upi--2020-08-07--Watch: Matthew McConaughey plays 'Off Songs, Song Off' on 'Tonight Show'

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Matthew McConaughey joined Jimmy Fallon to play Off Songs , Songs Off on The Tonight Show .
The actor and late-night host were tasked on Thursday with guessing which popular song The Roots were playing .
The Roots put a unique twist on every song by performing it in the wrong key , wrong tempo or wrong genre .
Fallon was up first and quickly guessed `` Party in the U.S.A. '' by Miley Cyrus , which was given more of a reggae sound .
McConaughey had a harder time deciphering a jazz version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Three Dog Night .
The pair ended the game by seeing who could guess the next song first .
Fallon won , after realizing that The Roots were playing a softer version of `` I Love Rock ' N Roll '' by Joan Jett .
McConaughey is set to release a memoir titled Greenlights on Oct. 20 .
The actor has said the book is based on journals he kept for years .
`` I 'd call it an aspirational book .
It 's about an approach to life .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone else can objectively understand , '' the 50-year-old told Fallon about the memoir .

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Matthew McConaughey joined Jimmy Fallon to play Off Songs, Songs Off on The Tonight Show.
The actor and late-night host were tasked on Thursday with guessing which popular song The Roots were playing. The Roots put a unique twist on every song by performing it in the wrong key, wrong tempo or wrong genre.
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Fallon was up first and quickly guessed "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus, which was given more of a reggae sound.
McConaughey had a harder time deciphering a jazz version of "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night.
The pair ended the game by seeing who could guess the next song first. Fallon won, after realizing that The Roots were playing a softer version of "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett.
McConaughey is set to release a memoir titled Greenlights on Oct. 20. The actor has said the book is based on journals he kept for years.
"I'd call it an aspirational book. It's about an approach to life. It's stories, insights, philosophies that you and anyone else can objectively understand," the 50-year-old told Fallon about the memoir.


upi--2020-08-07--In Photo: Charlize Theron turns 45: a look back

Cast member Charlize Theron arrives for the premiere of `` The Devil 's Advocate '' in Los Angeles on October @ @ @ @ @ was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a drama for her performance in the film @ @ @ @ @ .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

Cast member Charlize Theron arrives for the premiere of "The Devil's Advocate" in Los Angeles on October 13, 1997. Theron was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a drama for her performance in the film at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-08-07--2nd, deeper test says Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine doesn't have COVID-19

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- A second , more sensitive test has shown that Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine does not have COVID-19 , his office said .
DeWine initially tested positive on Thursday during normal protocol required to meet President Donald Trump during his visit .
The first test was quicker and less sophisticated than the second , his office noted .
`` In a second COVID-19 test ... DeWine has tested negative , '' his office tweeted .
`` First lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative . ''
DeWine 's office said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identifies genetic material specifically for the virus that causes COVID-19 , was given after the initial test .
`` The PCR test is known to be extremely sensitive , as well as specific , for the virus , '' DeWine 's office added .
`` The PCR tests for the governor , first lady , and staff were run twice .
They came back negative the first time and came back negative when they were run on a second diagnostic platform . ''
DeWine and his wife will have another PCR test on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of caution , '' his office said .
After the positive test , DeWine said it was `` a big surprise . ''
`` We are very , very careful with who we see , '' he said .
`` I called Fran and headed back and stopped in Columbus and some of the people who work very closely with me were tested . ''

DeWine and his wife will have another PCR test on Saturday, "out of an abundance of caution," his office said. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A second, more sensitive test has shown that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine does not have COVID-19, his office said. DeWine initially tested positive on Thursday during normal protocol required to meet President Donald Trump during his visit. The first test was quicker and less sophisticated than the second, his office noted. Advertisement
"In a second COVID-19 test ... DeWine has tested negative," his office tweeted. "First lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative."
DeWine's office said a polymerise chain reaction test, which identifies genetic material specifically for the virus that causes COVID-19, was given after the initial test.
"The PCR test is known to be extremely sensitive, as well as specific, for the virus," DeWine's office added. "The PCR tests for the governor, first lady, and staff were run twice. They came back negative the first time and came back negative when they were run on a second diagnostic platform."
DeWine and his wife will have another PCR test on Saturday, "out of an abundance of caution," his office said.
After the positive test, DeWine said it was "a big surprise."
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"We are very, very careful with who we see," he said. "I called Fran and headed back and stopped in Columbus and some of the people who work very closely with me were tested."


upi--2020-08-07--Milwaukee Brewers' Christian Yelich hits inside-the-park homer vs. Chicago White Sox

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Christian Yelich usually deposits his home runs over outfield walls , but his most recent round-tripper stayed in the ballpark in Chicago Thursday night .
The Milwaukee Brewers star hit the inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning of an 8-3 win against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field .
`` That 's probably the luckiest home run in baseball history , definitely top three .
I needed that one , '' Yelich told reporters .
`` It 's been an absolute zoo .
I 've been awful all year . ''
Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box as the second batter of the frame .
He fell behind 1-2 in the the count against against White Sox pitcher Gio Gonzalez before ripping a 90.5-mph Gonzalez fastball to left field .
The fly ball screamed down the left field line with White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez in pursuit .
Jimenez stabbed at the ball with his glove , but could n't get to it in time to make a catch .
The ball bounced off the dirt and hit the outfield wall as Jimenez landed in the net in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bases and slid into home as Jimenez made an errant throw toward home .
Jed Gyorko increased the Brewers lead to 4-2 with a two-run home run two at-bats later .
Orlando Arcia also had an RBI single in the fifth frame .
The Brewers added three more runs in the top of the eighth inning .
The White Sox got their final run on a Leury Garcia RBI double in the bottom of the ninth .
Yelich had just three hits and 16 strikeouts in 34 at-bats when he entered Thursday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the win , but walked four times .
Gyorko went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run scored for the Brewers .
Mark Mathias , Omar Narvaez and Keston Hiura recorded two hits apiece in the win .
Garcia went 2 for 3 with three RBIs , a run scored and a walk for the White Sox .
The Brewers ( 5-5 ) next host the Cincinnati Reds Friday at Miller Park in Milwaukee and the White Sox ( 7-6 ) host the Cleveland Indians in Chicago .
Both games @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich had an inside-the-park home run and four walks in a win against the Chicago White Sox Thursday. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Christian Yelich usually deposits his home runs over outfield walls, but his most recent round-tripper stayed in the ballpark in Chicago Thursday night. The Milwaukee Brewers star hit the inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning of an 8-3 win against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Advertisement
"That's probably the luckiest home run in baseball history, definitely top three. I needed that one," Yelich told reporters. "It's been an absolute zoo. I've been awful all year."
Milwaukee trailed 2-1 when Yelich stepped into the box as the second batter of the frame. He fell behind 1-2 in the the count against against White Sox pitcher Gio Gonzalez before ripping a 90.5-mph Gonzalez fastball to left field.
The fly ball screamed down the left field line with White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez in pursuit. Jimenez stabbed at the ball with his glove, but couldn't get to it in time to make a catch. The ball bounced off the dirt and hit the outfield wall as Jimenez landed in the net in foul territory. Yelich raced around the bases and slid into home as Jimenez made an errant throw toward home.
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Jed Gyorko increased the Brewers lead to 4-2 with a two-run home run two at-bats later. Orlando Arcia also had an RBI single in the fifth frame.
The Brewers added three more runs in the top of the eighth inning. The White Sox got their final run on a Leury Garcia RBI double in the bottom of the ninth.
Yelich had just three hits and 16 strikeouts in 34 at-bats when he entered Thursday's clash. He had just one hit in the win, but walked four times.
Gyorko went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run scored for the Brewers. Mark Mathias, Omar Narvaez and Keston Hiura recorded two hits apiece in the win.
Garcia went 2 for 3 with three RBIs, a run scored and a walk for the White Sox.
The Brewers (5-5) next host the Cincinnati Reds Friday at Miller Park in Milwaukee and the White Sox (7-6) host the Cleveland Indians in Chicago. Both games are scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EDT.


upi--2020-08-07--Janelle Monae's 'Antebellum' skipping U.S. theaters for VOD

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Horror film Antebellum , starring Janelle Monae , will be skipping a U.S. theatrical release and will instead be distributed through streaming services on Sept. 18 .
The move comes as theaters in the United States remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The film was originally set to hit theaters on Aug. 21 .
Antebellum will be available to stream through video-on-demand services for $ 19.99 .
Studio Lionsgate will release the film in select theaters internationally .
Antebellum , written and directed by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz , follows Monae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured and sent back in time to the American south before the Civil War .
Veronica is enslaved and fights to return home .
`` While we designed Antebellum to be consumed as a communal experience in the theater , we are thrilled by the unique opportunity we have to pivot to a different kind of communal moment in our culture , '' Bush and Renz said in a statement .
`` As we face the realities of systemic racism in our country , which have crescendoed to this current inflection point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to bring Antebellum to the broadest audience possible , while also prioritizing health and safety .
It is our ardent hope that by sharing our film widely , both nationally and internationally , we will transform the moviegoing experience from home into a true event . ''

