upi--2020-09-24--Study: With global warming, marine heatwaves like 'The Blob' will become commonplace

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- In 2015 , a marine heatwave dubbed `` The Blob '' expanded across the Northern Pacific .
At its peak , the mass of warm water extended more than 2,000 miles in length , measured 1,000 miles wide and extended several hundred feet beneath the ocean surface .
According to a new study , anthropogenic climate change has made extreme heatwaves like the Blob more likely .
In fact , the study 's authors claim human-caused global warming is directly to blame for the Blob .
`` The Blob would not have occurred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead study author Charlotte Laufkötter , a marine scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland , told UPI in an email .
The Blob was the largest and longest heatwave in the last half-century , covering a few million square miles of ocean and lasting more than 350 days .
For the study , published Thursday in the journal Science , Laufkötter and her colleagues began by surveying satellite data to analyze the relationship between air and ocean temperatures and the development and evolution of several large modern marine heatwaves .
Next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the influence of anthropogenic climate change on extreme marine heatwaves , or EMHs .
Essentially , researchers simulated marine heatwaves in two world : a 'real ' one , with modern levels of greenhouse gas emissions , and an imaginary one , or preindustrial one , without greenhouse gas emissions .
`` Both worlds included the variability of the climate system .
We then calculated the probability in both worlds with which a heatwave as large as the Blob occurs , '' Laufkötter said .
`` The difference between the two probabilities tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blob are influenced by anthropogenic climate change . ''
`` In case of the Blob this was 100 percent , or in other words the Blob would not have occurred in a world without climate change , '' she said .
Currently , there is a 1-in-100 chance that a marine heatwave as extreme as the Blob develops during any given year .
In other words , the Blob was the equivalent of a 100-year flood .
Those odds will shift as the climate continues to warm .
`` Already , at 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will be a one in approximately 10 year event , '' Laufkötter said .
The hotter the planet and its oceans get , the more likely extreme marine heatwaves will become .
At 3 degrees warming , simulations showed Blob-like heatwaves will become an annual occurrence .
The only way to ensure extreme marine heatwaves remain an anomaly , instead of commonplace , is to stop global warming .
`` In my understanding , limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is still possible if there is immediate and determined action from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Laufkötter said .
`` However , the time window to do so is short .
Global warming will likely rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels between 2030 and 2052 if warming continues to increase at the current rate . ''
Marine heatwaves are a serious threat to environmental and human health .
Over the last few decades , an uptick in marine heatwaves has triggered a rise in coral bleaching events , damaging the foundation of some of the ocean 's most biodiverse ecosystems .
Marine heatwaves can also increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as kill off seagrass and kelp forests .
`` The Blob caused increased mortality of sea birds , salmon , and marine mammals , very low ocean primary productivity , harmful algal blooms and large alterations to open-ocean and coastal ecosystems , '' Laufkötter said .
Marine heatwaves also pose a threat to human populations on land , as they trigger extreme weather patterns , including drought , heavy precipitation and heat wave events .
Currently , most of what scientists know about marine heatwaves is from a surface-level perspective .
Laufkötter hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- insights .
`` Little is known about marine heatwaves at depth , '' she said .
`` We are also interested in marine extreme events other than heat , such as low chlorophyll , low oxygen or low pH events . ''

The extreme marine heatwave known as The Blob lasted more than 350 days and expanded across much of the North Pacific Ocean. It was the biggest, longest marine heatwave in decades. Photo by NASA Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- In 2015, a marine heatwave dubbed "The Blob" expanded across the Northern Pacific. At its peak, the mass of warm water extended more than 2,000 miles in length, measured 1,000 miles wide and extended several hundred feet beneath the ocean surface. According to a new study, anthropogenic climate change has made extreme heatwaves like the Blob more likely. In fact, the study's authors claim human-caused global warming is directly to blame for the Blob. Advertisement
"The Blob would not have occurred in a world without climate change," lead study author Charlotte Laufkötter, a marine scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland, told UPI in an email.
The Blob was the largest and longest heatwave in the last half-century, covering a few million square miles of ocean and lasting more than 350 days.
"Twenty years ago, the longest heatwaves lasted approximately 50 days," Laufkötter said.
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For the study, published Thursday in the journal Science, Laufkötter and her colleagues began by surveying satellite data to analyze the relationship between air and ocean temperatures and the development and evolution of several large modern marine heatwaves.
Next, researchers used climate models to gauge the influence of anthropogenic climate change on extreme marine heatwaves, or EMHs. Essentially, researchers simulated marine heatwaves in two world: a 'real' one, with modern levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and an imaginary one, or preindustrial one, without greenhouse gas emissions.
"Both worlds included the variability of the climate system. We then calculated the probability in both worlds with which a heatwave as large as the Blob occurs," Laufkötter said. "The difference between the two probabilities tells us to what extent heatwaves like the Blob are influenced by anthropogenic climate change."
"In case of the Blob this was 100 percent, or in other words the Blob would not have occurred in a world without climate change," she said.
Currently, there is a 1-in-100 chance that a marine heatwave as extreme as the Blob develops during any given year. In other words, the Blob was the equivalent of a 100-year flood. Those odds will shift as the climate continues to warm.
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"Already, at 1.5 degrees [Celsius] of global warming, it will be a one in approximately 10 year event," Laufkötter said.
The hotter the planet and its oceans get, the more likely extreme marine heatwaves will become. At 3 degrees warming, simulations showed Blob-like heatwaves will become an annual occurrence.
The only way to ensure extreme marine heatwaves remain an anomaly, instead of commonplace, is to stop global warming.
"In my understanding, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is still possible if there is immediate and determined action from all nations to fight climate change," Laufkötter said. "However, the time window to do so is short. Global warming will likely rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels between 2030 and 2052 if warming continues to increase at the current rate."
Marine heatwaves are a serious threat to environmental and human health. Over the last few decades, an uptick in marine heatwaves has triggered a rise in coral bleaching events, damaging the foundation of some of the ocean's most biodiverse ecosystems. Marine heatwaves can also increase the mortality of fish, as well as kill off seagrass and kelp forests.
"The Blob caused increased mortality of sea birds, salmon, and marine mammals, very low ocean primary productivity, harmful algal blooms and large alterations to open-ocean and coastal ecosystems," Laufkötter said.
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Marine heatwaves also pose a threat to human populations on land, as they trigger extreme weather patterns, including drought, heavy precipitation and heat wave events.
Currently, most of what scientists know about marine heatwaves is from a surface-level perspective. Laufkötter hopes followup studies will offer deeper -- literally -- insights.
"Little is known about marine heatwaves at depth," she said. "We are also interested in marine extreme events other than heat, such as low chlorophyll, low oxygen or low pH events."


upi--2020-09-24--Turkey crashes through window into Virginia home

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- Deputies and animal services officers in Virginia responded to a resident 's home where a turkey crashed through a window and barricaded itself inside the bathroom .
Loudoun County Animal Services said a pair of Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office deputies responded to a local home where a resident reported hearing a window breaking followed by the sound of the apparent culprit moving through the home .
`` Deputies responded and found the suspect had barricaded themselves in the bathroom , '' animal services officials said in a Facebook post .
`` The culprit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tall with shiny black feathers , scaly legs and a yellow beak .
It was determined it would take a specialized team to extract this offender , you see , he was a wild turkey . ''
An animal services officer responded to the call for backup and helped the deputies get the turkey out of the house .
`` We 're happy to report that while the turkey did take out the entire window in the family 's home , he was unhurt and quickly fled the scene to roost in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Deputies and animal services officers in Loudoun County, Va., responded to a home to remove a turkey that crashed through a window and took up residence in the bathroom. Photo courtesy of Loudoun County Animal Services
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Deputies and animal services officers in Virginia responded to a resident's home where a turkey crashed through a window and barricaded itself inside the bathroom. Loudoun County Animal Services said a pair of Loudoun County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a local home where a resident reported hearing a window breaking followed by the sound of the apparent culprit moving through the home. Advertisement
"Deputies responded and found the suspect had barricaded themselves in the bathroom," animal services officials said in a Facebook post. "The culprit in this situation was about 3 feet tall with shiny black feathers, scaly legs and a yellow beak. It was determined it would take a specialized team to extract this offender, you see, he was a wild turkey."
An animal services officer responded to the call for backup and helped the deputies get the turkey out of the house.
"We're happy to report that while the turkey did take out the entire window in the family's home, he was unhurt and quickly fled the scene to roost in a nearby tree," the post said.


upi--2020-09-24--Chris Rock to host 'Saturday Night Live' on Oct. 3 season premiere

