upi--2020-08-22--CDC updates school COVID-19 guidelines; U.S. surpasses 175K deaths

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- As K-12 schools reopen across the United States , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing updated infection protection guidelines for schools returning to in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic .
The number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States passed 175,000 Saturday , according to the online case tracker posted by Johns Hopkins University .
Total U.S. confirmed cases were reported at 5.6 million with 175,843 deaths .
As the school year begins across the country , federal health officials urged caution when reopening schools for online learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prioritize the reopening of schools as safely and as quickly as possible given the many known and established benefits of in-person learning , '' the agency said in a report , but added , `` the many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks posed by COVID-19 spread . ''
The agency maintained that each school district should make decisions based on the rates of COVID-19 in the community and the district 's capacity to mitigate risks within schools .
Schools should follow state and local guidelines for reopening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New recommendations included daily monitoring of local public health COVID-19 transmission data and developing protocol to communicate transparently with parents if school closures are necessary .
The agency said the lowest risk for in-person learning could take place at schools with a `` hybrid '' learning model involving some online mixed with in-person classes .
Small in-person classes with alternating or staggered schedules , and cohorts of students and teachers that did not mix freely were also encouraged .
For all schools , the CDC recommended cloth face coverings for students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common items , frequent handwashing and regular deep-cleaning of highly touched surfaces in school facilities .
The agency also recommended eating lunch in small groups instead of lunchrooms , opening classroom windows and using fans , when possible , rearranging desks to face all one direction and installing plastic shields in bathrooms where sinks could not be 6 feet apart .
The most high-risk school scenarios were those where students and teachers freely moved throughout the school , where masks and handwashing were not enforced , where common objects were shared , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
COVID-19 poses low risks to school-aged children , with few hospitalizations compared to adults , at least in areas with low community transmission , the agency said .
But children can be asymptomatic carriers of the disease , increasing risks to teachers , administrators , staff and parents in the community , the agency said .
`` In order reach the goal of reopening schools as safely and as quickly as possible for in-person learning , and help schools remain open , it is important to adopt and diligently implement actions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school and out in the community , '' the report said .
Meanwhile some of the virus hot spots in New York , Florida , Texas and Arizona showed reduced new cases of COVID-19 with levels dropping below those reported in May and June .
In New York , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced a record low in positivity rate and hospitalizations for new cases of COVID-19 .
The New York State Department of Health reported that the rate of positive tests remained below 1 % for the 15th consecutive day , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported Saturday .
New hospitalizations dropped to 463 in the state and the number of patients in intensive care was at 116 , a new low since mid-March , the governor 's office reported .
Four deaths were reported Friday along with 653 new confirmed cases .
`` This shows that protecting public health and reopening our economy are n't mutually exclusive if done the right way , and record-high testing does n't equal more positive tests , '' Cuomo said in a statement .
`` New Yorkers have driven this recovery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough -- wear masks , socially distance and stay disciplined .
This thing is n't over yet . ''
New York has reported 429,165 cases and 32,456 deaths since the pandemic began .
In Florida , the positive test rate fell below 5 % for the first time since the virus spiked in June , when the rate was 15 % , the Florida Department of Health announced .
The daily rate of positive cases was 4.89 % Saturday , when the state reported 4,311 new cases and 107 more deaths .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tested positive for COVID-19 and 10,411 deaths as of Saturday .
A total of 36,329 residents have been hospitalized since the start of the pandemic , the state health department said .
As some Florida schools reopened with students having the option of virtual learning , Gov .
Ron DeSantis has asserted that risks to children from the virus are lower than the flu .
`` The fact is , in terms of the risk to school kids , this is lower risk than seasonal influenza , '' DeSantis said in early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be open by Aug. 31 .
In Texas , new cases began to drop and the number of hospitalizations fell to 5,566 as of Friday , a drop of 1,066 within a week , the state 's health department reported .
There were 4,651 new cases with the testing positivity rate over seven days at 14.4 % .
On Friday 258 more deaths were reported , bringing the total number of Texas deaths to 11,051 .
The Texas department of education will start posting the number of coronavirus cases reported in schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribune reported .
Schools must report COVID-19 cases to the Texas Education Agency and Department of State Health Services within 24 hours , Mike Morath , the state education commissioner said .
In Arizona , the infection number of new cases dropped to 996 Saturday , with 68 deaths the lowest reported since mid-June .
The positive test rate was less than 5 % , the lowest since May , KTAR reported .
Schools in two counties were cleared to reopen , but school districts in 13 other counties , including heavily populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not cleared state health benchmarks .
Many Arizona schools were scheduled to reopen Aug. 17 and have delayed their plans .
Gov .
Doug Ducey said that mandatory mask regulations and a clampdown on nightclubs and bars was working to drive down the numbers , but that it was not time to ease up on restrictions .
`` Returning our kids to the classroom , reuniting with our loved ones -- all of these depend on continued responsible behavior , '' Ducey said Thursday .
`` I urge everyone to stay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 6 in Congress warned that in-person classes would turn schools into a `` petri dish '' after she and two other teachers in one school contracted COVID-19 during summer school and one died .
Angela Skillings said she feared that more teachers would become sickened , like she was .
`` Together as a staff , we are worried about each other and about what can happen and we are not ready to lose another staff member , '' she said .

As school districts across the country prepared to begin the school year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidelines for safely opening schools during the corona pandemic. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- As K-12 schools reopen across the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is releasing updated infection protection guidelines for schools returning to in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic. The number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States passed 175,000 Saturday, according to the online case tracker posted by Johns Hopkins University. Total U.S. confirmed cases were reported at 5.6 million with 175,843 deaths. Advertisement
As the school year begins across the country, federal health officials urged caution when reopening schools for online learning.
"Everyone's goal is to prioritize the reopening of schools as safely and as quickly as possible given the many known and established benefits of in-person learning," the agency said in a report, but added, "the many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks posed by COVID-19 spread."
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The agency maintained that each school district should make decisions based on the rates of COVID-19 in the community and the district's capacity to mitigate risks within schools. Schools should follow state and local guidelines for reopening, especially in areas of high community transmission.
New recommendations included daily monitoring of local public health COVID-19 transmission data and developing protocol to communicate transparently with parents if school closures are necessary.
The agency said the lowest risk for in-person learning could take place at schools with a "hybrid" learning model involving some online mixed with in-person classes. Small in-person classes with alternating or staggered schedules, and cohorts of students and teachers that did not mix freely were also encouraged.
For all schools, the CDC recommended cloth face coverings for students, teachers and staff, no handling of common items, frequent handwashing and regular deep-cleaning of highly touched surfaces in school facilities. The agency also recommended eating lunch in small groups instead of lunchrooms, opening classroom windows and using fans, when possible, rearranging desks to face all one direction and installing plastic shields in bathrooms where sinks could not be 6 feet apart.
The most high-risk school scenarios were those where students and teachers freely moved throughout the school, where masks and handwashing were not enforced, where common objects were shared, and where school-wide cleaning and disinfecting were irregular.
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COVID-19 poses low risks to school-aged children, with few hospitalizations compared to adults, at least in areas with low community transmission, the agency said. But children can be asymptomatic carriers of the disease, increasing risks to teachers, administrators, staff and parents in the community, the agency said.
"In order reach the goal of reopening schools as safely and as quickly as possible for in-person learning, and help schools remain open, it is important to adopt and diligently implement actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 inside the school and out in the community," the report said.
Meanwhile some of the virus hot spots in New York, Florida, Texas and Arizona showed reduced new cases of COVID-19 with levels dropping below those reported in May and June.
In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a record low in positivity rate and hospitalizations for new cases of COVID-19. The New York State Department of Health reported that the rate of positive tests remained below 1% for the 15th consecutive day, with a new low rate of 0.69% reported Saturday.
New hospitalizations dropped to 463 in the state and the number of patients in intensive care was at 116, a new low since mid-March, the governor's office reported. Four deaths were reported Friday along with 653 new confirmed cases.
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"This shows that protecting public health and reopening our economy aren't mutually exclusive if done the right way, and record-high testing doesn't equal more positive tests," Cuomo said in a statement. "New Yorkers have driven this recovery and I urge everyone to stay New York tough -- wear masks, socially distance and stay disciplined. This thing isn't over yet."
New York has reported 429,165 cases and 32,456 deaths since the pandemic began.
In Florida, the positive test rate fell below 5% for the first time since the virus spiked in June, when the rate was 15%, the Florida Department of Health announced. The daily rate of positive cases was 4.89% Saturday, when the state reported 4,311 new cases and 107 more deaths.
In total, Florida has reported 597,597 people who tested positive for COVID-19 and 10,411 deaths as of Saturday. A total of 36,329 residents have been hospitalized since the start of the pandemic, the state health department said.
As some Florida schools reopened with students having the option of virtual learning, Gov. Ron DeSantis has asserted that risks to children from the virus are lower than the flu.
"The fact is, in terms of the risk to school kids, this is lower risk than seasonal influenza," DeSantis said in early August.
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All schools across the state will be open by Aug. 31.
In Texas, new cases began to drop and the number of hospitalizations fell to 5,566 as of Friday, a drop of 1,066 within a week, the state's health department reported. There were 4,651 new cases with the testing positivity rate over seven days at 14.4%. On Friday 258 more deaths were reported, bringing the total number of Texas deaths to 11,051.
The Texas department of education will start posting the number of coronavirus cases reported in schools on a state website, the Texas Tribune reported. Schools must report COVID-19 cases to the Texas Education Agency and Department of State Health Services within 24 hours, Mike Morath, the state education commissioner said.
In Arizona, the infection number of new cases dropped to 996 Saturday, with 68 deaths the lowest reported since mid-June. The positive test rate was less than 5%, the lowest since May, KTAR reported.
Schools in two counties were cleared to reopen, but school districts in 13 other counties, including heavily populated Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, have not cleared state health benchmarks. Many Arizona schools were scheduled to reopen Aug. 17 and have delayed their plans.
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Gov. Doug Ducey said that mandatory mask regulations and a clampdown on nightclubs and bars was working to drive down the numbers, but that it was not time to ease up on restrictions.
"Returning our kids to the classroom, reuniting with our loved ones -- all of these depend on continued responsible behavior," Ducey said Thursday. "I urge everyone to stay the course."
An Arizona teacher testifying Aug. 6 in Congress warned that in-person classes would turn schools into a "petri dish" after she and two other teachers in one school contracted COVID-19 during summer school and one died. Angela Skillings said she feared that more teachers would become sickened, like she was.
"Together as a staff, we are worried about each other and about what can happen and we are not ready to lose another staff member," she said.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-08-22--Melania Trump shows off renewed Rose Garden ahead of RNC speech

