upi--2020-08-05--Nationals ace Max Scherzer exits after first inning in loss to Mets

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Washington Nationals ace and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer left his start against the New York Mets after only one inning Wednesday night because of a right hamstring injury .
Scherzer was removed from the game after just 27 pitches .
Erick Fedde replaced him in the top of the second .
After the game , Scherzer downplayed the injury and said he was removed from his start as a precaution .
`` I 'm really not concerned about this , '' Scherzer told reporters .
`` I feel like this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The only reason it creeped up more was because it happened [ Tuesday ] , so here in a couple days this should feel really good again .
`` I really see this as a minor injury and more precaution than anything to keep from doing any further damage . ''
Scherzer was n't as sharp as his usual self Wednesday , going to 2-0 counts against each of the Mets ' first two hitters .
He allowed one hit , walked one and gave up a run , and his velocity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered the game with an 0-1 record and 2.84 ERA .
The Mets went on to earn a 3-1 win over the Nationals , highlighted by Dominic Smith 's two-RBI night .
Luis Guillorme had an RBI single in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie , and Smith plated the game-winning run in the seventh .
Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto made his 2020 debut after missing the first seven games of the season because of a positive coronavirus test hours before the team 's opener against the New York Yankees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scored the Nationals ' lone run with an RBI double in the first inning .
Mets starter Rick Porcello picked up his 150th career win Wednesday night .
He struck out four and allowed one run on five hits across seven innings .
The Nationals host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series starting Friday , while the Mets play the Miami Marlins in a three-game set beginning the same day .

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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer pitches against the New York Mets in the first inning Wednesday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Washington Nationals ace and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer left his start against the New York Mets after only one inning Wednesday night because of a right hamstring injury. Scherzer was removed from the game after just 27 pitches. Erick Fedde replaced him in the top of the second. Advertisement
After the game, Scherzer downplayed the injury and said he was removed from his start as a precaution.
"I'm really not concerned about this," Scherzer told reporters. "I feel like this is going to heal up here pretty soon. The only reason it creeped up more was because it happened [Tuesday], so here in a couple days this should feel really good again.
"I really see this as a minor injury and more precaution than anything to keep from doing any further damage."
Scherzer wasn't as sharp as his usual self Wednesday, going to 2-0 counts against each of the Mets' first two hitters. He allowed one hit, walked one and gave up a run, and his velocity was down.
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Scherzer, 36, entered the game with an 0-1 record and 2.84 ERA.
The Mets went on to earn a 3-1 win over the Nationals, highlighted by Dominic Smith's two-RBI night. Luis Guillorme had an RBI single in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie, and Smith plated the game-winning run in the seventh.
Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto made his 2020 debut after missing the first seven games of the season because of a positive coronavirus test hours before the team's opener against the New York Yankees.
Soto was 2-for-4 against the Mets and scored the Nationals' lone run with an RBI double in the first inning.
Mets starter Rick Porcello picked up his 150th career win Wednesday night. He struck out four and allowed one run on five hits across seven innings.
The Nationals host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series starting Friday, while the Mets play the Miami Marlins in a three-game set beginning the same day.


upi--2020-08-05--49ers' Travis Benjamin, Dolphins' Albert Wilson opt out of 2020 season

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Travis Benjamin and Miami Dolphins wideout Albert Wilson have decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns .
Benjamin becomes the first member of the 49ers to sit out this season .
His announcement came one day after general manager John Lynch said he had yet to have a discussion with a player who planned on opting out .
`` First , I would like to thank the 49ers organization for their continued support , '' Benjamin wrote Tuesday night on Twitter .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family I have decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season as I feel this is the best decision for my family .
`` I will continue to support my teammates and many friends around the league this season .
As we continue to navigate the pandemic I wish that everyone stays safe . ''
Benjamin , who spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers , signed a one-year contract with the 49ers in March .
He was expected to compete for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a return man .
On Wednesday , Wilson followed in Benjamin 's footsteps and became the latest notable player to opt out .
Wilson announced his decision on social media and cited the safety of his family during the pandemic .
`` I 've decided to opt out this 2020 season , '' Wilson wrote on Twitter .
`` It was a very tough choice but since the day I started playing the game it 's always been Faith Family Football .
Because of this crazy time , I choose to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it .
`` I will stand by my teammates & brothers to support them 100 % throughout this season and will be counting the days until I can join them again . ''
Wilson becomes the second Dolphins player to opt out in as many days , joining fellow wideout Allen Hurns .
More than 50 players around the league have opted out to this point .
NFL players have until 4 p.m. EDT Thursday to opt out of the upcoming season .

Miami Dolphins receiver Albert Wilson (pictured) becomes the second Dolphins player to opt out in as many days, joining fellow wideout Allen Hurns. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Travis Benjamin and Miami Dolphins wideout Albert Wilson have decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns. Benjamin becomes the first member of the 49ers to sit out this season. His announcement came one day after general manager John Lynch said he had yet to have a discussion with a player who planned on opting out. Advertisement
"First, I would like to thank the 49ers organization for their continued support," Benjamin wrote Tuesday night on Twitter. "After much consideration and discussion with my family I have decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season as I feel this is the best decision for my family.
"I will continue to support my teammates and many friends around the league this season. As we continue to navigate the pandemic I wish that everyone stays safe."
Benjamin, who spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers, signed a one-year contract with the 49ers in March. He was expected to compete for a roster spot at receiver and likely as a return man.
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On Wednesday, Wilson followed in Benjamin's footsteps and became the latest notable player to opt out.
Wilson announced his decision on social media and cited the safety of his family during the pandemic.
"I've decided to opt out this 2020 season," Wilson wrote on Twitter. "It was a very tough choice but since the day I started playing the game it's always been Faith Family Football. Because of this crazy time, I choose to put my family in the best situation I see it.
"I will stand by my teammates & brothers to support them 100% throughout this season and will be counting the days until I can join them again."
Wilson becomes the second Dolphins player to opt out in as many days, joining fellow wideout Allen Hurns. More than 50 players around the league have opted out to this point.
NFL players have until 4 p.m. EDT Thursday to opt out of the upcoming season.


upi--2020-08-05--State Dept. inspector general Stephen Akard resigning after 3 months

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- State Department Inspector General Stephen Akard is resigning after just three months on the job , officials said Wednesday .
The department 's inspector general 's office said in an announcement that Akard will be replaced Friday on an interim basis by deputy Diana Shaw .
Akard accepted the job in May when Steve Linick was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump .
News reports said some staffers in the office had previously received an email that said Akard , an ally of Vice President Mike Pence , would be leaving shortly .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo 's advice .
Linick at the time was leading two investigations into questions about Pompeo 's conduct , including one that involved a controversial $ 8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia .
Pompeo said last week he was only aware of one investigation .
House Democrats heard testimony Monday from multiple department officials about Linick 's firing and the arms sale .
Democratic Reps. Eliot Engel , chairman of the House foreign affairs committee , and Carolyn Maloney , chairwoman of the House oversight and reform committee , chastized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as creating `` serious conflicts of interest '' by putting him in a position of reporting to those his office is tasked with overseeing and investigating .
`` His resignation today adds to Congress ' questions about the independence of the IG 's office following the firing of former IG Steve Linick in an apparent act of retaliation by Secretary Pompeo , '' the pair said in a joint statement .
`` Ambassador Akard 's abrupt resignation ... must not further disrupt the Office of Inspector General 's important investigations . ''
Akard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Indiana governor , for the state 's Economic Development Corporation .
He kept his role in the State Department 's Office of Foreign Missions when he took over the inspector general 's spot , which drew criticism from diplomats .
Akard recently said he would recuse himself from the ongoing Pompeo investigations after he was questioned by House Democrats .

Akard, who took the job in May, will leave the post on Friday. Photo courtesy The White House/Tia Dufour/UPI
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- State Department Inspector General Stephen Akard is resigning after just three months on the job, officials said Wednesday. The department's inspector general's office said in an announcement that Akard will be replaced Friday on an interim basis by deputy Diana Shaw. Advertisement
Akard accepted the job in May when Steve Linick was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump.
News reports said some staffers in the office had previously received an email that said Akard, an ally of Vice President Mike Pence, would be leaving shortly.
Trump fired Linick in May on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's advice. Linick at the time was leading two investigations into questions about Pompeo's conduct, including one that involved a controversial $8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia. Pompeo said last week he was only aware of one investigation.
House Democrats heard testimony Monday from multiple department officials about Linick's firing and the arms sale.
Democratic Reps. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee, and Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House oversight and reform committee, chastized Akard's selection as acting inspector general as creating "serious conflicts of interest" by putting him in a position of reporting to those his office is tasked with overseeing and investigating.
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"His resignation today adds to Congress' questions about the independence of the IG's office following the firing of former IG Steve Linick in an apparent act of retaliation by Secretary Pompeo," the pair said in a joint statement. "Ambassador Akard's abrupt resignation ... must not further disrupt the Office of Inspector General's important investigations."
Akard previously worked for Pence, when he was Indiana governor, for the state's Economic Development Corporation. He kept his role in the State Department's Office of Foreign Missions when he took over the inspector general's spot, which drew criticism from diplomats.
Akard recently said he would recuse himself from the ongoing Pompeo investigations after he was questioned by House Democrats.