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- Comedian and actor Chris Rock will host NBC 's Saturday Night Live , on its Oct. 3 season premiere , the network announced Thursday .
The 46th annual season premiere will mark Rock 's third appearance as host of the variety sketch series and coincide with Jim Carrey 's debut in playing the role of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
The SNL episode will air a few days after the first debate airs between President Donald Trump and Biden moderated by Fox News commentator Chris Wallace on major news networks Tuesday .
Rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedian and star of comedy movies , recently also transitioned to a more dramatic role in FX 's Fargo , which portrays violent murders in the Midwest with a side of humor .
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion will also be in the NBC show 's season premiere as a musical guest , an NBC Saturday Night Live Twitter post shows .
The rapper 's latest album Suga , showing her `` sensitive '' side , featured single , `` Savage , '' going three-times platinum .
In June , she received Best Female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BET Awards .
NBC confirmed earlier this month that the cast and crew from season 45 will return to Studio 8H in New York beginning with the Season 46th premiere .
The episode will mark SNL 's first in-studio episode since March 7 when the series shutdown production due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Comedian and actor Chris Rock will host the debut of the 46th season of "Saturday Night Live." UPI/Jim Ruymen | License Photo
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Comedian and actor Chris Rock will host NBC's Saturday Night Live, on its Oct. 3 season premiere, the network announced Thursday. The 46th annual season premiere will mark Rock's third appearance as host of the variety sketch series and coincide with Jim Carrey's debut in playing the role of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Advertisement
The SNL episode will air a few days after the first debate airs between President Donald Trump and Biden moderated by Fox News commentator Chris Wallace on major news networks Tuesday.
Rock, who is known as a stand-up comedian and star of comedy movies, recently also transitioned to a more dramatic role in FX's Fargo, which portrays violent murders in the Midwest with a side of humor.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion will also be in the NBC show's season premiere as a musical guest, an NBC Saturday Night Live Twitter post shows.
The rapper's latest album Suga, showing her "sensitive" side, featured single, "Savage," going three-times platinum.
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In June, she received Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Viewers Choice prizes at the BET Awards.
NBC confirmed earlier this month that the cast and crew from season 45 will return to Studio 8H in New York beginning with the Season 46th premiere.
The episode will mark SNL's first in-studio episode since March 7 when the series shutdown production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-09-24--Man wins two $100,000 jackpots from same lottery drawing

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia man is celebrating a double jackpot after he scored two $ 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ lottery drawing .
Jeffrey Demarco of Vienna told Virginia Lottery officials he bought two tickets @ @ @ @ @ numbers for the Sept. 12 Cash 5 day drawing while he was picking up groceries @ @ @ @ @ store .
Demarco 's tickets matched the winning numbers -- 1-8-12-21-27 -- and each won @ @ @ @ @ , for a total jackpot of $ 200,000 .
`` You see other people winning @ @ @ @ @ it will happen to you , '' the winner said .
Demarco said he does @ @ @ @ @ his winnings .

Jeffrey Demarco of Vienna, Va., won two $100,000 jackpots when he entered a Cash 5 drawing with two identical tickets. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A Virginia man is celebrating a double jackpot after he scored two $100,000 top prizes from the same lottery drawing. Jeffrey Demarco of Vienna told Virginia Lottery officials he bought two tickets bearing the same set of numbers for the Sept. 12 Cash 5 day drawing while he was picking up groceries from the local Harris Teeter store. Advertisement
Demarco's tickets matched the winning numbers -- 1-8-12-21-27 -- and each won the $100,000 top prize, for a total jackpot of $200,000.
"You see other people winning, but you never think it will happen to you," the winner said.
Demarco said he does not yet have plans for his winnings.


upi--2020-09-24--HHS spokesman Michael Caputo diagnosed with cancer

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- Michael Caputo , the chief communications official at the Department of Health and Human Services , has been diagnosed with cancer , a week after taking a medical leave of absence , his family spokesman said Thursday .
Caputo underwent surgery last week at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda , Md.
, where doctors determined he had `` squamous cell carcinoma , a metastatic head and neck cancer which originated in his throat , '' spokesman David DiPietro said .
`` He is now home in Western New York , resting in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the watchful eye of Jesus Christ , '' added DiPietro , who also is a member of the New York Assembly .
Caputo , the assistant secretary for public affairs at the HHS , told The Buffalo News he had been in pain in recent months after discovering a `` walnut-sized '' bump on his neck .
He said he delayed seeking treatment because of the pandemic .
`` It 's something I 've been dealing with for months but did n't do anything about it , even though I work in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Caputo went on medical leave last week , days after promoting conspiracies about the department on his Facebook page .
He urged supporters of President Donald Trump to prepare for an armed insurrection and accused HHS scientists of `` sedition '' in a Facebook live video .
In the since-deleted Facebook Live video , Caputo accused the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention , which is part of the HHS , of harboring a `` resistance unit '' seeking to undermine Trump .
He also encouraged Trump supporters to take up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election but Democratic nominee Joe Biden would refuse to concede .

Michael Caputo said he'd delayed seeking medical treatment for a lump on his neck because of the pandemic. File Photo courtesy Department of Health and Human Services
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Michael Caputo, the chief communications official at the Department of Health and Human Services, has been diagnosed with cancer, a week after taking a medical leave of absence, his family spokesman said Thursday. Caputo underwent surgery last week at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., where doctors determined he had "squamous cell carcinoma, a metastatic head and neck cancer which originated in his throat," spokesman David DiPietro said. Advertisement
"He is now home in Western New York, resting in the loving arms of his family, under the watchful eye of Jesus Christ," added DiPietro, who also is a member of the New York Assembly.
Caputo, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the HHS, told The Buffalo News he had been in pain in recent months after discovering a "walnut-sized" bump on his neck. He said he delayed seeking treatment because of the pandemic.
"It's something I've been dealing with for months but didn't do anything about it, even though I work in a building full of doctors," he said.
Caputo went on medical leave last week, days after promoting conspiracies about the department on his Facebook page. He urged supporters of President Donald Trump to prepare for an armed insurrection and accused HHS scientists of "sedition" in a Facebook live video.
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In the since-deleted Facebook Live video, Caputo accused the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which is part of the HHS, of harboring a "resistance unit" seeking to undermine Trump.
He also encouraged Trump supporters to take up weapons after predicting Trump would win the election but Democratic nominee Joe Biden would refuse to concede.


upi--2020-09-24--USS Delbert Black to be commissioned at Port Canaveral Saturday

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- The USS Delbert Black will be commissioned Saturday , according to the U.S. Navy .
The commissioning ceremony will be a private event due to COVID-19 , but the military will livestream the commissioning ceremony for the vessel , which completed sea trials in March and builder 's trials in February .
The ceremony will take place at Florida 's Port Canaveral and after the ceremony the ship will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville .
In 2019 , the ship sustained an estimated $ 31 million in damage when another ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work aboard the newly built destroyer , pushing it against the hull of the DDG 119 and causing several minor injuries to workers .
The Delbert Black is configured as an Arleigh Burke-class , Flight IIA destroyer , designed to enable power projection , forward presence and escort operations at sea .
Ima Black , widow of the Navy 's first Master Chief Petty Officer and the ship 's namesake , will be present at the ceremony .
Delbert Black , who died in 2000 , was known for guiding the Navy through @ @ @ @

The Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Delbert D. Black, arrives at Port Canaveral. Photo by Sarah Villegas/U.S. Navy
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- The USS Delbert Black will be commissioned Saturday, according to the U.S. Navy. The commissioning ceremony will be a private event due to COVID-19, but the military will livestream the commissioning ceremony for the vessel, which completed sea trials in March and builder's trials in February. Advertisement
The ceremony will take place at Florida's Port Canaveral and after the ceremony the ship will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville.
In 2019, the ship sustained an estimated $31 million in damage when another ship struck a barge used to support electrical work aboard the newly built destroyer, pushing it against the hull of the DDG 119 and causing several minor injuries to workers.
The Delbert Black is configured as an Arleigh Burke-class, Flight IIA destroyer, designed to enable power projection, forward presence and escort operations at sea.
Ima Black, widow of the Navy's first Master Chief Petty Officer and the ship's namesake, will be present at the ceremony.
Delbert Black, who died in 2000, was known for guiding the Navy through the Vietnam War.


upi--2020-09-24--BlackSky to upgrade high resolution, nighttime imaging satellite tech for DoD

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- BlackSky announced plans on Thursday to expand its network to include satellites that can provide high-resolution and nighttime images for the U.S. military .
BlackSky , already a major provider of global monitoring services , geospatial intelligence and satellite imagery for the Pentagon , said its Gen-3 satellite architecture will be able to produce images with 50-centimeter resolution and enhanced spectral diversity .
The upgrades will allow it to provide real-time insights to customers that include the Department of Defense as part of a contract awarded to the company in January .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become operational in 2022 , the company said .
The company also said it has conducted the preliminary design review of Gen-3 satellite design review for the U.S. Army Tactical GEOINT program as part of a multi-year contract with the Defense Innovation Unit .
The Gen-3 satellites will allow the DoD to support concurrent war games , exercises and combat training center events and help assess technological readiness , and the TACGEO project is expected to accelerate the military 's ability to improve tactics , techniques and procedures and inform future operational systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users will be able to task a Gen-3 satellite , according to O'Toole .
BlackSky will `` help them operate it , '' company CEO Brian O'Toole told SpaceNews , providing analytics services using artificial intelligence and machine learning .
In July , the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force research lab awarded BlackSky a contract to monitor COVID-19 mitigation efforts that involve U.S. military bases and supply chains , using its AI and machine-learning platforms to monitor overseas U.S. military bases and help maintain secure supply chains .

