upi--2020-10-07--Parents often clueless when teens start vaping, study says

Parents are often clueless when their kids start smoking e-cigarettes , a new study finds .
On the other hand , Mom and Dad usually can tell if their children take up traditional smoking , said researchers from the University of California , San Francisco .
Having strict household rules against any form of tobacco is the best form of prevention , researchers found .
And those rules should apply to adults , too .
`` Tobacco use by children is troubling , and dentists , like all health care providers , should be concerned about preventing youth tobacco use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an associate professor in the university 's School of Dentistry .
`` We know that tobacco-free homes are a key tool to help prevent smoking by kids , '' he said in a university news release .
The study included parents of more than 23,000 kids aged 12 to 17 .
Researchers found the parents were less likely to know or suspect that their child used e-cigarettes , non-cigarette tobacco products or smokeless tobacco , compared with traditional cigarettes or other tobacco products .
As traditional smoking declines among American youth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last year that 1 in 4 high school students vapes .
The new research looked at cigarettes and e-cigarettes , and also cigars , pipes , hookahs and bidis .
It also examined use of smokeless tobacco products such as snuff , chewing tobacco , snus and dissolvable tobacco .
Researchers found that parents were more likely to know or suspect a child was using tobacco if the child was older , male , white , lived with a smoker , and if parents were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in than fathers .
Moreover , teens and tweens whose parents had the strictest rules against tobacco use were 20 % to 26 % less likely to start using tobacco , compared with kids in the most permissive homes .
To stop kids from using tobacco , the researchers suggest parents : • Maintain strict rules against all tobacco use by anyone in the home .
• Have clear communication with your children about not smoking .
The report was published Oct. 5 in the journal Pediatrics .
For more on children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Parents are often clueless when their kids start smoking e-cigarettes, a new study finds.
On the other hand, Mom and Dad usually can tell if their children take up traditional smoking, said researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.
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Having strict household rules against any form of tobacco is the best form of prevention, researchers found. And those rules should apply to adults, too.
"Tobacco use by children is troubling, and dentists, like all health care providers, should be concerned about preventing youth tobacco use," study co-author Dr. Benjamin Chaffee, an associate professor in the university's School of Dentistry.
"We know that tobacco-free homes are a key tool to help prevent smoking by kids," he said in a university news release.
The study included parents of more than 23,000 kids aged 12 to 17. Researchers found the parents were less likely to know or suspect that their child used e-cigarettes, non-cigarette tobacco products or smokeless tobacco, compared with traditional cigarettes or other tobacco products.
As traditional smoking declines among American youth, use of e-cigarettes is rising. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last year that 1 in 4 high school students vapes.
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The new research looked at cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and also cigars, pipes, hookahs and bidis. It also examined use of smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, chewing tobacco, snus and dissolvable tobacco.
Researchers found that parents were more likely to know or suspect a child was using tobacco if the child was older, male, white, lived with a smoker, and if parents were less educated. Mothers were more clued in than fathers.
Moreover, teens and tweens whose parents had the strictest rules against tobacco use were 20% to 26% less likely to start using tobacco, compared with kids in the most permissive homes.
To stop kids from using tobacco, the researchers suggest parents:
Not smoke themselves.
Insist on tobacco-free homes.
Maintain strict rules against all tobacco use by anyone in the home.
Have clear communication with your children about not smoking.
The report was published Oct. 5 in the journal Pediatrics.
More information
For more on children and smoking, see the American Lung Association.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-07--Lakers switch to 'Black Mamba' uniforms for Game 5 of NBA Finals

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Lakers will wear their Kobe Bryant-inspired `` Black Mamba '' uniforms in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Friday night against the Miami Heat .
The Lakers wore the all-black uniforms in their Game 2 win over the Heat and were scheduled to wear them again in Game 7 .
Instead , LeBron James and the Lakers will don the alternate jerseys as they attempt to clinch their 17th NBA championship .
Los Angeles holds a 4-0 record this postseason when wearing the black uniforms , which were designed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , Bryant and his daughter , Gianna , were among nine killed in a helicopter crash .
`` Mamba and Mambacita jerseys approved for Game 5 , '' Bryant 's widow , Vanessa , wrote Wednesday on Instagram .
`` Let 's go @ Lakers . ''
The Lakers first wore the `` Black Mamba '' uniforms on Jan. 26 , 2018 , against the Chicago Bulls -- two years to the day before Bryant 's death .
The jerseys are part of the `` Laker Lore Series , '' which included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another by Shaquille O'Neal in 2019-20 .
The `` Black Mamba '' uniforms feature a black snakeskin print and drop shadows on the numbers , a flashback to a detail from the Lakers uniforms when Bryant was a rookie in the 1996-97 season .

The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 4-0 record this postseason when wearing the all-black uniforms. File Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA-EFE
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Lakers will wear their Kobe Bryant-inspired "Black Mamba" uniforms in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Friday night against the Miami Heat. The Lakers wore the all-black uniforms in their Game 2 win over the Heat and were scheduled to wear them again in Game 7. Instead, LeBron James and the Lakers will don the alternate jerseys as they attempt to clinch their 17th NBA championship. Advertisement
Los Angeles holds a 4-0 record this postseason when wearing the black uniforms, which were designed by Nike in collaboration with Bryant. In January, Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were among nine killed in a helicopter crash.
"Mamba and Mambacita jerseys approved for Game 5," Bryant's widow, Vanessa, wrote Wednesday on Instagram. "Let's go @Lakers."
The Lakers first wore the "Black Mamba" uniforms on Jan. 26, 2018, against the Chicago Bulls -- two years to the day before Bryant's death. The jerseys are part of the "Laker Lore Series," which included uniforms inspired by Magic Johnson in 2018-19 and another by Shaquille O'Neal in 2019-20.
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The "Black Mamba" uniforms feature a black snakeskin print and drop shadows on the numbers, a flashback to a detail from the Lakers uniforms when Bryant was a rookie in the 1996-97 season.


upi--2020-10-07--Brian Austin Green eliminated from 'Masked Singer;' Tori Spelling reacts

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Beverly Hills , 90210 alum Brian Austin Green was eliminated from The Masked Singer @ @ @ @ @ was dressed as a giraffe for the show .
`` Omg @ withBAGpod it WAS @ @ @ @ @ !
Wow my dreams do come true ha ha !
You were amazing !
Donna @ @ @ @ @ Unicorn & Giraffe forever on # TheMaskedSinger hisTORI !
Love you forever ... # GiraffeMask @ @ @ @ @ Spelling tweeted after Green 's fate was revealed .
Green and Spelling played high school @ @ @ @ @ David and Donna Silver on 90210 .
Spelling competed as the unicorn on The Masked @ @ @ @ @ year .
Ken Jeong , Jenny McCarthy , Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke are the @ @ @ @ @ Nick Cannon is the host .
Rapper Busta Rhymes was the first disguised celebrity to @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , actor Mickey Rourke took himself out of the competition .

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Brian Austin Green (R,) seen here with his estranged wife Megan Fox, was eliminated from "The Masked Singer" on Wednesday night. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Brian Austin Green was eliminated from The Masked Singer on Wednesday night. He was dressed as a giraffe for the show. Advertisement
"Omg @withBAGpod it WAS you!!!!! Wow my dreams do come true ha ha! You were amazing! Donna & David Forever and now Unicorn & Giraffe forever on #TheMaskedSinger hisTORI! Love you forever...#GiraffeMask #UnicornMask," Tori Spelling tweeted after Green's fate was revealed.
Green and Spelling played high school sweethearts and later married couple David and Donna Silver on 90210.
Spelling competed as the unicorn on The Masked Singer in Season 1 last year.
Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke are the program's judges, and Nick Cannon is the host.
Rapper Busta Rhymes was the first disguised celebrity to get the boot this season. Last week, actor Mickey Rourke took himself out of the competition.


upi--2020-10-07--Czech soccer legend Antonin Panenka, 71, hospitalized with COVID-19

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Czech soccer legend Antonin Panenka has been hospitalized and placed in intensive care after contracting the coronavirus , his former club Bohemians 1905 announced Wednesday .
The club said the 71-year-old Panenka -- best known for his trick penalty kick -- is in `` serious condition '' due to COVID-19 .
`` Antonin Panenka was taken to an intensive care unit today in a serious condition , '' Bohemians 1905 wrote on Twitter .
`` We will not comment more on his state .
Tonda , let 's go ! ''
Panenka scored a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 European Championship to win the tournament for his side .
Since that victory , the `` Panenka-style '' kick has been mimicked by some of the sport 's greatest players .
The shot -- commonly referred to as a Panenka -- is a technique in which the player gently chips the ball down the middle of the goal in an attempt to deceive the diving goalkeeper .
Sergio Ramos , Zinedine Zidane , Andrea Pirlo and many others have copied Panenka 's move .
Barcelona star Lionel Messi famously scored his 700th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panenka made 230 appearances for Bohemians and scored 76 career goals with the club .
The attacking midfielder also played for Rapid Wien in the early 1980s , recording 63 goals in 127 appearances .
Internationally , Panenka played 59 times for his native Czechoslovakia and had 17 goals .
Following his playing career , he has worked as club chairman at Bohemians 1905 .