upi--2020-08-05--Commission blocks Minneapolis proposal to replace police department

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- A ballot measure to replace the Minneapolis Police Department following the police-involved killing of George Floyd will not appear on the ballot in November .
The Minneapolis Charter Commission voted 10-5 Wednesday to take an additional 90 days to review the proposed amendment to the city charter , meaning it would not receive approval in time for the 2020 election .
The current proposal calls for the removal of a provision of the city 's charter that requires Minneapolis to maintain a police department with a minimum force based on its population and replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Violence Prevention that would prioritize `` a holistic , public health-oriented approach . ''
Charter Commissioner Andrew Kozak said he did not think the proposal provided enough information to voters .
`` We have an obligation to make sure that what is going on the ballot gives the voters an informed choice , that they can make a decision in a thoughtful way , '' he said .
In June , a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council announced a plan to defund the city 's police department shortly after Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , as an officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes .
City Council members sent the commission a letter on Wednesday ensuring that they `` expect the transformed system to include law enforcement as part of a multi-faceted approach to public safety '' in an effort to have the proposal approved .
`` The Minneapolis City Council is not asking you to put police abolition on the ballot , nor does the amendment propose this , '' they wrote .
`` We are asking you to let Minneapolis vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aligns with the State of Minnesota 's Department of Public Safety . ''
All four of the police officers involved in Floyd 's death on Memorial Day were fired from the department and veteran officer Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter , while Thomas Lane , J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao face charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter .

The Minneapolis Charter Commission on Wednesday voted for a 90-day review of an amendment seeking to replace the city's police department, effectively blocking it from the November ballot. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A ballot measure to replace the Minneapolis Police Department following the police-involved killing of George Floyd will not appear on the ballot in November. The Minneapolis Charter Commission voted 10-5 Wednesday to take an additional 90 days to review the proposed amendment to the city charter, meaning it would not receive approval in time for the 2020 election. Advertisement
The current proposal calls for the removal of a provision of the city's charter that requires Minneapolis to maintain a police department with a minimum force based on its population and replace it with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention that would prioritize "a holistic, public health-oriented approach."
Charter Commissioner Andrew Kozak said he did not think the proposal provided enough information to voters.
"We have an obligation to make sure that what is going on the ballot gives the voters an informed choice, that they can make a decision in a thoughtful way," he said.
In June, a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council announced a plan to defund the city's police department shortly after Floyd was killed while in custody of Minneapolis police, as an officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes.
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City Council members sent the commission a letter on Wednesday ensuring that they "expect the transformed system to include law enforcement as part of a multi-faceted approach to public safety" in an effort to have the proposal approved.
"The Minneapolis City Council is not asking you to put police abolition on the ballot, nor does the amendment propose this," they wrote. "We are asking you to let Minneapolis vote on a new framework for public safety that aligns with the State of Minnesota's Department of Public Safety."
All four of the police officers involved in Floyd's death on Memorial Day were fired from the department and veteran officer Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, while Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao face charges of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.


upi--2020-08-05--Chicago Public Schools to begin school year with remote learning

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Chicago Public Schools announced Wednesday that schools will begin with remote learning when the school year begins in the fall .
CPS CEO Janice Jackson and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the plan Wednesday , seeking to assure parents that while learning would take place exclusively online the schools would not be `` cobbling things together '' as Jackson suggested was the case when schools closed in March .
`` There will be more of a traditional infrastructure that you see in a school setting ; we 're going to stand that up in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Teachers have to be available throughout the entire day to students . ''
Jackson said a final plan would be released Friday , but outlined that when schools reopen , attendance will be mandatory , the district will revert to normal grading and educators will be able to conduct classes from their classrooms in the schools .
The plan also includes a goal to move to a hybrid plan that would return students to school in November .
Officials originally planned to begin the school year using a hybrid plan in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week on a rotating basis , but said they opted to begin with online instruction after feedback from parents and public health guidelines .
CPS also faced pushback from the Chicago Teachers Union after they threatened to strike amid rising COVID-19 cases and its president , Jesse Sharkey , said last week Lightfoot did not `` have the guts to close the schools . ''
Sharkey on Wednesday praised the move as a `` win for teachers , students and parents '' while adding CTU members should be equal partners in improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a long way to go and a short time to get there , '' Sharkey said .
`` CPS must immediately start planning transparently and in partnership with our union to provide every student the educational , social and emotional supports they need to learn and grow . ''

Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Chicago Public Schools announced Wednesday that schools will begin with remote learning when the school year begins in the fall.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson and Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the plan Wednesday, seeking to assure parents that while learning would take place exclusively online the schools would not be "cobbling things together" as Jackson suggested was the case when schools closed in March.
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"There will be more of a traditional infrastructure that you see in a school setting; we're going to stand that up in a remote setting," Jackson said. "Teachers have to be available throughout the entire day to students."
Jackson said a final plan would be released Friday, but outlined that when schools reopen, attendance will be mandatory, the district will revert to normal grading and educators will be able to conduct classes from their classrooms in the schools.
The plan also includes a goal to move to a hybrid plan that would return students to school in November.
Officials originally planned to begin the school year using a hybrid plan in which students would attend in-person classes two days a week on a rotating basis, but said they opted to begin with online instruction after feedback from parents and public health guidelines.
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CPS also faced pushback from the Chicago Teachers Union after they threatened to strike amid rising COVID-19 cases and its president, Jesse Sharkey, said last week Lightfoot did not "have the guts to close the schools."
Sharkey on Wednesday praised the move as a "win for teachers, students and parents" while adding CTU members should be equal partners in improving the remote learning experience.
"We have a long way to go and a short time to get there," Sharkey said. "CPS must immediately start planning transparently and in partnership with our union to provide every student the educational, social and emotional supports they need to learn and grow."


upi--2020-08-05--'Captain Marvel' sequel to be directed by Nia DaCosta: Reports

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Candyman director Nia DaCosta has been tapped to helm the Captain Marvel sequel starring Brie Larson , sources with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday .
Deadline reported DaCosta secured the job after meeting over the weekend with Marvel Cinematic Universe chief Kevin Feige .
The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap confirmed the news .
It 's unclear when filming on the superhero film is expected to begin , but Megan McDonnell has completed work on the script .
Captain Marvel debuted in March 2019 , grossing $ 1.1 billion at the box office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the character in Avengers : Endgame , will return as the titular character .
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck directed and co-wrote the first Captain Marvel .
The new film will take place in the present day after the first one took place in the 1990s .
DaCosta 's Candyman reboot was originally slated to hit theaters this summer but was delayed until Oct. 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The next MCU film to hit theaters is expected to be Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson .
The film was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Nia DaCosta will helm the second installment of the "Captain Marvel" franchise. File Photo by Alba Vigaray/EPA-EFE
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Candyman director Nia DaCosta has been tapped to helm the Captain Marvel sequel starring Brie Larson, sources with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday. Deadline reported DaCosta secured the job after meeting over the weekend with Marvel Cinematic Universe chief Kevin Feige. Advertisement
The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap confirmed the news.
It's unclear when filming on the superhero film is expected to begin, but Megan McDonnell has completed work on the script.
Captain Marvel debuted in March 2019, grossing $1.1 billion at the box office worldwide. Larson, who also appeared as the character in Avengers: Endgame, will return as the titular character.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck directed and co-wrote the first Captain Marvel. The new film will take place in the present day after the first one took place in the 1990s.
DaCosta's Candyman reboot was originally slated to hit theaters this summer but was delayed until Oct. 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The next MCU film to hit theaters is expected to be Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson. The film was delayed until Nov. 6 due to COVID-19.


upi--2020-08-05--NCAA Division II and III fall sports championships canceled due to pandemic

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Fall sports championships in NCAA Division II and Division III have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The cancellations impact football , men 's and women 's soccer , women 's volleyball , men 's and women 's cross country , field hockey and men 's water polo across both divisions .
The NCAA 's Board of Governors previously told each division to make its own determination on whether to hold fall championships this year , and both came to the same decision and made announcements Wednesday .
`` This decision was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you it was not made lightly , '' Sandra Jordan , the chancellor of South Carolina Aiken and chair of the Division II council , said in a statement .
`` It is important to note that fall student-athletes will be given eligibility-related flexibility to allow them championship opportunities in the future .
`` As we move forward , we will continue to focus on providing the best championships experience for our winter and spring student-athletes who were not afforded those opportunities at the beginning of this pandemic . ''
Tori Murden McClure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council and president at Spalding University , echoed the statement from the Division II council .
`` Looking at the health and safety challenges we face this fall during this unprecedented time , we had to make this tough decision to cancel championships for fall sports this academic year in the best interest of our student-athlete and member institutions , '' McClure said in a statement .
`` Our Championships Committee reviewed the financial and logistical ramifications if Division III fall sports championships were conducted in the spring and found it was logistically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council reached the same conclusion . ''
Other divisions have until Aug. 21 to decide if they will hold fall championships .
If more than 50 % of eligible teams cancel their season , the NCAA wo n't have championship events in that division .
Meanwhile , the Big Ten -- a Division I conference -- unveiled its football schedule for the 2020 season Wednesday but cautioned there is no guarantee games will be played .
The Big Ten announced it will play 10 conference games over 13 weeks starting Sept. 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all teams will have a bye week before the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 5 .
The conference also said it will have new medical procedures for COVID-19 this fall .
Sports with high-risk contact , including football , will require a minimum of two polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) surveillance tests per week during the season .

Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Fall sports championships in NCAA Division II and Division III have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The cancellations impact football, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, field hockey and men's water polo across both divisions.
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The NCAA's Board of Governors previously told each division to make its own determination on whether to hold fall championships this year, and both came to the same decision and made announcements Wednesday.
"This decision was discussed very thoroughly, and I assure you it was not made lightly," Sandra Jordan, the chancellor of South Carolina Aiken and chair of the Division II council, said in a statement. "It is important to note that fall student-athletes will be given eligibility-related flexibility to allow them championship opportunities in the future.
"As we move forward, we will continue to focus on providing the best championships experience for our winter and spring student-athletes who were not afforded those opportunities at the beginning of this pandemic."
Tori Murden McClure, chair of the Division III Presidents Council and president at Spalding University, echoed the statement from the Division II council.
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"Looking at the health and safety challenges we face this fall during this unprecedented time, we had to make this tough decision to cancel championships for fall sports this academic year in the best interest of our student-athlete and member institutions," McClure said in a statement.
"Our Championships Committee reviewed the financial and logistical ramifications if Division III fall sports championships were conducted in the spring and found it was logistically untenable and financially prohibitive. Our Management Council reached the same conclusion."
Other divisions have until Aug. 21 to decide if they will hold fall championships. If more than 50% of eligible teams cancel their season, the NCAA won't have championship events in that division.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten -- a Division I conference -- unveiled its football schedule for the 2020 season Wednesday but cautioned there is no guarantee games will be played.
The Big Ten announced it will play 10 conference games over 13 weeks starting Sept. 5. Every school gets two mid-season byes, and all teams will have a bye week before the Big Ten championship game on Dec. 5.
The conference also said it will have new medical procedures for COVID-19 this fall. Sports with high-risk contact, including football, will require a minimum of two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) surveillance tests per week during the season.


upi--2020-08-05--Facebook removes Trump post, citing false information about COVID-19

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Facebook removed a post on President Donald Trump 's profile on Wednesday , saying it contained false statements about the COVID-19 pandemic .
The deleted post included a video of an interview with Trump on Fox News during which the president suggested that children are generally `` immune '' to the virus .
`` This video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation , '' Facebook representative Andy Stone said .
The decision marks the first time that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information related to the novel coronavirus .
In June , Facebook removed Trump campaign adds that featured a red , upside-down triangle , which the Anti-Defamation League said was similar to one used by Nazis for political prisoners , saying that it violated its policy against organized hate .
The same clip that was removed from Facebook on Wednesday was also posted to Twitter and remained visible on the service as of Wednesday evening .
Twitter has flagged several of Trump 's tweets , doing so for the first time in May after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made about mail-in ballots contained `` potentially misleading information about voting processes . ''
Last month , the Commerce Department petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to develop plans to regulate social media platforms after Trump signed an executive order on the subject in May .

Facebook on Wednesday removed a post from President Donald Trump's profile, saying it contained false information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Both Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday punished President Donald Trump over similar posts, saying they contained false statements about the COVID-19 pandemic. Facebook deleted the post from Trump's account that included a video of an interview with the president on Fox News during which the president suggested that children are generally "immune" to the virus. Advertisement
"This video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation," Facebook representative Andy Stone said.
The decision marks the first time that Facebook has removed a Trump post for information related to the novel coronavirus.
In June, Facebook removed Trump campaign adds that featured a red, upside-down triangle, which the Anti-Defamation League said was similar to one used by Nazis for political prisoners, saying that it violated its policy against organized hate.
Twitter said Wednesday it restricted access to Trump's re-election campaign account for posting a tweet of the video.
A Twitter spokesman said in a statement that the video was in "violation of the Twitter rules on COVID-19 misinformation."
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"The account owner will be required to remove the tweet before they can tweet again," the statement said.
The Trump campaign has deleted the tweet and has resumed tweeting.
Twitter has flagged several of Trump's tweets, doing so for the first time in May after the site determined two tweets the president made about mail-in ballots contained "potentially misleading information about voting processes."
Last month, the Commerce Department petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to develop plans to regulate social media platforms after Trump signed an executive order on the subject in May.


upi--2020-08-05--California life in the COVID-19 pandemic

In announcing the center , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said health officials would be testing as many as 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ new location , where he said he was tested for COVID-19 .
City officials say @ @ @ @ @ more people than any other testing site in Los Angeles County .
Photo by Jim @

A pedestrian walks past a bar established in 1933 after Los Angeles County officials closed it for the second time following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles on August 10. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-08-05--Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs executive order restoring felon voting rights

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed an executive order restoring voting rights to felons who have served their entire sentences .
The order does n't require Iowans with felony convictions to fully pay fines or restitution before being allowed to vote again .
`` Today we take a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of redemption , second chances and the need to address inequalities in our justice system , '' Reynolds said .
Under the previous law , Iowans who completed their felony sentence were required to individually apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned .
She said she plans to push for a constitutional amendment to make her order a permanent law .
`` The right to vote is the cornerstone of society and the free republic in which we live .
When someone serves their sentence , they should have their right to vote restored automatically , '' Reynolds said .
Betty Andrews , president of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP , welcomed the order , calling the right to vote `` a defining aspect of citizenship and democracy . ''
`` This action will benefit people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the grave racial disparities in our criminal justice system , it will very significantly benefit African Americans and other people of color , '' she said .
Under the terms of the executive order , those who have served time for a homicide conviction must still individually apply for restoration .
Those convicted of sexual abuse crimes also must complete any special sentencing handed down to them .

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds encouraged a constitutional amendment to make her executive order restoring felon voting rights a permanent law. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed an executive order restoring voting rights to felons who have served their entire sentences. The order doesn't require Iowans with felony convictions to fully pay fines or restitution before being allowed to vote again. Advertisement
"Today we take a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of redemption, second chances and the need to address inequalities in our justice system," Reynolds said.
Under the previous law, Iowans who completed their felony sentence were required to individually apply to the state to have their voting rights returned. She said she plans to push for a constitutional amendment to make her order a permanent law.
"The right to vote is the cornerstone of society and the free republic in which we live. When someone serves their sentence, they should have their right to vote restored automatically," Reynolds said.
Betty Andrews, president of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP, welcomed the order, calling the right to vote "a defining aspect of citizenship and democracy."
"This action will benefit people regardless of race or ethnicity, but with the grave racial disparities in our criminal justice system, it will very significantly benefit African Americans and other people of color," she said.
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Under the terms of the executive order, those who have served time for a homicide conviction must still individually apply for restoration. Those convicted of sexual abuse crimes also must complete any special sentencing handed down to them.


upi--2020-08-05--Braves place Ozzie Albies, Matt Adams on IL; Nick Markakis reinstated

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Atlanta Braves placed All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies and designated hitter Matt Adams on the 10-day injured list , the team announced Wednesday .
In another move , the Braves said outfielder Nick Markakis was reinstated from the restricted list .
Markakis announced July 29 that he was returning to the club , three weeks after opting out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns .
Albies ' batting average slipped to .159 after he was held without a hit in the Braves ' 10-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slump as he attempted to play with a bruised right wrist .
Adams has served as the Braves ' designated hitter and has made two starts at first base this season .
He belted a home run in the second inning Tuesday night before exiting the game with a strained left hamstring .
Charlie Culberson is replacing Albies at second base in Wednesday 's game against the Blue Jays .
Marcell Ozuna will serve as the designated hitter , while Austin Riley moves to first and Adam Duvall to left field .
Freddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at first base , is out of the lineup Wednesday .
Markakis is not in the starting lineup in his return to the active roster .
The Braves also recalled catcher Alex Jackson , creating depth at the position if Tyler Flowers or Travis d'Arnaud move to designated hitter .

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies' batting average slipped to .159 after he was held without a hit in the Braves' 10-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Braves placed All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies and designated hitter Matt Adams on the 10-day injured list, the team announced Wednesday. In another move, the Braves said outfielder Nick Markakis was reinstated from the restricted list. Markakis announced July 29 that he was returning to the club, three weeks after opting out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns. Advertisement
Albies' batting average slipped to .159 after he was held without a hit in the Braves' 10-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. He was in a 2-for-21 slump as he attempted to play with a bruised right wrist.
Adams has served as the Braves' designated hitter and has made two starts at first base this season. He belted a home run in the second inning Tuesday night before exiting the game with a strained left hamstring.
Charlie Culberson is replacing Albies at second base in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. Marcell Ozuna will serve as the designated hitter, while Austin Riley moves to first and Adam Duvall to left field.
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Freddie Freeman, the Braves' typical starter at first base, is out of the lineup Wednesday. Markakis is not in the starting lineup in his return to the active roster.
The Braves also recalled catcher Alex Jackson, creating depth at the position if Tyler Flowers or Travis d'Arnaud move to designated hitter.


upi--2020-08-05--Instagram introduces potential TikTok competitor 'Reels'

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Instagram introduced its new `` Reels '' feature Wednesday , allowing users to create @ @ @ @ @ providing a potential competitor to the troubled TikTok app .
Reels allows users to record @ @ @ @ @ up of multiple clips , including audio , visual effects and other new creative tools @ @ @ @ @ the feature allows users to select from a catalog of songs that will play beneath @ @ @ @ @ their own original audio that can be featured in other users ' Reels .
The @ @ @ @ @ users ' Instagram feeds where it can be viewed by their followers or anyone else @ @ @ @ @ with a public account can make their Reels available to be shared on the `` @ @ @ @ @ new feature comes as Microsoft has engaged in discussions to purchase TikTok from the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his administration threatened to ban the app , citing privacy concerns .

