upi--2020-09-12--Colleges grapple with quarantine policies as case counts increase in Midwest

Students move in at Saint Louis University on August 19. University campuses have been dealing with outbreaks of coronavirus since resuming classes last month. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Colleges grappled with increased COVID-19 case counts on campus while numbers in many Southern and Great Plains states increased this week. As of Saturday, 193,320 people in the United States have died of the novel coronavirus and at least 6.46 million have been infected, according to Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 tracker. Advertisement
North Dakota saw the highest case increase this week, with 1,710 new positive tests this week, according to The New York Times' COVID-19 tracker. The state has reported 14,687 cases since the pandemic began.
Case counts also increased in South Dakota, Missouri and Iowa -- as well as the U.S. territory of Guam.
The rate of deaths due to the virus is also up in Guam this week, as well as in several southern states: 112 people died in Mississippi this week, 167 in Louisiana and 182 in South Carolina.
Health officials in Michigan have recommended all Michigan State University students self-quarantine immediately to contain a coronavirus outbreak on campus that has infected at least 342 people since Aug. 24.
"This is an urgent situation," Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail said in a statement. "The exponential growth of COVID-19 cases must stop. I am concerned about the health and safety of the MSU community, and importantly, I am seriously concerned that unchecked transmission locally will affect the health and safety of all Ingham County residents. If we do not slow the spread immediately, we will be dealing with the consequences across the county for months to come."
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The health department asked that those who have been on the campus should self-quarantine until Sept. 26, and has warned there will be stringent and mandatory restrictions should students fail to comply.
And police fined a group of students at Ohio's Miami University, who were caught on camera hosting a large house party over Labor Day weekend in violation of quarantine rules. More than 1,100 students at the school have tested positive for coronavirus since classes began in mid-August.
According to body camera footage from an officer who came to the house, one of the party's hosts admitted that he and his housemates had all tested positive for COVID-19 just one week prior -- and that several of the 20 guests at the event were positive for the virus as well.
The five men who lived in the house were each fined $500, as was one of the party guests.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-09-12--Iran executes wrestler who said he was tortured for false confession

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- The Iranian government executed decorated wrestling champion Navid Afkari on Saturday , prompting outcry from human rights activists .
IRNA reported the country carried out the execution of the 27-year-old at a prison in Shiraz .
CNN cited the state-run news agency , which said the punishment was for the death of Hasan Turkman , a government water and sewage department security agent .
Amnesty International said the Iranian government used torture to extract a false confession from Afkari .
`` This young man desperately sought help in court to receive a fair trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recordings of him in court expose how his pleas for judges to investigate his torture complaints and bring another detainee who had witnessed his torture to testify were unlawfully and cruelly ignored , '' said Diana Eltahawy , AI 's deputy regionaly director for the Middle East and North Africa .
CNN reported the judiciary sentenced Afkari to `` retribution-in-kind , '' meaning he could be spared execution if he paid restitution to Turkman 's family and they forgive him .
Afkari 's lawyer , Hassan Younesi , said supporters traveled to Shiraz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restitution but the court informed his family he was already executed .
The International Olympic Committee released a statement saying it was `` shocked '' to learn about Afkari 's execution .
`` In the past days , the IOC has been working with our full support to save Navid 's life .
We are very saddened that ours and the efforts of the athlete community did n't achieve the desired result , '' the committee said .
`` Our thoughts and prayers are with Navid 's family and friends in these very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vahid and Habib , were sentenced to 54 years and 27 years in prison in the same case , the BBC reported .

A supporter of the National Council of Resistance Iran and the Iranian Exile Society in Berlin holds a placard with the picture of Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari, protesting against his execution Saturday at the Iranian Embassy in Berlin. Photo by Alexander Becher/EPA-EFE
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The Iranian government executed decorated wrestling champion Navid Afkari on Saturday, prompting outcry from human rights activists. IRNA reported the country carried out the execution of the 27-year-old at a prison in Shiraz. Advertisement
CNN cited the state-run news agency, which said the punishment was for the death of Hasan Turkman, a government water and sewage department security agent. Amnesty International said the Iranian government used torture to extract a false confession from Afkari.
"This young man desperately sought help in court to receive a fair trial and prove his innocence. Leaked voice recordings of him in court expose how his pleas for judges to investigate his torture complaints and bring another detainee who had witnessed his torture to testify were unlawfully and cruelly ignored," said Diana Eltahawy, AI's deputy regionaly director for the Middle East and North Africa.
CNN reported the judiciary sentenced Afkari to "retribution-in-kind," meaning he could be spared execution if he paid restitution to Turkman's family and they forgive him. Afkari's lawyer, Hassan Younesi, said supporters traveled to Shiraz to attempt to raise money for the restitution but the court informed his family he was already executed.
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The International Olympic Committee released a statement saying it was "shocked" to learn about Afkari's execution.
"In the past days, the IOC has been working with our full support to save Navid's life. We are very saddened that ours and the efforts of the athlete community didn't achieve the desired result," the committee said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Navid's family and friends in these very difficult times."
Afkari's brothers, Vahid and Habib, were sentenced to 54 years and 27 years in prison in the same case, the BBC reported.


upi--2020-09-12--Palestinians condemn U.S.-brokered Bahrain, Israel normalization deal

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- The Palestinian Authority leadership has condemned the U.S.-brokered deal to normalize Bahraini-Israeli relations .
Palestinian officials on Friday accused Bahrain of betraying the Palestinian people and called the U.S.-brokered deal to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain `` disgraceful and treacherous . ''
The deal was a `` stab to the national rights of the Palestinian people and their national cause , '' Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Ahmed Majdalani said .
The U.S. administration 's `` delusion that it can make peace between the occupying state and the Arab countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories is political stupidity , '' Majdalani added .
The Palestinian Authority Foreign Ministry announced it will recall its ambassador to Bahrain in protest .
Similarly , Palestinian leadership denounced the U.S.-brokered deal last month to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and recalled its ambassador to Abu Dhabi .
President Donald Trump announced the deal to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain on Friday .
`` They will exchange embassies and ambassadors , begin direct flights between their countries and launch cooperation initiatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including health , business , technology , education , security and agriculture , '' Trump said .
The move makes Bahrain the fourth Arab country to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel , after Egypt , Jordan and the United Arab Emirates .
Trump said that he hoped both the UAE and Bahrain deals would encourage normalization between Israel and other Arab nations .

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Palestinians carry placards during a protest in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday to condemn the normalization of ties between Israel, UAE, and Bahrain in a deal announced in Washington by President Donald Trump. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority leadership has condemned the U.S.-brokered deal to normalize Bahraini-Israeli relations. Palestinian officials on Friday accused Bahrain of betraying the Palestinian people and called the U.S.-brokered deal to establish full diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain "disgraceful and treacherous." Advertisement
The deal was a "stab to the national rights of the Palestinian people and their national cause," Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Ahmed Majdalani said.
The U.S. administration's "delusion that it can make peace between the occupying state and the Arab countries without the Palestinians and without an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories is political stupidity," Majdalani added.
The Palestinian Authority Foreign Ministry announced it will recall its ambassador to Bahrain in protest.
Similarly, Palestinian leadership denounced the U.S.-brokered deal last month to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and recalled its ambassador to Abu Dhabi.
President Donald Trump announced the deal to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain on Friday.
"They will exchange embassies and ambassadors, begin direct flights between their countries and launch cooperation initiatives across a broad range of sectors, including health, business, technology, education , security and agriculture," Trump said.
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The move makes Bahrain the fourth Arab country to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel, after Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump said that he hoped both the UAE and Bahrain deals would encourage normalization between Israel and other Arab nations.


upi--2020-09-12--COVID-19: India sets global record for daily infections 3rd day in a row

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- India set a global record for daily COVID-19 infections for the third-consecutive day in a row , the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said Saturday .
The country reported more than 97,570 new cases for Friday , marking a new highest increase in daily cases in , Press Trust of India reported .
About 958,316 cases are active and more than 3.6 million are recovered , according to the ministry .
Despite the increase , India 's Delhi subway system resumed operations Saturday after being closed for five months because of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened tracks gradually in the Indian capital over the past week , but with India setting global highs in new daily coronavirus cases , stations in containment zones remain shut and certain restrictions have been kept in place .
Only asymptomatic passengers have been allowed to travel and face masks are mandatory , according to a Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs statement .
Though the capital has reopened public transit , transportation in Mumbai and Maharashtra remains suspended , government officials said .
India has the second-highest number of cases worldwide at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths at over 77,000 , according to the Johns Hopkins University global tracker .
The United States has the most cases at over 6.4 million and the most deaths at over 193,000 .
In Australia , police are preparing for hundreds of protesters against the COVID-19 lockdown to attend a rally called a `` Freedom Walk '' on Sunday in Melbourne .
On Saturday , about 100 anti-lockdown protesters attended a rally at Fitzroy Gardens despite warnings from police to stay at home , resulting in 14 arrests and 51 infringement notices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police arrested 17 people in anti-lockdown protests and issued 160 infringement notices .
Australia 's Victoria state on Saturday reported 19,800 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began with Melbourne accounting for 886 of those cases , according to Victoria 's Department of Health and Human Services .
Victoria 's death toll is 716 .
Australia has reported 26,707 COVID-19 cases and 803 COVID-19 deaths , the global tracker shows .
In Mexico , the COVID-19 death toll rose to 70,183 after the country 's health ministry reported 534 new COVID-19 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll in the world , behind India , Brazil and the United States .
Brazil has reported the third-highest number of cases at over 4.2 million and over 130,000 deaths .
In Hungary , Prime Minister Viktor Orban said his government was drafting a `` war plan '' against a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The plan was `` not for everyone to stay at home and bring the country to a halt ... but to defend Hungary 's functionality , '' Orban said .
Hungary 's gross domestic product has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Orban said that measures to protect the economy and spur growth would be introduced in coming weeks .
Hungary has reported 11,825 COVID-19 cases and 633 COVID-19 deaths , according to the global tracker .
Worldwide , COVID-19 has sickened over 28.5 million and killed over 900,000 .

