upi--2020-09-10--New York gynecologist charged with sexual abuse

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Prosecutors have charged a former Columbia University gynecologist with sexually abusing six victims , including a minor , under the guise of performing medical procedures over nearly two decades .
Unsealed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York , the indictment charges Robert Hadden with enticing and inducing six victims to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity .
Audrey Strauss , the acting U.S. attorney for the southern district , told reporters during a press briefing that the 62-year-old former professor had been arrested in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set forth in the indictment show Hadden acted as a predator in a white coat , '' she said .
While charged with six victims , the indictment accuses him of sexually abusing dozens more from 1993 to at least 2012 .
Strauss said Hadden used his prestigious positions to convince his victims to travel , some across the country , to his Manhattan office where he 'd abuse them under the guise of performing normal medically necessary procedures for his own sexual gratification .
Hadden 's pattern of abuse consisted of ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room so he could be alone with his victim , whose trust he 'd work to gain before engaging in abuse , she said .
`` Hadden inappropriately touched , squeezed and even licked his victims in the course of what his victims thought were medically necessary , gynecological and obstetric examinations , '' she said , accusing Hadden of scheduling the frequency of his abuses through methods such as enticing his victims to return to his office by offering them free birth control .
She accused Hadden of targeting young women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a minor whom he had delivered when she was born .
Evelyn Yang , the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang , has accused the doctor of abusing her when she was pregnant , and she thanked the prosecutors in a statement on Wednesday for charging Hadden .
`` This physician abused dozens of women , including minors , under the guise of practicing medicine and should not be walking free , '' she wrote .
Each of Hadden 's six counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may have been victimized by Hadden to contact the authorities .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Prosecutors have charged a former Columbia University gynecologist with sexually abusing six victims, including a minor, under the guise of performing medical procedures over nearly two decades.
Unsealed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the indictment charges Robert Hadden with enticing and inducing six victims to travel interstate to engage in illegal sexual activity.
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Audrey Strauss, the acting U.S. attorney for the southern district, told reporters during a press briefing that the 62-year-old former professor had been arrested in New Jersey that morning.
"The allegations set forth in the indictment show Hadden acted as a predator in a white coat," she said.
While charged with six victims, the indictment accuses him of sexually abusing dozens more from 1993 to at least 2012.
Strauss said Hadden used his prestigious positions to convince his victims to travel, some across the country, to his Manhattan office where he'd abuse them under the guise of performing normal medically necessary procedures for his own sexual gratification.
Hadden's pattern of abuse consisted of ordering nurses and medical assistants out of the room so he could be alone with his victim, whose trust he'd work to gain before engaging in abuse, she said.
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"Hadden inappropriately touched, squeezed and even licked his victims in the course of what his victims thought were medically necessary, gynecological and obstetric examinations," she said, accusing Hadden of scheduling the frequency of his abuses through methods such as enticing his victims to return to his office by offering them free birth control.
She accused Hadden of targeting young women and those who lacked experience with gynecologists, including a minor whom he had delivered when she was born.
Evelyn Yang, the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, has accused the doctor of abusing her when she was pregnant, and she thanked the prosecutors in a statement on Wednesday for charging Hadden.
"This physician abused dozens of women, including minors, under the guise of practicing medicine and should not be walking free," she wrote.
Each of Hadden's six counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and Strauss encouraged anyone else who may have been victimized by Hadden to contact the authorities.


upi--2020-09-10--CDC: Youth vaping down, though still popular with young people

The number of U.S. youths who use e-cigarettes fell from 5.4 million in 2019 to 3.6 million this year -- but vaping remains a dangerous epidemic among children and teens , a new government report shows .
`` Although the decline in e-cigarette use among our nation 's youth is a notable public health achievement , our work is far from over , '' Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said in an agency news release .
`` Youth e-cigarette use remains an epidemic , and [ the ] CDC is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this preventable health risk . ''
The analysis of National Youth Tobacco Survey data also found that 8 in 10 current youth vapers use flavored e-cigarettes .
The use of fruit , mint and menthol flavors of e-cigarettes was common among young users .
The survey of U.S. middle schoolers and high school students was conducted from Jan. 16 to March 16 , and the findings were analyzed by researchers from the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
The data show that 19.6 % of high school students and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-cigarettes in 2020 , down from 27.5 % and 10.5 % , respectively , in 2019 .
As in 2019 , pre-filled pods/cartridges were the most commonly used device type among youth e-cigarette users in 2020 .
However , from 2019 to 2020 , disposable e-cigarette use increased from 2.4 % to 26.5 % -- a 1,000 % increase -- among high school e-cigarette users and from 3 % to 15.2 % -- a 400 % increase -- among middle school e-cigarette users .
The findings were published Sept. 9 in the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These findings reinforce the importance of continuing to focus on the strategies that work to reduce youth tobacco product use while keeping pace with emerging trends in tobacco products , '' said Dr. Karen Hacker , director of CDC 's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion .
`` Implementing these strategies at the national , state and local levels is integral to preventing and reducing youth tobacco product use , including e-cigarettes , '' Hacker added in the release .
While the decline in youth vaping is good news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the 3.6 million U.S. youth who currently use e-cigarettes and we acknowledge there is work that still needs to be done to curb youth use .
Youth use of e-cigarettes remains a public health crisis and we will do everything possible to stop it , including new actions we are taking today , '' FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in an FDA news release .
`` The findings come as we mark today 's premarket review submission deadline , a milestone for ensuring new tobacco products , including many already on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluation by the FDA .
Scientific review of new products is a critical part of how we carry out our mission to protect the public -- especially kids -- from the harms associated with tobacco use , '' Hahn said .
The U.S .
Surgeon General has more on the risks of e-cigarettes to youth .

The number of U.S. youths who use e-cigarettes fell from 5.4 million in 2019 to 3.6 million this year -- but vaping remains a dangerous epidemic among children and teens, a new government report shows.
"Although the decline in e-cigarette use among our nation's youth is a notable public health achievement, our work is far from over," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an agency news release. "Youth e-cigarette use remains an epidemic, and [the] CDC is committed to supporting efforts to protect youth from this preventable health risk."
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The analysis of National Youth Tobacco Survey data also found that 8 in 10 current youth vapers use flavored e-cigarettes. The use of fruit, mint and menthol flavors of e-cigarettes was common among young users.
The survey of U.S. middle schoolers and high school students was conducted from Jan. 16 to March 16, and the findings were analyzed by researchers from the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The data show that 19.6% of high school students and 4.7% of middle school students used e-cigarettes in 2020, down from 27.5% and 10.5%, respectively, in 2019.
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As in 2019, pre-filled pods/cartridges were the most commonly used device type among youth e-cigarette users in 2020. However, from 2019 to 2020, disposable e-cigarette use increased from 2.4% to 26.5% -- a 1,000% increase -- among high school e-cigarette users and from 3% to 15.2% -- a 400% increase -- among middle school e-cigarette users.
The findings were published Sept. 9 in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
"These findings reinforce the importance of continuing to focus on the strategies that work to reduce youth tobacco product use while keeping pace with emerging trends in tobacco products," said Dr. Karen Hacker, director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
"Implementing these strategies at the national, state and local levels is integral to preventing and reducing youth tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes," Hacker added in the release.
While the decline in youth vaping is good news, "the FDA remains very concerned about the 3.6 million U.S. youth who currently use e-cigarettes and we acknowledge there is work that still needs to be done to curb youth use. Youth use of e-cigarettes remains a public health crisis and we will do everything possible to stop it, including new actions we are taking today," FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in an FDA news release.
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"The findings come as we mark today's premarket review submission deadline, a milestone for ensuring new tobacco products, including many already on the market, undergo a robust scientific evaluation by the FDA. Scientific review of new products is a critical part of how we carry out our mission to protect the public -- especially kids -- from the harms associated with tobacco use," Hahn said.
More information
The U.S. Surgeon General has more on the risks of e-cigarettes to youth.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-10--On This Day, Sept. 10: Large Hadron Collider activated for first time

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1813 , U.S. naval units under the command of Capt .
Oliver Perry defeated a British squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie .
In 1823 , Simon Bolivar , who led the wars for independence from Spain in Venezuela , Colombia , Peru and Bolivia , was named president of Peru with dictatorial powers .
In 1846 , Elias Howe received a patent for the sewing machine .
In 1963 , black students entered the white public schools of Birmingham , Tuskegee and Mobile in Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's National Guard .
In 1977 , Tunisian immigrant Hamida Djandoubi became the last person France executed by guillotine .
He was convicted of torturing and strangling his girlfriend because she refused to become a prostitute .
In 1981 , Pablo Picasso 's epic painting , Guernica , which depicted the air bombing of the Spanish town by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italian planes , was delivered to Spain for the first time since it was painted in 1937 .
The painter , who was living in France , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy was restored .
In 2002 , Switzerland and Timor-Leste joined the United Nations , expanding the membership roll to 191 .
It eventually increased to 193 .
In 2008 , scientists in a Geneva lab activated the Large Hadron Collider , the world 's largest and most powerful subatomic particle accelerator , built over a 14-year period and costing an estimated $ 8 billion .
It had to be shut down after nine days for repairs .
In 2011 , nearly 200 people died after an overloaded ferry capsized and sank off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 were rescued .
In 2014 , in a speech to the nation , President Barack Obama said the United States and a `` broad coalition '' will `` degrade and ultimately destroy '' Islamic State terrorists .
In 2019 , Margaret Atwood published The Testaments , her sequel to The Handmaid 's Tale .