Instagram on Wednesday introduced "Reels" an apparent competitor to the TikTok app as the latter faces a threat of being banned in the United States. Photo by Instagram
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Instagram introduced its new "Reels" feature Wednesday, allowing users to create and edit short videos, providing a potential competitor to the troubled TikTok app. Reels allows users to record and edit 15-second videos made up of multiple clips, including audio, visual effects and other new creative tools. Advertisement
Much like TikTok, the feature allows users to select from a catalog of songs that will play beneath the video, or create their own original audio that can be featured in other users' Reels.
The videos will show up on users' Instagram feeds where it can be viewed by their followers or anyone else visiting their profile. Users with a public account can make their Reels available to be shared on the "Explore" page.
The new feature comes as Microsoft has engaged in discussions to purchase TikTok from the Chinese firm ByteDance after President Donald Trump and his administration threatened to ban the app, citing privacy concerns.


upi--2020-08-05--Apple Fire reaches 30% containment, evacuations lifted in some areas

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Officials lifted evacuations in some parts of California on Wednesday as firefighters in the state made progress containing the Apple Fire .
Cal Fire reported that the wildfire grew by more than 500 acres , burning 27,319 acres but also reached 30 % containment as of Wednesday morning .
The blaze has resulted in one injury and destroyed 12 structures in addition to forcing 7,800 people to evacuate .
Following the progress to contain the fire , some evacuation orders were lifted in Riverside County , including areas east of Oak Glen Road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson Street .
Evacuations remained in other areas in Riverside County as well as some parts of San Bernadino County .
Firefighters also made progress combatting the Gold Fire and Hog Fire in Lassen County as both blazes were 96 % contained as of Tuesday evening .
Cal Fire reported that the Gold Fire had burned 22,634 acres , resulting in four injuries , destroying 13 structures and damaging five more structures .
The Hog Fire has burned 9,564 acres and has destroyed two structures .
Modoc National Forest on Wednesday announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acres as of Tuesday , was nearing full containment .

The Apple Fire doubled in containment to 30% on Wednesday and evacuations some parts of California were lifted. Photo by San Bernadino National Forest/ Twitter
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Officials lifted evacuations in some parts of California on Wednesday as firefighters in the state made progress containing the Apple Fire. Cal Fire reported that the wildfire grew by more than 500 acres, burning 27,319 acres but also reached 30% containment as of Wednesday morning. Advertisement
The blaze has resulted in one injury and destroyed 12 structures in addition to forcing 7,800 people to evacuate.
Following the progress to contain the fire, some evacuation orders were lifted in Riverside County, including areas east of Oak Glen Road, west of Portero Road and north of Wilson Street.
Evacuations remained in other areas in Riverside County as well as some parts of San Bernadino County.
Firefighters also made progress combatting the Gold Fire and Hog Fire in Lassen County as both blazes were 96% contained as of Tuesday evening.
Cal Fire reported that the Gold Fire had burned 22,634 acres, resulting in four injuries, destroying 13 structures and damaging five more structures.
The Hog Fire has burned 9,564 acres and has destroyed two structures.
Modoc National Forest on Wednesday announced that the Caldwell Fire, which burned 80,859 acres as of Tuesday, was nearing full containment.


upi--2020-08-05--Colorado experts predict increase in hurricanes in 'extremely active' season

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- A team of meteorologists in Colorado revised its predictions for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane @ @ @ @ @ eight named storms in an `` extremely active '' year .
The Colorado State University @ @ @ @ @ it now expects there to be 24 named storms this year , up from the @ @ @ @ @ before hurricane season started in June .
The number of hurricanes is expected to increase @ @ @ @ @ which already included Hanna and Isaias .
The number of major hurricanes -- Category 3 @ @ @ @ @ from four to five .
The group said it forecasts 2020 will be about 190 @ @ @ @ @ year .
Hurricane season began in June , but the peak of the season starts @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , there have been nine named storms this year , each of which set @ @ @ @ @ named storm of its letter .
The CSU scientists said there 's a 74 % @ @ @ @ @ make landfall on the United States this year .

The experts forecast there to be 24 named storms during the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. File Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A team of meteorologists in Colorado revised its predictions for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, expecting an additional eight named storms in an "extremely active" year. The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project said Wednesday it now expects there to be 24 named storms this year, up from the 16 named storms it predicted before hurricane season started in June. The number of hurricanes is expected to increase from eight to 12, which already included Hanna and Isaias. The number of major hurricanes -- Category 3 or higher -- will increase from four to five. Advertisement
The group said it forecasts 2020 will be about 190% above a normal hurricane year.
Hurricane season began in June, but the peak of the season starts in August.
As of Wednesday, there have been nine named storms this year, each of which set a record for the earliest named storm of its letter.
The CSU scientists said there's a 74% chance a major hurricane will make landfall on the United States this year.


upi--2020-08-05--Dow rises for fourth straight day on optimism from COVID-19 vaccine

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted gains for a fourth consecutive day Wednesday amid positive news surrounding potential COVID-19 vaccines and a strong performance by Disney .
The blue-chip index ended the day up 373.05 points , or 1.39 % , while the S & P 500 gained 0.64 % and the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.52 % .
Markets were impacted by Johnson & Johnson 's announcement that it had reached a deal with the U.S. government to produce and deliver 100 million doses of a potential COVID-19 vaccine .
Johnson & Johnson stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novavax stock rose 10.38 % after the company announced its vaccine candidate had generated favorable immune response results following clinical trials in Australia .
Moderna stock fell 3.39 % however after the company announced it would charge $ 32- $ 37 per ounce for its vaccine candidate , a higher price than Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to with the U.S. government .
Airline stocks also received a boost after Senate Republicans supported providing an additional $ 25 billion in federal aid for the industry .
Disney also helped to push the markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the company announced it has 100 million subscribers across its streaming services , including Disney+ , Hulu and ESPN .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 373 points on Wednesday following optimism surrounding a potential COVID-19 vaccine. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted gains for a fourth consecutive day Wednesday amid positive news surrounding potential COVID-19 vaccines and a strong performance by Disney. The blue-chip index ended the day up 373.05 points, or 1.39%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.64% and the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.52%. Advertisement
Markets were impacted by Johnson & Johnson's announcement that it had reached a deal with the U.S. government to produce and deliver 100 million doses of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Johnson & Johnson stock rose .8% following the announcement and Novavax stock rose 10.38% after the company announced its vaccine candidate had generated favorable immune response results following clinical trials in Australia.
Moderna stock fell 3.39% however after the company announced it would charge $32-$37 per ounce for its vaccine candidate, a higher price than Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to with the U.S. government.
Airline stocks also received a boost after Senate Republicans supported providing an additional $25 billion in federal aid for the industry.
American Airlines stock increased 9.50%, United grew 4.46% and Delta rose 3.12%.
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Disney also helped to push the markets higher as stocks rose 8.8%, after the company announced it has 100 million subscribers across its streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.


upi--2020-08-05--Native American stone tool technology unearthed in Yemen, Oman

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Archaeologists recently discovered 8,000-year-old stone fluted points on the Arabian Peninsula , the same technology developed by Native Americans 13,000 years ago , according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One .
When the stone tools were first unearthed , researchers suspected there was something familiar about them .
Scientists took note of the flute-like grooves texturing the sides of the stone points .
The tools examined for the study were found in Manayzah in Yemen and Ad-Dahariz in Oman , researchers said .
`` We recognized this technique as ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ techniques used in the American continent , '' lead researcher Remy Crassard , head of archaeology at the French Center for Archaeology and Social Sciences , told UPI .
`` It took us little time to recognize it , but it took us more time to understand why fluting was present in Arabia . ''
For nearly a century , archaeologists have been uncovering evidence of fluted point technology at Native American sites dating between 10,000 and 13,000 years old .
Stone fluted points in the Americas are typically characterized by markings along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Arabia , the fluting appeared closer to the tips of the ancient stone points .
Native Americans used hafting to more securely fix blades and points to handles and arrows .
The people of the Arabian Peninsula used the same technique for a different purpose .
`` In Arabia , they were using this same technique to create a flat zone on the back of the points , but as fluting comes from the tip most of the time , the hafting interpretation does n't work , '' Crassard said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons , and we tried to argue that it was more related to a form of 'bravado ' or display of skill , '' Crassard said .
According to the paper 's authors , the technologies are separated by too much time and space to have been the result of cultural exchange .
Instead , the latest discovery is an example of cultural convergence .
`` There are many examples [ of cultural convergence ] and from very diverse periods in human history , '' Crassard said .
`` For example , polished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Neolithic , the Mayan culture of Central America and the 19-20th century tribes of Indonesia , '' Crassard said .
`` These three examples were never connected in time and space , but the objects produced and found by archaeologists are very similar . ''

