upi--2020-09-10--Pete Alonso homer, Michael Conforto catch lead Mets over Orioles

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead home run and Michael Conforto snared an impressive over-the-shoulder catch with the bases loaded to lead the New York Mets to a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field in Queens , N.Y. Alonso went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI in the victory Wednesday at Citi Field .
Conforto also homered in the win .
`` Every single win matters so much , especially at this point of the year , '' Alonso told reporters .
`` There were so many incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orioles blasted Mets starter Rick Porcello for 10 hits and five runs in four innings , but the Mets bullpen allowed just two hits and shut out Baltimore over the final 3 1/3 innings to secure the win .
Renato Nunez and Ryan Mountcastle each hit RBI singles in the top of the first inning to give the Orioles a 2-0 edge .
Mets outfielder Jeff McNeil cut the deficit in half with another RBI single in the bottom of the second inning .
Orioles third baseman Rio Ruiz sliced a two-run double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the third inning .
Hanser Alberto then plated Ruiz with an RBI single in the same frame .
McNeil returned to the plate in the bottom of the fourth frame and smashed a two-run homer to left field to make the score 5-3 .
D.J .
Stewart responded with a solo home run for the Orioles in the top of the next inning .
Conforto then stepped up to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the fifth frame to cut the deficit to two runs .
The Mets outfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jorge Lopez before he connected on an 0-1 sinker and sent the pitch over the center field fence for a 429-foot homer .
Robinson Cano hit an RBI single in the same inning to cut the Orioles advantage to one run .
The Orioles responded again in the top of the sixth frame before Conforto came up with another big play .
The Mets retired the first two hitters of the inning before relief pitcher Jared Hughes issued a walk and hit back-to-back batters to load the bases .
Justin Wilson then replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-bat of the half inning .
The Orioles infielder took a cutter for a ball on the first pitch of the exchange .
He then blasted a 1-0 sinker deep to right field .
Conforto raced back toward the warning track as he tracked the baseball .
He looked over his right shoulder before he realized the ball was headed toward his left side .
Conforto then adjusted to the ball 's flight path , jumped and used his gloved left hand to snag the ball for the final out of the frame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall before I made my jump , '' Conforto said .
`` The [ Mets ] bullpen was yelling that I had room .
In that situation you have to just go up for it .
`` Luckily my glove was just long enough and I came down with it . ''
Neither team managed to get a hit in the seventh inning .
Orioles pitcher Hunter Harvey came in to relieve Tanner Scott in the bottom of the eighth inning to face Alonso in the leadoff at-bat .
Alonso smashed Harvey 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field for a 406-foot homer .
Alonso 's blast traveled 105 mph off his bat and left the field in 6 seconds , according to Statcast .
Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz allowed a leadoff single to Hanser Alberto in the top of the ninth inning before he retired the next three hitters and picked up his third save of the season .
Lopez allowed six hits and five runs for the Orioles .
Stewart went 3 for 3 with two runs scored , an RBI and a walk in the loss .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ RBI and a run scored .
McNeil and Dominic Smith had two hits apiece for the Mets .
The Mets ( 20-24 ) and Orioles ( 20-22 ) split the two-game series .
The Orioles battle the New York Yankees at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday at Yankee Stadium in New York City .
The Mets face the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:37 p.m. EDT Friday at Sahlen Field in Buffalo , N.Y .

New York Mets infielder Pete Alonso had three hits in a win over the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday in Queens, N.Y. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead home run and Michael Conforto snared an impressive over-the-shoulder catch with the bases loaded to lead the New York Mets to a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y. Alonso went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI in the victory Wednesday at Citi Field. Conforto also homered in the win. Advertisement
"Every single win matters so much, especially at this point of the year," Alonso told reporters. "There were so many incredible instances where the game changed.
"It was a tremendous group effort."
The Orioles blasted Mets starter Rick Porcello for 10 hits and five runs in four innings, but the Mets bullpen allowed just two hits and shut out Baltimore over the final 3 1/3 innings to secure the win.
Advertisement
Renato Nunez and Ryan Mountcastle each hit RBI singles in the top of the first inning to give the Orioles a 2-0 edge. Mets outfielder Jeff McNeil cut the deficit in half with another RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.
Orioles third baseman Rio Ruiz sliced a two-run double to center field for a 4-1 lead in the third inning. Hanser Alberto then plated Ruiz with an RBI single in the same frame.
McNeil returned to the plate in the bottom of the fourth frame and smashed a two-run homer to left field to make the score 5-3. D.J. Stewart responded with a solo home run for the Orioles in the top of the next inning.
Conforto then stepped up to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the fifth frame to cut the deficit to two runs. The Mets outfielder fouled off a fastball from Orioles starter Jorge Lopez before he connected on an 0-1 sinker and sent the pitch over the center field fence for a 429-foot homer.
Robinson Cano hit an RBI single in the same inning to cut the Orioles advantage to one run. The Orioles responded again in the top of the sixth frame before Conforto came up with another big play.
Advertisement
The Mets retired the first two hitters of the inning before relief pitcher Jared Hughes issued a walk and hit back-to-back batters to load the bases. Justin Wilson then replaced Hughes to face Ruiz in the final at-bat of the half inning. The Orioles infielder took a cutter for a ball on the first pitch of the exchange. He then blasted a 1-0 sinker deep to right field.
Conforto raced back toward the warning track as he tracked the baseball. He looked over his right shoulder before he realized the ball was headed toward his left side. Conforto then adjusted to the ball's flight path, jumped and used his gloved left hand to snag the ball for the final out of the frame.
"I tried to find the wall before I made my jump," Conforto said. "The [Mets] bullpen was yelling that I had room. In that situation you have to just go up for it.
"Luckily my glove was just long enough and I came down with it."
Neither team managed to get a hit in the seventh inning. Orioles pitcher Hunter Harvey came in to relieve Tanner Scott in the bottom of the eighth inning to face Alonso in the leadoff at-bat.
Advertisement
Alonso smashed Harvey's first pitch of the night to center field for a 406-foot homer. Alonso's blast traveled 105 mph off his bat and left the field in 6 seconds, according to Statcast.
Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz allowed a leadoff single to Hanser Alberto in the top of the ninth inning before he retired the next three hitters and picked up his third save of the season.
Lopez allowed six hits and five runs for the Orioles. Stewart went 3 for 3 with two runs scored, an RBI and a walk in the loss. Mountcastle went 4 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.
McNeil and Dominic Smith had two hits apiece for the Mets.
The Mets (20-24) and Orioles (20-22) split the two-game series. The Orioles battle the New York Yankees at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The Mets face the Toronto Blue Jays at 6:37 p.m. EDT Friday at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-09-10--Report: North Korea could test SLBM ahead of U.S. election

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- North Korea could test launch a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the coming months after displaying its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities , according to a South Korean press report .
Pyongyang could engage in provocations after Oct. 10 , when the regime is set to observe the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers ' Party , South Korean newspaper Donga Ilbo reported Thursday , citing South Korean military sources .
During a planned military parade on the anniversary , North Korea could unveil a new ICBM and draw international attention to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continental United States .
The move would be strategic and timed to occur before the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 3 .
North Korea could take its strategy a step further with the test of an SLBM , such as the Pukguksong-3 , to raise tensions with the United States around the time of the November election , the Donga 's source said .
`` Both U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials understand the new ICBM represents the 'final negotiating card ' for North Korea , whether President Donald Trump is re-elected or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the South Korean source said .
According to the Donga , Seoul and Washington believe North Korea 's new ICBM is equipped with a solid fuel engine .
It has a stronger thrust than the existing Hwasong-14 or Hwasong-15 , the North Korean long-range missiles that use a liquid fuel engine .
Recent flights of U.S. spy planes near the Korean Peninsula were conducted in order to determine whether North Korea is to display the new ICBM at the October military parade , the report says .
North Korea policy could change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry Kazianis , senior director of Korean studies at the Center for the National Interest , said during a video conference with the Korea Press Foundation in Seoul that Trump 's re-election could mean changes in personnel .
Trump could pursue disarmament negotiations with North Korea in his second term , but if the talks fail North Korea could pursue more advanced nuclear weapons , Kazianis said , according to South Korean news service Newsis .