1/3
In a October 24, 2005, handout image from the European Organization for Nuclear Research, two Large Hadron Collider magnets are seen before they are connected together. On September 10, 2008, scientists in a Geneva lab activated the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful subatomic particle accelerator, built over a 14-year period and costing an estimated $8 billion. It had to be shut down after nine days for repairs. File Photo by Maximilien Brice/CERN
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1813, U.S. naval units under the command of Capt. Oliver Perry defeated a British squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie. Advertisement
In 1823, Simon Bolivar, who led the wars for independence from Spain in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, was named president of Peru with dictatorial powers.
In 1846, Elias Howe received a patent for the sewing machine.
File Photo by Ali Jasim/UPI
In 1963, black students entered the white public schools of Birmingham, Tuskegee and Mobile in Alabama after U.S. President John F. Kennedy federalized the state's National Guard.
In 1977, Tunisian immigrant Hamida Djandoubi became the last person France executed by guillotine. He was convicted of torturing and strangling his girlfriend because she refused to become a prostitute.
In 1981, Pablo Picasso's epic painting, Guernica, which depicted the air bombing of the Spanish town by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italian planes, was delivered to Spain for the first time since it was painted in 1937. The painter, who was living in France, said it could not be returned to Spain until democracy was restored.
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In 2002, Switzerland and Timor-Leste joined the United Nations, expanding the membership roll to 191. It eventually increased to 193.
Johann Schneide-Ammann, president of Switzerland, addresses the 71st session of the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly on September 20. Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
In 2008, scientists in a Geneva lab activated the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful subatomic particle accelerator, built over a 14-year period and costing an estimated $8 billion. It had to be shut down after nine days for repairs.
In 2011, nearly 200 people died after an overloaded ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Tanzania. More than 600 were rescued.
In 2014, in a speech to the nation, President Barack Obama said the United States and a "broad coalition" will "degrade and ultimately destroy" Islamic State terrorists.
In 2019, Margaret Atwood published The Testaments, her sequel to The Handmaid's Tale.
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI


upi--2020-09-10--Famous birthdays for Sept. 10: Colin Firth, Joe Perry

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo .
-- Baseball @ @ @ @ @ `` The Big Unit '' Johnson in 1963 ( age 57 )

Colin Firth attends the premiere of "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" at Odeon, Leicester Square in London on September 18, 2017. The actor turns 60 on September 10. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Virgo. They include: Advertisement
-- Pope Julius III in 1487
-- Fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli in 1890
-- Dancer Adele Astaire in 1896
-- Hall of Fame golfer Arnold Palmer in 1929
-- Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in 1933
File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI
-- Television journalist Charles Kuralt in 1934
-- Home run-hitting baseball star Roger Maris in 1934
-- Football Hall of Fame member Buck Buchanan in 1940
-- Science writer Stephen Jay Gould in 1941
-- Singer Jose Feliciano in 1945 (age 75)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Bob Lanier in 1948 (age 72)
-- Political commentator Bill O'Reilly in 1949 (age 71)
-- Musician Joe Perry in 1950 (age 70)
File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI
-- Actor Amy Irving in 1953 (age 67)
-- Actor Clark Johnson in 1954 (age 66)
-- Film director Chris Columbus in 1958 (age 62)
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-- Actor Colin Firth in 1960 (age 60)
-- Cartoonist Alison Bechdel in 1960 (age 60)
-- Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson in 1963 (age 57)
-- Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma 1964 (age 56)
-- Hockey Hall of Fame member Joe Nieuwendyk in 1966 (age 54)
-- Film director Guy Ritchie in 1968 (age 52)
-- Actor Ryan Phillippe in 1974 (age 46)
-- Ballet dancer Misty Copeland in 1982 (age 38)


upi--2020-09-10--Chiefs, Texans to launch NFL season amid COVID-19 caution

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- An NFL season that once seemed improbable due to the coronavirus pandemic will get underway Thursday , when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans in front of 16,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium .
`` It 's very exciting to be the first game of the year , '' Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters this week .
`` [ There is ] all of this anticipation , but at the same time we are just playing a football game . ''
Kansas City 's game with Houston marks the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , which remains on schedule despite the pandemic 's disruption of nearly every other sports league in the world .
In its latest round of COVID-19 monitoring , the NFL announced that one player tested positive out of more than 17,519 tests for 2,641 players from Aug. 30 through Saturday .
`` It has been an interesting training camp , off-season and everything combined , '' Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said Monday .
`` For the game to actually be here is very exciting .
There is a sense of normalcy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are really excited about that .
`` We are excited to give the fans a show . ''
The Chiefs and Texans will kick off the season at 8:20 p.m. EDT .
About 22 % of the stadium 's capacity will be allowed to attend , with the reduced number of fans a safety precaution for the virus .
`` I 'm looking forward to our fans being in there , '' Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday .
`` I know they are going to be loud and cover all the areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody hooting and hollering .
It will be a great challenge for the fans and for us . ''
The game will air on NBC .
Mahomes is arguably the best player in the NFL .
The reigning Super Bowl MVP has most of his offense from 2019 intact for this season and should find success Thursday against a Texans defense that ranked 29th against the pass last season .
The score of the game could out of hand if the Texans ca n't get it going on the ground to get first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mahomes most likely will look most often for tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill , but also could try to build rapport with rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire .
The LSU product was the No .
32 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and appears to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs ' offense .
The Chiefs ' defense was great against the pass last season , but allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fourth-most yards per rush in 2019 .
The Texans most likely will attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , who joined the team in an off-season trade .
Deshaun Watson is also considered one of the best quarterbacks in the AFC .
He led the 15th-best passing attack in 2019 , but lost top target DeAndre Hopkins in the trade that brought Johnson to Houston from the Arizona Cardinals .
The Texans had the ninth-most rushing yards in 2019 and should attempt to establish the ground game early on to control the clock and tempo of the contest .
`` This is an opportunity for both quarterbacks to show what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Watson said .
`` [ We did n't have ] preseason games , so we will have to get warmed up .
`` I would n't say Pat and I are competing against each other .
We are trying to be the best quarterbacks for our teams . ''
The Texans beat the Chiefs 31-24 in Week 6 of last season , but Kansas City scored a comeback win over Houston in the playoffs en route to the Vince Lombardi trophy .

