upi--2020-12-25--Former Celtics point guard and coach K.C. Jones dead at 88

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Former Boston Celtics guard and coach K.C .
Jones has died , according to a spokesman for the team .
He was 88 .
According to Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss , Jones died Friday of Alzheimer 's disease .
Jones played nine seasons in the NBA , all with the Celtics , from 1959 to 1966 , and won titles in eight of them -- the third most in league history , behind only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones .
After retiring from the Celtics , Jones coached basketball at Brandeis University and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro level for various teams , returning to the Celtics organization in 1977 as an assistant coach under Bill Fitch .
In the mid-1980s , under Jones ' coaching , the Celtics reached the NBA Finals four straight seasons ( 1984-87 ) and won titles in 1984 and '86 .
`` K.C .
was the nicest man I ever met , he always went out of his way to make people feel good , it was such an honor to play for him , '' said Larry Bird , the team 's forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` His accomplishments are too many to list , but , to me , his greatest accomplishment was being such an outstanding person to all who had the privilege of knowing him , I will miss him dearly . ''
After leaving his job as the Celtics ' coach after 1987 , working in the team 's front office and later taking on coaching jobs in Seattle and Detroit .
Jones ' Celtics jersey number -- 25 -- has been retired .
He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teammates better , and he got the most out of the players he coached , '' said a statement from the Celtics organization .
`` Never one to seek credit , his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals - being part of a winning team .
The Celtics family mourns his loss , as we celebrate his remarkable career and life . ''
The 6-foot-1 point guard is better remembered for his defense and for being a team player than for flashy stat lines . ''
I just did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as poorly as K.C .
could stay in the NBA , '' recalled Bob Cousy , the Celtics point guard whom Jones backed up initially and then replaced when Cousy retired . ''
I really did n't think his other skills would be enough to keep him around .
But I was wrong .
The man turned out to be amazing on defense and eventually learned to score enough so that rival teams could n't afford not to guard him . ''

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Former Boston Celtics point guard and coach K.C. Jones died Friday at 88. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Former Boston Celtics guard and coach K.C. Jones has died, according to a spokesman for the team. He was 88. According to Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss, Jones died Friday of Alzheimer's disease. Advertisement
Jones played nine seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics, from 1959 to 1966, and won titles in eight of them -- the third most in league history, behind only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones.
After retiring from the Celtics, Jones coached basketball at Brandeis University and then became an assistant coach at the pro level for various teams, returning to the Celtics organization in 1977 as an assistant coach under Bill Fitch.
In the mid-1980s, under Jones' coaching, the Celtics reached the NBA Finals four straight seasons (1984-87) and won titles in 1984 and '86.
"K.C. was the nicest man I ever met, he always went out of his way to make people feel good, it was such an honor to play for him," said Larry Bird, the team's forward during the Celtics' winning 1980s run. "His accomplishments are too many to list, but, to me, his greatest accomplishment was being such an outstanding person to all who had the privilege of knowing him, I will miss him dearly."
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After leaving his job as the Celtics' coach after 1987, working in the team's front office and later taking on coaching jobs in Seattle and Detroit.
Jones' Celtics jersey number -- 25 -- has been retired. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989.
"He made his teammates better, and he got the most out of the players he coached," said a statement from the Celtics organization. "Never one to seek credit, his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals - being part of a winning team. The Celtics family mourns his loss, as we celebrate his remarkable career and life."
The 6-foot-1 point guard is better remembered for his defense and for being a team player than for flashy stat lines.
''I just didn't see how a man who shot as poorly as K.C. could stay in the NBA,'' recalled Bob Cousy, the Celtics point guard whom Jones backed up initially and then replaced when Cousy retired. ''I really didn't think his other skills would be enough to keep him around. But I was wrong. The man turned out to be amazing on defense and eventually learned to score enough so that rival teams couldn't afford not to guard him.''
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Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-25--NPYD officer shot in back but survives due to bulletproof vest

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- A New York Police Department officer was shot in Brooklyn Thursday , but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest , authorities said .
`` On this Christmas Eve into Christmas , I would say that somebody is absolutely looking out for us here in the NYPD tonight , '' Mayor Bill de Blasio said .
The officer was was shot in the back while responding to a domestic incident , de Blasio said .
`` A man threatened his girlfriend , threatened her violently , said he was coming to do her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brooklyn .
And because the NYPD was there that woman is alive right now , '' de Blasio said .
According to Commissioner Dermot Shea , a woman called 911 repeatedly just before 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve , asking police to keep her daughter 's boyfriend from hurting her .
Police were interviewing the daughter when the suspect , identified by police as William Moss , arrived and began firing .
Officers fired several rounds at the suspect and chased him on foot for a couple blocks before he surrendered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police have records of at least one other domestic incident involving the man and his girlfriend .

An NYPD Police Officer exits a police car on Wall Street in New York City in this October file photo. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- A New York Police Department officer was shot in Brooklyn Thursday, but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest, authorities said. "On this Christmas Eve into Christmas, I would say that somebody is absolutely looking out for us here in the NYPD tonight," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. Advertisement
The officer was was shot in the back while responding to a domestic incident, de Blasio said.
"A man threatened his girlfriend, threatened her violently, said he was coming to do her harm. That's what happened tonight in Brooklyn. And because the NYPD was there that woman is alive right now," de Blasio said.
According to Commissioner Dermot Shea, a woman called 911 repeatedly just before 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve, asking police to keep her daughter's boyfriend from hurting her.
Police were interviewing the daughter when the suspect, identified by police as William Moss, arrived and began firing.
Officers fired several rounds at the suspect and chased him on foot for a couple blocks before he surrendered to police, Shea said, adding that police have records of at least one other domestic incident involving the man and his girlfriend.
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upi--2020-12-25--Expeditioner rescued in Antarctica after 'challenging' 5-day mission

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Authorities say an expeditioner has been evacuated from Antarctica after a five-day mission that involved Australian , Chinese and American rescuers .
The expeditioner , an Australian citizen , was rescued from the country 's Davis research station in what officials described as a `` complex and challenging '' evacuation .
`` We 've been doing these medevacs for a long time , but this particular operation was in the very best spirit of that multinational cooperation , '' Australian Antarctic Division Director Kim Ellis said in a statement .
`` Antarctica really brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our operations . ''
Officials said a Chinese icebreaker happened to be nearby when the rescue operation began early this week .
Helicopters from the vessel helped transport rescuers .
U.S. officials also sent a ski-equipped plane 1,400 miles from McMurdo research station to Australia 's Wilkins Aerodrome to pick up a doctor en route to the Davis research station , where they then put the expeditioner on the aircraft and returned to Australia .
The Australian government has not said what kind of medical emergency occurred , but did say it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful to the Australian expeditioners who displayed courage and resilience and skill , deploying to remote airfields and ski-ways and working in tough conditions , '' Ellis added .

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Authorities say an expeditioner has been evacuated from Antarctica after a five-day mission that involved Australian, Chinese and American rescuers.
The search effort utilized
The expeditioner, an Australian citizen, was rescued from the country's Davis research station in what officials described as a "complex and challenging" evacuation.
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"We've been doing these medevacs for a long time, but this particular operation was in the very best spirit of that multinational cooperation," Australian Antarctic Division Director Kim Ellis said in a statement.
"Antarctica really brings nations together to support each other in our operations."
Antarctic ice runways under construction for medevac Work has begun on constructing two #Antarctic ice runways to use in the medevac of a patient from Australia's Davis research station. More information here https://t.co/N90K6s1Nfn Dan Dyer pic.twitter.com/qvujccKicj— antarctica.gov.au (@AusAntarctic) December 21, 2020
Officials said a Chinese icebreaker happened to be nearby when the rescue operation began early this week. Helicopters from the vessel helped transport rescuers.
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U.S. officials also sent a ski-equipped plane 1,400 miles from McMurdo research station to Australia's Wilkins Aerodrome to pick up a doctor en route to the Davis research station, where they then put the expeditioner on the aircraft and returned to Australia.
The Australian government has not said what kind of medical emergency occurred, but did say it wasn't COVID-19-related.
"I'm particularly grateful to the Australian expeditioners who displayed courage and resilience and skill, deploying to remote airfields and ski-ways and working in tough conditions," Ellis added.


upi--2020-12-25--Director Robert Rodriguez shares Baby Yoda video

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Director Robert Rodriguez shared on Twitter a video of him playing guitar for the @ @ @ @ @ of fans as Baby Yoda -- on the set of the Disney+ show , The @ @ @ @ @ a Christmas present to all those who asked me what it 's like to hang @ @ @ @ @ the set of # TheMandalorian # TheTragedy .
Check out # DisneyGallery for more behind @ @ @ @ @ tweeted Friday .
The clip shows Rodriguez jamming on the guitar while the adorable puppet @ @ @ @ @ his head to the music .
Season 2 of The Mandalorian -- a Star Wars @ @ @ @ @ had its finale on Dec. 18 .
His other credits include Sin City , The @ @ @ @ @ , Desperado , Dusk Till Dawn and Alita : Battle Angel .

