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Dr Raj Prasanna
Dr. Raj Prasanna is an expert in Technology and Systems for supporting Emergency Management. He graduated from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 1995 in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. He also obtained an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka in 2000 and an MSc in Information Technology from University of Colombo in 2005. Raj is also a qualified chartered engineer in Information Technology. Raj has been a fulltime academic and a researcher since 2004 and obtained his PhD from Loughborough University, UK in 2010 in Information Systems supporting Emergency Response. Raj's current research interests include application of Internet of Things (IoT) for Disaster Management, Human Computer Interface supporting Emergencies and Cognitive Requirements Capturing Techniques for Emergencies. His recent research findings related to emergency response is now being used by the Ministry of Civil Defence of UK and the UK fire and rescue service, to develop information systems supporting fire emergency response. Since 2011 Raj is attached to the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University. He teaches Emergency Management and Incident Command Systems and coordinates Emergency Management Program at Massey. Previously he served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He also served as a part-time lecturer and a visiting academic at the Loughborough University, UK. He has also served as a visiting lecturer for the Sri Lankan affiliations of Massey University, Sheffield Hallam University, UK and RMIT University Australia. Prior to his academic career, Raj worked in the industry for nearly nine years in different managerial and technical job roles, including a top managerial position in a Sri Lankan office of one of the fortune five hundred manufacturing companies. Raj is also a professional consultant in many IS/IT related projects in top business ventures in Sri Lanka and Europe.
Raj is an expert in Technology and Systems for supporting Emergency Management.
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Ph: +6448015799 Ext: 62167
Location: T20i, T20
Campus: Wellington
Raj's current research interests include application of Internet of Things (IoT) for Disaster Management, Human Computer Interface
supporting Emergencies and Cognitive Requirements Capturing Techniques for Emergencies.
Massey University Research Fund (01/01/2015) An exploratory study of information requirements for emergency operation centre personnel
Early Career Research Fund (March 2014) Research on Emergency Operation Centre Software Usability
Resource Development and Management, Design – for Commerce, Community and Culture, Health and Well-being
Cognitive Sciences (170200): Computer Perception, Memory and Attention (170201):
Computer Software (080300): Computer System Architecture (080302): Computer-Human Interaction (080602): Decision Support and Group Support Systems (080605):
Engineering (090000):
Information And Computing Sciences (080000): Information Systems (080600):
Interdisciplinary Engineering (091500):
Psychology And Cognitive Sciences (170000):
Risk Engineering (excl. Earthquake Engineering) (091507):
Software Engineering (080309):
Technology (100000)
IS for Emergency Response, Internet of Things, Disaster/Emergency Management, IT, MIS, Situation Awareness, Cognitive Task Analysis, Interpretive Case Study Research
Ahangama, N., Prasanna, R., & Blake, D. (2018). 'Living with the floods': the influence of relational and cognitive capital on disaster risk management capacities in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. Resilience. 7(1), 41-58 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21693293.2018.1485622
[Journal article]Authored by: Blake, D., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Tan, ML., Prasanna, R., Stock, K., Hudson-Doyle, E., Leonard, G., & Johnston, D. (2017). Mobile applications in crisis informatics literature: A systematic review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 24, 297-311
[Journal article]Authored by: Hudson-Doyle, E., Johnston, D., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R., Stock, K.
Prasanna, R., Yang, L., King, M., & Huggins, TJ. (2017). Information systems architecture for fire emergency response. Journal of Enterprise Information Management. 30(4), 605-624
[Journal article]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2015). Disaster Risk Management and Resilience: What Remains Untouched?. NSBM Journal of Management. 1(1), 52-72
Prasanna, R., & Huggins, TJ. (2016). Factors affecting the acceptance of information systems supporting emergency operations centres. Computers in Human Behavior. 57, 168-181
Yang, L., Prasanna, R., & King, M. (2015). GDIA: Eliciting information requirements in emergency first response. Requirements Engineering. 20(4), 345-362
Prasanna, R., Yang, L., & King, M. (2014). Sensor networks supporting fire Emergency Response. ABU Technical Review. (258), 8-13
Prasanna, R., Yang, L., & King, M. (2013). Guidance for developing human-computer interfaces for supporting fire emergency response. Risk Management. 15(3), 155-179
Prasanna, R., King, M., & Yang, L. (2010). Real-time resources. Fire Risk Management. (JULY), 38-43
Yang, L., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R., & King, M. (2009). Situation awareness oriented user interface design for rire emergency response. Journal of Emergency Management. 7(1), 65-74 Retrieved from http://pnpcsw.pnpco.com/cadmus/testvol.asp?year=2009&journal=jem
Yang, L., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R., & King, M. (2009). On-site information systems design for emergency first responders. Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application. 10(1), 5-27 Retrieved from http://aisel.aisnet.org/jitta/vol10/iss1/
Prasanna, R. (2010). Information Systems for Supporting Fire Emergency Response. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP. (2005). Enterprise Resource Planning Software for Apparel Brand Identification. (Master's Thesis)
[Masters Thesis]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP. (2000). Application of Balanced Scorecard to the Software Industry: A Study of Two Organizations. (Master's Thesis)
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP. (1995). Automated Test & Measuring System Based on GPIB. (Master's Thesis)
Adhikari, M., Paton, D., Johnston, D., Prasanna, R., & McColl, ST. (2018). Modelling predictors of earthquake hazard preparedness in Nepal. Procedia Engineering. Vol. 212 (pp. 910 - 917).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Johnston, D., McColl, S., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2017). Knowledge Improvisation during floods. 3rd International Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference, MERCon 2017. (pp. 455 - 460).
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2016). Knowledge networks for flood resilience: A case of public administration officers of ratnapura. In Annual Research Symposium 2016 Proceedings(pp. 116 - 116). , University of Colombo Annual Research Symposium 2016: University of Colombo Sri Lanka
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2016). Calm over calamity: The effect of knowledge networks on resilience. In N. Domingo, & S. Wilkinson (Eds.) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Building Resilience. (pp. 478 - 491). : The 6th International Building Resilience Conference 2016
Tan, M., Prasanna, R., Hudson-Doyle, E., Stock, KM., Leonard, G., & Johnston, D. (2016). A review: Crisis informatics and mobile applications in building resilience. In N. Domingo, & S. Wilkinson (Eds.) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Building Resilience. (pp. 504 - 516). : 6th International Conference on Building Resilience
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Hudson-Doyle, E., Johnston, D., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R., Stock, K.
Madhubhashini, ETS., & Prasanna, R. (2016). Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries in the Western Sri Lankan Waters. , National Conference on Geo-spatial Science and Disaster Management
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2015). Role of structural social capital for effective knowledge transfer - A review of literature. , Annual Research Symposium 2015 Sri Lanka
Ahangama, N., & Prasanna, R. (2015). Government initiatives to form knowledge networks to promote disaster resilience in Sri Lanka. India: 2nd World Congress on Disaster Management
Jayalath, JADUD., Prasanna, R., Perera, HSC., & Samarasinghe, GD. (2015). Relationship between quality and supply chain management practices towards operational performance of Sri Lankan rubber products manufacturing (export) firms. Proceedings of the International research Conference on Management and finance 2015. (pp. 383 - 412). Colombo, Sri Lanka: The 10th International Research Conference on Management and Finance 2015
Atulugama, S., Prasanna, RP., & Nanayakkara, V. (2014). Earning expected benefits of ERP for insurance organisations in Sri Lanka: Implementation perspective. Proceedings of NITC 2014, Sri Lanka. (pp. 1 - 3). Sri Lanka: National Information Technology Conference
Prasanna, RP., Yang, L., & King, M.Human Computer interactrion for Supporting Fire Emergency First Responders. . Melbourne
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Rahubadde, RP. (2013, July). Human computer interaction for supporting fire emergency first responders. Presented at People and the Planet 2013: Transforming the Future. RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Prasanna, R., Yang, L., & King, M. (2013). Human computer interaction for supporting fire emergency first responders. In P. James, C. Hudson, S. Carroll-Bell, & A. Tiang (Eds.) People and the Planet 2013: Transforming the Future. (pp. 1 - 25). Melbourne, Australia: People and the Planet 2013: Transforming the Future
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP., Yang, L., & King, M.(2012, August 26). Design guidelines for human computer interfaces supporting fire emergency response. In IDRC Davos 2012: Interative Risk Management in a Changing World - Pathways to a Resilient Society: Programme and Abstracts(pp. 169 - 169). , 4th International Disaster and Risk Conference [IDRC Davos 2012]: Integrative Risk Management in a Changing World - Pathways to a Resilient Society Switzerland: Global Risk Forum GRF Davos
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP., Yang, L., & King, M. (2012, August). Design guidelines for human computer interfaces supporting fire emergency response. Presented at 4th International Disaster and Risk Conference [IDRC Davos 2012]: Integrative Risk Management in a Changing World - Pathways to a Resilient Society. Davos, Switzerland.
