upi--2020-08-10--Tigers' Turnbull dominant in start vs. Pirates

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull toyed with Pittsburgh Pirates hitters and allowed just one run in seven innings to pace his squad to a win and cap off a series sweep .
Turnbull also allowed just five hits and had four strikeouts in the 2-1 victory Sunday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh .
Miguel Cabrera and Austin Romine plated the Tigers ' two runs in the triumph .
`` When you get a guy [ Turnbull ] that has the action that he does away from you and you do that , then you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outs , '' Pirates manager Derek Shelton told reporters .
`` That 's what he did .
He kept us off-balance and kept us on the ground .
We had a couple opportunities to score and just did n't get the big hit . ''
The game was scoreless through 3 1/2 innings before the Pirates took a 1-0 edge .
Turnbull hit Colin Moran with a pitch to lead off the half inning .
He retired the next two batters he faced before Erik Gonzalez ripped a single up the middle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Tigers answered in the top of the fifth inning .
Victor Reyes doubled in the second at-bat of the frame before Romine settled in against Pirates relief pitcher Chris Stratton .
Romine took two balls and a strike before he ripped a 2-1 slider to center field to tie the score at 1-1 .
Detroit took the final one-run advantage in the eighth inning .
Pirates reliever Richard Rodriguez retired the first two hitters he faced in the top of the frame .
He then hit Jonathan Schoop with a pitch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodriguez then threw a wild pitch in an exchange with Cabrera , which moved Schoop to second base .
Cabrera proceeded to knock a ground ball to left field to plate Schoop for the final advantage .
Relief pitchers Buck Farmer and Joe Jimenez shut out the Pirates over the final two innings to secure the victory .
Jimenez earned his fifth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning , which featured two strikeouts .
Romine went 2 for 4 with an RBI in the win .
Cabrera went 1 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Frazier had two hits apiece for the Pirates .
The Tigers host the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Comerica Park in Detroit .
The Pirates were scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday , but that series has been postponed after due to a coronavirus outbreak among Cardinals players .
At least 10 Cardinals players and seven staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 .

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull allowed one run over seven innings before his bullpen pitched two shutout innings for a narrow victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday in Pittsburgh. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull toyed with Pittsburgh Pirates hitters and allowed just one run in seven innings to pace his squad to a win and cap off a series sweep. Turnbull also allowed just five hits and had four strikeouts in the 2-1 victory Sunday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Miguel Cabrera and Austin Romine plated the Tigers' two runs in the triumph. Advertisement
"When you get a guy [Turnbull] that has the action that he does away from you and you do that, then you're going to get a lot of ground-ball outs," Pirates manager Derek Shelton told reporters.
"That's what he did. He kept us off-balance and kept us on the ground. We had a couple opportunities to score and just didn't get the big hit."
The game was scoreless through 3 1/2 innings before the Pirates took a 1-0 edge. Turnbull hit Colin Moran with a pitch to lead off the half inning. He retired the next two batters he faced before Erik Gonzalez ripped a single up the middle to plate Moran for a 1-0 lead.
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The Tigers answered in the top of the fifth inning. Victor Reyes doubled in the second at-bat of the frame before Romine settled in against Pirates relief pitcher Chris Stratton.
Romine took two balls and a strike before he ripped a 2-1 slider to center field to tie the score at 1-1.
Detroit took the final one-run advantage in the eighth inning. Pirates reliever Richard Rodriguez retired the first two hitters he faced in the top of the frame. He then hit Jonathan Schoop with a pitch to put the go-ahead run on base. Rodriguez then threw a wild pitch in an exchange with Cabrera, which moved Schoop to second base.
Cabrera proceeded to knock a ground ball to left field to plate Schoop for the final advantage.
Relief pitchers Buck Farmer and Joe Jimenez shut out the Pirates over the final two innings to secure the victory. Jimenez earned his fifth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning, which featured two strikeouts.
Romine went 2 for 4 with an RBI in the win. Cabrera went 1 for 4 with an RBI. Gonzalez and Adam Frazier had two hits apiece for the Pirates.
The Tigers host the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Comerica Park in Detroit. The Pirates were scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, but that series has been postponed after due to a coronavirus outbreak among Cardinals players.
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At least 10 Cardinals players and seven staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.


upi--2020-08-10--Study projects mixed bag for Atlantic fish stocks as temperatures rise

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Warming ocean temperatures will prove a boon to some commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic , while depressing others , according to a new study published this week in the Journal of Applied Ecology .
Using what scientists have learned about the effects of warming seas on fish stocks over the last several decades , researchers in Britain developed computer models to project the size and availability of important Atlantic fish species as ocean temperatures rise .
The models simulated the abundance and distribution of Atlantic cod , Dover sole , monkfish and lemon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenarios , through the year 2090 .
Simulations showed the number of several warm-adapted species , such as red mullet , Dover sole , John Dory and lemon sole , are likely to rise in the coming decades .
Conversely , warming seas are expected to shrink the stocks of cold-adapted species like Atlantic cod , monkfish and megrim .
`` Our results show that climate change will continue to affect fish stocks within this sea region into the future , presenting both potential risks but some opportunities that fishers will likely have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author Katherine Maltby said in a news release .
`` Consumers can help fishers take advantage of these fishing opportunities by seeking out other fish species to eat and enjoy , '' said Maltby , who the research while working at the Center for Environment , Fisheries and Aquaculture Science .
Authors of the new study suggest fisheries managers will need to adapt rules and regulations as seas warm , reducing catch limits for negatively affected species , while loosening restrictions for growing fish stocks .
`` We know from working with fishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catches more , '' said co-author Louise Rutterford , researcher at the University of Exeter .
`` Bringing together their 'on-the-ground ' experiences with studies like ours will help inform future management decisions that enable sustainable exploitation while supporting fishers ' adaptation . ''

Fisheries managers and commercial fishers will have to adapt as warming seas alter the abundance and distribution of different Atlantic fish stocks. Photo by Katherine Maltby
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Warming ocean temperatures will prove a boon to some commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, while depressing others, according to a new study published this week in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Using what scientists have learned about the effects of warming seas on fish stocks over the last several decades, researchers in Britain developed computer models to project the size and availability of important Atlantic fish species as ocean temperatures rise. Advertisement
The models simulated the abundance and distribution of Atlantic cod, Dover sole, monkfish and lemon sole, under a range of climate scenarios, through the year 2090.
Simulations showed the number of several warm-adapted species, such as red mullet, Dover sole, John Dory and lemon sole, are likely to rise in the coming decades.
Conversely, warming seas are expected to shrink the stocks of cold-adapted species like Atlantic cod, monkfish and megrim.
"Our results show that climate change will continue to affect fish stocks within this sea region into the future, presenting both potential risks but some opportunities that fishers will likely have to adapt to," lead study author Katherine Maltby said in a news release.
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"Consumers can help fishers take advantage of these fishing opportunities by seeking out other fish species to eat and enjoy," said Maltby, who the research while working at the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.
Authors of the new study suggest fisheries managers will need to adapt rules and regulations as seas warm, reducing catch limits for negatively affected species, while loosening restrictions for growing fish stocks.
"We know from working with fishers that warmer water species are appearing in catches more," said co-author Louise Rutterford, researcher at the University of Exeter. "Bringing together their 'on-the-ground' experiences with studies like ours will help inform future management decisions that enable sustainable exploitation while supporting fishers' adaptation."