Czech soccer legend Antonin Panenka is best known for his unique penalty kick against Germany in the 1976 European Championship. File Photo by Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Czech soccer legend Antonin Panenka has been hospitalized and placed in intensive care after contracting the coronavirus, his former club Bohemians 1905 announced Wednesday. The club said the 71-year-old Panenka -- best known for his trick penalty kick -- is in "serious condition" due to COVID-19. Advertisement
"Antonin Panenka was taken to an intensive care unit today in a serious condition," Bohemians 1905 wrote on Twitter. "We will not comment more on his state. Tonda, let's go!"
Panenka scored a unique penalty kick against Germany in the 1976 European Championship to win the tournament for his side. Since that victory, the "Panenka-style" kick has been mimicked by some of the sport's greatest players.
The shot -- commonly referred to as a Panenka -- is a technique in which the player gently chips the ball down the middle of the goal in an attempt to deceive the diving goalkeeper.
Sergio Ramos, Zinedine Zidane, Andrea Pirlo and many others have copied Panenka's move. Barcelona star Lionel Messi famously scored his 700th career goal with a Panenka penalty.
Panenka made 230 appearances for Bohemians and scored 76 career goals with the club. The attacking midfielder also played for Rapid Wien in the early 1980s, recording 63 goals in 127 appearances.
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Internationally, Panenka played 59 times for his native Czechoslovakia and had 17 goals. Following his playing career, he has worked as club chairman at Bohemians 1905.


upi--2020-10-07--Trump returns to Oval Office for briefings days after COVID-19 hospitalization

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday , less than a week after being hospitalized following a positive COVID-19 test .
Administration officials briefed Trump on both ongoing stimulus negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as well as Hurricane Delta , a Category 2 storm , which is barreling toward the U.S. Gulf Coast , White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern said .
`` Was just briefed on Hurricane Delta and spoke with [ Gov .
Greg Abbott ] of Texas and Louisiana Gov .
John Bel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your state and local officials .
We are working with them very closely -- please be prepared , be careful , and be safe ! ''
Trump wrote on Twitter Wednesday afternoon .
Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday after testing positive for COVID-19 late Thursday and being admitted to the hospital on Friday .
The president 's return to the Oval Office came as his physician , Dr. Sean Conley , released an update stating the president said he felt `` great '' this morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate all remained `` stable and in normal range . ''
Conley also said Trump has been fever-free for more than four days , symptom-free for 24 hours and has not needed or received any supplemental oxygen since he was initially hospitalized .
He added that Trump `` demonstrated detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from labs drawn Monday . ''
Trump received a single infusion of Regeneron 's dual monoclonal antibody treatment Friday and the company told CNN Wednesday that the laboratory versions of immune system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain detectable in the president 's system for several months .
`` Most of the standard assays for IgG would not distinguish between endogenous ( self-made ) antibodies and the ones delivered by our therapy .
However , given the volume of IgG antibodies delivered in our therapy and the timing of these tests , it is likely that the second test is detecting REGEN-COV2 antibodies , '' the company said .
In a video message recorded outside the Oval Office on Wednesday , Trump praised the Regeneron treatment , stating he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for free to treat COVID-19 , adding that he has prepared an emergency use authorization .
He also touted a similar treatment from drugmaker Eli Lilly , which on Wednesday submitted an emergency authorization request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
Trump 's decision to return to the Oval Office prompted concern that he could spread the virus to White House staff as more than a dozen people close to the president , including first lady Melania Trump , senior adviser Stephen Miller , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Stepien and former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway have also tested positive .
Other top advisers have since left the White House to quarantine at home after testing positive or as a precaution to avoid contracting the virus , The Los Angeles Times reported .
Morgenstern told reporters the White House and West Wing are deep cleaned `` on a regular basis '' and staff would be able to use personal protective equipment and maintain physical distance from the president to allow him to work in the White House .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not appeared publicly since returning to the White House , Morgenstern said the president `` wants to speak to the American people and will do so soon , '' adding he plans to release more videos messages like the one shared Wednesday .

A Marine is seen on duty outside of the West Wing as President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office Wednesday, days after leaving the hospital following treatment for COVID-19. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday, less than a week after being hospitalized following a positive COVID-19 test. Administration officials briefed Trump on both ongoing stimulus negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as well as Hurricane Delta, a Category 2 storm, which is barreling toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern said. Advertisement
"Was just briefed on Hurricane Delta and spoke with [Gov. Greg Abbott] of Texas and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. Please heed the directions of your state and local officials. We are working with them very closely -- please be prepared, be careful, and be safe!" Trump wrote on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.
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Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday after testing positive for COVID-19 late Thursday and being admitted to the hospital on Friday.
The president's return to the Oval Office came as his physician, Dr. Sean Conley, released an update stating the president said he felt "great" this morning, adding his physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate all remained "stable and in normal range."
Conley also said Trump has been fever-free for more than four days, symptom-free for 24 hours and has not needed or received any supplemental oxygen since he was initially hospitalized. He added that Trump "demonstrated detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from labs drawn Monday."
Trump received a single infusion of Regeneron's dual monoclonal antibody treatment Friday and the company told CNN Wednesday that the laboratory versions of immune system proteins designed to target the coronavirus would remain detectable in the president's system for several months.
"Most of the standard assays for IgG would not distinguish between endogenous (self-made) antibodies and the ones delivered by our therapy. However, given the volume of IgG antibodies delivered in our therapy and the timing of these tests, it is likely that the second test is detecting REGEN-COV2 antibodies," the company said.
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In a video message recorded outside the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump praised the Regeneron treatment, stating he would push to have it more widely distributed for free to treat COVID-19, adding that he has prepared an emergency use authorization. He also touted a similar treatment from drugmaker Eli Lilly, which on Wednesday submitted an emergency authorization request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Trump's decision to return to the Oval Office prompted concern that he could spread the virus to White House staff as more than a dozen people close to the president, including first lady Melania Trump, senior adviser Stephen Miller, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, three of her deputies, campaign manager Bill Stepien and former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway have also tested positive.
Other top advisers have since left the White House to quarantine at home after testing positive or as a precaution to avoid contracting the virus, The Los Angeles Times reported.
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Morgenstern told reporters the White House and West Wing are deep cleaned "on a regular basis" and staff would be able to use personal protective equipment and maintain physical distance from the president to allow him to work in the White House.
In response to a question about why Trump has not appeared publicly since returning to the White House, Morgenstern said the president "wants to speak to the American people and will do so soon," adding he plans to release more videos messages like the one shared Wednesday.
Scenes from the White House as coronavirus hot spot


upi--2020-10-07--Wisconsin opens field hospital; U.S. adds 43K COVID-19 cases

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Wisconsin announced Wednesday it plans to open a 530-bed field hospital in response to a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state .
Gov .
Tony Evers said an alternate care facility at the Wisconsin State Fair Park will begin accepting COVID-19 patients `` within the next week '' to relieve local hospital systems that are nearing capacity and experiencing staff shortages .
The state reported 853 hospitalizations as of Tuesday , up 71 from the previous day .
`` Our hospital system is strained and in some areas of the state reaching capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said .
`` And as COVID-19 cases rise , hospitals across the nation are experiencing critical staffing shortages -- largely due to staff members experiencing infection or exposure to the virus in their communities . ''
The governor 's office said the facility will admit patients who are not seriously ill or in need of hospital-level care and will serve as a transitional facility to offer oxygen and medical care to patients in need of support in their recovery .
`` The goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are less ill out of hospitals and reserve hospital beds for patients who are more ill and in need of hospital-level care , '' the announcement stated .
Evers also issued a statewide order restricting indoor public gatherings at certain businesses .
His third order in recent weeks limits gatherings to 25 % capacity and builds on an existing face mask mandate .
`` We 're in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives , '' he said .
`` We are continuing to experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our hospitals are overwhelmed , and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus . ''
The United States ' top infectious diseases expert has warned that 400,000 people nationwide could be dead from COVID-19 by this winter if people do n't follow recommended health guidelines .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told students at American University in Washington , D.C. , Tuesday that a second wave of the coronavirus in the forthcoming colder months has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The models tell us that if we do not do the kinds of things that we 're talking about in the cold of the fall and the winter , we could have from 300,000 to 400,000 deaths , '' he said .
`` That would be just so tragic , if that happens . ''
Fauci also refuted a tweet from President Donald Trump on Tuesday that likened COVID-19 to influenza .
`` You do n't get a pandemic that kills a million people and it is n't even over yet with influenza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So it is not correct to say it 's the same as flu .
It has some overlapping symptomatology early on .
But flu does n't do the things to you that COVID-19 can . ''
Trump 's tweet was later deleted by Twitter for violating its policy against spreading misleading and potentially harmful information .
Updated data from Johns Hopkins University showed 43,500 new cases nationwide on Tuesday , an increase of about 4,000 over Monday .
Deaths also spiked on Tuesday to about 700 , the most in nearly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , there have been 7.51 million cases and 211,100 deaths nationwide , according to Johns Hopkins .
There has been an average of about 45,000 new cases per day in the United States so far in October .
In Georgia , Gov .
Brian Kemp and state health officials warned Wednesday of a `` twindemic '' of COVID-19 and the flu .
He and Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey urged Georgians to get flu shots , wear masks and follow distancing guidelines .
Toomey said the twin epidemics could be `` devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases rose by 3.4 % this week , although it 's down 67 % from its peak in late July .
In Kentucky , Gov .
Andy Beshear renewed his face mask order for another 30 days and reported more than 1,000 cases Monday -- the third-highest total to date .
`` We are experiencing an escalation ... and it is significant , '' he told reporters , saying the state is on track to surpass 6,100 cases this week .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott issued an executive order allowing bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at up to 50 % capacity and all other businesses to open at 75 % capacity in counties where COVID-19 hospitalizations are less than 15 % of hospital capacity beginning Oct. 14 .
`` Opening bars does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and most Texans are still susceptible to the virus .
As bars and similar businesses begin to open , we all must remain vigilant and show personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones , '' he said .
Abbott added that openings will be conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to opt-in to reopening bars if they meet the health requirements .

