upi--2020-07-21--COVID-19: Building trust key to closing gap in healthcare for seniors of color, experts say

Elderly Black and Latino Americans are more likely to get infected and die from COVID-19 , often due to historic distrust of the healthcare system , and may be less likely to get vaccinated when a vaccine is ready , health experts told a Senate committee Tuesday .
Experts from the healthcare industry , epidemiology and the education system testified at a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the elderly , particularly those of color .
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been adults over 65 .
`` COVID-19 has exposed our healthcare system vulnerabilities and revealed our inability to respond effectively to a pandemic , '' said Rodney B. Jones , president and chief executive officer at Atrium Health , a healthcare provider covering North and South Carolina .
`` It also highlighted the fact that low-income older adults and older adults of color suffered in significantly greater proportion than their white counterparts . ''
Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa. , said the racial health disparity results from a lack of affordable housing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police misconduct against Black Americans .
`` We must not only acknowledge these injustices , but we are summoned by the example of John Lewis to take action to do something about it , '' he said in a reference to the senator from Georgia who died Friday .
Historical injustices , including medical experimentation , have left a legacy of mistrust and skepticism among many Black Americans , committee Chairwoman Susan Collins , R-Maine , said .
According to a study from California health system , patients ' negative prior experiences with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a decision to seek care only in the most extreme circumstances , she said .
`` Without building rapport and trust in these communities , there is no guarantee that the highest risk populations will get the vaccine or that they even want the vaccine , '' said Mercedes Carnethon , a professor of epidemiology at Northwestern University .
`` One of the most challenging features is that we 've got to try to build trust in an urgent situation where the very individuals who are experiencing the worst outcomes are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system . ''
Carnethon said healthcare providers and community leaders need to engage the communities hardest hit by the pandemic to bridge the gap .
Trusted community leaders can promote prevention , while government officials often create anxiety and concern in immigrant communities , she said .
Carnethon recommended that health officials build partnerships with community leaders to better understand people 's needs .
`` What we really need to do is put ourselves in the shoes of community members to try to understand what those barriers are to accept these vaccines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best be done through community partnerships . ''
Greater healthcare workforce diversity also should be part of the solution to the racial health disparity , Collins said .
Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is Black , while 5 % of physicians are Black , according to a recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges .
Dominic H. Mack , a professor of family medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine , said more funding and resources should go to medically underserved communities to increase diversity in the healthcare workforce .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meaningfully act to address racial and ethnic health disparities and health inequities in the United States , it is now , `` Mack said .

A patient is moved out of Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing facility in Hayward, Calif., on April 9. Experts said it's important to foster diversity among healthcare providers to build trust among patients of color. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Elderly Black and Latino Americans are more likely to get infected and die from COVID-19, often due to historic distrust of the healthcare system, and may be less likely to get vaccinated when a vaccine is ready, health experts told a Senate committee Tuesday. Experts from the healthcare industry, epidemiology and the education system testified at a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the elderly, particularly those of color. Advertisement
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been adults over 65.
"COVID-19 has exposed our healthcare system vulnerabilities and revealed our inability to respond effectively to a pandemic," said Rodney B. Jones, president and chief executive officer at Atrium Health, a healthcare provider covering North and South Carolina. "It also highlighted the fact that low-income older adults and older adults of color suffered in significantly greater proportion than their white counterparts."
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Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said the racial health disparity results from a lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, an education gap and police misconduct against Black Americans.
"We must not only acknowledge these injustices, but we are summoned by the example of John Lewis to take action to do something about it," he said in a reference to the senator from Georgia who died Friday.
Historical injustices, including medical experimentation, have left a legacy of mistrust and skepticism among many Black Americans, committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, said. According to a study from California health system, patients' negative prior experiences with the healthcare system can lead to distress and a decision to seek care only in the most extreme circumstances, she said.
"Without building rapport and trust in these communities, there is no guarantee that the highest risk populations will get the vaccine or that they even want the vaccine," said Mercedes Carnethon, a professor of epidemiology at Northwestern University. "One of the most challenging features is that we've got to try to build trust in an urgent situation where the very individuals who are experiencing the worst outcomes are the most concerned about trust within the healthcare system."
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Carnethon said healthcare providers and community leaders need to engage the communities hardest hit by the pandemic to bridge the gap. Trusted community leaders can promote prevention, while government officials often create anxiety and concern in immigrant communities, she said. Carnethon recommended that health officials build partnerships with community leaders to better understand people's needs.
"What we really need to do is put ourselves in the shoes of community members to try to understand what those barriers are to accept these vaccines," Carnethon said. "This can best be done through community partnerships."
Greater healthcare workforce diversity also should be part of the solution to the racial health disparity, Collins said.
Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is Black, while 5% of physicians are Black, according to a recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Dominic H. Mack, a professor of family medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine, said more funding and resources should go to medically underserved communities to increase diversity in the healthcare workforce.
"If there was ever a time to meaningfully act to address racial and ethnic health disparities and health inequities in the United States, it is now, " Mack said.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-07-21--Women, parents of young kids have more mental distress in COVID-19 lockdown

July 21 ( UPI ) -- Complaints of mental distress rose by nearly 10 % in Britain in April during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown there , a study published Tuesday by The Lancet found .
The increase in mental distress hit women , parents of young children and older adults 70 and older particularly hard , the researchers said .
`` Our study suggests that young people 's mental health is being disproportionately affected by efforts to stop transmission of the virus , '' study co-author Dr. Kathryn Abel said in a press release .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , young people and those with preschool-aged children as a priority to prevent future mental illness , '' said Abel , a professor of psychological medicine and reproductive psychiatry at the University of Manchester .
The findings are based on the U.K. Household Longitudinal Study , a long-term analysis of more than 40,000 British households that has been tracking the mental health of the nation at annual intervals for more than 10 years .
To measure levels of mental distress in participants , researchers used the 12-item General Health Questionnaire .
Survey results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older during the week of April 23 , after a few weeks of COVID-19 lockdowns in Britain , were compared with results from more than 15,000 people surveyed in mid-March , before lockdowns started .
In both assessments , participants were asked , on a 0 to 3 scale , to reflect on the previous two weeks and rate how often they experienced symptoms , such as problems sleeping or concentrating , decision making problems or feeling overwhelmed .
The higher the score , up to a potential total of 36 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distress , according to the researchers .
More than 27 % reported elevated levels of mental distress a few weeks into COVID-19 lockdown in Britain , compared to 19 % just before the lockdown , according to the researchers .
In general , women reported higher levels of mental distress -- with an average of just under 14 points on the 36-point scale -- than men , who had an average score of 11.5 , the researchers said .
In addition to women , who saw their average mental distress scores rise by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young adults age 18 to 24 reported score increases averaging nearly three points , they said .
Adults age 25 to 34 reported mental distress scores nearly two points higher during the lockdown , according to the researchers .
Meanwhile , adults age 70 and older reported average mental distress score increases of 0.2 points , still higher than most , but lower than those of their younger counterparts , the researchers said .
Study participants living with children 5 years and younger reported average mental distress score increases of nearly two points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those provided by childless participants , according to the researchers .
`` The pandemic has brought people 's differing life circumstances into stark contrast , '' co-author Sally McManus , a senior lecturer at City , University of London , said in a statement .
`` These findings should help inform social and educational policies aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on ... mental health , so that we can try to avoid a rise in mental illness in the years to come , '' she said .

Women and parents of young children have experienced higher levels of "mental distress" during the COVID-19 lockdown, a new study has found. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 21 (UPI) -- Complaints of mental distress rose by nearly 10% in Britain in April during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown there, a study published Tuesday by The Lancet found. The increase in mental distress hit women, parents of young children and older adults 70 and older particularly hard, the researchers said. Advertisement
"Our study suggests that young people's mental health is being disproportionately affected by efforts to stop transmission of the virus," study co-author Dr. Kathryn Abel said in a press release.
"We would recommend policies focused on women, young people and those with preschool-aged children as a priority to prevent future mental illness," said Abel, a professor of psychological medicine and reproductive psychiatry at the University of Manchester.
The findings are based on the U.K. Household Longitudinal Study, a long-term analysis of more than 40,000 British households that has been tracking the mental health of the nation at annual intervals for more than 10 years.
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To measure levels of mental distress in participants, researchers used the 12-item General Health Questionnaire.
Survey results collected from 17,000 respondents age 16 and older during the week of April 23, after a few weeks of COVID-19 lockdowns in Britain, were compared with results from more than 15,000 people surveyed in mid-March, before lockdowns started.
In both assessments, participants were asked, on a 0 to 3 scale, to reflect on the previous two weeks and rate how often they experienced symptoms, such as problems sleeping or concentrating, decision making problems or feeling overwhelmed.
The higher the score, up to a potential total of 36, the greater the participants' levels of mental distress, according to the researchers.
More than 27% reported elevated levels of mental distress a few weeks into COVID-19 lockdown in Britain, compared to 19% just before the lockdown, according to the researchers.
In general, women reported higher levels of mental distress -- with an average of just under 14 points on the 36-point scale -- than men, who had an average score of 11.5, the researchers said.
In addition to women, who saw their average mental distress scores rise by nearly one point during the lockdown, young adults age 18 to 24 reported score increases averaging nearly three points, they said.
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Adults age 25 to 34 reported mental distress scores nearly two points higher during the lockdown, according to the researchers.
Meanwhile, adults age 70 and older reported average mental distress score increases of 0.2 points, still higher than most, but lower than those of their younger counterparts, the researchers said.
Study participants living with children 5 years and younger reported average mental distress score increases of nearly two points, or about five times higher than those provided by childless participants, according to the researchers.
"The pandemic has brought people's differing life circumstances into stark contrast," co-author Sally McManus, a senior lecturer at City, University of London, said in a statement.
"These findings should help inform social and educational policies aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on ... mental health, so that we can try to avoid a rise in mental illness in the years to come," she said.