Ekanayake, T., Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP., & Kuruppu, G. (2012). End-user acceptance of ERP systems in manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka. In TR. Perera, SR. Manorathna, & SB. Ranasinghe (Eds.) The Seventh International Research Conference on Management and Finance [IRCMF 2012]: Conference Proceeding. (pp. 176 - 192). Sri Lanka: The Seventh International Research Conference on Management and Finance [IRCMF 2012]
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP., Pituwala, S., & Kuruppu, G. (2012). Impact of decision making on project success in virtual software development projects in Sri Lanka. In TR. Perera, SR. Manorathna, & SB. Ranasinghe (Eds.) The Seventh International Research Conference on Management and Finance [IRCMF 2012]: Conference Proceedings. (pp. 402 - 416). Sri Lanka: The Seventh International Research Conference on Management and Finance [IRCMF 2012]
Prasanna, R., Yang, L., & King, M. (2011). Evaluation of a Software Prototype for Supporting Fire Emergency Response. http://www.iscramlive.org/ISCRAM2011/proceedings/papers/110.pdf: 8th International ISCRAM Conference
Adhikari, M., Prasanna, R., Johnston, D., & McColl, S. (2015). Research agenda for Nepal: A country recovering from a mega disaster. : All India Disaster Mitigation Institute
[Internet publication]Authored by: Johnston, D., McColl, S., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Prasanna, RP. (2015, March). Introduction to Emergency Management Information Systems. In Emergency Management Summer Institute March 2015, Massey University, Wellington.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Prasanna, RP. (2015, March). Decision making and Information Management. In ASEAN - AHA Centre ( ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management ) visiting cohort. Presented at Massey University.
Prasanna, RP. (2015, January). Contemporary Emergency Management in New Zealand. In Presented at the National Emergency Management Response Plan Revision Workshop, Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka..
Prasanna, R., Adank, R., & Kremer, K. (2014). Successfully got through to the 2nd round of Humanitarian Innovation Fund ( Large Grant). Topic: Floodscape Value: 139,620 GPB.
[Other]Authored by: Adank, R., Kremer, K., Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.Contributed to by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Prasanna, RP. (2014, September). Emergency & Service Management in New Zealand: Moving on from the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.Contributed to by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Prasanna, R. (2014, March). Introduction to Emergency Management Information Systems. In Emergency Management Summer Institute, Massey University Campus, Wellington, New Zealand.
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP. (2014, January). Human centred design considerations for systems supporting extreme environments. In Research Seminar: Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Prasanna, R., Mitchell, J., & Johal, S. (2013). Design and Development of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Emergency Management. https://www.open2study.com/courses/emergency-management
[Other]Authored by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.Contributed to by: Rahubadde Kankanamge, R.
Rahubadde Kankanamge, RP. (2012, April). Dynamic Information Management during Fire Emergency Response in Buildings.
Consultancy and Languages
Last used: Daily
Spoken ability: Excellent
Written ability: Excellent
Last used: Not Often
Spoken ability: Needs work
Written ability: Needs work
Emergency Managment Program Cordinator
130.201 Introduction to (Civil Defence) Emergency Management in New Zealand
130.301 Incident Command Systems
130.705 Emergency Management
130.799 Research Project in Emergency Management
130.202 Introduction to Emergency Management
130.204 Disaster Risk and Emergency Management Internship
Nilani Hewa Algiriyage - Doctor of Philosophy
Cross Domain Data Fusion and Analytics of Social Media in Disaster Management
Sara Harrison - Doctor of Philosophy
Understanding the role of non- traditional data sources in impact modelling and impact-based warnings for natural hazards
Yasir Syed - Doctor of Philosophy
Development of a Framework to Model Interdependencies between Critical Lifeline Utilities and their effect on Outage Time of different regions
Marion Tan - Doctor of Philosophy
Evaluating the usability of disaster apps from the perspective of the general public
Hayley Squance - Doctor of Philosophy
Enhancing multi-agency collaboration in Animal Welfare Emergency Management
Completed Doctoral Supervision
2019 - Mina Adhikari - Doctor of Philosophy
Modelling Earthquake Hazard Preparedness in Recovery Period in Nepal
Google Scholar - Research Contributions


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Head of city affordable housing agency steps down, latest de Blasio appointee to leave
Gary Rodney is leaving as head of the City Housing Development Corp.
A top de Blasio housing official is stepping down, the city announced Thursday. It is the latest in a string of recent high-profile departures from the administration.
Gary Rodney has led the Housing Development Corp., the city's affordable-housing financing agency, since 2014 and is expected to leave his post in September. The agency is the largest municipal financier of affordable housing in the country, and is regarded by many in the industry as a well-oiled machine that has churned out $3.9 billion in loans since Mayor Bill de Blasio took office.
Rodney, who was honored last year by Crain's as a 40 Under 40, made several changes to the way the corporation was run in order to boost the creation of affordable housing. He plans to join City Real Estate Advisors, a private-sector firm that connects affordable housing developers with tax credits and equity.
"We are immensely grateful for Gary Rodney's incredible contributions to the Housing Development Corp., and the historic levels of affordable housing he helped to spur," said de Blasio in a statement.
De Blasio nominated Eric Enderlin, who is currently the deputy commissioner at the city's other housing agency, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, to replace Rodney. The Housing Development Corp.'s board will vote on his nomination Sept. 22.
Rodney's exit comes on the heels of several other departures this spring and summer: Police Commissioner Bill Bratton announced his resignation last week to join the private sector. In July, the mayor's counsel, Maya Wiley, left. And earlier the city's chief digital officer, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection and the head of the Mayor's Office of Sustainability stepped down.
SL Green settles lawsuit over Grand Central Terminal air rights
Large office landlord reaches deal to build its first residential building in t…
City's retail real estate market weakens but outlook is promising for some shop…
City launches loan platform for budding developers
Advocates fume as state housing plan delayed until 2017
Major developer finds Chinese partner for new Billionaire's Row tower
Stellar Management buys out partner in SoHo office property
East Hampton makes the good life a little better with bond sale
ConEd asks New Yorkers to use fans, weather service urges New Yorkers to keep A…
Sponsored Content: The right worker-employer relationship can help New York come back and win in the long haul

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Frequently Asked Questions about our PhD in Health Policy
Q. Do I need to identify and connect with a mentor before or during my application?
No, advisors will be assigned to accepted students shortly before the start of their first quarter.
Q: Can I apply to the Stanford Health Policy Program on SOPHAS?
No, applicants must apply through Stanford's graduate admissions portal – https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply – and pay the corresponding application fee.
Q: What degrees are required before applying to the program?
To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See the Office of Graduate Admissions for the minimum level of study required of International applicants - https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/eligibility
Q: Is a masters degree required before applying to the program?
No, we welcome applicants both with and without masters degrees.
Q: Are the GREs required for the Fall 2022 application cycle?
No, GREs are optional for the Fall 2022 application cycle. Please note that this may change in future years.
Q: Do I need to take the TOEFL Exam?
TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English, however exemptions are granted to applicants in certain situations. Please see: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores
Q: Can I submit my IELTS scores instead of TOEFL scores?
Stanford does not accept IELTS scores. Please see: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores
Q: What are the minimum TOEFL scores for your program?
TOEFL minimum requirements are provided by Stanford University on the Graduate Admissions webpage: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores
Q: Is there a minimum GPA required to apply to your program?
There is no minimum GPA to be considered for admission to our program.
Q: Can my letters of recommendation arrive after the deadline?
No, the deadline is provided to you as a final deadline. All letters must be received, and all applications must be filed through Stanford Graduate Admissions by 11:59 pm on the deadline.
Q: Can I submit my World Education Services (WES) transcripts?
Credential evaluations submitted by WES/other international credential service providers do not fulfill the official transcript requirement. We recommend that you use the options within the application. You can also find more information and guidance at the Stanford Graduate Admissions page for international applicants.
Q: How long should my statement of purpose be and what should it include?
Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length, single-spaced. Make sure to set your computer to Western European or another English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if submitted in other fonts. Please make sure to include which track you are applying for and please include policy area(s) of interest.
Q: Can my recommenders mail in their letters of recommendation?
All recommendations must be submitted using the online application system. As part of the online application, you will be required to submit the names and contact information, including email addresses, of your recommenders. Recommenders will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed. Letters of recommendation should not be emailed or faxed.
Q: Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?
Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver through the School of Medicine. Applications for fee waivers WILL NOT affect applicants' chances for admission.
The fee waiver program gives preference to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants who are part of a group that the NIH considers to be in need of a special recruitment and retention plan to diversify the biomedical sciences workforce are invited to apply, as well as any additional applicants for whom the application fee would be a substantial burden. Applying to more than one fee waiver option will not increase your opportunity of receiving a fee waiver. For a complete list of fee waiver options and eligibility requirements, please visit the Graduate Diversity website: https://graddiversity.stanford.edu/graduate-fee-waivers
Please note that fee waiver requests are required to be submitted 15 business days prior to the program application deadline so please plan accordingly.
Q: What is included in the offer of admission?
The offer of admission includes stipend, health insurance and graduate tuition. The stipend and benefits for each academic year are set in early March of the year before.
Q: I am not a citizen or permanent resident of the US, am I still eligible for admission and funding?
Individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the US may apply to the program. However, due to funding restrictions we are seldom able to admit applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents and who do not have funding through the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program or substantial funding from another non-Stanford source. Students who are non-citizens or non-permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply for such funding.
For information about the Knight-Hennessy Program, please see: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/(please note the Knight-Hennessy Program has earlier deadlines than the PhD program)
We strongly encourage applicants to apply for scholarships/fellowships in their home country that can be used overseas. Some other useful websites that include information on external fellowships are:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fogarty International Center at the NIH
International Center at the Institute of International Education (IIE)
Applying for scholarships/fellowships generally takes some time to arrange, so plan ahead.
Q: Where can I find information about tuition and costs of living at Stanford?
For information about tuition, please see: https://studentservices.stanford.edu/my-finances/tuition-fees/tuition-rates and change statement.
For information on costs of living estimates, please see: https://financialaid.stanford.edu/grad/budget/index.html
Q: Where can I get more information about the required and elective courses?
For brief summaries, and scheduling information about courses at Stanford, please see: https://explorecourses.stanford.edu/
Q: If I apply to the PhD program and am not admitted, will I automatically be considered for the MS in Health Policy Program?
No, the PhD and MS programs are separate and focus on different skills and methods, therefore the application process is separate as well. Please see https://healthpolicy.fsi.stanford.edu/content/ms-health-policy for further information about the MS Program in Health Policy at Stanford.