Travis Kelce (87) and the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Houston Texans at 8:20 p.m. EDT Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- An NFL season that once seemed improbable due to the coronavirus pandemic will get underway Thursday, when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans in front of 16,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. "It's very exciting to be the first game of the year," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters this week. "[There is] all of this anticipation, but at the same time we are just playing a football game." Advertisement
Kansas City's game with Houston marks the start of the league's 17-week regular season, which remains on schedule despite the pandemic's disruption of nearly every other sports league in the world.
In its latest round of COVID-19 monitoring, the NFL announced that one player tested positive out of more than 17,519 tests for 2,641 players from Aug. 30 through Saturday.
"It has been an interesting training camp, off-season and everything combined," Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said Monday. "For the game to actually be here is very exciting. There is a sense of normalcy that hasn't been there. We are really excited about that.
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"We are excited to give the fans a show."
The Chiefs and Texans will kick off the season at 8:20 p.m. EDT. About 22% of the stadium's capacity will be allowed to attend, with the reduced number of fans a safety precaution for the virus.
"I'm looking forward to our fans being in there," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Tuesday. "I know they are going to be loud and cover all the areas of the stand. We will need everybody hooting and hollering. It will be a great challenge for the fans and for us."
The game will air on NBC.
Matchup keys
Mahomes is arguably the best player in the NFL. The reigning Super Bowl MVP has most of his offense from 2019 intact for this season and should find success Thursday against a Texans defense that ranked 29th against the pass last season.
The score of the game could out of hand if the Texans can't get it going on the ground to get first downs and keep Mahomes on the sideline.
Mahomes most likely will look most often for tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, but also could try to build rapport with rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The LSU product was the No. 32 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and appears to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs' offense.
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The Chiefs' defense was great against the pass last season, but allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fourth-most yards per rush in 2019. The Texans most likely will attempt to exploit that with running back David Johnson, who joined the team in an off-season trade.
Deshaun Watson is also considered one of the best quarterbacks in the AFC. He led the 15th-best passing attack in 2019, but lost top target DeAndre Hopkins in the trade that brought Johnson to Houston from the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texans had the ninth-most rushing yards in 2019 and should attempt to establish the ground game early on to control the clock and tempo of the contest.
"This is an opportunity for both quarterbacks to show what they've been working on this off-season," Watson said. "[We didn't have] preseason games, so we will have to get warmed up.
"I wouldn't say Pat and I are competing against each other. We are trying to be the best quarterbacks for our teams."
The Texans beat the Chiefs 31-24 in Week 6 of last season, but Kansas City scored a comeback win over Houston in the playoffs en route to the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Prediction
Chiefs 40, Texans 17
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Week 1 schedule
Texans at Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. EDT Thursday
Jets at Bills, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Packers at Vikings, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Eagles at Washington, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Browns at Ravens, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Colts at Jaguars, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Raiders at Panthers, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Bears at Lions, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Seahawks at Falcons, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Dolphins at Patriots, 1 p.m. EDT Sunday
Chargers at Bengals, 4:05 p.m. EDT Sunday
Cardinals at 49ers, 4:25 p.m. EDT Sunday
Buccaneers at Saints, 4:25 p.m. EDT Sunday
Cowboys at Rams, 8:20 p.m. EDT Sunday
Steelers at Giants, 7:10 p.m. EDT Monday
Titans at Broncos, 10:20 p.m. EDT Monday


upi--2020-09-10--Brooks Koepka to skip U.S. Open due to injuries

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Brooks Koepka , who has been dealing with hip and knee issues this year , withdrew from next week 's U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club .
Koepka has won two of the last three U.S. Open tournaments and finished second to Gary Woodland last year at Pebble Beach .
`` Unfortunately , I have decided to withdraw from next week 's U.S. Open , '' Koepka wrote Wednesday on Twitter .
`` I 'm looking forward to getting healthy and competing at 100 % again very soon . ''
Last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player since Walter Hagen in the 1920s to win three consecutive PGA Championships .
He fell out of contention with a final-round 74 at Harding Park .
Koepka then missed the cut at the Wyndham Championship the following week and withdrew from the first FedEx Cup playoff event -- the Northern Trust -- to end his 2019-20 season .
Koepka , who began the year as the top-ranked golfer in the world , has dropped to No .
8 in the rankings .
The four-time major champion underwent a stem cell procedure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tour Championship but aggravated the injury in October .
He did n't play again until January .
The U.S. Open begins Sept. 17 after the event was rescheduled from June due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Brooks Koepka has won two of the last three U.S. Open tournaments and finished second to Gary Woodland last year at Pebble Beach. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Brooks Koepka, who has been dealing with hip and knee issues this year, withdrew from next week's U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. Koepka has won two of the last three U.S. Open tournaments and finished second to Gary Woodland last year at Pebble Beach. Advertisement
"Unfortunately, I have decided to withdraw from next week's U.S. Open," Koepka wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "I'm looking forward to getting healthy and competing at 100% again very soon."
Last month, Koepka was trying to become the first player since Walter Hagen in the 1920s to win three consecutive PGA Championships. He fell out of contention with a final-round 74 at Harding Park.
Koepka then missed the cut at the Wyndham Championship the following week and withdrew from the first FedEx Cup playoff event -- the Northern Trust -- to end his 2019-20 season.
Koepka, who began the year as the top-ranked golfer in the world, has dropped to No. 8 in the rankings. The four-time major champion underwent a stem cell procedure on his left knee after last year's Tour Championship but aggravated the injury in October. He didn't play again until January.
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The U.S. Open begins Sept. 17 after the event was rescheduled from June due to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-09-10--Miami Dolphins to remain in locker room during anthems

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Miami Dolphins will remain inside the locker room during both the national anthem and `` Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing , '' traditionally known as the Black national anthem , in the 2020 NFL season .
Both anthems are expected to be performed live or played before every Week 1 game , among other measures by the league to observe victims of police brutality and racial injustice .
`` This attempt to unify only creates more divide .
So we 'll skip this song and dance , and as a team we 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combined to say in the team 's two-minute , 17-second video posted Thursday .
`` We need changed hearts , not just a response to pressure .
Enough , no more fluff and empty gestures .
`` We need owners with influence and pockets bigger than ours to call up officials and flex political power . ''
In the Dolphins ' video , 18 players -- both Black and White -- spoke about their desires for prison reform and justice against police brutality .
They also demanded for NFL owners to get more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't need another publicity parade , '' Dolphins defensive back Bobby McCain said in the video .
`` If you speak up for change , I 'll shut up and play . ''
At the conclusion of the video , Dolphins head coach Brian Flores supported his players , saying : `` Before the media starts wondering and guessing , they just answered all your questions .
We 'll just stay inside . ''
The Dolphins are the first NFL team to collectively issue a statement regarding protests during the national anthem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video were : Christian Wilkins , Davon Godchaux , Shaq Lawson , Ted Karras , Jesse Davis , Kyle Van Noy , Elandon Roberts , Eric Rowe , Kavon Frazier , McCain , Byron Jones , Jamal Perry , Mike Gesicki , Durham Smythe , Preston Williams , Isaiah Ford , Matt Breida and Patrick Laird .
Meanwhile , all members of the Houston Texans remained in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem and `` Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing '' before Thursday night 's season opener against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field for both anthems , with linebacker Alex Okafor being the only player to kneel during the national anthem .
After the anthem finished , both teams lined up near the middle of the field and locked arms for a moment of silence to recognize victims of police brutality and social injustice .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins will remain inside the locker room during both the national anthem and "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," traditionally known as the Black national anthem, in the 2020 NFL season.
Both anthems are expected to be performed live or played before every Week 1 game, among other measures by the league to observe victims of police brutality and racial injustice.
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"This attempt to unify only creates more divide. So we'll skip this song and dance, and as a team we'll stay inside," multiple Dolphins players combined to say in the team's two-minute, 17-second video posted Thursday. "We need changed hearts, not just a response to pressure. Enough, no more fluff and empty gestures.
"We need owners with influence and pockets bigger than ours to call up officials and flex political power."
In the Dolphins' video, 18 players -- both Black and White -- spoke about their desires for prison reform and justice against police brutality. They also demanded for NFL owners to get more involved in creating change.
"We don't need another publicity parade," Dolphins defensive back Bobby McCain said in the video. "If you speak up for change, I'll shut up and play."
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At the conclusion of the video, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores supported his players, saying: "Before the media starts wondering and guessing, they just answered all your questions. We'll just stay inside."
The Dolphins are the first NFL team to collectively issue a statement regarding protests during the national anthem this season. Players involved in the video were: Christian Wilkins, Davon Godchaux, Shaq Lawson, Ted Karras, Jesse Davis, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Eric Rowe, Kavon Frazier, McCain, Byron Jones, Jamal Perry, Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Preston Williams, Isaiah Ford, Matt Breida and Patrick Laird.
#Dolphins players are united in staying inside for both national anthems, united on social justice, and united on demanding less captions and more actions. They seek justice, answers, and real change. A video pic.twitter.com/KmtmtdyJbC— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2020
Meanwhile, all members of the Houston Texans remained in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem and "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing" before Thursday night's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs stayed on the field for both anthems, with linebacker Alex Okafor being the only player to kneel during the national anthem. After the anthem finished, both teams lined up near the middle of the field and locked arms for a moment of silence to recognize victims of police brutality and social injustice.


upi--2020-09-10--Kamala Harris calls Trump's downplaying of COVID-19 'outrageous' in Florida visit

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Thursday said it was `` outrageous '' that President Donald Trump sought to downplay the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic as she visited Florida ahead of November 's election .
Speaking at Florida Memorial University on issues affecting African American communities , the senator condemned the president for not being forthcoming with the American people about the severity of the coronavirus .
Harris ' comments come after the release of an excerpt from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward 's new book in which he said Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as not to `` create a panic . ''
`` What we are hearing is that on Jan. 28 , the president and vice president were informed about the imminence and the dangers of COVID-19 , '' she said .
`` On Feb. 7 , the president of the United States , who has the unique and very important responsibility of concerning himself with keeping the American people safe , was in a conversation where ... he said that COVID was deadly stuff , said that it is airborne .
He knew it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` This is an individual who is not concerned about the health , safety and well-being of the American people and is frankly engaged in a reckless disregard of the lives and well-being of the people of our country , '' Harris said .
`` I find it so outrageous . ''
Harris said that if elected , she and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will listen to scientists and `` embrace the truth '' of the pandemic by implementing national plans for testing , contact tracing and distributing a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson , D-Fla. , Miami Shores Mayor Crystal Wagar and community leaders .
Wilson , who introduced Harris , also blasted Trump for his handling of the pandemic .
`` It does n't just make me angry -- I am enraged , '' Wilson said .
`` We call him a racist but we have another term now because he 's a murderer . ''
Biden will visit the state Tuesday .
The location and other details of the former vice president 's trip have not yet been announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , hosted an online roundtable discussion focused on school reopenings in Jacksonville , Fla. , earlier this week .
The visits are their first in Florida since they were each nominated at the Democratic National Convention last month .
Trump visited South Florida Tuesday to sign an executive order extending and expanding a ban on oil drilling off the state 's shorelines .
With 29 electoral votes , Florida is one of the key battleground states in any presidential election .
Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by about 110,000 votes there four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. presidential elections , dating back to 1960 , Florida has voted for the eventual winner in all but two of the contests -- 1960 , when Richard Nixon lost to John F. Kennedy , and 1992 , when incumbent President George H.W .
Bush lost to Bill Clinton .

