upi--2020-12-11--Citing hospitalizations, Cuomo suspends indoor dining in New York City

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that restaurants in New York City must close for indoor dining beginning next week due to rising COVID-19 hospitalization rates .
Cuomo made the move after health data showed the seven-day average for daily hospitalizations in the city rose to more than 1,100 on Thursday , accelerating a recent upward trend .
The city had been averaging fewer than 900 hospitalizations during the previous four weeks .
`` The hospitalizations have continued to increase in New York City , '' Cuomo said at a briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and if the hospitalization rate did n't stabilize , we would close indoor dining .
`` It has not , and so we 're going to close indoor dining in New York City on Monday . ''
Outdoor dining and takeout will continue , he said .
Indoor dining in the city was set at 25 % of capacity before the new restrictions .
The governor cited a combination of the city 's high density , accelerating disease transmission rates and new guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
`` In mass gatherings [ the virus ] moves faster , you ca n't eat and drink and keep your mask up ... That says 'be cautious ' and do what you can , '' he said .
Cuomo called on the federal government to provide financial relief to bars and restaurants in its next COVID-19 relief bill , adding , `` We 'll do what we can in New York .
We 're going to extend the commercial eviction moratorium , so if a business ca n't pay the rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be evicted . ''
Anticipating the new restrictions , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday the move will hurt , but added public health remains the city 's top priority .
`` I feel tremendous empathy for restaurant owners , a lot of them are mom and pop businesses , we want them to survive .
We need them to survive , '' he told reporters .
`` At the same time , these numbers do n't lie . ''

A indoor bench is empty at a Madison Avenue restaurant in New York City on September 30 shortly after the city resumed indoor dining at 25% capacity. File photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 11 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that restaurants in New York City must close for indoor dining beginning next week due to rising COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Cuomo made the move after health data showed the seven-day average for daily hospitalizations in the city rose to more than 1,100 on Thursday, accelerating a recent upward trend. Advertisement
The city had been averaging fewer than 900 hospitalizations during the previous four weeks.
"The hospitalizations have continued to increase in New York City," Cuomo said at a briefing. "We said that we would watch it and if the hospitalization rate didn't stabilize, we would close indoor dining.
"It has not, and so we're going to close indoor dining in New York City on Monday."
Outdoor dining and takeout will continue, he said.
Indoor dining in the city was set at 25% of capacity before the new restrictions.
The governor cited a combination of the city's high density, accelerating disease transmission rates and new guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising against indoor restaurant dining in making the decision.
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"In mass gatherings [the virus] moves faster, you can't eat and drink and keep your mask up ... That says 'be cautious' and do what you can," he said.
Cuomo called on the federal government to provide financial relief to bars and restaurants in its next COVID-19 relief bill, adding, "We'll do what we can in New York. We're going to extend the commercial eviction moratorium, so if a business can't pay the rent because of this situation, they won't be evicted."
Anticipating the new restrictions, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday the move will hurt, but added public health remains the city's top priority.
"I feel tremendous empathy for restaurant owners, a lot of them are mom and pop businesses, we want them to survive. We need them to survive," he told reporters. "At the same time, these numbers don't lie."


upi--2020-12-12--Gene therapy for mitochondrial disease shows promise in animals

Results from a long-term study of a gene therapy technique to prevent inherited mitochondrial disease show promise , researchers say .
Studies of the technique at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland show no adverse health effects in rhesus macaque monkeys and their offspring .
The researchers said the technique could break the cycle of disease passed from mother to baby through mutations in mitochondrial DNA , or mtDNA .
Though results of animal studies sometimes differ in humans , the findings bolster the scientific basis for mitochondrial replacement therapy , or MRT , in human clinical trials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added a key caveat : The study found varying levels of mtDNA from the mother that replicated and built up within some internal organs .
It was not enough to cause health effects , they noted in a university news release .
`` Our data show that MRT is compatible with normal development , fertility and aging in nonhuman primates without any detected adverse effects , '' the authors reported .
`` However , carry-over maternal or paternal mtDNA contributions increased substantially in selected internal tissues/organs of some MRT animals , implying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The findings were published online this week in the journal Human Reproduction .
Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the body , according to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation .
When they are unable to convert food and oxygen into energy throughout the body , organ systems begin to fail and even stop functioning .
The therapy under investigation replaces disease-causing mutations in a mother 's egg with donor mitochondria .
The researchers said the first five monkeys born in 2009 at OHSU 's Oregon National Primate Research Center with the aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adulthood .
Their offspring did , too .
`` It 's reassuring that the monkeys appear to be healthy and fertile through generations , '' said co-author Dr. Paula Amato , professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU School of Medicine .
`` It adds to a growing body of evidence that would support moving forward with clinical trials to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease . ''
The study offered insight about the amount of maternal mtDNA detected within organs -- a potential problem in cases where the technique is intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to child .
That 's because as cells divide , this small remnant can preferentially replicate as the embryo develops , potentially causing the disease the therapy aims to prevent .
The investigators found varying amounts of mtDNA in cell samples , from 3 % in blood , urine and skin cells to 16.6 % in the small intestine .
This is below the 60 % level that would be considered disease-causing , they explained .
It is also irrelevant in cases where the technique is used to treat infertility instead of preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The researchers also found paternal mtDNA in cells of two monkeys , which they called unusual but not unprecedented .
Shoukhrat Mitalipov , director of the OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy , said he is interested in learning more about why the minute level of mtDNA in sperm cells replicated exponentially as the embryos grew .
`` The question was always there about the long-term safety of this technique , '' Mitalipov said .
`` We wanted to find out whether this procedure will somehow show negative effects later in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects across two generations . ''
Though clinical trials are ongoing in the United Kingdom and Greece , the U.S. Congress has barred the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from providing oversight for such trials in the United States .
The National Human Genome Research Institute offers more on mitochondrial DNA .

Results from a long-term study of a gene therapy technique to prevent inherited mitochondrial disease show promise, researchers say.
Studies of the technique at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland show no adverse health effects in rhesus macaque monkeys and their offspring. The researchers said the technique could break the cycle of disease passed from mother to baby through mutations in mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA.
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Though results of animal studies sometimes differ in humans, the findings bolster the scientific basis for mitochondrial replacement therapy, or MRT, in human clinical trials, the study authors said.
But they added a key caveat: The study found varying levels of mtDNA from the mother that replicated and built up within some internal organs. It was not enough to cause health effects, they noted in a university news release.
"Our data show that MRT is compatible with normal development, fertility and aging in nonhuman primates without any detected adverse effects," the authors reported.
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"However, carry-over maternal or paternal mtDNA contributions increased substantially in selected internal tissues/organs of some MRT animals, implying the possibility of mtDNA mutation recurrence."
The findings were published online this week in the journal Human Reproduction.
Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the body, according to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.
When they are unable to convert food and oxygen into energy throughout the body, organ systems begin to fail and even stop functioning.
The therapy under investigation replaces disease-causing mutations in a mother's egg with donor mitochondria.
The researchers said the first five monkeys born in 2009 at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center with the aid of the technique all developed normally to adulthood. Their offspring did, too.
"It's reassuring that the monkeys appear to be healthy and fertile through generations," said co-author Dr. Paula Amato, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU School of Medicine. "It adds to a growing body of evidence that would support moving forward with clinical trials to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease."
The study offered insight about the amount of maternal mtDNA detected within organs -- a potential problem in cases where the technique is intended to prevent transmission of disease-causing mtDNA from mother to child.
Advertisement
That's because as cells divide, this small remnant can preferentially replicate as the embryo develops, potentially causing the disease the therapy aims to prevent.
The investigators found varying amounts of mtDNA in cell samples, from 3% in blood, urine and skin cells to 16.6% in the small intestine. This is below the 60% level that would be considered disease-causing, they explained.
It is also irrelevant in cases where the technique is used to treat infertility instead of preventing disease transmission, the team noted.
The researchers also found paternal mtDNA in cells of two monkeys, which they called unusual but not unprecedented.
Shoukhrat Mitalipov, director of the OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, said he is interested in learning more about why the minute level of mtDNA in sperm cells replicated exponentially as the embryos grew.
"The question was always there about the long-term safety of this technique," Mitalipov said. "We wanted to find out whether this procedure will somehow show negative effects later in life. We saw no adverse health effects across two generations."
Though clinical trials are ongoing in the United Kingdom and Greece, the U.S. Congress has barred the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from providing oversight for such trials in the United States.
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The National Human Genome Research Institute offers more on mitochondrial DNA.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-12--Famous birthdays for Dec. 12: Dionne Warwick, Regina Hall

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ in 1924 -- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dickey Betts in 1943 ( @ @ @

