upi--2020-12-06--Fantasy football: Brown, Adams top Week 13 wide receiver rankings

Dec. 2 ( UPI ) -- A.J .
Brown , Davante Adams , Adam Thielen , D.K .
Metcalf and Keenan Allen top my Week 13 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020 .
Tyreek Hill , Calvin Ridley , Robert Woods , Terry McLaurin and Michael Thomas round out my Top 10 options .
D.J .
Chark , T.Y .
Hilton and Henry Ruggs are also among my favorite starts this week .
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers players should be removed from all starting lineups , as those teams have Week 13 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : A.J .
Brown has had a breakout season for the Tennessee Titans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in seven of his last eight games .
He is my top fantasy football wide receiver for Week 13 .
The Titans host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Nashville .
The Browns have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
They also just allowed 235 passing yards and two scores from journeyman quarterback Mike Glennon .
I expect Brown to score at least once and secure at five catches for more than 100 yards against the Browns .
He is an elite option down the stretch .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged a league-best 100.9 receiving yards per game this season .
He also has been one of the safest wide receivers in fantasy football .
Adams has three multi-touchdown games this season .
He also has scored in six consecutive games .
Adams is my No .
2 option for Week 13 as he heads into a matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that was just torched by D.K .
Metcalf .
I expect Adams to score at least once as he dominates Eagles defensive backs .
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my Week 13 rankings .
Thomas had just four catches for 50 yards in Week 12 , but I expect a rebound performance this week when he faces the Atlanta Falcons .
The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Thomas should be a lock to receive at least 10 targets in this game , which I expect to be a shootout .
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J .
Chark is my No .
19 option and is a great WR2 play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Nov. 8 , but I expect him to get into the end zone this week when the Jaguars face the Minnesota Vikings .
The Vikings have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Chark should gain at least 60 receiving yards and should see some red zone looks .
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y .
Hilton had his best game of the season in Week 12 , with four catches for 81 yards and a score in a loss to the Tennessee Titans .
He should again provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he battles a Houston Texans defense that is tied for allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
The Texans also will be without starting cornerback Bradley Roby , who has been suspended for the rest of the season .
I expect the Colts to dominate this game and Hilton should benefit in the passing game .
He is my No .
24 wide receiver .
Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is one of my favorite sleepers for Week 13 .
Ruggs had three catches for 56 yards in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Atlanta Falcons .
He should continue to flash his explosive skill set down the stretch .
The Raiders face the New York Jets in Week 13 .
The Jets have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Ruggs is my No .
31 wide receiver .
I expect the Raiders speedster to make some big plays against this struggling defense .

1/3
Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (L) is my top fantasy football option at his position for Week 13. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A.J. Brown, Davante Adams, Adam Thielen, D.K. Metcalf and Keenan Allen top my Week 13 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020. Tyreek Hill, Calvin Ridley, Robert Woods, Terry McLaurin and Michael Thomas round out my Top 10 options. D.J. Chark, T.Y. Hilton and Henry Ruggs are also among my favorite starts this week. Advertisement
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at the position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers players should be removed from all starting lineups, as those teams have Week 13 byes.
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Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 13 matchup.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
A.J. Brown has had a breakout season for the Tennessee Titans. The 6-foot wide receiver has scored in seven of his last eight games. He is my top fantasy football wide receiver for Week 13.
The Titans host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Nashville. The Browns have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They also just allowed 235 passing yards and two scores from journeyman quarterback Mike Glennon.
I expect Brown to score at least once and secure at five catches for more than 100 yards against the Browns. He is an elite option down the stretch.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams has averaged a league-best 100.9 receiving yards per game this season. He also has been one of the safest wide receivers in fantasy football. Adams has three multi-touchdown games this season. He also has scored in six consecutive games.
Adams is my No. 2 option for Week 13 as he heads into a matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that was just torched by D.K. Metcalf. I expect Adams to score at least once as he dominates Eagles defensive backs.
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SNEAKY PLAYS
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas lands at No. 10 in my Week 13 rankings. Thomas had just four catches for 50 yards in Week 12, but I expect a rebound performance this week when he faces the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Thomas should be a lock to receive at least 10 targets in this game, which I expect to be a shootout.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark is my No. 19 option and is a great WR2 play for Week 13. Chark hasn't scored since Nov. 8, but I expect him to get into the end zone this week when the Jaguars face the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Chark should gain at least 60 receiving yards and should see some red zone looks.
LONGSHOTS
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton had his best game of the season in Week 12, with four catches for 81 yards and a score in a loss to the Tennessee Titans. He should again provide WR3 steamer value in Week 13 when he battles a Houston Texans defense that is tied for allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
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The Texans also will be without starting cornerback Bradley Roby, who has been suspended for the rest of the season. I expect the Colts to dominate this game and Hilton should benefit in the passing game. He is my No. 24 wide receiver.
Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is one of my favorite sleepers for Week 13. Ruggs had three catches for 56 yards in the Las Vegas Raiders loss last week to the Atlanta Falcons. He should continue to flash his explosive skill set down the stretch.
The Raiders face the New York Jets in Week 13. The Jets have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Ruggs is my No. 31 wide receiver. I expect the Raiders speedster to make some big plays against this struggling defense.
Week 13 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
1. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans vs. CLE
2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers vs. PHI
3. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings vs. JAX
4. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYG
5. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers vs. NE
6. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs vs. DEN
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7. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons vs. NO
8. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams at ARI
9. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team at PIT
10. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints at ATL
11. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears vs. DET
12. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills at SF
13. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings vs. JAX
14. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYG
15. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans vs. IND
16. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins vs. CIN
17. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams at ARI
18. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR
19. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars at MIN
20. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns at TEN
21. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. WAS
22. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys at BAL
23. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. NO
24. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts at HOU
25. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers vs. BUF
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26. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals at MIA
27. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys at BAL
28. Darius Slayton, New York Giants at SEA
29. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans vs. CLE
30. Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers vs. NE
31. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders at NYJ
32. Denzel Mims, New York Jets vs. LV
33. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos at KC
34. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts at HOU
35. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. WAS
36. Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR
37. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants at SEA
38. Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders at NYJ
39. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens vs. DAL
40. Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots at LAC
41. Travis Fulgham, Philadelphia Eagles at GB
42. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. WAS
43. Marvin Jones, Jr., Detroit Lions at CHI
44. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at SF
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45. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets vs. LV
46. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers vs. PHI
47. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints at ATL
48. Breshad Perriman, New York Jets vs. LV
49. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers vs. BUF
50. Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs vs. DEN
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-06--Jason Bateman plays Santa in pandemic-themed 'SNL' sketch

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Guest host Jason Bateman played a mall Santa and Cecily Strong played Mrs. Claus in a holiday and coronavirus pandemic-themed sketch on this weekend 's edition of Saturday Night Live .
In the scene , the `` King and Queen of Christmas '' were standing in individual , `` magic snow globes , '' so they could safely greet families after they sanitized their hands with the help of a `` virtual , contactless elf . ''
When a little girl and her parents , who were all wearing festive face masks , approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unstable , clear plastic balls rolled off a platform , bloodying Santa 's nose and upending Mrs. Claus ' cupcakes .
This weekend 's episode also showed Manhattan 's Duplex night club hosting an outdoor cabaret performance during the pandemic .
Bateman played musician Devon , who wore a plastic face shield and protective gown over his suit .
Glamorously dressed performers Charlie and Billie ( Bowen Yang and Cecily Strong ) cheerily kept the show going for a handful of masked audience members , insisting New York City will survive its current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his piano was stolen off the street during a previous act , his substitute plastic keyboard was melting under a heat lamp and their previous outdoor setup had been `` decimated '' by a bus and a cab because they placed it in a street turning lane .
During his monologue , Bateman noted he last guest hosted the show 15 years earlier when he shared the stage with a live chimpanzee .
`` If the show did the sketch today , they would use a puppet or a kid in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , but , back then , they used a real , male adult chimpanzee .
This was 2005 , '' Bateman explained .
`` Things were so loose that , at the end of the show , at 'good nights , ' the monkey was allowed to take a bow with us up here .
We 're all hugging and saying 'good night . '
The credits are rolling and then the monkey tried to kill me . ''
Footage from the older episode was then shown to illustrate the story .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise the chimp , which opened its mouth and lunged at his face , causing the actor to recoil .
While most of the cast seemed to miss the moment , SNL player Rachel Dratch , who had been petting the animal , looked surprised , jumped back and put her hands to her face .