A cable operator works near closed shops during a complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic crisis in Kolkata, India, on Friday. Photo by Piyal Adhikary/EPA-EFE
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- India set a global record for daily COVID-19 infections for the third-consecutive day in a row, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said Saturday. The country reported more than 97,570 new cases for Friday, marking a new highest increase in daily cases in, Press Trust of India reported. Advertisement
About 958,316 cases are active and more than 3.6 million are recovered, according to the ministry.
Despite the increase, India's Delhi subway system resumed operations Saturday after being closed for five months because of the pandemic. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has reopened tracks gradually in the Indian capital over the past week, but with India setting global highs in new daily coronavirus cases, stations in containment zones remain shut and certain restrictions have been kept in place.
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Only asymptomatic passengers have been allowed to travel and face masks are mandatory, according to a Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs statement. Though the capital has reopened public transit, transportation in Mumbai and Maharashtra remains suspended, government officials said.
India has the second-highest number of cases worldwide at over 4.6 million and the third-highest number of deaths at over 77,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University global tracker.
The United States has the most cases at over 6.4 million and the most deaths at over 193,000.
In Australia, police are preparing for hundreds of protesters against the COVID-19 lockdown to attend a rally called a "Freedom Walk" on Sunday in Melbourne. On Saturday, about 100 anti-lockdown protesters attended a rally at Fitzroy Gardens despite warnings from police to stay at home, resulting in 14 arrests and 51 infringement notices for breaching health guidelines.
Last week, police arrested 17 people in anti-lockdown protests and issued 160 infringement notices.
Australia's Victoria state on Saturday reported 19,800 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began with Melbourne accounting for 886 of those cases, according to Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services. Victoria's death toll is 716.
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Victoria police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said anti-lockdown protesters were "selfish."
Australia has reported 26,707 COVID-19 cases and 803 COVID-19 deaths, the global tracker shows.
In Mexico, the COVID-19 death toll rose to 70,183 after the country's health ministry reported 534 new COVID-19 deaths Friday.
Mexico has the fourth-highest death toll in the world, behind India, Brazil and the United States.
Brazil has reported the third-highest number of cases at over 4.2 million and over 130,000 deaths.
In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said his government was drafting a "war plan" against a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan was "not for everyone to stay at home and bring the country to a halt ... but to defend Hungary's functionality," Orban said.
Hungary's gross domestic product has fallen 13.6% amid the pandemic, and Orban said that measures to protect the economy and spur growth would be introduced in coming weeks.
Hungary has reported 11,825 COVID-19 cases and 633 COVID-19 deaths, according to the global tracker.
Worldwide, COVID-19 has sickened over 28.5 million and killed over 900,000.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-09-12--AstraZeneca, Oxford resume COVID-19 vaccine trials after one fell ill

A patron looks at the Edgar Degas ' sculpture , titled `` Little Dancer Aged Fourteen , '' in the @ @ @ @ @ '' exhibit in the West Building of the National Gallery of Art , on the @ @ @ @ @ the public during the COVID-19 pandemic , in Washington , D.C. , on July 20 @ @ @ @ @ |

AstraZeneca resumed COVID-19 vaccine trials Saturday in Britain. File Photo by Drago Prvulovic/EPA
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- AstraZeneca and Oxford University resumed COVID-19 vaccine trials Saturday after a volunteer in the trial fell ill a six days ago, triggering a pause. The Britain-based pharmaceutical company said in a statement that trials have resumed because the Medicines Health Regulatory Authority has confirmed that it was "safe to do so." Advertisement
AstraZeneca, which has been working with the University of Oxford as the trial sponsor, announced a pause in the global trials after one of its volunteers fell ill with an unexplained illness Sunday.
The trial was paused across Britain, South Africa and the United States to allow for an independent committee to look over safety data.
The volunteer experienced neurological symptoms linked to a rare spinal inflammatory disorder transverse myelitis.
The potential COVID-19 vaccine, AZD1222, was co-invented by the University of Oxford and its spin-out company, Vaccitech, through the used of weakened version of the common cold virus in chimpanzees, according AstraZeneca's statement.
The pause came a week after AztraZeneva said it started Phase III of clinical trials in the United States of its AZD1222 candidate. Some 30,000 U.S. adults were to be recruited for the trial, bringing its total volunteers to some 50,000 globally.
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"AstraZeneca is committed to the safety of trial participants and the highest standards of conduct in clinical trials," the pharmaceutical giant said in its statement. "The company will continue to work with health authorities across the world and be guided as to when other clinical trials can resume to provide the vaccine broadly, equitably and at no profit during this pandemic."
Of roughly 200 COVID-19 vaccines in global development, eight are in the final phase of clinical trials, including AstraZeneca's Oxford vaccine which is "right at the front" of the global efforts, Britain's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-09-12--Rene weakens to tropical depression in Central Atlantic

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Rene weakened Saturday to a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic , currently posing no threat to land .
In its 11 a.m. AST update , the National Hurricane Center said Rene was about 1,415 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and 1,255 east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands .
It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving northwest at 13 mph .
It is forecast to continue in this general direction through early Monday , when it 's expected to make a southwestward turn .
The NHC said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low pressure in four or five days .
Rene is a short distance behind Tropical Storm Paulette , which also formed early Monday .
The next tropical storm name on the list for 2020 in the Atlantic is Sally .
As was the case with Paulette , there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , Hanna , Isaias , Josephine , Kyle , Laura , Marco , Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which formed on Sept. 18 , 2005 , was the record holder for the earliest `` R '' named storm on record .
Early this summer , AccuWeather meteorologists predicted a hyperactive peak hurricane season .
Meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes in total this season .
These numbers mean that the Greek alphabet will have to be utilized for tropical storm names , which was only done in one other season : 2005 .

Rene weakened Saturday to a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic and was easy of Hurricane Paulette. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Rene weakened Saturday to a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic, currently posing no threat to land. In its 5 p.m. AST Sunday update, the National Hurricane Center said Rene was about 1,145 miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. It had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and was moving northwest at 9 mph. Advertisement
The NHC said a slower northwestward motion is expected later Sunday, and a slow westward motion is forecast by Sunday night. On Monday and Tuesday, the system is forecast to move west-southwestward.
The NHC said the storm will degenerate into a trough of low pressure in four or five days.
Rene is a short distance behind Tropical Storm Paulette, which also formed early Monday.
As was the case with Paulette, there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their respective letters. On Saturday, Sally formed in the Gulf Coast.
Before Rene, Rita, which formed on Sept. 18, 2005, was the record holder for the earliest "R" named storm on record.
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Early this summer, AccuWeather meteorologists predicted a hyperactive peak hurricane season. Meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes in total this season.
These numbers mean that the Greek alphabet will have to be utilized for tropical storm names, which was only done in one other season: 2005.


upi--2020-09-12--Congo gold mine collapses killing at least 50

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- A gold mine has collapsed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo , killing @ @ @ @ @ officials said .
The incident in a makeshift mine occurred Friday in the town of @ @ @ @ @ , after torrential rain , local authorities said Saturday .
South Kivu Gov .
Theo @ @ @ @ @ resulted in `` the tragic deaths of 50 people , most of them young .
@ @ @ @ @ added that the exact number of victims was uncertain .
Emiliane Itongwa , president of @ @ @ @ @ the Initiative of Support and Supervision of Women , said the 50 miners had become @ @ @ @ @ `` Several miners were in the shaft which was covered and no one could get @ @ @ @ @ .
A representative of the civil society , Nicolas Kyalangalilwa , called for an investigation @ @ @ @ @ the collapse .

Miners died in the collapse of a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, similar to the one pictured. File Photo by Julien Harneis/ Wikimedia Commons
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A gold mine has collapsed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 50 people, officials said. The incident in a makeshift mine occurred Friday in the town of Kamituga, South Kivu province, after torrential rain, local authorities said Saturday. Advertisement
South Kivu Gov. Theo Ngwabidje Kasi said the incident resulted in "the tragic deaths of 50 people, most of them young."
Kamituga Mayor Alexandre Bundya added that the exact number of victims was uncertain.
Emiliane Itongwa, president of a local nongovernmental organization called the Initiative of Support and Supervision of Women, said the 50 miners had become trapped after the collapse.
"Several miners were in the shaft which was covered and no one could get out," Itongwa said.
A representative of the civil society, Nicolas Kyalangalilwa, called for an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.


upi--2020-09-12--'Top Chef' alum Aaron Grissom dead at 34

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Former Top Chef contestant Aaron Grissom was killed this week in a motorcycle crash @ @ @ @ @ .
He was 34 .
TMZ reported Grissom had been speeding and lost control of @ @ @ @ @ a curb in a roundabout Tuesday .
`` Bravo and the Top Chef family are @ @ @ @ @ passing of Chef Aaron Grissom from Season 12 : Boston , '' Bravo said in @ @ @ @ @ deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends . ''
Grissom also appeared on @ @ @ @ @ and most recently had been working as a restaurant chef in the Tacoma area .

