upi--2020-09-02--COVID-19 in kids, teens mostly mild, rarely fatal, study says

Severe COVID-19 is rare in kids and teens , and death is exceptionally rare , occurring only in those with serious underlying conditions , according to a new study .
The study , published Aug. 27 in the BMJ , also showed that Black children have a disproportionately high rate of severe COVID-19 illness .
For the study , the researchers analyzed data from 651 children and teens with COVID-19 who were admitted to 138 hospitals in England , Scotland and Wales between mid-January and early July .
During a minimum follow-up of two weeks , 18 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the highest risk among those who were Black , younger than 1 month of age or between 10 and 14 years old .
Six children -- 1 % -- died in the hospital , and all of these patients had significant underlying health issues .
That death rate is `` strikingly low '' compared with 27 % across all ages over the same time period , the study authors said in a journal news release .
Eleven percent of the young patients met World Health Organization criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition believed to be linked to COVID-19 .
These children were older -- average age was 10.7 years -- and more likely to be non-white , the findings showed .
Children with MIS-C were more likely to be admitted to critical care have symptoms such as fatigue , headache , muscle pain and sore throat and have a low blood platelet count , according to the study .
There were , however , no deaths among patients with MIS-C .
The study provides a detailed picture of the clinical characteristics , risk factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and should also help refine WHO criteria for MIS-C , according to lead author Malcolm Semple , a professor of outbreak medicine and child health at the University of Liverpool , and colleagues .
Children and teens account for between 1 % and 2 % of COVID-19 cases worldwide , and the vast majority of reported infections in these young people are mild or asymptomatic .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 and kids .

Severe COVID-19 is rare in kids and teens, and death is exceptionally rare, occurring only in those with serious underlying conditions, according to a new study.
The study, published Aug. 27 in the BMJ, also showed that Black children have a disproportionately high rate of severe COVID-19 illness.
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For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 651 children and teens with COVID-19 who were admitted to 138 hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales between mid-January and early July.
During a minimum follow-up of two weeks, 18% of the patients were admitted to critical care, with the highest risk among those who were Black, younger than 1 month of age or between 10 and 14 years old.
Six children -- 1% -- died in the hospital, and all of these patients had significant underlying health issues. That death rate is "strikingly low" compared with 27% across all ages over the same time period, the study authors said in a journal news release.
Eleven percent of the young patients met World Health Organization criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, a rare condition believed to be linked to COVID-19. These children were older -- average age was 10.7 years -- and more likely to be non-white, the findings showed.
Advertisement
Children with MIS-C were more likely to be admitted to critical care have symptoms such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain and sore throat and have a low blood platelet count, according to the study. There were, however, no deaths among patients with MIS-C.
The study provides a detailed picture of the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of COVID-19 in children, and should also help refine WHO criteria for MIS-C, according to lead author Malcolm Semple, a professor of outbreak medicine and child health at the University of Liverpool, and colleagues.
Children and teens account for between 1% and 2% of COVID-19 cases worldwide, and the vast majority of reported infections in these young people are mild or asymptomatic.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 and kids.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-02--Ingram, Gordon among those with easiest, hardest early fantasy football matchups