Archaeologists recently unearthed 8,000-year-old evidence of fluted point technology in the Arabian Peninsula, a technology developed by Native Americans a few thousand years earlier. Photo by Jérémie Vosges/CNRS
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Archaeologists recently discovered 8,000-year-old stone fluted points on the Arabian Peninsula, the same technology developed by Native Americans 13,000 years ago, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One. When the stone tools were first unearthed, researchers suspected there was something familiar about them. Scientists took note of the flute-like grooves texturing the sides of the stone points. Advertisement
The tools examined for the study were found in Manayzah in Yemen and Ad-Dahariz in Oman, researchers said.
"We recognized this technique as ... probably the most famous of the prehistoric techniques used in the American continent," lead researcher Remy Crassard, head of archaeology at the French Center for Archaeology and Social Sciences, told UPI. "It took us little time to recognize it, but it took us more time to understand why fluting was present in Arabia."
For nearly a century, archaeologists have been uncovering evidence of fluted point technology at Native American sites dating between 10,000 and 13,000 years old.
Stone fluted points in the Americas are typically characterized by markings along the bases of spearpoints and blades. In Arabia, the fluting appeared closer to the tips of the ancient stone points.
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Native Americans used hafting to more securely fix blades and points to handles and arrows. The people of the Arabian Peninsula used the same technique for a different purpose.
"In Arabia, they were using this same technique to create a flat zone on the back of the points, but as fluting comes from the tip most of the time, the hafting interpretation doesn't work," Crassard said.
"It must have been done for other reasons, and we tried to argue that it was more related to a form of 'bravado' or display of skill," Crassard said.
According to the paper's authors, the technologies are separated by too much time and space to have been the result of cultural exchange. Instead, the latest discovery is an example of cultural convergence.
"There are many examples [of cultural convergence] and from very diverse periods in human history," Crassard said.
"For example, polished stone axes are known from the Western European Neolithic, the Mayan culture of Central America and the 19-20th century tribes of Indonesia," Crassard said. "These three examples were never connected in time and space, but the objects produced and found by archaeologists are very similar."


upi--2020-08-05--U.S. Army readies 'Capability Set '23' for communications modernization

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Army announced `` Capability Set '23 , '' a technical exchange meeting to consider its requirements for its networking modernization plan .
The meeting will be conducted virtually on Sept. 2 , and build on `` Capability Set '21 , '' whose critical review of future networking necessities led to what the Army called the `` first round of modernized network capabilities . ''
Approved in April 2020 , the Army will begin fielding CS21 capabilities to Army units , including four Infantry Brigade Combat Teams and three Expeditionary Signal Battalions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun in 2019 , led to the Integrated Tactical Network , an approach offering smaller , lighter , faster and more flexible communications systems .
This mix of commercial capabilities integrated with programs of record systems provides commanders with resilient primary , alternate and emergency communications plans .
The September event is sponsored by the Army 's Network-Cross Functional Team , an Army statement on Tuesday said .
It is meant to `` assist industry partners and interested government organizations identifying and aligning their efforts with Army tactical network modernization , '' the @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Army personnel at Camp Maiwand, Afghanistan, complete radio training. The Army announced a September meeting, "Capability Set '23," do discuss plans for future networking tools. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army announced "Capability Set '23," a technical exchange meeting to consider its requirements for its networking modernization plan. The meeting will be conducted virtually on Sept. 2, and build on "Capability Set '21," whose critical review of future networking necessities led to what the Army called the "first round of modernized network capabilities." Advertisement
Approved in April 2020, the Army will begin fielding CS21 capabilities to Army units, including four Infantry Brigade Combat Teams and three Expeditionary Signal Battalions, beginning in 2021.
That program, begun in 2019, led to the Integrated Tactical Network, an approach offering smaller, lighter, faster and more flexible communications systems.
This mix of commercial capabilities integrated with programs of record systems provides commanders with resilient primary, alternate and emergency communications plans.
The September event is sponsored by the Army's Network-Cross Functional Team, an Army statement on Tuesday said. It is meant to "assist industry partners and interested government organizations identifying and aligning their efforts with Army tactical network modernization," the solicitation to participate said.


upi--2020-08-05--Lebanon blames blast on chemicals; port officials under house arrest

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- The Lebanese government on Wednesday placed Beirut port officials on house arrest as they investigate why highly explosive materials linked to this week 's explosions were stored in warehouses there .
Authorities said a fire at the port caused a number of small explosions Tuesday before igniting 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate .
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed the chemical for a larger explosion that knocked out windows across the city and led to at least 135 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries .
Beirut broadcaster OTV reported that the ammonium nitrate was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by court order .
The port 's general manager , Hassan Koraytem , told the station that customs and state officials asked authorities for the chemical to be moved but `` nothing happened . ''
The Guardian reported the chemical , which is used to make bombs and in fertilizers , was confiscated when a Russian-owned , Moldovan-registered vessel carrying it was impounded at the port .
The ship , the Rhosus , was deemed to be unseaworthy , but the ship 's captain told Radio Free Europe there was nothing wrong with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to pay port fees .
During a legal battle that lasted until 2015 , the ship 's captain and crew were forced to stay on board the Rhosus , prompting complaints from them about the safety of the chemical stores .
After they left , Lebanese officials moved the ammonium nitrate to a warehouse at the port .
Lebanon 's customs director-general , Badri Daher , told broadcaster LBCI that in the intervening years , the agency sent six warnings to the judiciary about the dangerous substance .
`` We requested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen , '' he said .
`` We leave it to the experts and those concerned to determine why . ''
The Lebanese Cabinet on Wednesday ordered port officials to be placed on house arrest until investigators can determine who is to blame for the blast .
It 's unclear how many officials and at what seniority will be confined .
Lebanese Information Minister Manal Abdesamad said the military would oversee the home confinements and that the arrests would be made within the next five days .
`` As head of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the responsible party for what happened , hold it accountable and apply the most serious punishments against it , '' Diab said .

People inspect the damage of an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Wednesday. Authorities are blaming the blast on a store of ammonium nitrate at the port. Photo by Ahmad Terro/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The Lebanese government on Wednesday placed Beirut port officials on house arrest as they investigate why highly explosive materials linked to this week's explosions were stored in warehouses there. Authorities said a fire at the port caused a number of small explosions Tuesday before igniting 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed the chemical for a larger explosion that knocked out windows across the city and led to at least 135 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries. Advertisement
Beirut broadcaster OTV reported that the ammonium nitrate was placed in the warehouse six years ago by court order. The port's general manager, Hassan Koraytem, told the station that customs and state officials asked authorities for the chemical to be moved but "nothing happened."
The Guardian reported the chemical, which is used to make bombs and in fertilizers, was confiscated when a Russian-owned, Moldovan-registered vessel carrying it was impounded at the port. The ship, the Rhosus, was deemed to be unseaworthy, but the ship's captain told Radio Free Europe there was nothing wrong with the ship and it was detained over failure to pay port fees.
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During a legal battle that lasted until 2015, the ship's captain and crew were forced to stay on board the Rhosus, prompting complaints from them about the safety of the chemical stores. After they left, Lebanese officials moved the ammonium nitrate to a warehouse at the port.
Lebanon's customs director-general, Badri Daher, told broadcaster LBCI that in the intervening years, the agency sent six warnings to the judiciary about the dangerous substance.
"We requested that it be re-exported but that did not happen," he said. "We leave it to the experts and those concerned to determine why."
The Lebanese Cabinet on Wednesday ordered port officials to be placed on house arrest until investigators can determine who is to blame for the blast. It's unclear how many officials and at what seniority will be confined.
Lebanese Information Minister Manal Abdesamad said the military would oversee the home confinements and that the arrests would be made within the next five days.
"As head of the government, I will not relax until we find the responsible party for what happened, hold it accountable and apply the most serious punishments against it," Diab said.


upi--2020-08-05--IG report: Turkey still aiding Islamic State

The 136-page quarterly report on the U.S. military 's mission in Iraq and Syria cites the U.S. European Command calling Turkey a `` major facilitation hub '' for IS personnel , funding and weaponry .
EUCOM conceded , though , that Turkey has recently improved its efforts to stop the smuggling of fighters and material across the border Turkey shares with Iraq and Syria .
The territorial control of IS has been reduced in the two countries , but attacks increased in April , coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan .
The report mentioned 405 ISIS attacks in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramadan .
IS also took advantage of restrictions placed on U.S. troops due to the COVID-19 pandemic , it said .
It also referred to increasing pressure from Russia and the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad on the rebel Syrian Democratic Forces to break its affiliation with the United States .
`` Since the October 2019 Turkish incursion into northeast Syria , the SDF has turned to Russia and the Syrian regime for protection against Turkish and Turkish-aligned forces , '' the report states .
A NATO country since 1952 , Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which include a violation of an arms embargo in Libya , claiming energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea , hostility toward Israel and the purchase of Russian-made air defense systems .
`` It 's getting hard to describe Turkey as an ally of the U.S. , '' said Philip H. Gordon , a foreign policy adviser and former assistant secretary of state during the Obama administration .