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Former Top Chef contestant Aaron Grissom was killed this week in a motorcycle crash in Washington, authorities said. He was 34.
Police told CNN Friday that Grissom died after sustaining multiple blunt force trauma injuries.
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TMZ reported Grissom had been speeding and lost control of his bike when he hit a curb in a roundabout Tuesday.
"Bravo and the Top Chef family are saddened to learn about the passing of Chef Aaron Grissom from Season 12: Boston," Bravo said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends."
Grissom also appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and most recently had been working as a restaurant chef in the Tacoma area.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-09-12--U.S.-brokered Taliban, Afghan government peace talks begin

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Taliban and Afghan government peace talks to form a unity government and end war began Saturday .
The U.S.-brokered peace talks kicked off in Doha , Qatar , with the goal of ending years of wars that have killed and displaced millions .
A series of wars has disrupted the country since 1978 from the Soviet-Afghan war to civil wars to the most recent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 , 2001 terror attacks .
Al-Qaida used Afghanistan as a key base , sparking the U.S. invasion in the country after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in decades a government would be formed through diplomatic means instead of a coup or foreign military intervention .
`` Today is truly a momentous occasion , '' U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in Doha .
`` Afghans have at long last chosen to sit together and chart a new course for your country .
This is a moment that we must dare to hope .
As we look toward the light , we recall the darkness of four decades of war and the lost lives and opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testament to the human spirit that the pain and patterns of destruction are no match for the enduring hopes for peace held by all Afghan people and their many friends . ''
The talks follow the transfer of six Taliban prisoners -- who had been held for killing French , Australian and U.S. citizens -- to Qatar , where they were placed under house arrest .
The move completed the final requirement for peace talks to start , agreed to under a deal the United States signed with the Taliban in February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the deal based on Washington getting assurances that the unity government will not allow the country to become a base for terror attacks .
President Donald Trump has campaigned on withdrawing the United States from `` endless wars , '' with a goal to secure a peace deal and completely withdraw U.S. military forces from Afghanistan .

Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, a representative of the Afghan Taliban movement, attends the the opening session of the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. Photo by Stringer/EPA-EFE
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Taliban and Afghan government peace talks to form a unity government and end war began Saturday. The U.S.-brokered peace talks kicked off in Doha, Qatar, with the goal of ending years of wars that have killed and displaced millions. Advertisement
A series of wars has disrupted the country since 1978 from the Soviet-Afghan war to civil wars to the most recent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Al-Qaida used Afghanistan as a key base, sparking the U.S. invasion in the country after the attacks.
A peace deal could mark the first time in decades a government would be formed through diplomatic means instead of a coup or foreign military intervention.
"Today is truly a momentous occasion," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in Doha. "Afghans have at long last chosen to sit together and chart a new course for your country. This is a moment that we must dare to hope. As we look toward the light, we recall the darkness of four decades of war and the lost lives and opportunities, but it is remarkable and a testament to the human spirit that the pain and patterns of destruction are no match for the enduring hopes for peace held by all Afghan people and their many friends."
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The talks follow the transfer of six Taliban prisoners -- who had been held for killing French, Australian and U.S. citizens -- to Qatar, where they were placed under house arrest. The move completed the final requirement for peace talks to start, agreed to under a deal the United States signed with the Taliban in February.
Gradual U.S. troop withdrawal is also part of the deal based on Washington getting assurances that the unity government will not allow the country to become a base for terror attacks.
President Donald Trump has campaigned on withdrawing the United States from "endless wars," with a goal to secure a peace deal and completely withdraw U.S. military forces from Afghanistan.


upi--2020-09-12--Gordon Ramsay to host BBC game show 'Bank Balance'

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has signed on to host a new BBC game show @ @ @ @ @ British network described the show as `` a high-stakes , high-pressure game show where contestants @ @ @ @ @ , knowledge and nerve to succeed to build themselves a fortune -- or see it @ @ @ @ @ instant . ''
Filming is set to begin this year .
No targeted release date @ @ @ @ @ This is going to be truly epic .
It is such an intense game with @ @ @ @ @ big and lose even bigger , where the difference between failure and success is always @ @ @ @ @ Ramsay said in a press release on Friday .
`` I 'm so happy to @ @ @ @ @ team at the BBC and can not wait to get in the studio and start @ @ @ @ @ '' Ramsay is known as the host of the culinary-themed docu-series Boiling Point , Kitchen @ @ @ @ @ and MasterChef .

Gordon Ramsay is set to host a new game show for the BBC. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has signed on to host a new BBC game show called Bank Balance. The British network described the show as "a high-stakes, high-pressure game show where contestants test their poise, precision, knowledge and nerve to succeed to build themselves a fortune -- or see it come crashing down in an instant." Advertisement
Filming is set to begin this year. No targeted release date has been announced.
"This is going to be truly epic. It is such an intense game with so much jeopardy to win big and lose even bigger, where the difference between failure and success is always in the balance," Ramsay said in a press release on Friday. "I'm so happy to be working with the fantastic team at the BBC and cannot wait to get in the studio and start stacking those gold bars!"
Ramsay is known as the host of the culinary-themed docu-series Boiling Point, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef.


upi--2020-09-12--Paul Walker's daughter Meadow remembers late actor on his 47th birthday

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Meadow Walker posted a message on Instagram Saturday , remembering her father Paul on @ @ @ @ @ late actor 's 47th birthday .
`` The moment I realized we are twins .
@ @ @ @ @ beautiful soul , '' Meadow , 22 , captioned a throwback photo of her as @ @ @ @ @ .
Walker is best known for his work in Varsity Blues , Flags of Our @ @ @ @ @ the Furious film franchise .
He was killed as a passenger in a car crash @ @ @ @ @ 40 .

Late actor Paul Walker's daughter remembered him Saturday with an Instagram tribute on what should have been his 47th birthday. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Meadow Walker posted a message on Instagram Saturday, remembering her father Paul on what should have been the late actor's 47th birthday. "The moment I realized we are twins. happy birthday to the most beautiful soul," Meadow, 22, captioned a throwback photo of her as a toddler with her dad. Advertisement
Walker is best known for his work in Varsity Blues, Flags of Our Fathers and The Fast and the Furious film franchise.
He was killed as a passenger in a car crash in 2013. He was 40.


upi--2020-09-12--'Candyman' release delayed until 2021

'Candyman' release delayed until 2021

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Horror sequel Candyman will be released next year instead of in October as planned @ @ @ @ @ the decision Friday to delay the release and are expected to announce a new date @ @ @ @ @ alum Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a struggling artist who goes insane after discovering an urban @ @ @ @ @ who can be summoned by chanting his name in a mirror 's reflection .
Nia @ @ @ @ @ wrote with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld .
It is a sequel to 1992 's @ @ @ @ @ been reopening after months of being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic , but @ @ @ @ @ being postponed as people continue to social distance .
There is also no word when @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles -- two of the biggest markets for Hollywood 's films -- will start @ @ @

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's "Candyman" remake is set for release in 2021. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Horror sequel Candyman will be released next year instead of in October as planned. Universal and MGM made the decision Friday to delay the release and are expected to announce a new date soon. Advertisement
Aquaman and Watchmen alum Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a struggling artist who goes insane after discovering an urban legend about a supernatural murderer who can be summoned by chanting his name in a mirror's reflection.
Nia DaCosta directed the movie she wrote with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld. It is a sequel to 1992's Candyman.
U.S. theaters have been reopening after months of being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, but most major film releases are being postponed as people continue to social distance.
There is also no word when theaters in New York and Los Angeles -- two of the biggest markets for Hollywood's films -- will start screening again.


upi--2020-09-13--Look: Ryan Reynolds shares photos from COVID-19 nasal swab

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Actor Ryan Reynolds shared on Twitter this weekend photos of him undergoing a nasal @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus before he went back to work on the film , Red Notice .
`` @ @ @ @ @ RedNotice .
The Covid Test is quick and easy .
The doctor places the swab @ @ @ @ @ deep enough to tickle your childhood memories and then it 's over .
No matter @ @ @ @ @ , he wo n't buy you dinner first , '' Reynolds wrote in Saturday 's @ @ @ @ @ also stars Gal Gadot and Dwayne Johnson .
Johnson announced earlier this month that he @ @ @ @ @ toddler-age daughters were recovering from the virus .