BlackSky CEO Brian O'Toole announced an upgraded line of higher-resolution satellites Thursday. Photo courtesy of BlackSky
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- BlackSky announced plans on Thursday to expand its network to include satellites that can provide high-resolution and nighttime images for the U.S. military. BlackSky, already a major provider of global monitoring services, geospatial intelligence and satellite imagery for the Pentagon, said its Gen-3 satellite architecture will be able to produce images with 50-centimeter resolution and enhanced spectral diversity. Advertisement
The upgrades will allow it to provide real-time insights to customers that include the Department of Defense as part of a contract awarded to the company in January.
The first Gen-3 satellites are set to launch and become operational in 2022, the company said.
The company also said it has conducted the preliminary design review of Gen-3 satellite design review for the U.S. Army Tactical GEOINT program as part of a multi-year contract with the Defense Innovation Unit.
The Gen-3 satellites will allow the DoD to support concurrent war games, exercises and combat training center events and help assess technological readiness, and the TACGEO project is expected to accelerate the military's ability to improve tactics, techniques and procedures and inform future operational systems.
Under the latter project, military users will be able to task a Gen-3 satellite, according to O'Toole. BlackSky will "help them operate it," company CEO Brian O'Toole told SpaceNews, providing analytics services using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
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In July, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force research lab awarded BlackSky a contract to monitor COVID-19 mitigation efforts that involve U.S. military bases and supply chains, using its AI and machine-learning platforms to monitor overseas U.S. military bases and help maintain secure supply chains.


upi--2020-09-24--Researchers find wide variance in accuracy of COVID-19 antibody tests

Sept. 24 ( UPI ) -- COVID-19 antibody test accuracy could be as low as 61 % , depending on the type , and when and how they are used , according to an analysis published Thursday by the journal PLOS Pathogens .
The 10 tests evaluated in the study proved between 61 % and 87 % accurate at correctly identifying blood samples as positive for antibodies for the new coronavirus , the data showed .
The same tests were between 82 % and 100 % accurate at identifying samples negative for antibodies , the researchers said .
The tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ samples -- or blood collected from a vein -- than they were using `` finger prick '' samples , and with samples collected from patients up to three weeks after symptoms of the virus first appeared , study co-author Suzanne Pickering told UPI .
`` It 's important to use the right test in the right situation at the right time , and to thoroughly evaluate tests before use , '' said Pickering , a research associate in the department of infectious diseases at King 's College London .
`` Tests vary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests we trialed in our study gave very good results , '' she said .
Antibodies are cells produced by the human immune system to help the body fight infection .
Those who recover from COVID-19 thus produce antibodies against the virus .
Researchers are evaluating the use of convalescent blood plasma donated by people who have recovered from the disease -- and transfused into infected patients -- as a possible treatment for COVID-19 .
The assumption is that their antibodies would bolster the immune systems of patients battling the virus .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed the accuracy of the 10 testing platforms using 110 blood samples collected from 87 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 50 pre-pandemic virus-negative samples .
They developed their own sensitive and specific antibody assay and used it to conduct `` unbiased , head-to-head comparisons of the 10 testing platforms .
All of the tests evaluated gave the best results when used on patients 20 days or more after the start of symptoms , with most accurately identifying samples as positive for antibodies 95 % of the time , the researchers said .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with severe illness compared to those with asymptomatic or mild disease , they said .
`` We wanted to perform a thorough , transparent comparison of [ COVID-19 ] antibody tests , in order for this to be useful to medical and diagnostics communities , '' Pickering said .
`` We found that several antibody tests , including the type of rapid lateral flow tests that have received negative publicity in the past , performed well when used carefully . ''

Currently available COVID-19 antibody tests have varying levels of accuracy, a new study has found. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- COVID-19 antibody test accuracy could be as low as 61%, depending on the type, and when and how they are used, according to an analysis published Thursday by the journal PLOS Pathogens. The 10 tests evaluated in the study proved between 61% and 87% accurate at correctly identifying blood samples as positive for antibodies for the new coronavirus, the data showed. Advertisement
The same tests were between 82% and 100% accurate at identifying samples negative for antibodies, the researchers said.
The tests were more accurate with "serum" samples -- or blood collected from a vein -- than they were using "finger prick" samples, and with samples collected from patients up to three weeks after symptoms of the virus first appeared, study co-author Suzanne Pickering told UPI.
"It's important to use the right test in the right situation at the right time, and to thoroughly evaluate tests before use," said Pickering, a research associate in the department of infectious diseases at King's College London.
"Tests vary, and we found that some of the tests we trialed in our study gave very good results," she said.
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Antibodies are cells produced by the human immune system to help the body fight infection. Those who recover from COVID-19 thus produce antibodies against the virus.
Researchers are evaluating the use of convalescent blood plasma donated by people who have recovered from the disease -- and transfused into infected patients -- as a possible treatment for COVID-19.
The assumption is that their antibodies would bolster the immune systems of patients battling the virus.
For the analysis, Pickering and her colleagues assessed the accuracy of the 10 testing platforms using 110 blood samples collected from 87 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 50 pre-pandemic virus-negative samples.
They developed their own sensitive and specific antibody assay and used it to conduct "unbiased, head-to-head comparisons of the 10 testing platforms.
All of the tests evaluated gave the best results when used on patients 20 days or more after the start of symptoms, with most accurately identifying samples as positive for antibodies 95% of the time, the researchers said.
In addition, antibody levels were higher in individuals with severe illness compared to those with asymptomatic or mild disease, they said.
"We wanted to perform a thorough, transparent comparison of [COVID-19] antibody tests, in order for this to be useful to medical and diagnostics communities," Pickering said.
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"We found that several antibody tests, including the type of rapid lateral flow tests that have received negative publicity in the past, performed well when used carefully."


upi--2020-09-25--Kim Jong Un apology for South Korean death not enough, defector says

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- A high-profile North Korean defector and lawmaker said a tougher South Korean response is needed in the wake of the slaying of a South Korean official in North Korea , following his disappearance at sea on Monday .
Thae Yong-ho , a member of the main opposition People Power Party , a conservative faction , said Friday at a meeting of the National Assembly 's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that ruling party politicians are siding with North Korean perpetrators , News 1 and Newsis reported .
Thae was referring to a message from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very sorry '' for `` disappointing '' South Korean President Moon Jae-in following the South Korean 's death .
Thae 's sharply worded remarks drew angry demands for an apology from Thae 's opponents in parliament , according to reports .
`` I do not doubt your intentions , but apologizing is the right thing to do after saying ruling party lawmakers are siding with the perpetrators , or siding with North Korea , '' said Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-jung .
`` Apologizing should not be a source of shame .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ South in 2016 from Pyongyang 's Embassy in London , said he is required to keep security personnel nearby because of the North Korean government .
`` I am under constant threat of terror from North Korea , '' Thae said .
`` I can not visit the restroom alone , or go outside my house .
I depend on the government 's security personnel and am getting by , day by day . ''
Thae also asked Unification Minister Lee In-young and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha rhetorically whether a letter from Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was `` murdered in Seoul '' or in broad daylight .
South Korean lawmaker Ahn Min-suk of the ruling party said Thae 's statement suggesting his party sides with the North is `` dangerous . ''
Ahn defended the muted response from Seoul .
`` No one ever said [ in the Democratic Party ] they were satisfied by Chairman Kim 's letter , '' Ahn said .
On Friday , Thae also said Seoul needs to coordinate with the World Health Organization on the official 's death .
North Korea may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , according to local press reports .

