upi--2020-08-31--House says Coronavirus Task Force reports contradict administration statements

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The House on Monday released eight weekly reports from the White House Coronavirus Task Force , which it said contradicted public statements from the Trump administration .
Rep. James Clyburn , chairman of the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis , released the state reports compiled by the task force that previously were released only to the governors of the respective states .
In a statement , Clyburn said the reports `` directly contradict the administration 's rosy public statements downplaying the threat of the virus . ''
`` The Task Force reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known since June that coronavirus cases were surging across the country and many states were becoming dangerous 'red zones ' where the virus was spreading fast , '' he said .
The reports were released to states from June 23 to Aug. 9 and detail the rates of new cases in states , as well as other data related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
A report issued June 23 said that seven states were in a `` red zone , '' indicating more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population and/or test positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found that cases were up 70 % in Arizona , 72 % in Texas , 87 % in Florida , 93 % in Oklahoma and 134 % in Idaho .
The subcommittee 's statement noted that Vice President Mike Pence had written in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that `` panic '' over rising COVID-19 infections was `` overblown . ''
In the most recent report from Aug. 9 , the task force found that 48 states and Washington , D.C. , were either in a red zone or a yellow zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases per 100,000 population and/or test positivity between 5 % and 10 % -- and warned that cases in Indiana continued at `` a high plateau . ''
The subcommittee noted that President Donald Trump tweeted : `` Cases up because of BIG Testing !
Much of our Country is doing very well .
Open the Schools ! ''
It also stated that states including Florida , Georgia , Tennessee and Oklahoma failed to comply with key task force recommendations , despite acknowledging receiving the task force 's reports and recommendations .
White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subcommittee 's decision to release the reports in a statement to CNN .
`` In the midst of an ongoing pandemic , some members of Congress have chosen to irresponsibly issue a partisan report completely for the purpose of falsely distorting the president 's record to protect the health and safety of the American people and save millions of lives , '' Deere said .

The House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis on Monday released eight weekly reports from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, saying they contradict public statements made by the Trump administration. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The House on Monday released eight weekly reports from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which it said contradicted public statements from the Trump administration. Rep. James Clyburn, chairman of the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis, released the state reports compiled by the task force that previously were released only to the governors of the respective states. Advertisement
In a statement, Clyburn said the reports "directly contradict the administration's rosy public statements downplaying the threat of the virus."
"The Task Force reports released today show the White House has known since June that coronavirus cases were surging across the country and many states were becoming dangerous 'red zones' where the virus was spreading fast," he said.
The reports were released to states from June 23 to Aug. 9 and detail the rates of new cases in states, as well as other data related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A report issued June 23 said that seven states were in a "red zone," indicating more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population and/or test positivity above 10%. The task force also found that cases were up 70% in Arizona, 72% in Texas, 87% in Florida, 93% in Oklahoma and 134% in Idaho.
Advertisement
The subcommittee's statement noted that Vice President Mike Pence had written in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that "panic" over rising COVID-19 infections was "overblown."
In the most recent report from Aug. 9, the task force found that 48 states and Washington, D.C., were either in a red zone or a yellow zone -- indicating between 10 and 100 new cases per 100,000 population and/or test positivity between 5% and 10% -- and warned that cases in Indiana continued at "a high plateau."
The subcommittee noted that President Donald Trump tweeted: "Cases up because of BIG Testing! Much of our Country is doing very well. Open the Schools!"
It also stated that states including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma failed to comply with key task force recommendations, despite acknowledging receiving the task force's reports and recommendations.
White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere criticized the subcommittee's decision to release the reports in a statement to CNN.
"In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, some members of Congress have chosen to irresponsibly issue a partisan report completely for the purpose of falsely distorting the president's record to protect the health and safety of the American people and save millions of lives," Deere said.


upi--2020-08-31--CDC: Nearly 30% of health workers with COVID-19 didn't know they had it

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- Up to 6 % of the staff caring for patients with COVID-19 at 13 hospitals across the country tested positive for the virus -- but nearly 30 % of them were asymptomatic -- according to a report released Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Researchers say the doctors , nurses and physicians assistants who remained asymptomatic may have spread the infection unknowingly to patients and coworkers .
Based on these findings , enhanced screening in hospitals -- including frequent testing of front-line health workers and universal use of face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE -- can help reduce spread of the disease , the report 's authors said .
`` [ Our ] study resulted in the identification of two factors potentially associated with [ COVID-19 ] infection among healthcare personnel : PPE shortages and interacting with patients without wearing a face covering , '' the CDC researchers wrote .
`` Universal masking has been associated with a significantly lower rate of infection among healthcare personnel , '' they said .
The report 's findings are based on an analysis of 3,248 healthcare workers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood tests for COVID-19 antibodies -- immune cells that help the body fight off viruses -- between April 3 and June 19 .
Nearly 200 of the workers were found to have antibodies for the virus , meaning they had been infected sometime after it first came to the United States in early February .
Of the hospitals , Montefiore Medical Center in New York City had the highest percentage of staff members with COVID-19 antibodies at 31 % , while Ohio State University 's Wexner Medical Center had the lowest , less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City was the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States in March , April and May .
Among those who tested positive , 29 % reported never having symptoms of COVID-19 and 69 % said they were not diagnosed with the disease , the researchers said .
They found that the prevalence of virus antibodies was higher , at 9 % , among staff who reported not always wearing a wearing a face covering -- either a surgical mask , N95 respirator or powered air purifying respirator .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 are at risk for exposure and infection during patient care-related activities and once infected can spread the virus , '' the CDC researchers wrote .
`` Understanding the frequency of infection among front-line [ workers ] ... is important for planning effective strategies for minimizing spread in healthcare settings . ''

In a study of hospitals, researchers found that nearly 30% of healthcare workers with COVID-19 were asymptomatic -- and could have spread the virus without knowing it. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Up to 6% of the staff caring for patients with COVID-19 at 13 hospitals across the country tested positive for the virus -- but nearly 30% of them were asymptomatic -- according to a report released Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers say the doctors, nurses and physicians assistants who remained asymptomatic may have spread the infection unknowingly to patients and coworkers. Advertisement
Based on these findings, enhanced screening in hospitals -- including frequent testing of front-line health workers and universal use of face coverings and personal protective equipment, or PPE -- can help reduce spread of the disease, the report's authors said.
"[Our] study resulted in the identification of two factors potentially associated with [COVID-19] infection among healthcare personnel: PPE shortages and interacting with patients without wearing a face covering," the CDC researchers wrote.
"Universal masking has been associated with a significantly lower rate of infection among healthcare personnel," they said.
The report's findings are based on an analysis of 3,248 healthcare workers at the 13 hospitals, all of whom underwent blood tests for COVID-19 antibodies -- immune cells that help the body fight off viruses -- between April 3 and June 19.
Advertisement
Nearly 200 of the workers were found to have antibodies for the virus, meaning they had been infected sometime after it first came to the United States in early February.
Of the hospitals, Montefiore Medical Center in New York City had the highest percentage of staff members with COVID-19 antibodies at 31%, while Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center had the lowest, less than 1%, researchers said.
New York City was the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States in March, April and May.
Among those who tested positive, 29% reported never having symptoms of COVID-19 and 69% said they were not diagnosed with the disease, the researchers said.
They found that the prevalence of virus antibodies was higher, at 9%, among staff who reported not always wearing a wearing a face covering -- either a surgical mask, N95 respirator or powered air purifying respirator.
"Healthcare personnel who care for patients with COVID-19 are at risk for exposure and infection during patient care-related activities and once infected can spread the virus," the CDC researchers wrote.
"Understanding the frequency of infection among front-line [workers] ... is important for planning effective strategies for minimizing spread in healthcare settings."


upi--2020-08-31--Dow, S&P 500 record best August since 1984; stock splits push Nasdaq higher

