upi--2020-12-05--U.S. Supreme Court to hear Nazi artworks case

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday will hear arguments in a case about whether Jewish heirs to a collection of medieval artifacts known as the Guelph Treasure who say their grandparents were forced to sell to the Nazis will be able to continue to sue the German government in U.S. courts .
Arguments will be heard by telephone conference call .
Jed Leiber of Los Angeles , New Mexico resident Alan Philipp and Gerald Stiebel , of London , sued the German government in U.S. courts in 2015 , seeking the return of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the 11th Century valued at a combined $ 276 million .
The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation appealed a ruling in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejecting arguments by German government lawyers that they were immune from foreign legal action under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act .
The treasure , known as the Welfenschatz in German , has been on display at the Bode Museum in Berlin since the fall of the Nazi regime .
The collection was purchased by a group of four Jewish art dealers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the intent to flip the collection for a profit .
When the Great Depression hit , the group was forced to hold onto about half of the collection .
In 1935 , Saemy Rosenberg in Amsterdam sold remnants of the collection to the state of Prussia , for less than one-third of its purchase price , the heirs claim .
Prussia was at that point under Nazi control and ruled by Adolf Hitler 's second-in-command , Hermann Goering .
Goering later presented the Guelph Treasure to Hitler as a gift .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the greatest art thieves of all time .
And it was literally a present for Hitler , '' Leiber , Rosenberg 's grandson told The Los Angeles Times .
Lieber and his co-plaintiffs initially argued for the return of the items to the German government under the Return of Cultural Property Seized as a Result of Nazi Persecution .
The German government researched the claims and said that the 1935 sale of the artifacts was made at a fair price and not under duress .
`` Our view is that Germany is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involves a sale of a collection of medieval German art by German art dealers to a German state , '' Hermann Parzinger , president of the foundation told ABC News .
The Trump administration and a group of U.S. lawmakers urged the Supreme Court to drop the case in October .

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case brought by Jewish heirs of art dealers who sold a collection of medieval artifacts known as the Guelph Treasure to the Nazis in 1935. File Photo by Stephanie Pilick/EPA
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday will hear arguments in a case about whether Jewish heirs to a collection of medieval artifacts known as the Guelph Treasure who say their grandparents were forced to sell to the Nazis will be able to continue to sue the German government in U.S. courts. Arguments will be heard by telephone conference call. Advertisement
Jed Leiber of Los Angeles, New Mexico resident Alan Philipp and Gerald Stiebel of London sued the German government in U.S. courts in 2015, seeking the return of the more than 40 items, some dating back to the 11th Century, valued at a combined $276 million.
The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation appealed a ruling in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejecting arguments by German government lawyers that they were immune from foreign legal action under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
The treasure, known as the Welfenschatz in German, is on display at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Berlin.
The collection was purchased by a group of four Jewish art dealers in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1929, with the intent to flip the collection for a profit. When the Great Depression hit, the group was forced to hold onto about half of the collection.
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In 1935, Saemy Rosenberg in Amsterdam sold remnants of the collection to the state of Prussia, for less than one-third of their purchase price, the heirs claim. Prussia was at that point under Nazi control and ruled by Adolf Hitler's second-in-command, Hermann Goering.
The plaintiff's claim that Goering later presented the Guelph Treasure to Hitler as a gift has been disputed by researchers from the German government.
Lieber, Rosenberg's grandson, and his co-plaintiffs initially argued for the return of the items to the German government under the Return of Cultural Property Seized as a Result of Nazi Persecution. The German government researched the claims and said that the 1935 sale of the artifacts was made at a fair price and not under duress.
"Our view is that Germany is the proper jurisdiction for a case which involves a sale of a collection of medieval German art by German art dealers to a German state," Hermann Parzinger, president of the foundation told ABC News.
The Trump administration and a group of U.S. lawmakers urged the Supreme Court to drop the case in October.
This article has been updated to correct the number of articles contested in the lawsuit; the correct name of the Berlin museum where they are displayed; and the dispute over whether the artifacts were gifted to Adolph Hitler.


upi--2020-12-05--New England's first nor'easter dumps rain and snow

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Heavy rain turning into freezing snow hit New England Saturday evening during the region 's first nor'easter of the winter season .
Federal weather forecasters said gusty winds between 40-50 mph and precipitation over Cape Cod could bring up to a foot of snow in middle Massachusetts and up to 18 inches of snow elsewhere in New England through Monday , the National Weather Service said .
`` The combination of heavy snowfall rates and strong wind will lead to treacherous travel conditions , whiteout visibilities , and the potential for tree damage/power outage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The NWS issued Winter Storm Warnings up across most of New England .
In addition to the rain and snow , strong winds will cause high surf , coastal flooding , and beach erosion along the New England coast , winding down by Sunday evening , the agency said .
Additional snow was expected in Hartford County , Conn. , and western Massachusetts causing icy roads and hazardous driving conditions .
A winter storm warning and flood watch was issued for coastal Maine .
`` We urge citizens to travel only if necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Maine Emergency Management Agency director Pete Rogers told NBC News .
`` With temperatures hovering around freezing , road conditions are expected to be extremely slick . ''
From central southern New Hampshire to northern Maine , as well as parts of New Brunswick and the Eastern Townships of Quebec , an all-out blizzard is anticipated with the worst conditions from late Saturday to Saturday night , the NWS said .
About 25,000 power customers lost electricity Saturday in Massachusetts and New Hampshire , but power was restored to all but about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Grid .

New England was pounded with gusty winds and rain turning into snow Saturday as winter's first nor'easter hit the region. Photo courtesy of National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Heavy rain turning into freezing snow hit New England Saturday evening during the region's first nor'easter of the winter season. Federal weather forecasters said gusty winds between 40-50 mph and precipitation over Cape Cod could bring up to a foot of snow in middle Massachusetts and up to 18 inches of snow elsewhere in New England through Monday, the National Weather Service said. Advertisement
"The combination of heavy snowfall rates and strong wind will lead to treacherous travel conditions, whiteout visibilities, and the potential for tree damage/power outage," the agency said Saturday.
The NWS issued Winter Storm Warnings up across most of New England. In addition to the rain and snow, strong winds will cause high surf, coastal flooding, and beach erosion along the New England coast, winding down by Sunday evening, the agency said.
Additional snow was expected in Hartford County, Conn., and western Massachusetts causing icy roads and hazardous driving conditions. A winter storm warning and flood watch was issued for coastal Maine.
"We urge citizens to travel only if necessary during the worst of the storm," Maine Emergency Management Agency director Pete Rogers told NBC News. "With temperatures hovering around freezing, road conditions are expected to be extremely slick."
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From central southern New Hampshire to northern Maine, as well as parts of New Brunswick and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, an all-out blizzard is anticipated with the worst conditions from late Saturday to Saturday night, the NWS said.
About 25,000 power customers lost electricity Saturday in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, but power was restored to all but about 3,000 by Saturday evening, according to National Grid.


upi--2020-12-05--Actor David Lander, 'Squiggy,' dies in Los Angeles at 73

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Actor David L. Lander , best known as greaser `` Squiggy '' on the 1970s and 80s American sitcom `` Laverne & Shirley , '' died Friday from complications of multiple sclerosis , his family said .
Lander was 73 .
Lander performed as the squeaky-voiced sidekick to Michael McKean 's `` Lenny '' in a routine developed by the two actors when they were students at Carnegie University in Pittsburgh .
Lander , a character actor , also played the memorable radio sportscaster in the 1992 baseball movie A League of Their Own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have seen enough to know I have seen too much . ''
Born June 22 , 1947 in Brooklyn , Lander attended New York 's High School for the Performing Arts .
After college , he and McKean moved to Los Angeles , joining the comedy ensemble , The Credibility Gap , Variety reported .
Lander died Friday at around at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles , TMZ reported .
The duo co-starred in `` 1941 '' a comedy by Steven Spielberg and Kurt Russell 's `` Used Cars . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Louie in `` Oswald . ''
Lander also voiced Rumpelstiltskin in Disney 's children 's show , `` Goldie & Bear , '' and Donnie the Shark in `` SpongeBob Squarepants . ''
In 1979 , Lander and McKean released an album as Lenny and the Squigtones .
A lifetime baseball fan , Lander also worked as a talent scout for the Anaheim Angels and the Seattle Mariners and briefly was a co-owner of the minor-league Portland Beavers baseball team .
Lander went public with his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Multiple Sclerosis Society .
Lander and wife actress Kathy Fields spoke out in October about the changes to health insurance benefits faced by retired members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union .
`` You can see where this gets people into medical bankruptcy , '' Fields said .
Lander is survived by his wife , and their daughter Natalie Lander , who were at his bedside when he died .
McKean posted a black and white photo of the duo on Twitter Saturday .