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- First lady Melania Trump on Saturday showed off a revamped Rose Garden ahead of a closed reception later in the day and her Republican National Convention speech there next week .
The first lady referred to the reception in a tweet with four photos of the renovated Rose Garden .
`` Excited to honor history and celebrate the future in our beautiful @ WhiteHouse Rose Garden this evening , '' she tweeted .
`` Thank you to all who helped renew this iconic & truly gorgeous space . ''
Melania Trump unveiled plans last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blueprint , which Rachel Lambert `` Bunny '' Mellon designed during the Kennedy administration .
The overhaul included enhancing the garden for events by adding better accessibility and support for broadcasting .
The Rose Garden , located adjacent to the Oval Office and West Wing , frequently hosts gatherings , televised speeches and news conferences with world leaders .
President Donald Trump and the first lady are scheduled to hold a closed reception in the Rose Garden later Saturday with Vice President Mike Pence , CNN reported .
The Rose Garden is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first lady 's speech Tuesday as part of the Republican National Convention .
The convention runs Monday through Thursday .
Trump will give his convention address from the south lawn of the White House Thursday .
Democrats and some Republicans have voiced concern that federal employees who assist Trump with the speech would be campaigning for the president `` while on duty , '' which violates the Hatch Act .
Earlier this month a watchdog accused Trump 's senior policy advisor , Stephen Miller , of violating the ethics law when he criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former Vice President Joe Biden , in a Fox News interview from White House grounds , saying that he was `` stuck in a basement . ''
The Office of Special Counsel determined that in 2018 six other White House officials violated the Hatch Act .

A view of the newly renovated Rose Garden is shown. Photo courtesy of Melania Trump/Twitter
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- First lady Melania Trump on Saturday showed off a revamped Rose Garden ahead of a closed reception later in the day and her Republican National Convention speech there next week. The first lady referred to the reception in a tweet with four photos of the renovated Rose Garden. Advertisement
"Excited to honor history and celebrate the future in our beautiful @WhiteHouse Rose Garden this evening," she tweeted. "Thank you to all who helped renew this iconic & truly gorgeous space."
Melania Trump unveiled plans last month to restore the garden's 1962 blueprint, which Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon designed during the Kennedy administration. The overhaul included enhancing the garden for events by adding better accessibility and support for broadcasting.
The Rose Garden, located adjacent to the Oval Office and West Wing, frequently hosts gatherings, televised speeches and news conferences with world leaders.
President Donald Trump and the first lady are scheduled to hold a closed reception in the Rose Garden later Saturday with Vice President Mike Pence, CNN reported.
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The Rose Garden is also expected to be the site of the first lady's speech Tuesday as part of the Republican National Convention. The convention runs Monday through Thursday.
Trump will give his convention address from the south lawn of the White House Thursday.
Democrats and some Republicans have voiced concern that federal employees who assist Trump with the speech would be campaigning for the president "while on duty," which violates the Hatch Act.
Earlier this month a watchdog accused Trump's senior policy advisor, Stephen Miller, of violating the ethics law when he criticized Trump's opponent in the 2020 election, former Vice President Joe Biden, in a Fox News interview from White House grounds, saying that he was "stuck in a basement." The Office of Special Counsel determined that in 2018 six other White House officials violated the Hatch Act.
Excited to honor history & celebrate the future in our beautiful @WhiteHouse Rose Garden this evening. Thank you to all who helped renew this iconic & truly gorgeous space. pic.twitter.com/ggiqLkdGbw— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 22, 2020


upi--2020-08-22--Watch: Wonder Woman and Cheetah clash in '1984' trailer

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Warner Bros. released a new trailer for its upcoming superhero adventure , Wonder Woman @ @ @ @ @ Gadot on Saturday .
The 2 1/2-minute preview had its debut at DC FanDome , @ @ @ @ @ things related to the DC Comics universe .
The trailer has already gotten more than @ @ @ @ @ Patty Jenkins directed the film , which co-stars Chris Pine , Kristen Wiig , Pedro @ @ @ @ @ Connie Nielsen .
It is slated to open in theaters Oct. 2 .
This weekend @ @ @ @ @ ( Gadot ) reuniting with her long-lost love Steve Trevor ( Pine , ) as @ @ @ @ @ ) rises to power .
It concludes with an epic confrontation between the two women @

1/3
Warner Bros. released a new trailer for "Wonder Woman: 1984," starring Gal Gadot, on Saturday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. released a new trailer for its upcoming superhero adventure, Wonder Woman: 1984, starring Gal Gadot on Saturday. The 2 1/2-minute preview had its debut at DC FanDome, a virtual convention celebrating all things related to the DC Comics universe. Advertisement
The trailer has already gotten more than 400,000 views on YouTube.
Patty Jenkins directed the film, which co-stars Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen. It is slated to open in theaters Oct. 2.
This weekend's clip showed Wonder Woman (Gadot) reuniting with her long-lost love Steve Trevor (Pine,) as new foe Cheetah (Wiig) rises to power. It concludes with an epic confrontation between the two women.


upi--2020-08-22--Giant panda gives birth at National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Giant panda Mei Xiang , age 22 , has given birth to a newborn cub at Smithsonian 's National Zoo in Washington , D.C. , caretakers announced .
The birth occurred at 6:35 p.m. Friday , animal care staff witnessed .
Mei Xiang immediately began cradling and caring for her cub , a statement said .
Staff were monitoring the giant panda and her cub through the zoo 's panda cams .
A neonatal exam will be performed after they are able to retrieve the cub , which could take a few days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined at a later date .
`` Giant pandas are an international symbol of endangered wildlife and hope , and with the birth of this precious cub we are thrilled to offer the world a much needed moment of pure joy , '' said Steve Monfort , director of the Smithsonian 's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute .
`` Because Mei Xiang is of advanced maternal age , we knew the chances of her having a cub were slim .
However , we wanted to give her one more opportunity to contribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am incredibly proud of our animal care and science teams , whose expertise in giant panda behavior was critical to this conservation success . ''
Reproductive scientists performed an artificial insemination on Mei Xiang on March 22 using frozen semen collected from Tian Tian .
Mei Xiang turned 22 years old in July .
She is the oldest giant panda in the United States and the second oldest worldwide to give birth , the zoo said .
It 's also the first successful U.S. pregnancy and birth of a giant panda that used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave birth to three surviving cubs , including Tai Shan , born in 2005 , Bao Bao , born in 2013 , and Bei Bei , born in 2015 .
Another smaller twin cub born in 2015 died after being rejected by Mei Xiang , who appeared to prefer the larger twin .
Her three surviving cubs were moved to China at age 4 as part of a cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife and Conservation Association .
The zoo has limited its number of visitors and updated its hours as part @ @ @ @

Mei Xiang gave birth Friday evening and zoo officials hope to be able to examine the cub in the coming days. Screenshot courtesy of the National Zoo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Giant panda Mei Xiang, age 22, has given birth to a newborn cub at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., caretakers announced. The birth occurred at 6:35 p.m. Friday, animal care staff witnessed. Mei Xiang immediately began cradling and caring for her cub, a statement said. Advertisement
Staff were monitoring the giant panda and her cub through the zoo's panda cams. A neonatal exam will be performed after they are able to retrieve the cub, which could take a few days. The cub's gender is to be determined at a later date.
"Giant pandas are an international symbol of endangered wildlife and hope, and with the birth of this precious cub we are thrilled to offer the world a much needed moment of pure joy," said Steve Monfort, director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
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"Because Mei Xiang is of advanced maternal age, we knew the chances of her having a cub were slim. However, we wanted to give her one more opportunity to contribute to her species' survival. I am incredibly proud of our animal care and science teams, whose expertise in giant panda behavior was critical to this conservation success."
Reproductive scientists performed an artificial insemination on Mei Xiang on March 22 using frozen semen collected from Tian Tian. Mei Xiang turned 22 years old in July.
She is the oldest giant panda in the United States and the second oldest worldwide to give birth, the zoo said. It's also the first successful U.S. pregnancy and birth of a giant panda that used only frozen semen.
Mei Xiang previously gave birth to three surviving cubs, including Tai Shan, born in 2005, Bao Bao, born in 2013, and Bei Bei, born in 2015. Another smaller twin cub born in 2015 died after being rejected by Mei Xiang, who appeared to prefer the larger twin. Her three surviving cubs were moved to China at age 4 as part of a cooperative breeding agreement with the China Wildlife and Conservation Association.
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The current cooperative breeding agreement expires in December.
The zoo has limited its number of visitors and updated its hours as part of COVID-19 precautions.


