upi--2020-09-08--Tropical Storm Paulette strengthens in central Atlantic

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Paulette has strengthened as it 's moved westward across the central Atlantic Ocean , forecasters said Tuesday .
In its 5 p.m. EDT advisory , the National Hurricane Center said Paulette was about 1,230 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands and 1,350 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands .
It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving to the northwest at 8 mph .
It picked up speed Tuesday morning and became `` noticeably '' more organized since Monday night .
The storm is forecast to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will weaken Thursday evening and into Friday , the NHC said .
Forecasters warned , though , it 's possible the storm could briefly strengthen to a hurricane .
Paulette , which formed early Monday , is projected to turn west-northwestward or westward Tuesday night and Wednesday .
The 16th named storm of the 2020 season , Paulette set another record for the basin .
This is the earliest on record that a `` P '' named storm has developed , according to Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach .
The previous record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The system will track generally to the west-northwest across the Atlantic and should pass well north of the Lesser Antilles late in the week .
`` All residents and interests of the Lesser Antilles , especially the Leeward Islands , should closely monitor the progression of this evolving tropical system , '' Accuweather meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said .
Another strong tropical wave is projected to emerge from the African Coast late in the week .
Farther west , a weak tropical wave over the Caribbean Sea has a low chance of development but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorms across southern Hispaniola and Jamaica over the next few days .
Another area being monitored is a bit closer to the United States .
`` An area of low pressure currently to the southeast of Bermuda will track to the west early this week , '' Douty said .
`` Atmospheric conditions are only marginally favorable for development through this time and there is only a low chance for development . ''
However , if the storm 's forward progression slows down , the wind shear in the area could decrease and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Interests along the Southeast coast should pay close attention to this feature , regardless of development , as it could bring an uptick in drenching showers and thunderstorms , as well as rough surf and rip currents , toward the middle and latter part of the week .
The next tropical storm name on the list for 2020 in the Atlantic is Sally .
As was the case with Paulette , there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Laura , Marco , Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their respective letters .
Before Rene , Rita , which formed on Sept. 18 , 2005 , was the record holder for the earliest `` R '' named storm on record .
Early this summer , AccuWeather meteorologists predicted a hyperactive peak hurricane season .
Meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes in total this season .
These numbers mean that the Greek alphabet will have to be utilized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only done in one other season : 2005 .

Hurricane Paulette is expected to come dangerously close to Bermuda, and may even make landfall Sunday, bringing hurricane conditions as it nears the islands early this week. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Hurricane Paulette is expected to come dangerously close to Bermuda, and may even make landfall, bringing hurricane conditions as it nears the islands early this week. Paulette became a Category 1 hurricane Saturday night. As of 5 p.m. EDT Sunday, maximum sustained winds were 85 mph and the hurricane was located about 155 miles southeast of Bermuda. The storm was moving northwest at 14 mph. Advertisement
Interests in Bermuda are urged to be prepared for the incoming hurricane that could be capable of bringing sustained winds above 100 mph, the strength of a Category 2 hurricane.
Paulette is expected to take a more northerly jog on Sunday, towards the islands.
"Paulette will be moving over warmer water and within a more moist and unstable environment with lowering wind shear into early week," AccuWeather's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said.
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Wind shear is associated with strong winds aloft or the rapid change in wind direction across an area above the ocean. Strong wind shear can prevent tropical cyclones from forming or cause established tropical cyclones to weaken.
"We are expecting Paulette to intensify further through the rest of Sunday and Monday," Kottlowski said.
While current forecasts have Paulette topping out as a Category 2 hurricane, if the wind shear drops off even more than currently expected, Paulette could strengthen into a major, Category 3 hurricane with winds of over 110 mph as it approaches Bermuda.
The current track points Paulette at or just to the west of Bermuda, which increases the chances for significant impacts across the islands.
If Paulette were to make landfall in Bermuda, it would be the territory's first landfall since 2014, when hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo made back-to-back landfalls on the island in mid-October.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly over the islands during Sunday night with the worst conditions possible during Monday.
The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the islands.
Seas and surf will build in the waters around Bermuda into Monday, especially south and east of the islands.
Increasing winds, showers and gusty thunderstorms are likely during Sunday night in Bermuda. There will be the risk of high winds, coastal flooding and torrential rain during Monday to Monday night.
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Despite Bermuda's strict building codes, property damage and power outages are likely even if Paulette brushes the islands, and more widespread damage and power outages are expected if the storm makes a direct hit as a Category 2 hurricane or higher.
A this time, Paulette is not expected to bring any impact to the eastern coast of the United States, other than perhaps some rougher surf.
There is a somewhat higher chance for Paulette to track close enough to Newfoundland with some wind and rain late this week. A period of rough seas is likely around the Canada province later in the week, even if Paulette remains to the east.
Paulette is occurring around the traditional peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is Sept. 10-11.
Several systems are being monitored over the basin in a season that has already produced 18 named systems and could go on to rival the historic 2005 season. During 2005, 28 named storms set a record for the most ever in a season, and the Greek alphabet was used to name systems for the first time.
Developing tropical storms are likely to continue the 2020 trend of systems setting new early-formation records in the coming days, with the development of Teddy likely on the near horizon.


upi--2020-09-08--Watch: 100-year-old man goes scuba diving for Guinness record

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- An Illinois man is seeking Guinness World Records recognition as the world 's oldest @ @ @ @ @ a plunge into the water to celebrate his 100th birthday .
Bill Lambert of Rockford @ @ @ @ @ days after he turned 100 , and went for a 27-minute scuba dive in South @ @ @ @ @ The world 's oldest scuba diver record is currently held by British diver Wallace Raymond @ @ @ @ @ dive in 2019 at the age of 96 years and 3 days .
Lambert said @ @ @ @ @ at age 98 , but the dive was not submitted for Guinness recognition .
The @ @ @ @ @ stay underwater for at least 20 minutes to qualify , said he is hoping to @ @ @ @ @ diving at age 101 next year .

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Sept. 8 (UPI) -- An Illinois man is seeking Guinness World Records recognition as the world's oldest scuba diver after he took a plunge into the water to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Bill Lambert of Rockford suited up Monday, two days after he turned 100, and went for a 27-minute scuba dive in South Beloit's Pearl Lake.
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The world's oldest scuba diver record is currently held by British diver Wallace Raymond Woolley, who took a dive in 2019 at the age of 96 years and 3 days.
Lambert said he went diving in Mexico at age 98, but the dive was not submitted for Guinness recognition.
The diver, who had to stay underwater for at least 20 minutes to qualify, said he is hoping to beat his own record by diving at age 101 next year.


upi--2020-09-08--About 1,000 possibly double voted in Georgia primary, officials say

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Tuesday he plans to prosecute about 1,000 people who possibly double voted in the state 's June primary and August runoff .
He said these voters submitted a mail-in ballot and showed up at the polls to vote on election day .
He called the potential double votes `` unacceptable . ''
`` Let me be clear -- it is a felony to double vote in Georgia , and we prosecute , '' Raffensperger said during a news conference .
He said his office will evaluate each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leveled .
The charge typically carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $ 100,000 .
Raffensperger said historically , Georgia receives about 5 % of votes by mail .
`` Now , we are looking at nearly 50 % .
As of today , we are looking at perhaps 900,000 votes that will be cast for the November election and we are still two months away . ''
His office said the 1,000 potential double votes were n't enough to affect the outcome of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hogan , the executive director of the Democratic Party of Georgia , told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that voter fraud is rare in the state .
`` It is clear that rather than do his job of promoting the safety and security of our voting process , the secretary of state is instead pushing the GOP 's voting conspiracy theories and disinformation , '' he said .
Many Democrats are pushing for states to allow all people to vote by mail in November as a way of limiting the further spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are out of state at the time of the election or those with physical limitations to vote by mail .
Advocates say anyone who fears catching the virus should be allowed to request a mail-in ballot .
Republicans , including President Donald Trump , have argued that increased voting by mail will increase the opportunity for voting fraud .
Trump came under fire earlier this month for encouraging voters in North Carolina to submit mail-in votes and vote in person , a felony in the state .
A study by Stanford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , though , found that mail-in voting does n't favor one political party over another , nor does it invite more frequent incidents of fraud .
Trump himself regularly votes by mail in Florida .
A Gallup poll released in April indicated that 70 % of Americans favor allowing all registered voters to vote by mail .