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Director Robert Rodriguez shared a video of him playing music for Baby Yoda on the set of "The Mandalorian." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Director Robert Rodriguez shared on Twitter a video of him playing guitar for the Child/Grogu -- known by legions of fans as Baby Yoda -- on the set of the Disney+ show, The Mandalorian. "Here's a Christmas present to all those who asked me what it's like to hang out with Baby Yoda on the set of #TheMandalorian #TheTragedy. Check out #DisneyGallery for more behind the scenes!" Rodriguez tweeted Friday. Advertisement
The clip shows Rodriguez jamming on the guitar while the adorable puppet wiggles his ears and nods his head to the music.
Season 2 of The Mandalorian -- a Star Wars spinoff starring Pedro Pascal -- had its finale on Dec. 18.
Rodriguez helmed Episode 6, which debuted on Dec. 4.
His other credits include Sin City, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Desperado, Dusk Till Dawn and Alita: Battle Angel.
Here's a Christmas present to all those who asked me what it's like to hang out with Baby Yoda on the set of #TheMandalorian #TheTragedy. Check out #DisneyGallery for more behind the scenes! pic.twitter.com/6ShINBxJAN— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) December 25, 2020


upi--2020-12-25--Mariah Carey celebrates stream record for 'All I Want For Christmas'

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Pop star Mariah Carey is celebrating a new milestone for her holiday classic , @ @ @ @ @ Christmas . ''
Chart Data reported the 1994 song set a new record Thursday for @ @ @ @ @ Spotify history , with more than 17 million streams .
`` WOW I know people @ @ @ @ @ ' ( lil ' secret : artists make very little from streams ) but the @ @ @ @ @ here in astonishment & gratitude is seeing the joy this little song I wrote brings @ @ @ @ @ & MERRY CHRISTMAS !
!
! ''
Carey tweeted Friday .

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Pop star Mariah Carey is celebrating a new milestone for her holiday classic, "All I Want For Christmas."
Chart Data reported the 1994 song set a new record Thursday for the biggest single-day stream in Spotify history, with more than 17 million streams.


upi--2020-12-25--Judge says Trump admin can't set execution for Lisa Montgomery, only woman on federal death row

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge has postponed the execution of the only woman on federal death row , meaning it may be left up to the incoming Biden administration to determine whether she lives or dies .
Justice Department prosecutors wanted to execute Lisa Montgomery on Jan. 12 , a little more than a week before Biden takes office , part of the Trump administration 's campaign of federal executions that resumed in July after a 17-year hiatus .
Montgomery , 52 , who is said to have mental illness , was convicted in the 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant 23-year-old woman .
She strangled the woman and cut her baby out of the womb , but the child ultimately survived .
She was originally set for execution on Dec. 8 , but two of Montgomery 's attorneys who 'd filed for clemency were diagnosed with COVID-19 , which delayed the execution .
Prosecutors ' effort to reschedule was rejected Thursday by U.S. District Judge Randy Moss in Washington , D.C .
He said the department did not follow the proper timeline under a legal previous order .
Defense attorney Sandra Babcock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence to life in prison , given her client 's mental illness and years of sexual and physical abuse .
If put to death , Montgomery would be the first woman executed at the federal level since 1993 .
Biden has promised to abolish the death penalty at the federal level , and the judge 's decision in Montgomery 's case may mean the Justice Department wo n't be able to reschedule her execution until sometime after Biden takes office on Jan. 20 .
Earlier this month , Democratic Congressional members called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end capital punishment at the federal level .
Trump 's administration has executed 10 death row inmates since the punishment resumed in the summer , the most in any single year in the United States for decades .

The execution chamber is seen at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., where federal inmates are put to death. UPI Photo/Fil | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- A federal judge has postponed the execution of the only woman on federal death row, meaning it may be left up to the incoming Biden administration to determine whether she lives or dies. Justice Department prosecutors wanted to execute Lisa Montgomery on Jan. 12, a little more than a week before Biden takes office, part of the Trump administration's campaign of federal executions that resumed in July after a 17-year hiatus. Advertisement
Montgomery, 52, who is said to have mental illness, was convicted in the 2004 death of Bobbie Jo Stinnett, a pregnant 23-year-old woman. She strangled the woman and cut her baby out of the womb, but the child ultimately survived.
She was originally set for execution on Dec. 8, but two of Montgomery's attorneys who'd filed for clemency were diagnosed with COVID-19, which delayed the execution.
Prosecutors' effort to reschedule was rejected Thursday by U.S. District Judge Randy Moss in Washington, D.C.
He said the department did not follow the proper timeline under a legal previous order.
Defense attorney Sandra Babcock called on Trump to commute Montgomery's sentence to life in prison, given her client's mental illness and years of sexual and physical abuse.
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If put to death, Montgomery would be the first woman executed at the federal level since 1993.
Biden has promised to abolish the death penalty at the federal level, and the judge's decision in Montgomery's case may mean the Justice Department won't be able to reschedule her execution until sometime after Biden takes office on Jan. 20.
Earlier this month, Democratic Congressional members called on Biden to follow through on his pledge to end capital punishment at the federal level.
Trump's administration has executed 10 death row inmates since the punishment resumed in the summer, the most in any single year in the United States for decades.


upi--2020-12-25--CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski says daughter Francesca died of rare cancer

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- CNN political reporter Andrew Kaczynski announced on Twitter Friday the death of his 9-month-old daughter , Francesca .
`` We 're heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad , '' Kaczynski said .
`` There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her .
We 're so grateful to have known her love .
Francesca we love you . ''
He added : `` We 're so grateful for everyone 's support and kindness .
In lieu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'd ask people to donate in honor of Francesca to Team Beans in the PMC Winter Cycle , which donates 100 % of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber . ''
E !
News said Kaczynski and his wife -- Wall Street Journal banking reporter Rachel Louise Ensign -- revealed in September that their baby had been diagnosed with an `` extremely rare and very aggressive rhabdoid brain tumor . ''
The child underwent brain surgery and chemotherapy , but developed complications and was put on a ventilator and life support in @ @ @

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- CNN political reporter Andrew Kaczynski announced on Twitter Friday the death of his 9-month-old daughter, Francesca.
"We're heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad," Kaczynski said.
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"There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her. We're so grateful to have known her love. Francesca we love you."
We're heartbroken to have to announce our beautiful daughter Francesca passed away last night in the arms of her mom and dad. There will always be a Bean-sized hole in our hearts for her. We're so grateful to have known her love. Francesca we love you. https://t.co/OGml2nZ12H— andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) December 25, 2020
He added: "We're so grateful for everyone's support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, gifts, or food we'd ask people to donate in honor of Francesca to Team Beans in the PMC Winter Cycle, which donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber."
E! News said Kaczynski and his wife -- Wall Street Journal banking reporter Rachel Louise Ensign -- revealed in September that their baby had been diagnosed with an "extremely rare and very aggressive rhabdoid brain tumor."
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The child underwent brain surgery and chemotherapy, but developed complications and was put on a ventilator and life support in recent weeks.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-25--Fears of COVID-19 danger in Israeli Knesset after more staffers test positive

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Several additional staffers in the Knesset have tested positive for COVID-19 , spurring fears @ @ @ @ @ serious outbreak in the Israeli legislative body .
A Knesset guard , a worker in @ @ @ @ @ a catering worker and an adviser to lawmaker Yaakov Asher were confirmed on Friday to @ @ @ @ @ new cases have led to fears of a dangerous outbreak in the Knesset , particularly @ @ @ @ @ recent exposures in the parliamentary body .
Earlier this week , a number of lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ after Blue and White Party legislator Hila Shai-Vazan tested positive .
Another legislator , David @ @ @ @ @ for nearly two weeks .
His family told reporters Thursday that his condition remains serious @ @ @ @ @ week to dissolve the Knesset and hold another national election in March due to ongoing @ @ @ @ @ of the ruling parties .
The vote will be Israel 's fourth in two years @