Q: Can I do the PhD part-time?
No, the program is a full-time program.
Q: Can I do the PhD Program remotely?
No, the program is a full-time, in-person program.
Q. I have questions about the program's application process, whom should I contact?
For questions related to the application process, please email the HRP education program student services officer at HRPadmissions@stanford.edu.
Q. I have questions about the program's structure, focus, research opportunities, etc. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Dr. Corinna Haberland - corinnah@stanford.edu.
FOR THOSE CHOOSING TO SUBMIT THEIR GRE SCORES:
Q. I was unable to get a GRE test date early enough to guarantee that my scores will be submitted by the application deadline. Can they be submitted after that date?
We understand that sometimes scheduling conflicts can result in later-than-desirable GRE test dates. As long as the GRE exam is taken before the application deadline, scores will be accepted up to 3 weeks after the deadline date.
Q: I requested that my official GRE scores be sent, but I don't see them when I log into my application, should I be concerned?
Official scores from ETS can only match up to submitted applications in the system. Additionally, the matching process only happens once a week so matching can take up to 2 weeks after an applicant has submitted her/his application. We encourage applicants to self-report GRE scores in the application so that scores are still available to application reviewers during the score matching process.
Q: What are the minimum GRE scores for your program?
There are no minimum GRE General Test scores to be considered for admission to our program. Further information about the GRE is provided by Stanford University on the Graduate Admissions webpage: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores


text:
from __future__ import absolute_import
import csv

class Parser(object):

    def __init__(self, stream, **options):
        self.stream = iter(stream)
        self.options = options

    def read(self):
        for i in range(self.options.get('skip', 0)):
            self.stream.next()

        reader = csv.reader(self.stream)
        headers = self.options.get('headers', True)
        if headers is True:
            headers = reader.next()
        if headers:
            reader = csv.DictReader(self.stream, fieldnames=headers)

        return list(reader)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
DAC6
The new EU Mandatory Disclosure Regime
A collection of local and global insights and news to help businesses manage and mitigate the risk presented by COVID-19.
RPA & Artificial Intelligence
Robotic Process Automation (RPA), cognitive and artificial intelligence have the potential to make business processes smarter and more efficient.
Global business tax
Customer & Marketing
Strategy & Analytics
Deloitte Legal around the world
Dbriefs Legal
About Deloitte Legal
The CIO of today has become a technology leader, serving as the primary link between business strategy and the IT agenda, introducing new technology and processes that benefit the organisation.
Making a positive impact across multiple industries.
A guide to the insurance market in Malta
Shipping & Ports
IFRS Insurance
The power of diversity and inclusion
Living and working in Malta
Follow your ambitions! #lifeatdeloittemalta
After applying to a job in Malta, you can access/update your candidate profile.
Benefits and culture
Deloitte Programmes
International graduates
MT-EN Location: Malta-English
What is XBRL? has been saved
What is XBRL? has been removed
An Article Titled What is XBRL? already exists in Saved items
What is XBRL?
From 2020, issuers on EU regulated markets are required to prepare their IFRS annual financial reporting in a European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) according to the XBRL format. Deloitte can provide insights in financial and non-financial reporting, processes, technology and organisation.
XBRL stands for eXtensible Business Reporting Language and is an open, international standard for the exchange of financial and non-financial information in digital form. The computer-based language enables the electronic communication of structured business data by providing a machine-readable tag. This tag is similar to a bar code so that each individual disclosure is uniquely identifiable and can be manipulated by a computer programme that can recognise the tags. The technology makes reporting more standardised and enables computer systems to automatically recognise and process data throughout the entire reporting chain. This simplifies the delivery of digital reports to various parties and enables better access of information for analyses and benchmarking purposes.
XBRL benefits
Greater accuracy: XBRL makes the analysis and exchange of corporate financial information more reliable because your computer application accesses data directly.
Reusing data: XBRL-tagged reports allow organisations to share and reuse data in business reports more easily, both internally and with other organisations.
Better data management: The XBRL framework gives you the power to systematically manage and check data. Information can be monitored in real time, enhancing validation.
Easier document reading: XBRL taxonomies can enable your computer to read any document. If you only speak Chinese or French, you can collect and reassemble data from documents written in Finnish or Welsh if they are XBRL-tagged.
The mandating of XBRL by the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has paved the way for the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to implement the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF).
Learn more about Deloitte's XBRL services.
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text:
Author: Bob Sarber
Writer, editor, photographer on the central coast of California. Subjects include history, art, nature, current events and sports.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 19,740,471 and the nation's death toll stands at 342,312, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… The nation's leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said yesterday that he foresees America regaining "some semblance of normality" by autumn 2021, despite early setbacks in the vaccine rollout. During an online discussion that included California Governor Gavin Newsom, Fauci said it will take until next fall to achieve enough collective COVID-19 immunity through vaccinations. Newsom, meanwhile, announced that the more infectious coronavirus variant originally found in the United Kingdom has been detected in his state. Newsom said the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 had been confirmed earlier in the day in a Southern California patient.
BIDEN NOMINATIONS… President-elect Joe Biden added two more nominations to the
Pentagon staff yesterday. Biden's transition team announced that Kathleen Hicks has been nominated for deputy secretary of defense and Colin Kahl as undersecretary of defense for policy. If confirmed, Hicks would be the first woman to hold the position. She is currently a senior vice president and director of the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
UN EXPERTS SAY TRUMP PARDONS VIOLATED LAW… A panel of independent United Nations experts yesterday concluded that President Trump's pardon last week of four former Blackwater Worldwide mercenaries violates U.S. obligations under international law and urged member states to condemn the action. The four men were convicted of killing 14 Iraqis and injuring 17 others during an attack on Nisour Square in 2007. Nicholas Slatten was convicted of first-degree murder and Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were convicted of voluntary and attempted manslaughter. Slatten was sentenced to life while the other three received at least 12-year-imprisonment orders.
MICHIGAN APPROVES FLINT TRUST FUND… The creation of a trust fund to distribute a $641 million settlement to residents affected by the Flint water crisis was approved yesterday by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The governor signed a pair of bills that authorize the state to issue bonds to cover the settlement. The state agreed to settle in August. The crisis began in 2014 when Flint changed its water source in a cost-cutting move and high levels of lead started showing up in people's drinking water. An investigation revealed officials failed to apply corrosion inhibitors leading to aging pipes leaching lead into the water supply, exposing residents to toxic contamination.
CENSUS BUREAU STRUGGLES AT DEADLINE… The U.S. Census Bureau acknowledged yesterday that it does not expect to meet today's deadline to produce population counts used to allocate seats in Congress. The bureau said in a statement yesterday that it will continue to process the data it has collected since October and plans to "deliver a complete and accurate state population count for apportionment" in early 2021. The Census Bureau didn't specify a date but vowed to deliver the data "as close to the statutory deadline as possible."
ACTRESS DAWN WELLS DIES… Actress Dawn Wells, who was best known for playing Mary Ann in the 1960s sitcom "Gilligan's Island," died died in Los Angeles of causes related to COVID-19. She was 82. After "Gilligan's Island" completed its three-season run in 1967. Wells continued her role in three made-for-TV sequel movies that aired between 1978 and 1982. The former Miss Nevada who competed in the 1959 Miss America pageant also had television roles in "77 Sunset Strip," "Maverick," "Bonanza," "The Joey Bishop Show," "Hawaiian Eye," "The Wild Wild West" and "ALF."
BIDENS TO RING IN NEW YEAR… President-elect Joe Biden and incoming First Lady Jill Biden are planning to ring in the new year tonight as part of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC. The Bidens will sit down with Seacrest for their final interview of 2020 before transitioning into the White House next month. The event will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest will feature performances by Jennifer Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Brandy and Billy Porter.
BOSTON 126 – Memphis 107… Jaylen Brown poured in a career-high 42 points and the
Celtics made it 10 straight wins over the Grizzlies. Brown was 7-of-10 from beyond the arc.
BROOKLYN 145 – Atlanta 141… Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the Nets surged past the Hawks. Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds. Joe Harris tossed in 23 points. Jarrett Allen delivered 15 points and 13 boards off the bench.
MIAMI 119 – Milwaukee 108… The Heat topped the Bucks just 24 hours after losing to them by 47 points. Goran Dragic came off the bench and scored 26 points. Bam Adebayo dropped in 22 points. Tyler Herro finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Charlotte 118 – DALLAS 99… Rookie LaMelo Ball scored 22 points to lead the Hornets in their rout of the Mavericks. Miles Bridges racked up 20 points and 16 boards.
L.A. Lakers 121 – SAN ANTONIO 107… The Lakers used an 11-0 first-quarter run to shake off an early deficit and take the lead for good in their win over the Spurs. LeBron James led the way with 26 points on his 36th birthday. Dennis Schroder added 21 points and Anthony Davis tossed in 20. Spurs' assistant coach Becky Hammon became the first woman to direct an NBA team when she took over for Gregg Popovich following his second-quarter ejection.
L.A. CLIPPERS 128 – Portland 105… Kawhi Leonard returned from a two-game absence and scored 28 points in leading the Clippers in their romp over the Trail Blazers. Paul George added 23 points.