upi--2020-08-22--Portland, Ore., police arrest nine as protests turn to riots

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Nine people were arrested after protests turned violent in Portland , Ore. , police said Saturday .
Authorities said up to 200 protesters rallied outside the Northeast Portland police precinct Friday night .
The Oregonian said the crowd numbered around 300 .
The demonstrations turned violent for more than 2 hours before police officially declared the gathering a riot and began using measures to clear the crowds from the area .
.
The PPD said early in the night , protesters threw objects , including bottles , eggs and golf balls at officers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing `` serious , permanent eye damage . ''
Police said they retreated out of sight of the protesters in an attempt to de-escalate the situation , but demonstrators vandalized multiple police vehicles and broke past a containment line .
Officers deployed smoke canisters and arrested several protesters .
`` Officers in the sound truck used their loudspeaker to warn the group to back off the city property , keep the demonstration peaceful , and the ask crowd to police itself , '' the PPD said .
`` However , individuals within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to goad the officers into responding .
Individuals were seen using lacrosse sticks to launch rocks a greater distance . ''
The PPD declared the protest a riot about 1 a.m. Saturday and worked to move the crowd from the area .
Those arrested were charged with a variety of counts , including interfering with a peace officer , disorderly conduct , criminal mischief and assaulting a public safety officer .
Protests have been ongoing in Portland for several weeks , both as part of the Black Lives Matter movement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city to quell demonstrations .
President Donald Trump deployed federal officers to the city in July , resulting in numerous arrests and accusations of use of excessive force and detainment without probable cause .
`` Another bad night of Rioting in Portland , Oregon .
A small number of Federal troops there to protect courthouse and other Federal property only ( great job ! )
.
Wanting to be asked by City & State to STOP THE RIOTS .
Would bring in National Guard , end problem immediately .
ASK ! ''
he @ @

Portland, Ore., police said protesters damaged multiple police vehicles Friday night. Photo courtesy of the PPD
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Nine people were arrested after protests turned violent in Portland, Ore., police said Saturday. Authorities said up to 200 protesters rallied outside the Northeast Portland police precinct Friday night. The Oregonian said the crowd numbered around 300. Advertisement
The demonstrations turned violent for more than 2 hours before police officially declared the gathering a riot and began using measures to clear the crowds from the area. .
The PPD said early in the night, protesters threw objects, including bottles, eggs and golf balls at officers and pointed green lasers at their eyes, causing "serious, permanent eye damage."
Police said they retreated out of sight of the protesters in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but demonstrators vandalized multiple police vehicles and broke past a containment line. Officers deployed smoke canisters and arrested several protesters.
"Officers in the sound truck used their loudspeaker to warn the group to back off the city property, keep the demonstration peaceful, and the ask crowd to police itself," the PPD said. "However, individuals within the group continued to increase their attacks in an attempt to goad the officers into responding. Individuals were seen using lacrosse sticks to launch rocks a greater distance."
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The PPD declared the protest a riot about 1 a.m. Saturday and worked to move the crowd from the area.
Those arrested were charged with a variety of counts, including interfering with a peace officer, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and assaulting a public safety officer.
Protests have been ongoing in Portland for several weeks, both as part of the Black Lives Matter movement and against federal officials' presence in the city to quell demonstrations. President Donald Trump deployed federal officers to the city in July, resulting in numerous arrests and accusations of use of excessive force and detainment without probable cause.
Trump tweeted about the Portland protests early Saturday.
"Another bad night of Rioting in Portland, Oregon. A small number of Federal troops there to protect courthouse and other Federal property only (great job!). Wanting to be asked by City & State to STOP THE RIOTS. Would bring in National Guard, end problem immediately. ASK!" he said.
Press Release: UPDATE: List of Arrests Made During North Precinct Riot (Photo) Link: https://t.co/8Kv6YAq11f pic.twitter.com/g9tDIpDXdr— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 22, 2020


upi--2020-08-22--California judge orders President Donald Trump to pay Stormy Daniels' legal fees

Judge Robert Broadbelt ordered Trump to pay Daniels , born Stephanie Clifford , $ 44,100 to cover her legal fees @ @ @ @ @ a $ 130,000 NDA with Trump 's former attorney , Michael Cohen , as part @ @ @ @ @ an alleged affair .
Clifford and Cohen say Trump had an affair with Clifford from @ @ @ @ @ Trump denies .
The order was filed Monday , but Clifford 's attorneys posted the @ @ @ @ @ sued Trump to be released from the NDA in 2018 and the document was deemed @ @ @ @ @ case 's dismissal .
Still , Broadbelt found in his ruling Monday that Clifford was @ @ @ @ @ the contract , '' and therefore entitled to recover the fees .
Trump 's attorneys @ @ @ @ @ responsible for covering the fees because he did not sign the agreement .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ Cohen for the $ 130,000 and his legal team argued that an NDA arbiter should @ @ @ @ @ , Trump was still part of the deal .

A California Superior Court judge has ordered President Donald Trump to pay Stormy Daniels $44,100 in attorney fees. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A California Superior Court judge has ordered President Donald Trump to pay Stormy Daniels' non-disclosure agreement legal fees. Judge Robert Broadbelt ordered Trump to pay Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford, $44,100 to cover her legal fees related to her battle over a $130,000 NDA with Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, as part of a hush-money arrangement over an alleged affair. Advertisement
Clifford and Cohen say Trump had an affair with Clifford from 2006 to 2007, which Trump denies.
The order was filed Monday, but Clifford's attorneys posted the order online Friday.
Clifford sued Trump to be released from the NDA in 2018 and the document was deemed unenforceable, leading to the case's dismissal. Still, Broadbelt found in his ruling Monday that Clifford was "the party prevailing on the contract," and therefore entitled to recover the fees.
Trump's attorneys argued that he was not responsible for covering the fees because he did not sign the agreement. The judge found that because Trump reimbursed Cohen for the $130,000 and his legal team argued that an NDA arbiter should handle Clifford's defamation suit, Trump was still part of the deal.


upi--2020-08-22--Coronavirus: Germany reports largest daily spike in cases since April

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Germany reported 2,034 new cases of COVID-19 , its highest daily spike since April , public health officials said Saturday .
The Robert Koch Institute , a German federal government agency and research institute for disease control and prevention , reported the new cases in a daily situation report , along with seven new deaths .
Those numbers brought total COVID-19 cases in Germany to 233,353 and total deaths to 9,272 , according to the Johns Hopkins University global tracker .
The institute noted that the number of states across the country reporting zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past few weeks .
Outbreaks are being reported in nursing homes , hospitals , facilities for asylum-seekers and refugees , meat-processing plants , and occupational and educational settings .
Researchers added that a large percentage of COVID-19 cases are coming from travelers to Germany .
The rise comes amid a parade this weekend celebrating LGBTQ pride in Munster in commemoration of Christopher Street Day , a reference to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City on Christopher Street .
The celebration usually takes place in June , but was postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany reported its peak in daily cases from late March to the beginning of April with more than 6,000 cases a day .
Saturday was the country 's highest daily increase in cases since April 26 .
In South Korea , new cases surpassed 300 again Saturday .
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 332 new cases , including 315 local cases and 17 new imported cases , and no new deaths .
The daily increase brings total COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began to 17,002 with 309 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest daily increase since March 8 .
It 's also the first time since Jan. 20 that all of the country 's 17 major cities and provinces reported COVID-19 cases .
Due to the increase , the government said Saturday that it would impose stricter social distancing outside the greater Seoul area starting Sunday .
In Australia , a growing cluster of cases at a youth detention center in Brisbane has prompted stricter COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in southeast Queensland .
The Queensland government linked six new cases to the Brisbane youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the virus at the detention center earlier this week bringing the total number of cases at the center to seven .
New restrictions include limiting gatherings in private homes and public spaces to no more than 10 people .
Queensland has had 1,103 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began and six deaths .
Australia , as a whole , has reported 24,602 cases and 485 deaths .
Worldwide , COVID-19 has infected more than 23 million people and killed over 800,500 .
The United States is the current epicenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million cases and over 175,500 deaths followed by Brazil , which has over 3.5 million cases and over 113,300 deaths .