1/4
Dionne Warwick performs at the New York Stock Exchange's 96th annual Christmas tree lighting in New York City on December 5, 2019. The singer turns 80 on December 12. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include: Advertisement
-- French novelist Gustave Flaubert in 1821
-- Norwegian painter Edvard Munch in 1863
-- Actor Edward G. Robinson in 1893
-- English writer Patrick O'Brian in 1914
-- Singer/actor Frank Sinatra in 1915
-- TV game show host Bob Barker in 1923 (age 97)
File Photo by Joel Rennich/UPI
-- Former New York Mayor Edward Koch in 1924
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Bob Pettit in 1932 (age 88)
-- Singer Connie Francis in 1937 (age 83)
-- Singer Dionne Warwick in 1940 (age 80)
-- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dickey Betts in 1943 (age 77)
-- Actor Bill Nighy in 1949 (age 71)
-- Former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby in 1952 (age 68)
-- Musician Sheila E., born Sheila Escovedo, in 1957 (age 63)
-- Former tennis star Tracy Austin in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor Regina Hall in 1970 (age 50)
File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI
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-- Actor Jennifer Connelly in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor Mädchen Amick in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor Mayim Bialik in 1975 (age 45)
-- Actor Lincoln Melcher in 2003 (age 17)


upi--2020-12-12--On This Day, Dec. 12: Supreme Court ruling hands Bush presidency

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- In this date in history : In 1870 , Joseph Hayne Rainey of South Carolina was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives .
In 1901 , Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi sent the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean .
In 1913 , two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris , Leonardo da Vinci 's Mona Lisa was recovered in a Florence , Italy , hotel room .
In 1917 , the Rev .
Edward J. Flanagan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doors to Boys Town , a home for troubled and neglected children in Omaha .
He lived by the adage , `` There is no such thing as a bad boy . ''
It graduated its first class of girls in 1983 .
In 1937 , Japanese warplanes sank the USS Panay , a U.S. gunboat , in China as part of the Sino-Japanese War .
The incident killed three people .
In 1968 , Arthur Ashe became the first African American to be ranked No .
1 in tennis in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jane Moore said she willfully tried to kill U.S. President Gerald Ford .
She was sentenced to life in prison but released Dec. 31 , 2007 .
In 1980 , a U.S. oil tycoon spent $ 5 million at auction for a notebook written by Leonardo da Vinci .
The 36 pages of notes featured `` remarkably illegible right-to-left writing '' and was `` illustrated with marginal sketches of a technical nature . ''
In 1985 , the crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285 , a military charter , on takeoff from Gander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aboard , including 248 U.S. soldiers .
In 1988 , three trains collided in London , killing 40 people , Britain 's worst railway accident in 21 years .
In 2000 , the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 it was reversing the ruling of the Florida Supreme Court allowing hand recount of votes in Florida , in effect ensuring the Republican Texas Gov .
George W. Bush would win the presidency over former Vice President Al Gore .
In 2015 , Saudis elected women to municipal councils for the first time in Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project to map the topography of land beneath Antarctica 's ice sheet revealed the world 's deepest land canyon underneath Denman Glacier .

1/7
George W. Bush and Al Gore supporters voice their opinions about the Florida recount case outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2000. On December 12, 2000, the Supreme Court ruled against a hand recount in Florida, in effect ensuring Republican Texas Gov. Bush would win the presidency. File Photo by Bill Clark/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- In this date in history: In 1870, Joseph Hayne Rainey of South Carolina was sworn in as the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement
In 1901, Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi sent the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1913, two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was recovered in a Florence, Italy, hotel room.
In 1917, the Rev. Edward J. Flanagan, a 31-year-old Irish priest, opened the doors to Boys Town, a home for troubled and neglected children in Omaha. He lived by the adage, "There is no such thing as a bad boy." It graduated its first class of girls in 1983.
In 1937, Japanese warplanes sank the USS Panay, a U.S. gunboat, in China as part of the Sino-Japanese War. The incident killed three people.
In 1968, Arthur Ashe became the first African American to be ranked No. 1 in tennis in the United States.
In 1975, Sara Jane Moore said she willfully tried to kill U.S. President Gerald Ford. She was sentenced to life in prison but released Dec. 31, 2007.
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File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
In 1980, a U.S. oil tycoon spent $5 million at auction for a notebook written by Leonardo da Vinci. The 36 pages of notes featured "remarkably illegible right-to-left writing" and was "illustrated with marginal sketches of a technical nature."
In 1985, the crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285, a military charter, on takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland, killed all 256 people aboard, including 248 U.S. soldiers.
In 1988, three trains collided in London, killing 40 people, Britain's worst railway accident in 21 years.
In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 it was reversing the ruling of the Florida Supreme Court allowing hand recount of votes in Florida, in effect ensuring the Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush would win the presidency over former Vice President Al Gore.
File Photo by Joe Mitchell/UPI
In 2015, Saudis elected women to municipal councils for the first time in Saudi Arabian history.
Advertisement
In 2019, a project to map the topography of land beneath Antarctica's ice sheet revealed the world's deepest land canyon underneath Denman Glacier.


upi--2020-12-12--Study: High-dose Vitamin D may not prevent falls in seniors

High doses of vitamin D may increase seniors ' risk of falls , rather than reduce it , according to a new study .
Preliminary studies suggested vitamin D may increase muscle strength and improve balance , so Johns Hopkins researchers investigated whether high doses of vitamin D might reduce the risk of falls in people aged 70 and older .
But the investigators found that large doses of vitamin D supplements were no better at preventing falls in this age group than a low dose .
`` There 's no benefit of higher doses but several signals of potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appel said in a Hopkins news release .
`` A lot of people think if a little bit is helpful , a lot will be better .
But for some vitamins , high-dose supplements pose more risks than benefits .
There 's a real possibility that higher doses of vitamin D increase the risk and severity of falls , '' said Appel , a professor of medicine with joint appointments in epidemiology , international health and nursing .
Taking 1,000 or more international units per day , or IU/day , equivalent to 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than 200 IU/day at preventing falls , according to the study , which was funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging .
The results were published this week in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine .
The researchers also found that vitamin D supplement doses of 2,000 and 4,000 IU/day seemed to increase the risk and severity of falls compared with 1,000 IU/day , a relatively common dose for a pure vitamin D supplement .
Another finding was that serious falls and falls that required hospitalization occurred more often in older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in those who took 200 IU/day -- about half the typical dose found in multivitamins .
Older folks should talk with their doctors about their fall risk and vitamin D levels in order to determine whether or not to continue taking vitamin D supplements , Appel recommended .
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on vitamin D and health .

High doses of vitamin D may increase seniors' risk of falls, rather than reduce it, according to a new study.
Preliminary studies suggested vitamin D may increase muscle strength and improve balance, so Johns Hopkins researchers investigated whether high doses of vitamin D might reduce the risk of falls in people aged 70 and older.
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But the investigators found that large doses of vitamin D supplements were no better at preventing falls in this age group than a low dose.
"There's no benefit of higher doses but several signals of potential harm," study author Dr. Lawrence Appel said in a Hopkins news release.
"A lot of people think if a little bit is helpful, a lot will be better. But for some vitamins, high-dose supplements pose more risks than benefits. There's a real possibility that higher doses of vitamin D increase the risk and severity of falls," said Appel, a professor of medicine with joint appointments in epidemiology, international health and nursing.
Taking 1,000 or more international units per day, or IU/day, equivalent to 25 micrograms/day of vitamin D, was no better than 200 IU/day at preventing falls, according to the study, which was funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging.
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The results were published this week in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
The researchers also found that vitamin D supplement doses of 2,000 and 4,000 IU/day seemed to increase the risk and severity of falls compared with 1,000 IU/day, a relatively common dose for a pure vitamin D supplement.
Another finding was that serious falls and falls that required hospitalization occurred more often in older people who took 1,000 or more IU/day than in those who took 200 IU/day -- about half the typical dose found in multivitamins.
Older folks should talk with their doctors about their fall risk and vitamin D levels in order to determine whether or not to continue taking vitamin D supplements, Appel recommended.
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on vitamin D and health.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-11--Utah State cancels season finale against Colorado State due to player boycott

Dec. 11 ( UPI ) -- Utah State has canceled Saturday 's game against Colorado State because of concerns voiced by players about religious discrimination in the school 's search for a new football coach , the university said Friday .
The cancellation was announced shortly after Aggies players revealed their decision to opt out of the regular-season finale because of alleged comments made by Utah State president Noelle Cockett regarding interim head coach Frank Maile .
The school said it will meet with the student-athletes to `` hear their concerns in an open dialogue so it can address them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my comments were interpreted as bias against anyone 's religious background , '' Cockett said in a statement Friday .
`` Throughout my professional career and , especially , as president of USU , I have welcomed the opportunity to meet directly and often with students about their experiences .
`` Regardless of how difficult the conversations might be in the coming days , I remain committed to giving our students a voice . ''
The Mountain West Conference confirmed the cancellation Friday night , but the conference did n't rule the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would determine the official standing of the game at a later date .
Stadium reported Friday that Cockett voiced concerns about Maile 's cultural and religious background during a conference call earlier this week .
Cockett 's alleged comments came after Utah State 's football leadership council lobbied for Maile to replace former head coach Gary Andersen , who was fired after the Aggies ' 0-3 start .
Maile , who is a Utah State graduate , is Polynesian and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive line coach before his promotion .
After Tuesday 's conference call , a Utah State player conducted an anonymous survey that asked players if they were concerned about Cockett 's alleged statements , according to Stadium .
The report said that three-fourths of the Aggies players expressed concerns .
The survey led to another meeting Friday morning , which ended in the players voting unanimously to not play this weekend against Colorado State .
In a statement provided to Stadium , Utah State players wrote : `` The Utah State football players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game against Colorado State due to ongoing inequality and prejudicial issues between the players , coaches , and the USU administration .
`` On Tuesday , December 8th , the Utah State University Football Leadership Council held a Zoom meeting with Noelle Cockett , President of USU , and John Hartwell , the athletic director .
The purpose of the meeting was to have a say in the search for our new head coach .
During the meeting , we voiced our support for interim head coach Frank Maile .
`` In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was his religious and cultural background .
Players , stating their diverse faiths and backgrounds , then jumped to Coach Frank Maile 's defense in treating everyone with love , equality , and fairness . ''
Former Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson resigned on Thursday to become Utah State 's next head coach .
Aggies players said their message is n't related to the hiring of Anderson .
`` We want our message to be clear that this has nothing to do with the hiring of Coach Blake Anderson , the recently-named head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players wrote .
`` We are sure he is an excellent coach ; we look forward to meeting him and his staff .
`` We are highlighting the ongoing problems of inequality and want to create a better future for the community of Logan and Utah State University . ''
Maile , 38 , won one of his three games as the Aggies ' interim coach .
Utah State concludes the 2020 regular season with a 1-5 record .