A masked security guard and his canine inspect the Israeli Knesset building in Jerusalem, Israel, on December 2. Several members and staffers of the parliamentary body have tested positive for the coronavirus recently. Photo by Alex Kolomoisky/UPI/Pool | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Several additional staffers in the Knesset have tested positive for COVID-19, spurring fears that there may be a serious outbreak in the Israeli legislative body. A Knesset guard, a worker in a spokesperson's office, a catering worker and an adviser to lawmaker Yaakov Asher were confirmed on Friday to have the virus. Advertisement
The new cases have led to fears of a dangerous outbreak in the Knesset, particularly as they follow several other recent exposures in the parliamentary body.
Earlier this week, a number of lawmakers and government officials entered quarantine after Blue and White Party legislator Hila Shai-Vazan tested positive.
Another legislator, David Bitan, has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks. His family told reporters Thursday that his condition remains serious.
Israeli lawmakers voted this week to dissolve the Knesset and hold another national election in March due to ongoing differences among legislators and members of the ruling parties. The vote will be Israel's fourth in two years.


upi--2020-12-25--EU ambassadors gather to line up next steps for historic Brexit trade deal

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Ambassadors in the European Union met Friday to discuss the new Brexit trade agreement and prepare for the next steps to give it legal force with just a week left in the transition period .
The Christmas Day meeting with members of the group of EU ambassadors in Brussels updated the alliance on the next steps in getting the deal approved in a tight window , with European Parliament already gone for the holiday season .
Negotiators reached the permanent trade accord on Thursday after months of oft-stalled discussions and in the face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 31 .
A spokesman for the ambassadors , Sebastian Fischer , said member states could decide on whether to proceed with ratification known as a `` provisional application , '' in the coming days .
Approval allows the trade agreement to be enforced temporarily on Jan. 1 , when the transition period ends , without the need for Parliament to return .
The deal would then be reviewed in earnest when European Parliament returns next month .
Implementing the trade deal on a provisional basis will prevent British EU businesses from tariffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the interim .
European Parliament decided to go the provisional route instead of holding a vote of consent before Jan. 1 to give members a chance to go over the 1,200-page pact .
Keir Starmer , leader of Britain 's opposition Labor Party , said he 's urging Parliament members to vote with the Conservatives in favor of the deal .
Some analysts expect at least a few Labor leaders might object .
Britain 's Parliament has been recalled for Dec. 30 , but London still faces a high-level lockdown brought on @ @ @ @ @ @

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Ambassadors in the European Union met Friday to discuss the new Brexit trade agreement and prepare for the next steps to give it legal force with just a week left in the transition period.
The Christmas Day meeting with members of the group of EU ambassadors in Brussels updated the alliance on the next steps in getting the deal approved in a tight window, with European Parliament already gone for the holiday season.
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Negotiators reached the permanent trade accord on Thursday after months of oft-stalled discussions and in the face of a hard deadline at the end of Dec. 31.
A spokesman for the ambassadors, Sebastian Fischer, said member states could decide on whether to proceed with ratification known as a "provisional application," in the coming days.
Approval allows the trade agreement to be enforced temporarily on Jan. 1, when the transition period ends, without the need for Parliament to return. The deal would then be reviewed in earnest when European Parliament returns next month.
Implementing the trade deal on a provisional basis will prevent British EU businesses from tariffs and limits for what they can export in the interim.
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European Parliament decided to go the provisional route instead of holding a vote of consent before Jan. 1 to give members a chance to go over the 1,200-page pact.
Keir Starmer, leader of Britain's opposition Labor Party, said he's urging Parliament members to vote with the Conservatives in favor of the deal. Some analysts expect at least a few Labor leaders might object.
Britain's Parliament has been recalled for Dec. 30, but London still faces a high-level lockdown brought on by a new COVID-19 variant.


upi--2020-12-25--Varying Christmas messages: President Donald Trump talks faith; President-elect Joe Biden's focus on

Varying Christmas messages: President Donald Trump talks faith; President-elect Joe Biden's focus on Americans in crisis

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden delivered Christmas messages to the American people on Friday , and their central themes were quite different .
In his message , Trump thanked military families , law enforcement and front-line health and emergency workers .
`` Your daily contributions are an example of the selfless love of God and remind us of the noble principles we strive to live by , especially during this special time of year , '' he said .
`` The first lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings might look different than in years past , this Christmas , like every Christmas , is an opportunity for us to celebrate the birth of our savior , Jesus Christ , and show our heartfelt gratitude for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon our lives and country .
`` In this season of peace , we cherish the warmth , generosity , and faith that breathe life into our holiday gatherings .
The love we share with our family and friends fills our hearts with joy , just as the story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the world .
This year , we come together as proud Americans -- grateful for our sacred right to worship freely and to openly profess our trust in the enduring light and promise of the coming of God .
`` We are forever indebted to those who courageously serve our country in uniform -- and those who walk alongside them .
We also thank our Nation 's first responders , law enforcement officers , and front-line medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities . ''
In their message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 that has made this holiday season unlike any other in recent memory .
`` We know for so many of you in our nation this has been a very difficult year , '' the president-elect said .
`` And we are reminded in this season of hope our common humanity and what we are called to do for one another .
`` Many of our Americans are struggling to find work , literally put food on the table , pay their rent or their mortgage .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth to care for one another , to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope . ''
The couple also expressed confidence that 2021 will bring a return to at least some sense of normalcy .
`` Many families are facing their first Christmas having lost a loved one , '' Jill Biden added .
`` And Joe and I know that sorrow .
And we know how in times of grief , a kind word can mean so much .
`` This is also a season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thankful for the front-line and essential workers who have put themselves all at risk for all of us -- and for the scientists and researchers who worked to deliver vaccines that are an incredible scientific breakthrough .
`` And we are thinking of our service members who are far from home and the loved ones who miss them .
Our family knows your sacrifice and our hearts are with you . ''
`` For the Bidens , we usually have 20 to 25 people over Christmas Eve for dinner , but not this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're going to miss our family , but it 's what we need to do to keep our families safe .
We hope you 'll consider limiting travel in the size of family gatherings as well this year . ''
`` Even as our celebrations are dimmed , we know that this wo n't be forever .
And brighter days are coming soon , '' Jill Biden added .
`` On this holy day , we remember that love and joy can be shared across the farthest distances .
We celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to next year when we can come together with renewed appreciation for the people and the traditions we love . ''
`` From our family to yours , Merry Christmas and happy holidays , '' they concluded .
Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on Jan. 20 .

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 | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden delivered Christmas messages to the American people on Friday, and their central themes were quite different. In his message, Trump thanked military families, law enforcement and front-line health and emergency workers. Advertisement
"Your daily contributions are an example of the selfless love of God and remind us of the noble principles we strive to live by, especially during this special time of year," he said.
"The first lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we celebrate Christmas. While our gatherings might look different than in years past, this Christmas, like every Christmas, is an opportunity for us to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, and show our heartfelt gratitude for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon our lives and country.
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"In this season of peace, we cherish the warmth, generosity, and faith that breathe life into our holiday gatherings. The love we share with our family and friends fills our hearts with joy, just as the story of Christ's birth inspires people all over the world. This year, we come together as proud Americans --grateful for our sacred right to worship freely and to openly profess our trust in the enduring light and promise of the coming of God.
"We are forever indebted to those who courageously serve our country in uniform -- and those who walk alongside them. We also thank our Nation's first responders, law enforcement officers, and front-line medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities."
In their message, Biden and future first lady Jill Biden acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 that has made this holiday season unlike any other in recent memory.
"We know for so many of you in our nation this has been a very difficult year," the president-elect said. "And we are reminded in this season of hope our common humanity and what we are called to do for one another.
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"Many of our Americans are struggling to find work, literally put food on the table, pay their rent or their mortgage. We are reminded that we're on this Earth to care for one another, to give what we can and to be a source of help and hope."
The couple also expressed confidence that 2021 will bring a return to at least some sense of normalcy.
"Many families are facing their first Christmas having lost a loved one," Jill Biden added. "And Joe and I know that sorrow. And we know how in times of grief, a kind word can mean so much.
"This is also a season of gratitude. And we're so thankful for the front-line and essential workers who have put themselves all at risk for all of us -- and for the scientists and researchers who worked to deliver vaccines that are an incredible scientific breakthrough.
"And we are thinking of our service members who are far from home and the loved ones who miss them. Our family knows your sacrifice and our hearts are with you."
"For the Bidens, we usually have 20 to 25 people over Christmas Eve for dinner, but not this year," President-elect Biden continued. "We're going to miss our family, but it's what we need to do to keep our families safe. We hope you'll consider limiting travel in the size of family gatherings as well this year."
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"Even as our celebrations are dimmed, we know that this won't be forever. And brighter days are coming soon," Jill Biden added. "On this holy day, we remember that love and joy can be shared across the farthest distances. We celebrate apart, but not alone, and look forward to next year when we can come together with renewed appreciation for the people and the traditions we love."
"From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays," they concluded.
Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on Jan. 20.