upi--2020-08-10--Schools in several states begin in-person, remote classes Monday

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Schools in some parts of the United States were set to reopen their doors for in-person instruction on Monday , amid concerns for new COVID-19 outbreaks .
Some school districts in multiple states will begin sending students , teachers and staff back to classrooms while many others will begin the year with remote learning .
Here is a snapshot at a few states that have districts resuming classes for the first time since the spring .
Lumpkin County schools , which serves 3,800 students , is set to begin in-person instruction Monday after officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at five area schools and its central office have tested positive for COVID-19 , and some others were awaiting results .
Superintendent Rob Brown said given the number of staff and students in the district , it has `` very low numbers of spread in the past two weeks . ''
`` We have had some positive cases during pre-planning as we had predicted , '' said Brown .
`` With almost 500 employees returning back to work just weeks ago , we really did n't know what to expect in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schools will also open with face-to-face classes on Monday , with precautions such as limited contact between students , more lunch times for middle schools and high schools to spread students out and a hold on assemblies and other gatherings .
Both districts also provided parents the choice to opt for a virtual learning program .
Some other districts in Georgia resumed physical classes last week .
Schools in Baker and Bradford counties will reopen with in-person instruction with new safety measures , such as enforcing distancing , assigned seats and increased disinfecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and placing students into smaller groups .
`` After much prayer , consideration and consultation with stakeholders across the state of Florida we have made some decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the fall , '' Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson said .
`` I believe that face to face instruction with our quality teachers and staff is the best education that we can provide for our precious children . ''
Bradford County provided new remote options after finding that more than 800 students planned to leave the district for virtual learning or home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows students to livestream classes .
Schools in Rutherford County will reopen Monday with a registration day and the first full day is scheduled for next week .
Kindergartners and pre-kindergartners will be provided an alternate phase-in schedule , while the district also allowed families to sign up for distance learning through Aug. 5 .
The district has dozens of campuses which serve approximately 50,000 students from Pre-K to 12th grade .
Thrall Independent School District in central Texas plans to return 75 % of its students to in-person instruction on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning .
The district serves three campuses and will be one of the first districts in Texas to reopen .
It plans to have students attend in-person classes every other day .
`` Students attend one day in person and the next day they actually stay at home , '' Superintendent Tommy Hooker said .
`` We continue to still do the playground with elementary , with caution , with social distance , with a mask on .
We still plan to do things like physical education . ''
Millard Public Schools in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a plan for students to attend one day for the first week broken into groups based on their last names .
For example , students with last names beginning with `` A '' through `` F '' will begin in-person instruction on Monday , and so on .
There are other states with districts beginning classes this week , including Indiana and Alabama .

Drew Luther participates in a remote math class at his home in Kensington, Md., on April 30 after in-person classes were canceled for the spring. A number of schools nationwide were scheduled to resume in-person classes and remote learning on Monday. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Schools in some parts of the United States were set to reopen their doors for in-person instruction on Monday, amid concerns for new COVID-19 outbreaks. Some school districts in multiple states will begin sending students, teachers and staff back to classrooms while many others will begin the year with remote learning. Advertisement
Here is a snapshot at a few states that have districts resuming classes for the first time since the spring.
Georgia
Lumpkin County schools, which serves 3,800 students, is set to begin in-person instruction Monday after officials said last week that 25 staff members at five area schools and its central office have tested positive for COVID-19, and some others were awaiting results.
Superintendent Rob Brown said given the number of staff and students in the district, it has "very low numbers of spread in the past two weeks."
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"We have had some positive cases during pre-planning as we had predicted," said Brown. "With almost 500 employees returning back to work just weeks ago, we really didn't know what to expect in terms of the virus spreading."
Pierce County Schools will also open with face-to-face classes on Monday, with precautions such as limited contact between students, more lunch times for middle schools and high schools to spread students out and a hold on assemblies and other gatherings.
Both districts also provided parents the choice to opt for a virtual learning program.
Some other districts in Georgia resumed physical classes last week.
Florida
Schools in Baker and Bradford counties will reopen with in-person instruction with new safety measures, such as enforcing distancing, assigned seats and increased disinfecting on school buses, staggering lunch periods and placing students into smaller groups.
"After much prayer, consideration and consultation with stakeholders across the state of Florida we have made some decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the fall," Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson said.
"I believe that face to face instruction with our quality teachers and staff is the best education that we can provide for our precious children."
Bradford County provided new remote options after finding that more than 800 students planned to leave the district for virtual learning or home school. One of those remote options allows students to livestream classes.
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Tennessee
Schools in Rutherford County will reopen Monday with a registration day and the first full day is scheduled for next week.
Kindergartners and pre-kindergartners will be provided an alternate phase-in schedule, while the district also allowed families to sign up for distance learning through Aug. 5.
The district has dozens of campuses which serve approximately 50,000 students from Pre-K to 12th grade.
Texas
Thrall Independent School District in central Texas plans to return 75% of its students to in-person instruction on Monday, while 25% will continue with virtual learning.
The district serves three campuses and will be one of the first districts in Texas to reopen. It plans to have students attend in-person classes every other day.
"Students attend one day in person and the next day they actually stay at home," Superintendent Tommy Hooker said. "We continue to still do the playground with elementary, with caution, with social distance, with a mask on. We still plan to do things like physical education."
Nebraska
Millard Public Schools in Omaha will begin in-person learning on Monday with a plan for students to attend one day for the first week broken into groups based on their last names.
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For example, students with last names beginning with "A" through "F" will begin in-person instruction on Monday, and so on.
Remote learning will begin on Friday.
There are other states with districts beginning classes this week, including Indiana and Alabama.