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S & P 500 recorded their best August gains in more than 30 years , despite both falling to end the month on Monday .
The Dow ended Monday down 223.82 points or 0.78 % but ended the month up 7.6 % overall while the S & P 500 fell 0.22 % on the day but gained 7.2 % on the month as both indexes recorded their best August since 1984 .
The S & P 500 was also on pace to rise for five consecutive months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1950 , according to data from Suntrust/Trust Advisory .
`` However it is notable that after such strong monthly winning streaks , near-term stock returns tend to moderate as one would expect , '' Suntrust/Trust Advisory 's chief marketing strategist , Keith Lerner , said .
The Nasdaq Composite , however , rose 0.68 % on Monday boosted by Apple 's and Tesla 's market cap splits taking effect .
Tesla stock surged 12.57 % after a 5-for-1 split and Apple stock increased 3.39 % after a 4-for-1 split .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think speaks to a broader appetite for tech stocks , `` Wedbush Securities equity analyst Dan Ives told The Hill .
`` This is a trend we expect from more tech companies as the strong have gotten stronger during this COVID pandemic . ''
Monday also marked the debut of three stocks on the Dow as Salesforce stock rose 0.78 % , Amgen grew 0.079 % and Honeywell stock fell 1.72 % .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 bost recorded their best August in 30 years, while stock splits by Apple and Tesla pushed the Nasdaq Composite higher. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 recorded their best August gains in more than 30 years, despite both falling to end the month on Monday. The Dow ended Monday down 223.82 points or 0.78% but ended the month up 7.6% overall its best August since 1984 while the S&P 500 fell 0.22% on the day but gained 7.2% on the month, its best August since 1986. Advertisement
The S&P 500 was also on pace to rise for five consecutive months, which has only happened 26 times since 1950, according to data from Suntrust/Trust Advisory.
"However it is notable that after such strong monthly winning streaks, near-term stock returns tend to moderate as one would expect," Suntrust/Trust Advisory's chief marketing strategist, Keith Lerner, said.
The Nasdaq Composite, however, rose 0.68% on Monday boosted by Apple's and Tesla's market cap splits taking effect.
Tesla stock surged 12.57% after a 5-for-1 split and Apple stock increased 3.39% after a 4-for-1 split.
"The reactions of these stocks that split I think speaks to a broader appetite for tech stocks, "Wedbush Securities equity analyst Dan Ives told The Hill. "This is a trend we expect from more tech companies as the strong have gotten stronger during this COVID pandemic."
Advertisement
Monday also marked the debut of three stocks on the Dow as Salesforce stock rose 0.78%, Amgen grew 0.079% and Honeywell stock fell 1.72%.


upi--2020-08-31--D.C. Circuit Court ruling weakens House subpoena power

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The power of U.S. House investigative committees to demand in-person testimony during hearings was weakened Monday when a District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel ruled 2 to 1 that the lawmakers have no authority to issue subpoenas without first passing a law permitting it .
Advisers to President Donald Trump have ignored legal summonses by House lawmakers , including a subpoena to Trump 's private attorney and former White House Counsel Don McGahn .
McGahn defied a subpoena to testify in May 2019 about possible obstruction of justice in the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The panel on Monday said Congress has passed no statute permitting the House to issue subpoenas for congressional hearings , and must pass a new law before courts can enforce legal demands to appear .
`` Because the Committee lacks a cause of action to enforce its subpoena , this lawsuit must be dismissed , '' the ruling said .
Lawmakers must `` first [ enact ] a statute authorizing such a suit , '' the court said .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , criticized the ruling in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this wrong-headed Court of Appeals panel ruling threatens to strike a grave blow to one of the most fundamental Constitutional roles of the Congress : to conduct oversight on behalf of the American people , including by issuing our lawful and legitimate subpoenas , '' Pelosi wrote .
`` In the past , both Republicans and Democrats have successfully sought to enforce House subpoenas in court , '' Pelosi added .
Members of the Democratic House leadership sued in federal court to enforce McGhan 's testimony .
House leaders also sued Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contempt for his alleged `` transparently political misuse of department resources , '' when Pompeo recorded a Republican National Convention speech from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem .
No State Department resources were used in the video , the department told The Washington Post .
Pompeo also refused to answer subpoenas to cooperate with the House impeachment hearing against President Trump .
House leaders have issued other subpoenas for testimony and met with resistance from the White House over the State Department 's firing of inspectors general and Trumps personal financial records .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional power to command attendance at hearings will throw the balance of power to the executive branch .
The House Judiciary Committee told D.C .
Circuit judges in the brief that watering down subpoena power would , `` effectively eliminate Congressional oversight as we know it . ''
The House leaders are expected to ask the nine-judge full bench appeals court to consider the question , and it may reach the U.S. Supreme Court .

Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
| License Photo A District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-to-1 Monday that the courts cannot enforce subpoenas to testify in the U.S. House probe where former White House lawyer Don McGahn was a no-show in May 2019. File
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The power of U.S. House investigative committees to demand in-person testimony during hearings was weakened Monday when a District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel ruled 2 to 1 that the lawmakers have no authority to issue subpoenas without first passing a law permitting it. Advisers to President Donald Trump have ignored legal summonses by House lawmakers, including a subpoena to Trump's private attorney and former White House Counsel Don McGahn. McGahn defied a subpoena to testify in May 2019 about possible obstruction of justice in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Advertisement
The panel on Monday said Congress has passed no statute permitting the House to issue subpoenas for congressional hearings, and must pass a new law before courts can enforce legal demands to appear.
"Because the Committee lacks a cause of action to enforce its subpoena, this lawsuit must be dismissed," the ruling said. Lawmakers must "first [enact] a statute authorizing such a suit," the court said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., criticized the ruling in a statement Monday.
"If allowed to stand, this wrong-headed Court of Appeals panel ruling threatens to strike a grave blow to one of the most fundamental Constitutional roles of the Congress: to conduct oversight on behalf of the American people, including by issuing our lawful and legitimate subpoenas," Pelosi wrote.
Advertisement
"In the past, both Republicans and Democrats have successfully sought to enforce House subpoenas in court," Pelosi added.
Members of the Democratic House leadership sued in federal court to enforce McGhan's testimony.
House leaders also sued Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday for contempt for his alleged "transparently political misuse of department resources," when Pompeo recorded a Republican National Convention speech from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. No State Department resources were used in the video, the department told The Washington Post.
Pompeo also refused to answer subpoenas to cooperate with the House impeachment hearing against President Trump.
House leaders have issued other subpoenas for testimony and met with resistance from the White House over the State Department's firing of inspectors general and Trumps personal financial records.
Critics of the White House say weakening congressional power to command attendance at hearings will throw the balance of power to the executive branch. The House Judiciary Committee told D.C. Circuit judges in the brief that watering down subpoena power would, "effectively eliminate Congressional oversight as we know it."
The House leaders are expected to ask the nine-judge full bench appeals court to consider the question, and it may reach the U.S. Supreme Court.


upi--2020-08-31--New Lebanon Prime Minister named as French President Macron visits Beirut

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The Parliament of Lebanon on Monday named as new prime minister Mustapha Adib , 48 , former ambassador to Germany , as the country moved forward after a massive explosion a month ago in its capital city , Beirut .
After the Aug. 4 blast that killed more than 180 people and injured at least 6,000 , former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and other members of the government resigned in a group as demonstrators filled the street .
Almost 3,000 metric tons of ammonium nitrate owned by a Mozambique firm erupted at the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than six years , causing about $ 15 billion in damage to buildings and displacing thousands of residents .
Adib visited the ruined buildings in the historic neighborhood of Gemmayzeh , among those hardest hit by the blast , and spoke to residents Monday .
`` There are no words to express this frightening scene , '' Adib said .
He said he would begin a reformist government immediately , vowing to `` put the country on track to end the dangerous financial , economic and social drainage . ''
Adib added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country is narrow , and the mission that I accepted is based on all political groups realizing that . ''
Adib 's support came from a majority of parliament members .
The country 's sectarian-based power-sharing system requires that every prime minster must be a Sunni Muslim .
Adib 's government is expected to resume talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $ 10 billion agreement , contingent on the government 's reforms .
The country 's electricity and financial sectors have also been clouded by problems caused by arguments between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Monday and was expected to press parliament members to work together to right the government and provide public services and aid to residents displaced by the crisis .
Lebanon was facing multiple overlapping crises even before the blast , including those of financial , fiscal , political and health , Rana Sukarieh of York University , Canada , wrote Monday .
`` These ongoing challenges have pushed an estimated 55 % of Lebanese citizens into poverty . ''
Sukarieh , volunteering in Beirut , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unequal , '' not reaching residents who are refugees or marginalized groups .
`` All my family was injured .
My apartment is destroyed and the whole building is about to collapse , '' an injured Syrian refugee named Widad told Sukarieh .
`` My husband is still hospitalized .
There is no one to help us because we are poor Syrians .
... A group of well-intentioned people visited us the first few days , offering us sandwiches .
But what would a sandwich do ?
We have nothing .
We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I have not showered in days .
There is no soap , no shampoo , not even clean water .
We are still waiting for these associations that collect money on our behalf .
I am unable to go anywhere with my injuries .
I can not leave my daughters alone at home . ''