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Ryan Reynolds is back to work on the Netflix movie, "Red Notice," after undergoing a coronavirus nasal swab test. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Actor Ryan Reynolds shared on Twitter this weekend photos of him undergoing a nasal swab to test for the coronavirus before he went back to work on the film, Red Notice. His wife, actress Blake Lively, snapped the pictures. Advertisement
"Back to work on #RedNotice. The Covid Test is quick and easy. The doctor places the swab up your nose, just deep enough to tickle your childhood memories and then it's over. No matter what you say to him, he won't buy you dinner first," Reynolds wrote in Saturday's post.
The Netflix action-thriller also stars Gal Gadot and Dwayne Johnson.
Johnson announced earlier this month that he, his wife and their toddler-age daughters were recovering from the virus.
Back to work on #RedNotice. The Covid Test is quick and easy. The doctor places the swab up your nose, just deep enough to tickle your childhood memories and then it's over. No matter what you say to him, he won't buy you dinner first. : @blakelively pic.twitter.com/CsohqlJCyA— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) September 12, 2020


upi--2020-09-13--Watch: Andrew Lloyd Webber releases song from his new 'Cinderella' musical

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber released on Twitter Sunday a video of Carrie Hope Fletcher singing a song from his upcoming Cinderella stage musical .
`` A little surprise for you all .
Here is 'Far Too Late ' from my new @ ALWCinderella , performed by @ CarrieHFletcher in an empty Her Majesty 's Theatre .
- ALW , '' Webber captioned the nearly 5-minute video , which shows Webber playing the piano to accompany Fletcher , who sings on the theater 's stage .
Webber claps quietly for Fletcher , who smiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carrie Hope Fletcher will open as Cinderella as soon as I possibly am allowed to get back into the theater again and it ca n't be too soon , '' Webber said before the video ends .
Her Majesty 's Theatre was the London home of Webber 's blockbuster show , The Phantom of the Opera , for 34 years before the coronavirus pandemic prompted the months-long closure of all West End theaters in the United Kingdom and Broadway theaters in the United States .
Cinderella is scheduled to begin previews in March @ @ @ @ @ @

Andrew Lloyd Webber released new music from his upcoming "Cinderella" stage musical on Sunday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber released on Twitter Sunday a video of Carrie Hope Fletcher singing a song from his upcoming Cinderella stage musical. "A little surprise for you all. Here is 'Far Too Late' from my new @ALWCinderella, performed by @CarrieHFletcher in an empty Her Majesty's Theatre. - ALW," Webber captioned the nearly 5-minute video, which shows Webber playing the piano to accompany Fletcher, who sings on the theater's stage. Advertisement
Webber claps quietly for Fletcher, who smiles when she finishes the song.
"Carrie Hope Fletcher will open as Cinderella as soon as I possibly am allowed to get back into the theater again and it can't be too soon," Webber said before the video ends.
Her Majesty's Theatre was the London home of Webber's blockbuster show, The Phantom of the Opera, for 34 years before the coronavirus pandemic prompted the months-long closure of all West End theaters in the United Kingdom and Broadway theaters in the United States.
Cinderella is scheduled to begin previews in March at the Gilliam Lynne Theatre.
A little surprise for you all. Here is Far Too Late from my new @ALWCinderella, performed by @CarrieHFletcher in an empty Her Majesty's Theatre. - ALW pic.twitter.com/e3ZP4ftahF— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) September 13, 2020
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upi--2020-09-13--Breeders' Cup 2020 will be run without fans

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Smack in the middle of a multinational weekend of `` Win and You 're In '' races for November 's Breeders ' Cup World Championships , the organizers announced those races will be run without spectators Nov. 6 and 7 at Keeneland .
The $ 31 million in purses will stand as promised .
And , as a consolation prize to the Kentucky track and the Lexington , Ky. , area , the Breeders ' Cup announced it will return to Keeneland in 2022 .
The announcement came as qualifying events for the Keeneland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France and Kentucky on Saturday and Sunday .
Like many major sports events facing COVID-19 pandemic issues , Keeneland and Breeders ' Cup worked for months with state and local health officials to put together a plan that would allow spectators into Keeneland , a small facility that was well-packed with fans the only other time it hosted the event , in 2015 .
`` After many months of careful deliberation , planning and consultation , it has become abundantly clear that this is the right decision in order to proceed with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our community , '' Drew Fleming , president and CEO of Breeders ' Cup , said Saturday .
`` Despite many major racing events reducing purses significantly , we are proud to be able to maintain 2019 purse levels to support our nominators and horsemen during this challenging year . ''
Breeders ' Cup board chairman Fred Hertrich said the decision to return to Keeneland in two year 's time will support the community in which the organization is based .
`` Lexington 's local community of racing fans , businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backbone of our sport , and we believe they deserve a second opportunity , in short order , to experience the event at its full potential , '' Hertrich said .
Fans who hold tickets will receive refunds and have preferred access to 2022 tickets .
NBC and the Breeders ' Cup both promise expanded fan outreach to enhance the remote viewing experience .
The Breeders ' Cup returns to Del Mar in 2021 .
No venues have been announced beyond 2022 .

Irad Ortiz, Jr., aboard Vino Rosso, leads the pack on the way to victory in the Breeders Cup Classic during the 36th Breeders Cup World Championship at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, Calif., on Nov. 2, 2019. File Photo by Mark Abraham/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Smack in the middle of a multinational weekend of "Win and You're In" races for November's Breeders' Cup World Championships, the organizers announced those races will be run without spectators Nov. 6 and 7 at Keeneland. The $31 million in purses will stand as promised. And, as a consolation prize to the Kentucky track and the Lexington, Ky., area, the Breeders' Cup announced it will return to Keeneland in 2022. Advertisement
The announcement came as qualifying events for the Keeneland races were being held in Ireland, France and Kentucky on Saturday and Sunday.
Like many major sports events facing COVID-19 pandemic issues, Keeneland and Breeders' Cup worked for months with state and local health officials to put together a plan that would allow spectators into Keeneland, a small facility that was well-packed with fans the only other time it hosted the event, in 2015.
"After many months of careful deliberation, planning and consultation, it has become abundantly clear that this is the right decision in order to proceed with our event while still protecting the collective health of our community," Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup, said Saturday.
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"Despite many major racing events reducing purses significantly, we are proud to be able to maintain 2019 purse levels to support our nominators and horsemen during this challenging year."
Breeders' Cup board chairman Fred Hertrich said the decision to return to Keeneland in two year's time will support the community in which the organization is based.
"Lexington's local community of racing fans, businesses and members of the Thoroughbred industry are the backbone of our sport, and we believe they deserve a second opportunity, in short order, to experience the event at its full potential," Hertrich said.
Fans who hold tickets will receive refunds and have preferred access to 2022 tickets. NBC and the Breeders' Cup both promise expanded fan outreach to enhance the remote viewing experience.
The Breeders' Cup returns to Del Mar in 2021. No venues have been announced beyond 2022.


upi--2020-09-13--Famous birthdays for Sept. 13: Tyler Perry, Jacqueline Bisset

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo .

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Tyler Perry accepts the Icon award onstage during the 19th annual BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on June 23, 2019. The filmmaker turns 51 on September 13. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo. They include: Advertisement
-- English novelist Daniel Defoe in 1660
-- U.S. Army bacteriologist Walter Reed in 1851
-- Hershey Co. founder Milton Hershey in 1857
-- Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing, World War I hero, in 1860
-- Author Roald Dahl in 1916
-- Singer Mel Torme in 1925
-- American artist Robert Indiana in 1928
-- Actor Barbara Bain in 1931 (age 89)
-- TV producer Fred Silverman in 1937
-- "Miss Manners" Judith Martin in 1938 (age 82)
-- Actor Richard Kiel in 1939
-- Costa Rican Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias in 1940 (age 80)
-- Singer David Clayton-Thomas in 1941 (age 79)
-- Singer/songwriter Peter Cetera in 1944 (age 76)
-- Actor Jacqueline Bisset in 1944 (age 76)
File Photo by David Silpa/UPI
-- Singer/actor Nell Carter in 1948
-- Actor Jean Smart in 1951 (age 69)
-- Musician Randy Jones in 1952 (age 68)
-- Musician Don Was in 1952 (age 68)
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-- Talk show host Tavis Smiley in 1964 (age 56)
-- Olympic track gold medalist Michael Johnson in 1967 (age 53)
-- Filmmaker Tyler Perry in 1969 (age 51)
-- Fashion designer Stella McCartney in 1971 (age 49)
File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI
-- Country musician Joe Don Rooney in 1975 (age 45)
-- Singer Fiona Apple in 1977 (age 43)
-- Actor Ben Savage in 1980 (age 40)
-- Pop singer Niall Horan in 1993 (age 27)
-- Actor Lili Reinhart in 1996 (age 24)


upi--2020-09-13--On This Day, Sept. 13: Margaret Chase Smith is 1st woman elected to House, Senate

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1814 , during a British attack on Fort McHenry , Md.
, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of `` The Star-Spangled Banner . ''
In 1922 , the temperature at El Azizia , Libya , reached 136 degrees Fahrenheit , generally accepted as the world 's highest recorded atmospheric temperature .
In 1940 , the chapel at Buckingham Palace was destroyed in the German Blitz on London .
The palace came under attack nine times during World War II .
Ten days later , King George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we fight . ''
In 1948 , Margaret Chase Smith won election to the U.S. Senate , becoming the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress .
In 1971 , New York state forces stormed and regained control of Attica state prison in a riot that killed 43 people .
In 1993 , in a ceremony at the White House , Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed a declaration of principles for Palestinian self-rule .
In 1996 , rapper Tupac Shakur died after he was shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2001 , U.S. carriers were allowed to resume flights and airports were under strict new security requirements in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks .
In 2008 , Hurricane Ike battered Galveston and Houston with heavy rain and 110-mph winds , forcing about 1 million people to flee and leaving millions without electricity .
Officials later said deaths caused by Ike included more than 100 in the United States and about 75 in Haiti .
In 2013 , an Indian court convicted four men on charges they raped and murdered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delhi -- a December 2012 attack that caused nationwide outrage .
They were sentenced to death .
In 2017 , the International Olympic Committee said Paris would host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Los Angeles the 2028 Summer Olympics in a historic double announcement .

