upi--2020-08-16--Jazz's Mike Conley leaves NBA bubble for son's birth; Bruins' Tuukka Rask opts out

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Utah Jazz veteran point guard Mike Conley has left the NBA 's bubble in Orlando , Fla. , for the birth of his son , the team announced Sunday .
The Jazz said in a statement that Conley departed Orlando on Sunday morning and returned to Columbus , Ohio .
According to ESPN , the former Memphis Grizzlies guard plans to rejoin Utah at some point in the playoffs .
`` The whole organization -- the players , coaches and everyone here -- completely supports his decision to be with his wife and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ingles said .
`` Obviously he 's a big part of our team .
Whenever Mary and Mike feel comfortable that it 's the right time for him to come back , we 'll obviously bring him in with open arms .
`` But until then , it 's one of those things that 's bigger than basketball .
Being there with his family is priority No .
1 right now . ''
Under the league 's COVID-19 policies , Conley will be required to quarantine for at least four days upon his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will miss at least the first two games of the Jazz 's first-round series against the Denver Nuggets .
Later Sunday , Conley posted a photo of his newborn son -- named Elijah Michael Conley -- on social media .
Since the NBA restart , Conley has averaged 18 points , five assists and three rebounds in six appearances .
Conley becomes the second prominent athlete across all major American professional sports leagues to leave his respective team before the start of postseason play or during the playoffs .
On Saturday , Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opt out of the Stanley Cup playoffs because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Rask made his decision less than two hours before the Bruins ' 3-1 win in Game 3 of their quarterfinal series against the Carolina Hurricanes .
Veteran Jaroslav Halak started in his place and posted a .967 save percentage in the victory .
`` I want to be with my teammates competing , but at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life , and that 's being with my family , '' Rask said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank the Bruins and my teammates for their support and wish them success . ''
The Bruins -- much like the Jazz -- now will be forced to compete in the postseason without a significant member of their team .
Conley will be allowed to return to the team if he chooses to do so but likely will miss at least two games because of COVID-19 protocols and the mandatory quarantine period .
According to the rules and protocols created by the NHL and the players ' union , Rask also will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he changes his mind .
Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said Sunday that he has n't spoken directly with his netminder and is unsure whether he could possibly return to the club later in the postseason .
`` Should circumstances change where he feels he can come back to the club , I think we 'll cross that bridge when we come to it , '' Cassidy said .
`` The NHL is OK with it .
That 's how we 'd handle that . ''

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Utah Jazz veteran point guard Mike Conley has left the NBA's bubble in Orlando, Fla., for the birth of his son, the team announced Sunday.
The Jazz said in a statement that Conley departed Orlando on Sunday morning and returned to Columbus, Ohio. According to ESPN, the former Memphis Grizzlies guard plans to rejoin Utah at some point in the playoffs.
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"The whole organization -- the players, coaches and everyone here -- completely supports his decision to be with his wife and his new baby," Jazz forward Joe Ingles said. "Obviously he's a big part of our team. Whenever Mary and Mike feel comfortable that it's the right time for him to come back, we'll obviously bring him in with open arms.
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"But until then, it's one of those things that's bigger than basketball. Being there with his family is priority No. 1 right now."
Under the league's COVID-19 policies, Conley will be required to quarantine for at least four days upon his return to the bubble, meaning he will miss at least the first two games of the Jazz's first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Later Sunday, Conley posted a photo of his newborn son -- named Elijah Michael Conley -- on social media.
Since the NBA restart, Conley has averaged 18 points, five assists and three rebounds in six appearances.
Conley becomes the second prominent athlete across all major American professional sports leagues to leave his respective team before the start of postseason play or during the playoffs. On Saturday, Boston Bruins star goalie Tuukka Rask decided to opt out of the Stanley Cup playoffs because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rask made his decision less than two hours before the Bruins' 3-1 win in Game 3 of their quarterfinal series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Veteran Jaroslav Halak started in his place and posted a .967 save percentage in the victory.
"I want to be with my teammates competing, but at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life, and that's being with my family," Rask said in a statement Saturday. "I want to thank the Bruins and my teammates for their support and wish them success."
The Bruins -- much like the Jazz -- now will be forced to compete in the postseason without a significant member of their team. Conley will be allowed to return to the team if he chooses to do so but likely will miss at least two games because of COVID-19 protocols and the mandatory quarantine period.
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According to the rules and protocols created by the NHL and the players' union, Rask also will be eligible to return to his team if he changes his mind.
Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said Sunday that he hasn't spoken directly with his netminder and is unsure whether he could possibly return to the club later in the postseason.
"Should circumstances change where he feels he can come back to the club, I think we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Cassidy said. "The NHL is OK with it. That's how we'd handle that."


upi--2020-08-16--Jim Herman wins Wyndham Championship, qualifies for FedEx playoffs

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Jim Herman overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the Wyndham Championship on Sunday for his third PGA Tour title and a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs .
Herman shot a 7-under 63 in the final round at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro , N.C. , to earn a one-shot win over Billy Horschel .
He moved ahead of Horschel with a birdie on the 71st hole .
Herman , 42 , finished the tournament at 21-under 259 .
Horschel -- who closed with a 65 -- had a chance to tie on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putt hooked to the left of the cup .
With his victory Sunday , Herman jumped from 192nd to 54th in the FedEx Cup standings .
He raised a trophy for the second consecutive season and third time since 2017 .
Herman credited his recent success to President Donald Trump , who has a close friendship with the golfer .
`` Maybe I 've got another omen , '' Herman said of Trump .
`` Whenever I play with him , I usually have some good finishes .
Last two wins I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks before .
Maybe three weeks is still within the reach of his , I guess , little bit of good luck for me . ''
Si Woo Kim , who led after Saturday 's third round , shot a 70 to tie for third at 18-under par with Kevin Kisner ( 64 ) , Webb Simpson ( 65 ) and Doc Redman ( 68 ) .
Harold Varner III and Zach Johnson were a shot back of that group and tied for seventh at 17-under 263 .
Jordan Spieth finished at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Tommy Fleetwood shot a 74 in the final round to sit at 5-under .
Sergio Garcia ended up one stroke back of Fleetwood after his 67 Sunday .
Justin Rose , Brooks Koepka and Jim Furyk were among those who failed to make the cut entering the weekend .

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Jim Herman overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the Wyndham Championship on Sunday for his third PGA Tour title and a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Herman shot a 7-under 63 in the final round at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., to earn a one-shot win over Billy Horschel. He moved ahead of Horschel with a birdie on the 71st hole.
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Herman, 42, finished the tournament at 21-under 259. Horschel -- who closed with a 65 -- had a chance to tie on the 72nd hole, but his 8-foot birdie putt hooked to the left of the cup.
With his victory Sunday, Herman jumped from 192nd to 54th in the FedEx Cup standings. He raised a trophy for the second consecutive season and third time since 2017.
Herman credited his recent success to President Donald Trump, who has a close friendship with the golfer.
"Maybe I've got another omen," Herman said of Trump. "Whenever I play with him, I usually have some good finishes. Last two wins I had played with him either the week or two weeks before. Maybe three weeks is still within the reach of his, I guess, little bit of good luck for me."
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Si Woo Kim, who led after Saturday's third round, shot a 70 to tie for third at 18-under par with Kevin Kisner (64), Webb Simpson (65) and Doc Redman (68). Harold Varner III and Zach Johnson were a shot back of that group and tied for seventh at 17-under 263.
Jordan Spieth finished at 2-under par and tied for 72nd, while Tommy Fleetwood shot a 74 in the final round to sit at 5-under. Sergio Garcia ended up one stroke back of Fleetwood after his 67 Sunday.
Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka and Jim Furyk were among those who failed to make the cut entering the weekend.


upi--2020-08-16--Watch: Chicago White Sox belt four straight home runs vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- St. Louis Cardinals reliever Roel Ramirez became the first pitcher in league history to give up four consecutive home runs in his MLB debut when the Chicago White Sox roughed him up in the fifth inning Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago .
Yoan Moncada , Yasmani Grandal , Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez went back-to-back-to-back-to-back during the White Sox 's six-run inning to tie the major league record for consecutive home runs .
It was the 10th time in MLB history that a team had four straight homers in a game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the only MLB teams to hit four straight home runs twice .
The last time the White Sox did it was Aug. 14 , 2008 , against the Kansas City Royals .
Ramirez took the mound in the fifth inning with the Cardinals up 1-0 .
He struck out Luis Robert to start his outing , but the White Sox quickly got into a groove against him .
After two singles , a caught stealing and a walk , Moncada belted a three-run homer to right field to put Chicago ahead 3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the wall in right field , and then Abreu and Jimenez both homered to left field .
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt replaced Ramirez with Seth Elledge , who struck out Edwin Encarnacion on three straight pitches to finally end the inning .
Ramirez is among the players promoted by the Cardinals following a coronavirus outbreak that halted the club 's season for more than two weeks .
The team returned to the field Saturday with a doubleheader sweep over the White Sox .
The White Sox went on to beat the Cardinals @ @ @ @