North Korea is expected to hold a military parade on Oct. 10, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party. File Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- North Korea could test launch a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the coming months after displaying its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, according to a South Korean press report. Pyongyang could engage in provocations after Oct. 10, when the regime is set to observe the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party, South Korean newspaper Donga Ilbo reported Thursday, citing South Korean military sources. Advertisement
During a planned military parade on the anniversary, North Korea could unveil a new ICBM and draw international attention to its arsenal of weapons capable of reaching the continental United States. The move would be strategic and timed to occur before the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 3.
North Korea could take its strategy a step further with the test of an SLBM, such as the Pukguksong-3, to raise tensions with the United States around the time of the November election, the Donga's source said.
"Both U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials understand the new ICBM represents the 'final negotiating card' for North Korea, whether President Donald Trump is re-elected or a new administration takes his place," the South Korean source said.
Advertisement
According to the Donga, Seoul and Washington believe North Korea's new ICBM is equipped with a solid fuel engine. It has a stronger thrust than the existing Hwasong-14 or Hwasong-15, the North Korean long-range missiles that use a liquid fuel engine. Recent flights of U.S. spy planes near the Korean Peninsula were conducted in order to determine whether North Korea is to display the new ICBM at the October military parade, the report says.
North Korea policy could change dramatically after November, analysts say.
Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies at the Center for the National Interest, said during a video conference with the Korea Press Foundation in Seoul that Trump's re-election could mean changes in personnel. Trump could pursue disarmament negotiations with North Korea in his second term, but if the talks fail North Korea could pursue more advanced nuclear weapons, Kazianis said, according to South Korean news service Newsis.


upi--2020-09-10--Watch: Brad Paisley performs 'No I in Beer,' guest hosts 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Brad Paisley performed his song `` No I in Beer '' while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live !
The country star held his virtual concert outside near a pool on Wednesday while Jimmy Kimmel Live 's Guillermo attempted the Beersketball Challenge .
The Beersketball Challenge involved Guillermo bouncing a can of beer on a basketball and attempting to catch the can as it bounces into the air .
`` We 're all in this together/ To me it 's all so clear/ Drinking oughta be a team effort/ There is no ' I ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` No I in Beer '' was released in April and was Paisley 's first song of 2020 .
The singer last released his 11th studio album titled Love and War in 2017 .
Paisley , as guest host , interviewed Rainn Wilson about how he cares for donkeys and pigs at his house and about how The Office has remained popular since ending in 2013 .
Wilson famously starred as Dwight on the comedy series .
`` The popularity of The Office has just been off the charts in the last couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With this pandemic it 's just been crazy , '' Wilson , who stars in upcoming Amazon series Utopia said .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Brad Paisley performed his song "No I in Beer" while guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The country star held his virtual concert outside near a pool on Wednesday while Jimmy Kimmel Live's Guillermo attempted the Beersketball Challenge.
Advertisement
The Beersketball Challenge involved Guillermo bouncing a can of beer on a basketball and attempting to catch the can as it bounces into the air.
"We're all in this together/ To me it's all so clear/ Drinking oughta be a team effort/ There is no 'I' in beer," Paisley sang.
"No I in Beer" was released in April and was Paisley's first song of 2020. The singer last released his 11th studio album titled Love and War in 2017.
Paisley, as guest host, interviewed Rainn Wilson about how he cares for donkeys and pigs at his house and about how The Office has remained popular since ending in 2013. Wilson famously starred as Dwight on the comedy series.
"The popularity of The Office has just been off the charts in the last couple of years, especially with young folk. With this pandemic it's just been crazy," Wilson, who stars in upcoming Amazon series Utopia said.


upi--2020-09-10--Another fire erupts at port in Beirut; 2nd blaze this week

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Barely a month after fire and explosions killed dozens of people and scarred Beirut , another large fire broke out at a warehouse in the Lebanese capital on Thursday .
The fire occurred at a duty-free facility in the port of Beirut that stored oil and tires , Naharnet reported .
Lebanese Army troops , firefighters and a helicopter led efforts to put out the new fire , which is the second in Beirut this week .
`` Operations have begun to extinguish the fire and army helicopters will take part , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire was not immediately known , and there were no initial reports of injuries .
A small fire erupted on Tuesday at the site of last month 's disaster , which killed almost 200 people and injured thousands .
The Aug. 4 explosions and fire caused at least $ 10 billion in damage , officials estimate .
Lebanon received foreign aid to recover after the disaster last month , but some experts have said the government must make significant reforms if it wants future assistance to help resolve its years-long economic crisis @

Crews work on Thursday to extinguish a fire at a warehouse in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA-EFE
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Barely a month after fire and explosions killed dozens of people and scarred Beirut, another large fire broke out at a warehouse in the Lebanese capital on Thursday. The fire occurred at a duty-free facility in the port of Beirut that stored oil and tires, Naharnet reported. Advertisement
Lebanese Army troops, firefighters and a helicopter led efforts to put out the new fire, which is the second in Beirut this week.
"Operations have begun to extinguish the fire and army helicopters will take part," the Lebanese Army tweeted.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and there were no initial reports of injuries.
A small fire erupted on Tuesday at the site of last month's disaster, which killed almost 200 people and injured thousands. The Aug. 4 explosions and fire caused at least $10 billion in damage, officials estimate.
Lebanon received foreign aid to recover after the disaster last month, but some experts have said the government must make significant reforms if it wants future assistance to help resolve its years-long economic crisis.


upi--2020-09-10--Earth's Van Allen radiation belts double as particle accelerator

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Electrons in the radiation belts surrounding Earth can be accelerated to extreme speeds across short distances , according to a study published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications .
The Earth 's magnetic field traps high energy particles -- mostly from the sun -- in what are known as the Van Allen radiation belts , named for the astronomer who discovered them .
In 2012 , NASA launched a pair of spacecraft , called the Van Allen Probes , to study the mechanics of the magnetosphere .
The probes observed plasma waves and measured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of particles .
Data collected by the Van Allen Probes showed electrons in the radiation belts can achieve ultra-relativistic energies -- or reach high speeds .
Because the electrons move so fast , their energy of motion is greater than their energy of rest , causing the flow of time to significantly slows down for these particles .
Previously , scientists estimated that only two mechanisms could explain such tremendous speeds : the acceleration particles moving from the outer to the inner regions of the magnetosphere or local acceleration via plasma waves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers in Germany , suggests electrons are accelerated locally , in the heart of the Van Allen radiation belts .
`` Here , we present a unique way of analyzing satellite observations which demonstrates that local acceleration is capable of heating electrons , '' researchers wrote .
The research suggests electrons derive their tremendous energies from plasma waves in the magnetosphere .
Plasma waves in the radiation belts work like extremely efficient particle accelerators .
By studying particle acceleration closer to Earth , scientists hope to improve their understanding of particle acceleration phenomena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sun 's atmosphere .

New research suggests plasma waves in Earth's magnetosphere and its Van Allen radiation belts are capable of accelerating electrons to ultra-relativistic energies. Photo by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Electrons in the radiation belts surrounding Earth can be accelerated to extreme speeds across short distances, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications. The Earth's magnetic field traps high energy particles -- mostly from the sun -- in what are known as the Van Allen radiation belts, named for the astronomer who discovered them. Advertisement
In 2012, NASA launched a pair of spacecraft, called the Van Allen Probes, to study the mechanics of the magnetosphere. The probes observed plasma waves and measured the speed and trajectory of a wide range of particles.
Data collected by the Van Allen Probes showed electrons in the radiation belts can achieve ultra-relativistic energies -- or reach high speeds. Because the electrons move so fast, their energy of motion is greater than their energy of rest, causing the flow of time to significantly slows down for these particles.
Previously, scientists estimated that only two mechanisms could explain such tremendous speeds: the acceleration particles moving from the outer to the inner regions of the magnetosphere or local acceleration via plasma waves.
The new analysis, conducted by researchers in Germany, suggests electrons are accelerated locally, in the heart of the Van Allen radiation belts.
Advertisement
"Here, we present a unique way of analyzing satellite observations which demonstrates that local acceleration is capable of heating electrons," researchers wrote.
The research suggests electrons derive their tremendous energies from plasma waves in the magnetosphere. Plasma waves in the radiation belts work like extremely efficient particle accelerators.
By studying particle acceleration closer to Earth, scientists hope to improve their understanding of particle acceleration phenomena in more distant environs -- like in the sun's atmosphere.


upi--2020-09-10--Labor Dept.: 884,000 in U.S. file new jobless claims; unemployment ticks up

A worker carries a cleanup pipe wearing a mask and protective suit in New York City. Thursday's report says about 1.8 million U.S. workers have filed for unemployment over the last two weeks. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Another 884,000 U.S. workers have filed for new unemployment benefits, the Labor Department said in its weekly report Thursday. The report listed the new claims for the week ending Sept. 5, which was effectively unchanged from the previous week. It listed the unemployment rate at 9.2%, a slight increase. Advertisement
Thursday's report also revised up last week's figure by 3,000 claims.
Most economists expected about 850,000 new unemployment filings.
The department said there are about 13.4 million continuing claims, which lag initial claims by a week.
The new figure marks just the third time since the start of the pandemic the weekly total has been fewer than 1 million.
Thursday's report came one day after Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden unveiled a proposal to create new jobs in the United States and punish companies that send them overseas. Biden outlined his plan during an appearance in Michigan, a manufacturing-heavy state widely considered a key battleground state in the November election.
Also Wednesday, a new Gallup survey said three-quarters of Americans are planning to preserve, rather than spend, their financial savings over the next six months due to the COVID-19-induced economic recession.
Advertisement
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-09-10--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Sept. 6, 2020

The Pirates line up on the third base line , all wearing number 21 to honor Roberto Clemente before the @ @ @ @ @ Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

The Cardinals' Kolten Wong (L) puts the tag on the Reds' Shogo Akiyama at second base for the out. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-09-10--NHL playoffs: Lightning's Kucherov scores last-second game winner

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Nikita Kucherov belted a lightning-quick one-timer with nine seconds remaining in regulation to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a dramatic Game 2 win over the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference finals .
The Lightning now lead the series 2-0 after the 2-1 win Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton , Alberta , Canada .
`` It does n't matter who scores the goals , '' Kucherov told reporters .
`` We play and win as a team .
We will take any goals at any time . ''
The Lightning need two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup Final .
The winner of the Eastern Conference series will face Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars in the NHL 's best-of-seven title series .
Islanders left wing Matt Martin lit the lamp 84 seconds into the game for a 1-0 edge .
Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman tied the score with 1:35 remaining in the first frame .
Neither team scored in the second period or for most of the third frame before Kucherov connected for his game-winner .
Ryan McDonagh skated along the boards on the left side before he collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the final scoring sequence .
The Lightning defenseman then fired a pass through a crowd of defenders to find Kucherov at the far post inside the right circle .
Kucherov used a fluid motion to smack an immediate slapshot on net before Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov could turn to defend the attempt .
The puck sailed between the pipes to sound the horn and secure the dramatic triumph .
McDonagh `` made a nice pass , '' Kucherov said .
`` All I had to do was hit the open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a play by him . ''
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy had 27 saves in the win .
Varlamov had 19 saves for the Islanders .
The Islanders outshot the Lightning 28 to 21 in the loss .
Lightning forward Brayden Point left the game for undisclosed reasons at 7:14 in the second period .
`` We 've lost some overtime games and lost in different ways that have punched us in the stomach , '' Islanders coach Barry Trotz said .
`` This one is a bit of a shock to the gut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost this way ] we have gotten up .
`` We had our game [ Wednesday ] , but just did n't get the result . ''
The Lightning battle the Islanders in Game 3 at 8 p.m. EDT Friday at Rogers Place .