The 1,000 potential double voters in Georgia's primary weren't enough to affect the outcome of any races. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Tuesday he plans to prosecute about 1,000 people who possibly double voted in the state's June primary and August runoff. He said these voters submitted a mail-in ballot and showed up at the polls to vote on election day. He called the potential double votes "unacceptable." Advertisement
"Let me be clear -- it is a felony to double vote in Georgia, and we prosecute," Raffensperger said during a news conference.
He said his office will evaluate each case to determine whether charges will be leveled. The charge typically carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Raffensperger said historically, Georgia receives about 5% of votes by mail.
"Now, we are looking at nearly 50%. As of today, we are looking at perhaps 900,000 votes that will be cast for the November election and we are still two months away."
His office said the 1,000 potential double votes weren't enough to affect the outcome of the primary or runoff elections.
Scott Hogan, the executive director of the Democratic Party of Georgia, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that voter fraud is rare in the state.
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"It is clear that rather than do his job of promoting the safety and security of our voting process, the secretary of state is instead pushing the GOP's voting conspiracy theories and disinformation," he said.
Many Democrats are pushing for states to allow all people to vote by mail in November as a way of limiting the further spread of the novel coronavirus. Some states allow only those who are out of state at the time of the election or those with physical limitations to vote by mail.
Advocates say anyone who fears catching the virus should be allowed to request a mail-in ballot.
Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have argued that increased voting by mail will increase the opportunity for voting fraud.
Trump came under fire earlier this month for encouraging voters in North Carolina to submit mail-in votes and vote in person, a felony in the state.
A study by Stanford University's Democracy and Polarization Lab in April, though, found that mail-in voting doesn't favor one political party over another, nor does it invite more frequent incidents of fraud.
Trump himself regularly votes by mail in Florida.
A Gallup poll released in April indicated that 70% of Americans favor allowing all registered voters to vote by mail.


upi--2020-09-08--IRS to mail letters to urge 9M non-filers to claim stimulus payments

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- The Internal Revenue Services said Tuesday it will start mailing letters to an estimated 9 million non-filers , urging them to register by Oct. 15 to receive stimulus payments by year-end .
Individuals can receive up to $ 1,200 , married couples up to $ 2,400 and people with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $ 500 per child , the IRS said in a statement .
IRS analysts said that the letters are being sent to people who have n't filed a return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have very low incomes , which do not meet the tax return filing requirement , since many in this group are still eligible for the stimulus .
`` The IRS has made an unprecedented outreach effort to make sure people are aware of their potential eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment this year , '' IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in the statement .
`` Millions who do n't normally file a tax return have already registered and received a payment .
We are taking this extra step to help Americans who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this payment or do n't know how to register for one .
People who are n't required to file a tax return can quickly register on IRS.gov and still get their money this year . ''
The letter , officially called IRS Notice 1444-A , is written in English and Spanish and has information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim the Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov .
The IRS will start mailing the letters around Sept. 24 from an IRS address .
To address fraud concerns , a copy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If non-filers miss the Oct. 15 deadline , they can claim the stimulus payment next year as a credit on their 2020 tax return .

The IRS said Tuesday roughly 9 million non-filers must act by October 15 to receive stimulus payments by the end of the year. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Internal Revenue Services said Tuesday it will start mailing letters to an estimated 9 million non-filers, urging them to register by Oct. 15 to receive stimulus payments by year-end. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, married couples up to $2,400 and people with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 per child, the IRS said in a statement. Advertisement
IRS analysts said that the letters are being sent to people who haven't filed a return for 2018 or 2019 typically because they have very low incomes, which do not meet the tax return filing requirement, since many in this group are still eligible for the stimulus.
"The IRS has made an unprecedented outreach effort to make sure people are aware of their potential eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment this year," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in the statement. "Millions who don't normally file a tax return have already registered and received a payment. We are taking this extra step to help Americans who may not know they could be eligible for this payment or don't know how to register for one. People who aren't required to file a tax return can quickly register on IRS.gov and still get their money this year."
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The letter, officially called IRS Notice 1444-A, is written in English and Spanish and has information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim the Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov.
The IRS will start mailing the letters around Sept. 24 from an IRS address.
To address fraud concerns, a copy of the letter is available on IRS.gov.
If non-filers miss the Oct. 15 deadline, they can claim the stimulus payment next year as a credit on their 2020 tax return.


upi--2020-09-08--Watch: Goat hops into deputy's car, chews on civil papers

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- A Georgia sheriff 's deputy out delivering civil papers had an unexpected encounter with @ @ @ @ @ her patrol vehicle and started eating papers .
The Douglas County Sheriff 's Office said @ @ @ @ @ papers and had left the door of her patrol vehicle open because of past incidents @ @ @ @ @ quick getaways from attacking dogs .
Body camera footage shared by the sheriff 's office @ @ @ @ @ of the car and a goat soon jumping inside the open door .
The deputy @ @ @ @ @ the goat out of the car , and at one point ended up knocked to @ @ @ @ @ was not injured .
The goat chewed up some papers and knocked over a beverage @ @ @ @ @ the car and wandering away .

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Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A Georgia sheriff's deputy out delivering civil papers had an unexpected encounter with a goat that climbed into her patrol vehicle and started eating papers.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said the deputy was delivering civil papers and had left the door of her patrol vehicle open because of past incidents where she had to make quick getaways from attacking dogs.
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Body camera footage shared by the sheriff's office shows the deputy getting out of the car and a goat soon jumping inside the open door.
The deputy made repeated attempts to get the goat out of the car, and at one point ended up knocked to the ground, but she was not injured.
The goat chewed up some papers and knocked over a beverage before hopping down out of the car and wandering away.


upi--2020-09-08--Lithuania to direct multinational exercise that includes U.S. troops

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Lithuania will direct and host a multinational defense exercise with military personnel from 10 countries -- including the United States -- this month in Lithuania , Germany and Poland .
According to U.S. Army Europe , during Tobruq Legacy 2020 , U.S. and allied air defense forces will conduct on-the-move short-range air defense for Lithuanian maneuver forces and establish a multinational surface-based air defense operations cell .
The exercise , which is intended to `` enhance the combined U.S. and European ability to control defensive fires in central and eastern Europe while refining tactics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include more than 750 personnel from 10 countries .
It will take place Sept. 12-27 .
In addition to the United States , the following countries will participate : Czech Republic , Estonia , France , Hungary , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Slovakia and Poland .
Participating units from the United States include the 10th Army Air and Missile Command and the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade .
`` The Tobruq Legacy exercise will be critical in showcasing our interoperability capabilities with our allies in the European Theater , contributing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase our deterrence posture while testing , confirming and validating both previous and newly-obtained capabilities , designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. Air Defense Artillery forces and partner nations ' Surface Based Air Defense units , '' said Commanding General Brig .
Gen. Gregory Brady , 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command .
According to U.S. Army Europe , Tobruq Legacy 2020 is `` a long-planned defensive oriented exercise not tied to any current events in the region . ''
Thirteen countries participated in Tobruq Legacy 2019 , which included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and Poland signed an agreement to increase the number of U.S. troops in Poland , which came amid directives to reduce the number of troops in Germany , and at the end of the month U.S. and Polish forces participated in a joint bilateral exercise .
The Army also said precautionary measures will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

U.S. Army Soldiers from C Battery, 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, fire a FIM-92 Stinger missile system as part of Tobruq Legacy 2019 in Utska, Poland. Photo by Sgt. Kyle Larsen
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Lithuania will direct and host a multinational defense exercise with military personnel from 10 countries -- including the United States -- this month in Lithuania, Germany and Poland. According to U.S. Army Europe, during Tobruq Legacy 2020, U.S. and allied air defense forces will conduct on-the-move short-range air defense for Lithuanian maneuver forces and establish a multinational surface-based air defense operations cell. Advertisement
The exercise, which is intended to "enhance the combined U.S. and European ability to control defensive fires in central and eastern Europe while refining tactics, techniques and procedures," will include more than 750 personnel from 10 countries.
It will take place Sept. 12-27.
In addition to the United States, the following countries will participate: Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Poland.
Participating units from the United States include the 10th Army Air and Missile Command and the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.
"The Tobruq Legacy exercise will be critical in showcasing our interoperability capabilities with our allies in the European Theater, contributing to the objectives defined by NATO in order to increase our deterrence posture while testing, confirming and validating both previous and newly-obtained capabilities, designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. Air Defense Artillery forces and partner nations' Surface Based Air Defense units," said Commanding General Brig. Gen. Gregory Brady, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
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According to U.S. Army Europe, Tobruq Legacy 2020 is "a long-planned defensive oriented exercise not tied to any current events in the region."
Thirteen countries participated in Tobruq Legacy 2019, which included a live-fire exercise in Poland.
In mid-August the United States and Poland signed an agreement to increase the number of U.S. troops in Poland, which came amid directives to reduce the number of troops in Germany, and at the end of the month U.S. and Polish forces participated in a joint bilateral exercise.
The Army also said precautionary measures will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


upi--2020-09-08--Watch: Mississippi hunters bag one-eyed gator weighing nearly 500 pounds

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- A pair of gator hunters in Mississippi said they had to call for a @ @ @ @ @ a one-eyed alligator weighing nearly 500 pounds .
John Ladner and Derek Stiglet said they @ @ @ @ @ on Ladner 's 14-foot boat when they encountered the behemoth gator in the Diamondhead-area marsh @ @ @ @ @ 12-foot gator , which weighed in at 477.6 pounds , but they had to call @ @ @ @ @ larger boat to transport their catch .
Ladner said it took the efforts of all @ @ @ @ @ gator out of the water , an endeavor that took three hours .
A Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ is one of the largest caught in the area in the past 15 years .
@ @ @ @ @ gator yielded about 100 pounds of meat .