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- St. Louis Cardinals reliever Roel Ramirez became the first pitcher in league history to give up four consecutive home runs in his MLB debut when the Chicago White Sox roughed him up in the fifth inning Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.
Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez went back-to-back-to-back-to-back during the White Sox's six-run inning to tie the major league record for consecutive home runs. It was the 10th time in MLB history that a team had four straight homers in a game.
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The White Sox joined the Washington Nationals as the only MLB teams to hit four straight home runs twice. The last time the White Sox did it was Aug. 14, 2008, against the Kansas City Royals.
Boy, that escalated quickly. pic.twitter.com/8Z7tUerwbc— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 16, 2020
Ramirez took the mound in the fifth inning with the Cardinals up 1-0. He struck out Luis Robert to start his outing, but the White Sox quickly got into a groove against him.
After two singles, a caught stealing and a walk, Moncada belted a three-run homer to right field to put Chicago ahead 3-1. Grandal followed with another deep shot over the wall in right field, and then Abreu and Jimenez both homered to left field.
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt replaced Ramirez with Seth Elledge, who struck out Edwin Encarnacion on three straight pitches to finally end the inning.
Ramirez is among the players promoted by the Cardinals following a coronavirus outbreak that halted the club's season for more than two weeks. The team returned to the field Saturday with a doubleheader sweep over the White Sox.
The White Sox went on to beat the Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-08-16--New York reports COVID-19 positivity rate below 1% for ninth straight day

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- New York reported a COVID-19 positivity rate below 1 % for the ninth consecutive day as the United States neared 170,000 deaths related to the virus .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that New York , once the epicenter for the coronavirus in the United States , reported 607 new cases out of 77,692 tests , a positivity rate of 0.78 % .
The state has reported a total of 425,508 confirmed positive cases since the onset of the pandemic , the fourth-highest total in the United States .
Cuomo also announced six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death toll of 25,250 -- the highest in the nation .
Overall , the United States leads the world with 5,379,914 reported cases and a nationwide death toll of 169,745 .
California reported 7,873 new cases for the highest total in the country at 621,562 .
The state also reported 77 new deaths for a total of 11,224 in third place behind New Jersey .
Florida , which has the second-highest case total in the United States , reported 3,899 new cases for a total o 573,416 positive cases and 107 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fifth place .
The cases are the lowest since June .
Texas reported 6,744 new cases and is in third place in the nation with a total of 535,582 confirmed cases .
The state also reported 503 new deaths for a total of 9,983 deaths .
Georgia ranks fifth in cases reporting 1,873 new positives on Sunday for a total of 237,030 along with 33 new deaths for a death toll of 4,702 .
Arizona reported 883 new cases on Sunday for a total of 193,537 -- seventh highest in the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 4,506 .
Also Sunday , Virginia reported 937 new cases , Missouri added 984 cases and Alabama reported 853 new cases , according to Worldometer .

The state of New York reported a COVID-19 positivity rate 0.78% on Sunday, the ninth consecutive day with a rate lower than 1%. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- New York reported a COVID-19 positivity rate below 1% for the ninth consecutive day as the United States neared 170,000 deaths related to the virus. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that New York, once the epicenter for the coronavirus in the United States, reported 607 new cases out of 77,692 tests, a positivity rate of 0.78%. The state has reported a total of 425,508 confirmed positive cases since the onset of the pandemic, the fourth-highest total in the United States. Advertisement
Cuomo also announced six new deaths, adding to the state's death toll of 25,250 -- the highest in the nation.
Overall, the United States leads the world with 5,379,914 reported cases and a nationwide death toll of 169,745.
California reported 7,873 new cases for the highest total in the country at 621,562. The state also reported 77 new deaths for a total of 11,224 in third place behind New Jersey.
Florida, which has the second-highest case total in the United States, reported 3,899 new cases for a total o 573,416 positive cases and 107 new deaths for a death toll of 9,582 in fifth place. The cases are the lowest since June.
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Texas reported 6,744 new cases and is in third place in the nation with a total of 535,582 confirmed cases. The state also reported 503 new deaths for a total of 9,983 deaths.
Georgia ranks fifth in cases reporting 1,873 new positives on Sunday for a total of 237,030 along with 33 new deaths for a death toll of 4,702.
Arizona reported 883 new cases on Sunday for a total of 193,537 -- seventh highest in the nation -- along with 14 new deaths for a total of 4,506. Also Sunday, Virginia reported 937 new cases, Missouri added 984 cases and Alabama reported 853 new cases, according to Worldometer.


upi--2020-08-16--At least 16 killed in attack on beachside hotel Somalia's capital

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- At least 16 people were killed in an attack on a popular hotel in Somalia 's capital city on Sunday , a government official said .
Ismael Mukhtaar Omar , a spokesman for Somalia 's Ministry of Information , said the `` deadly siege '' at the Elite Hotel in Mogadishu lasted 4 hours before all five of the assailants were killed by special forces .
The 16 killed included the five attackers , a top officer of the Ministry of Information and a police officer , Omar said .
A car bomb exploded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunfire was later heard inside .
The Ministry of Information confirmed that ministry official Abdirisak Abdi was among the dead .
`` FGS condemns the cowardly , barbaric and senseless attack against innocent civilians around Liido beach , '' the Ministry of Information wrote on Twitter .
`` Targeting peaceful , harmless and innocent families , youth and children at a public place is intolerable to humanity .
It has no justification whatsoever . ''
Omar said that Al Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab launched the attack on the beachside hotel that is frequented by @ @ @ @ @

Somalia's Ministry of Information said Sunday that at least 16 people, including five attackers, were killed in a gunfight after a car bomb detonated outside a beachside hotel in Mogadishu. Photo by Ismael Mukhtaar Omar/ Twitter
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- At least 16 people were killed in an attack on a popular hotel in Somalia's capital city on Sunday, a government official said. Ismael Mukhtaar Omar, a spokesman for Somalia's Ministry of Information, said the "deadly siege" at the Elite Hotel in Mogadishu lasted 4 hours before all five of the assailants were killed by special forces. Advertisement
The 16 killed included the five attackers, a top officer of the Ministry of Information and a police officer, Omar said.
A car bomb exploded at the gate of the hotel and gunfire was later heard inside.
The Ministry of Information confirmed that ministry official Abdirisak Abdi was among the dead.
"FGS condemns the cowardly, barbaric and senseless attack against innocent civilians around Liido beach," the Ministry of Information wrote on Twitter. "Targeting peaceful, harmless and innocent families, youth and children at a public place is intolerable to humanity. It has no justification whatsoever."
Omar said that Al Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab launched the attack on the beachside hotel that is frequented by both locals and foreigners.


upi--2020-08-16--Northern California wildfire spawns rare firenado

Northern California was alerted to a rare tornado warning unlike any other by the National Weather Service -- a fire tornado .
Sure enough , a fiery tornado was spotted shortly after the warning on Saturday near the Nevada border , where a large wildfire , winds and extreme temperatures combined to create a dangerous storm .
The Reno office of the National Weather Service knew the mixture of 60 mph winds with pyrocumulonimbus clouds from the Loyalton Wildfire could produce a fire-induced tornado .
The forecasters warned the conditions posed `` an extremely dangerous situation for firefighters . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Sierra Valley exploded most impressively this afternoon , with a very large pyrocumulus and reports of fire tornadoes , '' the NWS warning said .
`` Due to the possibility of very strong fire-generated winds and extreme fire behavior with danger to fire personnel , a tornado warning was issued to heighten awareness in the area of the fire . ''
The wildfire has charred 20,000 acres in Lassen County , California , as of Sunday morning and has ignited serious concerns and sparked evacuations on Saturday for portions of Sierra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are created when rising hot air from a fire becomes twisted by winds changing direction , much like the more common land tornado .
The difference between a regular tornado and the firenado , however , is that winds combine with smoke plums to create especially dangerous conditions .
`` In terms of the ingredients , the intense heat of wildfires already causes large , billowing columns of rising hot air and smoke , but what causes them to turn into `` pyrocumulonimbus '' , or thunderstorm clouds caused by wildfire smoke , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the atmosphere above the fire , '' said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda .
Typically in the west , the air is very dry , so the air simply does n't have enough moisture for the rising air above the fire to turn into clouds , you just see all of the ash and embers and dust from the wildfire itself .
But Sojda explained that if the atmosphere above a wildfire gets an influx of moisture , then the rising air and smoke can also form clouds as it rises and cools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast helped push some extra moisture into Northern California , enough to allow the rising air and smoke from the Loyalton Fire to turn into clouds and eventually a towering thunderstorm , '' Sojda said .
`` Localized wind currents caused by a combination of the thunderstorm , the intense heat from the fire , and the shape of the valley around the fire and storm helped cause the storm to rotate , just like a supercell thunderstorm that are famous for causing tornados in places like the Great Plains , '' Sojda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` pyro-thunderstorms '' cause wind damage and tornadoes just like a more traditional severe thunderstorm , but they can also cause the fire to behave very erratically and spread very quickly .
Embers blown about by the gusty thunderstorm winds can also start new fires .
Since it is a thunderstorm , there is also the threat of lightning , which can start new fires , but can also be dangerous to firefighters without shelter who are trying to fight the fire , '' Sojda said .
`` Firenadoes are an extreme weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ columns , '' NWS Reno wrote on Twitter .
`` As extreme as this behavior is , the # CarrFire had an extreme example of this . ''