Jason Bateman guest hosted this weekend's edition of "Saturday Night Live." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Guest host Jason Bateman played a mall Santa and Cecily Strong played Mrs. Claus in a holiday and coronavirus pandemic-themed sketch on this weekend's edition of Saturday Night Live. In the scene, the "King and Queen of Christmas" were standing in individual, "magic snow globes," so they could safely greet families after they sanitized their hands with the help of a "virtual, contactless elf." Advertisement
When a little girl and her parents, who were all wearing festive face masks, approached to pose for a photo, the unstable, clear plastic balls rolled off a platform, bloodying Santa's nose and upending Mrs. Claus' cupcakes.
This weekend's episode also showed Manhattan's Duplex night club hosting an outdoor cabaret performance during the pandemic.
Bateman played musician Devon, who wore a plastic face shield and protective gown over his suit.
Glamorously dressed performers Charlie and Billie (Bowen Yang and Cecily Strong) cheerily kept the show going for a handful of masked audience members, insisting New York City will survive its current dire circumstances.
Meanwhile, Devon complained that his piano was stolen off the street during a previous act, his substitute plastic keyboard was melting under a heat lamp and their previous outdoor setup had been "decimated" by a bus and a cab because they placed it in a street turning lane.
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During his monologue, Bateman noted he last guest hosted the show 15 years earlier when he shared the stage with a live chimpanzee.
"If the show did the sketch today, they would use a puppet or a kid in a fuzzy suit, you know, for safety, but, back then, they used a real, male adult chimpanzee. This was 2005," Bateman explained.
"Things were so loose that, at the end of the show, at 'good nights,' the monkey was allowed to take a bow with us up here. We're all hugging and saying 'good night.' The credits are rolling and then the monkey tried to kill me."
Footage from the older episode was then shown to illustrate the story.
Bateman can be seen kneeling down to praise the chimp, which opened its mouth and lunged at his face, causing the actor to recoil.
While most of the cast seemed to miss the moment, SNL player Rachel Dratch, who had been petting the animal, looked surprised, jumped back and put her hands to her face.
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upi--2020-12-06--First nor'easter of the season blasts New England as bomb cyclone

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The official start to winter is still weeks away , but Mother Nature was ready to bring on the season 's first nor'easter , which wasted no time intensifying into a bomb cyclone .
The storm packed strong winds up to 68 mph and dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas , sparking hundreds of thousands of power outages .
Forecasters warned this storm had the potential to go through the process that meteorologists call bombogenesis , and they were right .
Bombogenesis , or rapid strengthening , occurs when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 0.71 of an inch of mercury within 24 hours .
When a storm undergoes this level of intensification , it is referred to as a bomb cyclone .
`` This rapid deepening of low pressure is called Bombogenesis and is what we call a bomb cyclone .
In this case , this storm dropped from 1012 millibars over eastern Kentucky at 3 p.m. Friday to 984 mb at 3 p.m. Saturday near Nantucket , Mass.
, making it a bomb cyclone , '' Benz said .
The rapidly intensifying nor'easter prompted winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some of the first blizzard conditions of the season , leading to a slew of power outages and road closures across the region .
`` This storm exploded in strength as energy moving through the northern and southern branches of the jet stream phased across New England , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Benz said .
The storm that brought heavy snow to parts of the southern Plains at midweek re-energized along the Eastern Seaboard and tracked just off the coast of the northeastern United States into Saturday night , putting central and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heaviest snow .
A storm track just offshore allowed for the storm to undergo significant strengthening , which added to the intensity of impacts across New England .
As the storm began to strengthen , drenching rain and thunderstorms broke out across the Southeast states and mid-Atlantic region on Friday night .
By noon Saturday , rain started in Greater Boston , while some nearby areas started to see snowflakes .
Road conditions continued to deteriorate across Massachusetts on Saturday as rain started to turn to freezing rain and snow .
Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at or below 40 mph between mile markers 55 and 84 , through Ludlow and Charlton shortly before noon on Saturday .
Shortly after the speed restriction , there was a crash on I-90 in Millbury by exit 10A which prompted the closure of two westbound left lanes .
By 3 p.m. on Saturday , all highway districts in the state were in snow and ice operations and there were over 1,800 pieces of equipment at work on the roads .
Those who stayed off the dangerous roads were most likely faced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on Saturday afternoon , Massachusetts power outages quickly mounted past 26,000 by the evening .
In Maine , outages topped 210,000 and New Hampshire reached nearly 60,000 outages by early Sunday morning .
Hefty snowfall totals past one foot are the culprit behind the high power outage numbers .
Paxton , Massachusetts accumulated 12.5 inches of snow by Sunday morning .
Wolfeboro , N.H. , reached double digits with 11.5 inches of snow .
Wales , Mass.
, followed closely behind with 11 inches of snow .
By noon on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inches of snow on Sunday while Randolph , N.H. , passed a foot of snow with 14.4 inches .
`` As cold air poured into the north side of this storm , heavy rain gave way to heavy snowfall across portions of New England snow focused from Worcester County where 12.5 inches of snow fell in Paxton to Carabassett Valley , Maine , where 18 inches of heavy snow dumped , '' Benz said .
Within this bomb cyclone , winds were powerful enough along the coast in New England and on eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree limbs , knock over poorly rooted trees , leading to sporadic power outages and causing minor property damage .
`` The bomb cyclone lead to powerful winds across much of the Northeast U.S. and lead to extensive tree damage across eastern Massachusetts .
A peak wind gust of 68 mph was recorded in Dennis , Massachusetts , Saturday evening as the storm was near peak intensity just offshore , '' Benz said .
Looking ahead , blustery conditions will prevail in the mid-Atlantic , and winds are likely to still howl across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maine , New Brunswick and eastern Quebec .
Chilly conditions are forecast to linger through early week from the Great Lakes to a large part of the Atlantic coast in the wake of the storm , and that may set the stage for a round of winterlike conditions in areas farther to the south .

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The official start to winter is still weeks away, but Mother Nature was ready to bring on the season's first nor'easter, which wasted no time intensifying into a bomb cyclone. The storm packed strong winds up to 68 mph and dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas, sparking hundreds of thousands of power outages.
Forecasters warned this storm had the potential to go through the process that meteorologists call bombogenesis, and they were right.
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Bombogenesis, or rapid strengthening, occurs when the central barometric pressure of a storm plummets by 0.71 of an inch of mercury within 24 hours. When a storm undergoes this level of intensification, it is referred to as a bomb cyclone.
"This rapid deepening of low pressure is called Bombogenesis and is what we call a bomb cyclone. In this case, this storm dropped from 1012 millibars over eastern Kentucky at 3 p.m. Friday to 984 mb at 3 p.m. Saturday near Nantucket, Mass., making it a bomb cyclone," Benz said.
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The rapidly intensifying nor'easter prompted winter storm warnings across much of New England and some of the first blizzard conditions of the season, leading to a slew of power outages and road closures across the region.
"This storm exploded in strength as energy moving through the northern and southern branches of the jet stream phased across New England," AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Benz said.
The storm that brought heavy snow to parts of the southern Plains at midweek re-energized along the Eastern Seaboard and tracked just off the coast of the northeastern United States into Saturday night, putting central and northern New England in the path of the heaviest snow. A storm track just offshore allowed for the storm to undergo significant strengthening, which added to the intensity of impacts across New England.
As the storm began to strengthen, drenching rain and thunderstorms broke out across the Southeast states and mid-Atlantic region on Friday night. By noon Saturday, rain started in Greater Boston, while some nearby areas started to see snowflakes.
Road conditions continued to deteriorate across Massachusetts on Saturday as rain started to turn to freezing rain and snow.
Massachusetts State Police placed speed restriction on I-90 at or below 40 mph between mile markers 55 and 84, through Ludlow and Charlton shortly before noon on Saturday. Shortly after the speed restriction, there was a crash on I-90 in Millbury by exit 10A which prompted the closure of two westbound left lanes.
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By 3 p.m. on Saturday, all highway districts in the state were in snow and ice operations and there were over 1,800 pieces of equipment at work on the roads.
Those who stayed off the dangerous roads were most likely faced with power outages. As the storm kicked off on Saturday afternoon, Massachusetts power outages quickly mounted past 26,000 by the evening.
In Maine, outages topped 210,000 and New Hampshire reached nearly 60,000 outages by early Sunday morning.
Hefty snowfall totals past one foot are the culprit behind the high power outage numbers. Paxton, Massachusetts accumulated 12.5 inches of snow by Sunday morning. Wolfeboro, N.H., reached double digits with 11.5 inches of snow. Wales, Mass., followed closely behind with 11 inches of snow.
By noon on Sunday, Mount Washington, N.H., recorded 17.9 inches of snow on Sunday while Randolph, N.H., passed a foot of snow with 14.4 inches.
"As cold air poured into the north side of this storm, heavy rain gave way to heavy snowfall across portions of New England snow focused from Worcester County where 12.5 inches of snow fell in Paxton to Carabassett Valley, Maine, where 18 inches of heavy snow dumped," Benz said.
Within this bomb cyclone, winds were powerful enough along the coast in New England and on eastern Long Island, N.Y., to break tree limbs, knock over poorly rooted trees, leading to sporadic power outages and causing minor property damage.
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"The bomb cyclone lead to powerful winds across much of the Northeast U.S. and lead to extensive tree damage across eastern Massachusetts. A peak wind gust of 68 mph was recorded in Dennis, Massachusetts, Saturday evening as the storm was near peak intensity just offshore," Benz said.
Looking ahead, blustery conditions will prevail in the mid-Atlantic, and winds are likely to still howl across New England as the snow exits northern Maine, New Brunswick and eastern Quebec.
Chilly conditions are forecast to linger through early week from the Great Lakes to a large part of the Atlantic coast in the wake of the storm, and that may set the stage for a round of winterlike conditions in areas farther to the south.


upi--2020-12-07--Chick-fil-A lawsuit accuses 17 U.S. poultry producers of price-fixing

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has filed a federal lawsuit against a number of major U.S. poultry producers , accusing them of price-fixing .
Chick-fil-A , the fast food industry 's top chicken buyer , said in court documents that producers banded together to fix prices and charge more .
Tyson Foods , Pilgrim 's Pride , Sanderson Farms and Perdue Farms , some of the United States ' top poultry producers , were all named in the lawsuit along with 13 others .
Multiple major supermarket operators and food service distributors have previously filed civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct .
The producers have pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges , and major chicken companies are contesting the civil-court claims .
Chick-fil-A , however , might bring added weight to the suit , which was filed in Illinois on Friday .
The chain posted more than $ 11 billion in domestic sales last year , almost three times more than competitors Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye 's .
This year , the Department of Justice has indicted senior chicken industry executives and sales officials on criminal charges of bid-rigging and price-fixing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to pay $ 110 million to settle federal charges that it helped fix prices and passed on higher costs on to consumers and businesses .