Actor David Lander, best known as greaser sidekick Squiggy on the sitcom "Laverne and Shirley" died Friday in Los Angeles at age 73. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Actor David L. Lander, best known as greaser "Squiggy" on the 1970s and 80s American sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," died Friday from complications of multiple sclerosis, his family said. Lander was 73. Lander performed as the squeaky-voiced sidekick to Michael McKean's "Lenny" in a routine developed by the two actors when they were students at Carnegie University in Pittsburgh. Advertisement
Lander, a character actor, also played the memorable radio sportscaster in the 1992 baseball movie A League of Their Own, uttering the memorable line, "I have seen enough to know I have seen too much."
Born June 22, 1947 in Brooklyn, Lander attended New York's High School for the Performing Arts. After college, he and McKean moved to Los Angeles, joining the comedy ensemble, The Credibility Gap, Variety reported.
Lander died Friday at around at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, TMZ reported.
The duo co-starred in "1941" a comedy by Steven Spielberg and Kurt Russell's "Used Cars." The two also voiced animated penguins Harry and Louie in "Oswald."
Lander also voiced Rumpelstiltskin in Disney's children's show, "Goldie & Bear," and Donnie the Shark in "SpongeBob Squarepants."
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In 1979, Lander and McKean released an album as Lenny and the Squigtones.
A lifetime baseball fan, Lander also worked as a talent scout for the Anaheim Angels and the Seattle Mariners and briefly was a co-owner of the minor-league Portland Beavers baseball team.
Lander went public with his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1999 and served as Goodwill Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Lander and wife actress Kathy Fields spoke out in October about the changes to health insurance benefits faced by retired members of the SAG-AFTRA actors union.
"You can see where this gets people into medical bankruptcy," Fields said.
Lander is survived by his wife, and their daughter Natalie Lander, who were at his bedside when he died.
McKean posted a black and white photo of the duo on Twitter Saturday.


upi--2020-12-05--Pompeo ends 5 cultural exchange programs with China

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- The State Department has ended five exchange programs with China , calling them `` soft power propaganda tools '' of the Chinese government .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Friday statement that the department is terminating the Policymakers Educational China Trip Program , the U.S.-China Friendship Program , the U.S.-China Leadership Exchange Program , and the U.S.-China Transpacific Exchange Program and the Hong Kong Educational and Cultural Program .
These programs , according to Pompeo , are conducted under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act ( MECEA ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign government funds .
`` While other programs funded under the auspices of the MECEA are mutually beneficial , the five programs in question are fully funded and operated by the PRC government as soft power propaganda tools , '' Pompeo wrote .
`` They provide carefully curated access to Chinese Communist Party officials , not to the Chinese people , who do not enjoy freedoms of speech and assembly .
The United States welcomes the reciprocal and fair exchange of cultural programs with PRC officials and the Chinese people , but one-way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneficial . ''
Pompeo announced the change with less than two months left in President Donald Trump 's administration , and amid strained relations between the two countries over trading practices and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, shown here during a February news conference, has ended five cultural exchange programs with China. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The State Department has ended five exchange programs with China, calling them "soft power propaganda tools" of the Chinese government. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Friday statement that the department is terminating the Policymakers Educational China Trip Program, the U.S.-China Friendship Program, the U.S.-China Leadership Exchange Program, and the U.S.-China Transpacific Exchange Program and the Hong Kong Educational and Cultural Program. Advertisement
These programs, according to Pompeo, are conducted under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA), and allow U.S. government employees to travel using foreign government funds.
"While other programs funded under the auspices of the MECEA are mutually beneficial, the five programs in question are fully funded and operated by the PRC government as soft power propaganda tools," Pompeo wrote. "They provide carefully curated access to Chinese Communist Party officials, not to the Chinese people, who do not enjoy freedoms of speech and assembly. The United States welcomes the reciprocal and fair exchange of cultural programs with PRC officials and the Chinese people, but one-way programs such as these are not mutually beneficial."
Pompeo announced the change with less than two months left in President Donald Trump's administration, and amid strained relations between the two countries over trading practices and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-12-05--Carbon monoxide leak kills 23 in China coal mine

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- A carbon monoxide leak in a China mine has killed 23 out of 24 @ @ @ @ @ accident Friday , according to rescuers account of the incident Saturday .
The 24 miners @ @ @ @ @ at the coal mine located in southwest China 's Chongqing Municipality , when an accident @ @ @ @ @ equipment in the pit , Xinhua reported .
The rescuers were able to save one @ @ @ @ @ 23 died from excessive levels of carbon monoxide , according to the news agency .
@ @ @ @ @ the mine operations were suspended and shutdown , Xinhua reported .
Further investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ leak is ongoing .
CGTN TV reported earlier that one person had been rescued and @ @ @ @ @ rescue efforts .
Since the earlier CGTN report , the initial death toll rose from @ @ @ @

A Chinese coal miner checks his head-lamp into his locker in the "Lamp House" for recharging and registering his location after finishing his shift. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI. | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A carbon monoxide leak in a China mine has killed 23 out of 24 people trapped inside since an accident Friday, according to rescuers account of the incident Saturday. The 24 miners became trapped underground Friday evening at the coal mine located in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, when an accident occurred while workers were dismantling equipment in the pit, Xinhua reported. Advertisement
The rescuers were able to save one of the miners, and 23 died from excessive levels of carbon monoxide, according to the news agency.
Over two months ago, the mine operations were suspended and shutdown, Xinhua reported.
Further investigation into the cause of the carbon monoxide leak is ongoing.
CGTN TV reported earlier that one person had been rescued and that excessive carbon monoxide hampered rescue efforts. Since the earlier CGTN report, the initial death toll rose from 18 to 23.


upi--2020-12-05--Demonstrators protest tunnel plans near Stonehenge

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Demonstrators protested Saturday at Britain 's Stonehenge monument against government plans to dig a tunnel underneath the world heritage site .
More than 100 people participated in the protest in Wiltshire , including residents , ecologists , land justice and climate activists , and pagans .
Protesters used drumming , singing and speeches to draw attention to their concerns over the damage they say the 2-mile tunnel project will cause .
`` Stonehenge is a revered place of our ancestors from a time that worshipped nature and is now awakening the spirit of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act to defend our planet for its survival , '' protester Indra Donfrancesco told The Guardian .
After protesters arrived at the UNESCO world heritage site , English Heritage , a charity that manages historic monuments , closed the site to the public , but it 's expected to reopen on Sunday , LBC reported .
`` Due to unforeseen circumstances Stonehenge is closed for the rest of the day , '' Stonehenge tweeted .
`` It is an offense under the Ancient Monuments Act ( 1979 ) for people to enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' an English Heritage spokeswoman said .
'Whilst we respect people 's right to demonstrate peacefully , we do not condone behavior that disrupts and endangers the site and the people who visit or work here . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps approved the tunnel project last month , which includes 8 miles of extended dual carriageway along A303 in Wiltshire .
Highways England argues the tunnel will reduce traffic and remove sound of traffic passing the site .
The Planning Inspectorate found that there would be `` permanent , irreversible harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan be rejected .
But Shapps found damage to the site would not be substantial and the public benefit outweighs it .
Protesters included supporters of the Stonehenge Alliance , which set up campaign group Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site .
The SSWHS has launched a legal action to challenge Shapp 's decision .
Stonehenge features a unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 B.C.
, according to English Heritage .

Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument near Amesbury, Britain, is shown. File Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Demonstrators protested Saturday at Britain's Stonehenge monument against government plans to dig a tunnel underneath the world heritage site. More than 100 people participated in the protest in Wiltshire, including residents, ecologists, land justice and climate activists, and pagans. Advertisement
Protesters used drumming, singing and speeches to draw attention to their concerns over the damage they say the 2-mile tunnel project will cause.
"Stonehenge is a revered place of our ancestors from a time that worshipped nature and is now awakening the spirit of the people to rise, calling us to act to defend our planet for its survival," protester Indra Donfrancesco told The Guardian.
After protesters arrived at the UNESCO world heritage site, English Heritage, a charity that manages historic monuments, closed the site to the public, but it's expected to reopen on Sunday, LBC reported.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances Stonehenge is closed for the rest of the day," Stonehenge tweeted.
"It is an offense under the Ancient Monuments Act (1979) for people to enter the monument area without English Heritage's permission," an English Heritage spokeswoman said. 'Whilst we respect people's right to demonstrate peacefully, we do not condone behavior that disrupts and endangers the site and the people who visit or work here."
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps approved the tunnel project last month, which includes 8 miles of extended dual carriageway along A303 in Wiltshire.
Highways England argues the tunnel will reduce traffic and remove sound of traffic passing the site.
The Planning Inspectorate found that there would be "permanent, irreversible harm" to the site, and recommended the plan be rejected.
But Shapps found damage to the site would not be substantial and the public benefit outweighs it.
Protesters included supporters of the Stonehenge Alliance, which set up campaign group Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The SSWHS has launched a legal action to challenge Shapp's decision.
Stonehenge features a unique stone circle erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 B.C., according to English Heritage.


upi--2020-12-05--Kia recalls 295,000 vehicles due to engine fire risk

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Kia has recalled 295,000 vehicles whose engines can stall or catch fire .
According @ @ @ @ @ Safety Administration , the recall applies to some 2012 and 2013 Sorrento SUVs , Forte @ @ @ @ @ the years between 2012 and 2015 , Optima hybrid sedans released between and 2011 and @ @ @ @ @ 2014 and 2015 as well as 2012 Sportage SUVs .
The Korea-based automaker said it @ @ @ @ @ of the recall Jan. 27 , and dealers will inspect and replace engines as part @ @ @ @ @ also said the recall is due to abundance of caution and that the company has @ @ @ @ @ .