Democratic vice presidential candidate and California Sen. Kamala Harris accepts the party's nomination for vice president on August 19, the third night of the Democratic National Convention. UPI Photo | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Thursday said it was "outrageous" that President Donald Trump sought to downplay the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic as she visited Florida ahead of November's election. Speaking at Florida Memorial University on issues affecting African American communities, the senator condemned the president for not being forthcoming with the American people about the severity of the coronavirus. Advertisement
Harris' comments come after the release of an excerpt from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward's new book in which he said Trump told him he played down the pandemic so as not to "create a panic."
"What we are hearing is that on Jan. 28, the president and vice president were informed about the imminence and the dangers of COVID-19," she said. "On Feb. 7, the president of the United States, who has the unique and very important responsibility of concerning himself with keeping the American people safe, was in a conversation where ... he said that COVID was deadly stuff, said that it is airborne. He knew it was airborne, that people would breathe it.
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"This is an individual who is not concerned about the health, safety and well-being of the American people and is frankly engaged in a reckless disregard of the lives and well-being of the people of our country," Harris said. "I find it so outrageous."
Harris said that if elected, she and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will listen to scientists and "embrace the truth" of the pandemic by implementing national plans for testing, contact tracing and distributing a vaccine.
Harris was joined at the event by U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., Miami Shores Mayor Crystal Wagar and community leaders.
Wilson, who introduced Harris, also blasted Trump for his handling of the pandemic.
"It doesn't just make me angry -- I am enraged," Wilson said. "We call him a racist but we have another term now because he's a murderer."
Biden will visit the state Tuesday. The location and other details of the former vice president's trip have not yet been announced. Jill Biden, the candidate's wife, hosted an online roundtable discussion focused on school reopenings in Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this week.
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The visits are their first in Florida since they were each nominated at the Democratic National Convention last month.
Trump visited South Florida Tuesday to sign an executive order extending and expanding a ban on oil drilling off the state's shorelines.
With 29 electoral votes, Florida is one of the key battleground states in any presidential election. Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by about 110,000 votes there four years ago.
In the last 15 U.S. presidential elections, dating back to 1960, Florida has voted for the eventual winner in all but two of the contests -- 1960, when Richard Nixon lost to John F. Kennedy, and 1992, when incumbent President George H.W. Bush lost to Bill Clinton.


upi--2020-09-10--Court: Census must count undocumented immigrants for apportionment

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- A federal court on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump 's order preventing undocumented immigrants from being included in the census count to determine congressional seats .
The special three-judge panel in New York unanimously approved an injunction against Trump 's July order .
They did n't rule on whether the order is unconstitutional , but said it would cause harm for the next decade , until the next census is conducted .
`` We declare the presidential memorandum to be an unlawful exercise of the authority granted to the president by statute , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered that undocumented immigrants should not be counted for the purpose of apportionment in the 2020 census , meaning they would n't be considered when determining how many representatives each state gets in the House .
The Trump administration at the time said excluding undocumented immigrants `` from the apportionment base is more consonant with the principles of representative democracy underpinning our system of government . ''
The American Civil Liberties Union , which represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit , welcomed the ruling .
`` The law is clear : Everyone gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't pick and choose , '' the organization said .
The Trump administration lost another legal challenge last year after it attempted to include a question on the census asking whether the respondent was living in the United States legally .
Challengers feared that such a question would cause undocumented immigrants not to fill out the census for fear of being targeted for deportation or other actions .

Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham testifies before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29. A federal court approved an injunction blocking President Donald Trump's memorandum ordering the census not to count undocumented immigrants for apportionment. File Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A federal court on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump's order preventing undocumented immigrants from being included in the census count to determine congressional seats. The special three-judge panel in New York unanimously approved an injunction against Trump's July order. They didn't rule on whether the order is unconstitutional, but said it would cause harm for the next decade, until the next census is conducted. Advertisement
"We declare the presidential memorandum to be an unlawful exercise of the authority granted to the president by statute," the panel ruled.
Trump's memorandum ordered that undocumented immigrants should not be counted for the purpose of apportionment in the 2020 census, meaning they wouldn't be considered when determining how many representatives each state gets in the House.
The Trump administration at the time said excluding undocumented immigrants "from the apportionment base is more consonant with the principles of representative democracy underpinning our system of government."
The American Civil Liberties Union, which represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, welcomed the ruling.
"The law is clear: Everyone gets counted in the census -- you can't pick and choose," the organization said.
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The Trump administration lost another legal challenge last year after it attempted to include a question on the census asking whether the respondent was living in the United States legally. Challengers feared that such a question would cause undocumented immigrants not to fill out the census for fear of being targeted for deportation or other actions.


upi--2020-09-10--10 F-35Bs fly to Britain for exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Britain 's new aircraft carrier , HMS Queen Elizabeth , has departed Portsmouth , @ @ @ @ @ in anticipation of training drills with 10 F-35Bs from the United States .
According to @ @ @ @ @ fighter jets arrived at RAF Marham in Norfolk Thursday after being deployed from the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ , Ariz. Their flight included one step at Beaufort , S.C. '' Flying that far @ @ @ @ @ skill from the maintainers who prepared the aircraft and the pilots who conducted mission planning @ @ @ @ @ landings after a nine-hour flight .
Realistic training is essential to maintaining our combat readiness @ @ @ @ @ The F-35Bs will participate in the Group Exercise for several weeks beginning later this month @ @ @ @ @ selective interoperability to address gaps and mitigate risks within the U.S. and U.K. 's respective @ @ @ @ @ Lt. Zachary Bodner , a spokesman for VMFA-211 , told USNI News .

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2018. Photo by Corey Hook/U.S. Air Force
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Britain's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has departed Portsmouth, England for a short cruise in anticipation of training drills with 10 F-35Bs from the United States. According to the Royal Navy, the fighter jets arrived at RAF Marham in Norfolk Thursday after being deployed from the U.S. Marine Corps base in Yuma, Ariz. Advertisement
Their flight included one step at Beaufort, S.C.
"Flying that far required an immense amount of skill from the maintainers who prepared the aircraft and the pilots who conducted mission planning, aerial refueling and vertical landings after a nine-hour flight. Realistic training is essential to maintaining our combat readiness," Bodner said.
The F-35Bs will participate in the Group Exercise for several weeks beginning later this month.
"GroupEx will establish selective interoperability to address gaps and mitigate risks within the U.S. and U.K.'s respective individual forces," 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner, a spokesman for VMFA-211, told USNI News.


upi--2020-09-10--San Francisco Giants release former World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco Giants on Thursday requested release waivers on former World Series MVP and All-Star infielder Pablo Sandoval .
Sandoval 's release marks the second time in the 2020 season that San Francisco has parted ways with a fan favorite .
The Giants also released struggling outfielder Hunter Pence in August after designating him for assignment .
Sandoval -- nicknamed `` Kung Fu Panda '' -- was in his second stint with the Giants .
The 34-year-old slugger was hitting .220 with one home run and six RBIs this season .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciation to the Giants organization .
`` It 's been an honor and privilege to play for you , '' Sandoval wrote .
`` My heart will forever be in San Francisco . ''
Sandoval rejoined the Giants in 2017 after his release from the Boston Red Sox .
The Red Sox cut him only three seasons into a five-year , $ 95 million contract he signed with the club after the 2014 campaign .
In 1,310 career games , Sandoval has recorded a .279 batting average with 149 home runs and 628 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2011-12 and was the World Series MVP in 2012 .