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Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A pair of gator hunters in Mississippi said they had to call for a bigger boat when they captured a one-eyed alligator weighing nearly 500 pounds.
John Ladner and Derek Stiglet said they were out hunting after dark on Ladner's 14-foot boat when they encountered the behemoth gator in the Diamondhead-area marsh.
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The pair secured the 12-foot gator, which weighed in at 477.6 pounds, but they had to call a friend to bring a larger boat to transport their catch.
Ladner said it took the efforts of all three men to haul the gator out of the water, an endeavor that took three hours.
A Mississippi game warden said the alligator is one of the largest caught in the area in the past 15 years.
Ladner said the nearly 500-pound gator yielded about 100 pounds of meat.


upi--2020-09-09--Oscars announce representation, inclusion standards for Best Picture category

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new representation and inclusion standards that Best Picture nominees must meet at the Oscars .
The changes , as part of the Academy Aperture 2025 initiative , are designed to ensure that Best Picture nominees reflect the diversity of the movie-going audience .
The new requirements will go into effect starting with the 94th Oscars in 2022 with studios having to submit a confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form in order to be eligible for Best Picture .
Films will then have to hit inclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting with the 96th Oscars in 2024 .
Films will have to meet two out of four diversity standards across four areas , which include on-screen representation , themes and narratives ; creative leadership and project team ; industry access and opportunities ; and audience development .
Academy governors DeVon Franklin and Jim Gianopulos led a task force to develop the new representation and inclusion standards which were created from a template inspired by the British Film Institute Diversity Standards .
`` The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the audiences who connect with them .
The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality .
We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting , essential change in our industry , '' Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement .
The 93rd annual Academy Awards will take place on April 25 .

Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new representation and inclusion standards that Best Picture nominees must meet at the Oscars.
The changes, as part of the Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, are designed to ensure that Best Picture nominees reflect the diversity of the movie-going audience.
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The new requirements will go into effect starting with the 94th Oscars in 2022 with studios having to submit a confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form in order to be eligible for Best Picture.
Films will then have to hit inclusion thresholds to be eligible for Best Picture starting with the 96th Oscars in 2024.
Films will have to meet two out of four diversity standards across four areas, which include on-screen representation, themes and narratives; creative leadership and project team; industry access and opportunities; and audience development.
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Academy governors DeVon Franklin and Jim Gianopulos led a task force to develop the new representation and inclusion standards which were created from a template inspired by the British Film Institute Diversity Standards.
"The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them. The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality. We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting, essential change in our industry," Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement.
The 93rd annual Academy Awards will take place on April 25.


upi--2020-09-09--Alzheimer's caregivers often see depression deepen over time, study says

Add a heightened risk for depression to the list of challenges facing the caregivers of loved ones who have Alzheimer 's disease .
A new study found that older adults caring for spouses newly diagnosed with Alzheimer 's had a 30 % increase in symptoms of depression compared to those whose spouses did n't have Alzheimer 's or related dementia .
And with care often lasting for years and Alzheimer 's symptoms continuing to worsen , those caregivers can have sustained depression for a long period of time .
`` We know there 's a lot of research out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed .
But there 's not a lot of research out there looking at the emotional health of partners , '' said study author Melissa Harris , a doctoral student at the University of Michigan School of Nursing .
She and her team analyzed data on 16,650 older adults from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study .
They looked at depressive symptoms over an extended period , rather than for just a snapshot in time , as had been done in previous studies .
They considered individual symptoms , including feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everything is an effort .
Participants also answered whether they had felt happy in the past two weeks and whether they had felt like they enjoyed life .
`` The fact that we saw these depressive symptoms stay for at least two years , beyond two years , means they 're taking a lot of the burden and it may be impacting the care they 're able to provide over time , '' Harris noted .
In addition to the emotional toll , this sustained depression could lead to physical injury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in depressive symptoms was associated with a 30 % increase in falls , Harris said , which can be debilitating .
The findings were published recently in the Journal of Applied Gerontology .
In separate research , Harris is interviewing family caregivers to see how their lives have changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Many resources and programs for the patient or the caregiver have been canceled or modified to be virtual , she said .
`` They do n't get the same support and experience that they got before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the pandemic has really impacted their lives and their ability to care for themselves and also their loved ones . ''
In the United States , more than 16 million family caregivers each provide an average of 22 hours of informal , unpaid care each week , the study reported .
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer 's disease experience many challenges , said Dr. Sanford Finkel , clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago .
He is also a member of the Alzheimer 's Foundation of America 's medical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is the loss of companionship and the type of love of somebody you 've been close to for many years , '' Finkel said .
`` It 's the loss of who the person is as you 've known them through the years . ''
A person with Alzheimer 's disease has significantly diminished ability to nurture over time , while also having more needs , Finkel noted .
As the disease progresses , the patient can have behavioral problems , including anger and aggression , as well as physical challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are huge .
Often people who are caregivers are people who are elderly themselves .
They may have their own needs , their own emotional needs , their own physical needs , their own needs for intimacy , and so they 're getting a lot less coming in and they 're having to put out a lot more , '' Finkel explained .
Getting help early can make a difference for the caregiver 's own health , Finkel said .
He suggested calling the Alzheimer 's Foundation of America 's hotline , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and a connection to resources .
The Alzheimer 's Association also offers a variety of supportive programs , Harris said .
This includes a 24/7 helpline .
Caregivers should also ask for help from their health care providers , friends , family and others with knowledge of caregiving , Harris said .
`` Our findings have a lot of implications for clinicians , '' Harris said .
`` It really demonstrates that we should be prioritizing the entire family . ''
For more on Alzheimer 's disease and how caregivers get support @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Researchers say that as people care for spouses and others with Alzheimer's disease, depression can develop and deepen over time. Photo by truthseeker08 /Pixabay
Add a heightened risk for depression to the list of challenges facing the caregivers of loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease. A new study found that older adults caring for spouses newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's had a 30% increase in symptoms of depression compared to those whose spouses didn't have Alzheimer's or related dementia. Advertisement
And with care often lasting for years and Alzheimer's symptoms continuing to worsen, those caregivers can have sustained depression for a long period of time.
"We know there's a lot of research out there on dementia and how it affects people diagnosed. But there's not a lot of research out there looking at the emotional health of partners," said study author Melissa Harris, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
She and her team analyzed data on 16,650 older adults from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study. They looked at depressive symptoms over an extended period, rather than for just a snapshot in time, as had been done in previous studies.
Advertisement
They considered individual symptoms, including feeling depressed, alone, sad and or that everything is an effort. Participants also answered whether they had felt happy in the past two weeks and whether they had felt like they enjoyed life.
"The fact that we saw these depressive symptoms stay for at least two years, beyond two years, means they're taking a lot of the burden and it may be impacting the care they're able to provide over time," Harris noted.
In addition to the emotional toll, this sustained depression could lead to physical injury. Past research has shown that a similar change in depressive symptoms was associated with a 30% increase in falls, Harris said, which can be debilitating.
The findings were published recently in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.
In separate research, Harris is interviewing family caregivers to see how their lives have changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many resources and programs for the patient or the caregiver have been canceled or modified to be virtual, she said.
"They don't get the same support and experience that they got before," Harris said. "They described that the pandemic has really impacted their lives and their ability to care for themselves and also their loved ones."
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In the United States, more than 16 million family caregivers each provide an average of 22 hours of informal, unpaid care each week, the study reported.
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease experience many challenges, said Dr. Sanford Finkel, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago. He is also a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's medical, scientific and memory screening advisory board.
"There is the loss of companionship and the type of love of somebody you've been close to for many years," Finkel said. "It's the loss of who the person is as you've known them through the years."
A person with Alzheimer's disease has significantly diminished ability to nurture over time, while also having more needs, Finkel noted. As the disease progresses, the patient can have behavioral problems, including anger and aggression, as well as physical challenges.
"The demands on the caregiver are huge. Often people who are caregivers are people who are elderly themselves. They may have their own needs, their own emotional needs, their own physical needs, their own needs for intimacy, and so they're getting a lot less coming in and they're having to put out a lot more," Finkel explained.
Getting help early can make a difference for the caregiver's own health, Finkel said. He suggested calling the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's hotline, which is staffed by licensed social workers offering support and a connection to resources.
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The Alzheimer's Association also offers a variety of supportive programs, Harris said. This includes a 24/7 helpline.
Caregivers should also ask for help from their health care providers, friends, family and others with knowledge of caregiving, Harris said.
"Our findings have a lot of implications for clinicians," Harris said. "It really demonstrates that we should be prioritizing the entire family."
More information
For more on Alzheimer's disease and how caregivers get support, see the Alzheimer's Association.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-09--Watch: Jane Fonda promotes civil disobedience on 'Late Night'