Cleveland is at Indiana…
Washington hosts Chicago…
Philadelphia is at Orlando…
Houston hosts Sacramento…
New York is at Toronto…
Oklahoma City hosts New Orleans…
Phoenix is at Utah
Wisconsin 42, Wake Forest 28 in the Mayo Bowl…
No. 6 Oklahoma 55, No. 7 Florida 20 in the Cotton Bowl
No. 2 BAYLOR 105, Alcorn State 76…
No. 7 Tennessee 73, No. 12 MISSOURI 53…
No. 25 OHIO STATE 90, Nebraska 54
Bob Sarber	Current Events	Leave a comment December 31, 2020 December 31, 2020 4 Minutes
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 19,556,927 and the nation's death toll stands at 338,561, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… A more infectious strain of the coronavirus that prompted an uptick of cases in the United Kingdom has officially arrived in the U.S. Colorado Governor Jared Polis revealed yesterday that state health officials found a case of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in a male patient in his 20s who had no travel history. There is no evidence yet that B.1.1.7 is deadlier or vaccine-resistant… NBC News has reported that the coronavirus vaccination effort in the U.S. is seriously behind schedule. At the current rate, it would take nearly 10 years for enough Americans to be vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus, the network says. The slightly more than 2 million people who have received the first dose of the vaccine in the U.S. so far is well below the 20 million that the Trump administration promised to have done by the end of the year.
McCONNELL BLOCKS RAISED STIMULUS PAYMENTS… Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell yesterday blocked a bipartisan effort to quickly pass a measure to increase direct stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sought to pass the change to the omnibus spending bill through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but McConnell objected. The House passed the increase to stimulus payments on Monday. The measure could be scheduled for another vote in the Senate at a later date. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service would begin delivering the $600 payments as early as last night through direct deposit, with paper checks being mailed out today.
CONGRESSMAN-ELECT DIES OF COVID… Louisiana congressman-elect Luke Letlow died yesterday after a short battle with Covid-19. The 41-year-old Letlow had announced his diagnosis on his Facebook page on December 18. Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered that flags in the state be flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral. A new representative for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District will be determined by special election.
SAUDI ARABIA ARMS SALE APPROVED… The Trump administration yesterday approved a possible $300 million arms sale to Saudi Arabia. The State Department's Defense Security Cooperation Agency gave its okay on the sale of 3,000 Boeing-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I Munitions and related equipment to the ally Middle Eastern country for $290 million. The State Department said the munitions will increase Saudi Arabia's stock of long-range, precision air-to-ground munitions that will improve the nation's "capability to meet current and future threats."
DOJ CLOSES TAMIR RICE INVESTIGATION… The Justice Department announced yesterday that it has closed its civil rights investigation into the fatal 2014 shooting by Cleveland police of Tamir Rice and that no federal criminal charges would be brought in the case. The announcement came five years after an Ohio grand jury cleared two Cleveland officers of state charges in the death of Rice, a 12-year-old youth who was shot in a playground while holding a pellet gun. Both officers are white.
CHRISTMAS SONGS DOMINATE HOT 100 CHART… A total of 39 holiday songs dominate this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, including nine holiday tunes in the Top 10. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" holds the top spot for the fifth time. Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" follows in second place. Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock," Burl Ives' "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" are also in the top five.
'DANCING' CHAMP BATTLING COVID… Recently crowned "Dancing with the Stars" champion Kaitlyn Bristowe is battling Covid-19, she announced on social media yesterday. Bristowe, an alum of "The Bachelor" franchise, said she and her her boyfriend Jason Tartick had been quarantining before the holidays but the one person they allowed to come visit was carrying the virus. Tartick was a contestant on "The Bachelorette."
New York 95 – CLEVELAND 86… The Knicks built an early double-digit lead and held off the Cavaliers. Julius Randle racked up 28 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Golden State 116 – Detroit 106… Stephen Curry pumped in 31 points and Andrew Wiggins scored 17 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Warriors put away the Pistons.
Boston 116 – INDIANA 111… The Celtics rallied from 17 points down in the third quarter to take down the Pacers. Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 27 points and grabbed 11 boards.
PHILADELPHIA 100 – Toronto 93… Joel Embiid had game-highs with 29 points and 15 rebounds in leading the 76ers past the Raptors. Tobias Harris added 26 points and 11 boards.
Chicago 115 – WASHINGTON 107… Zach ZaVine scored nine straight points during a third-quarter surge and the Bulls dealt the Wizards their fourth straight loss. Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 rebounds to go with his 10 points.
Milwaukee 144 – MIAMI 97… The Bucks made an NBA-record 29 3-pointers in their bombing of the Heat. Kris Middleton led the way with 25 points. Jrue Holiday added 24 points.
Orlando 118 – Oklahoma City 107… The Magic handled the Thunder to win their fourth straight at the start of the season. Nikola Vucevic scored 28 points and pulled down 10 boards.
PHOENIX 111 – New Orleans 86… The Suns took over with a big second quarter and built a 39-point lead through three quarters in their thrashing of the Pelicans. Jae Crowder scored 21 points to lead six players in double figures.
L.A. CLIPPERS 124 – Minnesota 101… Lou Williams came off the bench to score 20 points and lead seven players in double figures as the Clippers cruised past the Timberwolves.
SACRAMENTO 125 – Denver 115… The Kings used a big fourth quarter to rally past the Nuggets. They got points from De'Aaron Fox and 20 from Richaun Holmes. Five other players scored in double figures.
Memphis is at Boston…
Milwaukee is at Miami…
Dallas hosts Charlotte…
the L.A. Clippers host Portland
No. 21 Oklahoma State 37, No. 18 Miami 34 in the Cheez-It Bowl…
No. 20 Texas 55, Colorado 23 in the Alamo Bowl
Wisconsin plays Wake Forest in the Mayo Bowl…
No. 6 Oklahoma plays No. 7 Florida in the Cotton Bowl
No. 1 GONZAGA 112, Dixie State 67…
No. 2 BAYLOR 93, Central Arkansas 56…
TULSA 65, No. 5 Houston 64…
No. 9 WEST VIRGINIA 73, Northeastern 51…
No. 10 IOWA 87, No. 19 Northwestern 73…
No. 14 RUTGERS 81, Purdue 76…
CLEMSON 77, No. 18 Florida State 67…
No. 23 TEXAS TECH 79, Incarnate Word 51…
No. 24 VIRGINIA TECH 80, Miami 78
COLLEGE BASKETBALL NEWS… The University of Arizona announced yesterday that it is self-imposing a one-year postseason ban on its men's basketball program. The decision follows the NCAA investigation stemming from the 2017 federal investigation into corruption in college basketball and college basketball recruiting. Former Arizona assistant coach Emanuel "Book" Richardson pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit bribery after being accused of accepting $20,000 to steer Arizona players to aspiring sports agent Christian Dawkins and financial advisers close to Dawkins.
MLB NEWS… The San Diego Padres made it official yesterday in announcing the acquisitions of pitchers Blake Snell from Tampa Bay and Yu Darvish from the Chicago Cubs. San Diego also announced the signing of infielder Ha-seong Kim from the Korea Baseball Organization. The deals follow the Padres' first postseason appearance in 14 years.
Bob Sarber	Current Events	Leave a comment December 30, 2020 5 Minutes
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 19,300,726 and the nation's death toll stands at 334,830, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… Surging cases and strained hospitals have left California Governor Gavin Newsom leaning toward a three-week renewal of mandatory constraints on gatherings and business activities in hardest-hit areas. The governor is expected to announce his decision today. As in many parts of the country, hospitalizations in California spiked amid holiday-season travel. A Reuters tally found that more than 118,000 coronavirus patients were being treated in U.S. hospitals across the country as of Sunday night.
HOUSE OVERRIDES TRUMP DEFENSE-BILL VETO… The House yesterday voted to override President Trump's veto of the annual defense spending bill. After the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act with a veto-proof majority, Trump opposed the bill because it did not repeal the law giving social media companies legal immunity for what their users post and because it called for the renaming of military bases honoring Confederate leaders. 109 Republicans joined Democrats in the 322-87 House vote in advancing the bill to the Senate, where a final vote is expected this week.
HOUSE VOTES TO RAISE STIMULUS PAYMENTS… The House yesterday passed a measure to raise direct stimulus payments to $2,000. The passage came less than a day after President Trump signed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that called for $600 payments. The Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help, or CASH Act, passed in a 275-134 floor vote brought by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The bill now heads to the Senate.
BIDEN SAYS TRANSITION BEING STONEWALLED… President-elect Joe Biden yesterday accused the White House of stonewalling his transition team, especially in matters of defense. Key Defense Department political appointees reportedly were reportedly directing career staffers to withhold critical information from the Biden team. Information included details about the SolarWinds cyberattack blamed on Russia. During a brief address in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden also complained that the Trump administration has purposely gutted key policy teams that oversee defense and national security.
REPUBLICANS SUE PENCE OVER ELECTORS… Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert and several other Republicans are suing Vice President Mike Pence in an improbable bid to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The suit asks a federal court to declare Pence legally authorized to pick pro-Trump electors on January 6, when the Electoral College is scheduled to certify the winner. Pence, as vice president, presides over the procedural task. Meanwhile, other Republicans are urging Trump to accept defeat gracefully. Republican Congressman Denver Riggleman of Virginia yesterday reacted to news of the lawsuit against Pence by tweeting, "This is NUTS."
LORI LOUGHLIN RELEASED FROM PRISON… Actress Lori Loughlin was released yesterday from a federal prison in Dublin, California. She served two months for her role in the 2019 college-admissions cheating scandal that saw some 50 people hit with federal bribery charges. The 56-year-old Loughlin, who was best known as Aunt Becky on the sitcom "Full House," admitted to paying $500,000 to get her two daughters into the University of Southern California on rowing scholarships. Loughlin's husband, designer Mossimo Giannulli, received a five-month sentence over the USC bribe and is scheduled to be released in April.
'BOSS BABY' SEQUEL RELEASED PUSHED BACK… Universal announced yesterday that the theater release date for the sequel "The Boss Baby: Family Business" is being pushed back from March 26, 2021 to September 17, 2021. Voice star Alec Baldwin returns, as do Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel. The original "Boss Baby," released in 2017, grossed more than $500 million worldwide.
