upi--2020-08-06--Nintendo's profits jump nearly 428% amid COVID-19 lockdowns

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- Nintendo reported Thursday that its operating profits jumped nearly 428 % year-over-year amid COVID-19 lockdowns .
The Japanese gaming giant noted in its first quarter report for April-June , that the video game Animal Crossing : New Horizons , which was released in March , `` contributed greatly to overall growth in sales . ''
The game became popular as players sought escapism during coronavirus lockdowns .
The game sold over 10 million copies and in less than five months reached a cumulative sales total of 22.4 million , second only to Mario Kart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which took three years to reach that number .
Net sales for the first quarter were up 108 percent from the same quarter last year .
The new game also contributed to Nintendo Switch sales , according to the report .
The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are video game hybrid consoles that can be used as home consoles and portable devices .
`` Of all the systems in the Nintendo Switch family that were played during the first time during this period [ first quarter ] , over half were used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first day , '' the report said .
Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite consoles sales increased by nearly 167 % over the same quarter last year .
The company said in the report that COVID-19 caused some difficulties in getting parts to manufacture Nintendo Switch consoles , but the company has mostly recovered .
`` However , if the impact of COVID-19 expands in the future , it may affect manufacturing , '' the report said .
Earlier this week , Japanese-based Sony reported a 1 percent drop in profits in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 82 percent over the same quarter last year , mostly from digital downloads .

Nintendo said Thursday the video game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" boosted profits in the first quarter. Image courtesy of Nintendo
Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Nintendo reported Thursday that its operating profits jumped nearly 428% year-over-year amid COVID-19 lockdowns. The Japanese gaming giant noted in its first quarter report for April-June, that the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which was released in March, "contributed greatly to overall growth in sales." Advertisement
The game became popular as players sought escapism during coronavirus lockdowns.
The game sold over 10 million copies and in less than five months reached a cumulative sales total of 22.4 million, second only to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (26.74 million), which took three years to reach that number.
Net sales for the first quarter were up 108 percent from the same quarter last year. The new game also contributed to Nintendo Switch sales, according to the report. The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are video game hybrid consoles that can be used as home consoles and portable devices.
"Of all the systems in the Nintendo Switch family that were played during the first time during this period [first quarter], over half were used to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the first day," the report said.
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Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite consoles sales increased by nearly 167% over the same quarter last year.
The company said in the report that COVID-19 caused some difficulties in getting parts to manufacture Nintendo Switch consoles, but the company has mostly recovered.
"However, if the impact of COVID-19 expands in the future, it may affect manufacturing," the report said.
Earlier this week, Japanese-based Sony reported a 1 percent drop in profits in its first-quarter results, but game sales climbed 82 percent over the same quarter last year, mostly from digital downloads.


upi--2020-08-06--State Department lifts advisory against international travel

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. State Department on Thursday lifted its global advisory urging all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel , though some countries still ban Americans from coming in .
The department , along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , issued its Global Level 4 Health Advisory on March 18 as cases of COVID-19 began spreading across the globe .
With conditions improving in some countries , the U.S. government said it will begin issuing travel advice for individual countries depending on local conditions .
`` Keeping the American public informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world is key to our broader mission of ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens , '' the State Department said in its announcement .
`` The Department 's COVID-19 travel advisories are informed by CDC 's expert judgment of the health situation , as well as other factors related to travel , infrastructure , healthcare resources and potential closures and restrictions in the country , which are important for U.S. citizens to consider . ''
The State Department warned American travelers to use caution when traveling abroad due to the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the countries given a Level 1 advisory , encouraging Americans to exercise `` normal precautions , '' are Macau and Taiwan .
Level 2 advisories ( exercise increased caution ) include New Zealand , Thailand and Fiji ; Level 3 ( reconsider travel ) includes Australia , Belgium and Britain ; and Level 4 ( do not travel ) includes Russia , Mexico and India .
Though U.S. officials are loosening their advice on Americans traveling abroad , some countries have firm bans in place due to spikes in the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union has banned all Americans from traveling and there and some places , such as Britain , require 14-day quarantine periods .

The gates at Terminal 4 of JFK International Airport are mostly empty of travelers and only a few shops are open for business in New York City on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department on Thursday lifted its global advisory urging all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel, though some countries still ban Americans from coming in. The department, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, issued its Global Level 4 Health Advisory on March 18 as cases of COVID-19 began spreading across the globe. With conditions improving in some countries, the U.S. government said it will begin issuing travel advice for individual countries depending on local conditions. Advertisement
"Keeping the American public informed of health and safety conditions around the world is key to our broader mission of ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens," the State Department said in its announcement.
"The Department's COVID-19 travel advisories are informed by CDC's expert judgment of the health situation, as well as other factors related to travel, infrastructure, healthcare resources and potential closures and restrictions in the country, which are important for U.S. citizens to consider."
The State Department warned American travelers to use caution when traveling abroad due to the "unpredictable nature of the pandemic."
Among the countries given a Level 1 advisory, encouraging Americans to exercise "normal precautions," are Macau and Taiwan. Level 2 advisories (exercise increased caution) include New Zealand, Thailand and Fiji; Level 3 (reconsider travel) includes Australia, Belgium and Britain; and Level 4 (do not travel) includes Russia, Mexico and India.
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Though U.S. officials are loosening their advice on Americans traveling abroad, some countries have firm bans in place due to spikes in the novel coronavirus in the United States. The European Union has banned all Americans from traveling and there and some places, such as Britain, require 14-day quarantine periods.


upi--2020-08-06--Energy execs tell Senate cybersecurity has become crucial

Foreign hackers infiltrating U.S. electric and gas infrastructure has long been a concern of intelligence officials and lawmakers .
With a pandemic raging across the United States and the world , those concerns have been heightened .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for cybercriminals to attack our networks , including critical energy infrastructure , '' Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , chairwoman of the Senate committee on energy and natural resources , said at a hearing on Wednesday .
`` We can not allow foreign nations to disrupt our way of life . ''
The hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve cybersecurity , included executives from private power companies and top energy infrastructure security officials .
Alexander Gates , senior adviser on cybersecurity for the U.S. Department of Energy , spoke about the department 's efforts to protect the bulk-power system , the energy generation and high-voltage transmission parts of the power grid .
The Energy Department is following through on a May 1 executive order to ensure equipment does n't come from foreign adversaries and by developing a list of best practices for guaranteeing strong cybersecurity in the energy sector .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of energy infrastructure and security for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission .
McClelland highlighted the importance of mandating cybersecurity protocols in Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards and working with private companies to conduct voluntary cybersecurity assessments as part of the commission 's approach to cybersecurity .
Steve Conner , president and CEO of Siemens Energy , one of America 's largest energy companies , said cybersecurity has become a core component of its business .
In addition to regular internal security audits , the company also scrutinizes its vendors to ensure security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get attacked thousands of times a day , '' Conner said .
`` We do background checks on whom we 're going to utilize as vendors . ''
In May , Murkowski introduced the `` Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020 , '' to increase the electric grid 's security .
The bill is still in the Senate Energy Committee .
`` The geographic barriers of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean no longer provide sufficient protection for the people of the United States against threats to electric infrastructure , especially for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill said .

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the COVID-19 pandemic has created a opportunities for cybercriminals to attack networks in the United States. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Foreign hackers infiltrating U.S. electric and gas infrastructure has long been a concern of intelligence officials and lawmakers. With a pandemic raging across the United States and the world, those concerns have been heightened. "The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for cybercriminals to attack our networks, including critical energy infrastructure," Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairwoman of the Senate committee on energy and natural resources, said at a hearing on Wednesday. "We cannot allow foreign nations to disrupt our way of life." Advertisement
The hearing, focused on industry and federal efforts to improve cybersecurity, included executives from private power companies and top energy infrastructure security officials.
Alexander Gates, senior adviser on cybersecurity for the U.S. Department of Energy, spoke about the department's efforts to protect the bulk-power system, the energy generation and high-voltage transmission parts of the power grid. The Energy Department is following through on a May 1 executive order to ensure equipment doesn't come from foreign adversaries and by developing a list of best practices for guaranteeing strong cybersecurity in the energy sector.
The committee also heard from Joseph McClelland, director of energy infrastructure and security for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. McClelland highlighted the importance of mandating cybersecurity protocols in Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards and working with private companies to conduct voluntary cybersecurity assessments as part of the commission's approach to cybersecurity.
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Steve Conner, president and CEO of Siemens Energy, one of America's largest energy companies, said cybersecurity has become a core component of its business. In addition to regular internal security audits, the company also scrutinizes its vendors to ensure security throughout their supply chain.
"We get attacked thousands of times a day," Conner said. "We do background checks on whom we're going to utilize as vendors."
In May, Murkowski introduced the "Energy Infrastructure Protection Act of 2020," to increase the electric grid's security. The bill is still in the Senate Energy Committee.
"The geographic barriers of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean no longer provide sufficient protection for the people of the United States against threats to electric infrastructure, especially for threats coming from cyberspace," the bill said.


upi--2020-08-06--Rattlesnake rescued from under tote at New York state vacation home