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Utah State has canceled Saturday's game against Colorado State because of concerns voiced by players about religious discrimination in the school's search for a new football coach, the university said Friday.
The cancellation was announced shortly after Aggies players revealed their decision to opt out of the regular-season finale because of alleged comments made by Utah State president Noelle Cockett regarding interim head coach Frank Maile.
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The school said it will meet with the student-athletes to "hear their concerns in an open dialogue so it can address them."
"I am devastated that my comments were interpreted as bias against anyone's religious background," Cockett said in a statement Friday. "Throughout my professional career and, especially, as president of USU, I have welcomed the opportunity to meet directly and often with students about their experiences.
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"Regardless of how difficult the conversations might be in the coming days, I remain committed to giving our students a voice."
The Mountain West Conference confirmed the cancellation Friday night, but the conference didn't rule the game a no-contest. The MWC said it would determine the official standing of the game at a later date.
Stadium reported Friday that Cockett voiced concerns about Maile's cultural and religious background during a conference call earlier this week. Cockett's alleged comments came after Utah State's football leadership council lobbied for Maile to replace former head coach Gary Andersen, who was fired after the Aggies' 0-3 start.
Maile, who is a Utah State graduate, is Polynesian and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the Aggies' co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach before his promotion.
After Tuesday's conference call, a Utah State player conducted an anonymous survey that asked players if they were concerned about Cockett's alleged statements, according to Stadium. The report said that three-fourths of the Aggies players expressed concerns.
The survey led to another meeting Friday morning, which ended in the players voting unanimously to not play this weekend against Colorado State.
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In a statement provided to Stadium, Utah State players wrote: "The Utah State football players have decided to opt out of our game against Colorado State due to ongoing inequality and prejudicial issues between the players, coaches, and the USU administration.
"On Tuesday, December 8th, the Utah State University Football Leadership Council held a Zoom meeting with Noelle Cockett, President of USU, and John Hartwell, the athletic director. The purpose of the meeting was to have a say in the search for our new head coach. During the meeting, we voiced our support for interim head coach Frank Maile.
"In response to our comments, their primary concern was his religious and cultural background. Players, stating their diverse faiths and backgrounds, then jumped to Coach Frank Maile's defense in treating everyone with love, equality, and fairness."
Former Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson resigned on Thursday to become Utah State's next head coach. Aggies players said their message isn't related to the hiring of Anderson.
"We want our message to be clear that this has nothing to do with the hiring of Coach Blake Anderson, the recently-named head coach of the program," the players wrote. "We are sure he is an excellent coach; we look forward to meeting him and his staff.
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"We are highlighting the ongoing problems of inequality and want to create a better future for the community of Logan and Utah State University."
Maile, 38, won one of his three games as the Aggies' interim coach. Utah State concludes the 2020 regular season with a 1-5 record.


upi--2020-12-12--1 shot, 1 arrested at protest in Olympia, WA

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- One person was shot and one arrested Saturday following a protest at the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ Washington State Patrol troopers did not immediately provide the victim 's status to reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ couple of hours of on-and-off skirmishes near the capitol building , where supporters of President @ @ @ @ @ protest the results of the presidential election and to call for schools to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ conflicts with counterprotesters -- are becoming a regular weekend occurrence in the state 's capitol @ @ @ @ @ , roads near 11th Avenue and Capitol Way were blocked , and then protesters moved @ @ @ @ @ with police later giving dispersal orders and declaring a riot in the area .

One person was shot and one arrested following a demonstration in Olympia, Wash. Image via KIRO 7/ Twitter
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- One person was shot and one arrested Saturday following a protest at the Capitol Campus in Olympia, Wash. Washington State Patrol troopers did not immediately provide the victim's status to reporters. Advertisement
The shooting came after a couple of hours of on-and-off skirmishes near the capitol building, where supporters of President Donald Trump had gathered to protest the results of the presidential election and to call for schools to reopen.
The demonstrations -- and violent conflicts with counterprotesters -- are becoming a regular weekend occurrence in the state's capitol city.
At one point, roads near 11th Avenue and Capitol Way were blocked, and then protesters moved through the downtown corridor, with police later giving dispersal orders and declaring a riot in the area.
Ahead at 5 and 530 on @KIRO7Seattle: Crime scene tape plasters streets around the #WashingtonState Capitol in #Olympia after protestors clash just hours ago. Police remain on scene. We know a man was shot in the midst of it all. More details to come... pic.twitter.com/pQ1WTRM9N0— Lauren Donovan (@LaurenKIRO7) December 13, 2020
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upi--2020-12-12--Actress Carol Sutton dead at 76

Actress Carol Sutton dead at 76

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Actress Carol Sutton , known for roles in `` Steel Magnolias , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ Lovecraft Country , '' died Friday at 76 .
Sutton died from complications of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ native city .
She spent her final months at the city 's Touro Infirmary .
@ @ @ @ @ the 1989 comedy-drama `` Steel Magnolias , '' and more recently appeared in episodes of @ @ @ @ @ Lovecraft Country . ''
Sutton also acted in numerous productions in the city beginning in @ @ @ @ @ The Last Madam , '' `` Native Tongues '' and `` A Raisin in the @ @ @

Actress Carol Sutton died Friday at the age of 76. Photo via LaToya Cantrell/ Twitter
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Actress Carol Sutton, known for roles in "Steel Magnolias," "Queen Sugar" and "Lovecraft Country," died Friday at 76. New Orleans Mayor announced Sutton's death on Twitter. Advertisement ...but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters, and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew in productions such as "4000 Miles" and "A Raisin in the Sun." May she rest in God's perfect peace. pic.twitter.com/n0pMx1s954— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) December 11, 2020
Sutton died from complications of COVID-19 in New Orleans, her native city. She spent her final months at the city's Touro Infirmary.
Sutton played Nurse Pam in the 1989 comedy-drama "Steel Magnolias," and more recently appeared in episodes of "True Detective and "Lovecraft Country."
Sutton also acted in numerous productions in the city beginning in the 1960s, including "The Last Madam," "Native Tongues" and "A Raisin in the Sun."
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-12--COVID-19: U.S. case count tops 16 million; California, N.J. set new case records

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- More than 16 million people in the United States have contracted the novel coronavirus and 297,501 have died as of Saturday , with California and New Jersey both exceeding daily case count records .
According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University , it took the United States 268 days to reach 8 million cases , but just 57 days to reach the second 8 million cases .
California 's Department of Public Health reported 35,729 new coronavirus cases on Saturday , breaking a record of 35,468 new cases set just a day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall surge that erupted a month ago was mostly concentrated in denser parts of Los Angeles County , case counts are rising in more suburban parts of Southern California such as San Diego , Orange , Riverside , San Bernadino and Ventura counties .
New Jersey also broke a record Saturday , with 6,247 new infections reported -- the highest single-day report of new infections since the pandemic began .
The state 's governor , Phil Murphy , said he 's keeping all options open for new restrictions to slow the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant closures yet .
The seven-day average is now 26 % higher than a week ago , and 103 % higher than a month ago .
`` My concern is how soon will this number of new cases overall translates into more hospitalizations and more deaths .
That really depends on who are the new cases , '' said Henry Raymond , an associate professor and epidemiologist at the Rutgers School of Public Health , adding that if more young people are infected , they will be less likely to require hospital care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first COVID-19 vaccine , which was approved for emergency use authorization Friday , and prepare it for shipment to to 636 locations this week .