An Inspector General's report this week said that Turkey remains a hub for Islamic State activity in Syria and Iraq. Pictured, U.S. Army personnel and vehicles participate in Operation Inherent Resolve. Photo courtesy of U.S. Defense Department
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Turkey, a NATO member, remains a regional transit hub for Islamic State terrorists, a Defense Department Inspector General's report says. The 136-page quarterly report on the U.S. military's mission in Iraq and Syria cites the U.S. European Command calling Turkey a "major facilitation hub" for IS personnel, funding and weaponry. Advertisement
EUCOM conceded, though, that Turkey has recently improved its efforts to stop the smuggling of fighters and material across the border Turkey shares with Iraq and Syria.
The territorial control of IS has been reduced in the two countries, but attacks increased in April, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan. The report mentioned 405 ISIS attacks in Iraq during the quarter, with spikes during Ramadan. IS also took advantage of restrictions placed on U.S. troops due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.
It also referred to increasing pressure from Russia and the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad on the rebel Syrian Democratic Forces to break its affiliation with the United States.
"Since the October 2019 Turkish incursion into northeast Syria, the SDF has turned to Russia and the Syrian regime for protection against Turkish and Turkish-aligned forces," the report states.
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A NATO country since 1952, Turkey has dismissed criticism of its recent actions, which include a violation of an arms embargo in Libya, claiming energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea, hostility toward Israel and the purchase of Russian-made air defense systems.
"It's getting hard to describe Turkey as an ally of the U.S.," said Philip H. Gordon, a foreign policy adviser and former assistant secretary of state during the Obama administration.


upi--2020-08-05--Marijuana may harm heart, experts say

Marijuana may harm heart, experts say

As marijuana use becomes more common , could heart troubles follow ?
Yes , warns a new statement from the American Heart Association ( AHA ) .
A full understanding of how marijuana affects the heart and blood vessels remains limited by a lack of adequate research , but some chemicals in cannabis -- particularly THC , the chemical behind marijuana 's `` high '' -- have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks , heart failure and atrial fibrillation , the statement says .
Marijuana is `` just like any other medication , '' said statement author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmacy at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , in Aurora .
`` Medications have side effects , and some of those side effects can be cardiovascular , and we 're still trying to figure that out with cannabis . ''
Page and his colleagues on several AHA councils and committees scoured the medical literature for evidence regarding the effects of marijuana on the heart .
They came away concerned that marijuana can affect the body in ways that could harm heart health .
THC in particular interacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathetic nervous system , Page said .
`` That 's your 'fight-or-flight ' response , '' Page explained .
As a result , your heart could start beating rapidly or irregularly , your blood vessels could constrict , or your blood pressure could skyrocket -- all conditions that increase risk of heart attack and stroke .
The way marijuana is consumed might also increase stress on the heart .
Smoking pot has been shown to increase blood concentrations of carbon monoxide fivefold , and carbon monoxide has been associated with heart problems like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart rhythms .
Pot smokers also experience a threefold increase in tar , which is inhaled through partly burnt plant matter , according to the report .
On the other hand , the other major marijuana chemical , cannabidiol ( CBD ) , appears to slow heart rate , lower blood pressure , relax the arteries and potentially reduce inflammation -- all things that are potentially good for heart health .
But until there is better data on risks versus benefits , `` we definitely do not recommend that people use marijuana , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the division of heart failure at Mount Sinai St. Luke 's and Mount Sinai West , in New York City .
Paul Armentano is deputy director of the marijuana advocacy group NORML , in Washington , D.C. `` It has long been understood that cannabinoids can have varying effects on the cardiovascular system .
That is why NORML has consistently cautioned : Patients with a history of cardiovascular disorders , heart disease or stroke may also be at an elevated risk of experiencing adverse side effects from marijuana , particularly smoked cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , however , longitudinal studies assessing cannabis use long-term in otherwise healthy subjects have generally failed to show evidence that those who consume cannabis are at any greater risk of suffering from adverse cardiovascular events than are those who abstain from it , '' Armentano added .
Regardless , the AHA experts called on the U.S. federal government to remove marijuana from its Schedule 1 drug list so that it can be widely studied by scientists .
The report noted that 47 U.S. states now allow some form of cannabis use , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary obstacle to research efforts .
Page said , `` We 've seen a huge uptick , particularly during the COVID crisis , of young adults using cannabis .
We do n't have a lot of great data about the long-term impact cannabis can have .
From a health policy consideration , we really need to have studies both short-term and long-term to evaluate cannabis use . ''
The U.S. government also should increase research funding regarding marijuana use , and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should step in to create standardized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBD contained in all legal cannabis products for sale , he said .
Levels of these chemicals can vary widely between marijuana products , Page noted .
`` With the advent of dispensaries , realize that this is n't your grandfather 's marijuana , '' Page said .
`` THC content is exceedingly higher in the products you may be getting from a dispensary . ''
Page also stressed that patients need to be transparent with their health care providers in regards to use , so any potential health problems or drug interactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was published online Aug. 5 in the journal Circulation .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about the health effects of marijuana .

THC, the chemical behind marijuana's "high," interacts with receptors that activate a person's sympathetic nervous system, researchers say. Photo by lovingimages /Pixabay link back to:
As marijuana use becomes more common, could heart troubles follow? Yes, warns a new statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). Advertisement
A full understanding of how marijuana affects the heart and blood vessels remains limited by a lack of adequate research, but some chemicals in cannabis -- particularly THC, the chemical behind marijuana's "high" -- have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, the statement says.
Marijuana is "just like any other medication," said statement author Robert Page, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, in Aurora. "Medications have side effects, and some of those side effects can be cardiovascular, and we're still trying to figure that out with cannabis."
Page and his colleagues on several AHA councils and committees scoured the medical literature for evidence regarding the effects of marijuana on the heart.
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They came away concerned that marijuana can affect the body in ways that could harm heart health.
THC in particular interacts with receptors that activate a person's sympathetic nervous system, Page said.
"That's your 'fight-or-flight' response," Page explained. As a result, your heart could start beating rapidly or irregularly, your blood vessels could constrict, or your blood pressure could skyrocket -- all conditions that increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
The way marijuana is consumed might also increase stress on the heart. Smoking pot has been shown to increase blood concentrations of carbon monoxide fivefold, and carbon monoxide has been associated with heart problems like chest pain, heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms.
Pot smokers also experience a threefold increase in tar, which is inhaled through partly burnt plant matter, according to the report.
On the other hand, the other major marijuana chemical, cannabidiol (CBD), appears to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, relax the arteries and potentially reduce inflammation -- all things that are potentially good for heart health.
But until there is better data on risks versus benefits, "we definitely do not recommend that people use marijuana," said Dr. Johanna Contreras, director of the division of heart failure at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West, in New York City.
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Paul Armentano is deputy director of the marijuana advocacy group NORML, in Washington, D.C. "It has long been understood that cannabinoids can have varying effects on the cardiovascular system. That is why NORML has consistently cautioned: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disorders, heart disease or stroke may also be at an elevated risk of experiencing adverse side effects from marijuana, particularly smoked cannabis," he explained.
"That said, however, longitudinal studies assessing cannabis use long-term in otherwise healthy subjects have generally failed to show evidence that those who consume cannabis are at any greater risk of suffering from adverse cardiovascular events than are those who abstain from it," Armentano added.
Regardless, the AHA experts called on the U.S. federal government to remove marijuana from its Schedule 1 drug list so that it can be widely studied by scientists.
The report noted that 47 U.S. states now allow some form of cannabis use, making the federal ban on marijuana an unnecessary obstacle to research efforts.
Page said, "We've seen a huge uptick, particularly during the COVID crisis, of young adults using cannabis. We don't have a lot of great data about the long-term impact cannabis can have. From a health policy consideration, we really need to have studies both short-term and long-term to evaluate cannabis use."
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The U.S. government also should increase research funding regarding marijuana use, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should step in to create standardized labeling about the amount of THC and CBD contained in all legal cannabis products for sale, he said.
Levels of these chemicals can vary widely between marijuana products, Page noted.
"With the advent of dispensaries, realize that this isn't your grandfather's marijuana," Page said. "THC content is exceedingly higher in the products you may be getting from a dispensary."
Page also stressed that patients need to be transparent with their health care providers in regards to use, so any potential health problems or drug interactions can be avoided.
The AHA statement was published online Aug. 5 in the journal Circulation.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about the health effects of marijuana.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-08-05--Man buys 25 identical lottery tickets for same drawing, wins 25 times

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia man 's unusual gamble paid off when he bought 25 identical lottery @ @ @ @ @ and won 25 times for a total prize of $ 125,000 .
Raymond Harrington told @ @ @ @ @ the Wegman 's store in Virginia Beach and decided to buy 25 $ 1 tickets @ @ @ @ @ 4 drawing .
`` Something just told me to play 25 times , '' Harrington @ @ @ @ @ off when Harrington 's number combination came up : 4-6-4-0 .
Each of Harrington 's @ @ @ @ @ top prize , earning him a total prize of $ 125,000 .
The winner said @ @ @ @ @ money to help his two sons , who are in college .

