upi--2020-09-14--Immune reaction to depression, anxiety may point to improved treatment

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- Immune reactions linked to depression and anxiety may lead to better screening and treatment of both , according to an analysis presented Monday during the online European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress .
Researchers from the Netherlands Study of Anxiety and Depression linked inflammation to depression and higher levels of a type of cholesterol called C-reactive protein to anxiety .
Discerning between the two , they said , may improve treatment .
In comparing blood test findings from adults with depression , anxiety or both to those of healthy controls , the researchers observed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protein , while those with anxiety alone did not .
C-reactive protein levels in blood are used to measure inflammation .
C-reactive protein is made by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation .
Adults with only depression alone also had higher levels of triglycerides in their blood than those with only anxiety , the data showed .
`` Depressed people had high levels of triglycerides , but lower levels of omega-3-fatty acids , '' than people with anxiety , study co-author Hilde de Kluiver , a doctoral student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Netherlands , said in a statement .
`` In contrast , those people who had anxiety disorder had a lipid composition very similar to the healthy control group , '' she said .
Historically , anxiety and depression have often been linked and considered to be closely related -- and many people suffer from both conditions simultaneously -- according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America .
The two disorders share several symptoms -- including difficulty sleeping and concentrating -- and both can develop following traumatic life events or as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , de Kluiver and her colleagues said .
As many as half of those with major depressive disorder , a type of severe depression , have a history of anxiety , they said .
In recent years , depression has been associated with disturbances in the body 's immune system and metabolism , and earlier research has shown that depressed people tend to have different biochemical markers to those of healthy people , according to the researchers .
More than 40 million American adults have anxiety disorders , while 15 million have experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past year , the Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates .
For this analysis , de Kluiver and her colleagues collected blood samples from 304 people with depression , 548 with anxiety , 531 with both depression and anxiety , 807 with remitted disorders -- or periodic anxiety and depression -- and 634 otherwise healthy adults .
Using a nuclear magnetic resonance detector , they tested for associations between 40 metabolites found in blood and symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety .
In addition to the difference between people with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metabolites like triglycerides that have been linked with depression were also linked with the severity of the depression -- meaning that those with more of these metabolites had more severe depression , de Kluiver said .
Based on the findings , it 's possible that these metabolites can be used to screen people for disorders such as anxiety and depression and to serve as targets for drugs designed to treat them .
`` Our group is now planning to test whether depressed people with altered inflammation might respond to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs @ @ @ @ @ @

Depression causes different changes in the body than anxiety, a new study has found. Photo by cocoparisienne/ Pixabay
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Immune reactions linked to depression and anxiety may lead to better screening and treatment of both, according to an analysis presented Monday during the online European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress. Researchers from the Netherlands Study of Anxiety and Depression linked inflammation to depression and higher levels of a type of cholesterol called C-reactive protein to anxiety. Discerning between the two, they said, may improve treatment. Advertisement
In comparing blood test findings from adults with depression, anxiety or both to those of healthy controls, the researchers observed that those with depression alone had elevated C-reactive protein, while those with anxiety alone did not.
C-reactive protein levels in blood are used to measure inflammation. C-reactive protein is made by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation.
Adults with only depression alone also had higher levels of triglycerides in their blood than those with only anxiety, the data showed.
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"Depressed people had high levels of triglycerides, but lower levels of omega-3-fatty acids," than people with anxiety, study co-author Hilde de Kluiver, a doctoral student in psychiatry at Amsterdam University Medical Center in the Netherlands, said in a statement.
"In contrast, those people who had anxiety disorder had a lipid composition very similar to the healthy control group," she said.
Historically, anxiety and depression have often been linked and considered to be closely related -- and many people suffer from both conditions simultaneously -- according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
The two disorders share several symptoms -- including difficulty sleeping and concentrating -- and both can develop following traumatic life events or as a result of inherited, genetic characteristics, de Kluiver and her colleagues said.
As many as half of those with major depressive disorder, a type of severe depression, have a history of anxiety, they said.
In recent years, depression has been associated with disturbances in the body's immune system and metabolism, and earlier research has shown that depressed people tend to have different biochemical markers to those of healthy people, according to the researchers.
More than 40 million American adults have anxiety disorders, while 15 million have experienced at least one depressive episode in the past year, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates.
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For this analysis, de Kluiver and her colleagues collected blood samples from 304 people with depression, 548 with anxiety, 531 with both depression and anxiety, 807 with remitted disorders -- or periodic anxiety and depression -- and 634 otherwise healthy adults.
Using a nuclear magnetic resonance detector, they tested for associations between 40 metabolites found in blood and symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety.
In addition to the difference between people with the two disorders, the researchers found that metabolites like triglycerides that have been linked with depression were also linked with the severity of the depression -- meaning that those with more of these metabolites had more severe depression, de Kluiver said.
Based on the findings, it's possible that these metabolites can be used to screen people for disorders such as anxiety and depression and to serve as targets for drugs designed to treat them.
"Our group is now planning to test whether depressed people with altered inflammation might respond to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs," de Kluiver said.


upi--2020-09-14--Trump administration cracks down on Chinese imports linked to enslaved labor

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration announced Monday that U.S. customs agents would temporarily seize imports of hair products , clothing , cotton and computer parts from Chinese companies determined to use enslaved labor from the Uyghur Autonomous Region .
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued five withhold release orders to delay importing of products from businesses identified as using state-sponsored forced labor in areas where the Chinese government is `` engaged in systemic human rights abuses against the Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities , '' the agency said .
`` DHS is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a type of modern slavery , used to make goods that the Chinese government then tries to import into the United States , '' Ken Cuccinelli , acting DHS deputy secretary , said in a statement .
`` When China attempts to import these goods into our supply chains , it also disadvantages American workers and businesses , '' Cuccinelli added .
The order included products made in Lop County in Xinjiang at so-called vocational schools , which the U.S. government labeled as highly coercive re-education internment camps where unfree workers live under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Textiles , clothing and cotton from Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co. , Ltd. , Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co. and Xinjiang Junggar Cotton and Linen Co. , Ltd. were identified as using convict or forced labor where workers were employed under `` intimidation and threats , withholding of wages , and abusive working and living conditions . ''
Computer parts from Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co. , Ltd. in Anhui , were also identified as being manufactured by workers in abusive conditions , the federal government said .
A withhold release status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months to document that their goods pass an audit report of the supply chain , showing that merchandise was not made with forced labor .
Customs agents will hold the goods until the paperwork is approved , according to the department 's protocol .
The Commerce Department in July announced that computer manufacturer Hefei Bitland was one of 11 Chinese companies implicated in human rights abuses .
Hefei Bitland identified corporate partners on its website including Google , HP , Haier , iFlytek and Lenovo , the New York Times reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part to blame for laptop shortages in some school districts , the Raleigh , N.C. , News Observer reported .
The agency identified companies that worked with the Chinese government to collect involuntary biometric data , including DNA analysis targeting Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang and used forced labor , Wilbur Ross , U.S. secretary of commerce said .
`` Beijing actively promotes the reprehensible practice of forced labor and abusive DNA collection and analysis schemes to repress its citizens , '' Ross said .
Since 2016 , 14 Chinese companies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using enslaved labor .
The Trump administration threatened to ban all Chinese imports of cotton and tomatoes last week , but U.S. agricultural interests worried that China would retaliate with trade restrictions , The New York Times reported .
In August , the AFL-CIO , ACLU and other civil rights groups filed petitions urging a crackdown on all garments and cotton imports originating in Xinjiang .
Brands such as Adidas , Calvin Klein , Carter 's , Gap , Hart Schafner Marx , H & M , Nike , Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 83 buyers that worked with factories identified with enslaved labor .
`` The system of forced labor is so extensive that there is reason to believe that most cotton-based products linked to the Uyghur Region are a product wholly or in part of forced labor , '' one petition said .

