upi--2020-09-03--Japan searching for cargo ship carrying cattle missing in East China Sea

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- The Japanese Coast Guard said Thursday it was searching for a cargo ship that went missing in the East China Sea after rescuing one of 43 crew believed to have been on board the vessel when a typhoon hit .
The rescued crewman , a 45-year-old Filipino , was picked up Wednesday night by a Coast Guard patrol boat while bobbing in the water hours after the Gulf Livestock 1 sent out a distress signal , officials said .
Yuichiro Higashi , a spokesman for the Coast Guard , said Thursday the man was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Coast Guard would continue to search for the rest of his crew and the vessel .
The man reported to the Coast Guard that the ship 's engines failed while it was being battered by waves amid tumultuous seas as Typhoon Maysak barrelled through the region .
Maysak made landfall along the southern coast of South Korea on Thursday as the strongest typhoon of the season with sustained winds of 110 mph .
As it passed South Korea 's southern island of Jeju on Wednesday night , streets flooded and thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign ministry said the 11,947-ton cargo ship transporting some 6,000 head of cattle had departed New Zealand on Aug. 14 for a 17-day journey to China .
Most of the crew are believed to be Filipino , while New Zealand 's foreign ministry confirmed two New Zealanders were among the crew .
Australia also said two of its nationals were aboard the ship .
`` The Australia government is providing consular assistance to the families of two Australian crew members on board a cargo vessel reported missing in Japanese waters , '' its @ @ @ @ @

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Japanese Coast Guard said Thursday it was searching for a cargo ship that went missing in the East China Sea after rescuing one of 43 crew believed to have been on board the vessel when a typhoon hit.
The rescued crewman, a 45-year-old Filipino, was picked up Wednesday night by a Coast Guard patrol boat while bobbing in the water hours after the Gulf Livestock 1 sent out a distress signal, officials said.
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Yuichiro Higashi, a spokesman for the Coast Guard, said Thursday the man was able to walk and was hospitalized and the Coast Guard would continue to search for the rest of his crew and the vessel.
The man reported to the Coast Guard that the ship's engines failed while it was being battered by waves amid tumultuous seas as Typhoon Maysak barrelled through the region.
Maysak made landfall along the southern coast of South Korea on Thursday as the strongest typhoon of the season with sustained winds of 110 mph. As it passed South Korea's southern island of Jeju on Wednesday night, streets flooded and thousands of homes lost power.
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New Zealand's foreign ministry said the 11,947-ton cargo ship transporting some 6,000 head of cattle had departed New Zealand on Aug. 14 for a 17-day journey to China.
Most of the crew are believed to be Filipino, while New Zealand's foreign ministry confirmed two New Zealanders were among the crew.
Australia also said two of its nationals were aboard the ship.
"The Australia government is providing consular assistance to the families of two Australian crew members on board a cargo vessel reported missing in Japanese waters," its foreign ministry said Thursday.


upi--2020-09-03--New weight-loss program may help low-income Americans, study says

Lifestyle interventions can help people lose weight , but experts have worried whether such programs can work in low-income communities where obesity rates can be high and access to health care can be limited .
A new study found that when these programs are made accessible , meaningful weight loss can be achieved .
The research team , led by Peter Katzmarzyk , from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge , studied around 800 patients with obesity across Louisiana who were racially diverse and mostly low-income .
Since most Americans have access to a clinic or physician for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether primary care facilities that treat low-income patients could implement an effective weight-loss program to treat obesity .
`` A lot of people , especially low-income people , have a lot of barriers to receiving treatment , '' Katzmarzyk explained .
`` So we really wanted to test a program that would be kind of embedded in their primary care clinics -- an environment that they are already familiar with . ''
Around half of the study 's participants were randomly assigned to take part in a weight-loss program that consisted of weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first six months of the study , followed by monthly sessions for the remaining 18 months .
The sessions focused on setting goals and developing plans to lower caloric intake and increase physical activity .
The researchers then compared the progress of those in the program with the other study participants , who were only given routine medical care .
The people who participated in the program lost significantly more weight -- an average of 5 % of their body weight -- compared to those who did not , who lost less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average .
And many were able to keep off the pounds .
Half of the patients enrolled in the program maintained at least a 5 % decrease in body weight , even two years after the study concluded .
Shedding 5 % of your body weight may not seem like a lot , especially for someone who is already overweight .
For a 200-pound person , 5 % would only amount to 10 pounds .
But Katzmarzyk and Penny Kris-Etherton , a dietitian and professor of nutrition at Penn State University , emphasized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss can yield significant health benefits for people with obesity .
A 5 % weight reduction , according to Kris-Etherton , could help lower a patients ' risk of developing heart disease , stroke , high blood pressure , and diabetes -- all conditions that are linked to obesity .
`` So they 're not only losing 10 pounds , but they 're lowering their risk of cardiometabolic diseases , '' said Kris-Etherton , who was not involved in the study .
`` Most people have more than 5 % to lose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % , it would be very meaningful in terms of their health . ''
And Katzmarzyk highlighted that the participants were largely able to keep off the pounds throughout the two-year-long study .
`` A lot of people who are on diets lose weight and then regain it , '' he said .
`` So , this is showing that this is a fairly durable program , and someone can lose weight and maintain that weight loss over two years . ''
The findings , published online Sept. 3 in the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broader implementation of accessible weight-loss programs across the country is the next step .
According to the study authors , primary care providers have been slow to adopt these intensive programs , and the number of obese patients who receive this kind of treatment has declined in recent years .
While they acknowledged that these facilities should not be the sole deliverers of obesity treatment , they are a good place to start .
`` This study emphasizes that weight loss in primary care settings is possible , but it 's just not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It really shows that it 's feasible -- it can be done . ''
Physicians may be resistant to hosting these programs because they take time away from routine patient care , and the necessary behavioral counseling is outside of their area of expertise .
But this type of weight-loss program alleviates the burden on physicians by utilizing a referral method , in which the primary care physician refers a patient to a trained health coach , Katzmarzyk said .
Kris-Etherton added that this study is a counterpoint against some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines recommend intensive lifestyle intervention , '' she said .
`` And so many people say , 'Oh , my patients wo n't do that .
This is much too intensive . '
But that 's what it 's going to take to get people to successfully lose weight . ''
There 's more about obesity at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Lifestyle interventions can help people lose weight, but experts have worried whether such programs can work in low-income communities where obesity rates can be high and access to health care can be limited.
Until now.
Advertisement
A new study found that when these programs are made accessible, meaningful weight loss can be achieved.
The research team, led by Peter Katzmarzyk, from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, studied around 800 patients with obesity across Louisiana who were racially diverse and mostly low-income.
Since most Americans have access to a clinic or physician for primary care, the researchers looked at whether primary care facilities that treat low-income patients could implement an effective weight-loss program to treat obesity.
"A lot of people, especially low-income people, have a lot of barriers to receiving treatment," Katzmarzyk explained. "So we really wanted to test a program that would be kind of embedded in their primary care clinics -- an environment that they are already familiar with."
Advertisement
Around half of the study's participants were randomly assigned to take part in a weight-loss program that consisted of weekly sessions with a health coach for the first six months of the study, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining 18 months. The sessions focused on setting goals and developing plans to lower caloric intake and increase physical activity.
The researchers then compared the progress of those in the program with the other study participants, who were only given routine medical care.
The people who participated in the program lost significantly more weight -- an average of 5% of their body weight -- compared to those who did not, who lost less than 1% of their body weight on average.
And many were able to keep off the pounds. Half of the patients enrolled in the program maintained at least a 5% decrease in body weight, even two years after the study concluded.
Shedding 5% of your body weight may not seem like a lot, especially for someone who is already overweight. For a 200-pound person, 5% would only amount to 10 pounds.
But Katzmarzyk and Penny Kris-Etherton, a dietitian and professor of nutrition at Penn State University, emphasized that even a small amount of weight loss can yield significant health benefits for people with obesity. A 5% weight reduction, according to Kris-Etherton, could help lower a patients' risk of developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes -- all conditions that are linked to obesity.
Advertisement
"So they're not only losing 10 pounds, but they're lowering their risk of cardiometabolic diseases," said Kris-Etherton, who was not involved in the study. "Most people have more than 5% to lose, but if they could just lose that 5%, it would be very meaningful in terms of their health."
And Katzmarzyk highlighted that the participants were largely able to keep off the pounds throughout the two-year-long study. "A lot of people who are on diets lose weight and then regain it," he said. "So, this is showing that this is a fairly durable program, and someone can lose weight and maintain that weight loss over two years."
The findings, published online Sept. 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest a broader implementation of accessible weight-loss programs across the country is the next step.
According to the study authors, primary care providers have been slow to adopt these intensive programs, and the number of obese patients who receive this kind of treatment has declined in recent years. While they acknowledged that these facilities should not be the sole deliverers of obesity treatment, they are a good place to start.
"This study emphasizes that weight loss in primary care settings is possible, but it's just not being implemented," Katzmarzyk said. "It really shows that it's feasible -- it can be done."
Advertisement
Physicians may be resistant to hosting these programs because they take time away from routine patient care, and the necessary behavioral counseling is outside of their area of expertise. But this type of weight-loss program alleviates the burden on physicians by utilizing a referral method, in which the primary care physician refers a patient to a trained health coach, Katzmarzyk said.
Kris-Etherton added that this study is a counterpoint against some of the cynicism surrounding weight-loss programs. "Our guidelines recommend intensive lifestyle intervention," she said. "And so many people say, 'Oh, my patients won't do that. This is much too intensive.' But that's what it's going to take to get people to successfully lose weight."
More information
There's more about obesity at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-03--In 'Raised By Wolves,' parents of the future are androids

