upi--2020-08-13--Jason Sudeikis: 'Ted Lasso' 'a little nicer' than in sketches

LOS ANGELES , Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Ted Lasso , the character whom Jason Sudeikis plays in his new Apple TV+ series , seems like someone he might have created on Saturday Night Live .
In fact , the character comes from a series of shorts the 44-year-old did for NBC Sports .
Sudeikis was surprised that NBC Sports asked him to continue playing Lasso in subsequent shorts , let alone that he got his own series years later .
`` I never expect something to resonate , '' Sudeikis told UPI in a recent Zoom session .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sudeikis premiered his Ted Lasso character when NBC began to broadcast Premier League soccer in 2013 .
The Ted Lasso shorts introduced the sport to American audiences with a film in which American football coach Lasso ( Sudeikis ) travels to England to coach the Tottenham Hotspurs .
In the short , Lasso meets Premier League participants and becomes frustrated .
In a press conference , he talks about playing in quarters until a reporter corrects him that soccer is played in halves .
Lasso becomes even more red-faced when he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is infuriated to find out soccer can end in a tie .
Sudeikis said the writers of the shorts originally wanted him to play a screaming coach like on Saturday Night Live .
Lasso does scream at soccer players in the first short , but Sudeikis said his second NBC Sports spot featured more humor than anger .
`` I believe the thing we unlocked in the second commercial was this sort of indomitable spirit , enthusiasm and hopefulness that is Ted , '' Sudeikis said .
The Apple TV+ series replaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFC Richmond and promotes Lasso to manager .
The series embraces the kinder , gentler side of Lasso .
Instead of the ugly American archetype the shorts depicted , the series finds Lasso genuinely trying to learn British sports and customs .
Sudeikis said Lasso had to be kinder and more intelligent to sustain 10 episodes .
`` I just thought it 'd be fun to play a coach character that 's a little more Andy Griffith/Jimmy Stewart , '' Sudeikis said .
Sudeikis began to develop Ted Lasso as a series in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress-director Olivia Wilde , suggested creating a Ted Lasso series .
She `` loves Ted Lasso , the character and the spots , '' Sudeikis said .
`` She 's like , 'You should do that as a show . '
I 'm smart enough to know to listen to her . ''
The couple is engaged and together have two children , Daisy and Otis .
Sudeikis teamed up with co-writers Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly to develop the series .
Hunt also plays AFC Richmond 's Coach Beard .
Executive Producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help develop the series for Apple TV+ .
The same soccer quarters-halves and winners-tie jokes from the first short , as well as a few other jokes , reappear in the series .
In a 30-minute episode , Sudeikis said such jokes can play out longer .
Instead of ending the scene when Lasso embarrasses himself , scenes in the series can continue .
For example , they depict Lasso trying to cover a faux pas while mining more comedy out of an embarrassing moment .
`` [ We 're ] still allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , but more from a place of childlike enthusiasm than necessarily being a complete buffoon , '' Sudeikis said .
The shorts offered a way for NBC Sports to explain soccer to its American viewers in the guise of a comedy sketch .
To keep audiences engaged for 30 minutes , and 10 episodes , Sudeikis wanted the other characters on Ted Lasso to be as memorable as the main one..
The ensemble of Ted Lasso includes the AFC Richmond players , team owner Rebecca ( Hannah Waddingham ) , coach Beard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , flamboyant girlfriend of one of Lasso 's star players .
`` It 's more fun to succeed and fail as a group than necessarily as an individual , '' Sudeikis said of the cast 's exploits .
Sudeikis said sports comedies like Ron Shelton 's Bull Durham , White Men Ca n't Jump and Tin Cup inspired him , and he considered the first season as `` a 300-minute-long sports film . ''
As a series , Lasso and AFC Richmond are on a journey .
The shorts only had to entertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airing on NBC .
In the series , Sudeikis hopes audiences root for Lasso and the team .
Sudeikis said Ted Lasso is n't just a comedy , though .
`` What if Nora Ephron wrote a sports film ? ''
Sudeikis said .
`` As funny as the show is , it goes to some sweet , sincere and heartfelt places , too . ''
Ted Lasso premieres with three episodes Friday on Apple+ , and a new episode every Friday .

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Jason Sudeikis says Ted Lasso is a little nicer and a little smarter than he was in the NBC Sports shorts. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Ted Lasso, the character whom Jason Sudeikis plays in his new Apple TV+ series, seems like someone he might have created on Saturday Night Live. In fact, the character comes from a series of shorts the 44-year-old did for NBC Sports. Sudeikis was surprised that NBC Sports asked him to continue playing Lasso in subsequent shorts, let alone that he got his own series years later. Advertisement
"I never expect something to resonate," Sudeikis told UPI in a recent Zoom session. "I'm always pleasantly surprised."
Sudeikis premiered his Ted Lasso character when NBC began to broadcast Premier League soccer in 2013. The Ted Lasso shorts introduced the sport to American audiences with a film in which American football coach Lasso (Sudeikis) travels to England to coach the Tottenham Hotspurs.
In the short, Lasso meets Premier League participants and becomes frustrated. In a press conference, he talks about playing in quarters until a reporter corrects him that soccer is played in halves. Lasso becomes even more red-faced when he says every game ends with a winner. He is infuriated to find out soccer can end in a tie.
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Sudeikis said the writers of the shorts originally wanted him to play a screaming coach like on Saturday Night Live. Lasso does scream at soccer players in the first short, but Sudeikis said his second NBC Sports spot featured more humor than anger.
"I believe the thing we unlocked in the second commercial was this sort of indomitable spirit, enthusiasm and hopefulness that is Ted," Sudeikis said.
The Apple TV+ series replaces the real Tottenham Hotspurs with the fictional AFC Richmond and promotes Lasso to manager. The series embraces the kinder, gentler side of Lasso.
Instead of the ugly American archetype the shorts depicted, the series finds Lasso genuinely trying to learn British sports and customs. Sudeikis said Lasso had to be kinder and more intelligent to sustain 10 episodes.
"I just thought it'd be fun to play a coach character that's a little more Andy Griffith/Jimmy Stewart," Sudeikis said.
Sudeikis began to develop Ted Lasso as a series in 2016. Sudeikis said his partner, actress-director Olivia Wilde, suggested creating a Ted Lasso series.
She "loves Ted Lasso, the character and the spots," Sudeikis said. "She's like, 'You should do that as a show.' I'm smart enough to know to listen to her."
Advertisement
The couple is engaged and together have two children, Daisy and Otis.
Sudeikis teamed up with co-writers Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly to develop the series. Hunt also plays AFC Richmond's Coach Beard. Executive Producer Bill Lawrence joined them in 2018 to help develop the series for Apple TV+.
The same soccer quarters-halves and winners-tie jokes from the first short, as well as a few other jokes, reappear in the series. In a 30-minute episode, Sudeikis said such jokes can play out longer.
Instead of ending the scene when Lasso embarrasses himself, scenes in the series can continue. For example, they depict Lasso trying to cover a faux pas while mining more comedy out of an embarrassing moment.
"[We're] still allowing Ted to be a little dim with areas, but more from a place of childlike enthusiasm than necessarily being a complete buffoon," Sudeikis said.
The shorts offered a way for NBC Sports to explain soccer to its American viewers in the guise of a comedy sketch. To keep audiences engaged for 30 minutes, and 10 episodes, Sudeikis wanted the other characters on Ted Lasso to be as memorable as the main one..
The ensemble of Ted Lasso includes the AFC Richmond players, team owner Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), coach Beard and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), flamboyant girlfriend of one of Lasso's star players.
Advertisement
"It's more fun to succeed and fail as a group than necessarily as an individual," Sudeikis said of the cast's exploits.
Sudeikis said sports comedies like Ron Shelton's Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump and Tin Cup inspired him, and he considered the first season as "a 300-minute-long sports film."
As a series, Lasso and AFC Richmond are on a journey. The shorts only had to entertain viewers long enough to promote the game airing on NBC. In the series, Sudeikis hopes audiences root for Lasso and the team.
Sudeikis said Ted Lasso isn't just a comedy, though.
"What if Nora Ephron wrote a sports film?" Sudeikis said. "As funny as the show is, it goes to some sweet, sincere and heartfelt places, too."
Ted Lasso premieres with three episodes Friday on Apple+, and a new episode every Friday.


upi--2020-08-13--USDA finds noxious weeds, bug larva in unsolicited seeds from China