Northern California was alerted to a rare tornado warning unlike any other by the National Weather Service -- a fire tornado.
Sure enough, a fiery tornado was spotted shortly after the warning on Saturday near the Nevada border, where a large wildfire, winds and extreme temperatures combined to create a dangerous storm.
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The Reno office of the National Weather Service knew the mixture of 60 mph winds with pyrocumulonimbus clouds from the Loyalton Wildfire could produce a fire-induced tornado. The forecasters warned the conditions posed "an extremely dangerous situation for firefighters."
"The Loyalton Fire to the east of the Sierra Valley exploded most impressively this afternoon, with a very large pyrocumulus and reports of fire tornadoes," the NWS warning said. "Due to the possibility of very strong fire-generated winds and extreme fire behavior with danger to fire personnel, a tornado warning was issued to heighten awareness in the area of the fire."
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The wildfire has charred 20,000 acres in Lassen County, California, as of Sunday morning and has ignited serious concerns and sparked evacuations on Saturday for portions of Sierra, Lassen and Plumas counties.
Firenados are created when rising hot air from a fire becomes twisted by winds changing direction, much like the more common land tornado. The difference between a regular tornado and the firenado, however, is that winds combine with smoke plums to create especially dangerous conditions.
"In terms of the ingredients, the intense heat of wildfires already causes large, billowing columns of rising hot air and smoke, but what causes them to turn into "pyrocumulonimbus", or thunderstorm clouds caused by wildfire smoke, has to do with the state of the atmosphere above the fire," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda.
Typically in the west, the air is very dry, so the air simply doesn't have enough moisture for the rising air above the fire to turn into clouds, you just see all of the ash and embers and dust from the wildfire itself. But Sojda explained that if the atmosphere above a wildfire gets an influx of moisture, then the rising air and smoke can also form clouds as it rises and cools.
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"A storm system off the California coast helped push some extra moisture into Northern California, enough to allow the rising air and smoke from the Loyalton Fire to turn into clouds and eventually a towering thunderstorm," Sojda said.
"Localized wind currents caused by a combination of the thunderstorm, the intense heat from the fire, and the shape of the valley around the fire and storm helped cause the storm to rotate, just like a supercell thunderstorm that are famous for causing tornados in places like the Great Plains," Sojda said.
Sojda warns, this poses an extreme danger.
"Not only can these "pyro-thunderstorms" cause wind damage and tornadoes just like a more traditional severe thunderstorm, but they can also cause the fire to behave very erratically and spread very quickly. Embers blown about by the gusty thunderstorm winds can also start new fires. Since it is a thunderstorm, there is also the threat of lightning, which can start new fires, but can also be dangerous to firefighters without shelter who are trying to fight the fire," Sojda said.
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"Firenadoes are an extreme weather phenomenon that can occur with rotating fire columns," NWS Reno wrote on Twitter. "As extreme as this behavior is, the #CarrFire had an extreme example of this."


upi--2020-08-16--Israel conducts airstrikes in Gaza after intercepting Hamas missile fire

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes in response to rocket fire from Gaza on over the weekend .
The Israel Defense Forces wrote on Twitter that its Air Force struck targets related to the Islamic militant group Hamas , including a military compound used to store rocket ammunition , on Saturday night after two rockets were fired into Israel and were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System .
`` We will continue to operate against any attempts to harm Israeli civilians , '' the IDF said .
Hamas said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces injuring at least two protesters along the border fence on Saturday night .
`` Israel 's deliberate attack on demonstrators in eastern Gaza Strip and shooting of live ammunition is another crime in a long list being carried out against the Palestinian people , '' a spokesperson for the group said .
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that the IDF would not stop striking the Gaza strip unless attacks from Hamas end .
`` The IDF will respond forcefully to any violation of sovereignty until complete quite is restored in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gaza wo n't be either , '' said Gantz .

The Israeli Defense Forces said it struck a military compound in Gaza in response to two rockets that were fired from the region on Saturday night. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes in response to rocket fire from Gaza on over the weekend. The Israel Defense Forces wrote on Twitter that its Air Force struck targets related to the Islamic militant group Hamas, including a military compound used to store rocket ammunition, on Saturday night after two rockets were fired into Israel and were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System. Advertisement
"We will continue to operate against any attempts to harm Israeli civilians," the IDF said.
Hamas said the rocket attacks came in response to Israeli forces injuring at least two protesters along the border fence on Saturday night.
"Israel's deliberate attack on demonstrators in eastern Gaza Strip and shooting of live ammunition is another crime in a long list being carried out against the Palestinian people," a spokesperson for the group said.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that the IDF would not stop striking the Gaza strip unless attacks from Hamas end.
"The IDF will respond forcefully to any violation of sovereignty until complete quite is restored in the south. If Sderot isn't quiet, Gaza won't be either," said Gantz.


upi--2020-08-16--S. Korea, U.S. to stage joint summertime exercise this week

SEOUL , Aug. 16 -- South Korea and the United States decided to kick off their annual summertime combined exercise in an adjusted manner this week , military officials said Sunday , following the postponement of their springtime training due to the coronavirus .
The computer-simulated Combined Command Post Training will begin Tuesday and run until Aug. 28 , the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement , noting that the two sides made the decision `` after taking into consideration related circumstances , such as the COVID-19 situation comprehensively . ''
Seoul and Washington had initially planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the date after a South Korean Army officer who was supposed to take part in the exercise tested positive for the coronavirus Friday , according to military officials .
The planned exercise will be smaller in scale compared with previous ones , as American troops necessary for the program were not able to come to South Korea under coronavirus-related restrictions , they added .
In the runup to the planned exercise , the two sides held a four-day crisis management staff training last week .
The two sides have usually held major combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and August , but they skipped this year 's springtime CCPT due to the fast spread of the new coronavirus .
South Korea had been managing the COVID-19 situation in a relatively stable manner , but it reported 166 new patients Saturday , which is a five-month high , mostly in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan areas due to cluster infections mainly from churches , according to health authorities .
`` This exercise will put a focus on the maintenance of the combined defense posture .
A run-through based on the future combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wartime operation control ( OPCON ) will partly be conducted , '' the JCS said .
Currently , a four-star U.S. Army general helms the South Korea-U.S .
Combined Forces Command .
After Seoul retakes OPCON from Washington , however , a South Korean general is supposed to command the CFC .
As the upcoming exercise will be held in an adjusted manner , a Full Operational Capability test will not be conducted fully , which would affect Seoul 's OPCON transfer of its forces from Washington .
The FOC is meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the conditions for the OPCON transition .
Though it is conditions-based , rather than time-based , the Seoul government seeks to retake it under the current Moon Jae-in administration , whose term will end in May 2022 .
( IOC ) test , and their defense ministers decided to move on to the FOC test .
Following the FOC test , the two sides will carry out a Full Mission Capability test .
`` We would accept inevitable circumstances , '' Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said earlier during a parliamentary committee meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change our plans ( regarding the OPCON transfer ) , I believe . ''

An Apache chopper takes off at U.S. base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, on Aug. 5, 2019, as South Korea and the United States kicked off their joint military exercise. Yonhap News agency photo
SEOUL, Aug. 16 -- South Korea and the United States decided to kick off their annual summertime combined exercise in an adjusted manner this week, military officials said Sunday, following the postponement of their springtime training due to the coronavirus. The computer-simulated Combined Command Post Training will begin Tuesday and run until Aug. 28, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, noting that the two sides made the decision "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation comprehensively." Advertisement
Seoul and Washington had initially planned to kick-start the training Sunday but pushed back the date after a South Korean Army officer who was supposed to take part in the exercise tested positive for the coronavirus Friday, according to military officials.
The planned exercise will be smaller in scale compared with previous ones, as American troops necessary for the program were not able to come to South Korea under coronavirus-related restrictions, they added.
In the runup to the planned exercise, the two sides held a four-day crisis management staff training last week.
The two sides have usually held major combined exercises twice a year -- in March and August, but they skipped this year's springtime CCPT due to the fast spread of the new coronavirus.
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South Korea had been managing the COVID-19 situation in a relatively stable manner, but it reported 166 new patients Saturday, which is a five-month high, mostly in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan areas due to cluster infections mainly from churches, according to health authorities.
"This exercise will put a focus on the maintenance of the combined defense posture. A run-through based on the future combined command structure after the transition of the wartime operation control (OPCON) will partly be conducted," the JCS said.
Currently, a four-star U.S. Army general helms the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command. After Seoul retakes OPCON from Washington, however, a South Korean general is supposed to command the CFC.
As the upcoming exercise will be held in an adjusted manner, a Full Operational Capability test will not be conducted fully, which would affect Seoul's OPCON transfer of its forces from Washington.
The FOC is meant to verify if Seoul is on course to meet the conditions for the OPCON transition. Though it is conditions-based, rather than time-based, the Seoul government seeks to retake it under the current Moon Jae-in administration, whose term will end in May 2022. (IOC) test, and their defense ministers decided to move on to the FOC test. Following the FOC test, the two sides will carry out a Full Mission Capability test.
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"We would accept inevitable circumstances," Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said earlier during a parliamentary committee meeting. "If needed, we will change our plans (regarding the OPCON transfer), I believe."


upi--2020-08-16--Tropical storms Josephine, Kyle fizzle in Atlantic

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- A flurry of tropical activity swarmed the Atlantic Ocean Basin over the past week , but as the peak of hurricane season approaches , there are more areas of concern before the end of August .
Tropical Storm Kyle and Tropical Storm Josephine were named in the Atlantic Ocean in less than 48 hours late last week .
But just as quickly as both storms ramped up , these tropical storms started to fall apart .
Kyle formed off the coast of the Carolinas , on Friday and brought heavy rainfall to parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-tropical .
Josephine traversed the open waters of the Atlantic , passing just northeast of the Leeward Islands on Saturday , and has since been downgraded to a tropical depression .
The National Hurricane Center in an 11 a.m. advisory said Josephine had sustained winds of 35 miles per hour and was moving west-northwest at 13 mph , 195 miles northwest of Northern Leeward Islands and 155 miles north-northeast of San Juan , Puerto Rico .
`` Through the beginning of the week , Josephine is expected to become less and less organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment , '' said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty .
Well away from the Caribbean , Josephine may bring some stronger winds to the northern coasts of the Virgin Islands , Puerto Rico and Hispaniola into Sunday evening , while the remains of Josephine head northward .
Through the week , Josephine is forecast to lose most its wind strength , but still bring a few impacts to Bermuda midweek .
Rough seas and waves of enhanced , tropical downpours are likely to sweep across the island through Thursday .
Meanwhile , AccuWeather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the active East Pacific , and other areas of the Atlantic Ocean worth monitoring .
Following the name Kyle , the `` L '' storm for this year in the Atlantic is Laura .
The early-season formation record for the `` L '' storm is Luis set on Aug. 29 , 1995 .
`` Several tropical waves will be moving across the Atlantic and the Caribbean throughout the week that we are monitoring , '' Douty said .
The first wave will traverse through the Caribbean early this week , but will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even some dry air early on , both of which will limit tropical development .
Even still , heavy , tropical downpours could impact the Leewards and Windwards early on , and then Central America later in the week .
Farther East , a wave that has just moved off the coast of Africa will pass the Cabo Verde Islands Monday and move into a favorable area for tropical development throughout the week .
Should this second wave be able to wrestle away from the dry , Saharan Dust of Africa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of developing this week .
Closer to land , tropical moisture , although not from a defined tropical system , is expected to bring downpours late this week .
The surge of moisture will impact some areas that has been hit by repeated tropical systems so far this season , such as former Tropical Storm Arthur , Bertha , Fay and Isaias .
As such , there will be a greater risk for flooding in parts of the Southeast .
The formation of Kyle has set an early-season formation record for the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the infamous Katrina from Aug. 24 , 2005 .