Thae Yong-ho, a defector-turned-lawmaker in Seoul, said Friday Kim Jong Un's letter is an insufficient response following the death of a South Korean official in the North. File Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA-EFE
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A high-profile North Korean defector and lawmaker said a tougher South Korean response is needed in the wake of the slaying of a South Korean official in North Korea, following his disappearance at sea on Monday. Thae Yong-ho, a member of the main opposition People Power Party, a conservative faction, said Friday at a meeting of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that ruling party politicians are siding with North Korean perpetrators, News 1 and Newsis reported. Advertisement
Thae was referring to a message from Kim Jong Un that stated he was "very sorry" for "disappointing" South Korean President Moon Jae-in following the South Korean's death.
Thae's sharply worded remarks drew angry demands for an apology from Thae's opponents in parliament, according to reports.
"I do not doubt your intentions, but apologizing is the right thing to do after saying ruling party lawmakers are siding with the perpetrators, or siding with North Korea," said Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-jung. "Apologizing should not be a source of shame."
Thae, who defected to the South in 2016 from Pyongyang's Embassy in London, said he is required to keep security personnel nearby because of the North Korean government.
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"I am under constant threat of terror from North Korea," Thae said. "I cannot visit the restroom alone, or go outside my house. I depend on the government's security personnel and am getting by, day by day."
Thae also asked Unification Minister Lee In-young and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha rhetorically whether a letter from Kim would be sufficient as an apology if he was "murdered in Seoul" or in broad daylight.
South Korean lawmaker Ahn Min-suk of the ruling party said Thae's statement suggesting his party sides with the North is "dangerous." Ahn defended the muted response from Seoul.
"No one ever said [in the Democratic Party] they were satisfied by Chairman Kim's letter," Ahn said.
On Friday, Thae also said Seoul needs to coordinate with the World Health Organization on the official's death. North Korea may have killed the man for fear of the coronavirus, according to local press reports.


upi--2020-09-25--Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith expecting first child, a son

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- Mandy Moore is going to be a mom .
The 36-year-old singer and actress is expecting her first child , a son , with her husband , singer and musician Taylor Goldsmith .
Moore shared the news Thursday on Instagram alongside photos of Goldsmith cradling her baby bump .
Moore 's This is Us co-stars Sterling K. Brown , Chrissy Metz and Susan Kelechi Watson , and actresses Hilary Duff and Claire Holt were among those to congratulate Moore in the comments .
`` So happy for the both of you .
You and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you told me awhile ago , so ... . ''
Brown wrote .
`` So so happy for you guys !
!
! ''
Holt said .
Moore and Goldsmith , the frontman of the band Dawes , married in November 2018 .
The couple collaborated on Moore 's 2020 album , Silver Landings , her first studio album in 11 years .
Moore said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March that it 's `` pretty dreamy '' to be part of such a musical household .
Moore plays Rebecca Pearson on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC announced this week that the Season 5 premiere has been moved up to Oct. 27 .
This is Us creator Dan Fogelman said in August that Season 5 will address the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic `` head on . ''

1/3
Mandy Moore is expecting her first child, a son, with her husband, singer and musician Taylor Goldsmith. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Mandy Moore is going to be a mom. The 36-year-old singer and actress is expecting her first child, a son, with her husband, singer and musician Taylor Goldsmith. Advertisement
Moore shared the news Thursday on Instagram alongside photos of Goldsmith cradling her baby bump.
"Baby Boy Goldsmith coming early 2021," she captioned the post, adding a blue heart emoji.
Moore's This is Us co-stars Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz and Susan Kelechi Watson, and actresses Hilary Duff and Claire Holt were among those to congratulate Moore in the comments.
"So happy for the both of you. You and Taylor will be terrific parents... but you told me awhile ago, so...." Brown wrote.
"The Goldsmith Three!" Metz added.
"So so happy for you guys!!!" Holt said.
Moore and Goldsmith, the frontman of the band Dawes, married in November 2018. The couple collaborated on Moore's 2020 album, Silver Landings, her first studio album in 11 years.
Moore said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March that it's "pretty dreamy" to be part of such a musical household.
Advertisement
Moore plays Rebecca Pearson on the NBC series This is Us. NBC announced this week that the Season 5 premiere has been moved up to Oct. 27.
This is Us creator Dan Fogelman said in August that Season 5 will address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic "head on."


upi--2020-09-25--Demi Lovato, Max Ehrich call off engagement

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- Demi Lovato and her fiancé , Max Ehrich , have called off their engagement .
TMZ reported Thursday that the 28-year-old singer and actress and 29-year-old actor have split , just over two months after getting engaged during a beachside proposal .
People said ending the engagement was a `` tough decision '' for Lovato and Ehrich .
`` It was a tough decision , but Demi and Max have decided to go their separate ways to focus on their respective careers , '' a source said .
`` They have respect and love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time they spent together . ''
Fans started speculating about a split after Lovato 's close friends and family unfollowed Ehrich on Instagram , according to E !
News .
Lovato and Ehrich were first linked in March and got engaged in July .
The pair celebrated their six-month anniversary as a couple Sept. 7 .
`` Happy 6 months to my darling , the best father these pups could ever ask for ...
I love you BEYOND .
Thank you for making my life so much better .
@ maxehrich I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Instagram .
`` Words fall short , baby .
Love you infinitely & then some .
Thank you for being the light of my life .
Cheers to forever , '' Ehrich said .
Lovato was wearing her engagement ring in a promo photo for Talkspace posted Thursday .
She partnered with the online therapy platform this month to help raise awareness and combat stigma about mental health .

1/3
Demi Lovato and Max Ehrich have split, two months after getting engaged during a beachside proposal. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Demi Lovato and her fiancé, Max Ehrich, have called off their engagement. TMZ reported Thursday that the 28-year-old singer and actress and 29-year-old actor have split, just over two months after getting engaged during a beachside proposal. Advertisement
People said ending the engagement was a "tough decision" for Lovato and Ehrich.
"It was a tough decision, but Demi and Max have decided to go their separate ways to focus on their respective careers," a source said. "They have respect and love for one another and will always cherish the time they spent together."
Fans started speculating about a split after Lovato's close friends and family unfollowed Ehrich on Instagram, according to E! News.
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Lovato and Ehrich were first linked in March and got engaged in July. The pair celebrated their six-month anniversary as a couple Sept. 7.
"Happy 6 months to my darling, the best father these pups could ever ask for... I love you BEYOND. Thank you for making my life so much better. @maxehrich I love you baby," Lovato wrote on Instagram.
"Words fall short, baby. Love you infinitely & then some. Thank you for being the light of my life. Cheers to forever," Ehrich said.
Lovato was wearing her engagement ring in a promo photo for Talkspace posted Thursday. She partnered with the online therapy platform this month to help raise awareness and combat stigma about mental health.
Demi Lovato turns 30: a look back
Demi Lovato takes part in the Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the U.S Open in New York City on August 23, 2008. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-09-25--EU takes $15B Apple-Ireland antitrust case to Court of Justice

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- The European Union said Friday it will appeal a court decision that dismissed a claim against Apple that said Ireland unlawfully granted billions in aid to the U.S. tech company .
The EU 's General Court ruled earlier this summer that the European Commission was not justified four years ago when it ordered Apple to pay more than $ 15 billion in back taxes to the Irish government .
Dublin offered Apple the tax breaks in an effort to lure business operations to Ireland , a move the EU considers illegal .
The EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recover the taxes from Apple , plus interest , amounting to nearly $ 15.2 billion .
The move was part of an effort to crack down on corporate tax avoidance across the bloc .
Ireland appealed , saying it never gave favorable treatment to Apple .
The EU General Court agreed in July , which was viewed as a setback for EU efforts to stem corporate tax breaks as a competitive advantage .
Friday , EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said the 27-member bloc -- which includes Ireland -- will appeal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alliance 's highest court , to see that Apple pays .
`` Making sure that all companies , big and small , pay their fair share of tax remains a top priority for the [ European ] Commission , '' Vestager said in a statement .
`` If member states give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals , this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of state aid rules . ''
Specifically , the court in July disagreed with the EU claim that two Apple subsidiaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed `` non-resident '' for tax purposes .
`` Ireland has always been clear that the correct amount of Irish tax was paid and that Ireland provided no state aid to Apple , '' Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe said in a statement Friday .
`` Ireland appealed the commission decision on that basis and the judgement from the General Court of the European Union vindicates this stance . ''