ORLANDO , Fla. , Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has discovered noxious weeds and a bug larva in mystery seeds that were sent unsolicited from China to thousands of residents across the United States .
The weeds and the bug already are found in this country , although they are considered undesirable .
The weeds can displace native plants and deplete nutrients for native plants .
The bug larva was a type of leaf beetle that consumes and destroys leaves of native plants , agriculture officials said .
For those reasons , the USDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the unknown risks involved .
`` We have received more than 9,000 emails from private citizens across the country who report receiving unsolicited seeds , and we have collected 925 packages , '' Osama El-Lissy , the USDA 's deputy administrator for plant protection and quarantine , said Wednesday in department audio recordings .
Most of the seeds examined were common garden seeds , like marigolds and herbs .
The weeds were a variety of water spinach and dodder , a stringy vine that can choke out large native plants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USDA said .
The agency said it continues to examine Chinese seeds at plant inspection stations situated in every state , where any problems would be contained .
Eventually , the seeds will be incinerated .
Agriculture officials are treating the seeds so carefully because biologists have warned that any of them might carry invasive pests , fungus or even plant viruses that could devastate entire crops .
`` When you look at the billion-dollar consequences , it 's just devastating , said Jonathan Crane , professor and tropical fruit specialist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based near Miami .
`` The impact is n't felt by the big commercial entities -- it 's felt by the farmers and consumers , and it can put the food supply in jeopardy , '' Crane said , explaining that many farmers operate on thin profit margins unlike large agriculture businesses and processors .
Crane said the movement of agriculture products is tightly regulated , and it is illegal to bring foreign plants into the country without a permit .
He said citrus greening disease , which has wiped out 60 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from citrus tree cuttings smuggled into south Florida .
`` Do not open the seeds , and do not throw them in the trash , because they might sprout in a landfill , '' he said .
Florida alone reported almost that 2,000 people received packages , with the heaviest concentration in the Tampa area .
Many of the recipients seem to have previously ordered seeds online through Chinese companies without realizing the origin of the product , said Trevor Smith , director of the Division of Plant Industry for the Florida Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USDA has said the seeds appear to be part of an online `` brushing scheme , '' in which online sellers mail unsolicited items to consumers and use the delivery confirmation to create fake positive reviews of their services and products .
`` State inspectors are going out to pick up packets at extension offices and at homes , if people want that , '' Smith said .
`` We 're delivering seeds to the USDA at this point , because they want to do the research . ''
The state is encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any seeds to their local University of Florida extension office or via the USDA 's new webpage , on which people can report they received the seeds , Smith said .

These unsolicited seeds were mailed from China to a Florida home. Photo courtesy of Gabriella Hielscher
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has discovered noxious weeds and a bug larva in mystery seeds that were sent unsolicited from China to thousands of residents across the United States. The weeds and the bug already are found in this country, although they are considered undesirable. Advertisement
The weeds can displace native plants and deplete nutrients for native plants. The bug larva was a type of leaf beetle that consumes and destroys leaves of native plants, agriculture officials said.
For those reasons, the USDA warned that recipients should not open packages due to the unknown risks involved.
"We have received more than 9,000 emails from private citizens across the country who report receiving unsolicited seeds, and we have collected 925 packages," Osama El-Lissy, the USDA's deputy administrator for plant protection and quarantine, said Wednesday in department audio recordings.
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Most of the seeds examined were common garden seeds, like marigolds and herbs. The weeds were a variety of water spinach and dodder, a stringy vine that can choke out large native plants and even large areas of native woodland, the USDA said.
The agency said it continues to examine Chinese seeds at plant inspection stations situated in every state, where any problems would be contained. Eventually, the seeds will be incinerated.
Agriculture officials are treating the seeds so carefully because biologists have warned that any of them might carry invasive pests, fungus or even plant viruses that could devastate entire crops.
"When you look at the billion-dollar consequences, it's just devastating, said Jonathan Crane, professor and tropical fruit specialist at the University of Florida, who is based near Miami.
"The impact isn't felt by the big commercial entities -- it's felt by the farmers and consumers, and it can put the food supply in jeopardy," Crane said, explaining that many farmers operate on thin profit margins unlike large agriculture businesses and processors.
Crane said the movement of agriculture products is tightly regulated, and it is illegal to bring foreign plants into the country without a permit. He said citrus greening disease, which has wiped out 60 percent of Florida's citrus groves, came from citrus tree cuttings smuggled into south Florida.
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"Do not open the seeds, and do not throw them in the trash, because they might sprout in a landfill," he said.
Florida alone reported almost that 2,000 people received packages, with the heaviest concentration in the Tampa area.
Many of the recipients seem to have previously ordered seeds online through Chinese companies without realizing the origin of the product, said Trevor Smith, director of the Division of Plant Industry for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The USDA has said the seeds appear to be part of an online "brushing scheme," in which online sellers mail unsolicited items to consumers and use the delivery confirmation to create fake positive reviews of their services and products.
"State inspectors are going out to pick up packets at extension offices and at homes, if people want that," Smith said. "We're delivering seeds to the USDA at this point, because they want to do the research."
The state is encouraging all Floridians to report the receipt of any seeds to their local University of Florida extension office or via the USDA's new webpage, on which people can report they received the seeds, Smith said.


upi--2020-08-13--On This Day, Aug. 13: Capt. Frank Hawkes sets air speed record

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1918 , women were allowed to join the U.S. Marines for the first time .
Sgt .
Opha May Johnson , a 40-year-old civil servant , was the first to enlist .
In 1930 , Capt .
Frank Hawkes set an air speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 12 hours , 25 minutes .
In 1961 , East Germany closed the Brandenburg Gate and prepared to start building the Berlin Wall .
In 1980 , U.S. President Jimmy Carter was nominated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention in New York .
He lost in November to Ronald Reagan .
In 1990 , singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield was left paralyzed when he was hit by a wind-blown lighting rig on an outdoor stage in New York .
He died in 1999 .
In 1993 , the multi-story Royal Plaza Hotel in eastern Thailand collapsed into a heap of rubble , leaving 137 people dead .
In 2008 , Bill Gwatney , chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party and a former legislator , was shot to death in his Little Rock office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect was killed by police in an exchange of gunfire .
A motive for Gwatney 's killing was never determined .
In 2013 , Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of a deal to resume peace talks .
In 2014 , Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos was among seven people killed in a plane crash southeast of Sao Paulo .
In 2016 , Michael Phelps won his 23rd Olympic gold medal to finish his swimming career as the world 's most decorated Olympian .
In 2019 , media companies CBS and Viacom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment assets in an all-stock merger .
The new company was known as ViacomCBS .

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On Aug. 13, 1930, Capt. Frank Hawkes set an air speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 12 hours, 25 minutes. File Photo courtesy of San Diego Air and Space Museum Archives
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1889, William Gray patented the coin-operated telephone. Advertisement
In 1918, women were allowed to join the U.S. Marines for the first time. Sgt. Opha May Johnson, a 40-year-old civil servant, was the first to enlist.
In 1930, Capt. Frank Hawkes set an air speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 12 hours, 25 minutes.
In 1961, East Germany closed the Brandenburg Gate and prepared to start building the Berlin Wall.
In 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter was nominated for a second term by the Democratic National Convention in New York. He lost in November to Ronald Reagan.
File Photo by Don Rypka/UPI
In 1990, singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield was left paralyzed when he was hit by a wind-blown lighting rig on an outdoor stage in New York. He died in 1999.
In 1993, the multi-story Royal Plaza Hotel in eastern Thailand collapsed into a heap of rubble, leaving 137 people dead.
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In 2008, Bill Gwatney, chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party and a former legislator, was shot to death in his Little Rock office. After a 30-mile chase, a suspect was killed by police in an exchange of gunfire. A motive for Gwatney's killing was never determined.
In 2013, Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of a deal to resume peace talks.
File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
In 2014, Brazilian presidential candidate Eduardo Campos was among seven people killed in a plane crash southeast of Sao Paulo.
In 2016, Michael Phelps won his 23rd Olympic gold medal to finish his swimming career as the world's most decorated Olympian.
In 2019, media companies CBS and Viacom agreed to a merger, combining their entertainment assets in an all-stock merger. The new company was known as ViacomCBS.
The newly merged ViacomCBS acquired John Krasinski's "Some Good News" in May. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-08-13--Famous birthdays for Aug. 13: Debi Mazar, Sebastian Stan

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Leo .
-- Former @ @ @ @ @ Elders in 1933 ( age 87 )