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced import restrictions on hair products, fabrics, cotton and computer parts made by enslaved labor in the Uyghur Autonomous Region in Xinjiang, China. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced Monday that U.S. customs agents would temporarily seize imports of hair products, clothing, cotton and computer parts from Chinese companies determined to use enslaved labor from the Uyghur Autonomous Region. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued five withhold release orders to delay importing of products from businesses identified as using state-sponsored forced labor in areas where the Chinese government is "engaged in systemic human rights abuses against the Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities," the agency said. Advertisement
"DHS is combating illegal and inhumane forced labor, a type of modern slavery, used to make goods that the Chinese government then tries to import into the United States," Ken Cuccinelli, acting DHS deputy secretary, said in a statement. "When China attempts to import these goods into our supply chains, it also disadvantages American workers and businesses," Cuccinelli added.
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The order included products made in Lop County in Xinjiang at so-called vocational schools, which the U.S. government labeled as highly coercive re-education internment camps where unfree workers live under duress and their movements are restricted.
Textiles, clothing and cotton from Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co. and Xinjiang Junggar Cotton and Linen Co., Ltd. were identified as using convict or forced labor where workers were employed under "intimidation and threats, withholding of wages, and abusive working and living conditions."
Computer parts from Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co., Ltd. in Anhui, were also identified as being manufactured by workers in abusive conditions, the federal government said.
A withhold release status from Customs and Border Patrol gives companies three months to document that their goods pass an audit report of the supply chain, showing that merchandise was not made with forced labor. Customs agents will hold the goods until the paperwork is approved, according to the department's protocol.
The Commerce Department in July announced that computer manufacturer Hefei Bitland was one of 11 Chinese companies implicated in human rights abuses.
Hefei Bitland identified corporate partners on its website including Google, HP, Haier, iFlytek and Lenovo, the New York Times reported. Restrictions on imports of computer parts are in part to blame for laptop shortages in some school districts, the Raleigh, N.C., News Observer reported.
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The agency identified companies that worked with the Chinese government to collect involuntary biometric data, including DNA analysis targeting Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang and used forced labor, Wilbur Ross, U.S. secretary of commerce said.
"Beijing actively promotes the reprehensible practice of forced labor and abusive DNA collection and analysis schemes to repress its citizens," Ross said.
Since 2016, 14 Chinese companies have been flagged by the Commerce Department for using enslaved labor.
The Trump administration threatened to ban all Chinese imports of cotton and tomatoes last week, but U.S. agricultural interests worried that China would retaliate with trade restrictions, The New York Times reported.
In August, the AFL-CIO, ACLU and other civil rights groups filed petitions urging a crackdown on all garments and cotton imports originating in Xinjiang.
Brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Carter's, Gap, Hart Schafner Marx, H&M, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria's Secret were identified in a list of 83 buyers that worked with factories identified with enslaved labor.
"The system of forced labor is so extensive that there is reason to believe that most cotton-based products linked to the Uyghur Region are a product wholly or in part of forced labor," one petition said.


upi--2020-09-14--911 call captures off-duty deputy spotting possible loose tiger

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- A 911 recording has captured an off-duty deputy reporting a tiger on the loose in East Knox County , Tenn. , but several agencies have n't been able to find the elusive cat .
Sheriff 's patrol units , Animal Control , Air Watch , the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tiger Haven , a big cat rescue in Roane County , have joined forces to locate and apprehend the tiger , a sheriff 's office statement said .
Knox County sheriff 's Deputy Andy Wilson spotted the tiger Wednesday night in the Forks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said rose out of the French Broad River , crossed the road and disappeared into a mass of kudzu .
Knoxville police dispatch said there was another reported sighting of the tiger around 7 a.m. Thursday near Thorngrove Pike in Knoxille and multiple calls overnight of possible sightings around John Sevier Highway near Thorngrove Pike and on Bales Lane .
`` I 'm out with a tiger cub , '' Wilson said while calling into dispatch about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to report seeing the animal .
The Knox County Sheriff 's Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had link attached for more information on its website , urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff 's office .
Zoo Knoxville and Tiger Haven said none of their tigers was missing , so the mystery deepened about where the animal came from .
Phil Colclough , a tiger expert from Zoo Knoxville , said it 's `` absolutely possible and absolutely likely , '' that a bobcat or cougar could have been mistaken for a tiger .
Animal rescuers have called off an active search due to lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will respond to tiger sighting calls , officials said .

The Knox County Sheriff's Office said a deputy spotted a tiger on the loose Wednesday night. Photo courtesy of Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A 911 recording has captured an off-duty deputy reporting a tiger on the loose in East Knox County, Tenn., but several agencies haven't been able to find the elusive cat. Sheriff's patrol units, Animal Control, Air Watch, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tiger Haven, a big cat rescue in Roane County, have joined forces to locate and apprehend the tiger, a sheriff's office statement said. Advertisement
Knox County sheriff's Deputy Andy Wilson spotted the tiger Wednesday night in the Forks of the River Industrial Park, which he said rose out of the French Broad River, crossed the road and disappeared into a mass of kudzu.
Knoxville police dispatch said there was another reported sighting of the tiger around 7 a.m. Thursday near Thorngrove Pike in Knoxille and multiple calls overnight of possible sightings around John Sevier Highway near Thorngrove Pike and on Bales Lane.
"I'm out with a tiger cub," Wilson said while calling into dispatch about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to report seeing the animal.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office announced the spotting in a Facebook post, which had link attached for more information on its website, urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office.
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Zoo Knoxville and Tiger Haven said none of their tigers was missing, so the mystery deepened about where the animal came from.
Phil Colclough, a tiger expert from Zoo Knoxville, said it's "absolutely possible and absolutely likely," that a bobcat or cougar could have been mistaken for a tiger.
Animal rescuers have called off an active search due to lack of new sightings, but on-duty officers still will respond to tiger sighting calls, officials said.


upi--2020-09-14--Trump calls for improved forest management during visit to California amid wildfires

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump blamed forest management for the raging West Coast wildfires during a visit to California on Monday , while Gov .
Gavin Newsom and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden cited climate change as a primary factor .
Trump traveled to Sacramento to receive a briefing on the fires , which have killed at least 35 people , burned 4.6 million acres in 10 states , forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents and darkened skies from Vancouver , Canada , to Tijuana , Mexico .
`` It 's a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We say God bless you to those who were killed in this serious fire .
We are showing and give support to the people of California , '' he said .
During the two-hour visit , Trump participated in a ceremony recognizing the California National Guard and met with Newsom , who stressed the impact of climate change while speaking alongside the president .
`` We 've known each other too long and the working relationship I value , '' Newsom said of Trump .
`` We feel very strongly the hots are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dyer .
Something has happened to the plumbing of the world and we come from a perspective , humbly , that we assert the science that climate change is real .
Please respect the difference of opinion out here with respect to the fundamental issue of climate change . ''
Trump later interjected while another speaker was addressing the event to question the long-term effects of climate change .
`` It will start getting cooler , '' he said .
`` Just watch .
I do n't think science knows actually . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfires , but on a visit to Nevada on Saturday he blamed poor forest management for the blazes , which are shaping up to be the worst wildfires in American history .
`` Please remember the words , very simple , forest management , '' he said .
`` Please remember .
It 's about forest management . ''
On Monday , he reiterated the stance , stating that fallen trees and dry leaves serve as `` fuel for the fires . ''
`` You go to many different countries .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and they said , 'We consider ourselves a forest nation .
We have trees that are far more explosive than they have in California and we do n't have that problem , ' '' Trump said .
That stance has drawn criticism from Western state officials who contend Trump is ignoring the role climate change is playing in the conflagrations .
`` This is climate change , and this is an administration that 's put its head in the sand , while we have Democratic and Republican mayors across the country stepping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN 's State of the Union .
Biden , the Democratic nominee to face Trump in November 's election , also criticized the president 's focus on forest management over climate change .
`` The West is literally on fire and he blames the people whose homes and communities are burning , '' he said .
`` He says , quote , 'You 've got ta clean your floors , you got ta clean your forest . '
'' The former vice president also warned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stances if re-elected in November .
`` Donald Trump 's climate denial may not have caused these fires and record floods and record hurricanes , but if he gets a second term these hellish events will continue to become more common , more devastating and more deadly , '' Biden said .
Meanwhile , the death toll in California rose to at least 24 late Sunday , state officials said , when two more victims were confirmed in the 261,000-acre North Complex fire near Chico , Calif. Butte County , Calif. , Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify only one of the victims -- a 58-year-old man from Berry Creek , Calif .
Seven people were still missing in the county , down from 13 reported Saturday , he said .
At least 10 people have died in Oregon as well as a 1-year-old in Washington state .
Efforts to combat the 87 large fires across the West was expected to be hampered Monday by strong , gusty winds in northern California and southeast Oregon , while dense smoke was expected to continue to impact much of the western United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday morning update , the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , or Cal Fire , said progress was made overnight in some of the hardest hit areas , including Butte County , where the North Complex Fire was classified as 26 % contained .
`` A lot of good work has been completed in the last few days , and we 're going to continue to strive to connect all the dots and get this mopped up as soon as possible , '' said Cal Fire Night Operation Chief Monty Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the west zone Monday , hoping to cut off the fire spread .