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Participants of the Christopher Street Day demonstration march Saturday in the city center of Bremen, northern Germany. Photo by Focke Strangmann/EPA-EFE
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Germany reported 2,034 new cases of COVID-19, its highest daily spike since April, public health officials said Saturday. The Robert Koch Institute, a German federal government agency and research institute for disease control and prevention, reported the new cases in a daily situation report, along with seven new deaths. Advertisement
Those numbers brought total COVID-19 cases in Germany to 233,353 and total deaths to 9,272, according to the Johns Hopkins University global tracker.
The institute noted that the number of states across the country reporting zero cases over a seven-day period has decreased over the past few weeks. Outbreaks are being reported in nursing homes, hospitals, facilities for asylum-seekers and refugees, meat-processing plants, and occupational and educational settings.
Researchers added that a large percentage of COVID-19 cases are coming from travelers to Germany.
The rise comes amid a parade this weekend celebrating LGBTQ pride in Munster in commemoration of Christopher Street Day, a reference to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City on Christopher Street. The celebration usually takes place in June, but was postponed to August because of the pandemic.
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Germany reported its peak in daily cases from late March to the beginning of April with more than 6,000 cases a day. Saturday was the country's highest daily increase in cases since April 26.
In South Korea, new cases surpassed 300 again Saturday.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 332 new cases, including 315 local cases and 17 new imported cases, and no new deaths.
The daily increase brings total COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began to 17,002 with 309 deaths.
The number of new cases also marks the largest daily increase since March 8. It's also the first time since Jan. 20 that all of the country's 17 major cities and provinces reported COVID-19 cases.
Due to the increase, the government said Saturday that it would impose stricter social distancing outside the greater Seoul area starting Sunday.
In Australia, a growing cluster of cases at a youth detention center in Brisbane has prompted stricter COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in southeast Queensland.
The Queensland government linked six new cases to the Brisbane youth detention center Saturday. A 77-year-old supervisor tested positive for the virus at the detention center earlier this week bringing the total number of cases at the center to seven.
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New restrictions include limiting gatherings in private homes and public spaces to no more than 10 people.
Queensland has had 1,103 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began and six deaths.
Australia, as a whole, has reported 24,602 cases and 485 deaths.
Worldwide, COVID-19 has infected more than 23 million people and killed over 800,500.
The United States is the current epicenter of the pandemic, with over 5.6 million cases and over 175,500 deaths followed by Brazil, which has over 3.5 million cases and over 113,300 deaths.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-08-22--In photos: Moments from Miami Swim Week

In photos: Moments from Miami Swim Week

Models walks the runway wearing swimsuits by Agua Bendita fashions after the designer showcase at the Paraiso Miami Beach fashion @ @ @ @ @ in Miami Beach , Fla. , on August 21 , 2020 .
Photo by Gary @ @

Models walks the runway wearing swimsuits by Agua Bendita fashions after the designer showcase at the Paraiso Miami Beach fashion show at the SLS hotel in Miami Beach, Fla., on August 21, 2020. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI


upi--2020-08-22--Dwight Yoakam's wife Emily gives birth to their first child

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Country music star Dwight Yoakam has become a first-time dad at age 63 , @ @ @ @ @ With great joy and happiness Dwight & Emily announce the birth this past Sunday of @ @ @ @ @ Dalton Loren Yoakam .
Born 8-16-2020 at 9:19 am .
-D Team , '' a @ @ @ @ @ Twitter feed said Friday .
`` Like the lyric from the song Waterfall that Dwight @ @ @ @ @ 3 Pears album says ...
Babies get born even in a ... Pandemic lock down @ @ @ @ @ .
The post also included photos of the happy couple heading to the hospital for @ @ @ @ @ exchanged wedding vows in May after dating for 10 years .
Dalton is their first @ @

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Dwight Yoakam (R) and his wife Emily have welcomed their first child, a son named Dalton. File Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Country music star Dwight Yoakam has become a first-time dad at age 63, his representatives confirmed. "With great joy and happiness Dwight & Emily announce the birth this past Sunday of their new baby boy. Dalton Loren Yoakam. Born 8-16-2020 at 9:19 am. -D Team," a post on the singer's Twitter feed said Friday. Advertisement
"Like the lyric from the song Waterfall that Dwight wrote for Emily on his 3 Pears album says...Babies get born even in a... Pandemic lock down..." the statement continued.
The post also included photos of the happy couple heading to the hospital for the birth.
The couple exchanged wedding vows in May after dating for 10 years.
Dalton is their first child.
https://t.co/FIH9cBL07F Like the lyric from the song Waterfall that Dwight wrote for Emily on his 3 Pears album says... Babies get born even in a... Pandemic lock down... pic.twitter.com/vthPWWq9N8— Dwight Yoakam (@DwightYoakam) August 21, 2020


upi--2020-08-22--BTS' 'Dynamite' sets new YouTube record

BTS' 'Dynamite' sets new YouTube record

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Korean pop group BTS has set a new record for most views of a @ @ @ @ @ its first 24 hours of release .
Dance track `` Dynamite , '' BTS ' @ @ @ @ @ 98.3 million views in the 24 hours since it was posted Friday at midnight EDT @ @ @ @ @ views as of Saturday morning .
`` How You Like That '' -- by K-pop @ @ @ @ @ previous record holder , earning 86.3 million views in the first 24 hours when it @ @ @ @ @

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BTS has set a new YouTube record for most views for a music video in the 24 hours since it was released. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Korean pop group BTS has set a new record for most views of a music video on YouTube in its first 24 hours of release. Dance track "Dynamite," BTS' first English-language song, earned 98.3 million views in the 24 hours since it was posted Friday at midnight EDT. Advertisement
It had 122 million views as of Saturday morning.
"How You Like That" -- by K-pop group Blackpink -- was the previous record holder, earning 86.3 million views in the first 24 hours when it was released in June.


upi--2020-08-22--Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali dead at 68

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Quiet Riot drummer and manager Frankie Banali has died at age 68 , his @ @ @ @ @ in October that he was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer .
His wife , @ @ @ @ @ death on Friday .
`` He lived for playing live and performed for millions of @ @ @ @ @ his career , '' she said in a statement .
`` His wish for everyone @ @ @ @ @ own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals @ @ @ @ @ a heavy metal band known for its songs `` Cum On Feel the Noize '' @ @ @ @ @ ''

Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has died at age 68. File Photo by Michael Bush/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Quiet Riot drummer and manager Frankie Banali has died at age 68, his family said. He announced in October that he was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Advertisement
His wife, Regina, confirmed his Thursday death on Friday.
"He lived for playing live and performed for millions of fans around the world throughout his career," she said in a statement. "His wish for everyone is that you be your own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals."
Quiet Riot is a heavy metal band known for its songs "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Metal Health."
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-08-22--No second season for 'Penny Dreadful: City of Angels' on Showtime

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Showtime said it wo n't renew its supernatural period drama , Penny Dreadful : @ @ @ @ @ a second season .
`` Showtime has decided not to move forward with another season @ @ @ @ @ of Angels .
We would like to thank executive producers John Logan , Michael Aguilar @ @ @ @ @ crew for their outstanding work on this project , '' the network said in a @ @ @ @ @ 1930s Los Angeles , the show starred Nathan Lane , Natalie Dormer , Daniel Zovatto @ @ @ @ @ Kinnear , Adriana Barraza , Michael Gladis , Jessica Garza and Johnathan Nieves .
City @ @ @ @ @ Penny Dreadful , which took place in 19th century London and featured Eva Green and @ @ @ @ @ three seasons 2014-16 .
Both shows were created , written and produced by John Logan @

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Natalie Dormer's "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" has been canceled at Showtime. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Showtime said it won't renew its supernatural period drama, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, for a second season. "Showtime has decided not to move forward with another season of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. We would like to thank executive producers John Logan, Michael Aguilar and the entire cast and crew for their outstanding work on this project," the network said in a statement Friday. Advertisement
Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the show starred Nathan Lane, Natalie Dormer, Daniel Zovatto, Kerry Bishé, Rory Kinnear, Adriana Barraza, Michael Gladis, Jessica Garza and Johnathan Nieves.
City of Angels followed Showtime's Penny Dreadful, which took place in 19th century London and featured Eva Green and Josh Hartnett. It ran three seasons 2014-16.
Both shows were created, written and produced by John Logan.


upi--2020-08-22--Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman dies at 64

Aug. 22 ( UPI ) -- Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman has died at age 64 , his former band announced on social media .
The band did not disclose the circumstances or cause of his death .
`` We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond , for he has passed .
Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA , '' the musicians tweeted late Friday .
`` He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace on the boogie platform , '' they added .
Sherman performed on the Red Hot Chili Peppers ' 1984 self-titled debut album , as well as the subsequent RHCP records Freaky Styley , Mother 's Milk and The Abbey Road EP .
He was not , however , inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with RHCP in 2012 .
After his time with the band , Sherman went on to play guitar on Tonio K. 's Notes from the Lost Civilization and Bob Dylan 's Knocked Out Loaded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feargal Sharkey .

Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman has died at age 64, his former band announced on social media.
The band did not disclose the circumstances or cause of his death.
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"We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA," the musicians tweeted late Friday.
"He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform," they added.
We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. pic.twitter.com/2vpZ3wrYRN— Red Hot ChiliPeppers (@ChiliPeppers) August 22, 2020
Sherman performed on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1984 self-titled debut album, as well as the subsequent RHCP records Freaky Styley, Mother's Milk and The Abbey Road EP.
He was not, however, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with RHCP in 2012.
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After his time with the band, Sherman went on to play guitar on Tonio K.'s Notes from the Lost Civilization and Bob Dylan's Knocked Out Loaded, and made music with George Clinton and Feargal Sharkey.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-08-23--At least 13 killed in stampede in night in raid by Peru's police

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- At east 13 people died in a stampede at a nightclub in Lima , Peru , while attempting to flee police during a raid Saturday night , according to Peruvian National Police .
Three others were injured at an illegal party with more than 120 people in attendance in Thomas Restobar in the Los Olivos district of Peru 's capital city , Orlando Velasco Mujica , general of the Peruvian National Police said .
Because of coronavirus , large social gatherings are banned and there is nationwide 10 p.m. curfew .
Peru has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Around p.m. , the Ministry of the Interior reported that people began to flee the venue on the second floor trying to get away from the police and they crushed on the stairs .
Police did not use `` any type of weapon or tear gas .
Police said 23 people were arrested and an investigation is underway to identify the owners of the nightclub and those responsible for the event .
`` The Ministry of the Interior profoundly regrets the deaths of 13 people as a consequence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner , '' the statement said .