"Antebellum" star Janelle Monae arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards on February 9. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Horror film Antebellum, starring Janelle Monae, will be skipping a U.S. theatrical release and will instead be distributed through streaming services on Sept. 18. The move comes as theaters in the United States remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was originally set to hit theaters on Aug. 21. Advertisement
Antebellum will be available to stream through video-on-demand services for $19.99. Studio Lionsgate will release the film in select theaters internationally.
Antebellum, written and directed by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, follows Monae as successful author Veronica, who is captured and sent back in time to the American south before the Civil War. Veronica is enslaved and fights to return home.
Marque Richardson, Eric Lange, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, Tongayi Chirisa and Gabourey Sidibe also star.
"While we designed Antebellum to be consumed as a communal experience in the theater, we are thrilled by the unique opportunity we have to pivot to a different kind of communal moment in our culture," Bush and Renz said in a statement.
"As we face the realities of systemic racism in our country, which have crescendoed to this current inflection point in 2020, we understand how imperative it is to bring Antebellum to the broadest audience possible, while also prioritizing health and safety. It is our ardent hope that by sharing our film widely, both nationally and internationally, we will transform the moviegoing experience from home into a true event."
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Janelle Monáe turns 37: a look back


upi--2020-08-07--Gallup poll: 35% of Americans, most Republicans would reject COVID-19 vaccine

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- More than one-third of U.S. adults and a majority of Republicans would not receive a free , government-approved COVID-19 vaccine if one was presently available , a Gallup survey showed Friday .
According to the poll , 35 % of U.S. adults said they would not get the vaccine , compared to 65 % who said they would .
The share was the exact same 65/35 split among both men and women .
The age group that expressed the most skepticism about a vaccine were those between 50 and 64 years old ( 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was most accepting of a vaccine were between 18 and 29 ( 76 % ) .
By race , the survey found that two-thirds of White Americans ( 67 % ) and 59 % of non-Whites would take the vaccine , despite the virus more heavily affecting the Black and Latino communities .
`` Such resistance is not unprecedented , '' Gallup wrote .
`` When Gallup in 1954 asked U.S. adults who had heard or read about the then-new polio vaccine , 'Would you like to take this new polio vaccine ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself ? '
just 60 % said they would , while 31 % said they would not .
`` So far , the willingness to adopt a new vaccine looks similar today .
Leaders in favor of a vaccine may be well-served to study what caused the public to ultimately adopt earlier vaccines as they consider how best to influence Americans to take advantage of such an option now . ''
Politically , 81 % of Democrats , 59 % of independents and 47 % of Republicans said they would take the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survey , which has a margin of error of 2 points .

Politically, 81% of Democrats, 59% of independents and 47% of Republicans said they would take a vaccine, if one were available. File Photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Lotz/U.S. Air Force/UPI
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- More than one-third of U.S. adults and a majority of Republicans would not receive a free, government-approved COVID-19 vaccine if one was presently available, a Gallup survey showed Friday. According to the poll, 35% of U.S. adults said they would not get the vaccine, compared to 65% who said they would. The share was the exact same 65/35 split among both men and women. Advertisement
The age group that expressed the most skepticism about a vaccine were those between 50 and 64 years old (59%) -- and the group that was most accepting of a vaccine were between 18 and 29 (76%).
By race, the survey found that two-thirds of White Americans (67%) and 59% of non-Whites would take the vaccine, despite the virus more heavily affecting the Black and Latino communities.
"Such resistance is not unprecedented," Gallup wrote. "When Gallup in 1954 asked U.S. adults who had heard or read about the then-new polio vaccine, 'Would you like to take this new polio vaccine (to keep people from getting polio) yourself?' just 60% said they would, while 31% said they would not.
"So far, the willingness to adopt a new vaccine looks similar today. Leaders in favor of a vaccine may be well-served to study what caused the public to ultimately adopt earlier vaccines as they consider how best to influence Americans to take advantage of such an option now."
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Politically, 81% of Democrats, 59% of independents and 47% of Republicans said they would take the vaccine.
Gallup polled 7,600 U.S. adults for the survey, which has a margin of error of 2 points.


upi--2020-08-07--U.S. blacklists Libyan smuggling network

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against three Libyans , a Malta-based company and a cargo ship for their involvement in a smuggling network the United States says is contributing to the instability of the North African nation .
In a statement on Thursday , the Treasury said it blacklisted Libyan national Faysal al-Wadi , the Maraya cargo ship he operates and his associates Musbah Mohamad M Wadi and Nourddin Milood M Musbah as well as Alwefaq Ltd , which operates out of Malta , for smuggling fuel and drugs from the North African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The United States is committed to exposing illicit networks exploiting Libya 's resources for their own profit while hurting the Libyan people , '' Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin G. Muzinich said in a statement .
Libya 's National Oil Corporation said it `` welcomes '' the sanctions in a statement , stating the smuggling network `` contributed significantly to destabilizing the country . ''
`` The National Oil Corporation confirms that it will continue to monitor all smuggling operations of all kinds and in the various regions of Libya and will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the attorney general and the sanctions committee of the Security Council and follow up the legal procedures to hold accountable those involved in these illegal acts , '' it said .
According to the Treasury , Wadi 's trafficking operation transported drugs from Libya 's Zuwarah Port to Hurd 's bank , a well-established location of illegal maritime transactions outside of Malta 's territorial waters .
`` Wadi also smuggled drugs and Libyan fuel into Malta itself , '' the Treasury said , `` Madi has kept all official documentation clear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizer of smuggling operations using the vessel Maraya . ''
Wadi , his associates and Alwefaq were designated by the State Department 's Office of Foreign Assets Control under an Obama-era executive order that calls for all U.S. property and assets of those found complicit in threatening the peace , security or stability of Libya to be blocked .
The Maraya was also designated as blocked property of Alqwfaq as it has interests in the vessel .
`` Today 's sanctions show that the United States will take concrete actions in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security or stability , '' U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the United States will take action against those who undermine Libya's peace, security or stability. Photo by Greg Nash/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against three Libyans, a Malta-based company and a cargo ship for their involvement in a smuggling network the United States says is contributing to the instability of the North African nation. In a statement on Thursday, the Treasury said it blacklisted Libyan national Faysal al-Wadi, the Maraya cargo ship he operates and his associates Musbah Mohamad M Wadi and Nourddin Milood M Musbah as well as Alwefaq Ltd, which operates out of Malta, for smuggling fuel and drugs from the North African country to the European island nation. Advertisement
"The United States is committed to exposing illicit networks exploiting Libya's resources for their own profit while hurting the Libyan people," Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin G. Muzinich said in a statement.
Libya's National Oil Corporation said it "welcomes" the sanctions in a statement, stating the smuggling network "contributed significantly to destabilizing the country."
"The National Oil Corporation confirms that it will continue to monitor all smuggling operations of all kinds and in the various regions of Libya and will continue to submit its reports to the office of the attorney general and the sanctions committee of the Security Council and follow up the legal procedures to hold accountable those involved in these illegal acts," it said.
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According to the Treasury, Wadi's trafficking operation transported drugs from Libya's Zuwarah Port to Hurd's bank, a well-established location of illegal maritime transactions outside of Malta's territorial waters.
"Wadi also smuggled drugs and Libyan fuel into Malta itself," the Treasury said, "Madi has kept all official documentation clear of his name, while being the primary organizer of smuggling operations using the vessel Maraya."
Wadi, his associates and Alwefaq were designated by the State Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control under an Obama-era executive order that calls for all U.S. property and assets of those found complicit in threatening the peace, security or stability of Libya to be blocked.
The Maraya was also designated as blocked property of Alqwfaq as it has interests in the vessel.
"Today's sanctions show that the United States will take concrete actions in response to those who undermine Libya's peace, security or stability," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.


upi--2020-08-07--Beirut protesters clash with police; death toll climbs to 157

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Lebanese security forces and protesters clashed in Beirut as demonstrators took to the streets in anger as the death toll from Tuesday 's devastating explosion continued to climb .
Officials said the death toll from the blast that damaged several city blocks in downtown Beirut has climbed to at least 157 but it is expected to further rise as search-and-rescue operations continue , Al Jazeera reported .
The blast near the Beirut port was the equivalent of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake that razed buildings and injured more than 5,000 .
Officials believe its cause was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a nearby warehouse .
Protesters who blame the explosion on government negligence demonstrated near parliament Thursday night and clashed with security forces who attempted to disperse them with tear gas , the BBC reported .
Local law enforcement has arrested 16 people in connection to their investigation into the explosion .
The protests came as UNICEF , the U.N. agency that oversees humanitarian aid for youth , said some 80,000 children in Beirut have been displaced by the blast and families are in need of support .
`` Over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with authorities and partners on the ground to respond to the urgent needs of families affected , focusing on health , water and the well-being of children , '' Violet Speek-Warnery , UNICEF deputy representative in Lebanon , said in a statement , stating her organization immediately needs some $ 4.4 million .
At least 12 primary healthcare facilities in the city have been damaged , affecting some 120,000 people .
At least one newborn died at a children 's hospital that was destroyed , UNICEF said .
The World Health Organization has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to cover immediate emergency trauma and humanitarian health needs to combat COVID-19 in the city .
The blast occurred as the country is fighting an escalating outbreak of the coronavirus , recording a record 255 cases on Thursday , increasing its total number of infections to 5,672 , according to data from its ministry of health .
`` We are particularly concerned about overburdened hospital and health workforce capacity , shortages of medicines and medical supplies and the public health impact of the chemical fumes , especially on people with underlying health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO 's representative to Lebanon , said in a statement .
`` The acute displacement of many people also risks accelerating the spread of COVID-19 and the outbreak of other diseases , including other respiratory and waterborne diseases . ''
The European Council on Thursday called on its partners in a letter to increase aid to Lebanon not only for its immediate needs but for its long-term reconstruction .
`` In order to ensure efficiency and swift delivery , we stand ready to ensure the synergy of the aid that you and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon , through a coordination mechanism that the EU institutions will put in place , '' European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said in the joint letter .