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov now has two goals and four assists through two games of the Eastern Conference finals after he scored the game winner Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Nikita Kucherov belted a lightning-quick one-timer with nine seconds remaining in regulation to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a dramatic Game 2 win over the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference finals. The Lightning now lead the series 2-0 after the 2-1 win Wednesday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Advertisement
"It doesn't matter who scores the goals," Kucherov told reporters. "We play and win as a team. We will take any goals at any time."
The Lightning need two wins to advance to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. The winner of the Eastern Conference series will face Vegas Golden Knights or Dallas Stars in the NHL's best-of-seven title series.
Islanders left wing Matt Martin lit the lamp 84 seconds into the game for a 1-0 edge. Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman tied the score with 1:35 remaining in the first frame.
Neither team scored in the second period or for most of the third frame before Kucherov connected for his game-winner.
Ryan McDonagh skated along the boards on the left side before he collected the puck deep in Islanders territory at the start of the final scoring sequence. The Lightning defenseman then fired a pass through a crowd of defenders to find Kucherov at the far post inside the right circle.
Advertisement
Kucherov used a fluid motion to smack an immediate slapshot on net before Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov could turn to defend the attempt. The puck sailed between the pipes to sound the horn and secure the dramatic triumph.
McDonagh "made a nice pass," Kucherov said. "All I had to do was hit the open net. It was a hell of a play by him."
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy had 27 saves in the win. Varlamov had 19 saves for the Islanders. The Islanders outshot the Lightning 28 to 21 in the loss. Lightning forward Brayden Point left the game for undisclosed reasons at 7:14 in the second period.
"We've lost some overtime games and lost in different ways that have punched us in the stomach," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. "This one is a bit of a shock to the gut, but every time we have [lost this way] we have gotten up.
"We had our game [Wednesday], but just didn't get the result."
The Lightning battle the Islanders in Game 3 at 8 p.m. EDT Friday at Rogers Place.


upi--2020-09-10--Fantasy football: McCaffrey, Cook top Week 1 running back rankings

Sept. 9 ( UPI ) -- Christian McCaffrey , Dalvin Cook , Josh Jacobs , Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry top my Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Saquon Barkley , Clyde Edwards-Helaire , Austin Ekeler , Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara round out my top 10 options for Week 1 .
Plenty of other running backs with great matchups this week are available outside of the elite names .
Try to find a player who will get a lot of carriers , targets in the passing game or goal line work and has a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , David Johnson , Marlon Mack , James White and Tarik Cohen are among my favorite starts this week .
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is the focal point of his team 's offense .
The second-year workhorse had 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven scores during his rookie campaign and I expect him to improve on those numbers in 2020 .
He should be in all lineups in Week 1 as the Raiders face a Carolina Panthers defense that allowed more fantasy points to running backs than any other NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite RB1 and my No .
3 player at the position this week .
Clyde Edwards-Helaire should be one of the most-exciting rookies to watch this season as his skillset appears to be a perfect fit for the Kansas City Chiefs offense .
He is my No .
7 running back in Week 1 as the Chiefs host the Houston Texans , a unit that tied for allowing the most receiving scores and allowed the third-most receiving yards to running backs in 2019 .
The Texans also allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showcase his versatility right out of the gate .
David Johnson was an overlooked part of the trade that sent former Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals , but he could have a huge impact on his new Texas team .
I have Johnson at No .
15 in my Week 1 running back rankings as a fringe RB1 in deeper leagues and a great RB2 or flex play in other formats .
I expect the Texans to spread the ball around a bit more this season and maximize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Texans ' Week 1 game against the Chiefs should also be a shootout and the Chiefs allowed the most receiving yards and sixth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019 .
Start Johnson with confidence .
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack still has the No .
1 spot on his team 's depth chart , but was underdrafted in many leagues due to the presence of rookie Jonathan Taylor .
I have Mack as my No .
19 running back in Week 1 because I expect him to still see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colts battle the Jacksonville Jaguars , a unit that allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019 .
Mack is a solid RB2 play in Week 1 , but is a better option in standard scoring leagues .
The New England Patriots backfield appeared crowded at times this off-season , but has now thinned after the team released Lamar Miller and placed Damien Harris on injured reserve .
Sony Michel and James White are listed as co-starters on the Patriots depth chart , but I like White as a season-long option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
21 running back in Week 1 , when the Patriots face a Miami Dolphins team that allowed the third-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs last season .
I expect White to post RB2/flex slot numbers and surpass 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 1 .
Chicago Bears starting running back David Montgomery 's status for Week 1 is still in doubt after he went down to an injury during training camp .
Tarik Cohen has worked as the Bears passing-downs back and should see a larger workload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have Cohen as my No .
28 option in Week 1 .
The Bears face a Detroit Lions unit that tied for allowing the most touchdowns and allowed the second-most receiving yards to running backs last season .
This game script is written for Cohen , who also should surpass 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 1 .

1/3
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) lands at No. 2 in my Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs, Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry top my Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Saquon Barkley, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Austin Ekeler, Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara round out my top 10 options for Week 1. Advertisement
Plenty of other running backs with great matchups this week are available outside of the elite names. Try to find a player who will get a lot of carriers, targets in the passing game or goal line work and has a good Week 1 matchup.
Jacobs, Edwards-Helaire, David Johnson, Marlon Mack, James White and Tarik Cohen are among my favorite starts this week.
Advertisement
TOP SHELF
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is the focal point of his team's offense. The second-year workhorse had 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven scores during his rookie campaign and I expect him to improve on those numbers in 2020.
He should be in all lineups in Week 1 as the Raiders face a Carolina Panthers defense that allowed more fantasy points to running backs than any other NFL team last season. Jacobs is an elite RB1 and my No. 3 player at the position this week.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire should be one of the most-exciting rookies to watch this season as his skillset appears to be a perfect fit for the Kansas City Chiefs offense.
He is my No. 7 running back in Week 1 as the Chiefs host the Houston Texans, a unit that tied for allowing the most receiving scores and allowed the third-most receiving yards to running backs in 2019.
The Texans also allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to the position last season. Edwards-Helaire should showcase his versatility right out of the gate.
SNEAKY PLAYS
David Johnson was an overlooked part of the trade that sent former Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals, but he could have a huge impact on his new Texas team.
Advertisement
I have Johnson at No. 15 in my Week 1 running back rankings as a fringe RB1 in deeper leagues and a great RB2 or flex play in other formats. I expect the Texans to spread the ball around a bit more this season and maximize Johnson's talent as a pass catcher.
The Texans' Week 1 game against the Chiefs should also be a shootout and the Chiefs allowed the most receiving yards and sixth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019. Start Johnson with confidence .
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack still has the No. 1 spot on his team's depth chart, but was underdrafted in many leagues due to the presence of rookie Jonathan Taylor.
I have Mack as my No. 19 running back in Week 1 because I expect him to still see a healthy amount of work when the Colts battle the Jacksonville Jaguars, a unit that allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2019.
Mack is a solid RB2 play in Week 1, but is a better option in standard scoring leagues.
LONGSHOTS
The New England Patriots backfield appeared crowded at times this off-season, but has now thinned after the team released Lamar Miller and placed Damien Harris on injured reserve.
Advertisement
Sony Michel and James White are listed as co-starters on the Patriots depth chart, but I like White as a season-long option. I also have White as my No. 21 running back in Week 1, when the Patriots face a Miami Dolphins team that allowed the third-most rushing yards and fifth-most fantasy points to running backs last season.
I expect White to post RB2/flex slot numbers and surpass 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 1.
Chicago Bears starting running back David Montgomery's status for Week 1 is still in doubt after he went down to an injury during training camp. Tarik Cohen has worked as the Bears passing-downs back and should see a larger workload until Montgomery returns to full health.
I have Cohen as my No. 28 option in Week 1. The Bears face a Detroit Lions unit that tied for allowing the most touchdowns and allowed the second-most receiving yards to running backs last season. This game script is written for Cohen, who also should surpass 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 1.
Week 1 fantasy football running back rankings
Advertisement
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers vs. LV
2. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings vs. GB
3. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders at CAR
4. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys at LAR
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at DEN
6. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants vs. PIT
7. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs vs. HOU
8. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers at CIN
9. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAC
10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. TB
11. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers at NYG
12. Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens vs. CLE
13. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks at ATL
14. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI
15. David Johnson, Houston Texans at KC
16. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at MIN
17. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles at WAS
18. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals at SF
Advertisement
19. Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts at JAX
20. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns at BAL
21. James White, New England Patriots vs. MIA
22. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA
23. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos vs. TEN
24. Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets at BUF
25. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ
26. Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
27. Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions vs. CHI
28. Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears at DET
29. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts at JAX
30. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears at DET


upi--2020-09-10--U.S. sees rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths; CDC drops travel rule