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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that the state will open a 530-bed alternate care facility at the Wisconsin State Fair Park to relieve stress on its hospital system after reporting more than 800 COVID-19 hospitalizations. Pool Photo by Stephen Voss/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Wisconsin announced Wednesday it plans to open a 530-bed field hospital in response to a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state. Gov. Tony Evers said an alternate care facility at the Wisconsin State Fair Park will begin accepting COVID-19 patients "within the next week" to relieve local hospital systems that are nearing capacity and experiencing staff shortages. The state reported 853 hospitalizations as of Tuesday, up 71 from the previous day. Advertisement
"Our hospital system is strained and in some areas of the state reaching capacity and at risk of being overwhelmed," Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said. "And as COVID-19 cases rise, hospitals across the nation are experiencing critical staffing shortages -- largely due to staff members experiencing infection or exposure to the virus in their communities."
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The governor's office said the facility will admit patients who are not seriously ill or in need of hospital-level care and will serve as a transitional facility to offer oxygen and medical care to patients in need of support in their recovery.
"The goal of this facility is to transition COVID-19 patients who are less ill out of hospitals and reserve hospital beds for patients who are more ill and in need of hospital-level care," the announcement stated.
Evers also issued a statewide order restricting indoor public gatherings at certain businesses. His third order in recent weeks limits gatherings to 25% capacity and builds on an existing face mask mandate.
"We're in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives," he said.
"We are continuing to experience a surge in cases and many of our hospitals are overwhelmed, and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus."
The United States' top infectious diseases expert has warned that 400,000 people nationwide could be dead from COVID-19 by this winter if people don't follow recommended health guidelines.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told students at American University in Washington, D.C., Tuesday that a second wave of the coronavirus in the forthcoming colder months has the potential to be very deadly.
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"The models tell us that if we do not do the kinds of things that we're talking about in the cold of the fall and the winter, we could have from 300,000 to 400,000 deaths," he said. "That would be just so tragic, if that happens."
Fauci also refuted a tweet from President Donald Trump on Tuesday that likened COVID-19 to influenza.
"You don't get a pandemic that kills a million people and it isn't even over yet with influenza," Fauci told NBC News. "So it is not correct to say it's the same as flu. It has some overlapping symptomatology early on. But flu doesn't do the things to you that COVID-19 can."
Trump's tweet was later deleted by Twitter for violating its policy against spreading misleading and potentially harmful information.
Updated data from Johns Hopkins University showed 43,500 new cases nationwide on Tuesday, an increase of about 4,000 over Monday. Deaths also spiked on Tuesday to about 700, the most in nearly a week.
Since the start of the outbreak, there have been 7.51 million cases and 211,100 deaths nationwide, according to Johns Hopkins.
There has been an average of about 45,000 new cases per day in the United States so far in October.
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In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp and state health officials warned Wednesday of a "twindemic" of COVID-19 and the flu. He and Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey urged Georgians to get flu shots, wear masks and follow distancing guidelines.
Toomey said the twin epidemics could be "devastating."
Georgia's 7-day average of new cases rose by 3.4% this week, although it's down 67% from its peak in late July.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear renewed his face mask order for another 30 days and reported more than 1,000 cases Monday -- the third-highest total to date.
"We are experiencing an escalation ... and it is significant," he told reporters, saying the state is on track to surpass 6,100 cases this week.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order allowing bars and "similar establishments" to open at up to 50% capacity and all other businesses to open at 75% capacity in counties where COVID-19 hospitalizations are less than 15% of hospital capacity beginning Oct. 14.
"Opening bars does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and most Texans are still susceptible to the virus. As bars and similar businesses begin to open, we all must remain vigilant and show personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones," he said.
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Abbott added that openings will be conducted in conjunction with county judges, who will be able to opt-in to reopening bars if they meet the health requirements.


upi--2020-10-07--DHS exempts insider threat program from privacy protections

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a new rule that broadens its ability to investigate insider threats by eliminating key Privacy Act protections for all past and current employees regardless of their security clearance .
The department said Tuesday that removing the privacy protections from the Insider Threat Program , which aims to fight threats to the agency from its employees , is necessary to conduct criminal , civil and administrative enforcement .
The Privacy Act provisions alert the subject of an investigation of its existence , the Department Homeland Security said , undermining law enforcement efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rule also allows the agency to expand the scope of employee information collected to include things that may not be necessary or relevant .
`` It is impossible to determine in advance what information is accurate , relevant , timely and complete , '' the department said .
Originally , the program focused on the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by only employees with active security clearances .
In June , the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would broaden the Insider Threat Program to investigate all individuals who have ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , equipment , networks or systems .
It will cover all records the agency perceives as being a threat to information security , personnel security or systems security .
The Department of Homeland Security has been plagued by a slew of allegations from whistleblowers inside the agency in recent months .
Last month , an intelligence employee was silenced about Russian interference in the U.S. election because it `` made the president look bad , '' according to his formal whistleblower complaint .
The complaint alleged that senior Homeland Security officials asked analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration 's political agenda .
Also in September , a whistleblower said Immigration and Customs Enforcement performed hysterectomies on immigrant women at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia .
The complaint alleged `` jarring medical neglect '' including refusal to test detained immigrants for COVID-19 , shredding medical requests and fabricating medical records .
A critic of the new rule said the Insider Threat Program has repeatedly been misused to target whistleblowers .
`` We 've seen insider threat programs either target or vilify whistleblowers who made lawful protected disclosures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those disclosures , '' said Tom Devine , legal director of the whistleblower advocacy group the Government Accountability Project .
The rule will allow the Department of Homeland Security to silence would-be whistleblowers from speaking up about alleged waste , fraud or abuse , Devine said .
Members of the public who commented on the rule during the official comment period said the exemptions evade Privacy Act safeguards , allowing the collection of records that are irrelevant and unnecessary while preventing individuals from accessing them and failing to disclose how they obtained them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Homeland Security limit the scope of information collected , exclude individuals not under investigation and eliminate routine uses .
In response to the comments , the department said it `` strives to be transparent regarding all insider threat collections and uses , '' but that the rule will remain in place .
Implementing the final rule means insider threat investigators wo n't need to inform Homeland Security employees that their information is being collected or ask for their consent .
Doing so would impair ongoing investigations by potentially revealing witnesses or evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to records would be `` detrimental to homeland security , '' agency officials said .
The department will be permitted to collect data not directly relevant to internal threats .
`` In the interests of effective law enforcement , it is appropriate to retain all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity , '' officials said .
Devine said information exempted from the Privacy Act can be used to retaliate against whistleblowers .
`` They 'll have a blemish on their record that could impact their security clearance or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf testifies before the Senate homeland security and governmental affairs committee on September 23. On Wednesday, the department finalized a rule removing privacy protections from its insider threat program. Pool photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo
WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a new rule that broadens its ability to investigate insider threats by eliminating key Privacy Act protections for all past and current employees regardless of their security clearance. The department said Tuesday that removing the privacy protections from the Insider Threat Program, which aims to fight threats to the agency from its employees, is necessary to conduct criminal, civil and administrative enforcement. The Privacy Act provisions alert the subject of an investigation of its existence, the Department Homeland Security said, undermining law enforcement efforts and compromising an investigation's confidentiality. Advertisement
The rule also allows the agency to expand the scope of employee information collected to include things that may not be necessary or relevant.
"It is impossible to determine in advance what information is accurate, relevant, timely and complete," the department said.
Originally, the program focused on the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by only employees with active security clearances.
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In June, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would broaden the Insider Threat Program to investigate all individuals who have ever been involved with department facilities, information, equipment, networks or systems. It will cover all records the agency perceives as being a threat to information security, personnel security or systems security.
The Department of Homeland Security has been plagued by a slew of allegations from whistleblowers inside the agency in recent months. Last month, an intelligence employee was silenced about Russian interference in the U.S. election because it "made the president look bad," according to his formal whistleblower complaint. The complaint alleged that senior Homeland Security officials asked analysts to alter intelligence reports in support of the administration's political agenda.
Also in September, a whistleblower said Immigration and Customs Enforcement performed hysterectomies on immigrant women at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia. The complaint alleged "jarring medical neglect" including refusal to test detained immigrants for COVID-19, shredding medical requests and fabricating medical records.
A critic of the new rule said the Insider Threat Program has repeatedly been misused to target whistleblowers.
"We've seen insider threat programs either target or vilify whistleblowers who made lawful protected disclosures to protected audiences who are cleared to receive those disclosures," said Tom Devine, legal director of the whistleblower advocacy group the Government Accountability Project.
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The rule will allow the Department of Homeland Security to silence would-be whistleblowers from speaking up about alleged waste, fraud or abuse, Devine said.
Members of the public who commented on the rule during the official comment period said the exemptions evade Privacy Act safeguards, allowing the collection of records that are irrelevant and unnecessary while preventing individuals from accessing them and failing to disclose how they obtained them. Another commenter proposed that the Department of Homeland Security limit the scope of information collected, exclude individuals not under investigation and eliminate routine uses.
In response to the comments, the department said it "strives to be transparent regarding all insider threat collections and uses," but that the rule will remain in place.
Implementing the final rule means insider threat investigators won't need to inform Homeland Security employees that their information is being collected or ask for their consent. Doing so would impair ongoing investigations by potentially revealing witnesses or evidence, the department said. Giving employees access to records would be "detrimental to homeland security," agency officials said.
The department will be permitted to collect data not directly relevant to internal threats.
"In the interests of effective law enforcement, it is appropriate to retain all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful activity," officials said.
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Devine said information exempted from the Privacy Act can be used to retaliate against whistleblowers.
"They'll have a blemish on their record that could impact their security clearance or their status as an insider threat," he said.