Tyson Foods and Pilgrim's Pride, two of the United States' top poultry producers, were named in the lawsuit. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has filed a federal lawsuit against a number of major U.S. poultry producers, accusing them of price-fixing. Chick-fil-A, the fast food industry's top chicken buyer, said in court documents that producers banded together to fix prices and charge more. Advertisement
Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, Sanderson Farms and Perdue Farms, some of the United States' top poultry producers, were all named in the lawsuit along with 13 others.
Multiple major supermarket operators and food service distributors have previously filed civil suits against the poultry industry alleging anti-competitive conduct.
The producers have pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges, and major chicken companies are contesting the civil-court claims.
Chick-fil-A, however, might bring added weight to the suit, which was filed in Illinois on Friday.
The chain posted more than $11 billion in domestic sales last year, almost three times more than competitors Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye's.
This year, the Department of Justice has indicted senior chicken industry executives and sales officials on criminal charges of bid-rigging and price-fixing. In October, Pilgrim's Pride agreed to pay $110 million to settle federal charges that it helped fix prices and passed on higher costs on to consumers and businesses.


upi--2020-12-07--Erratic infant sleep patterns are normal, study shows

New parents can relax : Research suggests it 's normal for infants ' sleep patterns to vary widely .
`` Although previous research has shown that infants start sleeping through the night at different stages of development , little is known about individual sleep patterns night after night , '' explained study leader Marie-Helene Pennestri .
She 's an assistant professor in the department of educational and counseling psychology at McGill University , in Montreal , Canada .
Many new parents expect their baby to start sleeping through the night by about 6 months of age , but Pennestri and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the study , the researchers asked the mothers of 44 infants who were 6 months old to keep a sleep diary about their children for two weeks .
The results revealed significant variations in the infants ' sleep patterns , not only for different babies , but also from night to night for the same baby .
On average , infants slept six hours consecutively for about five nights out of two weeks , and eight consecutive hours for about three nights during that time .
But half of the infants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the study published in the December issue of Sleep Medicine .
Some parental practices appeared to affect infant sleep patterns .
For example , breastfeeding and co-sleeping were associated with more variation in night-to-night sleep patterns .
While that finding is consistent with many studies , other factors could be at play , the authors suggested .
The researchers said that mothers who are breastfeeding and co-sleeping are more likely to be aware of their infant 's night awakenings .
`` Parents are often exposed to a lot of contradictory information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their baby does n't sleep through the night at a specific age because sleep patterns differ a lot in infancy , '' Pennestri said in a university news release .
`` One important piece of the puzzle is understanding parents ' perceptions and expectations of infant sleep .
In future research , we hope to explore what 'sleeping through the night ' really means to them , '' she said .
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on babies and sleep .

New research reinforces that erratic sleep habits in infants is normal, researchers say. Photo by PublicDomainPictures /Pixabay
New parents can relax: Research suggests it's normal for infants' sleep patterns to vary widely. "Although previous research has shown that infants start sleeping through the night at different stages of development, little is known about individual sleep patterns night after night," explained study leader Marie-Helene Pennestri. Advertisement
She's an assistant professor in the department of educational and counseling psychology at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada.
Many new parents expect their baby to start sleeping through the night by about 6 months of age, but Pennestri and colleagues found there's no firm timeline.
For the study, the researchers asked the mothers of 44 infants who were 6 months old to keep a sleep diary about their children for two weeks.
The results revealed significant variations in the infants' sleep patterns, not only for different babies, but also from night to night for the same baby.
On average, infants slept six hours consecutively for about five nights out of two weeks, and eight consecutive hours for about three nights during that time.
But half of the infants never slept eight hours consecutively, according to the study published in the December issue of Sleep Medicine.
Some parental practices appeared to affect infant sleep patterns. For example, breastfeeding and co-sleeping were associated with more variation in night-to-night sleep patterns.
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While that finding is consistent with many studies, other factors could be at play, the authors suggested. The researchers said that mothers who are breastfeeding and co-sleeping are more likely to be aware of their infant's night awakenings.
"Parents are often exposed to a lot of contradictory information about infant sleep. They shouldn't worry if their baby doesn't sleep through the night at a specific age because sleep patterns differ a lot in infancy," Pennestri said in a university news release.
"One important piece of the puzzle is understanding parents' perceptions and expectations of infant sleep. In future research, we hope to explore what 'sleeping through the night' really means to them," she said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on babies and sleep.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-12-07--Watch: Porsha Williams confirms Dennis McKinley split on 'WWHL'

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Porsha Williams has confirmed her split from her fiancé , Dennis McKinley .
The 39-year-old Real Housewives of Atlanta star gave an update on her relationship with McKinley during Sunday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Williams was asked about her status with McKinley , who recently posted and deleted about being `` single ASFK '' on Instagram Stories .
She was also asked if she and McKinley are living together .
`` Girl , how he goin ' to live here when we single ? ''
Williams responded with a laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are exactly that , single . ''
Williams said , however , that she and McKinley are `` very cordial '' and `` have a great co-parenting relationship '' for their 20-month-old daughter , Pilar Jhena .
Williams and McKinley previously split in June 2019 and were engaged again as of December 2019 .
Williams said on Instagram in October that she was single again .
On WWHL , Williams also weighed in on the conflict between Real Housewives of Potomac stars Monique Samuels and Candiace Dillard .
During a September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drag Dillard by the hair and hit her during a fight .
Williams , who once got in a physical altercation with her RHOA co-star Cynthia Bailey , said she 's given advice to Samuels .
`` You know , the biggest thing that I talked to Monique about is just setting boundaries with yourself and protecting your energy , '' Williams said .
`` My biggest thing to her is just to concentrate and think about in that moment that you do n't have to react to what is happening right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it , '' she added .
`` Think about your family , think about what else is going on in your life besides who you 're arguing with or what the situation is .
That can snap yourself out of a situation . ''
RHOA returned for a 13th season Sunday on Bravo .
The season co-stars Bailey , Kandi Burruss , Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora .

Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Porsha Williams has confirmed her split from her fiancé, Dennis McKinley.
The 39-year-old Real Housewives of Atlanta star gave an update on her relationship with McKinley during Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
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Williams was asked about her status with McKinley, who recently posted and deleted about being "single ASFK" on Instagram Stories. She was also asked if she and McKinley are living together.
"Girl, how he goin' to live here when we single?" Williams responded with a laugh. "No, we are single. We are exactly that, single."
Williams said, however, that she and McKinley are "very cordial" and "have a great co-parenting relationship" for their 20-month-old daughter, Pilar Jhena.
Williams and McKinley previously split in June 2019 and were engaged again as of December 2019. Williams said on Instagram in October that she was single again.
On WWHL, Williams also weighed in on the conflict between Real Housewives of Potomac stars Monique Samuels and Candiace Dillard. During a September episode of RHOP, Samuels appeared to drag Dillard by the hair and hit her during a fight.
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Williams, who once got in a physical altercation with her RHOA co-star Cynthia Bailey, said she's given advice to Samuels.
"You know, the biggest thing that I talked to Monique about is just setting boundaries with yourself and protecting your energy," Williams said.
"My biggest thing to her is just to concentrate and think about in that moment that you don't have to react to what is happening right now. You can always pull yourself out of it," she added. "Think about your family, think about what else is going on in your life besides who you're arguing with or what the situation is. That can snap yourself out of a situation."
RHOA returned for a 13th season Sunday on Bravo. The season co-stars Bailey, Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore and Drew Sidora.


upi--2020-12-07--College basketball: Kentucky off to worst start in 20 years after loss to Georgia Tech

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Kentucky men 's basketball program is off to its worst start in two decades after a 79-62 loss to Georgia Tech , the Wildcats ' third-consecutive setback .
The Wildcats are now 1-3 for the first time since the 2000-01 season .
The Yellow Jackets ( 1-2 ) forced 21 Wildcats turnovers in their 17-point victory on Sunday in Atlanta .
Kentucky began the season with an 81-45 victory over Morehead State .
The Wildcats then lost 76-64 to Richmond on Nov. 29 before a 65-62 loss to Kansas on Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , '' Kentucky coach John Calipari told reporters on Sunday .
`` I feel bad for these guys because I said it at the beginning of the year , the schedule 's not fair for them , [ with ] all Power 5 schools or schools that have veteran players .
`` It 's just not fair .
But you know what ?
It is what it is and we 're going to go .
Now , I 've told them , I 'm not cracking yet . ''
Calipari -- known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college basketball -- typically has young rosters due to annual player departures to the NBA .
Four freshman have started alongside senior transfer Olivier Sarr in each of the Wildcats ' four games this season .
The Wildcats have averaged 18.3 turnovers per game , the second-most among Southeastern Conference programs .
Calipari also cited COVID-19 restrictions , which have limited his ability to coach up his young players , and the Wildcats ' tough schedule when he addressed the early season struggles on Sunday .
`` We 're going to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play aggressively , make really easy plays and be more physical , '' Calipari said .
`` I mean everybody is knocking us around right now .
`` Like I said , I 've been through this kind of stuff and I just have n't done it in this environment .
...
There is no face-to-face contact , very little with me and you need that when you 're young .
You need to talk .
You need the face-to-face .
`` The second thing is , the schedule , which I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just said , 'Look , here 's what we are doing . '
But it should make us better .
You look at all of this stuff and it 's either a setback or you 're ready to say , 'It 's setting us up for something that we need to do . '
Because we 're learning [ in ] every one of these games . ''
The Wildcats host Notre Dame at noon EST on Saturday at Rupp Arena in Lexington , Ky .