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- A great start is key to a fantasy football season .
One way to project that for your team is to find out which players have enough opportunity to succeed early on against teams that might struggle to defend their skillset .
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram are among the players I like most this season based on those qualifiers ahead of fantasy football drafts .
They top a group of players you should target in your draft if you want to get off to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would aim for might have easy matchups at first , but their schedules will get harder down the road .
You should consider trading some of these players after they produce for your team so you can capitalize on their stock while it 's at its highest point and you can receive a maximum return in the exchange .
You also can choose to stick with these players and hope they build on their early success and produce spectacular seasons .
I have included lists of quarterbacks , running backs , wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or avoid in your draft based on their schedules to start the season .
My strength of schedule model balances each player 's respective opportunity and skill level with the number of matchups they have this season against teams that ranked inside the Top-10 for most fantasy points ( easy matchups ) and fewest fantasy points allowed ( hard matchups ) last season to their positions .
Brees will likely be a Top 10 quarterback selection in your draft , but there is a case to be made to draft him early .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wait until after the fifth or sixth round to draft the position .
Brees should hold his own in fantasy matchups you have against fellow owners who drafted quarterbacks earlier .
Brees has three matchups in four weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season .
He has two of those matchups in the first two weeks of the season and is a great value pick .
Jackson could be a first or second-round selection in your draft .
I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some huge weeks to start the season as the Ravens have three easy quarterback matchups in their first five games .
Prescott has high stock as fantasy football team owners enter drafts .
His will likely be one of the first five quarterbacks elected in your draft .
The Cowboys have four easy quarterback matchups in their first seven weeks .
Prescott should be an elite QB1 at the start of the season .
Bridgewater will either be undrafted or a very late pick in your draft .
While I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the entire season , I think he has value early on .
The Panthers have two easy quarterback matchups to start the season and four such matchups in their first five weeks .
Draft or add Bridgewater to your roster if you waited too long to select a quarterback and plan to platoon the position .
The Ravens selected former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and he could threaten Ingram 's workload in 2020 .
I still expect Ingram to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season .
Ingram has easy fantasy football matchups in each of the first five weeks of the season .
He should give you a boost at the position and help your fantasy squad to some early victories , due to his late draft position .
He also could be a prime candidate to trade away after Week 5 .
Ekeler 's draft position is before Ingram 's , so he is n't as good of a value , but he should be one of the top performers early on .
The Chargers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start the season .
Ekeler is a player you could trade away for a huge return after Week 3 .
You also could opt to keep him and hope he produces one of the best seasons for a running back in 2020 .
Chubb has easy matchups in Week 2 and Week 3 .
You should consider selecting him anytime after the No .
7 overall slot in the first round of your draft .
Drake and the Cardinals start the season with a tough fantasy football running back matchup against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchups .
I expect the former Miami Dolphins playmaker to have RB1 value early on , but he could struggle in tougher matchups .
I think Gurley will be a bit inconsistent at the start of the season , but he should heat up after Week 3 .
He could be someone to buy low on after the first few weeks as the Falcons have great running back matchups in four of five weeks from Week 4 through Week 8 .
Kamara has a first-round draft position and he should produce right away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchups in Week 3 and Week 4 .
Sanders has a lot of buzz as fantasy leagues prepare for drafts around the world .
The second-year Eagles running back is being drafted as an RB1 in deeper leagues , but is still a bit of a risk because he has yet to handle a huge workload .
I think he could be great early on , especially in points per reception leagues , as he has two easy matchups in his first three weeks .
He might struggle to stay healthy for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell-high option after a big game or two .
Adams is another candidate for a first-round pick for your squad .
He enters the season as Aaron Rodgers ' go-to option and should see an abundance of targets this year .
I expect him to be the top wide receiver in fantasy football at the start of the season and to parlay that success throughout 2020 .
The Packers face two teams in the first three weeks that ranked inside the Top 10 for fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first wide receiver picked in fantasy football drafts .
The Saints playmaker should have another elite campaign .
The Saints also have great wide receiver matchups in three of their first four games .
Diggs heads into his first season with the Bills after joining the team in an off-season trade .
I think he 'll see a lot of looks early on as the Bills try to create chemistry between the newcomer and quarterback Josh Allen .
Buffalo also has great wide receiver matchups in three of their first four games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he should produce WR2 or WR3 numbers most weeks .
Like Bridgewater , Moore should benefit from a great schedule to start the season .
Moore has three great wide receiver matchups in his first three weeks .
He is another great WR2 candidate , and could post some WR1 weeks early on .
The Bears have four matchups in the first five weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season .
Robinson is being underdrafted and could turn in a WR1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underdrafted player .
The Washington wide receiver is a spectacular WR3 , but should be a solid WR2 option when he has good matchups .
McLaurin has back-to-back great matchups to start the season .
Chark should produce good WR3 numbers early on as the Jaguars have great wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games .
Edelman and the Patriots also have great wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games .
I expect new Patriots quarterback Cam Newton to target Edelman often , which should result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WR2 in points per reception formats .
Aiyuk was one of the many talented rookie wide receivers selected in the 2020 NFL Draft .
He might have the best opportunity to produce of any rookie pass catcher .
The 49ers are struggling with a myriad of wide receiver injuries .
Aiyuk should immediately be a second or third target in the offense behind George Kittle .
The 49ers have five consecutive easy wide receiver matchups to start the season .
Throw Aiyuk into your lineup as a WR3 at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that starts three wide receivers and includes at least 12 teams .
Andrews had a breakout year in 2019 and became NFL MVP Lamar Jackson 's top target .
He should n't be picked in the same range as Travis Kelce or Kittle , but is an elite tight end option .
The Ravens start the season with great fantasy football tight end matchups in three of their first four weeks .
Cook should be a fringe season-long TE1 in leagues that require starting the position and include at least 12 teams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leagues and did n't get an elite option , Cook could be your answer as a plug-in play .
The Saints have great tight end matchups in their first two games .
Take a shot on the veteran tight end and you wo n't be disappointed .
Hurst and the Falcons also start the season with back-to-back great tight end matchups .
He is another plug-in play in tight end leagues .
Ebron should make an immediate impact for the Steelers , who have great tight end matchups in three of their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draftable tight end , but could be a dart-throw play if you do n't prioritize the position in your draft .
The Panthers have great tight end matchups in three of their first four games .
Jarwin is another player who has some stream upside in tight end leagues .
Five of the Cowboys ' first seven games are against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season .
Some players are so talented that you can overlook bad matchups and Mahomes is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not a fan of drafting a quarterback early in any fantasy football draft , but if you do decide to do that , you might want to consider Jackson instead of Mahomes .
Five of the Chiefs ' first seven games in 2020 come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season .
Watson lost his best wide receiver -- DeAndre Hopkins -- in an off-season trade , but is still being drafted as a Top-5 quarterback .
I have other gunslingers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my pre-draft rankings in part due to Watson 's tough schedule .
The Texans have tough quarterback matchups in three of their first four games .
Stafford and the Lions have tough matchups in their first two games to start the season .
He is n't being drafted as a Top 10 option and could struggle early on .
I would add another quarterback to your roster if you have Stafford on your squad .
Tannehill is another player who is n't being selected early in fantasy football drafts .
I think the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start .
Four of the Titans ' first five games come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks in 2019 .
Barkley is a consensus Top 3 pick in fantasy football drafts , but you should consider other options in his tier if you are given the choice .
The Giants have tough running back matchups in two of their first three games .
Barkley should be a great trade target before Week 4 if the team that drafted him in your league gets frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is another player who could struggle at the start of the 2020 season .
Two of the Raiders ' first three games come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2019 .
Gordon was one of the former fantasy football stars involved in a blockbuster off-season move .
The new Broncos running back has plenty of buzz and is being drafted as an RB2 option , but could disappoint owners due to a timeshare with Phillip Lindsay and tough matchups early on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their first five weeks .
I would look at other running back options before drafting Gordon .
Johnson is now slated to be the workhorse out of the backfield for the Texans .
The dynamic running back should be a great points per reception play for most of the season , but has two tough matchups in his first three weeks .
He will likely be another buy-low candidate if you need an upgrade at the position after Week 3 .
There are already a ton of red flags about the Jets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of the league 's worst teams .
Bell is being drafted as an RB2 , but I 'm staying away from him in my drafts .
The Jets also have three tough running back matchups through the first four weeks .
I expect Bell 's early struggles to morph into a season-long decline .
The Buccaneers ' offense appears to be filled with playmakers as we enter the 2020 season .
Jones is one of the wildcard fantasy football commodities in Tampa Bay .
He is being drafted as a low-end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a player to avoid on draft day and target later on during the season .
Two of the Buccaneers ' first three games this season come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2019 .
Jones has enough talent to overcome tough matchups , but you might want to consider other options in his tier if you want to draft a wide receiver early .
The Falcons offense should have plenty of playmakers and quarterback Matt Ryan could spread the ball around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Falcons also have tough wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games .
Evans and Godwin are both being drafted as WR1s .
They should produce to that level throughout the 2020 campaign , but have three tough wide receiver matchups within the first five weeks of the season .
I would target one of them as a buy-low candidate if they struggle through the first quarter of the season .
Lockett and Metcalf should benefit from another spectacular season from Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson .
They are each being drafted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade targets before Week 4 .
The Seahawks have two matchups in the first three weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season .
Green already has some injury red flags , which have resulted in a later average draft position than he has had in previous years .
He could be a terrific value as a WR3 if he can turn in an elite season this year .
I expect him to struggle early on as the Bengals have back-to-back tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Make sure to pick up another wide receiver with better early matchups later on in your draft if you pick Green .
Brown was a big-play option for Lamar Jackson in 2020 and should spark fantasy teams once again in 2020 , but he has tough matchups in two of his first three games .
I expect boom-or-bust production from Brown at the start of the season .
You should consider trading him away if he goes off in any of his first three games .
The Rams want to bounce back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new look offense after the departure of Todd Gurley .
Kupp and Woods should post WR2 and WR3 numbers throughout the season , but have tough matchups in two of their first three games .
I still expect them to produce , but it will be hard to project who has the best game on a weekly basis .
I would look for a player with a more steady target share if you are targeting a wide receiver and Kupp and Woods remain on the draft board .
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would result in lower numbers for Brown and Davis .
Three of the Titans ' first five games also come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season .
Davis is n't much of a risk because he has a late average draft position , but Brown is being picked up as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 .
I see Brown as a disappointment early on and he should be a buy-low trade target after Week 5 .
Parker had a career-best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catches last season .
He enters the season as the Dolphins ' top receiving option , but Miami 's pass-catching group lacks depth .
That means opposing defenses will be able to better focus on Parker and limit his production .
He remains a low-end WR3 for me this season , but has tough matchups through the first two weeks .
Stay away from Parker if you want consistent WR3 play .
He 'll be a matchup-dependent option at the slot later in the season when he has better matchups .
I expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , led by a high-octane offense .
Ruggs , Williams and a great group of tight ends should provide solid balance for the Josh Jacobs-led rushing attack .
The Raiders should lean on Jacobs and the running game , but the wide receivers could struggle to provide consistency as fantasy football options .
Las Vegas has three tough wide receiver matchups in their first five weeks .
They also have seven total matchups in 2020 against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' first five games in 2020 come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2019 .
That means it could be hard to forecast when to play Shepard , Tate and Slayton throughout the season .
Giants tight end Evan Engram remains an elite option for his position , but be weary of throwing Giants wide receivers into your lineup .
Kelce should still be one of the first tight ends selected in your draft , but I would n't pick him in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second round .
The Chiefs have three tough tight end matchups in the first four weeks of the season and four such matchups through six weeks .
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also has some tough matchups to begin the year .
Kelce could be a great trade target to buy low on halfway through the fantasy football season .
Waller went off for 1,145 yards on 90 catches and was one of the best breakout fantasy football players last season .
He remains one of the Raiders ' best skill position players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Each of Las Vegas ' first four games are against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season .
Higbee is expected to be a Top 10 fantasy football tight end , but you might want to look elsewhere if you need a tight end near his draft position .
The Rams have tough tight end matchups in two of their first three games .
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians heaped praise onto Gronkowski at the start of training camp , but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end might not see as many snaps as his fantasy football stock owners would like .
The Buccaneers have several talented tight ends and could shuffle the playmakers dependent on game plan .
Tampa Bay also has tough tight end matchups in three of their first four games .
Do n't overdraft Gronkowski based on his previous success .
I think he 'll be more of a red zone option for the Buccaneers and should be a matchup-dependent play for fantasy football squads in 2020 .
Doyle is now the main man at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he shared the role in previous seasons .
He is being drafted as a TE1 , but will likely struggle early as he has two tough matchups in the first three weeks of the 2020 season .
Doyle should be a better play after Week 3 as his schedule gets easier .

