upi--2020-10-21--Senators call for pause to Army's new Combat Fitness Test

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- Two senators said Wednesday they have called for a delay in implementing the U.S. Army 's Combat Fitness Test , citing a possible detriment to creating a diverse force .
A letter signed by Sen. Kristin Gillibrand , D-N.Y. , and Sen. Richard Blumenthal , D-Conn. , sent a letter to the chairman and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees warning that rollout of the revised test was premature and deserved additional study .
`` Significant concerns have been raised regarding the data used to develop the test , initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the senators wrote .
`` The ACFT will determine the career path and success of all soldiers currently serving , yet many information gaps and unknowns remain . ''
It suggested that the ACFT could adversely impact soldiers ' professional prospects , upset recruitment efforts and disproportionally affect women in the Army , and noted that few women were included in early testing groups .
`` In 2019 , the Army identified the six events of the ACFT and began conducting field tests within 63 battalions across the organization , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaked showing an overall failure rate of 84 percent for females and 30 percent for males within these battalions . ''
The test is an attempt by the Army to establish effective but gender-neutral standards for soldiers ' fitness and readiness , and replaces Army previous fitness tests which clearly displayed a bias but were less rigorous .
Six events are involved in the new test , including a dead lift , weighted ball throw and a `` leg tuck , '' in which soldiers lift themselves up from a pullup bar using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The leg tuck is largely responsible for the 65 percent failure rate for women and the 10 percent failure rate for men .
The letter from Gillibrand and Blumenthal cited a University of Iowa study that showing that the removal of the leg-tuck could significantly improve success rates .
The letter said the leg tuck is `` the same event which has no proven predictive value to military occupation . ''
It also noted that the previously used Army Physical Fitness Test required no equipment other than a stopwatch , while `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of equipment to put one individual through the test . ''
Gillibrand and Blumenthal added that the test is irrelevant , and possibly damaging , to the careers of Army lawyers , cybersecurity specialists and other non-combat enlistees .
The senators recommend that the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act include a provision allowing Congress to delay use of the ACFT until it is independently reviewed .

Soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas, participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test, which two U.S. senators criticized on Wednesday in calling for its suspension and review. Photo by Sgt. Brittany Johnson/U.S. Army National Guard
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Two senators said Wednesday they have called for a delay in implementing the U.S. Army's Combat Fitness Test, citing a possible detriment to creating a diverse force. A letter signed by Sen. Kristin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent a letter to the chairman and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees warning that rollout of the revised test was premature and deserved additional study. Advertisement
"Significant concerns have been raised regarding the data used to develop the test, initial test scores, and logistical issues," the senators wrote. "The ACFT will determine the career path and success of all soldiers currently serving, yet many information gaps and unknowns remain."
It suggested that the ACFT could adversely impact soldiers' professional prospects, upset recruitment efforts and disproportionally affect women in the Army, and noted that few women were included in early testing groups.
"In 2019, the Army identified the six events of the ACFT and began conducting field tests within 63 battalions across the organization," the senators wrote. "Preliminary data was leaked showing an overall failure rate of 84 percent for females and 30 percent for males within these battalions."
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The test is an attempt by the Army to establish effective but gender-neutral standards for soldiers' fitness and readiness, and replaces Army previous fitness tests which clearly displayed a bias but were less rigorous.
Six events are involved in the new test, including a dead lift, weighted ball throw and a "leg tuck," in which soldiers lift themselves up from a pullup bar using their arm, core and leg muscles.
The leg tuck is largely responsible for the 65 percent failure rate for women and the 10 percent failure rate for men.
The letter from Gillibrand and Blumenthal cited a University of Iowa study that showing that the removal of the leg-tuck could significantly improve success rates. The letter said the leg tuck is "the same event which has no proven predictive value to military occupation."
It also noted that the previously used Army Physical Fitness Test required no equipment other than a stopwatch, while "the ACFT requires approximately $3,000 worth of equipment to put one individual through the test."
Gillibrand and Blumenthal added that the test is irrelevant, and possibly damaging, to the careers of Army lawyers, cybersecurity specialists and other non-combat enlistees.
The senators recommend that the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act include a provision allowing Congress to delay use of the ACFT until it is independently reviewed.
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upi--2020-10-21--Watch: Deer charges wildlife officer after being freed from hammock

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- A Utah sheriff 's office shared video of a wildlife officer being tackled by @ @ @ @ @ animal from a hammock with help from a deputy .
The Iron County Sheriff 's @ @ @ @ @ and Department of Wildlife Resources Officer Kody Jones responded to a resident 's back yard @ @ @ @ @ had become entangled in a resident 's hammock .
The video shows the pair cutting @ @ @ @ @ the deer , which quickly charges at Jones and knocks him to the ground .
@ @ @ @ @ hold of the deer and wrestle it to the ground .
The deer charges at @ @ @ @ @ he attempts to release it , but eventually backs up to stare down the two @ @ @ @ @ all fun and games until the deer charges you , '' the sheriff 's office @ @

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Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Utah sheriff's office shared video of a wildlife officer being tackled by a deer after freeing the animal from a hammock with help from a deputy.
The Iron County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Dustin Roy and Department of Wildlife Resources Officer Kody Jones responded to a resident's back yard to rescue a deer that had become entangled in a resident's hammock.
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The video shows the pair cutting through the hammock and freeing the deer, which quickly charges at Jones and knocks him to the ground.
Jones is able to grab hold of the deer and wrestle it to the ground.
The deer charges at Jones a second time when he attempts to release it, but eventually backs up to stare down the two men.
"It's all fun and games until the deer charges you," the sheriff's office wrote.


upi--2020-10-21--Maryland man allegedly threatens to beat, kill Biden, Harris

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- A Maryland man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening violence against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , Sen. Kamala Harris and their supporters , the Justice Department announced Wednesday .
James Dale Reed , 42 , of Frederick , Md.
, faces one count of threats against a major candidate for president and vice president .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office in the District of Maryland said he left a letter threatening Biden and Harris on the doorstep of a fellow Frederick resident Oct. 4 .
The resident , who had signs supporting Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know the suspect but caught them leaving the letter with a surveillance camera .
The letter threatened the two politicians as well as their supporters .
`` This is a warning to anyone reading this letter if you are a Biden/Harris supporter you will be targeted .
We have a list of homes and addresses by your election signs , '' the letter read .
`` We are the ones with those scary guns , We are the ones your children have nightmares about , the Boogeymen coming in the night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat Biden , and rape Harris before executing both on national television .
The letter also threatened to kill former Rep. Gabby Giffords , who was shot in the head in 2011 in Arizona .
Investigators said they identified Reed based on the camera footage and a citizen tip .
They said he initially denied writing the letter , but later confessed and was arrested .
`` The right to vote and peacefully support the candidate of your choice are bedrocks of our democracy , '' said U.S. Attorney Robert Hur .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fellow citizens only undermines our democracy and the principles upon which America was founded .
We will not tolerate threatening conduct that seeks to intimidate , harass or dissuade Americans from exercising their right to vote . ''

The letter threatened to kill former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Kamala Harris and former Rep. Gabby Giffords. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Maryland man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening violence against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, Sen. Kamala Harris and their supporters, the Justice Department announced Wednesday. James Dale Reed, 42, of Frederick, Md., faces one count of threats against a major candidate for president and vice president. Advertisement
The U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Maryland said he left a letter threatening Biden and Harris on the doorstep of a fellow Frederick resident Oct. 4. The resident, who had signs supporting Biden in their yard, said they didn't know the suspect but caught them leaving the letter with a surveillance camera.
The letter threatened the two politicians as well as their supporters.
"This is a warning to anyone reading this letter if you are a Biden/Harris supporter you will be targeted. We have a list of homes and addresses by your election signs," the letter read.
"We are the ones with those scary guns, We are the ones your children have nightmares about, the Boogeymen coming in the night."
The letter threatened to capture and beat Biden, and rape Harris before executing both on national television.
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The letter also threatened to kill former Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 in Arizona.
Investigators said they identified Reed based on the camera footage and a citizen tip. They said he initially denied writing the letter, but later confessed and was arrested.
"The right to vote and peacefully support the candidate of your choice are bedrocks of our democracy," said U.S. Attorney Robert Hur. "Conduct like this that threatens major candidates and fellow citizens only undermines our democracy and the principles upon which America was founded. We will not tolerate threatening conduct that seeks to intimidate, harass or dissuade Americans from exercising their right to vote."


upi--2020-10-21--Nebraska man wins two scratch-off lottery top prizes in one year

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- A Nebraska man visited state lottery headquarters for a second time this year to @ @ @ @ @ a scratch-off ticket .
The Nebraska Lottery said Michael Christiansen of Norfolk visited the lottery @ @ @ @ @ to collect a $ 100,000 top prize from a 20X The Money Scratch game .
@ @ @ @ @ office in March of this year to collect a $ 50,000 top prize from a @ @ @ @ @ Both of the winning tickets were sold at Louie 's Liquor in Norfolk .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , '' Christiansen recalled of finding out he had won a second time .
`` @ @ @ @ @ I did n't think it was real . ''
Christiansen said some of the money @ @ @ @ @ garage and saving for retirement .
He said he is also planning to attempt to @ @ @ @ @ daughter lived before her recent death .