upi--2020-07-21--Scientists attempt to model spread of social unrest, riots

July 21 ( UPI ) -- After a series of demonstrations and riots rippled across Chilean society in 2019 , a team of researchers in Chile and Britain , including economists , mathematicians and physicists , decided to find out if social unrest follows predictable patterns .
For their study , the results of which were published Tuesday in the journal Chaos , scientists combined epidemic models with analytical tools adapted from the physics of disorder .
Adopting the perspectives of social scientists and economists , researchers used their new model to analyze the trajectory of the 2019 social unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of riots today involve highly dynamic processes .
According to the study 's authors , traditional epidemic models are less able to predict the spread of upheaval than they were several decades ago .
For more than a century , scientists have been using epidemiological mathematical models to study the spread of diseases .
`` In the 1970s , this type of methodology was used to understand the dynamics of riots that occurred in U.S. cities in the 1960s , '' study co-author Jocelyn Olivari Narea said in a news release .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to model French rioting events in 2005 , '' said Narea , an assistant professor at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile .
One of the most popular mathematical models used to predict the spread of disease is called the SIR epidemiological model .
The model separates a population into three groups : susceptible , infectious and recovered individuals .
`` Within a rioting context , someone 'susceptible ' is a potential rioter , an 'infected individual ' is an active rioter , and a 'recovered person ' is one that stopped rioting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of mathematical biology at Adolfo Ibáñez University .
`` Rioting spreads when effective contact between an active rioter and a potential rioter occurs . ''
While studying the inner workings of the SIR epidemiological model , researchers realized the model 's mathematics is based on what are called Hamiltonian mechanics .
The same mathematical structures define Newton 's laws of physics .
`` This allowed us to apply well-known tools of the physics of chaos to show that within the presence of an external force , the dynamics become very rich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of physics at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez .
`` The external force that we included in the model represents the occasional trigger that increases rioting activity , '' Ibáñez said .
When the models were tweaked to account for rioting triggers , researchers found the trajectory of the subsequent social disruption was highly influenced by the number of potential rioters and active rioters .
Despite the dynamic processes that have dictated the spread of social unrest during the 21st century , the researchers suggest epidemiological models can still be tweaked and updated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` While you might think that the study of disease transmission and problems of a social nature vary greatly , our work shows epidemiological models of the most simple SIR type , enriched by triggers and tools of the physics of chaos , can describe rioting activities well , '' Vogt-Geisse said .

People demonstrate against the price rise of Metro tickets, in downtown Santiago, Chile, in October 2019. The protests against the Metro ticket price rise saw the closure of all suburban lines in the city. File Photo by Alberto Pena/EPA-EFE
July 21 (UPI) -- After a series of demonstrations and riots rippled across Chilean society in 2019, a team of researchers in Chile and Britain, including economists, mathematicians and physicists, decided to find out if social unrest follows predictable patterns. For their study, the results of which were published Tuesday in the journal Chaos, scientists combined epidemic models with analytical tools adapted from the physics of disorder. Advertisement
Adopting the perspectives of social scientists and economists, researchers used their new model to analyze the trajectory of the 2019 social unrest in Chile.
The findings showed the spread of riots today involve highly dynamic processes. According to the study's authors, traditional epidemic models are less able to predict the spread of upheaval than they were several decades ago.
For more than a century, scientists have been using epidemiological mathematical models to study the spread of diseases.
"In the 1970s, this type of methodology was used to understand the dynamics of riots that occurred in U.S. cities in the 1960s," study co-author Jocelyn Olivari Narea said in a news release.
"More recently, it was used to model French rioting events in 2005," said Narea, an assistant professor at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile.
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One of the most popular mathematical models used to predict the spread of disease is called the SIR epidemiological model. The model separates a population into three groups: susceptible, infectious and recovered individuals.
"Within a rioting context, someone 'susceptible' is a potential rioter, an 'infected individual' is an active rioter, and a 'recovered person' is one that stopped rioting," said study co-author Katia Vogt-Geisse, professor of mathematical biology at Adolfo Ibáñez University. "Rioting spreads when effective contact between an active rioter and a potential rioter occurs."
While studying the inner workings of the SIR epidemiological model, researchers realized the model's mathematics is based on what are called Hamiltonian mechanics. The same mathematical structures define Newton's laws of physics.
"This allowed us to apply well-known tools of the physics of chaos to show that within the presence of an external force, the dynamics become very rich," said co-author Sergio Rica Mery, professor of physics at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
"The external force that we included in the model represents the occasional trigger that increases rioting activity," Ibáñez said.
When the models were tweaked to account for rioting triggers, researchers found the trajectory of the subsequent social disruption was highly influenced by the number of potential rioters and active rioters.
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Despite the dynamic processes that have dictated the spread of social unrest during the 21st century, the researchers suggest epidemiological models can still be tweaked and updated to predict the spread of riots and upheaval.
"While you might think that the study of disease transmission and problems of a social nature vary greatly, our work shows epidemiological models of the most simple SIR type, enriched by triggers and tools of the physics of chaos, can describe rioting activities well," Vogt-Geisse said.


upi--2020-07-21--Two Georgia judges recuse themselves from challenge to Atlanta mask mandate

July 21 ( UPI ) -- Two judges in Georgia on Tuesday recused themselves form a legal battle between Gov .
Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over a mask mandate in the city and other restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Kemp sued Bottoms to block an order requiring masks for all persons in public places .
He filed the suit last week opposing Bottoms ' order , which includes guidelines to return the city to the first stage of its re-opening plan .
The order closes restaurant dining rooms and urges residents to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kelly Ellerbe was set to hold the first hearing in the case on Tuesday but voluntarily recused herself from the case 2 hours before it was scheduled to start , following a request from the state 's deputy attorney general , Julie Jacobs .
`` After consultation with our client , the state would respectfully request that you recuse yourself from this matter , '' Jacobs wrote in an email .
`` This particular case has drawn significant attention at the state and national level , and therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that even any potential perception of impropriety could be problematic . ''
The Georgia attorney general 's office issued a statement saying that Ellerbe had notified involved parties about a prior opinion she felt `` may have some bearing on the issues '' in the case and expressed concern about her involvement .
The case was then reassigned to Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua , who swiftly recused herself as she had worked as an inspector general for Kemp when he served as Georgia 's secretary of state .
Jane C. Barwick was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reschedule the hearing for a later date .
Prior to the lawsuit , Kemp signed an executive order that overrules local ordinances requiring face coverings and bars similar orders in the future .
He says the state has the right to impose a less-stringent guideline that only `` strongly urged '' the use of masks .
The governor 's lawsuit argues that Georgia law prohibits Bottoms from giving orders that are inconsistent and more restrictive than Kemp 's .
`` Governor Kemp must be allowed , as the chief executive of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency without Mayor Bottoms issuing void and unenforceable orders which only serve to confuse the public , '' the suit states .
`` 3,104 Georgians have died and I and my family are amongst the [ 106,000 ] who have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' Bottoms tweeted in response to the suit .
`` Meanwhile , I have been sued by Gov .
Kemp for a mask mandate .
`` A better use of tax payer money would be to expand testing and contact tracing . ''
In Palm Beach County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held on Tuesday to weigh a lawsuit filed by residents upset with the county 's public requirement for face coverings .
The state -- particularly the Miami metropolitan area , which includes Palm Beach County -- has been the new U.S. epicenter of the outbreak in recent weeks .
The state has reported more than 10,000 new cases for a number of days and has seen more than 350,000 cases of COVID-19 to date .
The county commission voted last month to approve the mask policy , but attorney Cory Strolla is representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit and argues that the commissioners overstepped their `` constitutional boundaries . ''
`` A medical face mask used for medical purposes is a medical device , '' he said .
`` Under Florida constitutional case and law , a government entity can not force you into a medical treatment . ''
Louis Leo IV , another attorney representing residents , presented Judge John Kastrenakes with a video of Surgeon General Jerome Adams advising against wearing masks , saying they were ineffective and potentially increased the possibility for people to get sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of medical professionals have changed since Adams made the statements included in the video .
Rachel Fahey , an attorney for the county , said the motion lacks merit as residents retain choices to avoid situations where masks are required .
`` There is nobody forcing the plaintiffs to ride a Palm Beach County bus , go to a government building , be in public in less than 6 feet away from somebody or go to business establishments in person , '' Fahey said .
`` They retain choices about where they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is their choice . ''
Before the 37-page complaint was filed on June 30 , some angry residents showed up at a meeting of the commission to voice their opposition to a mandatory mask policy .
`` I hope everyone of you gets voted out who votes for a mask here today !
Shame on you for voting for a mask , '' said one woman .
`` All of you are practicing the Devil 's law , '' said another , who condemned any ruling that goes against `` freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to cease-and-desist from the political agendas that you 're being 'propaganded ' to stand with and try to hold us hostage as American citizens , '' said another .
The fiery remarks were featured in news reports nationwide and have been the subject of some ridicule .
The commission has responded to the suit by saying the U.S. Supreme Court has `` upheld the government 's authority to protect the people during a public health crisis '' -- and that the order does not violate individual rights .
`` The county 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn in public places is directly and substantially related to the public health and is not an invasion of constitutional rights , '' they said .
The ultimate outcomes of the cases may influence opposition to mask policies in other states , including Ohio and New York .