upi--2020-08-10--Joe Biden's Iran policy is flawed

Joe Biden's Iran policy is flawed

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump 's chaotic handling of the coronavirus pandemic has seen his poll ratings plummet in America , as voters begin to ponder the prospects of a Democrat in the White house next year , in the shape of Joe Biden .
But what would a Biden presidency mean for the Middle East and in particular for Iran ?
Trump used his first foreign tour as president to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel , the ayatollahs ' two greatest enemies , apart from America .
At the Arab-Islamic-American summit held in the Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2017 , Trump denounced Iran as the Middle East 's main sponsor of terror and supporter of Bashar al-Assad in Syria , stating that : '' From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen , Iran funds , arms and trains terrorists , militias and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region . ''
The U.S. president branded the Iranian regime as : `` a government that speaks openly of mass murder , vowing the destruction of Israel , death to America and ruin for many leaders and nations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor Barack Obama of having pursued a policy of appeasement to the Iranian regime .
He denounced Obama 's nuclear deal with Iran as `` the worst deal in history '' and lost no time in withdrawing the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action .
Next , Trump signed an executive order imposing a further round of `` hard-hitting '' sanctions on Iran that sent shockwaves through the theocratic dictatorship headed by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
Indeed , the sanctions specifically targeted Khamenei , together with Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commanders of navy , aerospace and ground forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps , the elite military unit dubbed the regime 's Gestapo and itself also listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the Americans .
These commanders supervised the IRGC 's malicious regional activities , including its provocative ballistic missile program , its sabotage of oil tankers in the Gulf , as well as its ongoing support for Assad 's bloody civil war in Syria , the Houthi rebels in Yemen , terrorist Hezbollah in Lebanon and the brutal Shi'ia militias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further in January this year , ordering a drone strike on the IRGC Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani , as he drove out of Baghdad Airport in Iraq .
Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis -- the Iraqi chief of the terrorist Kata'ib Hezbollah -- were killed in the drone strike .
The mullahs vowed revenge and in a state of anxious paranoia shot down a Ukrainian airliner one week later , killing 176 passengers and crew in the mistaken belief that it was an American military jet .
The mullahs spent several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the catastrophe , before finally being forced to admit the truth .
Now the Caesar Act , which sanctions governments and companies that continue to support and assist the Assad regime , has been introduced in June , further tightening the squeeze on the Iranian mullahs and their allies .
Trump signed the Caesar Act into law just before Christmas 2019 .
It has been hailed by human rights groups as a great victory in their determined effort to hold the Assad regime accountable for the war crimes it has committed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The act imposes tough sanctions on the Assad regime and individuals who cooperate with it , as well as , for the first time , on the governments of Russia and Iran for their support for Damascus .
Trump 's `` maximum pressure '' campaign on the theocratic Iranian regime has had dramatic results .
The Iranian rial is in freefall and inflation is spiraling , as the triple whammy of sanctions , the collapse in oil revenues and the COVID-19 pandemic take their toll .
Iran 's 80 million citizens are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have suffered for four decades under the mullahs ' corrupt and murderous regime and they are calling for its overthrow .
In America , it has finally dawned that the only way to restore freedom , democracy and justice for the Iranian people is to actively encourage regime change .
In June , the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution demanding action to counter the Iranian regime 's threats and recognizing `` the rights of the Iranian people and their struggle to establish a democratic , secular and non-nuclear republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the U.S. Congress , on top of Trump 's withering `` maximum pressure '' campaign of sanctions , has brought the mullahs to their knees .
But even as a cross-party coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives voted for this ground-breaking resolution , Joe Biden published his Democratic Party 's draft platform for the 2020 election , in which he says that he will oppose regime change in Tehran .
Biden 's attempt to throw a lifeline to the mullahs will come as a devastating blow to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an act of betrayal .
Unsurprisingly , Biden 's announcement has been welcomed by an Iranian regime spokesman -- Ali Rabei -- who said it was a `` small but positive step in understanding the realities of Iran , but it is still ambitious . ''
Reverting to the failed policies of Obama , Biden says he will deal with Iran through diplomacy and re-enter the 2015 nuclear deal with the clerical regime .
This would be a grave mistake .
The increasingly dangerous and hostile reaction of the mullahs should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks on Saudi oil installations and on foreign flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and their recent ballistic missile attack on a mock aircraft carrier in the same Strait , shows that they have lost none of their warmongering aggression .
Their brutal crackdown , killing 1,500 and wounding and imprisoning thousands of other young protesters who took to the streets in nationwide uprisings last November , should also make Biden think again .
The belligerent behavior of the Iranian regime proves that attempts at diplomatic negotiation or appeasement are pointless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppressed Iranian millions .
With the countdown to the presidential elections underway , the sharp divide between the Republicans and the Democrats on Middle East policy must be given more airtime .
The people of Iran are crying out for America 's help .
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change .
He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland ( 1999-2014 ) , president of the Parliament 's Delegation for Relations with Iraq ( 2009-14 ) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association .