The Parliament of Lebanon named Mustafa Adib, 48, former ambassador to Germany, as the new prime minister of the country. File Photo by Jamaleddine/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The Parliament of Lebanon on Monday named as new prime minister Mustapha Adib, 48, former ambassador to Germany, as the country moved forward after a massive explosion a month ago in its capital city, Beirut. After the Aug. 4 blast that killed more than 180 people and injured at least 6,000, former Prime Minister Hassan Diab and other members of the government resigned in a group as demonstrators filled the street. Advertisement
Almost 3,000 metric tons of ammonium nitrate owned by a Mozambique firm erupted at the city's port after being stored unsafely for more than six years, causing about $15 billion in damage to buildings and displacing thousands of residents.
Adib visited the ruined buildings in the historic neighborhood of Gemmayzeh, among those hardest hit by the blast, and spoke to residents Monday.
"There are no words to express this frightening scene," Adib said. He said he would begin a reformist government immediately, vowing to "put the country on track to end the dangerous financial, economic and social drainage."
Adib added: "The opportunity in front of our country is narrow, and the mission that I accepted is based on all political groups realizing that."
Advertisement
Adib's support came from a majority of parliament members. The country's sectarian-based power-sharing system requires that every prime minster must be a Sunni Muslim.
Adib's government is expected to resume talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $10 billion agreement, contingent on the government's reforms. The country's electricity and financial sectors have also been clouded by problems caused by arguments between the parliament's sectarian interest groups.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut on Monday and was expected to press parliament members to work together to right the government and provide public services and aid to residents displaced by the crisis.
Lebanon was facing multiple overlapping crises even before the blast, including those of financial, fiscal, political and health, Rana Sukarieh of York University, Canada, wrote Monday. "These ongoing challenges have pushed an estimated 55% of Lebanese citizens into poverty."
Sukarieh, volunteering in Beirut, said economic aid has been "fragmented and unequal," not reaching residents who are refugees or marginalized groups.
"All my family was injured. My apartment is destroyed and the whole building is about to collapse," an injured Syrian refugee named Widad told Sukarieh.
"My husband is still hospitalized. There is no one to help us because we are poor Syrians. ... A group of well-intentioned people visited us the first few days, offering us sandwiches. But what would a sandwich do? We have nothing. We do not have drinking water nor a toothbrush. I have not showered in days. There is no soap, no shampoo, not even clean water. We are still waiting for these associations that collect money on our behalf. I am unable to go anywhere with my injuries. I cannot leave my daughters alone at home."


upi--2020-08-31--Being a jerk won't get you a promotion, study says

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- According to a new survey of personality traits and career success , being a jerk is n't the secret to climbing the corporate ladder .
For the study , published Monday in the journal PNAS , researchers tracked the career achievements of individuals who participated in a personality survey 14 years earlier .
The results showed `` disagreeable '' participants -- college and graduate school students , at the time of the survey -- were n't more likely to have achieved success than their more agreeable counterparts almost a decade-and-a-half later .
`` Disagreeableness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tendency to behave in quarrelsome , cold , callous and selfish ways , '' lead study author Cameron Anderson told UPI in an email .
`` In short , it involves being a jerk , '' said Anderson , associate professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California , Berkeley .
In news media and popular culture , the amplification of some of the crueler personality traits of successful CEOs , such as Steve Jobs , have lent credence to the idea that `` nice people finish last .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreeable people were not more likely to rise to positions of power within their respective organizations , regardless of the work environment -- whether at a law firm , hedge fund or insurance agency .
`` The main takeaway is that being a jerk -- being nasty , selfish and bullying -- did not help people attain power , '' Anderson said .
`` The most surprising [ finding ] was the consistency of this null effect . ''
`` Being disagreeable did not help people attain power in any context , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them , such as more combative organizational cultures that are competitive and cutthroat , '' he said .
Researchers found that as a personality trait , disagreeableness is quite stable -- jerks today are likely to be jerks tomorrow .
Anderson said personality questionnaires do n't ask people to out themselves as jerks , but they can identify disagreeable personalities by asking survey participants whether they agree or disagree with statements like : `` I am sometimes rude to others '' and `` I start quarrels with others . ''
More disagreeable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am generally trusting '' and `` I am considerate and kind to almost everyone . ''
Previous studies have shown that people identified as disagreeable in personal surveys are , in fact , disagreeable in real life scenarios .
The latest research confirmed the accuracy of personality surveys .
`` We asked their coworkers to rate their behavior and found that , indeed , people who answered questions indicating they were disagreeable behaved like jerks in the eyes of their coworkers , '' Anderson said .
Anderson said he hopes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jerk can help people achieve professional success .
It 's a lesson that 's just as applicable to those in charge of hiring and leadership structures as it is to jobseekers and leadership candidates .
While being a jerk is n't an advantage , all things being equal , plenty of jerks still end up and positions of power .
According to Anderson , that 's a problem , as jerks can do considerable damage to an organization .
`` They abuse those who work for them , create cultures of corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the good of their group , and fail at higher rates as leaders , '' he said .
`` I do n't think organizations understand the damage that jerks can do when they attain power . ''
For every Steve Jobs , there are countless jerks-turned-failed leaders .
`` I would consider agreeableness as a major criteria for leadership and positions of authority , '' Anderson said .
`` Just as organizations care about competence , they should also care about character . ''

New research shows that being rude and abrasive at work doesn't lead to greater success. Photo by StockSnap /Pixabay
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- According to a new survey of personality traits and career success, being a jerk isn't the secret to climbing the corporate ladder. For the study, published Monday in the journal PNAS, researchers tracked the career achievements of individuals who participated in a personality survey 14 years earlier. Advertisement
The results showed "disagreeable" participants -- college and graduate school students, at the time of the survey -- weren't more likely to have achieved success than their more agreeable counterparts almost a decade-and-a-half later.
"Disagreeableness is a personality dimension that involves the tendency to behave in quarrelsome, cold, callous and selfish ways," lead study author Cameron Anderson told UPI in an email.
"In short, it involves being a jerk," said Anderson, associate professor at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
In news media and popular culture, the amplification of some of the crueler personality traits of successful CEOs, such as Steve Jobs, have lent credence to the idea that "nice people finish last."
Advertisement
But Anderson and his colleagues found disagreeable people were not more likely to rise to positions of power within their respective organizations, regardless of the work environment -- whether at a law firm, hedge fund or insurance agency.
"The main takeaway is that being a jerk -- being nasty, selfish and bullying -- did not help people attain power," Anderson said. "The most surprising [finding] was the consistency of this null effect."
"Being disagreeable did not help people attain power in any context, including in organizations where you think it might help them, such as more combative organizational cultures that are competitive and cutthroat," he said.
Researchers found that as a personality trait, disagreeableness is quite stable -- jerks today are likely to be jerks tomorrow.
Anderson said personality questionnaires don't ask people to out themselves as jerks, but they can identify disagreeable personalities by asking survey participants whether they agree or disagree with statements like: "I am sometimes rude to others" and "I start quarrels with others."
More disagreeable people tend to disagree with statements like "I am generally trusting" and "I am considerate and kind to almost everyone."
Previous studies have shown that people identified as disagreeable in personal surveys are, in fact, disagreeable in real life scenarios. The latest research confirmed the accuracy of personality surveys.
Advertisement
"We asked their coworkers to rate their behavior and found that, indeed, people who answered questions indicating they were disagreeable behaved like jerks in the eyes of their coworkers," Anderson said.
Anderson said he hopes the research will dispel the myth that being a jerk can help people achieve professional success. It's a lesson that's just as applicable to those in charge of hiring and leadership structures as it is to jobseekers and leadership candidates.
While being a jerk isn't an advantage, all things being equal, plenty of jerks still end up and positions of power. According to Anderson, that's a problem, as jerks can do considerable damage to an organization.
"They abuse those who work for them, create cultures of corruption, make decisions that benefit themselves over the good of their group, and fail at higher rates as leaders," he said. "I don't think organizations understand the damage that jerks can do when they attain power."
For every Steve Jobs, there are countless jerks-turned-failed leaders.
"I would consider agreeableness as a major criteria for leadership and positions of authority," Anderson said. "Just as organizations care about competence, they should also care about character."


upi--2020-08-31--Will Smith bringing 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' reunion to HBO Max

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- Westbrook Entertainment announced Monday that it would produce a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special for HBO Max .
Cast members Will Smith , Tatyana Ali , Karyn Parsons , Joseph Marcell , Daphne Maxwell Reid , Alfonso Ribeiro and DJ Jazzy Jeff are scheduled to participate .
They will tape the special Sept. 10 and intend to air it close to Thanksgiving .
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran on NBC from 1990-1996 .
Smith was already a popular rap artists with DJ Jazzy Jeff .
The hit sitcom led him to movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Independence Day at the end of the show 's run .
Smith played Will , a boy from Philadelphia whose mother sends him to live with his rich aunt and uncle in Bel-Air , Calif. Smith 's streetwise shenanigans make him a fish out of water and cause a culture clash with stuffy Bel-Air society .
Ribeiro played Will 's preppy cousin Carlton .
Ali and Parsons also played cousins .
Marcell played the family butler Geoffrey .
The late James Avery played Uncle Phil with Parsons with Reid as his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role of Vivian after the first three seasons .
Hubert wrote a tell all book about her negative experiences with Smith on the show .
The show also displayed Smith 's dramatic range in episodes such as one in which Will 's father ( Ben Vereen ) abandons him yet again .
Smith breaks down in Avery 's arms .
Westbrook is Smith 's company with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith , Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada .
HBO Max currently streams the complete Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series .
The streamer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunion when COVID-19 guidelines permit .