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On September 13, 1948, Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to be serve in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, representing Maine as a Republican. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1814, during a British attack on Fort McHenry, Md., Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Advertisement
In 1922, the temperature at El Azizia, Libya, reached 136 degrees Fahrenheit, generally accepted as the world's highest recorded atmospheric temperature.
In 1940, the chapel at Buckingham Palace was destroyed in the German Blitz on London. The palace came under attack nine times during World War II. Ten days later, King George VI condemned the "wickedness against which we fight."
In 1948, Margaret Chase Smith won election to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
In 1971, New York state forces stormed and regained control of Attica state prison in a riot that killed 43 people.
In 1993, in a ceremony at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat signed a declaration of principles for Palestinian self-rule.
File Photo by Leighton Mark/UPI
In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur died after he was shot in an ambush on Sept. 7.
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In 2001, U.S. carriers were allowed to resume flights and airports were under strict new security requirements in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In 2008, Hurricane Ike battered Galveston and Houston with heavy rain and 110-mph winds, forcing about 1 million people to flee and leaving millions without electricity. Officials later said deaths caused by Ike included more than 100 in the United States and about 75 in Haiti.
File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/UPI
In 2013, an Indian court convicted four men on charges they raped and murdered a 23-year-old student on a private bus in Delhi -- a December 2012 attack that caused nationwide outrage. They were sentenced to death.
In 2017, the International Olympic Committee said Paris would host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Los Angeles the 2028 Summer Olympics in a historic double announcement.


upi--2020-09-13--Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni won't return to team next season

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni has informed the organization that he wo n't return to the team next season .
`` It 's with tremendous sadness and gratitude that my wife Laurel and I announce that our incredible journey in Houston has ended for now and that we 'll be moving to a new chapter , '' D'Antoni told ESPN in a statement Sunday .
The 69-year-old D'Antoni , whose contract expired after the Rockets ' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in the Western Conference semifinals , turned down extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta thanked D'Antoni for his contributions and wished him well .
`` Mike is a true professional and an amazing basketball mind , '' Fertitta said in the statement .
`` He is a winner , and we have been blessed to have had such an outstanding coach and leader to work with the past four seasons .
We wish Mike and Laurel nothing but success and happiness in their next chapter . ''
D'Antoni , a two-time NBA Coach of the Year , posted a 217-102 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He guided the Rockets to the Western Conference finals once and the conference semifinals three times .
D'Antoni will be considered among the group of candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers ' coaching vacancy , according to ESPN .
The 76ers fired head coach Brett Brown last month after being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round .

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni (L), whose contract expired at the end of this season, previously turned down extension offers before the 2019-20 campaign. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni has informed the organization that he won't return to the team next season. "It's with tremendous sadness and gratitude that my wife Laurel and I announce that our incredible journey in Houston has ended for now and that we'll be moving to a new chapter," D'Antoni told ESPN in a statement Sunday. Advertisement
The 69-year-old D'Antoni, whose contract expired after the Rockets' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday in the Western Conference semifinals, turned down extension offers before the 2019-20 campaign.
In a statement, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta thanked D'Antoni for his contributions and wished him well.
"Mike is a true professional and an amazing basketball mind," Fertitta said in the statement. "He is a winner, and we have been blessed to have had such an outstanding coach and leader to work with the past four seasons. We wish Mike and Laurel nothing but success and happiness in their next chapter."
D'Antoni, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, posted a 217-102 record across his four seasons in Houston. He guided the Rockets to the Western Conference finals once and the conference semifinals three times.
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D'Antoni will be considered among the group of candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers' coaching vacancy, according to ESPN. The 76ers fired head coach Brett Brown last month after being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.


upi--2020-09-13--Dominic Thiem rallies from two sets down to win first major title at U.S. Open

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- After dropping the first two sets to Alexander Zverev on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium , Dominic Thiem constructed a historic comeback to win his first major championship at the 2020 U.S. Open .
The second-seeded Thiem rallied for a 2-6 , 4-6 , 6-4 , 6-3 , 7-6 ( 6 ) victory over Zverev in a match that spanned more than four hours .
The match was decided by a fifth-set tiebreaker -- something that had never occurred in the final at Flushing Meadows .
The 27-year-old Austrian becomes the first man to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the final since Pancho Gonzalez did it against Ted Schroeder in 1949 , when the event was known as the U.S. Championships .
`` I want to congratulate Dominic on the first of many Grand Slam titles .
...
It was a tough battle , '' the fifth-seeded Zverev said .
`` I wish you would have missed a little bit more so I could have [ held ] that trophy up , but here I am giving the runner-up 's speech . ''
Thiem entered this year 's final with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with losses against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic .
This time , with Roger Federer , Nadal and Djokovic out of the championship match , Thiem was the favorite and emerged with his first Grand Slam trophy .
On Saturday , No .
4 seed Naomi Osaka beat unseeded Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open women 's final .
Osaka dropped the opening set but rallied for a 1-6 , 6-3 , 6-3 win to claim her second U.S. Open title .

Dominic Thiem of Austria (pictured) holds up the U.S. Open Championship Trophy after beating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men's final Sunday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- After dropping the first two sets to Alexander Zverev on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Dominic Thiem constructed a historic comeback to win his first major championship at the 2020 U.S. Open. The second-seeded Thiem rallied for a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Zverev in a match that spanned more than four hours. The match was decided by a fifth-set tiebreaker -- something that had never occurred in the final at Flushing Meadows. Advertisement
The 27-year-old Austrian becomes the first man to win the U.S. Open after trailing 2-0 in the final since Pancho Gonzalez did it against Ted Schroeder in 1949, when the event was known as the U.S. Championships.
"I want to congratulate Dominic on the first of many Grand Slam titles. ... It was a tough battle," the fifth-seeded Zverev said. "I wish you would have missed a little bit more so I could have [held] that trophy up, but here I am giving the runner-up's speech."
Thiem entered this year's final with a 0-3 record in Grand Slam finals, with losses against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. This time, with Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic out of the championship match, Thiem was the favorite and emerged with his first Grand Slam trophy.
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On Saturday, No. 4 seed Naomi Osaka beat unseeded Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open women's final. Osaka dropped the opening set but rallied for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 win to claim her second U.S. Open title.


upi--2020-09-13--Hurricane warnings in effect for parts of Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Sally gathers strength

Sept. 12 ( UPI ) -- Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were in effect for portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast as AccuWeather meteorologists on Sunday continued monitoring the latest threat to the U.S. : Tropical Storm Sally , which had taken shape a day earlier .
Sally was gathering strength as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico , where water temperatures range from the low- to mid-80s F , and the storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength before making landfall along the Gulf Coast .
By 8 p.m. EDT on Sunday , the storm was centered 160 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and about 195 miles east-southeast of the mouth of Mississippi River .
It was moving west-northwestward at 9 mph and maximum sustained winds had remained at 60 mph .
Sally , formerly Tropical Depression 19 , ramped up quickly and strengthened to a tropical storm at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday afternoon .
Forecasters expect Sally to continue rapidly strengthening into Monday and anticipate Sally to become a Category 1 hurricane .
Because of the wind and rain impacts combined , however , AccuWeather meteorologists have rated Sally a 2 on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system moved from the waters off Florida 's southeast across the southern tip of the Sunshine State and over the Gulf , local officials along the Gulf Coast began taking action to prepare for Sally 's arrival .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm 's arrival and noted on Twitter that parts of his state were ravaged by Hurricane Laura late last month .
`` This when combined with the COVID-19 pandemic , can make us all weary , '' Edwards said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take their preparations seriously . ''
Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves also signed a State of Emergency for Mississippi as Sally nears the coast .
He also formally requested President Donald Trump for pre-landfall assistance .
With heavy rain and the threat of a life-threatening storm surge in the forecast , New Orleans mayor Latoya issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas that are located outside of the city 's levee system .
Cantrell said the order would go into effect at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday .
Sally is now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form in the Atlantic Ocean basin , beating out 2005 's Hurricane Stan which was named on Oct. 2 .
In less than 24 hours , Sally went from being a mass of showers and thunderstorms east of the Bahamas on Friday afternoon and to a tropical depression on Friday evening , before becoming a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon .
Torrential rain fell across South Florida as the tropical disturbance passed through .
Marathon and Key West , Fla. , both set preliminary daily and monthly rainfall records , with 8.13 inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for Morgan City , La.
, to Ocean Springs , Miss.
, as well as Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas including metropolitan New Orleans .
A hurricane watch was in effect east of Ocean Springs to the Alabama/Florida border , while a tropical storm warning was in effect from Intracoastal City , La.
, to west of Morgan City and East of Ocean Springs to Indian Pass and a tropical storm watch was in effect for Indian Pass to Ochlockonee River , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Lake Pontchartrain , Lake Maurepas , Lake Borgne , and Mobile Bay as well as from Port Fourchon Louisiana to the Florida-Alabama border , while a storm surge watch was in effect fro the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Alabama/Florida border .
Beachgoers and boaters should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions that include sudden squalls , downpours and rough seas and surf .
Sally could produce a couple of isolated tornadoes and waterspouts as its outer bands sweep along the western coast of Florida into Monday .
After impacting southern and western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threaten the Gulf Coast .
Slow-and-steady strengthening is expected as Sally pulls away from Florida and travels over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico .
`` With very warm water across the northeastern Gulf and relatively light vertical wind shear , Tropical Storm Sally is expected to have enough time to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall , '' said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty .
The water throughout the Gulf of Mexico is very warm , in the 80s to near 90 F , which is sufficiently warm to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents along the eastern and central Gulf coast should begin making preparations now for impacts from Sally , ranging from strong winds to heavy , flooding rainfall and storm surge .
With the anticipation of Sally reaching hurricane strength prior to landfall , damaging winds will also be a concern along the immediate coast .
Widespread wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected from the central Florida Panhandle to eastern Louisiana , with the strongest wind near or east of the anticipated landfall .
An AccuWeather Local StormMax wind gust of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the center of the storm .
Sally is expected to make landfall somewhere between southeastern Louisiana and the Mississippi-Alabama border on Tuesday .
After moving inland , the storm will lose wind intensity , but continue to pull moisture northward into the Deep South .
The wet weather across southern Florida is expected to spread across the state and into southern Georgia through Sunday and then across Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama Monday into Wednesday .
`` The heaviest downpours and highest rainfall accumulations are expected to set up over the Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and may persist for 48 hours in some locations , '' explained Douty .
With up to two days of heavy rain likely to deluge these areas , an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 18 inches is possible within this area along the Gulf Coast .
Significant , life-threatening flash flooding is possible due to such high rainfall amounts .
Roads may become impassable and some communities may become cutoff from first responders and medical services for a time .
An AccuWeather RealImpact Scale of 1 is expected for this feature .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale with ratings of less than one and 1 to 5 that was introduced by AccuWeather to rate tropical systems based on impacts , rather than just wind , like the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale does .
A second area of disturbed weather over the north-central Gulf of Mexico was poorly organized on Saturday , but could gain organization as it drifts west-southwestward early this week .
Interests in coastal areas from southern Texas to eastern Mexico should monitor the feature 's progress over the next couple of days .
Between the potential threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the depths of the basin , an unusual occurrence that has n't happened since September of 1971 may unfold in the coming weeks .
As many five named tropical systems may spin across the ocean at the same time by the middle of September .
As of early Sunday morning , three named storms and one tropical depression were swirling in the Atlantic .
Tropical storms and hurricanes can form well beyond the statistical peak of hurricane season , which is Sept. 10-11 .
Hurricane season does not officially end until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could emerge into December this year .
Once the list based on the English alphabet is exhausted , Greek letters will be assigned as names , and that has only happened one other time in history , in 2005 .