upi--2020-10-07--Ex-Texans coach Bill O'Brien had heated exchange with J.J. Watt before firing

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien got into a heated verbal altercation with star defensive lineman J.J. Watt before his firing earlier this week .
League sources told ESPN , NFL Media and the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday the incident between O'Brien and Watt -- which also included defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and other staff members -- occurred in the week leading up to the Texans ' Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers .
According to the outlets , O'Brien `` lost the team '' after the incident .
The Texans dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday .
O'Brien was fired as head coach and general manager a day later .
Watt , a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year , said Wednesday he is looking forward to a `` fresh start '' after the firing of O'Brien .
`` I 'm not going to talk about what happened at practice or what conversations were had or whatever it may be , '' Watt said .
`` The situation is what the situation is and we ... right now have a fresh start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're looking forward to Jacksonville .
`` ...
When you 're 0-4 , obviously things need to change .
I mean , it was n't working .
I appreciate and respect what we had .
We won four division titles in six years with Bill and I appreciate that and that time , but obviously this year , we 're 0-4 and stuff was n't working .
When you have the talent that we have , specifically at the quarterback position in this league , we ca n't be 0-4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach entering this week 's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Texans ( 0-4 ) host the Jaguars ( 1-3 ) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday at NRG Stadium .

The incident between Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (pictured) and former head coach Bill O'Brien occurred in the week leading up to the Texans' Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien got into a heated verbal altercation with star defensive lineman J.J. Watt before his firing earlier this week. League sources told ESPN, NFL Media and the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday the incident between O'Brien and Watt -- which also included defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and other staff members -- occurred in the week leading up to the Texans' Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to the outlets, O'Brien "lost the team" after the incident. Advertisement
The Texans dropped to 0-4 this season following their loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. O'Brien was fired as head coach and general manager a day later.
Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, said Wednesday he is looking forward to a "fresh start" after the firing of O'Brien.
"I'm not going to talk about what happened at practice or what conversations were had or whatever it may be," Watt said. "The situation is what the situation is and we ... right now have a fresh start and we had a good practice today and we're looking forward to Jacksonville.
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"... When you're 0-4, obviously things need to change. I mean, it wasn't working. I appreciate and respect what we had. We won four division titles in six years with Bill and I appreciate that and that time, but obviously this year, we're 0-4 and stuff wasn't working. When you have the talent that we have, specifically at the quarterback position in this league, we can't be 0-4."
Romeo Crennel was named interim head coach entering this week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans (0-4) host the Jaguars (1-3) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday at NRG Stadium.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-07--IRS commissioner says agency is working through 5.2M pieces of unopened mail

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- The Internal Revenue Service is attempting to dig through a backlog of millions of pieces of mail in an effort to deliver outstanding stimulus payments and process hard copy income tax returns , Commissioner Charles Rettig said Wednesday .
Rettig testified before the House subcommittee on government operations that the IRS is sorting through a backlog of 5.3 million pieces of unopened mail , including 2.5 million tax returns that accumulated as the agency was shut down in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
He added that the backlog has decreased from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a period in March and April , before falling to 12.3 million pieces as of late June .
`` I can certainly tell you our people are working really hard , '' Rettig said , noting that the IRS also receives 300,000 to 500,000 new pieces of mail each week .
He anticipated the backlog could be cleared within a month or two .
Wednesday 's hearing comes as the IRS attempts to deliver economic stimulus payments provided in response to the pandemic to about 8 million people who do not typically file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California also ruled that the IRS must provide inmates with stimulus payments after the agency initially said they were ineligible .
During the hearing , Rettig appealed to Congress to provide the IRS with sustained funding to counteract a history of budget cuts that have hampered the agency 's ability to quickly respond to taxpayers .
Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly , D-Va. , agreed the agency is in need of more funding , blaming its woes on aging computer systems and a shrinking workforce .
`` The IRS sought to find ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet its expanded mission but it did n't stand a chance , '' Connolly said .
`` When the American people are relying on the IRS most , the agency is gasping for air . ''
Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia , the top Republican on the subcommittee , questioned why previous efforts to modernize the agency had not produced better results , demanding assurances that funding from Congress would improve its technology .
`` I thank you for your effort , '' Hice told Rettig .
`` But effort does n't resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said Wednesday that the agency is working to clear through a backlog of 5.3 million pieces of unopened mail to deliver stimulus payments and process income tax returns. Pool Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The Internal Revenue Service is attempting to dig through a backlog of millions of pieces of mail in an effort to deliver outstanding stimulus payments and process hard copy income tax returns, Commissioner Charles Rettig said Wednesday. Rettig testified before the House subcommittee on government operations that the IRS is sorting through a backlog of 5.3 million pieces of unopened mail, including 2.5 million tax returns that accumulated as the agency was shut down in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
He added that the backlog has decreased from 23 million pieces of unopened mail throughout a period in March and April, before falling to 12.3 million pieces as of late June.
"I can certainly tell you our people are working really hard," Rettig said, noting that the IRS also receives 300,000 to 500,000 new pieces of mail each week.
He anticipated the backlog could be cleared within a month or two.
Wednesday's hearing comes as the IRS attempts to deliver economic stimulus payments provided in response to the pandemic to about 8 million people who do not typically file tax returns.
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A federal judge in California also ruled that the IRS must provide inmates with stimulus payments after the agency initially said they were ineligible.
During the hearing, Rettig appealed to Congress to provide the IRS with sustained funding to counteract a history of budget cuts that have hampered the agency's ability to quickly respond to taxpayers.
Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly, D-Va., agreed the agency is in need of more funding, blaming its woes on aging computer systems and a shrinking workforce.
"The IRS sought to find ways to keep its workforce safe while trying to meet its expanded mission but it didn't stand a chance," Connolly said. "When the American people are relying on the IRS most, the agency is gasping for air."
Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia, the top Republican on the subcommittee, questioned why previous efforts to modernize the agency had not produced better results, demanding assurances that funding from Congress would improve its technology.
"I thank you for your effort," Hice told Rettig. "But effort doesn't resolve the issue for people who are waiting."


upi--2020-10-07--Tennessee death row inmate Pervis Payne seeks clemency from Gov. Bill Lee

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- A death row inmate who says new DNA testing could prove his innocence has asked Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee for clemency less than two months before his scheduled execution .
Pervis Payne , 52 , is sentenced to die Dec. 3 for the murder of Charisse Christopher and her daughter , Lacie Jo , in 1987 .
Prosecutors said he also non-fatally wounded Christopher 's then-3-year-old son , Nicholas .
In a clemency application filed Monday , Payne asked that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison .
Failing that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ execution date until he can present case that he should be spared the death penalty because he 's intellectually disabled .
His petition says `` there is simply too much doubt in this case to permit an execution . ''
The Shelby County Criminal Court last month ordered DNA testing on items recently discovered in the court 's clerk 's office .
Payne 's lawyers said the items have never been subjected to DNA testing because his initial trial occurred when such technology was n't available .
They accused the state of illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The items included bed linens and clothing with blood stains , fingernail clippings and a potential rape kit .
The evidence was collected from a bedroom in Christopher 's apartment , though at the time , prosecutors said the kitchen was the only crime scene .
At the time of the slayings , Payne was dating Christopher 's neighbor .
He told police he found the victims ' bodies after hearing calls for help , but investigators said he committed the crimes because he was on drugs and was looking for sex .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though she was found fully clothed .
Payne was never tested for drugs after his arrest .
Defense attorneys said that once prosecutors targeted him as the suspect , they never investigated any other suspects , including Christopher 's ex-husband who allegedly had a violent past .
The attorneys said racial bias , hidden evidence and Payne 's intellectual disability prevented him from receiving a fair trial .
They said prosecutors relied on stereotypes of Black men and drug use , and pointed out Christopher 's `` White skin '' to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County court to deny Payne 's request for DNA testing , saying that since it came four months before his scheduled execution , it was designed to delay it .
They also said that even if testing provided new evidence , it would not have created a reasonable probability that Payne would n't have been convicted for the murders .
More than 150 Tennessee faith , legal and civil rights groups have also petitioned Lee to grant clemency in Pervis ' case .
`` Governor Lee , the process has failed Mr. Payne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply concerning , but equally so is the fact that Pervis Payne has an intellectual disability .
His execution would be contrary to the conservative principles we hold , '' wrote Tennessee Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty in the clemency application .