LOS ANGELES , Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- HBO Max 's new series , Raised By Wolves , follows two androids , Mother ( Amanda Collin ) and Father ( Abubakar Salim ) , who are tasked with raising human newborns on a distant planet , Kepler-22b .
Raising a new generation gives humanity hope after Earth becomes uninhabitable .
However , it also challenges Mother and Father to create their own programming , since children are unpredictable .
`` No one really knows how to be a parent the first time , right ? ''
Salim asked rhetorically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For Collin , the costume dictated some of her performance .
The skin-tight , blue-gray suit restricted her movements enough to make her appear robotic .
`` That helped us a lot with posture and the way we walked and ran , '' Collin said .
Creator Aaron Guzikowski likened Mother and Father to parents using technology as a babysitter .
In 2020 , parents may let their children watch a tablet .
In the future , he imagined , the entire parent can be mechanical .
`` There is something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but then slightly disturbing and off-putting about that , as well , '' Guzikowski said .
The androids also can devote 100 % of their time to the children .
It 's in their programming and they have no needs of their own .
Salim and Collin said their android performances consisted of trial and error as they experimented in rehearsals and on the set .
`` There was space to make mistakes , because these two androids are learning also , '' Salim said .
One aspect of android behavior came about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at Salim when Father spoke to Mother , because her android character had technologically enhanced hearing .
She did not need to make eye contact like a human being .
`` It was a great joy to just keep discovering the senses of an android , '' Collin said .
When Mother first gives birth , Father must handle six newborns carefully .
As an actor , Salim was nervous about handling the newborn props , which he said were delicate to the touch .
However , he had to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have emotions like fear or anxiety .
`` I 've got massive hands already , so it felt like I 've got to be so careful , '' Salim said .
`` At the same time [ I had to maintain ] complete composure . ''
Ridley Scott , known for futuristic films Alien and Blade Runner , executive produced and directed the first two episodes of the series .
Collin and Salim credited Scott with perfecting their android performances .
`` A lot of it was workshopping the voice and the cadence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collin said Scott had the final word on their performance .
After he allowed them to experiment with different variations , Scott ultimately chose his preferred performance .
`` [ Scott ] takes responsibility completely for you and your character , '' Collin said .
The search for actors to embody Mother and Father was exhausting , executive producer David W. Zucker said .
Casting director Kate Rhodes James saw Salim on British shows like Informer and Jamestown , which demonstrated Salim 's wit and charm , Zucker said .
According to Zucker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horrible Woman at the Kilkenny Film Festival .
She sought Collin out , but Collin recalls having reservations .
James sent her a script and scheduled a casting session the following day .
Collin said she initially turned down the audition because it did n't give her enough time to prepare , but James persuaded her to go through with it .
`` It was , of course , overwhelming , but also a little bit stressful , '' Collin said .
Raised By Wolves premieres Thursday with three episodes on HBO Max @

1/3
Father (Abubakar Salim) and Mother (Amanda Collin) set about making a home on a new planet. Photo courtesy of HBO Max
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- HBO Max's new series, Raised By Wolves, follows two androids, Mother (Amanda Collin) and Father (Abubakar Salim), who are tasked with raising human newborns on a distant planet, Kepler-22b. Raising a new generation gives humanity hope after Earth becomes uninhabitable. However, it also challenges Mother and Father to create their own programming, since children are unpredictable. Advertisement
"No one really knows how to be a parent the first time, right?" Salim asked rhetorically at a recent Television Critics Association panel.
For Collin, the costume dictated some of her performance. The skin-tight, blue-gray suit restricted her movements enough to make her appear robotic.
"That helped us a lot with posture and the way we walked and ran," Collin said.
Creator Aaron Guzikowski likened Mother and Father to parents using technology as a babysitter. In 2020, parents may let their children watch a tablet. In the future, he imagined, the entire parent can be mechanical.
Advertisement
"There is something that's easy and comforting about that, but then slightly disturbing and off-putting about that, as well," Guzikowski said.
The androids also can devote 100% of their time to the children. It's in their programming and they have no needs of their own.
Salim and Collin said their android performances consisted of trial and error as they experimented in rehearsals and on the set.
"There was space to make mistakes, because these two androids are learning also," Salim said.
One aspect of android behavior came about on the set. Collin decided not to look at Salim when Father spoke to Mother, because her android character had technologically enhanced hearing. She did not need to make eye contact like a human being.
"It was a great joy to just keep discovering the senses of an android," Collin said.
When Mother first gives birth, Father must handle six newborns carefully. As an actor, Salim was nervous about handling the newborn props, which he said were delicate to the touch. However, he had to remember Father was an expert and did not have emotions like fear or anxiety.
"I've got massive hands already, so it felt like I've got to be so careful," Salim said. "At the same time [I had to maintain] complete composure."
Advertisement
Ridley Scott, known for futuristic films Alien and Blade Runner, executive produced and directed the first two episodes of the series. Collin and Salim credited Scott with perfecting their android performances.
"A lot of it was workshopping the voice and the cadence with Ridley," Salim said.
Collin said Scott had the final word on their performance. After he allowed them to experiment with different variations, Scott ultimately chose his preferred performance.
"[Scott] takes responsibility completely for you and your character," Collin said.
The search for actors to embody Mother and Father was exhausting, executive producer David W. Zucker said. Casting director Kate Rhodes James saw Salim on British shows like Informer and Jamestown, which demonstrated Salim's wit and charm, Zucker said.
According to Zucker, James saw Collin's film A Horrible Woman at the Kilkenny Film Festival. She sought Collin out, but Collin recalls having reservations. James sent her a script and scheduled a casting session the following day.
Collin said she initially turned down the audition because it didn't give her enough time to prepare, but James persuaded her to go through with it.
"It was, of course, overwhelming, but also a little bit stressful," Collin said.
Advertisement
Raised By Wolves premieres Thursday with three episodes on HBO Max.


upi--2020-09-03--Famous birthdays for Sept. 3: Garrett Hedlund, Charlie Sheen

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo .
-- Teacher @ @ @ @ @ her efforts to educate black girls , in 1803 -- Architect Louis Sullivan , called @ @ @ @ @ , in 1856 -- Albert DeSalvo , known as the Boston Strangler , in 1931

1/3
Garrett Hedlund attends the 33rd annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 3, 2018. The actor turns 36 on September 3. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo. They include: Advertisement
-- Teacher Prudence Crandall, controversial for her efforts to educate black girls, in 1803
-- Architect Louis Sullivan, called the father of the skyscraper, in 1856
-- Automobile designer Ferdinand Porsche in 1875
-- Cartoonist Mort Walker in 1923
-- Actor Anne Jackson in 1926
-- Actor Irene Papas in 1926 (age 94)
-- Organized crime boss James "Whitey" Bulgar Jr. in 1929
-- Albert DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, in 1931
-- Actor Eileen Brennan in 1932
File Photo by Bill Hormell/UPI
-- Actor Pauline Collins in 1940 (age 80)
-- Musician Al Jardine in 1942 (age 78)
-- Actor Valerie Perrine in 1943 (age 77)
-- Actor Charlie Sheen in 1965 (age 55)
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
-- Director Noah Baumbach in 1969 (age 51)
-- Author Kiran Desai in 1971 (age 49)
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-- Rapper Redfoo, born Stefan Kendal Gordy, in 1975 (age 45)
-- Actor Garrett Hedlund in 1984 (age 36)
-- Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White in 1986 (age 34)
-- Rapper August Alsina in 1992 (age 28)
-- Actor Jack Dylan Grazer in 2003 (age 17)


upi--2020-09-03--U.S. Open tennis: Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens cruise into third round

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens will meet in the third round of the U.S. Open after both players posted dominant wins Thursday in Queens , N.Y .
The third-seeded Williams -- searching for her 24th career Grand Slam singles title -- improved her career record to 20-0 in the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2 , 6-4 victory over Margarita Gasparyan .
Williams had 27 winners and seven aces to cruise past Gasparyan .
She now holds a 5-2 record since tennis resumed from the coronavirus pandemic break .
Earlier Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Open championship with an equally dominant 6-2 , 6-2 win over Olga Govortsova .
The No .
26 seed won the tournament in 2017 but lost in the first round of last year 's U.S. Open .
Williams holds a 5-1 advantage over Stephens in their series .
In other second-round matches on the women 's side , unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova had a 7-5 , 6-3 upset win over No .
10 seed Garbine Muguruza .
It is Pironkova 's first tournament following a three-year break to give birth to her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good schedule and have the right motivation , you can combine the two things -- motherhood and being a professional tennis player , '' Pironkova said .
`` It takes a lot of work but , you know , everything takes work . ''
Reigning Australian Open champion and No .
2 seed Sofia Kenin also moved into the third round with a straight-sets victory over Canadian Leylah Fernandez .
Seventh-seeded American Madison Keys beat Aliona Bolsova 6-2 , 6-1 to advance .
Victoria Azarenka posted an upset win over fifth-seeded Aryna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat No .
9 seed Johanna Konta in three sets in another upset Thursday .
On the men 's side , third-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Australian Christopher O'Connell in straight sets to reach the third round of the U.S. Open .
It marks the third consecutive year that Medvedev -- the 2019 runner-up -- has reached the third round at the event .
No .
2 seed Dominic Thiem also earned a spot in the next round with a 6-3 , 6-3 , 6-1 victory over Sumit Nagal .
Thiem , who turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion Marin Cilic in the third round .
No .
6 seed Matteo Berrettini , 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov and No .
8 seed Roberto Bautista Agut also advanced .
No .
14 Grigor Dimitrov and 25th-seeded Milos Raonic were eliminated in Thursday 's second round .