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer responded to a vacation home @ @ @ @ @ found trapped under a tote .
The department said Environmental Conservation Officer George LaPoint responded @ @ @ @ @ town of Hague where vacationers staying at the home reported finding a rattlesnake .
LaPoint @ @ @ @ @ found the snake trapped underneath a tote outside the home .
`` Using snake tongs @ @ @ @ @ with a cloth bag and bucket lid , he safely secured the rattlesnake in the @ @ @ @ @ the premises , '' the department said .
LaPoint took the snake to the department @ @ @ @ @ after the Sunday rescue and officials said it will eventually be released back into the @ @ @ @ @ the largest venomous snakes found in New York , are considered a threatened species in @ @ @

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Aug. 6 (UPI) -- A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer responded to a vacation home where a timber rattlesnake was found trapped under a tote.
The department said Environmental Conservation Officer George LaPoint responded to a residence in the town of Hague where vacationers staying at the home reported finding a rattlesnake.
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LaPoint arrived at the house and found the snake trapped underneath a tote outside the home.
"Using snake tongs issued by DEC, along with a cloth bag and bucket lid, he safely secured the rattlesnake in the bucket and removed it from the premises," the department said.
LaPoint took the snake to the department's Green Island maintenance facility after the Sunday rescue and officials said it will eventually be released back into the wild.
Timber rattlesnakes, the largest venomous snakes found in New York, are considered a threatened species in the state.


upi--2020-08-07--'Dirty Dancing' sequel announced with Jennifer Grey

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- A sequel to 1987 's Dirty Dancing is in development at Lionsgate and original star Jennifer Grey is set to return in the followup film .
Grey , 60 , who starred in the original as Frances `` Baby '' Houseman alongside the late Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle , is also executive producing the sequel .
Jonathan Levine ( Warm Bodies ) is directing based on a script by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis .
`` It will be exactly the kind of romantic , nostalgic movie that the franchise 's fans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the biggest-selling library title in the company 's history , '' Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said in a statement .
The original Dirty Dancing followed Baby as she falls in love with Johnny , her dance instructor at a retreat in New York 's Catskill Mountains set during the early 1960s .
The film grossed $ 214 million worldwide and won an Oscar and Golden Globe for original song `` ( I 've Had ) The Time of My Life , '' a duet performed by by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titled Dirty Dancing : Havana Nights , which starred Diego Luna and Romola Garai , and a television remake aired on ABC in 2017 .
The original film also spawned a short-lived television series on CBS .
Swayze died at the age of 57 in 2009 from pancreatic cancer .
Lionsgate also recently announced that a fifth John Wick film is in development and will be filmed back-to-back with the fourth entry in the series .

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A sequel to 1987's Dirty Dancing is in development at Lionsgate and original star Jennifer Grey is set to return in the followup film.
Grey, 60, who starred in the original as Frances "Baby" Houseman alongside the late Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, is also executive producing the sequel.
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Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies) is directing based on a script by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.
"It will be exactly the kind of romantic, nostalgic movie that the franchise's fans have been waiting for and that have made it the biggest-selling library title in the company's history," Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said in a statement.
The original Dirty Dancing followed Baby as she falls in love with Johnny, her dance instructor at a retreat in New York's Catskill Mountains set during the early 1960s. The film grossed $214 million worldwide and won an Oscar and Golden Globe for original song "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," a duet performed by by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Lionsgate released a prequel in 2004 titled Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, which starred Diego Luna and Romola Garai, and a television remake aired on ABC in 2017. The original film also spawned a short-lived television series on CBS.
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Swayze died at the age of 57 in 2009 from pancreatic cancer.
Lionsgate also recently announced that a fifth John Wick film is in development and will be filmed back-to-back with the fourth entry in the series.


upi--2020-08-07--Model: Without masks, distancing U.S. to see 300K COVID deaths by December

As the U.S. coronavirus case count nears 5 million , a new model predicts that nearly 300,000 Americans could die of COVID-19 by December if more people do n't wear masks or practice better social distancing .
Researchers from the University of Washington 's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , or IHME , on Thursday issued a forecast of 295,011 deaths from coronavirus by Dec. 1 .
However , if 95 percent of people were to wear a face mask in public , some 66,000 lives could be saved , they added .
`` We 're seeing a rollercoaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Christopher Murray said in a statement .
`` It appears that people are wearing masks and socially distancing more frequently as infections increase , then after a while as infections drop , people let their guard down and stop taking these measures to protect themselves and others which , of course , leads to more infections .
And the potentially deadly cycle starts over again . ''
His team 's model also identifies which states will need to re-impose mask mandates between now and the winter to slow the spread of transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. State Department on Thursday lifted its 5-month-old blanket warning against international travel for Americans .
Instead , the department will now issue travel recommendations by country .
Why the change ?
`` Health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others '' influenced its decision , the state department said in a statement Thursday .
The change will allow travelers to make `` informed decisions '' based on the situation in specific countries , officials said .
`` We continue to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , '' the agency 's statement said .
Despite the lifting of the travel warning , many other countries are currently restricting American citizens from entry because the United States has far more coronavirus cases than any other nation in the world , the Washington Post reported .
To try to better track and stem the spread of coronavirus , scientists on Wednesday called for widespread adoption of simpler , less accurate tests , as long as they 're given often and quickly .
`` Even if you miss somebody on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of clinical microbiology in the UCLA Health System , told The New York Times .
`` If you test them repeatedly , the argument is , you 'll catch them the next time around . ''
The strategy hinges on having an enormous supply of testing kits .
But many experts believe more rapid , frequent testing would spot people who need immediate medical care while also identifying those most likely to spread COVID-19 , the Times reported .
Of the dozens of coronavirus tests that have been granted emergency use authorization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most rely on complex laboratory procedures , such as PCR , the Times reported .
Only a few tests are quick and simple enough to be run in a doctor 's office or urgent care clinic , without the need for lab equipment .
And these tests are still relatively scarce nationwide , though government officials say they plan to ramp up production of such tests by the fall , the newspaper said .
`` If you had asked me this a couple months ago , I would have said we just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Susan Butler-Wu , a clinical microbiologist at the University of Southern California , told the Times .
`` But we are so far gone in this country .
It is a catastrophe .
It 's kitchen sink time , even if the tests are imperfect . ''
The governors from seven states have already taken testing matters into their own hands , banding together to shorten turnaround time for COVID-19 test results .
Three Republican governors and three Democratic governors signed an interstate testing agreement on Tuesday , the Times reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , Ohio and Virginia will work with the Rockefeller Foundation and two U.S. manufacturers of rapid tests to buy 3 million tests , the newspaper said .
On the vaccine front , the final phases of testing for two potential COVID-19 vaccines have been launched .
In one trial , the first of 30,000 volunteers will be given either a vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the U.S. National Institutes of Health or a placebo shot , the Post reported .
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has also announced that it was starting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be conducted at 120 sites globally .
Fauci predicted that researchers would probably be able to tell whether the Moderna vaccine was effective by November or December , although he added that it was a `` distinct possibility '' an answer could come sooner .
Pfizer officials have said the company expects to be able to seek regulatory authorization or approval for its vaccine by October , the Post reported .
As cases have surged and testing delays have followed , contact tracing is becoming irrelevant in many parts of the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state which saw its case count pass 500,000 on Wednesday , officials have largely given up on tracking cases , and the situation is equally grim in California , the Times reported .
`` I think it 's easy to say contact tracing is broken , '' Carolyn Cannuscio , an expert on the strategy and an associate professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Pennsylvania , told the Times .
`` It is broken because so many parts of our prevention system are broken . ''
By Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 million as the death toll exceeded 159,500 , according to a Times tally .
According to the same tally , the top five states in coronavirus cases as of Friday were : California with nearly 541,000 Florida with more than 510,000 Texas with over 488,000 New York with over 423,600 and New Jersey with more than 185,500 .
Elsewhere in the world , the situation remains challenging .
Cases of the coronavirus in France are spiking once again , the Post reported .
The country recorded its highest daily total of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 1,695 positive cases reported over 24 hours .
Spain also recorded an uptick in new cases , fueling fears of a second outbreak in Europe as countries attempt to return to normal life , the Post reported .
In Australia , the premier of Victoria has declared a `` state of disaster , '' announcing even stricter lockdown measures , including a nightly curfew and banning virtually all trips outdoors .
`` We have to do more , and we have to do more right now , '' said Premier Daniel Andrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is where you 'll need to stay for the next six weeks . ''
Things continue to worsen in India .
Over the course of two days , the country reported more new cases and deaths than the United States and Brazil , a sign that it may soon outpace them , the Post reported .
On Aug. 4 and 5 , India had over 50,000 new cases and more than 800 deaths , while the caseload in the United States remained below 50,000 and less than 700 deaths were reported .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections and over 41,500 deaths , a Johns Hopkins tally showed .
The surge comes weeks after a national lockdown was lifted , and it 's prompted some parts of the country to revert back to stricter social distancing measures .
Brazil is also a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic , with over 2.9 million confirmed infections by Friday , according to the Hopkins tally .
It has the second-highest number of cases , behind only the United States .
Cases are also spiking wildly in Russia : As of Friday , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 cases , at over 875,000 , the Hopkins tally showed .
Worldwide , the number of reported infections passed 19 million on Friday , with over 715,000 deaths , according to the Hopkins tally .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus .

Models are now predicting the United States could see 300,000 deaths from COVID-19 by December. Pictured, a woman wears a protective face mask while riding a bicycle on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City in May. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
As the U.S. coronavirus case count nears 5 million, a new model predicts that nearly 300,000 Americans could die of COVID-19 by December if more people don't wear masks or practice better social distancing. Researchers from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, or IHME, on Thursday issued a forecast of 295,011 deaths from coronavirus by Dec. 1. Advertisement
However, if 95 percent of people were to wear a face mask in public, some 66,000 lives could be saved, they added.
"We're seeing a rollercoaster in the United States," institute director Christopher Murray said in a statement. "It appears that people are wearing masks and socially distancing more frequently as infections increase, then after a while as infections drop, people let their guard down and stop taking these measures to protect themselves and others which, of course, leads to more infections. And the potentially deadly cycle starts over again."
Advertisement
His team's model also identifies which states will need to re-impose mask mandates between now and the winter to slow the spread of transmission.
In other pandemic news, the U.S. State Department on Thursday lifted its 5-month-old blanket warning against international travel for Americans. Instead, the department will now issue travel recommendations by country.
Why the change? "Health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others" influenced its decision, the state department said in a statement Thursday. The change will allow travelers to make "informed decisions" based on the situation in specific countries, officials said.
"We continue to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic," the agency's statement said.
Despite the lifting of the travel warning, many other countries are currently restricting American citizens from entry because the United States has far more coronavirus cases than any other nation in the world, the Washington Post reported.
Faster tests needed
To try to better track and stem the spread of coronavirus, scientists on Wednesday called for widespread adoption of simpler, less accurate tests, as long as they're given often and quickly.
"Even if you miss somebody on Day 1," Omai Garner, director of clinical microbiology in the UCLA Health System, told The New York Times. "If you test them repeatedly, the argument is, you'll catch them the next time around."
Advertisement
The strategy hinges on having an enormous supply of testing kits. But many experts believe more rapid, frequent testing would spot people who need immediate medical care while also identifying those most likely to spread COVID-19, the Times reported.
Of the dozens of coronavirus tests that have been granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, most rely on complex laboratory procedures, such as PCR, the Times reported.
Only a few tests are quick and simple enough to be run in a doctor's office or urgent care clinic, without the need for lab equipment. And these tests are still relatively scarce nationwide, though government officials say they plan to ramp up production of such tests by the fall, the newspaper said.
"If you had asked me this a couple months ago, I would have said we just need to be doing the PCR tests," Susan Butler-Wu, a clinical microbiologist at the University of Southern California, told the Times. "But we are so far gone in this country. It is a catastrophe. It's kitchen sink time, even if the tests are imperfect."
The governors from seven states have already taken testing matters into their own hands, banding together to shorten turnaround time for COVID-19 test results.
Advertisement
Three Republican governors and three Democratic governors signed an interstate testing agreement on Tuesday, the Times reported. Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Virginia will work with the Rockefeller Foundation and two U.S. manufacturers of rapid tests to buy 3 million tests, the newspaper said.
A seventh state, North Carolina, later joined the pact, CNN reported.
Vaccine trials underway
On the vaccine front, the final phases of testing for two potential COVID-19 vaccines have been launched.
In one trial, the first of 30,000 volunteers will be given either a vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the U.S. National Institutes of Health or a placebo shot, the Post reported.
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has also announced that it was starting a 30,000-person final phase vaccine trial, to be conducted at 120 sites globally.
Fauci predicted that researchers would probably be able to tell whether the Moderna vaccine was effective by November or December, although he added that it was a "distinct possibility" an answer could come sooner. Pfizer officials have said the company expects to be able to seek regulatory authorization or approval for its vaccine by October, the Post reported.
As cases have surged and testing delays have followed, contact tracing is becoming irrelevant in many parts of the country.
Advertisement
In many cities in Florida, a state which saw its case count pass 500,000 on Wednesday, officials have largely given up on tracking cases, and the situation is equally grim in California, the Times reported.
"I think it's easy to say contact tracing is broken," Carolyn Cannuscio, an expert on the strategy and an associate professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Pennsylvania, told the Times. "It is broken because so many parts of our prevention system are broken."
By Friday, the U.S. coronavirus case count neared 5 million as the death toll exceeded 159,500, according to a Times tally.
According to the same tally, the top five states in coronavirus cases as of Friday were: California with nearly 541,000 Florida with more than 510,000 Texas with over 488,000 New York with over 423,600 and New Jersey with more than 185,500.
Nations grapple with pandemic
Elsewhere in the world, the situation remains challenging.
Cases of the coronavirus in France are spiking once again, the Post reported. The country recorded its highest daily total of infections since May on Wednesday, with at least 1,695 positive cases reported over 24 hours.
Spain also recorded an uptick in new cases, fueling fears of a second outbreak in Europe as countries attempt to return to normal life, the Post reported.
Advertisement
In Australia, the premier of Victoria has declared a "state of disaster," announcing even stricter lockdown measures, including a nightly curfew and banning virtually all trips outdoors.
"We have to do more, and we have to do more right now," said Premier Daniel Andrews. "Where you slept last night is where you'll need to stay for the next six weeks."
Things continue to worsen in India. Over the course of two days, the country reported more new cases and deaths than the United States and Brazil, a sign that it may soon outpace them, the Post reported. On Aug. 4 and 5, India had over 50,000 new cases and more than 800 deaths, while the caseload in the United States remained below 50,000 and less than 700 deaths were reported.
On Friday, the country passed 2 million infections and over 41,500 deaths, a Johns Hopkins tally showed. The surge comes weeks after a national lockdown was lifted, and it's prompted some parts of the country to revert back to stricter social distancing measures.
Brazil is also a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, with over 2.9 million confirmed infections by Friday, according to the Hopkins tally. It has the second-highest number of cases, behind only the United States.
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Cases are also spiking wildly in Russia: As of Friday, that country reported the world's fourth-highest number of COVID-19 cases, at over 875,000, the Hopkins tally showed.
Worldwide, the number of reported infections passed 19 million on Friday, with over 715,000 deaths, according to the Hopkins tally.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-07--TikTok, Beijing say President Donald Trump's ban ignores facts, harms U.S.-China relations

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Chinese government and video-sharing platform TikTok slammed U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday after he signed an executive order barring the social app from doing business with firms in the United States .
Trump signed the order Thursday night , which also barred the Chinese messaging app WeChat in restrictions that take effect in 45 days .
The order cites concerns that both platforms could be used by Beijing to access U.S. data .
The order came after Trump urged TikTok to move forward with a proposed sale to U.S. tech giant Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which called the move `` open robbery '' and `` theft . ''
TikTok , which has a U.S.-based operations chief and its largest office in Los Angeles , threatened to take legal action to block Trump 's ban .
`` This executive order risks undermining global businesses ' trust in the United States ' commitment to the rule of law , which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth , '' TikTok responded in a statement .
`` And it sets a dangerous precedent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets .
We will pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and our users are treated fairly -- if not by the administration , then by the U.S .
courts . ''
TikTok says it has an estimated 100 million users in the United States and has become popular among teenagers and young adults , who share short-form videos on the platform .
The app said Trump ordered the ban `` without any due process . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to engage with the U.S. government in good faith to provide a constructive solution to the concerns that have been expressed , '' TikTok said .
`` What we encountered instead was that the administration paid no attention to facts , dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes , and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses . ''
Yang Jiechi , a top member of the Communist Party of China 's Central Committee and director of its Office of Foreign Affairs , criticized the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We urge U.S. decision makers to respect facts of history , recognize the trend of the times , heed the visionary calls in the U.S. , and listen to the voice of the international community , '' he wrote .
`` We urge them to redress mistakes and change course , and work with China to manage differences on the basis of mutual respect , expand cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit , and bring China-U.S. relations back to the track of sound and steady development . ''
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concept of 'national security ' to deliberately obstruct the normal interactions between the two countries and to mislead the American people in an attempt to cause irreversible damage to China-U.S. relations , '' he added .
`` The friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American people can not be cut off by some U.S. politicians through political maneuvering .
The Chinese side welcomes more American people from all walks of life to China to see and experience the country for what it really is . ''