San Francisco Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval was hitting .220 with one home run and six RBIs this season. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants on Thursday requested release waivers on former World Series MVP and All-Star infielder Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval's release marks the second time in the 2020 season that San Francisco has parted ways with a fan favorite. The Giants also released struggling outfielder Hunter Pence in August after designating him for assignment. Advertisement
Sandoval -- nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda" -- was in his second stint with the Giants. The 34-year-old slugger was hitting .220 with one home run and six RBIs this season.
In an Instagram post Thursday, Sandoval expressed his appreciation to the Giants organization.
"It's been an honor and privilege to play for you," Sandoval wrote. "My heart will forever be in San Francisco."
Sandoval rejoined the Giants in 2017 after his release from the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox cut him only three seasons into a five-year, $95 million contract he signed with the club after the 2014 campaign.
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In 1,310 career games, Sandoval has recorded a .279 batting average with 149 home runs and 628 RBIs. He was an All-Star selection in 2011-12 and was the World Series MVP in 2012.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-09-10--Kaitlyn Dever joins Michael Keaton in Hulu's 'Dopesick'

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Last Man Standing and Booksmart actress Kaitlyn Dever has signed on to star in @ @ @ @ @ Dopesick .
Set to debut in 2021 , the eight-part drama is about the opioid @ @ @ @ @ .
It was written by Danny Strong and will be directed by Barry Levinson .
@ @ @ @ @ miner , Keaton will play her doctor and Peter Sarsgaard will appear as an assistant @ @ @ @ @ Pharma case .
The series is based on Beth Macy 's non-fiction book of the @ @ @

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Kaitlyn Dever has signed on for a role in Hulu's "Dopesick." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Last Man Standing and Booksmart actress Kaitlyn Dever has signed on to star in Hulu's limited series, Dopesick. Set to debut in 2021, the eight-part drama is about the opioid crisis in the United States. It was written by Danny Strong and will be directed by Barry Levinson. Advertisement
Dever will play a coal miner, Keaton will play her doctor and Peter Sarsgaard will appear as an assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the Purdue Pharma case.
The series is based on Beth Macy's non-fiction book of the same name.
Dever's other credits include Justified and Unbelievable.


upi--2020-09-10--August Complex Fire becomes largest wildfire in California history

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The August Complex Fire in California 's Tehama County has become the largest blaze in the state 's history as more than 100 fires are burn in the western United States .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Thursday that the August Complex Fire has burned 471,185 acres in the Elk Creek and Stonyford area , surpassing the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire , which burned 459,123 acres .
Six of the largest fires in California 's history have taken place in 2020 .
Cal Fire said 29 major wildfires are active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned in the state since the beginning of the season .
The National Interagency Fire Center said 102 large fires have burned a combined 4.4 million acres in 12 states in the western United States , resulting in at least 16 deaths in California , Oregon and Washington .
In California , five people were killed in the LNU Lightning Complex , three were killed in the North Complex , and one each were killed in the CZU August Lightning Complex , August Lightning Complex , Tatham Fire and Hills Fires .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Santiam Fire and one was killed in the Almeda Fire , and one person died in the Cold Springs Fire in Washington .
Fire officials in Oregon on Thursday warned that two of the state 's largest blazes , the Beachie Creek and Riverside fires , are likely to combine after having burned a collective 300,000 acres .
`` We fully expect those two fires to combine , '' said Doug Grage , chief of fire protection at the Oregon Department of Forestry .
`` This fire will continue to push near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop for the forward spread to stop . ''
The state 's five largest fires , which have each burned more than 100,000 acres , are collectively 1 % contained and Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown said more than 900,000 acres have burned -- nearly twice the yearly average over the past decade .
`` We have never seen this amount of uncontained fire across our state , '' she said .
Evacuations continued in Clackamas County as the city of Molalla 's 8,000 residents were ordered to evacuate and residents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high alert .
Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley said detectives have launched an investigation into the death of a 1-year-old child who died as his family attempted to flee the Cold Springs Fire in Washington in the event that officials later determine the blaze was human-caused .
Gov .
Jay Inslee said he and his wife Trudi were heartbroken to hear of the death , which he said was the first of the 2020 fire season in the state as two large fires burn in Okanogan and Douglas counties on the eastern side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cold Springs Fire has burned 172,000 acres and was 10 % contained , while the Pearl Hill Fire burned 174,000 acres at 41 % containment .
Weather officials also warned a dense and `` super-massive '' plume of smoke from the fires is likely to move west and mix downward heading into Friday to create unhealthy air conditions in the Puget Sound area .

The 471,185-acre August Complex Fire has become the largest fire in California's history as at least 16 people have died in wildfires that have burned 4.4 milion acres in the western United States. Photo by Peter DaSilva/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The August Complex Fire in California's Tehama County has become the largest blaze in the state's history as more than 100 fires are burn in the western United States. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Thursday that the August Complex Fire has burned 471,185 acres in the Elk Creek and Stonyford area, surpassing the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, which burned 459,123 acres. Advertisement
Six of the largest fires in California's history have taken place in 2020. Cal Fire said 29 major wildfires are active and more than 3.1 million acres have burned in the state since the beginning of the season.
The National Interagency Fire Center said 102 large fires have burned a combined 4.4 million acres in 12 states in the western United States, resulting in some two dozen deaths in California, Oregon and Washington.
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In California, five people were killed in the LNU Lightning Complex, 10 were killed in the North Complex, and one each were killed in the CZU August Lightning Complex, August Lightning Complex, Tatham Fire and Hills Fires. In Oregon, two people were killed in the Santiam Fire and one was killed in the Almeda Fire, and one person died in the Cold Springs Fire in Washington.
Oregon
Fire officials in Oregon on Thursday warned that two of the state's largest blazes, the Beachie Creek and Riverside fires, are likely to combine after having burned a collective 300,000 acres.
"We fully expect those two fires to combine," said Doug Grage, chief of fire protection at the Oregon Department of Forestry. "This fire will continue to push near Molalla. We really need these winds to stop for the forward spread to stop."
The state's five largest fires, which have each burned more than 100,000 acres, are collectively 1% contained and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said more than 900,000 acres have burned -- nearly twice the yearly average over the past decade.
"We have never seen this amount of uncontained fire across our state," she said.
Evacuations continued in Clackamas County as the city of Molalla's 8,000 residents were ordered to evacuate and residents in Oregon City and Canby were placed on high alert.
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Washington
Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley said detectives have launched an investigation into the death of a 1-year-old child who died as his family attempted to flee the Cold Springs Fire in Washington in the event that officials later determine the blaze was human-caused.
Gov. Jay Inslee said he and his wife Trudi were heartbroken to hear of the death, which he said was the first of the 2020 fire season in the state as two large fires burn in Okanogan and Douglas counties on the eastern side of the state.
Officials said the Cold Springs Fire has burned 172,000 acres and was 10% contained, while the Pearl Hill Fire burned 174,000 acres at 41% containment.
Weather officials also warned a dense and "super-massive" plume of smoke from the fires is likely to move west and mix downward heading into Friday to create unhealthy air conditions in the Puget Sound area.


upi--2020-09-10--Disney+ announces 'Doogie Howser' re-do

Disney+ announces 'Doogie Howser' re-do

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Neil Patrick Harris ' 1980s and '90s medical dramedy , Doogie Howser , M.D.
@ @ @ @ @ at Disney+ , the streaming service announced Thursday .
Doogie Kameāloha , M.D .
is @ @ @ @ @ Doogie '' Kameāloha , a mixed race 16-year-old doctor in Hawaii .
An actress has @ @ @ @ @ titular character .
`` Thirty years ago , a young medical prodigy took the world @ @ @ @ @ lasting impact on pop culture , '' Ricky Strauss , president of content and marketing @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
`` Kourtney and the team at 20th Television have created a very @ @ @ @ @ property which will resonate with our global Disney+ audience .
We ca n't wait to @ @ @ @ @ new Doogie ! ''
The original ran for four seasons 1989-93 .
It also was @ @ @ @ @ .