Some of the 27,000 people from Peru who have died from coronavirus are buried in the Cemetery of the Comas district in Lima. On Saturday night, at least 13 people died while attempting to flee police during a raid at a nightclub that was in violation of coronavirus safety measures. Photo by Paolo Aguilar/EPA-EFE
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- At least 13 people died in a stampede at a nightclub in Lima, Peru, while attempting to flee during a raid Saturday night by police enforcing coronavirus regulations, according to Peruvian National Police. Six others, including three police officers, were injured at an illegal party with more than 120 people in attendance in Thomas Restobar in the Los Olivos district of Peru's capital city, Orlando Velasco Mujica, general of the Peruvian National Police said. Advertisement
Because of coronavirus, large social gatherings are banned and there is nationwide 10 p.m. curfew. Peru has the ninth-most deaths, more than 27,000, from the virus.
Around 9 p.m., the Ministry of the Interior reported that people began to flee the venue on the second floor trying to get away from the police and they were crushed on the stairs. Police said they did not use any type of weapon or tear gas.
Interior Minister Jorge said 23 people were arrested and two of the alleged owners of the nightclub, Leandro Monyota Callirgos and his wife, were detained.
"The minister also expressed his sorrow for the tragedy and his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and stressed that it is strictly forbidden, under responsibility, to participate in social or family meetings," a statement said.


upi--2020-08-23--Marco, Laura approach US packing double threat to Gulf Coast

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record-setting pace , and the two systems tracking across the basin could set another first in hurricane records dating back into the 1800s .
Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Storm Marco are both on a path that would take them into the Gulf of Mexico this week , possibly making landfall within miles and days of each other .
These systems have nearly the entire Gulf Coast on alert for potential impacts , and they could become the first pair of systems to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time in decades .
Before either storms making landfall , Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards requested a Federal Emergency Declaration from the White House on Saturday .
`` This is unlike anything we have seen , with two hurricanes expected to impact our state nearly back to back , '' he said .
`` This may mean that people will have to shelter in place for more than 72 hours and that there may not be time to do things like restore lost power between the two storms . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time .
According to NOAA records , this has only been recorded twice : June 18 , 1959 and Sept. 5 , 1933 .
In early September of 1933 , two hurricanes were barreling toward the U.S. -- one dubbed the 1933 Cuba-Brownsville Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico headed toward Texas and the other near the Bahamas , the Treasure Coast Hurricane , tracking toward the east coast of Florida .
On Sept. 4 , the Treasure Coast Hurricane made landfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin counties in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of at least 140 mph .
Meanwhile , the 1933 Cuba-Brownsville hurricane slowly advanced toward Texas .
The following day , the center of the system over Florida emerged over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico .
However , it weakened significantly while moving over land .
By the time the center of the storm moved over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 5 , it had weakened to a tropical storm .
The 1933 Cuba-Brownsville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- 23 hours after the Treasure Coast Hurricane made landfall in Florida , Philip Klotzbach , a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University , told AccuWeather .
The Treasure Coast Hurricane would make a second landfall in Cedar Key , Florida , as a tropical storm on Sept. 5 , `` effectively simultaneously '' with the 1933 Cuba-Brownsville Hurricane 's landfall in Texas , Klotzbach said .
Three other years prior also had storms that made landfall within 24 hours of each other -- 1901 , 1908 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Klotzbach , had all made landfall within 24 hours of each other , typically during the first half of the hurricane season , though only one of each duo would make landfall within the Gulf of Mexico .
More recently , on June 18 , 1959 , there was a small window of time when two tropical storms were spinning over the Gulf simultaneously -- Tropical Storm Beulah and a newly-formed tropical storm that would later strengthen into Hurricane Three .
`` 1959 had two tropical storms in Gulf but only at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 18 when the one on the right just formed , '' AccuWeather meteorologist and weather editor Jesse Ferrell said .
`` The next update at 00Z , the one on the left was a tropical depression . ''
The two tropical storms were at opposite sides of the Gulf with Beulah making landfall in Mexico and other eventually making landfall near Tampa , Fla.. Laura and Marco are on a path that would place them in the record books amid these other two instances this week , though perhaps with a stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will become just the third pair of tropical storms to be in the Gulf at the same time , but if they both manage to become well-organized , there is the potential that they could both be hurricanes .
This would be the first time in recorded history dating back to 1851 where two hurricanes occupy the Gulf at the same time , the National Hurricane Center said .
With these two tropical systems coming in such close proximity of each other , it raises the question if they will interact with each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fujiwhara effect .
`` When two [ storms ] spinning in the same direction pass close enough to each other , they begin an intense dance around their common center .
Two storms [ close ] in strength can gravitate towards each other until they reach a common point and merge , '' the National Weather Service explained .
However , this is not expected to happen with Laura and Marco , according to AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski .
`` That wo n't happen here because , first of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that to happen , and two , these storms are not headed toward each other , '' Kottlowski explained .
`` Usually what happens is you get two storms of equal size and equal strength that rotate around each other , and that 's what is referred to as the Fujiwhara effect , '' he added .
`` We see that happening rarely sometimes in the Pacific , we may have seen it sometimes in memorable history here in the Atlantic . ''
Regardless of the precise interaction between the two storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the Gulf Coast during the first part of the week .
If both systems make landfall in the U.S. before the month is over as is projected , another record would fall .
According to Klotzbach , the record number for landfalling storms in the continental U.S. through the month of August is six .
There have already been five landfalls on U.S. soil as of Aug. 21 , including Bertha , Cristobal , Fay , Hanna and Isaias .
The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has already had 13 named storms with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of which have become hurricanes .
This places the season above normal in activity for the number of named storms in the basin as well as the collective energy for this point in the season .
`` From ACE , our accumulated cycle and energy perspective , we are riding above normal .
We 're running about 50 % more than what you get in an average season to date , but typically the hurricane season does n't really ramp up until around this time , '' Klotzbach said .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity between Aug. 20 and Oct. 10 in an average hurricane season . ''
Residents should take time now to prepare for the storms and keep in mind that even a tropical storm can be deadly , as seen from Isaias while at tropical storm strength .

Hurricane Laura is seen after it arrived on the Louisiana coast early Thursday as a Category 4 storm. Image courtesy NOAA/NHC
Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Laura slammed into the coast of Louisiana near Cameron early Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Not even 24 hours earlier, Laura rapidly intensified to a Category 3 hurricane, the first major hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. A short time later, the NOAA Hurricane Hunters found Laura had become an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm. Advertisement
The National Hurricane Center said in a 4 a.m. advisory Thursday that Laura had weakened to a Category 2 storm over land.
AccuWeather meteorologists warned that complete destruction of mobile homes along with roof and wall failure is possible from Laura. Locations could be uninhabitable for weeks or months, and roads impassible from large debris.
Many bridges, causeways and access routes may become impassable as flood control systems and barriers may become stressed and fail. Major damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers should be expected.
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The National Hurricane Center warned that Laura may damage even well-built homes. Along with the common threat of the storm snapping or uprooting trees, the NHC also warned electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks.
Laura's winds have already wrecked havoc on the power grid across the region. More than 137,000 customers were without electricity in Louisiana and there were 15,000 outages in southeast Texas early Thursday.
Numerous tornado warnings have been issued across the region, and AccuWeather meteorologists say the tornado dangers will continue as Laura moves inland.
Louisiana started to experience intense flooding on Wednesday morning near Louisiana State Route 1, among other areas, well before Laura made landfall.
"Unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage," the NHC warned in an advisory Wednesday, adding that the surge could extend up to 40 miles inland from the coastline.
Storm surge is an above-normal rise in sea water along the coast that's generated by approaching or landfalling tropical systems, its strength and reach comparing more to a river than a tide.
AccuWeather forecasters predicted a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet near Cameron, Louisiana, a coastal town of about 135 miles east of Houston. The highest elevation in Cameron Parish is around 20 feet, meaning that the entire parish could be underwater during the worst of the storm.
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"A storm surge of that magnitude, combined with wave action, would be high enough to fully devastate the second story of structures located along the coast," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. "Moving water with wave action has the force of being in the middle of a large river. Waters will begin to rise and some coastal roads can become flooded will in advance of the center of the storm's arrival on the coast."
Tensions mounted during the week ahead of Laura's landfall as the storm strengthened along an eerily similar path taken by Hurricane Rita in 2005. The similarities stirred old wounds that local officials sought to address.
"This is not Harvey, this is not Imelda, this is not Allison. This is Laura," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said during a press conference. "Every storm is different, and we urge folks not to use any prior storm as a template for what or will happen. What we need to do is prepare for the worst."
The coronavirus pandemic has brought new challenges to hurricane preparation this season. To adapt to the dual danger of COVID-19 and hurricanes, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended preparing a "go kit" with items that that can help protect you and others from transmission of COVID-19, including hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and two masks for each person as social distancing may become more difficult.
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The first mandatory evacuation order was issued Tuesday when the hurricane was still a Category 1 storm. Galveston Mayor Craig Brown signed a mandatory evacuation and the city urged residents to leave the island by noon Wednesday and to take with them "all family members and pets." City services were suspended at noon on Tuesday.
Elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, residents in Louisiana prepared for the storm by boarding up windows. Oil refineries across the Gulf were shut down amid all of the tropical activity over the Gulf -- first from Marco and later from Laura. All told, over half a million in Texas and Louisiana were told to flee the approaching storm.
A St. George Island first responder died while trying to save a swimmer, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith reported over Facebook Live. He noted that it had been a "double-red-flag day," meaning no one should have been in the water to begin with.
"The conditions are terrible," Smith said. "There's a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, so I'm asking all the tourists don't go in the water. If you're in the water and you're told to leave and you don't, you will be arrested. We're serious about this. There's no reason for any other loss of life."
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The identity of the first responder has yet to be made public.
Laura took its time its beginning stages of development before moving into the warm waters that would serve as a catalyst to its strengthening.
Laura first struck the Dominican Republic and Haiti before moving over Cuba by late Sunday, leaving behind damage and flooding while it pushed across the northern Caribbean as a tropical storm. It turned into a hurricane Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Marco preceded Laura, but fizzled out during the beginning of the week as it skirted along the Gulf Coast. However, this wasn't before it became the earliest "M" storm on record in the basin and unleashed torrential rainfall on the region. The previous "M" storm record was held by the 2005 Hurricane Maria, which developed Sept. 2.
Prior to Laura and Marco's formation, Cristobal, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine and Kyle had all set new records for their respective letters in 2020.