A tablet running the TikTok application is seen in Shanghai, China, on Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a ban against the company on Thursday. Photo by Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Chinese government and video-sharing platform TikTok slammed U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday after he signed an executive order barring the social app from doing business with firms in the United States. Trump signed the order Thursday night, which also barred the Chinese messaging app WeChat in restrictions that take effect in 45 days. The order cites concerns that both platforms could be used by Beijing to access U.S. data. Advertisement
The order came after Trump urged TikTok to move forward with a proposed sale to U.S. tech giant Microsoft, a push that angered Beijing, which called the move "open robbery" and "theft."
TikTok, which has a U.S.-based operations chief and its largest office in Los Angeles, threatened to take legal action to block Trump's ban.
"This executive order risks undermining global businesses' trust in the United States' commitment to the rule of law, which has served as a magnet for investment and spurred decades of American economic growth," TikTok responded in a statement.
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"And it sets a dangerous precedent for the concept of free expression and open markets. We will pursue all remedies available to us in order to ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and our users are treated fairly -- if not by the administration, then by the U.S. courts."
TikTok says it has an estimated 100 million users in the United States and has become popular among teenagers and young adults, who share short-form videos on the platform.
The app said Trump ordered the ban "without any due process."
"For nearly a year, we have sought to engage with the U.S. government in good faith to provide a constructive solution to the concerns that have been expressed," TikTok said. "What we encountered instead was that the administration paid no attention to facts, dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses."
Yang Jiechi, a top member of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee and director of its Office of Foreign Affairs, criticized the state of U.S.-China relations in a statement Friday.
"We urge U.S. decision makers to respect facts of history, recognize the trend of the times, heed the visionary calls in the U.S., and listen to the voice of the international community," he wrote.
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"We urge them to redress mistakes and change course, and work with China to manage differences on the basis of mutual respect, expand cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, and bring China-U.S. relations back to the track of sound and steady development."
"Some anti-China elements in the U.S. are abusing the concept of 'national security' to deliberately obstruct the normal interactions between the two countries and to mislead the American people in an attempt to cause irreversible damage to China-U.S. relations," he added.
"The friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American people cannot be cut off by some U.S. politicians through political maneuvering. The Chinese side welcomes more American people from all walks of life to China to see and experience the country for what it really is."


upi--2020-08-07--Watch: Luann de Lesseps on Dorinda Medley's criticism about her drinking

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Luann de Lesseps says Dorinda Medley criticizes her drinking in order `` to make herself feel better '' about her own drinking .
The 55-year-old television personality explained on Thursday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live why she thinks Medley , her Real Housewives of New York co-star , `` shames '' her about drinking .
Thursday 's episode of RHONY showed Medley bring up de Lesseps ' 2017 arrest for disorderly intoxication and battery on a police officer during an argument about their co-star Ramona Singer .
Medley brought up the arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judging Medley 's drinking .
`` Judging me on my drinking ?
You went to jail for your drinking !
She does n't judge you ?
You went to jail on your drinking .
You faltered your probation and almost went to jail again , '' Medley said .
On WWHL , de Lesseps said she does n't think Medley brings up her drinking in order to cut deep .
`` I just think it says a lot about her that she has to make someone feel bad about themselves and shame them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` I do n't think it 's about me ; I think it 's really more about her . ''
Medley previously brought up de Lesseps ' mugshot during a fight on RHONY and said on WWHL in July that she `` felt terrible '' about her remarks .
`` It was just all very emotional , and I think we 're horrible day drinkers , '' she said .
Medley agreed with fellow guest Michael Rappaport that her fight with de Lesseps went too far .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the next day , '' she said .
On Thursday , de Lesseps also discussed how she is drinking again .
She said she was previously sober because of her probation .
`` When I got through to the other side , I really had the choice myself to decide if I wanted to drink or not .
I felt in a good place and I felt I was back in the driver 's seat , '' she said .
`` Now I do n't have anyone watching over my shoulder except @ @ @ @

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Luann de Lesseps says Dorinda Medley criticizes her drinking in order "to make herself feel better" about her own drinking.
The 55-year-old television personality explained on Thursday's episode of Watch What Happens Live why she thinks Medley, her Real Housewives of New York co-star, "shames" her about drinking.
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Thursday's episode of RHONY showed Medley bring up de Lesseps' 2017 arrest for disorderly intoxication and battery on a police officer during an argument about their co-star Ramona Singer. Medley brought up the arrest after de Lesseps told her Singer was judging Medley's drinking.
"Judging me on my drinking? You went to jail for your drinking! She doesn't judge you? You went to jail on your drinking. You faltered your probation and almost went to jail again," Medley said.
On WWHL, de Lesseps said she doesn't think Medley brings up her drinking in order to cut deep.
"I just think it says a lot about her that she has to make someone feel bad about themselves and shame them in order to make herself feel better," she said. "I don't think it's about me; I think it's really more about her."
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Medley previously brought up de Lesseps' mugshot during a fight on RHONY and said on WWHL in July that she "felt terrible" about her remarks.
"It was just all very emotional, and I think we're horrible day drinkers," she said.
Medley agreed with fellow guest Michael Rappaport that her fight with de Lesseps went too far.
"Yes, because I didn't remember it the next day," she said.
On Thursday, de Lesseps also discussed how she is drinking again. She said she was previously sober because of her probation.
"When I got through to the other side, I really had the choice myself to decide if I wanted to drink or not. I felt in a good place and I felt I was back in the driver's seat," she said. "Now I don't have anyone watching over my shoulder except for me."


upi--2020-08-07--Men's genital bacteria may predict partner risk for vaginal infection

The makeup of bacteria that colonize a man 's penis can help predict the risk of a serious and hard-to-treat vaginal infection in his female partner , new research suggests .
Bacterial vaginosis , also known as BV , can lead to problems in pregnancy and make a woman more vulnerable to several sexually transmitted diseases .
More than 20 % of women worldwide get BV .
For this study , researchers tracked 168 couples and found that women whose partner had BV-related bacteria on their penis were more likely to develop BV within a year .
`` Our results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases of BV in women who did not have BV to begin with , up to six to 12 months in the future , '' said lead author Supriya Mehta .
`` This is important , because it suggests that reducing these bacteria from the penis may reduce BV cases or improve treatment outcomes in women . ''
Mehta is an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago .
The study authors stressed that they are not saying that exposure to certain types of penile bacteria actually causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it 's also possible that , over time , or with repeated exposure , penile bacteria may upset the natural balance of microbes in a woman 's vagina , indirectly raising her BV risk .
Mehta noted that BV can be related to behaviors other than sex , such as douching .
`` Effective prevention and treatment of BV will need more than one approach , '' Mehta said .
BV is often asymptomatic , but it can cause vaginal discharge , odor and irritation .
It can also lead to pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually transmitted infections , such as HIV , herpes simplex virus , chlamydia and gonorrhea .
Typically , women are treated with antibiotics .
But in about half of cases , the infection returns within six months , Mehta said .
That 's triggered a search for more effective treatments , including biotherapeutic interventions now under review .
It has also sparked interest in identifying the source of the problem .
Mehta 's team focused on the experiences of 168 straight couples living in Kenya , a country in sub-Saharan Africa where BV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affects 20 % to 50 % of all women there .
Women in the study were at least 16 years old when they enrolled .
All had a male partner , and none had BV when the study began .
All were tracked for one year .
Nearly one-third of the women developed BV , with risk rising if the male partner was uncircumcised .
Bacterial swabbing done at the survey 's start revealed a clear association between increased risk and the presence of BV-related bacteria in the male partner , the findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no easy-to-administer or affordable test for men , Mehta noted , and a treatment regimen is uncertain -- a topical drug is unlikely to work .
And , `` right now , we do n't know what type of antibiotic , dose or duration might be most beneficial to provide to male sex partners , '' she added .
Dr. Lisa Rahangdale , a professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine , reviewed the study findings .
She said that the association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that more study is needed .
`` It is not clear if we can say that the BV in the female partner was caused by the microbiota in the male , '' Rahangdale said .
`` Perhaps there was some change in the milieu just related to bringing two different microbiota together .
It is a definitely interesting angle to pursue . ''
The findings were published Aug. 4 in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology .
More information Learn more about BV at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control @ @ @

While researchers did not find that bacterial vaginosis is caused by penile bacteria from a partner, they report that penile bacteria may predict vaginosis risk. Photo by Free-Photos /Pixabay
The makeup of bacteria that colonize a man's penis can help predict the risk of a serious and hard-to-treat vaginal infection in his female partner, new research suggests. Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, can lead to problems in pregnancy and make a woman more vulnerable to several sexually transmitted diseases. More than 20% of women worldwide get BV. Advertisement
For this study, researchers tracked 168 couples and found that women whose partner had BV-related bacteria on their penis were more likely to develop BV within a year.
"Our results show that penile bacteria can accurately predict new cases of BV in women who did not have BV to begin with, up to six to 12 months in the future," said lead author Supriya Mehta. "This is important, because it suggests that reducing these bacteria from the penis may reduce BV cases or improve treatment outcomes in women."
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Mehta is an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The study authors stressed that they are not saying that exposure to certain types of penile bacteria actually causes BV, though that's possible. But it's also possible that, over time, or with repeated exposure, penile bacteria may upset the natural balance of microbes in a woman's vagina, indirectly raising her BV risk.
Mehta noted that BV can be related to behaviors other than sex, such as douching.
"Effective prevention and treatment of BV will need more than one approach," Mehta said.
BV is often asymptomatic, but it can cause vaginal discharge, odor and irritation. It can also lead to pregnancy complications and an increased vulnerability to other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Typically, women are treated with antibiotics. But in about half of cases, the infection returns within six months, Mehta said. That's triggered a search for more effective treatments, including biotherapeutic interventions now under review. It has also sparked interest in identifying the source of the problem.
Mehta's team focused on the experiences of 168 straight couples living in Kenya, a country in sub-Saharan Africa where BV is more common than elsewhere. It affects 20% to 50% of all women there.
Advertisement
Women in the study were at least 16 years old when they enrolled. All had a male partner, and none had BV when the study began. All were tracked for one year.
Nearly one-third of the women developed BV, with risk rising if the male partner was uncircumcised. Bacterial swabbing done at the survey's start revealed a clear association between increased risk and the presence of BV-related bacteria in the male partner, the findings showed.
But problems remain: There is no easy-to-administer or affordable test for men, Mehta noted, and a treatment regimen is uncertain -- a topical drug is unlikely to work. And, "right now, we don't know what type of antibiotic, dose or duration might be most beneficial to provide to male sex partners," she added.
Dr. Lisa Rahangdale, a professor of general obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, reviewed the study findings.
She said that the association is "interesting," but she added that more study is needed.
"It is not clear if we can say that the BV in the female partner was caused by the microbiota in the male," Rahangdale said. "Perhaps there was some change in the milieu just related to bringing two different microbiota together. It is a definitely interesting angle to pursue."
Advertisement
The findings were published Aug. 4 in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
More information Learn more about BV at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-07--Kim Jong Un takes luxury vehicle to flash-flood zone