Will Smith is reuniting the cast of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" for an HBO Max special. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Westbrook Entertainment announced Monday that it would produce a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special for HBO Max. Cast members Will Smith, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro and DJ Jazzy Jeff are scheduled to participate. They will tape the special Sept. 10 and intend to air it close to Thanksgiving. Advertisement
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran on NBC from 1990-1996. Smith was already a popular rap artists with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The hit sitcom led him to movie roles, including breakout hits Bad Boys and Independence Day at the end of the show's run.
Smith played Will, a boy from Philadelphia whose mother sends him to live with his rich aunt and uncle in Bel-Air, Calif. Smith's streetwise shenanigans make him a fish out of water and cause a culture clash with stuffy Bel-Air society.
Ribeiro played Will's preppy cousin Carlton. Ali and Parsons also played cousins. Marcell played the family butler Geoffrey. The late James Avery played Uncle Phil with Parsons with Reid as his wife Vivian.
Reid replaced Janet Hubert in the role of Vivian after the first three seasons. Hubert wrote a tell all book about her negative experiences with Smith on the show.
Advertisement
The show also displayed Smith's dramatic range in episodes such as one in which Will's father (Ben Vereen) abandons him yet again. Smith breaks down in Avery's arms.
Westbrook is Smith's company with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada. HBO Max currently streams the complete Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series. The streamer is also scheduled to film a Friends reunion when COVID-19 guidelines permit.


upi--2020-08-31--Woman's 'random' lottery numbers pay off after 20 years

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- An Australian woman who has been using the same set of `` random numbers '' to play the lottery for 20 years had her patience pay off with a jackpot totaling more than $ 400,000 .
The Meadowbrook , Queensland , woman told The Lott officials the Saturday Gold Lotto ticket she bought from the IGA Meadowbrook store bore the same set of numbers she has been using for two decades .
`` I 've been playing those particular numbers for about 20 years , '' the woman said .
`` They 're numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think they were just random numbers , I ca n't even remember . ''
The numbers paid off Saturday in the form of a $ 409,465.40 jackpot .
The woman said it 's `` a little early to decide '' what she will do with her winnings , but she is making some plans .
`` I 'll put some aside for the future .
It will definitely help my little family get ahead , '' she said .
`` Maybe I 'll invest some in property , but I 'll definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- An Australian woman who has been using the same set of "random numbers" to play the lottery for 20 years had her patience pay off with a jackpot totaling more than $400,000.
The Meadowbrook, Queensland, woman told The Lott officials the Saturday Gold Lotto ticket she bought from the IGA Meadowbrook store bore the same set of numbers she has been using for two decades.
Advertisement
"I've been playing those particular numbers for about 20 years," the woman said. "They're numbers I chose a long time ago. I think they were just random numbers, I can't even remember."
The numbers paid off Saturday in the form of a $409,465.40 jackpot.
The woman said it's "a little early to decide" what she will do with her winnings, but she is making some plans.
"I'll put some aside for the future. It will definitely help my little family get ahead," she said. "Maybe I'll invest some in property, but I'll definitely be sharing with the family."


upi--2020-08-31--Entrepreneur offers 'ghost ship' tours of moored cruise ships

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- A British man who posted an ad for `` ghost ship '' tours of the empty cruise ships moored in the English Channel said the business has proven unexpectedly popular .
Paul Derham , who worked on cruise ships for 27 years before making the move to running two local ferries in Mudeford , England , said he saw a potential business opportunity in the multiple empty cruise ships moored in the English Channel amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Derham started using his expertise to give 2.5-hour `` ghost ship '' tours , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160 feet to the empty vessels , some of which he worked aboard during his time in the cruise industry .
`` They look spectacular , because even when they 're in the ports of call , like Southampton or wherever , you ca n't get that close to a ship , with a good view , '' Derham told CNN .
Derham said he was surprised to discover how much interest their was in his tours , which quickly became booked solid .
`` I am completely overwhelmed with the attention , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit proud , without being big-headed , that we managed to pull it off . ''
He said some of his passengers have been devoted cruise fans who saw the tour as an opportunity to revisit their previous vacations .
He said one couple had been aboard one of the boats , the Allure of the Seas , earlier this year .
`` As we went past , one of them said , 'Blimey , I can still get their Wi-Fi , ' '' Derham said .

British ferry boat owner Paul Derham, who has 27 years of experience in the cruise industry, put his expertise to use by offering "ghost ship" tours of the cruise ships moored in the English Channel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Cory Lum/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A British man who posted an ad for "ghost ship" tours of the empty cruise ships moored in the English Channel said the business has proven unexpectedly popular. Paul Derham, who worked on cruise ships for 27 years before making the move to running two local ferries in Mudeford, England, said he saw a potential business opportunity in the multiple empty cruise ships moored in the English Channel amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
Derham started using his expertise to give 2.5-hour "ghost ship" tours, in which he takes tourists as close as 160 feet to the empty vessels, some of which he worked aboard during his time in the cruise industry.
"They look spectacular, because even when they're in the ports of call, like Southampton or wherever, you can't get that close to a ship, with a good view," Derham told CNN.
Derham said he was surprised to discover how much interest their was in his tours, which quickly became booked solid.
"I am completely overwhelmed with the attention," Derham said. "And a little bit proud, without being big-headed, that we managed to pull it off."
Advertisement
He said some of his passengers have been devoted cruise fans who saw the tour as an opportunity to revisit their previous vacations. He said one couple had been aboard one of the boats, the Allure of the Seas, earlier this year.
"As we went past, one of them said, 'Blimey, I can still get their Wi-Fi,'" Derham said.


upi--2020-08-31--USS Sioux City deploys for counternarcotics operations

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The USS Sioux City began its initial deployment to support enhanced counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions , the Navy announced .
The Freedom-class littoral combat ship departed Naval Station Mayport , Fla. , its home station , on Sunday to join the U.S. Southern Command , whose current missions encompasses `` operations to reduce the availability of illicit drugs and save lives in the United States and throughout the region , '' a SOUTHCOM statement said .
`` The intent is to reduce the flow of illicit drugs , degrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our partner nations and interagency partners , '' Navy officials said .
The operations of the ship , commissioned in 2018 , will include exercises with partner nations and interoperability with the Navy 's 4th Fleet .
The deployment comes after Defense Secretary Mark Esper directed the U.S. Southern Command in April to conduct an enhanced counternarcotics effort the area .
The program involves 22 nations and 16 federal agencies '' This enabled us to more effectively detect the illicit trafficking of deadly narcotics and to disrupt transnational criminal organizations who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson , SOUTHCOM operations director , said in a briefing on Friday .
`` This enhancement to our operations has allowed us to continue to fight and disrupt the vicious circle of threats that exists in our shared neighborhood , '' Tiongson said .
In addition to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and an MQ-88 unmanned aerial vehicle , the USS Sioux City will carry a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment .
Last week , SOUTHCOM hosted its first South America Defense Conference , a virtual gathering of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic , and law-enforcement-led operations against international criminal organizations .