The Library Lions outside the New York Public Library are outfitted with face masks and holiday Christmas wreaths in New York City on Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- More than 16 million people in the United States have contracted the novel coronavirus and 297,501 have died as of Saturday, with California and New Jersey both exceeding daily case count records. According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, it took the United States 268 days to reach 8 million cases, but just 57 days to reach the second 8 million cases. Advertisement
California's Department of Public Health reported 35,729 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, breaking a record of 35,468 new cases set just a day before.
According to media reports, while the fall surge that erupted a month ago was mostly concentrated in denser parts of Los Angeles County, case counts are rising in more suburban parts of Southern California such as San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino and Ventura counties.
New Jersey also broke a record Saturday, with 6,247 new infections reported -- the highest single-day report of new infections since the pandemic began.
The state's governor, Phil Murphy, said he's keeping all options open for new restrictions to slow the outbreak, but he hasn't announced any significant closures yet.
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The seven-day average is now 26% higher than a week ago, and 103% higher than a month ago.
"My concern is how soon will this number of new cases overall translates into more hospitalizations and more deaths. That really depends on who are the new cases," said Henry Raymond, an associate professor and epidemiologist at the Rutgers School of Public Health, adding that if more young people are infected, they will be less likely to require hospital care.
The surge comes as officials package the first COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved for emergency use authorization Friday, and prepare it for shipment to to 636 locations this week.


upi--2020-12-12--Charley Pride, country music's first Black superstar, dead at 86

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Charley Pride , country music 's first Black superstar , died Saturday due to complications of COVID-19 .
He was 86 .
A statement on Pride 's website reported the singer 's death in Dallas , and Pride 's publicist , Jeremy Westby , confirmed to reporters .
Pride was born March 18 , 1934 , in Sledge , Miss.
, to sharecroppers Tessie Stewart Pride and Mack Pride , Sr .
He served in the Army , worked at a smelting plant and briefly tried to make it as a baseball player before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1965 , Pride signed a contract with RCA Records , landing his first Top 10 Billboard country music single two years later with `` Just Between You and Me . ''
After `` Just Between You and Me '' charted , Pride finally quit his job at the smelting plant .
Pride had 51 more country Top 10 hits in the 20 years after his 1967 breakout hit , and in 2000 became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame .
In November Pride received the Country Music Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jimmie Allen .
Organizers of the event said they were following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , but some who attended did not wear masks .

Charlie Pride (R) sings in the opening act of the 2016 Country Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on November 2, 2016. Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Charley Pride, country music's first Black superstar, died Saturday due to complications of COVID-19. He was 86. A statement on Pride's website reported the singer's death in Dallas, and Pride's publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed to reporters. Advertisement
Pride was born March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Miss., to sharecroppers Tessie Stewart Pride and Mack Pride, Sr.
He served in the Army, worked at a smelting plant and briefly tried to make it as a baseball player before his 1963 move to Nashville.
In 1965, Pride signed a contract with RCA Records, landing his first Top 10 Billboard country music single two years later with "Just Between You and Me."
After "Just Between You and Me" charted, Pride finally quit his job at the smelting plant.
Pride had 51 more country Top 10 hits in the 20 years after his 1967 breakout hit, and in 2000 became the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In November Pride received the Country Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jimmie Allen.
Organizers of the event said they were following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but some who attended did not wear masks.
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Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-12--Pelosi, veterans' groups call for dismissal of VA secretary Wilkie

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , joined several veterans groups in calling for the dismissal of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie after a watchdog report said he may have tried to discredit a congressional aide who said she was assaulted at a VA hospital .
`` The VA Inspector General report makes clear that Secretary Wilkie engaged in an extremely disturbing cover-up campaign of sexual assault against a veteran , '' Pelosi said in a statement Saturday .
`` He has lost the trust and confidence to serve , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legion , Veterans of Foreign Wars and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America also called for Wilkie 's resignation Friday , as did Disabled American Veterans .
`` It is unfair to expect accountability from the nearly 400,000 VA employees and not demand the same from its top executive , '' American Legion National Commander James W. `` Bill '' Oxford wrote .
`` Wilkie failed to meet the standard that the veteran who came forward with the complaint deserved .
By the promises set forth by his own department , the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier this week Michael J. Missal , the VA 's inspector general , released a report saying Wilkie 's response to the assault complaint was `` at a minimum unprofessional . ''
The report was inconclusive , but Missal said Wilkie had wrongly claimed the assault accusation was not substantiated .
`` It was disappointing that V.A .
did not put their full force and focus on determining whether corrective action should be taken to provide a safer and more welcoming environment in their D.C. and other medical facilities , '' Missal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced his selection of Denis McDonough as secretary of Veterans Affairs .
McDonough , who served as White House chief of staff , deputy national security adviser and chief of staff of the National Security Council under the Obama administration , will need to be confirmed by the Senate following Biden 's inauguration .

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie appears before a House Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in May. Pool Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., joined several veterans groups in calling for the dismissal of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie after a watchdog report said he may have tried to discredit a congressional aide who said she was assaulted at a VA hospital. "The VA Inspector General report makes clear that Secretary Wilkie engaged in an extremely disturbing cover-up campaign of sexual assault against a veteran," Pelosi said in a statement Saturday. "He has lost the trust and confidence to serve, and he must immediately resign." Advertisement
The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America also called for Wilkie's resignation Friday, as did Disabled American Veterans.
"It is unfair to expect accountability from the nearly 400,000 VA employees and not demand the same from its top executive," American Legion National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford wrote. "Wilkie failed to meet the standard that the veteran who came forward with the complaint deserved. By the promises set forth by his own department, the American Legion believes Secretary Wilkie should resign."
Earlier this week Michael J. Missal, the VA's inspector general, released a report saying Wilkie's response to the assault complaint was "at a minimum unprofessional."
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The report was inconclusive, but Missal said Wilkie had wrongly claimed the assault accusation was not substantiated.
"It was disappointing that V.A. did not put their full force and focus on determining whether corrective action should be taken to provide a safer and more welcoming environment in their D.C. and other medical facilities," Missal said.
On Thursday President-elect Joe Biden announced his selection of Denis McDonough as secretary of Veterans Affairs.
McDonough, who served as White House chief of staff, deputy national security adviser and chief of staff of the National Security Council under the Obama administration, will need to be confirmed by the Senate following Biden's inauguration.


upi--2020-12-12--Judge throws out Trump's Wisconsin election suit

At issue , was Trump 's attempt to declare Wisconsin 's presidential election unconstitutional , and have the Republican-led legislature decide how to allocate Wisconsin 's 10 electoral votes instead of the popular vote , which President-Elect Joe Biden won .
U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig , nominated by Trump earlier this year , tossed out what he referred to as an `` extraordinary , '' case , citing its disregard for the popular vote and the delayed period before it was filed .
`` A sitting president who did not prevail in his bid for reelection has asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular vote on disputed issues of election administration , issues he plainly could have raised before the vote occurred , '' Ludwig said .
`` This court allowed the plaintiff the chance to make his case and he has lost on the merits . ''
Trump 's lawyer William Bock argued that the Wisconsin Election Commission 's guidance regarding absentee ballots `` dramatically lowered the guardrails , '' leading to an election that was `` less secure , less reliable , less fair and more susceptible to fraud , '' though the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , Bock had argued against the absentee ballot drop boxes installed to avoid delays and risks from the COVID-19 pandemic .
Meanwhile , the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard another case Saturday aiming to overturn the state 's presidential election results during a rare Saturday session following a state judge 's ruling against Trump .
Also , on Saturday , Trump supporters marched in Washington , D.C. to challenge election results .
On Friday , the U.S. Supreme rejected Texas ' effort to overturn election results in four battleground states .
The Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national 306-232 delegate win official Monday .

A federal judge rejected a Wisconsin election suit attempting to overturn popular vote in part based on absentee ballot boxes. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A federal judge rejected Saturday President Donald Trump's election lawsuit in Wisconsin. At issue, was Trump's attempt to declare Wisconsin's presidential election unconstitutional, and have the Republican-led legislature decide how to allocate Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes instead of the popular vote, which President-Elect Joe Biden won. Advertisement
U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig, nominated by Trump earlier this year, tossed out what he referred to as an "extraordinary," case, citing its disregard for the popular vote and the delayed period before it was filed.
"A sitting president who did not prevail in his bid for reelection has asked for federal court help in setting aside the popular vote on disputed issues of election administration, issues he plainly could have raised before the vote occurred," Ludwig said. "This court allowed the plaintiff the chance to make his case and he has lost on the merits."
Trump's lawyer William Bock argued that the Wisconsin Election Commission's guidance regarding absentee ballots "dramatically lowered the guardrails," leading to an election that was "less secure, less reliable, less fair and more susceptible to fraud," though the lawsuit does not mention fraud allegation.
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In particular, Bock had argued against the absentee ballot drop boxes installed to avoid delays and risks from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard another case Saturday aiming to overturn the state's presidential election results during a rare Saturday session following a state judge's ruling against Trump.
Also, on Saturday, Trump supporters marched in Washington, D.C. to challenge election results.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme rejected Texas' effort to overturn election results in four battleground states.
The Electoral College is set to make Biden's national 306-232 delegate win official Monday.


upi--2020-12-12--AstraZeneca to buy Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $39B

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- British drugmaker AstraZeneca agreed Saturday to buy the Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $ 39 billion in cash and stock .
The deal is one of the biggest for a healthcare company this year .
AstraZeneca will pay $ 60 in cash and 2.1243 of its American depositary receipts for each of Alexion 's shares , or $ 175 a share -- a nearly 45 percent premium to Alexion 's closing price Friday .
The merger bolsters AstraZeneca 's offerings for rare diseases such as blood disorders , and comes as corporate boards have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the hatches in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic .
AstraZeneca , which is headquartered in Cambridge , England , is in the final stages of testing a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed in partnership with the University of Oxford .
It is considered one of the more prominent candidates , but its efficacy -- and AstraZeneca 's transparency -- has been called into question .
Interim data published this week said the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine prevents infection in 62 % of people who receive two full doses , and in 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a full dose .