Pervis Payne is scheduled to be executed December 3. File Photo courtesy of PervisPayne.org
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A death row inmate who says new DNA testing could prove his innocence has asked Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for clemency less than two months before his scheduled execution. Pervis Payne, 52, is sentenced to die Dec. 3 for the murder of Charisse Christopher and her daughter, Lacie Jo, in 1987. Prosecutors said he also non-fatally wounded Christopher's then-3-year-old son, Nicholas. Advertisement
In a clemency application filed Monday, Payne asked that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison. Failing that, he asked for a reprieve from his execution date until he can present case that he should be spared the death penalty because he's intellectually disabled.
His petition says "there is simply too much doubt in this case to permit an execution."
The Shelby County Criminal Court last month ordered DNA testing on items recently discovered in the court's clerk's office.
Payne's lawyers said the items have never been subjected to DNA testing because his initial trial occurred when such technology wasn't available. They accused the state of illegally hiding the evidence in the meantime.
The items included bed linens and clothing with blood stains, fingernail clippings and a potential rape kit. The evidence was collected from a bedroom in Christopher's apartment, though at the time, prosecutors said the kitchen was the only crime scene.
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At the time of the slayings, Payne was dating Christopher's neighbor. He told police he found the victims' bodies after hearing calls for help, but investigators said he committed the crimes because he was on drugs and was looking for sex. They accused him of sexually assaulting Christopher, though she was found fully clothed.
Payne was never tested for drugs after his arrest.
Defense attorneys said that once prosecutors targeted him as the suspect, they never investigated any other suspects, including Christopher's ex-husband who allegedly had a violent past.
The attorneys said racial bias, hidden evidence and Payne's intellectual disability prevented him from receiving a fair trial. They said prosecutors relied on stereotypes of Black men and drug use, and pointed out Christopher's "White skin" to the jury.
Prosecutors had asked the Shelby County court to deny Payne's request for DNA testing, saying that since it came four months before his scheduled execution, it was designed to delay it. They also said that even if testing provided new evidence, it would not have created a reasonable probability that Payne wouldn't have been convicted for the murders.
More than 150 Tennessee faith, legal and civil rights groups have also petitioned Lee to grant clemency in Pervis' case.
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"Governor Lee, the process has failed Mr. Payne. The question of his innocence is deeply concerning, but equally so is the fact that Pervis Payne has an intellectual disability. His execution would be contrary to the conservative principles we hold," wrote Tennessee Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty in the clemency application.


upi--2020-10-07--Hurricane Delta to strengthen as it blitzes across Gulf of Mexico

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- The storm-weary Gulf Coast , an area still reeling from back-to-back blows from devastating Hurricane Laura and more recently Sally , is bracing for yet another strike , this time a potentially disastrous one from Hurricane Delta .
The formidable hurricane crashed onshore in Mexico early Wednesday morning , cutting power and causing damage along its path , but losing wind intensity as it moved over land .
Forecasters warned that the hurricane is expected to regain strength and return to major hurricane status as it emerges over the warm waters of the southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. coast .
Delta weakened overnight as it tracked closer to the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula , eventually making landfall in Mexico around 5:30 a.m. CDT Wednesday near the town of Puerto Morelos , south of Cancun along the Riviera Maya .
At the time of landfall , Delta was a strong Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph , just 1 mph below major hurricane strength .
Maximum sustained winds had weakened to 85 mph by 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday as the storm raced northwestward across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge and strong winds .
The eye of the storm was about 55 miles north-northeast of Progreso , Mexico , and 580 miles south-southeast of Cameron , La.
, and was moving northwest at 17 mph .
Video of a wooden spear lodged into the rental car of Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer in Cancun , reporting for AccuWeather on Delta , showed the ferocity of winds lashing the region .
Timmer reported pockets of extreme damage , including significant structural damage , in the region as he surveyed the scene on Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced as they had funneled through buildings .
He shared several videos showing complete destruction along the waterfront of Cancun .
Timmer , who is staying at a secure concrete structure in the area , reported earlier Wednesday from the northern eye wall of Delta as sand was getting whipped into the air amid Delta 's landfall .
Power outages were also occurring in downtown Cancun , he said .
As Delta clears Mexico 's Yucatan Peninsula , the hurricane will re-strengthen and grow in size over the southern Gulf of Mexico prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with damaging winds , life-threatening storm surge and widespread flooding to end this week .
The hurricane is forecast to ramp back up to a Category 3 storm and then reach Category 4 status while over the southern Gulf of Mexico later Wednesday night and Thursday .
A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph , while a Category 4 storm has sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph .
`` Delta will take aim at the Louisiana coast on Friday where it is expected to bring a dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rainfall , damaging winds along the coast as well as isolated tornadoes from Friday into Saturday , '' AccuWeather 's top hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said .
`` The heavy rainfall , lingering , damaging winds and isolated tornado threat will expand into Mississippi and part of Alabama Friday night and Saturday , '' Kottlowski added .
As Delta pushes inland after landfall in Louisiana during Friday night , cities such as Lafayette , Baton Rouge , and Alexandria , Louisiana , and Jackson , Natchez and Vicksburg , Mississippi , could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain .
Some weakening is forecast prior to landfall in the U.S. late Friday , but a strike by a major hurricane is still expected in Louisiana with an AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes rated as a 3 based on the anticipated flooding rainfall , damaging winds , dangerous storm surge and a number of other economic factors .
This scale , developed by AccuWeather , provides a more comprehensive outlook for impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes on land areas than the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , which is based solely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm over the southern Gulf of Mexico , it is not quite as warm as that of the northwestern Caribbean .
However , the water is warm enough to allow re-strengthening and perhaps rapid re-strengthening for a time .
Thus , forecasters and officials alike say Delta should be considered a dangerous threat to the U.S. '' As Delta approaches the central Gulf Coast , it will start to encounter increasing wind shear and slightly cooler water , but the forward speed of Delta and the degree of shear it encounters will determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Kottlowski explained .
Wind shear is the increase in wind speed with altitude as well as the sudden change in wind direction from one location to another .
Wind shear and changes in the structure of the eye are some of the main challenges in forecasting the overall strength of hurricanes .
Delta is forecast to take a fairly steady west-northwest path into Thursday .
Then , from Thursday to Friday , the hurricane is projected to begin a curved path to the north over the west-central Gulf .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it may begin to turn more to the northeast .
Conditions are expected to deteriorate from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon along the upper Gulf Coast of the U.S. even well ahead of landfall and well away from the point of landfall .
`` Delta 's outer wind field will remain very strong and can grow in size over the Gulf of Mexico , '' Kottlowski explained .
Satellite images on Wednesday showed that the shield of clouds from Delta was growing and beginning to cover much of the Gulf of Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurricane was extremely compact over the northwestern Caribbean -- and hurricane-force winds extended only 25 miles out from the storm 's center on Tuesday .
`` Regardless of a loss in wind intensity near the core , surge and wind impacts will still be potentially devastating along and near where the hurricane makes landfall along the central Gulf coast from late Friday to early Saturday , '' Kottlowski said .
Given Delta 's current forecast track and strength , AccuWeather StormMax winds of 140 mph are forecast for part of southern Louisiana on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend higher depending on how much the storm strengthens over the central Gulf .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP As is often the case with hurricanes forecast to make landfall , exact track and strength will determine the severity of impact in the region .
Storm surge watches were in effect from the upper Texas coast to the Alabama / Florida border on Wednesday , and a hurricane watch was posted for the northern Gulf Coast from High Island , Texas , on eastward to Grand Isle , Louisiana .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakening quickly prior to or upon landfall .
The risk of damaging winds can extend well inland and result in not only a significant amount of power outages but also property damage .
Trees may block streets and secondary roads .
The power could be out for many days in some of the hardest-hit communities .
During Wednesday , Thursday and Friday , winds and seas will build over the Gulf of Mexico , especially in the central part of the Gulf .
However , dangerous surf conditions are likely to develop throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain dangerous with frequent and strong rip currents from Florida to Louisiana and Texas into the start of the weekend .
Even though the eyewall containing Delta 's strongest winds may avoid the greatest concentration of petroleum rigs in the western Gulf of Mexico , operations of these rigs may be suspended for a few days .
Some rigs off the Louisiana coastline have already been shut down ahead of the storm .
The projected path of Delta and its high winds could impact oil refining operations in portions of southern Louisiana .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ River , just west of New Orleans .
Wave action well ahead of the storm will begin to cause overwash and coastal flooding prior to Friday from part of eastern Texas to Florida .
Near and just east of where the storm makes landfall , most likely in south-central Louisiana , a major and potentially life-threatening storm surge can occur .
Any shift in the storm track could cause the area of greatest storm surge to shift correspondingly .
`` It is possible the storm surge could be greater from Delta than from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17.5 feet , '' Kottlowski added .
Delta 's fast pace should prevent a repeat of staggering rainfall amounts and flooding from Harvey in 2017 or a lesser extent from Marco , Sally and Beta this year .
A general 4-8 inches of rain is predicted near where Delta makes landfall in the U.S. with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches , but should Delta strike as a strong Category 3 or even Category 4 storm , which is possible , rainfall could be more intense along a portion of the Interstate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to diminish as Delta picks up even more forward motion while taking a curved path to the northeast over the interior southeastern U.S. this weekend .
Despite the increasing forward speed , river and bayou flooding can be expected in part of the South , and there can still be localized urban and small stream flooding hundreds of miles inland as well as significant rises on the rivers in the storm 's path over the Tennessee Valley , central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic region .
Hurricane Delta quickly strengthened into the second-most intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday as its maximum sustained winds reached 145 mph .
The only storm to become stronger this season was Hurricane Laura , which packed peak winds of 150 mph .
Also noteworthy was the storm 's rapid pace of strengthening over the northwestern Caribbean on Tuesday .
Delta 's intensification was the most extreme in 15 years for an October hurricane .
The storm 's maximum sustained winds increased by a whopping 70 mph - from 40 mph to 110 mph - in its first 24 hours as a named storm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more significant fashion over that same 24-hour period .
Delta has also set a speed record for strengthening from a depression to a Category 4 hurricane .
Delta accomplished this in just over 36 hours , surpassing Keith from 2000 , which did so in 42 hours .
Forecasters warned the storm could undergo similarly explosive strengthening once over the Gulf of Mexico before it weakens just prior to landfall .
U.S. officials are n't taking any chances with the storm and have been in full preparation mode this week .
State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a state expected to endure its fourth direct landfall from a storm this season with Delta , including sandbagging and shoring up levees .
Gov .
John Bel Edwards began urging residents to prepare early on Tuesday and later on declared a state of emergency in Louisiana .
He said the whole state is in the storm 's possible path , and that residents need to stay tuned to forecasts and warnings from officials .
The coronavirus pandemic , which has been complicating hurricane response amid the extremely active hurricane season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks .
Coronavirus testing will be suspended on Friday and Saturday in Louisiana ahead of Delta 's arrival , according to Edwards .
Alabama Gov .
Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency midday Tuesday ahead of the hurricane , noting that coastal areas of the state are still recovering from Sally 's blow in mid-September .
Hurricane Delta `` could potentially have a significant impact '' on Alabama , she tweeted .
`` Since 1964 , there have only been three hurricanes to make landfall along the Louisiana coast during October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Forecasting Manager Dan DePodwin .
`` Those hurricanes were Lili from 2002 , Juan from 1985 and Hilda from 1964 , '' DePodwin said .
There are two major hurricanes that have made landfall along the Louisiana coast in October prior to 1964 .
`` In 1893 , an unnamed storm made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph , and in 1886 , an unnamed storm made landfall southwest of Lake Charles as a Category 3 hurricane , @ @ @ @