Efforts to combat the 87 large fires across the West was expected to be hampered Monday by strong, gusty winds in northern California and southeast Oregon, while dense smoke was expected to continue to impact much of the western United States. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump blamed forest management for the raging West Coast wildfires during a visit to California on Monday, while Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden cited climate change as a primary factor. Trump traveled to Sacramento to receive a briefing on the fires, which have killed at least 35 people, burned 4.6 million acres in 10 states, forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents and darkened skies from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico. Advertisement
"It's a big problem and it will get solved. We say God bless you to those who were killed in this serious fire. We are showing and give support to the people of California," he said.
During the two-hour visit, Trump participated in a ceremony recognizing the California National Guard and met with Newsom, who stressed the impact of climate change while speaking alongside the president.
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"We've known each other too long and the working relationship I value," Newsom said of Trump. "We feel very strongly the hots are getting hotter, the dries are getting dyer. Something has happened to the plumbing of the world and we come from a perspective, humbly, that we assert the science that climate change is real. Please respect the difference of opinion out here with respect to the fundamental issue of climate change."
Trump later interjected while another speaker was addressing the event to question the long-term effects of climate change.
"It will start getting cooler," he said. "Just watch. I don't think science knows actually."
The president had remained quiet on the wildfires, but on a visit to Nevada on Saturday he blamed poor forest management for the blazes, which are shaping up to be the worst wildfires in American history.
"Please remember the words, very simple, forest management," he said. "Please remember. It's about forest management."
On Monday, he reiterated the stance, stating that fallen trees and dry leaves serve as "fuel for the fires."
"You go to many different countries. I was talking to the head of a foreign country and they said, 'We consider ourselves a forest nation. We have trees that are far more explosive than they have in California and we don't have that problem,'" Trump said.
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That stance has drawn criticism from Western state officials who contend Trump is ignoring the role climate change is playing in the conflagrations.
"This is climate change, and this is an administration that's put its head in the sand, while we have Democratic and Republican mayors across the country stepping up to do their part," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said on CNN's State of the Union.
Biden, the Democratic nominee to face Trump in November's election, also criticized the president's focus on forest management over climate change.
"The West is literally on fire and he blames the people whose homes and communities are burning," he said. "He says, quote, 'You've gotta clean your floors, you gotta clean your forest.'"
The former vice president also warned of the possibility of Trump continuing his climate stances if re-elected in November.
"Donald Trump's climate denial may not have caused these fires and record floods and record hurricanes, but if he gets a second term these hellish events will continue to become more common, more devastating and more deadly," Biden said.
Meanwhile, the death toll in California rose to at least 24 late Sunday, state officials said, when two more victims were confirmed in the 264,000-acre North Complex fire near Chico, Calif.
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Butte County, Calif., Sheriff Kory Honea said officials were able to identify only one of the victims -- a 58-year-old man from Berry Creek, Calif. Seven people were still missing in the county, down from 13 reported Saturday, he said.
At least 10 people have died in Oregon as well as a 1-year-old in Washington state.
Efforts to combat the 87 large fires across the West was expected to be hampered Monday by strong, gusty winds in northern California and southeast Oregon, while dense smoke was expected to continue to impact much of the western United States, forecasters said.
In a Monday morning update, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said progress was made overnight against the North Complex Fire in some of the hardest-hit areas, including Butte County.
"A lot of good work has been completed in the last few days, and we're going to continue to strive to connect all the dots and get this mopped up as soon as possible," said Cal Fire Night Operation Chief Monty Smith. Crews planned to finish more lines in the west zone Monday, hoping to cut off the fire spread.
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The USDA Forest Service said despite the overall increase of approximately 2,900 acres, firefighters had managed to increase containment overnight to 38%.
In Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown said Monday that the state "has been pushed to its limits" by wildfires and that she mourns for the lives lost to the fire.
"I am at a loss for words over these deaths," she said.
She told reporters Monday that firefighting teams are optimistic that the forecast cooler weather in this week "will be of tremendous help.
The governor also announced that she will be vetoing several line-item appropriations to preserve more than $65 million in funding to respond to the wildfire effort and she thanked crews from all over the country and Canada who have agreed to help battle the blazes or send needed resources.


upi--2020-09-14--Navy sailors train with Marines for CMV-22B Ospreys

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- Navy sailors joined Marines in training on the CMV-22B Osprey aircraft after the Navy received its first of 39 Ospreys , the Marines announced on Monday .
Navy personnel are currently deployed in the Middle East with Marine Medium Trirotor Squadron 166 , based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar , Calif .
The sailors are learning the intricacies of flying and maintaining the CMV-22B Osprey , a tilt-rotor aircraft designed to ferry personnel and supplies on and off aircraft carriers .
The plane/helicopter hybrid will replace the legacy C-2A Greyhound , in use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The squadron currently serves as the Aviation Combat Element for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command .
Navy personnel within the squadron are there to gain a better understanding of the plane , and achieve qualification ratings .
`` When we transition to the CMV-22B , we will fully understand the requirements and nuances of day-to-day Osprey operations and maintenance , '' Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Corey Black said in a press release .
`` It is a rare opportunity for Sailors in the aviation field to deploy with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The aircraft , which can take off and land as a helicopter , as well as transit as a turboprop aircraft , is capable of carrying 6,000 pounds of cargo -- enough to transport the engine power module of an F-35 fighter plane -- and its increased fuel capacity allows it to travel over 1,150 nautical miles .
The Navy projects an inventory of 44 CMV-22Bs .
The first 39 are part of a $ 4.2 billion contract with Bell Boeing , announced in 2018 .
`` The Navy sent us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lt. Col. James Ford , Aviation Combat Element commander , said of the deployment .
`` These sailors have seamlessly filled many manpower gaps in our maintenance department , which increased our crisis response readiness . ''

U.S. Navy personnel embedded with U.S. Marines are learning the nuances of flying and maintaining CMV-22B Osprey tiltrotor planes, the Marines announced on Monday. Photo courtesy of Marine MTS 166/Facebook
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Navy sailors joined Marines in training on the CMV-22B Osprey aircraft after the Navy received its first of 39 Ospreys, the Marines announced on Monday. Navy personnel are currently deployed in the Middle East with Marine Medium Trirotor Squadron 166, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Advertisement
The sailors are learning the intricacies of flying and maintaining the CMV-22B Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft designed to ferry personnel and supplies on and off aircraft carriers.
The plane/helicopter hybrid will replace the legacy C-2A Greyhound, in use since 1964, throughout the Navy.
The squadron currently serves as the Aviation Combat Element for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command. Navy personnel within the squadron are there to gain a better understanding of the plane, and achieve qualification ratings.
"When we transition to the CMV-22B, we will fully understand the requirements and nuances of day-to-day Osprey operations and maintenance," Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Corey Black said in a press release.
"It is a rare opportunity for Sailors in the aviation field to deploy with our Marine brothers and sisters," Black said.
The aircraft, which can take off and land as a helicopter, as well as transit as a turboprop aircraft, is capable of carrying 6,000 pounds of cargo -- enough to transport the engine power module of an F-35 fighter plane -- and its increased fuel capacity allows it to travel over 1,150 nautical miles.
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The Navy projects an inventory of 44 CMV-22Bs. The first 39 are part of a $4.2 billion contract with Bell Boeing, announced in 2018.
"The Navy sent us some of their best sailors," Lt. Col. James Ford, Aviation Combat Element commander, said of the deployment. "These sailors have seamlessly filled many manpower gaps in our maintenance department, which increased our crisis response readiness."


upi--2020-09-14--Their jobs may put Black Americans at greater COVID risk

Many Black Americans have jobs that expose them to the new coronavirus , which may help explain why they are more likely than White Americans to die of COVID-19 , researchers say .
`` There are a lot of theories why Blacks are dying at higher rates than other races during this pandemic , '' said study co-author Fares Qeadan , a biostatistician at the University of Utah .
`` However , our descriptive study strongly suggests that Blacks are not dying from COVID-19 because they are genetically more susceptible , have more comorbidities , or are n't taking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely because they are working in jobs where they have a greater risk of coming in contact with the virus day in and day out , '' Qeadan said in a university news release .
Black Americans account for 12 % of the U.S. population but 21 % of COVID-19 deaths , the researchers noted .
The study found that compared to White Americans , Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to work in healthcare support jobs such as nursing assistants or orderlies .
And they are nearly twice as likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers , movers and taxi drivers .
Black Americans are also more likely to have jobs deemed essential during the pandemic : food preparation , building and grounds maintenance , police and protective services , personal care ( child care , hairstylists ) , office and administrative support , production ( assemblers , painters , machinists ) , social work , and community services .
When they compared these job classifications with COVID-19 deaths in 26 states and Washington , D.C. , the researchers found that all of these jobs put workers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Police and protective services , health care support , transportation , and food preparation were among the jobs most closely associated with COVID-19 deaths .
`` I find it ironic that the people we depend on as essential workers to wipe down our counters and keep things clean are the most vulnerable among us , '' said study co-author Tiana Rogers , a program manager in the university 's business school .
`` We need to make sure that the people doing these jobs can continue to provide for their families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rogers added .
The findings were published recently in a special issue of the journal World Medical & Health Policy .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on minorities and COVID-19 .