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Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (R) should be a draft-day value for your fantasy football squad based on an easy schedule to start the season. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A great start is key to a fantasy football season. One way to project that for your team is to find out which players have enough opportunity to succeed early on against teams that might struggle to defend their skillset. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram are among the players I like most this season based on those qualifiers ahead of fantasy football drafts. They top a group of players you should target in your draft if you want to get off to a hot start. Advertisement
Some of the players I would aim for might have easy matchups at first, but their schedules will get harder down the road. You should consider trading some of these players after they produce for your team so you can capitalize on their stock while it's at its highest point and you can receive a maximum return in the exchange.
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You also can choose to stick with these players and hope they build on their early success and produce spectacular seasons.
I have included lists of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends I would target or avoid in your draft based on their schedules to start the season.
My strength of schedule model balances each player's respective opportunity and skill level with the number of matchups they have this season against teams that ranked inside the Top-10 for most fantasy points (easy matchups) and fewest fantasy points allowed (hard matchups) last season to their positions.
Easiest early schedules
Quarterback
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Brees will likely be a Top 10 quarterback selection in your draft, but there is a case to be made to draft him early. You should target the Saints quarterback if you wait until after the fifth or sixth round to draft the position. Brees should hold his own in fantasy matchups you have against fellow owners who drafted quarterbacks earlier.
Brees has three matchups in four weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks last season. He has two of those matchups in the first two weeks of the season and is a great value pick.
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Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson could be a first or second-round selection in your draft. I don't love that price, but he should have some huge weeks to start the season as the Ravens have three easy quarterback matchups in their first five games.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott has high stock as fantasy football team owners enter drafts. His will likely be one of the first five quarterbacks elected in your draft. The Cowboys have four easy quarterback matchups in their first seven weeks. Prescott should be an elite QB1 at the start of the season.
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers
Bridgewater will either be undrafted or a very late pick in your draft. While I don't love him as a fantasy football starter for the entire season, I think he has value early on. The Panthers have two easy quarterback matchups to start the season and four such matchups in their first five weeks. Draft or add Bridgewater to your roster if you waited too long to select a quarterback and plan to platoon the position.
Running back
Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens selected former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and he could threaten Ingram's workload in 2020. I still expect Ingram to be a strong RB1 option at the start of the season.
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Ingram has easy fantasy football matchups in each of the first five weeks of the season. He should give you a boost at the position and help your fantasy squad to some early victories, due to his late draft position. He also could be a prime candidate to trade away after Week 5.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Ekeler's draft position is before Ingram's, so he isn't as good of a value, but he should be one of the top performers early on. The Chargers have three consecutive easy running back matchups to start the season. Ekeler is a player you could trade away for a huge return after Week 3. You also could opt to keep him and hope he produces one of the best seasons for a running back in 2020.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Chubb has easy matchups in Week 2 and Week 3. You should consider selecting him anytime after the No. 7 overall slot in the first round of your draft.
Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals
Drake and the Cardinals start the season with a tough fantasy football running back matchup against the San Francisco 49ers before three consecutive easy matchups. I expect the former Miami Dolphins playmaker to have RB1 value early on, but he could struggle in tougher matchups.
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Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons
I think Gurley will be a bit inconsistent at the start of the season, but he should heat up after Week 3. He could be someone to buy low on after the first few weeks as the Falcons have great running back matchups in four of five weeks from Week 4 through Week 8.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Kamara has a first-round draft position and he should produce right away as the Saints have easy running back matchups in Week 3 and Week 4.
Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
Sanders has a lot of buzz as fantasy leagues prepare for drafts around the world. The second-year Eagles running back is being drafted as an RB1 in deeper leagues, but is still a bit of a risk because he has yet to handle a huge workload.
I think he could be great early on, especially in points per reception leagues, as he has two easy matchups in his first three weeks. He might struggle to stay healthy for the entire season and should be a solid sell-high option after a big game or two.
Wide receiver
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Adams is another candidate for a first-round pick for your squad. He enters the season as Aaron Rodgers' go-to option and should see an abundance of targets this year. I expect him to be the top wide receiver in fantasy football at the start of the season and to parlay that success throughout 2020. The Packers face two teams in the first three weeks that ranked inside the Top 10 for fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2019.
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Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Thomas is the most-popular option to be the first wide receiver picked in fantasy football drafts. The Saints playmaker should have another elite campaign. The Saints also have great wide receiver matchups in three of their first four games.
Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Diggs heads into his first season with the Bills after joining the team in an off-season trade. I think he'll see a lot of looks early on as the Bills try to create chemistry between the newcomer and quarterback Josh Allen.
Buffalo also has great wide receiver matchups in three of their first four games. Diggs might be inconsistent, but he should produce WR2 or WR3 numbers most weeks.
D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
Like Bridgewater, Moore should benefit from a great schedule to start the season. Moore has three great wide receiver matchups in his first three weeks. He is another great WR2 candidate, and could post some WR1 weeks early on.
Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
The Bears have four matchups in the first five weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season. Robinson is being underdrafted and could turn in a WR1 campaign in 2020.
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Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team
McLaurin is another underdrafted player. The Washington wide receiver is a spectacular WR3, but should be a solid WR2 option when he has good matchups. McLaurin has back-to-back great matchups to start the season.
D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars
Chark should produce good WR3 numbers early on as the Jaguars have great wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games.
Julian Edelman, New England Patriots
Edelman and the Patriots also have great wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games. I expect new Patriots quarterback Cam Newton to target Edelman often, which should result in WR3 numbers. He should be a WR2 in points per reception formats.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Aiyuk was one of the many talented rookie wide receivers selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. He might have the best opportunity to produce of any rookie pass catcher. The 49ers are struggling with a myriad of wide receiver injuries.
Aiyuk should immediately be a second or third target in the offense behind George Kittle. The 49ers have five consecutive easy wide receiver matchups to start the season. Throw Aiyuk into your lineup as a WR3 at the start of the season if you are in a league that starts three wide receivers and includes at least 12 teams.
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Tight end
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Andrews had a breakout year in 2019 and became NFL MVP Lamar Jackson's top target. He shouldn't be picked in the same range as Travis Kelce or Kittle, but is an elite tight end option. The Ravens start the season with great fantasy football tight end matchups in three of their first four weeks.
Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints
Cook should be a fringe season-long TE1 in leagues that require starting the position and include at least 12 teams. If you are in one of those leagues and didn't get an elite option, Cook could be your answer as a plug-in play. The Saints have great tight end matchups in their first two games. Take a shot on the veteran tight end and you won't be disappointed.
Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons
Hurst and the Falcons also start the season with back-to-back great tight end matchups. He is another plug-in play in tight end leagues.
Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ebron should make an immediate impact for the Steelers, who have great tight end matchups in three of their first four games.
Ian Thomas, Carolina Panthers
Thomas isn't a draftable tight end, but could be a dart-throw play if you don't prioritize the position in your draft. The Panthers have great tight end matchups in three of their first four games.
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Blake Jarwin, Dallas Cowboys
Jarwin is another player who has some stream upside in tight end leagues. Five of the Cowboys' first seven games are against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for most fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season.
Hardest early schedules
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Some players are so talented that you can overlook bad matchups and Mahomes is the best example of that philosophy. I'm not a fan of drafting a quarterback early in any fantasy football draft, but if you do decide to do that, you might want to consider Jackson instead of Mahomes.
Five of the Chiefs' first seven games in 2020 come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season.
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
Watson lost his best wide receiver -- DeAndre Hopkins -- in an off-season trade, but is still being drafted as a Top-5 quarterback. I have other gunslingers ranked ahead of the Texans star in my pre-draft rankings in part due to Watson's tough schedule. The Texans have tough quarterback matchups in three of their first four games.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Stafford and the Lions have tough matchups in their first two games to start the season. He isn't being drafted as a Top 10 option and could struggle early on. I would add another quarterback to your roster if you have Stafford on your squad.
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Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Tannehill is another player who isn't being selected early in fantasy football drafts. I think the Titans quarterback could have a very slow start. Four of the Titans' first five games come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks in 2019.
Running back
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley is a consensus Top 3 pick in fantasy football drafts, but you should consider other options in his tier if you are given the choice. The Giants have tough running back matchups in two of their first three games.
Barkley should be a great trade target before Week 4 if the team that drafted him in your league gets frustrated with his potential early struggles.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Jacobs is another player who could struggle at the start of the 2020 season. Two of the Raiders' first three games come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2019.
Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos
Gordon was one of the former fantasy football stars involved in a blockbuster off-season move. The new Broncos running back has plenty of buzz and is being drafted as an RB2 option, but could disappoint owners due to a timeshare with Phillip Lindsay and tough matchups early on.
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Denver has four tough running back matchups in their first five weeks. I would look at other running back options before drafting Gordon.
David Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson is now slated to be the workhorse out of the backfield for the Texans. The dynamic running back should be a great points per reception play for most of the season, but has two tough matchups in his first three weeks. He will likely be another buy-low candidate if you need an upgrade at the position after Week 3.
Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets
There are already a ton of red flags about the Jets this off-season and they are expected to be one of the league's worst teams. Bell is being drafted as an RB2, but I'm staying away from him in my drafts.
The Jets also have three tough running back matchups through the first four weeks. I expect Bell's early struggles to morph into a season-long decline.
Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' offense appears to be filled with playmakers as we enter the 2020 season. Jones is one of the wildcard fantasy football commodities in Tampa Bay. He is being drafted as a low-end RB2 or flex play, but might be a player to avoid on draft day and target later on during the season.
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Two of the Buccaneers' first three games this season come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in 2019.
Wide receiver
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Jones has enough talent to overcome tough matchups, but you might want to consider other options in his tier if you want to draft a wide receiver early. The Falcons offense should have plenty of playmakers and quarterback Matt Ryan could spread the ball around a bit more in 2020. The Falcons also have tough wide receiver matchups in two of their first three games.
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans and Godwin are both being drafted as WR1s. They should produce to that level throughout the 2020 campaign, but have three tough wide receiver matchups within the first five weeks of the season. I would target one of them as a buy-low candidate if they struggle through the first quarter of the season.
Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Lockett and Metcalf should benefit from another spectacular season from Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. They are each being drafted as WR2s, but could be better trade targets before Week 4. The Seahawks have two matchups in the first three weeks against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season.
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A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Green already has some injury red flags, which have resulted in a later average draft position than he has had in previous years. He could be a terrific value as a WR3 if he can turn in an elite season this year.
I expect him to struggle early on as the Bengals have back-to-back tough wide receiver matchups to start the season. Make sure to pick up another wide receiver with better early matchups later on in your draft if you pick Green.
Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens
Brown was a big-play option for Lamar Jackson in 2020 and should spark fantasy teams once again in 2020, but he has tough matchups in two of his first three games. I expect boom-or-bust production from Brown at the start of the season. You should consider trading him away if he goes off in any of his first three games.
Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams want to bounce back this year, but will have a new look offense after the departure of Todd Gurley. Kupp and Woods should post WR2 and WR3 numbers throughout the season, but have tough matchups in two of their first three games.
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I still expect them to produce, but it will be hard to project who has the best game on a weekly basis. I would look for a player with a more steady target share if you are targeting a wide receiver and Kupp and Woods remain on the draft board.
A.J. Brown and Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill might struggle to start the season, which would result in lower numbers for Brown and Davis. Three of the Titans' first five games also come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers last season.
Davis isn't much of a risk because he has a late average draft position, but Brown is being picked up as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2. I see Brown as a disappointment early on and he should be a buy-low trade target after Week 5.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins
Parker had a career-best 1,202 yards and nine scores on 72 catches last season. He enters the season as the Dolphins' top receiving option, but Miami's pass-catching group lacks depth. That means opposing defenses will be able to better focus on Parker and limit his production.
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He remains a low-end WR3 for me this season, but has tough matchups through the first two weeks. Stay away from Parker if you want consistent WR3 play. He'll be a matchup-dependent option at the slot later in the season when he has better matchups.
Tyrell Williams and Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders
I expect the Raiders to be a surprise team this season, led by a high-octane offense. Ruggs, Williams and a great group of tight ends should provide solid balance for the Josh Jacobs-led rushing attack.
The Raiders should lean on Jacobs and the running game, but the wide receivers could struggle to provide consistency as fantasy football options. Las Vegas has three tough wide receiver matchups in their first five weeks.
They also have seven total matchups in 2020 against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to the position last season.
Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Four of the Giants' first five games in 2020 come against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2019. That means it could be hard to forecast when to play Shepard, Tate and Slayton throughout the season.
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Giants tight end Evan Engram remains an elite option for his position, but be weary of throwing Giants wide receivers into your lineup.
Tight end
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce should still be one of the first tight ends selected in your draft, but I wouldn't pick him in the first round or early in the second round. The Chiefs have three tough tight end matchups in the first four weeks of the season and four such matchups through six weeks.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also has some tough matchups to begin the year. Kelce could be a great trade target to buy low on halfway through the fantasy football season.
Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Waller went off for 1,145 yards on 90 catches and was one of the best breakout fantasy football players last season. He remains one of the Raiders' best skill position players, but might have a slow start this year.
Each of Las Vegas' first four games are against teams that ranked inside the Top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season.
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Higbee is expected to be a Top 10 fantasy football tight end, but you might want to look elsewhere if you need a tight end near his draft position. The Rams have tough tight end matchups in two of their first three games.
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Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians heaped praise onto Gronkowski at the start of training camp, but has since hinted that the former All-Pro tight end might not see as many snaps as his fantasy football stock owners would like.
The Buccaneers have several talented tight ends and could shuffle the playmakers dependent on game plan. Tampa Bay also has tough tight end matchups in three of their first four games.
Don't overdraft Gronkowski based on his previous success. I think he'll be more of a red zone option for the Buccaneers and should be a matchup-dependent play for fantasy football squads in 2020.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
Doyle is now the main man at tight end this year for the Colts after he shared the role in previous seasons. He is being drafted as a TE1, but will likely struggle early as he has two tough matchups in the first three weeks of the 2020 season. Doyle should be a better play after Week 3 as his schedule gets easier.