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Residents inspect the damage of a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday. Photo by Ahmad Terro/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Lebanese security forces and protesters clashed in Beirut as demonstrators took to the streets in anger as the death toll from Tuesday's devastating explosion continued to climb. Officials said the death toll from the blast that damaged several city blocks in downtown Beirut has climbed to at least 157 but it is expected to further rise as search-and-rescue operations continue, Al Jazeera reported. Advertisement
The blast near the Beirut port was the equivalent of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake that razed buildings and injured more than 5,000. Officials believe its cause was nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at a nearby warehouse.
Protesters who blame the explosion on government negligence demonstrated near parliament Thursday night and clashed with security forces who attempted to disperse them with tear gas, the BBC reported.
Local law enforcement has arrested 16 people in connection to their investigation into the explosion.
The protests came as UNICEF, the U.N. agency that oversees humanitarian aid for youth, said some 80,000 children in Beirut have been displaced by the blast and families are in need of support.
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"Over the past 24 hours, UNICEF continued to coordinate closely with authorities and partners on the ground to respond to the urgent needs of families affected, focusing on health, water and the well-being of children," Violet Speek-Warnery, UNICEF deputy representative in Lebanon, said in a statement, stating her organization immediately needs some $4.4 million.
At least 12 primary healthcare facilities in the city have been damaged, affecting some 120,000 people. At least one newborn died at a children's hospital that was destroyed, UNICEF said.
The World Health Organization has asked the international community for $15 million to cover immediate emergency trauma and humanitarian health needs to combat COVID-19 in the city.
The blast occurred as the country is fighting an escalating outbreak of the coronavirus, recording a record 255 cases on Thursday, increasing its total number of infections to 5,672, according to data from its ministry of health.
"We are particularly concerned about overburdened hospital and health workforce capacity, shortages of medicines and medical supplies and the public health impact of the chemical fumes, especially on people with underlying health conditions," Dr. Iman Shankiti, WHO's representative to Lebanon, said in a statement. "The acute displacement of many people also risks accelerating the spread of COVID-19 and the outbreak of other diseases, including other respiratory and waterborne diseases."
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The European Council on Thursday called on its partners in a letter to increase aid to Lebanon not only for its immediate needs but for its long-term reconstruction.
"In order to ensure efficiency and swift delivery, we stand ready to ensure the synergy of the aid that you and the EU as a whole will provide to Lebanon, through a coordination mechanism that the EU institutions will put in place," European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said in the joint letter.


upi--2020-08-07--SpaceX launches 57 Starlink, 2 BlackSky satellites from Florida

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket loaded with 57 Starlink satellites and two small customer satellites from Florida early Friday after the mission was delayed several times due to weather and technical issues .
Liftoff occurred as scheduled at 1:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center .
Elon Musk 's SpaceX owns the Starlink communication satellites ; the additional two payloads are Earth observation satellites for Seattle-based BlackSky Global .
SpaceX had delayed the launch at least four times due to weather or technical issues , and the launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm clouds or showers could have postponed its liftoff until Saturday .
Friday 's launch increased the total number of Starlink spacecraft in orbit to 595 , as SpaceX prepares to roll out broader testing of the network 's broadband Internet service .
The mission was the 10th for SpaceX 's Starlink since May 2019 .
The frequent pace of launches means SpaceX can carry other ride-sharing customers , such as BlackSky , for revenue .
SpaceX launched three small imaging satellites for San Francisco-based Planet , formerly Planet Labs , in mid-June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 and 2021 that can accommodate other small satellites .
BlackSky offers images and monitoring from space for industries that include defense , energy , construction and research .
The firm obtained a $ 50 million investment in 2019 from Luxembourg-based Intelsat , a communications satellite service , to build its new constellation of Earth-imaging satellites .
The successful launch boosted BlackSky 's space network to six satellites , with a short-term goal of 16 satellites in orbit .
They weigh about 120 pounds each and are designed to last only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched early Friday from Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center with two earth-observing satellites for BlackSky Global in addition to 57 Starlink satellites. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket loaded with 57 Starlink satellites and two small customer satellites from Florida early Friday after the mission was delayed several times due to weather and technical issues. Liftoff occurred as scheduled at 1:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Elon Musk's SpaceX owns the Starlink communication satellites; the additional two payloads are Earth observation satellites for Seattle-based BlackSky Global. Advertisement Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/puG31v239X— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 7, 2020 SpaceX had delayed the launch at least four times due to weather or technical issues, and the launch Friday had a 30% chance that storm clouds or showers could have postponed its liftoff until Saturday. Read More NASA completes crucial test of moon rocket's propulsion system
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Friday's launch increased the total number of Starlink spacecraft in orbit to 595, as SpaceX prepares to roll out broader testing of the network's broadband Internet service.
The mission was the 10th for SpaceX's Starlink since May 2019. The frequent pace of launches means SpaceX can carry other ride-sharing customers, such as BlackSky, for revenue.
SpaceX launched three small imaging satellites for San Francisco-based Planet, formerly Planet Labs, in mid-June.
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SpaceX has planned 30 rocket launches in 2020 and 2021 that can accommodate other small satellites.
BlackSky offers images and monitoring from space for industries that include defense, energy, construction and research. The firm obtained a $50 million investment in 2019 from Luxembourg-based Intelsat, a communications satellite service, to build its new constellation of Earth-imaging satellites.
The successful launch boosted BlackSky's space network to six satellites, with a short-term goal of 16 satellites in orbit. They weigh about 120 pounds each and are designed to last only a few years before they need replacement.


upi--2020-08-07--Study: U.S. women more likely to skip meds than men

In the United States , many women with chronic medical conditions are n't filling prescriptions or are trying to make their medications last longer due to the cost , a new study finds .
Not filling prescriptions , skipping doses , delaying refills or splitting pills may put their health at risk , the study authors noted .
For the study , researchers collected data on patients in 11 high-income countries , including the United States , Australia , Canada , France , Germany , the Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Sweden , Switzerland and the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four younger women -- aged 18 to 64 -- reported cost-related non-adherence to their prescriptions compared with one in seven younger men .
The researchers found that the largest disparities between men and women occurred in the United States -- 54 % , compared to 33 % in Canada and 17 % in Australia .
`` Prescription drug coverage systems -- like those in the U.S. and Canada -- that rely on employment-based insurance or require high patient contributions may disproportionally affect women , who are less likely to have full-time employment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said lead researcher Jamie Daw .
She 's an assistant professor of health policy and management at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , in New York City .
`` The disparities we found in access to medicines may produce health disparities between men and women that should be further explored , '' Daw added in a university news release .
The findings were published online Aug. 3 in the journal Health Affairs .
There 's more about prescription drug costs at Families USA .