The Kia brand logo hangs from the ceiling at the 2018 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on in 2018. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Kia has recalled 295,000 vehicles whose engines can stall or catch fire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall applies to some 2012 and 2013 Sorrento SUVs, Forte and Forte Koupe cars from the years between 2012 and 2015, Optima hybrid sedans released between and 2011 and 2013, Soul SUVs from 2014 and 2015 as well as 2012 Sportage SUVs. Advertisement
The Korea-based automaker said it plans to begin notifying owners of the recall Jan. 27, and dealers will inspect and replace engines as part of the notice.
Kia also said the recall is due to abundance of caution and that the company has not found a manufacturing defect.


upi--2020-12-05--Boris Johnson, European Commission president talk as Brexit negotiations stall

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke on the phone Saturday to try to break a stalemate in Brexit negotiations .
The call followed a Friday announcement by the deal 's chief negotiators that conditions for an agreement had not yet been met .
Neither Johnson nor von der Leyen have said what they discussed during the call , but sticking points on the deal have included fishing rights , rules regarding state subsidies for business as well as arrangements for policing deals .
Before the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union , was headed to Brussels to discuss negotiations over the trade deal .
`` If there is still a way , we will see , '' said Barnier , who had been negotiating with Johnson 's special adviser , David Frost .
Barnier planned to meet with diplomats Friday but canceled his trip to continue Brexit negotiations .
Negotiators are running out of time to reach an agreement on the deal , and chief negotiators for both sides have said they were putting talks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Jan. 31 after initially voting to do so in 2016 , but is still under EU trading rules until the end of this calendar year .

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, seen here in the House of Commons Chamber in London in October, spoke to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which reached a snag this week despite a looming deadline. Photo by Jessica Taylor/EPA-EFE
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke on the phone Saturday to try to break a stalemate in Brexit negotiations. The call followed a Friday announcement by the deal's chief negotiators that conditions for an agreement had not yet been met. Advertisement
Neither Johnson nor von der Leyen have said what they discussed during the call, but sticking points on the deal have included fishing rights, rules regarding state subsidies for business as well as arrangements for policing deals.
Before the phone call was to take place Michel Barnier, chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union, was headed to Brussels to discuss negotiations over the trade deal.
"If there is still a way, we will see," said Barnier, who had been negotiating with Johnson's special adviser, David Frost.
Barnier planned to meet with diplomats Friday but canceled his trip to continue Brexit negotiations.
Negotiators are running out of time to reach an agreement on the deal, and chief negotiators for both sides have said they were putting talks on hold.
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Britain officially left the EU on Jan. 31 after initially voting to do so in 2016, but is still under EU trading rules until the end of this calendar year.


upi--2020-12-05--Church fire damages 19th century NYC church

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- A six-alarm fire damaged a 120-year-old church in New York City on Saturday , fire officials said .
The fire broke out around 5 a.m. in a building near the Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village .
It completely destroyed the building and spread to the Protestant Reformed church and a third building on the block .
`` Our units arrived in three minutes , very fast response time , '' New York City Fire Department Assistant Chief John Hodgens said in a statement posted on Instagram .
`` Upon arrival we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on East 7th Street .
We quickly transmitted additional alarms to get more help here .
We knew this was going to be a big operation . ''
He said firefighters would be working at the scene `` for a while . ''
The Rev .
Jacqui Lewis said Middle Collegiate Church leaders and members were praying for first responders and neighbors affected by the fire , and planned to hold a vigil Saturday evening .
`` We are devastated and crushed that our beloved physical sanctuary at Middle Collegiate Church has burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank God that there has been no loss of life .
`` We 've been worshiping and doing our ministry in digital spaces since March and that 's what we 'll be doing tomorrow . ''
Fire marshals were investigating the cause of the blaze .

Three buildings in New York City's East Village were damaged or destroyed in Saturday's early-morning fire. Photo courtesy of the New York City Fire Department
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A six-alarm fire damaged a 120-year-old church in New York City on Saturday, fire officials said. The fire broke out around 5 a.m. in a building near the Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village. It completely destroyed the building and spread to the Protestant Reformed church and a third building on the block. Advertisement
"Our units arrived in three minutes, very fast response time," New York City Fire Department Assistant Chief John Hodgens said in a statement posted on Instagram.
"Upon arrival we had heavy fire showing from the corner building on East 7th Street. We quickly transmitted additional alarms to get more help here. We knew this was going to be a big operation."
He said firefighters would be working at the scene "for a while."
The Rev. Jacqui Lewis said Middle Collegiate Church leaders and members were praying for first responders and neighbors affected by the fire, and planned to hold a vigil Saturday evening.
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"We are devastated and crushed that our beloved physical sanctuary at Middle Collegiate Church has burned," Lewis said. "We thank God that there has been no loss of life.
"We've been worshiping and doing our ministry in digital spaces since March and that's what we'll be doing tomorrow."
Fire marshals were investigating the cause of the blaze.


upi--2020-12-05--Appeals court rejects conservative challenge to Georgia election results

President Donald Trump's campaign and conservative groups filed lawsuits attempting to have the election results overturned in the four states. Pool photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court on Saturday rejected a lawsuit attempting to overturn the results of the presidential election in Georgia. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said conservative lawyer Lin Wood didn't have a standing to sue and now that the state's results have been certified, the effort was moot anyway. Advertisement
Georgia certified the results of the election on Nov. 20, giving its 16 electoral votes to President-elect Joe Biden. President Donald Trump, his campaign, and other conservative groups and figures have launched dozens of lawsuits challenging the election results in several states.
The appellate court voted 3-0 to uphold a lower court's ruling tossing Wood's lawsuit.
The court added that it didn't have jurisdiction in the case.
"We may not entertain post-election contests about garden-variety issues of vote counting and misconduct that may properly be filed in state courts."
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Wood's lawsuit said a decision earlier this year on how elections officials should handle signature matching should have been made by the state legislature. The guidelines were agreed to by Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Democratic groups.
The panel's ruling came one day after courts issued rulings in Trump campaign and conservative lawsuits in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Michigan.
In Minnesota, the state Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a Republican lawsuit attempting to stop the certification of votes, accusing elections officials of mishandling absentee ballots.
The state certified the results of its vote Nov. 24, giving all 10 electoral votes to Biden.
The court said Republicans waited too late to file their lawsuit -- hours before the certification -- and that the process for how absentee ballots would be handled was determined months before Election Day.
In Michigan, a Court of Appeals panel declined to overturn a lower court's rejection of the Trump campaign's request to halt the counting and certification of the Wayne County's results.
Michigan certified its results Nov. 23, giving its 16 electoral votes to Biden.
The court said the Trump lawsuit was moot because the vote count and certification process had already been completed.
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"Perhaps the reason for plaintiff failing to discuss the impact of the certification is because such action by the Michigan State Board of Canvassers clearly rendered plaintiff's claims for relief moot," the ruling said.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, meanwhile, dismissed a lawsuit brought by the conservative Wisconsin Voters Alliance to toss nearly 3.3 million votes, calling them invalid. They wanted the state's legislature to determine how to cast the Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes.
Wisconsin certified its election results in favor of Biden on Nov. 30, and on Thursday, the state supreme court refused to hear a similar case brought by the Trump campaign.
"The relief being sought by the petitioners is the most dramatic invocation of judicial power I have ever seen," Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote in the 4-3 ruling Friday.
"While the rough and tumble world of electoral politics may be the prism through which many view this litigation, it cannot be so for us. In these hallowed halls, the law must rule."
Finally, in Arizona, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge on Friday dismissed the state Republican Party's attempt to overturn the state's vote for Biden.
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The judge said he found "no misconduct, no fraud and no effect on the outcome of the election.
Arizona certified its 11 electoral votes in favor of Biden on Nov. 30.
U.S. Election 2020


upi--2020-12-05--Heavy rains, flooding disrupt rail service in Scotland, southern England

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Heavy rainfall in Scotland and southern England caused flooding throughout the region Saturday .
ScotRail services in some areas were disrupted by landslides and flooding on the line , and tram lines in Edinburgh were also swamped with water .
Friday brought `` thundersnow '' to Edinburgh , and some parts of Britain received snow .
By Saturday the snow had turned to rain .
Britain 's Environment Agency warned that flooding was expected across 11 locations in the south of England , including Cambridgeshire and Scarborough .
By Saturday afternoon , most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one flood warning remained in Swanage , Dorset , and there were 46 flood alerts elsewhere in the region .
Temperatures are expected to remain low over the weekend , and forecasters said icy conditions would persist in some areas .
`` In summary , it 's a bit messy this weekend .
It 's staying cold , gradually becoming a bit drier and we 'll switch our attention to some overnight frost , and I think tomorrow morning will see some dense freezing fog patches in places , '' said Steven Keates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office .

Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Heavy rainfall in Scotland and southern England caused flooding throughout the region Saturday.
ScotRail services in some areas were disrupted by landslides and flooding on the line, and tram lines in Edinburgh were also swamped with water.
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Friday brought "thundersnow" to Edinburgh, and some parts of Britain received snow. By Saturday the snow had turned to rain.
Britain's Environment Agency warned that flooding was expected across 11 locations in the south of England, including Cambridgeshire and Scarborough.
By Saturday afternoon, most of the flood warnings had ended, though one flood warning remained in Swanage, Dorset, and there were 46 flood alerts elsewhere in the region.
Temperatures are expected to remain low over the weekend, and forecasters said icy conditions would persist in some areas.
"In summary, it's a bit messy this weekend. It's staying cold, gradually becoming a bit drier and we'll switch our attention to some overnight frost, and I think tomorrow morning will see some dense freezing fog patches in places," said Steven Keates, an operational meteorologist at the Met Office.
At Livi North, floodwater is still 7 inches above the top of the rail I'm afraid. We'll continue working to clear this, but until we can, the line is closed to all trains. pic.twitter.com/dAPZtUn4fR— Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) December 5, 2020


upi--2020-12-05--30 arrested in Paris protests against new security bill

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Paris police arrested 30 people attending a Saturday protest against a new security bill critics say would curb civil liberties .
French newspaper Le Parisien reported there were clashes between police and participants , and acts of vandalism .
`` Thank you to the police forces mobilized today , sometimes in the face of very violent individuals , '' Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted .
Thousands demonstrated in Paris against plans for the new global security draft law that would make it a crime to film or take photos of police with malevolent intent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and police violence .
The government has accepted a rewrite of Article 24 of the Global Security Act , which critics say undermines `` the freedom of the press , the freedom of expression and the freedom to demonstrate . ''
The so-called yellow vest protests , named after high-visibility yellow vests French drivers must carry in their vehicles , began in November 2018 over rising fuel prices , taxes , and cost of living , and morphed into larger anti-government protests .
More than 90 rallies were planned across France on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zineb Redouane , an octogenarian who died two years ago a day after she was hit by a tear gas grenade on the sidelines of a yellow vest protest .
The new security bill similarly sparked protests and clashes with French police earlier this week .

Protesters hold signs against France's global security law during a protest Saturday in a street between Porte des Lilas and Gambetta square, in Paris. Photo by Mohammed Badra/EPA-EFE
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Paris police arrested 30 people attending a Saturday protest against a new security bill critics say would curb civil liberties. French newspaper Le Parisien reported there were clashes between police and participants, and acts of vandalism. Advertisement
"Thank you to the police forces mobilized today, sometimes in the face of very violent individuals," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted.
Thousands demonstrated in Paris against plans for the new global security draft law that would make it a crime to film or take photos of police with malevolent intent. Unions also demonstrated against planned layoffs and police violence.
The government has accepted a rewrite of Article 24 of the Global Security Act, which critics say undermines "the freedom of the press, the freedom of expression and the freedom to demonstrate."
Some protesters wore yellow vests.
The so-called yellow vest protests, named after high-visibility yellow vests French drivers must carry in their vehicles, began in November 2018 over rising fuel prices, taxes, and cost of living, and morphed into larger anti-government protests.
More than 90 rallies were planned across France on Saturday.
Demonstrations in Marseille paid tribute to Zineb Redouane, an octogenarian who died two years ago a day after she was hit by a tear gas grenade on the sidelines of a yellow vest protest.
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The new security bill similarly sparked protests and clashes with French police earlier this week.


upi--2020-12-05--Russia starts COVID-19 vaccinations among high risk

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- COVID-19 vaccinations started in Russia on Saturday for doctors , teachers and social workers at high-risk .
`` Coronavirus vaccination began today at 70 city public health centers for those from major at-risk groups , who contact large numbers of people at work , '' the statement said .
`` Those include medical , educational and social workers . ''
The Sputnik V vaccine is being introduced to these groups with certain restrictions outlined on the city 's website , where people ages 18-60 attached to a Moscow clinic can sign up for vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , the vaccine is not available for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding , anyone who has chronic diseases , anyone in a clinical trial , or anyone sick with acute respiratory viral infection two weeks before or during vaccination .
`` We work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. , seven days a week , '' Moscow Hospital 68 chief doctor Dr. Natalya Nikolaevna Kuzenkova told CNN regarding the vaccination process .
Russian scientists developed the vaccine , which has not completed Phase 3 of human trials , according to CNN .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , according to the country 's coronavirus response center .
Since the pandemic began , Russia has reported over 2.4 million cases and 42,338 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University global tracker .
In Argentina , senators passed a new tax on the wealthiest people to pay for COVID-19 relief measures such as medical supplies .
The tax applies to some 12,000 people with more than $ 2.5 million in assets .
Argentina has reported over 1.4 million cases and 39,512 deaths , according to the global tracker .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 1 million COVID-19 cases in October .
With a population of about 45 million people , it was the smallest nation to surpass the 1 million figure at the time , following the United States , India , Brazil and Russia , with much larger populations .
In Japan , the health ministry announced a record number of COVID-19 intensive care patients .
The ministry also announced 2,432 new COVID-19 infections on Friday , bringing the total number of cases since the pandemic began to over 160,870 , according to the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 related deaths Friday , matching a previous record number from May 8 , and bringing the total number of deaths in Japan during the pandemic to 2,229 .
Worldwide , COVID-19 has infected over 66 million people and killed over 1.5 million people .

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A Russian medic inoculates a woman with Russia's vaccine against COVID-19 disease at a clinic in Moscow on Saturday. Photo by Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- COVID-19 vaccinations started in Russia on Saturday for doctors, teachers and social workers at high-risk. Vaccinations began in Moscow, state-run Tass news agency reported, citing a city's coronavirus monitoring center statement. Advertisement
"Coronavirus vaccination began today at 70 city public health centers for those from major at-risk groups, who contact large numbers of people at work," the statement said. "Those include medical, educational and social workers."
The Sputnik V vaccine is being introduced to these groups with certain restrictions outlined on the city's website, where people ages 18-60 attached to a Moscow clinic can sign up for vaccination if they meet requirements.
Among the restrictions, the vaccine is not available for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone who has chronic diseases, anyone in a clinical trial, or anyone sick with acute respiratory viral infection two weeks before or during vaccination.
"We work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week," Moscow Hospital 68 chief doctor Dr. Natalya Nikolaevna Kuzenkova told CNN regarding the vaccination process.
Russian scientists developed the vaccine, which has not completed Phase 3 of human trials, according to CNN.
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Meanwhile, Russia recorded 28,782 new coronavirus cases Saturday, according to the country's coronavirus response center.
Since the pandemic began, Russia has reported over 2.4 million cases and 42,338 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University global tracker.
In Argentina, senators passed a new tax on the wealthiest people to pay for COVID-19 relief measures such as medical supplies. The tax applies to some 12,000 people with more than $2.5 million in assets.
Argentina has reported over 1.4 million cases and 39,512 deaths, according to the global tracker.
It was the fifth country worldwide to reach at least 1 million COVID-19 cases in October. With a population of about 45 million people, it was the smallest nation to surpass the 1 million figure at the time, following the United States, India, Brazil and Russia, with much larger populations.
In Japan, the health ministry announced a record number of COVID-19 intensive care patients.
The ministry also announced 2,432 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, bringing the total number of cases since the pandemic began to over 160,870, according to the global tracker.
The country also reported 43 COVID-19 related deaths Friday, matching a previous record number from May 8, and bringing the total number of deaths in Japan during the pandemic to 2,229.
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Worldwide, COVID-19 has infected over 66 million people and killed over 1.5 million people.


upi--2020-12-05--More flame-fanning Santa Ana winds on the way for Southern California