A general view of the AstraZeneca headquarters in Sydney, Australia, in August. Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca made a deal to buy Boston-based pharmaceutical firm Alexion Saturday. EPA-EFE/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- British drugmaker AstraZeneca agreed Saturday to buy the Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $39 billion in cash and stock. The deal is one of the biggest for a healthcare company this year. Advertisement
AstraZeneca will pay $60 in cash and 2.1243 of its American depositary receipts for each of Alexion's shares, or $175 a share -- a nearly 45 percent premium to Alexion's closing price Friday.
The merger bolsters AstraZeneca's offerings for rare diseases such as blood disorders, and comes as corporate boards have begun to resume big deals after battening down the hatches in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
AstraZeneca, which is headquartered in Cambridge, England, is in the final stages of testing a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed in partnership with the University of Oxford.
It is considered one of the more prominent candidates, but its efficacy -- and AstraZeneca's transparency -- has been called into question.
Interim data published this week said the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine prevents infection in 62% of people who receive two full doses, and in 90% of those given a half dose followed by a full dose.
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upi--2020-12-12--Israel establishes diplomatic relations with Bhutan

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Bhutan and Israel agreed Saturday to establish full diplomatic relations with each other .
Israeli announced the agreement that Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his Bhutanese counterpart , Vetsop Namgyel , signed Saturday night to establish diplomatic relations in a ceremony held at Malka 's residence .
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi referred to the agreement `` a major milestone in deepening Israel 's ties with Asia , '' adding that he hoped to welcome the king of Bhutan to Israel next year .
Ashkenazi and his Bhutanese counterpart , Tandi Dorji , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in areas such as water management , agriculture and healthcare .
The agreement will `` not only build upon the existing close ties but open the path to greater cooperation and further strengthen relations between the two countries and peoples , '' a joint statement said .
The deal was not part of the U.S.-brokered deals to normalize ties with Israel from Arab countries , United Arab Emirates , Bahrain , Sudan and most recently Morocco , since the summer .
Bhutan is a remote Buddhist kingdom in South Asia on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous Region of China and India that had diplomatic relations with 53 other countries prior to Saturday 's agreement .
The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan , but maintains informal relations with Bhutan through India , and Bhutan 's Mission to the United Nations in New York , according to the U.S. Department of State .

Ambassador to India Ron Malka with Bhutanese counterpart Vetsop Namgyel sign agreement Saturday to normalize ties. Photo courtesy of Bhutan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Bhutan and Israel agreed Saturday to establish full diplomatic relations with each other. Israeli announced the agreement that Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his Bhutanese counterpart, Vetsop Namgyel, signed Saturday night to establish diplomatic relations in a ceremony held at Malka's residence. Advertisement
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi referred to the agreement "a major milestone in deepening Israel's ties with Asia," adding that he hoped to welcome the king of Bhutan to Israel next year.
Ashkenazi and his Bhutanese counterpart, Tandi Dorji, held talks in which they agreed to cooperation in areas such as water management, agriculture and healthcare.
The agreement will "not only build upon the existing close ties but open the path to greater cooperation and further strengthen relations between the two countries and peoples," a joint statement said.
The deal was not part of the U.S.-brokered deals to normalize ties with Israel from Arab countries, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and most recently Morocco, since the summer.
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Bhutan is a remote Buddhist kingdom in South Asia on the Himalayas eastern edge, bordered by Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India that had diplomatic relations with 53 other countries prior to Saturday's agreement.
The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan, but maintains informal relations with Bhutan through India, and Bhutan's Mission to the United Nations in New York, according to the U.S. Department of State.


upi--2020-12-12--Thousands 'March for Trump' in Washington, D.C.

Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered at Freedom Plaza in Washington , D.C. , on December 12 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ Court in opposition to President-elect Joe Biden 's election win .

Pro-Trump supporters rally at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Saturday Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI


upi--2020-12-12--Pfizer vaccine being packaged for distribution, officials say

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Federal officials said the process of distributing the first COVID-19 vaccine began Saturday .
The Food & Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Friday , and on Saturday officials said vaccines were being packaged to be sent to 636 locations this week .
`` As I speak today , right now , vaccines are being packaged , '' Gen. Gustave Perna , co-leader of Operation Warp Speed in charge of logistics , said .
`` Tomorrow morning , vaccines will start rolling from manufacturing to distribution hubs .
By Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Perna , 145 sites will receive vaccine doses Monday , 425 on Tuesday and 66 on Wednesday .
Perna said the federal government is only delivering half the doses available because Pfizer 's vaccine requires two doses and he wants to ensure the second dose is available for those who need it .
`` The reason why we 're holding on to the second dose , as well as some reserve , is that we do n't have absolute confidence in the cadence -- not because Pfizer or Moderna or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their process , '' Perna said .
`` But it is such a delicate process , we want to ensure perfection in the vaccine because we do n't want anything going into an arm that would be a problem . ''
Federal Express and United Parcel Service executives said earlier this week that the vaccines will be given priority over all other shipments even as the services experience their busiest holiday shipping season on record .
The shipping services are also planning on offering location tracking , and are collaborating to divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure it 's done quickly and safely .
`` Just to point out how profound this is , you have two fierce rivals ... in FedEx and UPS who are literally teaming up to get this delivered , '' FedEx Express Executive Vice President Richard Smith said a Senate transportation subcommittee meeting Thursday .
Smith and Wes Wheeler , president of UPS Global Healthcare , said UPS -- which will deliver materials for the vaccine kits such as diluent , syringes and protective gear for medical workers -- said they are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to planes carrying the vaccine so they receive priority takeoff and landing clearance .
Wheeler said vaccine and dry ice shipments will have special labels and tracking technology and will also be shipped with devices that monitor temperature , location and motion .
Speaking at the same hearing , Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine , who is president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers , cautioned that dry runs conducted to test vaccine shipment logistics revealed `` at least one significant issue '' with on-time performance in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run .
According to Levine , there was a two-day gap between the arrival of the mock vaccine and ancillary supplies required to administer the doses , such as syringes and protective gear .
Levine said the $ 340 million the Trump administration has allocated to states and territories to help with distribution is `` simply not enough . ''

1/2
Wesley Wheeler, president of Global Healthcare at UPS, holds up an example of one of UPS' tracking system for shipping vaccines Thursday. Pool Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Federal officials said the process of distributing the first COVID-19 vaccine began Saturday. The Food & Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Friday, and on Saturday officials said vaccines were being packaged to be sent to 636 locations this week. Advertisement
"As I speak today, right now, vaccines are being packaged," Gen. Gustave Perna, co-leader of Operation Warp Speed in charge of logistics, said. "Tomorrow morning, vaccines will start rolling from manufacturing to distribution hubs. By Monday, vaccines will be received."
According to Perna, 145 sites will receive vaccine doses Monday, 425 on Tuesday and 66 on Wednesday.
Perna said the federal government is only delivering half the doses available because Pfizer's vaccine requires two doses and he wants to ensure the second dose is available for those who need it.
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"The reason why we're holding on to the second dose, as well as some reserve, is that we don't have absolute confidence in the cadence -- not because Pfizer or Moderna or the supporting manufacturers and fill-finishes aren't diligent in their process," Perna said. "But it is such a delicate process, we want to ensure perfection in the vaccine because we don't want anything going into an arm that would be a problem."
Federal Express and United Parcel Service executives said earlier this week that the vaccines will be given priority over all other shipments even as the services experience their busiest holiday shipping season on record.
The shipping services are also planning on offering location tracking, and are collaborating to divide up the work of shipping the vaccine to ensure it's done quickly and safely.
"Just to point out how profound this is, you have two fierce rivals ... in FedEx and UPS who are literally teaming up to get this delivered," FedEx Express Executive Vice President Richard Smith said a Senate transportation subcommittee meeting Thursday.
Smith and Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Global Healthcare, said UPS -- which will deliver materials for the vaccine kits such as diluent, syringes and protective gear for medical workers -- said they are working with the Federal Aviation Administration to alert them to planes carrying the vaccine so they receive priority takeoff and landing clearance.
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Wheeler said vaccine and dry ice shipments will have special labels and tracking technology and will also be shipped with devices that monitor temperature, location and motion.
Speaking at the same hearing, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, who is president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers, cautioned that dry runs conducted to test vaccine shipment logistics revealed "at least one significant issue" with on-time performance in a quarter of states where the tests were run.
According to Levine, there was a two-day gap between the arrival of the mock vaccine and ancillary supplies required to administer the doses, such as syringes and protective gear.
Levine said the $340 million the Trump administration has allocated to states and territories to help with distribution is "simply not enough."


upi--2020-12-12--Manhunt launched for 2 Tennessee prison escapees

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Tennessee authorities entered the second day of a manhunt Saturday for two prison escapees accused of kidnapping and later releasing a county worker .
The two minimum security inmates , Robert Lee Brown , 36 , and Christopher Osteen , 34 , escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville on Friday morning , the Tennessee Department of Corrections said .
Brown was serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated rape , out of Putnam County , set to end in 2022 .
Osteen has an eight-year sentence for burglary , out of Madison County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escapees kidnapped a Fulton County Kentucky Highway Department employee from a boat ramp on the Mississippi River on Friday , Henry County Sheriff 's Office deputies said in a Facebook post .
`` At approximately , 1:52 p.m. , the employee and his department truck were located in the area of Hwy 218 and Iron Banks Road in Henry County , Tenn. , where he was left by escapees , '' according to the post .
The HCSO warned citizens to be on the lookout for `` suspicious activity , '' due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday afternoon , they found a Henry County resident tied up in his home .
The same resident 's 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup was stolen Friday morning , according to deputies .
`` Investigation has found that the escapees committed this offense , '' the HCSO post read .