upi--2020-12-25--Queen Elizabeth II hails British heroes of COVID-19 in Christmas message

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- Queen Elizabeth II tried to strike a hopeful tone on Friday with her Christmas message , while acknowledging the sadness of many Britons this year who have to spend the holidays separated from loved ones .
In her annual Christmas Day broadcast , the queen said COVID-19 has isolated families and sympathized with the many who are depressed and desperate for a hug and human contact .
She also praised those who have reached out to help others during the ongoing health crisis , saying many have risen `` magnificently '' to the unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this time of year will be tinged with sadness , '' the queen added .
`` Some mourning the loss of those dear to them and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety , when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand .
`` If you are among them , you are not alone and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers . ''
The queen said acts of kindness , volunteering and caring for others in Britain have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In [ Britain ] and around the world , people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year , and I am so proud and moved by this quiet indomitable spirit , '' she said .
`` To our young people in particular , I say thank you for the part you have played . ''
The queen hailed British nurses and health workers , saying the nation owes them a debt of gratitude for standing up on the front lines during the pandemic .
`` Let the light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and , above all , hope -- guide us in the times ahead . ''
Several members of the royal family have tested positive for the coronavirus disease this year , including Prince Charles and Prince William .

Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Queen Elizabeth II tried to strike a hopeful tone on Friday with her Christmas message, while acknowledging the sadness of many Britons this year who have to spend the holidays separated from loved ones.
In her annual Christmas Day broadcast, the queen said COVID-19 has isolated families and sympathized with the many who are depressed and desperate for a hug and human contact.
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She also praised those who have reached out to help others during the ongoing health crisis, saying many have risen "magnificently" to the unprecedented challenges of 2020.
"For many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness," the queen added. "Some mourning the loss of those dear to them and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand.
"If you are among them, you are not alone and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers."
The queen said acts of kindness, volunteering and caring for others in Britain have been an inspiration to the royal family.
"In [Britain] and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am so proud and moved by this quiet indomitable spirit," she said. "To our young people in particular, I say thank you for the part you have played."
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The queen hailed British nurses and health workers, saying the nation owes them a debt of gratitude for standing up on the front lines during the pandemic.
"Let the light of Christmas -- the spirit of selflessness, love and, above all, hope -- guide us in the times ahead."
Several members of the royal family have tested positive for the coronavirus disease this year, including Prince Charles and Prince William.


upi--2020-12-25--Fantasy football playoffs: Henry, Montgomery lead Week 16 running back rankings

Dec. 23 ( UPI ) -- Derrick Henry , David Montgomery , Aaron Jones , Nick Chubb and Austin Ekeler top my Week 16 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Alvin Kamara , Tony Pollard , Miles Sanders , Dalvin Cook and J.K. Dobbins round out my Top 10 options for the final round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs .
Salvon Ahmed , Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and player availability .
This week 's schedule also features games Friday , Saturday , Sunday and Monday , so remember to check your lineup for player updates .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : David Montgomery owns the No .
2 spot in my Week 16 running back rankings .
The Chicago Bears playmaker has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enters a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
I expect Montgomery to gain at least 120 yards from scrimmage and score in this matchup .
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones has six touchdowns over his last five games and went off for 145 rushing yards in Week 15 .
I expect another big-time performance from Jones this week when the Packers face the Tennessee Titans .
The Titans have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run for at least 100 yards and score twice in this matchup .
He is my No .
3 option for Week 16 .
Miles Sanders of the Philadelphia Eagles is my No .
8 running back for Week 16 .
Sanders has had at least 90 yards from scrimmage in each of his last two games .
He should come close to that yardage total once again this week when the Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys .
The Cowboys have allowed the second-most rushing yards and sixth-most fantasy points per game to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cowboys to have an offensive explosion in this matchup , with Sanders producing a solid fantasy football performance .
Plug the Eagles running back in as an RB1 or RB2 .
Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed is my No .
11 option at the position .
Ahmed had a season-high 122 rushing yards and a score in Week 15 .
He should be in for another large workload this week when the Dolphins face the Las Vegas Raiders .
The Raiders have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 15 touches for 80 yards and a score in Week 16 .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette lands at No .
13 in my rankings and can be used as a low-end RB1 , high-end RB2 or flex play for Week 16 .
Fournette scored twice last week and should be in for some more goal line work this week when the Buccaneers battle the Detroit Lions .
The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to the position .
I expect the Buccaneers to use Fournette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He should be good for at least 15 carries and has a great chance to score .
Giovani Bernard of the Cincinnati Bengals had his best game of the season in Week 15 , with 97 yards from scrimmage and two scores against a solid Pittsburgh Steelers defense .
This week , Bernard and the Bengals face the Houston Texans .
The Texans have allowed the most rushing yards and second-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
The Bengals should lean on their running game once again in Week 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 yards from scrimmage and should provide steady RB2/flex value for the final round of the postseason .
He is my No .
21 running back .

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Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans has a great Week 16 matchup and should be a fantastic RB1 play in fantasy football. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Derrick Henry, David Montgomery, Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb and Austin Ekeler top my Week 16 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Alvin Kamara, Tony Pollard, Miles Sanders, Dalvin Cook and J.K. Dobbins round out my Top 10 options for the final round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs. Advertisement
Salvon Ahmed, Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back 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. This week's schedule also features games Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so remember to check your lineup for player updates.
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Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
David Montgomery owns the No. 2 spot in my Week 16 running back rankings. The Chicago Bears playmaker has scored in four consecutive games as he enters a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect Montgomery to gain at least 120 yards from scrimmage and score in this matchup.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones has six touchdowns over his last five games and went off for 145 rushing yards in Week 15. I expect another big-time performance from Jones this week when the Packers face the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect Jones to run for at least 100 yards and score twice in this matchup. He is my No. 3 option for Week 16.
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SNEAKY PLAYS
Miles Sanders of the Philadelphia Eagles is my No. 8 running back for Week 16. Sanders has had at least 90 yards from scrimmage in each of his last two games. He should come close to that yardage total once again this week when the Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have allowed the second-most rushing yards and sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect the Eagles and Cowboys to have an offensive explosion in this matchup, with Sanders producing a solid fantasy football performance.
Plug the Eagles running back in as an RB1 or RB2.
Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed is my No. 11 option at the position. Ahmed had a season-high 122 rushing yards and a score in Week 15.
He should be in for another large workload this week when the Dolphins face the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect Ahmed to get at least 15 touches for 80 yards and a score in Week 16.
LONGSHOTS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette lands at No. 13 in my rankings and can be used as a low-end RB1, high-end RB2 or flex play for Week 16.
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Fournette scored twice last week and should be in for some more goal line work this week when the Buccaneers battle the Detroit Lions. The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to the position.
I expect the Buccaneers to use Fournette to control the tempo of this game. He should be good for at least 15 carries and has a great chance to score.
Giovani Bernard of the Cincinnati Bengals had his best game of the season in Week 15, with 97 yards from scrimmage and two scores against a solid Pittsburgh Steelers defense. This week, Bernard and the Bengals face the Houston Texans.
The Texans have allowed the most rushing yards and second-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
The Bengals should lean on their running game once again in Week 16. Bernard is a near lock for 80 yards from scrimmage and should provide steady RB2/flex value for the final round of the postseason.
He is my No. 21 running back.
Week 16 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at GB
2. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears at JAX
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3. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. TEN
4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns at NYJ
5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. DEN
6. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. MIN
7. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys vs. PHI
8. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles at DAL
9. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings at NO
10. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens vs. NYG
11. Salvon Ahmed, Miami Dolphins at LV
12. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals vs. SF
13. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DET
14. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos at LAC
15. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts at PIT
16. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions vs. TB
17. Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers at WAS
18. Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills at NE
19. Le'Veon Bell, Kansas City Chiefs vs. ATL
20. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR
21. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals at HOU
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22. Jeff Wilson, Jr., San Francisco 49ers at ARI
23. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams at SEA
24. David Johnson, Houston Texans vs. CIN
25. Benny Snell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. IND
26. J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team vs. CAR
27. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders vs. MIA
28. Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints vs. MIN
29. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns at NYJ
30. Wayne Gallman, New York Giants at BAL
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-25--New York Giants sign DB Logan Ryan to 3-year extension

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Logan Ryan @ @ @ @ @ announced Friday .
`` A Christmas morning we 'll never forget , '' Ryan tweeted @ @ @ @ @ I just agreed to a new three-year deal .
I 'm here to stay .
@ @ @ @ @ 's deal is for $ 31 million , with $ 20 million guaranteed .
The @ @ @ @ @ contract with the Giants last off-season .
He has 83 total tackles , nine passes @ @ @ @ @ , a sack , an interception and a fumble recovery in 14 games this season @ @ @ @ @ champion entered the league as a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in the @ @ @ @ @ , 29 , spent his first four seasons in New England before he spent the @ @ @ @ @ the Tennessee Titans .
The Giants next face the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. EST @ @ @ @ @ T Bank Stadium in Baltimore .