Southern California is getting a brief reprieve from high winds this weekend before yet another Santa Ana event evolves early next week .
Now , with blazes already fanned into existence from the last round of windy weather , forecasters say this next wind event has the potential to be even more troublesome .
Less than 24 hours after red flag warnings were allowed to expire in parts of the region , fire weather watches were issued by the National Weather Service offices in Los Angeles and San Diego due to the anticipated resurgence of windy weather .
CalFire urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an emergency supply kit readily accessible and up-to-date as the fire danger continues .
By doing so , residents can save valuable minutes in the event of a sudden evacuation .
Following locally breezy conditions for much of the weekend , winds are expected to ramp up in earnest once again as early as late Sunday night .
`` Santa Ana winds will return by Monday , peaking as a moderate wind event Monday night into Tuesday , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Houk said .
The gusty winds will return as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Basin early in the week and funnels air from the interior West to the Southern California coast .
The proximity between this high and a storm expected to settle off the coast could give the intensity of the winds a boost , due to the difference in pressure between these two systems .
When there is a large difference in pressure over a relatively small geographical area , winds become strong .
This is basically the atmosphere 's way of trying to balance itself out .
Frequent gusts of 40 mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wind-prone areas , with higher gusts expected to funnel through the northeast- to southwest-orientated canyons and passes .
Wind gusts near or slightly below this range are also likely across portions of Northern California from late Sunday through Monday , elevating fire concerns there as well .
Blazes that have not yet been contained could spread further in such winds , and any new flames that erupt threaten to turn into raging infernos in a matter of minutes .
Along with the high fire threat , the wind gusts can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to trees and power lines , especially in canyons and passes where the wind gets funneled on its way to the coast .
Live power lines that are downed can also be sources of sparks that may ignite a wildfire .
In preparation for last week 's wind event , Southern California utility companies shut off power to more than 100,000 customers .
More planned shutoffs are possible early this week .
Although winds are forecast to ease by midweek , yet another round of gusty conditions are possible late next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region , especially for Southern California , into at least the middle of December , AccuWeather meteorologists anticipate many more days of elevated fire danger across the region .

The annual Santa Ana winds have the ability to fan flames, prompting wildfires throughout Southern California. File Photo by Bob Strong/UPI | License Photo
Southern California is getting a brief reprieve from high winds this weekend before yet another Santa Ana event evolves early next week. Now, with blazes already fanned into existence from the last round of windy weather, forecasters say this next wind event has the potential to be even more troublesome. Advertisement
Less than 24 hours after red flag warnings were allowed to expire in parts of the region, fire weather watches were issued by the National Weather Service offices in Los Angeles and San Diego due to the anticipated resurgence of windy weather.
CalFire urged Californians on Friday to make sure they have an emergency supply kit readily accessible and up-to-date as the fire danger continues. By doing so, residents can save valuable minutes in the event of a sudden evacuation.
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Following locally breezy conditions for much of the weekend, winds are expected to ramp up in earnest once again as early as late Sunday night.
"Santa Ana winds will return by Monday, peaking as a moderate wind event Monday night into Tuesday," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Houk said.
The gusty winds will return as an area of high pressure builds across the Great Basin early in the week and funnels air from the interior West to the Southern California coast.
The proximity between this high and a storm expected to settle off the coast could give the intensity of the winds a boost, due to the difference in pressure between these two systems. When there is a large difference in pressure over a relatively small geographical area, winds become strong. This is basically the atmosphere's way of trying to balance itself out.
Frequent gusts of 40 mph to 60 mph are likely to occur in the wind-prone areas, with higher gusts expected to funnel through the northeast- to southwest-orientated canyons and passes.
Wind gusts near or slightly below this range are also likely across portions of Northern California from late Sunday through Monday, elevating fire concerns there as well.
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Blazes that have not yet been contained could spread further in such winds, and any new flames that erupt threaten to turn into raging infernos in a matter of minutes.
Along with the high fire threat, the wind gusts can also be locally strong enough to cause some damage to trees and power lines, especially in canyons and passes where the wind gets funneled on its way to the coast.
Live power lines that are downed can also be sources of sparks that may ignite a wildfire.
In preparation for last week's wind event, Southern California utility companies shut off power to more than 100,000 customers. More planned shutoffs are possible early this week.
Although winds are forecast to ease by midweek, yet another round of gusty conditions are possible late next week.
With no precipitation in sight across the region, especially for Southern California, into at least the middle of December, AccuWeather meteorologists anticipate many more days of elevated fire danger across the region.


upi--2020-12-05--'Home Improvement' crossover teased in 'Last Man Standing' trailer

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- A new trailer for Last Man Standing shows Tim Allen 's character , Mike @ @ @ @ @ , the role he played on the sitcom Home Improvement .
The ninth and final @ @ @ @ @ is set to premiere on FOX on Jan. 3 .
A 30-second preview released Friday @ @ @ @ @ his signature Binford T-shirt and tool belt -- shaking hands with Baxter in the kitchen @ @ @ @ @ `` Tim Taylor .
They call me 'the Tool Man , ' '' Taylor introduces @ @ @ @ @ primate-like laugh .
`` That 's a little annoying , '' Baxter tells him .
@ @ @ @ @ is seen sporting a substantial beard .
`` I could play Santa Claus , '' @ @ @ @ @ his facial hair .
Allen also played the Christmas icon in three holiday-themed movies in @ @ @ @ @ Allen recently announced he and his Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn are reuniting for a @ @ @ @ @ Assembly Required .

Tim Allen's "Last Man Standing" will begin airing its final season on Jan. 3. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A new trailer for Last Man Standing shows Tim Allen's character, Mike Baxter, meeting Tim Taylor, the role he played on the sitcom Home Improvement. The ninth and final season of Last Man Standing is set to premiere on FOX on Jan. 3. Advertisement
A 30-second preview released Friday shows Taylor -- dressed in his signature Binford T-shirt and tool belt -- shaking hands with Baxter in the kitchen of Baxter's home.
"Tim Taylor. They call me 'the Tool Man,'" Taylor introduces himself, with his trademark primate-like laugh.
"That's a little annoying," Baxter tells him.
In another scene, Baxter is seen sporting a substantial beard.
"I could play Santa Claus," he says as he strokes his facial hair.
Allen also played the Christmas icon in three holiday-themed movies in The Santa Clause franchise.
Allen recently announced he and his Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn are reuniting for a new History competition show called Assembly Required.
Home Improvement initially aired on ABC 1991-99.


upi--2020-12-05--Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Colman to star in BBC 'Cinderella' comedy

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Queen 's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy and The Crown actress Olivia Colman are to play the leads in the BBC special , Cinderella : A Comic Relief Pantomime For Christmas .
The hourlong program is set to premiere Dec. 24 .
Taylor-Joy will play the titular waif and Colman will portray her fairy godmother .
The ensemble will also include Helena Bonham Carter , Guz Khan , Tom Hollander , Regé-Jean Page , Jimmy Akingbola , and siblings Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper .
`` With surprises and cameos aplenty , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconvincing horse costume , this brand new virtual adaptation promises to be the starriest show on TV this Christmas , '' the network said in a news release Thursday .
`` And while the public watch , they will also have the opportunity to donate to Comic Relief projects , if they feel able to , that are working to help people living with hunger , struggling with their mental health or feeling lonely or unsafe this Christmas . ''
Love Actually filmmaker Richard Curtis is the program 's executive producer and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fights hunger around the world .
`` We 're hugely grateful to BBC Two and the amazing cast for allowing us to do our first ever pantomime , '' Curtis said in a statement .
`` It 'll be very funny and merry -- and also a great seasonal opportunity to raise crucial funds for the projects that will help the most vulnerable people , at home and abroad -- especially now when Covid has made things harder than ever for many . ''

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Anya Taylor-Joy is set to play Cinderella in a BBC special to air December 24. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Queen's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy and The Crown actress Olivia Colman are to play the leads in the BBC special, Cinderella: A Comic Relief Pantomime For Christmas. The hourlong program is set to premiere Dec. 24. Advertisement
Taylor-Joy will play the titular waif and Colman will portray her fairy godmother.
The ensemble will also include Helena Bonham Carter, Guz Khan, Tom Hollander, Regé-Jean Page, Jimmy Akingbola, and siblings Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper.
"With surprises and cameos aplenty, including an incredibly famous person wearing an incredibly unconvincing horse costume, this brand new virtual adaptation promises to be the starriest show on TV this Christmas," the network said in a news release Thursday.
"And while the public watch, they will also have the opportunity to donate to Comic Relief projects, if they feel able to, that are working to help people living with hunger, struggling with their mental health or feeling lonely or unsafe this Christmas."
Love Actually filmmaker Richard Curtis is the program's executive producer and the founder of Comic Relief, an organization that fights hunger around the world.
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"We're hugely grateful to BBC Two and the amazing cast for allowing us to do our first ever pantomime," Curtis said in a statement. "It'll be very funny and merry -- and also a great seasonal opportunity to raise crucial funds for the projects that will help the most vulnerable people, at home and abroad -- especially now when Covid has made things harder than ever for many."