Tropical Depression Sally poured rain over Alabama and Georgia early Thursday. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Tropical Depression Sally was dumping torrential rains over eastern Alabama and western and central Georgia early Thursday after making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane the day before, leaving a trail of flooding and destruction in its wake. Sally had wind speeds of 105 mph, Category 2 strength, when it made landfall before dawn Wednesday, resulting in at least one death in Alabama and downing the Three Mile Bridge in Santa Rosa County, Fla., before losing strength and being downgraded to a tropical depression later in the day. Advertisement
The National Hurricane Center said in its 4 a.m. CDT Thursday advisory the storm was creating maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and was moving northeast at 12 mph.
The NHC added that the center of the storm was located about 50 miles southeast of Montgomery, Ala.
"On the forecast track, the center of Sally will move across southeastern Alabama this morning, over central Georgia this afternoon and move over South Carolina late tonight into Friday," the NHC said.
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Forecasters said Sally could produce as many as 30 inches of rain in some areas between Florida and western Alabama.Sally grew to Category 2 strength early Wednesday after spending most of Tuesday as a Category 1 storm.
Hurricane Ivan, in 2004, was the last hurricane to make landfall in Alabama, as a Category 3 storm. The state saw Hurricane Danny in 1997 and Hurricane Frederic in 1979.
Gulf Coast residents were rushing preparations to completion this week before Sally's arrival -- a little over two weeks after Hurricane Laura's devastating blow in western Louisiana and the upper Texas coast.
States of emergency have been issued by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and mandatory evacuations were ordered in low-lying areas of Mississippi and Louisiana.
Sally was the earliest named "S-Storm" to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean basin, beating out 2005's Hurricane Stan, which was named on Oct. 2.
In less than 24 hours, Sally went from being a mass of showers and thunderstorms east of the Bahamas on Friday to a tropical depression before growing into a tropical storm Saturday.
There is also the potential for brief tornadoes and waterspouts to spin up near and east of the center of the storm as it crawls inland. On Tuesday morning, tornado watches were issued by the National Weather Service for coastal Alabama and the western half of the Florida Panhandle.
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After moving inland, the storm will lose wind intensity, but continue to pull moisture northward into the Deep South.
AccuWeather meteorologists said that natural gas and oil production is expected to be shut down for one day to two days in the north-central Gulf as Sally moves through the region, but the majority of the rigs are located farther west, over the western Gulf of Mexico.
Sally isn't the only system meteorologists are monitoring. Hurricanes Paulette and Teddy are also in the Atlantic basin, along with Tropical Storm Vicky.
Hurricane season does not officially end until the end of November, and forecasters say that named systems could emerge into December this year.


upi--2020-09-13--New England Patriots top Miami Dolphins in Cam Newton's debut

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Playing in their first game in the post-Tom Brady era , the New England Patriots opened the 2020 season with a 21-11 win over the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass .
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton , who joined the Patriots earlier this year after Brady signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , rushed 15 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns .
He also completed 78.9 % of his passes for 155 yards .
`` It was relatively picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , '' said Newton , who was playing for the first time in more than a year after a Lisfranc injury .
`` I think it was just a feeling-through process as well with [ offensive coordinator ] Josh [ McDaniels ] , coach Bill [ Belichick ] , as well as [ quarterbacks coach ] Jedd [ Fisch ] to understand what they have .
`` ... We made the adjustments and we executed . ''
Newton 's 75 rushing yards were the most by a Patriots quarterback since Steve Grogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Running back Sony Michel added 10 carries for 37 yards and one touchdown for the Patriots , who had 217 of their 357 total yards on the ground .
The Dolphins struggled offensively for most of the game and lost top wide receiver DeVante Parker , who exited in the third quarter with a hamstring injury .
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was 20 of 30 for 191 yards and tossed three interceptions .
Miami mustered only 269 total offensive yards against the Patriots .
`` Just too many turnovers at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Brian Flores said .
Dolphins tailback Myles Gaskin led the team with nine carries for 40 yards .
Jordan Howard scored Miami 's only touchdown with a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter .
The Patriots travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks next Sunday .
The Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 .

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New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Playing in their first game in the post-Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots opened the 2020 season with a 21-11 win over the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who joined the Patriots earlier this year after Brady signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rushed 15 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed 78.9% of his passes for 155 yards. Advertisement
"It was relatively picking up right where I remember the game to be," said Newton, who was playing for the first time in more than a year after a Lisfranc injury. "I think it was just a feeling-through process as well with [offensive coordinator] Josh [McDaniels], coach Bill [Belichick], as well as [quarterbacks coach] Jedd [Fisch] to understand what they have.
"... We made the adjustments and we executed."
Newton's 75 rushing yards were the most by a Patriots quarterback since Steve Grogan, who ran for 81 in 1977.
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Running back Sony Michel added 10 carries for 37 yards and one touchdown for the Patriots, who had 217 of their 357 total yards on the ground.
The Dolphins struggled offensively for most of the game and lost top wide receiver DeVante Parker, who exited in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was 20 of 30 for 191 yards and tossed three interceptions. Miami mustered only 269 total offensive yards against the Patriots.
"Just too many turnovers at the end of the day," Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said.
Dolphins tailback Myles Gaskin led the team with nine carries for 40 yards. Jordan Howard scored Miami's only touchdown with a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks next Sunday. The Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.


upi--2020-09-13--Lamar Jackson powers Ravens to blowout win over Browns

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens cruised to a 38-6 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore .
Jackson completed 20 of his 25 passes and added a team-best 45 rushing yards to spoil the debut of Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski .
Cleveland has n't won a season opener since 2004 .
`` The guy was incredible last year , '' said Ravens tight end Mark Andrews , who had two receiving touchdowns Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best player in the world , and his arm reflects that . ''
`` Lamar Jackson just played a phenomenal game in every single way , '' Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said .
`` He was probably the biggest difference in the game . ''
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 39 passes for 189 yards and was sacked twice .
He threw an interception on the Browns ' opening possession -- the first of three Browns turnovers in the game .
Those turnovers -- along with two missed kicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punt call by Stefanski -- also contributed to the rout .
`` Very disappointed , obviously , '' Stefanski said .
`` But credit to the Baltimore Ravens .
They deserved to win .
They outcoached us , they outplayed us .
We did a lot of things losing teams do . ''
Mark Ingram II led the Ravens backfield with 10 carries for 29 yards .
Rookie tailback J.K. Dobbins was right behind him with seven rushes for 22 yards and two scores .
Ravens wideout Marquise Brown had five catches for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IV had four grabs for 64 yards and one receiving touchdown .
Browns receiver Jarvis Landry led the team with five receptions for 61 yards .
Superstar wideout Odell Beckham Jr. was targeted 10 times but tallied just three catches for 22 yards .
Cleveland tight end David Njoku notched three receptions for 50 yards and the team 's lone touchdown -- a 1-yard pass from Mayfield late in the first quarter .
The Browns host the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 .
The Ravens travel to play the Houston @ @ @ @