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Jane Fonda believes in civil disobedience and its ability to change history .
The 82-year-old actress and political activist urged people to take action against climate change during Tuesday 's episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers .
Fonda launched Fire Drill Fridays , a weekly demonstration in Washington , D.C. , protesting U.S. policy on climate change , in October 2019 .
She has been arrested for civil disobedience five times since the event began .
`` Engaging in civil disobedience -- it 's not where you start as an activist .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protesting and marching and writing and lobbying , and our voices have n't been heard .
The next step is civil disobedience , '' Fonda said .
`` History has shown that civil disobedience is what changes history .
That 's what we did , and it got a lot of attention .
That 's what we were trying to do , '' she added .
Fonda said millions of people are concerned about climate change but are n't sure what to do .
`` There are so many people in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis and know that it 's caused by humans .
They want to do something , but they do n't know what .
Thirteen million of them said they would do civil disobedience but nobody 's asked .
So we 're asking , '' she said .
Fonda also discussed her arrest in the 1970s amid her anti-Vietnam war activism .
She said then-president Richard Nixon ordered her arrest on trumped-up drug charges .
`` It was not a voluntary arrest .
I flew from Canada into Cleveland , Ohio , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all my vitamin pills and said they were drugs , and took all my books and papers and address books , '' Fonda said .
`` The arresting officer told me he was working from orders from the White House .
So that was not so cool , '' she added .
Fire Drill Fridays have gone virtual due to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
Friday 's event will take place at 2 p.m .
ET on Zoom and Facebook and feature Resilience Force founder Saket Soni .
Fonda further discusses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new book , What Can I Do ?
: My Path from Climate Despair to Action , set for release Sept. 29 .

Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Jane Fonda believes in civil disobedience and its ability to change history.
The 82-year-old actress and political activist urged people to take action against climate change during Tuesday's episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers.
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Fonda launched Fire Drill Fridays, a weekly demonstration in Washington, D.C., protesting U.S. policy on climate change, in October 2019. She has been arrested for civil disobedience five times since the event began.
"Engaging in civil disobedience -- it's not where you start as an activist. But for forty years we've been petitioning and protesting and marching and writing and lobbying, and our voices haven't been heard. The next step is civil disobedience," Fonda said.
"History has shown that civil disobedience is what changes history. That's what we did, and it got a lot of attention. That's what we were trying to do," she added.
Fonda said millions of people are concerned about climate change but aren't sure what to do.
"There are so many people in this country who know there's a climate crisis and know that it's caused by humans. They want to do something, but they don't know what. Thirteen million of them said they would do civil disobedience but nobody's asked. So we're asking," she said.
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Fonda also discussed her arrest in the 1970s amid her anti-Vietnam war activism. She said then-president Richard Nixon ordered her arrest on trumped-up drug charges.
"It was not a voluntary arrest. I flew from Canada into Cleveland, Ohio, and they arrested me at the border and took all my vitamin pills and said they were drugs, and took all my books and papers and address books," Fonda said.
"The arresting officer told me he was working from orders from the White House. So that was not so cool," she added.
Fire Drill Fridays have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Friday's event will take place at 2 p.m. ET on Zoom and Facebook and feature Resilience Force founder Saket Soni.
Fonda further discusses her work against climate change in her new book, What Can I Do?: My Path from Climate Despair to Action, set for release Sept. 29.


upi--2020-09-09--Thunder part ways with coach Billy Donovan after five seasons

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder and coach Billy Donovan have mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons .
Oklahoma City announced the move Tuesday night .
The Thunder posted a 44-28 regular season record in 2019-2020 before they lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs in Orlando , Fla. '' Coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder the past five seasons has been a great honor , and I thank [ Thunder owner ] Clay Bennett , general manager Sam Presti and the entire organization for the opportunity , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have a great respect and admiration for the players I coached in Oklahoma , and I also want to thank the coaches I worked with , who gave unbelievable time and expertise to our common goal .
`` Lastly , I want to thank the Oklahoma City community for being so welcoming to my family during our time here .
This place will always be special to us .
I will always hold this organization in the highest regard and wish the Thunder and their fans the success they deserve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his tenure with the Thunder .
He had an 18-23 mark in the playoffs .
The Thunder wnet 55-27 in Donovan 's first season .
He was hired on April 30 , 2015 , after he spent 19 years as coach of the Florida Gators .
His contract with the Thunder expired after the 2019-2020 season .
`` I have great respect for Billy and will always appreciate our work together .
He is a terrific basketball coach and we are proud of what he has accomplished with the Thunder , '' Presti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us .
`` After those discussions , it became apparent that we could n't provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career .
Therefore , we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team , organization and community .
Billy will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Donovan is likely a candidate for several job openings in the NBA after coaches were fired after the season .
The New Orleans Pelicans , Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams without a coach .
Donovan was National Basketball Coaches Association 's co-coach of the year alongside the Milwaukee Bucks ' Mike Budenholzer .

Coach Billy Donovan is now a candidate for several NBA job openings after his tenure ended Tuesday with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Photo courtesy of the NBA
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder and coach Billy Donovan have mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons. Oklahoma City announced the move Tuesday night. The Thunder posted a 44-28 regular season record in 2019-2020 before they lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs in Orlando, Fla. Advertisement
"Coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder the past five seasons has been a great honor, and I thank [Thunder owner] Clay Bennett, general manager Sam Presti and the entire organization for the opportunity," Donovan said in a news release.
"I have a great respect and admiration for the players I coached in Oklahoma, and I also want to thank the coaches I worked with, who gave unbelievable time and expertise to our common goal.
"Lastly, I want to thank the Oklahoma City community for being so welcoming to my family during our time here. This place will always be special to us. I will always hold this organization in the highest regard and wish the Thunder and their fans the success they deserve."
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Donovan posted a 243-157 record during his tenure with the Thunder. He had an 18-23 mark in the playoffs. The Thunder wnet 55-27 in Donovan's first season. He was hired on April 30, 2015, after he spent 19 years as coach of the Florida Gators. His contract with the Thunder expired after the 2019-2020 season.
"I have great respect for Billy and will always appreciate our work together. He is a terrific basketball coach and we are proud of what he has accomplished with the Thunder," Presti said. "We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us.
"After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn't provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career. Therefore, we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team, organization and community. Billy will always have a place in the Thunder family."
Donovan is likely a candidate for several job openings in the NBA after coaches were fired after the season. The New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams without a coach.
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Donovan was National Basketball Coaches Association's co-coach of the year alongside the Milwaukee Bucks' Mike Budenholzer.


upi--2020-09-09--Report: Seoul preps for joint Olympic bid with North Korea

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- The city of Seoul is preparing to submit an application to co-host the 2032 Summer Olympics with Pyongyang , the capital of North Korea .
South Korean government officials said Wednesday the city is in the process of drawing up a document that expresses Seoul 's commitment to hosting a historic inter-Korea Olympics , South Korean news service NK Economy reported .
In September 2018 , South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to work toward co-hosting the 2032 Summer Games as part of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued at city hall under former Mayor Park Won-soon , who died by suicide in July .
North Korea has yet to confirm its commitment to co-hosting the Games .
But in January , the Seoul Metropolitan Government filed a continuous dialogue request with the International Olympic Committee 's Future Host Commission , according to local press reports .
The continuous dialogue request has been followed by Seoul 's preparation to meet information collection requirements .
Candidates for the 2032 Summer Olympics must provide details on their Olympic concept , infrastructure preparedness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Park , who visited Pyongyang in 2018 and offered his city 's help with renovations for the North Korean city , has polarized South Korea .
Park died amid allegations of sexual harassment from a former employee , who remains anonymous but has charged her former boss with years of harassment .
Through her lawyer , she has said Park set her lewd messages even after she left her job .
Park 's case has been automatically closed in compliance with local laws , but South Koreans continue to criticize the handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a petition uploaded to the presidential Blue House is demanding answers for the official funeral held to honor the former mayor , despite the charges of sex crimes .
The Blue House defended the funeral , citing Park 's contributions as a public figure .
The government also said incense burning was left out of the ceremony amid the controversy , according to the report .