The EU is appealing a decision two months ago that struck down its order four year ago that Apple must pay billions in back taxes. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The European Union said Friday it will appeal a court decision that dismissed a claim against Apple that said Ireland unlawfully granted billions in aid to the U.S. tech company. The EU's General Court ruled earlier this summer that the European Commission was not justified four years ago when it ordered Apple to pay more than $15 billion in back taxes to the Irish government. Advertisement
Dublin offered Apple the tax breaks in an effort to lure business operations to Ireland, a move the EU considers illegal.
The EU's executive branch ordered Ireland in 2016 to recover the taxes from Apple, plus interest, amounting to nearly $15.2 billion. The move was part of an effort to crack down on corporate tax avoidance across the bloc.
Ireland appealed, saying it never gave favorable treatment to Apple. The EU General Court agreed in July, which was viewed as a setback for EU efforts to stem corporate tax breaks as a competitive advantage.
Friday, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said the 27-member bloc -- which includes Ireland -- will appeal to the European Court of Justice, the alliance's highest court, to see that Apple pays.
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"Making sure that all companies, big and small, pay their fair share of tax remains a top priority for the [European] Commission," Vestager said in a statement.
"If member states give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals, this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of state aid rules."
Specifically, the court in July disagreed with the EU claim that two Apple subsidiaries located in Ireland should not have been deemed "non-resident" for tax purposes.
"Ireland has always been clear that the correct amount of Irish tax was paid and that Ireland provided no state aid to Apple," Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe said in a statement Friday.
"Ireland appealed the commission decision on that basis and the judgement from the General Court of the European Union vindicates this stance."


upi--2020-09-25--With less noise during lockdown, Bay Area sparrows sang 'sexier' songs

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic , as California issued lockdown orders and residents mostly stayed home , vehicle traffic in San Francisco and the surrounding area quickly declined -- and with it , noise pollution .
Research published Friday in in the journal Science suggests male white-crowned sparrows in the area took advantage of the newfound quiet by singing softer and `` sexier '' songs .
Interested in the effects of the lockdown conditions on wildlife , a group of scientists decided to leave their apartments to record sparrow vocalizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recordings revealed the dramatic drop-off in noise pollution .
Suddenly , San Francisco was as quiet as rural Marin County .
`` The rush-hour roar was more like a gentle , sporadic purr , '' Jennifer Phillips , a researcher at California Polytechnic State University , said in a news release .
`` Usually , the Presidio is full of visiting tourists coming to see the Golden Gate Bridge , often in large groups .
This season , only a few local individuals or couples were out for morning walks or bike rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the research team compared their recordings to field recordings collected from the same areas between 2012 and 2020 , they found the birds ' songs had quieted but were traveling longer distances .
`` When the birds do n't have to compete with loud background noise , they can essentially sing more quietly but still communicate over greater distances -- approximately twice as far , '' Phillips said .
During lockdown , the songs of male white-crowned sparrows also became sexier , featuring a wider range of notes , or pitches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to females looking for a mate .
`` Our findings illustrate that behavioral traits can change rapidly in response to newly favorable conditions , indicating an inherent resilience to longstanding anthropogenic pressures like noise pollution , '' said study author Elizabeth Derryberry , a professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville .

During lockdown in San Francisco, male white-crowned sparrows started singing quieter, "sexier" songs. Photo by Jennifer Phillips/California Polytechnic State University
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, as California issued lockdown orders and residents mostly stayed home, vehicle traffic in San Francisco and the surrounding area quickly declined -- and with it, noise pollution. Research published Friday in in the journal Science suggests male white-crowned sparrows in the area took advantage of the newfound quiet by singing softer and "sexier" songs. Advertisement
Interested in the effects of the lockdown conditions on wildlife, a group of scientists decided to leave their apartments to record sparrow vocalizations in and around San Francisco. Their recordings revealed the dramatic drop-off in noise pollution. Suddenly, San Francisco was as quiet as rural Marin County.
"The rush-hour roar was more like a gentle, sporadic purr," Jennifer Phillips, a researcher at California Polytechnic State University, said in a news release. "Usually, the Presidio is full of visiting tourists coming to see the Golden Gate Bridge, often in large groups. This season, only a few local individuals or couples were out for morning walks or bike rides. It was quite peaceful."
When the research team compared their recordings to field recordings collected from the same areas between 2012 and 2020, they found the birds' songs had quieted but were traveling longer distances.
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"When the birds don't have to compete with loud background noise, they can essentially sing more quietly but still communicate over greater distances -- approximately twice as far," Phillips said.
During lockdown, the songs of male white-crowned sparrows also became sexier, featuring a wider range of notes, or pitches. Songs with greater variety provide more information to females looking for a mate.
"Our findings illustrate that behavioral traits can change rapidly in response to newly favorable conditions, indicating an inherent resilience to longstanding anthropogenic pressures like noise pollution," said study author Elizabeth Derryberry, a professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.


upi--2020-09-25--In photos: Mourning Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Mourners honor the life and legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died on September 18 @ @ @ @ @ .
She had pancreatic cancer .
Ginsburg will lie in repose at the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Capitol , the first woman to be so honored .
Ginsburg was a @ @ @ @ @ on the high court since 1993 .

Female members of Congress stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol as the flag-draped casket of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is carried by a joint services military honor guard after Ginsburg lied in state at the U.S. Capitol on September 25. Pool Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI


upi--2020-09-25--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Sept. 20, 2020

Los Angeles Dodgers ' Kenley Jansen winds up to deliver against the Oakland Athletics in Los Angeles on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ 's 5-1 to earn their 40th major league victory of the shortened season .
Photo @ @ @

Miami Marlins players celebrate with a team photo on the mound after defeating the New York Yankees 4-3 and clinching a playoff birth in New York City on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-09-25--In photos: This week in the National Football League

This week in the National Football League The National Football League is back in season .
Here 's a look @ @ @ @ @ and other moments on the gridiron for the week of September 20 , 2020 .

The Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff celebrates after a first down in the final minutes of the fourth quarter in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Rams defeated the Eagles 37-19. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-09-25--Ashly Burch, Dana Snyder to star in Disney Channel's 'Molly McGee'

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- Mythic Quest actress Ashly Burch and Aqua Teen Hunger Force alum Dana Snyder are to star in Disney Channel 's animated comedy series , The Ghost and Molly McGee .
`` Spoiler : I 'm Molly McGee and I 'm VERY EXCITED about it , '' Burch tweeted Thursday .
`` So excited to be included in this incredible show !
Another reason 2021 ca n't come soon enough ! ''
Snyder wrote in his own post .
The new cartoon follows `` tween optimist Molly , who lives to make the world a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose job is to spread misery , '' a press release from the cable network said .
`` When one of Scratch 's curses backfires , he finds himself forever bound to Molly . ''
The show 's creators and executive producers are Bill Motz and Bob Roth , who previously worked together on LEGO Star Wars : The Freemaker Adventures .
They -- along with Burch and Snyder -- are slated to discuss The Ghost and Molly McGee during a panel at next month 's virtual New York Comic Con .

Logo courtesy of Disney Channel
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Mythic Quest actress Ashly Burch and Aqua Teen Hunger Force alum Dana Snyder are to star in Disney Channel's animated comedy series, The Ghost and Molly McGee. "Spoiler: I'm Molly McGee and I'm VERY EXCITED about it," Burch tweeted Thursday. Advertisement
"So excited to be included in this incredible show! Another reason 2021 can't come soon enough!" Snyder wrote in his own post.
The new cartoon follows "tween optimist Molly, who lives to make the world a better place, and grumpy ghost Scratch, whose job is to spread misery," a press release from the cable network said. "When one of Scratch's curses backfires, he finds himself forever bound to Molly."
The show's creators and executive producers are Bill Motz and Bob Roth, who previously worked together on LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures.
They -- along with Burch and Snyder -- are slated to discuss The Ghost and Molly McGee during a panel at next month's virtual New York Comic Con.
Come hang with #theghostandmollymcgee gang at NYCC!! Shameless plug for my first time moderating a panel! pic.twitter.com/gfztYnnGhb— Doug Bensimon (@NashRiskin) September 24, 2020 Advertisement