upi--2020-09-02--Rachelle Lefevre: ‘Sounds’ offers humanity, mystery and a reckoning

NEW YORK , Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Rachelle Lefevre said her new TV drama , The Sounds , helped her explore her philosophy that humanity is `` beautifully broken . ''
`` I 'm always interested in anything where characters have to pay the piper ... where the reckoning comes from all the things they tried to pretend they were n't , '' the actress told UPI in a recent phone interview .
The Sounds casts Lefevre as Maggie Cabbott , a Canadian woman whose husband Tom ( Matt Whelan from Narcos ) disappears during a boating trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to set up a solo business venture outside the influence of his wealthy and unscrupulous family .
The eight-episode drama begins streaming Thursday on Acorn TV .
It co-stars Matt Nable , Peter Elliott , Emily Piggford , Vanessa Rare and Anna-Maree Thomas .
`` I 've always wanted to do one of those mystery miniseries where it all unfolds and you are racing to try to figure it out before they tell you , '' Lefevre said .
`` I just find that to be fun to watch .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I always thought it would be an interesting challenge to play a character who could n't really give anything away .
You had to be truthful , but leave room for the mystery . ''
The Under the Dome and Twilight alum also was eager to work with director Peter Stebbings , whose credits include Wynonna Earp and Orphan Black .
Before they began shooting The Sounds , the actress and the filmmaker poured over the scripts together , and then worked with writers Sarah-Kate Lynch and Samuel E. Shore to flesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter was so open to my input , and we turned out to be really good creative collaborators , '' Lefevre said .
`` We got to kind of arc her journey in ways that were a little bit different ; that felt to us more authentic , and I think it worked really well .
I think it turned out to be a really good partnership . ''
Filming in New Zealand also was a huge draw .
`` I joked that before I went to New Zealand , I was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like 'magical , ' and now I ca n't stop using it , '' Lefevre laughed .
`` I am now New Zealand 's biggest fan and not just of the landscape , really -- the people . ''
The actress enjoyed learning about the country and talking to its citizens about politics and current events .
She also recalled being surprised and inspired when she read about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urging New Zealanders to simply be kind to one another .
`` I remember being struck by a politician putting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was part of her political agenda , as it should be , and then my experience of talking to people about things -- even issues that could be divisive -- is that they really did lead with kindness , '' Lefevre said .
She said she does n't mean to idealize the place or sell it as a `` kind of cartoon utopia . ''
`` It 's a real place like everywhere else , '' Lefevre said .
`` But I was struck by how much they led with kindness and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' One of the biggest challenges Lefevre said she faced there was filming in and on the water .
`` The water was freezing , and we did a lot of water stuff .
There were some very , very hard days -- very physically and emotionally grueling days and that is where , yet again , in this situation , if you 're me , you shout your director 's name to the rooftops -- 'Peter Stebbings carries the day . '
Because I really would not have gotten through it without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confined to their homes for months due to the coronavirus pandemic may think of The Sounds as an escapist treat with its intriguing puzzle , fascinating characters and beautiful scenery .
`` It has a transporting element .
You really can sit in your living room and go somewhere .
I do think that that has so much value now , '' Lefevre said .
She said she understands how difficult the quarantine has been , particularly for artistic people like herself who have n't been able to do what they usually do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my contemporaries felt depressed , like there was a weight , and then I just had to reframe it , so I am extremely creative , '' the real-life mother of a 4-year-old said .
`` I 'm just creative in a preschool level , which is really , really therapeutic and fulfilling .
There is a reason in occupational therapy that they do art and use glue guns .
There is something about it that is just really childlike , and I say that in the best way .
I think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Rachelle Lefevre's new mystery drama, "The Sounds," is set to debut on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Acorn TV
NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Rachelle Lefevre said her new TV drama, The Sounds, helped her explore her philosophy that humanity is "beautifully broken." "I'm always interested in anything where characters have to pay the piper...where the reckoning comes from all the things they tried to pretend they weren't," the actress told UPI in a recent phone interview. Advertisement
The Sounds casts Lefevre as Maggie Cabbott, a Canadian woman whose husband, Tom (Matt Whelan from Narcos), disappears during a boating trip in New Zealand, where he had been trying to set up a solo business venture outside the influence of his wealthy and unscrupulous family.
The eight-episode drama begins streaming Thursday on Acorn TV. It co-stars Matt Nable, Peter Elliott, Emily Piggford, Vanessa Rare and Anna-Maree Thomas.
"I've always wanted to do one of those mystery miniseries where it all unfolds and you are racing to try to figure it out before they tell you," Lefevre said.
Advertisement
"I just find that to be fun to watch. I really like [stories with twists] and I always thought it would be an interesting challenge to play a character who couldn't really give anything away. You had to be truthful, but leave room for the mystery."
The Under the Dome and Twilight alum also was eager to work with director Peter Stebbings, whose credits include Wynonna Earp and Orphan Black.
Before they began shooting The Sounds, the actress and the filmmaker pored over the scripts together, then worked with writers Sarah-Kate Lynch and Samuel E. Shore to flesh out the character of Maggie.
"Peter was so open to my input, and we turned out to be really good creative collaborators," Lefevre said. "We got to kind of arc her journey in ways that were a little bit different; that felt to us more authentic, and I think it worked really well."
Filming in New Zealand also was a huge draw.
"I joked that before I went to New Zealand, I was not the kind of person who used words like 'magical,' and now I can't stop using it," Lefevre laughed. "I am now New Zealand's biggest fan and not just of the landscape, really -- the people."
Advertisement
The actress enjoyed learning about the country and talking to its citizens about politics and current events.
She also recalled being surprised and inspired when she read about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urging New Zealanders to simply be kind to one another.
"I remember being struck by a politician putting that front and center, as if it was part of her political agenda, as it should be, and then my experience of talking to people about things -- even issues that could be divisive -- is that they really did lead with kindness," Lefevre said.
She said she doesn't mean to idealize the place or sell it as a "kind of cartoon utopia."
"It's a real place, like everywhere else," Lefevre said. "But I was struck by how much they led with kindness and I felt that every day on set."
One of the biggest challenges Lefevre said she faced there was filming in and on the water.
"The water was freezing, and we did a lot of water stuff. There were some very, very hard days -- very physically and emotionally grueling days and that is where, yet again, in this situation, if you're me, you shout your director's name to the rooftops -- 'Peter Stebbings carries the day.' Because I really would not have gotten through it without him," she said.
Advertisement
Viewers confined to their homes for months due to the coronavirus pandemic may think of The Sounds as an escapist treat with its intriguing puzzle, fascinating characters and beautiful scenery.
"It has a transporting element. You really can sit in your living room and go somewhere. I do think that that has so much value now," Lefevre said.
She said she understands how difficult the quarantine has been, particularly for artistic people like herself who haven't been able to do what they usually do in solitude.
"A lot of my contemporaries felt depressed, like there was a weight, and then I just had to reframe it, so I am extremely creative," the real-life mother of a 4-year-old said.
"I'm just creative in a preschool level, which is really, really therapeutic and fulfilling. There is a reason in occupational therapy that they do art and use glue guns. There is something about it that is just really childlike, and I say that in the best way. I think I found a new creativity -- fun!"