New York Giants defensive back Logan Ryan (23) signed a one-year deal with the team last off-season before he agreed to an extension on Friday. File Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Logan Ryan, the veteran defensive back announced Friday. "A Christmas morning we'll never forget," Ryan tweeted. "The Giants and I just agreed to a new three-year deal. I'm here to stay. Merry Christmas." Advertisement
Ryan's deal is for $31 million, with $20 million guaranteed.
The eight-year veteran signed a one-year contract with the Giants last off-season. He has 83 total tackles, nine passes defensed, three forced fumbles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery in 14 games this season.
The two-time Super Bowl champion entered the league as a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Ryan, 29, spent his first four seasons in New England before he spent the 2017 through 2019 seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
The Giants next face the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-25--Fantasy football playoffs: Adams tops Week 16 wide receiver rankings

Dec. 22 ( UPI ) -- We have entered championship week of the 2020 fantasy football season .
Congratulations if your team advanced to the title game or if you are battling for a third-place finish .
You should likely stay with the players that helped you get to this point when making lineup decisions , but I have also ranked my favorite wide receivers for Week 16 to help with some tough choices .
Davante Adams , A.J .
Brown , Tyreek Hill , Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs top my wide receiver rankings for the final round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson , DeAndre Hopkins , Calvin Ridley , Mike Evans and D.K .
Metcalf round out my Top 10 options .
Brandon Aiyuk and Jarvis Landry also are 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 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , Saturday , Sunday and Monday , so remember to check your lineup for player updates .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Davante Adams has been the best wide receiver in fantasy football this season on a points-per-game basis .
The Green Bay Packers pass catcher has scored in eight consecutive games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end zone once again in Week 16 when he faces the Tennessee Titans .
The Titans have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Adams is my top option for Week 16 .
A.J .
Brown will be on the other end of the Green Bay Packers-Tennessee Titans matchup .
The Titans playmaker is my No .
2 wide receiver for Week 16 .
Brown has scored in four of his last five games .
He should have another stellar performance when the Titans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Packers have n't been bad at defending wide receivers , but did just allow 131 yards to Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J .
Moore .
I expect Brown to go off for at least 100 yards and a score in this matchup .
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has n't gotten a ton of targets lately , but has been a touchdown machine .
Thielen has 13 scores on the season and has reached the end zone in four of his last five games .
I expect another score from Thielen on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orleans Saints .
The Saints have had a stellar run defense in 2020 , but have been somewhat vulnerable in the secondary .
Thielen should see a larger target share this week in what I expect to be a shootout .
He is my No .
4 option .
Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson lands at No .
6 in my weekly rankings .
Robinson has had at least 70 receiving yards in seven of his last eight games .
He also has four touchdowns during that stretch .
This week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Expect a fantastic performance from Robinson on Sunday in Jacksonville , Fla. San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk has quietly been one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football over the last two months .
Aiyuk has scored in four of his last five games .
He also has 29 targets over the last two weeks .
I expect the rookie to continue his hot streak in Week 16 when the 49ers face the Cincinnati Bengals .
The Bengals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I expect them to concentrate on the 49ers running game in this matchup .
Aiyuk is a near-lock for at least 100 receiving yards .
He is my No .
16 wide receiver for the week and can be plugged in as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 .
Cleveland Browns veteran Jarvis Landry is my No .
20 wide receiver for Week 16 .
Landry has scored in three of his last four games .
He also has 38 targets during that stretch .
The Browns have a Week 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Jets have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and are tied for allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams has been the best fantasy football option at his position this season and that should continue in Week 16. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 22 (UPI) -- We have entered championship week of the 2020 fantasy football season. Congratulations if your team advanced to the title game or if you are battling for a third-place finish. You should likely stay with the players that helped you get to this point when making lineup decisions, but I have also ranked my favorite wide receivers for Week 16 to help with some tough choices. Advertisement
Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs top my wide receiver rankings for the final round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs.
Allen Robinson, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans and D.K. Metcalf round out my Top 10 options. Brandon Aiyuk and Jarvis Landry also are among my favorite starts this week.
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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. This week's schedule also features games on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, so remember to check your lineup for player updates.
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Davante Adams has been the best wide receiver in fantasy football this season on a points-per-game basis. The Green Bay Packers pass catcher has scored in eight consecutive games and has a great shot to reach the end zone once again in Week 16 when he faces the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Adams is my top option for Week 16.
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A.J. Brown will be on the other end of the Green Bay Packers-Tennessee Titans matchup. The Titans playmaker is my No. 2 wide receiver for Week 16.
Brown has scored in four of his last five games. He should have another stellar performance when the Titans face the Packers on Sunday. The Packers haven't been bad at defending wide receivers, but did just allow 131 yards to Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore.
I expect Brown to go off for at least 100 yards and a score in this matchup.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen hasn't gotten a ton of targets lately, but has been a touchdown machine. Thielen has 13 scores on the season and has reached the end zone in four of his last five games.
I expect another score from Thielen on Friday when the Vikings face the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have had a stellar run defense in 2020, but have been somewhat vulnerable in the secondary. Thielen should see a larger target share this week in what I expect to be a shootout.
He is my No. 4 option.
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Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson lands at No. 6 in my weekly rankings. Robinson has had at least 70 receiving yards in seven of his last eight games. He also has four touchdowns during that stretch.
This week, the Bears face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Expect a fantastic performance from Robinson on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla.
LONGSHOTS
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk has quietly been one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football over the last two months.
Aiyuk has scored in four of his last five games. He also has 29 targets over the last two weeks. I expect the rookie to continue his hot streak in Week 16 when the 49ers face the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals have been average at defending wide receivers, but I expect them to concentrate on the 49ers running game in this matchup. Aiyuk is a near-lock for at least 100 receiving yards. He is my No. 16 wide receiver for the week and can be plugged in as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2.
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Cleveland Browns veteran Jarvis Landry is my No. 20 wide receiver for Week 16. Landry has scored in three of his last four games. He also has 38 targets during that stretch.
The Browns have a Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets. The Jets have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and are tied for allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Start Landry as a WR2 in Week 16.
Week 16 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers vs. TEN
2. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans at GB
3. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs vs. ATL
4. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings at NO
5. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills at NE
6. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears at JAX
7. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals vs. 49ers
8. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons at KC
9. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DET
10. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR
11. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams at SEA
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12. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team vs. CAR
13. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams at SEA
14. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texas vs. CIN
15. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings at NO
16. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers at ARI
17. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers at WAS
18. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans at GB
19. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers vs. DEN
20. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns at NYJ
21. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys vs. PHI
22. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts at PIT
23. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. IND
24. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DET
25. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens vs. NYG
26. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints vs. MIN
27. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR
28. Marvin Jones, Jr., Detroit Lions vs. TB
29. Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos at LAC
30. Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns at NYJ
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31. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at NE
32. Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders vs. MIA
33. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals at HOU
34. Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers vs. WAS
35. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys vs. PHI
36. Keke Coutee, Houston Texans vs. CIN
37. Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills at NE
38. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. IND
39. Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. DET
40. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets vs. CLE
41. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers vs. TEN
42. Lynn Bowden, Miami Dolphins at LV
43. Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons at KC
44. Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals vs. SF
45. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. CHI
46. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. IND
47. Jacobi Meyers, New England Patriots vs. BUF
48. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs vs. ATL
49. Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at DAL
50. Chad Hansen, Houston Texans vs. CIN
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-25--Pope Francis urges COVID-19 vaccine for all in Christmas message

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- In the annual Christmas Day message at the Vatican on Friday , Pope Francis urged world leaders to make available COVID-19 vaccines to all -- especially the most needy .
The pontiff delivered the message during his annual holiday comments at the Hall of Blessings in St. Peter 's Basilica .
`` At Christmas , we celebrate the light of Christ that comes into the world , and he comes for all , not just for some , '' Pope Francis said .
`` Today , at this time of darkness and uncertainty because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights of hope , such as the discovery of vaccines . ''
Pope Francis urged world leaders , pharmaceutical companies and international agencies `` to promote cooperation and not competition '' in guaranteeing widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines from multiple companies like Pfizer , Moderna and Astrazeneca .
`` But so these lights may illuminate and bring light to the whole world , [ the vaccines ] must be available to all .
I can not put myself before others , placing the laws of the market and of patents above the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Francis also offered prayers for other victims around the world , and asked for peace in countries like Syria , Iraq and Yemen that are still scarred by war .
He also expressed hope for the end of suffering in Lebanon , which has had a tumultuous year , and continued dialogue in the perpetual drive for Israeli-Palestinian peace .
`` In everyone , I see reflected the face of God , and in those who suffer , I see the Lord pleading for my help , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the poor , the unemployed , the marginalized , the migrant and the refugee . ''
At his annual Christmas Eve Mass late Thursday , the pope echoed similar sentiments for the needy of the world and asked followers to make efforts to help those less fortunate , noting that Jesus Christ himself was born an impoverished outcast .
The midnight mass this year , due to coronavirus advice and restrictions , was held in the back of St. Peter 's Basilica with only a small group in attendance .
The event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the basilica and attracts thousands .