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari mentioned the Wildcats' tough schedule and issues with turnovers when asked about his team's 1-3 start this season. File Photo by BIll Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The Kentucky men's basketball program is off to its worst start in two decades after a 79-62 loss to Georgia Tech, the Wildcats' third-consecutive setback. The Wildcats are now 1-3 for the first time since the 2000-01 season. The Yellow Jackets (1-2) forced 21 Wildcats turnovers in their 17-point victory on Sunday in Atlanta. Advertisement
Kentucky began the season with an 81-45 victory over Morehead State. The Wildcats then lost 76-64 to Richmond on Nov. 29 before a 65-62 loss to Kansas on Tuesday.
"I've got so much work to do," Kentucky coach John Calipari told reporters on Sunday. "I feel bad for these guys because I said it at the beginning of the year, the schedule's not fair for them, [with] all Power 5 schools or schools that have veteran players.
"It's just not fair. But you know what? It is what it is and we're going to go. Now, I've told them, I'm not cracking yet."
Calipari -- known as one of the best recruiters in college basketball -- typically has young rosters due to annual player departures to the NBA. Four freshman have started alongside senior transfer Olivier Sarr in each of the Wildcats' four games this season.
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The Wildcats have averaged 18.3 turnovers per game, the second-most among Southeastern Conference programs.
Calipari also cited COVID-19 restrictions, which have limited his ability to coach up his young players, and the Wildcats' tough schedule when he addressed the early season struggles on Sunday.
"We're going to have to fight, not turn it over, play aggressively, make really easy plays and be more physical," Calipari said. "I mean everybody is knocking us around right now.
"Like I said, I've been through this kind of stuff and I just haven't done it in this environment. ... There is no face-to-face contact, very little with me and you need that when you're young. You need to talk. You need the face-to-face.
"The second thing is, the schedule, which I knew was a mistake and probably should have just said, 'Look, here's what we are doing.' But it should make us better. You look at all of this stuff and it's either a setback or you're ready to say, 'It's setting us up for something that we need to do.' Because we're learning [in] every one of these games."
The Wildcats host Notre Dame at noon EST on Saturday at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky.


upi--2020-12-07--Southern California enters new COVID-19 lockdown; NYC children return to schools

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- After 175,000 COVID-19 new cases were added nationwide , millions of people in Southern California began living under new lockdown restrictions on Monday as nearly 200,000 children returned to school in New York City .
According to updated data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University , there were another 175,700 cases in the United States on Sunday and 1,100 new coronavirus deaths .
The figures are typically lower on Sundays , due to slower reporting at the end of the weekend .
In just three days since Friday , there have been close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , according to Johns Hopkins .
The average for the past week is 196,000 , a record .
Since the start of the pandemic , there have been about 14.76 million coronavirus cases and 282,400 deaths .
The number of patients in hospitals also continues to rise .
The figure was almost 101,500 Sunday , which included 20,000 in intensive care , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
In New York City on Monday , more than 190,000 children returned to classrooms from the preschool level to fifth grade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city closed schools due to rising positivity rates .
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the schools will stay open as long as the rates remain low .
As part of the return , all parents must sign a consent form for their child to be tested .
It 's not yet known when grades 6 and above , including middle and high schools , will return to classrooms .
In Southern California , residents in 11 counties began living under new lockdown orders on Monday .
The restrictions include closing bars , hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor recreational facilities .
The measures are a response to surging cases , particularly in Los Angeles County , which set a new single-day record on Sunday .
Two weeks of protests outside the home of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti turned violent on Sunday and led police to arrest one person , authorities said .
Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman Melissa Podany told reporters that a protester was using a bullhorn , a violation of municipal law .
When officers moved to arrest the activist , they were punched and kicked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
Video of the incident was posted online .
Jamie Penn , a neighborhood council official , told the Los Angeles Times it was she who was arrested .
She said she was acting as a street medic at the protest .
She said she was trying to prevent an older demonstrator from being trampled when she was detained , and leter released .
In Texas , cases in Houston surpassed 100,000 on Sunday with thousands of new patients .
`` We 're in a dire situation , '' Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Hotez told KHOU-TV .
`` People are coming in sicker than they were in the past .
`` That gives me a lot of concern that people are n't taking this seriously . ''

Medical personnel move a coronavirus patient on a stretcher into the emergency room at Maimonides Medical Center in New York City on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- After 175,000 new COVID-19 cases were added nationwide, millions of people in Southern California began living under new lockdown restrictions on Monday as nearly 200,000 children returned to school in New York City. According to updated data from researchers at Johns Hopkins University, there were another 175,700 cases in the United States on Sunday and 1,100 new coronavirus deaths. Advertisement
The figures are typically lower on Sundays, due to slower reporting at the end of the weekend. In just three days since Friday, there have been close to 620,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins. The average for the past week is 196,000, a record.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been about 14.76 million coronavirus cases and 282,400 deaths.
The number of patients in hospitals also continues to rise. The figure was almost 101,500 Sunday, which included 20,000 in intensive care, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
In New York City on Monday, more than 190,000 children returned to classrooms from the preschool level to fifth grade.
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The return comes three weeks after the city closed schools due to rising positivity rates. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the schools will stay open as long as the rates remain low. As part of the return, all parents must sign a consent form for their child to be tested.
It's not yet known when grades 6 and above, including middle and high schools, will return to classrooms.
In Southern California, residents in 11 counties began living under new lockdown orders on Monday. The restrictions include closing bars, hair salons, museums, movie theaters and indoor recreational facilities.
The measures are a response to surging cases, particularly in Los Angeles County, which set a new single-day record on Sunday.
Two weeks of protests outside the home of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti turned violent on Sunday and led police to arrest one person, authorities said.
Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman Melissa Podany told reporters that a protester was using a bullhorn, a violation of municipal law. When officers moved to arrest the activist, they were punched and kicked by protesters and police declared the assembly unlawful, she said.
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Video of the incident was posted online.
Jamie Penn, a neighborhood council official, told the Los Angeles Times it was she who was arrested. She said she was acting as a street medic at the protest. She said she was trying to prevent an older demonstrator from being trampled when she was detained, and leter released.
In Texas, cases in Houston surpassed 100,000 on Sunday with thousands of new patients.
"We're in a dire situation," Texas Children's Hospital infectious diseases expert Dr. Peter Hotez told KHOU-TV. "People are coming in sicker than they were in the past.
"That gives me a lot of concern that people aren't taking this seriously."


upi--2020-12-07--Lauren Bushnell Lane, Chris Lane announce pregnancy on Instagram

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Pregnant Bachelor alum Laura Bushnell Lane has announced she is pregnant and shared her @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A dream .
Except I 'm not dreaming .
I 'm wide awake @ @ @ @ @ the footage .
`` Holding your dads hand , watching you dance around in my @ @ @ @ @ little heart beat .
My new favorite sound .
A miracle .
New life .
@ @ @ @ @ you Jesus !
All the glory belongs to You . ''
The 30-year-old reality TV @ @ @ @ @ Lane , 35 , in Nashville in October 2019 after less than a year of @ @ @ @ @ shared the sonogram video on his Instagram account .
`` Prayer works !
Hope you @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
Bushnell Lane was engaged to Season 20 Bachelor Ben Higgins on @ @ @ @ @ March 2016 .
They broke off their engagement in May 2017 .