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Kim Jong Un appeared in a luxury crossover SUV in images aired Friday , when state media reported the North Korean leader visited a village damaged by widespread flooding .
Kim , who has mostly stayed out of the public eye since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic , was seen in state-sanctioned photographs in the driver 's seat of the vehicle believed to be a Lexus LX 570 , according to South Korean news agency Yonhap .
The export of luxury items to North Korea is banned under United Nations Security Council sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles , including Mercedes-Benzes and a Rolls Royce .
The Lexus SUV was previously spotted during the September 2018 inter-Korea summit in Pyongyang , according to Yonhap .
The images also show for the first time Kim in the driver 's seat of a passenger vehicle .
In 2015 , a North Korean textbook obtained by a South Korean television network claimed the North Korean leader learned to drive when he was 3 , but Kim has appeared at summits in chauffeured vehicles since that time .
On Friday , North Korean state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ordered the delivery of essential supplies and food .
According to KCTV , the village Kim visited is in Taechongri , Unpa County , not far from the Hwanggang Dam that was opened without prior notice , affecting areas downstream in the South .
KCTV said 740 North Korean single-story homes were flooded and miles of farmland have been submerged following weeks of torrential rain .
Footage from North Korea television showed collapsed row houses buried in mud .
Kim has rarely appeared at disaster sites despite increasingly frequent floods in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field guidance at a disaster site in North Hamgyong Province .

North Korea's Korea Central Television aired on Friday images of Kim Jong Un in a Lexus LX 570. Photo by KCTV
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un appeared in a luxury crossover SUV in images aired Friday, when state media reported the North Korean leader visited a village damaged by widespread flooding. Kim, who has mostly stayed out of the public eye since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, was seen in state-sanctioned photographs in the driver's seat of the vehicle believed to be a Lexus LX 570, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. Advertisement
The export of luxury items to North Korea is banned under United Nations Security Council sanctions, but Kim has appeared in luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benzes and a Rolls Royce. The Lexus SUV was previously spotted during the September 2018 inter-Korea summit in Pyongyang, according to Yonhap.
The images also show for the first time Kim in the driver's seat of a passenger vehicle. In 2015, a North Korean textbook obtained by a South Korean television network claimed the North Korean leader learned to drive when he was 3, but Kim has appeared at summits in chauffeured vehicles since that time.
On Friday, North Korean state media said Kim visited North Hwanghae Province and ordered the delivery of essential supplies and food.
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According to KCTV, the village Kim visited is in Taechongri, Unpa County, not far from the Hwanggang Dam that was opened without prior notice, affecting areas downstream in the South.
KCTV said 740 North Korean single-story homes were flooded and miles of farmland have been submerged following weeks of torrential rain. Footage from North Korea television showed collapsed row houses buried in mud.
Kim has rarely appeared at disaster sites despite increasingly frequent floods in North Korea. In 2015, Kim provided field guidance at a disaster site in North Hamgyong Province.


upi--2020-08-07--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Aug. 2, 2020

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kwang-hyun Kim ( R ) bumps fists with Harrison Bader after Bader hit a solo home @ @ @ @ @ during a workout session in St. Louis on Thursday .
The Cardinals have missed six @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 outbreak .
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

The Miami Marlins celebrate their 4-3 win against the New York Mets in New York on Friday. The Marlins also beat the Orioles on Thursday. Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI


upi--2020-08-07--Pirates complete comeback, get walk-off win vs. Twins

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates trailed 5-4 as they entered the ninth inning before Kevin Newman hit a two-run single for a walk-off win against the Minnesota Twins .
Newman came into the game as a pinch hitter in the last half-inning of the 6-5 triumph Thursday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh .
`` It 's a great feeling to come back , '' Newman told reporters .
`` Hopefully this is the start of something a little different than what we 've had lately . ''
Pirates first baseman Colin Moran began the final frame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Left-fielder Bryan Reynolds then hit a double to left field to put two runners on for Gregory Polanco .
Twins relief pitcher Taylor Rogers struck out Polanco before Newman stepped into the box to pinch hit for shortstop J.T .
Riddle .
Newman worked the count even before he raked a 2-2 Rogers sinker to center field .
Pirates pinch runner Cole Tucker tied the game on the play before Reynolds raced in from second base for the game-winning score .
The Twins got off to a good start in Thursday 's clash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-run homer in the top of the first frame .
Polanco then tied the score at 3-3 before the Twins regained momentum .
Byron Buxton and Eddie Rosaria each added solo home runs to give the Twins a 5-3 edge as the game entered the eighth frame .
The Pirates cut the lead to two runs when center-fielder Jarrod Dyson scored on a Phillip Evans groundout in the bottom of the eighth inning .
The Pirates continued the rally in the ninth frame before Newman knocked in the final two runs .
Polanco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a run scored in the win .
Moran and Reynolds collected two hits apiece for the Pirates .
Jorge Polanco went 3 for 5 with a run scored for the Twins .
Twins starter Kenta Maeda allowed three hits and three runs in six innings .
Pirates starter J.T .
Brubaker allowed four hits and three runs in three innings .
The Pirates ( 3-10 ) host the Detroit Tigers at 7:05 p.m. EDT Friday at PNC Park .
The Twins ( 10-3 ) face the Kansas City Royals at 8:05 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , Mo .

Kevin Newman's (R) was only in the game for a few minutes but led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a win against the Minnesota Twins with a pinch-hit, two-run single Thursday in Pittsburgh. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates trailed 5-4 as they entered the ninth inning before Kevin Newman hit a two-run single for a walk-off win against the Minnesota Twins. Newman came into the game as a pinch hitter in the last half-inning of the 6-5 triumph Thursday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Advertisement
"It's a great feeling to come back," Newman told reporters. "Hopefully this is the start of something a little different than what we've had lately."
Pirates first baseman Colin Moran began the final frame with a single to left field. Left-fielder Bryan Reynolds then hit a double to left field to put two runners on for Gregory Polanco. Twins relief pitcher Taylor Rogers struck out Polanco before Newman stepped into the box to pinch hit for shortstop J.T. Riddle.
Newman worked the count even before he raked a 2-2 Rogers sinker to center field. Pirates pinch runner Cole Tucker tied the game on the play before Reynolds raced in from second base for the game-winning score.
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The Twins got off to a good start in Thursday's clash as first baseman Miguel Sano hit a three-run homer in the top of the first frame. Polanco then tied the score at 3-3 before the Twins regained momentum.
Byron Buxton and Eddie Rosaria each added solo home runs to give the Twins a 5-3 edge as the game entered the eighth frame. The Pirates cut the lead to two runs when center-fielder Jarrod Dyson scored on a Phillip Evans groundout in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The Pirates continued the rally in the ninth frame before Newman knocked in the final two runs.
Polanco went 1 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored in the win. Moran and Reynolds collected two hits apiece for the Pirates. Jorge Polanco went 3 for 5 with a run scored for the Twins.
Twins starter Kenta Maeda allowed three hits and three runs in six innings. Pirates starter J.T. Brubaker allowed four hits and three runs in three innings.
The Pirates (3-10) host the Detroit Tigers at 7:05 p.m. EDT Friday at PNC Park. The Twins (10-3) face the Kansas City Royals at 8:05 p.m. EDT Friday at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
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upi--2020-08-07--Beirut port explosion exacerbates Lebanon's economic crisis