Michael Christiansen of Norfolk, Neb., collected a $100,000 top prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket just months after winning $50,000 from a ticket purchased at the same store. Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Nebraska man visited state lottery headquarters for a second time this year to collect the top prize from a scratch-off ticket. The Nebraska Lottery said Michael Christiansen of Norfolk visited the lottery office in Lincoln this month to collect a $100,000 top prize from a 20X The Money Scratch game. Advertisement
Christiansen previously visited the lottery office in March of this year to collect a $50,000 top prize from a Money Clip Scratch ticket.
Both of the winning tickets were sold at Louie's Liquor in Norfolk.
"I couldn't believe it," Christiansen recalled of finding out he had won a second time. "What are the odds? I didn't think it was real."
Christiansen said some of the money will go toward building a garage and saving for retirement. He said he is also planning to attempt to buy the house where his daughter lived before her recent death.


upi--2020-10-21--U.S. markets fall amid ongoing stimulus talks, tech stocks rise as Snap soars

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- U.S. markets fell slightly Wednesday as surging tech stocks helped to fend off losses due to concerns over ongoing efforts by Congress to produce another round of COVID-19 stimulus .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 97.97 points , or 0.35 % , while the S & P 500 dropped 0.22 % and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.28 % .
Markets were up earlier in the day , with the Dow trading more than 100 points higher , but declined as Senate Republicans were unable to pass an updated `` skinny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin failed to produce a deal .
Pelosi on Wednesday said she hoped both sides can resolve the `` appropriations piece '' of the coronavirus aid bill later Wednesday and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Pelosi and Mnuchin made `` good progress '' in negotiations but `` still have a ways to go '' before reaching an agreement .
Goldman Sachs stock fell 2.46 % and Boeing dropped 2.02 % , making them the worst-performing members of the Dow .
David Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Management told CNN he does n't believe a stimulus package will be passed before the election predicting `` sounds of screeching breaks going into the fourth quarter . ''
`` We wo n't have a full recovery until we deal with the pandemic , '' said Kelly .
Netflix stock fell 6.92 % following a disappointing earnings report Tuesday but social media stocks helped to push tech stocks higher .
Snap stock soared 28.34 % after reporting better-than-anticipated results for the prior quarter , while Twitter climbed 8.35 % , Facebook gained 4.17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alphabet , closed the day up 2.25 % .
Wednesday continued a roller-coaster week for markets after they fell due to stimulus concerns on Monday but rose Tuesday after Pelosi said she was `` optimistic '' about a deal .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 98 points as Congress failed to produce a new stimulus package but tech stocks helped to prevent larger gains as Snap soared 28%. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. markets fell slightly Wednesday as surging tech stocks helped to fend off losses due to concerns over ongoing efforts by Congress to produce another round of COVID-19 stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down 97.97 points, or 0.35%, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.22% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.28%. Advertisement
Markets were up earlier in the day, with the Dow trading more than 100 points higher, but declined as Senate Republicans were unable to pass an updated "skinny" COVID-19 relief package and negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin failed to produce a deal.
Pelosi on Wednesday said she hoped both sides can resolve the "appropriations piece" of the coronavirus aid bill later Wednesday and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Pelosi and Mnuchin made "good progress" in negotiations but "still have a ways to go" before reaching an agreement.
Goldman Sachs stock fell 2.46% and Boeing dropped 2.02%, making them the worst-performing members of the Dow.
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David Kelly, chief global strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management told CNN he doesn't believe a stimulus package will be passed before the election predicting "sounds of screeching breaks going into the fourth quarter."
"We won't have a full recovery until we deal with the pandemic," said Kelly.
Netflix stock fell 6.92% following a disappointing earnings report Tuesday but social media stocks helped to push tech stocks higher. Snap stock soared 28.34% after reporting better-than-anticipated results for the prior quarter, while Twitter climbed 8.35%, Facebook gained 4.17% and Google's parent company, Alphabet, closed the day up 2.25%.
Wednesday continued a roller-coaster week for markets after they fell due to stimulus concerns on Monday but rose Tuesday after Pelosi said she was "optimistic" about a deal.


upi--2020-10-21--Watch: Man seeks Guinness certification for Chiefs memorabilia collection

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- A Kansas man is seeking Guinness World Records recognition for his collection of more than 550 pieces of Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia .
Curt Herrman of Manhattan said he began collecting Chiefs memorabilia items in 1970 , when he attended Super Bowl IV , the team 's first Super Bowl win , and took home a football emblazoned with the team 's logo .
`` It 's an old Franklin , NFL size football , '' Herrman told KSNT-TV .
`` First piece .
And during the Chiefs games , I will hold this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good luck karma . ''
Herrman said his basement is now a `` Chiefseum , '' housing 555 items -- and counting .
`` A lot of times I 'll kind of think to myself , 'OK , I 've got enough , I need to slow down because I 'm running out of space and I have to make more room , ' '' Herrman told KMAN news radio .
`` And then I 'll happen to be driving through a small town and there 's a little antique store .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three or four things in there that I just ca n't live without . ''
Herrman said he started researching about six months ago whether his collection would qualify for a Guinness World Record .
`` The largest collection of Kansas City Chiefs related memorabilia , '' Herrman said .
`` There is n't a record for that right now .
The largest one I saw was the Chicago Bears .
The guy had like 340 items .
And so I thought , 'well I 'm going to apply for that . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear back from Guinness about having his collection verified .

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Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Kansas man is seeking Guinness World Records recognition for his collection of more than 550 pieces of Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.
Curt Herrman of Manhattan said he began collecting Chiefs memorabilia items in 1970, when he attended Super Bowl IV, the team's first Super Bowl win, and took home a football emblazoned with the team's logo.
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"It's an old Franklin, NFL size football," Herrman told KSNT-TV. "First piece. And during the Chiefs games, I will hold this ball. It's part of my good luck karma."
Herrman said his basement is now a "Chiefseum," housing 555 items -- and counting.
"A lot of times I'll kind of think to myself, 'OK, I've got enough, I need to slow down because I'm running out of space and I have to make more room,'" Herrman told KMAN news radio. "And then I'll happen to be driving through a small town and there's a little antique store. I'll pull in and there will be three or four things in there that I just can't live without."
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Herrman said he started researching about six months ago whether his collection would qualify for a Guinness World Record.
"The largest collection of Kansas City Chiefs related memorabilia," Herrman said. "There isn't a record for that right now. The largest one I saw was the Chicago Bears. The guy had like 340 items. And so I thought, 'well I'm going to apply for that.'"
Herrman said he is now waiting to hear back from Guinness about having his collection verified.


upi--2020-10-21--Norwegian official apologizes for making 2020 an hour longer

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Norwegian official responsible for Daylight Saving Time in the country apologized for adding an additional hour to what `` has already been a very demanding year . ''
Iselin Nybo , whose duties as minister of Trade and Industry include implementing Daylight Saving Time , said the clocks will be set back an hour Sunday morning in accordance with the traditional time change .
`` As minister of time , I strongly regret that 2020 will be another hour longer .
This has already been a very demanding year for many , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She encouraged Norwegians to look on the `` brighter '' side to the time change .
`` When we set the clock back , the night gets an hour longer .
This means that when we get up on Sunday , the sun has managed to get a little further up above the horizon than at the same time the day before , and we get a brighter morning than we would otherwise have , '' she said .
The European Parliament voted in 2019 to back a proposal to do away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a goal of eliminating it by 2021 .
The proposal has not been ratified by the European Council .

Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Iselin Nybo, who is in charge of implementing Daylight Saving Time in the country, apologized for the traditional time change adding an extra hour to the "very demanding year" 2020. Photo by pasja1000/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The Norwegian official responsible for Daylight Saving Time in the country apologized for adding an additional hour to what "has already been a very demanding year." Iselin Nybo, whose duties as minister of Trade and Industry include implementing Daylight Saving Time, said the clocks will be set back an hour Sunday morning in accordance with the traditional time change. Advertisement
"As minister of time, I strongly regret that 2020 will be another hour longer. This has already been a very demanding year for many," Nybo told the Norwegian News Agency.
She encouraged Norwegians to look on the "brighter" side to the time change.
"When we set the clock back, the night gets an hour longer. This means that when we get up on Sunday, the sun has managed to get a little further up above the horizon than at the same time the day before, and we get a brighter morning than we would otherwise have," she said.
The European Parliament voted in 2019 to back a proposal to do away with the twice-yearly Daylight Saving Time change, with a goal of eliminating it by 2021. The proposal has not been ratified by the European Council.


upi--2020-10-21--Mark Esper: U.S. troops leaving Germany likely to stay in Eastern Europe

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- Defense officials are looking at deploying U.S. soldiers closer to the Russian border after their departure from Germany are under consideration , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said .
In July , Esper announced the transfer of 12,000 troops , notably of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment , the only brigade-size U.S. ground combat force in Europe , from U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria .
On Tuesday , he told a conference of the Atlantic Council that the regiment could maintain a presence in countries on NATO 's eastern flank , adjacent to Russia , on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my recent meetings with the defense ministers from Romania and Bulgaria , and correspondence received from Baltic States , there is now the real opportunity of keeping the 2nd Cavalry Regiment forward in some of these countries on an enduring basis , '' Esper said .
Agreements with Eastern European defense ministers on deployments of U.S. troops have been forthcoming , according to Esper .
While the initial plan involved the return of troops to the United States , Esper said he would work to position troops closer to the Russian border to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be Napoleon or MacArthur to look at the map and realize that the further east you are , the more reassurance you can provide for those allies and partners on the frontlines , whether it 's -- in the northeast it 's the Baltic states , Poland just due east of Germany , or in Bulgaria and Romania in the southeast along the Black Sea , '' Esper said .
`` So we need to move a little bit further east .
It helps us with the time distance challenges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is some type of really aggressive action by the Russians , '' he said .
The U.S. Army has already announced eastward troop movements , starting last week with the formal reactivation of the Fifth Corps , or V Corps .
Although headquartered at Fort Knox , Ky. , it will rotate 230 troops at a time though its forward deployment in Poznan , Poland .

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said troops would be deployed to Eastern European countries after the regiment leaves Germany. Pictured, members of the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment practice an air assault exercise. Photo by 1Lt. Ellen Brabo/U.S. Army
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Defense officials are looking at deploying U.S. soldiers closer to the Russian border after their departure from Germany are under consideration, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. In July, Esper announced the transfer of 12,000 troops, notably of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the only brigade-size U.S. ground combat force in Europe, from U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. Advertisement
On Tuesday, he told a conference of the Atlantic Council that the regiment could maintain a presence in countries on NATO's eastern flank, adjacent to Russia, on a rotational basis.
"[Following] my recent meetings with the defense ministers from Romania and Bulgaria, and correspondence received from Baltic States, there is now the real opportunity of keeping the 2nd Cavalry Regiment forward in some of these countries on an enduring basis," Esper said.
Agreements with Eastern European defense ministers on deployments of U.S. troops have been forthcoming, according to Esper.
While the initial plan involved the return of troops to the United States, Esper said he would work to position troops closer to the Russian border to bolster allies.
"You don't need to be Napoleon or MacArthur to look at the map and realize that the further east you are, the more reassurance you can provide for those allies and partners on the frontlines, whether it's -- in the northeast it's the Baltic states, Poland just due east of Germany, or in Bulgaria and Romania in the southeast along the Black Sea," Esper said.
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"So we need to move a little bit further east. It helps us with the time distance challenges, if you will, in case there is some type of really aggressive action by the Russians," he said.
The U.S. Army has already announced eastward troop movements, starting last week with the formal reactivation of the Fifth Corps, or V Corps.
Although headquartered at Fort Knox, Ky., it will rotate 230 troops at a time though its forward deployment in Poznan, Poland.


upi--2020-10-21--USS Ross deploys to Barents Sea for second time this year

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- The USS Ross deployed to the Barents Sea in the Arctic Ocean , the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet said , the third time this year that Navy destroyers operated in the area .
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer , which carries Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles , began its 10th Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe deployment in the Barents Sea , north of Norway and Russia , on Tuesday , the Navy said .
The Ross ' return to the Arctic is its second time this year operating in the Barents Sea , after integration exercises in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with British and Norwegian ships .
`` This Barents Sea mission marks a significant milestone , clearly demonstrating our dynamic ability to operate anywhere in the world , '' Cmdr .
John D. John , Ross ' commanding officer , said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` These operations demonstrate the commitment of our crew to transatlantic stability and security . ''
With the coming of global warming , the military and commercial advantages of the Arctic Ocean have increased significance , officials have noted .
As a result , U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence in the Arctic Ocean not seen since the end of the Cold War .
`` The United States is an Arctic nation and has enduring security interests in the region .
We work with our Allies and partners to ensure an open Arctic by continuing to conduct land , air , and sea operations required for deterrence , presence , and security , '' the 6th Fleet statement said .

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Ross began a deployment this week to the Barents Sea in the Arctic Ocean. Photo courtesy of USS Ross/Facebook
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The USS Ross deployed to the Barents Sea in the Arctic Ocean, the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet said, the third time this year that Navy destroyers operated in the area. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which carries Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles, began its 10th Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe deployment in the Barents Sea, north of Norway and Russia, on Tuesday, the Navy said. Advertisement
The Ross' return to the Arctic is its second time this year operating in the Barents Sea, after integration exercises in September, known as Exercise Joint Warrior, with British and Norwegian ships.
"This Barents Sea mission marks a significant milestone, clearly demonstrating our dynamic ability to operate anywhere in the world," Cmdr. John D. John, Ross' commanding officer, said in a statement on Tuesday. "These operations demonstrate the commitment of our crew to transatlantic stability and security."
With the coming of global warming, the military and commercial advantages of the Arctic Ocean have increased significance, officials have noted.
As a result, U.S. military ships and planes have renewed a presence in the Arctic Ocean not seen since the end of the Cold War.
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"The United States is an Arctic nation and has enduring security interests in the region. We work with our Allies and partners to ensure an open Arctic by continuing to conduct land, air, and sea operations required for deterrence, presence, and security," the 6th Fleet statement said.


upi--2020-10-21--Senate's 2nd 'skinny' COVID-19 stimulus bill fails to advance

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- The Senate on Wednesday failed to pass an updated `` skinny '' COVID-19 relief package criticized by Democrats as being filled with `` poison pills . ''
The chamber voted 51-44 in favor of the legislation , short of the 60 votes needed to pass .
The vote was largely symbolic as senators expected it to fail .
The bill would have provided greater unemployment benefits , more money for COVID-19 vaccine development and contact tracing , and about $ 100 billion for schools .
It was nearly identical to the measure unanimously rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did n't do enough to help Americans and businesses and was riddled with `` poison pills . ''
Democrats have sought a larger relief package similar to the $ 2.2 trillion measure passed months ago by the House .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are making progress on negotiations for the next round of coronavirus relief , but several GOP senators have indicated an unwillingness to consider a larger package .
NBC News quoted unidentified sources saying Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that he has urged the White House against striking such a deal with Democrats .
A separate effort by McConnell , who is up for re-election next month , to pass a $ 250 billion extension for the Paycheck Protection Program on Tuesday also failed as Democrats rejected the measure as insufficient .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said both measures were `` designed to fail '' and are purely intended to give `` political cover '' to vulnerable Republicans in the Nov. 3 election .
`` The truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't pass anything on the floor , he is resorting to a series of political stunts .
That 's all .
Everyone knows it , '' Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday .
McConnell countered that `` Democratic leaders have spent months holding out for a long far-left wish list of non-COVID-related priorities and restricting additional aid until they get it . ''
During the private Senate Republican policy luncheon , USA Today reported , McConnell acknowledged there are n't enough GOP votes to pass a larger relief package and urged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal .
McConnell expressed concerns that any new deal could interfere with Republicans ' timeline for confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court before the election recess .