Black Americans account for 12% of the U.S. population but 21% of COVID-19 deaths, the researchers noted. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Many Black Americans have jobs that expose them to the new coronavirus, which may help explain why they are more likely than White Americans to die of COVID-19, researchers say. "There are a lot of theories why Blacks are dying at higher rates than other races during this pandemic," said study co-author Fares Qeadan, a biostatistician at the University of Utah. Advertisement
"However, our descriptive study strongly suggests that Blacks are not dying from COVID-19 because they are genetically more susceptible, have more comorbidities, or aren't taking the necessary precautions. Instead, it's likely because they are working in jobs where they have a greater risk of coming in contact with the virus day in and day out," Qeadan said in a university news release.
Black Americans account for 12% of the U.S. population but 21% of COVID-19 deaths, the researchers noted.
The study found that compared to White Americans, Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to work in healthcare support jobs such as nursing assistants or orderlies. And they are nearly twice as likely to have transportation jobs such as bus drivers, movers and taxi drivers.
Black Americans are also more likely to have jobs deemed essential during the pandemic: food preparation, building and grounds maintenance, police and protective services, personal care (child care, hairstylists), office and administrative support, production (assemblers, painters, machinists), social work, and community services.
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When they compared these job classifications with COVID-19 deaths in 26 states and Washington, D.C., the researchers found that all of these jobs put workers at higher risk of infection and death from COVID-19.
Police and protective services, health care support, transportation, and food preparation were among the jobs most closely associated with COVID-19 deaths.
"I find it ironic that the people we depend on as essential workers to wipe down our counters and keep things clean are the most vulnerable among us," said study co-author Tiana Rogers, a program manager in the university's business school.
"We need to make sure that the people doing these jobs can continue to provide for their families without having to risk their lives," Rogers added.
The findings were published recently in a special issue of the journal World Medical & Health Policy.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on minorities and COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-14--Zoo's sloths appear to kiss on camera in first encounter

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- A pair of sloths at the Dudley Zoo in England , Reggie and Flo @ @ @ @ @ camera in their first encounter .
The male Linne 's two-toed sloth Reggie has become @ @ @ @ @ arrived at the zoo at age 3 last year .
The female Linne 's two-toed @ @ @ @ @ zoo at age 1 just last month to partner with now 4-year-old Reggie as part @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Flo 's arrival is fantastic news for the zoo , '' curator Richard @ @ @ @ @ 's been a species we 've wanted for a long time and to be in @ @ @ @ @ pair of sloths is brilliant . ''
Since Flo 's arrival , she has been @ @ @ @ @ starting with being able to `` see each other through the enclosure 's mesh , @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , the zoo revealed video footage from night vision cameras , which appeared to @ @ @ @ @ first encounter .

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Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A pair of sloths at the Dudley Zoo in England, Reggie and Flo, appeared to kiss on camera in their first encounter.
The male Linne's two-toed sloth Reggie has become popular with visitors since he arrived at the zoo at age 3 last year. The female Linne's two-toed sloth Flo arrived to the zoo at age 1 just last month to partner with now 4-year-old Reggie as part of a European breeding program.
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"Flo's arrival is fantastic news for the zoo," curator Richard Brown said. "It's been a species we've wanted for a long time and to be in a breeding position with a pair of sloths is brilliant."
Since Flo's arrival, she has been gradually introduced to Reggie, starting with being able to "see each other through the enclosure's mesh," Richard said.
On Saturday, the zoo revealed video footage from night vision cameras, which appeared to show them kissing during their first encounter.


upi--2020-09-14--World coronavirus GDP losses exceed 2009 financial crisis, economic group says

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- A world economic organization said Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic 's financial toll on the world 's largest economies was significantly more severe than the 2009 financial crisis .
The Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reported that the gross domestic product of the world 's G20 nations dropped by 6.9 % , compared with a 1.6 % decline recorded in the worst quarter of the 2009 recession .
China was the only country to report growth in GDP during the second quarter , because the virus hit China early , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt in the first quarter .
The Chinese GDP grew by 11.5 percent in the second quarter , the OECD said .
But the rest of the world felt the economic pinch of public health shutdowns and the financial drains of medical crises worldwide .
`` GDP contracted by an average of -11.8 % in all other G20 economies [ besides China ] in the second quarter of 2020 , when the effects of the pandemic began to be more widely felt , '' the agency said in the report .
Economies dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell by 25.2 % and Britain , which dropped by 20.4 % .
Mexico 's GDP dropped by 17.1 % , followed by South Africa ( -16.4 % ) , France ( -13.8 % ) , Italy ( -12.8 % ) Canada ( -11.5 % ) and Turkey ( -11 % ) .
The United States GDP dropped by 9.1 % , slightly less than Brazil and Germany , which both recorded drops of 9.7 % , the report said .
The OEDC is an economic group representing 37 countries that cooperate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G20 nations ( including the European Union ) account for 85 % of the world economy , 75 % of global trade , and two-thirds of the world 's population .
The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 8.4 % from a high of 14.7 % in April , according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics , but still 4.14 million U.S. residents remain unemployed due to the pandemic .
The U.S. Commerce Department reported at the end of August that the U.S. economy had plunged nearly 32 % in the second quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments through the CARES Act had blunted the economic effects of the pandemic by keeping businesses afloat .

The GDP of G20 nations dropped by significantly more during the coronavirus pandemic than during the 2009 global financial crisis, the OECD said Monday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A world economic organization said Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic's financial toll on the world's largest economies was significantly more severe than the 2009 financial crisis. The Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reported that the gross domestic product of the world's G20 nations dropped by 6.9%, compared with a 1.6% decline recorded in the worst quarter of the 2009 recession. Advertisement
China was the only country to report growth in GDP during the second quarter, because the virus hit China early, and the economic effects of a government shutdown were felt in the first quarter. The Chinese GDP grew by 11.5 percent in the second quarter, the OECD said.
But the rest of the world felt the economic pinch of public health shutdowns and the financial drains of medical crises worldwide.
"GDP contracted by an average of -11.8% in all other G20 economies [besides China] in the second quarter of 2020, when the effects of the pandemic began to be more widely felt," the agency said in the report.
Economies dropped most dramatically in India, where GDP fell by 25.2% and Britain, which dropped by 20.4%. Mexico's GDP dropped by 17.1%, followed by South Africa (-16.4%), France (-13.8%), Italy (-12.8%) Canada (-11.5%) and Turkey (-11%).
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The United States GDP dropped by 9.1%, slightly less than Brazil and Germany, which both recorded drops of 9.7%, the report said.
The OEDC is an economic group representing 37 countries that cooperate with trade agreements and economic policies. The G20 nations (including the European Union) account for 85% of the world economy, 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the world's population.
The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 8.4% from a high of 14.7% in April, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, but still 4.14 million U.S. residents remain unemployed due to the pandemic.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported at the end of August that the U.S. economy had plunged nearly 32% in the second quarter of 2020, but that government rescue payments through the CARES Act had blunted the economic effects of the pandemic by keeping businesses afloat.


upi--2020-09-14--88-year-old man will walk final mile to total Earth's circumference

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- An 88-year-old Massachusetts man has walked 24,900 miles , and plans to finish the final mile Oct. 3 to total the circumference of the Earth .
Brad Hathaway , 88 , of Mattapoisett , said his doctor encouraged him to start walking in his mid-50s when he was dealing with diabetes , heart problems and other health issues .
`` My doctor said , 'You better walk , you better start walking tomorrow and start walking 3 miles a day , '' Hathaway said .
`` So , I did , and I mapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , Hathaway began to walk daily , rain or shine , and would sometimes walk 10 miles instead of 3 .
`` As time went on , walking got a little harder , '' Hathaway said .
`` I had a walking stick for a few years , and now I have this walker to help me walk . ''
Hathaway said he 's picked up some trash and some treasures along the way .
He said that he has made about $ 7,000 from discarded items he collected on his walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends .
He 's been logging the miles he has covered over the years and recently decided to calculate the total .
`` I 'm 1 mile to 24,901 and that 's around the Earth at the equator , '' Hathaway said .
He added that he has decided to wait to finish the mile until Oct. 3 as part of a fundraising effort for the Mattapoisett Land Trust .
Hathaway said that he hopes to raise the funds through his GoFundMe page .
`` All proceeds from Brad 's fundraising walk will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aucoot area to increase the 480 acres of conservation land MLT holds there presently , '' the GoFundMe page states .

Brad Hathaway, 88, plans to finish the final mile of 24,901 miles, amounting to Earth's circumference, Oct. 3 to raise money for the Mattapoisett Land Trust. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe/ Twitter
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Sept. 14 (UPI) -- An 88-year-old Massachusetts man has walked 24,900 miles, and plans to finish the final mile Oct. 3 to total the circumference of the Earth. Brad Hathaway, 88, of Mattapoisett, said his doctor encouraged him to start walking in his mid-50s when he was dealing with diabetes, heart problems and other health issues. Advertisement
"My doctor said, 'You better walk, you better start walking tomorrow and start walking 3 miles a day," Hathaway said. "So, I did, and I mapped out the entire town."
Since then, Hathaway began to walk daily, rain or shine, and would sometimes walk 10 miles instead of 3.
"As time went on, walking got a little harder," Hathaway said. "I had a walking stick for a few years, and now I have this walker to help me walk."
Hathaway said he's picked up some trash and some treasures along the way. He said that he has made about $7,000 from discarded items he collected on his walks, and he's also made some friends.
He's been logging the miles he has covered over the years and recently decided to calculate the total.
"I'm 1 mile to 24,901 and that's around the Earth at the equator," Hathaway said.
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He added that he has decided to wait to finish the mile until Oct. 3 as part of a fundraising effort for the Mattapoisett Land Trust.
Hathaway said that he hopes to raise the funds through his GoFundMe page.
"All proceeds from Brad's fundraising walk will be used for land acquisitions in the Aucoot area to increase the 480 acres of conservation land MLT holds there presently," the GoFundMe page states.


upi--2020-09-14--Coast Guard cutter NSC Stone completes builder's trials

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Coast Guard cutter NSC Stone successfully completed its builder 's trials at sea , shipmaker Huntington Ingalls Industries announced on Monday .
The Legend-class cutter , also known as the National Security Cutter -- or Maritime Security Cutter , Large -- spent three days in the Gulf of Mexico after leaving its building dock in Pascagoula , Miss.
, to test propulsion systems and auxiliary and other on-board systems .
The vessel is the ninth of 11 planned new cutters for the Coast Guard , which has been working to upgrade its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of the COVID-19 pandemic , reduced the number of those on board for the builder 's trials by one-third , and cleaning protocols were increased aboard the ship .
The NSC Stone was launched in October 2019 and formally christened in February 2020 .
The NSC cutters are the largest , most technologically advanced ship in the Coast Guard 's fleet .
The vessels will be used for maritime and homeland security , law enforcement , marine safety , environmental protection and national defense missions .
NSCs are 418 feet long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 32.2 mph ] , a range of 12,000 miles , an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120 , Huntington Ingalls said .