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A flurry of tropical activity swarmed the Atlantic Ocean Basin over the past week, but as the peak of hurricane season approaches, there are more areas of concern before the end of August. Tropical Storm Kyle and Tropical Storm Josephine were named in the Atlantic Ocean in less than 48 hours late last week. But just as quickly as both storms ramped up, these tropical storms started to fall apart. Advertisement
Kyle formed off the coast of the Carolinas, on Friday and brought heavy rainfall to parts of the mid-Atlantic, but has since become non-tropical.
Josephine traversed the open waters of the Atlantic, passing just northeast of the Leeward Islands on Saturday, and has since been downgraded to a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center in an 11 a.m. advisory said Josephine had sustained winds of 35 miles per hour and was moving west-northwest at 13 mph, 195 miles northwest of Northern Leeward Islands and 155 miles north-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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"Through the beginning of the week, Josephine is expected to become less and less organized as it moves northward into an unfavorable environment," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.
Well away from the Caribbean, Josephine may bring some stronger winds to the northern coasts of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola into Sunday evening, while the remains of Josephine head northward.
Through the week, Josephine is forecast to lose most its wind strength, but still bring a few impacts to Bermuda midweek. Rough seas and waves of enhanced, tropical downpours are likely to sweep across the island through Thursday.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather meteorologists will be turning their attention to the active East Pacific, and other areas of the Atlantic Ocean worth monitoring.
Following the name Kyle, the "L" storm for this year in the Atlantic is Laura. The early-season formation record for the "L" storm is Luis set on Aug. 29, 1995.
"Several tropical waves will be moving across the Atlantic and the Caribbean throughout the week that we are monitoring," Douty said.
The first wave will traverse through the Caribbean early this week, but will have to contend with moderate wind shear, and even some dry air early on, both of which will limit tropical development.
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Even still, heavy, tropical downpours could impact the Leewards and Windwards early on, and then Central America later in the week.
Farther East, a wave that has just moved off the coast of Africa will pass the Cabo Verde Islands Monday and move into a favorable area for tropical development throughout the week.
Should this second wave be able to wrestle away from the dry, Saharan Dust of Africa, it may have a slightly better chance of developing this week.
Closer to land, tropical moisture, although not from a defined tropical system, is expected to bring downpours late this week.
The surge of moisture will impact some areas that has been hit by repeated tropical systems so far this season, such as former Tropical Storm Arthur, Bertha, Fay and Isaias. As such, there will be a greater risk for flooding in parts of the Southeast.
The formation of Kyle has set an early-season formation record for the letter "K." The previous record belongs to the infamous Katrina from Aug. 24, 2005.


upi--2020-08-16--Elizabeth Debicki to play Princess Diana on 'The Crown'

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Elizabeth Debicki has confirmed she signed on to play Britain 's Princess Diana in @ @ @ @ @ The Crown on Netflix .
`` Princess Diana 's spirit , her words and her @ @ @ @ @ of so many .
It is my true privilege and honor to be joining this @ @ @ @ @ had me absolutely hooked from Episode 1 , '' a statement from the actress posted @ @ @ @ @ 's Twitter account said Sunday .
Debicki , 29 , is known for her roles @ @ @ @ @ The Night Manager and The Cloverfield Paradox .
She will soon be seen in the @ @ @ @ @ 5 of The Crown will feature Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II , Jonathan Pryce @ @ @ @ @ Manville as Princess Margaret .
The show about the royal family will end with its @ @ @ @ @ Princess Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 .
She was 36 .

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Elizabeth Debicki is to play Princess Diana on "The Crown." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Elizabeth Debicki has confirmed she signed on to play Britain's Princess Diana in Seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown on Netflix. "Princess Diana's spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many. It is my true privilege and honor to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from Episode 1," a statement from the actress posted on the fact-based costume drama's Twitter account said Sunday. Advertisement
Debicki, 29, is known for her roles in The Great Gatsby, The Night Manager and The Cloverfield Paradox. She will soon be seen in the film, Tenet.
Season 5 of The Crown will feature Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret.
The show about the royal family will end with its sixth season.
The real Princess Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997. She was 36.
Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana in the final two seasons of The Crown (Seasons 5 and 6). pic.twitter.com/Z3CjHuJ56B— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) August 16, 2020


upi--2020-08-16--'SpongeBob Movie' tops North American box office with $900K

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- The SpongeBob Movie : Sponge on the Run is the No .
1 movie in North America this weekend , BoxOfficeMojo.com said Sunday .
The animated adventure -- which will be available to stream on demand in early 2021 -- earned $ 900,000 from receipts recorded at 300 theaters .
Coming in at No .
2 is The Tax Collector with $ 204,000 in 138 theaters , followed by The Rental at No .
3 with $ 78,000 in 144 theaters , The Big Ugly at No .
4 with $ 24,000 in 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21,000 in 101 theaters .
Rounding out the top tier are The Burnt Orange Heresy at No .
6 with $ 15,000 in 84 theaters and Sputnik with $ 12,000 in 32 theaters .
The Tax Collector was the No .
1 movie last weekend with $ 317,000 in receipts .
The releases of most major films have been canceled or delayed in recent months , with many , including Greyhound , The Secret , Bill & Ted Face the Music and Mulan , bypassing theaters in favor of video-on-demand and streaming platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were shuttered in keeping with social-distancing practices meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus , the North American box office take was about $ 100 million .
Onward and The Invisible Man were the big hits at the time and both made quick pay-per-view debuts when the theaters closed .

"The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run" is the No. 1 movie at North American theaters this weekend. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend, BoxOfficeMojo.com said Sunday. The animated adventure -- which will be available to stream on demand in early 2021 -- earned $900,000 from receipts recorded at 300 theaters. Advertisement
Coming in at No. 2 is The Tax Collector with $204,000 in 138 theaters, followed by The Rental at No. 3 with $78,000 in 144 theaters, The Big Ugly at No. 4 with $24,000 in 14 theaters and Made in Italy with $21,000 in 101 theaters.
Rounding out the top tier are The Burnt Orange Heresy at No. 6 with $15,000 in 84 theaters and Sputnik with $12,000 in 32 theaters.
The Tax Collector was the No. 1 movie last weekend with $317,000 in receipts.
The releases of most major films have been canceled or delayed in recent months, with many, including Greyhound, The Secret, Bill & Ted Face the Music and Mulan, bypassing theaters in favor of video-on-demand and streaming platforms.
On March 8, before theaters were shuttered in keeping with social-distancing practices meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the North American box office take was about $100 million.
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Onward and The Invisible Man were the big hits at the time and both made quick pay-per-view debuts when the theaters closed.


upi--2020-08-16--Corvonavirus death toll surges past 770,000 as no European nation in top 4