Activists hold signs during a protest against Ohio's mandatory order requiring face coverings during the coronavirus pandemic, at Edgewater Park in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 11. Similar orders have been enacted nationwide, but some areas are challenging the mandates in court. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
July 21 (UPI) -- Two judges in Georgia on Tuesday recused themselves form a legal battle between Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over a mask mandate in the city and other restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Kemp sued Bottoms to block an order requiring masks for all persons in public places. He filed the suit last week opposing Bottoms' order, which includes guidelines to return the city to the first stage of its re-opening plan. The order closes restaurant dining rooms and urges residents to leave their homes only for essential activities. Advertisement
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kelly Ellerbe was set to hold the first hearing in the case on Tuesday but voluntarily recused herself from the case 2 hours before it was scheduled to start, following a request from the state's deputy attorney general, Julie Jacobs.
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"After consultation with our client, the state would respectfully request that you recuse yourself from this matter," Jacobs wrote in an email. "This particular case has drawn significant attention at the state and national level, and therefore, we believe for all parties concerned, that even any potential perception of impropriety could be problematic."
The Georgia attorney general's office issued a statement saying that Ellerbe had notified involved parties about a prior opinion she felt "may have some bearing on the issues" in the case and expressed concern about her involvement.
The case was then reassigned to Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua, who swiftly recused herself as she had worked as an inspector general for Kemp when he served as Georgia's secretary of state.
Jane C. Barwick was selected to preside over the case and will reschedule the hearing for a later date.
Prior to the lawsuit, Kemp signed an executive order that overrules local ordinances requiring face coverings and bars similar orders in the future. He says the state has the right to impose a less-stringent guideline that only "strongly urged" the use of masks.
The governor's lawsuit argues that Georgia law prohibits Bottoms from giving orders that are inconsistent and more restrictive than Kemp's.
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"Governor Kemp must be allowed, as the chief executive of this state, to manage the public health emergency without Mayor Bottoms issuing void and unenforceable orders which only serve to confuse the public," the suit states.
"3,104 Georgians have died and I and my family are amongst the [106,000] who have tested positive for COVID-19," Bottoms tweeted in response to the suit. "Meanwhile, I have been sued by Gov. Kemp for a mask mandate.
"A better use of tax payer money would be to expand testing and contact tracing."
In Palm Beach County, Fla., a similar court hearing was held on Tuesday to weigh a lawsuit filed by residents upset with the county's public requirement for face coverings.
The state -- particularly the Miami metropolitan area, which includes Palm Beach County -- has been the new U.S. epicenter of the outbreak in recent weeks. The state has reported more than 10,000 new cases for a number of days and has seen more than 350,000 cases of COVID-19 to date.
The county commission voted last month to approve the mask policy, but attorney Cory Strolla is representing several Palm Beach County residents in the suit and argues that the commissioners overstepped their "constitutional boundaries."
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"A medical face mask used for medical purposes is a medical device," he said. "Under Florida constitutional case and law, a government entity cannot force you into a medical treatment."
Louis Leo IV, another attorney representing residents, presented Judge John Kastrenakes with a video of Surgeon General Jerome Adams advising against wearing masks, saying they were ineffective and potentially increased the possibility for people to get sick.
Kastrenekas however, pointed out that recommendations of medical professionals have changed since Adams made the statements included in the video.
Rachel Fahey, an attorney for the county, said the motion lacks merit as residents retain choices to avoid situations where masks are required.
"There is nobody forcing the plaintiffs to ride a Palm Beach County bus, go to a government building, be in public in less than 6 feet away from somebody or go to business establishments in person," Fahey said. "They retain choices about where they can be and not wear facial coverings if that is their choice."
Before the 37-page complaint was filed on June 30, some angry residents showed up at a meeting of the commission to voice their opposition to a mandatory mask policy.
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"I hope everyone of you gets voted out who votes for a mask here today! Shame on you for voting for a mask," said one woman.
"All of you are practicing the Devil's law," said another, who condemned any ruling that goes against "freedom of choice."
"I'm asking you to cease-and-desist from the political agendas that you're being 'propaganded' to stand with and try to hold us hostage as American citizens," said another.
The fiery remarks were featured in news reports nationwide and have been the subject of some ridicule.
The commission has responded to the suit by saying the U.S. Supreme Court has "upheld the government's authority to protect the people during a public health crisis" -- and that the order does not violate individual rights.
"The county's action in requiring face coverings to be worn in public places is directly and substantially related to the public health and is not an invasion of constitutional rights," they said.
The ultimate outcomes of the cases may influence opposition to mask policies in other states, including Ohio and New York.


upi--2020-07-21--Fire kills nearly 300,000 chickens at N.J. farm

July 21 ( UPI ) -- A fire that engulfed a chicken farm in South Jersey overnight killed nearly 300,000 birds , local fire officials said .
The fire broke out Monday night and was put out by Tuesday morning .
Mannington Township Fire Chief Lee Butcher said that while no humans were injured or killed by the blaze , about 280,000 chickens at the Red Bird Egg Farm died .
Some 200,000 died in the blaze itself , while another 80,000 died in a neighboring building after the fire cut off its electricity , causing fans to stop working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said getting water to the burning structures was difficult .
`` There are no fire hydrants out here so we had to have all water tanked in by trucks and this thing was hot , '' he said .
`` It started at that one building that way to the left and we thought we was making headway but it was so hot the metal was just melting and it just went right over to the next one cause of the heat , and they are aluminum buildings .
The chickens that survived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains of the destroyed buildings Tuesday morning .
Local and state authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze .

July 21 (UPI) -- A fire that engulfed a chicken farm in South Jersey overnight killed nearly 300,000 birds, local fire officials said.
The fire broke out Monday night and was put out by Tuesday morning. Mannington Township Fire Chief Lee Butcher said that while no humans were injured or killed by the blaze, about 280,000 chickens at the Red Bird Egg Farm died.
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Some 200,000 died in the blaze itself, while another 80,000 died in a neighboring building after the fire cut off its electricity, causing fans to stop working and the chickens to overheat.
Butcher said getting water to the burning structures was difficult.
"There are no fire hydrants out here so we had to have all water tanked in by trucks and this thing was hot," he said. "It started at that one building that way to the left and we thought we was making headway but it was so hot the metal was just melting and it just went right over to the next one cause of the heat, and they are aluminum buildings.
The chickens that survived the incident were wandering around among the remains of the destroyed buildings Tuesday morning.
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Local and state authorities were investigating the cause of the blaze.


upi--2020-07-21--Bacteria that causes tooth decay might also help colon cancer spread, researchers say

July 21 ( UPI ) -- The bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay might also help colon cancer spread to other organs in the body , according to a study published Tuesday by the journal Science Signaling .
The bacteria , called Fusobacterium nucleatum , travels through the bloodstream to other organs in the body , leading to infections and allowing cancer cells to migrate or metastasize , researchers at Virginia Tech University said .
`` Oral infections that cause inflammation of the gums have been reported as risk factors for systemic infections , cardiovascular disease , adverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alzheimer 's disease , '' study co-author Daniel J. Slade told UPI .
`` People can potentially avoid infections by maintaining good oral health , which could in turn keep the levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the dental plaque under control , and treating infections that lead to tooth decay is a critical preventative measure to stop bacteria from entering the bloodstream , '' said Slade , an assistant professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech .
These bacteria , however , do n't cause colon cancer , which has been linked with poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as a family history of the disease .
Rather , they play a role in `` tumor progression , '' Slade said .
More than 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020 , according to the American Cancer Society .
More than 90 % of deaths linked with the disease are caused by `` non-primary tumors or sites that have metastasized to somewhere else in the body , '' Slade said .
Using cancer cell cultures , he and his team found that bacteria that originates in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the colon .
This causes the cancer cells to release two proteins -- IL-8 and CXCL1 -- that help the human immune system fight infections , the researchers said .
These proteins send signals out to cancer cells , immune cells and various other cell types that surround a tumor , causing them to grow and spread , they said .
Identifying the role Fusobacterium nucleatum plays in colon cancer spread might assist in development of drug therapies for the disease , Slade and his colleagues said .
New treatments could seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IL-8 and CXCL1 to combat cancer metastasis , they said .
It 's also possible antibiotics to designed to kill the bacteria could disrupt the process , but they also might target so-called `` good bacteria '' in the mouth and digestive tract that help the body process food , researchers said .
`` Multiple drugs are in clinical trials to block the human receptors that respond to IL-8 and CXCL1 , and these could potentially combat how bacteria accelerates cancer , '' Slade told UPI .
`` In addition , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could block the docking between the bacteria and human host to interrupt these processes , '' he said .