Delta was expected to remain a tropical depression through Monday morning. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Delta weakened to a tropical depression as it pushed into Mississippi on Saturday, forecasters said. In its 10 a.m. CDT update, the National Hurricane Center said the hurricane had 35 mph maximum sustained winds. The eye was located 65 miles north-northwest of Jackson, Miss., and was moving northeast at 16 mph. Advertisement
The eye of the storm was close to Mississippi's border with Louisiana and Arkansas.
"On the forecast track, the center of Delta should move across western and northern Mississippi today and into the Tennessee Valley tonight and Sunday," the NHC said in its advisory.
It's expected to remain a depression through Monday morning, when it'll be situated over Ohio.
Delta had previously been projected to make landfall somewhere between far eastern Texas and western Mississippi, a region that has been threatened twice this year by hurricanes -- Laura and Sally, both in September.
The track narrowed late Thursday and early Friday as Delta neared the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm made landfall in Creole, La., around 6 p.m. Friday.
Delta exploded into a Category 4 hurricane on Monday before gradually weakening. On Tuesday, its intensification was the most extreme in 15 years for an October hurricane.
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Delta also set a speed record for strengthening from a depression to a Category 4 hurricane, just over 36 hours, surpassing Keith from 2000 -- and strengthened into the second-most intense hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season on Tuesday. The only storm to become stronger this season was Hurricane Laura, which packed peak winds of 150 mph.


upi--2020-10-07--Men, young adults less likely to social distance, study finds

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- More North American and European men and young adults of both sexes fail to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines than older adults in these regions , a survey published Wednesday in the journal PLOS found .
In the survey , conducted by researchers at Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health and the University of Calgary in Canada , 59 % of male respondents said they adhered to local social distancing guidelines , while 69 % of female respondents reported doing so , the data showed .
In addition , more women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % -- said they avoided socializing in person , as well as avoided leaving the home -- 71 % versus 59 % -- to help contain the spread of COVID-19 , according to the researchers .
Meanwhile , 49 % of adult respondents aged 18 to 24 years complied with guidelines for social distancing , while up to 90 % of adults aged 25 and older did so , the researchers said .
`` Results from the current study suggest that men are less adherent to social distancing recommendations compared to women , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... may be explained by gender-specific differences in health information speaking behavior , where women are more likely to actively seek out and engage with health information , '' the researchers said .
For the study , the researchers surveyed 2,013 adults who live in North America and Europe .
For respondents who did adhere to social distancing guidelines , wearing a face covering in public and working from home , a desire to protect others , at 86 % , and wanting to protect themselves , at 84 % , were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers .
Living in countries with `` strict '' social distancing guidelines and personal experience with COVID-19 symptoms did not appear to influence compliance , the data showed .
Just over 65 % of respondents in countries with strict rules reported complying with the guidelines , while 69 % of those living in countries with `` moderate '' guidelines said they did so , the researchers said .
In addition , 64 % of respondents who had symptoms of the virus at some point said they followed social distancing guidelines , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have symptoms , according to the researchers .
A study published earlier this week in the journal Behavioral Science and Policy also found that women were more likely than men to practice social distancing , wear face coverings in public and engage in routine hand-washing -- all steps recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Adherence to social distancing behaviors that are within one 's control , such as avoiding non-essential travel , social gatherings or handshakes , was relatively high , yet not perfect , '' they @ @

Men and young adults of both sexes are less likely to comply with social distancing guidelines, a new study has found. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- More North American and European men and young adults of both sexes fail to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines than older adults in these regions, a survey published Wednesday in the journal PLOS found. In the survey, conducted by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of Calgary in Canada, 59% of male respondents said they adhered to local social distancing guidelines, while 69% of female respondents reported doing so, the data showed. Advertisement
In addition, more women than men -- 85% versus 71% -- said they avoided socializing in person, as well as avoided leaving the home -- 71% versus 59% -- to help contain the spread of COVID-19, according to the researchers.
Meanwhile, 49% of adult respondents aged 18 to 24 years complied with guidelines for social distancing, while up to 90% of adults aged 25 and older did so, the researchers said.
"Results from the current study suggest that men are less adherent to social distancing recommendations compared to women," the researchers wrote.
"This ... may be explained by gender-specific differences in health information speaking behavior, where women are more likely to actively seek out and engage with health information," the researchers said.
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For the study, the researchers surveyed 2,013 adults who live in North America and Europe.
For respondents who did adhere to social distancing guidelines, wearing a face covering in public and working from home, a desire to protect others, at 86%, and wanting to protect themselves, at 84%, were the primary motivating factors, according to the researchers.
Living in countries with "strict" social distancing guidelines and personal experience with COVID-19 symptoms did not appear to influence compliance, the data showed.
Just over 65% of respondents in countries with strict rules reported complying with the guidelines, while 69% of those living in countries with "moderate" guidelines said they did so, the researchers said.
In addition, 64% of respondents who had symptoms of the virus at some point said they followed social distancing guidelines, compared with 68% of those who did not have symptoms, according to the researchers.
A study published earlier this week in the journal Behavioral Science and Policy also found that women were more likely than men to practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public and engage in routine hand-washing -- all steps recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Adherence to social distancing behaviors that are within one's control, such as avoiding non-essential travel, social gatherings or handshakes, was relatively high, yet not perfect," they wrote.


upi--2020-10-07--2014 seal flu outbreak illustrates threat of avian flus to mammals