upi--2020-08-23--On This Day, Aug. 23: Nazi Germany, Soviet Union sign non-aggression pact

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1914 , the British Expeditionary Force fought on European soil for the first time since the 1815 Battle of Waterloo in a confrontation with the German army in the Battle of Mons in Belgium .
In 1926 , silent screen idol Rudolph Valentino died at the age of 31 .
The actor became ill with ulcers and after surgery fell into a coma and died .
In 1927 , despite worldwide demonstrations on their behalf , Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed for murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact .
Less than two years later , Germany launched a blitzkrieg attack on Russia .
In 1982 , Beirut Christian leader Beshir Gemayel was elected president of Lebanon .
He was assassinated less than one month later and was succeeded by his brother Amin .
In 1990 , East and West Germany announced they would reunite on Oct. 3 .
In 2008 , U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois confirmed he chose fellow Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2010 , rescue workers at a caved-in gold and copper mine in northern Chile made radio contact with 33 men trapped nearly 2,300 feet underground for 17 days who had found refuge in a small emergency shelter that had water and ventilation .
In an unrelenting effort , all hands were rescued two months later .
In 2011 , a 5.8-magnitude earthquake , unusually strong for the eastern United States , rattled Washington and Virginia with shockwaves as far north as Canada .
The quake was the strongest to hit Virginia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a power shutdown at a nuclear plant .
The Washington Monument and National Cathedral in Washington were damaged by the quake .
In 2017 , after two major warship collisions that killed several sailors , the U.S. Navy removed Vice Adm. Joseph Aucion as the Pacific Fleet 's commander .

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Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (L) and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop shake hands after signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact on August 23, 1939. File Photo courtesy of the German Federal Archive
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1914, the British Expeditionary Force fought on European soil for the first time since the 1815 Battle of Waterloo in a confrontation with the German army in the Battle of Mons in Belgium. Advertisement
In 1926, silent screen idol Rudolph Valentino died at the age of 31. The actor became ill with ulcers and after surgery fell into a coma and died.
In 1927, despite worldwide demonstrations on their behalf, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed for murder.
In 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact. Less than two years later, Germany launched a blitzkrieg attack on Russia.
In 1982, Beirut Christian leader Beshir Gemayel was elected president of Lebanon. He was assassinated less than one month later and was succeeded by his brother Amin.
In 1990, East and West Germany announced they would reunite on Oct. 3.
File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI
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In 2008, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois confirmed he chose fellow Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate at the top of the Democratic Party ticket.
In 2010, rescue workers at a caved-in gold and copper mine in northern Chile made radio contact with 33 men trapped nearly 2,300 feet underground for 17 days who had found refuge in a small emergency shelter that had water and ventilation. In an unrelenting effort, all hands were rescued two months later.
In 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake, unusually strong for the eastern United States, rattled Washington and Virginia with shockwaves as far north as Canada. The quake was the strongest to hit Virginia in more than a century, briefly causing a power shutdown at a nuclear plant. The Washington Monument and National Cathedral in Washington were damaged by the quake.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
In 2017, after two major warship collisions that killed several sailors, the U.S. Navy removed Vice Adm. Joseph Aucion as the Pacific Fleet's commander.
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upi--2020-08-23--Famous birthdays for Aug. 23: Joanne Froggatt, Shelley Long

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo .

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Joanne Froggatt arrives for the 68th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 18, 2016. The actor turns 40 on August 23. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo. They include: Advertisement
-- French King Louis XVI in 1754
-- Dancer/actor/director Gene Kelly in 1912
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member George Kell in 1922
-- Actor Vera Miles in 1929 (age 91)
-- Actor Barbara Eden in 1931 (age 89)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Political comedian Mark Russell in 1932 (age 88)
-- Football Hall of Fame member Sonny Jurgensen in 1934 (age 86)
-- Drummer Keith Moon in 1946
-- Actor Shelley Long in 1949 (age 71)
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
-- Singer/actor Rick Springfield in 1949 (age 71)
-- Jordan's Queen Noor in 1951 (age 69)
-- Actor Jay Mohr in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor River Phoenix in 1970
-- Actor Scott Caan in 1976 (age 44)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
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-- Pro basketball star Kobe Bryant in 1978
-- Musician Julian Casablancas in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Andrew Rannells in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Joanne Froggatt in 1980 (age 40)
-- Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Natalie Coughlin in 1982 (age 38)
-- Rapper Lil Yachty in 1997 (age 23)
File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI


upi--2020-08-23--Takuma Sato holds off Scott Dixon for second Indy 500 win

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- Takuma Sato fended off Scott Dixon at an empty Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday to earn his second win at the Indianapolis 500 .
With his victory , Sato -- who became the first Japanese driver to win the race in 2017 -- is the 20th two-time winner of the Indy 500 .
It was his second win in the last four tries at the iconic track .
`` The Indy 500 , you never really know until the last corner , '' Sato said .
`` This is unbelievable .
Thank you so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words , ca n't find the words .
This is unbelievable . ''
Sato won under caution after teammate Spencer Pigot was involved in a violent crash with only a few laps remaining in the race , which was held without fans for the first time in 104 runnings due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Pigot required medical attention and debris was scattered everywhere , meaning the race could n't resume without a stoppage .
Dixon , the five-time IndyCar champion who led 111 laps in Sunday 's race , asked on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drivers a NASCAR-style shootout to the checkered flag .
But IndyCar officials declined to throw a red flag , and Sato led Dixon across the finish line under yellow .
`` Definitely a hard one to swallow , for sure .
We had such a great day , '' Dixon said .
`` First time I 've seen them let it run out like that .
I thought they 'd throw a red . ''
Graham Rahal finished third behind Dixon , and Santino Ferrucci came in fourth .
Reigning series champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( sixth ) , James Hinchcliffe ( seventh ) , Colton Herta ( eighth ) , Jack Harvey ( ninth ) and Ryan Hunter-Reay ( 10th ) rounded out the top 10 .
Helio Castroneves finished 11th , while pole-sitter Marco Andretti -- who was seeking to end the 51-year losing streak for his iconic racing family -- ended in 13th .
Fernando Alonso , attempting to win the final leg of motorsports ' version of the Triple Crown , crossed the finish line in 21st and never contended in the race .

Takuma Sato becomes the 20th two-time winner of the Indy 500. It was his second win in the last four tries at the iconic track. File Photo by Bill Coons/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Takuma Sato fended off Scott Dixon at an empty Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday to earn his second win at the Indianapolis 500. With his victory, Sato -- who became the first Japanese driver to win the race in 2017 -- is the 20th two-time winner of the Indy 500. It was his second win in the last four tries at the iconic track. Advertisement
"The Indy 500, you never really know until the last corner," Sato said. "This is unbelievable. Thank you so much. I can't find the words, can't find the words. This is unbelievable."
Sato won under caution after teammate Spencer Pigot was involved in a violent crash with only a few laps remaining in the race, which was held without fans for the first time in 104 runnings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Pigot required medical attention and debris was scattered everywhere, meaning the race couldn't resume without a stoppage.
Dixon, the five-time IndyCar champion who led 111 laps in Sunday's race, asked on his radio whether officials were going to give the drivers a NASCAR-style shootout to the checkered flag. But IndyCar officials declined to throw a red flag, and Sato led Dixon across the finish line under yellow.
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"Definitely a hard one to swallow, for sure. We had such a great day," Dixon said. "First time I've seen them let it run out like that. I thought they'd throw a red."
Graham Rahal finished third behind Dixon, and Santino Ferrucci came in fourth. Reigning series champion Josef Newgarden was fifth.
Pato O'Ward (sixth), James Hinchcliffe (seventh), Colton Herta (eighth), Jack Harvey (ninth) and Ryan Hunter-Reay (10th) rounded out the top 10.
Helio Castroneves finished 11th, while pole-sitter Marco Andretti -- who was seeking to end the 51-year losing streak for his iconic racing family -- ended in 13th. Fernando Alonso, attempting to win the final leg of motorsports' version of the Triple Crown, crossed the finish line in 21st and never contended in the race.


upi--2020-08-23--Dustin Johnson wins by 11 shots at Northern Trust to reclaim world No. 1 ranking

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- Dustin Johnson returned to No .
1 in the world with an 11-shot win over Harris English on Sunday in The Northern Trust at TPC Boston in Norton , Mass .
Johnson , who shot 60 in Friday 's second round , carried his red-hot play into the weekend and finished at 30-under 254 .
It was the 22nd win of his PGA Tour career and his fifth victory in a FedEx Cup playoffs event -- tied with Rory McIlroy for most .
`` He can absolutely dismantle a golf course when he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who grew up playing junior golf against Johnson in South Carolina .
`` I 've been watching it for 25 years .
I 'm pretty accustomed to it .
When he 's on , I just step to the side and try to add to my bank account . ''
Johnson finished the week with more eagles ( five ) than bogeys ( three ) .
It marked his second win since the Tour resumed play in June , and it was the first win on the Tour by 10-plus shots in about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished at 19-under par , while Daniel Berger ( 67 ) ended up one stroke behind him for third .
Kisner ( 66 ) and Scottie Scheffler ( 71 ) -- who shot 59 in the second round -- tied for fourth at 17-under 267 .
Jon Rahm and Webb Simpson shared sixth at 16-under 268 , while Ryan Palmer , Russell Henley and Alexander Noren tied for eighth at 15-under par .
Justin Thomas ( 71 ) finished at 7-under 277 , and Tiger Woods closed with a 66 to end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65th at 2-under .
The top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings now advance to this week 's BMW Championship .
The top 30 after the BMW Championship move on to the season-ending Tour Championship for a chance at its $ 15 million prize .