Pixabay The bacteria that causes tooth decay may also help spread colon cancer to other organs in the body, a new study suggests. Photo by Aleš Kartal
July 21 (UPI) -- The bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay might also help colon cancer spread to other organs in the body, according to a study published Tuesday by the journal Science Signaling. The bacteria, called Fusobacterium nucleatum, travels through the bloodstream to other organs in the body, leading to infections and allowing cancer cells to migrate or metastasize, researchers at Virginia Tech University said. Advertisement
"Oral infections that cause inflammation of the gums have been reported as risk factors for systemic infections, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease," study co-author Daniel J. Slade told UPI.
"People can potentially avoid infections by maintaining good oral health, which could in turn keep the levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the dental plaque under control, and treating infections that lead to tooth decay is a critical preventative measure to stop bacteria from entering the bloodstream," said Slade, an assistant professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech.
These bacteria, however, don't cause colon cancer, which has been linked with poor diet, smoking and heavy drinking, as well as a family history of the disease. Rather, they play a role in "tumor progression," Slade said.
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More than 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society.
More than 90% of deaths linked with the disease are caused by "non-primary tumors or sites that have metastasized to somewhere else in the body," Slade said.
Using cancer cell cultures, he and his team found that bacteria that originates in the mouth sticks to and enters disease cells in the colon.
This causes the cancer cells to release two proteins -- IL-8 and CXCL1 -- that help the human immune system fight infections, the researchers said.
These proteins send signals out to cancer cells, immune cells and various other cell types that surround a tumor, causing them to grow and spread, they said.
Identifying the role Fusobacterium nucleatum plays in colon cancer spread might assist in development of drug therapies for the disease, Slade and his colleagues said.
New treatments could seek to block secretion of the immune cells IL-8 and CXCL1 to combat cancer metastasis, they said.
It's also possible antibiotics to designed to kill the bacteria could disrupt the process, but they also might target so-called "good bacteria" in the mouth and digestive tract that help the body process food, researchers said.
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"Multiple drugs are in clinical trials to block the human receptors that respond to IL-8 and CXCL1, and these could potentially combat how bacteria accelerates cancer," Slade told UPI.
"In addition, there is the potential for developing new molecules that could block the docking between the bacteria and human host to interrupt these processes," he said.


upi--2020-07-21--Thyroid drug may not help after heart attack, study finds

If a heart attack survivor also has an underactive thyroid , treating them with supplemental thyroid hormone probably wo n't help , new research shows .
The study found that use of the hormonal drug , called levothyroxine , did n't improve heart muscle function in heart attack patients diagnosed with `` subclinical hypothyroidism '' -- an underactive thyroid .
In fact , `` screening for and subsequent treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients who have had a heart attack to preserve or improve heart function is not justified , '' concluded the study 's lead author , Salman Razvi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newcastle University and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead , U.K .
Mild or subclinical hypothyroidism -- which affects about 10 % of adults -- means that the thyroid does n't produce enough hormones .
Management of the condition is uneven because there 's a lack of good evidence either for or against treatment , Razvi 's team noted .
Dr. Satjit Bhusri is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
He was n't involved in the new research but said that , in the United States , guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend checking thyroid function unless there is an indication that 's related to an arrhythmia [ irregular heartbeat ] . ''
The new British study included 46 heart attack survivors who had received levothyroxine and 49 who received a `` dummy '' placebo .
A year into treatment , heart function had improved in both groups , the researchers said , but there was no greater improvement in those who 'd received levothyroxine .
The findings suggest that levothyroxine does not improve heart function in patients who 've had a heart attack and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's group said .
`` The results of this trial will help clinicians reconsider offering treatment with levothyroxine to tens of thousands of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism worldwide , '' Razvi said in a university news release .
`` To any patient who has had a heart attack and has been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism , I would advise that they consult their [ doctor ] on whether levothyroxine is likely to be of benefit , '' he added .
`` The results of our trial suggest that all such patients should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Treatment with levothyroxine should not be started routinely in such patients . ''
Dr. Benjamin Hirsh directs preventive cardiology at Northwell Health 's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset , N.Y .
Reviewing the new findings , he noted that `` subclinical hypothyroidism is a milder form of hypothyroidism that 's more common than true primary hypothyroidism . ''
According to Hirsh , subclinical hypothyroidism `` affects approximately 5 % of the population . ''
Hirsh said that the study appears to recommend against the use of levothyroxine in heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he also believes that the study 's methodology provided only a `` narrow scope '' in measuring the benefit of treatment for the heart .
Also , `` the sample size of the study is quite small , and it is difficult to make a strong conclusion either way given this limitation , '' Hirsh said .
The study was published July 21 in the Journal of the American Medical Association .
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on hypothyroidism .

If a heart attack survivor also has an underactive thyroid, treating them with supplemental thyroid hormone probably won't help, new research shows.
The study found that use of the hormonal drug, called levothyroxine, didn't improve heart muscle function in heart attack patients diagnosed with "subclinical hypothyroidism" -- an underactive thyroid.
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In fact, "screening for and subsequent treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients who have had a heart attack to preserve or improve heart function is not justified," concluded the study's lead author, Salman Razvi. He's a consultant endocrinologist at Newcastle University and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, U.K.
Mild or subclinical hypothyroidism -- which affects about 10% of adults -- means that the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones.
Management of the condition is uneven because there's a lack of good evidence either for or against treatment, Razvi's team noted.
Dr. Satjit Bhusri is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He wasn't involved in the new research but said that, in the United States, guidelines for heart patients "generally do not recommend checking thyroid function unless there is an indication that's related to an arrhythmia [irregular heartbeat]."
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The new British study included 46 heart attack survivors who had received levothyroxine and 49 who received a "dummy" placebo.
A year into treatment, heart function had improved in both groups, the researchers said, but there was no greater improvement in those who'd received levothyroxine.
The findings suggest that levothyroxine does not improve heart function in patients who've had a heart attack and is unlikely to be beneficial, Razvi's group said.
"The results of this trial will help clinicians reconsider offering treatment with levothyroxine to tens of thousands of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism worldwide," Razvi said in a university news release.
"To any patient who has had a heart attack and has been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, I would advise that they consult their [doctor] on whether levothyroxine is likely to be of benefit," he added. "The results of our trial suggest that all such patients should have their thyroid function rechecked after a few weeks. Treatment with levothyroxine should not be started routinely in such patients."
Dr. Benjamin Hirsh directs preventive cardiology at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Reviewing the new findings, he noted that "subclinical hypothyroidism is a milder form of hypothyroidism that's more common than true primary hypothyroidism." According to Hirsh, subclinical hypothyroidism "affects approximately 5% of the population."
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Hirsh said that the study appears to recommend against the use of levothyroxine in heart attack patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, he also believes that the study's methodology provided only a "narrow scope" in measuring the benefit of treatment for the heart.
Also, "the sample size of the study is quite small, and it is difficult to make a strong conclusion either way given this limitation," Hirsh said.
The study was published July 21 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on hypothyroidism.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-21--Dow rises 159 points, tech stocks drag down Nasdaq

July 21 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 continued gains on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ was dragged down by poor-performing tech stocks .
The Dow ended the day up 159.81 @ @ @ @ @ and the S & P 500 gained 0.17 % , while the Nasdaq dropped 0.81 @ @ @ @ @ to the Dow 's rise on Tuesday as Bank of America stock increased 3.56 % @ @ @ @ @ and JPMorgan Chase rose 2.17 % .
Airline stocks also provided a boost with United @ @ @ @ @ Delta gaining 0.80 % .
The Nasdaq hit a record high after gaining 2.51 % @ @ @ @ @ suffered on Tuesday bringing the market down .
All of those tech stocks rose on @ @ @ @ @ Nasdaq 's gains , and all remain up 3 % month to date .
The @ @ @ @ @ on the year and the S & P 500 is up 0.82 % after going @ @ @ @ @ Monday , while the Dow is down 5.95 % .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 159 points on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq Composite fell following poor performances by tech stocks. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 21 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 continued gains on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq Composite was dragged down by poor-performing tech stocks. The Dow ended the day up 159.81 points, or 0.60% and the S&P 500 gained 0.17%, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.81%. Advertisement
Bank stocks contributed to the Dow's rise on Tuesday as Bank of America stock increased 3.56%, Citigroup gained 3.17% and JPMorgan Chase rose 2.17%.
Airline stocks also provided a boost with United Airlines rising 2.29% and Delta gaining 0.80%.
The Nasdaq hit a record high after gaining 2.51% on Monday but tech stocks suffered on Tuesday bringing the market down.
Netflix stock dropped 2.45%, Amazon fell 1.83%, Apple slid 1.38%, Microsoft dipped 1.35% and Google's parent company, Alphabet, declined 0.51%.
All of those tech stocks rose on Monday, contributing to the Nasdaq's gains, and all remain up 3% month to date.
The Nasdaq is up 19.03% on the year and the S&P 500 is up 0.82% after going positive for the year on Monday, while the Dow is down 5.95%.


upi--2020-07-21--COVID-19 stimulus: McConnell supports second round of direct payments

July 21 ( UPI ) -- Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he wants another round of direct payments to be included in Congress ' next stimulus package , though details have yet to be worked out .
Speaking from the Senate floor , McConnell said the payments would be one of several items included in the package expected to be around $ 1 trillion .
Many Americans received a $ 1,200 check -- plus $ 500 per child -- earlier this year as part of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act .
Lawmakers have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment claims skyrocket , but Democrats ' call for checks to be issued to undocumented immigrants has met resistance from Republicans .
McConnell has shown support for further direct payments , but declined to offer specifics on the amount and who qualifies .
`` Speaking of building on what worked in the CARES Act , we want another round of direct payments , '' he said .
Earlier this month , McConnell suggested that only Americans making $ 40,000 a year or less may be eligible for a potential second round of direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer people would receive checks .
Under the CARES Act , individuals earning up to $ 75,000 received a full $ 1,200 check and couples earning up to $ 150,000 received $ 2,400 .
Smaller checks were sent to individuals earning up to $ 99,000 .
It 's unclear if the $ 40,000 cutoff would make it into the final language of the next stimulus package .
In addition to the direct payments , McConnell said Senate Republicans support expanded funding under the Paycheck Protection Program and additional education funding -- $ 105 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
House Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he supports education funding but not if it 's tied to Trump 's push for schools to full reopen to in-person classes .
Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wash. , accused Republicans of `` using student safety as a bargaining chip . ''
`` Any attempt to condition funds on physically reopening is a non-starter for Democrats , '' she said .
The Democratic-led House passed its own version of the next coronavirus relief package in May , but Trump promised to veto the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his desk .