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The explosion that tore through Beirut on Tuesday was so strong that shockwaves were felt on the island of Cyprus , about 125 miles away .
At least 157 people were killed and 5,000 injured in the blast .
Such devastation would be difficult to deal with at the best of times but it hit the Lebanese capital in the midst of a severe economic crisis that has only been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Before the blast , Lebanon 's currency had plummeted to record lows , losing more than 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lebanese pound has been officially pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1997 at the rate of L£1,500 to $ 1 , with the two currencies largely used interchangeably .
But this exchange rate has long been untenable .
This is because the nation 's government debt levels have for years been among the highest in the world , as were current account deficits ( the difference between a country 's imports of goods and services and exports ) .
Lebanon produces little and depends heavily on imports , including most of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for these imports .
This would usually prompt capital to leave the country , making the value of the currency fall .
For years , however , the country avoided this fate .
Local banks were happy to lend to the government because they were receiving exorbitantly high interest rates .
The fact that many politicians held stakes in the banks cemented this cozy relationship between government and finance .
Meanwhile , the country 's large diaspora was happy to deposit U.S. dollars they had earned elsewhere in Lebanese banks .
Friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet by 2016 , even the country 's loyal diaspora started getting cold feet about depositing money back in Lebanon and relations with the Gulf grew frostier .
Capital flows into Lebanon slowed down .
To try and keep money flowing in , the central bank then engaged in complex borrowing arrangements with local banks which it described as `` financial engineering '' but critics have labeled a Ponzi scheme .
But economic confidence was not restored and by September 2019 the central bank could no longer stem the flow of money leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full swing , banks started rationing the amount of dollars that people could withdraw from their accounts .
The prospect that Lebanese savers would be unable to access hard-earned dollars or that their Lebanese pounds would lose value led to rising panic .
To raise revenues and present a picture of greater fiscal probity , the government then proposed new taxes on tobacco , petrol and voice calls via messaging services like WhatsApp .
This was the straw that broke the camel 's back .
Thousands of people took to the streets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of corruption , forcing the government to resign .
But the currency plummeted as the new government under the next prime minister , Hassan Diab , failed to develop a coherent strategy to tackle the country 's problems .
The collapse of the Lebanese pound means imports have become very expensive .
Inflation is skyrocketing , causing unprecedented levels of economic hardship for Lebanese families .
World Bank estimates from before coronavirus and the latest tragedy suggested poverty could rocket from a third to 50 % of the population .
The collapse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wider failure of governance , which goes back to the policies adopted after the end of the country 's civil war in 1990 .
Lebanon 's political class recruits itself from a narrow pool of families , many of whom have been in power for decades .
They claim to represent Lebanon 's many sects and government posts are shared according to a rigid formula based on the country 's religious communities .
This system enables politicians to divide up economic spoils and enrich themselves -- just as they did with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Foreign powers from Iran and Saudi Arabia to the United States and France have long indulged Lebanon 's leaders .
They hoped that aid would gain them influence in this strategically important country .
The explosion of the port fits into the pattern of failed governance in Lebanon .
Initial reports suggest that port officials were aware of the dangers posed by the store of ammonium nitrate that caused the explosion .
Only an impartial investigation could uncover full culpability .
The neglect and incompetence at the center of this disaster are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .
Solutions may emerge as many Lebanese look beyond their failing state and corrupt politicians .
The day after the explosion , Beirut 's streets were filled with the sound of glass being swept up as thousands of people worked together without much support from official agencies in sight .
But destruction is widespread .
Dwellings are damaged within a six-mile radius and initial estimates suggest 300,000 are homeless .
Hospitals that were struggling to cope with the first wave of COVID-19 cases are stretched beyond capacity .
There are concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silo was hit and Beirut 's port damaged , which will further curtail the government 's ability to import food .
A humanitarian crisis would also affect Lebanon 's estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 270,000 Palestinian refugees .
Various European and Arab governments have rushed emergency aid to Beirut for immediate recovery .
A possible rescue package from the International Monetary Fund promises much needed funds but would also impose austerity and privatization .
The latest negotiations with the fund recently broke down over the inability of Lebanese politicians to present a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bleak and will likely see large-scale emigration .
The explosion erodes what little trust citizens may still have had in their political class and long-term solutions require nothing short of fundamental political change .
Hannes Baumann is a senior lecturer in politics at the University of Liverpool .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

The explosion of Beirut's port fits into the pattern of failed governance in Lebanon. Photo by Ahmad Terro/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The explosion that tore through Beirut on Tuesday was so strong that shockwaves were felt on the island of Cyprus, about 125 miles away. At least 157 people were killed and 5,000 injured in the blast. Such devastation would be difficult to deal with at the best of times but it hit the Lebanese capital in the midst of a severe economic crisis that has only been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the blast, Lebanon's currency had plummeted to record lows, losing more than 80% of its value since October 2019. The Lebanese pound has been officially pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1997 at the rate of L£1,500 to $1, with the two currencies largely used interchangeably. But this exchange rate has long been untenable. Advertisement
This is because the nation's government debt levels have for years been among the highest in the world, as were current account deficits (the difference between a country's imports of goods and services and exports). Lebanon produces little and depends heavily on imports, including most of its food. It was borrowing heavily to pay for these imports.
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This would usually prompt capital to leave the country, making the value of the currency fall. For years, however, the country avoided this fate. Local banks were happy to lend to the government because they were receiving exorbitantly high interest rates. The fact that many politicians held stakes in the banks cemented this cozy relationship between government and finance. Meanwhile, the country's large diaspora was happy to deposit U.S. dollars they had earned elsewhere in Lebanese banks. Friendly Gulf governments also provided financial assistance.
Yet by 2016, even the country's loyal diaspora started getting cold feet about depositing money back in Lebanon and relations with the Gulf grew frostier. Capital flows into Lebanon slowed down. To try and keep money flowing in, the central bank then engaged in complex borrowing arrangements with local banks which it described as "financial engineering" but critics have labeled a Ponzi scheme.
But economic confidence was not restored and by September 2019 the central bank could no longer stem the flow of money leaving the country. With capital flight in full swing, banks started rationing the amount of dollars that people could withdraw from their accounts. The prospect that Lebanese savers would be unable to access hard-earned dollars or that their Lebanese pounds would lose value led to rising panic.
Advertisement
To raise revenues and present a picture of greater fiscal probity, the government then proposed new taxes on tobacco, petrol and voice calls via messaging services like WhatsApp. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Thousands of people took to the streets to protest the tax along with wider issues of corruption, forcing the government to resign. But the currency plummeted as the new government under the next prime minister, Hassan Diab, failed to develop a coherent strategy to tackle the country's problems.
The collapse of the Lebanese pound means imports have become very expensive. Inflation is skyrocketing, causing unprecedented levels of economic hardship for Lebanese families. World Bank estimates from before coronavirus and the latest tragedy suggested poverty could rocket from a third to 50% of the population.
The collapse of Lebanon's financial system is symptomatic of a wider failure of governance, which goes back to the policies adopted after the end of the country's civil war in 1990. Lebanon's political class recruits itself from a narrow pool of families, many of whom have been in power for decades.
They claim to represent Lebanon's many sects and government posts are shared according to a rigid formula based on the country's religious communities. This system enables politicians to divide up economic spoils and enrich themselves -- just as they did with the profits from banks they held stakes in.
Advertisement
Foreign powers from Iran and Saudi Arabia to the United States and France have long indulged Lebanon's leaders. They hoped that aid would gain them influence in this strategically important country.
The explosion of the port fits into the pattern of failed governance in Lebanon. Initial reports suggest that port officials were aware of the dangers posed by the store of ammonium nitrate that caused the explosion. Only an impartial investigation could uncover full culpability. The neglect and incompetence at the center of this disaster are typical of the myriad failures replicated across the state.
Solutions may emerge as many Lebanese look beyond their failing state and corrupt politicians. The day after the explosion, Beirut's streets were filled with the sound of glass being swept up as thousands of people worked together without much support from official agencies in sight.
But destruction is widespread. Dwellings are damaged within a six-mile radius and initial estimates suggest 300,000 are homeless. Hospitals that were struggling to cope with the first wave of COVID-19 cases are stretched beyond capacity.
There are concerns over food supplies as the national wheat silo was hit and Beirut's port damaged, which will further curtail the government's ability to import food. A humanitarian crisis would also affect Lebanon's estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees and 270,000 Palestinian refugees.
Advertisement
Various European and Arab governments have rushed emergency aid to Beirut for immediate recovery. A possible rescue package from the International Monetary Fund promises much needed funds but would also impose austerity and privatization. The latest negotiations with the fund recently broke down over the inability of Lebanese politicians to present a united front.
The immediate future looks bleak and will likely see large-scale emigration. The explosion erodes what little trust citizens may still have had in their political class and long-term solutions require nothing short of fundamental political change.
Hannes Baumann is a senior lecturer in politics at the University of Liverpool. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-08-07--Texas Tech fires women's basketball coach Marlene Stollings after abuse claims

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Texas Tech University has fired women 's basketball coach Marlene Stollings after a dozen players left the team and a news report that detailed alleged abuse and harassment by coaches .
The Intercollegiate , a college sports investigative media outlet , obtained exit interviews from players of the last two seasons by way of public records requests .
USA Today published the results of those interviews Wednesday as part of an investigative report .
Ten players , two former assistant coaches and two parents also spoke with USA Today about the allegations , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being subject to sexually suggestive behavior from a strength coach and the misuse of a heart rate monitoring system .
Many of the players said coaches and team staff berated them for their weight in front of others .
`` Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt has announced the termination of Lady Raider basketball head coach Marlene Stollings effective immediately , '' the university said in a statement Thursday .
Twelve of 21 players left the Lady Raiders program in two years during Stollings ' tenure .
The 10 players who spoke with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the issues to administrators during exit interviews , spoke about the situation in waiver letters sent to the NCAA and brought up the allegations in meetings with school administrators .
Texas Tech posted an 18-11 record last season before the campaign was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Stollings led the Lady Raiders to a 14-17 mark in her first season and started last season 11-0 before losing 11 of the final 18 games .
The team was 7-23 the season before she arrived .