In the United States, many women with chronic medical conditions aren't filling prescriptions or are trying to make their medications last longer due to the cost, a new study finds.
Not filling prescriptions, skipping doses, delaying refills or splitting pills may put their health at risk, the study authors noted.
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For the study, researchers collected data on patients in 11 high-income countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Among U.S. patients, one in four younger women -- aged 18 to 64 -- reported cost-related non-adherence to their prescriptions compared with one in seven younger men.
The researchers found that the largest disparities between men and women occurred in the United States -- 54%, compared to 33% in Canada and 17% in Australia.
"Prescription drug coverage systems -- like those in the U.S. and Canada -- that rely on employment-based insurance or require high patient contributions may disproportionally affect women, who are less likely to have full-time employment and more likely to be lower income," said lead researcher Jamie Daw.
She's an assistant professor of health policy and management at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in New York City.
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"The disparities we found in access to medicines may produce health disparities between men and women that should be further explored," Daw added in a university news release.
The findings were published online Aug. 3 in the journal Health Affairs.
More information
There's more about prescription drug costs at Families USA.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-07--On This Day, Aug. 7: U.S. embassy bombings kill 224

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1782 , the Order of the Purple Heart was established by Gen. George Washington to honor Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War .
In 1942 , U.S. Marines launched America 's first offensive in World War II , landing on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal .
In 1963 , Jacqueline Kennedy becomes first sitting U.S. first lady to give birth since Frances Folsom Cleveland in 1897 .
President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy 's premature son , Patrick Bouvier Kennedy , died two days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detonated within minutes of each other outside of U.S. embassy buildings in Nairobi , Kenya , and Dar es Salaam , Tanzania , killing 224 people .
Authorities estimated another 4,000 were wounded .
In 2001 , Uribe Velez was sworn in as president of Colombia in ceremonies interrupted by rebel shelling that killed 15 people and injured 60 .
In 2005 , Peter Jennings , anchor and senior editor of ABC News World News Tonight , who said in April he had lung cancer , died at his New York home at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bonds hit his 756th major league home run , breaking the record set by Hank Aaron .
Bonds ended his career just under seven weeks later with a total of 762 homers .
In 2008 , Georgian troops laid siege to the capital of the breakaway region of South Ossetia , sparking the five-day Russo-Georgian War , which left more than 300 dead .
In 2012 , Jared Lee Loughner pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder in Tucson shootings that killed six people and wounded 13 , including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is imprisoned for life without parole and no opportunity to appeal .
In 2019 , Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested nearly 700 undocumented workers at seven worksites in Mississippi .

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Fire and rescue workers are on the scene moments after a blast at the U.S. Embassy in the Kenyan capital early August 7, 1998, killed more than 40 people. Moments later, a second bomb exploded outside the U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania. UPI File Photo | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1782, the Order of the Purple Heart was established by Gen. George Washington to honor Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War. Advertisement
In 1942, U.S. Marines launched America's first offensive in World War II, landing on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal.
In 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy becomes first sitting U.S. first lady to give birth since Frances Folsom Cleveland in 1897. President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy's premature son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, died two days later.
UPI File Photo
In 1998, terrorists' bombs detonated within minutes of each other outside of U.S. embassy buildings in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, killing 224 people. Authorities estimated another 4,000 were wounded.
In 2001, Uribe Velez was sworn in as president of Colombia in ceremonies interrupted by rebel shelling that killed 15 people and injured 60.
In 2005, Peter Jennings, anchor and senior editor of ABC News World News Tonight, who said in April he had lung cancer, died at his New York home at age 67.
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In 2007, Barry Bonds hit his 756th major league home run, breaking the record set by Hank Aaron. Bonds ended his career just under seven weeks later with a total of 762 homers.
File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
In 2008, Georgian troops laid siege to the capital of the breakaway region of South Ossetia, sparking the five-day Russo-Georgian War, which left more than 300 dead.
In 2012, Jared Lee Loughner pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder in Tucson shootings that killed six people and wounded 13, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Under his plea agreement, Loughner is imprisoned for life without parole and no opportunity to appeal.
In 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested nearly 700 undocumented workers at seven worksites in Mississippi.


upi--2020-08-07--Champions League: Manchester City, Lyon advance to quarterfinals

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Manchester City and Lyon advanced to the final eight of the Champions League with aggregate wins Friday , nearly five months after the first leg .
Manchester City moved into the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 home win over Real Madrid .
City earned a similar 2-1 victory over Madrid at the Bernabeu back in February prior to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down sports across the globe .
Raheem Sterling gave Manchester City a quick 1-0 lead in the ninth minute after a turnover by Madrid inside their own box .
Raphael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois , but City 's Gabriel Jesus quickly stole possession and slipped the ball to Sterling , who easily chipped it into the net .
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema tied the match with a header near the half-hour mark .
After another defensive error by Varane , Jesus flicked a shot past Courtois to push City into the final eight .
Varane became the ninth player in UCL knockout history with two errors leading to a goal in the same game over the last 10 seasons .
Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an assist in Champions League play -- a span of 22 games .
Meanwhile , Lyon advanced to the quarterfinals 2-2 on aggregate , punching their ticket to the final eight on away goals .
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo 's two goals gave his side a 2-1 win over Lyon on Friday , but it was n't enough to push the Serie A club into the next round of the tournament .
Lyon beat Juventus 1-0 in France prior to the coronavirus shutdown .
Memphis Depay scored on a penalty shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vital away goal at Juventus Stadium to secure passage into the quarterfinals .
Ronaldo finished the campaign with the most goals in a single season for Juventus with 37 .
He surpassed Ferenc Hizrez 's 35-goal tally -- a record that stood for 95 years .
It 's the first time since 2015-16 that Juve failed to reach the quarterfinals .
The last time Ronaldo did n't advance to that stage of the Champions League was in his first season with Read Madrid during the 2009-10 campaign .
Friday 's results mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterfinals .

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling (R) scored the opening goal against Real Madrid on Friday. File Photo by Friedemann Vogel/EPA-EFE
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Manchester City and Lyon advanced to the final eight of the Champions League with aggregate wins Friday, nearly five months after the first leg. Manchester City moved into the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 home win over Real Madrid. City earned a similar 2-1 victory over Madrid at the Bernabeu back in February prior to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down sports across the globe. Advertisement
Raheem Sterling gave Manchester City a quick 1-0 lead in the ninth minute after a turnover by Madrid inside their own box. Raphael Varane received a pass inside his own area from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but City's Gabriel Jesus quickly stole possession and slipped the ball to Sterling, who easily chipped it into the net.
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema tied the match with a header near the half-hour mark. After another defensive error by Varane, Jesus flicked a shot past Courtois to push City into the final eight.
Varane became the ninth player in UCL knockout history with two errors leading to a goal in the same game over the last 10 seasons.
Jesus notched his first match with a goal and an assist in Champions League play -- a span of 22 games.
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Meanwhile, Lyon advanced to the quarterfinals 2-2 on aggregate, punching their ticket to the final eight on away goals.
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo's two goals gave his side a 2-1 win over Lyon on Friday, but it wasn't enough to push the Serie A club into the next round of the tournament. Lyon beat Juventus 1-0 in France prior to the coronavirus shutdown.
Memphis Depay scored on a penalty shot in the 13th minute to provide Lyon with the vital away goal at Juventus Stadium to secure passage into the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo finished the campaign with the most goals in a single season for Juventus with 37. He surpassed Ferenc Hizrez's 35-goal tally -- a record that stood for 95 years.
It's the first time since 2015-16 that Juve failed to reach the quarterfinals. The last time Ronaldo didn't advance to that stage of the Champions League was in his first season with Read Madrid during the 2009-10 campaign.
Friday's results mean Lyon will play Manchester City in the quarterfinals.


upi--2020-08-07--Washington Football Team releases Derrius Guice after domestic violence arrest

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Washington Football Team has released running back Derrius Guice , less than two hours after the former LSU tailback was arrested on domestic violence charges .
`` On Thursday we learned of a potential domestic violence related incident involving RB Derrius Guice .
We immediately alerted the National Football League and have continued to work with them during this process , '' the team said in a statement Friday .
`` We then met with Derrius to inform him that he was excused from all team activity pending a review of this matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were multiple charges filed against Derrius .
Upon review of the nature of these charges and following internal discussions , we have decided to release Derrius immediately . ''
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office , Guice was charged with one count of strangulation -- a felony -- as well as three counts of assault and battery .
He also was charged with one count of destruction of property .
The sheriff 's office said the charges stemmed from three separate incidents earlier this year -- on Feb. 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's home in Ashburn , Va .
The incidents were first reported to the Montgomery Police Department in Maryland , where the victim currently lives .
The Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office was made aware of the allegations July 22 .
They investigated the incident in coordination with Montgomery County officials .
Guice turned himself in at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center late Friday afternoon .
He was released on a $ 10,000 uninsured bond .
Washington selected Guice in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team 's camp standouts until he suffered a torn left ACL in the first preseason game .
Last season , Guice , 23 , opened the season as the team 's starting running back .
But he sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed eight games .
He then tore his MCL in December and did n't play again .
Guice has appeared in five career NFL games .
He has recorded 245 yards and two touchdowns on 42 rushes -- an average of 5.8 yards per carry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving yards and one score .