Senate Democratic leader Mitch McConnell declined to offer details on what a second round of direct payments would look like. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 21 (UPI) -- Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he wants another round of direct payments to be included in Congress' next stimulus package, though details have yet to be worked out. Speaking from the Senate floor, McConnell said the payments would be one of several items included in the package expected to be around $1 trillion. Advertisement
Many Americans received a $1,200 check -- plus $500 per child -- earlier this year as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Lawmakers have called for another round of direct payments as unemployment claims skyrocket, but Democrats' call for checks to be issued to undocumented immigrants has met resistance from Republicans.
McConnell has shown support for further direct payments, but declined to offer specifics on the amount and who qualifies.
"Speaking of building on what worked in the CARES Act, we want another round of direct payments," he said.
Earlier this month, McConnell suggested that only Americans making $40,000 a year or less may be eligible for a potential second round of direct payments. That means about 20 million fewer people would receive checks.
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Under the CARES Act, individuals earning up to $75,000 received a full $1,200 check and couples earning up to $150,000 received $2,400. Smaller checks were sent to individuals earning up to $99,000.
It's unclear if the $40,000 cutoff would make it into the final language of the next stimulus package.
In addition to the direct payments, McConnell said Senate Republicans support expanded funding under the Paycheck Protection Program and additional education funding -- $105 billion -- to help schools reopen amid the pandemic.
House Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he supports education funding but not if it's tied to Trump's push for schools to full reopen to in-person classes.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., accused Republicans of "using student safety as a bargaining chip."
"Any attempt to condition funds on physically reopening is a non-starter for Democrats," she said.
The Democratic-led House passed its own version of the next coronavirus relief package in May, but Trump promised to veto the $3 trillion legislation if it comes to his desk.
The American people cannot completely stop building their lives until a vaccine is available. The U.S.A. was not built for a defensive crouch. We need to smartly, safely stand up an educational system and an economy that works for workers and families in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/kEtPNydhKe— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) July 21, 2020


upi--2020-07-21--ER docs face anxiety, stress amid coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has left many U.S. emergency doctors with high levels of anxiety and emotional exhaustion , a new study finds .
The research included 426 emergency doctors ( median age : 35 ) in seven cities in California , Louisiana and New Jersey who were surveyed during the early stages of the outbreak .
The doctors reported having moderate to severe anxiety at work and at home .
They expressed worry about exposing relatives and friends to the new coronavirus , and most reported changes in behavior toward family and friends -- especially fewer signs of affection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress than men .
On scale of 1 to 7 , with 7 representing extreme stress , women doctors pegged the pandemic 's impact at a 6 both at work and at home .
The median for men was 5 for both .
Median means half reported more stress , half reported less .
Both said levels of emotional exhaustion or burnout had increased from a median of 3 before the pandemic to a 4 .
`` Some of our findings may be intuitive , but this research provides a critical early template @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will address the mental health needs of emergency physicians in the COVID-19 pandemic era , '' said lead author Dr. Robert Rodriguez , a professor of emergency medicine at the University of California , San Francisco .
Lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) brought the greatest concern , and doctors most often said that addressing the problem would do the most to reduce their anxiety .
The doctors also expressed concerns about a shortage of rapid turnaround testing , the risk of community spread by discharged patients , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To reduce anxiety , they called for improved access to PPE increased availability of quick turnaround testing , and clear communication of changes in COVID-19 protocols as well as guaranteed access to self-testing and personal leave for front-line providers .
The findings were published July 21 in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine .
`` Occupational exposure has changed the vast majority of physicians ' behavior at both work and home , '' Rodriguez said in a university news release .
`` At home , doctors are worried about exposing family members or roommates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effects of excess social isolation because of their work on the front line . ''
Researchers noted that majority of sites studied were in California , which at the time of the survey had not had the large surges of patients seen elsewhere .
Even so , levels of anxiety among California doctors were similar to those in Louisiana and New Jersey , which were dealing with surges at the time .
Further research would examine stress factors that have arisen as the pandemic has progressed , including child care and homeschooling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall in the ER and possible development of long-term post-traumatic stress .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 .

Emergency doctors reported having moderate to severe anxiety at work and at home during the pandemic. Photo by paulbr75/Pixabay | License Photo
The coronavirus pandemic has left many U.S. emergency doctors with high levels of anxiety and emotional exhaustion, a new study finds. The research included 426 emergency doctors (median age: 35) in seven cities in California, Louisiana and New Jersey who were surveyed during the early stages of the outbreak. Advertisement
The doctors reported having moderate to severe anxiety at work and at home. They expressed worry about exposing relatives and friends to the new coronavirus, and most reported changes in behavior toward family and friends -- especially fewer signs of affection.
Overall, women doctors reported slightly higher stress than men. On scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing extreme stress, women doctors pegged the pandemic's impact at a 6 both at work and at home. The median for men was 5 for both. Median means half reported more stress, half reported less.
Both said levels of emotional exhaustion or burnout had increased from a median of 3 before the pandemic to a 4.
"Some of our findings may be intuitive, but this research provides a critical early template for the design and implementation of interventions that will address the mental health needs of emergency physicians in the COVID-19 pandemic era," said lead author Dr. Robert Rodriguez, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
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Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) brought the greatest concern, and doctors most often said that addressing the problem would do the most to reduce their anxiety.
The doctors also expressed concerns about a shortage of rapid turnaround testing, the risk of community spread by discharged patients, and the well-being of coworkers diagnosed with COVID-19.
To reduce anxiety, they called for improved access to PPE increased availability of quick turnaround testing, and clear communication of changes in COVID-19 protocols as well as guaranteed access to self-testing and personal leave for front-line providers. The findings were published July 21 in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine.
"Occupational exposure has changed the vast majority of physicians' behavior at both work and home," Rodriguez said in a university news release. "At home, doctors are worried about exposing family members or roommates, possibly needing to self-quarantine, and the effects of excess social isolation because of their work on the front line."
Researchers noted that majority of sites studied were in California, which at the time of the survey had not had the large surges of patients seen elsewhere.
Even so, levels of anxiety among California doctors were similar to those in Louisiana and New Jersey, which were dealing with surges at the time.
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Further research would examine stress factors that have arisen as the pandemic has progressed, including child care and homeschooling demands the economic impact of fewer patients overall in the ER and possible development of long-term post-traumatic stress.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-21--Utah woman reunited with missing cat after 10 years

July 21 ( UPI ) -- A Utah animal shelter said a cat that went missing 10 years ago was reunited with her owner after being brought in as a stray .
The Tooele City Animal Shelter said a stray cat was recently brought into the shelter by a person who said they had been feeding the stray feline , but they were preparing to move and were concerned about leaving the cat without a consistent source of food .
The shelter scanned the cat for a microchip and found the contact information for a man who identified the cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The man said Mocha had gone missing from the family 's home 10 years earlier , when his daughter was a teenager .
The man 's daughter , now an adult , came into the shelter and was reunited with her long-lost pet .
The shelter said the story should serve as a reminder of how important it is to bring stray animals in to be scanned for microchips .
`` Bringing the animals to the shelter is one of the only ways to increase the chances of their owner finding them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That skinny , matted stray cat or dog that you just saw on the street may be the next pet that has been missing for over a decade , with heartbroken owners who have lost hope . ''

A Utah woman was reunited with her missing cat after 10 years when the feline was brought into a shelter as a stray. Photo courtesy of the Tooele City Animal Shelter/Facebook
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe July 21 (UPI) -- A Utah animal shelter said a cat that went missing 10 years ago was reunited with her owner after being brought in as a stray. The Tooele City Animal Shelter said a stray cat was recently brought into the shelter by a person who said they had been feeding the stray feline, but they were preparing to move and were concerned about leaving the cat without a consistent source of food. Advertisement
The shelter scanned the cat for a microchip and found the contact information for a man who identified the cat as Mocha, his daughter's cat. The man said Mocha had gone missing from the family's home 10 years earlier, when his daughter was a teenager.
The man's daughter, now an adult, came into the shelter and was reunited with her long-lost pet.
The shelter said the story should serve as a reminder of how important it is to bring stray animals in to be scanned for microchips.
"Bringing the animals to the shelter is one of the only ways to increase the chances of their owner finding them," the shelter said. "That skinny, matted stray cat or dog that you just saw on the street may be the next pet that has been missing for over a decade, with heartbroken owners who have lost hope."