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Debi Mazar arrives on the red carpet at the Billboard Women in Music 2016 event on December 9, 2016, in New York City. The actor turns 56 on August 13. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Leo. They include: Advertisement
-- Sharpshooter Annie Oakley in 1860
-- Actor Bert Lahr in 1895
-- Film director Alfred Hitchcock in 1899
-- Golf Hall of Fame member Ben Hogan in 1912
-- Former Cuban President Fidel Castro in 1926
UPI File Photo
-- Singer Don Ho in 1930
-- Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders in 1933 (age 87)
-- Former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen in 1946 (age 74)
-- Opera singer Kathleen Battle in 1948 (age 72)
-- Hockey Hall of Fame member Bobby Clarke in 1949 (age 71)
-- Pop singer Dan Fogelberg in 1951
-- Actor/announcer Danny Bonaduce in 1959 (age 61)
File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI
-- Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins in 1963 (age 57)
-- Actor Debi Mazar in 1964 (age 56)
-- Entrepreneur Kevin Plank in 1972 (age 48)
-- Olympic gold medal speed skater Shani Davis in 1982 (age 38)
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-- Actor Sebastian Stan in 1982 (age 38)


upi--2020-08-13--Utah police dept. suspends K-9 unit after Black man attacked

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Salt Lake City Police Department has suspended its K9 unit a day after bodycam footage was published showing an officer ordering his police dog to attack a Black man keeling on the ground with his hands in the air .
In a statement issued Wednesday , the department said the officer in question has also been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident .
The department said it has launched an independent review of the K9 apprehension program 's policies , procedures , training and application in the field .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be open and transparent in our findings and recommendations , '' the department said .
The announcement came a day after the Salt Lake Tribune published bodycam footage of the April 24 incident , showing a police officer ordering his dog to bite the Black man , identified as 36-year-old Jeffery Ryans , who screams while asking the officers for an explanation and stating that he was only retrieving his work clothes .
The newspaper reported that Ryans was having a smoke in his backyard when the police approached him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted that she was `` deeply concerned '' that the incident was only brought to her attention and that of senior police leadership when it was published in the newspaper and a review will be conducted in the breakdown of communication .
`` I am disturbed by what I saw in that video , frustrated by how the situation was handled and am committed to working to ensure neither happen again , '' she said .
The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed in its statement that it only learned of the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to file a lawsuit against them .

Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Salt Lake City Police Department has suspended its K9 unit a day after bodycam footage was published showing an officer ordering his police dog to attack a Black man keeling on the ground with his hands in the air.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the department said the officer in question has also been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.
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The department said it has launched an independent review of the K9 apprehension program's policies, procedures, training and application in the field.
"At the conclusion of this investigation, we will be open and transparent in our findings and recommendations," the department said.
The announcement came a day after the Salt Lake Tribune published bodycam footage of the April 24 incident, showing a police officer ordering his dog to bite the Black man, identified as 36-year-old Jeffery Ryans, who screams while asking the officers for an explanation and stating that he was only retrieving his work clothes.
The newspaper reported that Ryans was having a smoke in his backyard when the police approached him.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall tweeted that she was "deeply concerned" that the incident was only brought to her attention and that of senior police leadership when it was published in the newspaper and a review will be conducted in the breakdown of communication.
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"I am disturbed by what I saw in that video, frustrated by how the situation was handled and am committed to working to ensure neither happen again," she said.
The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed in its statement that it only learned of the incident Tuesday and that of Ryans' intent to file a lawsuit against them.


upi--2020-08-13--World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to play at U.S. Open; Bianca Andreescu pulls out

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Novak Djokovic , the top-ranked tennis player in the world , announced Thursday he will compete in this month 's Western & Southern Open and U.S. Open in New York .
Djokovic , who tested positive for the coronavirus in June , previously complained about the U.S. Tennis Association 's protocols designed to protect individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic , particularly its restrictions on the size of players ' entourages .
Due to the limitations , the Serbian said he was unsure whether he would participate .
`` It was not an easy decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges on many sides , but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited , '' Djokovic said in a statement .
`` During my career , I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center .
`` I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of N.Y .
Nevertheless , I have trained hard with my team and got my body in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to new conditions .
I 've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis . ''
Djokovic has won three of his 17 career Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open and has been the runner-up at the tournament five times .
By deciding to play , he will have the opportunity to close the gap between him and the only two men 's players with more major trophies : Roger Federer and Rafael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 Slam championships , is expected to miss the remainder of the 2020 season after undergoing two knee surgeries .
Nadal , who holds 19 major titles and won last year 's U.S. Open , said earlier this month he was pulling out of the 2020 U.S. Open because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , Bianca Andreescu -- the defending women 's champion in singles play at the event -- will skip the U.S. Open because of the pandemic .
Andreescu , who has n't played on tour since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top seven in the WTA rankings to pull out of the tournament , joining No .
1 Ash Barty , No .
5 Elina Svitolina and No .
7 Kiki Bertens .
`` After many discussions with those closest to me , I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year , '' Andreescu said in a statement .
`` I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 31 , without spectators .
Before that event , the Western & Southern Open -- typically held in Cincinnati , Ohio -- will be played Aug. 22 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows .

Novak Djokovic of Serbia has won three of his 17 career Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open and has been the runner-up at the tournament five times. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked tennis player in the world, announced Thursday he will compete in this month's Western & Southern Open and U.S. Open in New York. Djokovic, who tested positive for the coronavirus in June, previously complained about the U.S. Tennis Association's protocols designed to protect individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its restrictions on the size of players' entourages. Due to the limitations, the Serbian said he was unsure whether he would participate. Advertisement
"It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited," Djokovic said in a statement. "During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
"I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of N.Y. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis."
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Djokovic has won three of his 17 career Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open and has been the runner-up at the tournament five times. By deciding to play, he will have the opportunity to close the gap between him and the only two men's players with more major trophies: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Federer, who has captured 20 Slam championships, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2020 season after undergoing two knee surgeries. Nadal, who holds 19 major titles and won last year's U.S. Open, said earlier this month he was pulling out of the 2020 U.S. Open because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, Bianca Andreescu -- the defending women's champion in singles play at the event -- will skip the U.S. Open because of the pandemic. Andreescu, who hasn't played on tour since October, is the fourth woman in the top seven in the WTA rankings to pull out of the tournament, joining No. 1 Ash Barty, No. 5 Elina Svitolina and No. 7 Kiki Bertens.
"After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year," Andreescu said in a statement. "I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level."
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The U.S. Open is scheduled to start Aug. 31, without spectators. Before that event, the Western & Southern Open -- typically held in Cincinnati, Ohio -- will be played Aug. 22 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.


upi--2020-08-13--Tropical Storm Josephine forms, shatters another Atlantic hurricane season record

Tropical Storm Josephine developed over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday and is forecast to produce gusty winds and downpours in parts of the Leeward Islands this weekend before it runs into some more weather hurdles .
A disturbance spinning over the middle of the Atlantic organized enough to be named Tropical Depression 11 at 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday , according to the National Hurricane Center .
At 11 a.m. Thursday , the depression was upgraded to the ninth tropical storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season and in the process has set another record for the basin .
Josephine has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J-named storm in the basin by nine days .
The former record belonged to Jose , which developed on Aug. 22 , 2005 .
Prior to Josephine , the 2020 hurricane season as already left its mark on the history books multiple times so far with storms Cristobal , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , Hanna and Isaias all setting early-season formation records .
Except for Cristobal , the storms bumped off record-setters from the 2005 season .
The prior earliest C-named storm was Colin from 2016 .
As of 11 p.m. Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the west-northwest at 17 mph and was located about 760 miles to the east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands .
The system 's maximum sustained winds were 45 mph .
Josephine was able to form despite being in a sea of dry air as wind shear dipped enough to allow thunderstorms to wrap around the center of the storm .
`` The tropical cyclone has until later Friday or Friday night to strengthen before encountering increasing vertical wind shear from the southwest , '' AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert , Dan Kottlowski , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is forecast to remain within that vertical wind shear , causing it to lose wind intensity , '' he added .
`` We expect Josephine to move on a curved path to the northwest then the north in the coming days , '' Kottlowski stated .
Josephine will move along the western part of the Bermuda-Azores high pressure area , which is a fairly permanent feature of clockwise steering winds over the middle of the Atlantic Ocean .
`` On this forecast track , the evolving tropical storm will pass just east and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Saturday and pass well east of the Bahamas on Sunday , '' Kottlowski stated .
The Leeward Islands include Antiqua , Guadeloupe , Barbuda , Montserrat , Dominica , St. Martin , Anguilla , St. Kitts and Nevis , and the British and United States Virgin Islands .
`` The center of the long-range Eye Path might be misleading , and all interests in the Lesser Antilles , especially the Leeward Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system , '' Kottlowski said .
There is the risk of gusty squalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flank of the storm , even if the center passes by to the northeast of the Leeward Islands .
A weaker , poorly organized system , such as a depression is more likely to drift more to the west , but a stronger , better organized system , such as a strong tropical storm or hurricane , is more likely to turn more to the northwest over time .
`` The weakening system is forecast to approach Bermuda during Tuesday of next week .
By that time , Josephine could be a depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large area of rain and gusty winds that could impact Bermuda Tuesday night and Wednesday of next week , '' Kottlowski said .
However , Josephine is not forecast to have direct impact on the mainland U.S. , thanks to a southward dip in the jet stream that will keep the storm at sea .
Strong wind shear is a deterrent for tropical systems as these strong breezes at different levels in the atmosphere can rip apart organized systems or prevent tropical features from developing altogether .
There is a zone of moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in areas to the north of the northern islands of the Caribbean .
`` There is a good chance that this feature , regardless of its organization and strength into Friday , would begin to unravel in the zone of wind shear and drier air this weekend , '' Kottlowski said .
There is also a chance that dry air , nearby to the north of the feature , becomes ingested , and the system never really gains enough steam to strengthen much beyond moderate tropical storm strength .
Additional disturbances , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move from the Indian Ocean , across Africa then over the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean in the coming days , weeks and months .
This train of disturbances makes up what is known as the Cabo Verde season , which is named for the group of islands just off the northwestern coast of Africa .
The Cabo Verde season makes up the backbone of the Atlantic hurricane season during the period from late August to the first part of October .
Into part of next week , there will be a continued risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organize and potentially evolve into a tropical depression or storm .
But for the time being , the buffer of wind shear over the Caribbean and across part of the southwestern Atlantic may act as a shield and prevent systems from getting too close to United States waters and coastal areas .
However , that buffer zone may not last long .
The lid could come off the Atlantic basin with the potential for multiple named systems spinning at the same time , including multiple threats to lives and property at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as early as late August .
Tropical storms are named for most letters of the alphabet , with the exception of Q , U , X , Y and Z .
The infamous 2005 Atlantic hurricane season holds the record for the greatest number of named storms at 28 and still holds the record for early-season formation records for the `` K-storm , '' which was Katrina on Aug. 24 , as well as the letters M through T , V and W. After W , Greek letters are used .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek letters , that season holds the early-season formation records beyond W. AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting a hyperactive year for tropical storms and hurricanes -- enough that Greek letters may once again be needed .
Due to 2020 's record pace and upcoming conditions expected in the basin , in early August , AccuWeather meteorologists upped their forecast for the number of tropical storms , with up to 24 now predicted and up to 11 hurricanes projected for the season .
The climatological peak for the Atlantic hurricane season is around Sept. 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocean , Elida strengthened into a hurricane earlier this week .
The storm stayed at sea and became post-tropical on Wednesday evening .
However , already a new depression has formed and could be followed by several other named systems in the next five to seven days .
Kottlowski is expecting the eastern Pacific to `` go wild with tropical activity over the next several weeks '' and the Atlantic may follow suit toward the end of August and into the autumn months .