A Virginia man bought 25 identical tickets for the same Pick 4 lottery drawing and each ticket ended up earning him $5,000. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A Virginia man's unusual gamble paid off when he bought 25 identical lottery tickets for the same drawing and won 25 times for a total prize of $125,000. Raymond Harrington told Virginia Lottery officials he visited the Wegman's store in Virginia Beach and decided to buy 25 $1 tickets for the July 17 Pick 4 drawing. Advertisement
"Something just told me to play 25 times," Harrington recalled.
The gamble paid off when Harrington's number combination came up: 4-6-4-0.
Each of Harrington's tickets won a $5,000 top prize, earning him a total prize of $125,000.
The winner said he plans to use his money to help his two sons, who are in college.


upi--2020-08-05--Watch: Conservation officers rescue coyote with head stuck in jar

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Conservation officers in British Columbia came to the rescue of a coyote found with @ @ @ @ @ its head .
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post that @ @ @ @ @ report of a coyote with its head stuck in a glass jar in the Maple @ @ @ @ @ tranquilized the animal and were able to remove the jar .
The post said the @ @ @ @ @ coyote 's body to cool it down and moved the animal to a shady area @ @ @ @ @ recover .
The officers stayed with the animal until it revived and began to regain @ @

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Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Conservation officers in British Columbia came to the rescue of a coyote found with a glass jar stuck over its head.
The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post that officers responded Tuesday to a report of a coyote with its head stuck in a glass jar in the Maple Ridge area.
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The officers tranquilized the animal and were able to remove the jar.
The post said the officers poured water on the coyote's body to cool it down and moved the animal to a shady area with a water dish to recover. The officers stayed with the animal until it revived and began to regain mobility.


upi--2020-08-05--Jupiter's storm-happy atmosphere may host ammonia-rich 'mushballs'

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- Jupiter 's atmosphere , like Earth 's , is home to a dynamic water cycle driven by the movement of large storms .
New research suggests these storms are capable of producing hail-like stones made up of ammonia and water , according to a study published Wednesday in the journal JGR Planets .
`` We 've known since Voyager and Galileo that water storms develop in the planet because they are the only ones that can explain the strong convective clouds that have been observed to reach Jupiter 's stratosphere , '' lead researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French National Center for Scientific Research , told UPI .
What scientists say they had n't realized , until now , that these storms are capable of lofting water crystals so high into Jupiter 's upper atmosphere -- to a region just 12 to 15 miles below the top of the planet 's visible clouds .
Researchers came to this realization with the help of the Juno and two of the spacecraft 's cameras , which helped scientists more precisely characterize the scale of Jupiter 's lightning storms .
Juno instruments also helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abundance of ammonia inside Jupiter 's atmosphere .
The data collected by Juno 's microwave radiometer showed Jupiter 's ammonia is highly concentrated around the equator , but depleted and highly variable most everywhere else .
Researchers developed an atmospheric mixing model to study the relationship between Jupiter 's storms and its ammonia distribution patterns , and to simulate the kinds of chemical phenomena Jupiter 's massive storms might generate .
Their analysis revealed the potential for the production of ammonia-rich hail -- or what they call `` mushballs . ''
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going up and down in Jupiter and found that in order to account for Jupiter 's low ammonia abundance at high latitudes , we had to include more storms there , '' Guillot said .
`` The frequency of these storms correlates with the frequency of lightning flashes as a function of latitude measured by Juno . ''
The simulations showed that Jupiter 's massive storms push water crystals toward the planet 's upper atmosphere , and the water ice comes into contact with ammonia .
This , according to researchers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water ice and allowing the water and ammonia to mix .
`` We developed a model for Jupiter and realized that these special ammonia-water hailstones would form , grow and fall rapidly , therefore transporting the ammonia -- and water -- to great depth in the planet , explaining the deficit of ammonia to great depths observed by Juno everywhere except at the equator , '' Guillot said .
So far , the model remains theoretical , and does n't quite generate data in agreement with all of Juno 's observations .
Guillot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the model , in addition to more detailed observations of Juno 's atmosphere , will narrow the gap between the model 's predictions and the observational data .
Though the energies of most space agencies have largely been concentrated on the exploration of rocky objects like Mars , moons and asteroids , the latest findings suggest the solar system 's many exotic atmospheres are ripe for surprising discoveries .
`` There 's still a lot of mysteries -- among them how deep do condensates sink to in giant planets '' Guillot said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and atmospheric dynamics , for example , by an orbiter and a probe would give us the keys to understand planets with hydrogen atmospheres .
When we 're trying to make sense of observations of exoplanets , this is essential . ''

The Juno spacecraft helped scientists study Jupiter's massive storms, which new research suggests can trigger the formation of hail-like 'mushballs' made of water and ammonia. Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill
Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Jupiter's atmosphere, like Earth's, is home to a dynamic water cycle driven by the movement of large storms. New research suggests these storms are capable of producing hail-like stones made up of ammonia and water, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal JGR Planets. Advertisement
"We've known since Voyager and Galileo that water storms develop in the planet because they are the only ones that can explain the strong convective clouds that have been observed to reach Jupiter's stratosphere," lead researcher Tristan Guillot, planetary scientists at the French National Center for Scientific Research, told UPI.
What scientists say they hadn't realized, until now, that these storms are capable of lofting water crystals so high into Jupiter's upper atmosphere -- to a region just 12 to 15 miles below the top of the planet's visible clouds.
Advertisement
Researchers came to this realization with the help of the Juno and two of the spacecraft's cameras, which helped scientists more precisely characterize the scale of Jupiter's lightning storms.
Juno instruments also helped scientists get a better sense of the abundance of ammonia inside Jupiter's atmosphere. The data collected by Juno's microwave radiometer showed Jupiter's ammonia is highly concentrated around the equator, but depleted and highly variable most everywhere else.
Researchers developed an atmospheric mixing model to study the relationship between Jupiter's storms and its ammonia distribution patterns, and to simulate the kinds of chemical phenomena Jupiter's massive storms might generate. Their analysis revealed the potential for the production of ammonia-rich hail -- or what they call "mushballs."
"We tested the model to account for what is going up and down in Jupiter and found that in order to account for Jupiter's low ammonia abundance at high latitudes, we had to include more storms there," Guillot said. "The frequency of these storms correlates with the frequency of lightning flashes as a function of latitude measured by Juno."
The simulations showed that Jupiter's massive storms push water crystals toward the planet's upper atmosphere, and the water ice comes into contact with ammonia. This, according to researchers, acts as an antifreeze, melting the water ice and allowing the water and ammonia to mix.
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"We developed a model for Jupiter and realized that these special ammonia-water hailstones would form, grow and fall rapidly, therefore transporting the ammonia -- and water -- to great depth in the planet, explaining the deficit of ammonia to great depths observed by Juno everywhere except at the equator," Guillot said.
So far, the model remains theoretical, and doesn't quite generate data in agreement with all of Juno's observations. Guillot said his colleagues hope to continue refinement of the model, in addition to more detailed observations of Juno's atmosphere, will narrow the gap between the model's predictions and the observational data.
Though the energies of most space agencies have largely been concentrated on the exploration of rocky objects like Mars, moons and asteroids, the latest findings suggest the solar system's many exotic atmospheres are ripe for surprising discoveries.
"There's still a lot of mysteries -- among them how deep do condensates sink to in giant planets" Guillot said. "A full characterization of clouds and atmospheric dynamics, for example, by an orbiter and a probe would give us the keys to understand planets with hydrogen atmospheres. When we're trying to make sense of observations of exoplanets, this is essential."


upi--2020-08-05--Watch: Lost class ring returned to Oklahoma woman after 36 years

Aug. 5 ( UPI ) -- An Oklahoma woman who lost her class ring during a trip to a lake was reunited with the ring 36 years later when it was returned to the school .
Tammy Risher , who was a mascot for Kingfisher High School during her senior year in 1984 , said she saved up for three years to buy her class ring , but lost it only a week later during a trip to Canton Lake with some friends .
`` I put it in my shoe because I did n't want to lose it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my shoe , '' Risher told KFOR-TV .
Risher said she thought the ring was lost forever until a man recently contacted Kingfisher High School to return a ring his late father had once found while treasure hunting at the lake .
`` Both of his parents just recently died and he found this ring and said he wanted to find the rightful owner , '' said Amy Woods , who works as a payroll clerk at Kingfisher High School .
School employees went through old yearbooks and contacted Risher 's classmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Risher visited the school Tuesday and was pleased to discover the ring still fits .
`` It fits just like Cinderella , '' Risher said .
An Indiana man who lost his class ring under similar circumstances was recently reunited after an even longer period of time .
Sam Wagner , a Jasper High School graduate , had given his ring to then-girlfriend Susan to wear during a trip to Beaver Lake beach in 1974 and the ring was lost in the sand .
Wagner 's ring was found 46 later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered the item at the beach while building a sandcastle .