upi--2020-07-21--Scientists find 'ring of fire' on surface of Venus

July 21 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have discovered a `` ring of fire '' on the surface of Venus -- a belt of active mantle plumes .
Unlike Earth 's Ring of Fire , which is fueled by plate tectonics , the ring of fire on Venus is caused by vertical hotspot volcanism , the same phenomenon that produced the Hawaiian Islands .
Researchers discovered the new ring of fire after conducting an extensive survey of Venus ' coronae population .
The team of scientists detailed their discovery this week in the journal Nature Geoscience .
More than 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured images of dozens of unusual circular structures , called coronae , on the surface of Venus .
Ever since , scientists have been trying to decipher their geological origins and the underlying conditions that shape them .
Planetary scientists agree that coronae are produced by mantle plumes .
Hot molten rock is carried upwards by convection currents , forming a mushroom-like shape at the top .
As the rising column of molten rock melts the crust , the head of the plume expands , forming the circular structure .
Eventually , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rim of the coronae , causing the structure to contract and crack .
Despite the seemingly homogeneous formation process , the topography coronae is n't uniform .
For the new research , scientists used computer models to study variation in surface topography of different coronae and suss out links to geological commonalities beneath the surface .
`` Every corona structure has a specific signature that indicates what is going on beneath it , '' Anna Gülcher , a doctoral student at ETH Zurich , said in a news release .
Coronae positioned above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situated atop an inactive plume that has sunk and cooled .
When researchers classified and mapped the two different types , they found the majority of coronae above active mantle plumes were situated along a continuous belt -- a kind of ring of fire , only fueled by volcanism .
As for why the coronae are organized in this pattern , and what such behavior says about Venus ' mantle , researchers are n't sure .
With more observational data and more powerful simulations , researchers said they hope to delve deeper into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronae-forging mantle plumes .
According to the study 's authors , Venus could serve as a model for studying the kind of hotspot volcanism that may have dominated early Earth .

Scientists found a ring of fire on the surface of Venus were the majority of structures linked with active mantle plumes are found. Photo by NASA/JPL/USGS
July 21 (UPI) -- Scientists have discovered a "ring of fire" on the surface of Venus -- a belt of active mantle plumes. Unlike Earth's Ring of Fire, which is fueled by plate tectonics, the ring of fire on Venus is caused by vertical hotspot volcanism, the same phenomenon that produced the Hawaiian Islands. Advertisement
Researchers discovered the new ring of fire after conducting an extensive survey of Venus' coronae population. The team of scientists detailed their discovery this week in the journal Nature Geoscience.
More than 30 years ago, NASA's Magellan spacecraft captured images of dozens of unusual circular structures, called coronae, on the surface of Venus. Ever since, scientists have been trying to decipher their geological origins and the underlying conditions that shape them.
Planetary scientists agree that coronae are produced by mantle plumes.
Hot molten rock is carried upwards by convection currents, forming a mushroom-like shape at the top. As the rising column of molten rock melts the crust, the head of the plume expands, forming the circular structure.
Eventually, the plume may sink back down beneath the rim of the coronae, causing the structure to contract and crack.
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Despite the seemingly homogeneous formation process, the topography coronae isn't uniform. For the new research, scientists used computer models to study variation in surface topography of different coronae and suss out links to geological commonalities beneath the surface.
"Every corona structure has a specific signature that indicates what is going on beneath it," Anna Gülcher, a doctoral student at ETH Zurich, said in a news release.
Coronae positioned above active mantle plumes look different than coronae situated atop an inactive plume that has sunk and cooled.
When researchers classified and mapped the two different types, they found the majority of coronae above active mantle plumes were situated along a continuous belt -- a kind of ring of fire, only fueled by volcanism.
As for why the coronae are organized in this pattern, and what such behavior says about Venus' mantle, researchers aren't sure.
With more observational data and more powerful simulations, researchers said they hope to delve deeper into the origins and evolution of Venus' coronae-forging mantle plumes.
According to the study's authors, Venus could serve as a model for studying the kind of hotspot volcanism that may have dominated early Earth.


upi--2020-07-22--Knesset votes to support bill banning gay conversion therapy

July 22 ( UPI ) -- Israeli lawmakers passed a bill on its first reading Wednesday that proposes to ban gay conversion therapy , in a victory for lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender rights .
The Knesset approved the bill in its preliminary reading by a vote of 42-36 .
A number of coalition members from the Blue and White Party and Public Security Minister Amir Ohana supported the proposal , which is opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's administration .
Opponents say the bill could jeopardize psychologists ' licenses to practice and result in jail time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rejected by mainstream medical and mental health organizations , conversion therapy purports to change a person 's sexual orientation or gender identity .
`` Conversion therapy was born in sin and its place is outside of the law and the public norm , '' Gantz wrote in a post online .
`` We will make sure that everyone , from every background and sexual orientation , in Israel , will have free choice and security in their identity . ''
Israeli housing minister Yaakov Litzman , leader of the United Torah Judaism Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recently formed coalition government .
The bill still must pass three more readings and find approval in a Knesset committee before it would be enacted as law .

Demonstrators rally for LGBT rights outside the home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Israel, on July 22, 2018. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
July 22 (UPI) -- Israeli lawmakers passed a bill on its first reading Wednesday that proposes to ban gay conversion therapy, in a victory for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. The Knesset approved the bill in its preliminary reading by a vote of 42-36. A number of coalition members from the Blue and White Party and Public Security Minister Amir Ohana supported the proposal, which is opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. Advertisement
Opponents say the bill could jeopardize psychologists' licenses to practice and result in jail time if they continue the controversial therapy.
Rejected by mainstream medical and mental health organizations, conversion therapy purports to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
"Conversion therapy was born in sin and its place is outside of the law and the public norm," Gantz wrote in a post online. "We will make sure that everyone, from every background and sexual orientation, in Israel, will have free choice and security in their identity."
Israeli housing minister Yaakov Litzman, leader of the United Torah Judaism Party, said passing the bill would threaten the recently formed coalition government.
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The bill still must pass three more readings and find approval in a Knesset committee before it would be enacted as law.


upi--2020-07-22--The Chicks: Lady A lawsuit 'goes against the point' of name change

July 22 ( UPI ) -- The Chicks says Lady A 's lawsuit over the name `` Lady A '' goes against the point of the band changing its name .
The Chicks , formerly known as The Dixie Chicks , weighed in on Lady A 's lawsuit during Tuesday 's episode of Watch What Happens Live .
Lady A , formerly known as Lady Antebellum , changed its name in June due to the the word antebellum 's association with the pre-Civil War South .
The change came in the wake of George Floyd 's death and national conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lady A sued Black blues singer Anita White , who has performed as `` Lady A '' for more than 20 years .
The band Lady A cites a trademark for the name that they 've had since 2011 .
On WWHL , The Chicks ' Natalie Maines said she was n't aware of the trademark .
`` I think it 's very awkward and uncomfortable to have this whole lawsuit .
It 's kind of going against the point of changing their name .
Unfortunate , '' she said .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who disagrees with The Chicks ' own name change , Martie Maguire said , `` We do n't really care . ''
The Chicks announced its name change in June .
The country music trio explained the change on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week .
`` Well , just because of everything that 's going on in the world , '' Maines said .
`` It was about time .
We had wanted to change it for a long time , actually . ''
On WWHL , The Chicks also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CMA Awards .
`` It was awesome , '' Maines said .
`` It was the greatest single professional week of my life . ''
`` She 's another level , '' she added of Beyoncé .

July 22 (UPI) -- The Chicks says Lady A's lawsuit over the name "Lady A" goes against the point of the band changing its name.
The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, weighed in on Lady A's lawsuit during Tuesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live.
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Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, changed its name in June due to the the word antebellum's association with the pre-Civil War South. The change came in the wake of George Floyd's death and national conversations about racial injustice.
Earlier this month, Lady A sued Black blues singer Anita White, who has performed as "Lady A" for more than 20 years. The band Lady A cites a trademark for the name that they've had since 2011.
On WWHL, The Chicks' Natalie Maines said she wasn't aware of the trademark.
"I think it's very awkward and uncomfortable to have this whole lawsuit. It's kind of going against the point of changing their name. Unfortunate," she said.
When asked what they would say to someone who disagrees with The Chicks' own name change, Martie Maguire said, "We don't really care."
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The Chicks announced its name change in June. The country music trio explained the change on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week.
"Well, just because of everything that's going on in the world," Maines said. "It was about time. We had wanted to change it for a long time, actually."
On WWHL, The Chicks also discussed their 2016 performance with Beyoncé at the CMA Awards.
"It was awesome," Maines said. "It was the greatest single professional week of my life."
"She's another level," she added of Beyoncé.
.


upi--2020-07-22--'Wendy Williams Show' to make in-studio return in September

July 22 ( UPI ) -- Wendy Williams announced on Twitter that her daytime talk show will be returning for @ @ @ @ @ and will be presented from inside her studio .
`` I ca n't wait to @ @ @ @ @ YOU and to my AMAZING staff and crew !
!
I 'm sooo excited to @ @ @ @ @ , glamour and hopefully brighten your day during these crazy times that we 're all @ @ @ @ @ for just an hour , '' Williams tweeted on Tuesday .
`` I miss you @ @ @ @ @ get back in my purple chair and show you what we did to the set @ @ @ @ @ watching , '' she continued .
Williams started producing new episodes of The Wendy Williams @ @ @ @ @ March due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The 56-year-old then took time off in May @ @ @ @ @ related to her Graves ' disease .
No studio audience will be present during production @ @ @ @ @ New episodes will begin airing daily starting on Sept. 21 .