Neil Patrick Harris' medical dramedy, "Doogie Howser, M.D." is getting a remake at Disney+. File Photo by Gregg DeGuire/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Neil Patrick Harris' 1980s and '90s medical dramedy, Doogie Howser, M.D., is getting a remake at Disney+, the streaming service announced Thursday. Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. is expected to follow Lahela "Doogie" Kameāloha, a mixed race 16-year-old doctor in Hawaii. Advertisement
An actress has not been announced for the titular character.
How I Met Your Mother
Fresh Off the Boat
andalum Kourtney Kang is writing and executive producing the project.
"Thirty years ago, a young medical prodigy took the world by storm and left a lasting impact on pop culture," Ricky Strauss, president of content and marketing at Disney+, said in a statement.
"Kourtney and the team at 20th Television have created a very modern take on this beloved property which will resonate with our global Disney+ audience. We can't wait to introduce the world to the new Doogie!"
The original ran for four seasons 1989-93. It also was about a brilliant teen physician.


upi--2020-09-10--Ex-Bears WR Josh Bellamy charged in $24M coronavirus relief scheme

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Former New York Jets and Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy was arrested for his alleged involvement in a $ 24 million scheme to obtain illegal loans intended for coronavirus relief , the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday .
The 31-year-old Bellamy was charged in a federal criminal complaint with fraud , bank fraud , and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud .
According to the Justice Department , he allegedly received more than $ 1.2 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) loans for his company , Drip Entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is recovering from a shoulder injury -- on Tuesday .
According to ESPN , the team was unaware of the arrest at the time of his release .
Bellamy was arrested Thursday morning in Florida and was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite of the Middle District of Florida later in the day .
Bellamy allegedly used more than $ 62,000 in loan money at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida , according to the Justice Department .
He also is accused of purchasing more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchases at Dior , Gucci and various jewelers -- and withdrawing more than $ 302,000 .
The Justice Department said ten other defendants were involved in the illegal scheme .
After playing college football at Louisville , Bellamy signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2012 .
He later spent time with the Chargers , Bears , Jets and Washington .
In 78 career games , Bellamy has recorded 78 receptions for 1,019 yards and five touchdowns .

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy (15) was released by the New York Jets on Tuesday. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Former New York Jets and Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy was arrested for his alleged involvement in a $24 million scheme to obtain illegal loans intended for coronavirus relief, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday. The 31-year-old Bellamy was charged in a federal criminal complaint with fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. According to the Justice Department, he allegedly received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for his company, Drip Entertainment LLC. Advertisement
The Jets released Bellamy -- who is recovering from a shoulder injury -- on Tuesday. According to ESPN, the team was unaware of the arrest at the time of his release.
Bellamy was arrested Thursday morning in Florida and was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite of the Middle District of Florida later in the day.
Bellamy allegedly used more than $62,000 in loan money at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, according to the Justice Department. He also is accused of purchasing more than $104,000 in luxury goods -- including purchases at Dior, Gucci and various jewelers -- and withdrawing more than $302,000.
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The Justice Department said ten other defendants were involved in the illegal scheme.
After playing college football at Louisville, Bellamy signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He later spent time with the Chargers, Bears, Jets and Washington.
In 78 career games, Bellamy has recorded 78 receptions for 1,019 yards and five touchdowns.


upi--2020-09-10--Hulu to stream David Tennant-Michael Sheen comedy 'Staged' in U.S.

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Hulu has picked up the U.S. rights to David Tennant and Michael Sheen 's @ @ @ @ @ .
The series shows the Good Omens co-stars entertaining each other using video-conferencing technology during @ @ @ @ @ should be rehearsing for a play .
Its cast also includes Georgia Tennant , Anna @ @ @ @ @ guest stars such as Judi Dench .
The show was a hit when it recently @ @ @ @ @ Britain .
It will soon be available on Hulu in the United States , however @ @ @ @ @ not been announced .
Netflix will stream Staged in Britain and ABC will air it @ @ @

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David Tennant's BBC show "Staged" will soon be seen on Hulu in the United States and ABC in Australia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Hulu has picked up the U.S. rights to David Tennant and Michael Sheen's British quarantine comedy, Staged. The series shows the Good Omens co-stars entertaining each other using video-conferencing technology during the coronavirus pandemic when they should be rehearsing for a play. Advertisement
Simon Evans wrote the six-part comedy.
Its cast also includes Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg, Lucy Eaton and guest stars such as Judi Dench.
The show was a hit when it recently aired on the BBC in Britain. It will soon be available on Hulu in the United States, however an official premiere date has not been announced.
Netflix will stream Staged in Britain and ABC will air it in Australia.


upi--2020-09-10--Paratrooper dies in accident at Georgia's Fort Stewart

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The 82nd Airborne Division confirmed Thursday that Pfc .
Jean Cruz De Leon , @ @ @ @ @ training in Georgia on Wednesday , officials said .
Cruz De Leon , who was @ @ @ @ @ was conducting airborne training operations when his parachute malfunctioned , officials said .
Cruz De @ @ @ @ @ initially released pending notification of family members , but was later confirmed in a Facebook @ @ @ @ @ Lt. Col Mike Burns , a spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division , said the @ @ @ @ @ line jump when the soldier experienced a parachute malfunction .
The incident is under investigation @ @ @ @ @ chaplain services were provided onsite for the other paratroopers in the unit , according to @ @ @ @ @ second parachute-related fatality for a Fort Bragg-based soldier this year .
In January , 36-year-old @ @ @ @ @ .
Nathan Goodman , a 17-year veteran of the service and an experienced jumper , @ @ @ @ @ in Eloy , Ariz .

Jean Cruz De Leon, 20, was killed Wednesday in a parachuting accident at Fort Stewart in Georgia. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The 82nd Airborne Division confirmed Thursday that Pfc. Jean Cruz De Leon, 20, died during airborne training in Georgia on Wednesday, officials said. Cruz De Leon, who was from Marrero, Louisiana, was conducting airborne training operations when his parachute malfunctioned, officials said. Advertisement
Cruz De Leon's name was not initially released pending notification of family members, but was later confirmed in a Facebook post from the Division.
Lt. Col Mike Burns, a spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division, said the unit was conducting a static line jump when the soldier experienced a parachute malfunction.
The incident is under investigation, and behavioral health and chaplain services were provided onsite for the other paratroopers in the unit, according to Burns.
This is the second parachute-related fatality for a Fort Bragg-based soldier this year.
In January, 36-year-old Army Green Beret Master Sgt. Nathan Goodman, a 17-year veteran of the service and an experienced jumper, died during a training incident in Eloy, Ariz.


upi--2020-09-10--ABC announces fall debut dates for comedies

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- ABC said Thursday that new seasons of its family sitcoms The Goldbergs , The @ @ @ @ @ to debut Oct. 21 .
American Housewife will be added to the Wednesday-night lineup Oct. @ @ @ @ @ n't be more excited to spread some much-needed joy with our Wednesday night comedy lineup @ @ @ @ @ president of ABC Entertainment , said in a news release .
`` While we had @ @ @ @ @ year , we are so lucky that we 're able to continue our long tradition @ @ @ @ @ a strong staple of our fall broadcast schedule . ''
Dates for network scripted dramas @ @ @ @ @ soon .

Sara Gilbert's sitcom "The Conners" is set to kick off its third season on ABC on October 21. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- ABC said Thursday that new seasons of its family sitcoms The Goldbergs, The Conners and black-ish are scheduled to debut Oct. 21. American Housewife will be added to the Wednesday-night lineup Oct. 28. Advertisement
"We couldn't be more excited to spread some much-needed joy with our Wednesday night comedy lineup," Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a news release.
"While we had to be incredibly flexible this year, we are so lucky that we're able to continue our long tradition of making Wednesday night comedy a strong staple of our fall broadcast schedule."
Dates for network scripted dramas are expected to be announced soon.
Can't sit still? Well, get excited because #blackish premieres Wednesday, October 21 on ABC! pic.twitter.com/jpKjIpj8c3— black-ish (@blackishabc) September 10, 2020


upi--2020-09-10--Navy expands CBD ban to include lotions, shampoos

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- The Navy has expanded its ban on hemp and cannabidiol , or CBD , products that contain to include lotions and shampoos .
The expanded ban , announced this week on social media and internally in July , is intended to `` protect Sailors from potential tetrahydrocannabinol , or THC , exposure , '' since it 's impossible to tell whether -- and how much -- residual THC a product might contain .
Federal law allows consumers to use products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC , but the Navy policy is meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknowingly , therefore creating false positives on a drug test .
`` This really is about the health of the force and ensuring the Navy remains a drug-free workplace , '' said LA Parker , Drug Detection & Deterrence branch head , for the 21st Century Sailor office .
`` We have to be fit to fight and ca n't take a risk in allowing our Sailors to consume or use these types of products . ''
The Navy does allow for use of CBD formulations if a service member has a valid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged sailors to consult with their primary care physician to make sure the prescription is documented in their medical record .
The branch also still allows the use of durable hemp goods , like rope or clothing .
The policy update was released to service members just days after the House of Representatives approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow all military service members to use hemp and CBD products .
But the Senate did not include a similar provision in its version of the annual National Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mac Thornberry , R-Texas , said Congress is unlikely to vote on the NDAA until after the Nov. 3 election .