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Aug. 5 (UPI) -- An Oklahoma woman who lost her class ring during a trip to a lake was reunited with the ring 36 years later when it was returned to the school.
Tammy Risher, who was a mascot for Kingfisher High School during her senior year in 1984, said she saved up for three years to buy her class ring, but lost it only a week later during a trip to Canton Lake with some friends.
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"I put it in my shoe because I didn't want to lose it in the water, and it slipped out of my shoe," Risher told KFOR-TV.
Risher said she thought the ring was lost forever until a man recently contacted Kingfisher High School to return a ring his late father had once found while treasure hunting at the lake.
"Both of his parents just recently died and he found this ring and said he wanted to find the rightful owner," said Amy Woods, who works as a payroll clerk at Kingfisher High School.
School employees went through old yearbooks and contacted Risher's classmates until they were able to track her down.
Risher visited the school Tuesday and was pleased to discover the ring still fits.
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"It fits just like Cinderella," Risher said.
An Indiana man who lost his class ring under similar circumstances was recently reunited after an even longer period of time.
Sam Wagner, a Jasper High School graduate, had given his ring to then-girlfriend Susan to wear during a trip to Beaver Lake beach in 1974 and the ring was lost in the sand.
Wagner's ring was found 46 later by Haddie Hollingsworth, 9, who discovered the item at the beach while building a sandcastle.


upi--2020-08-06--Chelsea Houska expecting fourth child: 'I already have a bump'

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- Teen Mom 2 star Chelsea Houska is going to be a mom of four .
The 28-year-old television personality said Wednesday on Instagram that she is expecting her fourth child , her third with her husband , Cole DeBoer .
Houska has a son , Watson , 3 , and a daughter , Layne , who turns 2 this month , with DeBoer , and a daughter , Aubree , 10 , with Adam Lind .
She shared a photo of her family 's names written on a piece of wood , which ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart .
`` One more DeBoer !
Coming early 2021 , '' Houska captioned the post .
DeBoer posted the same photo on his own account .
`` The Grand Finale !
( We Think ) Baby # 4 , '' he wrote .
Houska later thanked fans for their support and well wishes in a video on Instagram Stories .
`` I wanted to hop on here and just thank you all for your sweet comments and for everybody congratulating us on this newest babe , '' the star said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I 'm so excited to share this whole process with you .
I swear I already have a bump -- I 'm fairly early , but I guess when it 's the fourth baby it just be poppin ' right away , '' she added .
Houska and DeBoer married in October 2016 .
Houska shared a new photo with her husband in June .
Houska came to fame on the MTV series 16 & Pregnant before starring on Teen Mom 2 .
Her Teen Mom 2 co-star Kailyn Lowry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her second with Chris Lopez , this week .

Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Teen Mom 2 star Chelsea Houska is going to be a mom of four.
The 28-year-old television personality said Wednesday on Instagram that she is expecting her fourth child, her third with her husband, Cole DeBoer.
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Houska has a son, Watson, 3, and a daughter, Layne, who turns 2 this month, with DeBoer, and a daughter, Aubree, 10, with Adam Lind. She shared a photo of her family's names written on a piece of wood, which ended with "Baby" and a hand-drawn heart.
"One more DeBoer! Coming early 2021," Houska captioned the post.
DeBoer posted the same photo on his own account.
"The Grand Finale! (We Think) Baby #4," he wrote.
Houska later thanked fans for their support and well wishes in a video on Instagram Stories.
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"I wanted to hop on here and just thank you all for your sweet comments and for everybody congratulating us on this newest babe," the star said. "It still feels crazy that everybody knows."
"I'm so excited to share this whole process with you. I swear I already have a bump -- I'm fairly early, but I guess when it's the fourth baby it just be poppin' right away," she added.
Houska and DeBoer married in October 2016. Houska shared a new photo with her husband in June.
Houska came to fame on the MTV series 16 & Pregnant before starring on Teen Mom 2. Her Teen Mom 2 co-star Kailyn Lowry gave birth to her fourth child, her second with Chris Lopez, this week.


upi--2020-08-06--North Korea liquor to be bartered for South’s sugar

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- South Korea is moving forward with plans to barter domestic sugar for North Korean alcoholic beverages , according to local press reports .
Seoul 's unification ministry said Thursday the Inter-Korean Agricultural Cooperative Federation had signed a contract with North Korea 's Kaesong Koryo Ginseng Trading Co. in June .
The two sides agreed to the exchange of goods without using money , News 1 reported .
The contract was signed as tensions rose at the border following the demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office .
An unnamed Chinese company is to broker the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 120,000 worth of North Korean liquor imports : soju , as well as traditional liquor made from wild ginseng and blueberries .
South Korea will export 167 tons of sugar in lieu of cash in order to comply with international sanctions , according to the report .
Approval of the transaction is pending at the unification ministry .
An official in Seoul suggested it is highly likely the barter would be authorized , according to local television network SBS .
Newly appointed Unification Minister Lee In-young has placed weight on the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The giving and receiving of [ North Korean ] water from Mount Kumgang and Paektu , [ North Korean ] liquor produced by the Taedong River , [ in exchange for South Korea 's ] rice and medicines , may begin on a small scale but could develop into something greater , '' Lee had said following his appointment .
The North Korean liquor would arrive in the South via a shipping route that extends from the North Korean port of Nampo to Dalian , China .
From Dalian , the goods would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Incheon .
Park Jong-pil , vice chairman of the South 's Inter-Korean Agricultural Cooperative , said the North Koreans agreed to `` sufficiently cooperate '' on the deal .
The two Koreas have not exchanged goods since South Korea imposed sanctions on the North 's goods in May 2010 , following the torpedoing of the South Korean warship Cheonan .

North Korean liquor could be bartered for South Korean sugar in a rare inter-Korea exchange of goods that is waiting to be approved in Seoul. File Photo by Pyongyang Press Corps/EPA-EFE
Aug. 6 (UPI) -- South Korea is moving forward with plans to barter domestic sugar for North Korean alcoholic beverages, according to local press reports. Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday the Inter-Korean Agricultural Cooperative Federation had signed a contract with North Korea's Kaesong Koryo Ginseng Trading Co. in June. The two sides agreed to the exchange of goods without using money, News 1 reported. Advertisement
The contract was signed as tensions rose at the border following the demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office. An unnamed Chinese company is to broker the exchange, which includes more than $120,000 worth of North Korean liquor imports: soju, as well as traditional liquor made from wild ginseng and blueberries.
South Korea will export 167 tons of sugar in lieu of cash in order to comply with international sanctions, according to the report.
Approval of the transaction is pending at the unification ministry. An official in Seoul suggested it is highly likely the barter would be authorized, according to local television network SBS.
Newly appointed Unification Minister Lee In-young has placed weight on the need for economic exchange between two Koreas.
"The giving and receiving of [North Korean] water from Mount Kumgang and Paektu, [North Korean] liquor produced by the Taedong River, [in exchange for South Korea's] rice and medicines, may begin on a small scale but could develop into something greater," Lee had said following his appointment.
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The North Korean liquor would arrive in the South via a shipping route that extends from the North Korean port of Nampo to Dalian, China. From Dalian, the goods would be delivered to the South Korean port city of Incheon.
Park Jong-pil, vice chairman of the South's Inter-Korean Agricultural Cooperative, said the North Koreans agreed to "sufficiently cooperate" on the deal.
The two Koreas have not exchanged goods since South Korea imposed sanctions on the North's goods in May 2010, following the torpedoing of the South Korean warship Cheonan.


upi--2020-08-06--Google deletes 2,600 YouTube accounts linked to China

Aug. 6 ( UPI ) -- Google has taken down about 2,600 YouTube channels it says were connected with a `` coordinated influence operation '' from China .
Google 's Threat Analysis Group said it also deleted channels connected with Russia and Iran during its sweeps but found most that violated platform rules originated in China .
The company said it terminated a little fewer than 2,600 Chinese channels altogether between April and June .
`` These channels mostly uploaded spammy , non-political content , but a subset posted political content primarily in Chinese similar to the findings in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to racial justice protests in the U.S. , '' Google said in its report Wednesday .
`` This campaign was consistent with similar findings reported by Twitter . ''
Google cited a report by Graphika in April that found a pro-Chinese political spam campaign called `` Spamouflage Dragon '' that used new and dormant accounts to post about Hong Kong politics , critics of the Chinese government and Beijing 's response to COVID-19 .
Google said almost 100 Russian channels were similarly terminated .
Earlier this week , the Trump administration threatened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's sold to U.S. tech giant Microsoft , a proposal that 's drawn ire in China .
President Donald Trump gave TikTok 's parent company until Sept. 15 to work out a sale .

Google said thousands of accounts linked to Russia, Iran and China were terminated between April and June. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Google has taken down about 2,600 YouTube channels it says were connected with a "coordinated influence operation" from China. Google's Threat Analysis Group said it also deleted channels connected with Russia and Iran during its sweeps but found most that violated platform rules originated in China. Advertisement
The company said it terminated a little fewer than 2,600 Chinese channels altogether between April and June.
"These channels mostly uploaded spammy, non-political content, but a subset posted political content primarily in Chinese similar to the findings in a recent [analysis], including content related to racial justice protests in the U.S.," Google said in its report Wednesday. "This campaign was consistent with similar findings reported by Twitter."
Google cited a report by Graphika in April that found a pro-Chinese political spam campaign called "Spamouflage Dragon" that used new and dormant accounts to post about Hong Kong politics, critics of the Chinese government and Beijing's response to COVID-19.
Google said almost 100 Russian channels were similarly terminated.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration threatened to ban Chinese video-sharing app TikTok unless it's sold to U.S. tech giant Microsoft, a proposal that's drawn ire in China. President Donald Trump gave TikTok's parent company until Sept. 15 to work out a sale.