upi--2020-09-25--Votes cast in November will shape Congress through 2030

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- When voters cast their ballots in November , they wo n't just decide who will be president in 2021 -- they will also have a voice in determining the partisan makeup of Congress until 2030 .
Following each census , which happens every 10 years , states are required to adjust their congressional district boundaries to keep district populations equal .
District boundaries can profoundly shape election results -- most notably when they are drawn in ways that benefit one political party or the other .
In the 2011 redistricting after the 2010 census @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislature drew up districts that significantly disadvantaged Democrats .
In the state 's 2012 congressional elections , Democrats won a majority of the votes , but Republicans won two-thirds of the state 's 18 seats in Congress .
Our research has found that similarly biased redistricting -- called partisan gerrymandering -- is common across the country .
Most states give the power to draw new boundaries to their legislatures .
So when voters in November pick among the candidates for state legislatures , they are choosing the people who will make the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election will potentially affect the balance of power and the degree of partisan conflict in the House of Representatives for the next decade .
In drawing new boundaries , state legislators usually have very few constraints .
The U.S. Constitution requires that each congressional district should represent a roughly equal number of people -- except in states with too few people to have multiple districts -- Alaska , Delaware , Montana , North Dakota , South Dakota , Vermont and Wyoming .
They all get at least one representative in Congress .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own rules .
So it 's not surprising that congressional district lines tend to unfairly advantage the party whose members are a majority of the group drawing the lines .
In the seven small , single-district states and the District of Columbia , this is n't a problem because the state boundaries are also those of the congressional district .
In five others -- Hawaii , Idaho , Maine , New Hampshire and Rhode Island -- there are only enough people to warrant two congressional districts , making it statistically impossible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But of the remaining 38 states , our analysis found that 22 created gerrymandered districts that benefited one party or the other .
Other political scientists have come to similar conclusions after their own analyses .
This is true despite the natural , non-gerrymandered tendency for like-minded people , especially Democrats , to live near each other .
Most of the partisan gerrymandering created after the 2010 census benefited the Republican Party .
That is because Republicans won control of many state legislatures in the 2010 elections and then delivered congressional districts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisan gerrymandering was so high after the 2010 round of redistricting , particularly in seven states -- Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Wisconsin , Virginia and Florida -- that the 2012 elections produced a House of Representatives controlled by the Republican Party even though Democratic congressional candidates won more votes nationwide .
The 2020 state legislative elections will be similarly decisive of who will control the redistricting process , and what congressional elections will look like for the next decade .
There are efforts to fix the redistricting process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively barred federal courts from considering whether partisan gerrymanders are constitutional , so reformers must look elsewhere for a solution .
Reform movements are working to take control of district boundaries out of the hands of legislators .
Several states have pioneered ways to draw their congressional boundaries more fairly .
In New York , for instance , there is a commission that will advise lawmakers on potential maps that avoid partisan advantages .
In Arizona and California , independent commissions have complete control over the district boundaries .
In New Jersey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and political appointees draw the boundaries .
And in three states -- Connecticut , Indiana and Ohio -- the legislature gets a first attempt to draw the boundaries , but must relinquish power to an independent commission if lawmakers ca n't agree .
In some states , citizens have created independent redistricting commissions by popular referendum -- through ballot propositions or initiatives -- when legislators did n't want to strip themselves of this key power .
Colorado , Michigan and Utah all did this in 2018 .
Voters in Virginia will be given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand redistricting authority over to an independent commission .
Our research and others ' has found that commissions of all types tend to produce maps that are less biased than legislative ones .
However , redistricting reforms in some states are now facing a backlash from state lawmakers who are attempting to reclaim power over the redistricting process through legislation , lawsuits or ballot measures of their own .
In presidential election years , the public is obviously focused on the race for the White House , but the decisions voters make in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress for years to come .
Without changes in who draws district lines , the United States is likely to enter another decade in which congressional elections are shaped not by everyday voters but by those who hold the power .
Robin Best is an associate professor of political science at Binghamton University , State University of New York .
Steve Lem is a professor of political cience and public administration at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the @ @ @

The 2020 state legislative elections will be decisive of who will control the redistricting process and what congressional elections will look like for the next decade. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- When voters cast their ballots in November, they won't just decide who will be president in 2021 -- they will also have a voice in determining the partisan makeup of Congress until 2030. Following each census, which happens every 10 years, states are required to adjust their congressional district boundaries to keep district populations equal. District boundaries can profoundly shape election results -- most notably when they are drawn in ways that benefit one political party or the other. Advertisement
In the 2011 redistricting after the 2010 census, for example, Pennsylvania's Republican-led legislature drew up districts that significantly disadvantaged Democrats. In the state's 2012 congressional elections, Democrats won a majority of the votes, but Republicans won two-thirds of the state's 18 seats in Congress. Our research has found that similarly biased redistricting -- called partisan gerrymandering -- is common across the country.
Advertisement
Most states give the power to draw new boundaries to their legislatures. So when voters in November pick among the candidates for state legislatures, they are choosing the people who will make the new electoral maps. That means the 2020 election will potentially affect the balance of power and the degree of partisan conflict in the House of Representatives for the next decade.
Biased lines
In drawing new boundaries, state legislators usually have very few constraints. The U.S. Constitution requires that each congressional district should represent a roughly equal number of people -- except in states with too few people to have multiple districts -- Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. They all get at least one representative in Congress.
But other than that, state lawmakers make their own rules. So it's not surprising that congressional district lines tend to unfairly advantage the party whose members are a majority of the group drawing the lines.
In the seven small, single-district states and the District of Columbia, this isn't a problem because the state boundaries are also those of the congressional district. In five others -- Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island -- there are only enough people to warrant two congressional districts, making it statistically impossible to manipulate district boundaries to advantage one party.
Advertisement
But of the remaining 38 states, our analysis found that 22 created gerrymandered districts that benefited one party or the other. Other political scientists have come to similar conclusions after their own analyses. This is true despite the natural, non-gerrymandered tendency for like-minded people, especially Democrats, to live near each other.
Most of the partisan gerrymandering created after the 2010 census benefited the Republican Party. That is because Republicans won control of many state legislatures in the 2010 elections and then delivered congressional districts in their favor.
The bias from partisan gerrymandering was so high after the 2010 round of redistricting, particularly in seven states -- Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Virginia and Florida -- that the 2012 elections produced a House of Representatives controlled by the Republican Party even though Democratic congressional candidates won more votes nationwide.
The 2020 state legislative elections will be similarly decisive of who will control the redistricting process, and what congressional elections will look like for the next decade.
Reforming the process
There are efforts to fix the redistricting process. In 2019, the Supreme Court effectively barred federal courts from considering whether partisan gerrymanders are constitutional, so reformers must look elsewhere for a solution.
Advertisement
Reform movements are working to take control of district boundaries out of the hands of legislators.
Several states have pioneered ways to draw their congressional boundaries more fairly. In New York, for instance, there is a commission that will advise lawmakers on potential maps that avoid partisan advantages. In Arizona and California, independent commissions have complete control over the district boundaries.
In New Jersey and Hawaii, commissions made up of politicians and political appointees draw the boundaries. And in three states -- Connecticut, Indiana and Ohio -- the legislature gets a first attempt to draw the boundaries, but must relinquish power to an independent commission if lawmakers can't agree.
In some states, citizens have created independent redistricting commissions by popular referendum -- through ballot propositions or initiatives -- when legislators didn't want to strip themselves of this key power. Colorado, Michigan and Utah all did this in 2018. Voters in Virginia will be given an option in the 2020 election to hand redistricting authority over to an independent commission.
Our research and others' has found that commissions of all types tend to produce maps that are less biased than legislative ones. However, redistricting reforms in some states are now facing a backlash from state lawmakers who are attempting to reclaim power over the redistricting process through legislation, lawsuits or ballot measures of their own.
Advertisement
In presidential election years, the public is obviously focused on the race for the White House, but the decisions voters make in state legislative races affect the partisan composition of Congress for years to come. Without changes in who draws district lines, the United States is likely to enter another decade in which congressional elections are shaped not by everyday voters but by those who hold the power.
Robin Best is an associate professor of political science at Binghamton University, State University of New York. Steve Lem is a professor of political cience and public administration at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-09-25--Fantasy football: Kyler Murray tops Week 3 quarterback rankings

Russell Wilson , Lamar Jackson , Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers round out my Top 5 options for Week 3 .
Tom Brady , Ryan Tannehill , Dak Prescott , Josh Allen and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10 .
I also would consider starting Baker Mayfield this week in a great matchup against the Washington Football Team .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's top 20 quarterback rankings : Kyler Murray has been one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He should continue that trend in Week 3 when his Arizona Cardinals host the Detroit Lions , a unit that allowed three touchdown passes from Mitchell Trubisky in Week 1 and two scores from Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 .
Murray is my No .
1 quarterback for Week 3 .
I expect the Cardinals quarterback to post at least 70 rushing yards and throw multiple touchdown passes against the Lions Sunday in Glendale , Ariz. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is my No .
3 quarterback for Week 3 .
Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will be on the prime time stage this week for a Monday Night Football matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs .
I expect Jackson to rise to the occasion and throw for at least 250 yards and two scores .
He also should produce on the ground and should post an elite QB1 performance Monday in Baltimore .
Tom Brady has not been a Top 10 fantasy football quarterback so far in 2020 , but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has just started to click .
Brady played without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , but still posted 200-plus passing yards and a touchdown and led his team to a win .
I expect the veteran quarterback to return to the Top 10 in Week 3 when the Buccaneers battle the Denver Broncos .
The Broncos offense took huge hits with injuries to starting quarterback Drew Lock and wide receiver Courtland Sutton in Week 2 .
Denver should struggle to keep its offense on the field in Week 3 , which will give Brady a lot of time on the field to produce fantasy points against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Buccaneers lineup this week and should give Brady a boost .
I have Brady at No .
6 in my Week 3 rankings .
I expect at least 250 passing yards and three scores from the future Hall of Famer .
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is my No .
10 option this week .
Roethlisberger has been a low-end QB1 in deeper leagues so far in 2020 .
He should improve his season-long position with a solid Week 3 showing against the Houston Texans .
The Texans limited Lamar Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble matching up with the Steelers in this game .
I expect at least 250 passing yards and two scores from Roethlisberger Sunday in Pittsburgh .
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has struggled through two weeks , but also could be in for a big game when the Browns host the Washington Football Team Sunday in Cleveland .
Washington has n't been terrible on defense so far in 2020 , but is going into its second consecutive road matchup and the Browns have just started to gel .
Washington 's primary focus likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , which should open up space for Mayfield .
The Browns quarterback is my No .
17 option this week , but I would n't start him unless you are desperate at the position .