The Navy has expanded its ban on sailors' use of CBD and hemp products to include topical care products. Photo by PharmaHempComplex /Pixabay
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The Navy has expanded its ban on hemp and cannabidiol, or CBD, products that contain to include lotions and shampoos. The expanded ban, announced this week on social media and internally in July, is intended to "protect Sailors from potential tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, exposure," since it's impossible to tell whether -- and how much -- residual THC a product might contain. Advertisement Sailors, stay informed. #ICYMI: CBD Product Ban Expanded to Include Lotions, Topical Applications READ NOW: https://t.co/1qvPm8hY7b— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 8, 2020 Federal law allows consumers to use products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC, but the Navy policy is meant to ensure sailors don't consume THC unknowingly, therefore creating false positives on a drug test. Read More NBA All-Star Cliff Robinson dead at 53
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"This really is about the health of the force and ensuring the Navy remains a drug-free workplace," said LA Parker, Drug Detection & Deterrence branch head, for the 21st Century Sailor office. "We have to be fit to fight and can't take a risk in allowing our Sailors to consume or use these types of products."
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The Navy does allow for use of CBD formulations if a service member has a valid prescription, and in the press statement encouraged sailors to consult with their primary care physician to make sure the prescription is documented in their medical record.
The branch also still allows the use of durable hemp goods, like rope or clothing.
The policy update was released to service members just days after the House of Representatives approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow all military service members to use hemp and CBD products.
But the Senate did not include a similar provision in its version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act
And on Wednesday, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said Congress is unlikely to vote on the NDAA until after the Nov. 3 election.


upi--2020-09-10--Fewer than 60% of Americans believe vaccines are safe, effective, study finds

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Less than 60 % of Americans believe vaccines are safe and effective , according to an analysis published Thursday by the Lancet .
Although that figure is on par with much of Western Europe -- and is far higher than those in many eastern European and Asian nations -- it may be `` masking pockets of dissent , '' study co-author Heidi Larson told UPI .
The findings are significant , given the global quest for a vaccine against COVID-19 , which as of Thursday afternoon has infected nearly 28 million people globally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based on figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The pandemic wo n't end until there is a viable vaccine and large numbers of people take it , experts have said .
`` Our U.S. data is from a nationally representative sample , '' said Larson , a professor of anthropology and director of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
`` Based on our social media analysis and other locally specific data collection , those who are overtly against vaccines are more highly organized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having repercussions in different parts of the world , '' she said .
The Vaccine Confidence Project was founded a decade ago to help monitor public attitudes to vaccines and to inform policymakers of the changing trends and determinants of vaccine confidence around the world .
Public confidence in vaccines varies widely from country to country , according to Larson and her colleagues .
Although signs exist that public trust in preventive vaccines for diseases ranging from the flu to measles may be improving in parts of Europe , several countries -- particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- are seeing growing skepticism .
In addition , the spread of misinformation online is threatening vaccination programs worldwide , the researchers said .
In 2019 , the World Health Organization declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health .
Declining public confidence can result in vaccine delays or refusals , which is contributing to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease like measles , polio and meningitis , according to Larson and her colleagues .
For their analysis , the researchers mapped global trends in vaccine confidence across 149 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from more than 284,000 adults worldwide who who responded to 290 national surveys about their views on whether vaccines are important , safe and effective .
The team then estimated trends in public perceptions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines , and the importance of vaccinating children .
It also considered the relationship between vaccine uptake in each country and demographic -- including religious beliefs -- and socioeconomic factors .
Confidence in vaccine safety is increasing in several countries , including Britain , Finland , France , Italy and Ireland , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in vaccines has been persistently low , 30 % of those surveyed in December 2019 said they believe vaccines are safe -- up from 22 % one year earlier .
In Britain , 52 % of those surveyed in November 2019 expressed confidence in vaccine safety , up from 47 % 18 months earlier , the researchers said .
In the United States , meanwhile , public confidence in vaccines has remained fairly steady , with 50 % to 60 % of people surveyed believing they are safe , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has a growing anti-vaccine movement , 53 % of respondents reported confidence in vaccine safety in 2019 , down from 64 % in 2015 , the data showed .
In other Eastern European countries , fewer than 20 % of the public believes vaccines are safe , while in some countries in the Middle East , where some Muslim religious leaders urge followers to not get vaccinated , that percentage is below 5 % , according to the researchers .
`` Vaccine confidence is highly volatile -- with ups and down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vulnerable to crashing , and needs constant vigilance and nurturing to be sustained , '' Larson said .
Writing in a related commentary , Daniel Salmon and Matthew Dudley , both professors at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who were not involved in the study , said that `` vaccines have a remarkable safety record , based on rigorous processes of phased randomized controlled trials . ''
`` Without substantial global investment in active vaccine safety surveillance , continuous monitoring of public perceptions and development of rapid and flexible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of [ COVID-19 ] vaccines never reaching their potential due to a continued inability to quickly and effectively respond to public vaccine safety concerns , real or otherwise , '' the professors wrote .

A new analysis found that global trust in vaccines varies from region to region. Photo by marcolohpsoares /Pixabay
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Less than 60% of Americans believe vaccines are safe and effective, according to an analysis published Thursday by the Lancet. Although that figure is on par with much of Western Europe -- and is far higher than those in many eastern European and Asian nations -- it may be "masking pockets of dissent," study co-author Heidi Larson told UPI. Advertisement
The findings are significant, given the global quest for a vaccine against COVID-19, which as of Thursday afternoon has infected nearly 28 million people globally, including 6.4 million in the United States, based on figures from Johns Hopkins University.
The pandemic won't end until there is a viable vaccine and large numbers of people take it, experts have said.
"Our U.S. data is from a nationally representative sample," said Larson, a professor of anthropology and director of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
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"Based on our social media analysis and other locally specific data collection, those who are overtly against vaccines are more highly organized, and louder, and their messages are having repercussions in different parts of the world," she said.
The Vaccine Confidence Project was founded a decade ago to help monitor public attitudes to vaccines and to inform policymakers of the changing trends and determinants of vaccine confidence around the world.
Public confidence in vaccines varies widely from country to country, according to Larson and her colleagues.
Although signs exist that public trust in preventive vaccines for diseases ranging from the flu to measles may be improving in parts of Europe, several countries -- particularly those experiencing political instability and religious extremism -- are seeing growing skepticism.
In addition, the spread of misinformation online is threatening vaccination programs worldwide, the researchers said.
In 2019, the World Health Organization declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. Declining public confidence can result in vaccine delays or refusals, which is contributing to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease like measles, polio and meningitis, according to Larson and her colleagues.
For their analysis, the researchers mapped global trends in vaccine confidence across 149 countries between 2015 and 2019, using data from more than 284,000 adults worldwide who who responded to 290 national surveys about their views on whether vaccines are important, safe and effective.
Advertisement
The team then estimated trends in public perceptions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and the importance of vaccinating children. It also considered the relationship between vaccine uptake in each country and demographic -- including religious beliefs -- and socioeconomic factors.
Confidence in vaccine safety is increasing in several countries, including Britain, Finland, France, Italy and Ireland, the team reported. In France, where confidence in vaccines has been persistently low, 30% of those surveyed in December 2019 said they believe vaccines are safe -- up from 22% one year earlier.
In Britain, 52% of those surveyed in November 2019 expressed confidence in vaccine safety, up from 47% 18 months earlier, the researchers said.
In the United States, meanwhile, public confidence in vaccines has remained fairly steady, with 50% to 60% of people surveyed believing they are safe, according to the researchers.
Conversely, in Poland, which has a growing anti-vaccine movement, 53% of respondents reported confidence in vaccine safety in 2019, down from 64% in 2015, the data showed.
In other Eastern European countries, fewer than 20% of the public believes vaccines are safe, while in some countries in the Middle East, where some Muslim religious leaders urge followers to not get vaccinated, that percentage is below 5%, according to the researchers.
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"Vaccine confidence is highly volatile -- with ups and down, shocks and wobbles -- which means it is vulnerable to crashing, and needs constant vigilance and nurturing to be sustained," Larson said.
Writing in a related commentary, Daniel Salmon and Matthew Dudley, both professors at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who were not involved in the study, said that "vaccines have a remarkable safety record, based on rigorous processes of phased randomized controlled trials."
"Without substantial global investment in active vaccine safety surveillance, continuous monitoring of public perceptions and development of rapid and flexible communication strategies, there is a risk of [COVID-19] vaccines never reaching their potential due to a continued inability to quickly and effectively respond to public vaccine safety concerns, real or otherwise," the professors wrote.


upi--2020-09-10--Bars, restaurants are COVID-19 infection hotspots, study confirms