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Chris Lane (L) and Lauren Bushnell are expecting their first child. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Pregnant Bachelor alum Lauren Bushnell Lane has announced she is pregnant and shared her recent sonogram video on Instagram. "A dream. Except I'm not dreaming. I'm wide awake," Bushnell Lane captioned the footage. Advertisement
"Holding your dads hand, watching you dance around in my belly. Listening to your little heart beat. My new favorite sound. A miracle. New life. Our sweet baby. Thank you Jesus! All the glory belongs to You."
The 30-year-old reality TV personality married country singer Chris Lane, 35, in Nashville in October 2019 after less than a year of dating.
Chris Lane also shared the sonogram video on his Instagram account.
"Prayer works! Hope you look like your Mama," he wrote.
Bushnell Lane was engaged to Season 20 Bachelor Ben Higgins on the show's finale in March 2016. They broke off their engagement in May 2017.


upi--2020-12-07--In photos: Scenes from the holiday season

The world heads into a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people preparing for the holidays in the @ @ @ @ @ world .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-12-07--In photos: Moments from the National Football League for the week of Dec. 6, 2020

Las Vegas Raiders ' Derek Carr celebrates with head coach Jon Gruden after he throws a 46-yard game-winning touchdown in @ @ @ @ @ game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford , N.J. , @ @ @ @ @ defeated the Jets 31-28 .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (R) loses the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Thursday. The Rams defeated the Patriots 24-3. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI


upi--2020-12-07--North Korea claims Japan rearming to realize ‘old ambitions’

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- North Korea accused Japan of `` acts to realize overseas aggression '' after Tokyo 's launch of an advanced relay satellite with laser communication into orbit .
Pyongyang 's state-controlled news agency KCNA said Monday `` military movements '' taking place in Japan are `` intensified initiatives to realize the overseas invasion schemes of the Japanese reactionaries . ''
The article 's headline read , `` The security of the [ Japanese ] islands is guaranteed only by renouncing the ambitions of aggression . ''
`` Time may pass and the [ Japanese ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militaristic nature of Japan remains unchanged , '' North Korean state media said .
The statement from Pyongyang 's news agency comes at a time when Japan has been increasing defense spending to cope with threats from China and North Korea , launching communication satellites into space .
Japan 's Maritime Self-Defense Force is to deploy a new class of multi-mission frigates by 2022 , the Kumano , which was launched in a ceremony in Okayama on Nov. 19 , according to Defense News last month .
Tokyo had ordered six frigates and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ships , according to the report .
North Korea said the new frigate 's name is a `` simple example of the vengeful reinvasion ambitions of the descendants of the extremist samurai , '' the powerful military caste of feudal Japan .
The Kumano was a heavy cruiser that was deployed by Japan in the Pacific during World War II .
North Korea 's warning to Japan came the same day online aviation tracker Aircraft Spot tweeted a U.S. B-1B Lancer bomber had left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sea of Japan . ''
On Sunday , the U.S. Strategic Command said in statement four B-1B Lancer bombers were deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base to Guam to `` reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region . ''
`` With the ability to carry the largest conventional payload of Joint Air-to-Surface Missiles and Joint Direct Attack Munitions , B-1s are a show of force , '' said Lt. Col. Robert Horstmann of the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron .

North Korea accused Japan of military ambitions after reports said Tokyo is expected to deploy a new class of multi-mission frigates by 2022 to its Maritime Self-Defense Force. File Photo by MC1 Michael Russell/U.S. Navy | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- North Korea accused Japan of "acts to realize overseas aggression" after Tokyo's launch of an advanced relay satellite with laser communication into orbit. Pyongyang's state-controlled news agency KCNA said Monday "military movements" taking place in Japan are "intensified initiatives to realize the overseas invasion schemes of the Japanese reactionaries." The article's headline read, "The security of the [Japanese] islands is guaranteed only by renouncing the ambitions of aggression." Advertisement
"Time may pass and the [Japanese] regime may change, but the fundamental militaristic nature of Japan remains unchanged," North Korean state media said.
The statement from Pyongyang's news agency comes at a time when Japan has been increasing defense spending to cope with threats from China and North Korea, launching communication satellites into space.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force is to deploy a new class of multi-mission frigates by 2022, the Kumano, which was launched in a ceremony in Okayama on Nov. 19, according to Defense News last month. Tokyo had ordered six frigates and an additional $951 million for two more ships, according to the report.
North Korea said the new frigate's name is a "simple example of the vengeful reinvasion ambitions of the descendants of the extremist samurai," the powerful military caste of feudal Japan.
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The Kumano was a heavy cruiser that was deployed by Japan in the Pacific during World War II.
North Korea's warning to Japan came the same day online aviation tracker Aircraft Spot tweeted a U.S. B-1B Lancer bomber had left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and was "heading northbound toward northern Japan and the Sea of Japan."
On Sunday, the U.S. Strategic Command said in statement four B-1B Lancer bombers were deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base to Guam to "reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region."
"With the ability to carry the largest conventional payload of Joint Air-to-Surface Missiles and Joint Direct Attack Munitions, B-1s are a show of force," said Lt. Col. Robert Horstmann of the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.


upi--2020-12-07--Eagles bench Wentz for Hurts, Week 14 QB undecided

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson benched quarterback Carson Wentz for rookie Jalen Hurts on Sunday , but said he has not determined which player will start going forward .
Wentz completed 6 of 15 passes for 79 yards before he was replaced by Hurts in the third quarter of the Eagles ' 30-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay , Wis .
Hurts -- a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft -- completed 5 of 12 passes for 109 yards , one touchdown and an interception in relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we needed a spark [ based on ] where we were as an offense , '' Pederson told reporters .
`` We needed something to go our way , so I decided to put Jalen in the game . ''
Wentz has completed 57.4 % of his throws for 2,620 yards , 16 touchdowns and a league-leading 15 interceptions in 12 starts this season .
The No .
2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has also been sacked a league-high 50 times .
`` There are a lot of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before anything is decided , '' Peterson said when asked if Wentz or Hurts will start moving forward .
`` An opportunity arose and we needed the opportunity to get us back in the football game and we came up short . ''
The Eagles were outgained 437 to 278 in total yards in Sunday 's loss .
They also allowed seven sacks .
`` I know what I 'm capable of , '' Wentz said .
`` I know I can play better .
I never have doubted myself or lost confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lot of these things are outside of my control . ''
The Eagles ( 3-8-1 ) host the New Orleans Saints at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday in Philadelphia .
`` I 'm trying to do what I can do for this team , '' Hurts said .
`` It 's as simple as that .
Working hard every day , putting my best foot forward , and taking somebody with me .
I 'm trying to lead and just get this thing in the right direction . ''

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Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Hurts, shown here in October, completed 5 of 12 passes for 109 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the second half of a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson benched quarterback Carson Wentz for rookie Jalen Hurts on Sunday, but said he has not determined which player will start going forward. Wentz completed 6 of 15 passes for 79 yards before he was replaced by Hurts in the third quarter of the Eagles' 30-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. Advertisement
Hurts -- a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft -- completed 5 of 12 passes for 109 yards, one touchdown and an interception in relief of Wentz.
"I just felt like we needed a spark [based on] where we were as an offense," Pederson told reporters. "We needed something to go our way, so I decided to put Jalen in the game."
Wentz has completed 57.4% of his throws for 2,620 yards, 16 touchdowns and a league-leading 15 interceptions in 12 starts this season. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has also been sacked a league-high 50 times.
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"There are a lot of things I'm going to consider and evaluate before anything is decided," Peterson said when asked if Wentz or Hurts will start moving forward. "An opportunity arose and we needed the opportunity to get us back in the football game and we came up short."
The Eagles were outgained 437 to 278 in total yards in Sunday's loss. They also allowed seven sacks.
"I know what I'm capable of," Wentz said. "I know I can play better. I never have doubted myself or lost confidence in my abilities. Like I said, a lot of these things are outside of my control."
The Eagles (3-8-1) host the New Orleans Saints at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday in Philadelphia.
"I'm trying to do what I can do for this team," Hurts said. "It's as simple as that. Working hard every day, putting my best foot forward, and taking somebody with me. I'm trying to lead and just get this thing in the right direction."


upi--2020-12-07--Gonzaga, UConn pause men's basketball after positive COVID-19 tests

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Gonzaga and UConn have suspended all team activities for their men 's basketball programs due to positive COVID-19 test results .
The schools announced the pauses for the 2020-21 season on Sunday .
Gonzaga -- ranked No .
2 in the coaches poll -- had its scheduled game against No .
1 Baylor called off on Saturday after a student athlete and a member of the school 's travel party tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Bulldogs later said they have paused all men 's basketball competitions through Dec. 14 .
Gonzaga had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Southern on Thursday , Northern Arizona on Saturday and Idaho on Dec. 14 , but those games are now in doubt .
UConn 's scheduled game against North Carolina State on Saturday also was canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test within the Wolfpack program .
The Huskies later announced they have `` temporarily '' suspended team activities after a member of the UConn program also tested positive .
The Huskies said their game against St. John 's -- scheduled for Friday -- has been postponed .
North Carolina State has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are scheduled to face Michigan on Wednesday in Ann Arbor , Mich. '' Per university protocol , team activities will remain on hold until contact tracing and additional testing is completed and it is deemed safe by medical professionals to resume , '' the Huskies said in a news release .
UConn is scheduled to travel to Georgetown for a game Sunday .
Several other men 's basketball games were canceled over the weekend due to COVID-19-related issues .
Sunday 's Iowa State-DePaul game was canceled in accordance with testing protocol within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State-Florida International University game also was scuttled .
Ohio State 's game against Alabama A & M Saturday was n't played after the Buckeyes said Alabama A & M had shared results of recent testing .
Saturday 's game between Maryland and James Madison was canceled after James Madison reported a positive test .