Former Vice President Joe Biden says he will oppose regime change in Tehran. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's chaotic handling of the coronavirus pandemic has seen his poll ratings plummet in America, as voters begin to ponder the prospects of a Democrat in the White house next year, in the shape of Joe Biden. But what would a Biden presidency mean for the Middle East and in particular for Iran? Advertisement
Trump used his first foreign tour as president to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel, the ayatollahs' two greatest enemies, apart from America. At the Arab-Islamic-American summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on May 21, 2017, Trump denounced Iran as the Middle East's main sponsor of terror and supporter of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, stating that:
"From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms and trains terrorists, militias and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region."
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The U.S. president branded the Iranian regime as: "a government that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing the destruction of Israel, death to America and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room." Trump accused his predecessor Barack Obama of having pursued a policy of appeasement to the Iranian regime. He denounced Obama's nuclear deal with Iran as "the worst deal in history" and lost no time in withdrawing the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Next, Trump signed an executive order imposing a further round of "hard-hitting" sanctions on Iran that sent shockwaves through the theocratic dictatorship headed by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Indeed, the sanctions specifically targeted Khamenei, together with Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and eight senior commanders of navy, aerospace and ground forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the elite military unit dubbed the regime's Gestapo and itself also listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the Americans.
These commanders supervised the IRGC's malicious regional activities, including its provocative ballistic missile program, its sabotage of oil tankers in the Gulf, as well as its ongoing support for Assad's bloody civil war in Syria, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, terrorist Hezbollah in Lebanon and the brutal Shi'ia militias in Iraq.
Advertisement
Trump went a stage further in January this year, ordering a drone strike on the IRGC Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani, as he drove out of Baghdad Airport in Iraq. Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis -- the Iraqi chief of the terrorist Kata'ib Hezbollah -- were killed in the drone strike. The mullahs vowed revenge and in a state of anxious paranoia shot down a Ukrainian airliner one week later, killing 176 passengers and crew in the mistaken belief that it was an American military jet. The mullahs spent several days frantically trying to deny their involvement in the catastrophe, before finally being forced to admit the truth.
Now the Caesar Act, which sanctions governments and companies that continue to support and assist the Assad regime, has been introduced in June, further tightening the squeeze on the Iranian mullahs and their allies. Trump signed the Caesar Act into law just before Christmas 2019. It has been hailed by human rights groups as a great victory in their determined effort to hold the Assad regime accountable for the war crimes it has committed and continues to commit against its own people. The act imposes tough sanctions on the Assad regime and individuals who cooperate with it, as well as, for the first time, on the governments of Russia and Iran for their support for Damascus.
Advertisement
Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on the theocratic Iranian regime has had dramatic results. The Iranian rial is in freefall and inflation is spiraling, as the triple whammy of sanctions, the collapse in oil revenues and the COVID-19 pandemic take their toll. Iran's 80 million citizens are seething with rage at their own government. They have suffered for four decades under the mullahs' corrupt and murderous regime and they are calling for its overthrow.
In America, it has finally dawned that the only way to restore freedom, democracy and justice for the Iranian people is to actively encourage regime change. In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution demanding action to counter the Iranian regime's threats and recognizing "the rights of the Iranian people and their struggle to establish a democratic, secular and non-nuclear republic of Iran." This bombshell resolution by the U.S. Congress, on top of Trump's withering "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions, has brought the mullahs to their knees.
But even as a cross-party coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives voted for this ground-breaking resolution, Joe Biden published his Democratic Party's draft platform for the 2020 election, in which he says that he will oppose regime change in Tehran.
Advertisement
Biden's attempt to throw a lifeline to the mullahs will come as a devastating blow to the Iranian population. They will regard it as an act of betrayal. Unsurprisingly, Biden's announcement has been welcomed by an Iranian regime spokesman -- Ali Rabei -- who said it was a "small but positive step in understanding the realities of Iran, but it is still ambitious."
Reverting to the failed policies of Obama, Biden says he will deal with Iran through diplomacy and re-enter the 2015 nuclear deal with the clerical regime. This would be a grave mistake. The increasingly dangerous and hostile reaction of the mullahs should have sounded the alarm bells. Their repeated attacks on Saudi oil installations and on foreign flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and their recent ballistic missile attack on a mock aircraft carrier in the same Strait, shows that they have lost none of their warmongering aggression.
Their brutal crackdown, killing 1,500 and wounding and imprisoning thousands of other young protesters who took to the streets in nationwide uprisings last November, should also make Biden think again.
The belligerent behavior of the Iranian regime proves that attempts at diplomatic negotiation or appeasement are pointless. America must show support for the oppressed Iranian millions. With the countdown to the presidential elections underway, the sharp divide between the Republicans and the Democrats on Middle East policy must be given more airtime. The people of Iran are crying out for America's help.
Advertisement
Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change. He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland (1999-2014), president of the Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq (2009-14) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup (2004-14). He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and is also president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association.


upi--2020-08-10--New U.S. cases under 50,000 for the first time in a week

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- The United States saw a decline in new COVID-19 cases on Sunday -- under 50,000 -- according to updated figures Monday from researchers at Johns Hopkins University .
There were additions of about 47,000 cases , according to the university 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering , a decline of several thousand from the previous day and the first single-day tally under 50,000 since Aug. 3 .
To date , there have been about 5.05 million cases and 163,000 deaths in the United States , Johns Hopkins data showed .
About 600 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID Tracking Project -- a sizable decline after three consecutive days of at least 1,250 .
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children 's Hospital Association said more than 97,000 U.S. children tested positive for COVID-19 over the last two weeks of July -- a 40 % increase since March .
The data shows that while children under 19 still account for just a small portion of total cases , the number of childhood cases is growing as schools nationwide prepare to begin the new academic year .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the pandemic , representing 8.8 % of all cases , the AAP found .
Six states had at least 15,000 cases -- California , Florida , Arizona , Tennessee , Illinois and Georgia .
Arizona had the most , more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 children .
The U.S. average was 447 .
Although COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths in children are uncommon and severe illnesses are rare , at least 86 have died of the disease since May , according to the report .
In Georgia , six students and three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive after a viral photo showed students crowded in hallways after classes began last week .
In Texas , state officials on Monday are debating whether to collect data on the number of coronavirus cases at public schools .
The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of State Health Services say they are `` in discussions '' about whether to collect the data and provide it to the public .
`` This question on data collection is still under active deliberation by the agency , and we expect to have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any , data will be required and how it will be recorded , '' TEA spokesman Frank Ward said .

Fans peek through a chain link fence during the second round of the 102nd PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The United States saw a decline in new COVID-19 cases on Sunday -- under 50,000 -- according to updated figures Monday from researchers at Johns Hopkins University. There were additions of about 47,000 cases, according to the university's Center for Systems Science and Engineering, a decline of several thousand from the previous day and the first single-day tally under 50,000 since Aug. 3. Advertisement
To date, there have been about 5.05 million cases and 163,000 deaths in the United States, Johns Hopkins data showed.
About 600 deaths were reported nationwide Sunday, according to the COVID Tracking Project -- a sizable decline after three consecutive days of at least 1,250.
Florida on Monday set a record for weekly hospitalizations with 3,355 people admitted to hospitals from Aug.2 through Monday. In total, 30,785 people have been hospitalized due to the coronavirus since the onset of the pandemic.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association said more than 97,000 U.S. children tested positive for COVID-19 over the last two weeks of July -- a 40% increase since March.
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The data shows that while children under 19 still account for just a small portion of total cases, the number of childhood cases is growing as schools nationwide prepare to begin the new academic year.
There have been nearly 339,000 total child cases since the start of the pandemic, representing 8.8% of all cases, the AAP found.
Six states had at least 15,000 cases -- California, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Illinois and Georgia. Arizona had the most, more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 children. The U.S. average was 447.
Although COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths in children are uncommon and severe illnesses are rare, at least 86 have died of the disease since May, according to the report.
In Georgia, six students and three staff members at North Paulding High School tested positive after a viral photo showed students crowded in hallways after classes began last week.
In Texas, state officials on Monday are debating whether to collect data on the number of coronavirus cases at public schools.
The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of State Health Services say they are "in discussions" about whether to collect the data and provide it to the public.
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"This question on data collection is still under active deliberation by the agency, and we expect to have an update in coming weeks on what, if any, data will be required and how it will be recorded," TEA spokesman Frank Ward said.


upi--2020-08-10--Simon Cowell thanks fans, medical staff after bike accident: 'Read the manual before you ride'

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Simon Cowell thanked fans for their support and the medical staff who cared for him on Twitter after the music producer underwent surgery following a bike accident .
The America 's Got Talent judge was hospitalized on Saturday .
Cowell injured his back after testing out a new electric bike at his home in Malibu , Calif. , with his family .
`` Some good advice ...
If you buy an electric trail bike , read the manual before you ride it for the first time .
I have broken part of my back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind messages , '' Cowell tweeted on Sunday .
`` And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors .
Some of the nicest people I have ever met .
Stay safe everyone .
Simon , '' the 60-year-old continued .
Cowell 's Syco Entertainment confirmed to USA Today that the television personality broke his back in several places .
He underwent six hours of surgery and had a metal rod placed in his back .
NBC has said that Cowell will not appear in the first two live episodes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are airing on Tuesday and Wednesday .