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL..
Buffalo 38 – NEW ENGLAND 9… Josh Allen completed 27 of 36 passes for 320 yards and hit Stefon Diggs with three of his four touchdown passes as the Bills (12-3) routed the Patriots (6-9). Diggs finished with nine catches for 145 yards. Buffalo swept the season series with New England for the first time since 1999.
ATLANTA 128 – Detroit 120… Trae Young scored a game-high 29 points in leading the Hawks past the Pistons. Six other players scored in double figures for Atlanta.
Memphis 116 – BROOKLYN 111 (OT)… The Grizzlies outlasted the Nets despite losing Ja Morant in the first half due to an ankle injury. Kyle Anderson scored a career-high 28 points. Dillon Brooks added 24 points.
Utah 110 – OKLAHOMA CITY 109… Donovan Mitchell laid in the go-ahead basket with 7 seconds left and the Jazz held on to edge the Thunder. Mitchell and Michael Conley scored 20 points apiece. Conley also grabbed 10 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic led Utah with 23 points.
DENVER 124 – Houston 111… The Nuggets built an early double-digit lead and cruised past the short-handed Rockets. All five starters scored in double figures led by Jamal Murray's 21 points. Nikola Jokic racked up 19 points, 18 assists and 12 boards.
Portland 115 – L.A. LAKERS 107… The Trail Blazers used a fourth-quarter surge to rally past the Lakers. Damian Lillard scored 21 of his 31 points in the second half. CJ McCollum had 20 points and 11 assists.
New York is at Cleveland…
Detroit hosts Golden State…
Boston is at Indiana…
Philadelphia hosts Toronto…
Chicago is at Washington…
Miami hosts Milwaukee…
Orlando is at Oklahoma City…
Phoenix hosts New Orleans…
Minnesota is at the L.A. Clippers…
Sacramento hosts Denver
No. 1 GONZAGA 88, Northern Arizona 58…
Maryland 70, No. 6 WISCONSIN 64…
No. 21 MINNESOTA 81, Michigan State 56
No. 18 Miami plays Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl…
No. 20 Texas plays Colorado in the Alamo Bowl
Bob Sarber	Uncategorized	Leave a comment December 30, 2020 4 Minutes
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 19,107,675 and the nation's death toll stands at 333,055, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… The nation's leading infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned yesterday of a "post-seasonal surge" of COVID-19 cases following holiday gatherings. During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Fauci also said that "somewhere between 70 and 85 percent" of the population would need to be vaccinated against the virus in order to achieve herd immunity.
TRUMP SIGNS BILLS… President Trump last night signed a $2.3 trillion omnibus funding bill and an associated coronavirus relief bill following Saturday's expiration of unemployment benefits expired and a government shutdown that was to begin tomorrow. The two bills are tied together and Trump did not sign them as expected on last Thursday. Instead, he called the relief bill a "disgrace" and demanded amendments that included $2,000 in direct payments to Americans. The legislation he signed includes direct payments of $600 per adult and per child. The amount per adult is half the $1,200 payments that were provided under the CARES Act enacted in March, but the amount per child is slightly larger than the $500 allowed under that law.
AUTHORITIES ID NASHVILLE BOMBING SUSPECT… Authorities in Nashville said yesterday that the man believed to be responsible for Friday's downtown bombing in Nashville died in the explosion. The suspected bomber was identified as 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner. Investigators said they matched his DNA with human remains at the scene and matched a vehicle identification number to a registration associated with him. Warner reportedly acted alone in carrying out the bombing, which injured three people and damaged dozens of buildings.
SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIER CHARGED IN SHOOTINGS… Authorities yesterday announced the arrest of an active-duty Special Forces soldier who has been charged with murder after three people were killed and three wounded in a shooting Saturday at a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois. 37-year-old Duke Webb, an assistant operations and intelligence sergeant assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, was charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Webb was reportedly on leave at the time of the shootings.
HOLIDAY RETAIL SALES UP… Retail sales jumped 3 percent during this year's expanded holiday shopping season, according to figures released yesterday by Mastercard SpendingPulse. The jump was attributed to more people buying decorations and furniture for their homes during the pandemic. The report noted online shopping sales also grew a whopping 49 percent between October 11 and December 24, accounting for 19.7 percent of total retail sales. Unsurprisingly, Black Friday was the top spending day of the season.
TONY RICE, BLUEGRASS LEGEND, DIES… Bluegrass performer Tony Rice died Friday at his Reidsville, North Carolina, home of undisclosed causes, the International Bluegrass Association confirmed yesterday. He was 69. Rice, a 2013 Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, rose to fame in the 1970s as a guitarist and vocalist in the band New South and later performed with the David Grisman Quintet.
TAYLOR SWIFT REMAINS ATOP BOX OFFICE… Taylor Swift's "Evermore" sold 169,000 copies to top the Billboard 200 chart for a second straight week. Paul McCartney's newest release, "McCartney III," debuted in second place with 105,000 with units sold. Eminem's "Music to Be Murdered By" jumped to No. 3 after selling 94,000 copies. Michael Bublé's "Christmas" finished fourth on sales of 77,000 units. Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" capped the top five with 60,000 copies sold.
KANSAS CITY 17 – Atlanta 14… The Chiefs (14-1) fought off the Falcons (4-11) to clinch the AFC's top seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes threw a go-ahead 25-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson with 1:55 remaining. Kansas City's Travis Kelce became the first tight end to have two 100-catch seasons and set the single-season yardage record for a tight end with 1,467.
N.Y. JETS 23 – Cleveland 16… Kareem Hunt recovered a Baker Mayfield fumble with 1:16 remaining to seal the win as the Jets (2-13) stunned the Browns (10-5) and put a dent in their playoff chances. Sam Darnold threw a pair of second-quarter touchdown passes. Jamison Crowder put New York on the scoreboard in the first quarter when he took a pitch and threw 43 yards to fellow wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
PITTSBURGH 28 – Indianapolis 24… The Steelers (12-3) closed with 21 straight points to upend the Colts (10-5) and clinch the NFC North title. Ben Roethlisberger passed for 342 yards and hit three different receivers with touchdown passes.
Chicago 41 – JACKSONVILLE 17… The Bears (8-7) pulled away in the second half to hand the Jaguars (1-14) their 14th straight loss. Mitchell Trubisky found Jimmy Graham with a pair of touchdown passes and ran for a score. Allen Robinson had 10 catches for 103 yards.
BALTIMORE 27 – N.Y. Giants 13… The Ravens (10-5) scored the game's first 17 points and cruised past the Giants (5-10). Lamar Jackson threw touchdown passes to Marquise Brown and Dez Bryant.
Cincinnati 37 – HOUSTON 31… Samaje Perine ran 3 yards for his second touchdown of the day with 1:57 left to give the Bengals (4-10-1) the lead for good in their win over the Texans (4-11). Brandon Allen threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns.
L.A. CHARGERS 19 – Denver 16… The Chargers (6-9) held off the Broncos (5-10) to win their third in a row. Michael Badgley's fourth field goal of the game broke a tie with 41 seconds remaining. Justin Herbert's 9-yard touchdown pass to Austin Ekeler in the second quarter was his 28th scoring toss of the season, breaking the NFL rookie record set by Cleveland's Baker Mayfield in 2018.
Carolina 20 – WASHINGTON 3… The Panthers (5-10) took advantage of four Washington (6-9) turnovers to build a 20-3 halftime lead and held on for the victory. Their final score came on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Robby Anderson.
DALLAS 37 – Philadelphia 17… Andy Dalton passed for 377 yards and found Michael Gallup with two of his three touchdown passes as the Cowboys (6-9) handled the Eagles (4-10-1) to remain in the playoff hunt. Gallup had six catches for 121 yards. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 105 yards.
SEATTLE 20 – L.A. Rams 9… The Seahawks (11-4) downed the Rams (9-6) to claim the NFC West title. Russell Wilson ran for one touchdown and threw for another in the second half.
GREEN BAY 40 – Tennessee 14… Aaron Rodgers hit Davante Adams with three of his four touchdown passes and the Packers (12-3) crushed the Titans (10-5). Rodgers completed 21 of 25 passes for 231 yards in the snow at Lambeau. Adams finished with 11 catches for 142 yards. AJ Dillon carried 21 times for 124 yards and two scores.
Buffalo (11-3) is at New England (6-8)
Dallas 124 – L.A. CLIPPERS 73… The Mavericks built an NBA-record 50-point halftime lead in their dismantling of the Clippers. Luka Doncic scored a game-high 24 points despite playing only 26 minutes. Josh Richardson added 21 points.
CHARLOTTE 106 – Brooklyn 104… Gordon Hayward scored 28 points to lead six players in double figures and the Hornets held off the Knicks. P.J. Washington had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Orlando 120 – WASHINGTON 113… The Magic bombed the Wizards 43-19 in the fourth quarter for a come-from-behind win. Markelle Fultz and Terrence Ross scored 26 points apiece.
NEW ORLEANS 98 – San Antonio 95… Brandon Ingram scored 28 points and grabbed 11 boards in leading the Pelicans past the Spurs. Zion Williamson finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
CLEVELAND 118 – Philadelphia 94… Andre Drummond powered his way to 24 points and 14 boards as the Cavaliers rolled past the 76ers. Collin Sexton dropped in 22 points.
NEW YORK 130 – Milwaukee 110… The Knicks took control with a big second quarter and cruised past the Bucks. Julius Randle had game-highs with 29 points and 14 rebounds. Elfrid Payton tossed in 27 points.
INDIANA 108 – Boston 107… Domantas Sabonis was fouled while making a game-tying with 8.4 seconds left and converted the ensuing free throw to send the Pacers past the Celtics. Sabonis finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Malcolm Bogdon led Indiana with 25 points.