Washington running back Derrius Guice (29) has appeared in five career NFL games. He has recorded 245 yards and two touchdowns on 42 rushes. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Washington Football Team has released running back Derrius Guice, less than two hours after the former LSU tailback was arrested on domestic violence charges. "On Thursday we learned of a potential domestic violence related incident involving RB Derrius Guice. We immediately alerted the National Football League and have continued to work with them during this process," the team said in a statement Friday. "We then met with Derrius to inform him that he was excused from all team activity pending a review of this matter. Advertisement
"This afternoon we learned that there were multiple charges filed against Derrius. Upon review of the nature of these charges and following internal discussions, we have decided to release Derrius immediately."
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, Guice was charged with one count of strangulation -- a felony -- as well as three counts of assault and battery. He also was charged with one count of destruction of property.
The sheriff's office said the charges stemmed from three separate incidents earlier this year -- on Feb. 14, March 13 and April 17 at Guice's home in Ashburn, Va. The incidents were first reported to the Montgomery Police Department in Maryland, where the victim currently lives.
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The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office was made aware of the allegations July 22. They investigated the incident in coordination with Montgomery County officials.
Guice turned himself in at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center late Friday afternoon. He was released on a $10,000 uninsured bond.
Washington selected Guice in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU. As a rookie, he was one of the team's camp standouts until he suffered a torn left ACL in the first preseason game.
Last season, Guice, 23, opened the season as the team's starting running back. But he sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed eight games. He then tore his MCL in December and didn't play again.
Guice has appeared in five career NFL games. He has recorded 245 yards and two touchdowns on 42 rushes -- an average of 5.8 yards per carry. He also has seven receptions for 79 receiving yards and one score.


upi--2020-08-07--Apple Fire spreads, prompting new evacuation warning

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Apple Fire grew by more than 1,000 acres Friday , prompting a new @ @ @ @ @ , local officials said .
The wildfire burned 29,267 acres and was 30 percent contained @ @ @ @ @ the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said .
The spread to the southeast @ @ @ @ @ issue an evacuation warning for a greater portion of the county compared to earlier in @ @ @ @ @ lifted its mandatory evacuation order , but left in place a warning for certain areas @ @ @ @ @ burning in parts of Oak Glen and Banning Canyon in southwest San Bernardino County , @ @ @ @ @ fire was sparked July 31 by a vehicle .
It has destroyed four homes and @ @ @ @ @ injured one person .
More than 40 crews have been deployed to fight the fire @ @ @ @ @ personnel responding .

Smoke is visible on the east side of the Apple Fire where firefighters are carrying out controlled burn operations to prevent further spread of the blaze. Photo courtesy of the San Bernardino National Forest
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Apple Fire grew by more than 1,000 acres Friday, prompting a new evacuation warning in Southern California, local officials said. The wildfire burned 29,267 acres and was 30 percent contained as of Friday morning, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. Advertisement
The spread to the southeast prompted Riverside County officials to issue an evacuation warning for a greater portion of the county compared to earlier in the week. San Bernardino lifted its mandatory evacuation order, but left in place a warning for certain areas.
The Apple Fire is burning in parts of Oak Glen and Banning Canyon in southwest San Bernardino County, just outside Riverside. The fire was sparked July 31 by a vehicle.
It has destroyed four homes and eight other structures, and injured one person. More than 40 crews have been deployed to fight the fire, with some 2,664 fire personnel responding.


upi--2020-08-07--Giants' Baker formally charged in Florida robbery; Seahawks' Dunbar not charged

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Prosecutors in Florida announced Friday they are charging New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker with four counts of robbery with a firearm but wo n't file criminal charges against Seattle Seahawks defensive back Quinton Dunbar .
Broward State Attorney Michael Satz 's office said Baker `` is accused of stealing cash and watches from four men at a house party '' in Miramar , Fla .
If convicted , Baker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison .
Baker initially was charged with four counts of armed robbery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firearm .
The decision to prosecute came almost three months after the incident in South Florida .
According to the original arrest warrant , Baker and Dunbar were accused of stealing money and watches while armed with semi-automatic firearms at a party in South Florida .
Police said Baker intentionally threatened the victims with a firearm during the incident in May .
Since then , the case has had many twists and turns .
The witnesses quickly signed affidavits changing their original stories , and the New York Daily News reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a witness in the alleged robbery oversaw a payoff to the four victims at the office of Dunbar 's former attorney , Michael Grieco .
Baker 's lawyer , Bradford Cohen , did n't believe the prosecutor 's office had enough to go forward with the case and called the decision `` disgusting . ''
`` Disgusting and no I wo n't hold back on behalf of this young man , '' Cohen wrote on social media Friday .
`` To charge a young man based on admitted liars testimony is why we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old guard .
`` ... We will now expose the hypocrisy at the case filing level , the way the office of the state attorney 'teamed up ' with these convicted felons and offered them to come in and explain why they changed their stories multiple times without fear of [ prosecution ] .
That they were tipped off that we were reporting the extortion .
`` The case [ filer ] in this case looked for any way possible and in disagreement with his colleagues to charge this case . ''
Broward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of insufficient evidence .
`` Quinton wants to thank God , wants to thank his family , wants to thank his defense team and wants to thank the [ Seattle ] Seahawks , '' Dunbar 's attorney , Andrew Rier , said in a statement Friday .
`` He 's ready to move on with his life . ''
Dunbar , who is on the commissioner 's exempt list , could still be subject to discipline from the NFL .
The league suspended Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed for six games last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was n't arrested or charged due to insufficient evidence .
Baker and Dunbar were put on the commissioner 's exempt list at the beginning of training camp .
Baker was told to stay away from the Giants ' virtual off-season program , but the Seahawks had Dunbar participate .
Baker , 22 , is unlikely to play another snap for the Giants .
He was the team 's first-round draft pick last year out of the University of Georgia .
The NFL has said in recent weeks that the incident remains under @ @

New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker (27) was the team's first-round draft pick last year. He is unlikely to play another snap for the franchise. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in Florida announced Friday they are charging New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker with four counts of robbery with a firearm but won't file criminal charges against Seattle Seahawks defensive back Quinton Dunbar. Broward State Attorney Michael Satz's office said Baker "is accused of stealing cash and watches from four men at a house party" in Miramar, Fla. If convicted, Baker faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Advertisement
Baker initially was charged with four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. The decision to prosecute came almost three months after the incident in South Florida.
According to the original arrest warrant, Baker and Dunbar were accused of stealing money and watches while armed with semi-automatic firearms at a party in South Florida. Police said Baker intentionally threatened the victims with a firearm during the incident in May.
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Since then, the case has had many twists and turns. The witnesses quickly signed affidavits changing their original stories, and the New York Daily News reported in early July that a search warrant indicated a witness in the alleged robbery oversaw a payoff to the four victims at the office of Dunbar's former attorney, Michael Grieco.
Baker's lawyer, Bradford Cohen, didn't believe the prosecutor's office had enough to go forward with the case and called the decision "disgusting."
"Disgusting and no I won't hold back on behalf of this young man," Cohen wrote on social media Friday. "To charge a young man based on admitted liars testimony is why we need a change in Broward from the old guard.
"... We will now expose the hypocrisy at the case filing level, the way the office of the state attorney 'teamed up' with these convicted felons and offered them to come in and explain why they changed their stories multiple times without fear of [prosecution]. That they were tipped off that we were reporting the extortion.
"The case [filer] in this case looked for any way possible and in disagreement with his colleagues to charge this case."
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Broward prosecutors declined to file charges against Dunbar because of insufficient evidence.
"Quinton wants to thank God, wants to thank his family, wants to thank his defense team and wants to thank the [Seattle] Seahawks," Dunbar's attorney, Andrew Rier, said in a statement Friday. "He's ready to move on with his life."
Dunbar, who is on the commissioner's exempt list, could still be subject to discipline from the NFL. The league suspended Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed for six games last year following a 2017 incident in which he wasn't arrested or charged due to insufficient evidence.
Baker and Dunbar were put on the commissioner's exempt list at the beginning of training camp. Baker was told to stay away from the Giants' virtual off-season program, but the Seahawks had Dunbar participate.
Baker, 22, is unlikely to play another snap for the Giants. He was the team's first-round draft pick last year out of the University of Georgia.
The NFL has said in recent weeks that the incident remains under review.


upi--2020-08-07--Stimulus negotiations stall; President Donald Trump promises to take action