Information Specialist 1st Class Matthew Stephenson mans the lines as the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City gets underway from Naval Station Mayport. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Juel Foster/U.S. Navy
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The USS Sioux City began its initial deployment to support enhanced counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific regions, the Navy announced. The Freedom-class littoral combat ship departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla., its home station, on Sunday to join the U.S. Southern Command, whose current missions encompasses "operations to reduce the availability of illicit drugs and save lives in the United States and throughout the region," a SOUTHCOM statement said. Advertisement
"The intent is to reduce the flow of illicit drugs, degrade transnational criminal organizations, and increase interoperability with our partner nations and interagency partners," Navy officials said.
The operations of the ship, commissioned in 2018, will include exercises with partner nations and interoperability with the Navy's 4th Fleet.
The deployment comes after Defense Secretary Mark Esper directed the U.S. Southern Command in April to conduct an enhanced counternarcotics effort the area. The program involves 22 nations and 16 federal agencies
"This enabled us to more effectively detect the illicit trafficking of deadly narcotics and to disrupt transnational criminal organizations who are well-financed, well-equipped, and highly adaptable," Rear Adm. Andrew Tiongson, SOUTHCOM operations director, said in a briefing on Friday.
Advertisement
"This enhancement to our operations has allowed us to continue to fight and disrupt the vicious circle of threats that exists in our shared neighborhood," Tiongson said.
In addition to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and an MQ-88 unmanned aerial vehicle, the USS Sioux City will carry a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment.
Last week, SOUTHCOM hosted its first South America Defense Conference, a virtual gathering of defense chiefs from 15 countries to reinforce the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and law-enforcement-led operations against international criminal organizations.


upi--2020-08-31--Harpoon missile firing sinks ship in Hawaiian naval exercise

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- RIMPAC 2020 , a 10-nation naval exercise off the Hawaiian coast ended on Monday after use of Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles to sink a decommissioned ship .
The navies of Australia , Brunei , Canada , France , Japan , South Korea , New Zealand , the Philippines , Singapore , and the United States brought 22 surface vessels , one submarine and about 5,300 personnel to the weeklong exercise .
It was the 27th training opportunity since the Rim of the Pacific event began in 1971 , and this year was an `` at-sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The highlight on Sunday was the sinking of the former amphibious cargo ship USS Durham in an exercise called SINKEX .
After preparation of the ship in accordance with rigorous Environmental Protection Agency regulations , it was sunk in an attack with RGM-84 Harpoon missiles fired by Canadian ships HCMS Regina and HCMS Winnipeg .
The missile is an all-weather , over-the-horizon anti-ship missile in use by most NATO members .
`` With an ever-changing and complex global environment , interoperability with partner nations is essential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Lt. Mike Vanderveer of the HCMS Regina .
`` This engagement not only proves the technical readiness of Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy , but provides an opportunity to focus on the application of force in coordinated kinetic action with partner nations .
`` Shooting a Harpoon missile is a difficult and perishable skill , so any opportunity to plan and execute exercises with combined forces increases our skills , proficiency , and overall capability , '' he added .
SINKEX provides participating units an opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training that could not be duplicated in simulators , a U.S. Pacific Fleet statement on Monday said .
`` Simulation is a critical part of our training but there is nothing better than to conduct live fire training , '' said Royal Australian Navy Capt .
Phillipa Hay , commander , RIMPAC 2020 Task Force One .
`` Sinking exercises are an important way to test our weapons and weapons systems in the most realistic way possible .
It demonstrates as a joint force we are capable of high-end warfare . ''

A decommisioned ship was struck by Harpoon missiles on Sunday during RIMPAC 2020, a 10-nation naval exercise off the Hawaiian Ccoast. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- RIMPAC 2020, a 10-nation naval exercise off the Hawaiian coast ended on Monday after use of Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles to sink a decommissioned ship. The navies of Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States brought 22 surface vessels, one submarine and about 5,300 personnel to the weeklong exercise. It was the 27th training opportunity since the Rim of the Pacific event began in 1971, and this year was an "at-sea construct," minimizing shore-based participation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
The highlight on Sunday was the sinking of the former amphibious cargo ship USS Durham in an exercise called SINKEX. After preparation of the ship in accordance with rigorous Environmental Protection Agency regulations, it was sunk in an attack with RGM-84 Harpoon missiles fired by Canadian ships HCMS Regina and HCMS Winnipeg.
The missile is an all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile in use by most NATO members.
"With an ever-changing and complex global environment, interoperability with partner nations is essential to maintain the rules-based international order," said Lt. Mike Vanderveer of the HCMS Regina. "This engagement not only proves the technical readiness of Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy, but provides an opportunity to focus on the application of force in coordinated kinetic action with partner nations.
Advertisement
"Shooting a Harpoon missile is a difficult and perishable skill, so any opportunity to plan and execute exercises with combined forces increases our skills, proficiency, and overall capability," he added.
SINKEX provides participating units an opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence in their weapons and systems through realistic training that could not be duplicated in simulators, a U.S. Pacific Fleet statement on Monday said.
"Simulation is a critical part of our training but there is nothing better than to conduct live fire training," said Royal Australian Navy Capt. Phillipa Hay, commander, RIMPAC 2020 Task Force One. "Sinking exercises are an important way to test our weapons and weapons systems in the most realistic way possible. It demonstrates as a joint force we are capable of high-end warfare."


upi--2020-08-31--Appeals court rules against rollback of automaker mileage penalties

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled Monday against a Trump administration attempt to roll back penalties for automakers that do n't meet mileage standards .
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had published a final rule on July 26 , 2019 , which reversed an Obama-era increase to the base rate for the fuel economy standards penalty , saying that the meaning of `` civil monetary penalty '' was ambiguous under statute .
The court found Monday that there is `` no ambiguity in the statute '' that requires adjustment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutory purpose of the Improvements Act is to adjust civil monetary penalties to keep pace with inflation , '' the three-judge panel wrote , noting that inflation `` can take the bite out of fines . ''
The decision throws out the 2019 rule .
The 2019 rule had sought to roll back penalties for automakers that are charged for every 10th of a mile per gallon they exceed fuel economy standards from $ 14 for every 10th-mile per gallon , to $ 5.50 .
President Donald Trump 's administration finalized the 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not delay the increase to penalties for automakers that do not meet mileage standards .
`` This is the second time in the last three years that the court has reinstated higher penalties for automakers that the Obama administration issued to comply with NHTSA 's obligation to update the penalty under the Inflation Adjustment Act , '' the Sierra Club statement said .
In March , the Trump administration rolled back other Obama-era fuel emission standards aimed at fighting climate change , saying it would lead to cheaper vehicles .
The rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate average fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks in the model years 2021-26 from 5 % under the Obama administration rule to 1.5 % .
California reached an agreement last summer with some major automakers to raise gas mileage and emissions standards , bypassing the Trump administration 's decision to roll back such standards .

An appeals court Monday threw out a Trump administration rule to roll back fuel economy standards. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled Monday against a Trump administration attempt to roll back penalties for automakers that don't meet mileage standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had published a final rule on July 26, 2019, which reversed an Obama-era increase to the base rate for the fuel economy standards penalty, saying that the meaning of "civil monetary penalty" was ambiguous under statute. The court found Monday that there is "no ambiguity in the statute" that requires adjustment of penalties for inflation. Advertisement
"The statutory purpose of the Improvements Act is to adjust civil monetary penalties to keep pace with inflation," the three-judge panel wrote, noting that inflation "can take the bite out of fines."
The decision throws out the 2019 rule.
The 2019 rule had sought to roll back penalties for automakers that are charged for every 10th of a mile per gallon they exceed fuel economy standards from $14 for every 10th-mile per gallon, to $5.50.
President Donald Trump's administration finalized the 2019 rule after the same court ruled it could not delay the increase to penalties for automakers that do not meet mileage standards.
Advertisement
The Sierra Club applauded the decision.
"This is the second time in the last three years that the court has reinstated higher penalties for automakers that the Obama administration issued to comply with NHTSA's obligation to update the penalty under the Inflation Adjustment Act," the Sierra Club statement said.
In March, the Trump administration rolled back other Obama-era fuel emission standards aimed at fighting climate change, saying it would lead to cheaper vehicles. The rule reduces the annual increase of stringency for corporate average fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks in the model years 2021-26 from 5% under the Obama administration rule to 1.5%.
California reached an agreement last summer with some major automakers to raise gas mileage and emissions standards, bypassing the Trump administration's decision to roll back such standards.


upi--2020-08-31--Message in a bottle with husband's ashes travels from Florida to Spain

Aug. 31 ( UPI ) -- A Kentucky woman who threw a message in a bottle containing her husband 's ashes into the ocean during a Florida trip said the bottle was found two years later in Spain .
Mary Whitt of Somerset said she took a trip to Daytona Beach with her family two months after her husband , Jerry Whitt , died suddenly .
Whitt decided to put Jerry 's ashes into a bottle with a photo and a note and threw it into the Atlantic Ocean .
`` I thought that this would be a good way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told WKYT-TV .
Whitt said she received an email recently from the Alvarez family in Carballo , Spain .
The family said they had been visiting Razo Beach on the northwest coast of the country Aug. 13 when they found the bottle containing Jerry Whitt 's ashes .
Whitt said she asked the family to scatter Jerry 's ashes into the Atlantic , and they sent her a video showing her wishes in action .
`` It touched all of our hearts , '' Whitt told the Commonwealth Journal .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are this good to us . ''