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Josephine was moving toward the west-northwest near 17 mph and was located about 160 miles northeast of the orthern Leeward Islands. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Aug. 14 -- Tropical Storm Josephine is expected to keep well north of Puerto Rico and east of the mainland United States to avoid serious impacts there, forecasters said Saturday. Advertisement
As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Josephine was moving to the west-northwest near 17 mph and was located about 160 miles to the east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The system's maximum sustained winds were 45 mph.
Josephine has shattered the early-season formation record for the J-named storm in the basin by nine days. The former record belonged to Jose, which developed on Aug. 22, 2005.
Prior to Josephine, the 2020 hurricane season as already left its mark on the history books multiple times so far with storms Cristobal, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna and Isaias all setting early-season formation records. Except for Cristobal, the storms bumped off record-setters from the 2005 season. The prior earliest C-named storm was Colin from 2016.
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A disturbance spinning over the middle of the Atlantic organized enough to be named Tropical Depression 11 at 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. At 11 a.m. Thursday, the depression was upgraded to the ninth tropical storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season and in the process has set another record for the basin.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate Josephine later Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Josephine was able to form despite being in a sea of dry air as wind shear dipped enough to allow thunderstorms to wrap around the center of the storm.
"The tropical cyclone probably has through Friday night to strengthen before encountering increasing vertical wind shear from the southwest," AccuWeather's top hurricane expert, Dan Kottlowski, said.
"After that, Josephine is forecast to move into increasing vertical wind shear, which would likely cause it to lose wind intensity," he added.
"We expect Josephine to move on a curved path to the northwest then the north in the coming days," Kottlowski stated.
Josephine will move along the western part of the Bermuda-Azores high pressure area, which is a fairly permanent feature of clockwise steering winds over the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
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"On this forecast track, the evolving tropical storm will pass just northeast of the Leeward Islands this weekend and pass well northeast of the Bahamas early next week," Kottlowski stated.
The Leeward Islands include Antiqua, Guadeloupe, Barbuda, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Since Josephine is likely to remain poorly organized or at least no better than a moderate tropical storm through this weekend, impact on the Leeward Islands to Puerto Rico will likely be limited to a couple of showers and perhaps a gusty thunderstorm. Rainfall of 1 inch to perhaps as much as 3 inches may fall on some of the islands.
"Conditions on these islands should be no worse than that of a moderate tropical wave moving through," Kottlowski said.
"The weakening system is forecast to approach Bermuda during Wednesday of next week. By that time, Josephine could be a depression, but it still might have a large area of rain and gusty winds that could impact Bermuda," Kottlowski said.
However, Josephine is not forecast to have direct impact on the mainland United States, thanks to a southward dip in the jet stream that will keep the storm at sea.
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Strong wind shear is a deterrent for tropical systems as these strong breezes at different levels in the atmosphere can rip apart organized systems or prevent tropical features from developing altogether.
There is a zone of moderate wind shear hovering over the Caribbean and in areas to the north of the northern islands of the Caribbean.
"There is a good chance that this feature, regardless of its organization and strength into Friday night, would begin to unravel in the zone of wind shear and drier air this weekend," Kottlowski said.
There is also a chance that dry air, nearby to the north of the feature, continues to be ingested, and the system never really gains enough steam to strengthen much beyond moderate tropical storm strength.
Additional disturbances, known as tropical waves, will continue to move from the Indian Ocean, across Africa then over the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean in the coming days, weeks and months.
This train of disturbances makes up what is known as the Cabo Verde season, which is named for the group of islands just off the northwestern coast of Africa. The Cabo Verde season makes up the backbone of the Atlantic hurricane season during the period from late August to the first part of October.
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Into part of next week, there will be a continued risk for one or more of these systems to organize and potentially evolve into a tropical depression or storm. But for the time being, the buffer of wind shear over the Caribbean and across part of the southwestern Atlantic may act as a shield and prevent systems from getting too close to United States waters and coastal areas.
However, that buffer zone may not last long and this does not rule out the potential for something forming north of the wind shear zone, perhaps right along the East Coast of the United States in the short term.
"We will be closely watching an area of disturbed weather that emerges from the showers and thunderstorms in the Southeastern states into this weekend," Kottlowski said.
There is a high chance this disturbance could evolve into a tropical depression or storm well to the east of the mid-Atlantic coast and south of the New England coast into this weekend as it moves northeastward. The next name on the list of tropical storms for this season is Kyle.
The lid could come off the Atlantic basin with the potential for multiple named systems spinning at the same time, including multiple threats to lives and property at the same time from the Caribbean to North America, as early as late August.
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Tropical storms are named for most letters of the alphabet, with the exception of Q, U, X, Y and Z. The infamous 2005 Atlantic hurricane season holds the record for the greatest number of named storms at 28 and still holds the record for early-season formation records for the "K-storm," which was Katrina on Aug. 24, as well as the letters M through T, V and W. After W, Greek letters are used. Since 2005 was the only year to use Greek letters, that season holds the early-season formation records beyond W.
AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting a hyperactive year for tropical storms and hurricanes--enough that Greek letters may once again be needed. Due to 2020's record pace and upcoming conditions expected in the basin, in early August, AccuWeather meteorologists upped their forecast for the number of tropical storms, with up to 24 now predicted and up to 11 hurricanes projected for the season.
The climatological peak for the Atlantic hurricane season is around Sept. 10.
Meanwhile, in the East Pacific Ocean, Elida strengthened into a hurricane earlier this week. The storm stayed at sea and became post-tropical on Wednesday evening. However, already a new depression has formed and could be followed by several other named systems in the next five to seven days.
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Kottlowski is expecting the eastern Pacific to "go wild with tropical activity over the next several weeks" and the Atlantic may follow suit toward the end of August and into the autumn months.


upi--2020-08-13--Seahawks cut CB Kemah Siverand for trying to sneak woman into team hotel

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Seattle Seahawks released rookie cornerback Kemah Siverand earlier this week after he was caught attempting to sneak a female visitor into the team 's hotel .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Siverand tried to sneak the woman into the building by disguising her as a player .
According to NFL Media , the visitor was wearing Seahawks gear in an attempt to fool security .
The Seahawks announced the release of Siverand on Tuesday but did n't disclose why the rookie defensive back was let go .
Siverand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team hotel was a violation of team rules , especially during a training camp that is taking place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Siverand went undrafted out of Oklahoma State earlier this year .
He received a $ 2,000 signing bonus from the Seahawks -- the third-smallest bonus among the team 's 17 undrafted free agents .
Former Maryland wide receiver Deon Long was waived for a similar transgression during the Los Angeles Rams ' training camp in 2016 , which was shown on that year 's edition of the HBO @ @ @ @

Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Seattle Seahawks released rookie cornerback Kemah Siverand earlier this week after he was caught attempting to sneak a female visitor into the team's hotel.
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Siverand tried to sneak the woman into the building by disguising her as a player. According to NFL Media, the visitor was wearing Seahawks gear in an attempt to fool security.
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The Seahawks announced the release of Siverand on Tuesday but didn't disclose why the rookie defensive back was let go. Siverand's attempt to welcome the woman into the team hotel was a violation of team rules, especially during a training camp that is taking place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The @Seahawks made one roster move this afternoon. https://t.co/FQwrBgXF6G— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) August 11, 2020
Siverand went undrafted out of Oklahoma State earlier this year. He received a $2,000 signing bonus from the Seahawks -- the third-smallest bonus among the team's 17 undrafted free agents.
Former Maryland wide receiver Deon Long was waived for a similar transgression during the Los Angeles Rams' training camp in 2016, which was shown on that year's edition of the HBO series Hard Knocks.


upi--2020-08-13--Justice Department accuses Yale of discriminating against Asian, White applicants

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday accused Yale University of discriminating against Asian and White applicants in its undergraduate admissions process .
The Justice Department said it notified Yale of the alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 following a two-year investigation into the university in response to a complaint by Asian American groups .
As a result of its investigation , the Justice Department said it found that Yale discriminates based on race and national origin in its undergraduate admissions process , saying that White and Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be admitted as Black applicants with comparable credentials .
`` Yale rejects scores of Asian American and White applicants each year based on their race , whom it would otherwise admit , '' the Justice Department said .
The Justice Department demanded that Yale agree to not use race or national origin as determining factors in its upcoming 2020-2021 undergraduate admissions cycle or submit a `` narrowly tailored '' plan to the agency that identifies the date it will stop using those factors for admission , among other details .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the allegations and said it would not change its admissions processes , saying the standard the Justice Department was seeking to impose on the university is inconsistent with existing law .
`` We will continue to look at the whole person when selecting whom to admit among the many thousands of highly qualified applicants .
We will continue to look at what students have accomplished and hope to contribute to Yale and the world .
We will continue to create a student body that is rich in a diverse range of ideas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Salovey wrote .

Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday accused Yale University of discriminating against Asian and White applicants in its undergraduate admissions process.
The Justice Department said it notified Yale of the alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 following a two-year investigation into the university in response to a complaint by Asian American groups.
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As a result of its investigation, the Justice Department said it found that Yale discriminates based on race and national origin in its undergraduate admissions process, saying that White and Asian applicants are only one-tenth to one-fourth as likely to be admitted as Black applicants with comparable credentials.
"Yale rejects scores of Asian American and White applicants each year based on their race, whom it would otherwise admit," the Justice Department said.
The Justice Department demanded that Yale agree to not use race or national origin as determining factors in its upcoming 2020-2021 undergraduate admissions cycle or submit a "narrowly tailored" plan to the agency that identifies the date it will stop using those factors for admission, among other details.
In a statement on Thursday, Yale denied the allegations and said it would not change its admissions processes, saying the standard the Justice Department was seeking to impose on the university is inconsistent with existing law.
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"We will continue to look at the whole person when selecting whom to admit among the many thousands of highly qualified applicants. We will continue to look at what students have accomplished and hope to contribute to Yale and the world. We will continue to create a student body that is rich in a diverse range of ideas, expertise and experiences," Yale President Peter Salovey wrote.


upi--2020-08-13--BAE Systems nabs $103.6M contract to upgrade USS Preble

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- BAE Systems received a $ 103.6 million fixed-price contract to prepare for and accomplish @ @ @ @ @ USS Preble during its scheduled depot maintenance period , the Department of Defense announced Thursday @ @ @ @ @ , modernization and repair of the Preble , which returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam @ @ @ @ @ had been deployed on a counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Oceans @ @ @ @ @ they announced increased counter-narcotics policing in the Western hemisphere .
During the deployment , Preble @ @ @ @ @ Guard Law Enforcement Detachment , recovered 100 bales of suspected cocaine totaling an estimated 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ estimated wholesale value of $ 40 million , according to U.S. Pacific Command .
According @ @ @ @ @ BAE will provide the facilities and human resources to coordinate multiple aspects of maintenance and @ @ @ @ @ a long-term availability .
Work on the contract will be performed in San Diego , @ @ @ @ @ to be complete by February 2022 .

The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble, shown here returning to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in June, will undergo a longterm availability for maintenance and modernization. Photo by Seaman Jaimar Carson Bondurant/U.S. Navy
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- BAE Systems received a $103.6 million fixed-price contract to prepare for and accomplish repair and alteration requirements for USS Preble during its scheduled depot maintenance period, the Department of Defense announced Thursday. The contract funds maintenance, modernization and repair of the Preble, which returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in June. Advertisement
The Preble had been deployed on a counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Oceans that began in March as they announced increased counter-narcotics policing in the Western hemisphere.
During the deployment, Preble, along with U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, recovered 100 bales of suspected cocaine totaling an estimated 2,000 kilograms, worth over an estimated wholesale value of $40 million, according to U.S. Pacific Command.
According to the contract announcement, BAE will provide the facilities and human resources to coordinate multiple aspects of maintenance and modernization for the vessel during a long-term availability.
Work on the contract will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be complete by February 2022.


upi--2020-08-13--San Francisco 49ers signing TE George Kittle to record extension

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco 49ers and All-Pro tight end George Kittle are in agreement on a multiyear contract extension that will make him the highest-paid player at the position in league history .
League sources told ESPN , NFL Media and NBC Sports on Thursday that Kittle agreed to a five-year , $ 75 million deal with the 49ers .
According to NFL Media , the pact includes $ 30 million guaranteed at signing , $ 40 million guaranteed for injury and an $ 18 million signing bonus .
The deal surpasses the four-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed with the Cleveland Browns earlier this year and the average annual value is slightly more than the four-year , $ 57 million extension that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce agreed to later Thursday .
`` We 're just pumped to get it done , '' 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told KNBR Radio in San Francisco on Thursday .
`` We were dying to get something done with a player like George .
...
He 's earned it .
He does everything the right way .
`` It starts with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
As I just said , he does that to me better than any other tight end in the league .
But then after that , the way the guy takes care of himself , the way he works year round to put his body in a position to stay healthy with the way he plays , it makes you believe in the guy . ''
Kittle , a two-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro choice , has accumulated 2,945 receiving yards since entering the league as a fifth-round draft pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight end in league history after three seasons .
In 2018 , he set the record for most receiving yards in a season by a tight end when he finished the year with 1,377 .
This summer , players from around the league ranked Kittle as the seventh-best player on the NFL Top 100 list .

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has accumulated 2,945 receiving yards since entering the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2017. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers and All-Pro tight end George Kittle are in agreement on a multiyear contract extension that will make him the highest-paid player at the position in league history. League sources told ESPN, NFL Media and NBC Sports on Thursday that Kittle agreed to a five-year, $75 million deal with the 49ers. According to NFL Media, the pact includes $30 million guaranteed at signing, $40 million guaranteed for injury and an $18 million signing bonus. Advertisement
The deal surpasses the four-year, $42 million contract that Austin Hooper signed with the Cleveland Browns earlier this year and the average annual value is slightly more than the four-year, $57 million extension that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce agreed to later Thursday.
"We're just pumped to get it done," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told KNBR Radio in San Francisco on Thursday. "We were dying to get something done with a player like George. ... He's earned it. He does everything the right way.
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"It starts with how talented and good you play on Sunday. As I just said, he does that to me better than any other tight end in the league. But then after that, the way the guy takes care of himself, the way he works year round to put his body in a position to stay healthy with the way he plays, it makes you believe in the guy."
Kittle, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro choice, has accumulated 2,945 receiving yards since entering the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2017 -- the most by any tight end in league history after three seasons. In 2018, he set the record for most receiving yards in a season by a tight end when he finished the year with 1,377.
This summer, players from around the league ranked Kittle as the seventh-best player on the NFL Top 100 list.