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Texas Tech University has fired women's basketball coach Marlene Stollings after a dozen players left the team and a news report that detailed alleged abuse and harassment by coaches.
The Intercollegiate, a college sports investigative media outlet, obtained exit interviews from players of the last two seasons by way of public records requests. USA Today published the results of those interviews Wednesday as part of an investigative report.
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Ten players, two former assistant coaches and two parents also spoke with USA Today about the allegations, which included enduring demanding and threatening comments, being subject to sexually suggestive behavior from a strength coach and the misuse of a heart rate monitoring system.
Many of the players said coaches and team staff berated them for their weight in front of others.
"Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt has announced the termination of Lady Raider basketball head coach Marlene Stollings effective immediately," the university said in a statement Thursday.
Twelve of 21 players left the Lady Raiders program in two years during Stollings' tenure. The 10 players who spoke with USA Today said they previously submitted grievances about the issues to administrators during exit interviews, spoke about the situation in waiver letters sent to the NCAA and brought up the allegations in meetings with school administrators.
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Texas Tech posted an 18-11 record last season before the campaign was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stollings led the Lady Raiders to a 14-17 mark in her first season and started last season 11-0 before losing 11 of the final 18 games. The team was 7-23 the season before she arrived.


upi--2020-08-07--'John Wick 5' to be filmed back-to-back with fourth entry

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Studio Lionsgate has announced a fifth entry in the John Wick action series starring Keanu Reeves , which will be filmed back-to-back with the fourth entry .
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer made the announcement Thursday during an earnings call .
`` We 're busy preparing scripts for the next two installments of our John Wick action franchise , '' Feltheimer said .
`` We hope to shoot both John Wick 4 and 5 back-to-back when Keanu becomes available early next year . ''
John Wick 4 is set to be released on May 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date for the fifth installment was not announced .
Reeves is filming The Matrix 4 for Warner Bros. after production was halted in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The John Wick series , which has grossed over $ 584 million worldwide with three films , features Reeves as a hitman who comes out of retirement .
The actor will be seen next in Bill & Ted Face the Music which will be released in select theaters and video-on-demand services on Aug. 28 .
Reeves also stars in video game Cyberpunk 2077 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 , Xbox One and PC on Nov. 19 .

"John Wick" star Keanu Reeves attends a special screening of "John Wick: Chapter 3 -- Parabellum" in May 2019. Lionsgate has announced a fifth entry in the series. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Studio Lionsgate has announced a fifth entry in the John Wick action series starring Keanu Reeves, which will be filmed back-to-back with the fourth entry. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer made the announcement Thursday during an earnings call. Advertisement
"We're busy preparing scripts for the next two installments of our John Wick action franchise," Feltheimer said. "We hope to shoot both John Wick 4 and 5 back-to-back when Keanu becomes available early next year."
John Wick 4 is set to be released on May 27 over Memorial Day weekend. A release date for the fifth installment was not announced.
Reeves is filming The Matrix 4 for Warner Bros. after production was halted in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The John Wick series, which has grossed over $584 million worldwide with three films, features Reeves as a hitman who comes out of retirement.
The actor will be seen next in Bill & Ted Face the Music which will be released in select theaters and video-on-demand services on Aug. 28. Reeves also stars in video game Cyberpunk 2077, which is coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on Nov. 19.
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upi--2020-08-07--Glaciers in New Zealand's Southern Alps more than half-gone

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Since the Industrial Revolution , glaciers across New Zealand 's Southern Alps have lost more ice than they have remaining , according to a study published Friday in the journal Scientific Reports .
Glacial volume and extent in the Southern Alps peaked during the Little Ice Age , 400 years ago .
Since then , the glaciers have been in decline .
According to the new study , the glaciers have lost upwards of 77 percent of their volume over the last four centuries .
The analysis suggests the glaciers have been melting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century .
For the study , researchers examined historical records of glacier outlines and surveyed glacier-caused geological features , including moraines and trimlines .
The observations helped scientists reconstruct historic volume changes for 400 mountain glaciers .
The data suggests ice loss rates have doubled over the last 400 years , with the pronounced ice losses occurring over the last four decades .
`` These findings quantify a trend in New Zealand 's ice loss , '' lead study author Jonathan Carrivick said in a news release .
`` The acceleration in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get worse as not only climate but also other local effects become more pronounced , such as more debris accumulating on glaciers surfaces and lakes at the bottom of glaciers swell , exacerbating melt , '' said Carrivick , a senior lecturer in geomorphology at the University of Leeds in Britain .
The research demonstrates the significant impact of climate change on glaciers all over the world .
Previous studies have documented accelerated ice loss rates across the European Alps , as well as Asia 's Himalayas .
The latest findings also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaks of the Southern Alps .
`` Our results suggest that the Southern Alps has probably already passed the time of 'peak water , ' or the tipping point of glacier melt supply , '' Carrivick said .
`` Looking forwards , planning must be made for mitigating the decreased runoff to glacier-fed rivers because that affects local water availability , landscape stability and aquatic ecosystems . ''
The steady retreat of glaciers in the Southern Alps has been documented by photographers for several decades .
Now , scientists have numbers to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and imagery present an alarming picture .
`` Our findings provide a conservative baseline for rates of Southern Alps ice volume change since pre-industrial times , '' said study co-author Andrew Lorrey .
`` They agree with palaeoclimate reconstructions , early historic evidence and instrumental records that show our ice is shrinking from a warming climate , '' said Lorrey , principal scientist with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand .

Over the last 40 years, ice loss rates have picked up across the Southern Alps in New Zealand. Photo by Jonathan Carrivick/University of Leeds
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Since the Industrial Revolution, glaciers across New Zealand's Southern Alps have lost more ice than they have remaining, according to a study published Friday in the journal Scientific Reports. Glacial volume and extent in the Southern Alps peaked during the Little Ice Age, 400 years ago. Since then, the glaciers have been in decline. According to the new study, the glaciers have lost upwards of 77 percent of their volume over the last four centuries. Advertisement
The analysis suggests the glaciers have been melting at a more rapid clip over the last century.
For the study, researchers examined historical records of glacier outlines and surveyed glacier-caused geological features, including moraines and trimlines. The observations helped scientists reconstruct historic volume changes for 400 mountain glaciers.
The data suggests ice loss rates have doubled over the last 400 years, with the pronounced ice losses occurring over the last four decades.
"These findings quantify a trend in New Zealand's ice loss," lead study author Jonathan Carrivick said in a news release.
"The acceleration in the rate of ice mass loss may only get worse as not only climate but also other local effects become more pronounced, such as more debris accumulating on glaciers surfaces and lakes at the bottom of glaciers swell, exacerbating melt," said Carrivick, a senior lecturer in geomorphology at the University of Leeds in Britain.
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The research demonstrates the significant impact of climate change on glaciers all over the world. Previous studies have documented accelerated ice loss rates across the European Alps, as well as Asia's Himalayas.
The latest findings also have implications for those that live beneath the peaks of the Southern Alps.
"Our results suggest that the Southern Alps has probably already passed the time of 'peak water,' or the tipping point of glacier melt supply," Carrivick said. "Looking forwards, planning must be made for mitigating the decreased runoff to glacier-fed rivers because that affects local water availability, landscape stability and aquatic ecosystems."
The steady retreat of glaciers in the Southern Alps has been documented by photographers for several decades. Now, scientists have numbers to go with the photos. Both the data and imagery present an alarming picture.
"Our findings provide a conservative baseline for rates of Southern Alps ice volume change since pre-industrial times," said study co-author Andrew Lorrey.
"They agree with palaeoclimate reconstructions, early historic evidence and instrumental records that show our ice is shrinking from a warming climate," said Lorrey, principal scientist with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand.


upi--2020-08-07--In photos: Moments from the 2020 PGA Championship

Brendon Todd hits his approach shot to the ninth hole in the first round of the PGA Championship in San @ @ @ @ @ by John Angelillo/UPI

Collin Morikawa reacts Sunday as the lid comes off of the Wanamaker trophy on the 18th green after the final round of the PGA Championship in San Francisco. Morikawa wins the PGA Championship with a score of 13 under par. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-08-07--Labor Dept.: U.S. economy added 1.8M jobs in July; unemployment at 10.2%

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. economy added nearly 2 million jobs during July , the Labor Department said in its monthly report Friday .
The widely-anticipated assessment said 1.8 million payrolls were added for the month .
The unemployment rate declined to 10.2 % , it added .
`` In July , notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality , government , retail trade , professional and business services , other services and healthcare , '' the report states .
The assessment showed that the number of unemployed persons in the United States fell by 1.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an addition of about 1.5 million .
The range varied , but most analysts agreed in their projections that the pace of hiring would slow in July .
July 's figure is well below the 7.5 million positions added in June and May , when the economy was showing signs of a solid rebound from the initial stages of the pandemic .
The May report was a surprise , announcing 2.5 million jobs when analysts were expecting a loss of about 2.5 million .
A resurgence of cases in the United States has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , and some states and cities have answered by scaling back plans to reopen their economies .
Thursday , the department said another 1.2 million American workers filed for unemployment at the end of last week , and ADP and Moody 's Analytics reported Wednesday only about 170,000 new jobs were added in July .
The department said the average hourly wage for all private employees rose by 7 cents to $ 29.40 , following large changes in recent months .