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- During a primetime news conference Friday , President Donald Trump said he plans to take action to extend some coronavirus relief benefits after negotiators were unable to come to terms on a stimulus package earlier in the day .
He made the announcement during a last-minute news conference at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey , where he traveled to late Thursday .
It 's unclear if he imminently plans to sign executive orders or if his remarks Friday were meant to pressure Democrats to support the terms he seeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage , I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need , '' Trump said .
He accused Democrats of insisting on `` radical , left-wing policies that have nothing to do '' with the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 160,000 Americans .
Of the benefits he seeks to implement are a deferment of the payroll tax retroactive to July 1 until the end of the year ; an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eviction moratorium ; ad a deferment of student loan payments and interest accrual `` until further notice . ''
Trump 's announcement comes after negotiations between Democrats and administration officials fell apart .
The leaders set Friday as a deadline to come to an agreement for the next stimulus package , but were unable to do so .
Negotiations on the next COVID-19 relief bill fell apart Friday , with Democratic leaders and administration officials failing to meet their self-imposed deadline for a deal .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to urge Trump to sign executive orders to for the stimulus benefits his administration views as critical .
We `` will recommend to the president based upon our lack of activity today to move forward with some executive orders , '' Mnuchin told reporters after Friday 's failed meeting .
`` It 's going to take us a little bit of time to finalize these and process them . ''
White House negotiators previously suggested a short-term stopgap measure that would extend the unemployment , eviction and student loan relief , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're having an opportunity like this to do something for the American people , it 's an opportunity , but we ca n't have it be a missed opportunity to do that by settling for something so low , so beneath meeting the needs of the American people , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said .
Earlier in the week , Democratic and Republican negotiators indicated that though they were still far apart on coming to an agreement , they were hopeful of having a deal ready by Friday .
Mnuchin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer did n't seem `` serious '' about wanting to find a deal .
Meadows said the White House offered `` significantly greater '' compromises than Democrats for the relief package , and added that Trump is `` coming to the realization that perhaps some of our Democrats ... are not serious about compromise and are not serious about trying to meet the needs of the American people . ''
`` I think there 's a lot of issues we are close to a compromise position on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of very big issues that we are still very far apart , '' Mnuchin added .
One issue is funding for state and local governments whose finances have been sapped by the pandemic , he said .
The administration has resisted `` bailouts '' for local governments while Democrats are seeking nearly $ 1 trillion for state aid .
Schumer said he was `` very disappointed '' in the meeting .
`` They were unwilling to meet in the middle , '' he said .
`` We are very far apart -- it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that Meadows slammed the table and stormed out of the room at one point -- a claim Meadows denied .
Pelosi said Democrats wo n't settle for a short-term extension for enhanced unemployment benefits in a stand-alone measure , as Republicans want , and will insist on continuing a federal payment of $ 600 per week .
Republicans have proposed continuing the enhanced benefit , but at a reduced amount .
`` We have said that we are going to have the $ 600 , '' Pelosi said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Pelosi and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , however , said they do expect a deal , which might include another direct stimulus payment to Americans .
They just do n't know when it will happen .
`` I think it will at some point in the near future , '' McConnell told CNBC Thursday .
`` Will we find a solution ?
We will , '' Pelosi added .
McConnell did n't officially adjourn the Senate for its August recess at the end of business Thursday , as originally scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their home states , but said they will be recalled if there 's a deal to vote on .

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President Donald Trump took executive action Friday after negotiators failed to agree on a stimulus package. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- During a primetime news conference Friday, President Donald Trump said he plans to take action to extend some coronavirus relief benefits after negotiators were unable to come to terms on a stimulus package earlier in the day. He made the announcement during a last-minute news conference at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, where he traveled to late Thursday. Advertisement
It's unclear if he imminently plans to sign executive orders or if his remarks Friday were meant to pressure Democrats to support the terms he seeks in the next coronavirus relief bill.
"If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need," Trump said.
He accused Democrats of insisting on "radical, left-wing policies that have nothing to do" with the novel coronavirus that has killed more than 160,000 Americans.
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Of the benefits he seeks to implement are a deferment of the payroll tax retroactive to July 1 until the end of the year; an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits until the end of the year; an extension of the eviction moratorium; ad a deferment of student loan payments and interest accrual "until further notice."
Trump's announcement comes after negotiations between Democrats and administration officials fell apart. The leaders set Friday as a deadline to come to an agreement for the next stimulus package, but were unable to do so.
Negotiations on the next COVID-19 relief bill fell apart Friday, with Democratic leaders and administration officials failing to meet their self-imposed deadline for a deal.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said they planned to urge Trump to sign executive orders to for the stimulus benefits his administration views as critical.
We "will recommend to the president based upon our lack of activity today to move forward with some executive orders," Mnuchin told reporters after Friday's failed meeting.
"It's going to take us a little bit of time to finalize these and process them."
White House negotiators previously suggested a short-term stopgap measure that would extend the unemployment, eviction and student loan relief, but Democrats opposed the idea.
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"When you're having an opportunity like this to do something for the American people, it's an opportunity, but we can't have it be a missed opportunity to do that by settling for something so low, so beneath meeting the needs of the American people," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
Earlier in the week, Democratic and Republican negotiators indicated that though they were still far apart on coming to an agreement, they were hopeful of having a deal ready by Friday.
Mnuchin and Meadows told reporters late Thursday that Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer didn't seem "serious" about wanting to find a deal.
Meadows said the White House offered "significantly greater" compromises than Democrats for the relief package, and added that Trump is "coming to the realization that perhaps some of our Democrats ... are not serious about compromise and are not serious about trying to meet the needs of the American people."
"I think there's a lot of issues we are close to a compromise position on, but I think there's a handful of very big issues that we are still very far apart," Mnuchin added.
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One issue is funding for state and local governments whose finances have been sapped by the pandemic, he said. The administration has resisted "bailouts" for local governments while Democrats are seeking nearly $1 trillion for state aid.
Schumer said he was "very disappointed" in the meeting.
"They were unwilling to meet in the middle," he said.
"We are very far apart -- it's most unfortunate," Pelosi added, saying that Meadows slammed the table and stormed out of the room at one point -- a claim Meadows denied.
Pelosi said Democrats won't settle for a short-term extension for enhanced unemployment benefits in a stand-alone measure, as Republicans want, and will insist on continuing a federal payment of $600 per week. Republicans have proposed continuing the enhanced benefit, but at a reduced amount.
"We have said that we are going to have the $600," Pelosi said. "They know that we want the $600."
Pelosi and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, however, said they do expect a deal, which might include another direct stimulus payment to Americans. They just don't know when it will happen.
"I think it will at some point in the near future," McConnell told CNBC Thursday.
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"Will we find a solution? We will," Pelosi added.
McConnell didn't officially adjourn the Senate for its August recess at the end of business Thursday, as originally scheduled. He allowed Senators to return to their home states, but said they will be recalled if there's a deal to vote on.


upi--2020-08-07--SpaceX, ULA win large government launch contracts

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. military on Friday awarded two new defense contracts worth billions of dollars to space launch companies United Launch Alliance and SpaceX , which won a four-way competition , defeating Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman .
The contract award means ULA and Elon Musk 's SpaceX will launch about three dozen national security missions from 2022 to 2026 -- at a price tag of about $ 1 billion per year .
ULA said its contract represents about 60 percent of those missions .
ULA , a launch provider to the U.S. government for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is on schedule to launch its next-generation rocket , the Vulcan Centaur , next year , CEO Tony Bruno told UPI in an interview this summer .
The new rocket is designed to provide a more efficient , more powerful launch than Atlas and Delta with Blue Origin engines produced in the United States .
ULA previously bought Russian rocket engines , which Congress outlawed in a 2014 bill .
ULA has agreed to buy engines made by Blue Origin , the BE-4 , which gives those two companies a partial alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being assembled in Decatur , Ala. , would provide from 1.1 million pounds of thrust to 3.4 million pounds , depending on configuration .
That compares to SpaceX 's Falcon 9 rocket with 1.7 million pounds of thrust on liftoff .
But SpaceX also has its Falcon Heavy rocket , which produces three times the thrust of a Falcon 9 .
Bruno previously told UPI that it takes about $ 1 billion to develop a new rocket , but the company declined to say how much it has spent on Vulcan .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would accept only two of the four rocket systems under development .
Some members of Congress had suggested funding a third company to maintain competition .
In addition to the longer-term contract impact , the immediate award from the government announced Friday is $ 337 million more for ULA 's Vulcan development and $ 316 more for SpaceX to build upon its launch capability .
The win continues a string of big advancements for SpaceX , which recently became the first private company to send NASA astronauts into orbit and return them safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 rocket on government missions , while its three competitors still are working on new rockets .
SpaceX recovers the first-stage booster and the fairing halves , or nose cone , for many launches and reuses them .
ULA plans to reuse the engines by catching them with helicopters and grappling hooks in midair as they fall back to Earth .
The company not proven its technique can work .
ULA has two additional customers for Vulcan launches , including California-based Sierra Nevada , which has developed the new Dreamchaser space plane to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory Bruno , ULA 's president and CEO , said Friday in a statement that the company was `` honored '' to win the contract .
`` Vulcan Centaur is the right choice for critical national security space missions and was purpose-built to meet all of the requirements of our nation 's space launch needs , '' Bruno said .
Northrop Grumman officials are disappointed with the decision , the company said in a statement Friday .
`` We are confident we submitted a strong proposal that reflected our extensive space launch experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are looking forward to our debriefing from the customer , '' the statement said .