Golden State 129 – CHICAGO 128… Damion Lee knocked down a 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining to lift the Warriors over the Bulls. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 36 points.
Phoenix 116 – SACRAMENTO 100… The Suns shook off a slow start to put away the Kings. They got 22 points from Mikal Bridges and 20 from Devin Booker. Deandre Ayton pulled down 15 boards to go with his 11 points.
L.A. LAKERS 127 – Minnesota 91… The Lakers jumped out to a 40-23 lead after the first quarter and never looked back in their romp over the Timberwolves. Kyle Kuzma pumped in 20 points before sitting out most of the second half.
Detroit is at Atlanta…
Brooklyn hosts Memphis…
Utah is at Oklahoma City…
Denver hosts Houston…
Portland is at the L.A. Lakers
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 18,649,352 and the nation's death toll stands at 329,022, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… A forecasting model by researchers at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation now predicts there will be 567,000 deaths in the U.S. by April. They warned that deaths could surpass 5,000 per day by mid-February if governments don't order additional restrictions… California became the first state in the nation to surpass 2 million cases, just 44 days after recording 1 million cases on November 11. The state also reported a record of 18,875 hospitalizations including another record with 3,962 patients in ICU units.
A SCALED-DOWN CHRISTMAS… 2020 leaves us with a scaled-down Christmas, as pandemic restrictions are limiting and altering normal holiday traditions. Fewer Americans are traveling to spend the holiday with family and friends and bigger churches are having to limit attendance at services. Last night's Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica was moved up a few hours to comply with Italy's 10 p.m. curfew. Pope Francis reflected on Christmas' significance and urged followers to reach out to the needy.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS BLOCK STIMULUS BILL PUSH… House Republicans yesterday blocked Democrats' efforts to raise Americans' stimulus checks to $2,000. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched the effort after President Trump called the previously agreed-upon $600 checks a "disgrace" but her GOP counterpart, Kevin McCarthy, denied her attempt to amend the bill by unanimous consent. Afterward, Pelosi released a statement urging Trump to rally Republican support in Monday's full House vote. Experts say it will take at least two weeks for the Treasury to get cash into individuals' bank accounts after any new legislation is signed.
TRUMP CAMPAIGN SUFFERS ANOTHER COURT LOSS… The Trump campaign was denied gain yesterday in its latest bid to persuade the courts to overturn his defeat in last month's presidential election. A federal appeals court unanimously rejected Trump's attempt to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Wisconsin. The three-judge panel consisted of Trump appointees. Judge Michael Scudder of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals said the election changes were not significant enough to run afoul of the Constitution's provision that state legislatures determine the manner of selecting presidential electors. He also faulted Trump for challenging those provisions after the election, rather than before.
CALIFORNIA FIRE PROMPTS EVACUATIONS… A wildfire near the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Southern California forced the evacuation of about 7,000 people last night. The fire started the night before and by yesterday morning grew to 3,050 acres with zero-percent containment. Crews are containment lines for the blaze, which officials say was fueled by steep terrain, difficult access and winds.
'COBRA KAI' SEASON 3 DEBUTS JAN. 1… Netflix announced yesterday that Season 3 of the "Karate Kid" sequel series "Cobra Kai" will debut on New Year's Day. The streaming service had originally scheduled the debut for a week later. The half-hour, action-dramedy picks up more than 30 years after high-school rivals Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) famously competed at the All Valley Karate Tournament. The frenemies are now senseis at their own vastly different karate schools. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season.
NEVERLAND RANCH SELLS… Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California has a new owner. Billionaire businessman Ron Burkle purchased the 2,700-acre property near Santa Barbara for $22 million. The property was listed for $100 million in 2016 then dropped to $67 million a year later. In addition to a 12,500 square-foot main residence and a 3,700 square-foot pool house, the property boasts a separate building with a 50-seat movie theater and a dance studio. Other features on the ranch are a "Disney-style" train station, a fire house and barn.
TODAY'S NFL SCHEDULE…
Minnesota (6-8) is at New Orleans (10-4)
SATURDAY'S NFL SCHEDULE…
Tampa Bay (9-5) is at Detroit (5-9)…
Arizona (8-6) hosts San Francisco (5-9)…
Miami (9-5) is at Las Vegas (7-7)
Atlanta (4-10) is at Kansas City (13-1)…
the N.Y. Jets (1-13) host Cleveland (10-4)…
Indianapolis (10-4) is at Pittsburgh (11-3)…
Jacksonville (1-13) hosts Chicago (7-7)…
the N.Y. Giants (5-9) are at Baltimore (9-5)…
Houston (4-10) hosts Cincinnati (3-10-1)…
Denver (5-9) is at the L.A. Chargers (5-9)…
Washington (6-8) hosts Carolina (4-20)…
Philadelphia (4-9-1) is at Dallas (5-9)…
Seattle (10-4) hosts the L.A. Rams (9-5)…
Tennessee (10-4) is at Green Bay (11-3)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCORE…
Memphis 25, Florida Atlantic 10 in the Montgomery Bowl
Marshall (7-2) plays Buffalo (5-1) in the Camelia Bowl
No. 19 Louisiana plays Texas-San Antonio in the First Responder Bowl…
Western Kentucky plays Georgia State in the LendingTree Bowl…
No. 12 Coastal Carolina plays Liberty in the Mortgage Cure Bowl…
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS… Alabama quarterback Mac Jones and his favorite receiver DeVonta Smith have been named as Heisman Trophy finalists. Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Florida's Kyle Trask are the other two plays up for the award. Jones and Smith are the eighth set of teammates to be finalists together since the tradition started in 1982. Smith is trying to become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Michigan's Desmond Howard in 1991. The Heisman will be awarded January 5 during a virtual ceremony.
New Orleans is at Miami…
Milwaukee hosts Golden State…
Brooklyn is at Boston…
the L.A. Lakers host Dallas…
the L.A. Clippers are at Denver
MLB NEWS… The Washington Nationals have acquired first baseman Josh Bell from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitchers Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean. The 28-year-old Bell was an All-Star in 2019 before an injury-shortened second half of the season. He hit just eight homers while batting a career-low .226 in 57 games for the Pirates in 2020.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 18,445,655 and the nation's death toll stands at 326,088, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University. There were 232,342 new cases and 3,401 deaths, Worldometer reported… Tennessee has emerged as the newest transmission hotspot after averaging nearly 128 new infections per 100,000 people over the last week. California's 111 new cases per 100,000 residents was second… The Centers for Disease Control said yesterday that more than 1 million people nationwide have been given the first of the two doses required for the two coronavirus vaccines that have been approved. However, it could take six months or more before most Americans are eligible for the shots.
TRUMP VETOES DEFENSE BILL… President Trump cited provisions to rename Confederate-honoring military bases and aired other grievances in vetoing the annual defense spending bill yesterday. The National Defense Authorization Act carried bipartisan support in passing both houses of Congress earlier this month with veto-proof majorities. Democrats and Republicans both objected to the veto and vowed to override it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would return next Monday for a vote.
TRUMP ISSUES NEW ROUND OF PARDONS… President Trump last night announced 26 new pardons that cover loyal political allies and lower-profile recipients. Former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner's father, Charles, headed the list of those who received pardons. Earlier this year, Trump commuted Stone's sentence for obstruction of Congress and threatening a witness days before he was set to surrender. Manafort spent close to two years in prison for bank and tax fraud, illegal foreign lobbying and witness tampering conspiracies before being released to home confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Kushner pleaded guilty to 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness and another count of lying to the Federal Election Commission.
FBI BLAMES IRAN FOR ELECTION INTIMIDATION… The FBI is blaming Iran for creating a website to sow discord in the U.S. following the last month's presidential election. The FBI released a statement yesterday claiming it has "highly credible information" that identifies Iranian cyberactors as being "almost certainly" responsible for the creation of the Enemies of the People website that listed personal information and photographs of U.S. election officials and workers in calling for their deaths. Threatening emails were also sent to officials from email accounts associated with the website, which is no longer active.
CHRISTMAS WEATHER… Severe storms bringing rain, gusty winds and snow are on the forecast for much of the nation through Christmas. Heavy snows were expected in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. Forecasters called for rain and damaging winds from the eastern Carolinas northward. South Florida is preparing for its coldest Christmas in 26 years.
WHODINI FOUNDER DIES… John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, who was a founder of the pioneering hip-hop trio Whodini, has died of undisclosed causes. He was 56. Ecstasy formed Whodini with Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. DJ Grandmaster Dee joined four years later. The trio had hits with "The Haunted House of Rock," "Friends" and "Freaks Come Out at Night." Whodini received the Hip Hop Icon Award at the third annual Black Music Honors in 2018.
MOUNTAIN GUITARIST DIES… Leslie West, a hard-metal guitarist best known for performing the song "Mississippi Queen" with his band Mountain, died of cardiac arrest in Florida yesterday morning, his brother confirmed. He was 75. "Mississippi Queen" was released on Mountain's 1970 debut album, "Climbing!" The previous summer, the band performed between Canned Heat and the Grateful Dead on the second day of the Woodstock festival. After Mountain broke up in the early '70s, West continued recording with different versions of the band, producing solo albums and touring.
NBA SEASON OPENERS…
CLEVELAND 121 – Charlotte 114… The Cavaliers used a big second quarter to build a 21-point halftime lead and coasted past the Hornets. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Colin Sexton's 27 points. Darius Garland added 22 points. Andre Drummond finished with 14 points and as many rebounds.
INDIANA 121 – New York 107… Domantas Sabonis pumped in a career-high 32 points and Victor Oladipo 16 scored of his 22 points in the second half of the Pacers' win over the Knicks. Malcolm Brogdon tossed in 21 points.