Serena Williams (pictured) will play Sloane Stephens in the third round of the U.S. Open after her straight-sets win over Margarita Gasparyan on Thursday. File Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens will meet in the third round of the U.S. Open after both players posted dominant wins Thursday in Queens, N.Y. The third-seeded Williams -- searching for her 24th career Grand Slam singles title -- improved her career record to 20-0 in the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Margarita Gasparyan. Advertisement
Williams had 27 winners and seven aces to cruise past Gasparyan. She now holds a 5-2 record since tennis resumed from the coronavirus pandemic break.
Earlier Thursday, Stephens continued her path toward a second U.S. Open championship with an equally dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Olga Govortsova. The No. 26 seed won the tournament in 2017 but lost in the first round of last year's U.S. Open.
Williams holds a 5-1 advantage over Stephens in their series.
In other second-round matches on the women's side, unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova had a 7-5, 6-3 upset win over No. 10 seed Garbine Muguruza. It is Pironkova's first tournament following a three-year break to give birth to her son, Alexander.
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"If you make a good schedule and have the right motivation, you can combine the two things -- motherhood and being a professional tennis player," Pironkova said. "It takes a lot of work but, you know, everything takes work."
Reigning Australian Open champion and No. 2 seed Sofia Kenin also moved into the third round with a straight-sets victory over Canadian Leylah Fernandez. Seventh-seeded American Madison Keys beat Aliona Bolsova 6-2, 6-1 to advance.
Victoria Azarenka posted an upset win over fifth-seeded Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-3. Sorana Cirstea beat No. 9 seed Johanna Konta in three sets in another upset Thursday.
On the men's side, third-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Australian Christopher O'Connell in straight sets to reach the third round of the U.S. Open. It marks the third consecutive year that Medvedev -- the 2019 runner-up -- has reached the third round at the event.
No. 2 seed Dominic Thiem also earned a spot in the next round with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Sumit Nagal. Thiem, who turned 27 Thursday, faces 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic in the third round.
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No. 6 seed Matteo Berrettini, 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov and No. 8 seed Roberto Bautista Agut also advanced. No. 14 Grigor Dimitrov and 25th-seeded Milos Raonic were eliminated in Thursday's second round.
Serena Williams' tennis career: a look back


upi--2020-09-03--Kremlin denies poisoning Alexei Navalny; OPCW 'gravely concerned'

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- The Kremlin said Thursday there 's no reason to blame the Russian government for the poisoning of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny , who is now hospitalized in Germany .
German authorities said Wednesday Navalny had been poisoned with a nerve agent in the Novichok-class group , similar to the one that nearly killed a former Russian spy and his daughter in Britain two years ago .
The Novichok poison was developed decades ago by the former Soviet Union .
Navalny became sick on a flight from Siberia to Moscow on Aug. 20 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his family and political team , he was taken to Berlin for treatment .
He remained unconscious Thursday .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday rejected calls for an explanation from German Chancellor Angela Merkel , Russia 's state-run TASS news agency reported .
`` I would choose words carefully when speaking about accusations against the Russian state because there are no accusations at the moment and there is no reason to accuse the Russian state , '' Peskov said .
`` We are n't inclined to accept any accusations in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would want to poison Navalny , a vocal opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` I can not answer ... who could benefit from that person 's poisoning , '' he said .
`` As a matter of fact , I do n't think that anyone could stand to gain from that if one just takes a sober look at things . ''
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Thursday any use of toxins like Novichok would be considered the use of a banned chemical weapon .
`` Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern , '' OPCW Director-general Fernando Arias said in a statement .
`` State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention deem the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances as reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community . ''
Arias said the OPCW is following developments in the Navalny case and is ready to `` engage '' with and assist any parties that ask for it .
Novichok was the poison used in an attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his adult daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two eventually recovered and the poisoning was largely believed to have been ordered by the Kremlin .
The European Council on Thursday condemned the assassination attempt `` in the strongest words possible , '' describing the Novichok chemical used as a military-grade nerve agent .
`` The use of chemical weapons is completely unacceptable under any circumstances , constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards , '' Josep Borrell , the high representative of the EU , said in a statement .
`` The European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserves the right to take appropriate actions , including through restrictive measures . ''
As the poisoning occurred on Russian soil , the Kremlin must investigate the crime , Borrell said , calling for the probe to be transparent with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice .
`` Impunity must not and will not be tolerated , '' he said .
`` The European Union calls upon the Russian Federation to fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to ensure an impartial international investigation . ''
Merkel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim of a crime intended to silence him , '' and that she felt a need to `` take a clear stance '' against the poisoning .
Russian lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi suggested that Navalny was exposed to the poison in Germany .
`` Once they have found something linked with Novichok , most likely , he was exposed to it in this clinic , '' he told TASS .
`` A nurse or a doctor could have done that if they really wanted to somehow expose Navalny to a toxic agent .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The Kremlin is seen in Moscow, Russia. A spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said Thursday denied culpability for the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Kremlin said Thursday there's no reason to blame the Russian government for the poisoning of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who is now hospitalized in Germany. German authorities said Wednesday Navalny had been poisoned with a nerve agent in the Novichok-class group, similar to the one that nearly killed a former Russian spy and his daughter in Britain two years ago. The Novichok poison was developed decades ago by the former Soviet Union. Advertisement
Navalny became sick on a flight from Siberia to Moscow on Aug. 20. Two days later, at the urging of his family and political team, he was taken to Berlin for treatment. He remained unconscious Thursday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday rejected calls for an explanation from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported.
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"I would choose words carefully when speaking about accusations against the Russian state because there are no accusations at the moment and there is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said. "We aren't inclined to accept any accusations in this regard."
Peskov questioned why Moscow would want to poison Navalny, a vocal opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I cannot answer ... who could benefit from that person's poisoning," he said. "As a matter of fact, I don't think that anyone could stand to gain from that if one just takes a sober look at things."
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Thursday any use of toxins like Novichok would be considered the use of a banned chemical weapon.
"Such an allegation is a matter of grave concern," OPCW Director-general Fernando Arias said in a statement. "State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention deem the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances as reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community."
Arias said the OPCW is following developments in the Navalny case and is ready to "engage" with and assist any parties that ask for it.
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Novichok was the poison used in an attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his adult daughter in Salisbury, Britain, in 2018. The two eventually recovered and the poisoning was largely believed to have been ordered by the Kremlin.
The European Council on Thursday condemned the assassination attempt "in the strongest words possible," describing the Novichok chemical used as a military-grade nerve agent.
"The use of chemical weapons is completely unacceptable under any circumstances, constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards," Josep Borrell, the high representative of the EU, said in a statement. "The European Union calls for a joint international response and reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures."
As the poisoning occurred on Russian soil, the Kremlin must investigate the crime, Borrell said, calling for the probe to be transparent with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice.
"Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," he said. "The European Union calls upon the Russian Federation to fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to ensure an impartial international investigation."
Merkel said Wednesday that Navalny was "the victim of a crime intended to silence him," and that she felt a need to "take a clear stance" against the poisoning.
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Russian lawmaker Andrei Lugovoi suggested that Navalny was exposed to the poison in Germany.
"Once they have found something linked with Novichok, most likely, he was exposed to it in this clinic," he told TASS. "A nurse or a doctor could have done that if they really wanted to somehow expose Navalny to a toxic agent. I am sure this is what really happened."


upi--2020-09-03--Betsy DeVos says administration will enforce school standardized testing mandates