South Korea's capital of Seoul is moving forward with plans to co-host the 2032 Summer Olympics with North Korea. The South last hosted the Olympics in 2018 in Pyeongchang. File Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The city of Seoul is preparing to submit an application to co-host the 2032 Summer Olympics with Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. South Korean government officials said Wednesday the city is in the process of drawing up a document that expresses Seoul's commitment to hosting a historic inter-Korea Olympics, South Korean news service NK Economy reported. Advertisement
In September 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to work toward co-hosting the 2032 Summer Games as part of the Pyongyang Joint Declaration. The work of pursuing the Olympics continued at city hall under former Mayor Park Won-soon, who died by suicide in July.
North Korea has yet to confirm its commitment to co-hosting the Games. But in January, the Seoul Metropolitan Government filed a continuous dialogue request with the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission, according to local press reports.
The continuous dialogue request has been followed by Seoul's preparation to meet information collection requirements. Candidates for the 2032 Summer Olympics must provide details on their Olympic concept, infrastructure preparedness, transportation and accommodation.
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The sudden death of Park, who visited Pyongyang in 2018 and offered his city's help with renovations for the North Korean city, has polarized South Korea.
Park died amid allegations of sexual harassment from a former employee, who remains anonymous but has charged her former boss with years of harassment. Through her lawyer, she has said Park set her lewd messages even after she left her job.
Park's case has been automatically closed in compliance with local laws, but South Koreans continue to criticize the handling of the incident.
Newsis reported Wednesday a petition uploaded to the presidential Blue House is demanding answers for the official funeral held to honor the former mayor, despite the charges of sex crimes.
The Blue House defended the funeral, citing Park's contributions as a public figure. The government also said incense burning was left out of the ceremony amid the controversy, according to the report.


upi--2020-09-09--Unconscious learning fosters belief in God, study finds

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- People who unconsciously predict complex patterns are more likely to hold a strong belief in God -- a god who creates order in an otherwise chaotic universe -- according to research published Wednesday .
`` Belief in a god or gods who intervene in the world to create order is a core element of global religions , '' Adam Green , an associate professor of psychology at Georgetown University , said in a news release .
`` This is not a study about whether God exists , this is a study about why and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Green , who also serves as the director of the Georgetown Laboratory for Relational Cognition .
`` Our hypothesis is that people whose brains are good at subconsciously discerning patterns in their environment may ascribe those patterns to the hand of a higher power . ''
For the study , researchers used cognitive tests to measure the prevalence of the ability known as implicit pattern learning among religious communities in the United States and Afghanistan .
The test called for participants to press buttons that corresponded with a sequence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a computer screen .
Participants with the strongest implicit learning ability were able to subconsciously learn the pattern of the dot sequence , even pressing the correct button prior to the appearance of the next dot .
None of the participants were aware that the dots were following a pattern .
Follow-up surveys helped the researcher team study the link between implicit pattern learning and religious beliefs among the two groups .
Researchers confirmed the pronounced prevalence of implicit pattern learning among true believers .
The implicit pattern learning ability was strongest among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervenes to establish order in the universe .
`` The most interesting aspect of this study , for me , and also for the Afghan research team , was seeing patterns in cognitive processes and beliefs replicated across these two cultures , '' said Georgetown neuroscientist Zachery Warren .
`` Afghans and Americans may be more alike than different , at least in certain cognitive processes involved in religious belief and making meaning of the world around us .
Irrespective of one 's faith , the findings suggest exciting insights into the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Researchers published the findings Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications .
`` A brain that is more predisposed to implicit pattern learning may be more inclined to believe in a god no matter where in the world that brain happens to find itself , or in which religious context , '' Green said .
`` Optimistically , this evidence might provide some neuro-cognitive common ground at a basic human level between believers of disparate faiths , '' he said .

People capable of subconsciously recognizing patterns are more likely to believe in an intervening God, according to new research. Photo by Pikist /CC
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- People who unconsciously predict complex patterns are more likely to hold a strong belief in God -- a god who creates order in an otherwise chaotic universe -- according to research published Wednesday. "Belief in a god or gods who intervene in the world to create order is a core element of global religions," Adam Green, an associate professor of psychology at Georgetown University, said in a news release. Advertisement
"This is not a study about whether God exists, this is a study about why and how brains come to believe in gods," said Green, who also serves as the director of the Georgetown Laboratory for Relational Cognition. "Our hypothesis is that people whose brains are good at subconsciously discerning patterns in their environment may ascribe those patterns to the hand of a higher power."
For the study, researchers used cognitive tests to measure the prevalence of the ability known as implicit pattern learning among religious communities in the United States and Afghanistan.
The test called for participants to press buttons that corresponded with a sequence of dots that quickly appeared and disappeared on a computer screen.
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Participants with the strongest implicit learning ability were able to subconsciously learn the pattern of the dot sequence, even pressing the correct button prior to the appearance of the next dot. None of the participants were aware that the dots were following a pattern.
Follow-up surveys helped the researcher team study the link between implicit pattern learning and religious beliefs among the two groups.
Researchers confirmed the pronounced prevalence of implicit pattern learning among true believers. The implicit pattern learning ability was strongest among participants who believe in a god who intervenes to establish order in the universe.
"The most interesting aspect of this study, for me, and also for the Afghan research team, was seeing patterns in cognitive processes and beliefs replicated across these two cultures," said Georgetown neuroscientist Zachery Warren.
"Afghans and Americans may be more alike than different, at least in certain cognitive processes involved in religious belief and making meaning of the world around us. Irrespective of one's faith, the findings suggest exciting insights into the nature of belief," Warren said.
Researchers published the findings Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications.
"A brain that is more predisposed to implicit pattern learning may be more inclined to believe in a god no matter where in the world that brain happens to find itself, or in which religious context," Green said.
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"Optimistically, this evidence might provide some neuro-cognitive common ground at a basic human level between believers of disparate faiths," he said.


upi--2020-09-09--U.S. adds 26K new COVID-19 cases; Dr. Anthony Fauci warns of risk in Midwest

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- For the second day in a row , there are fewer than 30,000 new COVID-19 cases , updated data showed Wednesday .
According to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University , there were 26,400 cases nationwide on Tuesday -- the lowest daily mark since the middle of June .
The updated data showed 445 new deaths Tuesday , the third straight with fewer than 500 after multiple days last week that topped 1,000 .
To date , there have been 6.328 million cases in the United States and 189,700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious diseases expert , said eight states are at an increased risk of new surges in cases -- North Dakota , South Dakota , Montana , Iowa , Arkansas , Missouri , Indiana and Illinois .
`` It 's almost like whack-a-mole , '' he told The Washington Post Tuesday .
`` It 's quite frustrating ... .
we never really get down to a very , very low baseline . ''
In South Dakota , researchers say the famous Sturgis motorcycle rally last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth of all new U.S. cases over the past month .
The IZA Institute of Labor Economics said in a report cellphone data and foot traffic at restaurants and bars in and around Sturgis linked the new cases to the rally .
It estimated the new cases led to $ 12 billion in public health costs .
Hundreds of thousands attended the popular rally , packed bars and crowded indoor events in Sturgis over a 10-day period , often without adhering to mask or distancing guidelines .
`` This is enough to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendees $ 26,553.64 not to attend , '' the authors wrote .
Only 260 cases in 11 states have been officially linked to the rally by government officials .
South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem , who supported staging the Sturgis rally amid the pandemic , dismissed the report as `` fiction . ''
`` Under the guise of academic research , this report is nothing short of an attack on those who exercised their personal freedom to attend Sturgis , '' she said in a statement .
`` Predictably , some in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed model , built on incredibly faulty assumptions that do not reflect the actual facts and data . ''
In Michigan , the state Supreme Court will hold oral arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit questioning Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer 's emergency powers .
The initial hearing was initially scheduled last week but was postponed when a staffer became ill. Justice Richard Bernstein , who is blind , called the staffer `` an indispensable member of my team '' who is `` struggling '' with COVID-19 .
`` Because of my blindness , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and internalize thousands of pages of material , '' he said .
In the case , the Republican-controlled legislature claims Whitmer has exceeded her emergency powers .
Whitmer 's actions under the law have been affirmed by lower courts .

Masked sheriff's deputies are seen Tuesday while riding a commuter train in St. Louis. Mo. Missouri is one of several states Dr. Anthony Fauci said are at an increased risk of seeing a surge in coronavirus cases. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- For the second day in a row, there are fewer than 30,000 new COVID-19 cases, updated data showed Wednesday. According to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, there were 26,400 cases nationwide on Tuesday -- the lowest daily mark since the middle of June. Advertisement
The updated data showed 445 new deaths Tuesday, the third straight with fewer than 500 after multiple days last week that topped 1,000.
To date, there have been 6.328 million cases in the United States and 189,700 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, said eight states are at an increased risk of new surges in cases -- North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois.
"It's almost like whack-a-mole," he told The Washington Post Tuesday. "It's quite frustrating .... we never really get down to a very, very low baseline."
In South Dakota, researchers say the famous Sturgis motorcycle rally last month caused about 267,000 cases -- almost a fifth of all new U.S. cases over the past month.
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The IZA Institute of Labor Economics said in a report cellphone data and foot traffic at restaurants and bars in and around Sturgis linked the new cases to the rally. It estimated the new cases led to $12 billion in public health costs.
Hundreds of thousands attended the popular rally, packed bars and crowded indoor events in Sturgis over a 10-day period, often without adhering to mask or distancing guidelines.
"This is enough to have paid each of the estimated 462,182 rally attendees $26,553.64 not to attend," the authors wrote.
Only 260 cases in 11 states have been officially linked to the rally by government officials.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who supported staging the Sturgis rally amid the pandemic, dismissed the report as "fiction."
"Under the guise of academic research, this report is nothing short of an attack on those who exercised their personal freedom to attend Sturgis," she said in a statement.
"Predictably, some in the media breathlessly report on this non-peer reviewed model, built on incredibly faulty assumptions that do not reflect the actual facts and data."
In Michigan, the state Supreme Court will hold oral arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit questioning Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's emergency powers. The initial hearing was initially scheduled last week but was postponed when a staffer became ill.
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Justice Richard Bernstein, who is blind, called the staffer "an indispensable member of my team" who is "struggling" with COVID-19.
"Because of my blindness, I depend on him to help me review and internalize thousands of pages of material," he said.
In the case, the Republican-controlled legislature claims Whitmer has exceeded her emergency powers. Whitmer's actions under the law have been affirmed by lower courts.