upi--2020-08-13--Biden calls on governors nationwide to issue mask mandates

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Thursday called for a nationwide mask mandate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
After receiving a briefing from public health experts alongside his running mate , California Sen. Kamala Harris , Biden urged governors to mandate that Americans wear masks while outside of their homes for the next three months to combat the coronavirus which has infected more than 5.2 million Americans and killed more than 166,000 .
`` Every single American should be wearing a mask when they 're outside for the next three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing .
The estimates by the experts are that it will save over 40,000 lives in the next three months . ''
The former vice president asserted that wearing a mask is `` less about you contracting the virus '' and more about preventing others from getting sick .
`` It 's not about your rights .
It 's about your responsibilities as an American , '' he said .
Biden said that he and Harris were briefed on how to open schools , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available , the racial disparities in the spread of COVID-19 and the need for personal protective equipment .
During a press briefing on Thursday , President Donald Trump accused Biden of trying to `` score political points '' with his mask plan .
`` Americans must have their freedom , '' Trump said .
`` I trust the American people and the governors very much . ''
Trump , who long refused to wear a mask in public but later described donning a face covering amid the pandemic as a `` patriotic '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged Americans to wear masks .
`` We 've been saying wear them when it 's appropriate , '' the president said .
`` Maybe they 're great and maybe they 're just good , maybe they 're not so good .
But frankly , what do you have to lose ?
You have nothing to lose . ''

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday called for governors nationwide to mandate that Americans wear masks outside their homes for at least three months to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Thursday called for a nationwide mask mandate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving a briefing from public health experts alongside his running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden urged governors to mandate that Americans wear masks while outside of their homes for the next three months to combat the coronavirus which has infected more than 5.2 million Americans and killed more than 166,000. Advertisement
"Every single American should be wearing a mask when they're outside for the next three months at a minimum," Biden said. "Every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing. The estimates by the experts are that it will save over 40,000 lives in the next three months."
The former vice president asserted that wearing a mask is "less about you contracting the virus" and more about preventing others from getting sick.
"It's not about your rights. It's about your responsibilities as an American," he said.
Biden said that he and Harris were briefed on how to open schools, how a vaccine would be distributed upon becoming available, the racial disparities in the spread of COVID-19 and the need for personal protective equipment.
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During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump accused Biden of trying to "score political points" with his mask plan.
"Americans must have their freedom," Trump said. "I trust the American people and the governors very much."
Trump, who long refused to wear a mask in public but later described donning a face covering amid the pandemic as a "patriotic" act, said that his administration has urged Americans to wear masks.
"We've been saying wear them when it's appropriate," the president said. "Maybe they're great and maybe they're just good, maybe they're not so good. But frankly, what do you have to lose? You have nothing to lose."


upi--2020-08-13--Buffalo Bills sign LT Dion Dawkins to 4-year extension

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Offensive lineman Dion Dawkins has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills that will run through the 2024 season , the team announced Thursday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Dawkins ' deal is worth $ 60 million and includes $ 34 million guaranteed .
The team did n't disclose financial terms of the agreement .
`` It just means that it 's time to go earn it .
It 's definitely time to go out there and earn every penny of it , '' Dawkins told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` It just gives me that much more respect and it just shows the respect they had for myself that , 'Listen , this is our franchise left tackle and Dion Dawkins is a piece that we can build around and we can continue to win games with . '
'' Dawkins , who was entering the final year of his rookie pact , has anchored the left side of the Bills ' offensive line since he was picked in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons and was a team captain in 2019 .
The Temple University product becomes the first player from the Bills ' 2017 draft class -- the team 's first under head coach Sean McDermott -- to receive a contract extension .
Dawkins ' deal came a day after Buffalo gave McDermott a multiyear extension .
With the new money , Dawkins will surpass the Arizona Cardinals ' D.J .
Humphries as the league 's fifth-highest-paid left tackle .
According to Over the Cap , he is the seventh-highest-paid overall offensive tackle .

Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Offensive lineman Dion Dawkins has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills that will run through the 2024 season, the team announced Thursday.
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Dawkins' deal is worth $60 million and includes $34 million guaranteed. The team didn't disclose financial terms of the agreement.
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"It just means that it's time to go earn it. It's definitely time to go out there and earn every penny of it," Dawkins told reporters of what signing the extension meant to him.
"It just gives me that much more respect and it just shows the respect they had for myself that, 'Listen, this is our franchise left tackle and Dion Dawkins is a piece that we can build around and we can continue to win games with.'"
Dawkins, who was entering the final year of his rookie pact, has anchored the left side of the Bills' offensive line since he was picked in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has started 43 games over the last three seasons and was a team captain in 2019.
The Temple University product becomes the first player from the Bills' 2017 draft class -- the team's first under head coach Sean McDermott -- to receive a contract extension. Dawkins' deal came a day after Buffalo gave McDermott a multiyear extension.
With the new money, Dawkins will surpass the Arizona Cardinals' D.J. Humphries as the league's fifth-highest-paid left tackle. According to Over the Cap, he is the seventh-highest-paid overall offensive tackle.


upi--2020-08-13--Trump administration rolls back Obama-era methane regulations

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration on Thursday rolled back Obama-era regulations limiting methane gas emissions from oil and gas fields .
The new rule rescinds authority to regulate methane granted to the Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama in 2016 and transfers regulation of methane to the Clean Air Act , as part of an ongoing effort by President Donald Trump to cut federal regulations .
`` EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump 's promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry , '' EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses .
Today 's regulatory changes remove redundant paperwork , align with the Clean Air Act and allow companies the flexibility to satisfy leak-control requirements by complying with equivalent state rules . ''
The rule exempts low production wells from `` expending significant funds '' to monitor methane leaks , reduces monitoring of leaks at gathering and boosting compressor stations from quarterly to twice a year and allows companies to comply with state requirements rather than EPA requirements .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , saying it would save the natural gas industry `` millions of dollars in compliance costs each year -- while maintaining health and environmental regulations on oil and gas sources that the agency considers appropriate . ''
The Obama administration took action to limit pollution related to methane , a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming , as part of a package of climate change regulations aiming to cut 520,000 short tons of methane within the next decade .
On Thursday , the National Resources Defense Council said it would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rule .
`` Trump 's EPA has given the oil and gas industry a green light to keep leaking enormous amounts of climate pollution into the air , '' said David Doniger , senior strategic director of NRDC 's Climate and Clean Energy Program .

The Trump administration on Thursday lifted restrictions on methane leaks, rolling back Obama-era regulations on the greenhouse gas. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Trump administration on Thursday rolled back Obama-era regulations limiting methane gas emissions from oil and gas fields. The new rule rescinds authority to regulate methane granted to the Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama in 2016 and transfers regulation of methane to the Clean Air Act, as part of an ongoing effort by President Donald Trump to cut federal regulations. Advertisement
"EPA has been working hard to fulfill President Trump's promise to cut burdensome and ineffective regulations for our domestic energy industry," EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said Thursday. "Regulatory burdens put into place by the Obama-Biden Administration fell heavily on small and medium-sized energy businesses. Today's regulatory changes remove redundant paperwork, align with the Clean Air Act and allow companies the flexibility to satisfy leak-control requirements by complying with equivalent state rules."
The rule exempts low production wells from "expending significant funds" to monitor methane leaks, reduces monitoring of leaks at gathering and boosting compressor stations from quarterly to twice a year and allows companies to comply with state requirements rather than EPA requirements.
The EPA first proposed loosening the regulations last year, saying it would save the natural gas industry "millions of dollars in compliance costs each year -- while maintaining health and environmental regulations on oil and gas sources that the agency considers appropriate."
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The Obama administration took action to limit pollution related to methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, as part of a package of climate change regulations aiming to cut 520,000 short tons of methane within the next decade.
On Thursday, the National Resources Defense Council said it would take legal action against the Trump administration over the rule.
"Trump's EPA has given the oil and gas industry a green light to keep leaking enormous amounts of climate pollution into the air," said David Doniger, senior strategic director of NRDC's Climate and Clean Energy Program.


upi--2020-08-13--USS 'Woody' Williams pulls into Naples for logistics stop

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The USS Hershel `` Woody '' Williams arrived in Naples Thursday for a routine logistics stop , the Navy announced .
The 784-foot-long Williams is the second of a new class of sea-basing ships and is crewed by a Blue Crew and a Gold Crew , which will turn over periodically to allow for continuity as the ship continues on its deployment .
`` The Hershel 'Woody ' Williams , and the entire ESB class , are on the leading edge of naval integration , '' said Vice Adm. Gene Black , commander , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex maritime environment , a ship like this enables options to project power with a persistent presence .
The ship is ideal for missions in this theater as it can readily integrate with the Marines and our allies and partners in many of our operations throughout the region at varying levels of complexity . ''
The vessel , which was commissioned in March , left for its inaugural deployment at the end of July .
Black said the Williams will be a long-term presence assigned to U.S. Africa Command .
`` The crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has worked hard preparing for this deployment and we 're excited to work with our many allies and partners and support operations throughout U.S. 6th Fleet , '' said Capt .
David L. Gray , commanding officer , USS Hershel 'Woody ' Williams , Blue Crew .
`` We 're truly thankful to our Italian allies , hosting our first visit and allowing us to pull in under the shadow of Vesuvius in beautiful Naples . ''