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Pope Francis is seen during Christmas Eve Mass, to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican late on Thursday. Photo by Gennari Spaziani/UPI/Pool | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- In the annual Christmas Day message at the Vatican on Friday, Pope Francis urged world leaders to make available COVID-19 vaccines to all -- especially the most needy. The pontiff delivered the message during his annual holiday comments at the Hall of Blessings in St. Peter's Basilica. Advertisement
"At Christmas, we celebrate the light of Christ that comes into the world, and he comes for all, not just for some," Pope Francis said.
"Today, at this time of darkness and uncertainty because of the pandemic, there appear different lights of hope, such as the discovery of vaccines."
Pope Francis urged world leaders, pharmaceutical companies and international agencies "to promote cooperation and not competition" in guaranteeing widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines from multiple companies like Pfizer, Moderna and Astrazeneca.
"But so these lights may illuminate and bring light to the whole world, [the vaccines] must be available to all. I cannot put myself before others, placing the laws of the market and of patents above the law of love and the health of humanity."
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Francis also offered prayers for other victims around the world, and asked for peace in countries like Syria, Iraq and Yemen that are still scarred by war. He also expressed hope for the end of suffering in Lebanon, which has had a tumultuous year, and continued dialogue in the perpetual drive for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
"In everyone, I see reflected the face of God, and in those who suffer, I see the Lord pleading for my help," he said. "I see him in the sick, the poor, the unemployed, the marginalized, the migrant and the refugee."
At his annual Christmas Eve Mass late Thursday, the pope echoed similar sentiments for the needy of the world and asked followers to make efforts to help those less fortunate, noting that Jesus Christ himself was born an impoverished outcast.
The midnight mass this year, due to coronavirus advice and restrictions, was held in the back of St. Peter's Basilica with only a small group in attendance. The event is typically held in the main section of the basilica and attracts thousands.


upi--2020-12-25--NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says 'Christmas' part of decision not to suspend James Harden

Dec. 25 ( UPI ) -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver answered `` Christmas '' when he was asked recently why Houston Rockets star James Harden was n't suspended for violating the league 's COVID-19 protocols , which led to a game being postponed .
Silver was queried about Harden on Thursday during an interview with ESPN .
The league fined Harden $ 50,000 on Wednesday , the same day the Rockets ' first game of the season was postponed .
`` The precedent is that discipline gets ratcheted up [ due to COVID-19 ] , '' Silver said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first offense .
In a way he got lucky .
If the game had taken place on Wednesday as scheduled , and he were unavailable because of his own actions , he would have missed a game and a paycheck .
`` A little bit of luck .
We are just beginning these protocols and it seemed fair in the first instance .
But , it 's Christmas . ''
Videos and photos surfaced earlier this week that showed Harden at a club and in a room with more than 15 people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gathering on Monday , the league said .
Late Wednesday afternoon , the NBA announced that the Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder 's game scheduled for that night was postponed because the Rockets did not have eight players available .
The league said three Rockets players returned COVID-19 test results that were either positive or inconclusive .
Four additional Rockets players were unavailable due to contact tracing protocol , in addition to Harden and another injured player .
The league on Thursday said Harden will need to isolate for four days before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Rockets are next scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m. EST on Saturday in Portland .

Houston Rockets star James Harden will not be suspended for violating the NBA's COVID-10 safety guidelines. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 25 (UPI) -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver answered "Christmas" when he was asked recently why Houston Rockets star James Harden wasn't suspended for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols, which led to a game being postponed. Silver was queried about Harden on Thursday during an interview with ESPN. The league fined Harden $50,000 on Wednesday, the same day the Rockets' first game of the season was postponed. Advertisement
"The precedent is that discipline gets ratcheted up [due to COVID-19]," Silver said. "It's Christmas and it was a first offense. In a way he got lucky. If the game had taken place on Wednesday as scheduled, and he were unavailable because of his own actions, he would have missed a game and a paycheck.
"A little bit of luck. We are just beginning these protocols and it seemed fair in the first instance. But, it's Christmas."
It's never a dull moment when the Commissioner joins #TheJump. Adam Silver makes his first public comments on the James Harden fine, why the league didn't issue a suspension, and the postponement of the Rockets-Thunder game last night: pic.twitter.com/bdFpEI4b5H— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 24, 2020
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Videos and photos surfaced earlier this week that showed Harden at a club and in a room with more than 15 people and not wearing a mask. Harden attended the gathering on Monday, the league said.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the NBA announced that the Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder's game scheduled for that night was postponed because the Rockets did not have eight players available.
The league said three Rockets players returned COVID-19 test results that were either positive or inconclusive. Four additional Rockets players were unavailable due to contact tracing protocol, in addition to Harden and another injured player.
The league on Thursday said Harden will need to isolate for four days before he can return to the team.
The Rockets are next scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m. EST on Saturday in Portland.


upi--2020-12-26--Famous birthdays for Dec. 26: Beth Behrs, Jared Leto

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn .
-- Adm. @ @ @ @ @ naval hero of Manila , in 1837 -- Mao Zedong , leader of the Chinese @ @ @ @ @

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Beth Behrs attends the 54th annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 7, 2019. The actor turns 25 on December 26. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include: Advertisement
-- Adm. George Dewey, the U.S. naval hero of Manila, in 1837
-- Writer Henry Miller in 1891
-- Mao Zedong, leader of the Chinese communist revolution, in 1893
-- College Football Hall of Fame member Frank Broyles in 1924
-- Puppeteer Caroll Spinney in 1933
-- Producer Phil Spector in 1939 (age 81)
-- America's Most Wanted creator John Walsh in 1945 (age 75)
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Carlton Fisk in 1947 (age 73)
-- TV journalist Candy Crowley in 1948 (age 72)
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Ozzie Smith in 1954 (age 66)
-- Dogsled racer Susan Butcher in 1954
-- Writer David Sedaris in 1956 (age 64)
-- Drummer Lars Ulrich in 1963 (age 57)
-- Actor/singer Jared Leto in 1971 (age 49)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Rock musician Chris Daughtry in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Beth Behrs in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Kit Harington in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Eden Sher in 1991 (age 29)


upi--2020-12-26--On This Day, Dec. 26: Jack Johnson is first Black man to win heavyweight title

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1776 , American forces under Gen. George Washington , having crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night , defeated Hessian mercenary troops fighting for the British at the Battle of Trenton , N.J .
In 1908 , Jack Johnson , with a 14th-round KO of Tommy Burns in Australia , became the first African-American to win the world heavyweight boxing title .
In 1917 , President Woodrow Wilson signed an order giving the federal government control over operation of U.S. railroads for the duration of World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kwanzaa , created by Maulana Karenga , was observed .
The seven-day holiday celebrates African and African-American history and culture .
In 1972 , Harry S. Truman , 33rd president of the United States , died at age 88 .
In 1990 , Nancy Cruzan , the focus of a right-to-die case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court , died in a Missouri hospital .
In 1996 , child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey , 6 , was found slain in a basement room of her family 's Boulder , Colo. , home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were killed and thousands injured when an earthquake struck the ancient city of Bam in southeastern Iran .
In 2003 , the death toll was reported at 135 after a Boeing 727 crash in the West African country of Benin .
In 2004 , an earthquake-triggered tsunami raced across the Indian Ocean with 40-foot-high waves slamming into India , Thailand , Indonesia and several other countries , killing at least 225,000 people and leaving thousands injured .
It was one of the world 's worst natural disasters .
In 2006 , Gerald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , died at his home in Rancho Mirage , Calif. , at the age of 93 .
In 2012 , China opened the world 's longest high-speed railway connecting Beijing to the southern city of Guangzhou .
In 2019 , the sun and moon gave Earth its final solar eclipse of the decade , viewable across parts of Indonesia , southern India , Oman and Saudi Arabia .