The new U.S. Coast Guard cutter NSC Stone completed its three-day builder's trials, Huntington Ingalls Industries announced. Photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard cutter NSC Stone successfully completed its builder's trials at sea, shipmaker Huntington Ingalls Industries announced on Monday. The Legend-class cutter, also known as the National Security Cutter -- or Maritime Security Cutter, Large -- spent three days in the Gulf of Mexico after leaving its building dock in Pascagoula, Miss., to test propulsion systems and auxiliary and other on-board systems. Advertisement
The vessel is the ninth of 11 planned new cutters for the Coast Guard, which has been working to upgrade its fleet since 2008.
Safety precautions, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced the number of those on board for the builder's trials by one-third, and cleaning protocols were increased aboard the ship.
The NSC Stone was launched in October 2019 and formally christened in February 2020.
The NSC cutters are the largest, most technologically advanced ship in the Coast Guard's fleet. The vessels will be used for maritime and homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions.
NSCs are 418 feet long with a top speed of 28 knots [32.2 mph], a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120, Huntington Ingalls said.
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upi--2020-09-14--U.S. Air Force, Space Force recruiting campaign seeks space professionals

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Air Force and Space Force announced Monday they seek `` future enlisted space professionals '' to fill over 300 positions during Fiscal Year 2021 .
The recruitment initiative included a virtual meeting last week of Air Force recruiters to discuss how to find highly-qualified applicants for positions in which vocational training scores and security clearances are higher than normal .
`` Most of our jobs focus on orbital warfare , space electronic warfare , or space battle management , '' SMSgt .
Daniel Hill , U.S. Space Force manager for the 1C6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in a press release .
`` We fly satellites , keeping them in position or repositioning them if a threat is detected .
We use radar to detect missile launches and track space debris to protect our assets in space . ''
Applicants will visit Air Force Recruiting Service offices in the traditional manner , but recruiters will seek a specialized caliber of recruit .
`` We 've gotten away from a checklist-driven mindset to where we are lean and agile and our young Airman have to think on-the-fly sometimes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Senior Master Sgt .
Randy Magdaleno , Space Force manager of Special Programs Division .
`` As an example , we have young Airman sitting in the 2nd Operations Squadron flying the GPS [ Global Positioning System ] satellites and what a lot of people do n't know is our Air Force and , now our U.S. Space Force , do the satellite command and control and operate our GPS systems out there for the world , '' Magdaleno said .
In October , highly-qualified applicants with no prior military experience will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many will transfer to the Space Force .
The recruitment effort comes as Air Force and Space Force leadership convened virtually on Monday for an annual conference to discuss emerging technologies and threats .
The three-day Air Force Association 2020 Virtual Air , Space and Cyber Conference features speakers , panel discussions , manufacturers ' displays and an emphasis on innovation and an outlook on the future of the service branches .
`` American capabilities in air and space are under threat , '' Barbara Barrett , Secretary of the Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` Both Russia and China are investing significantly to negate American defenses , from the development of anti-satellite weapons to standing up formidable anti-aircraft networks . ''
`` U.S. Air and Space Forces are developing game-changing technologies , including artificial intelligence-driven systems , low-cost 'attritable ' [ low-cost and expendable ] aircraft , and a real-time information-sharing network to reinforce deterrence , expand defenses , and keep American military forces one-step ahead of adversaries , '' Barrett said .
Speakers at the conference include four Air Force leaders in new roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Air Force Chief of Staff ; CMSgt .
JoAnne S. Bass , Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force ; Gen. John Raymond , Chief of Space Operations , and CMSgt .
Roger A. Towberman , Senior Enlisted Advisor of the United States Space Force .

The Air Force and Space Force are looking for recruits with specific skill sets and interests to focus on future missions. Pictured, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV heavy booster rockets are seen in April at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Photo by Senior Airman Aubree Owens/U.S. Air Force
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force and Space Force announced Monday they seek "future enlisted space professionals" to fill over 300 positions during Fiscal Year 2021. The recruitment initiative included a virtual meeting last week of Air Force recruiters to discuss how to find highly-qualified applicants for positions in which vocational training scores and security clearances are higher than normal. Advertisement
"Most of our jobs focus on orbital warfare, space electronic warfare, or space battle management," SMSgt. Daniel Hill, U.S. Space Force manager for the 1C6 Space Systems Operators Air Force Specialty Code, said in a press release. "We fly satellites, keeping them in position or repositioning them if a threat is detected. We use radar to detect missile launches and track space debris to protect our assets in space."
Applicants will visit Air Force Recruiting Service offices in the traditional manner, but recruiters will seek a specialized caliber of recruit.
"We've gotten away from a checklist-driven mindset to where we are lean and agile and our young Airman have to think on-the-fly sometimes to outmaneuver some of the adversaries," said Senior Master Sgt. Randy Magdaleno, Space Force manager of Special Programs Division.
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"As an example, we have young Airman sitting in the 2nd Operations Squadron flying the GPS [Global Positioning System] satellites and what a lot of people don't know is our Air Force and, now our U.S. Space Force, do the satellite command and control and operate our GPS systems out there for the world," Magdaleno said.
In October, highly-qualified applicants with no prior military experience will begin Air Force Basic Military Training, and many will transfer to the Space Force.
The recruitment effort comes as Air Force and Space Force leadership convened virtually on Monday for an annual conference to discuss emerging technologies and threats.
The three-day Air Force Association 2020 Virtual Air, Space and Cyber Conference features speakers, panel discussions, manufacturers' displays and an emphasis on innovation and an outlook on the future of the service branches.
"American capabilities in air and space are under threat," Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force, said in an online commentary on Monday. "Both Russia and China are investing significantly to negate American defenses, from the development of anti-satellite weapons to standing up formidable anti-aircraft networks."
"U.S. Air and Space Forces are developing game-changing technologies, including artificial intelligence-driven systems,low-cost 'attritable' [low-cost and expendable] aircraft, and a real-time information-sharing network to reinforce deterrence, expand defenses, and keep American military forces one-step ahead of adversaries," Barrett said.
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Speakers at the conference include four Air Force leaders in new roles, including Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., Air Force Chief of Staff; CMSgt. JoAnne S. Bass, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force; Gen. John Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, and CMSgt. Roger A. Towberman, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the United States Space Force.


upi--2020-09-14--Look: Stray Kids release 'In Life' album, 'Back Door' video

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band Stray Kids is back with new music .
The K-pop @ @ @ @ @ Life and a music video for the song `` Back Door '' on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ '' video , the members of Stray Kids take over a building .
The video @ @ @ @ @ a choreographed dance routine with dozens of people dressed in white in the background .
@ @ @ @ @ of Stray Kids ' album Go Live , released in June .
The new version @ @ @ @ @ 's Menu '' and `` Easy . ''
Stray Kids shared a highlight medley for @ @ @ @ @ the songs `` We Go , '' `` Wow '' and `` My Universe .
@ @ @ @ @ Bang Chan , Lee Know , Changbin , Hyunjin , Han , Felix , Seungmin @ @ @ @ @ is known for the singles `` Hellevator , '' `` Miroh '' and `` Double @ @ @

Sept. 14 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band Stray Kids is back with new music.
The K-pop group released the album In Life and a music video for the song "Back Door" on Monday.
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In the "Back Door" video, the members of Stray Kids take over a building. The video ends with the group performing a choreographed dance routine with dozens of people dressed in white in the background.
In Life is a reissue of Stray Kids' album Go Live, released in June. The new version features the singles "God's Menu" and "Easy."
Stray Kids shared a highlight medley for In Life this month featuring the songs "We Go," "Wow" and "My Universe."
Stray Kids consists of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. The group is known for the singles "Hellevator," "Miroh" and "Double Knot."