United Launch Alliance plans to launch its first, new Vulcan rocket -- as shown in an artist rendering here -- in the first half of 2021. Image courtesy of United Launch Alliance
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. military on Friday awarded two new defense contracts worth billions of dollars to space launch companies United Launch Alliance and SpaceX, which won a four-way competition, defeating Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman. The contract award means ULA and Elon Musk's SpaceX will launch about three dozen national security missions from 2022 to 2026 -- at a price tag of about $1 billion per year. ULA said its contract represents about 60 percent of those missions. Advertisement
ULA, a launch provider to the U.S. government for 14 years with Atlas and Delta rockets, is on schedule to launch its next-generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, next year, CEO Tony Bruno told UPI in an interview this summer.
The new rocket is designed to provide a more efficient, more powerful launch than Atlas and Delta with Blue Origin engines produced in the United States. ULA previously bought Russian rocket engines, which Congress outlawed in a 2014 bill.
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ULA has agreed to buy engines made by Blue Origin, the BE-4, which gives those two companies a partial alliance in the contract.
The Vulcan rocket being assembled in Decatur, Ala., would provide from 1.1 million pounds of thrust to 3.4 million pounds, depending on configuration.
That compares to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket with 1.7 million pounds of thrust on liftoff. But SpaceX also has its Falcon Heavy rocket, which produces three times the thrust of a Falcon 9.
Bruno previously told UPI that it takes about $1 billion to develop a new rocket, but the company declined to say how much it has spent on Vulcan.
The Air Force announced in 2019 that it would accept only two of the four rocket systems under development. Some members of Congress had suggested funding a third company to maintain competition.
In addition to the longer-term contract impact, the immediate award from the government announced Friday is $337 million more for ULA's Vulcan development and $316 more for SpaceX to build upon its launch capability.
The win continues a string of big advancements for SpaceX, which recently became the first private company to send NASA astronauts into orbit and return them safely.
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SpaceX already is flying the Falcon 9 rocket on government missions, while its three competitors still are working on new rockets.
SpaceX recovers the first-stage booster and the fairing halves, or nose cone, for many launches and reuses them.
ULA plans to reuse the engines by catching them with helicopters and grappling hooks in midair as they fall back to Earth. The company not proven its technique can work.
ULA has two additional customers for Vulcan launches, including California-based Sierra Nevada, which has developed the new Dreamchaser space plane to launch cargo to the space station.
Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO, said Friday in a statement that the company was "honored" to win the contract.
"Vulcan Centaur is the right choice for critical national security space missions and was purpose-built to meet all of the requirements of our nation's space launch needs," Bruno said.
Northrop Grumman officials are disappointed with the decision, the company said in a statement Friday.
"We are confident we submitted a strong proposal that reflected our extensive space launch experience and provided value to our customer, and we are looking forward to our debriefing from the customer," the statement said.
Astronauts make round trip to space station from U.S. soil
NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley (C) waves to onlookers as he boards a plane at Naval Air Station Pensacola to return him and NASA astronaut Robert Behnken home to Houston a few hours after the duo landed in their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft off the coast of Pensacola, Fla,, on August 2, 2020. Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA | License Photo


upi--2020-08-07--Cubs-Cardinals opener postponed after another positive coronavirus test

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Friday 's series opener between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals was postponed after another Cardinals player tested positive for the coronavirus .
Major League Baseball announced the postponement Friday , but the league has n't reached any decision about the remainder of the series this weekend .
MLB said the postponement will allow the Cardinals to go through additional testing and contact tracing .
In total , eight Cardinals players have now recorded positive COVID-19 tests since last week .
The Cardinals have n't played since July 29 because of a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously announced it had returned 13 positive tests from its traveling party , with seven of them coming from players .
The club returned to the field for light workouts Wednesday after being cleared to travel back to St. Louis from Milwaukee earlier this week .
Friday 's game against the Cubs will be the eighth postponement for the Cardinals , coming one day after the league restructured the team 's schedule to make up for previous postponements .
Before Friday 's announcement , the Cardinals were set to play 55 games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up this week 's postponed series against the Detroit Tigers with doubleheaders on Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 .
St. Louis also was set to play the Chicago White Sox in the inaugural `` Field of Dreams '' game on Aug. 13 .
Those teams instead will play in Chicago on Aug. 14 .

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't played since July 29 because of a coronavirus outbreak inside their clubhouse. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Friday's series opener between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals was postponed after another Cardinals player tested positive for the coronavirus. Major League Baseball announced the postponement Friday, but the league hasn't reached any decision about the remainder of the series this weekend. MLB said the postponement will allow the Cardinals to go through additional testing and contact tracing. Advertisement
In total, eight Cardinals players have now recorded positive COVID-19 tests since last week.
The Cardinals haven't played since July 29 because of a coronavirus outbreak inside their clubhouse. The organization previously announced it had returned 13 positive tests from its traveling party, with seven of them coming from players.
The club returned to the field for light workouts Wednesday after being cleared to travel back to St. Louis from Milwaukee earlier this week.
Friday's game against the Cubs will be the eighth postponement for the Cardinals, coming one day after the league restructured the team's schedule to make up for previous postponements. Before Friday's announcement, the Cardinals were set to play 55 games in 52 days.
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The Cardinals will make up this week's postponed series against the Detroit Tigers with doubleheaders on Aug. 13 and Sept. 10.
St. Louis also was set to play the Chicago White Sox in the inaugural "Field of Dreams" game on Aug. 13. Those teams instead will play in Chicago on Aug. 14.


upi--2020-08-07--China, Iran seek to undermine Trump; Russia is anti-Biden, intelligence expert says

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- China and Iran are working to undermine President Donald Trump 's chances of re-election , while Russia prefers former Vice President Joe Biden loses in November , the top U.S. elections intelligence official said Friday .
William Evanina , director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , said the foreign states are attempting to influence the 2020 presidential election to work in their respective favors .
He warned that not only are the countries trying to sway Americans ' opinions , but they also seek to steal sensitive data , call into question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase discord in society .
`` We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win re-election , '' he said .
Evanina said the country has increased its efforts to influence the election and policy .
Among other policy topics , the Chinese government has grown increasingly critical of the United States ' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It has harshly criticized the administration 's statements and actions on Hong Kong , TikTok , the legal status of the South China Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G market , '' he said .
`` Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race .
Tensions increased further this week between Beijing and Washington , D.C. , after Trump signed an executive order barring Chinese social media app TikTok from doing business with firms in the United States .
Yang Jiechi , a top member of the Communist Party of China 's Central Committee and director of its Office of Foreign Affairs , criticized the state of U.S.-China relations in a statement Friday .
`` We urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , recognize the trend of the times , heed the visionary calls in the U.S. , and listen to the voice of the international community , '' he wrote .
Meanwhile , Iran is similarly hoping to see Trump fail in the 2020 election , in part because of the pressure his administration has put on the country in hopes of a regime change , Evanina said .
He said the country seeks to undermine democratic institutions and divide the country .
`` Iran 's efforts along these lines probably will focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content , '' he said .
Working in favor of Trump is Russia , which Evanina said views Biden negatively due to the Obama administration 's stance on Ukraine and support of the Russian opposition .
`` For example , pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption -- including through publicizing leaked phone calls -- to undermine former Vice President Biden 's candidacy and the Democratic Party .
Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump 's candidacy on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Special counsel Robert Mueller determined last year that Russia worked to influence the 2016 election in favor of Trump , mostly through an online and social media campaign .
Evanina said the intelligence community is working to combat both cyber and other outside influence efforts in the 2020 election .
`` Our election should be our own .
Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy . ''

The elections intelligence expert said China, Iran and Russia are working to undermine the 2020 presidential election but in favor of different candidates. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- China and Iran are working to undermine President Donald Trump's chances of re-election, while Russia prefers former Vice President Joe Biden loses in November, the top U.S. elections intelligence official said Friday. William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said the foreign states are attempting to influence the 2020 presidential election to work in their respective favors. He warned that not only are the countries trying to sway Americans' opinions, but they also seek to steal sensitive data, call into question the integrity of the election system and increase discord in society. Advertisement
"We assess that China prefers that President Trump -- whom Beijing sees as unpredictable -- does not win re-election," he said.
Evanina said the country has increased its efforts to influence the election and policy. Among other policy topics, the Chinese government has grown increasingly critical of the United States' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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"It has harshly criticized the administration's statements and actions on Hong Kong, TikTok, the legal status of the South China Sea and China's efforts to dominate the 5G market," he said. "Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race.
Tensions increased further this week between Beijing and Washington, D.C., after Trump signed an executive order barring Chinese social media app TikTok from doing business with firms in the United States.
Yang Jiechi, a top member of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee and director of its Office of Foreign Affairs, criticized the state of U.S.-China relations in a statement Friday.
"We urge U.S. decision makers to respect facts of history, recognize the trend of the times, heed the visionary calls in the U.S., and listen to the voice of the international community," he wrote.
Meanwhile, Iran is similarly hoping to see Trump fail in the 2020 election, in part because of the pressure his administration has put on the country in hopes of a regime change, Evanina said. He said the country seeks to undermine democratic institutions and divide the country.
"Iran's efforts along these lines probably will focus on online influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content," he said.
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Working in favor of Trump is Russia, which Evanina said views Biden negatively due to the Obama administration's stance on Ukraine and support of the Russian opposition.
"For example, pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption -- including through publicizing leaked phone calls -- to undermine former Vice President Biden's candidacy and the Democratic Party. Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump's candidacy on social media and Russian television," Evanina said.
Special counsel Robert Mueller determined last year that Russia worked to influence the 2016 election in favor of Trump, mostly through an online and social media campaign.
Evanina said the intelligence community is working to combat both cyber and other outside influence efforts in the 2020 election.
"Our election should be our own. Foreign efforts to influence or interfere with our elections are a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy."