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On December 26, 1908, Jack Johnson, with a 14th-round KO of Tommy Burns in Australia, became the first African-American to win the world heavyweight boxing title. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1776, American forces under Gen. George Washington, having crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night, defeated Hessian mercenary troops fighting for the British at the Battle of Trenton, N.J. Advertisement
In 1908, Jack Johnson, with a 14th-round KO of Tommy Burns in Australia, became the first African-American to win the world heavyweight boxing title.
In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed an order giving the federal government control over operation of U.S. railroads for the duration of World War I.
In 1966, the first Kwanzaa, created by Maulana Karenga, was observed. The seven-day holiday celebrates African and African-American history and culture.
File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
In 1972, Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States, died at age 88.
In 1990, Nancy Cruzan, the focus of a right-to-die case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court, died in a Missouri hospital.
In 1996, child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey, 6, was found slain in a basement room of her family's Boulder, Colo., home.
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In 2003, more than 26,000 people were killed and thousands injured when an earthquake struck the ancient city of Bam in southeastern Iran.
In 2003, the death toll was reported at 135 after a Boeing 727 crash in the West African country of Benin.
In 2004, an earthquake-triggered tsunami raced across the Indian Ocean with 40-foot-high waves slamming into India, Thailand, Indonesia and several other countries, killing at least 225,000 people and leaving thousands injured. It was one of the world's worst natural disasters.
File Photo by Jon Gesch/U.S. Navy
In 2006, Gerald R. Ford, 38th president of the United States, died at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at the age of 93.
In 2012, China opened the world's longest high-speed railway connecting Beijing to the southern city of Guangzhou.
In 2019, the sun and moon gave Earth its final solar eclipse of the decade, viewable across parts of Indonesia, southern India, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE


upi--2020-12-26--Native American civil rights activist Hank Adams dead at 77

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- Native American civil rights advocate Hank Adams died this week .
He was 77 .
Adams died Monday in an Olympia , Wash. , hospital , according to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission .
`` An indispensable leader , and essential follower and a brilliant strategist , he shaped more Native American civil , human and treaty rights policies than most people even know are important or why , '' the commission said in its announcement .
`` Hank 's a genius .
He knows things we do n't know .
He sees things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Susan Hvalsoe Komori said in 2006 , when Adams was awarded the American Indian Visionary Award by Indian Country Today .
An Assiniboine-Sioux and a member of the Franks Landing Indian Community , Adams was born on Montana 's Fort Peck Reservation and raised on the Quinault Reservation in Washington state .
He joined the National Indian Youth Council in 1963 and started focusing on tribal treaty rights , becoming well known in the 1960s and 1970s for protesting state fishing regulations during what came to be called the Pacific Northwest Fish Wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times for protesting for fishing rights outlined in treaties the United States negotiated with tribes in the 1800s .
In 1974 he directly represented tribal fishing people in US v. Washington , when the federal appeals court rules that Native Americans retained hunting and fishing rights in their territories .
In the 1970s , Adams was active in the American Indian Movement and participated in 1972 's Trail of Broken Treaties march across the United States .
That march culminated with activists occupying the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington , D.C. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steadfast advocate for the education of young Native Americans on treaty rights until his death .

Actor Marlon Brando (L) gives the land title of 40 acres to Hank Adams, head of the Survival of American Indians Association December 30, 1974. Adams died this week at the age of 77. (UPI/File) | License Photo
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Native American civil rights advocate Hank Adams died this week. He was 77. Adams died Monday in an Olympia, Wash., hospital, according to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Advertisement
"An indispensable leader, and essential follower and a brilliant strategist, he shaped more Native American civil, human and treaty rights policies than most people even know are important or why," the commission said in its announcement.
"Hank's a genius. He knows things we don't know. He sees things we don't see," attorney Susan Hvalsoe Komori said in 2006, when Adams was awarded the American Indian Visionary Award by Indian Country Today.
An Assiniboine-Sioux and a member of the Franks Landing Indian Community, Adams was born on Montana's Fort Peck Reservation and raised on the Quinault Reservation in Washington state.
He joined the National Indian Youth Council in 1963 and started focusing on tribal treaty rights, becoming well known in the 1960s and 1970s for protesting state fishing regulations during what came to be called the Pacific Northwest Fish Wars.
Adams was shot and arrested several times for protesting for fishing rights outlined in treaties the United States negotiated with tribes in the 1800s.
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In 1974 he directly represented tribal fishing people in US v. Washington, when the federal appeals court rules that Native Americans retained hunting and fishing rights in their territories.
In the 1970s, Adams was active in the American Indian Movement and participated in 1972's Trail of Broken Treaties march across the United States.
That march culminated with activists occupying the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., which Adams helped resolve.
He remained a steadfast advocate for the education of young Native Americans on treaty rights until his death.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-26--COVID-19 overwhelms Los Angeles County hospitals

More than 6,700 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Christmas Day in the county , according to the the Public Health department 's statement , and 20 % of them were people in the intensive care unit .
The current number of hospitalizations is an increase from about 6,500 on Christmas Eve , which was four times the amount over the last month , and double the number of ICU patients from a month ago , The New York Times reported .
Amid the surge , entire lobby of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital has been converted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been placed in gift shop , and the waiting room is a tent outside , according to the newspaper .
On Thursday , the county reported 148 new deaths , which equated to about one every 10 minutes , the highest total amid the pandemic , according to The New York Times database .
Health care workers received their first shots of COVID-19 vaccine at Providence St. Mary Medical Center as Christmas music played , but intensive care nurse Lisa Thompson , feared the next `` code blue . ''
`` Every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We ca n't even keep up with the amount of patients coming to the hospital . ''
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom posted a video on Facebook projecting the number of people hospitalized could double in 30 days if current trends continue .
Over 678,040 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Los Angeles County and 9,305 people have died , representing the highest number of cases and deaths in one county , the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Tracker showed Saturday .
Another populous county , Cook County , Ill , which includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cases at 382,213 cases and second highest number of deaths at 8,031 .
On Christmas Eve , the state as a whole became the first in the nation to surpass 2 million COVID-19 cases , 44 days after recording 1 million cases on Nov. 11 as much of the state remains under stay-at-home order .
The state also reported Thursday a record 18,875 hospitalizations including another record with 3,962 patients in ICU units .
California currently has the highest rate of COVID-19 at 92.2 per 100,000 people in the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among the top four highest rates , according to The New York Times database .
South Dakota currently has the highest COVID-19 death rate at 1.6 per 100,000 in the country , followed by Arkansas , Pennsylvania and Iowa .
New York still has the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began at 36,739 deaths , followed by Texas at 27,042 deaths , California at 23,993 deaths and Florida at 20,994 deaths .
The United States had 105,906 new cases of COVID-19 across the country and 1,223 new deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The United States has the highest number of cases and the highest number of deaths of any country worldwide at more than 18.9 million cases and more than 330,000 deaths , according to the Johns Hopkins global tracker .
Public health experts are bracing for another surge from Christmas and the upcoming New Year 's holidays .
`` We 've just seen these amplification events , and that 's what happened at the end of this year in the U.S. , '' said Erin Bromage , a University of Massachusetts Dartmouth associate professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we had Labor Day , we had Halloween , and each one of these events brought lots of people together and just gave the virus more fuel to move through the population , '' Bromage added .
`` Christmas is going to do a similar thing . ''