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have identified the genetic mutations that allowed an avian flu strain to adapt to mammalian transmission , triggering an outbreak among European seals .
In 2014 , an avian flu strain spread rapidly among harbor and gray seals in northern Europe , killing roughly a tenth of the population .
For the new study , published Wednesday in the journal Cell Host and Microbe , researchers exposed ferrets to different strains of H10N7 , the virus subtype responsible for the 2014 seal flu outbreak .
Scientists found most avian flu strains failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strains were successfully transmitted via the air from ferret to ferret .
The study suggests avian flu can regularly and repeatedly acquire mutations that make them more transmissible among mammals .
`` Usually , these occasional introductions of avian influenza viruses in seals , like in humans , are 'dead ends ' because the virus is not transmissible from one individual to another , '' first study author Sander Herfst said in a news release .
`` However , sometimes these viruses adapt to the new host and acquire the ability to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an assistant professor of molecular virology and virus evolution at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands .
Researchers suspect the 2014 outbreak , which killed some 2,500 seals , began in western Sweden when one or more seals came into contact with infected birds or virus-laden bird droppings .
`` Transmission from seal to seal is likely to have occurred via aerosols or respiratory droplets , most probably whilst the seals are resting on land , '' said Herfst .
`` However , direct contact transmission between seals can also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interact with each other regularly . ''
Lab tests showed the same strains found spreading among seals were able to spread among ferrets .
`` The seal-adapted virus was efficiently transmitted through the air via aerosols or droplets between ferrets , whereas the avian virus was not , '' Herfst said .
`` These findings suggest that the mutations the avian virus underwent once it took hold within the seal population have allowed it to become transmissible via the air between mammals . ''
Comparisons of avian flu strain genomes and mammal-adapted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the regulation of hemagglutinin , a protein on the surface of influenza viruses .
Researchers found the mutations caused the virus to prefer to attach to mammal virus receptors in the respiratory tract , rather than to avian receptors .
Because the strains isolated for the study were collected late in the 2014 outbreak , scientists suggest the mutations may have occurred after the virus was already spreading among seals .
`` The mutations that we identified are similar to the ones acquired in 1957 in the first year of the H2N2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In addition , these same mutations were required to render highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype transmissible via the air between ferrets -- a model organism for mammal influenza research . ''
The findings suggests influenza strains may regularly adopt mutations that enable spread among mammals , the researchers said .
By understanding how viruses like COVID-19 , as well as the H5N1 and H7N9 influenza strains , move from species to species , researchers and health officials can develop more informed strategies for preventing future zoonotic disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitor and predict which of the various zoonotic viruses have the potential to emerge in humans and start outbreaks or even pandemics , '' said Herfst .
`` Without this knowledge we can only apply a reactive rather than a pre-emptive approach to limit the impact of emerging virus infections , as is currently done for the COVID pandemic . ''

The avian flu strain that killed roughly one-tenth of the seal population -- harbor seals, like the one pictured, and gray seals -- in northern Europe in 2014 has been identified by researchers, according to a new study. Photo by Charles J. Sharp /Wikimedia
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Scientists have identified the genetic mutations that allowed an avian flu strain to adapt to mammalian transmission, triggering an outbreak among European seals. In 2014, an avian flu strain spread rapidly among harbor and gray seals in northern Europe, killing roughly a tenth of the population. Advertisement
For the new study, published Wednesday in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, researchers exposed ferrets to different strains of H10N7, the virus subtype responsible for the 2014 seal flu outbreak.
Scientists found most avian flu strains failed to infect the ferrets, but that seal-adapted strains were successfully transmitted via the air from ferret to ferret.
The study suggests avian flu can regularly and repeatedly acquire mutations that make them more transmissible among mammals.
"Usually, these occasional introductions of avian influenza viruses in seals, like in humans, are 'dead ends' because the virus is not transmissible from one individual to another," first study author Sander Herfst said in a news release.
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"However, sometimes these viruses adapt to the new host and acquire the ability to be transmitted between individuals," said Herft, an assistant professor of molecular virology and virus evolution at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
Researchers suspect the 2014 outbreak, which killed some 2,500 seals, began in western Sweden when one or more seals came into contact with infected birds or virus-laden bird droppings.
"Transmission from seal to seal is likely to have occurred via aerosols or respiratory droplets, most probably whilst the seals are resting on land," said Herfst. "However, direct contact transmission between seals can also not be excluded because seals are highly social and interact with each other regularly."
Lab tests showed the same strains found spreading among seals were able to spread among ferrets.
"The seal-adapted virus was efficiently transmitted through the air via aerosols or droplets between ferrets, whereas the avian virus was not," Herfst said. "These findings suggest that the mutations the avian virus underwent once it took hold within the seal population have allowed it to become transmissible via the air between mammals."
Comparisons of avian flu strain genomes and mammal-adapted strains revealed changes to the genes responsible for the regulation of hemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of influenza viruses.
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Researchers found the mutations caused the virus to prefer to attach to mammal virus receptors in the respiratory tract, rather than to avian receptors.
Because the strains isolated for the study were collected late in the 2014 outbreak, scientists suggest the mutations may have occurred after the virus was already spreading among seals.
"The mutations that we identified are similar to the ones acquired in 1957 in the first year of the H2N2 pandemic in humans," Herfst said. "In addition, these same mutations were required to render highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype transmissible via the air between ferrets -- a model organism for mammal influenza research."
The findings suggests influenza strains may regularly adopt mutations that enable spread among mammals, the researchers said.
By understanding how viruses like COVID-19, as well as the H5N1 and H7N9 influenza strains, move from species to species, researchers and health officials can develop more informed strategies for preventing future zoonotic disease outbreaks.
"It is important to monitor and predict which of the various zoonotic viruses have the potential to emerge in humans and start outbreaks or even pandemics," said Herfst. "Without this knowledge we can only apply a reactive rather than a pre-emptive approach to limit the impact of emerging virus infections, as is currently done for the COVID pandemic."


upi--2020-10-07--U.S. official tells Taiwan it needs a bigger military budget

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Taiwan must significantly increase its defense budget to counter any military threat from China , a senior U.S. official told an audience in Taipei .
David Henley , principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs , told the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference that Taiwan 's proposed $ 1.4 billion increase in the defense budget is inadequate , the South China Morning Post reported .
`` These increases , while a step in the right direction , however are insufficient to ensure that Taiwan can leverage its geography , advanced technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's inherent advantages necessary for a resilient defense , '' Henley said .
He advised Taiwan to invest in `` large numbers of small capabilities , '' suggesting mobile cruise missiles , both purchased and domestically made , to defend the island , according to the Taipei Times .
China has long regarded the island nation as a breakaway province of the mainland .
Taiwan 's defense department noted that China has sent warplanes into Taiwan 's air defense identification zone 217 times in 2020 in a show of force , adding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to armed force to overtake the island of strengthen its South China Sea claims .
The day after Henley 's comments , Taiwan Defense Minister Yen Te-fa told legislators that a budget increase to the air force was required .
In his address , Henley reiterated U.S. diplomatic commitments to provide Taiwan with material and services necessary for its self-defense capabilities .
A lack of interest in a military career is a part of Taiwan 's defense problem , shaped by prior episodes of martial law , officials say .
It phased out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently has about 165,000 active duty personnel , a figure down from 275,000 three years ago , according to the L.A. Times .
`` Taiwan does n't have that culture where you can go out in the street wearing your fatigues with pride , '' said Huang Chung-ting , of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei .
`` Soldiers leave as soon as they 've completed national service .
That 's a big problem .
A lot of people think a good man does n't become a soldier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army has about two million personnel .

An F-16 fighter plane of Taiwan takes off. A senior U.S. official told an audience in Taipei on Tuesday that Taiwan must dramatically increase its defense budget to counter China. Photo courtesy of Republic of China Defense Ministry
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Taiwan must significantly increase its defense budget to counter any military threat from China, a senior U.S. official told an audience in Taipei. David Henley, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference that Taiwan's proposed $1.4 billion increase in the defense budget is inadequate, the South China Morning Post reported. Advertisement
"These increases, while a step in the right direction, however are insufficient to ensure that Taiwan can leverage its geography, advanced technology, workforce and patriotic population to channel Taiwan's inherent advantages necessary for a resilient defense," Henley said.
He advised Taiwan to invest in "large numbers of small capabilities," suggesting mobile cruise missiles, both purchased and domestically made, to defend the island, according to the Taipei Times.
China has long regarded the island nation as a breakaway province of the mainland.
Taiwan's defense department noted that China has sent warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone 217 times in 2020 in a show of force, adding to other provocations that suggest China could resort to armed force to overtake the island of strengthen its South China Sea claims.
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The day after Henley's comments, Taiwan Defense Minister Yen Te-fa told legislators that a budget increase to the air force was required.
In his address, Henley reiterated U.S. diplomatic commitments to provide Taiwan with material and services necessary for its self-defense capabilities.
A lack of interest in a military career is a part of Taiwan's defense problem, shaped by prior episodes of martial law, officials say. It phased out its military conscription policy in 2013 and currently has about 165,000 active duty personnel, a figure down from 275,000 three years ago, according to the L.A. Times.
"Taiwan doesn't have that culture where you can go out in the street wearing your fatigues with pride," said Huang Chung-ting, of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei. "Soldiers leave as soon as they've completed national service. That's a big problem. A lot of people think a good man doesn't become a soldier."
The China's People's Liberation Army has about two million personnel.


upi--2020-10-07--Anniversary gift from son earns woman $1 million lottery jackpot

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- A Virginia woman said a scratch-off lottery ticket she received as a wedding anniversary @ @ @ @ @ out to be a valuable gift indeed when she won a $ 1 million jackpot @ @ @ @ @ Richmond , told Virginia Lottery officials her $ 1 Million Royale Scratcher lottery ticket was @ @ @ @ @ her son , who purchased the ticket at the E & C VA store in @ @ @ @ @ small gift turned into a large boon when she scratched off a $ 1 million @ @ @ @ @ said $ 1 million , but I truly did n't think it was $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ .
The winner said she has not yet decided what to do with her jackpot @