And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon.— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) August 10, 2020
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Simon Cowell thanked fans for their support and the medical staff who cared for him on Twitter after the music producer underwent surgery following a bike accident.
The America's Got Talent judge was hospitalized on Saturday. Cowell injured his back after testing out a new electric bike at his home in Malibu, Calif., with his family.
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"Some good advice...If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages," Cowell tweeted on Sunday.
"And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone. Simon," the 60-year-old continued.
Cowell's Syco Entertainment confirmed to USA Today that the television personality broke his back in several places. He underwent six hours of surgery and had a metal rod placed in his back.
NBC has said that Cowell will not appear in the first two live episodes of America's Got Talent Season 16, which are airing on Tuesday and Wednesday.


upi--2020-08-10--A.J. Pollock, Mookie Betts belt Dodgers to win over Giants

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Mookie Betts and A.J .
Pollock each smashed three-run homers to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a late comeback win over the rival San Francisco Giants .
The Dodgers ( 11-5 ) trailed the Giants ( 7-10 ) by two runs before Pollock gave his squad a slight advantage in the seventh frame Sunday at Dodger Stadium .
Betts then belted another three-run blast to give the Dodgers their final 6-2 advantage .
`` When you have a team that has pitching that keeps you right there and you are only a bloop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's huge , '' Pollock said .
`` When [ Dodgers pitchers ] do that , you are able to squeak out games like this . ''
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler was nearly flawless and allowed just one hit and two runs in 5.2 innings .
The only hit he allowed was a Mike Yastrzemski two-run double in the fifth frame , which gave the Giants an initial edge .
The Dodgers rallied to take control in the seventh inning .
Betts began the inning with a line out before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to center field .
Dodgers star Justin Turner followed with another single before Max Muncy struck out .
Pollock then stepped in to face Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers with two outs and two runners on base .
The Dodgers designated hitter went ahead 3-0 in the count before Rogers threw two called strikes .
Pollock then smashed a 3-2 Rogers curveball over the left center field fence for a 397-foot homer .
The blast traveled 100 mph before it left the field in five seconds , according to Statcast .
Betts blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will Smith walked to start the half inning .
Enrique Hernandez then doubled for the Dodgers to move Smith to third base .
Joc Pederson flew out to right field before Betts stepped in to face Giants reliever Shaun Anderson .
Betts sent Anderson 's lone offering into the left center field seats for a 383-foot home run .
That blast traveled 98 mph before it also left the field in five seconds .
Buehler also allowed four walks and had six strikeouts in the start , but was not on the record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jake McGee did n't allow a hit or a run in one inning of work to earn the win .
`` The offense picked me up there late and we are glad to get out of here with a win , '' Buehler said .
Giants starter Kevin Gausman allowed three hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings , but also did n't get a decision .
Pollock went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run scored .
Betts went 1 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the only two hits for the Giants .
The Dodgers won two of three games to win the series .
They host the San Diego Padres at 9:40 p.m. EDT Sunday at Dodger Stadium .
The Giants battle the Houston Astros in the first clash of a three-game series at 9:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Minute Maid Park in Houston .

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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts hit his fourth home run of the season in a win against the San Francisco Giants Sunday in Los Angeles. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Mookie Betts and A.J. Pollock each smashed three-run homers to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a late comeback win over the rival San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers (11-5) trailed the Giants (7-10) by two runs before Pollock gave his squad a slight advantage in the seventh frame Sunday at Dodger Stadium. Betts then belted another three-run blast to give the Dodgers their final 6-2 advantage. Advertisement
"When you have a team that has pitching that keeps you right there and you are only a bloop and a blast from tying it up, it's huge," Pollock said.
"When [Dodgers pitchers] do that, you are able to squeak out games like this."
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler was nearly flawless and allowed just one hit and two runs in 5.2 innings. The only hit he allowed was a Mike Yastrzemski two-run double in the fifth frame, which gave the Giants an initial edge.
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The Dodgers rallied to take control in the seventh inning. Betts began the inning with a line out before Cody Bellinger reached base on a single to center field. Dodgers star Justin Turner followed with another single before Max Muncy struck out. Pollock then stepped in to face Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers with two outs and two runners on base.
The Dodgers designated hitter went ahead 3-0 in the count before Rogers threw two called strikes. Pollock then smashed a 3-2 Rogers curveball over the left center field fence for a 397-foot homer. The blast traveled 100 mph before it left the field in five seconds, according to Statcast.
Betts blasted some insurance in the next inning. Will Smith walked to start the half inning. Enrique Hernandez then doubled for the Dodgers to move Smith to third base. Joc Pederson flew out to right field before Betts stepped in to face Giants reliever Shaun Anderson.
Betts sent Anderson's lone offering into the left center field seats for a 383-foot home run. That blast traveled 98 mph before it also left the field in five seconds.
Buehler also allowed four walks and had six strikeouts in the start, but was not on the record for a decision. Dodgers relief pitcher Jake McGee didn't allow a hit or a run in one inning of work to earn the win.
"The offense picked me up there late and we are glad to get out of here with a win," Buehler said.
Giants starter Kevin Gausman allowed three hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings, but also didn't get a decision.
Pollock went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Betts went 1 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Yastrzemski and second baseman Donovan Solano had the only two hits for the Giants.
The Dodgers won two of three games to win the series. They host the San Diego Padres at 9:40 p.m. EDT Sunday at Dodger Stadium. The Giants battle the Houston Astros in the first clash of a three-game series at 9:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
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upi--2020-08-10--Gallup poll: Most in U.S. don't think women have achieved equality

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Women still have a ways to go to achieve equality with men in the workplace and in politics , a new Gallup survey said Monday .
According to the survey , just 31 % of U.S. adults believe women have achieved equality in the workplace and 34 % in politics .
About a third said women can achieve workplace equality within 20 years and 28 % said the same for politics .
Almost 80 % of women said they have not achieved workplace equality and the figure was 58 % among men .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ /57 % .
The split is similar among political groups .
`` While majorities of Republicans believe women have achieved equality in the workplace and politics , Republican women are less certain of these achievements than are Republican men : 56 % of Republican women contrasted with 75 % of Republican men say women have achieved equality with men in the workplace , '' Gallup wrote .
`` Sixty-three percent of Republican women versus 82 % of Republican men believe women have equality with men in politics .
Meanwhile , more than nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think women have not achieved equity in both the workplace and politics . ''
Gallup polled more than 3,400 U.S. adults for the survey , which has a margin of error of 3 points .