upi--2020-12-05--Breonna Taylor: Kentucky declines to appoint new special prosecutor

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council has denied a request to appoint a new special prosecutor to the case of March police shooting of Breonna Taylor .
Taylor 's mother , Tamika Palmer , asked for a new special prosecutor to present the case before a grand jury , saying Attorney General Daniel Cameron 's handling of the case `` undermines the trust and integrity of the entire process . ''
The council voted unanimously Friday in a virtual meeting to decline Palmer 's request for a new prosecutor , provoking outcry among the audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members said they did not have the authority under state law to replace the prosecutor .
`` We do not have the legal authority to fulfill the request that has been submitted , '' said Chris Cohron , a council member and the Commonwealth 's Attorney in Warren County , who presented the council 's findings before the vote , WDRB reported .
Attorneys for Taylor 's family , including Ben Crump , Sam Aguiar and Lonita Baker , responded in a statement Friday that the council `` punted on the issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fulfill the request that has been submitted . '
'' `` This is yet another gross miscarriage of justice in this case , and yet another example of a system which is biased towards law enforcement members and which shuns Black women , '' the statement continued .
`` The level of cowardice that we have witnessed by the Louisville Police Department , the attorney general 's office , and now the council , is staggering . ''
Cameron 's office has served as the the special prosecutor since Jefferson Commonwealth Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was prosecuting Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , who fired at police during the March raid that resulted in Taylor 's death .
Charges of attempted murder of a police officer against Walker were dismissed in May .
Walker fired a single shot `` downward to scare away intruders , '' during the serving of a warrant on March 13 , according to a complaint fired by attorney Steve Romines .
Police said they knocked and announced themselves for forcing entry into the apartment , but Walker said they did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned 32 shots , and Taylor was hit six times and died in her hallway .
Though Cameron chairs the council , he did not attend Friday 's meeting .
Cameron announced in September that one of three officers involved in the raid was indicted , but not for Taylor 's killing .
The charges instead related to the firing of shots into the home next door .
A Jefferson County grand jury indicted former officer Brett Hankison on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment .
The other two officers involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detective Myles Cosgrove , were not indicted .
In October , an anonymous grand juror said jurors were not advised about possible homicide charges against officers and did not agree the killing of Taylor was justified .
Cameron has defended the indictment , saying it 's based on charges that could be proven under state law .
Still , Palmer 's attorneys accused Cameron of `` biased internal decision , '' and failing to present `` critical '' evidence to the grand jury , important witnesses , cellphone data , ballistics and forensics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my daughter deserves , as do all aggrieved victims , a competent and capable prosecution team which is committed to properly investigating the case , evaluating the law from an unbiased lens , presenting the evidence and allowing the grand jurors to perform the functions guaranteed to them under the law , '' Palmer wrote in her request for a new special prosecutor .
Palmer and her attorneys had argued that a 1989 Kentucky Supreme Court case backed her request .
A justice in the 1989 case had said the council can replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'incapacity , ' 'refusal , ' or 'failure ' to act in any certain case or cases 'without sufficient grounds , ' 'inability , ' or 'conflict of interest . ''
Cohron said the judge 's remark in the 31-year-old case was from a dissenting opinion .
`` This comment by one justice lacks the power of law , '' Cohron said .

Protesters march with an effigy of Breonna Taylor during a demonstration held to demand justice. File Photo by Kyle Grillot/EPA-EFE
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Kentucky Prosecutors Advisory Council has denied a request to appoint a new special prosecutor to the case of March police shooting of Breonna Taylor. Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, asked for a new special prosecutor to present the case before a grand jury, saying Attorney General Daniel Cameron's handling of the case "undermines the trust and integrity of the entire process." The council voted unanimously Friday in a virtual meeting to decline Palmer's request for a new prosecutor, provoking outcry among the audience of more than 200. Advertisement
The council members said they did not have the authority under state law to replace the prosecutor.
"We do not have the legal authority to fulfill the request that has been submitted," said Chris Cohron, a council member and the Commonwealth's Attorney in Warren County, who presented the council's findings before the vote, WDRB reported.
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Attorneys for Taylor's family, including Ben Crump, Sam Aguiar and Lonita Baker, responded in a statement Friday that the council "punted on the issue, inaccurately claiming that they lacked the 'authority to fulfill the request that has been submitted.'"
"This is yet another gross miscarriage of justice in this case, and yet another example of a system which is biased towards law enforcement members and which shuns Black women," the statement continued. "The level of cowardice that we have witnessed by the Louisville Police Department, the attorney general's office, and now the council, is staggering."
Cameron's office has served as the the special prosecutor since Jefferson Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine recused himself in May because he was prosecuting Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who fired at police during the March raid that resulted in Taylor's death.
Charges of attempted murder of a police officer against Walker were dismissed in May. Walker fired a single shot "downward to scare away intruders," during the serving of a warrant on March 13, according to a complaint fired by attorney Steve Romines.
Police said they knocked and announced themselves for forcing entry into the apartment, but Walker said they didn't hear officers identify themselves.
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The officers returned 32 shots, and Taylor was hit six times and died in her hallway.
Though Cameron chairs the council, he did not attend Friday's meeting.
Cameron announced in September that one of three officers involved in the raid was indicted, but not for Taylor's killing. The charges instead related to the firing of shots into the home next door. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted former officer Brett Hankison on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. The other two officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, were not indicted.
In October, an anonymous grand juror said jurors were not advised about possible homicide charges against officers and did not agree the killing of Taylor was justified. Cameron has defended the indictment, saying it's based on charges that could be proven under state law.
Still, Palmer's attorneys accused Cameron of "biased internal decision," and failing to present "critical" evidence to the grand jury, important witnesses, cellphone data, ballistics and forensics testing.
"At a minimum, my daughter deserves, as do all aggrieved victims, a competent and capable prosecution team which is committed to properly investigating the case, evaluating the law from an unbiased lens, presenting the evidence and allowing the grand jurors to perform the functions guaranteed to them under the law," Palmer wrote in her request for a new special prosecutor.
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Palmer and her attorneys had argued that a 1989 Kentucky Supreme Court case backed her request. A justice in the 1989 case had said the council can replace a prosecutor "in the event of 'incapacity,' 'refusal,' or 'failure' to act in any certain case or cases 'without sufficient grounds,' 'inability,' or 'conflict of interest."
Cohron said the judge's remark in the 31-year-old case was from a dissenting opinion.
"This comment by one justice lacks the power of law," Cohron said.


upi--2020-12-05--Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright exit 'Vanderpump Rules'

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright have left the Bravo reality show Vanderpump Rules .
Variety reported Friday that Taylor had been fired and Cartwright , his wife , would not be returning to the series about the Los Angeles restaurant scene .
Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were previously ousted because of their abusive treatment of their Black former co-star Faith Stowers in 2018 , which came to light in June .
At the time , fans also called for Taylor 's firing for his past negative tweets about Stowers .
Taylor and Cartwright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The last 8 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging , rewarding and fulfilling years of my life .
Although this is difficult to share , Brittany and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules .
We are excited to take this time to focus on our growing family and share with you our new endeavors , '' Taylor wrote .
He also expressed his affection for the cable network , viewers and cast .
`` Thank you to all the fans who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us through everything .
We love you .
Stay tuned , We ca n't wait for to share what we have planned , '' Taylor added .
Cartwright echoed his sentiments in her own post .
`` The last 5 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging , rewarding and fulfilling years of my life , '' she said .
`` Although this is difficult to share , Jax and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules .
We are excited to take this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share with you our new endeavors . ''
The show is currently shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Taylor and Cartwright announced in September they are expecting their first child , a son .

Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright have left the reality show, "Vanderpump Rules." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright have left the Bravo reality show Vanderpump Rules. Variety reported Friday that Taylor had been fired and Cartwright, his wife, would not be returning to the series about the Los Angeles restaurant scene. Advertisement
Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were previously ousted because of their abusive treatment of their Black former co-star Faith Stowers in 2018, which came to light in June.
At the time, fans also called for Taylor's firing for his past negative tweets about Stowers.
Taylor and Cartwright confirmed their departure on Instagram Friday.
"The last 8 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling years of my life. Although this is difficult to share, Brittany and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules. We are excited to take this time to focus on our growing family and share with you our new endeavors," Taylor wrote.
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He also expressed his affection for the cable network, viewers and cast.
"Thank you to all the fans who have shared our journey with us and supported us through everything. We love you. Stay tuned, We can't wait for to share what we have planned," Taylor added.
Cartwright echoed his sentiments in her own post.
"The last 5 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling years of my life," she said. "Although this is difficult to share, Jax and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules. We are excited to take this time to focus on our growing family and share with you our new endeavors."
The show is currently shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Taylor and Cartwright announced in September they are expecting their first child, a son.


upi--2020-12-05--'Brady Bunch' alum Maureen McCormick to star in new discovery+ series

Dec. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Brady Bunch alum Maureen McCormick is to host the new home-renovation series Frozen in Time for soon-to-launch discovery+ , the streaming service announced .
McCormick will team up with interior designer Dan Vickery to `` overhaul Southern California homes that are stuck in a design time warp , '' a news release said Friday .
`` Dan will bring the structures up-to-date , while Maureen will source beautiful decade-specific pieces that give the tired homes a refreshed look .
Each stunning design will preserve the best of the past with a wink to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stylish , functional spaces they need . ''
No debut date has been announced for the show , but discovery+ is scheduled to launch Jan. 4 .
McCormick reunited with her Brady Bunch castmates in the HGTV home-makeover show Brady Renovation last year .
The actors worked with experts to make the inside of a house used for exteriors on The Brady Bunch look like the faux interior that was created in a film studio .
The Brady Bunch -- a comedy about a blended family with six kids -- initially aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The original show was also followed by several TV movies , reunion specials and spinoffs .

Maureen McCormick is getting her own home-renovation show on the new streaming service, discovery+. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Brady Bunch alum Maureen McCormick is to host the new home-renovation series Frozen in Time for soon-to-launch discovery+, the streaming service announced. McCormick will team up with interior designer Dan Vickery to "overhaul Southern California homes that are stuck in a design time warp," a news release said Friday. Advertisement
"Dan will bring the structures up-to-date, while Maureen will source beautiful decade-specific pieces that give the tired homes a refreshed look. Each stunning design will preserve the best of the past with a wink to the original era, providing families with the stylish, functional spaces they need."
No debut date has been announced for the show, but discovery+ is scheduled to launch Jan. 4.
McCormick reunited with her Brady Bunch castmates in the HGTV home-makeover show Brady Renovation last year.
The actors worked with experts to make the inside of a house used for exteriors on The Brady Bunch look like the faux interior that was created in a film studio.
The Brady Bunch -- a comedy about a blended family with six kids -- initially aired 1969-74 and remains popular in reruns. The original show was also followed by several TV movies, reunion specials and spinoffs.


upi--2020-12-06--First nor'easter of the season grips New England

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- The official start to winter is less than three weeks away , but Mother Nature seems to be ready to bring on the snow already .
A rapidly intensifying nor'easter prompted winter storm warnings across much of New England and some of the first blizzard conditions of the season , leading to a slew of power outages and road closures across the region .
This nor'easter comes on the heels of a storm that hammered parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes with heavy snow less than one week ago .
Not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , but it has the potential to develop into the first blizzard of the season , if sustained winds reach 35 mph or greater and the storm creates a visibility less than one-quarter of a mile for three consecutive hours .
Through Saturday night , AccuWeather Meteorologist Maxwell Gawryla said blizzard-strength winds persisted , making the first blizzard conditions of the season for New England .
The storm that brought heavy snow to parts of the southern Plains at midweek re-energized along the Eastern Seaboard and tracked just off the coast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , putting central and northern New England in the path of the heaviest snow .
A storm track just offshore allowed for the storm to undergo significant strengthening , which added to the intensity of impacts across New England .
As the storm began to strengthen , drenching rain and thunderstorms broke out across the Southeast states and mid-Atlantic region on Friday night .
By noon on Saturday , rain started in Greater Boston , while some nearby areas started to see snowflakes .
Road conditions continued to deteriorate across Massachusetts on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain and snow .
Massachusetts State Police placed speed restriction on I-90 at or below 40 mph between mile markers 55 and 84 , through Ludlow and Charlton shortly before noon on Saturday .
Shortly after the speed restriction , there was a crash on I-90 in Millbury by exit 10A which prompted the closure of two westbound left lanes .
By 3 p.m. , all highway districts in the state were in snow and ice operations and there were over 1,800 pieces of equipment at work on the roads .
Those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely faced with power outages .
As the storm kicked off on Saturday afternoon , Massachusetts power outages quickly mounted past 26,000 by the evening .
In Maine , outages topped 210,000 and New Hampshire reached nearly 60,000 outages by early Sunday morning .
Hefty snowfall totals past one foot are the culprit behind the high power outage numbers .
Paxton , Massachusetts had accumulated 12.5 inches of snow by Sunday morning .
Wolfeboro , New Hampshire , reached double digits with 11.5 inches of snow .
Wales , Massachusetts followed closely behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were monitoring for the potential for this storm to go through the process that meteorologists call bombogenesis .
A nor'easter is a storm that simply brings stiff northeasterly winds to a broad area along the coast in the eastern part of the United States .
Bombogenesis , or rapid strengthening , occurs when the central barometric pressure of a storm plummets by 0.71 of an inch of mercury ( 24 millibars ) within 24 hours .
When a storm undergoes this level of intensification , it is referred to as a bomb cyclone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early Sunday , the storm managed to drop 27 millibars , officially qualifying it as a bomb cyclone .
Within this bomb cyclone , winds were powerful enough along the coast in New England and on eastern Long Island , New York , to break tree limbs , knock over poorly rooted trees , leading to sporadic power outages and causing minor property damage .
As quickly as the storm arrived early this weekend , it will be just as quick to exit on Sunday .
However , blustery conditions will prevail in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to still howl across New England as the snow exits northern Maine , New Brunswick and eastern Quebec .
Chilly conditions are forecast to linger through early week from the Great Lakes to a large part of the Atlantic coast in the wake of the storm , and that may set the stage for a round of winterlike conditions in areas farther to the south .

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


upi--2020-12-06--On This Day, Dec. 6: Altamont free concert held in California

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1865 , the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified , abolishing slavery in the United States .
In 1877 , The Washington Post published its first edition .
In 1907 , in West Virginia 's Marion County , an explosion in a network of mines owned by the Fairmont Coal Co. in Monongah killed 361 coal miners .
It was the worst mining disaster in U.S. history .
In 1917 , more than 1,900 people died in an explosion when a Belgian relief ship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harbor at Halifax , Nova Scotia .
In 1922 , the Irish Free State , forerunner of the modern Republic of Ireland , was officially proclaimed .
In 1933 , following the repeal of Prohibition , Americans crowded into liquor stores , bars and cafes to buy their first legal alcoholic beverages in 13 years .
In 1941 , U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent a message to Japanese Emperor Hirohito expressing hope that gathering war clouds would be dispelled .
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor the next day .
In 1969 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California .
The counterculture rock concert is best remembered for a number of violence incidents and accidents that left four people dead and dozens injured .
The Rolling Stones , Crosby , Stills , Nash & Young , and Jefferson Airplane performed .
In 1973 , Gerald Ford was confirmed as vice president under Richard Nixon , replacing Spiro Agnew , who had resigned in the face of income tax-evasion charges .
In 1975 , the U.S. Senate authorized a $ 2.3 billion emergency loan to save New York City from bankruptcy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized after collapsing on stage while rehearsing for an HBO special .
Paramedics said he had low blood pressure .
In 2005 , an Iranian military aircraft hit a 10-story residential building in Tehran and exploded shortly after takeoff , killing at least 128 people .
In 2017 , President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv .
Palestinians and Muslims nations criticized the move because if a Palestinian nation is ever recognized , it would use East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scientists announced the discovery of one of the earliest and most primitive strains of bacteria responsible for pneumonic plague in the bones of a 20-year-old woman from the Neolithic period in modern-day Sweden .

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A crowd of rock fans, estimated at 300,000 to 500,000, gathered at Altamont Speedway for a rock concert by the Rolling Stones and other musical groups on December 6, 1969. UPI File Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States. Advertisement
In 1877, The Washington Post published its first edition.
In 1907, in West Virginia's Marion County, an explosion in a network of mines owned by the Fairmont Coal Co. in Monongah killed 361 coal miners. It was the worst mining disaster in U.S. history.
In 1917, more than 1,900 people died in an explosion when a Belgian relief ship and a French munitions vessel collided in the harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia.
In 1922, the Irish Free State, forerunner of the modern Republic of Ireland, was officially proclaimed.
File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
In 1933, following the repeal of Prohibition, Americans crowded into liquor stores, bars and cafes to buy their first legal alcoholic beverages in 13 years.
In 1941, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent a message to Japanese Emperor Hirohito expressing hope that gathering war clouds would be dispelled. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor the next day.
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In 1969, the Altamont Speedway Free Festival was held in Northern California. The counterculture rock concert is best remembered for a number of violence incidents and accidents that left four people dead and dozens injured. The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Jefferson Airplane performed.
In 1973, Gerald Ford was confirmed as vice president under Richard Nixon, replacing Spiro Agnew, who had resigned in the face of income tax-evasion charges.
In 1975, the U.S. Senate authorized a $2.3 billion emergency loan to save New York City from bankruptcy.
In 1995, Michael Jackson was hospitalized after collapsing on stage while rehearsing for an HBO special. Paramedics said he had low blood pressure.
Michael Jackson rehearses with French mime Marcel Marceau on December 4 at the Beacon Theater for an upcoming HBO cable special. Jackson was rushed to a New York Hospital suffering from low blood pressure while rehearsing December 6. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
In 2005, an Iranian military aircraft hit a 10-story residential building in Tehran and exploded shortly after takeoff, killing at least 128 people.
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In 2017, President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Palestinians and Muslims nations criticized the move because if a Palestinian nation is ever recognized, it would use East Jerusalem as a capital.
In 2018, scientists announced the discovery of one of the earliest and most primitive strains of bacteria responsible for pneumonic plague in the bones of a 20-year-old woman from the Neolithic period in modern-day Sweden.


upi--2020-12-06--Famous birthdays for Dec. 6: Judd Apatow, JoBeth Williams

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius .

Judd Apatow attends the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on February 28, 2016. The director turns 53 on December 6. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include: Advertisement
-- England's King Henry VI in 1421
-- Lyricist Ira Gershwin in 1896
-- Writer/pianist Ève Curie in 1904
-- Bank robber Lester "Baby Face" Nelson in 1908
-- Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck in 1920
File Photo by Ian Wagreich/UPI
-- Football Hall of Fame member Otto Graham in 1921
-- Actor James Naughton in 1945 (age 75)
-- Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur in 1945 (age 75)
-- Actor JoBeth Williams in 1948 (age 72)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Actor Tom Hulce in 1953 (age 67)
-- Comedian Steven Wright in 1955 (age 65)
-- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 1957 (age 63)
-- Filmmaker Nick Park in 1958 (age 62)
-- Japanese businessman Satoru Iwata in 1959
-- Actor Janine Turner in 1962 (age 58)
-- Director/screenwriter Judd Apatow in 1967 (age 53)
-- Writer Karl Ove Knausgård in 1968 (age 52)
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-- Ryan White, U.S. HIV/AIDS activist, in 1971
-- Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador in 1982 (age 38)
-- Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel in 1992 (age 28)
-- Rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie, born Julius Dubose, in 1995 (age 25)
-- Actor Stefanie Scott in 1996 (age 24)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-12-05--Russia starts COVID-19 vaccinations among those at high risk


upi--2020-12-06--Biden taps Xavier Becerra to lead Health and Human Services Department

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- President-elect Joe Biden has chosen to nominate Xavier Becerra , the Democratic attorney general for California , to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , according to multiple reports on Sunday .
If confirmed , Becerra , 62 , would be the first Latino to head the department , which will play an important role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic , which has hit the United States harder than any other country .
Biden 's tapping of Becerra , which was first reported by The New York Times , was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including The Washington Post and CNN .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom congratulated his attorney general on Twitter , saying Becerra will continue to make Golden State proud from Washington , D.C. '' You 've spent your entire career fighting for equality and justice , '' Newsom said .
`` Now , you 'll help lead our nation toward quality , affordable healthcare for ALL . ''
Becerra , who was a congressman for 24 years , was tapped to be the California attorney general in 2017 , taking over for Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the United States Senate .
He has fought for numerous health care-related causes during his time as the attorney general and has led a coalition of states seeking to protect the landmark ACA healthcare bill from being repealed or weakened .
He has also been behind scores of lawsuits filed against the Trump administration over issues such as LGBTQ healthcare rollbacks , student visa restrictions amid the pandemic and a slew of others .
Larry Levitt , the executive vice president for health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps the biggest thorn in President Trump 's side on the ACA , reproductive health and immigrant rights . ''
`` If confirmed , he will have an opportunity to overturn much of what Trump has done , '' he said via Twitter .
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , they are `` proud '' Becerra , the son of Mexican immigrants , will be nominated to head the Health and Human Services Department , calling him `` a dedicated public servant . ''
`` Becerra has lived the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for working families , which we saw firsthand during his tenure as a leader in Congress , '' Castro said in a statement , encouraging the incoming Biden administration to select five people of Latin heritage to his cabinet .
The news follows Biden last month announcing a slate of Cabinet nominees that include Alejandro Mayorkas to be the first Latino nominated to head the Department of Homeland Security and Janet Yellen to be the first woman to serve as Treasury secretary .

Vice President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to head the Health and Human Services Department. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- President-elect Joe Biden has chosen to nominate Xavier Becerra, the Democratic attorney general for California, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, according to multiple reports on Sunday. If confirmed, Becerra, 62, would be the first Latino to head the department, which will play an important role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the United States harder than any other country. Advertisement
Biden's tapping of Becerra, which was first reported by The New York Times, was confirmed by unnamed sources to multiple news outlets, including The Washington Post and CNN.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom congratulated his attorney general on Twitter, saying Becerra will continue to make Golden State proud from Washington, D.C.
"You've spent your entire career fighting for equality and justice," Newsom said. "Now, you'll help lead our nation toward quality, affordable healthcare for ALL."
Becerra, who was a congressman for 24 years, was tapped to be the California attorney general in 2017, taking over for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who was elected to the United States Senate.
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He has fought for numerous health care-related causes during his time as the attorney general and has led a coalition of states seeking to protect the landmark ACA healthcare bill from being repealed or weakened.
He has also been behind scores of lawsuits filed against the Trump administration over issues such as LGBTQ healthcare rollbacks, student visa restrictions amid the pandemic and a slew of others.
Larry Levitt, the executive vice president for health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said in picking Becerra, Biden has chosen "perhaps the biggest thorn in President Trump's side on the ACA, reproductive health and immigrant rights."
"If confirmed, he will have an opportunity to overturn much of what Trump has done," he said via Twitter.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, they are "proud" Becerra, the son of Mexican immigrants, will be nominated to head the Health and Human Services Department, calling him "a dedicated public servant."
"Becerra has lived the American Dream and he is a champion for working families, which we saw firsthand during his tenure as a leader in Congress," Castro said in a statement, encouraging the incoming Biden administration to select five people of Latin heritage to his cabinet.
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The news follows Biden last month announcing a slate of Cabinet nominees that include Alejandro Mayorkas to be the first Latino nominated to head the Department of Homeland Security and Janet Yellen to be the first woman to serve as Treasury secretary.


upi--2020-12-06--Floyd Mayweather Jr. announces exhibition bout against YouTuber Logan Paul

Dec. 6 ( UPI ) -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced Sunday he will return to the ring for an exhibition fight against YouTube personality Logan Paul next year .
In a post on social media , the retired former boxing champion said the bout is scheduled for Feb. 20 .
According to the event 's official website , the match will be streamed on pay-per-view .
The first one million purchases of the event will cost $ 24.99 , with the price increasing after that threshold is reached or the date of the fight gets closer .
The price climbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017 after defeating former UFC champion Conor McGregor via TKO in the 10th round .
The bout , which was McGregor 's boxing debut , was sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and allowed the 43-year-old Mayweather to end his career with an official record of 50-0 ( 27 KOs ) .
Mayweather 's last match came on New Year 's Eve in 2018 , when he came out of retirement and fought kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition that reportedly earned the boxer about $ 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squared off against another YouTube star named `` KSI '' in a six-round fight sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission .
`` KSI '' won in a split decision .
Logan Paul , 25 , is the older brother of fellow YouTube personality Jake Paul , who most recently knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition bout last month .
Jake Paul has an official record of 2-0 with two knockouts .

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Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s last match came on New Year's Eve in 2018, when he came out of retirement and fought kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition. File Photo by David Becker/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced Sunday he will return to the ring for an exhibition fight against YouTube personality Logan Paul next year. In a post on social media, the retired former boxing champion said the bout is scheduled for Feb. 20. According to the event's official website, the match will be streamed on pay-per-view. Advertisement
The first one million purchases of the event will cost $24.99, with the price increasing after that threshold is reached or the date of the fight gets closer. The price climbs to $69.99 beginning Feb. 11.
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Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017 after defeating former UFC champion Conor McGregor via TKO in the 10th round. The bout, which was McGregor's boxing debut, was sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and allowed the 43-year-old Mayweather to end his career with an official record of 50-0 (27 KOs).
Mayweather's last match came on New Year's Eve in 2018, when he came out of retirement and fought kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition that reportedly earned the boxer about $9 million.
In November 2019, Paul squared off against another YouTube star named "KSI" in a six-round fight sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. "KSI" won in a split decision.
Logan Paul, 25, is the older brother of fellow YouTube personality Jake Paul, who most recently knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition bout last month. Jake Paul has an official record of 2-0 with two knockouts.