The 12th season of WENDY starts SEPTEMBER 21! I can't wait to get back to all of YOU and to my AMAZING staff and crew!! I'm sooo excited to bring you silly, funny, glamour and hopefully brighten your day during these crazy times that we're all living in, even if for just an hour.— Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) July 21, 2020
July 22 (UPI) -- Wendy Williams announced on Twitter that her daytime talk show will be returning for Season 12 on Sept. 21 and will be presented from inside her studio.
"I can't wait to get back to all of YOU and to my AMAZING staff and crew!! I'm sooo excited to bring you silly, funny, glamour and hopefully brighten your day during these crazy times that we're all living in, even if for just an hour," Williams tweeted on Tuesday.
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"I miss you and can't wait to get back in my purple chair and show you what we did to the set. I love you for watching," she continued.
Williams started producing new episodes of The Wendy Williams Show from her home in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 56-year-old then took time off in May as she dealt with symptoms related to her Graves' disease.
No studio audience will be present during production of the new season. New episodes will begin airing daily starting on Sept. 21.


upi--2020-07-22--Marlins hit 3 consecutive home runs vs. Braves

July 22 ( UPI ) -- The Miami Marlins hit three consecutive home runs before they surrendered a 6-0 lead and lost to the Atlanta Braves in a summer camp game in Atlanta .
Miami 's Jorge Alfaro , Miguel Rojas and Jonathan Villar smacked the trio of moonshots in the third inning of the 10-9 loss Tuesday at Truist Park .
`` The back-to-back-to-backs got us rolling , '' Marlins manager Don Mattingly told reporters .
`` But then I thought we did a nice job of stringing some hits together , adding on and continuing to play .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz retired six of seven batters in the first two innings before he ran into trouble in the third frame .
The Braves right-handed pitcher began the inning by tossing a 74.7-mph curveball to Alfaro .
The Marlins catcher responded with a 375-foot solo homer just inside the left field foul pole .
Rojas then settled in against the Braves starter for the second at-bat of the inning .
Foltynewicz began that exchange with a curveball for a strike .
He then issued his third consecutive curveball .
Rojas ripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a 391-foot homer .
Villar -- the Marlins ' leadoff hitter -- then walked to the plate to face the struggle Braves pitcher .
Foltynewicz delivered an 87.9-mph slider for his first pitch of that exchange .
The Marlins center fielder deposited the offering into the seats in left center field for a 412-foot blast .
Miami added three more runs in the fifth frame before the Braves started their comeback .
Marcel Ozuna plated the Braves ' first run in the bottom of the sixth inning .
Francisco Cervelli plated two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the eighth inning .
Atlanta then erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the eighth frame .
Freddie Freeman , Michael Harris and Adam Duvall recorded RBI singles in the inning .
Charlie Culberson and Drew Waters each had RBI doubles in the eighth frame .
The Braves also scored on a wild pitch as part of their eight-run rally .
Jesus Sanchez hit the Marlins ' fourth home run of the game to tie the score at 9-9 in the top of the ninth inning .
Matt Adams responded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom of the final frame .
The Marlins battle the Braves in another summer camp clash at 4:05 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Atlanta .
The Marlins start the regular season against the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 p.m. EDT Friday in Philadelphia .
The Braves face the New York Mets at 4:10 p.m. EDT Friday in New York City .

Miami Marlins veteran Miguel Rojas hit the second of back-to-back-to-back home runs for his team in the third inning of a summer camp loss to the Atlanta Braves Tuesday in Atlanta. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 22 (UPI) -- The Miami Marlins hit three consecutive home runs before they surrendered a 6-0 lead and lost to the Atlanta Braves in a summer camp game in Atlanta. Miami's Jorge Alfaro, Miguel Rojas and Jonathan Villar smacked the trio of moonshots in the third inning of the 10-9 loss Tuesday at Truist Park. Advertisement
"The back-to-back-to-backs got us rolling," Marlins manager Don Mattingly told reporters. "But then I thought we did a nice job of stringing some hits together, adding on and continuing to play. Just different guys getting hits."
Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz retired six of seven batters in the first two innings before he ran into trouble in the third frame. The Braves right-handed pitcher began the inning by tossing a 74.7-mph curveball to Alfaro.
The Marlins catcher responded with a 375-foot solo homer just inside the left field foul pole.
Rojas then settled in against the Braves starter for the second at-bat of the inning. Foltynewicz began that exchange with a curveball for a strike. He then issued his third consecutive curveball. Rojas ripped the 70.7-mph breaking ball to left field for a 391-foot homer.
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Villar -- the Marlins' leadoff hitter -- then walked to the plate to face the struggle Braves pitcher. Foltynewicz delivered an 87.9-mph slider for his first pitch of that exchange. The Marlins center fielder deposited the offering into the seats in left center field for a 412-foot blast.
Miami added three more runs in the fifth frame before the Braves started their comeback. Marcel Ozuna plated the Braves' first run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Francisco Cervelli plated two runs for the Marlins in the top of the eighth inning.
Atlanta then erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the eighth frame. Freddie Freeman, Michael Harris and Adam Duvall recorded RBI singles in the inning. Charlie Culberson and Drew Waters each had RBI doubles in the eighth frame. The Braves also scored on a wild pitch as part of their eight-run rally.
Jesus Sanchez hit the Marlins' fourth home run of the game to tie the score at 9-9 in the top of the ninth inning. Matt Adams responded with a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the final frame.
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The Marlins battle the Braves in another summer camp clash at 4:05 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Atlanta. The Marlins start the regular season against the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 p.m. EDT Friday in Philadelphia. The Braves face the New York Mets at 4:10 p.m. EDT Friday in New York City.
Baseball kicks off with preseason training


upi--2020-07-22--Britain, U.S. end 'anomaly' that shielded Anne Sacoolas after death of Harry Dunn

July 22 ( UPI ) -- U.S. and British officials agreed Wednesday to close a loophole through which an American woman charged in the death of a motorcyclist was allowed to leave Britain via diplomatic immunity .
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Parliament that the nations agreed to end an `` anomaly '' in their diplomatic arrangements that shielded family members of staffers at RAF Croughton from criminal prosecution .
`` Those arrangements contained a waiver of immunity from criminal jurisdiction for U.S. staff outside the course of their duties , but no such waiver for their family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. waiver of immunity from criminal jurisdiction is now expressly extended to the family members . ''
The agreement also extended the waiver to all Embassy staff at Croughton and added a waiver in respect of inviolability .
The deal came after Anne Sacoolas , the wife of an intelligence officer at RAF Croughton , was able to return to the United States last year after she was involved in a traffic accident that killed 19-year-old Harry Dunn .
RAF Croughton is a U.S. Air Force communications station in Northamptonshire , about 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged Sacoolas in December with causing death by dangerous driving .
An investigation concluded that Sacoolas was driving on the wrong side of the road .
`` We have the deepest sympathy for Harry Dunn 's family , '' Raab said Wednesday .
`` No family should have to experience what they have gone through and I recognize that these changes will not bring Harry back .
`` However , I hope that the knowledge that the Croughton arrangements have been revised and that a family in their position would now see justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Dunn 's family took legal action against the British Foreign Office and Northamptonshire Police over the deadly accident .
Wednesday , his mother said the change is a `` huge step forward , '' but vowed the family wo n't stop its campaign to have Sacoolas extradited from United States to face charges .
The U.S. State Department has rejected requests to return Sacoolas to Britain , arguing that doing so would set a dangerous precedent .

The family of Harry Dunn leave the Foreign Office in London, Britain, on October 9, 2019, after meeting with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. The family is asking for justice after their son Harry was killed in a traffic accident involving Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a U.S. diplomat. File Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE
July 22 (UPI) -- U.S. and British officials agreed Wednesday to close a loophole through which an American woman charged in the death of a motorcyclist was allowed to leave Britain via diplomatic immunity. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Parliament that the nations agreed to end an "anomaly" in their diplomatic arrangements that shielded family members of staffers at RAF Croughton from criminal prosecution. Advertisement
"Those arrangements contained a waiver of immunity from criminal jurisdiction for U.S. staff outside the course of their duties, but no such waiver for their family members," he said.
"The U.S. waiver of immunity from criminal jurisdiction is now expressly extended to the family members."
The agreement also extended the waiver to all Embassy staff at Croughton and added a waiver in respect of inviolability.
The deal came after Anne Sacoolas, the wife of an intelligence officer at RAF Croughton, was able to return to the United States last year after she was involved in a traffic accident that killed 19-year-old Harry Dunn.
RAF Croughton is a U.S. Air Force communications station in Northamptonshire, about 60 miles northwest of London.
Police had charged Sacoolas in December with causing death by dangerous driving. An investigation concluded that Sacoolas was driving on the wrong side of the road.
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"We have the deepest sympathy for Harry Dunn's family," Raab said Wednesday. "No family should have to experience what they have gone through and I recognize that these changes will not bring Harry back.
"However, I hope that the knowledge that the Croughton arrangements have been revised and that a family in their position would now see justice done brings some small measure of comfort."
Dunn's family took legal action against the British Foreign Office and Northamptonshire Police over the deadly accident. Wednesday, his mother said the change is a "huge step forward," but vowed the family won't stop its campaign to have Sacoolas extradited from United States to face charges.
The U.S. State Department has rejected requests to return Sacoolas to Britain, arguing that doing so would set a dangerous precedent.