Relaxation of face mask requirements in restaurants , coffee shops and bars could make those venues prime areas for transmission of the new coronavirus , research shows .
The new study compared the behaviors of people diagnosed with COVID-19 and those without such diagnoses .
It uncovered one clear difference : Newly ill people without any known contact with a person with COVID-19 were almost three times as likely to have patronized a restaurant over the prior two weeks , and almost four times as likely to have visited a bar or coffee shop , compared to uninfected people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask use and social distancing are difficult to maintain , including going to places that offer on-site eating or drinking , might be important risk factors for acquiring COVID-19 , '' the research team said .
The findings come at a moment when more locales are allowing eating establishments and bars to reopen .
Just this week , officials announced that restaurants in New York City could serve customers again starting Sept. 30 , albeit with a 25 % occupancy limit .
`` As we learn more about transmission , it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing and are not amenable to mask wearing -- such as eating and drinking in close proximity to others -- would result in a higher transmission rate , '' said Dr. Teresa Murray Amato , who heads emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills , a hospital in New York City .
She was n't involved in the new study , which was led by Kiva Fisher of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's COVID-19 Response Team .
Fisher and her colleagues conducted detailed interviews with 314 U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about half of whom were diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Comparing the activities of people who did and did not have COVID-19 , the investigators found no significant differences in their patronage of venues where the use of face masks at all times was required -- activities such as taking public transportation , shopping or attending church .
Mask use was common among most of the study participants .
A similar number of people with or without COVID-19 said they always wore some kind of mask or face covering when out in public -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The only big difference in terms of behavior between the infected and uninfected groups was a visit over the prior two weeks to a bar , restaurant or coffee shop , Fisher 's group found .
More than half -- 58 % -- of study participants diagnosed with COVID-19 said that they 'd had no close contact with a person known to have been infected with the new coronavirus .
But these individuals did have 2.8 times the odds of having patronized a restaurant over the prior two weeks , and 3.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bar or coffee shop , compared to uninfected people .
The study was n't able to ascertain whether participants had consumed food or drinks in an indoor or outdoor space .
`` The bottom line is that many people do n't put their mask back on when they are n't eating and drinking , and may be engaged in conversation , '' said Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
`` This very fact increases the risk of transmission , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at eating and drinking establishments . ''
Glatter also noted that ventilation within restaurants or bars is often less than adequate , and research has shown that `` aerosolized droplets containing virus in normal conversation may be transmitted to others in close proximity , but may also remain suspended in air for up to 3 hours and travel as far as 13 feet during normal conversation .
Such aerosolized droplets may also travel as far as 26 feet during sneezes and 15 feet during coughs . ''
Finally , he said , alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes people move closer together , speak louder , '' Glatter said , `` thereby generating more aerosolized droplets that may contain infectious viral particles . ''
The study is published in the Sept. 11 issue of the CDC 's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus .

A new study found newly ill people without any known contact with a person with COVID-19 were almost three times as likely to have patronized a restaurant over the prior two weeks. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Relaxation of face mask requirements in restaurants, coffee shops and bars could make those venues prime areas for transmission of the new coronavirus, research shows. The new study compared the behaviors of people diagnosed with COVID-19 and those without such diagnoses. Advertisement
It uncovered one clear difference: Newly ill people without any known contact with a person with COVID-19 were almost three times as likely to have patronized a restaurant over the prior two weeks, and almost four times as likely to have visited a bar or coffee shop, compared to uninfected people.
The study suggests that situations "where mask use and social distancing are difficult to maintain, including going to places that offer on-site eating or drinking, might be important risk factors for acquiring COVID-19," the research team said.
The findings come at a moment when more locales are allowing eating establishments and bars to reopen. Just this week, officials announced that restaurants in New York City could serve customers again starting Sept. 30, albeit with a 25% occupancy limit.
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"As we learn more about transmission, it is not surprising that activities that cannot maintain social distancing and are not amenable to mask wearing -- such as eating and drinking in close proximity to others -- would result in a higher transmission rate," said Dr. Teresa Murray Amato, who heads emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, a hospital in New York City.
She wasn't involved in the new study, which was led by Kiva Fisher of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Response Team. Fisher and her colleagues conducted detailed interviews with 314 U.S. adults during the month of July, about half of whom were diagnosed with COVID-19.
Comparing the activities of people who did and did not have COVID-19, the investigators found no significant differences in their patronage of venues where the use of face masks at all times was required -- activities such as taking public transportation, shopping or attending church.
Mask use was common among most of the study participants. A similar number of people with or without COVID-19 said they always wore some kind of mask or face covering when out in public -- 71% and 74%, respectively.
The only big difference in terms of behavior between the infected and uninfected groups was a visit over the prior two weeks to a bar, restaurant or coffee shop, Fisher's group found.
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More than half -- 58% -- of study participants diagnosed with COVID-19 said that they'd had no close contact with a person known to have been infected with the new coronavirus. But these individuals did have 2.8 times the odds of having patronized a restaurant over the prior two weeks, and 3.9 times the odds of having been at a bar or coffee shop, compared to uninfected people.
The study wasn't able to ascertain whether participants had consumed food or drinks in an indoor or outdoor space.
"The bottom line is that many people don't put their mask back on when they aren't eating and drinking, and may be engaged in conversation," said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "This very fact increases the risk of transmission, and is compounded by lack of enforcement by management at eating and drinking establishments."
Glatter also noted that ventilation within restaurants or bars is often less than adequate, and research has shown that "aerosolized droplets containing virus in normal conversation may be transmitted to others in close proximity, but may also remain suspended in air for up to 3 hours and travel as far as 13 feet during normal conversation. Such aerosolized droplets may also travel as far as 26 feet during sneezes and 15 feet during coughs."
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Finally, he said, alcohol is often a factor. Drinking "makes people move closer together, speak louder," Glatter said, "thereby generating more aerosolized droplets that may contain infectious viral particles."
The study is published in the Sept. 11 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-10--Portland, Ore., mayor halts use of tear gas on protesters

Sept. 10 ( UPI ) -- Portland , Ore. , Mayor Tom Wheeler on Thursday ordered police to stop using tear gas on protesters after months of demonstrations against police brutality and racism .
The ban will last `` until further notice , '' he said in a statement .
`` It 's time for everyone to reduce the violence in our community , '' Wheeler said .
`` We all want change .
We all have the opportunity and obligation to create change .
We all want to focus on the fundamental issue at hand -- justice for Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There have been daily protests in the city since late May after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked global demonstrations .
Lawsuits have targeted federal and local law enforcement 's use of tear gas against Portland protesters , including , at times , against those taking part in peaceful demonstrations .
In some cases , demonstrators began carrying leaf blowers with them to deflect the gas away from them .
Wheeler said his order came as the result of a review on the use of tear gas by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform .
He likewise called on protesters to halt violence and vandalism , including throwing projectiles at police , and setting debris and buildings on fire .
`` Arson , vandalism and violence are not going to drive change in this community , '' he said .
`` I expect the police to arrest people who engage in criminal acts .
I expect the district attorney to prosecute those who commit criminal acts .
And I expect the rest of the criminal justice system to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together as a community against violence and for progress . ''
Amnesty International said last month that U.S. law enforcement has committed dozens of human rights violations throughout the months of protests , including the use of `` militarized equipment '' such as tear gas and pepper spray against activists , journalists , legal observers and street medics .

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Portland, Ore., Mayor Tom Wheeler on Thursday ordered police to stop using tear gas on protesters after months of demonstrations against police brutality and racism.
The ban will last "until further notice," he said in a statement.
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"It's time for everyone to reduce the violence in our community," Wheeler said. "We all want change. We all have the opportunity and obligation to create change. We all want to focus on the fundamental issue at hand -- justice for Black people and all people of color."
There have been daily protests in the city since late May after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked global demonstrations.
Lawsuits have targeted federal and local law enforcement's use of tear gas against Portland protesters, including, at times, against those taking part in peaceful demonstrations. In some cases, demonstrators began carrying leaf blowers with them to deflect the gas away from them.
Wheeler said his order came as the result of a review on the use of tear gas by the Oregon State Legislature and a Joint Committee on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform.
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He likewise called on protesters to halt violence and vandalism, including throwing projectiles at police, and setting debris and buildings on fire.
"Arson, vandalism and violence are not going to drive change in this community," he said. "I expect the police to arrest people who engage in criminal acts. I expect the district attorney to prosecute those who commit criminal acts. And I expect the rest of the criminal justice system to hold those individuals accountable. We must stand together as a community against violence and for progress."
Amnesty International said last month that U.S. law enforcement has committed dozens of human rights violations throughout the months of protests, including the use of "militarized equipment" such as tear gas and pepper spray against activists, journalists, legal observers and street medics.