1/2
Christopher Osteen was serving an eight-year sentence for burglary. Photo courtesy of Henry County Sheriff's Office/ Facebook
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Tennessee authorities entered the second day of a manhunt Saturday for two prison escapees accused of kidnapping and later releasing a county worker. The two minimum security inmates, Robert Lee Brown, 36, and Christopher Osteen, 34, escaped from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville on Friday morning, the Tennessee Department of Corrections said. Advertisement
Brown was serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated rape, out of Putnam County, set to end in 2022. Osteen has an eight-year sentence for burglary, out of Madison County, set to end in 2023.
The escapees kidnapped a Fulton County Kentucky Highway Department employee from a boat ramp on the Mississippi River on Friday, Henry County Sheriff's Office deputies said in a Facebook post.
"At approximately, 1:52 p.m., the employee and his department truck were located in the area of Hwy 218 and Iron Banks Road in Henry County, Tenn., where he was left by escapees," according to the post.
The HCSO warned citizens to be on the lookout for "suspicious activity," due to the escapees.
Deputies added that on Saturday afternoon, they found a Henry County resident tied up in his home.
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The same resident's 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup was stolen Friday morning, according to deputies.
"Investigation has found that the escapees committed this offense," the HCSO post read.


upi--2020-12-12--Major snow and ice storm brewing for the East

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- As the energy from a powerful storm system slamming the West Coast slides east next week , it will become responsible for the next major winter storm for the United States .
This time , it looks poised to strike much of the East Coast , bringing a large swath of drenching rain , deep snow and perhaps even a thick glaze of ice for some .
The finer details are still in limbo , but forecasters are growing increasingly confident that a large and highly impactful winter storm will impact the East during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A quick-hitting storm system racing off of the East Coast Monday will help to set the stage initially , depositing cold air across much of the East for the early part of the week .
`` As upper-level energy moves from the Rockies into the East Monday and Tuesday , an area of low pressure will begin to take shape across the southern Plains and Southeast , '' explained AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys .
`` This storm system will then turn northeastward and track somewhere near the East Coast , tapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to create a winter wonderland for some . ''
Forecasters say confidence in the exact track of the storm system is still low , and that this will have a large impact on who exactly sees the worst conditions .
`` As the storm system forms in the South , a chilly rain will break out along the central Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley later Tuesday and Tuesday night , '' said AccuWeather meteorologist Niki LoBiondo .
`` Once it starts moving north , it will meet colder air , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over with the potential for significant ice and snow across a large portion of the East . ''
The potential for ice will come first across the southern and central Appalachians , as well as interior portions of the Carolinas and Virginia late Tuesday night into Wednesday .
`` East winds around high pressure to the north will bank up a shallow layer of cold air in and against the eastern slopes of the Appalachians , '' LoBiondo explained .
`` This will create a favorable setup for the formation of sleet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north . ''
Significant ice accumulations are possible where conditions become the most favorable for prolonged ice , which can lead to downed trees and power lines as they will be weighed down by ice .
Even in areas that only see minor ice accumulations , travel could become treacherous for a time .
Even a thin layer of ice on roads can cause big problems .
Interstates 40 , 77 and 81 could all see a time of treacherous travel .
As the storm shifts farther North , cold air will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow .
`` There is the potential for a large swath for at least some accumulating snow all the way from the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes , through the mid-Atlantic and New England , '' Roys said .
As the storm intensifies somewhere along the mid-Atlantic or Northeast coast later Wednesday into Thursday , a swath of particularly heavy snow is likely to develop .
Strong winds will also develop and could accompany heavy snow creating localized blizzard conditions .
`` The swath of heaviest snow and highest snowfall accumulation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm , and small changes in where the storm tracks can lead to big changes in the amounts of snowfall for a given location , '' Roys explained .
`` However , with a track near the mid-Atlantic and New England Coast looking more likely , the probability of the heaviest snow targeting parts of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England is also increasing . ''
Even parts of the heavily populated Interstate 95 corridor from Washington , D.C. , to Boston could see heavy snow Wednesday into Thursday , clogging roads and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coast can also lead to rough surf and coastal flooding , as well as localized power outages .
Mainly rain will fall farther south and east in the mid-Atlantic .
`` While we continue to monitor trends , residents in the East need to pay close attention to the forecast over the next few days , '' Roys warned .
`` This storm has the potential to be highly disruptive for a large number of people . ''
This snowstorm will also bring the potential to end a snow drought for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia only recorded 0.3 of an inch for the entire 2019-2020 winter .
Average snowfall for a winter in Philadelphia is 22.4 inches .
Washington , D.C. , saw a similar situation last winter , only recording 0.6 of an inch .
A normal winter in D.C. typically will bring 18 inches .
New York City and Baltimore also saw well below-normal snow totals last winter .
This snowstorm could also set the stage for a White Christmas for parts of the Northeast .
`` Where the heaviest snow falls , it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last all the way until Christmas , '' Roys said .
`` Overall a chillier pattern looks to last until Christmas , so if any locales get around a foot or more of snow , it could be enough to last until Christmas .
It could also turn a bit more active again Christmas week , so some spots could even add a little more snow before the holiday . ''

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- As the energy from a powerful storm system slamming the West Coast slides east next week, it will become responsible for the next major winter storm for the United States.
This time, it looks poised to strike much of the East Coast, bringing a large swath of drenching rain, deep snow and perhaps even a thick glaze of ice for some.
Advertisement
The finer details are still in limbo, but forecasters are growing increasingly confident that a large and highly impactful winter storm will impact the East during the middle part of the upcoming week.
A quick-hitting storm system racing off of the East Coast Monday will help to set the stage initially, depositing cold air across much of the East for the early part of the week.
"As upper-level energy moves from the Rockies into the East Monday and Tuesday, an area of low pressure will begin to take shape across the southern Plains and Southeast," explained AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Advertisement
"This storm system will then turn northeastward and track somewhere near the East Coast, tapping into the cold air that will be available to create a winter wonderland for some."
Forecasters say confidence in the exact track of the storm system is still low, and that this will have a large impact on who exactly sees the worst conditions.
"As the storm system forms in the South, a chilly rain will break out along the central Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley later Tuesday and Tuesday night," said AccuWeather meteorologist Niki LoBiondo.
"Once it starts moving north, it will meet colder air, and more wintry precipitation will begin to take over with the potential for significant ice and snow across a large portion of the East."
The potential for ice will come first across the southern and central Appalachians, as well as interior portions of the Carolinas and Virginia late Tuesday night into Wednesday.
"East winds around high pressure to the north will bank up a shallow layer of cold air in and against the eastern slopes of the Appalachians," LoBiondo explained. "This will create a favorable setup for the formation of sleet and freezing rain as the storm system moves north."
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Significant ice accumulations are possible where conditions become the most favorable for prolonged ice, which can lead to downed trees and power lines as they will be weighed down by ice. Even in areas that only see minor ice accumulations, travel could become treacherous for a time. Even a thin layer of ice on roads can cause big problems. Interstates 40, 77 and 81 could all see a time of treacherous travel.
As the storm shifts farther North, cold air will be more entrenched, and ice will become snow.
"There is the potential for a large swath for at least some accumulating snow all the way from the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes, through the mid-Atlantic and New England," Roys said.
As the storm intensifies somewhere along the mid-Atlantic or Northeast coast later Wednesday into Thursday, a swath of particularly heavy snow is likely to develop. Strong winds will also develop and could accompany heavy snow creating localized blizzard conditions.
"The swath of heaviest snow and highest snowfall accumulation is dependent on the exact track of the storm, and small changes in where the storm tracks can lead to big changes in the amounts of snowfall for a given location," Roys explained.
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"However, with a track near the mid-Atlantic and New England Coast looking more likely, the probability of the heaviest snow targeting parts of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England is also increasing."
Even parts of the heavily populated Interstate 95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston could see heavy snow Wednesday into Thursday, clogging roads and causing difficult travel.
Strong winds at the coast can also lead to rough surf and coastal flooding, as well as localized power outages. Mainly rain will fall farther south and east in the mid-Atlantic.
"While we continue to monitor trends, residents in the East need to pay close attention to the forecast over the next few days," Roys warned. "This storm has the potential to be highly disruptive for a large number of people."
This snowstorm will also bring the potential to end a snow drought for some parts of the mid-Atlantic as well. Philadelphia only recorded 0.3 of an inch for the entire 2019-2020 winter. Average snowfall for a winter in Philadelphia is 22.4 inches.
Washington, D.C., saw a similar situation last winter, only recording 0.6 of an inch. A normal winter in D.C. typically will bring 18 inches. New York City and Baltimore also saw well below-normal snow totals last winter.
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This snowstorm could also set the stage for a White Christmas for parts of the Northeast. "Where the heaviest snow falls, it could leave a thick-enough blanket of snow to last all the way until Christmas," Roys said.
"Overall a chillier pattern looks to last until Christmas, so if any locales get around a foot or more of snow, it could be enough to last until Christmas. It could also turn a bit more active again Christmas week, so some spots could even add a little more snow before the holiday."


upi--2020-12-12--Trump allies protest Biden win in D.C.