upi--2020-09-09--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Sept. 6, 2020

The Cubs ' Wilson Contreras ( L ) and Kyle Schwarber celebrate after they scored on a triple hit against @ @ @ @ @ Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI

The Cardinals' Kolten Wong (L) puts the tag on the Reds' Shogo Akiyama at second base for the out. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-09-09--Showtime orders Season 4 of 'The Chi'

Showtime orders Season 4 of 'The Chi'

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Showtime has announced it ordered a fourth season of its Chicago-set drama , The @ @ @ @ @ , The Chi 's authentic storytelling resonates more deeply with its devoted and growing audiences @ @ @ @ @ president of entertainment for Showtime Networks Inc. , said in a statement Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Hillian explore the joys and the heartbreak of life on the South Side in a @ @ @ @ @ television , and we relish the prospect of continuing that exploration with them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ executive produced by Waithe , and executive produced by Common .
Hillian serves as showrunner @ @ @ @ @ Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine , Jacob Latimore , Alex Hibbert , Yolonda Ross , Shamon @ @ @ @ @ Epps and Birgundi Baker , Season 3 `` found Kevin ( Hibbert ) , Kiesha @ @ @ @ @ newlywed mothers Nina ( Tyla Abercrumbie ) and Dre ( Miriam A. Hyman ) as @ @ @ @ @ in their blended family when Kiesha goes missing , '' a synopsis said .

1/3
Lena Waithe's "The Chi" has been renewed for a fourth season on Showtime. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Showtime has announced it ordered a fourth season of its Chicago-set drama, The Chi. "Each season, The Chi's authentic storytelling resonates more deeply with its devoted and growing audiences," Gary Levine, president of entertainment for Showtime Networks Inc., said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement
"Lena Waithe together with Justin Hillian explore the joys and the heartbreak of life on the South Side in a way that is unique on television, and we relish the prospect of continuing that exploration with them."
The series was created and executive produced by Waithe, and executive produced by Common. Hillian serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Starring Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps and Birgundi Baker, Season 3 "found Kevin (Hibbert), Kiesha (Baker) and their newlywed mothers Nina (Tyla Abercrumbie) and Dre (Miriam A. Hyman) as they underwent a seismic shift in their blended family when Kiesha goes missing," a synopsis said.
In the Bible, number 4 means creation. Check out the Book of Genesis. This chapter and verse ain't over.#TheChi | @SHOTheChi pic.twitter.com/9JlxIGiKn5— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) September 8, 2020 Advertisement


upi--2020-09-09--Watch: Daisy Ridley says Rey was originally related to Obi-Wan on 'Kimmel'

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Daisy Ridley appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and discussed her time on Star Wars including the original plans for her character Rey .
The actress , on Tuesday , explained to guest host Josh Gad how Rey was originally going to be related to Obi-Wan Kenobi instead of Emperor Palpatine , as seen in December 's Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker .
`` At the beginning , there was toying with like an Obi-Wan connection , '' Ridley said before stating that she was unsure if Rey was going to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from director J.J. Abrams .
`` There were like different versions and then it really went to that she was no one and then it came to Episode IX .
J.J. pitched me the film and was like 'Oh yeah , Palpatine 's granddaddy ' and I was like 'awesome . '
And then two weeks later he was like 'Oh , we 're not sure . '
So it kept changing , '' she continued .
Gad asked Ridley if she would be willing to reprise her role as Rey in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
`` The world is a crazy place right now .
Ten years seems an awfully long way away .
I 'd say never say never but to me , Rise of Skywalker was tied up with a bow , '' Ridley said .
Gad , best known for voicing Olaf in Frozen , surprised NICU nurse and Frozen fan Kellie Merner as part of Jimmy Kimmel Live 's # HealthCareHero segment .
Gad had his Frozen castmates Kristen Bell , Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff meet with Merner .
Gad also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 10,000 .

Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Daisy Ridley appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and discussed her time on Star Wars including the original plans for her character Rey.
The actress, on Tuesday, explained to guest host Josh Gad how Rey was originally going to be related to Obi-Wan Kenobi instead of Emperor Palpatine, as seen in December's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
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"At the beginning, there was toying with like an Obi-Wan connection," Ridley said before stating that she was unsure if Rey was going to be a Palpatine while filming The Rise of Skywalker, from director J.J. Abrams.
"There were like different versions and then it really went to that she was no one and then it came to Episode IX. J.J. pitched me the film and was like 'Oh yeah, Palpatine's granddaddy' and I was like 'awesome.' And then two weeks later he was like 'Oh, we're not sure.' So it kept changing," she continued.
Gad asked Ridley if she would be willing to reprise her role as Rey in a Star Wars film 10 years from now.
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"The world is a crazy place right now. Ten years seems an awfully long way away. I'd say never say never but to me, Rise of Skywalker was tied up with a bow," Ridley said.
Gad, best known for voicing Olaf in Frozen, surprised NICU nurse and Frozen fan Kellie Merner as part of Jimmy Kimmel Live's #HealthCareHero segment.
Gad had his Frozen castmates Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff meet with Merner. Gad also announced that Boomer Naturals was giving Merner $10,000.


upi--2020-09-09--Stanley Cup playoffs: Vegas shuts out Dallas, ties Western Conference finals

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- The Vegas Golden Knights scored three second-period goals and Robin Lehner made 24 saves in a 3-0 shutout victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals to even the Stanley Cup playoffs series .
Paul Stastny , William Karlsson and Tomas Nosek each lit the lamp in the win Tuesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton , Alberta , Canada .
The Stars and Golden Knights are tied with one win apiece as they enter Game 3 Thursday in Edmonton and vie for a spot in the 2020 Stanley Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gripping their stick a little tight , '' Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson told reporters .
`` We are at our best when we have swagger and are making plays .
`` It was nice to get that mojo back and even the series . ''
Defenseman Brayden McNabb slid a pass to left wing Max Pacioretty to set up the first goal .
Pacioretty then fired a pass in front of the net for Stastny , who hit a one-timer past Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin 4:53 into the bridge frame .
Karlsson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four minutes later .
Stastny flicked a pass back to Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore near the Dallas blue line during that play .
Theodore then sent a pass to his left to Karlsson .
The Golden Knights center skated up the ice before he rifled a backhanded missile past Khudobin 's glove side for a 2-0 lead .
Vegas had a goal taken away for an infraction midway through the second period before Nosek beat Khudobin for a third time with 5:28 remaining in the frame .
Stephenson , Nicolas Roy and Nosek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the final score .
Stephenson collected the puck on the left flank at the start of the play .
The Vegas center then exchanged give-and-go passes with Roy before he got the puck back and tapped a quick feed to Nosek , who slapped a once-timer by Khudobin .
`` Tonight we got our game back , '' Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer said .
`` Once we got our first goal , we looked like we normally do , which is making plays , finding space and sticking pucks in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the loss .
Fellow Stars netminder Jake Oettinger had four saves .
Game 3 starts at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday at Rogers Place .
Game 4 is at 8 p.m. EDT Saturday in Edmonton .

William Karlsson scored the second goal in the Vegas Golden Knights' win over the Dallas Stars Tuesday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Vegas Golden Knights scored three second-period goals and Robin Lehner made 24 saves in a 3-0 shutout victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals to even the Stanley Cup playoffs series. Paul Stastny, William Karlsson and Tomas Nosek each lit the lamp in the win Tuesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Stars and Golden Knights are tied with one win apiece as they enter Game 3 Thursday in Edmonton and vie for a spot in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. Advertisement
"I think everybody was gripping their stick a little tight," Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson told reporters. "We are at our best when we have swagger and are making plays.
"It was nice to get that mojo back and even the series."
Defenseman Brayden McNabb slid a pass to left wing Max Pacioretty to set up the first goal. Pacioretty then fired a pass in front of the net for Stastny, who hit a one-timer past Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin 4:53 into the bridge frame.
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Karlsson scored on a power play less than four minutes later. Stastny flicked a pass back to Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore near the Dallas blue line during that play. Theodore then sent a pass to his left to Karlsson. The Golden Knights center skated up the ice before he rifled a backhanded missile past Khudobin's glove side for a 2-0 lead.
Vegas had a goal taken away for an infraction midway through the second period before Nosek beat Khudobin for a third time with 5:28 remaining in the frame.
Stephenson, Nicolas Roy and Nosek formed a triangle in transition to set up the final score. Stephenson collected the puck on the left flank at the start of the play. The Vegas center then exchanged give-and-go passes with Roy before he got the puck back and tapped a quick feed to Nosek, who slapped a once-timer by Khudobin.
"Tonight we got our game back," Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer said. "Once we got our first goal, we looked like we normally do, which is making plays, finding space and sticking pucks in the net."
Khudobin had 24 saves in the loss. Fellow Stars netminder Jake Oettinger had four saves. Game 3 starts at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday at Rogers Place. Game 4 is at 8 p.m. EDT Saturday in Edmonton.


upi--2020-09-09--Mackenzie Crook returning for more 'Worzel Gummidge'

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Pirates of the Caribbean and The Office alum Mackenzie Crook has signed on to @ @ @ @ @ Nancy , his third Worzel Gummidge tale for the BBC .
The one-hour TV movie @ @ @ @ @ books by Barbara Euphan Todd .
It will co-star India Brown , Thierry Wickens , @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm excited and grateful to be making a new episode of Worzel @ @ @ @ @ for everyone .
We 're heading out of Scatterbrook for this story on a day @ @ @ @ @ some fresh air and some wide open space , '' Crook said in a press @ @ @ @ @ Worzel Gummidge adventures -- The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook and The Green Man -- debuted on @ @ @ @ @ Crook plays the title character , a living scarecrow who befriends humans in the series @ @ @ @ @ about the character between 1936 and 1963 .