Coach Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs have paused all men's basketball team activities through Dec. 14 in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. File Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Gonzaga and UConn have suspended all team activities for their men's basketball programs due to positive COVID-19 test results. The schools announced the pauses for the 2020-21 season on Sunday. Advertisement
Gonzaga -- ranked No. 2 in the coaches poll -- had its scheduled game against No. 1 Baylor called off on Saturday after a student athlete and a member of the school's travel party tested positive for COVID-19.
The Bulldogs later said they have paused all men's basketball competitions through Dec. 14.
Gonzaga had been scheduled to face Tarleton State on Tuesday, Southern on Thursday, Northern Arizona on Saturday and Idaho on Dec. 14, but those games are now in doubt.
UConn's scheduled game against North Carolina State on Saturday also was canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test within the Wolfpack program. The Huskies later announced they have "temporarily" suspended team activities after a member of the UConn program also tested positive.
The Huskies said their game against St. John's -- scheduled for Friday -- has been postponed. North Carolina State has not announced any schedule adjustments for this week and are scheduled to face Michigan on Wednesday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
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"Per university protocol, team activities will remain on hold until contact tracing and additional testing is completed and it is deemed safe by medical professionals to resume," the Huskies said in a news release.
UConn is scheduled to travel to Georgetown for a game Sunday.
Several other men's basketball games were canceled over the weekend due to COVID-19-related issues.
Sunday's Iowa State-DePaul game was canceled in accordance with testing protocol within DePaul's program and Sunday's Jacksonville State-Florida International University game also was scuttled.
Ohio State's game against Alabama A&M Saturday wasn't played after the Buckeyes said Alabama A&M had shared results of recent testing. Saturday's game between Maryland and James Madison was canceled after James Madison reported a positive test.


upi--2020-12-07--Universal Music Publishing Group acquires Bob Dylan song catalog

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Universal Music Publishing Group announced Monday it has acquired music legend Bob Dylan 's complete song catalog , which spans 60 years .
The terms of the deal were not disclosed .
`` It 's no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music , nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art , '' Lucian Grainge , chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Group , said in a statement .
`` Brilliant and moving , inspiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his songs are timeless -- whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday .
It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world .
I have no doubt that decades , even centuries from now , the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played -- and cherished -- everywhere . ''
The folk singer-songwriter and civil rights icon is known for his hits `` Blowin ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times They Are a-Changin ' , '' `` Like a Rolling Stone , '' `` Lay Lady Lay , '' `` Forever Young , '' `` Knockin ' On Heaven 's Door , '' `` Tangled Up In Blue , '' `` Got ta Serve Somebody , '' `` Make You Feel My Love '' and `` Things Have Changed . ''
Dylan , 79 , has earned 10 Grammy Awards , the Presidential Medal of Freedom , a Golden Globe and an Oscar throughout his storied career .
He was presented with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition . ''
That year , the University of Tulsa and the George Kaiser Family Foundation acquired his archive of letters , photographs , videos and manuscripts .
The entertainer has sold more than 125 million records and , before the coronavirus pandemic hit , had been performing about 100 shows a year .

President Barack Obama awards the the Presidential Medal of Freedom to singer/songwriter Bob Dylan during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington on May 29, 2012. Dylan has sold his song catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Universal Music Publishing Group announced Monday it has acquired music legend Bob Dylan's complete song catalog, which spans 60 years. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Advertisement
"It's no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art," Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Group, said in a statement.
"Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless -- whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday. It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world. I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played -- and cherished -- everywhere."
The folk singer-songwriter and civil rights icon is known for his hits "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are a-Changin'," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Lay Lady Lay," "Forever Young," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," "Tangled Up In Blue," "Gotta Serve Somebody," "Make You Feel My Love" and "Things Have Changed."
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Dylan, 79, has earned 10 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Golden Globe and an Oscar throughout his storied career.
He was presented with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."
That year, the University of Tulsa and the George Kaiser Family Foundation acquired his archive of letters, photographs, videos and manuscripts.
The entertainer has sold more than 125 million records and, before the coronavirus pandemic hit, had been performing about 100 shows a year.


upi--2020-12-07--Biden will find it hard to undo Trump's 'America first' trade policy

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Since becoming president-elect , Joe Biden has signaled that restoring America 's leadership on the world stage is among his highest priorities -- an intention aptly demonstrated by his Cabinet picks .
Biden 's nominees are `` ready to lead the world , not retreat from it , '' he said Nov. 24 .
`` America is back . ''
Perhaps nowhere is this return more urgent than in trade policy , a topic I follow closely as a scholar of international political economy .
Over the past four years , President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging trade wars and gunked up the workings of international trade organizations .
All of this has ceded global economic leadership to China , as we can see from the trade negotiations Beijing recently oversaw with 14 other Asian nations .
In November , the countries met in China 's capital and formally signed what is now the world 's largest regional free trade pact , covering nearly a third of humanity .
Biden no doubt longs to return to some semblance of the `` golden era '' of U.S. leadership , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped create and sustain the rules and institutions that fueled globalization .
But after four years of Trump 's `` retreat , '' it may be harder to return to leading than Biden thinks -- thanks to the growing number of Americans on the right and the left who are skeptical of free trade .
While Trump advocated a trade policy he labeled `` America first , '' it 's probably not the best description .
The policy has involved applying punitive tariffs on specific products such as steel and aluminum and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a scale not seen in decades .
But the price to the United States has been high .
Trump 's tariffs have cost American businesses and consumers tens of billions of dollars .
And they have seriously hurt U.S. farmers and manufacturers by closing off export markets for American products in China and elsewhere .
Moreover , the administration has spent tens of billions more trying to aid farmers harmed by the tariffs .
Putting Americans first was also the stated reason behind the president 's decision to withdraw from trade deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bilateral rather than multilateral agreements .
Aside from denying American companies the benefits free trade pacts provide , this also has meant the United States increasingly sits on the sidelines when global trade rules are being written .
That 's bad news for America because even when rules apply only to the trade agreement in question , they generally serve as a foundation for future deals -- including negotiations exclusively with the United States .
So if the U.S. government is n't at the table , it could have long-term ramifications .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to dictate the terms of trade with U.S. allies , as Beijing did with the trade accord it signed in November .
And Chinese interests -- on the environment , labor standards and especially intellectual property protection -- are not the same as those of the United States .
So there are very strong reasons to re-engage with the world .
Global trade may even be key to helping the United States recover from the coronavirus pandemic .
But to do so , Biden will have to navigate two groups that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first is the populist right -- conservative , mostly working-class voters who warmed to Trump 's anti-trade platform in 2016 .
Like Trump , they tend to see trade through a nationalist lens in which the `` winner takes all . ''
That is , they understand trade not as beneficial for all parties but rather as a competition that can be won or lost based on who 's running a trade surplus or who 's gaining or losing market share .
Furthermore , as the base of the Republican Party increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this has critical implications for the GOP .
Basic trade theory suggests that , in a rich country such as the United States , lower-skilled workers are hurt by free trade , while skilled workers and capitalists get most of the benefits .
This is because lower-income countries will have a comparative advantage in lower-skilled labor .
Many working-class voters are understandably feeling left behind by this new economy and ignored by the government .
Free trade has become a target of their ire , helping drive the Republican Party 's shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoving aside the traditional pro-business conservatives .
If Republicans manage to hold onto the Senate in January , it 's very likely that the growing power of the populist right will continue to influence trade skepticism in the party .
This would tie Biden 's hands when it comes to negotiating new trade deals or taking other steps that will require Senate approval .
But even if Democrats manage to take the Senate , Biden will likely still need to court these working-class , mostly white voters when he seeks to maintain his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , they will remain a potent force well after Trump is gone .
But the populist right is not the only important part of the U.S. political spectrum that is skeptical of trade .
The populist left -- led especially by Sen. Bernie Sanders -- has long favored limiting foreign trade .
Its motivations are somewhat different , focused more on a skepticism of corporate power and trade 's impact on labor rights and the environment .
But they are also similar when it comes to the many working-class Americans and young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party .
In the primaries , Biden beat Sanders and others who offered a more skeptical view of trade .
But still , he will have to accommodate the new energy coursing through the left in America , including when it comes to its views on trade .
And the populist left will have a lot more power than the right in Biden 's Washington , from members of Congress to key Democratic interest groups like labor unions .
A pro-trade optimist might point out that polls , like this one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for free trade among voters in both parties .
Polls , however , do n't always measure how strongly and consistently these views are held .
What 's more , because the harms of free trade are more concentrated than its benefits , the minority of voters who push for protectionist policies are often more powerful than their numbers might suggest .
Ultimately , although populists on the right and the left represent a minority position on trade , they will remain potent political forces for the foreseeable future .
For these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Biden will be able to return to business as usual on trade .
While Trump 's aggressive protectionism will likely go away , Biden will probably keep up the pressure on China and has already adopted some of his predecessor 's `` America first rhetoric to appeal to the working class .
And for his more progressive supporters , you 'll likely see him push for stronger labor and environmental protections in future trade agreements .
Biden might not be able to throw the door to global trade wide open , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from shutting any further .
Charles Hankla is an associate professor of political science at Georgia State University .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