The USS "Woody" Williams pulled into Naples Thursday for a routine logistics stop. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The USS Hershel "Woody" Williams arrived in Naples Thursday for a routine logistics stop, the Navy announced. The 784-foot-long Williams is the second of a new class of sea-basing ships and is crewed by a Blue Crew and a Gold Crew, which will turn over periodically to allow for continuity as the ship continues on its deployment. Advertisement
"The Hershel 'Woody' Williams, and the entire ESB class, are on the leading edge of naval integration," said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, "In this complex maritime environment, a ship like this enables options to project power with a persistent presence. The ship is ideal for missions in this theater as it can readily integrate with the Marines and our allies and partners in many of our operations throughout the region at varying levels of complexity."
The vessel, which was commissioned in March, left for its inaugural deployment at the end of July.
Black said the Williams will be a long-term presence assigned to U.S. Africa Command.
"The crew of the USS Hershel 'Woody' Williams has worked hard preparing for this deployment and we're excited to work with our many allies and partners and support operations throughout U.S. 6th Fleet," said Capt. David L. Gray, commanding officer, USS Hershel 'Woody' Williams, Blue Crew. "We're truly thankful to our Italian allies, hosting our first visit and allowing us to pull in under the shadow of Vesuvius in beautiful Naples."
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upi--2020-08-13--All-Pro TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs agree to 4-year contract extension

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Kansas City Chiefs and five-time Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce have reached an agreement on a multiyear contract extension .
League sources told ESPN , NFL Media and Yahoo Sports on Thursday that Kelce agreed to a four-year , $ 57 million deal with the Chiefs .
According to ESPN , the extension includes about $ 25 million in guarantees .
The extension will keep Kelce in Kansas City for the next six seasons .
He had two years left on the five-year , $ 46 million contract he signed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual value of Kelce 's pact is slightly less than what San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle will receive after agreeing to a five-year , $ 75 million extension earlier Thursday .
Kelce and Kittle are widely considered the league 's top players at the position .
Kelce becomes the third prominent player that the Chiefs -- who at one point had only $ 177 in available salary-cap space -- have signed to a long-term extension this off-season .
Last month , the team locked up franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave star defensive lineman Chris Jones a four-year , $ 80 million pact .
Kelce , 30 , has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons , becoming the first tight end to do so .
In the 2019 campaign , he led all players at the position in receptions ( 97 ) and receiving yards ( 1,229 ) while notching five touchdowns .
Kelce has been named All-Pro in each of the past four years and was selected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade team .

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce holds the Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Kelce is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro choice. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs and five-time Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce have reached an agreement on a multiyear contract extension. League sources told ESPN, NFL Media and Yahoo Sports on Thursday that Kelce agreed to a four-year, $57 million deal with the Chiefs. According to ESPN, the extension includes about $25 million in guarantees. Advertisement
The extension will keep Kelce in Kansas City for the next six seasons. He had two years left on the five-year, $46 million contract he signed with the franchise in January 2016.
The average annual value of Kelce's pact is slightly less than what San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle will receive after agreeing to a five-year, $75 million extension earlier Thursday. Kelce and Kittle are widely considered the league's top players at the position.
Kelce becomes the third prominent player that the Chiefs -- who at one point had only $177 in available salary-cap space -- have signed to a long-term extension this off-season. Last month, the team locked up franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes to the richest deal in sports history and gave star defensive lineman Chris Jones a four-year, $80 million pact.
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Kelce, 30, has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, becoming the first tight end to do so. In the 2019 campaign, he led all players at the position in receptions (97) and receiving yards (1,229) while notching five touchdowns.
Kelce has been named All-Pro in each of the past four years and was selected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade team.


upi--2020-08-13--Israel, U.S. test Arrow 2 missile interceptor system

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Israel Defense Ministry and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully tested the Arrow @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Defense Ministry .
The Arrow 2 system , which is designed @ @ @ @ @ is part of the Arrow Weapon System .
During the test it successfully intercepted a @ @ @ @ @ missile , which officials believe is similar to Iran 's Shahab 3 medium-range ballistic missile @ @ @ @ @ and near challenges , and our technology patrol , led by Mapat , the aerospace @ @ @ @ @ , ensures that we are always one step ahead of our enemies and defend the @ @ @ @ @ said Israeli Defense Minister Bnei Gantz .
The test , led by Israel Aerospace Industries @ @ @ @ @ Missile Defense Organization , the US Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Air Force , @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday at a test site in central Israel .

U.S. and Israeli forces tested an Arrow 2 interceptor system Wednesday night in central Israel. Image via MoDIsrael/ Twitter
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Israel Defense Ministry and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully tested the Arrow 2 interceptor system Wednesday night, according to the Defense Ministry. The Arrow 2 system, which is designed to intercept long-range missiles, is part of the Arrow Weapon System. Advertisement
During the test it successfully intercepted a Sparrow simulated long-range, surface-to-surface missile, which officials believe is similar to Iran's Shahab 3 medium-range ballistic missile.
"Israel faces far and near challenges, and our technology patrol, led by Mapat, the aerospace industry and the defense industries, ensures that we are always one step ahead of our enemies and defend the State of Israel," said Israeli Defense Minister Bnei Gantz.
The joint Israeli-American test reflects the partnership & friendship between the two countries & the deep commitment of the U.S. to the safety of the citizens of Israel. We will continue to work together to strengthen the capabilities of the defense establishment on all fronts.— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) August 12, 2020
The test, led by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel Missile Defense Organization, the US Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Air Force, took place at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday at a test site in central Israel.


upi--2020-08-13--Federal judge orders Trump campaign to provide evidence of Pa. voter fraud

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in Pennsylvania on Thursday ordered the Trump campaign and the Republican party to produce evidence of vote-by-mail fraud in the state .
District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan called on President Donald Trump 's re-election campaign to produce evidence supporting his claims of voter fraud in the state by Friday after it sued to ban dropboxes for mail ballots at county elections offices , CNN reproted .
`` The Court finds that instances of voter fraud are relevant to the claims and defenses in this case , '' Ranjan wrote .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the court on Wednesday requesting information and documents detailing how the Republican Party and the Trump campaign determined the possibility of fraud , particularly related to the use of dropboxes , ballot collection and mail-in ballots .
Lawyers representing the Democrats wrote that the Trump campaign `` should not be permitted to raise such spectacular fraud-related claims , particularly in this national climate . ''
The Trump campaign , along with the Republican National Committee , three U.S .
Representatives from Pennsylvania and two Republican voters who sought to serve as poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Kathy Boockvar and the boards of elections for all 67 of the state 's counties in June .
The suit alleges that dropboxes were used unconstitutionally in the state 's June 2 primary , as election officials make decisions outside of what is allowed by laws and county elections officials set up different policies throughout the state , violating constitutional guarantees of equal protection .

A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump's re-election campaign to produce evidence of voter fraud in Pennsylvania related to mail-in ballots. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Pennsylvania on Thursday ordered the Trump campaign and the Republican party to produce evidence of vote-by-mail fraud in the state. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan called on President Donald Trump's re-election campaign to produce evidence supporting his claims of voter fraud in the state by Friday after it sued to ban dropboxes for mail ballots at county elections offices, CNN reproted. Advertisement
"The Court finds that instances of voter fraud are relevant to the claims and defenses in this case," Ranjan wrote.
The Democratic Party and the Sierra Club wrote to the court on Wednesday requesting information and documents detailing how the Republican Party and the Trump campaign determined the possibility of fraud, particularly related to the use of dropboxes, ballot collection and mail-in ballots.
Lawyers representing the Democrats wrote that the Trump campaign "should not be permitted to raise such spectacular fraud-related claims, particularly in this national climate."
The Trump campaign, along with the Republican National Committee, three U.S. Representatives from Pennsylvania and two Republican voters who sought to serve as poll watchers filed the lawsuit against Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and the boards of elections for all 67 of the state's counties in June.
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The suit alleges that dropboxes were used unconstitutionally in the state's June 2 primary, as election officials make decisions outside of what is allowed by laws and county elections officials set up different policies throughout the state, violating constitutional guarantees of equal protection.


upi--2020-08-13--Unfair Mexican imports will destroy U.S. produce industry, farmers contend