Dustin Johnson finished the week with more eagles (five) than bogeys (three). File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Dustin Johnson returned to No. 1 in the world with an 11-shot win over Harris English on Sunday in The Northern Trust at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass. Johnson, who shot 60 in Friday's second round, carried his red-hot play into the weekend and finished at 30-under 254. It was the 22nd win of his PGA Tour career and his fifth victory in a FedEx Cup playoffs event -- tied with Rory McIlroy for most. Advertisement
"He can absolutely dismantle a golf course when he's on," said Kevin Kisner, who grew up playing junior golf against Johnson in South Carolina. "I've been watching it for 25 years. I'm pretty accustomed to it. When he's on, I just step to the side and try to add to my bank account."
Johnson finished the week with more eagles (five) than bogeys (three). It marked his second win since the Tour resumed play in June, and it was the first win on the Tour by 10-plus shots in about a decade.
Advertisement With his win at THE NORTHERN TRUST, @DJohnsonPGA now has 22 victories on the @PGATOUR. He has won THE NORTHERN TRUST three times. pic.twitter.com/IuDakc4UWm— THE NORTHERN TRUST (@TheNTGolf) August 24, 2020
English (69) finished at 19-under par, while Daniel Berger (67) ended up one stroke behind him for third. Kisner (66) and Scottie Scheffler (71) -- who shot 59 in the second round -- tied for fourth at 17-under 267.
Jon Rahm and Webb Simpson shared sixth at 16-under 268, while Ryan Palmer, Russell Henley and Alexander Noren tied for eighth at 15-under par.
Justin Thomas (71) finished at 7-under 277, and Tiger Woods closed with a 66 to end up at 6-under par. McIlroy tied for 65th at 2-under.
The top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings now advance to this week's BMW Championship. The top 30 after the BMW Championship move on to the season-ending Tour Championship for a chance at its $15 million prize.
Tiger Woods turns 47: a look back


upi--2020-08-23--Baltimore Ravens cut All-Pro S Earl Thomas after altercation in practice

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- The Baltimore Ravens released All-Pro safety Earl Thomas less than two days after his involvement in an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark .
The team said in a statement Sunday that Thomas ' contract was terminated `` for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens . ''
The franchise is expected to attempt to void his $ 10 million guaranteed salary this season , and Thomas is expected to file a grievance against that decision .
`` Well , I think the statement speaks for itself , '' Ravens head coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice .
`` There 's really not much more to add to that .
I 'm planning on leaving it at that at this point . ''
Thomas made a post on his Instagram story less than 30 minutes after the Ravens officially released him .
`` Appreciate the Ravens organization for the opportunity , '' he wrote .
`` Had a great run ...
Wish things would have ended different but you live and you learn .
Thank you [ Ravens general manager ] Eric DeCosta and everyone else who played a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wish you guys the best . ''
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Thomas was involved in a fight with Clark during Friday 's practice .
After Thomas blew an assignment , Clark angrily took off his helmet and slammed it on the ground .
According to the outlets , Thomas then punched Clark .
The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back was sent home following the altercation and has n't returned to the Ravens ' facility since the incident .
It was the second heated exchange between Thomas and a teammate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 season .
He confronted defensive lineman Brandon Williams after a loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 .
According to ESPN , Thomas also missed or was late to multiple team meetings during his time in Baltimore .
In Thomas ' absence , the Ravens are expected to start DeShon Elliott -- a 2018 sixth-round draft pick -- alongside Clark this season .
The Seattle Seahawks selected Thomas in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Texas .
In 140 career games with the Seahawks and Ravens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 interceptions , two sacks , 11 forced fumbles , six fumble recoveries and 73 passes defensed .

Former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens defensive back Earl Thomas (pictured) was involved in an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark during Friday's practice. File Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens released All-Pro safety Earl Thomas less than two days after his involvement in an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark. The team said in a statement Sunday that Thomas' contract was terminated "for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens." The franchise is expected to attempt to void his $10 million guaranteed salary this season, and Thomas is expected to file a grievance against that decision. Advertisement
"Well, I think the statement speaks for itself," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters after Sunday's practice. "There's really not much more to add to that. I'm planning on leaving it at that at this point."
Thomas made a post on his Instagram story less than 30 minutes after the Ravens officially released him.
"Appreciate the Ravens organization for the opportunity," he wrote. "Had a great run ... Wish things would have ended different but you live and you learn. Thank you [Ravens general manager] Eric DeCosta and everyone else who played a role in bringing him to B-More. Wish you guys the best."
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League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Thomas was involved in a fight with Clark during Friday's practice. After Thomas blew an assignment, Clark angrily took off his helmet and slammed it on the ground. According to the outlets, Thomas then punched Clark.
The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back was sent home following the altercation and hasn't returned to the Ravens' facility since the incident.
It was the second heated exchange between Thomas and a teammate since he joined the Ravens before the 2019 season. He confronted defensive lineman Brandon Williams after a loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. According to ESPN, Thomas also missed or was late to multiple team meetings during his time in Baltimore.
In Thomas' absence, the Ravens are expected to start DeShon Elliott -- a 2018 sixth-round draft pick -- alongside Clark this season.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Thomas in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Texas. In 140 career games with the Seahawks and Ravens, he has recorded 713 total tackles, 30 interceptions, two sacks, 11 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 73 passes defensed.


upi--2020-08-23--Bayern Munich beats PSG to win sixth Champions League title

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Sunday 's Champions League final to capture their sixth European Cup in club history .
France international Kingsley Coman scored just before the hour mark to complete Bayern 's remarkable sweep in the Champions League .
The German side claimed Europe 's top club trophy by winning every game in the tournament this season , becoming the first unbeaten champion since Manchester United in 2007-08 .
Bayern is the second team to win all of their UCL matches en route to the final .
The Bundesliga club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic competition .
`` I am proud of this team , '' Bayern coach Hansi Flick said .
`` When I started in November I read the headlines : 'No need to fear or respect Bayern Munich anymore , the team is awful . '
`` But the development of my team since then has been sensational .
We made maximum use of everything .
It is not easy to win three titles .
It was hard work . ''
Joshua Kimmich found Coman near the back post to give Bayern the decisive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship match .
Coman got behind PSG defender Thilo Kehrer and sent a header into the bottom-right corner of the net .
PSG , who beat RB Leipzig 3-0 in the semifinals , was playing in their first Champions League final .
PSG stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar had prime scoring chances throughout the match but failed to capitalize .
`` Once the ref blew the final whistle , we were beaming .
It was a relief , '' Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said .
`` Five minutes of extra time .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a dream for us all . ''

Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman (R) holds the trophy after his club defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on Sunday at Luz Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Jose Sena Goulao/EPA-EFE
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Sunday's Champions League final to capture their sixth European Cup in club history. France international Kingsley Coman scored just before the hour mark to complete Bayern's remarkable sweep in the Champions League. The German side claimed Europe's top club trophy by winning every game in the tournament this season, becoming the first unbeaten champion since Manchester United in 2007-08. Advertisement
Bayern is the second team to win all of their UCL matches en route to the final. The Bundesliga club also won their league and cup in domestic competition.
"I am proud of this team," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said. "When I started in November I read the headlines: 'No need to fear or respect Bayern Munich anymore, the team is awful.'
"But the development of my team since then has been sensational. We made maximum use of everything. It is not easy to win three titles. It was hard work."
Joshua Kimmich found Coman near the back post to give Bayern the decisive goal in the 59th minute of the championship match. Coman got behind PSG defender Thilo Kehrer and sent a header into the bottom-right corner of the net.
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PSG, who beat RB Leipzig 3-0 in the semifinals, was playing in their first Champions League final. PSG stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar had prime scoring chances throughout the match but failed to capitalize.
"Once the ref blew the final whistle, we were beaming. It was a relief," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said. "Five minutes of extra time. We just waited for this final whistle. It is a dream for us all."


upi--2020-08-23--California wildfires burn more than 1 million acres

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- Wildfires in California have burned more than 1 million acres as of Sunday as firefighters battle to contain the blazes .
The National Weather Service on Sunday issued a Red Flag Warning for much of northern California and parts of the Intermountain West on Sunday afternoon to alert people of a `` critical fire weather '' pattern .
`` Critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now , or will shortly .
Be extremely careful with open flames , '' the NWS said .
The weather conditions include storm , which could spark additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing fires which include the second- and third-largest in California 's history .
Cal Fire spokesman Steve Kaufmann said over the past week approximately 12,000 lightning strikes have caused 585 fires in the state .
Cal Fire said Sunday that the LNU Lightning Complex , the largest active blaze in the state , has burned 341,243 acres in five counties and is 17 % contained .
The blaze has resulted in four deaths and four injuries in addition to destroying 845 structures and damaging 231 more .
1,704 fire personnel from 2 agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blaze .
Cal Fire said it expects `` significant fire growth '' amid possible erratic winds and dry lightning Sunday evening through Tuesday .
`` Extreme fire behavior with short- and long-range spotting are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts , '' the agency said .
`` Fires continue to make runs in multiple directions and impacting multiple communities . ''
The second-largest blaze , the SCU Lightning Complex , has burned 339,968 acres in five counties and was 10 % contained as of Sunday , Cal Fire said .
The blaze has destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cal Fire officials said conditions were presenting difficulties in their efforts to combat the blaze .
`` The fires continue to burn in steep in steep inaccessible terrain influenced by low relative humidity and high daytime temperatures , '' they said .
`` Hot air temperatures developed this afternoon with southwest winds keeping things active on the Canyon Fire as winds gusted to 15 mph over the ridges from 90-95 degrees were observed with minimum humidity around 20 % .
High clouds began to increase across the area signaling a change as @ @ @ @ @ @