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus deaths in Europe have stabilized and case spikes , the result of vacationeers traveling elsewhere , are substantially lower than the pandemic situation in Latin America , the United States and India .
At one time Europe was the epicenter of the outbreak , occupying top positions for deaths , after it originated in China .
Britain , Italy , France and Spain remain in the top 10 for most deaths but those nations no longer occupy the top four positions .
On Friday , India moved past Britain into fourth place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
2 Brazil and No .
3 Mexico .
Italy , which at one time was the world 's epicenter , has slid to sixth place as France is now in seventh and Spain in eighth .
Some other former European nations have fallen out of the top 10 -- Belgium is 15th , Germany 16th and Netherlands 18th .
Russia , meanwhile , is in 11th place .
The continent has recorded 203,119 deaths , which comprises 26 percent of the world total of 771,093 , according to Wordlometers.info .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the world figure of 21,728,428 .
On Saturday , only 285 deaths were reported of the world total of 5,410 .
And cases were 19,745 of 260,409 .
Europeans nations individually have reported only a few deaths each day after more than 1,000 a few months ago .
Britain added five deaths Sunday compared with a high of 1,166 on April 21 .
Italy , which was in first place early in the pandemic , reported four fatalities after a high of 921 on March 27 .
France added four deaths Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
Spain , which last reported 12 deaths on Friday , had a high of 961 on April 2 .
Early in the pandemic , the United States and Europe had a similar progression .
After one month , the U.S. had 38,146 deaths compared with 47,333 in Europe .
But since then , the U.S. has had a steeper curve .
Over the past 50 days , the U.S. has risen by 44,000 deaths compared to Europe with 15,000 .
European nations enacted strong lockdowns and travel restrictions .
But numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The European Union has banned travel to several nations , including the United States .
On July 1 , the European Union opened up to outside travelers for the first time since it closed its borders on March 17 .
Starting Saturday , Britain expanded its 14-day quarantine rule , including France and the Netherlands , because of rising cases there .
Britain 's Foreign and Commonwealth Office also is advising against non-essential international travel .
Earlier , French Prime Minister Jean Castex warned that coronavirus infections in the country have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
France had 3,015 cases Sunday , second to Russia 's 5,061 in Europ.e The BBC reported about 160,000 British tourists were thought to be in France .
With a rise in cases in Italy , Italy 's Minister of Health Roberto Speranza posted on Facebook discos will be closed , including outdoors , and face masks will be required from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. where there is a `` risk of assembly '' as part of a new ordinance to be published Monday .
`` The numbers of contagion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , are growing , '' he wrote .
`` We can not frustrate the sacrifices made in past months .
Our priority must be to reopen schools in September safely .
In Spain , business leaders are fearful of a second lockdown .
Cases and deaths are accelerating in the Western Hemisphere .
On Saturday , Brazil reported 726 deaths to rise to 107,297 as well as 39,937 cases at 3,327,832 -- figures that are only second to the United States .
Forty-seven percent of Brazilians think President Jair Bolsonaro bears `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's toll although he has downplayed the seriousness of the disease , according to a new Datafolha poll .
Bolsonaro himself has tested positive for COVID-19 and claims to have taken anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine though studies have discounted effectiveness and possible danger .
Mexico reported 635 deaths on Saturday and has risen up the world list to third place .
On Friday , the United States , Canada and Mexico extended their border closures except for essential travel through Sept. 20 .
Restrictions have been in place since March 21 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mexican partners to slow the spread of # COVID19 .
Accordingly , we have agreed to extend the limitation of non-essential travel at our shared land ports of entry through September 21 , '' Chad Wolf , the acting U.S .
Homeland Security secretary posted on Twitter .
South America has recorded 174,776 deaths .
Peru has 26,075 deaths , including 219 Saturday , and is in ninth place .
Colombia is in 12th place and Chile is 14th .
Canada is in 17th place at 9,024 deaths , including an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , including 237 more Saturday .
Canadian officials are preparing for a so-called `` fall peak '' of COVID-19 cases .
They say it could threaten the public health-care system .
`` Continuing to build up capacity across our health , public health and laboratory systems while urging all Canadians to continue with public health practices will give us the best chance of keeping the epidemic on a slow burn , while preparing us in the event of a need to rapidly ramp up response measures for possible larger resurgence , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Friday .
The pandemic has generally subsided in Asia where it originated in Wuhan , China .
Mainland China has not reported a death since April 27 and its total of 4,634 has slid to 27th in the world .
Its case total of 84,827 , including 19 more Sunday , is 33rd .
India has risen to fourth place in deaths at 51,045 , including 961 more Sunday , and is third in cases at 2,647,316 with a rise of 58,108 .
Despite the high death toll , India has only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and 522 in the United States .
Iran is 10th in the world for most deaths and reported an additional 147 Sunday .
The total toll in Asia is 120,143 .
Some other Asian countries have been alarmed at a spike in cases , but they are a fraction of the increases in world hot spots .
South Korea reported an additional 279 cases Sunday , which is the highest since 448 on March 27 .
The nation has not had a death since seven days ago for a total of 305 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced back to a religious service at Sarang-Jeil church in Seoul where 249 members have tested positive .
All 4,066 members of the church must be tested for coronavirus and almost 2,000 have been ordered to self-quarantine .
In Japan , cases and deaths are surging .
On Sunday , 1,238 new cases were reported , which is the third day in a row they have been four digits .
The death toll stands at 1,088 with three more deaths .
It passed 1,000 on July 29 .
The total number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase of 1,180 .
In Oceania , New Zealand and Australia has experienced outbreaks .
New Zealand 's death toll has stood at 22 since one fatality on May 28 .
But cases have surged after only 32 were reported in July .
But in August it has surged from 1,562 to 16,22 , including an additional 13 on Sunday .
Twelve of those cases were in the Auckland community with none traveling outside the region recently .
On Friday , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland 's 1.5 million residents will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 12 days .
The rest of the country will stay under level two restrictions with gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people .
For 100 days there were no community transmissions in the country .
Australia reported 17 deaths to rise to 396 as well as 252 cases .
Its high was 21 on Wednesday .
Victoria , where most of the deaths have occurred , is in an extended lockdown through Sept. 13 as its death toll passed 300 , including 16 more Sunday .
In Africa , deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Africa leads the continent with 11,839 , including 162 and 10,210 total one week ago .
Egypt followed with 5,141 deaths , including an additional 17 Saturday .
South Africa has the fifth-most most additional cases in the world , including 3,692 Sunday .
However , South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Saturday the virus has appeared to have peaked and most restrictions have been lifted , including travel and small family gatherings , as well as the sale of alcohol and tobacco .

Italian motorists wait in line for their swab samples to be taken for COVID-19 testing by health workers at the drive-in of the San Giovanni hospital in Rome as recommended by the Ministry of Health for all of those who returned from areas at risk. Photo by Angelo Carconi/EPa-EFE
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Coronavirus deaths in Europe have stabilized and case spikes, the result of vacationers traveling elsewhere, are substantially lower than the pandemic situation in Latin America, the United States and India. At one time Europe was the epicenter of the outbreak, occupying top positions for deaths, after it originated in China. Advertisement
Britain, Italy, France and Spain remain in the top 10 for most deaths but those nations no longer occupy the top four positions.
On Friday, India moved past Britain into fourth place, behind No. 1 United States, No. 2 Brazil and No. 3 Mexico.
Italy, which at one time was the world's epicenter, has slid to sixth place as France is now in seventh and Spain in eighth. Some other former European nations have fallen out of the top 10 -- Belgium is 15th, Germany 16th and Netherlands 18th. Russia, meanwhile, is in 11th place.
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The continent has recorded 203,124 deaths, which comprises 26 percent of the world total of 772,759, according to Wordlometers.info. And Europe's case total is 3,165,263 compared with the world figure of 21,818,117.
On Saturday, only 285 deaths were reported of the world total of 5,410. And cases were 19,745 of 260,409.
European nations individually have reported only a few deaths each day after more than 1,000 a few months ago. Britain added five deaths Sunday compared with a high of 1,166 on April 21. Italy, which was in first place early in the pandemic, reported four fatalities after a high of 921 on March 27. France added four deaths Saturday vs. a high of 1,437 on April 15. Spain, which last reported 12 deaths on Friday, had a high of 961 on April 2.
Early in the pandemic, the United States and Europe had a similar progression. After one month, the U.S. had 38,146 deaths compared with 47,333 in Europe. But since then, the U.S. has had a steeper curve. Over the past 50 days, the U.S. has risen by 44,000 deaths compared to Europe with 15,000.
European nations enacted strong lockdowns and travel restrictions. But numbers have been spiking as residents vacation elsewhere.
Advertisement
The European Union has banned travel to several nations, including the United States. On July 1, the European Union opened up to outside travelers for the first time since it closed its borders on March 17.
Starting Saturday, Britain expanded its 14-day quarantine rule, including France and the Netherlands, because of rising cases there. Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office also is advising against non-essential international travel.
Earlier, French Prime Minister Jean Castex warned that coronavirus infections in the country have been accelerating twice as much as three weeks ago. France had 3,015 cases Sunday, second to Russia's 4,969 in Europe.
The BBC reported about 160,000 British tourists were thought to be in France.
With a rise in cases in Italy, Italy's Minister of Health Roberto Speranza posted on Facebook discos will be closed, including outdoors, and face masks will be required from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. where there is a "risk of assembly" as part of a new ordinance to be published Monday.
Italy reported 479 new cases Sunday.
"The numbers of contagion in Italy, although among the lowest in Europe, are growing," he wrote. "We cannot frustrate the sacrifices made in past months. Our priority must be to reopen schools in September safely.
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In Spain, business leaders are fearful of a second lockdown.
Cases and deaths are accelerating in the Western Hemisphere.
On Saturday, Brazil reported 726 deaths to rise to 107,297 as well as 39,937 cases at 3,327,832 -- figures that are only second to the United States.
Forty-seven percent of Brazilians think President Jair Bolsonaro bears "no responsibility at all" for the country's toll although he has downplayed the seriousness of the disease, according to a new Datafolha poll. Bolsonaro himself has tested positive for COVID-19 and claims to have taken anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine though studies have discounted effectiveness and possible danger.
Mexico reported 635 deaths on Saturday and has risen up the world list to third place.
On Friday, the United States, Canada and Mexico extended their border closures except for essential travel through Sept. 20. Restrictions have been in place since March 21.
"We continue to work with our Canadian and Mexican partners to slow the spread of #COVID19. Accordingly, we have agreed to extend the limitation of non-essential travel at our shared land ports of entry through September 21," Chad Wolf, the acting U.S. Homeland Security secretary posted on Twitter.
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South America has recorded 176,065 deaths. Peru has 26,281 deaths, including 219 Saturday and 206 on Sunday, and is in ninth place. Colombia is in 12th place and Chile is 14th.
Canada is in 17th place at 9,026 deaths, including an additional four Saturday and two on Sunday, as well as 122,087 cases, including 237 more Saturday and 198 on Sunday.
Canadian officials are preparing for a so-called "fall peak" of COVID-19 cases. They say it could threaten the public health-care system.
"Continuing to build up capacity across our health, public health and laboratory systems while urging all Canadians to continue with public health practices will give us the best chance of keeping the epidemic on a slow burn, while preparing us in the event of a need to rapidly ramp up response measures for possible larger resurgence," Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Friday.
The pandemic has generally subsided in Asia where it originated in Wuhan, China.
Mainland China has not reported a death since April 27 and its total of 4,634 has slid to 27th in the world. Its case total of 84,827, including 19 more Sunday, is 33rd.
India has risen to fourth place in deaths at 51,045, including 961 more Sunday, and is third in cases at 2,647,316 with a rise of 58,108.
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Despite the high death toll, India has only 37 deaths per million compared with 99 worldwide and 522 in the United States.
Iran is 10th in the world for most deaths and reported an additional 147 Sunday.
Some other Asian countries have been alarmed at a spike in cases, but they are a fraction of the increases in world hot spots.
South Korea reported an additional 279 cases Sunday, which is the highest since 448 on March 27. The nation has not had a death since seven days ago for a total of 305.
A spike in cases has been traced back to a religious service at Sarang-Jeil church in Seoul where 249 members have tested positive. All 4,066 members of the church must be tested for coronavirus and almost 2,000 have been ordered to self-quarantine.
On Saturday, the nation reimposed social-distancing measures.
In Japan, cases and deaths are surging.
On Sunday, 1,238 new cases were reported, which is the third day in a row they have been four digits.
The death toll stands at 1,088 with three more deaths. It passed 1,000 on July 29.
The total number of deaths in Asia stands at 120,148 with an increase of 1,487.
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In Oceania, New Zealand and Australia has experienced outbreaks.
New Zealand's death toll has stood at 22 since one fatality on May 28. But cases have surged after only 32 were reported in July. But in August it has surged from 1,562 to 16,22, including an additional 13 on Sunday. Twelve of those cases were in the Auckland community with none traveling outside the region recently.
On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland's 1.5 million residents will remain under a level three lockdown for another 12 days. The rest of the country will stay under level two restrictions with gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people.
For 100 days there were no community transmissions in the country.
Australia reported 17 deaths to rise to 396 as well as 252 cases. Its high was 21 on Wednesday.
Victoria, where most of the deaths have occurred, is in an extended lockdown through Sept. 13 as its death toll passed 300, including 17 more Sunday.
In Africa, deaths increased by 295 Sunday to 25,678. South Africa leads the continent with 11,839, including 162 on Sunday and 10,210 total one week ago. Egypt followed with 5,160 deaths, including an additional 19 Sunday and 17 on Saturday.
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South Africa has the fifth-most most additional cases in the world, including 3,692 Sunday.
However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Saturday the virus has appeared to have peaked and most restrictions have been lifted, including travel and small family gatherings, as well as the sale of alcohol and tobacco.