President-elect Joe Biden no doubt longs to return to some semblance of the "golden era" of U.S. leadership, the half-century following World War II when America helped create and sustain the rules and institutions that fueled globalization. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Since becoming president-elect, Joe Biden has signaled that restoring America's leadership on the world stage is among his highest priorities -- an intention aptly demonstrated by his Cabinet picks. Biden's nominees are "ready to lead the world, not retreat from it," he said Nov. 24. "America is back." Advertisement
Perhaps nowhere is this return more urgent than in trade policy, a topic I follow closely as a scholar of international political economy. Over the past four years, President Donald Trump has ripped up trade deals, launched damaging trade wars and gunked up the workings of international trade organizations.
All of this has ceded global economic leadership to China, as we can see from the trade negotiations Beijing recently oversaw with 14 other Asian nations. In November, the countries met in China's capital and formally signed what is now the world's largest regional free trade pact, covering nearly a third of humanity.
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Biden no doubt longs to return to some semblance of the "golden era" of U.S. leadership, the half-century following World War II when America helped create and sustain the rules and institutions that fueled globalization.
But after four years of Trump's "retreat," it may be harder to return to leading than Biden thinks -- thanks to the growing number of Americans on the right and the left who are skeptical of free trade.
Costs of 'America first'
While Trump advocated a trade policy he labeled "America first," it's probably not the best description.
The policy has involved applying punitive tariffs on specific products such as steel and aluminum and on whole countries -- most notably China -- at a scale not seen in decades. But the price to the United States has been high.
Trump's tariffs have cost American businesses and consumers tens of billions of dollars. And they have seriously hurt U.S. farmers and manufacturers by closing off export markets for American products in China and elsewhere. Moreover, the administration has spent tens of billions more trying to aid farmers harmed by the tariffs.
Putting Americans first was also the stated reason behind the president's decision to withdraw from trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and focus on bilateral rather than multilateral agreements. Aside from denying American companies the benefits free trade pacts provide, this also has meant the United States increasingly sits on the sidelines when global trade rules are being written.
Advertisement
That's bad news for America because even when rules apply only to the trade agreement in question, they generally serve as a foundation for future deals -- including negotiations exclusively with the United States. So if the U.S. government isn't at the table, it could have long-term ramifications.
In America's stead, other powerhouses will seek to dictate the terms of trade with U.S. allies, as Beijing did with the trade accord it signed in November. And Chinese interests -- on the environment, labor standards and especially intellectual property protection -- are not the same as those of the United States.
The populist right
So there are very strong reasons to re-engage with the world. Global trade may even be key to helping the United States recover from the coronavirus pandemic. But to do so, Biden will have to navigate two groups that could be a thorn in his side.
The first is the populist right -- conservative, mostly working-class voters who warmed to Trump's anti-trade platform in 2016.
Like Trump, they tend to see trade through a nationalist lens in which the "winner takes all." That is, they understand trade not as beneficial for all parties but rather as a competition that can be won or lost based on who's running a trade surplus or who's gaining or losing market share.
Advertisement
Furthermore, as the base of the Republican Party increasingly shifts to encompass less educated white voters, this has critical implications for the GOP. Basic trade theory suggests that, in a rich country such as the United States, lower-skilled workers are hurt by free trade, while skilled workers and capitalists get most of the benefits. This is because lower-income countries will have a comparative advantage in lower-skilled labor.
Many working-class voters are understandably feeling left behind by this new economy and ignored by the government. Free trade has become a target of their ire, helping drive the Republican Party's shift toward nationalism -- and protectionism -- and shoving aside the traditional pro-business conservatives.
If Republicans manage to hold onto the Senate in January, it's very likely that the growing power of the populist right will continue to influence trade skepticism in the party. This would tie Biden's hands when it comes to negotiating new trade deals or taking other steps that will require Senate approval.
But even if Democrats manage to take the Senate, Biden will likely still need to court these working-class, mostly white voters when he seeks to maintain his congressional majorities in the midterms. Either way, they will remain a potent force well after Trump is gone.
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The protectionist left
But the populist right is not the only important part of the U.S. political spectrum that is skeptical of trade.
The populist left -- led especially by Sen. Bernie Sanders -- has long favored limiting foreign trade. Its motivations are somewhat different, focused more on a skepticism of corporate power and trade's impact on labor rights and the environment. But they are also similar when it comes to the many working-class Americans and young people who form the left wing of the Democratic Party.
In the primaries, Biden beat Sanders and others who offered a more skeptical view of trade. But still, he will have to accommodate the new energy coursing through the left in America, including when it comes to its views on trade. And the populist left will have a lot more power than the right in Biden's Washington, from members of Congress to key Democratic interest groups like labor unions.
Potent populists
A pro-trade optimist might point out that polls, like this one conducted in late 2019, suggest overwhelming support for free trade among voters in both parties. Polls, however, don't always measure how strongly and consistently these views are held.
Advertisement
What's more, because the harms of free trade are more concentrated than its benefits, the minority of voters who push for protectionist policies are often more powerful than their numbers might suggest. Ultimately, although populists on the right and the left represent a minority position on trade, they will remain potent political forces for the foreseeable future.
For these reasons, I believe it is unlikely that Biden will be able to return to business as usual on trade. While Trump's aggressive protectionism will likely go away, Biden will probably keep up the pressure on China and has already adopted some of his predecessor's "America first rhetoric to appeal to the working class. And for his more progressive supporters, you'll likely see him push for stronger labor and environmental protections in future trade agreements.
Biden might not be able to throw the door to global trade wide open, but he should be able to keep it from shutting any further.
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Charles Hankla is an associate professor of political science at Georgia State University.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-12-07--Watch: Wonder Woman dances with Steve, lassos plane in new '1984' trailer

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new minute-long trailer for Wonder Woman 1984 .
@ @ @ @ @ Gadot movie debuted Sunday .
The sequel to 2017 's Wonder Woman is set for @ @ @ @ @ 25 .
Directed by Patty Jenkins , it will see the titular superheroine clashing with @ @ @ @ @ Pedro Pascal ) and The Cheetah ( Kristin Wiig . )
Connie Nielsen can be @ @ @ @ @ Prince/Wonder Woman 's mother , narrating the new trailer .
`` Diana , one day @ @ @ @ @ you dream of and more , Everything will be different , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ yet ready for all that you will do .
You will become a legend .
@ @ @ @ @ seen throughout the clip dancing with her beau Steve Trevor , running through streets , @ @ @ @ @ a truck and lassoing a plane .

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Gal Gadot can now be seen in a new trailer for "Wonder Woman 1984." File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new minute-long trailer for Wonder Woman 1984. The preview for the Gal Gadot movie debuted Sunday. Advertisement
The sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman is set for release on HBO Max Dec. 25.
Directed by Patty Jenkins, it will see the titular superheroine clashing with the villains Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and The Cheetah (Kristin Wiig.)
Connie Nielsen can be heard as Hippolyta, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman's mother, narrating the new trailer.
"Diana, one day you will become all that you dream of and more, Everything will be different," she said. "This world is not yet ready for all that you will do. You will become a legend."
Wonder Woman can be seen throughout the clip dancing with her beau Steve Trevor, running through streets, fighting her foes, flipping a truck and lassoing a plane.


upi--2020-12-07--Waste audit names Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle as top plastic polluters

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- A report published Monday by an international coalition of environmental activists identifies a number of companies that it says are the world 's biggest plastic polluters -- and at the top of the list are the Coca-Cola Company , PepsiCo and Nestle .
The 57-page report , titled `` Demanding Corporate Accountability for Plastic Pollution , '' was produced by the Philippines-based group Break Free From Plastic , which analyzed data generated by waste pickers who audited nearly 350,000 pieces of plastic in 55 countries .
The audit was conducted mainly in countries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste pickers found about 14,000 pieces from Coca-Cola in 51 countries , 5,200 pieces from PepsiCo in 43 nations and 8,600 pieces from Nestle in 37 .
Other companies noted by the report include Unilever , Mondelez International , Mars , Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris International .
`` It 's not surprising to see the same big brands on the podium as the world 's top plastic polluters for three years in a row , '' Abigail Aguilar , plastics campaign regional coordinator of Greenpeace Southeast Asia , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressing the plastic crisis yet they continue to invest in false solutions while teaming up with oil companies to produce even more plastic .
To stop this mess and combat climate change , multinationals like Coca-Cola , PepsiCo and Nestle must end their addiction to single-use plastic packaging and move away from fossil fuels . ''
The companies are signatories to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment , led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program .
The pact calls for the `` elimination of problematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovation '' and new delivery and reuse models .
All three companies told The Guardian Monday they are working to address packaging waste .
`` Globally , we have a commitment to get every bottle back by 2030 , so that none of it ends up as litter or in the oceans , and the plastic can be recycled into new bottles , '' a Coca-Cola spokesperson said .
`` Bottles with 100 % recycled plastic are now available in 18 markets around the world , and this is continually growing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollution through `` partnership , innovation and investments '' and said part of that is a goal to reduce virgin plastic in the beverage business by 35 % by 2025 .
Nestle said it 's making `` meaningful progress '' in sustainable packaging , but acknowledged the need for more efforts .
`` We are intensifying our actions to make 100 % of our packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to reduce our use of virgin plastics by one-third in the same period , '' a spokesperson said .