Mark Gilmore, an unemployed water treatment plant electrician, stands at the entrance to a closed California Employment Development Department office in Canoga Park on Thursday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. economy added nearly 2 million jobs during July, the Labor Department said in its monthly report Friday. The widely-anticipated assessment said 1.8 million payrolls were added for the month. The unemployment rate declined to 10.2%, it added. Advertisement
"In July, notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, government, retail trade, professional and business services, other services and healthcare," the report states.
The assessment showed that the number of unemployed persons in the United States fell by 1.4 million last month.
Most economists expected an addition of about 1.5 million. The range varied, but most analysts agreed in their projections that the pace of hiring would slow in July.
July's figure is well below the 7.5 million positions added in June and May, when the economy was showing signs of a solid rebound from the initial stages of the pandemic. The May report was a surprise, announcing 2.5 million jobs when analysts were expecting a loss of about 2.5 million.
A resurgence of cases in the United States has stifled the recovery in recent weeks, however, and some states and cities have answered by scaling back plans to reopen their economies.
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Thursday, the department said another 1.2 million American workers filed for unemployment at the end of last week, and ADP and Moody's Analytics reported Wednesday only about 170,000 new jobs were added in July.
The department said the average hourly wage for all private employees rose by 7 cents to $29.40, following large changes in recent months.


upi--2020-08-07--COVID-19 deaths in U.S. surpass 160K amid another 60,000 cases

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The COVID-19 death toll in the United States has surpassed 160,000 , updated scientific research data showed Friday .
According to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University , there have been 160,100 deaths and 4.88 million cases nationwide since the start of the pandemic .
The updated figures Friday showed that there were 59,700 new cases nationally on Thursday , an increase of about 7,000 cases over Wednesday .
It 's the highest single-day total so far in August .
In California , health officials say the state has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its total caseload is over 541,000 , more than any other state .
According to the Los Angeles Times , Los Angeles County alone is over the 200,000 mark and its epicenter is concentrated in the southeast region -- an area dominated by the working class Latino families .
The Times analysis said the southeastern part of the county has reported more than 27,000 new cases since June , accounting for 19 % .
Many area residents work in essential services jobs in the healthcare industry .
In Florida , officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its death toll rose by 120 .
The state , however , posted its lowest percentage of positive tests in more than a month , 11.6 % .
Also Thursday , Gov .
Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on travelers entering Florida from New York , New Jersey and Connecticut .
Those states accounted for most U.S. cases when the restrictions were issued in March .
The order required affected travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days .
Positivity rates in the Northeast have greatly reduced since then , while Florida cases have surged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , requiring travelers from Florida and 34 other states to quarantine , remains in effect .
In Texas , 261 new deaths were reported Thursday , the fourth-highest daily total since the start of the pandemic .

Activists wear face masks and hold protest signs on Thursday along a street in Clyde, Ohio, prior to a visit by President Donald Trump. The president toured a Whirlpool plant and delivered an address on American manufacturing and the economy amid the pandemic. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The COVID-19 death toll in the United States has surpassed 160,000, updated scientific research data showed Friday. According to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, there have been 160,100 deaths and 4.88 million cases nationwide since the start of the pandemic. Advertisement
The updated figures Friday showed there were 59,700 new cases nationally on Thursday, an increase of about 7,000 cases compared to Wednesday. It's the highest single-day total so far in August.
An uptick in cases in Hawaii has led Gov. David Age to reinstate a travel quarantine between islands, and close parks and beaches. The state reported 151 new cases and two deaths Thursday, according to The New York Times' tracker.
Any travelers arriving to the islands of Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Maui and Kalawao must quarantine for 14 days. The inter-island quarantine will last through at least Aug. 31.
Thursday marked the highest rolling seven-day average of cases since the start of the pandemic at 132. In all, the state has had 2,891 confirmed cases and 28 deaths.
"I have been working closely with all of our county mayors and we agree that reinstating the inter-island travel quarantine is necessary and the right thing to do at this time. We must protect our neighbor island residents in light of the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases on O'ahu," Ige said.
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In California, health officials say the state has now recorded more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths and its total caseload is over 541,000, more than any other state.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles County alone is over the 200,000 mark and its epicenter is concentrated in the southeast region -- an area dominated by the working class Latino families.
The Times analysis said the southeastern part of the county has reported more than 27,000 new cases since June, accounting for 19%. Many area residents work in essential services jobs in the healthcare industry.
In Florida, officials said Thursday the state total has surpassed 510,000 and its death toll rose by 120. The state, however, posted its lowest percentage of positive tests in more than a month, 11.6%.
Also Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on travelers entering Florida from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Those states accounted for most U.S. cases when the restrictions were issued in March. The order required affected travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Positivity rates in the Northeast have greatly reduced since then, while Florida cases have surged. A similar order from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, requiring travelers from Florida and 34 other states to quarantine, remains in effect.
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In Texas, 261 new deaths were reported Thursday, the fourth-highest daily total since the start of the pandemic.


upi--2020-08-07--Nani leads Orlando City into MLS Is Back final

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Portuguese winger Nani scored two first-half goals in a semifinal match against Minnesota United to lead Orlando City SC into the MLS Is Back Tournament final .
Benji Michel also scored for Orlando City in the 3-1 triumph Thursday in Orlando , Fla. Mason Toye scored Minnesota United 's goal .
Orlando City will face the Portland Timbers in the tournament title game Tuesday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex inside Walt Disney World Resort .
`` He takes the responsibility and puts the weight on his shoulders , '' Orlando City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's remarkable . ''
Nani showed off his immaculate first touch before he drew first blood in Thursday 's affair .
Orlando City defender Robin Jansson spotted Nani on the left flank at the start of that play .
Jansson then booted a long pass toward the left corner flag , which led Nani into the box .
The Orlando City star knocked down the pass with his right boot before he raced a defender into the box .
Nani then used his right foot to poke a shot between several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The shot found the net in the 36th minute .
Nani doubled the lead about six minutes later .
Orlando City midfielder Jhegson Mendez sent a pass to Nani and found him to his left , just above the box during the second scoring sequence .
Nani brought down the ball with his right thigh before he faced up with a defender .
He then tapped the ball to his right before he bent a 20-yard shot inside the far post and around the arm of a diving Miller .
Minnesota United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad 's lone score in the 83rd minute .
Michel then added Orlando City 's final tally off a breakaway assist from Junior Urso in stoppage time .
Orlando City will battle the Portland Timbers in the MLS Is Back Tournament championship at 8:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Orlando .

Orlando City SC winger Nani (flipping) scored twice in the MLS Is Back Tournament semifinals Thursday, in Orlando, Fla. Photo courtesy of Jared Martinez/Matthew Stith/Devin L'Amoreaux/MLS
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Portuguese winger Nani scored two first-half goals in a semifinal match against Minnesota United to lead Orlando City SC into the MLS Is Back Tournament final. Benji Michel also scored for Orlando City in the 3-1 triumph Thursday in Orlando, Fla. Mason Toye scored Minnesota United's goal. Advertisement
Orlando City will face the Portland Timbers in the tournament title game Tuesday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex inside Walt Disney World Resort.
"He takes the responsibility and puts the weight on his shoulders," Orlando City manager Oscar Pareja said of Nani. "It's remarkable."
Nani showed off his immaculate first touch before he drew first blood in Thursday's affair. Orlando City defender Robin Jansson spotted Nani on the left flank at the start of that play. Jansson then booted a long pass toward the left corner flag, which led Nani into the box.
The Orlando City star knocked down the pass with his right boot before he raced a defender into the box. Nani then used his right foot to poke a shot between several defenders and Minnesota United keeper Tyler Miller. The shot found the net in the 36th minute.
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Nani doubled the lead about six minutes later.
Orlando City midfielder Jhegson Mendez sent a pass to Nani and found him to his left, just above the box during the second scoring sequence. Nani brought down the ball with his right thigh before he faced up with a defender. He then tapped the ball to his right before he bent a 20-yard shot inside the far post and around the arm of a diving Miller.
Minnesota United's Kevin Molino assisted Toye for their squad's lone score in the 83rd minute. Michel then added Orlando City's final tally off a breakaway assist from Junior Urso in stoppage time.
Orlando City will battle the Portland Timbers in the MLS Is Back Tournament championship at 8:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Orlando.