upi--2020-08-16--At least 18 shot, 4 dead in multiple shootings in Cincinnati

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- At least four people died in multiple shootings in Cincinnati late Saturday night and early Sunday morning , police in Ohio said .
The Cincinnati Police Department issued a statement Sunday afternoon declaring that it responded to `` several shootings with multiple victims '' that resulted in the deaths of four people .
Local media reported that at least 18 people were shot in four separate shootings within hours of each other throughout the city .
Police said that three people were shot in the first shooting in Walnut Hills at midnight but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Four people were shot at another shooting at 12:34 a.m. , including Antonio Blair , 21 , who died as a result of his injuries after being taken to University Hospital .
A third shooting took place at 3 a.m. where multiple victims were found with injuries related to gunshots .
Robert Rogers , 34 , was pronounced dead at the scene and 30-year-old Jaquiez Grant died from injuries after being transported to UC Medical Center .
Police also said one person was shot and another was pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
Cincinnati Police said the incidents were under investigation as they work to identify suspects .
`` This amount of gun violence and the damage this has inflicted on our neighborhoods is unacceptable , '' Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac said .
`` I am calling on all citizens of this great city to say enough is enough ! ''

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- At least four people died in multiple shootings in Cincinnati late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, police in Ohio said.
The Cincinnati Police Department issued a statement Sunday afternoon declaring that it responded to "several shootings with multiple victims" that resulted in the deaths of four people.
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Local media reported that at least 18 people were shot in four separate shootings within hours of each other throughout the city.
Police said that three people were shot in the first shooting in Walnut Hills at midnight but there was no information available about their conditions.
Four people were shot at another shooting at 12:34 a.m., including Antonio Blair, 21, who died as a result of his injuries after being taken to University Hospital.
A third shooting took place at 3 a.m. where multiple victims were found with injuries related to gunshots. Robert Rogers, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene and 30-year-old Jaquiez Grant died from injuries after being transported to UC Medical Center.
Police also said one person was shot and another was pronounced dead at the scene of another shooting at around 7 a.m. on Sunday.
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Cincinnati Police said the incidents were under investigation as they work to identify suspects.
"This amount of gun violence and the damage this has inflicted on our neighborhoods is unacceptable," Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac said. "I am calling on all citizens of this great city to say enough is enough!"


upi--2020-08-16--Anthony Anderson honored with Walk of Fame star

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Actor and producer Anthony Anderson has been honored with a star on the Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ Today was a GREAT day !
Dreams do come true !
Those dreams are made @ @ @ @ @ work , patience and sacrifice !
I want to thank everyone that 's been a @ @ @ @ @ far .
Tighten your seatbelts cause we are about to take a wild ride !
@ @ @ @ @ , friends and fans for this is just as much yours as it is mine @ @ @ @ @ Instagram Friday .
Anderson , 50 , is best known for starring in and producing @ @ @ @ @ .
He has also appeared in the TV shows Hang Time , Law & Order @ @ @ @ @ film credits include Liberty Heights , Kangaroo Jack , Hustle & Flow and The Departed @ @ @ @ @ of the game show To Tell the Truth .
Anderson is set to guest host @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .

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Anthony Anderson was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Actor and producer Anthony Anderson has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "Today was a GREAT day! Dreams do come true! Those dreams are made possible thru faith, hard work, patience and sacrifice! I want to thank everyone that's been a part of my journey thus far. Tighten your seatbelts cause we are about to take a wild ride! Thank you to my family, friends and fans for this is just as much yours as it is mine!" Anderson wrote on Instagram Friday. Advertisement
Anderson, 50, is best known for starring in and producing the ABC sitcom, Black-ish. He has also appeared in the TV shows Hang Time, Law & Order and The Shield. His film credits include Liberty Heights, Kangaroo Jack, Hustle & Flow and The Departed.
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He also is host of the game show To Tell the Truth.
Anderson is set to guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday.


upi--2020-08-16--Chrissy Teigen said she didn't know she was pregnant before breast surgery

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Television personality Chrissy Teigen said on Twitter she did n't know she was pregnant with her third child when she underwent breast-reduction surgery a few months ago .
`` I did the routine pregnancy test you do before surgery .
It said negative .
It was not negative , '' Teigen told a fan who asked about the timing of her operation on Twitter Saturday .
`` A few weeks after surgery , I took a test .
And for many years now , I 've taken pregnancy tests almost every month , praying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just wishful thinking .
I never had a positive before , '' she added .
Teigen admitted she was immediately nervous knowing it was risky to have undergone elective surgery to remove her breast implants while pregnant .
`` So we prayed to the boob surgery gods that everything would be okay .
Went to every appointment terrified , '' she tweeted .
`` Even without the surgery , I did n't think I could get pregnant naturally anyway .
So the odds just felt ... bad .
But what they say so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give up on trying , life has a way of surprising you .
In summary , my boobs hurt . ''
Teigen , 34 , and singer John Legend , 41 , married in 2013 and are the parents of 4-year-old Luna and 2-year-old Miles , who were born after the couple used IVF therapy .
They announced Teigen 's latest pregnancy in Legend 's `` Wild '' music video last week .

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Chrissy Teigen said this weekend she didn't know she was pregnant when she underwent breast reduction surgery. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Television personality Chrissy Teigen said on Twitter she didn't know she was pregnant with her third child when she underwent breast-reduction surgery a few months ago. "I did the routine pregnancy test you do before surgery. It said negative. It was not negative," Teigen told a fan who asked about the timing of her operation on Twitter Saturday. Advertisement
"A few weeks after surgery, I took a test. And for many years now, I've taken pregnancy tests almost every month, praying to see a positive one day. Just wishful thinking. I never had a positive before," she added.
Teigen admitted she was immediately nervous knowing it was risky to have undergone elective surgery to remove her breast implants while pregnant.
"So we prayed to the boob surgery gods that everything would be okay. Went to every appointment terrified," she tweeted. "Even without the surgery, I didn't think I could get pregnant naturally anyway. So the odds just felt...bad. But what they say so often can be true. When you give up on trying, life has a way of surprising you. In summary, my boobs hurt."
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Teigen, 34, and singer John Legend, 41, married in 2013 and are the parents of 4-year-old Luna and 2-year-old Miles, who were born after the couple used IVF therapy.
They announced Teigen's latest pregnancy in Legend's "Wild" music video last week.