A worker disinfects a counter in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX. Los Angeles County has been hard hit by the latest wave of the coronavirus. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Southern California's Los Angeles County hospitals overflowed with COVID-19 cases on Christmas Day. More than 6,700 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Christmas Day in the county, according to the the Public Health department's statement, and 20% of them were people in the intensive care unit. Advertisement
The current number of hospitalizations is an increase from about 6,500 on Christmas Eve, which was four times the amount over the last month, and double the number of ICU patients from a month ago, The New York Times reported.
Amid the surge, entire lobby of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital has been converted into space to treat patients, gurneys have been placed in gift shop, and the waiting room is a tent outside, according to the newspaper.
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On Thursday, the county reported 148 new deaths, which equated to about one every 10 minutes, the highest total amid the pandemic, according to The New York Times database.
Health care workers received their first shots of COVID-19 vaccine at Providence St. Mary Medical Center as Christmas music played, but intensive care nurse Lisa Thompson, feared the next "code blue."
"Every day is scary," Thompson said. "We can't even keep up with the amount of patients coming to the hospital."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a video on Facebook projecting the number of people hospitalized could double in 30 days if current trends continue.
Over 678,040 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Los Angeles County and 9,305 people have died, representing the highest number of cases and deaths in one county, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Tracker showed Saturday. Another populous county, Cook County, Ill, which includes Chicago, has the second highest county number of cases at 382,213 cases and second highest number of deaths at 8,031.
On Christmas Eve, the state as a whole became the first in the nation to surpass 2 million COVID-19 cases, 44 days after recording 1 million cases on Nov. 11 as much of the state remains under stay-at-home order.
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The state also reported Thursday a record 18,875 hospitalizations including another record with 3,962 patients in ICU units.
California currently has the highest rate of COVID-19 at 92.2 per 100,000 people in the country, followed by Tennessee, Arizona, Alabama, among the top four highest rates, according to The New York Times database. South Dakota currently has the highest COVID-19 death rate at 1.6 per 100,000 in the country, followed by Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Iowa.
New York still has the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began at 36,739 deaths, followed by Texas at 27,042 deaths, California at 23,993 deaths and Florida at 20,994 deaths.
The United States had 105,906 new cases of COVID-19 across the country and 1,223 new deaths Friday, Johns Hopkins data shows.
The United States has the highest number of cases and the highest number of deaths of any country worldwide at more than 18.9 million cases and more than 330,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins global tracker.
Public health experts are bracing for another surge from Christmas and the upcoming New Year's holidays.
"We've just seen these amplification events, and that's what happened at the end of this year in the U.S.," said Erin Bromage, a University of Massachusetts Dartmouth associate professor of biology.
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"We have Thanksgiving, we had Labor Day, we had Halloween, and each one of these events brought lots of people together and just gave the virus more fuel to move through the population," Bromage added. "Christmas is going to do a similar thing."


upi--2020-12-26--2 women, 3 girls found dead at Arkansas home on Christmas

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- At least five people were found dead Friday night at a home in Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ enforcement officers responded to a call at about 5 p.m. on Christmas night saying there @ @ @ @ @ at a home in the town of Atkins .
Pope County sheriff Shane Jones said @ @ @ @ @ and three girls -- were found in the home .
At least some of the @ @ @ @ @ from 8 to 50 , appear to have died from gunshot wounds .
Jones said @ @ @ @ @ each other and described the event as an `` isolated incident '' with no continued @ @ @ @ @ no suspect .
Jones said police do not know how long the victims were deceased @ @ @ @ @ at the house and called emergency services .
The victims ' bodies have been transported @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities have not released the victims ' names yet , pending notification of relatives @

Dec. 26 (UPI) -- At least five people were found dead Friday night at a home in Arkansas, police said.
Law enforcement officers responded to a call at about 5 p.m. on Christmas night saying there were "possible victims" at a home in the town of Atkins.
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Pope County sheriff Shane Jones said five people -- two women and three girls -- were found in the home.
At least some of the victims, whose ages ranged from 8 to 50, appear to have died from gunshot wounds.
Jones said the victims were related to each other and described the event as an "isolated incident" with no continued danger to the public and no suspect.
Jones said police do not know how long the victims were deceased before a family member arrived at the house and called emergency services.
The victims' bodies have been transported to the Arkansas Crime Lab.
Authorities have not released the victims' names yet, pending notification of relatives.


upi--2020-12-26--Female jockey makes history as British steeplechase longshot winner

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- Female jockey Bryony Frost made history and won a longshot victory in the British King George VI Chase at Kempton Saturday on Frodon , who was given 20-to-1 odds before the steeplechase race .
`` The mechanics , his athleticism , how he deals with his obstacles .
You struggle to keep up with him because he 's 10 strides ahead of you the whole time .
My brain is constantly trying to keep up with him , '' Frost , 25 , told the Guardian .
Frodon quickly pulled ahead of stablemate Clan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice-time winner of the King George , and Waiting Patiently ridden by jockey Brian Hughes , which came in third and second respectively .
Frost and Frodon easily won the contest clearing 18 jumps and winning by more than 2 1/4 lengths .
The Boxing Day race with a $ 150,000 prize to the winner , was held under pandemic conditions with few spectators in the 20,000 seats at Kempton .
Trainer Paul Nicholls sat in the empty Royal Box watching as two other horses from his stables , Cyrname and Real Steel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was not expecting Frodon to win , `` although he 's a very good horse on his day and loves it round here , '' Nicholls said .
`` He 's one of those horses you can never underestimate .
He 's tough and he 's genuine .
He likes a battle and he 's beaten some good horses there fair and square . ''
Frost and Frodon first showed they were a winning team after victory in the 2019 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham .
`` I can not stress how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is my life , '' Frost said of Frodon Saturday .
`` You dream as a little girl to ride a horse like this , '' she added .

British jockey Bryony Frost, pictured riding Silent Steps, won the King George VI Steeplechase race at Kempton on Saturday. File Photo by Peter Powell/EPA
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Female jockey Bryony Frost made history and won a longshot victory in the British King George VI Chase at Kempton Saturday on Frodon, who was given 20-to-1 odds before the steeplechase race. Frost credited eight-year-old Frodon for her success. Advertisement
"The mechanics, his athleticism, how he deals with his obstacles. You struggle to keep up with him because he's 10 strides ahead of you the whole time. My brain is constantly trying to keep up with him," Frost, 25, told the Guardian.
Frodon quickly pulled ahead of stablemate Clan Des Obeaux, the favorite and prior twice-time winner of the King George, and Waiting Patiently ridden by jockey Brian Hughes, which came in third and second respectively.
Frost and Frodon easily won the contest clearing 18 jumps and winning by more than 2 1/4 lengths.
The Boxing Day race with a $150,000 prize to the winner, was held under pandemic conditions with few spectators in the 20,000 seats at Kempton. Trainer Paul Nicholls sat in the empty Royal Box watching as two other horses from his stables, Cyrname and Real Steel, dropped behind Frodon.
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Nicholls said he was not expecting Frodon to win, "although he's a very good horse on his day and loves it round here," Nicholls said. "He's one of those horses you can never underestimate. He's tough and he's genuine. He likes a battle and he's beaten some good horses there fair and square."
Frost and Frodon first showed they were a winning team after victory in the 2019 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
"I cannot stress how much this horse means to me -- he is my life," Frost said of Frodon Saturday. "You dream as a little girl to ride a horse like this," she added.


upi--2020-12-26--University of Utah running back Ty Jordan dead at 19

Dec. 26 ( UPI ) -- University of Utah running back Ty Jordan has died , the school announced Saturday .
He was 19 .
`` Words can not express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother , Ty Jordan , '' Utah Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham , said in a statement on the university 's website .
`` Ty 's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends .
From the bottom of our hearts , all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace . ''
Jordan 's death comes days after he was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year after running 597 yards with six touchdowns on 83 carries in five games for the Utes .
He was from Mesquite , Texas , and attended West Mesquite High School .
Media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death with a reported accidental shooting in Denton , Texas , but Denton police have not confirmed Jordan as the victim of the incident .
In November 2019 , a photo went viral that featured Jordan , then a student at West Mesquite , and Gage Smith , an opposing player from Sherman High School .
After Sherman 's 56-27 victory over West Mesquite , Smith asked Jordan if they could pray together for Jordan 's mother , Tiffany , who had stage 4 lung and bone cancer .
She died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pinned tweet features a photo of his mother surrounded by family members .
`` Dear mom , I love you so much , you 've shown me over the past couple years how much a warrior you are , '' Jordan wrote .
`` Watch over me and guide me momma . ''

University of Utah running back Ty Jordan, 19, has died. Photo courtesy of University of Utah
Dec. 26 (UPI) -- University of Utah running back Ty Jordan has died, the school announced Saturday. He was 19. "Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan," Utah Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham, said in a statement on the university's website. "Ty's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace." Advertisement
Jordan's death comes days after he was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year after running 597 yards with six touchdowns on 83 carries in five games for the Utes.
He was from Mesquite, Texas, and attended West Mesquite High School.
Media outlets, including ESPN, have linked Jordan's death with a reported accidental shooting in Denton, Texas, but Denton police have not confirmed Jordan as the victim of the incident.
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In November 2019, a photo went viral that featured Jordan, then a student at West Mesquite, and Gage Smith, an opposing player from Sherman High School.
After Sherman's 56-27 victory over West Mesquite, Smith asked Jordan if they could pray together for Jordan's mother, Tiffany, who had stage 4 lung and bone cancer.
She died in August at 43.
Ty Jordan's pinned tweet features a photo of his mother surrounded by family members.
"Dear mom, I love you so much, you've shown me over the past couple years how much a warrior you are," Jordan wrote. "Watch over me and guide me momma."