Trump allies protest Biden win in D.C.

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Supporters of President Donald Trump marched Saturday in Washington , D.C. , challenging the election results that gave President-elect Joe Biden the win .
The protesters gathered in Freedom Plaza in the morning as part of the `` March for Trump , '' Organizers expected the crowd to grow to up to 15,000 people , according to a permit from Women for America First , a conservative group , which also organized Saturday 's along with last month 's `` Stop the Steal '' rally , USA Today reported .
The Washington Post reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of midday there were few counterprotesters .
The newspaper said hundreds of the Proud Boys -- a group linked to white nationalism -- and six men in the Three Percenters militia were among the crowd .
The protesters marched from Freedom Plaza to the Supreme Court , where former national security advisor Michael Flynn spoke to the crowd .
Trump granted Flynn a pardon last month after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the probe into Russia 's interference in the 2016 election .
The march comes one day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to overturn election results in four battleground states .
`` Do n't get bent out of shape , '' Flynn told the crowd of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court .
`` There are still avenues -- We 're fighting with faith and we 're fighting with courage . ''
Trump offered his support to the march participants .
`` Wow !
Thousands of people forming in Washington D.C. for Stop the Steal , '' he tweeted Saturday morning .
`` Did n't know about this , but I 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set to make Biden 's 306-232 delegate win official Monday , but Trump and his allies have repeated allegations of voter fraud .
U.S. elections and security officials , as well as Attorney General William Barr , have said there 's been no evidence of widespread fraud .
Among the rally speakers were former Trump aide Sebastian Gorka as well as South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell , both of whom traveled to the capital from COVID-19 hotspots .
South Dakota , which has the second-highest rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,136 cases per 100,000 , and Minnesota -- Lindell 's home -- had on average 85.5 daily cases per 100,000 reported in the past seven days , according to the CDC .

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Proud Boys attack a few Antifa demonstrators on the sidewalk after a pro-Donald Trump rally in Washington on Saturday. Large groups of supporters marched on the nation's capital as they allege without evidence that President-elect Joe Biden stole the U.S. election. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Supporters of President Donald Trump marched Saturday in Washington, D.C., challenging the election results that gave President-elect Joe Biden the win. The protesters gathered in Freedom Plaza in the morning as part of the "March for Trump," Organizers expected the crowd to grow to up to 15,000 people, according to a permit from Women for America First, a conservative group, which also organized Saturday's along with last month's "Stop the Steal" rally, USA Today reported. Advertisement
The Washington Post reported that few demonstrators wore masks and as of midday there were few counterprotesters that include antifa members and local Black activists. The newspaper said hundreds of the Proud Boys -- a group linked to white nationalism -- and six men in the Three Percenters militia were among the crowd.
After the rally at Freedom Plaza, Proud Boys members and counter-protesters got physical with one another at Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House. Two D.C. police officers were injured trying to separate the two groups, WUSA reported.
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WRC-TV reported that four people were taken to a hospital with stab wounds, and the Metropolitan Police Department arrested 23 people.
The protesters marched from Freedom Plaza to the Supreme Court, where former national security advisor Michael Flynn spoke to the crowd. Trump granted Flynn a pardon last month after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the probe into Russia's interference in the 2016 election.
The march comes one day after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Texas' effort to overturn election results in four battleground states.
Flynn expressed hope of fighting the election results.
"Don't get bent out of shape," Flynn told the crowd of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court. "There are still avenues -- We're fighting with faith and we're fighting with courage."
Trump offered his support to the march participants and Marine One flew over the area en route to the Army-Navy football game at Westpoint, N.Y.
"Wow! Thousands of people forming in Washington D.C. for Stop the Steal," he tweeted Saturday morning. "Didn't know about this, but I'll be seeing them!"
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The Electoral College is set to make Biden's 306-232 delegate win official Monday, but Trump and his allies have repeated allegations of voter fraud. U.S. elections and security officials, as well as Attorney General William Barr, have said there's been no evidence of widespread fraud.
Among the rally speakers were former Trump aide Sebastian Gorka as well as South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, both of whom traveled to the capital from COVID-19 hotspots. South Dakota, which has the second-highest rate of COVID-19 infections in the country with 10,136 cases per 100,000, and Minnesota -- Lindell's home -- had on average 85.5 daily cases per 100,000 reported in the past seven days, according to the CDC.


upi--2020-12-12--'Cheer' star Jerry Harris faces new charges in indictment

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- A federal grand jury in Illinois has indicted Jeremiah `` Jerry '' Harris , star of the reality show Cheer , on new child pornography charges .
The new counts were filed Thursday and made public Friday .
Harris , 21 , faces four counts of using , persuading , inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visible depiction .
He was also charged with one count each of interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity , receiving and attempting to receive child pornography .
Harris was arrested in September in Chicago on allegations he asked for and received sexually explicit photos and videos of a minor .
Federal prosecutors said he asked a 13-year-old boy to send him nude images between December 2018 and March 2020 .
The indictment filed this week accuses Harris of improper conduct with four minors in Florida , Illinois and Texas between August 2017 and August 2020 .
Prosecutors said he traveled from Texas to Florida in order to engage in sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minors .
Harris has been in an Illinois jail since September .
A federal judge declined to issue bail in October , saying he could be a danger to society if released .
Investigators said were tipped off to the alleged crimes after the mother of one of the minors said she found explicit photos on her child 's cellphone and confronted him about them .
She said her son 's Snapchat account also contained explicit photos and videos of Harris .
The minor told police that in addition to Harris requesting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual encounters from the minor twice when they both attended the same cheerleading competitions .
The teen said he refused those advances .
Investigators said Harris was aware of the boy 's age when he asked him for nude images .
Harris also allegedly asked for images of the minor 's underage brother , though the child refused .
Harris appeared in the Netflix series Cheer about the cheerleading program at Navarro College in Corsicana , Texas .
The show earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program .
It also won Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming at the Television Critics Association Awards .

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A federal grand jury in Illinois has indicted Jeremiah "Jerry" Harris, star of the reality show Cheer, on new child pornography charges.
The new counts were filed Thursday and made public Friday.
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Harris, 21, faces four counts of using, persuading, inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visible depiction. He was also charged with one count each of interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, receiving and attempting to receive child pornography.
Harris was arrested in September in Chicago on allegations he asked for and received sexually explicit photos and videos of a minor. Federal prosecutors said he asked a 13-year-old boy to send him nude images between December 2018 and March 2020.
The indictment filed this week accuses Harris of improper conduct with four minors in Florida, Illinois and Texas between August 2017 and August 2020. Prosecutors said he traveled from Texas to Florida in order to engage in sexual activity with at least one of the minors.
Harris has been in an Illinois jail since September. A federal judge declined to issue bail in October, saying he could be a danger to society if released.
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Investigators said were tipped off to the alleged crimes after the mother of one of the minors said she found explicit photos on her child's cellphone and confronted him about them. She said her son's Snapchat account also contained explicit photos and videos of Harris.
The minor told police that in addition to Harris requesting the images, the older man also solicited sexual encounters from the minor twice when they both attended the same cheerleading competitions. The teen said he refused those advances.
Investigators said Harris was aware of the boy's age when he asked him for nude images.
Harris also allegedly asked for images of the minor's underage brother, though the child refused.
Harris appeared in the Netflix series Cheer about the cheerleading program at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. The show earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program and Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program. It also won Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming at the Television Critics Association Awards.


upi--2020-12-12--Iran executes journalist Rouhollah Zam

Iran executes journalist Rouhollah Zam

Authorities targeted Zam in connection with his opposition news channel Amad News , which they linked to January 2018 protests against the establishment , according to Amnesty International .
They also publicly accused Zam in court documents of `` espionage '' for Israel and France , `` cooperation with the hostile state of the United States , '' `` crimes against national security , '' and `` spreading propaganda against the system . ''
`` We are shocked and horrified to learn that the Iranian authorities executed dissident journalist Rouhollah Zam at dawn today , '' Amnesty International said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death in June on the charge of `` corruption on earth , `` a charge that does n't specify the crime , but the Iranian government has used for alleged attempts to overthrow it .
`` The authorities rushed to execute Rouhollah Zam a mere four days later , in what we believe was a reprehensible bid to avoid an international campaign to save his life , '' Amnesty International 's statement said , adding that the hanging was `` strictly prohibited under international law . ''
Reporters Without Borders , an international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` grossly unfair . ''
The group said Zam was `` illegally kidnapped and arrested '' in October 2019 during a visit to Iraq by Iraq Revolutionary Guards and forcibly returned to Iran after living in exile in France .
Zam was held without any contact with his family or lawyers for nine months , according to a letter his father wrote to the Iranian head of the judiciary .
In July , Iran 's state TV aired a propaganda program appearing to show Zam confessing to his crimes .
Iran has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for journalists for the past 40 years , according to Reporters Without Borders .
At least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists have been imprisoned and executed since 1979 .