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- There was a small spike in new COVID-19 cases in the United States on Wednesday -- but a large increase in new deaths , updated data from Johns Hopkins University showed Thursday .
According to the university 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering , there were about 34,300 new cases nationwide .
That 's an increase of about 8,000 cases from the previous day and the highest national count in several days .
Deaths were even more pronounced .
Johns Hopkins data showed 1,200 patients died on Wednesday , the highest national toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been 6.362 million cases in the United States since the start of the pandemic .
About 190,900 have died in that time , the data showed .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it will drop a requirement that air travelers from certain countries must enter the United States through 15 designated airports for enhanced screening .
The rule requires visitors from Britain , mainland China , Iran , the Schengen region of the European Union , Ireland and Brazil must disembark at one of those airports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning Monday .
The rule initially caused long lines and crowding at the designated airports , which include Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport .
`` We now have a better understanding of COVID-19 transmission that indicates symptom-based screening has limited effectiveness because people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms or fever at the time of screening , or only mild symptoms , '' the CDC said .
`` Transmission of the virus may occur from passengers who have no symptoms or who have not yet developed symptoms of infection .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prioritizing other public health measures to reduce the risk of travel-related disease transmission . ''
The focus will shift to other measures like pre-departure , in-flight and post-arrival health education for passengers , `` robust illness response '' at airports and collection of contact information from passengers , the CDC said .
In New Jersey , Gov .
Phil Murphy said Wednesday he would have taken more aggressive action to fight the disease in the early stages of the pandemic if President Donald Trump had been more upfront about the danger .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware COVID-19 was deadly and easily transmitted in early February , but that he `` played it down '' because he did n't want to `` create a panic . ''
Trump made the remarks in one of nearly 20 interviews he gave to Woodward for his new book , Rage .
For weeks after the February interview , Trump repeatedly made reassuring public remarks about the coronavirus spread and insisted the virus would `` disappear '' and `` all work out fine . ''
Reaction to Trump 's interview Wednesday was almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's actions likely allowed the virus to spread and contributed to tens of thousands of American deaths .
`` If we had known that earlier , we would have shut the state meaningfully earlier , '' Murphy told CNN .
`` We would have gone to a mandatory masking policy meaningfully earlier .
We would have had a stay-at-home mandate put in place , all of which we did and we did it about as early as any American state .
`` But we would have done it earlier and undoubtedly would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of more than 70 Stanford University medical school professors have signed a letter condemning the `` herd immunity '' strategy advocated by a former colleague , Scott Atlas , who is now one of Trump 's top medical advisers .
A herd immunity strategy would allow the coronavirus to spread unfettered through most of the population to quickly build resistance to the virus , with special precautions to prevent vulnerable populations such as nursing home residents .
The Stanford professors argued that a such an approach would cause `` a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , especially among vulnerable populations . ''
They accused Atlas of promoting `` falsehoods and misrepresentations of science . ''
Researchers at the University of Washington estimated last week that U.S. coronavirus deaths could surpass 600,000 by January under a herd immunity strategy .

Topiaries in front of a home in San Mateo, Calif., are pictured on August 22, portrayed as masked characters amid the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- There was a small spike in new COVID-19 cases in the United States on Wednesday -- but a large increase in new deaths, updated data from Johns Hopkins University showed Thursday. According to the university's Center for Systems Science and Engineering, there were about 34,300 new cases nationwide. That's an increase of about 8,000 cases from the previous day and the highest national count in several days. Advertisement
Deaths were even more pronounced. Johns Hopkins data showed 1,200 patients died on Wednesday, the highest national toll in two weeks.
To date, there have been 6.362 million cases in the United States since the start of the pandemic. About 190,900 have died in that time, the data showed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday it will drop a requirement that air travelers from certain countries must enter the United States through 15 designated airports for enhanced screening.
Advertisement
The rule requires visitors from Britain, mainland China, Iran, the Schengen region of the European Union, Ireland and Brazil must disembark at one of those airports. The CDC said requirement will be removed beginning Monday.
The rule initially caused long lines and crowding at the designated airports, which include Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
"We now have a better understanding of COVID-19 transmission that indicates symptom-based screening has limited effectiveness because people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms or fever at the time of screening, or only mild symptoms," the CDC said.
"Transmission of the virus may occur from passengers who have no symptoms or who have not yet developed symptoms of infection. Therefore, CDC is shifting its strategy and prioritizing other public health measures to reduce the risk of travel-related disease transmission."
The focus will shift to other measures like pre-departure, in-flight and post-arrival health education for passengers, "robust illness response" at airports and collection of contact information from passengers, the CDC said.
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday he would have taken more aggressive action to fight the disease in the early stages of the pandemic if President Donald Trump had been more upfront about the danger.
Advertisement
Trump told journalist Bob Woodward that he was aware COVID-19 was deadly and easily transmitted in early February, but that he "played it down" because he didn't want to "create a panic." Trump made the remarks in one of nearly 20 interviews he gave to Woodward for his new book, Rage.
For weeks after the February interview, Trump repeatedly made reassuring public remarks about the coronavirus spread and insisted the virus would "disappear" and "all work out fine." Reaction to Trump's interview Wednesday was almost universally critical, with most saying Trump's actions likely allowed the virus to spread and contributed to tens of thousands of American deaths.
"If we had known that earlier, we would have shut the state meaningfully earlier," Murphy told CNN. "We would have gone to a mandatory masking policy meaningfully earlier. We would have had a stay-at-home mandate put in place, all of which we did and we did it about as early as any American state.
"But we would have done it earlier and undoubtedly would have saved lives."
In California, a group of more than 70 Stanford University medical school professors have signed a letter condemning the "herd immunity" strategy advocated by a former colleague, Scott Atlas, who is now one of Trump's top medical advisers.
Advertisement
A herd immunity strategy would allow the coronavirus to spread unfettered through most of the population to quickly build resistance to the virus, with special precautions to prevent vulnerable populations such as nursing home residents.
The Stanford professors argued that a such an approach would cause "a significant increase in preventable cases, suffering and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations." They accused Atlas of promoting "falsehoods and misrepresentations of science."
Researchers at the University of Washington estimated last week that U.S. coronavirus deaths could surpass 600,000 by January under a herd immunity strategy.


upi--2020-09-10--Watch: Kevin Hart says basketball dreams ended at camp with Kobe Bryant

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Kevin Hart appeared on The Tonight Show and said his dreams of becoming a basketball star were crushed after he attended a camp with late NBA great Kobe Bryant .
`` I just was n't good , man .
I just was n't good and I was mad at myself because I sold myself this dream and this dream just was n't a reality .
Because this man played left-handed , did n't even take it serious , '' Hart told host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday about going to the invitation-only camp where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ god because Kobe showed me that I did not have talent in a game that I thought that I did .
I was horrible , '' he continued .
Hart also discussed how his 15-year-old daughter Heaven Hart wants to follow in his footsteps .
`` My daughter is all about it .
She wants to be a comedian , a comedic actress .
She wants to write .
She wants to produce .
Everything that she has seen me do , my daughter wants to do .
She is a daddy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I told her my agreement is you got to finish being a kid .
So when she 's 18 , I back everything she wants to do .
You know , give me some school , give me some college .
Be the fist one with the last name Hart to do that , '' he continued .
Hart is the host of E !
's Celebrity Game Face .
The 41-year-old played a round of Fill In My Blank from the game show .
Hart asked Fallon what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the late night host writing down his answer on a white board .
Hart said he would change his nose , while Fallon wrote down `` the size of my junk . ''
Hart then answered the question for Fallon , stating that he would change his forehead .
Fallon 's answer , however , was that he would change how nice he is .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Kevin Hart appeared on The Tonight Show and said his dreams of becoming a basketball star were crushed after he attended a camp with late NBA great Kobe Bryant.
"I just wasn't good, man. I just wasn't good and I was mad at myself because I sold myself this dream and this dream just wasn't a reality. Because this man played left-handed, didn't even take it serious," Hart told host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday about going to the invitation-only camp where he was roommates with Bryant.
Advertisement
"Thank god because Kobe showed me that I did not have talent in a game that I thought that I did. I was horrible," he continued.
Hart also discussed how his 15-year-old daughter Heaven Hart wants to follow in his footsteps.
"My daughter is all about it. She wants to be a comedian, a comedic actress. She wants to write. She wants to produce. Everything that she has seen me do, my daughter wants to do. She is a daddy's girl to the fullest," Hart said.
Advertisement
"I told her my agreement is you got to finish being a kid. So when she's 18, I back everything she wants to do. You know, give me some school, give me some college. Be the fist one with the last name Hart to do that," he continued.
Hart is the host of E!'s Celebrity Game Face. The 41-year-old played a round of Fill In My Blank from the game show. Hart asked Fallon what is one thing he would change about himself with the late night host writing down his answer on a white board.
Hart said he would change his nose, while Fallon wrote down "the size of my junk." Hart then answered the question for Fallon, stating that he would change his forehead. Fallon's answer, however, was that he would change how nice he is.