upi--2020-07-22--ITV announces countdown special 'Britain's Favorite Detective'

Sheridan Smith will narrate the show , which will rank the greatest television sleuths of the past 50 years .
@ @ @ @ @ Holmes , to Line of Duty 's AC-12 , from Belgium 's stalwart Hercule Poirot @ @ @ @ @ Luther , from the formidable Jane Tennison to unwitting crime buster Miss Marple , these @ @ @ @ @ all on the edge of seats as they attempt to catch some of the most @ @ @ @ @ a press release said .
No air date has been set yet .
`` Crime @ @ @ @ @ part in our TV viewing , producing the most iconic and best loved television characters @ @ @ @ @ , ITV 's commissioning editor of entertainment .
`` Britain 's Favorite Detective celebrates these @ @ @ @ @ the chance to relive some of the best TV moments of the last five decades @ @

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Sheridan Smith is set to host the ITV special "Britain's Favorite Detective." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 22 (UPI) -- ITV has announced plans to air a special called Britain's Favorite Detective. Sheridan Smith will narrate the show, which will rank the greatest television sleuths of the past 50 years. Advertisement
"From the infamous Sherlock Holmes, to Line of Duty's AC-12, from Belgium's stalwart Hercule Poirot, to modern day hero Luther, from the formidable Jane Tennison to unwitting crime buster Miss Marple, these legendary characters have kept us all on the edge of seats as they attempt to catch some of the most devilish of villains," a press release said.
No air date has been set yet.
"Crime dramas have played a huge part in our TV viewing, producing the most iconic and best loved television characters," said Joe Mace, ITV's commissioning editor of entertainment. "Britain's Favorite Detective celebrates these TV legends and gives viewers the chance to relive some of the best TV moments of the last five decades."


upi--2020-07-22--U.N. rapporteur to inquire into audits of North Korea rights groups

July 22 ( UPI ) -- The United Nations ' top official on North Korea human rights said he plans to request information from Seoul following a recent South Korean government decision to cancel the operation permits of two defector-led groups that have launched anti-Pyongyang leaflets .
U.N. Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomás Ojea Quintana said he intends to request from the South Korean unification ministry more information on planned inspections of North Korean human rights groups , Radio Free Asia 's Korean service reported Tuesday .
`` I will request , the U.N. will be requesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] government .
And we 'll follow up on this issue , '' Quintana said , according to the report .
Last week Seoul said it selected 25 non-governmental organizations for routine `` inspections . ''
North Korean dissidents head about half of the groups .
In his interview with RFA , Quintana said he is in the midst of obtaining more details on the situation for activists in South Korea .
The U.N. rapporteur said he does not welcome the recent government measures , taken after North Korean official Kim Yo Jong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said international investigations into North Korea human rights abuses depend on information from defectors for clues into conditions in the North , which has denied Quintana access .
The U.N. official said he has met with countless defectors during his trips to the South and listened to their experiences with serious rights violations in North Korea .
Quintana said the U.N. can officially raise concerns with Seoul and call on the government for a `` balanced management '' of regulations and control of civil society organizations .
More North Korean defectors are voicing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , comparing the move to a `` blacklist '' that outlaws different voices , News 1 reported Wednesday .
A total of 25 groups , including Citizens ' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights , Transitional Justice Working Group and North Korean Democratization Network , called for an end to the `` political activities '' of the unification ministry .
`` This is discrimination and oppression .
It 's like keeping a blacklist , '' the group said in statement .

The U.N. special rapporteur on North Korean human rights says he is to look into the situation for North Korean defectors' groups in the South as they fall under increased scrutiny. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
July 22 (UPI) -- The United Nations' top official on North Korea human rights said he plans to request information from Seoul following a recent South Korean government decision to cancel the operation permits of two defector-led groups that have launched anti-Pyongyang leaflets. U.N. Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights Tomás Ojea Quintana said he intends to request from the South Korean unification ministry more information on planned inspections of North Korean human rights groups, Radio Free Asia's Korean service reported Tuesday. Advertisement
"I will request, the U.N. will be requesting, information from the [South Korean] government. And we'll follow up on this issue," Quintana said, according to the report.
Last week Seoul said it selected 25 non-governmental organizations for routine "inspections." North Korean dissidents head about half of the groups.
In his interview with RFA, Quintana said he is in the midst of obtaining more details on the situation for activists in South Korea. The U.N. rapporteur said he does not welcome the recent government measures, taken after North Korean official Kim Yo Jong denounced activists in the South.
Quintana said international investigations into North Korea human rights abuses depend on information from defectors for clues into conditions in the North, which has denied Quintana access.
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The U.N. official said he has met with countless defectors during his trips to the South and listened to their experiences with serious rights violations in North Korea.
Quintana said the U.N. can officially raise concerns with Seoul and call on the government for a "balanced management" of regulations and control of civil society organizations.
More North Korean defectors are voicing their opposition to government plans of inspections, comparing the move to a "blacklist" that outlaws different voices, News 1 reported Wednesday.
A total of 25 groups, including Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, Transitional Justice Working Group and North Korean Democratization Network, called for an end to the "political activities" of the unification ministry.
"This is discrimination and oppression. It's like keeping a blacklist," the group said in statement.


upi--2020-07-22--Watch: Andy Samberg says weddings are clubs for adults on 'Tonight Show'

July 22 ( UPI ) -- Andy Samberg discussed his love of weddings while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , said that he loves going to weddings as they offer an open @ @ @ @ @ dancing .
`` I feel like as an adult , there 's not a lot @ @ @ @ @ '' the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star said during his comedic appearance .
`` It 's like @ @ @ @ @ '' he continued after noting that at a certain age you should n't go to @ @ @ @ @ You 're almost being a jerk if you do n't dance at a wedding , @ @ @ @ @ attends a wedding in his latest film Palm Springs , which recently arrived on Hulu @ @ @ @ @ and Cristin Milioti as they keep reliving the same day at a Palm Springs wedding @ @ @ @ @ ASMR skills on The Tonight Show , as he whispered into the microphone what was @ @ @ @ @ a bag of dried mangos .

July 22 (UPI) -- Andy Samberg discussed his love of weddings while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Samberg, on Tuesday, said that he loves going to weddings as they offer an open bar, free food and dancing.
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"I feel like as an adult, there's not a lot of opportunities to dance," the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star said during his comedic appearance.
"It's like the club for adults," he continued after noting that at a certain age you shouldn't go to the club anymore.
"You're almost being a jerk if you don't dance at a wedding," Samberg said.
Samberg attends a wedding in his latest film Palm Springs, which recently arrived on Hulu. The film follows Samberg and Cristin Milioti as they keep reliving the same day at a Palm Springs wedding.
Samberg also displayed his ASMR skills on The Tonight Show, as he whispered into the microphone what was written on the back of a bag of dried mangos.


upi--2020-07-22--Listen: Rolling Stones release never heard before 1974 track 'Scarlet'

July 22 ( UPI ) -- Legendary rock band The Rolling Stones shared on YouTube Wednesday the lyric video for a previously unreleased 1974 track called `` Scarlet . ''
The song -- which is also available for sale on digital platforms -- features Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech .
It will appear on the group 's multi-format release of Goats Head Soup 2020 , which is set to go on sale on Sept. 4 .
`` I remember first jamming this with Jimmy and Keith in Ronnie 's basement studio .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead singer Mick Jagger said in a statement about `` Scarlet . ''
`` My recollection is we walked in at the end of a Zeppelin session , '' Stones guitarist Keith Richards added .
`` They were just leaving , and we were booked in next and I believe that Jimmy decided to stay .
We were n't actually cutting it as a track , it was basically for a demo , a demonstration , you know , just to get the feel of it , but it came out well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , we better use it . ''
The Stones recently released the new song `` Living in a Ghost Town , '' which was recorded before the coronavirus pandemic brought the music industry to a standstill .

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The Rolling Stones released "Scarlet," a 1974 song the public has never heard before, on Wednesday. File Photo By Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
July 22 (UPI) -- Legendary rock band The Rolling Stones shared on YouTube Wednesday the lyric video for a previously unreleased 1974 track called "Scarlet." The song -- which is also available for sale on digital platforms -- features Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech. It will appear on the group's multi-format release of Goats Head Soup 2020, which is set to go on sale on Sept. 4. Advertisement
"I remember first jamming this with Jimmy and Keith in Ronnie's basement studio. It was a great session," Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger said in a statement about "Scarlet."
"My recollection is we walked in at the end of a Zeppelin session," Stones guitarist Keith Richards added. "They were just leaving, and we were booked in next and I believe that Jimmy decided to stay. We weren't actually cutting it as a track, it was basically for a demo, a demonstration, you know, just to get the feel of it, but it came out well, with a line up like that, you know, we better use it."
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The Stones recently released the new song "Living in a Ghost Town," which was recorded before the coronavirus pandemic brought the music industry to a standstill.