upi--2020-09-02--Famous birthdays for Sept. 2: Eric Dickerson, Mark Harmon

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo .
-- Hawaiian @ @ @ @ @ monarch of islands and last to rule before statehood , in 1838 -- Hiram Maxim @ @ @ @ @ portable automatic machine gun , in 1869 -- Christa McAuliffe , schoolteacher/astronaut who died in @ @ @ @ @ space shuttle Challenger , in 1948

1/4
Former Los Angeles Rams and Football Hall of Fame member Eric Dickerson stands for the national anthem before the Detroit Lions-St. Louis Rams game at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on December 13, 2015. He turns 60 on September 2. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo. They include: Advertisement
-- Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani, only female monarch of islands and last to rule before statehood, in 1838
-- Sporting goods entrepreneur Albert Spalding in 1850
-- Hiram Maxim, who invented the first portable automatic machine gun, in 1869
-- Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Adolph Rupp in 1901
-- Dancer Marge Champion in 1919 (age 101)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Snapple co-founder Arnold Greenberg in 1932
-- Horse racing Hall of Fame member D. Wayne Lukas in 1935 (age 85)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member John Thompson Jr. in 1941 (age 79)
-- Christa McAuliffe, schoolteacher/astronaut who died in the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, in 1948
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Nate Archibald in 1948 (age 72)
-- Football Hall of Fame member/broadcaster Terry Bradshaw in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Mark Harmon in 1951 (age 69)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Tennis Hall of Fame member Jimmy Connors in 1952 (age 68)
-- Cirque de Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberte in 1959 (age 61)
-- Football Hall of Fame member Eric Dickerson in 1960 (age 60)
-- Actor Eugenio Derbez in 1961 (age 59)
-- Actor Keanu Reeves in 1964 (age 56)
-- Actor Salma Hayek in 1966 (age 54)
-- Comedian Katt Williams in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor Austin Abrams in 1996 (age 24)


upi--2020-09-02--On This Day, Sept. 2: Japan signs unconditional surrender ending WWII

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1666 , the Great Fire of London began .
It destroyed 13,000 houses in four days .
In 1935 , a hurricane hit the Florida Keys , killing more than 350 people .
In 1940 , President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border .
The park officially opened in six years earlier , in 1934 .
In 1945 , Japan signed an unconditional surrender aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay , formally ending World War II .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communist leader whose founding of North Vietnam and desire for reunification with South Vietnam ultimately resulted in war , died at the age of 79 .
In 1973 , J.R.R .
Tolkien , author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy , died at age 81 .
In 1992 , earthquake-spawned tidal waves killed more than 100 people in Pacific coast villages in Nicaragua .
In 1998 , a Swissair jetliner en route from New York to Geneva , Switzerland , crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed .
In 2004 , U.S. President George W. Bush accepted the GOP nomination for re-election , promising to build a `` safer world and a more hopeful America . ''
In 2010 , BP warned the U.S. Congress the company might be unable to pay compensation for its massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill if barred from new offshore drilling permits .
In 2013 , American Diana Nyad , 64 , completed a 53-hour swim from Havana , Cuba , to Key West , Fla. , becoming the first swimmer to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2018 , a fire at Brazil 's National Museum , the country 's oldest and most important natural history museum , destroyed most of its 20 million artifacts , including Egyptian mummies and historic artwork .
In 2019 , a fire broke out on a diving boat off the coast of Santa Cruz Island , Calif. , killing 34 people .

1/3
Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and Gen. Yoshijiro Umezu of Japan sign the "complete capitulation of Japan" on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo. Photo by Ed Hoffman/UPI
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1666, the Great Fire of London began. It destroyed 13,000 houses in four days. Advertisement
In 1935, a hurricane hit the Florida Keys, killing more than 350 people.
In 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The park officially opened in six years earlier, in 1934.
In 1945, Japan signed an unconditional surrender aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay, formally ending World War II.
In 1969, Ho Chi Minh, the communist leader whose founding of North Vietnam and desire for reunification with South Vietnam ultimately resulted in war, died at the age of 79.
In 1973, J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, died at age 81.
Actor Richard Armitage attends the premiere of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," based on a novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, at TCL Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on December 2, 2013. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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In 1992, earthquake-spawned tidal waves killed more than 100 people in Pacific coast villages in Nicaragua.
In 1998, a Swissair jetliner en route from New York to Geneva, Switzerland, crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. All 229 people aboard were killed.
In 2004, U.S. President George W. Bush accepted the GOP nomination for re-election, promising to build a "safer world and a more hopeful America."
In 2010, BP warned the U.S. Congress the company might be unable to pay compensation for its massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill if barred from new offshore drilling permits.
File Photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI
In 2013, American Diana Nyad, 64, completed a 53-hour swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Fla., becoming the first swimmer to make the crossing without a shark cage.
In 2018, a fire at Brazil's National Museum, the country's oldest and most important natural history museum, destroyed most of its 20 million artifacts, including Egyptian mummies and historic artwork.
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In 2019, a fire broke out on a diving boat off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, Calif., killing 34 people.


upi--2020-09-02--BTS reflects on their Billboard Hot 100 milestone

SEOUL , Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- K-pop superstars BTS added another accolade this week , becoming the first all-South Korean band to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their single `` Dynamite . ''
On Wednesday , the septet held an online press conference to react to the news .
`` To be honest , BTS reaching No.1 on the Hot 100 -- we never imagined it , '' said band member J-Hope .
`` It still feels like a dream .
I do n't know if this is reality .
I 'm still shaking , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surpasses Psy 's 2012 megahit `` Gangnam Style , '' which made it to No .
2 on the chart , and bests BTS ' own high mark of No .
4 with their March single `` On . ''
The Billboard Hot 100 blends U.S. streaming , radio airplay and sales data across all genres .
Band member Jimin said the news brought him to tears and delivered a sense of satisfaction for the years of hard work the group has put in since their debut in 2013 .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news and I was basically crying until I fell asleep at 7 a.m. , '' he said .
`` It felt like an acknowledgment for all the things that we have been doing .
Being able to join together and do this in such difficult times for everybody and being lauded for this accomplishment made us really happy and made me cry . ''
Other members of the boy band also reflected Wednesday on the journey that has brought them to this point .
`` I did n't think BTS would be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' V said .
`` We all came to Seoul from the provinces .
We had a very small practice studio in the basement .
It was just the seven of us practicing together and working together .
Those memories are still very fresh in my mind . ''
He said that looking back on the group 's humble beginnings `` really amplifies the joy that I have now . ''
The celebratory mood for BTS ' accomplishment was shared by many in their home country , including South Korean President Moon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly amazing . ''
`` It is a splendid feat that further raises pride in K-pop , '' he said in a statement released Tuesday .
Moon added that the rise of the cheery disco-pop track to the top of the chart was `` all the more meaningful as it has been composed to give a message of comfort and hope to people around the world who are struggling with COVID-19 . ''
The single , which was released on Aug. 21 , got off to a blazing start , breaking a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 million views on YouTube in its first 24 hours .
BTS is no stranger to the top of the American music charts , reaching No .
1 on the Billboard 200 album rankings four times .
But the Hot 100 represents a new level of widespread appeal for the K-pop act , as it does n't rely solely on album sales by diehard fans but also streams and radio play .
`` No .
1 on the Hot 100 chart is not something you can achieve with fan support only , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It requires exposure and acceptance by the general public . ''
RM said he thought several factors contributed to the song 's success in the U.S. market , including the fact that `` Dynamite '' is the first BTS track with lyrics entirely in English .
He also pointed to the song 's carefree spirit and upbeat message .
`` It 's easy to sing along with or hum along with , '' RM said .
`` And it does n't have a macro-level message .
Rather , sometimes the simpler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across . ''
BTS will be busy continuing to promote the song in the U.S. market in the coming weeks , with performances lined up on Today on Sept. 10 and on America 's Got Talent on Sept. 16 .
The K-pop idols are also scheduled to perform Sept. 18 at the iHeartRadio Music Festival , along with acts such as Coldplay , Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban .
On the heels of their latest success , group member Suga on Wednesday identified the next target in the band 's sights : a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We went to the Grammys at the beginning of the year and did a collaborative performance '' with rapper Lil Nas X , he said .
`` Now I would like to do a single performance with just BTS on the Grammys stage .
It would be great to receive an award , but that 's not going to become a reality just because we want it ... so for now , just getting to perform on the Grammy award stage is our goal . ''