upi--2020-09-10--Torture and execution are the twin pillars of Iranian justice

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The latest report from Amnesty International , published on Sept. 2 , revealed the horrific extent of torture and ill treatment of political prisoners in Iran .
The detainees targeted for torture are predominantly young men and women arrested during the nationwide protests last November , when millions of Iranians took to the streets in an clamor against government corruption and a massive 200 % hike in gas prices .
The fascist , theocratic dictatorship deployed its Gestapo , the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps , and its Ministry of Intelligence and Security to crush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rooftops of government buildings used live ammunition to kill 1,500 demonstrators , injuring another 8,000 .
Armored vehicles and helicopters were used to round up and arrest survivors , over 12,000 of whom were detained .
Terrified that their repressive regime could be swept from power by another revolution , the mullahs have set about torturing and executing the protesters who were arrested last November .
Determined to frighten Iran 's 80 million restive citizens into submission , the cruelty and viciousness of the treatment of prisoners has been openly broadcast by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the regime executed Mostafa Salehi for his participation in the nationwide protests .
Five other detained protesters have been sentenced to death , including Navid Afkari Sangari , arrested during an earlier uprising in 2018 .
Afkari , a wrestling champion , was sentenced to death and to six years and six months imprisonment and 74 lashes .
The Supreme Court upheld his death sentence , which is now thought to be imminent .
Navid suffered weeks of severe torture .
In a smuggled letter , he described how for 50 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his arms , buttocks and back .
He had a plastic bag placed over his head until he almost suffocated .
The torturers also poured alcohol up his nose .
The Shiraz Criminal Court also sentenced Navid 's two brothers , Vahid and Habib , who had joined him in the peaceful protests .
Vahid was sentenced to 74 lashes and 54 years and six months in jail and Habib to 74 lashes and 27 years and three months imprisonment .
Predictably , the mullahs have heaped praise on their security forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials for their brutal suppression of the `` rioters and hooligans '' and for saving the regime from collapse .
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani have publicly congratulated all those involved in the callous crackdown on thousands of young , unarmed protesters .
Their praise has undoubtedly encouraged Iran 's prison guards and torturers to ever greater efforts .
In its report on prison abuse in Iran , Amnesty International lists : `` Widespread torture , including beatings , floggings , electric shocks , stress positions , mock executions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration of chemical substances and deprivation of medical care .
Hundreds subjected to grossly unfair trials on baseless national security charges .
Death sentences issued based on torture-tainted confessions . ''
Prisoners are blindfolded or have their heads covered with a bag or sack and are often placed in solitary confinement for weeks or even months on end .
They are denied adequate food and clean water and medical conditions and injuries remain untreated .
The coronavirus , which has raged unchecked through Iran 's medieval jails , has claimed hundreds of lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful protesters and political prisoners is by no means a recent phenomenon .
In the second half of 1988 , they butchered over 30,000 supporters of the People 's Mojahedin of Iran ( MEK/PMOI ) , the main democratic opposition movement .
Based on a fatwa by the then-supreme leader , the psychopathic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini , special `` death commissions '' held mock trials , lasting only minutes and sent prisoners who admitted to supporting the MEK to the gallows .
Many were tortured before execution .
The bodies were buried in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forbidden from inquiring about their missing relatives .
Many of the key executioners who presided over the 1988 genocide now hold senior positions in Rouhani 's government .
Disturbingly , the current Chief of the Judiciary Ebrahim Raisi and the current Justice Minister Alireza Avaei were central figures in the death commissions .
Three years ago , the United Nations General Assembly adopted its 64th Resolution against human rights violations in Iran .
Sponsored by Canada , the resolution urged the mullahs ' regime `` to uphold , in law and in practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards , including timely access to legal representation of one 's choice from the time of arrest through all stages of trial and all appeals , the right not to be subjected to torture , cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and consideration of bail and other reasonable terms for release from custody pending trial . ''
The resolution also expressed concern about the extensive use of the death penalty .
The regime has ignored every aspect of the resolution .
The 75th session of the U.N. General Assembly will open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is imperative that the United Nations holds Iran to account for its deplorable conduct .
The international community 's failure to indict the mullahs for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners simply served to embolden them to carry out further atrocities .
Those responsible for the 1988 genocide must be charged with crimes against humanity and brought before the international criminal courts .
In September 2017 , U.S. President Donald Trump told the United Nations , `` The Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rich history and culture into an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence , bloodshed and chaos . ''
Some 80 million Iranians , the majority of whom now struggle to survive on daily incomes below the international poverty line because of the corruption and sponsorship of proxy wars and international terror by the mullahs , are demanding regime change and the restoration of freedom , justice and democracy to their impoverished nation .
They have had enough of the mullahs and they look to the West for support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ act this month , the Iranian people will regard it as an act of sickening betrayal .
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change .
He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland ( 1999-2014 ) , president of the Parliament 's Delegation for Relations with Iraq ( 2009-14 ) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup ( 2004-14 ) .
He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association .

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speakd during a cabinet meeting in Tehran on April 15. File Photo courtesy of Iran Presidential Office/EPA-EFE
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The latest report from Amnesty International, published on Sept. 2, revealed the horrific extent of torture and ill treatment of political prisoners in Iran. The detainees targeted for torture are predominantly young men and women arrested during the nationwide protests last November, when millions of Iranians took to the streets in an clamor against government corruption and a massive 200% hike in gas prices. Advertisement
The fascist, theocratic dictatorship deployed its Gestapo, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and its Ministry of Intelligence and Security to crush the uprising. Black-hooded snipers positioned on the rooftops of government buildings used live ammunition to kill 1,500 demonstrators, injuring another 8,000. Armored vehicles and helicopters were used to round up and arrest survivors, over 12,000 of whom were detained.
Terrified that their repressive regime could be swept from power by another revolution, the mullahs have set about torturing and executing the protesters who were arrested last November. Determined to frighten Iran's 80 million restive citizens into submission, the cruelty and viciousness of the treatment of prisoners has been openly broadcast by the clerical regime.
Advertisement
On Aug. 5, the regime executed Mostafa Salehi for his participation in the nationwide protests. Five other detained protesters have been sentenced to death, including Navid Afkari Sangari, arrested during an earlier uprising in 2018. Afkari, a wrestling champion, was sentenced to death and to six years and six months imprisonment and 74 lashes.
The Supreme Court upheld his death sentence, which is now thought to be imminent. Navid suffered weeks of severe torture. In a smuggled letter, he described how for 50 days he was beaten with sticks and batons on his arms, buttocks and back. He had a plastic bag placed over his head until he almost suffocated. The torturers also poured alcohol up his nose.
The Shiraz Criminal Court also sentenced Navid's two brothers, Vahid and Habib, who had joined him in the peaceful protests. Vahid was sentenced to 74 lashes and 54 years and six months in jail and Habib to 74 lashes and 27 years and three months imprisonment.
Predictably, the mullahs have heaped praise on their security forces, police, IRGC thugs and judicial officials for their brutal suppression of the "rioters and hooligans" and for saving the regime from collapse. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani have publicly congratulated all those involved in the callous crackdown on thousands of young, unarmed protesters.
Advertisement
Their praise has undoubtedly encouraged Iran's prison guards and torturers to ever greater efforts. In its report on prison abuse in Iran, Amnesty International lists: "Widespread torture, including beatings, floggings, electric shocks, stress positions, mock executions, waterboarding, sexual violence, forced administration of chemical substances and deprivation of medical care. Hundreds subjected to grossly unfair trials on baseless national security charges. Death sentences issued based on torture-tainted confessions."
Prisoners are blindfolded or have their heads covered with a bag or sack and are often placed in solitary confinement for weeks or even months on end. They are denied adequate food and clean water and medical conditions and injuries remain untreated. The coronavirus, which has raged unchecked through Iran's medieval jails, has claimed hundreds of lives.
The mullahs' inhuman treatment of peaceful protesters and political prisoners is by no means a recent phenomenon. In the second half of 1988, they butchered over 30,000 supporters of the People's Mojahedin of Iran (MEK/PMOI), the main democratic opposition movement. Based on a fatwa by the then-supreme leader, the psychopathic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, special "death commissions" held mock trials, lasting only minutes and sent prisoners who admitted to supporting the MEK to the gallows.
Advertisement
Many were tortured before execution. The bodies were buried in secret mass graves and their families were forbidden from inquiring about their missing relatives. Many of the key executioners who presided over the 1988 genocide now hold senior positions in Rouhani's government. Disturbingly, the current Chief of the Judiciary Ebrahim Raisi and the current Justice Minister Alireza Avaei were central figures in the death commissions.
Three years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its 64th Resolution against human rights violations in Iran. Sponsored by Canada, the resolution urged the mullahs' regime "to uphold, in law and in practice, procedural guarantees to ensure fair trial standards, including timely access to legal representation of one's choice from the time of arrest through all stages of trial and all appeals, the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and consideration of bail and other reasonable terms for release from custody pending trial." The resolution also expressed concern about the extensive use of the death penalty. The regime has ignored every aspect of the resolution.
The 75th session of the U.N. General Assembly will open in New York on Sept. 22. It is imperative that the United Nations holds Iran to account for its deplorable conduct. The international community's failure to indict the mullahs for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners simply served to embolden them to carry out further atrocities. Those responsible for the 1988 genocide must be charged with crimes against humanity and brought before the international criminal courts.
Advertisement
In September 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump told the United Nations, "The Iranian government masks a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy. It has turned a wealthy country with a rich history and culture into an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence, bloodshed and chaos." Some 80 million Iranians, the majority of whom now struggle to survive on daily incomes below the international poverty line because of the corruption and sponsorship of proxy wars and international terror by the mullahs, are demanding regime change and the restoration of freedom, justice and democracy to their impoverished nation.
They have had enough of the mullahs and they look to the West for support. If the U.N. General Assembly fails to act this month, the Iranian people will regard it as an act of sickening betrayal.
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change. He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland (1999-2014), president of the Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq (2009-14) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup (2004-14). He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association.