upi--2020-09-14--Rare molecule in Venus' atmosphere could be sign of life

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- Venus is one of the most inhospitable places in the solar system , but astronomers have long speculated that microbes might be able to survive in the planet 's upper atmosphere , according to a study published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy .
Now , scientists have confirmed the presence of phosphine molecules , featuring hydrogen and phosphorus , inside Venusian clouds -- a possible signature of airborne , extra-terrestrial life .
Astronomers initially discovered the molecule using Hawaii 's James Clerk Maxwell Telescope .
After the discovery , researchers used the Atacama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gather additional observations .
Both observatories field images in the electromagnetic spectrum , measuring light with wavelengths longer than those of infrared waves or x-rays but shorter than the wavelengths of radio waves or microwaves .
`` This was an experiment made out of pure curiosity , really -- taking advantage of JCMT 's powerful technology , and thinking about future instruments , '' lead researcher Jane Greaves said in a news release .
`` I thought we 'd just be able to rule out extreme scenarios , like the clouds being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greaves , a professor of astronomy at Cardiff University in Wales .
When we got the first hints of phosphine in Venus ' spectrum , it was a shock ! ''
Greaves first discovered the phosphine signature while working as a visiting research professor at the University of Cambridge 's Institute of Astronomy .
Observations using ALMA failed to reveal the phosphine signature in great detail , but the observatory 's images did confirm the molecule 's presence in Venusian clouds .
`` We found that both observatories had seen the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be phosphine gas , where the molecules are backlit by the warmer clouds below , '' said Greaves .
On Earth , phosphine is produced by industrial processes , as well as by microbes that thrive in oxygen-poor environs .
Models designed to simulate Venus ' atmosphere helped scientists interpret the data collected by ALMA and JCMT .
Their analysis suggests the gas is relatively scarce , comprising just twenty molecules in every billion .
Researchers ran models to see if natural causes -- including sunlight , minerals drafted upwards from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain the presence of the rare molecule in Venus ' upper atmosphere .
The simulations showed natural causes can explain , at most , just one ten-thousandth of the amount of phosphine found by ALMA and JCMT .
If microbes are indeed responsible for the production of the phosphine found in Venusian clouds , they likely look much different than the microbes that make phosphine on Earth .
`` Phosphine is very hard to make in the oxygen-rich , hydrogen-poor clouds of Venus and fairly easy to destroy , '' said study co-author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cavendish Laboratory .
`` The presence of life is the only known explanation for the amount of phosphine inferred by observations . ''
`` Both of these facts lie at the edge of our knowledge : the observations could be caused by an unknown molecule , or could be caused by chemistry we 're not aware of , '' Rimmer said .
`` Ultimately , the only way to find out what 's really happening is to send a mission into the clouds of Venus to take a sample of the droplets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside . ''
Akatsuki , the Japanese space agency probe that entered orbit around Venus nearly five years ago , is currently mapping a series of dark streaks where ultraviolet light is absorbed .
Scientists have suggested that colonies of microbes might explain the unusual streaks .
NASA is also working on plans to send unscrewed spacecraft to Venus .
`` Two of the next four candidate missions for NASA 's Discovery Program are focused on Venus , as is Europe 's EnVision mission , in which NASA is a partner , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
`` Venus also is a planetary destination we can reach with smaller missions . ''
Even if Venus ' toxic clouds are slightly more forgiving than its scorching-hot surface , they 're not exactly inviting -- because they 're quite acidic .
`` On Earth , some microbes can cope with up to about 5 percent acid in their environment -- but the clouds of Venus are almost entirely made of acid , '' said co-author Clara Sousa Silva from MIT .
Scientists are currently conducting follow-up experiments to better understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves from the acidic environs inside protective cloud droplets .

Astronomers have found phosphine molecules inside clouds in the upper layers of Venus' atmosphere, which suggests there could be microscopic life on the planet. Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Venus is one of the most inhospitable places in the solar system, but astronomers have long speculated that microbes might be able to survive in the planet's upper atmosphere, according to a study published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy. Now, scientists have confirmed the presence of phosphine molecules, featuring hydrogen and phosphorus, inside Venusian clouds -- a possible signature of airborne, extra-terrestrial life. Advertisement
Astronomers initially discovered the molecule using Hawaii's James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. After the discovery, researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, in Chile, to gather additional observations.
Both observatories field images in the electromagnetic spectrum, measuring light with wavelengths longer than those of infrared waves or x-rays but shorter than the wavelengths of radio waves or microwaves.
"This was an experiment made out of pure curiosity, really -- taking advantage of JCMT's powerful technology, and thinking about future instruments," lead researcher Jane Greaves said in a news release.
Advertisement
"I thought we'd just be able to rule out extreme scenarios, like the clouds being stuffed full of organisms," said Greaves, a professor of astronomy at Cardiff University in Wales. When we got the first hints of phosphine in Venus' spectrum, it was a shock!"
Greaves first discovered the phosphine signature while working as a visiting research professor at the University of Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy.
Observations using ALMA failed to reveal the phosphine signature in great detail, but the observatory's images did confirm the molecule's presence in Venusian clouds.
"We found that both observatories had seen the same thing -- faint absorption at the right wavelength to be phosphine gas, where the molecules are backlit by the warmer clouds below," said Greaves.
On Earth, phosphine is produced by industrial processes, as well as by microbes that thrive in oxygen-poor environs.
Models designed to simulate Venus' atmosphere helped scientists interpret the data collected by ALMA and JCMT. Their analysis suggests the gas is relatively scarce, comprising just twenty molecules in every billion.
Researchers ran models to see if natural causes -- including sunlight, minerals drafted upwards from the surface, volcanoes or lightning -- might explain the presence of the rare molecule in Venus' upper atmosphere. The simulations showed natural causes can explain, at most, just one ten-thousandth of the amount of phosphine found by ALMA and JCMT.
Advertisement
If microbes are indeed responsible for the production of the phosphine found in Venusian clouds, they likely look much different than the microbes that make phosphine on Earth.
"Phosphine is very hard to make in the oxygen-rich, hydrogen-poor clouds of Venus and fairly easy to destroy," said study co-author Paul Rimmer, researcher at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory. "The presence of life is the only known explanation for the amount of phosphine inferred by observations."
"Both of these facts lie at the edge of our knowledge: the observations could be caused by an unknown molecule, or could be caused by chemistry we're not aware of," Rimmer said. "Ultimately, the only way to find out what's really happening is to send a mission into the clouds of Venus to take a sample of the droplets and look at them to see what's inside."
Akatsuki, the Japanese space agency probe that entered orbit around Venus nearly five years ago, is currently mapping a series of dark streaks where ultraviolet light is absorbed. Scientists have suggested that colonies of microbes might explain the unusual streaks.
NASA is also working on plans to send unscrewed spacecraft to Venus.
"Two of the next four candidate missions for NASA's Discovery Program are focused on Venus, as is Europe's EnVision mission, in which NASA is a partner," the space agency said in a news release. "Venus also is a planetary destination we can reach with smaller missions."
Advertisement
Even if Venus' toxic clouds are slightly more forgiving than its scorching-hot surface, they're not exactly inviting -- because they're quite acidic.
"On Earth, some microbes can cope with up to about 5 percent acid in their environment -- but the clouds of Venus are almost entirely made of acid," said co-author Clara Sousa Silva from MIT.
Scientists are currently conducting follow-up experiments to better understand how microbes might be able to shield themselves from the acidic environs inside protective cloud droplets.


upi--2020-09-14--VA data breach exposes information of 46,000 veterans

Sept. 14 ( UPI ) -- A data breach involving personal information of about 46,000 veterans was announced on Monday by the Department of Veterans Affairs .
The Federal Services Center , the VA 's finance department , discovered that financial information `` was accessed by unauthorized users to divert payments to community health care providers for the medical treatment of veterans , '' a VA statement on Monday said in part .
It added that a `` comprehensive security review '' is underway , but did not specify when the breach was discovered , which computer application was affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were involved in the breach .
The FSC has alerted those affected by mail , including next-of-kin of deceased veterans , of the potential risk to personal information .
It will also provide free access to credit monitoring services to those whose Social Security numbers were involved .
`` Veterans whose information was involved are advised to follow the instructions in the letter to protect their data .
There is no action needed from veterans if they did not receive an alert by mail , '' the statement adds .
VA officials described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially damaging to veterans involved .
The Veterans Affairs department has seen prior breaches of its security systems .
In 2006 , over 26 million veterans and military personnel had their information exposed after a VA employee 's laptop was stolen .
Two thousand veterans had their personal information accidentally posted online in 2012 , and in 2015 , information of 21.5 million federal employees , including active duty troops and veterans , was part of a data theft at the Office of Personnel Management .