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told state leaders Thursday that the Trump administration plans to enforce federal standardized testing requirements for K-12 schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
In a letter to state school chiefs , DeVos said states should not expect the Education Department to grant waivers for federal testing requirements as it did this spring after schools abruptly closed as the coronavirus began to spread throughout the country .
`` That was the right call , given the limited information available about the virus at the time and the need to stop its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting the administration of assessments , '' DeVos wrote .
`` However it is now our expectation that states will , in the interest of students , administer summative assessments during the 2020-2021 school year , consistent with the requirements of the law and following the guidance of local health officials . ''
DeVos added that standardized tests remain important for measuring student achievement and school performance despite the difficulty in administering them amid the pandemic .
`` If we fail to assess students , it will have a lasting effect for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Not only will vulnerable students fall behind , but we will be abandoning the important , bipartisan reforms of the past two decades at a critical moment . ''
Georgia 's state school superintendent , Richard Woods , condemned DeVos ' decision , saying it `` shows a complete disconnect '' from the reality of schooling during a pandemic .
`` Continuing to administer high-stakes tests during these unprecedented and uncertain times is , sadly , more about adults than the needs of students and teachers , '' Woods said .
Chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Bobby Scott , D-Va. , and Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wash. , lead Democrat on the Senate education committee , stressed the importance of testing for students of color , students with disabilities and low-income students while saying more money must be allocated to schools to allow safe reopenings and avoid teacher layoffs .
`` There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic is having severe consequences for students ' growth and achievement , particularly for our most vulnerable students , '' said Scott .
`` We can not begin to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Thursday told states not to anticipate waivers for standardized testings in schools despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told state leaders Thursday that the Trump administration plans to enforce federal standardized testing requirements for K-12 schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to state school chiefs, DeVos said states should not expect the Education Department to grant waivers for federal testing requirements as it did this spring after schools abruptly closed as the coronavirus began to spread throughout the country. Advertisement
"That was the right call, given the limited information available about the virus at the time and the need to stop its spread as well as the practical realities limiting the administration of assessments," DeVos wrote. "However it is now our expectation that states will, in the interest of students, administer summative assessments during the 2020-2021 school year, consistent with the requirements of the law and following the guidance of local health officials."
DeVos added that standardized tests remain important for measuring student achievement and school performance despite the difficulty in administering them amid the pandemic.
"If we fail to assess students, it will have a lasting effect for years to come," she wrote. "Not only will vulnerable students fall behind, but we will be abandoning the important, bipartisan reforms of the past two decades at a critical moment."
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Georgia's state school superintendent, Richard Woods, condemned DeVos' decision, saying it "shows a complete disconnect" from the reality of schooling during a pandemic.
"Continuing to administer high-stakes tests during these unprecedented and uncertain times is, sadly, more about adults than the needs of students and teachers," Woods said.
Chair of the House education and labor committee Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., lead Democrat on the Senate education committee, stressed the importance of testing for students of color, students with disabilities and low-income students while saying more money must be allocated to schools to allow safe reopenings and avoid teacher layoffs.
"There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic is having severe consequences for students' growth and achievement, particularly for our most vulnerable students," said Scott. "We cannot begin to address these consequences, unless we fully understand them."


upi--2020-09-03--Pittsburgh Pirates to wear No. 21 on Roberto Clemente Day

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball and the Pittsburgh Pirates will honor baseball legend Roberto Clemente by wearing his No .
21 during a game against the Chicago White Sox next week .
When MLB celebrates Roberto Clemente Day on Sept. 9 , all members of the Pirates will wear No .
21 jerseys .
Since Clemente 's death , no Pirates player has worn that jersey number on the field .
`` Our staff and players are excited to wear the number 21 with pride as we constantly search for ways to not only honor Roberto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive through our community actions , '' Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement Wednesday .
`` We recognize what this moment represents for all of us within the organization , the Clemente family , our fans and the people of Puerto Rico .
We take great pride in representing such a great ambassador of the game . ''
MLB held its first Roberto Clemente Day in 2002 , and it has been celebrated every September across the league since then .
The league also honors players who best represent Clemente 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Clemente , a native of Puerto Rico , was the first Latin American player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973 .
Prior to his induction , he was killed in a plane crash at age 38 on New Year 's Eve 1972 .
The former MLB star was attempting to bring supplies to people impacted by a devastating earthquake in Nicaragua .
Clemente -- also known as `` The Great One '' -- spent his entire 18-year career with the Pirates and was a 15-time All-Star selection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 3,000-hit club , four-time batting champion , World Series MVP and National League MVP .
`` Since 1973 the only persons allowed to wear No .
21 in a Pirate uniform would have been any of the three sons .
I became the closest to have that honor but did n't continue to play to reach the Major League level , '' one of Clemente 's sons , Luis , said .
`` History will be made this September 9 and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clemente family endeavors .
We thank Bob Nutting and the Pirates organization for continuing the goodwill of the Clemente name in their community efforts . ''
After the game , the jerseys will be auctioned , with proceeds going to the Clemente Foundation and Pirates Charities .

Luis Clemente (pictured), one of Roberto Clemente's sons, presents the Roberto Clemente Award before a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals in May 2019. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball and the Pittsburgh Pirates will honor baseball legend Roberto Clemente by wearing his No. 21 during a game against the Chicago White Sox next week. When MLB celebrates Roberto Clemente Day on Sept. 9, all members of the Pirates will wear No. 21 jerseys. Since Clemente's death, no Pirates player has worn that jersey number on the field. Advertisement
"Our staff and players are excited to wear the number 21 with pride as we constantly search for ways to not only honor Roberto's legacy but to keep his memory alive through our community actions," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement Wednesday.
"We recognize what this moment represents for all of us within the organization, the Clemente family, our fans and the people of Puerto Rico. We take great pride in representing such a great ambassador of the game."
MLB held its first Roberto Clemente Day in 2002, and it has been celebrated every September across the league since then. The league also honors players who best represent Clemente's spirit with the Roberto Clemente Award each year.
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Clemente, a native of Puerto Rico, was the first Latin American player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Prior to his induction, he was killed in a plane crash at age 38 on New Year's Eve 1972. The former MLB star was attempting to bring supplies to people impacted by a devastating earthquake in Nicaragua.
Clemente -- also known as "The Great One" -- spent his entire 18-year career with the Pirates and was a 15-time All-Star selection, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, member of the 3,000-hit club, four-time batting champion, World Series MVP and National League MVP.
"Since 1973 the only persons allowed to wear No. 21 in a Pirate uniform would have been any of the three sons. I became the closest to have that honor but didn't continue to play to reach the Major League level," one of Clemente's sons, Luis, said.
"History will be made this September 9 and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Derek Shelton for his initiative and supporting the Clemente family endeavors. We thank Bob Nutting and the Pirates organization for continuing the goodwill of the Clemente name in their community efforts."
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After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the Clemente Foundation and Pirates Charities.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-09-03--Storms to unleash isolated tornado risk in mid-Atlantic

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Thunderstorms may again pack a punch in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States during Thursday evening , ahead of a slow-moving push of cooler air .
On Wednesday late afternoon and evening , thunderstorms erupted in portions of Maryland and Virginia and produced winds strong enough to knock down trees and lead to sporadic power outages .
As sunshine warms the atmosphere from Virginia and Maryland to Delaware , southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey on Thursday , thunderstorms that erupt from parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians are likely to peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The greatest threats from the storms will be strong wind gusts with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 70 mph and flash flooding .
However , a couple of the strongest storms could produce a brief tornado .
The zone of showers and thunderstorms spreading over the region has had a history of producing a few isolated tornadoes over the South Central states this week .
Cities that could be affected by severe weather into Thursday evening include Washington , D.C. ; Baltimore and Hagerstown , Md .
; Philadelphia and Lancaster , Pa. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millville and Atlantic City , N.J. ; Martinsburg , W.Va. ; and Charlottesville , Va .
Forecasters say that conditions could change rapidly and that people on the road or spending time outdoors should stay alert and move inside and away from windows at the first rumble of thunder .
`` Since the atmosphere is ripe with moisture and the ground is nearly saturated , any downpour that lingers for more than several minutes will have the potential to set rapid urban and small stream flooding into motion , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Nicole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and the central Appalachians are recovering from abnormally dry to drought conditions over the summer , `` most cities from New York City to Richmond , Virginia , in the Interstate-95 corridor have been abnormally wet , with up to three times the average rainfall for August , '' LoBiondo said .
Just enough cooler and less humid air will filter into the region during Friday and Friday night to change the atmosphere conditions to a less volatile setup in this portion of the mid-Atlantic region .
There can still be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy thunderstorms are likely to occur farther south toward North Carolina and perhaps southeastern Virginia , where the air will still be quite warm and humid .
The weather over much of the Northeast for the Labor Day weekend is expected to be pleasant with cool nights and comfortably warm afternoons .
Dry conditions with sunshine are anticipated at most beaches for the last unofficial weekend of summer .
During next week , a gradual uptick in temperature and humidity levels are likely , as well as an eventual increase in the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Thunderstorms may again pack a punch in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States during Thursday evening, ahead of a slow-moving push of cooler air.
On Wednesday late afternoon and evening, thunderstorms erupted in portions of Maryland and Virginia and produced winds strong enough to knock down trees and lead to sporadic power outages.
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As sunshine warms the atmosphere from Virginia and Maryland to Delaware, southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey on Thursday, thunderstorms that erupt from parts of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians are likely to peak toward evening east of the mountains.
The greatest threats from the storms will be strong wind gusts with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 70 mph and flash flooding.
However, a couple of the strongest storms could produce a brief tornado. The zone of showers and thunderstorms spreading over the region has had a history of producing a few isolated tornadoes over the South Central states this week.
Cities that could be affected by severe weather into Thursday evening include Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and Hagerstown, Md.; Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pa.; Dover and Wilmington, Delaware; Millville and Atlantic City, N.J.; Martinsburg, W.Va.; and Charlottesville, Va.
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Forecasters say that conditions could change rapidly and that people on the road or spending time outdoors should stay alert and move inside and away from windows at the first rumble of thunder.
"Since the atmosphere is ripe with moisture and the ground is nearly saturated, any downpour that lingers for more than several minutes will have the potential to set rapid urban and small stream flooding into motion," AccuWeather meteorologist Nicole LoBiondo said.
As portions of New England and the central Appalachians are recovering from abnormally dry to drought conditions over the summer, "most cities from New York City to Richmond, Virginia, in the Interstate-95 corridor have been abnormally wet, with up to three times the average rainfall for August," LoBiondo said.
Just enough cooler and less humid air will filter into the region during Friday and Friday night to change the atmosphere conditions to a less volatile setup in this portion of the mid-Atlantic region.
There can still be a pop-up shower or thunderstorm, but any heavy thunderstorms are likely to occur farther south toward North Carolina and perhaps southeastern Virginia, where the air will still be quite warm and humid.
The weather over much of the Northeast for the Labor Day weekend is expected to be pleasant with cool nights and comfortably warm afternoons. Dry conditions with sunshine are anticipated at most beaches for the last unofficial weekend of summer.
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During next week, a gradual uptick in temperature and humidity levels are likely, as well as an eventual increase in the risk of showers and thunderstorms once again.