Mary Whitt of Somerset, Ky., threw a message in a bottle containing her late husband's ashes into the Atlantic Ocean in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the bottle was found two years later by a family walking on a beach in Spain. Photo by PeterBjorndal/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A Kentucky woman who threw a message in a bottle containing her husband's ashes into the ocean during a Florida trip said the bottle was found two years later in Spain. Mary Whitt of Somerset said she took a trip to Daytona Beach with her family two months after her husband, Jerry Whitt, died suddenly. Advertisement
Whitt decided to put Jerry's ashes into a bottle with a photo and a note and threw it into the Atlantic Ocean.
"I thought that this would be a good way that he could travel," Whitt told WKYT-TV.
Whitt said she received an email recently from the Alvarez family in Carballo, Spain. The family said they had been visiting Razo Beach on the northwest coast of the country Aug. 13 when they found the bottle containing Jerry Whitt's ashes.
Whitt said she asked the family to scatter Jerry's ashes into the Atlantic, and they sent her a video showing her wishes in action.
"It touched all of our hearts," Whitt told the Commonwealth Journal. "It's just so heartwarming and touching that they are this good to us."


upi--2020-09-01--Watch live: President Donald Trump visits Kenosha, tours protest sites

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump will make a controversial visit to Kenosha , Wis. , on Tuesday , where he plans to tour scenes of unrest that followed the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Wisconsin around noon CDT and Kenosha a half-hour later .
After touring the protest sites , he plans to visit the city 's emergency operations center and attend a roundtable on community safety .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Monday the president wants to thank law enforcement and `` go to cities where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters at he was n't planning to meet with Blake 's family .
`` I thought it would be better not to do anything where there are lawyers involved , '' he said .
`` They wanted me to speak but they wanted to have lawyers involved and I thought that was inappropriate so I did n't do that . ''
Blake 's family will hold a `` peaceful community gathering '' at the site of the shooting during Trump 's visit , including a community clean-up and voter registration drive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting and is paralyzed from the waist down , relatives said .
Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers and Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian have opposed Trump 's visit , concerned that it will only fan flames of prejudice and sow more division .
Evers on Sunday urged Trump to `` reconsider '' the visit .
`` I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing , '' he wrote in a letter .
`` I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Trump is `` stoking violence in our cities '' and is `` incapable of healing . ''
Two days after Blake was shot , police say two activists were shot dead by 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , a member of a self-proclaimed militia group .
He 's charged with their deaths .
Trump defended Rittenhouse Monday , saying he was trying to get away from protesters when he fired his automatic weapon .
`` I guess he was in very big trouble , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably would have been killed . ''

Buildings in Kenosha, Wis., are seen boarded up on Monday following protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. President Donald Trump toured the city Tuesday. Photo by Alex Wroblewski/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump promised millions in funding Tuesday to help Kenosha, Wis., rebuild after protests he described as "domestic terror." The president, Attorney General William Barr and Chad Wolf, acting secretary of Homeland Security, toured scenes of some of the more destructive protests in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake last month. They also visited an Emergency Operations Center and held a roundtable discussion on public safety. Advertisement
"Kenosha has been ravaged by anti-police and anti-American riots," he said at the roundtable.
"These are not acts of peaceful protests, but domestic terror."
Earlier Tuesday, Trump praised the National Guard for shutting down protests in the city.
He said the administration planned to provide $1 million to law enforcement in the city, $4 million to support small businesses damaged in the protests and more than $42 million for state law enforcement.
"I'm committed to helping Kenosha rebuild," he said.
The funding for the state will "support public safety statewide, including direct support for law enforcement and funding for additional prosecutors to punish criminals and resources to provide services to victims of crime."
Advertisement
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Monday the president wants to thank law enforcement and "go to cities where Americans are hurting."
Trump later told reporters he wasn't planning to meet with Blake's family.
"I thought it would be better not to do anything where there are lawyers involved," he said. "They wanted me to speak but they wanted to have lawyers involved and I thought that was inappropriate so I didn't do that."
Blake's family will hold a "peaceful community gathering" at the site of the shooting during Trump's visit, including a community clean-up and voter registration drive. Blake remains hospitalized from the Aug. 23 shooting and is paralyzed, relatives said.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian have opposed Trump's visit, concerned that it will only fan flames of prejudice and sow more division.
Evers on Sunday urged Trump to "reconsider" the visit.
"I am concerned your presence will only hinder our healing," he wrote in a letter. "I am concerned your presence will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward together."
Advertisement
In a speech from Pennsylvania on Monday, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Trump is "stoking violence in our cities" and is "incapable of healing."
Two days after Blake was shot, police say two activists were shot dead by 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, a member of a self-proclaimed militia group. He's charged with their deaths.
Trump defended Rittenhouse Monday, saying he was trying to get away from protesters when he fired his automatic weapon.
"I guess he was in very big trouble," he said. "He would have been, he probably would have been killed."


upi--2020-09-01--South Korea officers charged with rape of North Korean defector

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- Two officers with South Korea 's Armed Forces Intelligence Command have been charged with rape .
The officers , who were not identified , are accused of raping a North Korean defector on multiple occasions when they were responsible for `` protecting and supervising '' the woman , News 1 and Newsis reported .
South Korea 's defense ministry said Tuesday military prosecutors have charged the defendants with various sex crimes .
Defendant A , a lieutenant colonel in the army , was charged with adultery and `` coercion . ''
Defendant B , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adultery , sexual assault and rape .
The crimes were committed between May 2018 and February 2019 .
The woman reportedly had sensitive information about the Kim Jong Un regime , and the officers were instructed to obtain the information from her .
In the process , Defendant B is accused of inducing her to drink alcohol before he raped her .
The rapes may have continued for months .
Following the assault , the victim reportedly turned to Defendant A .
He denied her help and sexually assaulted her , reports say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded the woman obtain `` internal information from North Korea '' from a younger sibling in the North .
The defector notified South Korean military prosecutors of the assault in December .
The woman said she had been impregnated twice and was forced to undergo abortions .
South Korean prosecutors said the defendants were charged and the case will move to the courts , according to Newsis .
Reports of North Korean women being the target of sexual assault have increased in the South , where the vast majority of defectors are women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Police Agency said it would launch an investigation into a local officer accused of raping a North Korean defector at least a dozen times .
The defector requested help but struggled to find justice , according to local press reports .

South Korean military officers have been charged with the rape of a North Korean defector under their protection. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Two officers with South Korea's Armed Forces Intelligence Command have been charged with rape. The officers, who were not identified, are accused of raping a North Korean defector on multiple occasions when they were responsible for "protecting and supervising" the woman, News 1 and Newsis reported. Advertisement
South Korea's defense ministry said Tuesday military prosecutors have charged the defendants with various sex crimes. Defendant A, a lieutenant colonel in the army, was charged with adultery and "coercion." Defendant B, a first sergeant, was charged with adultery, sexual assault and rape.
The crimes were committed between May 2018 and February 2019.
The woman reportedly had sensitive information about the Kim Jong Un regime, and the officers were instructed to obtain the information from her. In the process, Defendant B is accused of inducing her to drink alcohol before he raped her. The rapes may have continued for months.
Following the assault, the victim reportedly turned to Defendant A. He denied her help and sexually assaulted her, reports say.
According to prosecutors, the officers demanded the woman obtain "internal information from North Korea" from a younger sibling in the North.
Advertisement
The defector notified South Korean military prosecutors of the assault in December. The woman said she had been impregnated twice and was forced to undergo abortions.
South Korean prosecutors said the defendants were charged and the case will move to the courts, according to Newsis.
Reports of North Korean women being the target of sexual assault have increased in the South, where the vast majority of defectors are women.
In July, South Korea's National Police Agency said it would launch an investigation into a local officer accused of raping a North Korean defector at least a dozen times.
The defector requested help but struggled to find justice, according to local press reports.


upi--2020-09-01--Lightning beat Bruins in 2 OTs, advance to conference finals

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference finals after a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of their second-round series in Toronto .
Victor Hedman lit the lamp for the game-winner with 5:50 remaining in the second overtime period of the 3-2 victory Monday at Scotiabank Arena .
Tampa Bay won the series 4-1 .
The Lightning will now face the Philadelphia Flyers or New York Islanders for a spot in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final .
`` It 's a great feeling .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
`` You have to give a lot of credit to our forwards .
... We are very happy as a group to move on to the conference finals . ''
Lighting left wing Ondrej Palat gave his squad a 1-0 advantage with a score 4:21 into the second period .
Bruins right wing Dave Patranak then tied the score about eight minutes later .
The Lightning and Bruins remained tied at 1-1 midway through the third period before Hedman and Brayden Point assisted a go-ahead goal for Anthony Cirelli with 7:57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded once again when David Krejci forced overtime with a score with 2:33 remaining in the third period .
Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak and Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy held strong between the pipes in the first overtime to prompt a second bonus period .
Point sent a pass to defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk near the Bruins blue line with about 6 minutes remaining in the final period at the start of the final scoring sequence .
Shattenkirk then slid a pass to his left to find Hedman .
The Lightning defenseman then skated forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he fired a backhanded wrist shot toward then net , which was crowded by players .
The shot cruised through the traffic and landed in the net past Halak to sound the final horn .
Halak had 32 saves for Boston .
Vasilevskiy had 45 saves for Tampa Bay .
`` It was a great series overall , '' Vasilevskiy said .
`` They were pretty consistent and we were pretty consistent .
All five games were pretty tight , but we were just a little bit better . ''
Boston -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-seeded Tampa Bay in Game 1 before the Lightning won four straight games to snag the series .
`` This team is resilient and the guys are disappointed , '' Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said .
`` We thought we were the better team [ Monday ] and wanted to play on .
`` We put ourselves in a hole , but played well enough to win tonight .
...
They really made one more play than we did . ''
The six-seeded Islanders lead the top-seeded Flyers 3-1 in their second-round series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Toronto .
The winner of that series faces the Lightning in a best-of-seven series at Rogers Place in Edmonton , Canada .
The Lightning have now reached the third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs four times in the last six seasons .