K-pop stars BTS held an online press conference Wednesday to discuss the single "Dynamite" topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Photo courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- K-pop superstars BTS added another accolade this week, becoming the first all-South Korean band to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their single "Dynamite." On Wednesday, the septet held an online press conference to react to the news. Advertisement
"To be honest, BTS reaching No.1 on the Hot 100 -- we never imagined it," said band member J-Hope. "It still feels like a dream. I don't know if this is reality. I'm still shaking, I'm still excited."
Their feat surpasses Psy's 2012 megahit "Gangnam Style," which made it to No. 2 on the chart, and bests BTS' own high mark of No. 4 with their March single "On."
The Billboard Hot 100 blends U.S. streaming, radio airplay and sales data across all genres.
Band member Jimin said the news brought him to tears and delivered a sense of satisfaction for the years of hard work the group has put in since their debut in 2013.
Advertisement
"It was at 4 a.m. that I heard the news and I was basically crying until I fell asleep at 7 a.m.," he said. "It felt like an acknowledgment for all the things that we have been doing. Being able to join together and do this in such difficult times for everybody and being lauded for this accomplishment made us really happy and made me cry."
Other members of the boy band also reflected Wednesday on the journey that has brought them to this point.
"I didn't think BTS would be in the limelight with such a global audience," V said. "We all came to Seoul from the provinces. We had a very small practice studio in the basement. It was just the seven of us practicing together and working together. Those memories are still very fresh in my mind."
He said that looking back on the group's humble beginnings "really amplifies the joy that I have now."
The celebratory mood for BTS' accomplishment was shared by many in their home country, including South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who called their achievement "truly amazing."
"It is a splendid feat that further raises pride in K-pop," he said in a statement released Tuesday.
Advertisement
Moon added that the rise of the cheery disco-pop track to the top of the chart was "all the more meaningful as it has been composed to give a message of comfort and hope to people around the world who are struggling with COVID-19."
The single, which was released on Aug. 21, got off to a blazing start, breaking a record when its music video racked up over 100 million views on YouTube in its first 24 hours.
BTS is no stranger to the top of the American music charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album rankings four times. But the Hot 100 represents a new level of widespread appeal for the K-pop act, as it doesn't rely solely on album sales by diehard fans but also streams and radio play.
"No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart is not something you can achieve with fan support only," said RM, the band's leader. "It requires exposure and acceptance by the general public."
RM said he thought several factors contributed to the song's success in the U.S. market, including the fact that "Dynamite" is the first BTS track with lyrics entirely in English. He also pointed to the song's carefree spirit and upbeat message.
Advertisement
"It's easy to sing along with or hum along with," RM said. "And it doesn't have a macro-level message. Rather, sometimes the simpler message is the message that really gets across."
BTS will be busy continuing to promote the song in the U.S. market in the coming weeks, with performances lined up on Today on Sept. 10 and on America's Got Talent on Sept. 16.
The K-pop idols are also scheduled to perform Sept. 18 at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, along with acts such as Coldplay, Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban.
On the heels of their latest success, group member Suga on Wednesday identified the next target in the band's sights: a solo performance at the Grammys.
"We went to the Grammys at the beginning of the year and did a collaborative performance" with rapper Lil Nas X, he said. "Now I would like to do a single performance with just BTS on the Grammys stage. It would be great to receive an award, but that's not going to become a reality just because we want it...so for now, just getting to perform on the Grammy award stage is our goal."


upi--2020-09-02--U.S. seizes terrorist websites used to recruit, destabilize Iraq

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- The United States has seized websites used by an Iran-backed terrorist organization to recruit new members and further destabilize the political situation in Iraq , the Justice Department said Wednesday .
In a statement , the Justice Department said it seized two websites on Aug. 31 that function as the media arm of Kataib Hezbollah , an Iraq-based militant group that the U.S. Treasury blacklisted and the State Department designated as a foreign terrorist organization in 2009 .
`` Once again , we see designated foreign terrorist organizations turning to the Internet to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violent causes .
We will continue to fight terror recruitment and propaganda efforts in the digital world as we do elsewhere , '' John Demers , assistant attorney general for National Security , said .
The terrorist organization used the two websites Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org to publish videos , articles and photographs on the Internet to recruit members to its ranks and to destabilize Iraq , the Justice Department said , adding the websites also functioned as an online television broadcast channel .
The domain names are owned and operated by a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
`` Attempts to surreptitiously utilize U.S.-based online networks and services to promote Iran-backed terrorist propaganda will immediately be disrupted , disabled and seized , '' said P. Lee Smith of the Department of Commerce .
`` The industry and Security is committed to ensuring the stability of the Iraqi government and protecting our troops and allied forces against terrorist acts . ''

Pursuant to a warrant, the United States seized two websites controlled by the Kataib Hezbollah terrorist organization on Aug. 31. Image courtesy of the Department of Justice
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The United States has seized websites used by an Iran-backed terrorist organization to recruit new members and further destabilize the political situation in Iraq, the Justice Department said Wednesday. In a statement, the Justice Department said it seized two websites on Aug. 31 that function as the media arm of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraq-based militant group that the U.S. Treasury blacklisted and the State Department designated as a foreign terrorist organization in 2009. Advertisement
"Once again, we see designated foreign terrorist organizations turning to the Internet to push their message and recruit followers for their violent causes. We will continue to fight terror recruitment and propaganda efforts in the digital world as we do elsewhere," John Demers, assistant attorney general for National Security, said.
The terrorist organization used the two websites Aletejahtv.com and Aletejahtv.org to publish videos, articles and photographs on the Internet to recruit members to its ranks and to destabilize Iraq, the Justice Department said, adding the websites also functioned as an online television broadcast channel.
The domain names are owned and operated by a U.S. company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, authorities said.
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"Attempts to surreptitiously utilize U.S.-based online networks and services to promote Iran-backed terrorist propaganda will immediately be disrupted, disabled and seized," said P. Lee Smith of the Department of Commerce. "The industry and Security is committed to ensuring the stability of the Iraqi government and protecting our troops and allied forces against terrorist acts."


upi--2020-09-02--Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, 75, dies of dementia, COVID-19

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver , who helped guide the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1969 , has died at age 75 .
The Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that Seaver died Monday from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19 .
`` We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away , '' his wife , Nancy , and daughters Sarah and Anne said in a statement .
`` We send our love out to his fans , as we mourn his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seaver -- known as `` Tom Terrific '' -- won an MLB-best 25 games during the Mets ' championship season in 1969 , when he captured the first of his three Cy Young Awards .
The Mets paid tribute to Seaver with a post on social media Wednesday .
Seaver , born Nov. 17 , 1944 , in Fresno , Calif. , played 20 seasons in the majors -- the first 11 coming with the Mets organization .
He also played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox before ending his career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who served in the U.S. Marine Corps , finished his career with a 311-205 record , a 2.86 ERA and 3,640 strikeouts .
Along with his three Cy Young Awards , he was a 12-time All-Star selection and led the league in wins and ERA three times .
The Mets retired Seaver 's No .
41 in 1988 .
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992 .
`` Tom Seaver 's life exemplified greatness in the game , as well as integrity , character , and sportsmanship -- the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Jane Forbes Clark , Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum .
`` As a longtime member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors , Tom brought dignity and wisdom to this institution that will be deeply missed .
His love for baseball history , and for the Hall of Fame , was reinforced in 2014 , when he pledged the donation of his personal baseball collection to the museum .
His wonderful legacy will be preserved forever in Cooperstown . ''
Following his playing career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Mets and Yankees and on national telecasts for NBC .
He later started the Seaver Vineyards in Calistoga , Calif .