upi--2020-09-03--National Guard says California on pace for record wildfire season

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- California is set to record its worst fire season in recorded history amid hundreds of wildfires sparked by lightning strikes , the National Guard said on Thursday .
Approximately 1,300 National Guard members from five states including California are assisting fire officials in combatting more than 900 wildfires burning throughout the state .
In 2018 Calfornia recorded its deadliest fire season on record with more than 2 million acres burned .
The blazes currently active in the state have burned more than 1.5 million acres as of Thrusday .
`` There 's fundamentally no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation we have , '' Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers , the California National Guard 's assistant adjutant general , said .
`` I 'm thinking weeks into months before these things are fully contained . ''
Beevers noted that the fires in the state `` keep getting worse every year '' citing climate change as a factor .
`` The deleterious effects of climate change continue to challenge our state , our state 's firefighting resources , '' he said .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection identified one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires as Diana Jones , a volunteer firefighter from Texas who died battling the Tatham Fire on Monday .
A helicopter pilot battling the Hills fire is also among the dead .
The most destructive of the fires , the LNU Lightning Complex , has burned 375,209 acres in Napa Lake , Sonoma , Solano and Yolo counties and is 81 % contained as of Thursday , Cal Fire said in its daily update .
The blaze has resulted in five deaths and four injuries in addition to destroying 1,490 structures and damaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest of the fires , the SCU Lightning Complex , has burned 391,578 acres in Contra Costa , Alameda , Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties and is 78 % contained .
It has resulted in five injuries , destroyed 105 structures and damaged 17 others .
In the counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz , the 85,746-acre CZU August Lightning Fire has resulted in one death and one injury , while destroying 1,490 structures and damaging 140 more .
The BTU/TGU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte , Tehama and Glenn counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two injuries , destroying 14 structures and damaging one more .

The National Guard on Thursday said California is on pace for a record wildfire season as more than 900 wildfires sparked by lightning have burned more than 1.5 million acres. File Photo by Peter DaSilva/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- California is set to record its worst fire season in recorded history amid hundreds of wildfires sparked by lightning strikes, the National Guard said on Thursday. Approximately 1,300 National Guard members from five states including California are assisting fire officials in combatting more than 900 wildfires burning throughout the state. Advertisement
In 2018 Calfornia recorded its deadliest fire season on record with more than 2 million acres burned. The blazes currently active in the state have burned more than 1.5 million acres as of Thrusday.
"There's fundamentally no real-term end state to the current fire situation we have," Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the California National Guard's assistant adjutant general, said. "I'm thinking weeks into months before these things are fully contained."
Beevers noted that the fires in the state "keep getting worse every year" citing climate change as a factor.
"The deleterious effects of climate change continue to challenge our state, our state's firefighting resources," he said.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection identified one of the eight people killed in the fires as Diana Jones, a volunteer firefighter from Texas who died battling the Tatham Fire on Monday. A helicopter pilot battling the Hills fire is also among the dead.
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The most destructive of the fires, the LNU Lightning Complex, has burned 375,209 acres in Napa Lake, Sonoma, Solano and Yolo counties and is 81% contained as of Thursday, Cal Fire said in its daily update.
The blaze has resulted in five deaths and four injuries in addition to destroying 1,490 structures and damaging 232 more.
Cal Fire also said the largest of the fires, the SCU Lightning Complex, has burned 391,578 acres in Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties and is 78% contained. It has resulted in five injuries, destroyed 105 structures and damaged 17 others.
In the counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz, the 85,746-acre CZU August Lightning Fire has resulted in one death and one injury, while destroying 1,490 structures and damaging 140 more.
The BTU/TGU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte, Tehama and Glenn counties has burned 64,109 acres, resulting in two injuries, destroying 14 structures and damaging one more.


upi--2020-09-03--Grizzlies' Ja Morant wins Rookie of the Year over Zion Williamson, Kendrick Nunn

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday .
Morant , who was the No .
2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State , collected 99 out of a possible 100 first-place votes to capture the award in a landslide .
The 21-year-old finished with 498 points and was well ahead of Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn ( 204 points ) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson ( 140 points ) .
Williamson , the top pick in last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one remaining first-place vote .
Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke ( fourth ) , Chicago Bulls guard Coby White ( fifth ) , Golden State Warriors forward Eric Paschall ( sixth ) , Toronto Raptors guard Terence Davis II ( seventh ) and New York Knicks forward R.J. Barrett ( eighth ) also received votes .
`` Man , it 's a blessing , '' Morant said on TNT 's Inside the NBA pre-game show prior to Thursday 's matchup between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors .
`` I 'm definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in , day in and day out .
This journey has been rough but , you know , in the end it 's all paying off .
`` I still have a lot more work to do , but for guys who are not heavily recruited right now , this gives them hope . ''
Morant led all qualifying rookies in points ( 17.6 ) and assists ( 6.9 ) per game this season and shot 49 % from the field .
He is the second player in Grizzlies history to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pau Gasol in 2002 .
The NBA is n't having a year-end awards show this season -- as it has in recent years -- due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Instead , the league is handing out awards periodically throughout the playoffs .
To this point , the NBA has named Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse its Coach of the Year , Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo its Defensive Player of the Year and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram its Most Improved Player .
The remaining two awards to be handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Most Valuable Player .

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday.
Morant, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Murray State, collected 99 out of a possible 100 first-place votes to capture the award in a landslide. The 21-year-old finished with 498 points and was well ahead of Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn (204 points) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (140 points).
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Williamson, the top pick in last year's draft out of Duke, had the one remaining first-place vote. Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke (fourth), Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (fifth), Golden State Warriors forward Eric Paschall (sixth), Toronto Raptors guard Terence Davis II (seventh) and New York Knicks forward R.J. Barrett (eighth) also received votes.
"Man, it's a blessing," Morant said on TNT's Inside the NBA pre-game show prior to Thursday's matchup between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. "I'm definitely honored. I put a lot of work in, day in and day out. This journey has been rough but, you know, in the end it's all paying off.
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"I still have a lot more work to do, but for guys who are not heavily recruited right now, this gives them hope."
Morant led all qualifying rookies in points (17.6) and assists (6.9) per game this season and shot 49% from the field. He is the second player in Grizzlies history to win the league's ROTY award, joining Pau Gasol in 2002.
The NBA isn't having a year-end awards show this season -- as it has in recent years -- due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the league is handing out awards periodically throughout the playoffs.
To this point, the NBA has named Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse its Coach of the Year, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo its Defensive Player of the Year and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram its Most Improved Player.
The remaining two awards to be handed out are Sixth Man of the Year and Most Valuable Player.


upi--2020-09-03--Appeals court rules against Trump administration in abortion 'gag rule'

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- A federal appeals court on Thursday ruled against a Trump administration rule denying federal funds to family planning clinics that refer patients for abortions .
The 4th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruling blocks the enforcement of the federal rule in Maryland , but is likely to set up a Supreme Court challenge .
The appeals court , based in Richmond , Va. , said the Trump administration 's rule revision `` failed to recognize and address the ethical concerns of literally every major medical organization in the country . ''
The panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' what clinics would have to spend to comply with the rules , which includes , in some cases , constructing new facilities to separate abortion services from other medical services .
The Department of Health and Human Services issued the revised rule in 2019 , banning family planning providers that receive Title X funding from abortion referrals .
Opponents , including Planned Parenthood , likened it to a `` gag rule . ''
The government it would require `` clear financial and physical separation '' between Title X-compliant facilities and those that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Trump administration in a challenge by Planned Parenthood , saying the rule allows family clinics to mention abortion but not to refer or encourage it , a `` reasonable interpretation '' of federal law which is not `` arbitrary and capricious '' as plaintiffs argued .