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a data breach on Monday affecting about 46,000 veterans. Photo courtesy of VA
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A data breach involving personal information of about 46,000 veterans was announced on Monday by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Federal Services Center, the VA's finance department, discovered that financial information "was accessed by unauthorized users to divert payments to community health care providers for the medical treatment of veterans," a VA statement on Monday said in part. Advertisement
It added that a "comprehensive security review" is underway, but did not specify when the breach was discovered, which computer application was affected or which veterans' Social Security numbers were involved in the breach.
The FSC has alerted those affected by mail, including next-of-kin of deceased veterans, of the potential risk to personal information. It will also provide free access to credit monitoring services to those whose Social Security numbers were involved.
"Veterans whose information was involved are advised to follow the instructions in the letter to protect their data. There is no action needed from veterans if they did not receive an alert by mail," the statement adds.
VA officials described the breach as limited in scope but potentially damaging to veterans involved.
The Veterans Affairs department has seen prior breaches of its security systems. In 2006, over 26 million veterans and military personnel had their information exposed after a VA employee's laptop was stolen.
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Two thousand veterans had their personal information accidentally posted online in 2012, and in 2015, information of 21.5 million federal employees, including active duty troops and veterans, was part of a data theft at the Office of Personnel Management.


upi--2020-09-15--Watch: Robert Westergaard still loves ex-girlfriend Jessica More

Sept. 15 ( UPI ) -- Robert Westergaard says he still loves his ex-girlfriend and Below Deck Mediterranean co-star Jessica More .
Westergaard and his co-star Aesha Scott appeared virtually on Monday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live , where Westergaard was asked if he is still in love with More .
`` Yeah .
I do have a lot of love for Jessica , yes .
No one 's asked me that , '' he responded .
Westergaard confirmed he `` definitely '' falls in love hard , which he said `` sucks a little bit . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't just get back together .
`` I wish it were so simple , '' Westergaard replied .
Westergaard confirmed he 's presently single .
He said he received a lot of DMs , or direct messages on social media , after his previous appearance on WWHL .
Westergaard and More developed a romance during Below Deck Med Season 5 but have since split .
Monday 's episode of Below Deck Med showed More take issue with Westergaard showing Scott a game during a night out .
On WWHL , Westergaard denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episode .
Scott said she thought the situation was `` absolutely ridiculous . ''
`` I think she was just such a jealous person .
He could have been speaking to any female , not just me , and she would have absolutely hated it , '' she said of More .
More discussed her split from Westergaard on WWHL in July , saying she was `` very clear '' with Westergaard about wanting a committed relationship .
`` I 'm done casually dating , and that was very clear , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bravo series that follows the crew of a mega-yacht during charter season .
The series co-stars Sandy Yawn , Hindrigo `` Kiko '' Lorran , Tom Checketts , Hannah Ferrier , Christine `` Bugsy '' Drake , Malia White , Peter Hunziker and Alex Radcliffe .

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Robert Westergaard says he still loves his ex-girlfriend and Below Deck Mediterranean co-star Jessica More.
Westergaard and his co-star Aesha Scott appeared virtually on Monday's episode of Watch What Happens Live, where Westergaard was asked if he is still in love with More.
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"Yeah. I do have a lot of love for Jessica, yes. No one's asked me that," he responded.
Westergaard confirmed he "definitely" falls in love hard, which he said "sucks a little bit." Scott then asked why Westergaard and More don't just get back together.
"I wish it were so simple," Westergaard replied.
Westergaard confirmed he's presently single. He said he received a lot of DMs, or direct messages on social media, after his previous appearance on WWHL.
Westergaard and More developed a romance during Below Deck Med Season 5 but have since split. Monday's episode of Below Deck Med showed More take issue with Westergaard showing Scott a game during a night out.
On WWHL, Westergaard denied he was flirting with Scott during the episode. Scott said she thought the situation was "absolutely ridiculous."
"I think she was just such a jealous person. He could have been speaking to any female, not just me, and she would have absolutely hated it," she said of More.
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More discussed her split from Westergaard on WWHL in July, saying she was "very clear" with Westergaard about wanting a committed relationship.
"I'm done casually dating, and that was very clear," she said.
Below Deck Med is a Bravo series that follows the crew of a mega-yacht during charter season. The series co-stars Sandy Yawn, Hindrigo "Kiko" Lorran, Tom Checketts, Hannah Ferrier, Christine "Bugsy" Drake, Malia White, Peter Hunziker and Alex Radcliffe.


upi--2020-09-15--Fantasy football: Steelers RB James Conner sprains ankle

Sept. 15 ( UPI ) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner sprained his ankle on Monday Night Football , which should open the door for fantasy football production for fellow running back Benny Snell .
Sources informed NFL Network and ESPN of Conner 's ankle sprain on Tuesday .
Conner sustained the injury in the first half of the Steelers ' 26-16 win over the New York Giants Monday in East Rutherford , N.Y .
He left the game 1:19 into the second quarter and did not return .
Snell assumed the bulk of the workload out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 113 yards .
Conner had just nine yards and six carries before his exit .
Conner will be evaluated on Tuesday and the Steelers have yet to announce a timetable for his return .
Snell should be picked up in all fantasy football leagues where he is available .
His breakout performance on Monday should prompt the team to give him a larger share of the workload even if Conner does n't miss multiple games .
The second-year Steelers running back also could provide RB1 value in any game that Conner misses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Week 2 .
The Broncos just allowed 116 rushing yards to Derrick Henry and had an average run defense in 2019 .
The Steelers battle the Houston Texans in Week 3 .
The Texans allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019 and allowed 138 rushing yards and a score to Kansas Chief Chiefs rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Week 1 .
Fellow Steelers backup running backs Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland should also be added to rosters in deeper leagues if Conner 's injury results in a long-term absence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a shoulder injury .
He also missed the final game of 2019 due to a quad injury .
The Steelers host the Broncos at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh .

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner could miss time after he sprained his ankle on Monday Night Football. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner sprained his ankle on Monday Night Football, which should open the door for fantasy football production for fellow running back Benny Snell. Sources informed NFL Network and ESPN of Conner's ankle sprain on Tuesday. Conner sustained the injury in the first half of the Steelers' 26-16 win over the New York Giants Monday in East Rutherford, N.Y. He left the game 1:19 into the second quarter and did not return. Advertisement
Snell assumed the bulk of the workload out of the Steelers backfield and responded with 19 carries for 113 yards. Conner had just nine yards and six carries before his exit.
Conner will be evaluated on Tuesday and the Steelers have yet to announce a timetable for his return. Snell should be picked up in all fantasy football leagues where he is available. His breakout performance on Monday should prompt the team to give him a larger share of the workload even if Conner doesn't miss multiple games.
The second-year Steelers running back also could provide RB1 value in any game that Conner misses.
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The Steelers host the Denver Broncos in Week 2. The Broncos just allowed 116 rushing yards to Derrick Henry and had an average run defense in 2019.
The Steelers battle the Houston Texans in Week 3. The Texans allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019 and allowed 138 rushing yards and a score to Kansas Chief Chiefs rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Week 1.
Fellow Steelers backup running backs Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland should also be added to rosters in deeper leagues if Conner's injury results in a long-term absence.
Conner missed five games last season due to a shoulder injury. He also missed the final game of 2019 due to a quad injury.
The Steelers host the Broncos at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-09-15--Death Penalty Information Center analysis: Racial discrimination has been major factor in U.S. execu

Death Penalty Information Center analysis: Racial discrimination has been major factor in U.S. executions

Sept. 15 ( UPI ) -- The Death Penalty Information Center said in a new analysis Tuesday that racial discrimination in the United States has played a prominent role in the administration of capital punishment in the past .
The report , titled , `` Enduring Injustice : the Persistence of Racial Discrimination in the U.S. Death Penalty , '' examines the way that people of color -- particularly Black Americans -- have disproportionately faced executions , lynchings and police killings .
`` The death penalty has been used to enforce racial hierarchies throughout United States history , beginning with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , '' said Ngozi Ndulue , DPIC senior director of research and special projects and the report 's lead author .
`` Its discriminatory presence as the apex punishment in the American legal system legitimizes all other harsh and discriminatory punishments .
That is why the death penalty must be part of any discussion of police reform , prosecutorial accountability , reversing mass incarceration and the criminal legal system as a whole . ''
Tuesday 's report notes that of the 57 people presently on federal death row , 34 are persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Black men and some were convicted by all-White juries .
The analysis specifically cites the cases of Abu-Ali Abdur Rahman , who 's argued that a prosecutor unjustly removed two potential Black jurors based on racial stereotypes -- and Julius Jones , who was sentenced to death by an all-White jury for killing a White businessman .
The report said between 1990 and 2010 , 20 % of inmates scheduled for execution in North Carolina were sentenced by all-White juries , and qualified Black jurors were disqualified at more than twice the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 capital cases .
A mock jury study of more than 500 Californians six years ago also found that White jurors were more likely to sentence poor Latino defendants to death than poor White defendants , Tuesday 's report noted .
Further , it cited an analysis that found killers of Whites were more likely to face capital prosecution than killers of Blacks .
The DPIC report also tied the racial history of capital punishment to ongoing civil unrest over police brutality that followed the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to be linked to some type of official misconduct .
A separate report on Tuesday similarly found that more than half exonerations of innocent victims of all races involved some type of misconduct by prosecutors or police .
`` Racial disparities are present at every stage of a capital case and get magnified as a case moves through the legal process , '' DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham said .
`` If you do n't understand the history -- that the modern death penalty is the direct descendant of slavery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't understand why . ''