ORLANDO 113 – Miami 107… The Magic used a fourth-quarter surge to get past the Heat. Evan Fournier led the rally and finished with 25 points. Aaron Gordon added 20 points.
PHILADELPHIA 113 – Washington 107… Joel Embiid powered his way to 29 points and 14 boards in leading the 76ers past the Wizards. His go-ahead basket with 1:09 remaining gave Philadelphia the lead for good.
BOSTON 122 – Milwaukee 121… Jayson Tatum banked in a fallaway, go-ahed 3-pointer with less than a second remaining to lift the Celtics over the Bucks. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a tying free throw with four-tenths of a second left. Tatum finished with 30 points. Jaylen Brown lit it up for 33 points.
New Orleans 113 – TORONTO 99… The Pelicans came on strong in the second half to erase an 11-point deficit and knock off the Raptors in Tampa. Brandon Ingram scored 24 points to lead all scorers. J.J. Redick converted a 4-point play with just over a minute left and finished with 23 points.
Atlanta 124 – CHICAGO 104… The Hawks scored 83 first-half points in building a 32-point lead through three quarters in routing the Bulls. Trae Young scored 37 points as all five starters scored in double figures.
San Antonio 131 – MEMPHIS 119… The Spurs shook off a slow start to get past the Grizzlies. They got 29 points from DeMar DeRozan and 21 points from Dejounte Murray. Ja Morant's 42 points weren't enough for Memphis.
MINNESOTA 111 – Detroit 101… The Timberwolves rallied in the fourth quarter to put away the Pistons. Malik Beasley led a balanced scoring attack with 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Sacramento 124 – DENVER 122 (OT)… Buddy Hield's tip-in of a Harrison Barnes miss at the buzzer sent the Kings past the Nuggets. Hield led Sacramento with 22 points. Barnes and De'Aaron Fox tossed in 21 points apiece.
Utah 120 – PORTLAND 100… Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points apiece as the Jazz blasted the Trail Blazers. Gobert also grabbed 17 boards. Five other players scored in double figures for Utah.
Dallas 106 – PHOENIX 102… Devin Booker scored 22 points to lead six players in double figures as the Suns held off the Mavericks. Dallas' Luca Doncic tallied a game-high 32 points in a losing effort.
HOUSTON – Oklahoma City (ppd)… Last night's Rockets-Thunder game was postponed after Houston had fewer than the league-required eight players available. Three Rockets players have returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive for the coronavirus under the NBA's testing program. Four other players are quarantined under contact-tracing protocol and Chris Clemons is out with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
TONIGHT'S NBA SCHEDULE…
No. 5 Villanova 85, MARQUETTE 68…
No. 8 TENNESSEE 80, South Carolina Upstate 60…
No. 23 OHIO STATE 80, No. 11 Rutgers 68…
No. 13 CREIGHTON 66, No. 22 Xavier 61…
No. 18 Illinois 98, PENN STATE 81
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 18,197,351 and the nation's death toll stands at 322,285, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University… The Centers for Disease Control said in an advisory last night that the COVID-19 variant identified in Britain has not yet been seen in the U.S. but cautioned that the sample sizes have been small. The nation's top infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, says it's reasonable to assume that the variant has already arrived. Nevertheless, scientists note that there's no evidence that the variant is a more severe strain or a greater risk of death.
TRUMP WANTS CONGRESS TO AMEND CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL… President Trump last night suggested he might not sign the coronavirus relief package passed on Monday without amendments. The president, who was expected to sign the legislation yesterday, called it "a disgrace" and urged Congress to increase direct stimulus checks from $600 to $2000. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded enthusiastically on Twitter. "At last the president has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the floor this week by unanimous consent. Let's do it!" she wrote.
TRUMP ROLLS OUT PARDONS… President Trump yesterday handed out pardons to 15 people, including four former U.S. service members convicted of war crimes, two people convicted in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and two former Republican congressmen convicted of corruption. Former Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos and his associate Alex van der Zwaan were pardoned for lying to FBI agents. Also pardoned were former congressmen Duncan Hunter, who was sentenced to 11 months for stealing campaign funds and Chris Collins, who received a 26-month sentence for insider trading. Former Blackwater Worldwide military contractors received pardons despite their roles in the shooting deaths of 14 Iraqis in 2007.
TWO TRUMP PRIVATE BANKERS RESIGN… Two private bankers at Deutsche Bank responsible for lending to President Donald Trump and Jared Kushner abruptly resigned yesterday. The resignations of Rosemary Vrablic and Dominic Scalzi are effective at the end of the year. The 60-year-old Vrablic took on Trump as a client in 2011 and had a VIP seat at his inauguration in 2016. Deutsche Bank has lent Trump about $330 million and the loans are set to come due in 2023 and 2024. Trump provided a personal guarantee to obtain the loans, allowing the bank to pursue his personal assets if they are not paid back. The Trump Organization is under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's office and New York Attorney General, both of which have subpoenaed Deutsche Bank for information regarding its lending to the company. Two Deutsche Bank employees not working on the Trump account, were questioned by investigators with the criminal investigation seeking general information about lending practices in recent weeks.
BIDEN FAULTS TRUMP FOR CYBER ATTACK RESPONSE… President-elect Joe Biden said yesterday he had seen no evidence that the Trump administration has the cyber attacks against the U.S. under control and warned that the breach will not go unanswered once he takes office. Biden faulted Trump for stripping U.S. defenses against cyber attacks and urged the president to acknowledge that the attacks are coming from Russia and hold the Kremlin accountable. Both Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have already placed blame on Moscow while Trump has claimed China is behind them.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR FILLS VP-ELECT'S SENATE SEAT… California Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday appointed state Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris when she departs the Senate to become vice president next month. The 47-year-old Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, will be the first Latino to represent the nation's largest state. He will serve the remaining two years of Harris' term.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES WALMART… The Justice Department sued Walmart yesterday, accusing the retail chain of enabling the opioid crisis through filling illegal prescriptions. Government lawyers say a "systematic failure" prevented Walmart from reporting questionable orders and is seeking thousands of dollars in civil penalties for each unlawful prescription filled and each suspicious order placed. If the suit is successful, Walmart could be forced to pay out billions in damages.
SPECIAL MERIT HONOREES AT GRAMMYS… The Recording Academy has announced that Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Lionel Hampton, Marilyn Horne, Salt-N-Pepa, Selena and Talking Heads will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. Ed Cherney, Benny Golson and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds will be presented Trustees Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for January 31, 2021.
HBO BRINGS BACK 'HIS DARK MATERIALS' FOR FINAL SEASON… HBO is bringing back the drama series "His Dark Materials" for a third and final season. The network said production would begin in Cardiff, Wales, in 2021. The Season 2 finale which airs Monday at 9 p.m. Eastern. "His Dark Materials" is based on the Philip Pullman fantasy trilogy of the same name.
BROOKLYN 122, Golden State 99… The Nets built a big lead early and cruised past the Warriors to open the NBA's 2020-21 season. Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 26 points. Kevin Durant tossed in 22 points.
L.A. Clippers 116 – L.A. LAKERS 109… The Clippers jumped out to an early 22-point lead and cruised to an opening-night win over the Lakers. Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half. Kawhi Leonard added 26 points.
Charlotte is at Cleveland…
Indiana hosts New York…
Miami is at Orlando…
Philadelphia hosts Washington…
Milwaukee is at Boston…
Toronto hosts New Orleans…
Atlanta is at Chicago…
Houston hosts Oklahoma City…
San Antonio is at Memphis…
Minnesota hosts Detroit…
Sacramento is at Denver…
Portland hosts Utah…
Dallas is at Phoenix
No. 1 GONZAGA 95, Northwestern State 78…
No. 3 KANSAS 79, No. 7 West Virginia 65…
No. 4 IOWA 70, Purdue 55…
No. 6 HOUSTON 76, Temple 50…
No. 9 WISCONSIN 67, Nebraska 53…
No. 14 MISSOURI 54, Bradley 53…
No. 15 Texas Tech 69, OKLAHOMA 67…
No. 16 VIRGINIA 76, William & Mary 40…
NORTH CAROLINA STATE 79, No. 17 North Carolina 76
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS… Auburn has hired away Boise State's Bryan Harsin to become its next head football coach. Harsin replaces Gus Malzahn, who was fired earlier this month after eight seasons with the Tigers. The 44-year-old Harsin is 69-19 with three Mountain West titles in seven seasons at Boise State, his alma mater.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 18,035,209 and the nation's death toll stands at 319,364, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. yesterday recorded a second straight day of fewer than 200,000 cases and a fourth straight day of declining deaths. The decline in cases followed a record high of 249,700 on Friday. Figures show that hospitalizations in the United States are leveling off.
CONGRESS APPROVES CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILLS… Congress has approved more than $900 billion for coronavirus assistance following an agreement reached Sunday night. The House voted to approve the two long-awaited bills and the Senate followed. The legislation will now go to President Trump, who has said he will sign it. The package contains direct stimulus payments for individuals of $600 to $700. It also includes enhanced federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, $330 billion for small business loans, more than $80 billion for schools and several billion dollars to cover the costs of distributing COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna.
ROBERT E. LEE STATUE REMOVED FROM CAPITOL… A statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee was removed from the U.S. Capitol yesterday. Lee's statue will be replaced by one of Barbara Johns, a Black woman who as a 16-year-old led classmates on a walkout of her segregated school. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam requested the removal of Lee's statue over the summer.
WILLIAM BARR SEES NO NEED FOR SPECIAL PROSECUTOR… Attorney General William Barr said yesterday that he does not see a need for a special prosecutor in the criminal investigation of Hunter Biden or the November election. The announcement defied President Trump, who had been pushing for a special counsel to investigate the son of President-elect Joe Biden. Barr, who is stepping down effective tomorrow, will be replaced by Deputy Attorney General Jeffery Rosen.