National Baseball Hall of Fame member Tom Seaver was a 12-time All-Star selection and led the league in wins and ERA three times. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, who helped guide the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1969, has died at age 75. The Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that Seaver died Monday from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19. Advertisement
"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," his wife, Nancy, and daughters Sarah and Anne said in a statement. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."
The right-handed Seaver -- known as "Tom Terrific" -- won an MLB-best 25 games during the Mets' championship season in 1969, when he captured the first of his three Cy Young Awards.
The Mets paid tribute to Seaver with a post on social media Wednesday.
Official statement from the #Mets on the passing of Tom Seaver. #RIP41 pic.twitter.com/tWTxQWlk1o— New York Mets (@Mets) September 3, 2020
Seaver, born Nov. 17, 1944, in Fresno, Calif., played 20 seasons in the majors -- the first 11 coming with the Mets organization. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox before ending his career with the Boston Red Sox.
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Seaver, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, finished his career with a 311-205 record, a 2.86 ERA and 3,640 strikeouts. Along with his three Cy Young Awards, he was a 12-time All-Star selection and led the league in wins and ERA three times.
The Mets retired Seaver's No. 41 in 1988. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.
"Tom Seaver's life exemplified greatness in the game, as well as integrity, character, and sportsmanship -- the ideals of a Hall of Fame career," said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
"As a longtime member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Tom brought dignity and wisdom to this institution that will be deeply missed. His love for baseball history, and for the Hall of Fame, was reinforced in 2014, when he pledged the donation of his personal baseball collection to the museum. His wonderful legacy will be preserved forever in Cooperstown."
Following his playing career, Seaver served as a television analyst for the Mets and Yankees and on national telecasts for NBC. He later started the Seaver Vineyards in Calistoga, Calif.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-09-02--Texas man pleads guilty to joining Islamic State in Syria

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- A repatriated Islamic State fighter originally from Texas pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge on Wednesday after joining the group in 2014 .
Omer Kuzu , 23 , entered a guilty plea to charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism , the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement .
`` This defendant , an American citizen radicalized on American soil , pledged allegiance to a brutal terrorist group and traveled halfway across the world to enact its agenda .
The United States must do everything we can to prevent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution of those that support the terroristic agenda of ISIS , '' U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox said , referencing an abbreviated name for the terror group .
In his plea agreement , Kuzu said he and his brother , Yusuf , traveled from Texas to Istanbul , Turkey , on Oct. 16 , 2014 , and then traveled to Ofra where they were picked up in an `` ISIS Taxi '' and smuggled into Syria .
They later arrived in Mosul , Iraq , for combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Islamic Caliphate .
Kuzu was eventually sent to the second lines in Syria to provide communications support and work in the IS technology center before being captured by the Syrian Defense Forces in March 2019 .
He is set to be sentenced on Jan. 22 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison .

Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A repatriated Islamic State fighter originally from Texas pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge on Wednesday after joining the group in 2014.
Omer Kuzu, 23, entered a guilty plea to charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.
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"This defendant, an American citizen radicalized on American soil, pledged allegiance to a brutal terrorist group and traveled halfway across the world to enact its agenda. The United States must do everything we can to prevent and deter this type of radicalization and prioritize prosecution of those that support the terroristic agenda of ISIS," U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox said, referencing an abbreviated name for the terror group.
In his plea agreement, Kuzu said he and his brother, Yusuf, traveled from Texas to Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 16, 2014, and then traveled to Ofra where they were picked up in an "ISIS Taxi" and smuggled into Syria.
They later arrived in Mosul, Iraq, for combat and weapons training and pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the Islamic Caliphate.
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Kuzu was eventually sent to the second lines in Syria to provide communications support and work in the IS technology center before being captured by the Syrian Defense Forces in March 2019.
He is set to be sentenced on Jan. 22 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison.


upi--2020-09-02--U.S. Open tennis: No. 1 seed Karolina Pliskova falls; Novak Djokovic rallies

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Top-seeded Karolina Pliskova suffered an upset loss in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens , N.Y. Pliskova -- a finalist at the 2016 U.S. Open -- failed to convert two set points in the second set and lost 6-1 , 7-6 ( 2 ) to France 's Caroline Garcia .
It was the French player 's fourth victory over Pliskova in their seven total meetings .
It marked the first time since 2008 that the top-seeded woman lost in the second round at Flushing Meadows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's really like there is a top player and then there is a bad one , but it 's not really like this , '' Garcia said .
`` It 's closer than it looks most of the time and a few points can make the switch .
So I had to stay focused .
`` I knew maybe she was going to come back .
She was not going to give me the match for sure so I had to be ready for everything .
When she came back very well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was most important . ''
Meanwhile , No .
4 seed Naomi Osaka cruised to a straight-sets win over Camila Giorgi in their second-round match .
Osaka earned the 6-1 , 6-2 victory in an hour and 10 minutes to advance to the third round .
Unseeded Americans Ann Li and Shelby Rogers also pulled off upset wins Wednesday .
The 20-year-old Li defeated No .
13 seed Alison Riske 6-0 , 6-3 , while Rogers beat 11th-seeded Elena Rybakina 7-5 , 6-1 .
No .
31 seed Anastasija Sevastova , who knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first round , lost to unseeded Marta Kostyuk in another second-round upset .
Earlier Wednesday , 17th-seeded Angelique Kerber advanced to the third round with a 6-3 , 7-6 ( 6 ) victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam .
No .
6 seed Petra Kvitova also moved into the next round with her 7-6 ( 3 ) , 6-2 triumph over Kateryna Kozlova .
On the men 's side of the tournament , Novak Djokovic rallied past Kyle Edmund in Wednesday 's second round in four sets .
The top-seeded Serbian fell behind when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time this year but took the next three sets for a 6-7 ( 5 ) , 6-3 , 6-4 , 6-2 win .
Djokovic -- seeking his fourth U.S. Open title -- had been 10-0 in tiebreakers this year .
He extended his winning streak , which dates back to last season , to 28 matches overall .
Djokovic hit 16 aces and lost only 12 points on his first serve .
`` I 'm actually glad I did drop a set and got tested the way I did today against Kyle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tough task , '' Djokovic said .
`` I 'm really glad [ about ] having an early , tough match in the tournament .
It kind of serves me better , I think , for the rest of the tournament . ''
Djokovic , who has won five of the last seven Grand Slam tournaments , will face No .
28 Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round .
Earlier Wednesday , Alexander Zverev defeated 19-year-old American Brandon Nakashima 7-5 , 6-7 ( 8 ) , 6-3 , 6-1 .
The fifth-seeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 aces and won every service game .
No .
7 seed David Goffin also reached the next round with his win over Lloyd Harris .

Karolina Pliskova's loss Wednesday marked the first time since 2008 that the top-seeded woman fell in the second round at Flushing Meadows. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Top-seeded Karolina Pliskova suffered an upset loss in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, N.Y. Pliskova -- a finalist at the 2016 U.S. Open -- failed to convert two set points in the second set and lost 6-1, 7-6 (2) to France's Caroline Garcia. It was the French player's fourth victory over Pliskova in their seven total meetings. Advertisement
It marked the first time since 2008 that the top-seeded woman lost in the second round at Flushing Meadows.
"Sometimes the score can say it's really like there is a top player and then there is a bad one, but it's not really like this," Garcia said. "It's closer than it looks most of the time and a few points can make the switch. So I had to stay focused.
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"I knew maybe she was going to come back. She was not going to give me the match for sure so I had to be ready for everything. When she came back very well I had to stay calm and that was most important."
Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Naomi Osaka cruised to a straight-sets win over Camila Giorgi in their second-round match. Osaka earned the 6-1, 6-2 victory in an hour and 10 minutes to advance to the third round.
Unseeded Americans Ann Li and Shelby Rogers also pulled off upset wins Wednesday. The 20-year-old Li defeated No. 13 seed Alison Riske 6-0, 6-3, while Rogers beat 11th-seeded Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-1.
No. 31 seed Anastasija Sevastova, who knocked off Cori "Coco" Gauff in the first round, lost to unseeded Marta Kostyuk in another second-round upset.
Earlier Wednesday, 17th-seeded Angelique Kerber advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Anna-Lena Friedsam. No. 6 seed Petra Kvitova also moved into the next round with her 7-6 (3), 6-2 triumph over Kateryna Kozlova.
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On the men's side of the tournament, Novak Djokovic rallied past Kyle Edmund in Wednesday's second round in four sets. The top-seeded Serbian fell behind when he lost a tiebreaker for the first time this year but took the next three sets for a 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win.
Djokovic -- seeking his fourth U.S. Open title -- had been 10-0 in tiebreakers this year. He extended his winning streak, which dates back to last season, to 28 matches overall.
Djokovic hit 16 aces and lost only 12 points on his first serve.
"I'm actually glad I did drop a set and got tested the way I did today against Kyle. I expected it to be a tough, tough task," Djokovic said. "I'm really glad [about] having an early, tough match in the tournament. It kind of serves me better, I think, for the rest of the tournament."
Djokovic, who has won five of the last seven Grand Slam tournaments, will face No. 28 Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round.
Earlier Wednesday, Alexander Zverev defeated 19-year-old American Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-1. The fifth-seeded German overcame 10 double faults, hit 24 aces and won every service game.
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No. 7 seed David Goffin also reached the next round with his win over Lloyd Harris.