An anti-abortion activist yells in a megaphone at abortion-rights activists participating in the Women's March January 19, 2019, at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. A federal appeals court on Thursday said the Trump administration can't deny Title X funding to Maryland clinics that provide information on abortions. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court on Thursday ruled against a Trump administration rule denying federal funds to family planning clinics that refer patients for abortions. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling blocks the enforcement of the federal rule in Maryland, but is likely to set up a Supreme Court challenge. Advertisement
The appeals court, based in Richmond, Va., said the Trump administration's rule revision "failed to recognize and address the ethical concerns of literally every major medical organization in the country."
The panel also said the government "arbitrarily estimated" what clinics would have to spend to comply with the rules, which includes, in some cases, constructing new facilities to separate abortion services from other medical services.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued the revised rule in 2019, banning family planning providers that receive Title X funding from abortion referrals. Opponents, including Planned Parenthood, likened it to a "gag rule."
The government it would require "clear financial and physical separation" between Title X-compliant facilities and those that provide abortions or abortion referrals.
In February, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Trump administration in a challenge by Planned Parenthood, saying the rule allows family clinics to mention abortion but not to refer or encourage it, a "reasonable interpretation" of federal law which is not "arbitrary and capricious" as plaintiffs argued.


upi--2020-09-03--Marine Corps stands up Network Activity to prevent cyberattacks

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- The Marine Corps this week stood up a dedicated group to upgrade its ability to prevent and counter cyberattacks -- and minimize disruptions and shortages .
The Network Activity - National Capital Region in Quantico , Virginia is the second network-focused unit and will follow the model pioneered by the 1st Network Battalion out of Camp Pendleton in California , according to a Marine Corps press release .
The group will command and control the Marine Corps Enterprise Network within the Washington , D.C. , area .
`` This will realign the workforce and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking about people and money , '' said Col. Edward J. Debish , the commanding officer of Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group during an activation ceremony Wednesday .
In total , the Marine Corps is establishing three network battalions and three network activities to support the branch 's communications backbone .
`` You guys are now plank holders , you guys are the seed that is going to grow into something that is going to allow us to have command and control over the enterprise networks , '' Debish told the Marines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warfighter directly , '' Patrick Scholes , director of Network Activity , said .

A U.S. Marine monitors network activity from the operations floor at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Monday.
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Marine Corps this week stood up a dedicated group to upgrade its ability to prevent and counter cyberattacks -- and minimize disruptions and shortages. The Network Activity - National Capital Region in Quantico, Virginia is the second network-focused unit and will follow the model pioneered by the 1st Network Battalion out of Camp Pendleton in California, according to a Marine Corps press release. Advertisement
The group will command and control the Marine Corps Enterprise Network within the Washington, D.C., area.
"This will realign the workforce and all of its resources; I'm talking about people and money," said Col. Edward J. Debish, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group during an activation ceremony Wednesday.
In total, the Marine Corps is establishing three network battalions and three network activities to support the branch's communications backbone.
"You guys are now plank holders, you guys are the seed that is going to grow into something that is going to allow us to have command and control over the enterprise networks," Debish told the Marines.
"What we do here supports the warfighter directly," Patrick Scholes, director of Network Activity, said.


upi--2020-09-03--Jaguars trade former third-round pick Ronnie Harrison to Browns

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to trade safety Ronnie Harrison to the Cleveland Browns @ @ @ @ @ that Harrison was sent to the Browns in exchange for a 2021 fifth-round draft pick @ @ @ @ @ Jaguars starter in the past five days to be traded or released .
The team @ @ @ @ @ Ngakoue to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and waived star running back Leonard Fournette on @ @ @ @ @ in need of a safety after second-round pick Grant Delpit suffered a season-ending Achilles injury @ @ @ @ @ .
The Jaguars selected Harrison in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out @ @ @ @ @ , he is the third player drafted by the Jaguars in the first three rounds @ @ @ @ @ before playing out his rookie deal -- joining cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Fournette .
Harrison @ @ @ @ @ games in which he played for the Jaguars .
He has recorded 103 total tackles @ @ @ @ @ interceptions , one fumble recovery and 12 passes defensed in his NFL career .

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to trade safety Ronnie Harrison to the Cleveland Browns.
The Jaguars announced Thursday that Harrison was sent to the Browns in exchange for a 2021 fifth-round draft pick.
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Harrison becomes the third Jaguars starter in the past five days to be traded or released. The team shipped disgruntled defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and waived star running back Leonard Fournette on Monday.
The Browns were in need of a safety after second-round pick Grant Delpit suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in training camp Aug. 24.
TRADE OFFICIAL We have traded S Ronnie Harrison to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 5th-round pick in 2021. pic.twitter.com/zwZmViSjZ7— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) September 3, 2020
While Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson will enter 2019 with a combined 10 starts, the staff feels confident that their move to youth is a positive.— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) May 20, 2019 Advertisement
The Jaguars selected Harrison in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Since 2016, he is the third player drafted by the Jaguars in the first three rounds to be released or traded before playing out his rookie deal -- joining cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Fournette.
Harrison started 22 of the 28 games in which he played for the Jaguars. He has recorded 103 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and 12 passes defensed in his NFL career.


upi--2020-09-03--Rescue crews detect potential survivor amid rubble of Beirut port explosion

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Crews in Beirut are searching for a potential survivor from last month 's port explosion after a rescue dog detected signs of life beneath rubble from the blast .
Thermal imaging cameras detected a large body as well as a smaller one beneath the debris that showed signs of life including a faint pulse .
It 's been 29 days since the explosion killed nearly 200 people and injured about 6,500 more .
`` The team arrived 10 days ago .
Yesterday , walking in this street with the dog , and the dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lermanda , head of the Chilean Rescue team , said .
`` This life-locating equipment detected breathing .
It was detecting 15 breaths per minute .
I think it 's a person in a coma state , breathing slowly . ''
Rescue teams called off the search for the night , saying they did not have the cranes needed to lift the rubble in the area and expressed concern that buildings in the area might collapse .
The blast occurred Aug. 4 after more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate being stored at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detonated by a fire .
On Thursday , four containers with more than 4 tons of ammonium nitrate were found outside Beirut 's seaport .
Last month , an explosives manufacturing company from Mozambique said that it had originally ordered the 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate involved in the explosion but the order never arrived after remaining in a container at the port for six years .

Rescue crews in Beirut detected what they believe is a body showing signs of life beneath rubble from the port explosion that killed nearly 200 people in the Lebanese capital last month. File Photo by Mustafa Jamaleddine/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Crews in Beirut are searching for a potential survivor from last month's port explosion after a rescue dog detected signs of life beneath rubble from the blast. Thermal imaging cameras detected a large body as well as a smaller one beneath the debris that showed signs of life including a faint pulse. It's been 29 days since the explosion killed nearly 200 people and injured about 6,500 more. Advertisement
"The team arrived 10 days ago. Yesterday, walking in this street with the dog, and the dog said 'what?!'" Francisco Lermanda, head of the Chilean Rescue team, said. "This life-locating equipment detected breathing. It was detecting 15 breaths per minute. I think it's a person in a coma state, breathing slowly."
Rescue teams called off the search for the night, saying they did not have the cranes needed to lift the rubble in the area and expressed concern that buildings in the area might collapse.
The blast occurred Aug. 4 after more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate being stored at a port in the Lebanese capital city detonated by a fire.
On Thursday, four containers with more than 4 tons of ammonium nitrate were found outside Beirut's seaport.
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Last month, an explosives manufacturing company from Mozambique said that it had originally ordered the 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate involved in the explosion but the order never arrived after remaining in a container at the port for six years.


upi--2020-09-03--Nervous tension builds before Kentucky Derby; King Guillermo scratched