MacKenzie Crook is returning for another "Worzel Gummidge" adventure on the BBC. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Pirates of the Caribbean and The Office alum Mackenzie Crook has signed on to star in and direct Saucy Nancy, his third Worzel Gummidge tale for the BBC. The one-hour TV movie is based on the classic books by Barbara Euphan Todd. It will co-star India Brown, Thierry Wickens, Shirley Henderson and Vanessa Redgrave. Advertisement
"I'm excited and grateful to be making a new episode of Worzel Gummidge after a difficult year for everyone. We're heading out of Scatterbrook for this story on a day trip to the seaside, some fresh air and some wide open space," Crook said in a press release Wednesday.
His previous Worzel Gummidge adventures -- The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook and The Green Man -- debuted on the BBC last winter.
Crook plays the title character, a living scarecrow who befriends humans in the series.
Worzel Gummidge, a TV show starring Jon Pertwee, ran 1979-81.
Todd wrote 10 books about the character between 1936 and 1963.
Mackenzie Crook has written a third, magical episode of #WorzelGummidge. The one-hour film will be screened on @BBCOne later this year - https://t.co/ToqO95oNFC pic.twitter.com/yqT1knUz9j— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) September 8, 2020


upi--2020-09-09--Experts: Lebanon blast brings foreign insistence on reform

BEIRUT , Lebanon , Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Weeks after the blast that devastated Lebanon 's capital , aid from France , the United States and many other countries may have helped prevent the collapse of the country and avert a civil war , experts told UPI .
But further efforts to help resolve the country 's unprecedented economic crisis hinge on Beirut 's action to root out corruption and start delivering on reforms .
Whether the Aug. 4 explosion -- which killed more than 190 , wounded 6,000 and left 300,000 homeless -- was an accident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of negligence , it has unleashed a wave of public anger at the government .
The blast ended Lebanon 's isolation and opened a window for foreign governments to push for reform .
French President Emmanuel Macron was the first foreign official to arrive in devastated Beirut , two days afterward .
Realizing the extent of the human tragedy and the mounting dangers facing the country , he also saw an opportunity to reshape Lebanon and prevent it from disappearing -- as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned on Aug. 27 -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International donors were quick in responding to the Beirut tragedy , pledging at am Aug. 9 conference organized by Macron and the United Nations nearly $ 300 million in humanitarian assistance `` directly delivered to the Lebanese population . ''
The United States also sent a team to help investigate the blast .
`` The most important thing at this stage is that France and the United States have demonstrated that they seriously do n't want Lebanon to collapse .
That would harm their interests , '' Riad Tabbarah , Lebanon 's former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UPI .
While France fears Lebanon 's 1.5 million Syrian refugees would seek to reach Europe if the situation deteriorates , the United States is most concerned about Israel 's security and the possible infiltration of Islamic State members from Syria into northern Lebanon , Tabbarah said .
Washington , he said , would also want to seize the opportunity to settle the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border dispute `` in favor of Israel . ''
The demarcation of the maritime border became important when natural gas was discovered offshore in the Mediterranean Sea in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen to keep the situation under control in Lebanon until the U.S. presidential elections in November , hoping that President Donald Trump would lose and they could negotiate a better deal with his successor .
Macron 's second visit to Lebanon on Sept. 1 was meant to pressure Lebanese political leaders to swiftly implement reforms .
Macron went so far as to draft a roadmap for them , including a timeline of action , starting with the formation of a new government within 15 days , setting an agenda for resuming talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IMF-approved capital control law and starting an audit of the central bank , reforming the power sector , appointing members of a national anti-corruption authority and improving border controls at ports , the airport and border crossings .
Legislative elections would be held within one year .
It is yet to be seen whether they will fulfill promises they made to Macron , starting with forming a new cabinet of experts by early next week .
Unlike the government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab , which resigned Aug. 10 after several ministers stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under the influence of the political parties and Hezbollah .
Lebanon 's leaders have long resisted any serious attempt to introduce reforms , even as the country plunged further into poverty , with its banking system breaking down , its currency plummeting to record lows , inflation and unemployment skyrocketing .
The ruling elite was shaken when mass anti-government demonstrations began on Oct.17 , calling for the ouster of all the top leaders .
The leaders turned a deaf ear to all demands and tried to quell the protests .
Then came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese misery , making the economic situation worse and forcing the popular demonstrations to slow down .
Now if Lebanon 's leaders refuse to take action , they can be sanctioned and blacklisted by the international community .
This time , it is their personal wealth that will be targeted .
On Tuesday , the U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted former Lebanese Transport Minister Yousef Finyanus and former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil for engaging in corruption and providing material and financial help to Hezbollah .
`` It is a battle between outside powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lebanon and a ruling elite resisting and refusing ...
It is something never seen before , '' Tabbarah said .
Replacing the political leadership , who have been controlling the country for more than 40 years , is no easy mission .
Engaging the political leaders in a new process and threatening them with sanctions may be the best approach for now , observers said .
But it might also give them cover to stay in power , said Mona Fayad , a politologist and professor in psychology at the Lebanese University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blame for the 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that was stored at the Beirut port for seven years before igniting .
Some have accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of stockpiling weapons there .
Macron met Hezbollah officials in Beirut , urging them `` to prove '' they are Lebanese and ready to focus on their country and help end the crisis , according to published reports .
But he disregarded the weapons issue .
`` Macron acted in good faith but provided a cover to Hezbollah by presenting the problem in Lebanon as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not Hezbollah 's weapons , '' said Fayad , adding that the militant group appeared more conciliatory , promising to facilitate the formation of a new cabinet and supporting reform , only to win time to maneuver until the U.S. elections .
Still , Lebanon needs billions of U.S. dollars to rebuild and a $ 20 billion- $ 25 billion bailout , including IMF support , to emerge from its financial crisis .
If the Lebanese Central Bank finds itself obliged to stop subsidizing wheat , fuel and medicine within the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catastrophic , according to economic experts .
`` There will be chaos ...
If the French and Americans did not interfere to prevent the collapse of the country , we would have faced a civil war , '' Tabbarah said .
Fayad warned of an `` Iraq-like scenario if chaos , violence and social unrest spread . ''
At this stage , it does not matter if France and the United States are acting to protect their own interests amid a struggle in eastern Mediterranean over the control of ports , water passageways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not leave Lebanon until it regains a kind of a role in this region , '' Walid Arbid , a professor of international relations at the Lebanese University and president of the Association of Lebanese University Graduates from French Universities , told UPI , referring to Paris ' interest in rebuilding war-damaged Syria and helping resolve Iraq 's crisis , as well as its efforts to stop Turkey 's expansion in the eastern Mediterranean .

