is over .
They now have until Sunday to make a deal .
Some Senate Republicans , however , said a brief government shutdown during the weekend may be necessary if the talks need to continue past the deadline .
`` Government shutdowns are never good , '' Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, told reporters Thursday .
`` If it 's for a very short amount of time on a weekend hopefully it 's not going to be something that would be all that harmful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the upper chamber will remain in session this weekend if necessary .
`` The Senate 's not going anywhere until we have COVID relief out the door , '' he said Thursday on the Senate floor .
`` We 're staying right here until COVID relief is out the door .
In the meantime , we 're going to stay productive while these negotiations are going on . ''
It appeared a deal on a proposed $ 900 billion relief bill had been reached on Wednesday , but last-minute disagreements stalled progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a demand by Sen. Patrick Toomey , R-Pa. , and other Republicans to limit the ability of the Federal Reserve Bank and the Treasury Department to issue emergency pandemic loans .
The issue was a `` bright red line '' for him in negotiations , he told The Washington Post .
Democrats , however , opposed the idea because it would be an obstacle for the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden .
By late Thursday , the stimulus bill had called for a direct stimulus payment of $ 600 for millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 300 per week for 10 weeks , about $ 325 billion for small businesses and funding for transportation , vaccine distribution and schools , Politico reported .


upi--2020-12-18--Space Force members to be known as 'guardians'

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Service members enlisted in the U.S. Space Force will be known as guardians , Vice President Mike Pence said Friday during a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the newest branch in the military .
`` Soldiers , sailors , airmen , Marines and guardians will be fending our nation for generations to come , '' he said during the event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building .
`` On behalf of your commander-in-chief , let me urge each and every one of you guardians to keep pushing .
Keep pushing .
Keep pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States Space Force , which is to ensure that America remains as dominant in space , and from space , as we are on land and sea and air . ''
The Space Force , currently under the U.S. Air Force , was established in 2019 as a planned separate branch of the U.S. military command .
It is expected to grow to about 20,000 members .
Currently about 2,500 personnel , largely transfers from the Air Force , are in the Space Force .
The announcement came hours after Gen. John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , joined the Joint Chiefs of Staff as its eighth member .

A Space Force Christmas ornament is displayed on a Christmas tree at the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 30. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Service members enlisted in the U.S. Space Force will be known as guardians, Vice President Mike Pence said Friday during a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the newest branch in the military. "Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardians will be fending our nation for generations to come," he said during the event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Advertisement
"On behalf of your commander-in-chief, let me urge each and every one of you guardians to keep pushing. Keep pushing. Keep pushing the vision and the mission of the United States Space Force, which is to ensure that America remains as dominant in space, and from space, as we are on land and sea and air."
The Space Force, currently under the U.S. Air Force, was established in 2019 as a planned separate branch of the U.S. military command.
It is expected to grow to about 20,000 members. Currently about 2,500 personnel, largely transfers from the Air Force, are in the Space Force.
The announcement came hours after Gen. John Raymond, chief of the Space Force, joined the Joint Chiefs of Staff as its eighth member.
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upi--2020-12-18--Florida men's basketball star Keyontae Johnson posts first message since collapse

Dec. 18 ( UPI ) -- Florida Gators men 's basketball star Keyontae Johnson on Friday made his first public comments since collapsing on the court during a game against Florida State last week .
Johnson posted a 26-second video on social media thanking everyone for supporting him .
`` Hey everybody , first and foremost I 'd like to thank God , '' Johnson said in the video .
`` I know y'all have been sending prayers the last few weeks , and me and my parents are very grateful for the prayers that have been going out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff at Tallahassee Memorial and UF Shands , I just want to say thank you for all the support y'all gave me , especially the lady that was in the gym at Florida State .
To my Gator Nation and UF Athletic family , I just want to thank you for all the prayers that y'all gave out to me .
Go Gators . ''
Johnson , who had an IV line connected to his right arm , ended the short video with a `` Gator Chomp . ''
The star forward captioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work here ai n't done . ''
During the first half of Florida 's game against Florida State on Saturday , Johnson collapsed face-first while heading back onto the court following a timeout .
He received emergency medical attention on the court before being transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital .
He was later airlifted to UF Health in Gainesville , Fla. Johnson was upgraded to stable condition Tuesday .
Earlier this week , he had started breathing on his own and was able to speak to his family and doctors .
To this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its games because of the incident .
The Gators ' next scheduled game is their Southeastern Conference opener at Vanderbilt on Dec. 30 .
Johnson , the SEC preseason Player of the Year and an All-SEC selection last season , is a projected first-round NBA draft pick .
He was averaging 16 points through four games this season .

Florida Gators forward Keyontae Johnson, shown on Jan. 7, 2020, was averaging 16 points through four games this season. File Photo by Gamecock Central/Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Florida Gators men's basketball star Keyontae Johnson on Friday made his first public comments since collapsing on the court during a game against Florida State last week. Johnson posted a 26-second video on social media thanking everyone for supporting him. Advertisement
"Hey everybody, first and foremost I'd like to thank God," Johnson said in the video. "I know y'all have been sending prayers the last few weeks, and me and my parents are very grateful for the prayers that have been going out.
"To all the doctors and medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial and UF Shands, I just want to say thank you for all the support y'all gave me, especially the lady that was in the gym at Florida State. To my Gator Nation and UF Athletic family, I just want to thank you for all the prayers that y'all gave out to me. Go Gators."
Johnson, who had an IV line connected to his right arm, ended the short video with a "Gator Chomp." The star forward captioned the video: "God said my work here ain't done."
"Write your own story" God said my work here ain't done pic.twitter.com/hJHlBIJmdg— Keyontae (@Keyontae) December 18, 2020
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During the first half of Florida's game against Florida State on Saturday, Johnson collapsed face-first while heading back onto the court following a timeout. He received emergency medical attention on the court before being transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was later airlifted to UF Health in Gainesville, Fla.
Johnson was upgraded to stable condition Tuesday. Earlier this week, he had started breathing on his own and was able to speak to his family and doctors.
To this point, Florida has canceled four of its games because of the incident. The Gators' next scheduled game is their Southeastern Conference opener at Vanderbilt on Dec. 30.
Johnson, the SEC preseason Player of the Year and an All-SEC selection last season, is a projected first-round NBA draft pick. He was averaging 16 points through four games this season.