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against the Cleveland Browns during the first half Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens cruised to a 38-6 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Jackson completed 20 of his 25 passes and added a team-best 45 rushing yards to spoil the debut of Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland hasn't won a season opener since 2004. Advertisement
"The guy was incredible last year," said Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who had two receiving touchdowns Sunday. "To me, he's obviously the best player in the world, and his arm reflects that."
"Lamar Jackson just played a phenomenal game in every single way," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "He was probably the biggest difference in the game."
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 39 passes for 189 yards and was sacked twice. He threw an interception on the Browns' opening possession -- the first of three Browns turnovers in the game.
Those turnovers -- along with two missed kicks by Austin Seibert and a failed fake punt call by Stefanski -- also contributed to the rout.
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"Very disappointed, obviously," Stefanski said. "But credit to the Baltimore Ravens. They deserved to win. They outcoached us, they outplayed us. We did a lot of things losing teams do."
Mark Ingram II led the Ravens backfield with 10 carries for 29 yards. Rookie tailback J.K. Dobbins was right behind him with seven rushes for 22 yards and two scores.
Ravens wideout Marquise Brown had five catches for a team-high 101 yards. Willie Snead IV had four grabs for 64 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Browns receiver Jarvis Landry led the team with five receptions for 61 yards. Superstar wideout Odell Beckham Jr. was targeted 10 times but tallied just three catches for 22 yards.
Cleveland tight end David Njoku notched three receptions for 50 yards and the team's lone touchdown -- a 1-yard pass from Mayfield late in the first quarter.
The Browns host the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. The Ravens travel to play the Houston Texans next week.


upi--2020-09-13--Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack to undergo MRI on Achilles injury

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack did n't play in the second half of his team 's 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday after suffering an Achilles injury .
Following the loss , Colts head coach Frank Reich confirmed Mack injured his Achilles and would get an MRI on Monday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Mack is feared to have torn his Achilles tendon .
Mack played only 11 snaps and gained 26 yards on four carries before leaving the game with the injury .
He also had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustained the non-contact injury after catching an underneath pass in the second quarter .
He immediately grabbed his lower leg and limped off the field as he waved for medical assistance from the Colts ' sideline .
The Colts signaled for a cart and had it transport Mack to the locker room .
Mack , who rushed for a career-best 1,091 yards last season , was replaced by Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor .
The Colts also have Jordan Wilkins in their backfield .
`` I know that whatever happens -- I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I know that Marlon ... he 's not only going to be in my ear , but the rest of the backs in order to make sure we can uphold his part and make sure that the running back group [ does n't ] drop off , '' Taylor said .
In his Colts debut , veteran quarterback Philip Rivers completed 36 of his 46 pass attempts for 363 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions .
His favorite target -- Parris Campbell -- had six receptions for a team-high 71 receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 19-of-20 passing for 173 yards and three touchdowns .
Keelan Cole Sr. caught five passes for 47 yards and one score .
The Colts play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 , while the Jaguars take on the Tennessee Titans .

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Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs for a short gain against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at TIAA Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack didn't play in the second half of his team's 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday after suffering an Achilles injury. Following the loss, Colts head coach Frank Reich confirmed Mack injured his Achilles and would get an MRI on Monday. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Mack is feared to have torn his Achilles tendon. Advertisement
Mack played only 11 snaps and gained 26 yards on four carries before leaving the game with the injury. He also had three receptions for 30 yards.
Mack sustained the non-contact injury after catching an underneath pass in the second quarter. He immediately grabbed his lower leg and limped off the field as he waved for medical assistance from the Colts' sideline.
The Colts signaled for a cart and had it transport Mack to the locker room.
Mack, who rushed for a career-best 1,091 yards last season, was replaced by Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor. The Colts also have Jordan Wilkins in their backfield.
"I know that whatever happens -- I don't know the full status yet -- but I know that Marlon ... he's not only going to be in my ear, but the rest of the backs in order to make sure we can uphold his part and make sure that the running back group [doesn't] drop off," Taylor said.
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In his Colts debut, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers completed 36 of his 46 pass attempts for 363 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His favorite target -- Parris Campbell -- had six receptions for a team-high 71 receiving yards.
Jaguars signal-caller Gardner Minshew II was 19-of-20 passing for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Keelan Cole Sr. caught five passes for 47 yards and one score.
The Colts play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, while the Jaguars take on the Tennessee Titans.


upi--2020-09-13--Denver Nuggets rally past L.A. Clippers to force Game 7

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Denver Nuggets pulled off another season-saving comeback Sunday , beating the Los Angeles Clippers 111-98 to even their Western Conference semifinal series at three games apiece .
The Nuggets faced a 19-point deficit with 10:10 left in the third quarter before rallying behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to force a decisive Game 7 .
Jokic recorded 34 points , 14 rebounds and seven assists , while Murray had 21 points , five rebounds and five assists .
The Nuggets are trying to become the first team in NBA history to rally from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same postseason .
Denver did so against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs .
The winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series will play the Los Angeles Lakers -- who beat the Houston Rockets on Saturday night -- in the Western Conference finals .
Gary Harris notched 16 points for the Nuggets .
Rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 points and reserve guard Monte Morris had 10 .
Paul George led the Clippers with 33 points on 9-of-21 shooting .
He also had six rebounds and a team-best five steals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight boards , five assists and two steals .
Lou Williams had 14 points off the bench for the Clippers , who are now 0-7 in games where they could clinch a spot in the conference finals .
JaMychal Green scored 11 points in 20 minutes .
Game 7 of the series is set for Tuesday night .

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (L) shakes hands with Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during the second half of Game 6 in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The Denver Nuggets pulled off another season-saving comeback Sunday, beating the Los Angeles Clippers 111-98 to even their Western Conference semifinal series at three games apiece. The Nuggets faced a 19-point deficit with 10:10 left in the third quarter before rallying behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to force a decisive Game 7. Jokic recorded 34 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Murray had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Advertisement
The Nuggets are trying to become the first team in NBA history to rally from a pair of 3-1 deficits in the same postseason. Denver did so against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.
The winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series will play the Los Angeles Lakers -- who beat the Houston Rockets on Saturday night -- in the Western Conference finals.
Gary Harris notched 16 points for the Nuggets. Rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 points and reserve guard Monte Morris had 10.
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Paul George led the Clippers with 33 points on 9-of-21 shooting. He also had six rebounds and a team-best five steals. Kawhi Leonard tallied 25 points, eight boards, five assists and two steals.
Lou Williams had 14 points off the bench for the Clippers, who are now 0-7 in games where they could clinch a spot in the conference finals. JaMychal Green scored 11 points in 20 minutes.
Game 7 of the series is set for Tuesday night.


upi--2020-09-13--Look: Pregnant Bindi Irwin shares ultrasound image of first child

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Television personality and wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin has shared on social media an ultrasound of the first child she is expecting with her husband , Chandler Powell .
`` The animal joeys we care for are excited to meet our human joey .
We ca n't wait to teach our little one about the importance of protecting our planet and the beauty of the wildlife and wild places we love so much .
Thank you for your kindness and support on this magical journey , '' Irwin , 22 , captioned a photo of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband .
The young couple is smiling with their eyes closed in the picture .
Irwin is holding a baby kangaroo or joey , while Powell has a koala in his arms .
Powell , 23 , shared the same photo on his own account .
`` Our little human joey with some of our Australia Zoo joeys .
Ca n't wait for our baby to meet everyone in person .
Being a dad is already the highlight of my life , '' he wrote .
Irwin and Powell tied the knot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August .

Bindi Irwin (R) and her husband Chandler Powell are expecting their first child. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Television personality and wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin has shared on social media an ultrasound of the first child she is expecting with her husband, Chandler Powell. "The animal joeys we care for are excited to meet our human joey. We can't wait to teach our little one about the importance of protecting our planet and the beauty of the wildlife and wild places we love so much. Thank you for your kindness and support on this magical journey," Irwin, 22, captioned a photo of her holding the scan and snuggling with her husband. Advertisement
The young couple is smiling with their eyes closed in the picture. Irwin is holding a baby kangaroo or joey, while Powell has a koala in his arms.
Powell, 23, shared the same photo on his own account.
"Our little human joey with some of our Australia Zoo joeys. Can't wait for our baby to meet everyone in person. Being a dad is already the highlight of my life," he wrote.
Irwin and Powell tied the knot in March and announced Irwin's pregnancy in August.
Advertisement The animal joeys we care for are excited to meet our human joey.  We can't wait to teach our little one about the importance of protecting our planet and the beauty of the wildlife and wild places we love so much. Thank you for your kindness and support on this magical journey. pic.twitter.com/Sys4UPwGt3— Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) September 12, 2020


upi--2020-09-13--Western leaders blame climate change as wildfires burn 4.6 million acres