upi--2020-09-10--Fantasy football: Thomas, Smith-Schuster lead Week 1 wide receiver rankings

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Michael Thomas , JuJu Smith-Schuster , Chris Godwin , Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs top my Week 1 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020 .
Tyreek Hill , DeAndre Hopkins , D.J .
Moore , Adam Thielen and D.K .
Metcalf round out my top 10 options for Week 1 .
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at wide receiver .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Orleans Saints have a blockbuster matchup in Week 1 when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday in New Orleans .
Thomas should never leave your fantasy football team 's lineup , but he should have one of his best games of the season in this spot .
The Buccaneers allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2019 .
They also allowed a league-high 240 catches for 3,176 yards to the position .
Thomas went off for 11 catches for 182 yards and two scores in Week 5 last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay again in Week 11 when he hauled in eight grabs for 114 yards and a score .
Expect Thomas to go off again for at least 125 yards and a score this weekend .
The No .
1 option in my Week 1 wide receiver rankings has the potential to be your top scorer .
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had a very disappointing season in 2019 , but I expect a rebound campaign in 2020 .
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears to be healthy , and the Steelers should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pass catchers .
Smith-Schuster is my No .
2 ranked wide receiver in Week 1 due to a juicy matchup against the New York Giants .
The Giants allowed the second-most touchdowns and tied for allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2019 .
Smith-Schuster is likely your WR2 , but he should post WR1 numbers here .
The Philadelphia Eagles have an abundance of injuries on offense and the season has n't even started .
Injuries at the wide receiver position should lead to an increased target share for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson as my No .
35 option in Week 1 as he heads into a matchup against the Washington Football Team .
Jackson should be a solid WR3 play in this clash against a team that tied for allowing the third-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2019 .
I expect the Eagles speedster to beat the Washington defensive backs deep a few times in this NFC East clash .
Henry Ruggs of the Las Vegas Raiders is my top-rated rookie wide receiver in Week 1 .
I have the Alabama product at No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts him in WR3 territory in leagues that have at least 12 teams and start three wide receivers .
I expect Ruggs to have a productive day against a Carolina Panthers secondary that allowed the fourth-most yards to wide receivers last season .
He should be quarterback Derek Carr 's second or third option in this game , but has a great shot to score a touchdown in his NFL debut .
Laviska Shenault is another rookie I like in Week 1 , but you should n't put him in your lineup unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receiver lands at No .
45 in my rankings and has a good matchup against the Indianapolis Colts , who allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers last season .
The Jaguars should throw a lot in this matchup and Shenault has been praised by coaches all off-season .
He has a great chance to post borderline WR3 numbers in Week 1 .
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk is another player who should get more opportunities early on in 2020 due to injuries .
Aiyuk was a first-round pick by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Top option Deebo Samuel is dealing with a foot injury and the team lost Emmanuel Sanders this off-season in free agency .
I expect Aiyuk to get off to a hot start with a breakout game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 .
He is No .
47 in my wide receiver rankings .

1/3
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has a great matchup and should post elite fantasy football numbers in Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Michael Thomas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chris Godwin, Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs top my Week 1 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020. Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, D.J. Moore, Adam Thielen and D.K. Metcalf round out my top 10 options for Week 1. Advertisement
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at wide receiver.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints have a blockbuster matchup in Week 1 when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday in New Orleans. Thomas should never leave your fantasy football team's lineup, but he should have one of his best games of the season in this spot.
Advertisement
The Buccaneers allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2019. They also allowed a league-high 240 catches for 3,176 yards to the position. Thomas went off for 11 catches for 182 yards and two scores in Week 5 last season against the Buccaneers. He dominated Tampa Bay again in Week 11 when he hauled in eight grabs for 114 yards and a score.
Expect Thomas to go off again for at least 125 yards and a score this weekend. The No. 1 option in my Week 1 wide receiver rankings has the potential to be your top scorer.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had a very disappointing season in 2019, but I expect a rebound campaign in 2020. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears to be healthy, and the Steelers should have a solid running game and improved cast of pass catchers.
Smith-Schuster is my No. 2 ranked wide receiver in Week 1 due to a juicy matchup against the New York Giants. The Giants allowed the second-most touchdowns and tied for allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2019. Smith-Schuster is likely your WR2, but he should post WR1 numbers here.
Advertisement
SNEAKY PLAYS
The Philadelphia Eagles have an abundance of injuries on offense and the season hasn't even started. Injuries at the wide receiver position should lead to an increased target share for DeSean Jackson early on.
I have Jackson as my No. 35 option in Week 1 as he heads into a matchup against the Washington Football Team. Jackson should be a solid WR3 play in this clash against a team that tied for allowing the third-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2019. I expect the Eagles speedster to beat the Washington defensive backs deep a few times in this NFC East clash.
Henry Ruggs of the Las Vegas Raiders is my top-rated rookie wide receiver in Week 1. I have the Alabama product at No. 40 in my rankings, which puts him in WR3 territory in leagues that have at least 12 teams and start three wide receivers.
I expect Ruggs to have a productive day against a Carolina Panthers secondary that allowed the fourth-most yards to wide receivers last season. He should be quarterback Derek Carr's second or third option in this game, but has a great shot to score a touchdown in his NFL debut.
Advertisement
LONGSHOTS
Laviska Shenault is another rookie I like in Week 1, but you shouldn't put him in your lineup unless you are desperate. The Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver lands at No. 45 in my rankings and has a good matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers last season.
The Jaguars should throw a lot in this matchup and Shenault has been praised by coaches all off-season. He has a great chance to post borderline WR3 numbers in Week 1.
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk is another player who should get more opportunities early on in 2020 due to injuries. Aiyuk was a first-round pick by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Top option Deebo Samuel is dealing with a foot injury and the team lost Emmanuel Sanders this off-season in free agency. I expect Aiyuk to get off to a hot start with a breakout game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. He is No. 47 in my wide receiver rankings.
Week 1 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
Advertisement
1. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints vs. TB
2. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers at NYG
3. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
4. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers at MIN
5. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ
6. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs vs. HOU
7. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals at SF
8. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers vs. LV
9. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings vs. GB
10. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks at ATL
11. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA
12. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears at DET
13. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks at ATL
14. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team vs. PHI
15. Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns at BAL
16. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND
17. Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions vs. CHI
18. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans at DEN
Advertisement
19. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys at LAR
20. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA
21. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams vs. DAL
22. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers at CIN
23. Will Fuller, Houston Texans at KC
24. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts at JAX
25. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
26. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams vs. DAL
27. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos vs. TEN
28. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAC
29. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots vs. MIA
30. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens vs. CLE
31. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns at BAL
Advertisement
32. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys at LAR
33. Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions vs. CHI
34. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAC
35. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles at WAS
36. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins at NE
37. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans at KC
38. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints vs. TB
39. John Brown, Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ
40. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders at CAR
41. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers at NYG
42. Darius Slayton, New York Giants vs. PIT
43. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos vs. TEN
44. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets at BUF
45. Laviska Shenault Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND
46. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings vs. GB
47. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI
48. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers at MIN
49. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI
50. Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins at NE


upi--2020-09-10--WWF: Tree loss, illegal trade, land use drive wildlife decline since 1970

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- A new environmental report Thursday blames deforestation , unsustainable agriculture and the illegal wildlife trade for a substantial loss of mammals , birds , amphibians , reptiles and fish around the world over the last half-century .
The World Wildlife Foundation and Zoological Society of London said in their Living Planet Report 2020 the research demonstrates a need for `` urgent action '' to end the destruction of natural habitats and reform food systems worldwide .
The report also said some land use practices and the wildlife trade have made the world more vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Report 2020 underlines how humanity 's increasing destruction of nature is having catastrophic impacts , not only on wildlife populations but also on human health and all aspects of our lives , '' Marco Lambertini , director-general of WWF International , said in a statement .
The organizations cited increases in global trade , population , urbanization and human consumption as major factors in the global decrease in wildlife .
`` Until 1970 , humanity 's ecological footprint was smaller than the Earth 's rate of regeneration , '' the group said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifestyles , we are overusing the Earth 's biocapacity by at least 56 % . ''
The number of eastern lowland gorillas in Congo , for example , decreased by nearly 90 % between 1994 and 2015 due to illegal hunting , the report said .
The African grey parrot in Ghana similarly lost 99 % of its population due to habitat loss and trapping .
More than 80 % percent of freshwater habitats , meanwhile , have been entirely lost in the last 50 years .
`` In the midst of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important than ever to take unprecedented and coordinated global action to halt and start to reverse the loss of biodiversity and wildlife populations across the globe by the end of the decade and protect our future health and livelihoods , '' Lambertini said .
`` Our own survival increasingly depends on it . ''