Two women wearing beauty pageant sash and head crowns applaud while they listen to speakers at the United Nations Observance of International Women's Day 2020 at U.N. headquarters in New York City on March 6. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Women still have a ways to go to achieve equality with men in the workplace and in politics, a new Gallup survey said Monday. According to the survey, just 31% of U.S. adults believe women have achieved equality in the workplace and 34% in politics. Advertisement
About a third said women can achieve workplace equality within 20 years and 28% said the same for politics.
Almost 80% of women said they have not achieved workplace equality and the figure was 58% among men. For politics, the split was 75%/57%.
The split is similar among political groups.
"While majorities of Republicans believe women have achieved equality in the workplace and politics, Republican women are less certain of these achievements than are Republican men: 56% of Republican women contrasted with 75% of Republican men say women have achieved equality with men in the workplace," Gallup wrote.
"Sixty-three percent of Republican women versus 82% of Republican men believe women have equality with men in politics. Meanwhile, more than nine in 10 Democratic women and men alike think women have not achieved equity in both the workplace and politics."
Gallup polled more than 3,400 U.S. adults for the survey, which has a margin of error of 3 points.


upi--2020-08-10--Kevin Harvick sweeps NASCAR doubleheader at Michigan

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- NASCAR 's Kevin Harvick increased his Cup Series lead with a pair of victories during a weekend doubleheader sweep at Michigan International Speedway .
Harvick held off Denny Hamlin all the way to the finish line in the Consumers Energy 400 to cap off the achievement Sunday in Brooklyn , Mich. '' I had a little trouble in the end in [ turns ] three and four , Denny was really good down there , '' Harvick told reporters .
`` We were able to do a little defensive driving and keep him back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the end . ''
Harvick led a race-high 90 laps after he started 20th in the event .
Hamlin led for six laps .
Martin Truex Jr. , Kyle Busch and Joey Logano also finished in the top-five .
Clint Bowyer started second and led for 43 laps before he finished 14th .
`` It was fun , '' Hamlin said .
`` I definitely do n't like not winning .
But we 're competitive .
We 've given ourselves a shot here these last few weeks .
`` We 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Certainly that 's encouraging .
Just feel like I need to tighten up a few things on my end to be a little bit better .
I think we 'll be right there where we need to be . ''
Harvick now has a Cup Series-high six wins this season in his No .
4 Ford Mustang .
He has finished in the top-five in nine consecutive races .
`` It 's hard to tell what the end of the year is going to bring as far as this could be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
You just never know , '' Harvick said .
`` I think the most important thing is to stay focused on the week-to-week attitude of trying to prepare the best that you can .
Win or lose last week , on Monday you have to be preparing for the next week .
It 's ultra important to have a short-term memory . ''
Harvick also led a race-high 92 laps to win the Firekeepers Casino 400 Saturday at Michigan .
Brad Keselowski finished second in that event , followed by Truex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamlin finished sixth in the first Cup Series race of the doubleheader at Michigan .
The Cup Series schedule continues with the GoGowling 235 at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach , Fla .

Kevin Harvick now has a Cup Series-best six wins this season after he won twice over the weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- NASCAR's Kevin Harvick increased his Cup Series lead with a pair of victories during a weekend doubleheader sweep at Michigan International Speedway. Harvick held off Denny Hamlin all the way to the finish line in the Consumers Energy 400 to cap off the achievement Sunday in Brooklyn, Mich. Advertisement
"I had a little trouble in the end in [turns] three and four, Denny was really good down there," Harvick told reporters.
"We were able to do a little defensive driving and keep him back there and make it to victory lane in the end."
Harvick led a race-high 90 laps after he started 20th in the event. Hamlin led for six laps. Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Joey Logano also finished in the top-five. Clint Bowyer started second and led for 43 laps before he finished 14th.
"It was fun," Hamlin said. "I definitely don't like not winning. But we're competitive. We've given ourselves a shot here these last few weeks.
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"We've been right there in contention in every race. Certainly that's encouraging. Just feel like I need to tighten up a few things on my end to be a little bit better. I think we'll be right there where we need to be."
Harvick now has a Cup Series-high six wins this season in his No. 4 Ford Mustang. He has finished in the top-five in nine consecutive races.
"It's hard to tell what the end of the year is going to bring as far as this could be the last win, you might win six more. You just never know," Harvick said.
"I think the most important thing is to stay focused on the week-to-week attitude of trying to prepare the best that you can. Win or lose last week, on Monday you have to be preparing for the next week. It's ultra important to have a short-term memory."
Harvick also led a race-high 92 laps to win the Firekeepers Casino 400 Saturday at Michigan. Brad Keselowski finished second in that event, followed by Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney and Busch. Hamlin finished sixth in the first Cup Series race of the doubleheader at Michigan.
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The Cup Series schedule continues with the GoGowling 235 at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.


upi--2020-08-10--Kamala, former WWE star, dead at 70

Kamala, former WWE star, dead at 70

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Professional wrestling star James Harris , best known as Kamala in WWE , has died at the age of 70 .
WWE announced Harris ' death on Sunday .
A cause of death was not announced .
The Los Angeles Times also confirmed Harris ' death .
The grappler , in recent years , had both of his legs amputated below the knee due to diabetes .
The Kamala character was presented as a Ugandan Giant which was criticized for being racially insensitive .
Kamala was billed as being 6-foot-7 , 380 pounds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a moon painted on his torso .
Kamala , who joined WWE in 1984 , had memorable feuds with professional wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan , Andre the Giant and The Undertaker .
He competed in Mid-South Wrestling , World Class Championship Wrestling , WCW and WWE until 2006 .
`` Saddened to hear the news of the passing of the great # Kamala ... ... .
first wrestler I had the pleasure of seeing live .
I was a believer , '' WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was one of the friendliest , nicest , happy-go-lucky guys I ever knew in pro wrestling , '' WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart said on Instagram .
`` He always had a big smile despite all his challenges , including the loss of both legs .
Always a kind and happy gentle soul .
I 'll miss him for always being so good to me , '' Hart continued .

WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.https://t.co/d0kGY4GcTO— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2020
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Professional wrestling star James Harris, best known as Kamala in WWE, has died at the age of 70.
WWE announced Harris' death on Sunday. A cause of death was not announced.
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The Los Angeles Times also confirmed Harris' death. The grappler, in recent years, had both of his legs amputated below the knee due to diabetes.
The Kamala character was presented as a Ugandan Giant which was criticized for being racially insensitive. Kamala was billed as being 6-foot-7, 380 pounds, wore face paint and had two stars and a moon painted on his torso.
Kamala, who joined WWE in 1984, had memorable feuds with professional wrestling legends such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and The Undertaker.
He competed in Mid-South Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.
"Saddened to hear the news of the passing of the great #Kamala....... first wrestler I had the pleasure of seeing live. I was a believer," WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg said on Twitter.
"Unlike his heel character, he was one of the friendliest, nicest, happy-go-lucky guys I ever knew in pro wrestling," WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart said on Instagram.
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"He always had a big smile despite all his challenges, including the loss of both legs. Always a kind and happy gentle soul. I'll miss him for always being so good to me," Hart continued.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-08-10--Tropical Storm Elida expected to become hurricane in Pacific

Aug. 10 -- Tropical Storm Elida , which formed this weekend off the western coast of Mexico in the East Pacific , is forecast to become a hurricane later Monday .
The National Hurricane Center said in its 3 a.m. update Monday the storm was located 145 miles southeast of Socorro Island , Mexico , and 325 miles southeast of the southern tip of Baja California .
It carried maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving northwest at 15 mph .
In its update , the center said Elida is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to make landfall anywhere in the next few days .
However , the storm could produce dangerous conditions for the Pacific Riviera .
`` Swells generated by Elida are expected to affect portions of the coast of west-central Mexico and the southern Baja California peninsula during the next couple of days , '' the NHC said .
`` These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions . ''
Following closely behind , a second feature could develop during the second half of the week .
The expected track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer to Mexico 's Pacific coast .
Elida is the fifth named storm of the 2020 Pacific hurricane season .
The last time the name was used was in 2014 for a tropical storm .
After having a stretch of five record-earliest named tropical systems in a row for the Atlantic 2020 season , ending with Isaias , AccuWeather meteorologists are still monitoring a few tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean for potential development through mid-August .

Elida was located about 275 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, as of Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Aug. 10 -- Hurricane Elida formed on Monday afternoon and continued to strengthen into early Tuesday morning. The Category 2 hurricane is the first organized tropical system since Douglas impacted Hawaii almost two weeks ago. Elida was located about 275 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, and was packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The storm was moving in a northwest direction at 14 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 9 a.m. MDT advisory. Advertisement
AccuWeather meteorologists said prior to Elida's formation, conditions in the East Pacific haven't been conducive to tropical development. But that has since changed.
"For a variety of reasons, conditions have not been favorable in the eastern Pacific Ocean for nearly two weeks," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Mike Doll.
But now, warm waters off the southern coast of Mexico have become the breeding ground of tropical activity.
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Elida originated as Tropical Depression Nine-E, which formed 315 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico, on Saturday evening, and then strengthened to Tropical Storm Elida early Sunday morning with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Despite reaching Category 2 status, Elida is expected to rapidly weaken by Tuesday night.
The last time the name Elida was used was in 2014 for a tropical storm that formed late in June of that year. The 2014 East Pacific tropical season was the fifth-busiest in history with 22 named storms and nine major hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean only had nine named storms total that season.
"Ocean water temperatures are 86 to 88 degrees F (near 31 C), which combined with low wind shear, has made for a favorable environment for the tropical system to strengthen," explained Doll.
Fortunately, the strengthening tropical storm will not have any direct impacts to land.
Still, shipping interests in the region should be aware of rougher seas stirred up by Elida, and stronger rip currents may be noticeable at the southern Mexico beaches as well as Baja California.
Wind intensity will decrease with the system as it moves into cooler waters beyond the middle of the week.
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Following closely behind, a second feature is likely to develop during the second half of the week. Steering breezes would also keep this system away from the southwestern coast of Mexico.
However, there is another area meteorologists will watch closely. That feature will emerge off the west coast of Central America later this week and could evolve into a tropical depression this weekend. The track of this feature could take it close to the coast next week.
A third potential development area in the central Pacific Ocean is slowly tracking westward and approaching the central Pacific this week. At this point in time however, impacts to Hawaii seem unlikely.
The next storm names on the list for the East Pacific hurricane season are Fausto and Genevieve.
"The Atlantic and Pacific Basins are connected in a way when it comes to tropical development. Usually, during the time that the Atlantic Ocean is very active with several storms, the East Pacific will be quieter, and visa versa," explained AccuWeather meteorologist Jake Sojda.
Large-scale weather patterns like El Nino, and La Niña are some of the factors that contribute to which basin is active when.
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"As the East Pacific looks to turn more active through mid-August, the focus is likely to return to the Atlantic basin by the end of the month," said Doll.
After having a stretch of five record-earliest named tropical systems in a row for the Atlantic 2020 season, ending with Isaias, AccuWeather meteorologists are still monitoring a few tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean for potential development through mid-August.


upi--2020-08-10--Australia records deadliest day as worldwide cases near 20M

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday the island nation recorded its highest single-day death toll of 19 but experienced a slight drop in cases .
The announcement came as infections worldwide inched toward 20 million .
However , Australia has fared comparatively better than most countries in the face of COVID-19 , but it has been fighting spiking cases in the southeastern state of Victoria .
Of Australia 's roughly 21,000 infections and more than 300 deaths , 14,957 infections were diagnosed in Victoria including 228 people who died to the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an update .
On Monday , all 19 deaths in the past 24 occurred in Victoria .
The previous daily high was 17 , which was also set by Victoria a day prior .
Though deaths continue to rise , Morrison told reporters that he is `` more hopeful '' as daily cases appear to be on the decline from a record of 721 cases set late last month .
But when it comes to inter-country travel , he said he would welcome it by Christmas if it were possible but he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's unlikely that we were able to move back to a restriction-free society , '' he said .
`` But I doubt that is going to happen .
I doubt the medical position will enable that . ''
In neighboring New Zealand , however , where they celebrated 100 days without recording a locally transmitted case , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters Monday they entered phase one of establishing a so-called travel bubble with the Cook Islands .
The agreement outlines health and border requirements for each country to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two countries to begin , according to a statement from Ardern 's office , that added the goal is to have the travel bubble in place by the end of the year .
`` Once in force , the arrangement will facilitate the return to normal travel between our two countries , while acknowledging that the priority remains to protect our populations from COVID-19 , '' Ardern said .
The move , said Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna , was vitally important to the economy of the small archipelago nation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand in a way that balances economic and social needs with the importance of maintaining strong public health efforts in both our countries and cooperation with travel sectors to implement safe travel protocols , '' Puna said .
Since the coronavirus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year , nearly 20 million people have been infected with COVID-19 , resulting in more than 731,500 deaths , according to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University .