upi--2020-09-02--Nana to gain strength, strike Belize as hurricane

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Nana , currently zipping westward over the Caribbean Sea , is expected to strike Central America as the fourth hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season with flooding rain , damaging wind and pounding surf prior to the end of this week .
As of 7 p.m. CDT Wednesday , Nana was located about 50 miles north-northeast of Isla Roatan , Honduras , and 100 miles east-southeast of Belize City , Belize .
The small tropical storm was packing 60-mph sustained winds and was moving to the west at 15 mph .
Meteorologists expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to making landfall early Thursday morning in Belize , a country located just to the south of Mexico 's Yucatan Peninsula in Central America .
A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Belize from Belize City southward to the Belize-Guatemala border , the National Hurricane Center said .
A hurricane watch remains in effect for the coast of Belize from north of Belize City to the Belize-Mexico border .
Tropical storm warnings were in effect for Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal .
A Tropical Storm Watch was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honduras from Punta Patuca to the Guatemala border , as well as Roatan Island and the Bay Islands of Honduras as well as the Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala .
Building seas , torrential downpours and gusty thunderstorms will precede Nana into early Thursday over portions of Honduras , Guatemala , Belize , southeastern Mexico and Nicaragua .
Small craft should remain in port in this region , and bathers should avoid the surf due to increasing rip currents .
`` Since Nana will stay over the warm open waters of the Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we expect additional strengthening up to that point .
We expect the storm to become a hurricane , '' AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said .
As Nana pushes inland over Central America , rainfall will ramp up and winds will gradually decrease as the storm unwinds during Thursday and Friday .
A general 1-4 inches of rain is forecast from northern and western Honduras to northern El Salvador , southeastern Mexico , including much of Belize and Guatemala .
`` The heaviest rain with an AccuWeather StormMax of 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guatemala and southernmost Mexico , '' Kottlowski said .
`` The greatest risk to lives and property in the region will be from flash flooding and mudslides although wind gusts will be strong enough , especially in coastal areas to cause damage to weak structures , knock down trees and trigger power outages , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller said .
AccuWeather meteorologists believe Nana will rate a 1 on the RealImpact Scale in Central America due primarily to the storm 's small size , but also the flooding and mudslide potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 to better relay the full impact of hurricanes and tropical storms .
Unlike the Saffir-Simpson scale , which is based solely on wind speeds , the RealImpact Scale factors in other key weather elements .
Even though Nana is forecast to reach Category 1 hurricane status on the Saffir-Simpson scale with winds between 74 and 95 mph , the AccuWeather StormMaxwind gust for land areas is estimated to be 70 mph for this storm .
Only if the storm reaches the higher threshold of a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be raised over land .
However , that seems highly unlikely at this point .
There is a remote chance the circulation from Nana survives the trip over the rugged mountains of Central America and reaches the Pacific Ocean .
Should this occur and the system strengthens over the warm waters of the Pacific , it would be assigned a new name based on the list of Eastern Pacific tropical storms .
`` While there is a small chance that Nana survives and reaches the Pacific , we feel it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break up over the mountains , due to its small size , '' Kottlowski said .
Nana continued the streak of record-setting early tropical storm formations in 2020 .
Every storm from Edouard through Nana and most recently Omar all set new early-season marks for their designated letter .
In addition , Cristobal also set a new early season mark for the `` C '' storm .
The majority of the old record holders were set during the brutal 2005 hurricane season , which brought Emily , Katrina , Rita and Wilma .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ set more early formation records , with the next storms on the bubble being Philippe from Sept. 17 , 2005 , and Rita from Sept. 18 , 2005 .
The next names on the list for 2020 are Paulette and Rene .
The area east of Africa to the Caribbean is likely to continue to generate tropical systems or be a source of origin in the coming weeks .
There exists a moderate chance of tropical depression formation in this zone from late this week to early next week as a strong disturbance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hurricane season occurs on Sept. 10 , hurricane season continues through the end of November , and this year the Atlantic has the potential to remain active through November and perhaps into December .
Once all of the letters of the alphabet have been exhausted , Greek letters will then be used .
The letters U , X , Y and Z are not used .
The 2005 season was the only year in which the Greek alphabet had to be accessed for hurricane names .
Early this summer , AccuWeather meteorologists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is now underway .
AccuWeather meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes this season .

Tropical Storm Nana is seen over Belize early Thursday. The storm arrived overnight as a Category 1 hurricane, forecasters said. Image courtesy NOAA/NHC
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Hurricane Nana made landfall in Belize early Thursday, bringing strong winds and rains to the Central American nation. The storm arrived on the Belize coast as a Category 1 hurricane and quickly weakened to a tropical storm. Advertisement
In its 4 a.m. advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Nana was 70 miles southwest of Belize City and 35 miles northwest of Monkey River Town. It has maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving southwest at 15 mph.
"On the forecast track, Nana will continue to move inland over Guatemala and extreme southeastern Mexico today and tonight," the NHC said in the advisory.
As Nana pushes inland over Central America, rainfall will ramp up and winds will gradually decrease as the storm unwinds during Thursday and Friday.
There is a remote chance the circulation from Nana survives the trip over the rugged mountains of Central America and reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Should this occur and the system strengthens over the warm waters of the Pacific, it would be assigned a new name based on the list of Eastern Pacific tropical storms.
"While there is a small chance that Nana survives and reaches the Pacific, we feel it is much more likely for the storm to break up over the mountains, due to its small size," AccuWeather's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said.
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Nana continued the streak of record-setting early tropical storm formations in 2020. Every storm from Edouard through Nana and most recently Omar all set new early-season marks for their designated letter. In addition, Cristobal also set a new early season mark for the "C" storm. The majority of the old record holders were set during the brutal 2005 hurricane season, which brought Emily, Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
This year is likely to continue to set more early formation records, with the next storms on the bubble being Philippe from Sept. 17, 2005, and Rita from Sept. 18, 2005. The next names on the list for 2020 are Paulette and Rene.


upi--2020-09-02--California faces potential record heatwave as wildfires burn 1.5 million acres

Sept. 2 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in California on Wednesday battled to contain wildfires burning in the northern part of the state ahead of an oncoming heatwave .
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for Friday through Monday for San Diego , Orange and Los Angeles counties , and from Saturday through Monday in the Bay Area .
Wildfires sparked by lightning have burned 1.5 million acres in the state in recent weeks .
NWS meteorologist Todd Hall said that nearly `` record all-time heat '' could occur on Sunday with a high of 111 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hills .
Lynne Tolmachoff , a representative for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , said the weather conditions increase the likelihood of new fires .
`` With this heat coming , any new starts could create problems , '' Tolmachoff said .
`` We 're staffed up .
With the holiday there 's going to be a lot of people out recreating .
We 're asking people to stay safe and do n't start new fires . ''
Cal Fire noted , however , that favorable weather conditions in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 900 wildfires in the state , which have resulted in eight deaths and destroyed more than 3,100 structures .
The most destructive of the blazes , the LNU Lightning Complex fire , has burned 375,209 acres in Napa , Lake , Sonoma , Solano and Yolo counties and was 76 % contained as of Wednesday .
It has also resulted in five deaths and four injuries , as well as destroying 1,449 structures and damaging 227 more .
The SCU Lighting Complex fire , the largest of the blazes , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contra Costa , Alameda , Santa Clara and Stanislaus and was 72 % contained , Cal Fire said .
The blaze has resulted in five injuries , destroyed 82 structures and damaged 15 others .
In Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties , the 85,467-acre CZU August Lightning Fire has resulted in one death and one injury while destroying 1,490 structures and damaging 140 more .
The BTU/TGU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte , Tehama and Glenn counties has resulted in two injuries , destroyed 14 structures and damaged one more .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire and a helicopter pilot combatting the Hills fire have also died amid the blazes .

The remains of a burnt vehicle and toppled power pole in Boulder Creek, California amid the CZU Lightning Complex fire. File Photo by Peter DaSilva/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Firefighters in California on Wednesday battled to contain wildfires burning in the northern part of the state ahead of an oncoming heatwave. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for Friday through Monday for San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties, and from Saturday through Monday in the Bay Area. Wildfires sparked by lightning have burned 1.5 million acres in the state in recent weeks. Advertisement
NWS meteorologist Todd Hall said that nearly "record all-time heat" could occur on Sunday with a high of 111 degrees for Burbank and 115 degrees in Woodland Hills.
Lynne Tolmachoff, a representative for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said the weather conditions increase the likelihood of new fires.
"With this heat coming, any new starts could create problems," Tolmachoff said. "We're staffed up. With the holiday there's going to be a lot of people out recreating. We're asking people to stay safe and don't start new fires."
Cal Fire noted, however, that favorable weather conditions in recent days have assisted firefighters in containing the more than 900 wildfires in the state, which have resulted in eight deaths and destroyed more than 3,100 structures.
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The most destructive of the blazes, the LNU Lightning Complex fire, has burned 375,209 acres in Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Solano and Yolo counties and was 76% contained as of Wednesday.
It has also resulted in five deaths and four injuries, as well as destroying 1,449 structures and damaging 227 more.
The SCU Lighting Complex fire, the largest of the blazes, has burned 391,578 acres in the counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and Stanislaus and was 72% contained, Cal Fire said.
The blaze has resulted in five injuries, destroyed 82 structures and damaged 15 others.
In Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, the 85,467-acre CZU August Lightning Fire has resulted in one death and one injury while destroying 1,490 structures and damaging 140 more.
The BTU/TGU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte, Tehama and Glenn counties has resulted in two injuries, destroyed 14 structures and damaged one more.
A volunteer firefighter from Texas battling the August fire and a helicopter pilot combatting the Hills fire have also died amid the blazes.