A giant panda eats bamboo leaves in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. A new report says pandas, tigers and many other forms of wildlife worldwide are in biodiversity decline and "coordinated global action" is needed to halt the losses. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A new environmental report Thursday blames deforestation, unsustainable agriculture and the illegal wildlife trade for a substantial loss of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish around the world over the last half-century. The World Wildlife Foundation and Zoological Society of London said in their Living Planet Report 2020 the research demonstrates a need for "urgent action" to end the destruction of natural habitats and reform food systems worldwide. Advertisement
The report also said some land use practices and the wildlife trade have made the world more vulnerable to pandemics.
"The Living Planet Report 2020 underlines how humanity's increasing destruction of nature is having catastrophic impacts, not only on wildlife populations but also on human health and all aspects of our lives," Marco Lambertini, director-general of WWF International, said in a statement.
The organizations cited increases in global trade, population, urbanization and human consumption as major factors in the global decrease in wildlife.
"Until 1970, humanity's ecological footprint was smaller than the Earth's rate of regeneration," the group said. "To feed and fuel our 21st-century lifestyles, we are overusing the Earth's biocapacity by at least 56%."
The number of eastern lowland gorillas in Congo, for example, decreased by nearly 90% between 1994 and 2015 due to illegal hunting, the report said. The African grey parrot in Ghana similarly lost 99% of its population due to habitat loss and trapping.
Advertisement
More than 80% percent of freshwater habitats, meanwhile, have been entirely lost in the last 50 years.
"In the midst of a global pandemic, it is now more important than ever to take unprecedented and coordinated global action to halt and start to reverse the loss of biodiversity and wildlife populations across the globe by the end of the decade and protect our future health and livelihoods," Lambertini said.
"Our own survival increasingly depends on it."


upi--2020-09-10--NBA playoffs: Clippers defense smothers Nuggets in Game 4 win

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers used their length and intensity for a dominant defensive effort and 96-85 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of a Western Conference semifinals series .
Leonard had a game-high 30 points , 11 rebounds , nine assists and four steals in the victory Wednesday in Orlando , Fla. Nikola Jokic had 26 points , 11 rebounds and six assists for Denver .
Jokic and Leonard were the only players to score more than 18 points in the game .
`` It was just great intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
`` We just stuck to the game plan and did n't do a lot of individual thinking .
`` We made mistakes , but we covered them up because we played hard and were very competitive . ''
The Clippers now lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from a trip to the Western Conference finals .
Denver never led in Wednesday 's contest while Los Angeles led by as many as 19 points .
The Clippers had just nine turnovers and the Nuggets made only 27 of 68 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a lot of work to do , '' Leonard said .
`` This Denver team does not quit .
They have a good group and a good coach .
We are still fighting . ''
The Clippers put together an 11-3 run in the first 6:43 .
They added another 11-0 run in the frame to push their lead to 24-7 with 2:25 remaining in the quarter .
Los Angeles led 26-12 through the first 12 minutes .
Leonard scored 10 points in the second quarter to help the Clippers secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then used an 8-0 run to open the third quarter , which tied the score at 48-48 .
The Clippers responded with a 12-3 run to push their lead back to nine points .
Los Angeles led Denver 73-63 as the game entered the fourth quarter .
Clippers guard Paul George had just four points in the game before he hit a 3-pointer to give the Clippers an 83-67 edge with 7:44 remaining .
Montrezl Harrell paced the Clippers with eight points down the stretch in the low-scoring final frame .
Harrell scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lou Williams had 12 points in the win .
Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac each chipped in 11 points for the Clippers .
George had just 10 points .
Jamal Murray scored 18 points and was 6 of 15 from the floor for the Nuggets .
Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points off the Denver bench .
`` We are still trying to come together , '' Leonard said of the Clippers .
`` I do n't know where we are right now , but I know we want to keep getting better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every play . ''
Game 5 starts at 6:30 p.m. EDT Friday in Orlando .
The winner of the series will play the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in the Western Conference finals .

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard (L) scored a game-high 30 points in a playoff win over the Denver Nuggets Wednesday in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers used their length and intensity for a dominant defensive effort and 96-85 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of a Western Conference semifinals series. Leonard had a game-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals in the victory Wednesday in Orlando, Fla. Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for Denver. Jokic and Leonard were the only players to score more than 18 points in the game. Advertisement
"It was just great intensity," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "We just stuck to the game plan and didn't do a lot of individual thinking.
"We made mistakes, but we covered them up because we played hard and were very competitive."
The Clippers now lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from a trip to the Western Conference finals. Denver never led in Wednesday's contest while Los Angeles led by as many as 19 points.
The Clippers had just nine turnovers and the Nuggets made only 27 of 68 field goal attempts.
Advertisement
"We've got a lot of work to do," Leonard said. "This Denver team does not quit. They have a good group and a good coach. We are still fighting."
The Clippers put together an 11-3 run in the first 6:43. They added another 11-0 run in the frame to push their lead to 24-7 with 2:25 remaining in the quarter. Los Angeles led 26-12 through the first 12 minutes.
Leonard scored 10 points in the second quarter to help the Clippers secure a 48-40 lead at halftime. The Nuggets then used an 8-0 run to open the third quarter, which tied the score at 48-48. The Clippers responded with a 12-3 run to push their lead back to nine points. Los Angeles led Denver 73-63 as the game entered the fourth quarter.
Clippers guard Paul George had just four points in the game before he hit a 3-pointer to give the Clippers an 83-67 edge with 7:44 remaining. Montrezl Harrell paced the Clippers with eight points down the stretch in the low-scoring final frame.
Harrell scored 15 points off the Clippers bench. Lou Williams had 12 points in the win. Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac each chipped in 11 points for the Clippers. George had just 10 points.
Advertisement
Jamal Murray scored 18 points and was 6 of 15 from the floor for the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points off the Denver bench.
"We are still trying to come together," Leonard said of the Clippers. "I don't know where we are right now, but I know we want to keep getting better. That's the focus each and every play."
Game 5 starts at 6:30 p.m. EDT Friday in Orlando. The winner of the series will play the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in the Western Conference finals.


upi--2020-09-10--AEW Dynamite: Miro, formerly Rusev joins company

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Miro , who used to compete in WWE as Rusev , made a surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite and confirmed that he has signed with the company .
Miro made his AEW debut Wednesday when Kip Sabian announced the grappler as the best man for his wedding to Penelope Ford .
Sabian , after a few mishaps involving a Twitch subscriber and Brian Pillman Jr. , finally introduced Miro to the ring .
Miro arrived to the scene with a new blonde look and said he is not only a best man but The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same house , under the same glass ceiling with the imaginary brass ring .
Well , you can take that brass ring and shove it up your ass , '' Miro said , referencing his time in WWE .
Also on Dynamite , TNT Champion Mr. Brodie Lee defended his title against Dustin Rhodes in the main event .
Rhodes was looking for revenge for his brother Cody who Lee had defeated and decimated weeks ago to become the new TNT Champion .
Rhodes attacked Lee before the bell rang as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts .
Rhodes fought valiantly against the leader of The Dark Order and nearly won the match after the veteran unleashed a Canadian destroyer followed by a CrossRhodes .
Lee won the match and retained his championship after he nailed Rhodes with a Discus Lariat for the three count .
The Dark Order brought out a defeated QT Marshall , the tag team partner of Rhodes , and celebrated in the ring with their leader .
Lee yelled at Colt Cabana , however , to leave the ring .
Matt Hardy was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he suffered on Saturday at the All Out pay-per-view event during his match with Sammy Guevara .
Hardy had crashed onto the floor hard during the bout and momentarily laid motionless .
Hardy said that he will make a full recovery and when he returns , he wants to win his first AEW championship .
Hardy 's wife Reby was in the audience and watched the speech while carrying their infant child .
Kenny Omega was interviewed by Jim Ross following All Out where Omega and Hangman Adam Page lost the AEW World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that he and Page have gone their separate ways and stated that he will be returning to singles competition .
Other moments from Dynamite included Jurassic Express defeating The Lucha Bros. ; Lance Archer and his manager Jake 'The Snake ' Roberts promising to defeat Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship ; Orange Cassidy defeating Angelico before he was attacked by Santana and Ortiz ; Chris Jericho and Jake Hager defeating Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss before announcing that they will be entering into the tag team division ; MJF firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tag Team Championship celebration that was cut short by Jurassic Express ; Ricky Starks mocking Darby Allin and Nyla Rose defeating Tay Conti .
Rose was poised to continue attacking Conti after the match until AEW Women 's World Champion Shida arrived onto the scene and broke things up while holding a kendo stick .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Miro, who used to compete in WWE as Rusev, made a surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite and confirmed that he has signed with the company.
Miro made his AEW debut Wednesday when Kip Sabian announced the grappler as the best man for his wedding to Penelope Ford.
Advertisement
Sabian, after a few mishaps involving a Twitch subscriber and Brian Pillman Jr., finally introduced Miro to the ring.
Miro arrived to the scene with a new blonde look and said he is not only a best man but The Best Man.
"Ten years in the same house, under the same glass ceiling with the imaginary brass ring. Well, you can take that brass ring and shove it up your ass," Miro said, referencing his time in WWE.
Advertisement
Also on Dynamite, TNT Champion Mr. Brodie Lee defended his title against Dustin Rhodes in the main event. Rhodes was looking for revenge for his brother Cody who Lee had defeated and decimated weeks ago to become the new TNT Champion.
Rhodes attacked Lee before the bell rang as he was being introduced by ring announcer Justin Roberts. Rhodes fought valiantly against the leader of The Dark Order and nearly won the match after the veteran unleashed a Canadian destroyer followed by a CrossRhodes.
Lee won the match and retained his championship after he nailed Rhodes with a Discus Lariat for the three count. The Dark Order brought out a defeated QT Marshall, the tag team partner of Rhodes, and celebrated in the ring with their leader. Lee yelled at Colt Cabana, however, to leave the ring.
Matt Hardy was given time to address fans after an injury he suffered on Saturday at the All Out pay-per-view event during his match with Sammy Guevara. Hardy had crashed onto the floor hard during the bout and momentarily laid motionless.
Advertisement
Hardy said that he will make a full recovery and when he returns, he wants to win his first AEW championship. Hardy's wife Reby was in the audience and watched the speech while carrying their infant child.
Kenny Omega was interviewed by Jim Ross following All Out where Omega and Hangman Adam Page lost the AEW World Tag Team Championships to FTR.
Omega confirmed that he and Page have gone their separate ways and stated that he will be returning to singles competition.
Other moments from Dynamite included Jurassic Express defeating The Lucha Bros.; Lance Archer and his manager Jake 'The Snake' Roberts promising to defeat Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship; Orange Cassidy defeating Angelico before he was attacked by Santana and Ortiz; Chris Jericho and Jake Hager defeating Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss before announcing that they will be entering into the tag team division; MJF firing his campaign staff; FTR holding a Tag Team Championship celebration that was cut short by Jurassic Express; Ricky Starks mocking Darby Allin and Nyla Rose defeating Tay Conti.
Advertisement
Rose was poised to continue attacking Conti after the match until AEW Women's World Champion Shida arrived onto the scene and broke things up while holding a kendo stick.