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Wildfires in California have burned more than 1 million acres as of Sunday as firefighters battle to contain the blazes.
The National Weather Service on Sunday issued a Red Flag Warning for much of northern California and parts of the Intermountain West on Sunday afternoon to alert people of a "critical fire weather" pattern.
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"Critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Be extremely careful with open flames," the NWS said.
The weather conditions include storm, which could spark additional blazes and accelerate the spread of the existing fires which include the second- and third-largest in California's history.
Cal Fire spokesman Steve Kaufmann said over the past week approximately 12,000 lightning strikes have caused 585 fires in the state.
LNU Lightning Complex
Cal Fire said Sunday that the LNU Lightning Complex, the largest active blaze in the state, has burned 341,243 acres in five counties and is 17% contained.
The blaze has resulted in four deaths and four injuries in addition to destroying 845 structures and damaging 231 more.
1,704 fire personnel from 2 agencies have been deployed to respond to the blaze.
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Cal Fire said it expects "significant fire growth" amid possible erratic winds and dry lightning Sunday evening through Tuesday.
"Extreme fire behavior with short- and long-range spotting are continuing to challenge firefighting efforts," the agency said. "Fires continue to make runs in multiple directions and impacting multiple communities."
SCU Lightning Complex
The second-largest blaze, the SCU Lightning Complex, has burned 339,968 acres in five counties and was 10% contained as of Sunday, Cal Fire said.
The blaze has destroyed five structures and resulted in four injuries.
Cal Fire officials said conditions were presenting difficulties in their efforts to combat the blaze.
"The fires continue to burn in steep in steep inaccessible terrain influenced by low relative humidity and high daytime temperatures," they said. "Hot air temperatures developed this afternoon with southwest winds keeping things active on the Canyon Fire as winds gusted to 15 mph over the ridges from 90-95 degrees were observed with minimum humidity around 20%. High clouds began to increase across the area signaling a change as tropical moisture surges northward."


upi--2020-08-23--FDA issues emergency convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19

Aug. 23 ( UPI ) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Sunday issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 .
Shortly after a news release by the FDA , President Donald Trump announced the authorization during a news conference on Sunday after promising a `` therapeutic breakthrough '' related to the virus .
The authorization allows convalescent plasma , which is used in an experimental treatment involving blood plasma transfusions from people who have developed antibodies to the new coronavirus , to be distributed by healthcare providers to treat people with COVID-19 .
Blood plasma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases .
`` This is a powerful therapy that transfuses very , very strong antibodies form the blood of recovered patients to help treat patients battling a current infection , '' Trump said .
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that more than 70,000 patients have been treated in studies of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 and the treatment has been used in response to MERS and SARS as well as the flue and Ebola .
Azar said there has been a 35 % increase in survival through the treatment in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiration .
`` The data that we gathered suggested patients who were treated early in their disease course , within three days of being diagnosed , with plasma containing high levels of antibodies benefitted the most from treatment , '' he said .
FDA administrator Stephen Hahn added that the independent judgment of FDA scientists has determined that COVID-19 convalescent plasma is `` safe and shows promising efficacy '' and thereby meets the criteria for an emergency use authorization .
He said that the authorization is `` not the same as the approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to convalescent plasma .
`` We will continue to work with researchers to continue randomized clinical trials to study the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma in treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus , '' said Hahn .
In July , Trump encouraged virus survivors to visit coronavirus.gov to volunteer to donate their convalescent blood plasma and renewed that call on Sunday .
`` I once again urge all Americans who have recovered from the virus to go to coronavirus.gov and sign up and donate plasma today , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted earlier Saturday that the FDA was `` making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics . ''
Last week , officials at the National Institutes of Health stopped the FDA from issuing what is known as an `` emergency use authorization '' for blood plasma to treat COVID-19 .
More data from randomized controlled trials , were needed , officials told The New York Times .
As of Sunday afternoon , COVID-19 has sickened 5.7 million Americans and killed 176,489 as , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
Also Sunday , California , which leads the nation in cases , reported 6,777 new cases for a total of 663,669 and 146 new deaths for a death toll of 12,134 .
The Florida Department of Health reported that the state had confirmed 2,974 new COVID-19 cases , its lowest single-day count since June , and 51 deaths among residents .
The state has the second-highest case total in the nation at 600,571 and a resident death toll of 10,325 .
Texas reported 4,398 new cases and is in third place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths for a death toll of 11,370 .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped to 472 , the lowest number in the state , which was once the epicenter for the virus in the United States , since March 16 .
Cuomo also announced that the state reported 572 new confirmed cases for a total of 429,737 -- fourth most in the nation -- and five more deaths , adding to the nation 's highest death toll at 25,288 .
Georgia is in fifth place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 253,949 and 40 new deaths for a total of 5,132 .
North Carolina reported 1,472 new cases on Sunday for a total of 155,113 and 10 new deaths , bringing its death toll to 2,531 .
Eastern Carolina University announced Sunday that all undergraduate students would move to online instruction for the remainder of the fall semester beginning Wednesday , citing `` a rapid acceleration of COVID-19 cases , including multiple clusters '' following the first two weeks of in-person classes .

President Donald Trump tours a blood plasma donation facility at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on July 30. The Food and Drug Administration on Sunday issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19. Pool Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Sunday issued an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19. Shortly after a news release by the FDA, President Donald Trump announced the authorization during a news conference on Sunday after promising a "therapeutic breakthrough" related to the virus. Advertisement
The authorization allows convalescent plasma, which is used in an experimental treatment involving blood plasma transfusions from people who have developed antibodies to the new coronavirus, to be distributed by healthcare providers to treat people with COVID-19. Blood plasma has been used to treat other infectious diseases.
"This is a powerful therapy that transfuses very, very strong antibodies form the blood of recovered patients to help treat patients battling a current infection," Trump said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that more than 70,000 patients have been treated in studies of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 and the treatment has been used in response to MERS and SARS as well as the flue and Ebola.
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Azar said there has been a 35% increase in survival through the treatment in patients under 80 who were not on artificial respiration.
"The data that we gathered suggested patients who were treated early in their disease course, within three days of being diagnosed, with plasma containing high levels of antibodies benefitted the most from treatment," he said.
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn added that the independent judgment of FDA scientists has determined that COVID-19 convalescent plasma is "safe and shows promising efficacy" and thereby meets the criteria for an emergency use authorization.
He said that the authorization is "not the same as the approval" but allows the FDA to expand access to convalescent plasma.
"We will continue to work with researchers to continue randomized clinical trials to study the safety and effectiveness of convalescent plasma in treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus," said Hahn.
In July, Trump encouraged virus survivors to visit coronavirus.gov to volunteer to donate their convalescent blood plasma and renewed that call on Sunday.
"I once again urge all Americans who have recovered from the virus to go to coronavirus.gov and sign up and donate plasma today," he said.
Sunday's announcement came after Trump tweeted earlier Saturday that the FDA was "making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics."
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Last week, officials at the National Institutes of Health stopped the FDA from issuing what is known as an "emergency use authorization" for blood plasma to treat COVID-19. More data from randomized controlled trials, were needed, officials told The New York Times.
As of Sunday afternoon, COVID-19 has sickened 5.7 million Americans and killed 176,489 as, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.
Also Sunday, California, which leads the nation in cases, reported 6,777 new cases for a total of 663,669 and 146 new deaths for a death toll of 12,134.
The Florida Department of Health reported that the state had confirmed 2,974 new COVID-19 cases, its lowest single-day count since June, and 51 deaths among residents. The state has the second-highest case total in the nation at 600,571 and a resident death toll of 10,325.
Texas reported 4,398 new cases and is in third place with 577,537 total cases and 104 new deaths for a death toll of 11,370.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped to 472, the lowest number in the state, which was once the epicenter for the virus in the United States, since March 16.
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Cuomo also announced that the state reported 572 new confirmed cases for a total of 429,737 -- fourth most in the nation -- and five more deaths, adding to the nation's highest death toll at 25,288.
Georgia is in fifth place in cases, reporting 1,727 new positives for a total of 253,949 and 40 new deaths for a total of 5,132.
North Carolina reported 1,472 new cases on Sunday for a total of 155,113 and 10 new deaths, bringing its death toll to 2,531.
Eastern Carolina University announced Sunday that all undergraduate students would move to online instruction for the remainder of the fall semester beginning Wednesday, citing "a rapid acceleration of COVID-19 cases, including multiple clusters" following the first two weeks of in-person classes.
Editor's note: On Aug. 25, 2020, Food and Drug Administrator Stephen Hahn clarified there's not a 35% absolute increase in survival for COVID-19 who receive convalescent plasma. The figure instead refers to the decrease in mortality rate between patients who received low-level antibody plasma and those who received high-level antibody plasma in a non-peer reviewed observational study.