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Churchill Downs settled into its typical , nervous waiting pattern Thursday with the major players in the 146th Kentucky Derby crossing fingers their horses stay healthy for two more days and hoping that outside events wo n't add another twist to an already bizarre year .
Hope was in vain for long-shot contender King Guillermo , who was withdrawn Thursday afternoon after spiking a fever .
With rain still falling during training hours , most of the remaining 17 contenders just jogged and galloped over the slop , which again prevented the odds-on favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any serious work .
King Guillermo 's trainer , Juan Carlos Avila , reported his colt developed a fever at the most inopportune time .
`` To race in a race like the Derby , we need him at 100 percent , '' Avila said .
`` We are n't going to be able to demonstrate how good he is like this .
I think we are going to have plenty of time to show his quality .
He 's going to be a great horse , and everybody knows we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Avila said he will try to get King Guillermo ready for next month 's Preakness Stakes , which this year is the final leg of the Triple Crown .
With King Guillermo not starting , the field shrinks to 17 .
Two inside slots and one on the outside of the new 20-stall starting gate will be left open , Churchill Downs officials said .
There 's a long history of well-regarded Derby contenders meeting with misfortune in the days leading up to the race .
Omaha Beach was the morning-line favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derby .
The same with I Want Revenge in 2009 .
In 1992 , A.P .
Indy was scratched the morning of the race with a bruised foot .
This year 's favorite , Tiz the Law , seemed in fine fettle with two days to go , although trainer Barclay Tagg for the second straight day fretted about the weather -- which is scheduled to improve quickly and sharply for Friday and Saturday .
`` I wish I could have done more with him , but could n't because we 've had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tagg said after Tiz the Law had an easy , 2-miles gallop under exercise rider Heather Smullen .
`` He 'll gallop tomorrow and he 'll school in the paddock today during the fourth race . ''
Tiz the Law drew post position No .
17 for the Derby -- a number no winner has ever worn .
The second and third favorites , Honor A.P .
and Authentic , drew No .
16 and No .
18 , respectively .
Having the top three draw the outside stalls was only the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Derby was delayed four months from its normal first Saturday in May .
Then , after a long series of twists and turns , Churchill Downs finally just weeks ago gave up on plans to allow fans to watch the race on site because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions .
While there wo n't be paying customers , there will be protesters near the historic track .
Louisville has seen sporadic demonstrations since the death in May of Breonna Taylor and news reports indicate organizers plan to use the Derby as a setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a media conference call Aug. 27 that he is `` very concerned '' that protests could have an impact on racing at Churchill Downs .
`` I do n't want my people hurt .
I do n't want myself hurt .
I do n't want the horse hurt , and the world is crazy right now .
And hopefully we can pull it off without something disastrous happening . ''
On the same call , Art Collector 's owner , Bruce Lunsford , a former Churchill Downs director , said track management has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the spotlight of controversy ... and I think it 's going to be a good day . ''
Churchill Downs spokeswoman Tonya Abeln told Blood-Horse early in the week discussions continued about whether to continue the century-old tradition of playing `` My Old Kentucky Home '' as the horses step onto the track for the Derby .
The Stephen Foster classic is a beloved part of the experience for racing fans but its racial message is questionable .
Friday 's festivities at Churchill Downs center around the $ 1.25 million Kentucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derby and a hugely important race in its own right for breeders and owners .
The clear favorites in a field of nine are Gamine , the even-money pick on the morning line , and Swiss Skydiver , posted at 8-5 .
Gamine , a daughter of the outstanding sire Into Mischief , has never lost in four starts for trainer Bob Baffert .
She was , however , disqualified from victory in an allowance race at Oaklawn Park in May when trace elements of lidocaine , a numbing agent , were found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to win the Grade I Acorn at Belmont Park by 18 3/4 lengths in stakes-record time and backed that up with a 7-lengths win in the Grade I Test at Saratoga .
She has never raced farther than 1 mile and adds another eighth for Saturday 's event .
Swiss Skydiver has won four of her last five starts , losing only when she finished second to Art Collector in the Grade II Blue Grass at Keeneland .
Art Collector would have been among the Kentucky Derby favorites , but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Swiss Skydiver , a daughter of Daredevil , returned to fillies-only races , winning the Grade I Alabama at Saratoga on Aug. 15 , going 1 1/4 miles with ease .
Both Gamine and Swiss Skydiver like to run freely .
It will be up to jockeys John Velazquez and Tyler Gaffalione , respectively , to make sure they do n't burn each other out in a speed duel and open the way for a closer .
`` Pace is going to be very important , '' Baffert said Thursday morning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plaques commemorating past Oaks winners Abel Tasman and Plum Pretty .
`` I 've already talked to Johnny and he 's got a sort of a game plan .
At the end of the day , you find out if you can go that far . ''
Four other important graded stakes support the Oaks on the Friday program .

Kentucky Derby hopeful King Guillermo (L) walks a muddy track during a workout Tuesday before he was scratched two days later from the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Churchill Downs settled into its typical, nervous waiting pattern Thursday with the major players in the 146th Kentucky Derby crossing fingers their horses stay healthy for two more days and hoping that outside events won't add another twist to an already bizarre year. Hope was in vain for long-shot contender King Guillermo, who was withdrawn Thursday afternoon after spiking a fever. Advertisement
With rain still falling during training hours, most of the remaining 17 contenders just jogged and galloped over the slop, which again prevented the odds-on favorite, Tiz the Law, from doing any serious work.
King Guillermo's trainer, Juan Carlos Avila, reported his colt developed a fever at the most inopportune time.
"To race in a race like the Derby, we need him at 100 percent," Avila said. "We aren't going to be able to demonstrate how good he is like this. I think we are going to have plenty of time to show his quality. He's going to be a great horse, and everybody knows we have to take care of the horse first."
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Avila said he will try to get King Guillermo ready for next month's Preakness Stakes, which this year is the final leg of the Triple Crown.
With King Guillermo not starting, the field shrinks to 17. Two inside slots and one on the outside of the new 20-stall starting gate will be left open, Churchill Downs officials said.
There's a long history of well-regarded Derby contenders meeting with misfortune in the days leading up to the race.
Omaha Beach was the morning-line favorite before being scratched days before the 2019 Derby. The same with I Want Revenge in 2009. In 1992, A.P. Indy was scratched the morning of the race with a bruised foot.
This year's favorite, Tiz the Law, seemed in fine fettle with two days to go, although trainer Barclay Tagg for the second straight day fretted about the weather -- which is scheduled to improve quickly and sharply for Friday and Saturday.
"I wish I could have done more with him, but couldn't because we've had two days of hard rain," Tagg said after Tiz the Law had an easy, 2-miles gallop under exercise rider Heather Smullen. "He'll gallop tomorrow and he'll school in the paddock today during the fourth race."
Advertisement
Tiz the Law drew post position No. 17 for the Derby -- a number no winner has ever worn. The second and third favorites, Honor A.P. and Authentic, drew No. 16 and No. 18, respectively.
Having the top three draw the outside stalls was only the latest wrinkle in this oddest of years. The Derby was delayed four months from its normal first Saturday in May. Then, after a long series of twists and turns, Churchill Downs finally just weeks ago gave up on plans to allow fans to watch the race on site because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
While there won't be paying customers, there will be protesters near the historic track. Louisville has seen sporadic demonstrations since the death in May of Breonna Taylor and news reports indicate organizers plan to use the Derby as a setting for further action.
Tagg said on a media conference call Aug. 27 that he is "very concerned" that protests could have an impact on racing at Churchill Downs. "I don't want my people hurt. I don't want myself hurt. I don't want the horse hurt, and the world is crazy right now. And hopefully we can pull it off without something disastrous happening."
Advertisement
On the same call, Art Collector's owner, Bruce Lunsford, a former Churchill Downs director, said track management has "done a superb job of staying out of the spotlight of controversy ... and I think it's going to be a good day."
Churchill Downs spokeswoman Tonya Abeln told Blood-Horse early in the week discussions continued about whether to continue the century-old tradition of playing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses step onto the track for the Derby. The Stephen Foster classic is a beloved part of the experience for racing fans but its racial message is questionable.
Friday's festivities at Churchill Downs center around the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks -- the fillies-only equivalent of the Derby and a hugely important race in its own right for breeders and owners.
The clear favorites in a field of nine are Gamine, the even-money pick on the morning line, and Swiss Skydiver, posted at 8-5.
Gamine, a daughter of the outstanding sire Into Mischief, has never lost in four starts for trainer Bob Baffert. She was, however, disqualified from victory in an allowance race at Oaklawn Park in May when trace elements of lidocaine, a numbing agent, were found in her post-race sample.
Advertisement
Gamine later went on to win the Grade I Acorn at Belmont Park by 18 3/4 lengths in stakes-record time and backed that up with a 7-lengths win in the Grade I Test at Saratoga. She has never raced farther than 1 mile and adds another eighth for Saturday's event.
Swiss Skydiver has won four of her last five starts, losing only when she finished second to Art Collector in the Grade II Blue Grass at Keeneland.
Art Collector would have been among the Kentucky Derby favorites, but was ruled out Tuesday with a minor injury. Swiss Skydiver, a daughter of Daredevil, returned to fillies-only races, winning the Grade I Alabama at Saratoga on Aug. 15, going 1 1/4 miles with ease.
Both Gamine and Swiss Skydiver like to run freely. It will be up to jockeys John Velazquez and Tyler Gaffalione, respectively, to make sure they don't burn each other out in a speed duel and open the way for a closer.
"Pace is going to be very important," Baffert said Thursday morning in front of his Churchill Downs barn bearing the plaques commemorating past Oaks winners Abel Tasman and Plum Pretty.
"I've already talked to Johnny and he's got a sort of a game plan. At the end of the day, you find out if you can go that far."
Advertisement
Four other important graded stakes support the Oaks on the Friday program.
Authentic wins Kentucky Derby in race without spectators


upi--2020-09-03--New England Patriots' Cam Newton named starting quarterback, team captain

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Three-time Pro Bowler Cam Newton will be the New England Patriots ' starting quarterback and one of the team 's captains this season .
League sources told ESPN , NFL Media and the Boston Globe that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick informed players that Newton will officially be the team 's starter during a meeting Thursday , filling the void created by the departure of star quarterback Tom Brady this past off-season .
Brady , who spent 20 seasons in New England and won six Super Bowls , signed a two-year , $ 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
Belichick 's decision came after Newton was voted as one of three offensive captains by Patriots players .
The team confirmed Newton 's captaincy in a statement posted Thursday on social media .
The Patriots ' other offensive captains are veteran running back James White and center David Andrews .
After being released by the Panthers , Newton agreed to join the Patriots on June 28 .
He officially signed his contract July 8 .
The Panthers selected Newton with the No .
1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 245-pound quarterback spent nine seasons in Carolina but only appeared in two games during his final year with the Panthers because of a Lisfranc injury .
The 2015 NFL MVP also sat out the last two games of the 2018 campaign due to a shoulder injury that required surgery .
In 125 career games with the Panthers , Newton completed 59.6 % of his passes for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions .
He added 934 carries for 4,806 yards and 58 scores on the ground .