HOUSE DEMS WANT ANSWERS ABOUT COVID RESPONSE… House Democrats have subpoenaed two top White House health officials. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis wants to ask Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield about Trump Administration interference in scientific reports related to the coronavirus. Democrat Majority Whip James Clyburn said former HHS Assistant Secretary Michael Caputo, senior adviser Paul Alexander and other officials engaged in a "far-reaching campaign to influence CDC's scientific reports, despite pushback from career staff."
JOHN MULANEY IN REHAB… Comedian John Mulaney, a former "Saturday Night Live" writer who won an Emmy Award in 2018 for his stand-up special "Kid Gorgeous at Radio City," has reportedly checked himself into a Pennsylvania rehab facility to receive treatment for cocaine and alcohol abuse. The 38-year-old Mulaney hosted "SNL" for the fourth time just days before the 2020 election and has been writing for "Late Night with Seth Meyers" in recent weeks. He has previously discussed his struggles with drugs and alcohol and first got sober at age 23.
K.T. OSLIN DIES… K.T. Oslin, the first female songwriter to win the CMA Award for Song of the Year for her 1987 hit "80's Ladies," died yesterday after a battle with Parkinson's disease and Covid-19. She was 78. Oslin's chart-topping 1987 debut country album "80's Ladies," featured the Top 10 title track and a pair of No. 1 country hits in "Do Ya" and "I'll Always Come Back." Oslin was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
CINCINNATI 27 – Pittsburgh 17… The Bengals (3-10-1) built a 17-0 halftime lead on the way to handing the Steelers (11-3) their third straight loss. Giovanni Bernard ran 4 yards for one second-quarter touchdown and caught a 14-yard pass for another. Quarterback Ryan Finley ran yards for fourth-quarter score. The victory was Cincinnati's first over Pittsburgh in 12 tries.
NFL NEWS… Hall of Fame linebacker Kevin Greene died yesterday of undisclosed causes, his family confirmed. He was 58. Greene was a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection. His 160 career sacks rank third in league history behind only Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198). Greene, who played for the L.A. Rams, Pittsburgh, Carolina and San Francisco during his 15-year career, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
No. 2 BAYLOR 99, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 42…
No. 6 TENNESSEE 102, Saint Joseph's 66…
No. 21 FLORIDA STATE 72, Gardner-Webb 59….
No. 24 VIRGINIA TECH 84, Longwood 58
NHL NEWS… The NHL is preparing a 56-game season that will begin on January 13 with a temporary realignment of teams. Restrictions on crossing the U.S.-Canada border due to coronavirus concerns, the NHL is setting up an all-Canada division and realigning the other divisions. The top four in each division will make the playoffs. All regular-season games and the first two rounds of the playoffs will be played within the division.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES… The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. has reached 17,840,080 and the nation's death toll stands at 316,667, according to figures released last night by Johns Hopkins University. There were 183,223 new cases and 1,414 deaths… Initial shipments of the Moderna vaccine shipped out of a Memphis-area factory yesterday and will be administered beginning today. The Food and Drug Administration (authorized their emergency rollout on Friday… President-elect Joe Biden's pick for surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, said during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" yesterday that the Trump administration's timeline for COVID-19 vaccinations may be unrealistic and that many Americans may not get the shot until summer or fall.
SENATE AGREES ON STIMULUS PACKAGE… The Senate reached agreement yesterday on a long-awaited second stimulus package, with votes expected today. The $900 billion bill includes a $600 per-person stimulus check. The bill will also include $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits, as well as several billion dollars to be allocated for schools, transportation, and rental and hunger relief, the Washington Post reported. The package would be the second-largest economic stimulus in U.S. history, following a $2.3 trillion aid bill passed in March.
TRUMP CAMPAIGN PETITIONS SUPREME COURT… The Trump campaign plans to try again to get the Supreme Court to overturn results from the November 3 election. Despite mounting criticism for its effort to subvert the electoral process and sow doubt over the legitimacy of President-elect Joe Biden's victory, the campaign had filed a petition asking the high court to reverse three rulings by a Pennsylvania state court interpreting the state's rules for mail-in ballots. Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani said the filing sought all "appropriate remedies," including an order allowing Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled legislature to award the state's 20 electoral votes to Trump. Biden's victory margin in the state surpassed 80,000 votes.
50 COMPANIES 'IMPACTED' BY HACK… The cyber-security firm that identified the large-scale hacking of U.S. government agencies says it "genuinely impacted" around 50 companies. Kevin Mandia, CEO of FireEye, said that some 18,000 companies had the malicious code in their networks, but only a fraction of them suffered major breaches. The Treasury, Homeland Security, State and Defense departments are known to have been targeted. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, along with the chairs of the Senate and House of Representatives' intelligence committees, has blamed Russia for the hack.
ROCKETS TARGETED BAGHDAD GREEN ZONE… Iraq's military and Iraqi officials reported last night that eight rockets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. An Iraqi military statement said an "an outlawed group" launched the rockets, which injured an Iraqi security person and caused material damage to a residential complex and some cars. The U.S. Embassy's C-RAM defense system, which is used to destroy missiles in mid-air, was activated to deflect the attack, the embassy said in a statement.
TAYLOR SWIFT HAS 2 ALBUMS IN CHART'S TOP FIVE… Taylor Swift's "Evermore" sold 329,000 copies to give her an eighth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Her previous release, "Folklore," jumped into third place on sales of 133,000 units. Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon III: The Chosen" debuted in second place with 144,000 copies sold. Michael Bublé's "Christmas" remained in fourth place after selling 58,000 units. Jack Harlow's "Thats What They All Say" capped the top five with 51,000 copies sold.
L.A. FILM CRITICS PICK WINNERS… The Los Angeles Film Critics Association yesterday unveiled their picks for the year's best in film. The association selected "Small Axe" as best picture. Chloe Zhao was named best director for "Nomadland." Chadwick Boseman was chosen best actor for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," with Carey Mulligan winning best actress for "Promising Young Women." Glynn Turman was selected best supporting actor for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and Youn Yuh-jung was named best supporting actress for "Minari."
Tampa Bay 31 – ATLANTA 27… The Buccaneers (5-9) overcame a pair of 17-point deficits to upend the Falcons (4-10). Tom Brady led five straight scoring drives in the second half and hit Antonio Brown with a go-ahead 46-yard touchdown pass with 6:19 remaining. Leonard Fournette scored on two touchdown runs.
DALLAS 41 – San Francisco 33… The Cowboys (5-9) scored four times off of turnovers to get past the 49ers (5-9). With Ezekiel Elliott sidelined with a calf injury, Tony Pollard ran for a pair of touchdowns. Andy Dalton threw two scoring passes.
TENNESSEE 46 – Detroit 25… Ryan Tannehill ran for two scores and threw touchdown passes to three different receivers in leading the Titans (10-4) past the Lions (5-9). Derrick Henry rushed for 147 yards and a TD.
INDIANAPOLIS 27 – Houston 20… Philip Rivers hit Zach Pascal with a tie-breaking 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:47 remaining as the Colts (10-4) topped the Texans (4-10). Indianapolis' defense recovered a fumble in their own end zone with 19 seconds left to seal the victory.
MIAMI 22 – New England 12… Tua Tagovailoa scored on two short fourth-quarter runs as the Dolphins (9-5) pulled away from the Patriots (6-8). Salvon Ahmed rushed for 122 yards and a score.
Chicago 33 – MINNESOTA 27… David Montgomery ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears (7-7) held off the Vikings (6-8). Cairo Santos booted four field goals to 48 yards.
Seattle 20 – WASHINGTON 15… The Seahawks (10-4) turned away a late rally to down Washington (6-8) and clinch a playoff spot. Seattle took a 20-3 lead into the fourth quarter after Carlos Hyde's 50-yard touchdown run. Russell Wilson found Jacob Hollister with a 10-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.
BALTIMORE 40 – Jacksonville 14… The Ravens (9-5) built a 26-0 halftime lead and never looked back in their rout of the Jaguars (1-13). Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score.
N.Y. Jets 23 – L.A. RAMS 20… The Jets (1-13) held off the Rams (9-5) to notch their first victory of the season. Sam Darnold passed for 207 yards and a score.
ARIZONA 33 – Philadelphia 26… Kyler Murray's 20-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins with 7:17 remaining proved to be the difference as the Cardinals (8-6) topped the Eagles (4-9-1). Murray threw for 406 yards and three scores on the day. Hopkins finished with nine catches for 169 yards.
Kansas City 32 – NEW ORLEANS 29… The Chiefs (13-1) fought off the Saints (10-4) for their ninth straight win. Patrick Mahomes threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
Cleveland 20 – N.Y. GIANTS 6… The Browns (10-4) took one step closer to a playoff berth in grinding out a win over the Giants (5-9). Baker Mayfield led two 95-yard scoring drives and threw second-quarter touchdown passes to Austin Hooper and Jarvis Landry.
Pittsburgh (11-2) is at Cincinnati (2-10-1)
NORTHWESTERN 79, No. 4 Michigan State 65…
No. 6 HOUSTON 88, Alcorn State 55…
No. 9 Creighton 76, CONNECTICUT 74…
No. 11 Texas 77, Oklahoma State 74…
No. 19 RUTGERS 91, No. 13 Illinois 88
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS… Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame secured the top four spots in the final College Football Playoffs poll yesterday and will vie for the national championship. The semifinals are scheduled for January 1, with No. 1 Alabama battling No. 4 Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl, followed by No. 2 Clemson taking on No. 3 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. The winners advance to the January 11 title game in Miami.