upi--2020-08-07--Florida Current study confirms decline in strength of Gulf Stream

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- New research suggests the strength of the Florida Current , which forms the beginning of the Gulf Stream , has weakened considerably over the last century .
The findings , published Friday in the journal Nature Climate Change , corroborate the predictions of several models that suggest the Gulf Stream has slowed over the last several decades .
The Florida Current is a thermal ocean current that flows from west to east around the tip of Florida , joining the Gulf Stream off Florida 's east coast .
Scientists have been tracking the strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980s -- not long enough to identify multi-decadal or centennial trends .
To better understand the current 's historical changes , Christopher Piecuch , researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts , decided to study the relationship between coastal sea level and the strength of near-shore currents .
While researchers have only been measuring the Florida Current for a few decades , scientists have been recording sea level data since the early 1900s .
Piecuch was able to use the data to predict historic changes in the strength of near-shore currents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything is connected , '' Christopher Piecuch , sole author of the new study , said in a news release .
`` We can use those connections to look at things in the past or far from shore , giving us a more complete view of the ocean and how it changes across space and time . ''
The statistical analysis performed by Piecuch showed the Florida Current and Gulf Stream are the weakest they 've been during the last 110 years .
The findings are in agreement with ocean current models that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation , of which the Gulf Stream is a part .
Piecuch said he hopes his research will help other scientists use coastal current data to study changes in bigger currents like the Gulf Stream .
`` If we can monitor something over the horizon by making measurements from shore , then that 's a win for science and potentially for society , '' he said .

The Florida Current forms the beginning of the Gulf Stream. Photo by Library of Congress/ Wikimedia Commons
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- New research suggests the strength of the Florida Current, which forms the beginning of the Gulf Stream, has weakened considerably over the last century. The findings, published Friday in the journal Nature Climate Change, corroborate the predictions of several models that suggest the Gulf Stream has slowed over the last several decades. Advertisement
The Florida Current is a thermal ocean current that flows from west to east around the tip of Florida, joining the Gulf Stream off Florida's east coast.
Scientists have been tracking the strength of the Florida Current since the early 1980s -- not long enough to identify multi-decadal or centennial trends.
To better understand the current's historical changes, Christopher Piecuch, researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, decided to study the relationship between coastal sea level and the strength of near-shore currents.
While researchers have only been measuring the Florida Current for a few decades, scientists have been recording sea level data since the early 1900s. Piecuch was able to use the data to predict historic changes in the strength of near-shore currents.
"In the ocean, almost everything is connected," Christopher Piecuch, sole author of the new study, said in a news release. "We can use those connections to look at things in the past or far from shore, giving us a more complete view of the ocean and how it changes across space and time."
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The statistical analysis performed by Piecuch showed the Florida Current and Gulf Stream are the weakest they've been during the last 110 years.
The findings are in agreement with ocean current models that suggest climate change has caused a slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, of which the Gulf Stream is a part.
Piecuch said he hopes his research will help other scientists use coastal current data to study changes in bigger currents like the Gulf Stream.
"If we can monitor something over the horizon by making measurements from shore, then that's a win for science and potentially for society," he said.


upi--2020-08-07--U.S. military surpasses 30,000 COVID-19 cases

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. military passed the 30,000 threshold this week , the Pentagon reported .
The Department of Defense now has recorded 30,392 cases of the coronavirus among military personnel , with civilian , contractor and dependent cases bringing DoD 's total case count to 43,634 as of Friday afternoon .
Although 2,856 positive cases were found this week , a 10 percent increase over last week , the number of new cases is heading downward , officials said .
Earlier in the summer , over 4,000 cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 10,245 total cases last week .
The Marines reported 3,746 , the Navy had 7,166 , the Air Force had 4,789 , the National Guard had 4,151 and other Defense Department agencies had 295 .
The Army 's increase in cases , from Monday 's Pentagon report to Friday 's , was 548 cases , with the Marines up by 301 , the Navy up by 278 and the Air Force up by 194 .
The National Guard , which has troops activated around the country to assist in COVID-19 response , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army also reported its fourth COVID-19 related death this week .
The Defense Department has reported a total of 72 deaths so far , in military , civilian , dependent and contractor classifications .
It was noted last month by Thomas Cafferty , assistant secretary of defense for health affairs that increases in military cases tend to correspond with the states in which installations are located .
The states with the highest number of cases this week include Georgia , Texas , California and Florida , sites of numerous military bases .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent , the Friday statistics indicate , a figure comparable to the overall U.S. population .

A U.S. Army soldier receives a COVID-19 test at Drawsko Pomarskie Training Area, Poland. Photo by Jason Johnston/U.S. Army
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. military passed the 30,000 threshold this week, the Pentagon reported. The Department of Defense now has recorded 30,392 cases of the coronavirus among military personnel, with civilian, contractor and dependent cases bringing DoD's total case count to 43,634 as of Friday afternoon. Advertisement
Although 2,856 positive cases were found this week, a 10 percent increase over last week, the number of new cases is heading downward, officials said.
Earlier in the summer, over 4,000 cases per week were being reported.
The Army had 10,245 total cases last week. The Marines reported 3,746, the Navy had 7,166, the Air Force had 4,789, the National Guard had 4,151 and other Defense Department agencies had 295.
The Army's increase in cases, from Monday's Pentagon report to Friday's, was 548 cases, with the Marines up by 301, the Navy up by 278 and the Air Force up by 194. The National Guard, which has troops activated around the country to assist in COVID-19 response, reported 294 cases this week.
The Army also reported its fourth COVID-19 related death this week. The Defense Department has reported a total of 72 deaths so far, in military, civilian, dependent and contractor classifications.
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It was noted last month by Thomas Cafferty, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs that increases in military cases tend to correspond with the states in which installations are located. The states with the highest number of cases this week include Georgia, Texas, California and Florida, sites of numerous military bases.
The military's infection rate increased to 1.4 percent, the Friday statistics indicate, a figure comparable to the overall U.S. population.


upi--2020-08-07--Ex-Angels employee charged with providing drugs that led to Tyler Skaggs OD

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Authorities in Texas arrested a former Los Angeles Angels employee , accusing him of providing the fentanyl that led to pitcher Tyler Skaggs ' overdose death last year , federal prosecutors said Friday .
Eric Kay , 45 , appeared in a Fort Worth federal courthouse Friday morning after his arrest on one count of conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing detectable amounts of fentanyl .
Skaggs died July 1 at the age of 27 after being found unconscious in his Southlake , Texas , hotel room .
The Angels were in the Dallas-Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Rangers .
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner 's Office determined Skaggs died from an accidental overdose of opioids and alcohol .
Tests revealed that Skaggs had 38 nanograms per milliliter of oxycodone and 3.8 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl , a painkiller that is significantly stronger than oxycodone , in his system .
It also showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.122 percent .
A 0.08 limit is considered legally impaired .
A criminal complaint filed July 30 said text messages on Skaggs ' phone indicated he asked Kay to bring fentanyl pills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kay also admitted to a colleague that he had visited Skaggs ' room on the day of his death .
The complaint said Kay regularly dealt what was described as `` blue boys , '' opioid pills laced with fentanyl .
`` Tyler Skaggs 's overdose -- coming , as it did , in the midst of an ascendant baseball career -- should be a wakeup call : No one is immune from this deadly drug , whether sold as a powder or hidden inside an innocuous-looking tablet , '' U.S. Attorney Erin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of fentanyl is a priority for the Department of Justice . ''

Federal prosecutors said the Angels' communications director took fentanyl-laced pills to Tyler Skaggs' hotel room on the day he died of a drug overdose. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Authorities in Texas arrested a former Los Angeles Angels employee, accusing him of providing the fentanyl that led to pitcher Tyler Skaggs' overdose death last year, federal prosecutors said Friday. Eric Kay, 45, appeared in a Fort Worth federal courthouse Friday morning after his arrest on one count of conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing detectable amounts of fentanyl. Advertisement
Skaggs died July 1 at the age of 27 after being found unconscious in his Southlake, Texas, hotel room. The Angels were in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a game against the Texas Rangers.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office determined Skaggs died from an accidental overdose of opioids and alcohol. Tests revealed that Skaggs had 38 nanograms per milliliter of oxycodone and 3.8 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl, a painkiller that is significantly stronger than oxycodone, in his system. It also showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.122 percent. A 0.08 limit is considered legally impaired.
A criminal complaint filed July 30 said text messages on Skaggs' phone indicated he asked Kay to bring fentanyl pills to his hotel room. Prosecutors said Kay also admitted to a colleague that he had visited Skaggs' room on the day of his death.
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The complaint said Kay regularly dealt what was described as "blue boys," opioid pills laced with fentanyl.
"Tyler Skaggs's overdose -- coming, as it did, in the midst of an ascendant baseball career -- should be a wakeup call: No one is immune from this deadly drug, whether sold as a powder or hidden inside an innocuous-looking tablet," U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox said. "Suppressing the spread of fentanyl is a priority for the Department of Justice."