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy had 45 saves in a win over the Boston Bruins Monday in Toronto. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning have clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference finals after a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of their second-round series in Toronto. Victor Hedman lit the lamp for the game-winner with 5:50 remaining in the second overtime period of the 3-2 victory Monday at Scotiabank Arena. Tampa Bay won the series 4-1. Advertisement
The Lightning will now face the Philadelphia Flyers or New York Islanders for a spot in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
"It's a great feeling. We battled really hard," Hedman told reporters. "You have to give a lot of credit to our forwards. ... We are very happy as a group to move on to the conference finals."
Lighting left wing Ondrej Palat gave his squad a 1-0 advantage with a score 4:21 into the second period. Bruins right wing Dave Patranak then tied the score about eight minutes later.
The Lightning and Bruins remained tied at 1-1 midway through the third period before Hedman and Brayden Point assisted a go-ahead goal for Anthony Cirelli with 7:57 remaining in regulation.
Advertisement
But the Bruins responded once again when David Krejci forced overtime with a score with 2:33 remaining in the third period.
Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak and Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy held strong between the pipes in the first overtime to prompt a second bonus period.
Point sent a pass to defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk near the Bruins blue line with about 6 minutes remaining in the final period at the start of the final scoring sequence. Shattenkirk then slid a pass to his left to find Hedman. The Lightning defenseman then skated forward with the puck on his left side before he fired a backhanded wrist shot toward then net, which was crowded by players.
The shot cruised through the traffic and landed in the net past Halak to sound the final horn.
Halak had 32 saves for Boston. Vasilevskiy had 45 saves for Tampa Bay.
"It was a great series overall," Vasilevskiy said. "They were pretty consistent and we were pretty consistent. All five games were pretty tight, but we were just a little bit better."
Boston -- the No. 4 seed -- beat second-seeded Tampa Bay in Game 1 before the Lightning won four straight games to snag the series.
Advertisement
"This team is resilient and the guys are disappointed," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. "We thought we were the better team [Monday] and wanted to play on.
"We put ourselves in a hole, but played well enough to win tonight. ... They really made one more play than we did."
The six-seeded Islanders lead the top-seeded Flyers 3-1 in their second-round series. Game 5 of that series is at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Toronto. The winner of that series faces the Lightning in a best-of-seven series at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
The Lightning have now reached the third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs four times in the last six seasons.


upi--2020-09-01--Niecy Nash marries singer Jessica Betts: 'Love wins'

The 50-year-old actress , born Carol Ensley , announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts in an Instagram post Monday .
Nash shared a photo of herself and Betts celebrating as they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle .
Betts posted the same picture on her own account .
`` I got a whole Wife @ niecynash1 # Bettsofbothworlds # LoveWins , '' she wrote .
Actresses Halle Berry , Uzo Aduba , Reese Witherspoon , Mindy Kaling , Samira Wiley and Jamie Lee Curtis were among those to congratulate the couple in the comments .
`` Congratulations on this beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , '' Berry wrote .
`` Love this so much !
!
!
!
Congratulations to you both !
!
! ''
Aduba wrote .
Nash also shared a photo with Ensley on Instagram Stories .
Nash was previously married to Don Nash and Jay Tucker .
She has three children , Dominic , Donielle and Dia , with Don Nash .
Nash filed for divorce from Tucker in December .
The pair announced their split in October after more than eight years of marriage .
`` We believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our truth is that in this season of our lives , we are better friends than partners in marriage , '' they said at the time .
Nash plays Raineesha Williams on Reno 911 !
, which returned as a Quibi revival in May .
She also portrays Desna Simms on the TNT series Claws , which was renewed for a fourth and final season in October .

1/3
Niecy Nash came out while announcing her marriage to Jessica Betts. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Niecy Nash is a married woman. The 50-year-old actress, born Carol Ensley, announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts in an Instagram post Monday. Advertisement
Nash shared a photo of herself and Betts celebrating as they walk hand-in-hand down the aisle.
"Mrs. Carol Denise Betts @jessicabettsmusic #LoveWins," she captioned the post.
Betts posted the same picture on her own account.
"I got a whole Wife @niecynash1 #Bettsofbothworlds #LoveWins," she wrote.
Actresses Halle Berry, Uzo Aduba, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Samira Wiley and Jamie Lee Curtis were among those to congratulate the couple in the comments.
"Congratulations on this beautiful union, wishing you all the happiness in the world," Berry wrote.
"Love this so much!!!! Congratulations to you both!!!" Aduba wrote.
"Congratulations!! So happy for y'all!!" Witherspoon added.
Nash also shared a photo with Ensley on Instagram Stories.
"#PlotTwist," she wrote, adding a rainbow emoji.
Nash was previously married to Don Nash and Jay Tucker. She has three children, Dominic, Donielle and Dia, with Don Nash.
Advertisement
Nash filed for divorce from Tucker in December. The pair announced their split in October after more than eight years of marriage.
"We believe in the beauty of truth. Always have. Our truth is that in this season of our lives, we are better friends than partners in marriage," they said at the time.
Nash plays Raineesha Williams on Reno 911!, which returned as a Quibi revival in May. She also portrays Desna Simms on the TNT series Claws, which was renewed for a fourth and final season in October.


upi--2020-09-01--New laser-based tool is so fast it can observe chemical reactions

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- Engineers have developed a new type of infrared spectrometer that is fast enough to observe chemical reactions at high resolutions .
The new technology is 100 times faster than previous spectrometers , according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Communications Physics .
Infrared spectroscopy works by measuring the infrared light that bounces off sample molecules .
The molecular components of a sample features unique vibrations .
When struck with a laser , molecules interact with light and return unique frequency patterns , or spectra , that can be measured by sensors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help scientists identify and observe the behavior of different chemical components .
Infrared spectroscopy is n't just used in the chemistry lab -- it has become ubiquitous in a variety of scientific fields , food safety monitoring and bomb making materials detection .
Just a few decades ago , the best spectrometers could measure just one spectra per second .
More recently , engineers used technology called dual-comb spectroscopy to record 1 million spectra per second .
But to study chemical reactions , scientists needed an even faster spectrometer .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which runs at 80 million spectra per second , '' lead researcher Takuro Ideguchi said in a news release .
`` This method , time-stretch infrared spectroscopy , is about 100 times faster than dual-comb spectroscopy , which had reached an upper speed limit due to issues of sensitivity , '' said Ideguchi , an associate professor at the Institute for Photon Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo .
The new tool uses short laser pulses that are stretched thin .
When reflected , these stretched laser pulses are easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quantum cascade detector , a new sensor capable of processing spectra at record speeds .
`` Natural science is based on experimental observations .
Therefore , new measurement techniques can open up new scientific fields , '' said Ideguchi .
`` Researchers in many fields can build on what we 've done here and use our work to enhance their own understanding and powers of observation . ''

Short, stretched laser pulses allowed a new quantum sensor to detect spectral data at record speeds. Photo by Ideguchi et al./Communications Physics
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Engineers have developed a new type of infrared spectrometer that is fast enough to observe chemical reactions at high resolutions. The new technology is 100 times faster than previous spectrometers, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Communications Physics. Advertisement
Infrared spectroscopy works by measuring the infrared light that bounces off sample molecules. The molecular components of a sample features unique vibrations. When struck with a laser, molecules interact with light and return unique frequency patterns, or spectra, that can be measured by sensors.
The chemical signatures revealed by infrared spectroscopes can help scientists identify and observe the behavior of different chemical components.
Infrared spectroscopy isn't just used in the chemistry lab -- it has become ubiquitous in a variety of scientific fields, food safety monitoring and bomb making materials detection.
Just a few decades ago, the best spectrometers could measure just one spectra per second. More recently, engineers used technology called dual-comb spectroscopy to record 1 million spectra per second. But to study chemical reactions, scientists needed an even faster spectrometer.
"We developed the world's fastest infrared spectrometer, which runs at 80 million spectra per second," lead researcher Takuro Ideguchi said in a news release.
Advertisement
"This method, time-stretch infrared spectroscopy, is about 100 times faster than dual-comb spectroscopy, which had reached an upper speed limit due to issues of sensitivity," said Ideguchi, an associate professor at the Institute for Photon Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo.
The new tool uses short laser pulses that are stretched thin. When reflected, these stretched laser pulses are easier to analyze, allowing researchers to use a quantum cascade detector, a new sensor capable of processing spectra at record speeds.
"Natural science is based on experimental observations. Therefore, new measurement techniques can open up new scientific fields," said Ideguchi. "Researchers in many fields can build on what we've done here and use our work to enhance their own understanding and powers of observation."