upi--2020-09-10--Global COVID-19 death toll passes 900K; cases near 28M

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- As the number of COVID-19 infections inched closer to the 28 million milestone , the global death toll surpassed 900,000 over Wednesday , according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University .
The researchers at the Baltimore university early Thursday had tallied 903,756 COVID-19 deaths worldwide , adding 6,303 in the last 24 hours .
The number of infections also climbed by nearly 300,000 over Wednesday , equalling 27.87 million since the first case was diagnosed in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December .
Nearly a third of Wednesday 's cases were counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single-day record of 95,735 infections .
India , the world 's second-most populated country with 1.38 billion people , has repeatedly set and then broken daily infection records since late last month as it struggles to contain the virus , which has spread exponentially within its borders since its first cases were diagnosed in late January .
Its ministry of health said nearly half of all its cases are located in the states of Maharashtra , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh .
The Asian nation jumped Brazil earlier this week to second in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.46 million cases , it is closing the gap with the United States , the world 's sickest nation with 6.3 million infections .
India also reported 1,172 deaths over Wednesday for a total of 75,062 , which puts it third behind Brazil 's 128,539 deaths .

India reported nearly a third of all coronavirus cases tabulated over Wednesday with more than 95,000 infections diagnosed during the 24-hour period. Photo by Divyakant Solanki/EPA-EFE
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- As the number of COVID-19 infections inched closer to the 28 million milestone, the global death toll surpassed 900,000 over Wednesday, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The researchers at the Baltimore university early Thursday had tallied 903,756 COVID-19 deaths worldwide, adding 6,303 in the last 24 hours. Advertisement
The number of infections also climbed by nearly 300,000 over Wednesday, equalling 27.87 million since the first case was diagnosed in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
Nearly a third of Wednesday's cases were counted in India, where health officials tabulated a single-day record of 95,735 infections.
India, the world's second-most populated country with 1.38 billion people, has repeatedly set and then broken daily infection records since late last month as it struggles to contain the virus, which has spread exponentially within its borders since its first cases were diagnosed in late January.
Its ministry of health said nearly half of all its cases are located in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Asian nation jumped Brazil earlier this week to second in the world in infections, and with 4.46 million cases, it is closing the gap with the United States, the world's sickest nation with 6.3 million infections.
Advertisement
India also reported 1,172 deaths over Wednesday for a total of 75,062, which puts it third behind Brazil's 128,539 deaths.


upi--2020-09-10--Tropical Storm Paulette moving slowly across central Atlantic

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Paulette is slowly moving westward across the central Atlantic Ocean , forecasters said Thursday .
In its 5 a.m. AST advisory , the National Hurricane Center said Paulette was about 935 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and 1,250 miles southeast of Bermuda .
It had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving west-northwest at 10 mph .
`` This general motion is expected to continue through Friday , '' the NHC said .
`` A northwestward motion should begin Friday evening and continue into the weekend . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing in strength again over the weekend with the possibility of becoming a hurricane .
The 16th named storm of the 2020 season , Paulette set another record for the basin .
This is the earliest on record that a `` P '' named storm has developed , according to Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach .
The previous record was set by Philippe in 2005 .
Another strong tropical wave is projected to emerge from the African Coast late in the week .
Farther west , a weak tropical wave over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development but could bring an uptick in showers and thunderstorms across southern Hispaniola and Jamaica over the next few days .
Another area being monitored is a bit closer to the United States .
`` An area of low pressure currently to the southeast of Bermuda will track to the west early this week , '' Douty said .
`` Atmospheric conditions are only marginally favorable for development through this time and there is only a low chance for development . ''
However , if the storm 's forward progression slows down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrease and allow the storm to become more organized .
The next tropical storm name on the list for 2020 in the Atlantic is Sally .
As was the case with Paulette , there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , Hanna , Isaias , Josephine , Kyle , Laura , Marco , Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their respective letters .
Before Rene , Rita , which formed on Sept. 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earliest `` R '' named storm on record .
If all the names are used , the Greek alphabet will designate tropical storms , which was only done in one other season : 2005 .

Hurricane Paulette is expected to come dangerously close to Bermuda, and may even make landfall Sunday, bringing hurricane conditions as it nears the islands early this week. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Hurricane Paulette is expected to come dangerously close to Bermuda, and may even make landfall, bringing hurricane conditions as it nears the islands early this week. Paulette became a Category 1 hurricane Saturday night. As of 5 p.m. EDT Sunday, maximum sustained winds were 85 mph and the hurricane was located about 155 miles southeast of Bermuda. The storm was moving northwest at 14 mph. Advertisement
Interests in Bermuda are urged to be prepared for the incoming hurricane that could be capable of bringing sustained winds above 100 mph, the strength of a Category 2 hurricane.
Paulette is expected to take a more northerly jog on Sunday, towards the islands.
"Paulette will be moving over warmer water and within a more moist and unstable environment with lowering wind shear into early week," AccuWeather's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said.
Advertisement
Wind shear is associated with strong winds aloft or the rapid change in wind direction across an area above the ocean. Strong wind shear can prevent tropical cyclones from forming or cause established tropical cyclones to weaken.
"We are expecting Paulette to intensify further through the rest of Sunday and Monday," Kottlowski said.
While current forecasts have Paulette topping out as a Category 2 hurricane, if the wind shear drops off even more than currently expected, Paulette could strengthen into a major, Category 3 hurricane with winds of over 110 mph as it approaches Bermuda.
The current track points Paulette at or just to the west of Bermuda, which increases the chances for significant impacts across the islands.
If Paulette were to make landfall in Bermuda, it would be the territory's first landfall since 2014, when hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo made back-to-back landfalls on the island in mid-October.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly over the islands during Sunday night with the worst conditions possible during Monday.
The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for the islands.
Seas and surf will build in the waters around Bermuda into Monday, especially south and east of the islands.
Increasing winds, showers and gusty thunderstorms are likely during Sunday night in Bermuda. There will be the risk of high winds, coastal flooding and torrential rain during Monday to Monday night.
Advertisement
Despite Bermuda's strict building codes, property damage and power outages are likely even if Paulette brushes the islands, and more widespread damage and power outages are expected if the storm makes a direct hit as a Category 2 hurricane or higher.
A this time, Paulette is not expected to bring any impact to the eastern coast of the United States, other than perhaps some rougher surf.
There is a somewhat higher chance for Paulette to track close enough to Newfoundland with some wind and rain late this week. A period of rough seas is likely around the Canada province later in the week, even if Paulette remains to the east.
Paulette is occurring around the traditional peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is Sept. 10-11.
Several systems are being monitored over the basin in a season that has already produced 18 named systems and could go on to rival the historic 2005 season. During 2005, 28 named storms set a record for the most ever in a season, and the Greek alphabet was used to name systems for the first time.
Developing tropical storms are likely to continue the 2020 trend of systems setting new early-formation records in the coming days, with the development of Teddy likely on the near horizon.