upi--2020-08-16--Actor, producer Ash Christian dead at 35

Aug. 16 ( UPI ) -- Actor and producer Ash Christian has died in his sleep while on vacation in Mexico .
He was 35 .
Variety and Deadline reported Christian 's Thursday death on Saturday , but did not specify the cause of it .
Fat Girls -- a movie he wrote , directed and starred in -- premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival .
The Texas native won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special-Class Short-Format Daytime Program in 2014 for producing Mi Promise .
Through his production company Cranium Entertainment , Christian produced the films 1985 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Animals and Coyote Lake .
He also was a producer on Broadway 's Next to Normal .
Christian 's acting credits include The Good Fight , The Good Wife and Law and Order .
`` Ash was a great friend , colleague and partner in crime , '' said his friend and producing partner Anne Clements .
`` He was a champion of indie film and filmmakers and his love of the process of putting movies together was infectious .
My heart goes out to his family , especially his mother .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Actor and filmmaker Ash Christian has died at age 35. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Actor and producer Ash Christian has died in his sleep while on vacation in Mexico. He was 35. Variety and Deadline reported Christian's Thursday death on Saturday, but did not specify the cause of it. Advertisement
Fat Girls -- a movie he wrote, directed and starred in -- premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival.
The Texas native won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special-Class Short-Format Daytime Program in 2014 for producing Mi Promise.
Through his production company Cranium Entertainment, Christian produced the films 1985, Hurricane Bianca, Burn, Social Animals and Coyote Lake.
He also was a producer on Broadway's Next to Normal.
Christian's acting credits include The Good Fight, The Good Wife and Law and Order.
"Ash was a great friend, colleague and partner in crime," said his friend and producing partner Anne Clements. "He was a champion of indie film and filmmakers and his love of the process of putting movies together was infectious. My heart goes out to his family, especially his mother. The world lost one of the good ones."
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-08-16--Heat dome sweltering western U.S. with days of record-high temperatures

A heat wave for the record books is underway across the western United States , which is leading to complications with not only the drought and wildfire situation , but also the power grid in one state .
The intensity and duration of the heat is likely to put a strain on people visiting the many national parks and hiking trails across the region , as well as long-time residents who may be more accustomed to extreme conditions .
This is especially true for those left without power and air conditioning due to rolling blackouts .
This past Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide Stage 2 emergency due to the excessive heat driving up energy use .
The ISO later declared a Stage 3 emergency and started initiating rotating power outages .
`` Extreme heat throughout the West has increased electricity usage , causing a strain on the power grid .
All available resources are needed to meet the growing demand , '' ISO said in a statement .
As of early Sunday morning , a little over 35,000 customers were without power in California , according to PowerOutage.us .
Electricity demands will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least the middle of this week as temperatures reach levels 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit above late-summer averages .
Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories stretched from California and Arizona , to Washington and Idaho , early Sunday morning .
Fresno is forecast to reach the lower 110s Fahrenheit each day through midweek .
The last time the city hit the 110-degree mark was June 20 , 2017 .
Sacramento could blow past its daily record highs for Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday of 106 , 107 and 108 , respectively , by 3 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened in Sacramento and other locales to help residents stay cool amid the record heat .
After tying their daily record of 98 on Saturday , downtown Los Angeles will be near this mark once again during the middle days of the week .
This summer has already gone down as the hottest on record in Phoenix with the city setting a new record for the most days with a temperature at or above 110 .
On Friday , temperatures reached 117 , which tied with the city 's record for hottest August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Temperatures are forecast to be above 110 through at least the middle of the week in the Valley of the Sun .
`` The heat could be so intense that it may affect the ability for planes to take off , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said .
Travelers should prepare for flight delays , as well as some weight and baggage restrictions .
The weather phenomena responsible for the sizzling conditions is an expansive area of high pressure , which can be referred to as a `` heat dome '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of high pressure , the air sinks .
Sinking air compresses and heats up , causing temperatures to soar .
As this heat dome shifts orientation over the next few days , record heat will expand and retract from some areas .
This includes around Seattle and Portland , Ore. , where record heat to end the weekend will be replaced with more seasonable conditions by midweek .
The searing heat will hold on longer across the interior , with widespread highs in the 90s and 100s lasting into midweek .
Outdoor activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon hours amid the pattern .
If you must labor outside , be sure to take frequent breaks in the shade , wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water or sports beverages .
Never leave pets or humans in a locked vehicle for any length of time , even if the windows are cracked open .
Use caution when touching metal railings or door knobs that are in the sunlight , as they may be hot enough to cause a burn during the peak heating of the day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drought across the region , and create difficult conditions for fire crews battling the dozens of blazes burning out West .
Adding insult to injury will be localized thunderstorms with little rainfall that will only act to create an even higher fire danger .
`` Monsoon thunderstorms will continue to be suppressed and storms that form will not produce heavy rain , so lightning can trigger more fires , '' AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Tyler Roys said .
This will be especially true in portions of California , Nevada , Utah , Washington and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exception to this rule will be a batch of showers and thunderstorms rumbling through Northern California during Sunday morning , which prompted a rare severe thunderstorm warning for the San Francisco Bay Area .
Unfortunately , Roys and the rest of AccuWeather 's long-range experts do not foresee significant heat , drought or wildfire relief anytime soon .

Lightning strikes south of San Francisco's Noe Valley in the early morning hours of Sunday. Record heat has led to rolling blackouts and fears of wildfire. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
A heat wave for the record books is underway across the western United States, which is leading to complications with not only the drought and wildfire situation, but also the power grid in one state. The intensity and duration of the heat is likely to put a strain on people visiting the many national parks and hiking trails across the region, as well as long-time residents who may be more accustomed to extreme conditions. This is especially true for those left without power and air conditioning due to rolling blackouts. Advertisement
This past Friday evening, the California Independent System Operator declared a statewide Stage 2 emergency due to the excessive heat driving up energy use. The ISO later declared a Stage 3 emergency and started initiating rotating power outages.
"Extreme heat throughout the West has increased electricity usage, causing a strain on the power grid. All available resources are needed to meet the growing demand," ISO said in a statement.
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As of early Sunday morning, a little over 35,000 customers were without power in California, according to PowerOutage.us.
Electricity demands will continue to be pushed to the max into at least the middle of this week as temperatures reach levels 15-30 degrees Fahrenheit above late-summer averages. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories stretched from California and Arizona, to Washington and Idaho, early Sunday morning.
Fresno is forecast to reach the lower 110s Fahrenheit each day through midweek. The last time the city hit the 110-degree mark was June 20, 2017.
Sacramento could blow past its daily record highs for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of 106, 107 and 108, respectively, by 3 degrees or more. Cooling centers have been opened in Sacramento and other locales to help residents stay cool amid the record heat.
After tying their daily record of 98 on Saturday, downtown Los Angeles will be near this mark once again during the middle days of the week.
This summer has already gone down as the hottest on record in Phoenix with the city setting a new record for the most days with a temperature at or above 110. On Friday, temperatures reached 117, which tied with the city's record for hottest August temperature that was set in 2015. Temperatures are forecast to be above 110 through at least the middle of the week in the Valley of the Sun.
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"The heat could be so intense that it may affect the ability for planes to take off," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. Travelers should prepare for flight delays, as well as some weight and baggage restrictions.
The weather phenomena responsible for the sizzling conditions is an expansive area of high pressure, which can be referred to as a "heat dome" in situations such as this. Underneath areas of high pressure, the air sinks. Sinking air compresses and heats up, causing temperatures to soar.
As this heat dome shifts orientation over the next few days, record heat will expand and retract from some areas. This includes around Seattle and Portland, Ore., where record heat to end the weekend will be replaced with more seasonable conditions by midweek.
The searing heat will hold on longer across the interior, with widespread highs in the 90s and 100s lasting into midweek.
Outdoor activity is strongly discouraged during the midday and afternoon hours amid the pattern. If you must labor outside, be sure to take frequent breaks in the shade, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water or sports beverages.
Never leave pets or humans in a locked vehicle for any length of time, even if the windows are cracked open. Use caution when touching metal railings or door knobs that are in the sunlight, as they may be hot enough to cause a burn during the peak heating of the day.
Advertisement
The hot pattern will only intensify the widespread drought across the region, and create difficult conditions for fire crews battling the dozens of blazes burning out West.
Adding insult to injury will be localized thunderstorms with little rainfall that will only act to create an even higher fire danger.
"Monsoon thunderstorms will continue to be suppressed and storms that form will not produce heavy rain, so lightning can trigger more fires," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. This will be especially true in portions of California, Nevada, Utah, Washington and Idaho, into early week.
One exception to this rule will be a batch of showers and thunderstorms rumbling through Northern California during Sunday morning, which prompted a rare severe thunderstorm warning for the San Francisco Bay Area.
Unfortunately, Roys and the rest of AccuWeather's long-range experts do not foresee significant heat, drought or wildfire relief anytime soon.


upi--2020-08-17--Climate change worsens effects of nutrient pollution on marine ecosystems

Aug. 17 ( UPI ) -- Nutrient overload caused by excess agricultural runoff can seriously harm coastal marine ecosystems , triggering algal blooms that emit toxins and rob marine life of oxygen .
Research published Monday in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science suggests the damage is magnified by other human activities , including overfishing and climate change .
For the new study , researchers reviewed dozens of papers on nutrient pollution , or eutrophication , revealing the complexity of the problem .
To slow and reverse the damage , authors of a new paper suggest a multifaceted approach absorbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and considers both land-use and ecology .
`` The threats posed by eutrophication include reduced water clarity , oxygen depletion , and toxic algal events that result in critical habitat losses such as coral reefs , seagrass meadows and mangrove forests , '' study author Thomas Malone said in a news release .
`` Other serious consequences include mass mortalities of marine animals , loss of biodiversity and threats to human health , '' said Malone , a professor of ecology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science .
In reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-author Alice Newton , professor of marine science at the University of Algarve in Portugal , identified more than 700 dead zones , where algal blooms regularly deplete oxygen levels .
Their mapping effort showed many problem areas overlap with many of the wonders of the ocean world , including the Great Barrier Reef .
Their analysis showed that while agricultural fertilizers account for the majority of the nutrient pollution that enters the ocean , human sewage , animal manure and fossil fuel combustion also contribute to the problem .
The new research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made worse by overfishing and other human-caused problems , including climate change .
Warming temperatures are also partially responsible for increased river runoff , which helps carry larger amounts of nutrients into the ocean .
As well , as human release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere , the ocean absorbs more and more CO2 , increasing ocean acidity .
Oxygen-deprived ocean layers amplify the problem of acidification , causing problems for calcifying organisms including shellfish , planktonic pteropods and corals .
Malone and Newtown suggest any comprehensive solution to the problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , policy makers and the public .
While more sustainable agricultural practices and land-use changes can help reduce nutrient overload at its source , the researchers suggest ecosystem solutions , like restoring mangroves and marshes , can help prevent excess nutrients from reaching marine ecosystems .
`` This valuable review shows the commonalities in the timing , causes and consequences of nutrient pollution of coastal waters in many otherwise very different regions of the world , '' said Donald Boesch , a professor of marine science at the University of Maryland .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ecosystem degradation will be limited unless we can reduce agricultural pollution through more effective regulations and incentives , '' said Boesch , who was not involved in the research .