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Government leaders in Oregon , California and Washington said the fires burning across the western United States are the result of climate change .
The National Interagency Fire Center reported that 94 large fires have burned 4.6 million acres as of Sunday .
At least 32 people have died amid the fires as Oregon 's death toll rose to 10 on Sunday after three bodies were discovered in Jackson County .
California had reported 21 deaths as of Saturday and a 1-year-old boy died in Washington State .
Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the exact cause of the blazes is under investigation , they sprung up in the state amid a combination of poor weather conditions , `` decades of mismanagement '' of the country 's forests and the effects of climate change .
`` I have to tell you , we saw the perfect firestorm .
We saw incredible winds .
We saw very cold , hot temperatures .
And of course , we have a landscape that has seen 30 years of drought , '' she said .
`` This is truly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast .
And this is a wake-up call for all of us that we have got to do everything in our power to tackle climate change . ''
Brown said more than 40,000 Oregonians have been forced to evacuate and about half a million are on some level of evacuation status as fires have burned more than 1 million acres in the state .
The largest of the blazes , the Beachie Creek Fire , has burned 188,374 acres in Santiam Canyon east of Salem and is 0 % contained .
The California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday said that the August Complex Fire , the largest blaze in the state 's history , had burned 877,477 acres in Mendocino , Humboldt , Del Norte and Trinity counties at 28 % containment .
The 258,802-acre North Complex in Plumas and Butte counties has become the deadliest fire in the state , resulting in 12 deaths , followed by the LNU Lightning Complex which has resulted in five deaths and one each has died in the CZU Lightning Complex , August , Tatham and Hills fires .
President Donald Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Gavin Newsom and emergency response officials for a briefing on wildfires that have burned through the state since mid-August .
On Sunday , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti criticized Trump and his administration for ignoring the effects of climate change .
`` This is climate change .
And this is an administration that 's put its head in the sand , while we have Democratic and Republican mayors across the country stepping up to do their part , '' he said on CNN 's State of the Union .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to withdraw from the Paris climate accords later this year , the only country in the world to do so .
Talk to a firefighter , if you think that climate change is n't real . ''
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee described the conditions in the state as apocalyptic as wildfire shave burned more than 500,000 acres , also citing climate change as the cause .
`` We know that climate change is making fires start easier , spread faster and intensify .
And it is maddening right now that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , with the entire West Coast of the United States on fire , to have a president to deny that ... these are climate fires , '' he said on ABC News This Week .
The largest of the fires in the state , the 223,730-acre Pearl Hill Fire , was 80 % contained as of Sunday .

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti declared Sunday that climate change has contributed to the wildfires that have burned 4.6 million acres in the western United States. Photo by U.S. Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Region/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Government leaders in Oregon, California and Washington said the fires burning across the western United States are the result of climate change. The National Interagency Fire Center reported that 94 large fires have burned 4.6 million acres as of Sunday. Advertisement
At least 32 people have died amid the fires as Oregon's death toll rose to 10 on Sunday after three bodies were discovered in Jackson County. California had reported 21 deaths as of Saturday and a 1-year-old boy died in Washington State.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown told CBS News' Face the Nation that while the exact cause of the blazes is under investigation, they sprung up in the state amid a combination of poor weather conditions, "decades of mismanagement" of the country's forests and the effects of climate change.
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"I have to tell you, we saw the perfect firestorm. We saw incredible winds. We saw very cold, hot temperatures. And of course, we have a landscape that has seen 30 years of drought," she said. "This is truly the bellwether for climate change on the West Coast. And this is a wake-up call for all of us that we have got to do everything in our power to tackle climate change."
Brown said more than 40,000 Oregonians have been forced to evacuate and about half a million are on some level of evacuation status as fires have burned more than 1 million acres in the state.
The largest of the blazes, the Beachie Creek Fire, has burned 188,374 acres in Santiam Canyon east of Salem and is 0% contained.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire protection on Sunday said that the August Complex Fire, the largest blaze in the state's history, had burned 877,477 acres in Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties at 28% containment.
The 258,802-acre North Complex in Plumas and Butte counties has become the deadliest fire in the state, resulting in 12 deaths, followed by the LNU Lightning Complex which has resulted in five deaths and one each has died in the CZU Lightning Complex, August, Tatham and Hills fires.
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President Donald Trump is set to visit California to meet with Gov. Gavin Newsom and emergency response officials for a briefing on wildfires that have burned through the state since mid-August.
On Sunday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti criticized Trump and his administration for ignoring the effects of climate change.
"This is climate change. And this is an administration that's put its head in the sand, while we have Democratic and Republican mayors across the country stepping up to do their part," he said on CNN's State of the Union. "This is an administration, a president who wants to withdraw from the Paris climate accords later this year, the only country in the world to do so. Talk to a firefighter, if you think that climate change isn't real."
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee described the conditions in the state as apocalyptic as wildfire shave burned more than 500,000 acres, also citing climate change as the cause.
"We know that climate change is making fires start easier, spread faster and intensify. And it is maddening right now that when we have this cosmic challenge to our communities, with the entire West Coast of the United States on fire, to have a president to deny that ... these are climate fires," he said on ABC News This Week.
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The largest of the fires in the state, the 223,730-acre Pearl Hill Fire, was 80% contained as of Sunday.


upi--2020-09-13--Taylor Swift to perform on ACM Awards broadcast

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Taylor Swift is set to perform on the ACM Awards for the first time @ @ @ @ @ Swift , 30 , will sing her new song `` Betty '' from her latest @ @ @ @ @ has topped the Billboard 200 chart for the past six weeks .
The 2020 Academy @ @ @ @ @ also feature performances by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani , Carrie Underwood , Trisha Yearwood @ @ @ @ @ Lambert , Maren Morris , Kelsea Ballerini , Jimmie Allen , Gabby Barrett , Luke @ @ @ @ @ Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi .
Keith Urban is hosting the event , which will @ @ @ @ @ three locations throughout Nashville .

Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Taylor Swift is set to perform on the ACM Awards for the first time in seven years Wednesday.
Swift, 30, will sing her new song "Betty" from her latest album, Folklore, which has topped the Billboard 200 chart for the past six weeks.


upi--2020-09-13--'Tenet' tops North American box office for 2nd weekend

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Action-thriller Tenet is the No .
1 movie in North America for a second weekend , earning $ 6.7 million in receipts , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced on Sunday .
Coming in at No .
2 is The New Mutants with $ 2.1 million , followed by Unhinged at No .
3 with $ 1.5 million , The Broken Hearts Gallery at No .
4 with $ 1.1 million and Bill & Ted Face the Music at No .
5 with $ 260,000 .
Rounding out the top tier are Words on Bathroom Walls at No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SpongeBob Movie : Sponge on the Run at No .
7 with $ 205,000 , The Personal History of David Copperfield at No .
8 with $ 193,000 and My Brothers ' Crossing at No .
9 with $ 11,539 .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , most new movie debuts have been delayed , with some theatrical releases , such as Mulan , skipped altogether in favor of streaming-service premieres .
Theaters throughout the United States and Canada were closed for months in keeping with social-distancing practices intended to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening their doors , however many in high-population states such as New York and California remain shuttered .
On March 8 , the North American box office take was about $ 100 million .
Tenet earned $ 20.2 million in North America when it opened last weekend .

John David Washington's "Tenet" is the No. 1 film in North America for a second weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Action-thriller Tenet is the No. 1 movie in North America for a second weekend, earning $6.7 million in receipts, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced on Sunday. Coming in at No. 2 is The New Mutants with $2.1 million, followed by Unhinged at No. 3 with $1.5 million, The Broken Hearts Gallery at No. 4 with $1.1 million and Bill & Ted Face the Music at No. 5 with $260,000. Advertisement
Rounding out the top tier are Words on Bathroom Walls at No. 6 with $242,000, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run at No. 7 with $205,000, The Personal History of David Copperfield at No. 8 with $193,000 and My Brothers' Crossing at No. 9 with $11,539.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, most new movie debuts have been delayed, with some theatrical releases, such as Mulan, skipped altogether in favor of streaming-service premieres.
Theaters throughout the United States and Canada were closed for months in keeping with social-distancing practices intended to slow the spread of the virus.
They recently began opening their doors, however many in high-population states such as New York and California remain shuttered.
On March 8, the North American box office take was about $100 million.
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Tenet earned $20.2 million in North America when it opened last weekend.


upi--2020-09-13--'Parks and Rec' cast reuniting for Democratic Party of Wisconsin fundraiser

Sept. 13 ( UPI ) -- Aubrey Plaza and several of her former Parks and Recreation cast-mates are reuniting for an online event to raise money for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin .
`` Excited to announce this -- we 're doing a # ParksAndRecReunion next week with @ mradamscott @ Nick_Offerman , @ unfoRETTAble , @ JimOHeir , Amy Poehler , and show creator Michael Schur ( and surprise guests ) Chip in ANY amount at the link in bio to get access to the full event , '' Plaza wrote on Instagram Saturday .
Series stars Amy Poehler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Heir , and co-creator Mike Schur will take part in Thursday 's town hall meeting at 8 p.m. and question and answer session at 8:30 p.m .
Earlier this month , U.S. President Donald Trump promised millions in funding to help Kenosha , Wis. , rebuild after protests he described as `` domestic terror . ''
The president , Attorney General William Barr and Chad Wolf , acting secretary of Homeland Security , toured scenes of some of the more destructive protests in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ran on NBC 2009-15 .

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Aubrey Plaza is getting back together with her former "Parks and Recreation" stars for an online fundraiser Thursday for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. File Photo Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Aubrey Plaza and several of her former Parks and Recreation cast-mates are reuniting for an online event to raise money for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. "Excited to announce this -- we're doing a #ParksAndRecReunion next week with @mradamscott @Nick_Offerman, @unfoRETTAble, @JimOHeir, Amy Poehler, and show creator Michael Schur (and surprise guests) Chip in ANY amount at the link in bio to get access to the full event," Plaza wrote on Instagram Saturday. Advertisement
Series stars Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Retta, Jim O'Heir, and co-creator Mike Schur will take part in Thursday's town hall meeting at 8 p.m. and question and answer session at 8:30 p.m.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump promised millions in funding to help Kenosha, Wis., rebuild after protests he described as "domestic terror."
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The president, Attorney General William Barr and Chad Wolf, acting secretary of Homeland Security, toured scenes of some of the more destructive protests in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake last month.
Parks and Recreation was a sitcom that ran on NBC 2009-15.