Tuesday's report notes that of the 57 people presently on federal death row, 34 are persons of color. More than two dozen are Black men and some were convicted by all-White juries. File Photo by Paul Buck/EPA
Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The Death Penalty Information Center said in a new analysis Tuesday that racial discrimination in the United States has played a prominent role in the administration of capital punishment in the past. The report, titled, "Enduring Injustice: the Persistence of Racial Discrimination in the U.S. Death Penalty," examines the way that people of color -- particularly Black Americans -- have disproportionately faced executions, lynchings and police killings. Advertisement
"The death penalty has been used to enforce racial hierarchies throughout United States history, beginning with the colonial period and continuing to this day," said Ngozi Ndulue, DPIC senior director of research and special projects and the report's lead author.
"Its discriminatory presence as the apex punishment in the American legal system legitimizes all other harsh and discriminatory punishments. That is why the death penalty must be part of any discussion of police reform, prosecutorial accountability, reversing mass incarceration and the criminal legal system as a whole."
Tuesday's report notes that of the 57 people presently on federal death row, 34 are persons of color. More than two dozen are Black men and some were convicted by all-White juries.
The analysis specifically cites the cases of Abu-Ali Abdur Rahman, who's argued that a prosecutor unjustly removed two potential Black jurors based on racial stereotypes -- and Julius Jones, who was sentenced to death by an all-White jury for killing a White businessman.
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The report said between 1990 and 2010, 20% of inmates scheduled for execution in North Carolina were sentenced by all-White juries, and qualified Black jurors were disqualified at more than twice the rate of their White counterparts in almost 200 capital cases.
A mock jury study of more than 500 Californians six years ago also found that White jurors were more likely to sentence poor Latino defendants to death than poor White defendants, Tuesday's report noted.
Further, it cited an analysis that found killers of Whites were more likely to face capital prosecution than killers of Blacks.
The DPIC report also tied the racial history of capital punishment to ongoing civil unrest over police brutality that followed the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, noting that exonorations of Black Americans are more likely to be linked to some type of official misconduct.
A separate report on Tuesday similarly found that more than half exonerations of innocent victims of all races involved some type of misconduct by prosecutors or police.
"Racial disparities are present at every stage of a capital case and get magnified as a case moves through the legal process," DPIC Executive Director Robert Dunham said.
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"If you don't understand the history -- that the modern death penalty is the direct descendant of slavery, lynching and Jim Crow-segregation -- you won't understand why."


upi--2020-09-15--Watch: Kelsea Ballerini performs 'A Country Song' on 'Late Late Show'

Sept. 15 ( UPI ) -- Kelsea Ballerini performed her new song `` A Country Song '' on The Late Late Show with James Corden .
The 27-year-old country music singer performed the song remotely during Monday 's episode of the CBS late-night show .
`` A Country Song '' appears on Ballerini 's fourth studio album , Ballerini , released last week .
Ballerini is Ballerini 's second album of 2020 , following Kelsea , released in March .
In the interview , Ballerini said it was n't her original plan to release two albums this year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the plan all along , but it was definitely just the circumstances of releasing an album in late March , kind of when the world shut down .
I think it was a weird time for anyone to release anything , '' she said , referencing the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
Ballerini ended up reworking Ballerini due to the health crisis .
`` I think I needed a way to fall back in love with this album , because I kind of was bummed at all the plans changing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of remade it to listen in your living room , rather than to listen in a big arena with confetti cannons . ''
Ballerini will give a pre-taped performance during the Academy of Country Music Awards this week .
She filmed at an empty Ryman Auditorium in Nashville , Tenn. '' I felt so rusty , '' the singer said .
`` It 's odd , but it 's nice to be back on any kind of stage , especially that one . ''
The ACM Awards will air Wednesday beginning at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Urban and Pink , Taylor Swift , and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are also slated to perform .

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Kelsea Ballerini performed her new song "A Country Song" on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
The 27-year-old country music singer performed the song remotely during Monday's episode of the CBS late-night show.
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"A Country Song" appears on Ballerini's fourth studio album, Ballerini, released last week. Ballerini is Ballerini's second album of 2020, following Kelsea, released in March.
In the interview, Ballerini said it wasn't her original plan to release two albums this year.
"I wish I could tell you it was the plan all along, but it was definitely just the circumstances of releasing an album in late March, kind of when the world shut down. I think it was a weird time for anyone to release anything," she said, referencing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ballerini ended up reworking Ballerini due to the health crisis.
"I think I needed a way to fall back in love with this album, because I kind of was bummed at all the plans changing," she said. "I just kind of remade it to listen in your living room, rather than to listen in a big arena with confetti cannons."
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Ballerini will give a pre-taped performance during the Academy of Country Music Awards this week. She filmed at an empty Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
"I felt so rusty," the singer said. "It's odd, but it's nice to be back on any kind of stage, especially that one."
The ACM Awards will air Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS. Keith Urban and Pink, Taylor Swift, and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are also slated to perform.


upi--2020-09-15--U.S. adds 34K COVID-19 cases; children make up 10% of total

Sept. 15 ( UPI ) -- An additional 34,000 COVID-19 cases and hundreds of new deaths were reported in the United States on Tuesday .
Data from Johns Hopkins University 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering showed about 34,100 new cases on Monday and 422 deaths , a slight increase from Sunday 's toll .
The new cases are close to the daily average ( 35,000 ) nationally over the past week .
Since the start of the pandemic , there have been 6.55 million cases and 194,500 deaths in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists at the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children 's Hospital Association reported that almost 550,000 children have tested positive to date , or about 10 % of all U.S. cases .
Despite surges in cases , the groups noted that severe illness and death are still `` rare among children '' but appealed for consistent data from states to measure and document the effects of the disease on American children .
Nationwide , there have been a little more than 700 cases per 100,000 children , they said .
The figure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states -- Tennessee and South Carolina -- and 19 others report more than 800 per 100,000 .
A separate study Monday showed that over a three-month period , researchers found that adults are nearly 10 times more likely than children to be asymptomatic carriers of the virus .
Meanwhile , in North Carolina , officials said thousands of residents had erroneously received text messages and emails informing them they 'd tested positive for the coronavirus .
Thousands in Mecklenburg County , which includes Charlotte , received the messages last week .
County Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contractor that had been hired to help with contact tracing efforts .
The messages , he told county commissioners , were sent to those who may have tested positive earlier and had likely already recovered -- or those believed to have had close contact with a carrier .
In Nevada , the city of Henderson has fined a manufacturing company that hosted a rally for President Donald Trump on Sunday that violated Gov .
Steve Sisolak 's order limiting public gatherings .
`` During the event , a compliance officer observed six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Business Operations Division has issued a Business License Notice of Violation to Xtreme Manufacturing and assessed a penalty of $ 3,000 , '' city officials tweeted .
The event was Trump 's first indoor rally since June and was attended by many supporters who did not wear masks or keep socially distanced in accordance with health guidelines .

Parents march in Clayton, Mo., on Monday outside St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page's office. Page has prohibited contact sports at schools in the county due to the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 15 (UPI) -- An additional 34,000 COVID-19 cases and hundreds of new deaths were reported in the United States on Tuesday. Data from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering showed about 34,100 new cases on Monday and 422 deaths, a slight increase from Sunday's toll. Advertisement
The new cases are close to the daily average (35,000) nationally over the past week.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 6.55 million cases and 194,500 deaths in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins.
Along with the new cases Monday, scientists at the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Association reported that almost 550,000 children have tested positive to date, or about 10% of all U.S. cases.
Despite surges in cases, the groups noted that severe illness and death are still "rare among children" but appealed for consistent data from states to measure and document the effects of the disease on American children.
Nationwide, there have been a little more than 700 cases per 100,000 children, they said. The figure is more than double that rate in two states -- Tennessee and South Carolina -- and 19 others report more than 800 per 100,000.
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A separate study Monday showed that over a three-month period, researchers found that adults are nearly 10 times more likely than children to be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, officials said thousands of residents had erroneously received text messages and emails informing them they'd tested positive for the coronavirus.
Thousands in Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, received the messages last week.
County Manager Dena Diorio said messages were sent through a contractor that had been hired to help with contact tracing efforts. The messages, he told county commissioners, were sent to those who may have tested positive earlier and had likely already recovered -- or those believed to have had close contact with a carrier.
In Nevada, the city of Henderson has fined a manufacturing company that hosted a rally for President Donald Trump on Sunday that violated Gov. Steve Sisolak's order limiting public gatherings.
"During the event, a compliance officer observed six violations of the directives and the city's Business Operations Division has issued a Business License Notice of Violation to Xtreme Manufacturing and assessed a penalty of $3,000," city officials tweeted.
The event was Trump's first indoor rally since June and was attended by many supporters who did not wear masks or keep socially distanced in accordance with health guidelines.