Children play in a large collection of plastic waste at Mahim Beach in Mumbai, India. The study released Monday cited hundreds of thousands of pieces of plastic waste, mostly in Southern Hemisphere nations. File Photo by Divyakant Solanki/EPA-EFE
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A report published Monday by an international coalition of environmental activists identifies a number of companies that it says are the world's biggest plastic polluters -- and at the top of the list are the Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Nestle. The 57-page report, titled "Demanding Corporate Accountability for Plastic Pollution," was produced by the Philippines-based group Break Free From Plastic, which analyzed data generated by waste pickers who audited nearly 350,000 pieces of plastic in 55 countries. Advertisement
The audit was conducted mainly in countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
The analysis says waste pickers found about 14,000 pieces from Coca-Cola in 51 countries, 5,200 pieces from PepsiCo in 43 nations and 8,600 pieces from Nestle in 37.
Other companies noted by the report include Unilever, Mondelez International, Mars, Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris International.
"It's not surprising to see the same big brands on the podium as the world's top plastic polluters for three years in a row," Abigail Aguilar, plastics campaign regional coordinator of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said in a statement.
"These companies claim to be addressing the plastic crisis yet they continue to invest in false solutions while teaming up with oil companies to produce even more plastic. To stop this mess and combat climate change, multinationals like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle must end their addiction to single-use plastic packaging and move away from fossil fuels."
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The companies are signatories to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program.
The pact calls for the "elimination of problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging through redesign, innovation" and new delivery and reuse models.
All three companies told The Guardian Monday they are working to address packaging waste.
"Globally, we have a commitment to get every bottle back by 2030, so that none of it ends up as litter or in the oceans, and the plastic can be recycled into new bottles," a Coca-Cola spokesperson said. "Bottles with 100% recycled plastic are now available in 18 markets around the world, and this is continually growing."
PepsiCo said it's moving to cut pollution through "partnership, innovation and investments" and said part of that is a goal to reduce virgin plastic in the beverage business by 35% by 2025.
Nestle said it's making "meaningful progress" in sustainable packaging, but acknowledged the need for more efforts.
"We are intensifying our actions to make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to reduce our use of virgin plastics by one-third in the same period," a spokesperson said.


upi--2020-12-07--Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle honor Chadwick Boseman at MTV Awards: Greatest of All Time

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle paid tribute to their late Avengers co-star Chadwick Boseman at Sunday night 's MTV Awards : Greatest of All Time event .
Boseman died of cancer in August .
He was 43 .
In addition to starring in Black Panther and other superhero blockbusters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , Boseman acted in the films Da 5 Bloods , 42 , Marshall and Get On Up .
He will soon be seen in Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom .
Boseman was named Hero for the Ages on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly embodied what it meant to be a superhero , '' Downey said .
`` And he was n't just a hero onscreen .
His list of selfless and inspirational acts and deeds is too long to recount here , consistently showing up during trial and triumph for family , friends , and fans alike , some of whom were battling the same invisible enemy .
He was the most heroic when just being Chad . ''
`` Each time he stepped on the set , he inspired and influenced there , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person .
The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose , and that will be his legacy . ''
Kevin Hart scored the award for Comedy Giant during the ceremony , while Wonder Woman 1984 star Gal Gadot earned the She-ro accolade and The Wedding Singer and Fifty First Dates co-stars Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler won the prize for Dynamic Duo .
Another highlight of the show was when Sarah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreate their iconic kiss from their 1999 movie , Cruel Intentions , but were separated by a plastic screen due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens hosted the MTV Awards : Greatest of All Time .

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The late Chadwick Boseman was honored at Sunday's MTV Awards: Greatest of All Time show. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle paid tribute to their late Avengers co-star Chadwick Boseman at Sunday night's MTV Awards: Greatest of All Time event. Boseman died of cancer in August. He was 43. Advertisement
In addition to starring in Black Panther and other superhero blockbusters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Boseman acted in the films Da 5 Bloods, 42, Marshall and Get On Up. He will soon be seen in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
Boseman was named Hero for the Ages on Sunday's MTV program.
.@RobertDowneyJr and @DonCheadle paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman ahead of his Hero for the Ages honor at the #MTVAwards: Greatest of All Time.  pic.twitter.com/EmE5FcPXUM— MTV (@MTV) December 7, 2020
"Mr. Boseman truly embodied what it meant to be a superhero," Downey said. "And he wasn't just a hero onscreen. His list of selfless and inspirational acts and deeds is too long to recount here, consistently showing up during trial and triumph for family, friends, and fans alike, some of whom were battling the same invisible enemy. He was the most heroic when just being Chad."
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"Each time he stepped on the set, he inspired and influenced there," Cheadle added. "He had an incredible power to unify people in their love for his work and their respect for him as a person. The way he lived his life united people behind a higher purpose, and that will be his legacy."
Kevin Hart scored the award for Comedy Giant during the ceremony, while Wonder Woman 1984 star Gal Gadot earned the She-ro accolade and The Wedding Singer and Fifty First Dates co-stars Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler won the prize for Dynamic Duo.
Another highlight of the show was when Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair attempted to recreate their iconic kiss from their 1999 movie, Cruel Intentions, but were separated by a plastic screen due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens hosted the MTV Awards: Greatest of All Time.


upi--2020-12-07--Chiefs use defense to rally past Broncos, clinch playoff spot

Dec. 7 ( UPI ) -- Patrick Mahomes and the typically high-octane Kansas City Chiefs struggled to score in Week 13 , but used a strong defensive effort to rally for a win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football .
The 22-16 victory on Sunday in Kansas City , Mo.
, also clinched a playoff berth for the defending Super Bowl champions .
Mahomes completed 25 of 40 passes for 318 yards and a score for the Chiefs .
Kicker Harrison Butker made 5 of 5 field goal attempts in the win .
Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu intercepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought we showed some character [ Sunday night ] , '' Mathieu told reporters .
`` We showed up to play football for four quarters .
We did n't take this opponent lightly . ''
Mathieu got his first interception on the game 's opening possession , but the Chiefs offense sputtered and was forced to punt .
Brandon McManus then made a 53-yard field goal to give the Broncos an early edge .
Butker then made his first field goal of the game -- a 35-yard attempt -- to tie the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
The Broncos later put together a seven-play , 94-yard drive .
Lock connected with Tim Patrick on a five-yard touchdown toss to end that possession and give the Broncos a 10-3 lead midway through the second quarter .
Butker made two more field goals on the Chiefs ' next two drives to make the score 10-9 at halftime .
The Chiefs kicker then made a 31-yard attempt to start the third quarter , which gave his team a two-point advantage .
The Broncos responded with a long , 11-play drive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 10-yard connection gave the Broncos a 16-12 lead with 3:54 remaining in the third frame .
Mahomes and the Chiefs answered with a seven-play , 75-yard drive on the next possession .
The star quarterback threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce to end the drive and give the Chiefs a 19-16 edge at the end of the quarter .
Butker added a 48-yard field goal with 1:09 remaining to give the Chiefs their final six-point advantage .
Mathieu intercepted Lock four plays later to secure the victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this league , ever , '' Lock said .
`` We did play them closer than we have before , but what does that get you ?
Nothing .
`` It gets you an upset locker room , it gets you to a sad flight home , but we 'll learn from it and keep getting better and keep focusing on these little things that sometimes bite us in the butt . ''
Lock completed 15 of 28 passes for 151 yards , two scores and two interceptions .
Broncos running back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards in the loss .
Kelce had eight catches for 136 yards and a score for Kansas City .
`` We 're just battle tested , '' Mahomes said .
`` We 've played in a lot of tight football games .
We have to find ways to win .
We did n't play like we wanted to in the red zone , but in this league you have to find a way to win . ''
The Chiefs ( 11-1 ) will battle the Miami Dolphins at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 4-8 ) will face the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Charlotte , N.C .

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Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu had two interceptions in a win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Patrick Mahomes and the typically high-octane Kansas City Chiefs struggled to score in Week 13, but used a strong defensive effort to rally for a win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. The 22-16 victory on Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., also clinched a playoff berth for the defending Super Bowl champions. Advertisement
Mahomes completed 25 of 40 passes for 318 yards and a score for the Chiefs. Kicker Harrison Butker made 5 of 5 field goal attempts in the win. Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu intercepted Broncos quarterback Drew Lock twice.
"I thought we showed some character [Sunday night]," Mathieu told reporters. "We showed up to play football for four quarters. We didn't take this opponent lightly."
Mathieu got his first interception on the game's opening possession, but the Chiefs offense sputtered and was forced to punt. Brandon McManus then made a 53-yard field goal to give the Broncos an early edge.
Butker then made his first field goal of the game -- a 35-yard attempt -- to tie the score at the end of the first quarter. The Broncos later put together a seven-play, 94-yard drive. Lock connected with Tim Patrick on a five-yard touchdown toss to end that possession and give the Broncos a 10-3 lead midway through the second quarter.
Butker made two more field goals on the Chiefs' next two drives to make the score 10-9 at halftime. The Chiefs kicker then made a 31-yard attempt to start the third quarter, which gave his team a two-point advantage.
The Broncos responded with a long, 11-play drive, capped off with another Lock-to-Patrick touchdown toss. That 10-yard connection gave the Broncos a 16-12 lead with 3:54 remaining in the third frame.
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Mahomes and the Chiefs answered with a seven-play, 75-yard drive on the next possession. The star quarterback threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce to end the drive and give the Chiefs a 19-16 edge at the end of the quarter.
Butker added a 48-yard field goal with 1:09 remaining to give the Chiefs their final six-point advantage. Mathieu intercepted Lock four plays later to secure the victory.
"There are no feel-good losses in this league, ever," Lock said. "We did play them closer than we have before, but what does that get you? Nothing.
"It gets you an upset locker room, it gets you to a sad flight home, but we'll learn from it and keep getting better and keep focusing on these little things that sometimes bite us in the butt."
Lock completed 15 of 28 passes for 151 yards, two scores and two interceptions. Broncos running back Melvin Gordon had 15 carries for 131 yards in the loss. Kelce had eight catches for 136 yards and a score for Kansas City.
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"We're just battle tested," Mahomes said. "We've played in a lot of tight football games. We have to find ways to win. We didn't play like we wanted to in the red zone, but in this league you have to find a way to win."
The Chiefs (11-1) will battle the Miami Dolphins at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Broncos (4-8) will face the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Charlotte, N.C.
This week in the National Football League