ORLANDO , Fla. , Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- A rising flood of cheap , subsidized fruit and vegetables from Mexico threatens to kill off domestic produce farms in the Southeast , farmers and legislators told the Trump Administration in a virtual , online hearing Thursday .
Dozens of fruit and vegetable farmers pleaded with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to launch a formal investigation and take immediate steps to curtail Mexican imported produce .
Florida produce is particularly vulnerable because it shares the same growing season as Mexico , but all produce farming in the nation is threatened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are farmers , every day , that are just stopping , giving up , because they see the train coming down the tracks -- and you either get run over you get off , '' said Michael Hill , owner of blueberry grower H & A Farms in central Florida .
`` I 've been down to Mexico .
I 've seen how much they 're planting , and when I came back , I 've never been as scared as that .
This is a real deal , '' Hill said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is larger than ever , but his produce sells for half of what it fetched 10 years ago .
Lighthizer and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said at the hearing they were committed to gathering the testimony and taking appropriate action .
`` We 're acutely aware that U.S. agriculture facing rising competition , particularly from Mexican imports , '' Ross said .
`` It 's imperative that the U.S. government listens to the concerns of our growers . ''
University of Florida economist and associate professor Zhengfei Guan supported the farmers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 115 percent from 2009 to 2019 , when 91 million pounds crossed the border , Guan testified .
He said strawberry imports from Mexico surged to 400 million pounds in 2019 , up from 43 million pounds in 2000 .
Guan said Florida 's tomato production dropped by half over the same time period , to 800,000 pounds , largely due to increasing pressure from Mexican imports .
The Mexican government 's agriculture subsidies averaged $ 4.5 billion per year , according to a study that looked at Mexico 's spending on agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Mexican government has been subsidizing its fruit and vegetable industry , and it has negatively affected the Florida fruit and vegetable industry , '' he said .
Several Florida congressmen , including Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Miami , and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto , D-Kissimmee , requested that the trade representative 's office launch investigations .
Rubio testified he believes Mexican imports violate free trade agreements .
He said Mexico is trying to put American farmers `` out of business .
by heavily subsidizing the domestic industry inside of Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Without continued oversight of any Mexican bad actors , the robust Florida seasonal produce industry will be eliminated forever , '' he said .
Federal officials gave no indication of what action they might take .
However , a second online hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20 .

Florida's tomato and produce farmers face brutal competition from subsidized Mexican imports, to the point that the industry could collapse if the U.S. government doesn't act quickly, farmers and congressmen said at an online hearing Thursday. File Photo courtesy Pixabay
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A rising flood of cheap, subsidized fruit and vegetables from Mexico threatens to kill off domestic produce farms in the Southeast, farmers and legislators told the Trump Administration in a virtual, online hearing Thursday. Dozens of fruit and vegetable farmers pleaded with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to launch a formal investigation and take immediate steps to curtail Mexican imported produce. Advertisement
Florida produce is particularly vulnerable because it shares the same growing season as Mexico, but all produce farming in the nation is threatened, the farmers said.
"There are farmers, every day, that are just stopping, giving up, because they see the train coming down the tracks -- and you either get run over you get off," said Michael Hill, owner of blueberry grower H&A Farms in central Florida.
"I've been down to Mexico. I've seen how much they're planting, and when I came back, I've never been as scared as that. This is a real deal," Hill said.
The blueberry market, he said, is larger than ever, but his produce sells for half of what it fetched 10 years ago.
Lighthizer and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said at the hearing they were committed to gathering the testimony and taking appropriate action.
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"We're acutely aware that U.S. agriculture facing rising competition, particularly from Mexican imports," Ross said. "It's imperative that the U.S. government listens to the concerns of our growers."
University of Florida economist and associate professor Zhengfei Guan supported the farmers' claims.
Blueberry imports from Mexico surged 115 percent from 2009 to 2019, when 91 million pounds crossed the border, Guan testified. He said strawberry imports from Mexico surged to 400 million pounds in 2019, up from 43 million pounds in 2000.
Guan said Florida's tomato production dropped by half over the same time period, to 800,000 pounds, largely due to increasing pressure from Mexican imports.
The Mexican government's agriculture subsidies averaged $4.5 billion per year, according to a study that looked at Mexico's spending on agriculture from 2006 to 2016, Guan said.
"The Mexican government has been subsidizing its fruit and vegetable industry, and it has negatively affected the Florida fruit and vegetable industry," he said.
Several Florida congressmen, including Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, requested that the trade representative's office launch investigations.
Rubio testified he believes Mexican imports violate free trade agreements. He said Mexico is trying to put American farmers "out of business. by heavily subsidizing the domestic industry inside of Mexico."
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Soto echoed those arguments. "Without continued oversight of any Mexican bad actors, the robust Florida seasonal produce industry will be eliminated forever," he said.
Federal officials gave no indication of what action they might take. However, a second online hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20.


upi--2020-08-13--Distancing, less physical activity during pandemic cause stress, anxiety to soar

Aug. 13 ( UPI ) -- Anxiety and depression have been widespread during COVID-19 lockdowns this spring , due in part to social distancing and a decline physical activity , two surveys published Thursday showed .
In the first survey , published by PLOS ONE , 42 % of identical and same-sex fraternal twins reported declining physical activity levels in March during the early stages of the new coronavirus outbreak in the United States .
The lack of physical activity , along with genetic and shared environmental factors , might have contributed to increased stress levels among the twins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be directly attributed to their reduced physical activity , the researchers said .
In the second survey , released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 41 % of participants reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Another 31 % indicated they had symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder , and 26 % experiencing symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder , the CDC researchers said .
In addition , 11 % of respondents said they `` seriously considered suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completing the survey .
Both reports linked the rise in mental health issues with increased social isolation due to COVID-19 and the social distancing measures put in place to control spread of the disease .
`` Overall , our findings suggest that physical distancing mitigation strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on individuals ' daily activities and mental health , '' the authors of the PLOS ONE paper wrote .
For that study , researchers at Washington State University conducted an online survey of nearly 4,000 identical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Twin Registry between March 26 and April 5 .
Washington was the first state in the country to have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and was among the first to implement social distancing measures , according to the CDC .
More twin pairs reported a decrease in their physical activity levels -- 42 % -- than those reporting no change -- 31 % -- or increased levels -- 27 % -- the researchers said .
Those who indicated declines in physical activity also had higher levels of stress and anxiety .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship '' may have been linked with genetic and shared environmental factors among the twins , the researchers said .
The CDC findings are based on an online survey conducted between June 24 and 30 that included responses from nearly 5,500 U.S. adults.The percentage of those who reported considering suicide was higher among young adults -- 26 % -- and those who identified as `` essential workers '' -- 22 % -- the agency said .
Just over 13 % of respondents said they `` started or increased substance use to cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC said .
Increased reports of `` adverse mental and behavioral health conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the broad impact '' the coronavirus has had on people with mental health conditions , agency researchers wrote .

Research indicates Americans are less physically active, and more prone to stress and anxiety because of the pandemic. Photo by Wokandapix/Pixabay
Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Anxiety and depression have been widespread during COVID-19 lockdowns this spring, due in part to social distancing and a decline physical activity, two surveys published Thursday showed. In the first survey, published by PLOS ONE, 42% of identical and same-sex fraternal twins reported declining physical activity levels in March during the early stages of the new coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Advertisement
The lack of physical activity, along with genetic and shared environmental factors, might have contributed to increased stress levels among the twins, but raised anxiety among the participants could not be directly attributed to their reduced physical activity, the researchers said.
In the second survey, released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41% of participants reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another 31% indicated they had symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, and 26% experiencing symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder, the CDC researchers said.
In addition, 11% of respondents said they "seriously considered suicide" in the 30 days prior to completing the survey.
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Both reports linked the rise in mental health issues with increased social isolation due to COVID-19 and the social distancing measures put in place to control spread of the disease.
"Overall, our findings suggest that physical distancing mitigation strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on individuals' daily activities and mental health," the authors of the PLOS ONE paper wrote.
For that study, researchers at Washington State University conducted an online survey of nearly 4,000 identical and same-sex fraternal adult twins from the Washington State Twin Registry between March 26 and April 5.
Washington was the first state in the country to have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and was among the first to implement social distancing measures, according to the CDC.
More twin pairs reported a decrease in their physical activity levels -- 42% -- than those reporting no change -- 31% -- or increased levels -- 27% -- the researchers said.
Those who indicated declines in physical activity also had higher levels of stress and anxiety. However, some of the "physical activity-stress relationship" may have been linked with genetic and shared environmental factors among the twins, the researchers said.
The CDC findings are based on an online survey conducted between June 24 and 30 that included responses from nearly 5,500 U.S. adults.The percentage of those who reported considering suicide was higher among young adults -- 26% -- and those who identified as "essential workers" -- 22% -- the agency said.
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Just over 13% of respondents said they "started or increased substance use to cope with pandemic-related stress or emotions," the CDC said.
Increased reports of "adverse mental and behavioral health conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the broad impact" the coronavirus has had on people with mental health conditions, agency researchers wrote.