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The August 4 explosion in Beirut killed more than 190, wounded 6,000 and left 300,000 homeless. File Photo by Mustafa Jamaleddine/UPI | License Photo
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Weeks after the blast that devastated Lebanon's capital, aid from France, the United States and many other countries may have helped prevent the collapse of the country and avert a civil war, experts told UPI. But further efforts to help resolve the country's unprecedented economic crisis hinge on Beirut's action to root out corruption and start delivering on reforms. Whether the Aug. 4 explosion -- which killed more than 190, wounded 6,000 and left 300,000 homeless -- was an accident, an attack or the result of years of negligence, it has unleashed a wave of public anger at the government. Advertisement
The blast ended Lebanon's isolation and opened a window for foreign governments to push for reform.
French President Emmanuel Macron was the first foreign official to arrive in devastated Beirut, two days afterward. Realizing the extent of the human tragedy and the mounting dangers facing the country, he also saw an opportunity to reshape Lebanon and prevent it from disappearing -- as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned on Aug. 27 -- or plunging into a civil war.
Advertisement
International donors were quick in responding to the Beirut tragedy, pledging at an Aug. 9 conference organized by Macron and the United Nations nearly $300 million in humanitarian assistance "directly delivered to the Lebanese population." The United States also sent a team to help investigate the blast.
"The most important thing at this stage is that France and the United States have demonstrated that they seriously don't want Lebanon to collapse. That would harm their interests," Riad Tabbarah, Lebanon's former ambassador to the United States, told UPI.
Foreign interests
While France fears Lebanon's 1.5 million Syrian refugees would seek to reach Europe if the situation deteriorates, the United States is most concerned about Israel's security and the possible infiltration of Islamic State members from Syria into northern Lebanon, Tabbarah said.
Washington, he said, would also want to seize the opportunity to settle the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border dispute "in favor of Israel." The demarcation of the maritime border became important when natural gas was discovered offshore in the Mediterranean Sea in 2009.
Even Iran and Hezbollah are keen to keep the situation under control in Lebanon until the U.S. presidential elections in November, hoping that President Donald Trump would lose and they could negotiate a better deal with his successor.
Advertisement
Macron's second visit to Lebanon on Sept. 1 was meant to pressure Lebanese political leaders to swiftly implement reforms. Macron went so far as to draft a roadmap for them, including a timeline of action, starting with the formation of a new government within 15 days, setting an agenda for resuming talks with the International Monetary Fund, adopting an IMF-approved capital control law and starting an audit of the central bank, reforming the power sector, appointing members of a national anti-corruption authority and improving border controls at ports, the airport and border crossings. Legislative elections would be held within one year.
It is yet to be seen whether they will fulfill promises they made to Macron, starting with forming a new cabinet of experts by early next week. Unlike the government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab, which resigned Aug. 10 after several ministers stepped down, the new cabinet should not be under the influence of the political parties and Hezbollah.
Mass protests
Lebanon's leaders have long resisted any serious attempt to introduce reforms, even as the country plunged further into poverty, with its banking system breaking down, its currency plummeting to record lows, inflation and unemployment skyrocketing.
Advertisement
The ruling elite was shaken when mass anti-government demonstrations began on Oct.17, calling for the ouster of all the top leaders. The leaders turned a deaf ear to all demands and tried to quell the protests.
Then came the coronavirus pandemic to add to the Lebanese misery, making the economic situation worse and forcing the popular demonstrations to slow down.
The port explosion was a turning point.
Now if Lebanon's leaders refuse to take action, they can be sanctioned and blacklisted by the international community. This time, it is their personal wealth that will be targeted.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted former Lebanese Transport Minister Yousef Finyanus and former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil for engaging in corruption and providing material and financial help to Hezbollah.
"It is a battle between outside powers pushing for reforms to avoid the collapse of Lebanon and a ruling elite resisting and refusing...It is something never seen before," Tabbarah said.
Replacing the political leadership, who have been controlling the country for more than 40 years, is no easy mission.
Engaging the political leaders in a new process and threatening them with sanctions may be the best approach for now, observers said. But it might also give them cover to stay in power, said Mona Fayad, a politologist and professor in psychology at the Lebanese University.
Advertisement
Hezbollah's role
The investigation continues into who is to blame for the 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that was stored at the Beirut port for seven years before igniting. Some have accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of stockpiling weapons there.
Macron met Hezbollah officials in Beirut, urging them "to prove" they are Lebanese and ready to focus on their country and help end the crisis, according to published reports. But he disregarded the weapons issue.
"Macron acted in good faith but provided a cover to Hezbollah by presenting the problem in Lebanon as if it is about economic mismanagement and corruption and not Hezbollah's weapons," said Fayad, adding that the militant group appeared more conciliatory, promising to facilitate the formation of a new cabinet and supporting reform, only to win time to maneuver until the U.S. elections.
Still, Lebanon needs billions of U.S. dollars to rebuild and a $20 billion-$25 billion bailout, including IMF support, to emerge from its financial crisis. If the Lebanese Central Bank finds itself obliged to stop subsidizing wheat, fuel and medicine within the coming three months, the result will be catastrophic, according to economic experts.
"There will be chaos...If the French and Americans did not interfere to prevent the collapse of the country, we would have faced a civil war," Tabbarah said.
Advertisement
Fayad warned of an "Iraq-like scenario if chaos, violence and social unrest spread."
At this stage, it does not matter if France and the United States are acting to protect their own interests amid a struggle in eastern Mediterranean over the control of ports, water passageways, gas and oil.
"France will not leave Lebanon until it regains a kind of a role in this region," Walid Arbid, a professor of international relations at the Lebanese University and president of the Association of Lebanese University Graduates from French Universities, told UPI, referring to Paris' interest in rebuilding war-damaged Syria and helping resolve Iraq's crisis, as well as its efforts to stop Turkey's expansion in the eastern Mediterranean.


upi--2020-09-09--'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' to end next year

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians will end with its 20th season in early 2021 .
The series about a family of wealthy beauty moguls and models stars Kim Kardashian West , her sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian , brother Rob Kardashian , half-sisters Kylie and Jenner , and their mother , Kris Jenner .
`` It is with heavy hearts that we 've made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians , '' Kim said in an Instagram post Tuesday .
`` After what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows , we are beyond grateful to all of you who 've watched us for all of these years - through the good times , the bad times , the happiness , the tears , and the many relationships and children , '' she added .
`` We 'll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we 've met along the way .
Thank you to the thousands of individuals and businesses that have been a part of this experience and , most importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seacrest for believing in us , E !
for being our partner , and our production team at Bunim/Murray , who 've spent countless hours documenting our lives . ''
E !
also confirmed the series is winding down .
`` E !
has been the home and extended family to the Kardashian-Jenners for what will be 14 years , featuring the lives of this empowering family , '' the network said .
`` While it has been an absolute privilege and we will miss them wholeheartedly , we respect the family 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cameras .
It is not our final goodbye yet , we are excited to have the new season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians launching on September 17 with the final season airing in 2021 . ''

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Left to right, Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian and Kim Kardashian West arrive for the 45th annual E! People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica on November 10. Their E! show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is set to wrap up next year after 20 seasons. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians will end with its 20th season in early 2021. The series about a family of wealthy beauty moguls and models stars Kim Kardashian West, her sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, brother Rob Kardashian, half-sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and their mother, Kris Jenner. Advertisement
"It is with heavy hearts that we've made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians," Kim said in an Instagram post Tuesday.
"After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who've watched us for all of these years - through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children," she added. "We'll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we've met along the way. Thank you to the thousands of individuals and businesses that have been a part of this experience and, most importantly, a very special thank you to Ryan Seacrest for believing in us, E! for being our partner, and our production team at Bunim/Murray, who've spent countless hours documenting our lives."
E! also confirmed the series is winding down.
"E! has been the home and extended family to the Kardashian-Jenners for what will be 14 years, featuring the lives of this empowering family," the network said. "While it has been an absolute privilege and we will miss them wholeheartedly, we respect the family's decision to live their lives without our cameras. It is not our final goodbye yet, we are excited to have the new season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians launching on September 17 with the final season airing in 2021."
Moments from Kim Kardashian's career


upi--2020-09-09--In Photos: Moments from Kim Kardashian's career

Left to right , Kourtney Kardashian , Khloe Kardashian , and Kim Kardashian won the award for Favorite TV Guilty @ @ @ @ @ with the Kardashians , '' at the People 's Choice Awards in Los Angeles on @ @ @ @ @ The December prior , the Kardashians were among the top-paid reality stars .
Photo by @ @

Kardashian arrives on the red carpet at the Leather and Laces Super Bowl party in Tampa on January 30, 2009. The year before, she appeared on "Dancing with the Stars." Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-09-09--'Ellen DeGeneres Show' to kick off Season 18 on Sept. 21

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is slated to begin on Sept. 21 @ @ @ @ @ wait to get back to work and back to our studio .
And , yes @ @ @ @ @ talk about it , '' host DeGeneres said in a statement Tuesday .
Last month @ @ @ @ @ executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman had `` parted @ @ @ @ @ DeGeneres Show after some staffers accused them -- and DeGeneres -- of fostering a toxic @ @ @ @ @ for the atmosphere and vowed to make her employees feel `` happy and safe '' @ @ @ @ @ actress Tiffany Haddish has been booked as DeGeneres ' Season 18 premiere guest .
Other @ @ @ @ @ the show this month are Kerry Washington , Alec Baldwin , Chrissy Teigen , Chris @ @ @ @ @ Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom .
Before DeGeneres ' summer hiatus , she taped segments @ @ @ @ @ using video-conferencing technology due to the coronavirus pandemic .

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Ellen DeGeneres' eponymous talk show is set to return to the studio on Sept. 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is slated to begin on Sept. 21. "I can't wait to get back to work and back to our studio. And, yes, we're gonna talk about it," host DeGeneres said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement
Last month, it was announced that executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman had "parted ways" with The Ellen DeGeneres Show after some staffers accused them -- and DeGeneres -- of fostering a toxic work environment.
DeGeneres apologized for the atmosphere and vowed to make her employees feel "happy and safe" in the future.
Comic actress Tiffany Haddish has been booked as DeGeneres' Season 18 premiere guest.
Other celebrities scheduled to appear on the show this month are Kerry Washington, Alec Baldwin, Chrissy Teigen, Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Adam Sandler and Orlando Bloom.
Before DeGeneres' summer hiatus, she taped segments for her show at home using video-conferencing technology due to the coronavirus pandemic.