Iran executed journalist Rouhollah Zam Saturday by hanging. Photo by MojNews/ Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Iran executed Amad News journalist Rouhollah Zam by hanging Saturday sparking international outcry. Authorities targeted Zam in connection with his opposition news channel Amad News, which they linked to January 2018 protests against the establishment, according to Amnesty International. They also publicly accused Zam in court documents of "espionage" for Israel and France, "cooperation with the hostile state of the United States," "crimes against national security," and "spreading propaganda against the system." Advertisement
"We are shocked and horrified to learn that the Iranian authorities executed dissident journalist Rouhollah Zam at dawn today," Amnesty International said in a statement.
Zam was sentenced to death in June on the charge of "corruption on earth, " a charge that doesn't specify the crime, but the Iranian government has used for alleged attempts to overthrow it.
The Supreme Court upheld Zam's death sentence Tuesday.
"The authorities rushed to execute Rouhollah Zam a mere four days later, in what we believe was a reprehensible bid to avoid an international campaign to save his life," Amnesty International's statement said, adding that the hanging was "strictly prohibited under international law."
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Reporters Without Borders, an international press freedom organization, called the trial was "grossly unfair."
The group said Zam was "illegally kidnapped and arrested" in October 2019 during a visit to Iraq by Iraq Revolutionary Guards and forcibly returned to Iran after living in exile in France.
Zam was held without any contact with his family or lawyers for nine months, according to a letter his father wrote to the Iranian head of the judiciary.
In July, Iran's state TV aired a propaganda program appearing to show Zam confessing to his crimes.
Iran has been one of the most oppressive countries for journalists for the past 40 years, according to Reporters Without Borders. At least 860 journalists and citizen-journalists have been imprisoned and executed since 1979.


upi--2020-12-12--Code-breakers said they solved 'Zodiac Killer' cipher

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- A group of private citizens say they 've broken an encoded message sent by the so-called `` Zodiac Killer '' to a San Francisco newspaper more than five decades ago .
The code-breakers said they translated the message after working on it for about 14 years .
`` It was incredible .
It was a big shock .
I never really thought we 'd find anything because I had grown so used to failure , '' Oranchak told CNN .
Police believe the serial killer was responsible for at least five slayings in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970s .
The crime spree , which remains unsolved , drew attention for the killer 's cryptic and taunting notes sent to the San Francisco Chronicle .
One of those letters -- sent in November 1969 -- used a cipher detectives were unable to break .
The FBI acknowledged it was aware of the code-breakers ' apparent success in cracking the code .
`` The Zodiac Killer case remains an ongoing investigation for the FBI San Francisco division and our local enforcement partners , '' the FBI said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California and even though decades have gone by , we continue to seek justice for the victims of those brutal crimes .
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation , and out of respect for the victims and their families , we will not be providing further comment at this time . ''
The code-breakers said they translated the message , with typos included , as follows : '' I hope you are having lots of fun trying to catch me .
`` That was n't me on the TV show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am not afraid of the gas chamber because it will send me to paradice all the sooner .
`` Because I now have enough slaves to work for me where everyone else has nothing when they reach paradice so they are afraid of death .
`` I am not afraid because I know that my new life will be an easy one in paradice death . ''
Another encrypted letter was deciphered shortly after it was sent in July 1969 .
That letter threatened to kill lone people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killer 's letter on their front pages .
Police believe the Zodiac Killer was responsible for the deaths of David Faraday in December 1968 ; Darlene Ferrin in July 1969 ; Cecelia Shepard in September 1969 ; and Paul Stine in October 1969 .
Several other slayings and attacks may be attributed to the killer , but they 've never been confirmed ,

Police released a sketch of what they believed the so-called Zodiac Killer to look like in the late 1960s. File Image courtesy of the San Francisco Police Department
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A group of private citizens say they've broken an encoded message sent by the so-called "Zodiac Killer" to a San Francisco newspaper more than five decades ago. The code-breakers said they translated the message after working on it for about 14 years. Advertisement
The team included American software developer David Oranchak, Belgian computer programmer Jarl Van Eycke and Australian mathematician Sam Blake.
"It was incredible. It was a big shock. I never really thought we'd find anything because I had grown so used to failure," Oranchak told CNN.
Police believe the serial killer was responsible for at least five slayings in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The crime spree, which remains unsolved, drew attention for the killer's cryptic and taunting notes sent to the San Francisco Chronicle.
One of those letters -- sent in November 1969 -- used a cipher detectives were unable to break. The FBI acknowledged it was aware of the code-breakers' apparent success in cracking the code.
"The Zodiac Killer case remains an ongoing investigation for the FBI San Francisco division and our local enforcement partners," the FBI said in a statement.
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"The Zodiac Killer terrorized multiple communities across Northern California and even though decades have gone by, we continue to seek justice for the victims of those brutal crimes. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, and out of respect for the victims and their families, we will not be providing further comment at this time."
The code-breakers said they translated the message, with typos included, as follows:
"I hope you are having lots of fun trying to catch me.
"That wasn't me on the TV show which brings up a point about me.
"I am not afraid of the gas chamber because it will send me to paradice all the sooner.
"Because I now have enough slaves to work for me where everyone else has nothing when they reach paradice so they are afraid of death.
"I am not afraid because I know that my new life will be an easy one in paradice death."
Another encrypted letter was deciphered shortly after it was sent in July 1969. That letter threatened to kill lone people in the night if newspapers didn't run the killer's letter on their front pages.
Police believe the Zodiac Killer was responsible for the deaths of David Faraday in December 1968; Darlene Ferrin in July 1969; Cecelia Shepard in September 1969; and Paul Stine in October 1969.
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Several other slayings and attacks may be attributed to the killer, but they've never been confirmed,


upi--2020-12-12--Gerard Butler, Vin Diesel lend voices to characters in 'Ark' animated series

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Gerard Butler , Vin Diesel , Michelle Yeoh , David Tennant and Russell Crowe @ @ @ @ @ an animated television series based on the video game ARK : Survival Evolved .
Studio @ @ @ @ @ Friday and said the show is set to premiere in 2022 .
Two seasons are @ @ @ @ @ Oliva -- whose credits include Batman : The Dark Knight Returns and Justice League : @ @ @ @ @ executive produce and co-showrun the project .
ARK : Survival Evolved was created and executive @ @ @ @ @ creators , Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak .
The vocal ensemble will also include Devery @ @ @ @ @ Deborah Mailman , Zahn McClarnon , Malcolm McDowell , Elliot Page , Ragga Ragnars , @ @ @ @ @ .

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Gerard Butler is lending his voice to an animated series based on the video game, "ARK: Survival Evolved." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Gerard Butler, Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, David Tennant and Russell Crowe are lending their voices to an animated television series based on the video game ARK: Survival Evolved. Studio Wildcard announced the voice cast Friday and said the show is set to premiere in 2022. Advertisement
Two seasons are currently in production.
Jay Oliva -- whose credits include Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox -- will executive produce and co-showrun the project.
ARK: Survival Evolved was created and executive produced by the game's creators, Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak.
The vocal ensemble will also include Devery Jacobs, Madeleine Madden, Deborah Mailman, Zahn McClarnon, Malcolm McDowell, Elliot Page, Ragga Ragnars, Karl Urban and Jeffrey Wright.


upi--2020-12-12--Morena Baccarin announces she's pregnant with 3rd child

Dec. 12 ( UPI ) -- Greenland star Morena Baccarin is expecting her third child .
The Firefly and Gotham @ @ @ @ @ a remote appearance from her home in New York on Friday 's edition of The @ @ @ @ @ Ben McKenzie in 2017 .
They are the parents of a 4-year-old daughter named Frances @ @ @ @ @ 6-year-old son called Julius from a previous marriage .
During her appearance on The Talk @ @ @ @ @ have been supportive when she and McKenzie go out for date nights during the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ means just spending time alone at home or going out for a walk .
She @ @ @ @ @ wearing the headband , bracelets and blue nail polish their daughter thought would make him @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think that date was pretty successful , '' Baccarin said with a @ @ @ @ @ of her chair and showing off a baby bump .

Morena Baccarin (L) and Ben McKenzie are expecting their second child together. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Greenland star Morena Baccarin is expecting her third child. The Firefly and Gotham alum announced the news during a remote appearance from her home in New York on Friday's edition of The Talk. Advertisement
She married actor Ben McKenzie in 2017. They are the parents of a 4-year-old daughter named Frances.
Baccarin also has a 6-year-old son called Julius from a previous marriage.
During her appearance on The Talk, she said her kids have been supportive when she and McKenzie go out for date nights during the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means just spending time alone at home or going out for a walk.
She showed a photo of McKenzie wearing the headband, bracelets and blue nail polish their daughter thought would make him more appealing on date night.
"I think that date was pretty successful," Baccarin said with a laugh, getting up out of her chair and showing off a baby bump.