1/3
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., holds a sign Tuesday while speaking about the potential for a coronavirus relief deal in the Senate on Capitol Hill. Republican leader Mitch McConnell (L) has reportedly urged the White House to make no deal before the election. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The Senate on Wednesday failed to pass an updated "skinny" COVID-19 relief package criticized by Democrats as being filled with "poison pills." The chamber voted 51-44 in favor of the legislation, short of the 60 votes needed to pass. The vote was largely symbolic as senators expected it to fail. Advertisement
The bill would have provided greater unemployment benefits, more money for COVID-19 vaccine development and contact tracing, and about $100 billion for schools.
It was nearly identical to the measure unanimously rejected last month, when Senate Democrats said it didn't do enough to help Americans and businesses and was riddled with "poison pills."
Democrats have sought a larger relief package similar to the $2.2 trillion measure passed months ago by the House.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are making progress on negotiations for the next round of coronavirus relief, but several GOP senators have indicated an unwillingness to consider a larger package.
NBC News quoted unidentified sources saying Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told caucus members during a closed-door lunch Tuesday that he has urged the White House against striking such a deal with Democrats.
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A separate effort by McConnell, who is up for re-election next month, to pass a $250 billion extension for the Paycheck Protection Program on Tuesday also failed as Democrats rejected the measure as insufficient.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said both measures were "designed to fail" and are purely intended to give "political cover" to vulnerable Republicans in the Nov. 3 election.
"The truth is, because [McConnell] can't pass anything on the floor, he is resorting to a series of political stunts. That's all. Everyone knows it," Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday.
McConnell countered that "Democratic leaders have spent months holding out for a long far-left wish list of non-COVID-related priorities and restricting additional aid until they get it."
During the private Senate Republican policy luncheon, USA Today reported, McConnell acknowledged there aren't enough GOP votes to pass a larger relief package and urged the White House to refuse to make a deal.
McConnell expressed concerns that any new deal could interfere with Republicans' timeline for confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court before the election recess.


upi--2020-10-21--Look: Runaway parrot rescued from atop New Jersey city hall

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters were summoned to a New Jersey city hall to rescue a macaw perched @ @ @ @ @ .
Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott said the parrot was spotted atop Paterson City Hall @ @ @ @ @ crew working in the area .
The department shared photos of fire crews using a @ @ @ @ @ frightened bird high on the rooftop .
McDermott said the owner of the escaped bird @ @ @ @ @ went up on the ladder to retrieve the pet .
`` The bird just jumped @ @ @ @ @ relieved , '' McDermott told NorthJersey.com .
Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando said Chewy @ @ @ @ @ , but was in good health .
`` You could n't ask for anything happier @ @ @ @ @ `` The bird was reunited with the owner and suffered no injuries . ''

Firefighters in Paterson, N.J., came to the rescue of a macaw that flew away from its owner and became stranded on the roof of Paterson City Hall. Photo courtesy of the Paterson Fire Department
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Firefighters were summoned to a New Jersey city hall to rescue a macaw perched on the building's roof. Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott said the parrot was spotted atop Paterson City Hall on Tuesday by a film crew working in the area. Advertisement
The department shared photos of fire crews using a ladder truck to reach the frightened bird high on the rooftop.
McDermott said the owner of the escaped bird, identified as Chewy, went up on the ladder to retrieve the pet.
"The bird just jumped on him and was visibly relieved," McDermott told NorthJersey.com.
Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando said Chewy appeared frightened during the rescue, but was in good health.
"You couldn't ask for anything happier," DeCando said. "The bird was reunited with the owner and suffered no injuries."


upi--2020-10-21--Scientists detail structural secrets of near-indestructible beetle

Oct. 21 ( UPI ) -- Like the boss at the end of a video game , California 's diabolical ironclad beetle is seemingly indestructible .
Getting run over by a car is no sweat for the resilient beetle .
And the species ' more common enemies , hungry birds , lizards and rodents , are regularly frustrated by the hardy beetle .
According to a new study , published Wednesday in the journal Nature , the diabolical ironclad beetle 's near-invincibility is thanks to the insect 's touch exoskeleton and its remarkable ability to play dead .
Using high-resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were able to pinpoint the nanoscale characteristics that make its exoskeleton so sturdy .
`` The ironclad is a terrestrial beetle , so it 's not lightweight and fast but built more like a little tank , '' study co-author David Kisailus said in a news release .
`` That 's its adaptation : It ca n't fly away , so it just stays put and lets its specially designed armor take the abuse until the predator gives up , '' said Kisailus , a professor of materials science and engineering at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests showed the beetle can survive forces up to 39,000 times its body weight .
Imaging scans showed the beetle 's exoskeleton yields much of its strength from the elytra .
Among flying beetles , the elytra operate as forewing blades , a kind of sheath for a beetle 's wings .
The diabolical ironclad beetle 's elytra have evolved into a super strong , stationary shield .
The beetle 's elytra are composed of layers of a fibrous material called chitin and supported by a protein matrix .
Compared to flying beetles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent more protein by weight , lending an extra level of durability .
When scientists looked at how the ironclad 's two elytra are sutured together , they found the shields fit together like a jigsaw puzzle .
When compressed , the components do n't shatter , but instead experience delamination , or layered fracturing .
`` When you break a puzzle piece , you expect it to separate at the neck , the thinnest part , '' Kisailus said .
`` But we do n't see that sort of catastrophic split with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it delaminates , providing for a more graceful failure of the structure . ''
Closer examination revealed the presence of rodlike elements called microtrichia that researchers estimate work like friction pads , preventing layers from slipping when they experience delamination .
Using powerful X-ray imaging technology , researchers observed the behavior of the beetle 's nanoscale exoskeleton features while getting crushed .
The imagines revealed what scientists suspected -- the layers of the elytra and surrounding exoskeleton slowly delaminate , but avoid structural failure .
Researchers used a 3D printer to create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Models showed the design maximized the material 's strength and durability .
Tests showed the beetle 's structural genius -- and the 3D-printed material it inspired -- outperforms the traditional rivets and fasteners used for aircraft segments and reinforce stress points .
Scientists estimate their research will have a variety of applications in structural and material engineering .
`` This study really bridges the fields of biology , physics , mechanics and materials science toward engineering applications , which you do n't typically see in research , '' Kisailus said .
`` Luckily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Air Force , really enables us to form these multidisciplinary teams that helped connect the dots to lead to this significant discovery . ''

New research has revealed the nanoscale secrets of the diabolical ironclad beetle's near-indestructible exoskeleton, one of the most crush-resistant structures in the animal kingdom. Photo by Jesus Rivera/UCI
Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Like the boss at the end of a video game, California's diabolical ironclad beetle is seemingly indestructible. Getting run over by a car is no sweat for the resilient beetle. And the species' more common enemies, hungry birds, lizards and rodents, are regularly frustrated by the hardy beetle. Advertisement
According to a new study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the diabolical ironclad beetle's near-invincibility is thanks to the insect's touch exoskeleton and its remarkable ability to play dead.
Using high-resolution microscopic and spectroscopic imaging surveys, researchers were able to pinpoint the nanoscale characteristics that make its exoskeleton so sturdy.
"The ironclad is a terrestrial beetle, so it's not lightweight and fast but built more like a little tank," study co-author David Kisailus said in a news release.
"That's its adaptation: It can't fly away, so it just stays put and lets its specially designed armor take the abuse until the predator gives up," said Kisailus, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Irvine.
Advertisement
Lab tests showed the beetle can survive forces up to 39,000 times its body weight.
Imaging scans showed the beetle's exoskeleton yields much of its strength from the elytra. Among flying beetles, the elytra operate as forewing blades, a kind of sheath for a beetle's wings. The diabolical ironclad beetle's elytra have evolved into a super strong, stationary shield.
The beetle's elytra are composed of layers of a fibrous material called chitin and supported by a protein matrix. Compared to flying beetles, the ironclad's exoskeleton feature 10 percent more protein by weight, lending an extra level of durability.
When scientists looked at how the ironclad's two elytra are sutured together, they found the shields fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. When compressed, the components don't shatter, but instead experience delamination, or layered fracturing.
"When you break a puzzle piece, you expect it to separate at the neck, the thinnest part," Kisailus said. "But we don't see that sort of catastrophic split with this species of beetle. Instead, it delaminates, providing for a more graceful failure of the structure."
Closer examination revealed the presence of rodlike elements called microtrichia that researchers estimate work like friction pads, preventing layers from slipping when they experience delamination.
Advertisement
Using powerful X-ray imaging technology, researchers observed the behavior of the beetle's nanoscale exoskeleton features while getting crushed. The imagines revealed what scientists suspected -- the layers of the elytra and surrounding exoskeleton slowly delaminate, but avoid structural failure.
Researchers used a 3D printer to create a similar structural arrangement with synthetic materials. Models showed the design maximized the material's strength and durability.
Tests showed the beetle's structural genius -- and the 3D-printed material it inspired -- outperforms the traditional rivets and fasteners used for aircraft segments and reinforce stress points.
Scientists estimate their research will have a variety of applications in structural and material engineering.
"This study really bridges the fields of biology, physics, mechanics and materials science toward engineering applications, which you don't typically see in research," Kisailus said. "Luckily, this program, which is sponsored by the Air Force, really enables us to form these multidisciplinary teams that helped connect the dots to lead to this significant discovery."