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will be one of three offensive captains for the team this season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Three-time Pro Bowler Cam Newton will be the New England Patriots' starting quarterback and one of the team's captains this season. League sources told ESPN, NFL Media and the Boston Globe that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick informed players that Newton will officially be the team's starter during a meeting Thursday, filling the void created by the departure of star quarterback Tom Brady this past off-season. Advertisement
Brady, who spent 20 seasons in New England and won six Super Bowls, signed a two-year, $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March.
Belichick's decision came after Newton was voted as one of three offensive captains by Patriots players. The team confirmed Newton's captaincy in a statement posted Thursday on social media.
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The Patriots' other offensive captains are veteran running back James White and center David Andrews.
After being released by the Panthers, Newton agreed to join the Patriots on June 28. He officially signed his contract July 8.
The Panthers selected Newton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Auburn. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound quarterback spent nine seasons in Carolina but only appeared in two games during his final year with the Panthers because of a Lisfranc injury.
The 2015 NFL MVP also sat out the last two games of the 2018 campaign due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
In 125 career games with the Panthers, Newton completed 59.6% of his passes for 29,041 yards with 182 touchdowns and 108 interceptions. He added 934 carries for 4,806 yards and 58 scores on the ground.


upi--2020-09-03--Air Force to survey members on interpersonal violence

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- The Air Force will distribute a survey next week asking members about their experiences with interpersonal violence .
`` We 're asking for people to participate in a survey to help us better understand their individual experiences surrounding interpersonal violence in our ranks , '' said Brig .
Gen. April Vogel , director for manpower , personnel , recruiting and services at the National Guard Bureau , and the interpersonal violence task force lead , in an Air Force press release , which defines interpersonal violence along a range of behaviors including stalking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and abuse .
The survey will be distributed next Monday to all Airmen and Space Professionals including civilians , active duty , Guard and Reserve members .
According to the Air Force , the survey data will be reviewed along with data gathered from reviewing past cases involving interpersonal violence to identify themes and potential areas for improvement .
Survey participants can also opt to participate a limited number of small focus groups , and command leadership teams will also have the opportunity to provide their perspectives .
Participants will remain anonymous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data being kept separate from personal contact information .
The interpersonal violence task force was created at the end of July `` to explore processes , programs and leadership actions associated with keeping Airmen and Space Professionals safe when faced with interpersonal violence situations . ''

Then-Col. April Vogel addresses members of Team MacDill and the local community during the wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., in 2016. Photo by Krystie Martinez/U.S. Air Force
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The Air Force will distribute a survey next week asking members about their experiences with interpersonal violence. "We're asking for people to participate in a survey to help us better understand their individual experiences surrounding interpersonal violence in our ranks," said Brig. Gen. April Vogel, director for manpower, personnel, recruiting and services at the National Guard Bureau, and the interpersonal violence task force lead, in an Air Force press release, which defines interpersonal violence along a range of behaviors including stalking and bullying, domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. Advertisement
The survey will be distributed next Monday to all Airmen and Space Professionals including civilians, active duty, Guard and Reserve members.
According to the Air Force, the survey data will be reviewed along with data gathered from reviewing past cases involving interpersonal violence to identify themes and potential areas for improvement.
Survey participants can also opt to participate a limited number of small focus groups, and command leadership teams will also have the opportunity to provide their perspectives.
Participants will remain anonymous, the Air Force said, with survey data being kept separate from personal contact information.
The interpersonal violence task force was created at the end of July "to explore processes, programs and leadership actions associated with keeping Airmen and Space Professionals safe when faced with interpersonal violence situations."


upi--2020-09-03--NYC's Whitney museum reopens after 5 months

1/6
Visitors wear face masks as they enter the Whitney Museum of American Art as it reopened to the public Thursday after being closed for nearly 6 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 3 (UPI) -- New York City's Whitney Museum of American Art reopened Thursday, nearly six months after shuttering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum opened its doors to all guests, but at reduced capacity and requiring timed tickets. The Whitney is also allowing visitors to pay what they wish for admission. Advertisement
The museum closed March 12 due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, which severely hit New York City in the spring.
To begin allowing visits, the Whitney implemented a series of new measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. The include:
-- Mandatory face coverings for all visitors at all times.
-- Social distancing of at least 6 feet.
-- Contactless thermal cameras to take body temperature as each visitor enters.
-- Hand-sanitizing stations throughout.
-- Encouraging guests to stay home if they feel ill or have tested positive for the virus in the past 14 days.
-- Daily health screenings for staff and enhanced cleaning measures.
Other popular New York City art museums opened last week, including the Museum of Modern Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-09-03--Joe Biden says there's a chance for 'real awakening' during visit to Kenosha

Sept. 3 ( UPI ) -- Joe Biden said there is a chance for `` a real awakening '' following the police shooting of Jacob Blake after the Democratic presidential candidate visited the Blake family in Kenosha , Wis. , on Thursday .
Biden spoke during a community meeting at Grace Lutheran Church in the city where Blake was shot seven times by a police officer , leaving him paralyzed .
Two protesters were also shot and killed by a 17-year-old who traveled from Illinois in response to the demonstrations against Blake 's shooting .
The vice president invoked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worldwide protests in response to the fatal Memorial Day police shooting of George Floyd , as he addressed the history of racism in the United States .
`` We 've gone through a lot .
We 're finally now getting to a point , we 're going to be addressing the original sin of this country , 400 years old , the original sin of this country , slavery , '' he said .
`` There 's a chance for a real awakening here , and the point is , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight . ''
He also commented on President Donald Trump 's rhetoric , including his comments in the wake of the Charlottesville , Va. , protests which Biden has cited as a reason he decided to run for president , saying they legitimize `` the dark side of human nature '' and have also exposed institutionalized racism .
`` I made a mistake about something .
I thought you could defeat hate .
It only hides .
It only hides , '' Biden said .
Biden said he spoke to Blake for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and praised his resolve .
`` He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him , how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up , '' Biden said of Blake .
`` Fear does n't solve problems .
Only hope does .
If you give up hope , you might as well surrender .
There 's no other option . ''
Biden also had conversations with Blake 's mother , son , brother and two sisters , saying he came away with an `` overwhelming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have .
`` His mom said a prayer and she said , ' I 'm praying for Jacob and I 'm praying for the policeman as well .
I 'm praying that things change . '
If you think a little bit about where we are right now , it 's been a terrible , terrible wakeup call . ''
Blake 's attorney , Ben Crump , released a statement saying Biden and his wife , Jill Biden , had a `` very engaging '' meeting with Blake 's family .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was very impressed that the Bidens were so engaged and willing to really listen , '' Crump wrote .

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Joe Biden said there is a chance for "a real awakening" following the police shooting of Jacob Blake after the Democratic presidential candidate visited the Blake family in Kenosha, Wis., on Thursday.
Biden spoke during a community meeting at Grace Lutheran Church in the city where Blake was shot seven times by a police officer, leaving him paralyzed. Two protesters were also shot and killed by a 17-year-old who traveled from Illinois in response to the demonstrations against Blake's shooting.
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The vice president invoked the response to the shooting as well as the worldwide protests in response to the fatal Memorial Day police shooting of George Floyd, as he addressed the history of racism in the United States.
"We've gone through a lot. We're finally now getting to a point, we're going to be addressing the original sin of this country, 400 years old, the original sin of this country, slavery," he said. "There's a chance for a real awakening here, and the point is, I don't think we have any alternative but to fight."
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He also commented on President Donald Trump's rhetoric, including his comments in the wake of the Charlottesville, Va., protests which Biden has cited as a reason he decided to run for president, saying they legitimize "the dark side of human nature" and have also exposed institutionalized racism.
"I made a mistake about something. I thought you could defeat hate. It only hides. It only hides," Biden said.
Biden said he spoke to Blake for 15 minutes by phone while visiting his family and praised his resolve.
"He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him, how whether he walked again or not he was not going to give up," Biden said of Blake. "Fear doesn't solve problems. Only hope does. If you give up hope, you might as well surrender. There's no other option."
Biden also had conversations with Blake's mother, son, brother and two sisters, saying he came away with an "overwhelming sense of resilience and optimism" that they have.
"His mom said a prayer and she said, 'I'm praying for Jacob and I'm praying for the policeman as well. I'm praying that things change.' If you think a little bit about where we are right now, it's been a terrible, terrible wakeup call."
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Blake's attorney, Ben Crump, released a statement saying Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, had a "very engaging" meeting with Blake's family.
"The family was grateful for the meeting and was very impressed that the Bidens were so engaged and willing to really listen," Crump wrote.