upi--2020-09-01--52 Black former owners hit McDonald's with discrimination lawsuit

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- Dozens of Black former owners of McDonald 's franchises have filed a discrimination lawsuit against the chain , which claims they were pushed out and denied benefits that were given to white owners .
A total of 52 former owners , who operated more than 200 McDonald 's restaurants nationwide over the past decade , are party to the suit .
The plaintiffs in the suit say McDonald 's breached their own contracts and violated anti-discrimination laws .
The complaint says the company placed them in low-income areas where revenues were lower and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profits .
`` Revenue , at McDonald 's , is based on one factor and one factor only : location , '' plaintiffs attorney James Ferraro said .
`` It has nothing to do with the taste of a Big Mac .
You do n't go to a different McDonald 's because the Big Macs are better .
You go to the closest McDonald 's , period . ''
McDonald 's responded by saying Black owners , including some of those in the suit , have operated and currently operate locations in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` These allegations fly in the face of everything we stand for as an organization and as a partner to communities and small business owners around the world , '' the company said in a statement .
`` Not only do we categorically deny the allegations ... we are confident that the facts will show how committed we are to the diversity and equal opportunity of the McDonald 's system . ''
The lawsuit comes at a time when McDonald 's is involved in another legal challenge with former CEO Steve Easterbrook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 42 million severance package is paid out when it fired Easterbrook last fall .

"Not only do we categorically deny the allegations ... we are confident that the facts will show how committed we are to the diversity and equal opportunity of the McDonald's system," the company responded. File Photo by Billie Jean Shaw/UPI
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Dozens of Black former owners of McDonald's franchises have filed a discrimination lawsuit against the chain, which claims they were pushed out and denied benefits that were given to white owners. A total of 52 former owners, who operated more than 200 McDonald's restaurants nationwide over the past decade, are party to the suit. Advertisement
The plaintiffs in the suit say McDonald's breached their own contracts and violated anti-discrimination laws. The complaint says the company placed them in low-income areas where revenues were lower and security and insurance costs were higher, limiting profits.
"Revenue, at McDonald's, is based on one factor and one factor only: location," plaintiffs attorney James Ferraro said. "It has nothing to do with the taste of a Big Mac. You don't go to a different McDonald's because the Big Macs are better. You go to the closest McDonald's, period."
McDonald's responded by saying Black owners, including some of those in the suit, have operated and currently operate locations in all settings -- urban, suburban and rural.
"These allegations fly in the face of everything we stand for as an organization and as a partner to communities and small business owners around the world," the company said in a statement.
Advertisement
"Not only do we categorically deny the allegations ... we are confident that the facts will show how committed we are to the diversity and equal opportunity of the McDonald's system."
The lawsuit comes at a time when McDonald's is involved in another legal challenge with former CEO Steve Easterbrook. The company is attempting to recover a $42 million severance package is paid out when it fired Easterbrook last fall.


upi--2020-09-01--Time spent outside improves children's well-being, study shows

Whether camping , hiking or gardening , connecting with nature has many benefits for children 's well-being , a new study suggests .
`` There is strong evidence that children are happier , healthier , function better , know more about the environment , and are more likely to take action to protect the natural world when they spend time in nature , '' said researcher Dr. Louise Chawla , professor emerita at the University of Colorado , Boulder .
Chawla reviewed previously published studies and found that children 's connection with nature grew with time spent in natural environments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much the children cared for nature as adults , according to the study published online Aug. 5 in People and Nature .
Strategies that foster access to wild areas , parks , gardens , green neighborhoods and naturalized grounds at schools are important for children and teens , Chawla said in a news release from the British Ecological Society .
Connecting with nature , however , is not always positive .
`` My review shows that connecting with nature is a complex experience that can generate troubling emotions as well as happiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to keep in mind that children are inheriting an unraveling biosphere , and many of them know it .
Research shows that when adolescents react with despair , they are unlikely to take action to address challenges , '' she added .
But some strategies can help .
These include teaching children what they can do to protect the natural world , as individuals and working in groups .
It 's also important to share examples of those who care for nature , she suggested .
Young people are more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , family and teachers listen to their fears and provide a safe space to share their feelings .
Surprisingly , Chawla found a disconnect between researchers who study children 's involvement with nature and those who study environmental threats .
`` People who study children 's connection with nature and those who study their coping with environmental risk and loss have been pursuing separate directions without referencing or engaging with each other , '' Chawla said .
`` I am arguing that researchers on both sides need to be paying attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other . ''
For more on kids and nature , visit the National Wildlife Federation .

Research shows that children's overall well-being benefits from time they spend in nature. Photo by Mimzy/Pixabay
Whether camping, hiking or gardening, connecting with nature has many benefits for children's well-being, a new study suggests. "There is strong evidence that children are happier, healthier, function better, know more about the environment, and are more likely to take action to protect the natural world when they spend time in nature," said researcher Dr. Louise Chawla, professor emerita at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Advertisement
Chawla reviewed previously published studies and found that children's connection with nature grew with time spent in natural environments.
Spending time this way also predicted how much the children cared for nature as adults, according to the study published online Aug. 5 in People and Nature.
Strategies that foster access to wild areas, parks, gardens, green neighborhoods and naturalized grounds at schools are important for children and teens, Chawla said in a news release from the British Ecological Society.
Connecting with nature, however, is not always positive. "My review shows that connecting with nature is a complex experience that can generate troubling emotions as well as happiness," Chawla said.
"We need to keep in mind that children are inheriting an unraveling biosphere, and many of them know it. Research shows that when adolescents react with despair, they are unlikely to take action to address challenges," she added.
Advertisement
But some strategies can help. These include teaching children what they can do to protect the natural world, as individuals and working in groups. It's also important to share examples of those who care for nature, she suggested.
Young people are more likely to think a better world is possible when friends, family and teachers listen to their fears and provide a safe space to share their feelings.
Surprisingly, Chawla found a disconnect between researchers who study children's involvement with nature and those who study environmental threats.
"People who study children's connection with nature and those who study their coping with environmental risk and loss have been pursuing separate directions without referencing or engaging with each other," Chawla said. "I am arguing that researchers on both sides need to be paying attention to each other's work and learning from each other."
More information
For more on kids and nature, visit the National Wildlife Federation.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-01--Ed Sheeran announces birth of baby girl Lyra

Sept. 1 ( UPI ) -- Ed Sheeran announced on Instagram Tuesday that his wife , Cherry Seaborn , has @ @ @ @ @ child , a baby girl named Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran .
`` Last week , @ @ @ @ @ amazing delivery team , Cherry gave birth to our beautiful and healthy daughter - Lyra @ @ @ @ @ are both completely in love with her , '' Sheeran said alongside a photo of @ @ @ @ @ mum and baby are doing amazing and we are on cloud nine over here .
@ @ @ @ @ respect our privacy at this time .
Lots of love and I 'll see you @ @ @ @ @ come back , '' the singer continued .
Sheeran confirmed his marriage to Seaborn in @ @ @ @ @ album , No .
6 Collaborations Project .
The private pair became engaged in January @ @ @ @ @ dating .
Sheeran and Seaborn have known each other since grade school .
Sheeran announced @ @ @ @ @ going to take a break from recording in 2020 .

Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Ed Sheeran announced on Instagram Tuesday that his wife, Cherry Seaborn, has given birth to their first child, a baby girl named Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran.
"Last week, with the help of an amazing delivery team, Cherry gave birth to our beautiful and healthy daughter - Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran. We are both completely in love with her," Sheeran said alongside a photo of baby socks.
Advertisement
"Both mum and baby are doing amazing and we are on cloud nine over here. We hope that you can respect our privacy at this time. Lots of love and I'll see you when it's time to come back," the singer continued.
Sheeran confirmed his marriage to Seaborn in July 2019 on his latest album, No. 6 Collaborations Project.
The private pair became engaged in January 2018 after three years of dating. Sheeran and Seaborn have known each other since grade school.
Advertisement
Sheeran announced in December that he was going to take a break from recording in 2020.