upi--2020-10-21--Post-stroke rehab at home may work best

Post-stroke rehab at home may work best

Could telehealth help paralyzed stroke victims recover their motor skills faster than they would working directly with a physical therapist ?
Yes , claims a new study that found patients who had participated in at least 12 weeks of at-home rehabilitation with live video consultations ( `` telerehabilitation '' ) scored higher in testing of the recovery of their motor skills than those who had 12 weeks of in-person rehabilitation .
Study authors , including Chuancheng Ren from Fudan University in Shanghai , China , reported that the convenience of rehabilitating at home may have helped study participants stick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them recover their motor skills better than those who had conventional rehab .
`` I 'm not surprised that they could see similar effects of therapy with patients using telemedicine as they would via in person , '' said Dr. Andrew Southerland , an associate professor of neurology and public health sciences at University of Virginia Health , in Charlottesville , Va. `` Extrapolating that same technology and line of thinking to rehabilitation makes sense . ''
Telemedicine for a lot of patients is a way to receive care in the home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in their car , travel , and possibly walk up and down stairs .
That can be very strenuous for patients , said Southerland , who was not involved with the new study .
It 's possible they would be more receptive and able to perform the rehabilitation in a home environment .
`` I think that 's one possible reason why something like this could potentially work better or help patients more , '' he added .
`` I still think that 's perhaps an open question about whether telerehabilitation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what they could receive by in-person rehabilitation . ''
In the study , the researchers analyzed the cases of 52 patients in China , half of whom completed home-based telerehabilitation while the other half were in a conventional outpatient group .
For both groups , each session included 60 minutes of occupational and physical therapy , plus 20 minutes of a therapy called electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation .
The patients had each been admitted to Shanghai Fifth People 's Hospital , affiliated with Fudan University , between July 2017 and January 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain assessments before the start of the study , once they completed rehab , and again three months later .
The investigators found that participants who did in-home rehabilitation received higher scores in motor skills than those who did their therapy in a more conventional setting .
One limitation of the study was that there was not a `` control group '' receiving no rehabilitation , the authors noted .
If there had been , the researchers would have been able to estimate the amount of recovery that occurs naturally .
The findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neurology .
A challenge of telemedicine for rehab is ensuring that the patient is physically able to do the rehab techniques .
Having a caregiver or family member in the home to help is critical to their success , Southerland said .
And doctors still need a nurse or a technician at the bedside to help walk the patient through the neurological exam with telerehabilitation , Southerland noted .
Dr. Sheital Bavishi is an assistant professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Ohio State University 's Wexner Medical Center , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that early rehabilitation after a stroke brings greater improvement for the patient .
`` Quality of life is enhanced if post-stroke patients have more functional abilities to manage their [ activities of daily living ] and have a greater independence , '' Bavishi said .
It 's possible that home-based rehab may work better for some patients because they are being taught exercises in their home environment , which can make compliance better , she said .
In a clinic , they 're using equipment available in the clinic , while at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they have .
`` Rehabilitation is most effective when it is patient-centered , '' Bavishi said .
`` Therefore , some patients may have greater benefit in conventional rehab than home-based rehab . ''
Bavishi thinks that studies that show success in telerehabilitation or experiences with telemedicine during the pandemic may lead to more telemedicine in the future .
`` This is very exciting for us as physiatrists because our patients with disabilities will get greater access to care , '' Bavishi said .
`` The health care disparities and access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
( A physiatrist is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician . )
The pandemic has accelerated the understanding and acceptance of telemedicine as a platform to care for patients , Southerland said .
`` Probably more important to the expansion and sustainability of telemedicine is really to emphasize with our lawmakers and our policy makers the importance of reimbursement pathways and regulatory environments that incentivize folks to perform telemedicine services , and that 's also true for telerehabilitation , '' Southerland said .
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Could telehealth help paralyzed stroke victims recover their motor skills faster than they would working directly with a physical therapist?
Yes, claims a new study that found patients who had participated in at least 12 weeks of at-home rehabilitation with live video consultations ("telerehabilitation") scored higher in testing of the recovery of their motor skills than those who had 12 weeks of in-person rehabilitation.
Advertisement
Study authors, including Chuancheng Ren from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, reported that the convenience of rehabilitating at home may have helped study participants stick to their programs. That may have helped them recover their motor skills better than those who had conventional rehab.
"I'm not surprised that they could see similar effects of therapy with patients using telemedicine as they would via in person," said Dr. Andrew Southerland, an associate professor of neurology and public health sciences at University of Virginia Health, in Charlottesville, Va. "Extrapolating that same technology and line of thinking to rehabilitation makes sense."
Advertisement
Telemedicine for a lot of patients is a way to receive care in the home in situations where they otherwise would need to get in their car, travel, and possibly walk up and down stairs. That can be very strenuous for patients, said Southerland, who was not involved with the new study. It's possible they would be more receptive and able to perform the rehabilitation in a home environment.
"I think that's one possible reason why something like this could potentially work better or help patients more," he added. "I still think that's perhaps an open question about whether telerehabilitation is truly better versus just simply being equivalent to what they could receive by in-person rehabilitation."
In the study, the researchers analyzed the cases of 52 patients in China, half of whom completed home-based telerehabilitation while the other half were in a conventional outpatient group. For both groups, each session included 60 minutes of occupational and physical therapy, plus 20 minutes of a therapy called electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation. The patients had each been admitted to Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University, between July 2017 and January 2019.
The patients participated in motor function and brain assessments before the start of the study, once they completed rehab, and again three months later. The investigators found that participants who did in-home rehabilitation received higher scores in motor skills than those who did their therapy in a more conventional setting.
Advertisement
One limitation of the study was that there was not a "control group" receiving no rehabilitation, the authors noted. If there had been, the researchers would have been able to estimate the amount of recovery that occurs naturally.
The findings were published online recently in the journal Neurology.
A challenge of telemedicine for rehab is ensuring that the patient is physically able to do the rehab techniques. Having a caregiver or family member in the home to help is critical to their success, Southerland said.
And doctors still need a nurse or a technician at the bedside to help walk the patient through the neurological exam with telerehabilitation, Southerland noted.
Dr. Sheital Bavishi is an assistant professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus. She said that studies show that early rehabilitation after a stroke brings greater improvement for the patient.
"Quality of life is enhanced if post-stroke patients have more functional abilities to manage their [activities of daily living] and have a greater independence," Bavishi said.
It's possible that home-based rehab may work better for some patients because they are being taught exercises in their home environment, which can make compliance better, she said. In a clinic, they're using equipment available in the clinic, while at home they're adapting the exercises to what they have.
Advertisement
"Rehabilitation is most effective when it is patient-centered," Bavishi said. "Therefore, some patients may have greater benefit in conventional rehab than home-based rehab."
Bavishi thinks that studies that show success in telerehabilitation or experiences with telemedicine during the pandemic may lead to more telemedicine in the future.
"This is very exciting for us as physiatrists because our patients with disabilities will get greater access to care," Bavishi said. "The health care disparities and access to care will decrease with more telehealth options." (A physiatrist is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.)
The pandemic has accelerated the understanding and acceptance of telemedicine as a platform to care for patients, Southerland said.
"Probably more important to the expansion and sustainability of telemedicine is really to emphasize with our lawmakers and our policy makers the importance of reimbursement pathways and regulatory environments that incentivize folks to perform telemedicine services, and that's also true for telerehabilitation," Southerland said.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on stroke rehabilitation.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-22--Watch: Braunwyn Windham-Burke on going public about alcoholism, sobriety

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Braunwyn Windham-Burke says going public about her alcoholism and sobriety was a `` very freeing '' experience .
The Real Housewives of Orange County star discussed her decision to share her struggles with alcohol during Wednesday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Windham-Burke confessed to having a drinking problem during the RHOC Season 15 premiere , which aired last week .
She subsequently said on Instagram that she is more than 250 days sober .
On WWHL , Windham-Burke said being open about her struggles was `` a huge weight '' off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very freeing .
I have known that I 've had a problem with alcohol for decades and saying it so vocally and stated in a way that I had to be accountable was a huge weight off my shoulders , '' she said .
Windham-Burke also shared the two `` rock bottom '' moments in her struggles .
She said she realized she `` could never drink again '' during a trip to Miami for Rick Leventhal 's 60th birthday .
`` I 'd been on a four-day bender .
I was drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , every half an hour .
Refilling bottles , hiding them .
I was non-functional , '' the star said .
`` I walked in and I said to my husband , ' I ca n't stop drinking . '
'' `` At that point , it was physical .
I would start to shake if I went more than 15 minutes without a drink , '' she added .
`` That was my physical bottom . ''
Windham-Burke said her emotional rock bottom happened the first day she went to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RHOC .
`` It 's the day that I threw that glass .
It 's all on camera and you guys followed me through that entire day and you basically get to the doors of that first meeting with me , '' she said .
Windham-Burke started filming Season 15 while just 12 days sober .
She previously said the season will explore `` the good and the bad , the highs and the lows , the unfiltered reality '' of her new sobriety .
On WWHL , Windham-Burke also gave an update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sean Burke .
`` Currently Sean and I are not living in the same house .
I love him dearly .
We get along great , we 're getting along better than we ever had , but we are redefining our marriage right now , '' she said .

Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Braunwyn Windham-Burke says going public about her alcoholism and sobriety was a "very freeing" experience.
The Real Housewives of Orange County star discussed her decision to share her struggles with alcohol during Wednesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
Advertisement
Windham-Burke confessed to having a drinking problem during the RHOC Season 15 premiere, which aired last week. She subsequently said on Instagram that she is more than 250 days sober.
On WWHL, Windham-Burke said being open about her struggles was "a huge weight" off of her shoulders.
"It was very freeing. I have known that I've had a problem with alcohol for decades and saying it so vocally and stated in a way that I had to be accountable was a huge weight off my shoulders," she said.
Windham-Burke also shared the two "rock bottom" moments in her struggles. She said she realized she "could never drink again" during a trip to Miami for Rick Leventhal's 60th birthday.
"I'd been on a four-day bender. I was drinking, at that point, every 15 minutes, every half an hour. Refilling bottles, hiding them. I was non-functional," the star said. "I walked in and I said to my husband, 'I can't stop drinking.'"
Advertisement
"At that point, it was physical. I would start to shake if I went more than 15 minutes without a drink," she added. "That was my physical bottom."
Windham-Burke said her emotional rock bottom happened the first day she went to a support meeting, which was filmed for RHOC.
"It's the day that I threw that glass. It's all on camera and you guys followed me through that entire day and you basically get to the doors of that first meeting with me," she said.
Windham-Burke started filming Season 15 while just 12 days sober. She previously said the season will explore "the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, the unfiltered reality" of her new sobriety.
On WWHL, Windham-Burke also gave an update on her marriage to her estranged husband, Sean Burke.
"Currently Sean and I are not living in the same house. I love him dearly. We get along great, we're getting along better than we ever had, but we are redefining our marriage right now," she said.


upi--2020-10-22--In photos: Belmont University preps for final presidential debate

The Commission on Presidential Debates said it will mute each candidate 's microphone during some parts of the debate to @ @ @ @ @ uninterrupted .
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

From left to right, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand onstage as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Joe Biden gets a hug from his wife, Jill Biden, after the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville on Thursday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI


upi--2020-10-22--In Photos: Moments from the Billboard Latin Music Awards red carpet

The Billboard Latin Music Awards took place at the BB & T Center in Sunrise , Fla. , on October @ @ @ @ @ show was postponed from April in Las Vegas due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Luis Fonsi (L) and Águeda López walk the red carpet at the Latin Billboard Music Awards in Sunrise, Fla., on October 21, 2020. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI


upi--2020-10-22--Kim Jong Un honors Chinese troops of the Korean War

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Kim Jong Un said North Korea will `` never forget '' the sacrifices of the Chinese People 's Volunteer Army during a visit to a cemetery for Chinese troops who died during the 1950-53 Korean War .
Kim visited the tomb of Mao Anying , the eldest son of China 's Mao Zedong , to place a floral basket .
China observed the 70th anniversary of the War to Resist U.S .
Aggression and Aid Korea on Monday .
During the memorial , Kim said the sons and daughters of China took part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberation of the North Korean fatherland , KCNA and Rodong Sinmun reported Thursday .
`` The Chinese People 's Volunteer Army 's participation on the Korean front historically contributed to the great victory of the Fatherland Liberation War , '' Kim reportedly said .
`` The significance of this great victory forged in blood , made possible by the sharing of life and death and the linking of destinies of the people and troops of our two countries , remains unchanged to this day .
`` Our party , government and people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noble spirit of sacrifice . ''
Kim 's visit to the cemetery in Hoechang County , South Pyongan Province , included an entourage of North Korean officials , Chinese residents of North Korea and Li Jinjun , the Chinese ambassador to North Korea .
Kim has visited the tomb for Chinese soldiers three times since assuming power .
His previous visits took place in 2013 and 2018 .
Yang Moo-jin , a South Korean analyst at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul , said Beijing and Pyongyang are drawing closer because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs allies when confronting the United States , and North Korea needs to secure China and other allies for future U.S. negotiations , '' Yang said , South Korean news service Newsis reported Thursday .
North Korea depends on China for economic assistance and trade , but China has also been the source of trans-boundary pollution .
The Rodong said Thursday the public should guard against fine yellow dust .
The dust could be tainted with the coronavirus , state media claimed .
Yellow dust is a seasonal problem across Asia and originates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dust includes fine dust and ultrafine dust particles that can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory problems .

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) attends a ceremony in front of the monument to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province in North Korea. Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un said North Korea will "never forget" the sacrifices of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during a visit to a cemetery for Chinese troops who died during the 1950-53 Korean War. Kim visited the tomb of Mao Anying, the eldest son of China's Mao Zedong, to place a floral basket. China observed the 70th anniversary of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea on Monday. Advertisement
During the memorial, Kim said the sons and daughters of China took part in a "sacred war" for the liberation of the North Korean fatherland, KCNA and Rodong Sinmun reported Thursday.
"The Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation on the Korean front historically contributed to the great victory of the Fatherland Liberation War," Kim reportedly said. "The significance of this great victory forged in blood, made possible by the sharing of life and death and the linking of destinies of the people and troops of our two countries, remains unchanged to this day.
"Our party, government and people will never forget their glorious ethos and their noble spirit of sacrifice."
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Kim's visit to the cemetery in Hoechang County, South Pyongan Province, included an entourage of North Korean officials, Chinese residents of North Korea and Li Jinjun, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea.
Kim has visited the tomb for Chinese soldiers three times since assuming power. His previous visits took place in 2013 and 2018.
Yang Moo-jin, a South Korean analyst at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said Beijing and Pyongyang are drawing closer because of the United States.
"China needs allies when confronting the United States, and North Korea needs to secure China and other allies for future U.S. negotiations," Yang said, South Korean news service Newsis reported Thursday.
North Korea depends on China for economic assistance and trade, but China has also been the source of trans-boundary pollution.
The Rodong said Thursday the public should guard against fine yellow dust. The dust could be tainted with the coronavirus, state media claimed.
Yellow dust is a seasonal problem across Asia and originates from northern China and Mongolia. Yellow dust includes fine dust and ultrafine dust particles that can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.


upi--2020-10-22--Senate panel votes to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- About a month after President Donald Trump nominated her for the U.S. Supreme Court , the Senate judiciary committee on Thursday approved Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation and sent it to the full Senate for a final vote .
Her nomination now approved by the committee , it will advance for a full Senate vote , which Republican leader Mitch McConnell said will occur on Monday .
The panel 's 12 Republican members voted in favor of Barrett 's nomination and all 10 Democratic members boycotted the hearing and did not vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sept. 26 to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died a week earlier .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Wednesday that Democrats in the chamber would boycott the `` illegitimate markup '' of Barrett 's nomination and not provide the required quorum .
But Republicans had the ability to make a procedural change and approve the appointment .
Schumer also said he would force a vote to adjourn the Senate until after the Nov. 3 election , a move aimed at preventing the chamber from giving Barrett a final vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have business as usual here in the Senate while Republicans try to use an illegitimate process to jam through a Supreme Court nominee , '' he wrote .
Democrats have accused Republicans of hypocrisy after McConnell blocked former President Barack Obama 's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland in 2016 , arguing that no justice should be nominated in a presidential election year .
Republicans have argued that Barrett 's nomination is different because they control both the Senate and the presidency .
Before she died , Ginsburg also expressed a wish that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency on Nov. 3 .
Barrett , a 48-year-old judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals , last week was grilled by Democrats about her stances on various issues , including the landmark abortion rights case Roe vs. Wade and the Affordable Care Act , as her confirmation would grant conservatives a 6-3 majority on the high court .
Her nomination has also been a regular topic during presidential debates , where Democratic nominee Joe Biden has opposed her confirmation .
`` The American people have a right to have a say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that say occurs when they vote for United States senators and when they vote for president of the United States , '' Biden said during the first debate in September .
`` They 're not going to get that chance now because we 're in the middle of an election already . ''
At a town hall event in Miami last week , Trump made a different argument , saying `` the whole ball game changed '' because Democrats staunchly opposed his nomination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 over accusations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received overwhelming support from Republicans who are expected to vote for confirmation .
Democrats have refused to meet with her on Capitol Hill in recent weeks due to their opposition .
`` This is the first time in American history that we have nominated a woman who is unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology and she 's going to the court .
A seat at the table is waiting on you , '' judiciary committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , told Barrett during one of the meetings last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypocrisy , after publicly stating twice in 2017 that Republican senators would never favor a Supreme Court nominee if a vacancy came open before the 2020 election .
He 's in a close battle to keep his Senate seat in a race with Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison .

Amy Coney Barrett is sworn in as a U.S. Supreme Court justice in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday, October 26, 2020. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- About a month after President Donald Trump nominated her for the U.S. Supreme Court, the Senate judiciary committee on Thursday approved Judge Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation and sent it to the full Senate for a final vote. Her nomination now approved by the committee, it will advance for a full Senate vote, which Republican leader Mitch McConnell said will occur on Monday. Advertisement
The panel's 12 Republican members voted in favor of Barrett's nomination and all 10 Democratic members boycotted the hearing and did not vote.
Trump nominated Barrett to the high court on Sept. 26 to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died a week earlier.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Wednesday that Democrats in the chamber would boycott the "illegitimate markup" of Barrett's nomination and not provide the required quorum. But Republicans had the ability to make a procedural change and approve the appointment.
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Schumer also said he would force a vote to adjourn the Senate until after the Nov. 3 election, a move aimed at preventing the chamber from giving Barrett a final vote.
"We are not going to have business as usual here in the Senate while Republicans try to use an illegitimate process to jam through a Supreme Court nominee," he wrote.
Democrats have accused Republicans of hypocrisy after McConnell blocked former President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland in 2016, arguing that no justice should be nominated in a presidential election year.
Republicans have argued that Barrett's nomination is different because they control both the Senate and the presidency.
Before she died, Ginsburg also expressed a wish that her successor be chosen by whoever wins the presidency on Nov. 3.
Barrett, a 48-year-old judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, last week was grilled by Democrats about her stances on various issues, including the landmark abortion rights case Roe vs. Wade and the Affordable Care Act, as her confirmation would grant conservatives a 6-3 majority on the high court.
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Her nomination has also been a regular topic during presidential debates, where Democratic nominee Joe Biden has opposed her confirmation.
"The American people have a right to have a say in who this Supreme Court nominee is and that say occurs when they vote for United States senators and when they vote for president of the United States," Biden said during the first debate in September. "They're not going to get that chance now because we're in the middle of an election already."
At a town hall event in Miami last week, Trump made a different argument, saying "the whole ball game changed" because Democrats staunchly opposed his nomination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 over accusations of sexual assault.
Ultimately, Barrett has received overwhelming support from Republicans who are expected to vote for confirmation. Democrats have refused to meet with her on Capitol Hill in recent weeks due to their opposition.
"This is the first time in American history that we have nominated a woman who is unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology and she's going to the court. A seat at the table is waiting on you," judiciary committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Barrett during one of the meetings last week.
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Graham has particularly been accused of hypocrisy, after publicly stating twice in 2017 that Republican senators would never favor a Supreme Court nominee if a vacancy came open before the 2020 election. He's in a close battle to keep his Senate seat in a race with Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison.
Mourning Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


upi--2020-10-22--Look: Adele prepares to host 'SNL' in new photo

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Adele is preparing to host Saturday Night Live for the first time .
The NBC sketch comedy series shared a photo Wednesday of Adele , 32 , rehearsing ahead of Saturday 's episode .
The picture shows Adele wearing a mask as she goes over her notes on set .
The singer wears a matching denim top and pants with pointed-toe boots .
Adele posted the same photo on Instagram .
`` 3 days to go , '' she wrote .
NBC announced Sunday that Adele will host this week 's episode of SNL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ musical guest .
`` Bloooooody hellllll I 'm so excited about this !
!
And also absolutely terrified !
my first ever hosting gig and for SNL of all things !
!
!
! ''
Adele said on Instagram .
`` I 've always wanted to do it as a stand alone moment , so that I could roll up my sleeves and fully throw myself into it , but the time has never been right , '' she added .
`` But if there was ever a time for any of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it 's 2020 right ? ''
Adele released her third studio album , 25 , in 2015 .
She is known for the singles `` Rolling in the Deep , '' `` Someone Like You '' and `` Hello . ''

Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Adele is preparing to host Saturday Night Live for the first time.
The NBC sketch comedy series shared a photo Wednesday of Adele, 32, rehearsing ahead of Saturday's episode.
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The picture shows Adele wearing a mask as she goes over her notes on set. The singer wears a matching denim top and pants with pointed-toe boots.
Adele posted the same photo on Instagram.
"3 days to go," she wrote.
NBC announced Sunday that Adele will host this week's episode of SNL. H.E.R. will appear as the musical guest.
"Bloooooody hellllll I'm so excited about this!! And also absolutely terrified! my first ever hosting gig and for SNL of all things!!!!" Adele said on Instagram.
"I've always wanted to do it as a stand alone moment, so that I could roll up my sleeves and fully throw myself into it, but the time has never been right," she added. "But if there was ever a time for any of us to jump head first into the deep end with our eyes closed and hope for the best it's 2020 right?"
Adele released her third studio album, 25, in 2015. She is known for the singles "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You" and "Hello."


upi--2020-10-22--Champions League soccer: Liverpool slips past Ajax on own goal

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Premier League champions Liverpool managed to steal a victory in their 2020-2021 Champions League opener thanks to an Ajax own goal in the first half of the win in the Netherlands .
The 2018-2019 Champions League winners put six of their 16 shots on frame , but could not beat Ajax keeper Andre Onana in the 1-0 win on Wednesday at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam .
`` It was not the most easy-on-the-eye performance from both teams , I would say , '' Reds manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters .
Ajax left back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he deflected a shot into his own net in the 35th minute .
Ajax nearly equalized in the 44th minute , but Reds fullback Fabinho made a fantastic goal-line save to deny the score .
Ajax striker Dusan Tadic received a long ball up the middle of the field during that sequence .
He used his first touch to lob a shot over Reds keeper Adrian .
The attempt was headed into the net before Fabinho raced in and flicked the ball backward and away from the Liverpool goal .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a massive thing and the last few games we conceded many goals , some cheap goals , '' Adrian said .
`` [ On Wednesday , ] it was good keeping a clean sheet and scoring one goal to get us three points . ''
Liverpool hosts Sheffield in a Premier League match at 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday at Anfield .
The Reds resume Champions League group stage play with a game against Midtjylland at 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday in Liverpool , England .
Ajax battles VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venlo , Netherlands .
Ajax returns to Champions League play with a match against Atalanta at 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday in Bergamo , Italy .

Mohamed Salah and Liverpool beat Ajax 1-0 in their first game of the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Photo by Maurice Van Steen/EPA-EFE
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Premier League champions Liverpool managed to steal a victory in their 2020-2021 Champions League opener thanks to an Ajax own goal in the first half of the win in the Netherlands. The 2018-2019 Champions League winners put six of their 16 shots on frame, but could not beat Ajax keeper Andre Onana in the 1-0 win on Wednesday at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Advertisement
"It was not the most easy-on-the-eye performance from both teams, I would say," Reds manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters.
Ajax left back Nicolas Tagliafico broke the deadlock on accident when he deflected a shot into his own net in the 35th minute.
Ajax nearly equalized in the 44th minute, but Reds fullback Fabinho made a fantastic goal-line save to deny the score.
Ajax striker Dusan Tadic received a long ball up the middle of the field during that sequence. He used his first touch to lob a shot over Reds keeper Adrian. The attempt was headed into the net before Fabinho raced in and flicked the ball backward and away from the Liverpool goal.
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"As a goalkeeper, keeping a clean sheet is a massive thing and the last few games we conceded many goals, some cheap goals," Adrian said.
"[On Wednesday,] it was good keeping a clean sheet and scoring one goal to get us three points."
Liverpool hosts Sheffield in a Premier League match at 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday at Anfield. The Reds resume Champions League group stage play with a game against Midtjylland at 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday in Liverpool, England.
Ajax battles VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie at 10:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday in Venlo, Netherlands. Ajax returns to Champions League play with a match against Atalanta at 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday in Bergamo, Italy.


upi--2020-10-22--Watch: Bruce Springsteen calls John Prine a 'A national treasure' on 'The Late Show'

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Bruce Springsteen paid homage to the late John Prine on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .
`` John was , we were new Dylans together so were were inextricably entwined for long parts in our career in the sense that I think we had records that came out almost simultaneously , '' Springsteen said on Wednesday about how himself and Prine were compared to Bob Dylan .
`` Of course I heard his first record and said , 'Uh-oh , there 's another guy out there that 's really , really good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and remained so his whole life , '' the singer continued .
Prine died in April at the age of 73 due to complications related to COVID-19 .
`` We got to know one another a little bit and besides being an incredible musician , he was a lovely , lovely man and a national treasure for us .
To have him pass away of COVID was just a tragedy , a national loss , '' Springsteen said .
Springsteen was also asked to list his top three favorite Dylan songs and listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Visions of Johanna '' and `` Ring Them Bells . ''
Springsteen also stated he enjoys all of Dylan 's 1967 album titled John Wesley Harding .
`` You 've got to put 'Like a Rolling Stone ' in there just because it 's a history , culture-changing piece of music and it 's also simply a fantastic rock and roll song , '' he said .
Bruce Springsteen will release his new album Letter to You and a documentary of the same name about the making of the album on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV+ .
Letter to You is Springsteen 's first album with the E Street Band since 2014 's High Hopes and the first one he recorded live with the band since 1984 's Born in the U.S.A .

Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Bruce Springsteen paid homage to the late John Prine on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
"John was, we were new Dylans together so were were inextricably entwined for long parts in our career in the sense that I think we had records that came out almost simultaneously," Springsteen said on Wednesday about how himself and Prine were compared to Bob Dylan.
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"Of course I heard his first record and said, 'Uh-oh, there's another guy out there that's really, really good.' And of course, he was and remained so his whole life," the singer continued.
Prine died in April at the age of 73 due to complications related to COVID-19.
"We got to know one another a little bit and besides being an incredible musician, he was a lovely, lovely man and a national treasure for us. To have him pass away of COVID was just a tragedy, a national loss," Springsteen said.
Springsteen was also asked to list his top three favorite Dylan songs and listed "Like a Rolling Stone," "Visions of Johanna" and "Ring Them Bells." Springsteen also stated he enjoys all of Dylan's 1967 album titled John Wesley Harding.
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"You've got to put 'Like a Rolling Stone' in there just because it's a history, culture-changing piece of music and it's also simply a fantastic rock and roll song," he said.
Bruce Springsteen will release his new album Letter to You and a documentary of the same name about the making of the album on Friday. The documentary will premiere on Apple TV+.
Letter to You is Springsteen's first album with the E Street Band since 2014's High Hopes and the first one he recorded live with the band since 1984's Born in the U.S.A.


upi--2020-10-22--Cybersecurity firm: Millions of U.S. voter, consumer records for sale on 'dark web'

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Hackers are selling detailed information about tens of millions of American voters and consumers on the `` dark web , '' underscoring vulnerabilities ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election , according to a new cybersecurity analysis .
Trustwave , a Chicago-based cybersecurity company that monitors the dark web for threats , said in the report it discovered `` massive databases with detailed information about U.S. voters and consumers offered for sale on several hacker forums . ''
Those databases contain records revealing `` a shocking level of detail '' about citizens , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their database included 186 million records -- which , if correct , would mean it contains information about nearly every registered voter in the United States , Trustwave said .
Another seller claimed their consumer database contained 245 million records , which would be nearly the entire U.S. population .
`` Cybercriminals have figured out ways to monetize the upcoming elections using information from data leaks and publicly available sources and are actively shopping them for profit , '' the firm wrote .
`` The information found in the voter database can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spread disinformation to potentially impact the elections , particularly in swing states .
`` In the right hands , this voter and consumer information can easily be used for geo-targeted disinformation campaigns over social media , email phishing , and text and phone scams . ''
Much voter data is already publicly available , but the report said their compilation into large , readily usable databases is troublesome .
Some consumer records also listed citizens of other countries , including Britain , Canada , Ireland and South Africa .
Trustwave said having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and political affiliations can be useful for `` all sorts of scams '' and can `` target voters based on their voting history . ''
`` Databases found here may be given for free or sold .
Databases are typically sold for a few hundred dollars , up to a thousand dollars , payable in bitcoins , '' the firm said .
Trustwave suggested that state and city governments should re-evaluate the public records they make available online , as they often make things easier for cybercriminals .
`` If corporations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to data privacy , disinformation campaigns and social engineering will be difficult if not impossible to address , '' it wrote .
`` These activities are extremely profitable and there is a real demand for these databases .
We have also shown that cybercriminals are most likely mixing illegally obtained data from leaks with publicly available information on citizens and correlating them to create super databases with detailed information on almost every U.S. citizen and citizens of other major countries . ''
The report was published on the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Russia have obtained voter information , and blamed Tehran for an email campaign to intimidate Democratic voters .
Threatening emails purportedly sent from the `` Proud Boys '' -- a far-right , male-only militant organization that supports President Donald Trump -- appeared to use digital databases to target Democratic voters , Ratcliffe said .
Trustwave said it turned over the information it found to federal agents .
`` We are committed to finding and investigating fraud during this election , '' an FBI spokesman told NBC News .
`` While we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or may not have received from the public , we want to assure the American people the FBI is closely coordinated with our federal , state , and local partners to safeguard our voting processes . ''

A mural in the Atwater Village section of Los Angeles, Calif., pictured on October 10, urges citizens to vote in the 2020 general election. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Hackers are selling detailed information about tens of millions of American voters and consumers on the "dark web," underscoring vulnerabilities ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election, according to a new cybersecurity analysis. Trustwave, a Chicago-based cybersecurity company that monitors the dark web for threats, said in the report it discovered "massive databases with detailed information about U.S. voters and consumers offered for sale on several hacker forums." Advertisement
Those databases contain records revealing "a shocking level of detail" about citizens, including their political affiliations. One seller said their database included 186 million records -- which, if correct, would mean it contains information about nearly every registered voter in the United States, Trustwave said.
Another seller claimed their consumer database contained 245 million records, which would be nearly the entire U.S. population.
"Cybercriminals have figured out ways to monetize the upcoming elections using information from data leaks and publicly available sources and are actively shopping them for profit," the firm wrote.
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"The information found in the voter database can be used to conduct effective social engineering scams and spread disinformation to potentially impact the elections, particularly in swing states.
"In the right hands, this voter and consumer information can easily be used for geo-targeted disinformation campaigns over social media, email phishing, and text and phone scams."
Much voter data is already publicly available, but the report said their compilation into large, readily usable databases is troublesome. Some consumer records also listed citizens of other countries, including Britain, Canada, Ireland and South Africa.
Trustwave said having names, addresses, age, gender, and political affiliations can be useful for "all sorts of scams" and can "target voters based on their voting history."
"Databases found here may be given for free or sold. Databases are typically sold for a few hundred dollars, up to a thousand dollars, payable in bitcoins," the firm said.
Trustwave suggested that state and city governments should re-evaluate the public records they make available online, as they often make things easier for cybercriminals.
"If corporations are the only ones held to strict regulations when it comes to data privacy, disinformation campaigns and social engineering will be difficult if not impossible to address," it wrote.
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"These activities are extremely profitable and there is a real demand for these databases. We have also shown that cybercriminals are most likely mixing illegally obtained data from leaks with publicly available information on citizens and correlating them to create super databases with detailed information on almost every U.S. citizen and citizens of other major countries."
The report was published on the same day National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe announced that Iran and Russia have obtained voter information, and blamed Tehran for an email campaign to intimidate Democratic voters.
Threatening emails purportedly sent from the "Proud Boys" -- a far-right, male-only militant organization that supports President Donald Trump -- appeared to use digital databases to target Democratic voters, Ratcliffe said.
Trustwave said it turned over the information it found to federal agents.
"We are committed to finding and investigating fraud during this election," an FBI spokesman told NBC News. "While we cannot comment on information we may or may not have received from the public, we want to assure the American people the FBI is closely coordinated with our federal, state, and local partners to safeguard our voting processes."
2020 election: scenes from final stretch of presidential campaign


upi--2020-10-22--Nearly 800,000 U.S. workers file new unemployment claims, Labor Dept. says

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Almost another 800,000 U.S. workers have filed for new unemployment benefits , the Labor @ @ @ @ @ report Thursday .
The report listed 787,000 new claims for the week ending Oct. 17 @ @ @ @ @ from the previous week .
The figure is the lowest since March , in the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Thursday 's report also revised down last week 's claims by 56,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ new claims .
The department said there are 8.4 million continuing claims , which lag @ @ @ @ @ .
The department said in its September jobs report this month that the unemployment rate @ @ @ @ @ about 7.9 % .

A group of workers perform manual labor on a water fountain in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 12. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Almost another 800,000 U.S. workers have filed for new unemployment benefits, the Labor Department said in its weekly report Thursday. The report listed 787,000 new claims for the week ending Oct. 17, a decrease of 55,000 from the previous week. Advertisement
The figure is the lowest since March, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday's report also revised down last week's claims by 56,000. Most economists expected about 870,000 new claims.
The department said there are 8.4 million continuing claims, which lag initial claims by a week.
The department said in its September jobs report this month that the unemployment rate in the United States is about 7.9%.