New research suggests global warming and overfishing are making worse the problem of nutrient overload in the ocean, which causes harmful algal blooms. Photo by Mapbox/ Flickr
Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Nutrient overload caused by excess agricultural runoff can seriously harm coastal marine ecosystems, triggering algal blooms that emit toxins and rob marine life of oxygen. Research published Monday in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science suggests the damage is magnified by other human activities, including overfishing and climate change. Advertisement
For the new study, researchers reviewed dozens of papers on nutrient pollution, or eutrophication, revealing the complexity of the problem.
To slow and reverse the damage, authors of a new paper suggest a multifaceted approach absorbs the insights of a variety of experts and considers both land-use and ecology.
"The threats posed by eutrophication include reduced water clarity, oxygen depletion, and toxic algal events that result in critical habitat losses such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests," study author Thomas Malone said in a news release.
"Other serious consequences include mass mortalities of marine animals, loss of biodiversity and threats to human health," said Malone, a professor of ecology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
In reviewing the literature on eutrophication, Malone and co-author Alice Newton, professor of marine science at the University of Algarve in Portugal, identified more than 700 dead zones, where algal blooms regularly deplete oxygen levels.
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Their mapping effort showed many problem areas overlap with many of the wonders of the ocean world, including the Great Barrier Reef.
Their analysis showed that while agricultural fertilizers account for the majority of the nutrient pollution that enters the ocean, human sewage, animal manure and fossil fuel combustion also contribute to the problem.
The new research showed that the problem of eutrophication is made worse by overfishing and other human-caused problems, including climate change. Warming temperatures are also partially responsible for increased river runoff, which helps carry larger amounts of nutrients into the ocean.
As well, as human release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the ocean absorbs more and more CO2, increasing ocean acidity. Oxygen-deprived ocean layers amplify the problem of acidification, causing problems for calcifying organisms including shellfish, planktonic pteropods and corals.
Malone and Newtown suggest any comprehensive solution to the problem of eutrophication should consider the input of scientists, policy makers and the public.
While more sustainable agricultural practices and land-use changes can help reduce nutrient overload at its source, the researchers suggest ecosystem solutions, like restoring mangroves and marshes, can help prevent excess nutrients from reaching marine ecosystems.
"This valuable review shows the commonalities in the timing, causes and consequences of nutrient pollution of coastal waters in many otherwise very different regions of the world," said Donald Boesch, a professor of marine science at the University of Maryland.
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"Our progress in reversing this important cause of ecosystem degradation will be limited unless we can reduce agricultural pollution through more effective regulations and incentives," said Boesch, who was not involved in the research.


upi--2020-08-17--'The Gift' Season 2 to premiere Sept. 10 on Netflix

Aug. 17 ( UPI ) -- The Gift Season 2 is coming to Netflix in September .
The streaming service shared a premiere date , Sept. 10 , for the season in a video Monday .
The teaser shows grains of sand coming together to form the mysterious symbol Erhan ( Mehmet Günsür ) found in Season 1 .
`` There are more unrevealed truths beyond everything you know .
# TheGift season 2 will be only on Netflix on September 10 , '' Netflix said .
The Gift is Netflix 's second Turkish original series .
The drama fantasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an artist who has been obsessed with a mysterious symbol all of her life .
The symbol is then discovered at an archeological site .
The Gift is based on the Şengül Boybaş novel Dünyanın Uyanışı .
The show co-stars Metin Akdülger and Melisa Şenolsun .
Netflix 's first Turkish original series , The Protector , ended in July after four seasons .
Netflix canceled production on a new Turkish original , If Only , the same month after producers were refused a filming license because of the show 's inclusion of @ @ @ @

Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The Gift Season 2 is coming to Netflix in September.
The streaming service shared a premiere date, Sept. 10, for the season in a video Monday.
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The teaser shows grains of sand coming together to form the mysterious symbol Erhan (Mehmet Günsür) found in Season 1.
"There are more unrevealed truths beyond everything you know. #TheGift season 2 will be only on Netflix on September 10," Netflix said.
The Gift is Netflix's second Turkish original series. The drama fantasy series follows Atiye (Beren Saat), an artist who has been obsessed with a mysterious symbol all of her life. The symbol is then discovered at an archeological site.
The Gift is based on the Şengül Boybaş novel Dünyanın Uyanışı. The show co-stars Metin Akdülger and Melisa Şenolsun.
Netflix's first Turkish original series, The Protector, ended in July after four seasons. Netflix canceled production on a new Turkish original, If Only, the same month after producers were refused a filming license because of the show's inclusion of a gay character.


upi--2020-08-17--Washington's Jason Wright becomes first Black team president in NFL history

Aug. 17 ( UPI ) -- The Washington Football Team on Monday hired Jason Wright as team president .
He is the first Black team president in NFL history .
Wright , 38 , also is the youngest active NFL team president .
Washington fired team president Bruce Allen in December .
Allen had held the role since 2009 .
`` I think first and foremost it 's obviously very personal for me , '' Wright said Monday on Good Morning America .
Washington also hired former Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera in December .
Rivera is one of just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wright played football at Northwestern before he spent seven seasons as an NFL player from 2004 through 2010 .
He then earned a master 's of business administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business before he became a partner for McKinsey & Company , a global strategy and management consulting firm .
`` The fact that I happen to be Black and the most qualified person for this is a boost , '' Wright said .
Wright was a team captain and a players ' union representative during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Academic All-American while at Northwestern .
He will work under team owner Daniel Snyder amid major organizational overhaul .
The NFC East franchise announced July 13 it retired its controversial former nickname and Native American branding .
On July 23 , the franchise announced it will use the Washington Football Team name and branding for the 2020 season and until it decides on a new name .
The franchise also is in turmoil after allegations of sexual harassment and verbal abuse among former employees surfaced in July as part of a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since launched an investigation into those allegations .
`` We had a phrase when we played that said , 'you do n't talk about it , you be about it , ' -- and I think what I 've seen from Dan and Tonya Snyder in the hiring of coach Rivera and some of the decisions they 've made , '' Wright said .
`` There are actual shifts in action to suggest it 's a new day , and that 's why I 'm excited to take this on . ''
Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in July it would review Washington 's off-season hires of two other executives to ensure the team complied with the league 's Rooney Rule , which requires NFL franchises to consider minority and/or female applications for executive positions .
`` It 's a culture transformation first , '' Wright said .
`` To make sure we have an organization people want to be a part of .
That itself will start to expand the value of the franchise and make the good things happen . ''
Wright did not disclose the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Morning America .
He said fans and sponsors will participate in a `` longer process '' to make a `` community decision '' on the new name .
Wright will assume his new role next week .

Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The Washington Football Team on Monday hired Jason Wright as team president. He is the first Black team president in NFL history.
Wright, 38, also is the youngest active NFL team president. Washington fired team president Bruce Allen in December. Allen had held the role since 2009.
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"I think first and foremost it's obviously very personal for me," Wright said Monday on Good Morning America.
Washington also hired former Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera in December. Rivera is one of just four minority head coaches in the NFL.
Wright played football at Northwestern before he spent seven seasons as an NFL player from 2004 through 2010. He then earned a master's of business administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business before he became a partner for McKinsey & Company, a global strategy and management consulting firm.
"The fact that I happen to be Black and the most qualified person for this is a boost," Wright said.
Wright was a team captain and a players' union representative during his NFL tenure. He also was an Academic All-American while at Northwestern.
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He will work under team owner Daniel Snyder amid major organizational overhaul. The NFC East franchise announced July 13 it retired its controversial former nickname and Native American branding. On July 23, the franchise announced it will use the Washington Football Team name and branding for the 2020 season and until it decides on a new name.
The franchise also is in turmoil after allegations of sexual harassment and verbal abuse among former employees surfaced in July as part of a report in the Washington Post. Washington has since launched an investigation into those allegations.
"We had a phrase when we played that said, 'you don't talk about it, you be about it,' -- and I think what I've seen from Dan and Tonya Snyder in the hiring of coach Rivera and some of the decisions they've made," Wright said.
"There are actual shifts in action to suggest it's a new day, and that's why I'm excited to take this on."
Wright's hire also comes after the NFL said in July it would review Washington's off-season hires of two other executives to ensure the team complied with the league's Rooney Rule, which requires NFL franchises to consider minority and/or female applications for executive positions.
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"It's a culture transformation first," Wright said. "To make sure we have an organization people want to be a part of. That itself will start to expand the value of the franchise and make the good things happen."
Wright did not disclose the team's new nickname during his appearance on Good Morning America. He said fans and sponsors will participate in a "longer process" to make a "community decision" on the new name.
Wright will assume his new role next week.