Charrondarous Goode-Burroughs of Richmond, Va., won $1 million from a lottery ticket her son gave her as an anniversary present. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Lottery
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A Virginia woman said a scratch-off lottery ticket she received as a wedding anniversary present from her son turned out to be a valuable gift indeed when she won a $1 million jackpot. Charrondarous Goode-Burroughs, of Richmond, told Virginia Lottery officials her $1 Million Royale Scratcher lottery ticket was a wedding anniversary gift from her son, who purchased the ticket at the E & C VA store in Richmond. Advertisement
She said the small gift turned into a large boon when she scratched off a $1 million top prize.
"It said $1 million, but I truly didn't think it was $1 million," Goode-Burroughs recalled.
The winner said she has not yet decided what to do with her jackpot.


upi--2020-10-07--Watch: Family's cat found 23 months after Camp Fire disappearance

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- A California woman who feared her pet cat had died in a 2018 wildfire was reunited with the feline 23 months later when he was found by a neighbor .
Lindsy Metz said she and her children had only 30 minutes to evacuate as the Camp Fire approached their Magalia home , so when their 8-year-old black cat , Artemis , fled from the house , there was no time to go look for him .
`` He was right there by the door and I went to go get him , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he bolted , '' Metz told KRCR-TV .
Metz said she tried to find Artemis for months after the fire passed .
`` I went and looked at every single cat picture , '' Metz said .
`` I called on every black cat . ''
She said she finally came to terms with the idea that Artemis might have perished in the fire .
`` It got to the point where my family said , 'You have to move on , ' '' she said .
Metz 's hopes were rekindled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feline , when a friend posted on Facebook about a black cat found in the area where Metz lived before the fire .
Metz corresponded with the other person and soon discovered the cat was indeed her long-lost Artemis .
`` A piece of my heart is back where it belonged , '' she said .

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Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A California woman who feared her pet cat had died in a 2018 wildfire was reunited with the feline 23 months later when he was found by a neighbor.
Lindsy Metz said she and her children had only 30 minutes to evacuate as the Camp Fire approached their Magalia home, so when their 8-year-old black cat, Artemis, fled from the house, there was no time to go look for him.
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"He was right there by the door and I went to go get him, and I ran up on him too quick, and he bolted," Metz told KRCR-TV.
Metz said she tried to find Artemis for months after the fire passed.
"I went and looked at every single cat picture," Metz said. "I called on every black cat."
She said she finally came to terms with the idea that Artemis might have perished in the fire.
"It got to the point where my family said, 'You have to move on,'" she said.
Metz's hopes were rekindled 23 months after she last saw the feline, when a friend posted on Facebook about a black cat found in the area where Metz lived before the fire.
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Metz corresponded with the other person and soon discovered the cat was indeed her long-lost Artemis.
"A piece of my heart is back where it belonged," she said.


upi--2020-10-07--Watch: Disoriented elephant seal wanders streets of Chilean town

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- A large elephant seal that took a wrong turn and ended up wandering the @ @ @ @ @ was guided back to the water by a group of police , navy officers and @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Cisnes said they sometimes spot elephant seals far out in the water , but @ @ @ @ @ to see one wandering down the middle of a street several blocks from the shore @ @ @ @ @ was not acting aggressively , but appeared confused and frightened .
Police , navy officers @ @ @ @ @ to get the large animal to turn around and head back toward the water .
@ @ @ @ @ conducting increased patrols in the area to make sure the animal does n't return .

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Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A large elephant seal that took a wrong turn and ended up wandering the streets of a Chilean town was guided back to the water by a group of police, navy officers and concerned locals.
Residents of Puerto Cisnes said they sometimes spot elephant seals far out in the water, but it came as a shock to see one wandering down the middle of a street several blocks from the shore. Witnesses said the seal was not acting aggressively, but appeared confused and frightened.
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Police, navy officers and neighbors used black tarps to get the large animal to turn around and head back toward the water.
Navy officials said they are conducting increased patrols in the area to make sure the animal doesn't return.


upi--2020-10-07--Study: Sicker livestock emit more methane, accelerating climate change

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Warming temperatures may inspire a feedback loop of climate-altering flatulence , according to a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution .
Over the last decade , atmospheric methane concentrations have risen dramatically , and studies suggest livestock and their digestive systems are responsible for roughly half of the increase in methane emissions .
Scientists suggest the problem is likely to get worse as temperatures rise .
According to the new paper , a review of scientific literature on livestock health and methane emissions , rates of parasitic worm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the planet warms .
When cows , sheep and other animals are battling an infection , they emit more methane .
`` Some parasitic worms spend part of their life cycle in the external environment -- on grass , for example -- and temperature can affect the rate at which these parasites develop into a life stage that can infect animals , '' lead study author Vanessa Ezenwa told UPI in an email .
`` For example , in some areas , colder temperatures during winter months slow down or stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ezenwa , a professor of ecology at the University of Georgia .
Several studies have shown parasitic and bacterial infections increase the amount methane produced per unit of food consumed by livestock .
`` It 's not known why this happens , but it could be related to the disruption caused by these parasites in the GI tract which is where methane is produced through bacterial fermentation of plant material , '' Ezenwa said .
Because sicker livestock are often less productive -- cows plagued by parasites yield less milk -- farmers need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels , boosting methane emissions .
Bacteria and parasitic worms are n't the only infection agents expected to proliferate in a warmer world .
`` Recently , the protozoan parasite that causes trypanosomiasis , or sleeping sickness , have been linked to increased methane emissions in livestock , '' Ezenwa said .
Ezenwa and her research partners used data from their scientific review to model the impacts of parasitic infections on livestock methane emissions .
The simulations revealed a disconnect between current models and reality .
`` Current and future contributions by ruminant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantially underestimated , '' Ezenwa said .
`` Given that ruminant livestock are responsible for nearly half of all the methane produced from living sources , this is an important insight that we hope will prompt further research to understand the connections between livestock diseases and methane emissions . ''
Ezenwa hopes the newly published paper will inspire other scientists to investigate the effects of rising temperatures on a variety of infectious agents , as well as the effects of those agents on methane production .
To slow methane emissions by ruminant livestock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most problematic parasites and bacteria strains .
Ezenwa said scientists must avoid studying parasites , bacteria and methane emissions in isolation .
Instead , researchers need to focus on untangling to the complex connections between climate warming , infectious diseases and greenhouse gas emissions .
`` To date , studies on the effects of climate warming on infectious diseases in animals have been mostly decoupled from studies on the effects of animal diseases on greenhouse gas emissions , '' she said .
`` However , these problems are connected and studying them together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the challenge of climate change and infectious disease . ''

Rising temperatures could boost livestock methane emissions, new research warns. Photo by Shutterbug75/ Pixabay
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Warming temperatures may inspire a feedback loop of climate-altering flatulence, according to a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. Over the last decade, atmospheric methane concentrations have risen dramatically, and studies suggest livestock and their digestive systems are responsible for roughly half of the increase in methane emissions. Advertisement
Scientists suggest the problem is likely to get worse as temperatures rise.
According to the new paper, a review of scientific literature on livestock health and methane emissions, rates of parasitic worm and bacterial infections are expected to rise as the planet warms. When cows, sheep and other animals are battling an infection, they emit more methane.
"Some parasitic worms spend part of their life cycle in the external environment -- on grass, for example -- and temperature can affect the rate at which these parasites develop into a life stage that can infect animals," lead study author Vanessa Ezenwa told UPI in an email.
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"For example, in some areas, colder temperatures during winter months slow down or stop the development of these parasites," said Ezenwa, a professor of ecology at the University of Georgia.
Several studies have shown parasitic and bacterial infections increase the amount methane produced per unit of food consumed by livestock.
"It's not known why this happens, but it could be related to the disruption caused by these parasites in the GI tract which is where methane is produced through bacterial fermentation of plant material," Ezenwa said.
Because sicker livestock are often less productive -- cows plagued by parasites yield less milk -- farmers need more food and animals to maintain production levels, boosting methane emissions.
Bacteria and parasitic worms aren't the only infection agents expected to proliferate in a warmer world.
"Recently, the protozoan parasite that causes trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, have been linked to increased methane emissions in livestock," Ezenwa said.
Ezenwa and her research partners used data from their scientific review to model the impacts of parasitic infections on livestock methane emissions. The simulations revealed a disconnect between current models and reality.
"Current and future contributions by ruminant livestock to global methane emissions may be substantially underestimated," Ezenwa said. "Given that ruminant livestock are responsible for nearly half of all the methane produced from living sources, this is an important insight that we hope will prompt further research to understand the connections between livestock diseases and methane emissions."
Advertisement
Ezenwa hopes the newly published paper will inspire other scientists to investigate the effects of rising temperatures on a variety of infectious agents, as well as the effects of those agents on methane production.
To slow methane emissions by ruminant livestock, researchers must identify and combat the most problematic parasites and bacteria strains.
Ezenwa said scientists must avoid studying parasites, bacteria and methane emissions in isolation. Instead, researchers need to focus on untangling to the complex connections between climate warming, infectious diseases and greenhouse gas emissions.
"To date, studies on the effects of climate warming on infectious diseases in animals have been mostly decoupled from studies on the effects of animal diseases on greenhouse gas emissions," she said. "However, these problems are connected and studying them together is necessary to better understand and mitigate both the challenge of climate change and infectious disease."