1/3
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw a touchdown pass and ran for two scores last week and is my No. 1 fantasy football quarterback for Week 3. File Photo by Bruce Gordon/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Kyler Murray tops my Week 3 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2020. Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers round out my Top 5 options for Week 3. Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10. Advertisement
I also would consider starting Baker Mayfield this week in a great matchup against the Washington Football Team. Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's top 20 quarterback rankings:
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TOP SHELF
Kyler Murray has been one of the top fantasy football quarterbacks in 2020. He should continue that trend in Week 3 when his Arizona Cardinals host the Detroit Lions, a unit that allowed three touchdown passes from Mitchell Trubisky in Week 1 and two scores from Aaron Rodgers in Week 2.
Murray is my No. 1 quarterback for Week 3. I expect the Cardinals quarterback to post at least 70 rushing yards and throw multiple touchdown passes against the Lions Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is my No. 3 quarterback for Week 3. Jackson had a quiet Week 2 performance, but will be on the prime time stage this week for a Monday Night Football matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
I expect Jackson to rise to the occasion and throw for at least 250 yards and two scores. He also should produce on the ground and should post an elite QB1 performance Monday in Baltimore.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Tom Brady has not been a Top 10 fantasy football quarterback so far in 2020, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has just started to click. Brady played without star wide receiver Chris Godwin in Week 2, but still posted 200-plus passing yards and a touchdown and led his team to a win.
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I expect the veteran quarterback to return to the Top 10 in Week 3 when the Buccaneers battle the Denver Broncos. The Broncos offense took huge hits with injuries to starting quarterback Drew Lock and wide receiver Courtland Sutton in Week 2.
Denver should struggle to keep its offense on the field in Week 3, which will give Brady a lot of time on the field to produce fantasy points against tired defenders.
Godwin also will return to the Buccaneers lineup this week and should give Brady a boost. I have Brady at No. 6 in my Week 3 rankings. I expect at least 250 passing yards and three scores from the future Hall of Famer.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is my No. 10 option this week. Roethlisberger has been a low-end QB1 in deeper leagues so far in 2020. He should improve his season-long position with a solid Week 3 showing against the Houston Texans.
The Texans limited Lamar Jackson in Week 2, but could have trouble matching up with the Steelers in this game. I expect at least 250 passing yards and two scores from Roethlisberger Sunday in Pittsburgh.
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LONGSHOTS
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has struggled through two weeks, but also could be in for a big game when the Browns host the Washington Football Team Sunday in Cleveland. Washington hasn't been terrible on defense so far in 2020, but is going into its second consecutive road matchup and the Browns have just started to gel.
Washington's primary focus likely will be to stop the Browns running game, which should open up space for Mayfield. The Browns quarterback is my No. 17 option this week, but I wouldn't start him unless you are desperate at the position.
Week 3 fantasy football quarterback rankings
1. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals vs. DET
2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. DAL
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens vs. KC
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs at BAL
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers at NO
6. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DEN
7. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans at MIN
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys at SEA
9. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills vs. LAR
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. HOU
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11. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. GB
12. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. CHI
13. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. CIN
14. Cam Newton, New England Patriots vs. LV
15. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans at PIT
16. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams at BUF
17. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns vs. WAS
18. Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts vs. NYJ
19. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings vs. TEN
20. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals at PHI
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-09-25--At least 2 stabbed in Paris near site of 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- French police arrested a man Friday after they say he stabbed at least two people outside the former offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo , which was the scene of a deadly terrorist attack five years ago .
Police said the attack occurred outside the office building in eastern Paris .
Both victims were in critical condition , officials said , but their wounds are not believed to be life-threatening .
Police initially thought there were multiple suspects , but ultimately said the man they arrested near Bastille Plaza was the lone assailant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work at a video production company that uses the office building where Charlie Hebdo was formerly located .
Police said they also found a suspicious package , but determined it was n't related to the stabbing attack .
Seventeen people were killed in the Jan. 7 , 2015 , attack after the newspaper published a political cartoon that was critical of the Islamic prophet Mohammed .
The new attack came as a trial is underway in Paris for 14 suspects accused in the 2015 plot .
They face terror-related charges of aiding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chérif Kouachi and accomplice Amedy Coulibaly .

French police are seen Friday on Rue Nicolas Appert near the former offices of Charlie Hebdo, in Paris, France, where at least two people were stabbed. Photo by Ian Langsdon/EPA-EFE
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- French police arrested a man Friday after they say he stabbed at least two people outside the former offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, which was the scene of a deadly terrorist attack five years ago. Police said the attack occurred outside the office building in eastern Paris. Both victims were in critical condition, officials said, but their wounds are not believed to be life-threatening. Advertisement
Police initially thought there were multiple suspects, but ultimately said the man they arrested near Bastille Plaza was the lone assailant.
Both of the injured are believed to work at a video production company that uses the office building where Charlie Hebdo was formerly located.
Police said they also found a suspicious package, but determined it wasn't related to the stabbing attack.
Seventeen people were killed in the Jan. 7, 2015, attack after the newspaper published a political cartoon that was critical of the Islamic prophet Mohammed.
The new attack came as a trial is underway in Paris for 14 suspects accused in the 2015 plot. They face terror-related charges of aiding the attack's chief perpetrators -- brothers Said and Chérif Kouachi and accomplice Amedy Coulibaly.
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upi--2020-09-25--Fantasy football: Cook, Kamara top Week 3 running back rankings

Sept. 22 ( UPI ) -- Dalvin Cook , Alvin Kamara , Aaron Jones , Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake top my Week 3 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Derrick Henry , Ezekiel Elliott , Austin Ekeler , James Conner and Chris Carson round out my Top 10 options for Week 3 .
Miles Sanders , Melvin Gordon and DeAndre Swift also are among my other favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley should be removed from all lineups after they each sustained Week 2 injuries .
Fantasy football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other running backs who were banged up in Week 2 .
Those injuries have led to increased relevance for former backup ball carriers who could help your team immediately .
If you had one of the injured running backs and need a replacement , try to target a player who will get a lot of carriers , targets in the passing game or goal line work and has a good Week 3 matchup .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position .
Aaron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any fantasy football player in Week 2 after he posted 236 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 22 touches in a win over the Detroit Lions .
The Green Bay Packers running back also had a touchdown in Week 1 and is one of the best fantasy football players so far this year .
Jones is my No .
3 running back this week for when the Packers battle the New Orleans Saints , a unit that just allowed a big game to Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake was drafted to be an RB1 , but has yet to produce like an elite option .
I expect his breakout game to come in Week 3 when the Cardinals battle the Detroit Lions defense that Aaron Jones just torched .
Drake is my No .
5 option for Week 3 .
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has also somewhat underwhelmed his fantasy football owners so far in 2020 , but should have a huge performance in Week 3 .
The Chargers battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit that just allowed 103 yards and two scores to Leonard Fournette and a receiving score to Ronald Jones .
I expect Ekeler to explode and be a Top 10 running back in Week 3 .
He is my No .
8 option this week .
Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders has a Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals , a defense that has allowed a league-high 358 rushing yards through two weeks .
Sanders should be a huge part of the Eagles game plan this week and is my No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is a great candidate for your RB2 or flex spot .
I expect Sanders to post at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week 3 .
Detroit Lions rookie DeAndre Swift might be in a crowded backfield , but I like his chances to breakout in Week 3 .
The Lions battle the Arizona Cardinals this week , a unit that has struggled so far to defend dynamic playmakers like Swift .
The Lions have slowly increased Swift 's workload through the first two weeks and should add to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score from the rookie in this matchup .
Swift is my No .
18 option at the position .
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon is my No .
20 option at the position in Week 3 .
I expect the RB2 to have a huge game against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has been scorched by opposing running backs so far this season .
Gordon has back-to-back games with at least 80 yards from scrimmage to start his 2020 campaign and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is a Top 10 option in my Week 3 running back rankings. Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake top my Week 3 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott, Austin Ekeler, James Conner and Chris Carson round out my Top 10 options for Week 3. Miles Sanders, Melvin Gordon and DeAndre Swift also are among my other favorite starts this week at the running back position. Advertisement
Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley should be removed from all lineups after they each sustained Week 2 injuries. Fantasy football team owners also should monitor the health of other running backs who were banged up in Week 2.
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Those injuries have led to increased relevance for former backup ball carriers who could help your team immediately. If you had one of the injured running backs and need a replacement, try to target a player who will get a lot of carriers, targets in the passing game or goal line work and has a good Week 3 matchup.
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position.
TOP SHELF
Aaron Jones had one of the best weeks for any fantasy football player in Week 2 after he posted 236 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 22 touches in a win over the Detroit Lions. The Green Bay Packers running back also had a touchdown in Week 1 and is one of the best fantasy football players so far this year.
Jones is my No. 3 running back this week for when the Packers battle the New Orleans Saints, a unit that just allowed a big game to Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. Jones is an elite RB1 until further notice.
Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake was drafted to be an RB1, but has yet to produce like an elite option. I expect his breakout game to come in Week 3 when the Cardinals battle the Detroit Lions defense that Aaron Jones just torched.
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Drake is my No. 5 option for Week 3.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has also somewhat underwhelmed his fantasy football owners so far in 2020, but should have a huge performance in Week 3. The Chargers battle the Carolina Panthers this week, a unit that just allowed 103 yards and two scores to Leonard Fournette and a receiving score to Ronald Jones.
I expect Ekeler to explode and be a Top 10 running back in Week 3. He is my No. 8 option this week.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders has a Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, a defense that has allowed a league-high 358 rushing yards through two weeks. Sanders should be a huge part of the Eagles game plan this week and is my No. 17 option at the position.
He is a great candidate for your RB2 or flex spot. I expect Sanders to post at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week 3.
LONGSHOTS
Detroit Lions rookie DeAndre Swift might be in a crowded backfield, but I like his chances to breakout in Week 3. The Lions battle the Arizona Cardinals this week, a unit that has struggled so far to defend dynamic playmakers like Swift.
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The Lions have slowly increased Swift's workload through the first two weeks and should add to it again in Week 3. I expect at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score from the rookie in this matchup. Swift is my No. 18 option at the position.
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon is my No. 20 option at the position in Week 3. I expect the RB2 to have a huge game against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has been scorched by opposing running backs so far this season. Gordon has back-to-back games with at least 80 yards from scrimmage to start his 2020 campaign and should surpass that total in Week 3.
Week 3 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings at TEN
2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. GB
3. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at NO
4. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders at NE
5. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals vs. DET
6. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at MIN
7. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys at SEA
8. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. CAR
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9. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. HOU
10. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. DAL
11. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns vs. WAS
12. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals at PHI
13. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears at ATL
14. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts vs. NYJ
15. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs at BAL
16. Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens vs. KC
17. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles vs. CIN
18. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions at ARI
19. David Johnson, Houston Texans at PIT
20. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos vs. TB
21. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills vs. LAR
22. Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers at NYG
23. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DEN
24. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns vs. WAS
25. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons vs. CHI
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26. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams at BUF
27. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens vs. KC
28. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team at CLE
29. Sony Michel, New England Patriots vs. LV
30. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers vs. CAR
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-09-25--Jason Derulo, Lucy Hale on deck for CBS' 'Greatest #At Home Videos'

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- Singer Jason Derulo , NFL star Rob Gronkowski , actress Lucy Hale and TV @ @ @ @ @ on CBS ' The Greatest # At Home Videos next week .
The episode is @ @ @ @ @ 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT .
`` Awesome thrills , insane skills & # CelebsAtHome @ @ @ @ @ release promised Thursday , noting fans may expect to see famous people showing off `` @ @ @ @ @ skills and four-legged family members . ''
Comedian and The Neighborhood star Cedric the Entertainer @ @ @ @ @ began in May as a special featuring viral home-video moments created while people were social @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It was later expanded into a series .

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Jason Derulo will be seen on next week's edition of "The Greatest #AtHome Videos" next week. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Singer Jason Derulo, NFL star Rob Gronkowski, actress Lucy Hale and TV personality Mario Lopez will appear on CBS' The Greatest #At Home Videos next week. The episode is scheduled to air on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Advertisement
"Awesome thrills, insane skills & #CelebsAtHome," a network press release promised Thursday, noting fans may expect to see famous people showing off "their dance moves, singing skills and four-legged family members."
Comedian and The Neighborhood star Cedric the Entertainer hosts the program, which began in May as a special featuring viral home-video moments created while people were social distancing and sheltering in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It was later expanded into a series.


upi--2020-09-25--Blue Origin scrubs New Shepard rocket launch again in Texas

Sept. 25 ( UPI ) -- Jeff Bezos ' rocket company , Blue Origin , postponed the launch of its reusable New Shepard rocket Friday in Texas with NASA and university experiments on board .
`` We are working to verify a fix on a technical issue and taking an extra look before we fly .
New launch target forthcoming , '' the company announced on Twitter .
Liftoff had been planned for 11 a.m. EDT at the company 's launch facilities about 150 miles east of El Paso .
Launch personnel also postponed an attempt Thursday due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the experiments , '' Blue Origin said .
The launch would be the 13th New Shepard mission and the seventh consecutive flight for the rocket , which is 60 feet tall and emits 110,000 pounds of thrust .
The company one day wants to fly space tourists in a capsule designed for six people as it also develops its larger New Glenn rocket .
The NASA experiment on the rocket , called the Deorbit , Descent , and Landing Sensor Demonstration , includes sensors designed to help locate a safe site on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to NASA and Blue Origin 's mission description .
`` The technologies could allow future missions -- both crewed and robotic -- to target landing sites that were n't possible during the Apollo missions , such as regions with varied terrain near craters , '' the mission description said .
Those sensors require clear skies to function properly , Blue Origin said Thursday .
The company leads the so-called national team in developing a human lander for future moon missions .
The team includes Lockheed Martin , Northrop Grumman and Draper .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted on the exterior of a New Shepard booster rather than inside its capsule , which the company said could open opportunities for other exterior technology , including `` a wide range of future high-altitude sensing , sampling and exposure payloads . ''
At least two plant experiments are in the rocket 's capsule , one of which was designed by researchers at the University of Florida 's Ferl/Paul Space Plants Lab .
Other payloads on board the so-called NS-13 mission include experiments from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California and Colorado-based Space Lab Technologies .

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Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin postponed the launch of its New Shepard rocket, like the one shown here in 2016, from West Texas on Friday morning. Photo courtesy of Blue Origin
Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Jeff Bezos' rocket company, Blue Origin, postponed the launch of its reusable New Shepard rocket Friday in Texas with NASA and university experiments on board. "We are working to verify a fix on a technical issue and taking an extra look before we fly. New launch target forthcoming," the company announced on Twitter. Advertisement
Liftoff had been planned for 11 a.m. EDT at the company's launch facilities about 150 miles east of El Paso.
Launch personnel also postponed an attempt Thursday due to a "potential issue with the power supply to the experiments," Blue Origin said.
The launch would be the 13th New Shepard mission and the seventh consecutive flight for the rocket, which is 60 feet tall and emits 110,000 pounds of thrust. The company one day wants to fly space tourists in a capsule designed for six people as it also develops its larger New Glenn rocket.
The NASA experiment on the rocket, called the Deorbit, Descent, and Landing Sensor Demonstration, includes sensors designed to help locate a safe site on the moon for upcoming landings, according to NASA and Blue Origin's mission description.
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"The technologies could allow future missions -- both crewed and robotic -- to target landing sites that weren't possible during the Apollo missions, such as regions with varied terrain near craters," the mission description said.
Those sensors require clear skies to function properly, Blue Origin said Thursday.
The company leads the so-called national team in developing a human lander for future moon missions. The team includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper.
The sensors are the first payload to fly mounted on the exterior of a New Shepard booster rather than inside its capsule, which the company said could open opportunities for other exterior technology, including "a wide range of future high-altitude sensing, sampling and exposure payloads."
At least two plant experiments are in the rocket's capsule, one of which was designed by researchers at the University of Florida's Ferl/Paul Space Plants Lab.
Other payloads on board the so-called NS-13 mission include experiments from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California and Colorado-based Space Lab Technologies.