Firefighters prepare to distribute food at a public housing tower in North Melbourne, Australia, on July 7. File Photo by James Ross/EPA-EFE
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday the island nation recorded its highest single-day death toll of 19, but experienced a slight drop in cases. The announcement came as infections worldwide inched toward 20 million. Advertisement
However, Australia has fared comparatively better than most countries in the face of COVID-19, but it has been fighting spiking cases in the southeastern state of Victoria.
Of Australia's roughly 21,000 infections and more than 300 deaths, 14,957 infections were diagnosed in Victoria including 228 people who died to the virus, the state's health ministry said in an update.
On Monday, all 19 deaths in the past 24 occurred in Victoria. The previous daily high was 17, which was also set by Victoria a day prior.
Though deaths continue to rise, Morrison told reporters that he is "more hopeful" as daily cases appear to be on the decline from a record of 721 cases set late last month.
But when it comes to inter-country travel, he said he would welcome it by Christmas if it were possible but he doesn't think it will be.
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"I think it's unlikely that we were able to move back to a restriction-free society," he said. "But I doubt that is going to happen. I doubt the medical position will enable that."
In neighboring New Zealand, however, where they celebrated 100 days without recording a locally transmitted case, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters Monday they entered phase one of establishing a so-called travel bubble with the Cook Islands.
The agreement outlines health and border requirements for each country to meet in order for quarantine-free travel between the two countries to begin, according to a statement from Ardern's office, that added the goal is to have the travel bubble in place by the end of the year.
"Once in force, the arrangement will facilitate the return to normal travel between our two countries, while acknowledging that the priority remains to protect our populations from COVID-19," Ardern said.
The move, said Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, was vitally important to the economy of the small archipelago nation.
"We are moving forward together with New Zealand in a way that balances economic and social needs with the importance of maintaining strong public health efforts in both our countries and cooperation with travel sectors to implement safe travel protocols," Puna said.
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Since the coronavirus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, nearly 20 million people have been infected with COVID-19, resulting in more than 731,500 deaths, according to data collected by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.


upi--2020-08-10--Police, protesters clash in Belarus as Lukashenko wins 6th term

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Protesters and riot police clashed in Belarus as demonstrators took to the streets in opposition to early exit polls that indicate incumbent President Aleksandr Lukashenko would handily win a sixth term at the country 's helm .
Election officials late Sunday released exit poll data showing that the authoritarian president had secured nearly 80 % of the vote to main opposition Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 's 6.8 % The opposition has previously expressed worries the election would be rigged , and Tikhanovskaya told reporters during a press conference after the poll was released that she does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe my eyes , and I see that the majority is with us , '' she said .
Lidia Yermoshina , chairwoman of the Central Election Commission , said based on preliminary estimates from Sunday 's vote that nearly 5.8 million people , or 84.23 % of eligible voters , cast a ballot in the election , state-run Belta news agency reported .
The tally , she said , will be double-checked but `` I do n't think that they will change dramatically . ''
In the capital of Minsk , riot police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water cannons Sunday night to disperse protesters , some of who were injured , Viasna , a human rights organization in Belarus , said in a statement , adding at least 70 protesters were arrested .
In the weeks before the election , human rights organizations warned of ongoing arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters , journalists and bloggers .
`` Belarusian authorities are using flimsy pretexts to silence journalists and critics , which should never happen , but that has even more damning consequences for citizens ' rights in an election period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia director at Human Rights Watch , said in a late July statement .
`` The international community should not ignore such serious flouting of human rights obligations . ''
Since May , Viasna has reported that more than 1,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested , including Tikhanovskaya 's husband , Sergey Tikhanovskaya , a YouTube blogger and former presidential candidate .
Following his arrest , Tikhanovskaya , 37 , took her husband 's place on the ballot , the BBC reported .
A day before the election , Viasna reported that Tikhanovskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also detained though the charges had yet to be announced .
Lukashenko was first elected to the country 's highest office in 1994 .

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A demonstrator stands in front of riot police during a protest after polling stations closed in the presidential elections, in Minsk, Belarus, on Sunday. Photo by Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA-EFE
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Protesters and riot police clashed in Belarus as demonstrators took to the streets in opposition to early exit polls that indicate incumbent President Aleksandr Lukashenko would handily win a sixth term at the country's helm. Election officials late Sunday released exit poll data showing that the authoritarian president had secured nearly 80% of the vote to main opposition Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's 6.8% Advertisement
The opposition has previously expressed worries the election would be rigged, and Tikhanovskaya told reporters during a press conference after the poll was released that she does not accept the tally.
"I believe my eyes, and I see that the majority is with us," she said.
Lidia Yermoshina, chairwoman of the Central Election Commission, said based on preliminary estimates from Sunday's vote that nearly 5.8 million people, or 84.23% of eligible voters, cast a ballot in the election, state-run Belta news agency reported.
The tally, she said, will be double-checked but "I don't think that they will change dramatically."
In the capital of Minsk, riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons Sunday night to disperse protesters, some of who were injured, Viasna, a human rights organization in Belarus, said in a statement, adding at least 70 protesters were arrested.
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In the weeks before the election, human rights organizations warned of ongoing arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters, journalists and bloggers.
"Belarusian authorities are using flimsy pretexts to silence journalists and critics, which should never happen, but that has even more damning consequences for citizens' rights in an election period," Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a late July statement. "The international community should not ignore such serious flouting of human rights obligations."
Since May, Viasna has reported that more than 1,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested, including Tikhanovskaya's husband, Sergey Tikhanovskaya, a YouTube blogger and former presidential candidate.
Following his arrest, Tikhanovskaya, 37, took her husband's place on the ballot, the BBC reported.
A day before the election, Viasna reported that Tikhanovskaya's campaign manager, Maryia Maroz, was also detained though the charges had yet to be announced.
Lukashenko was first elected to the country's highest office in 1994.


upi--2020-08-10--Siobhan Finneran finds joy in comedy in ‘The Other One’

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Benidorm alum Siobhan Finneran said she is thrilled to play a perpetually smiling character and make people laugh in The Other One after years of starring in more serious fare like Downton Abbey , Happy Valley and The Stranger .
`` Having done a lot of hard-hitting , gritty drama where I spend a lot of time blowing my nose or shuffling about , it was great to be that free and be able to be happy while filming .
There is a real joy in not having to cry or be distressed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent phone interview .
Set to begin streaming in the United States on Acorn TV on Monday , the half-hour British sitcom is about what happens when prim and proper Tess ( Rebecca Front ) discovers her recently deceased husband Colin had a mistress named Marilyn ( Finneran ) for 30 years .
Further complicating matters , both women have adult daughters named Catherine , fathered by Colin and born five days apart .
While Tess is too consumed by anger to properly mourn her spouse or comfort her always anxious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) the outrageous Marilyn and her equally inappropriate daughter Cat ( Lauren Socha ) welcome Cathy with open arms into their family .
`` I loved the way Holly [ Walsh ] crafted the script and made what could be a horrendous situation actually very funny and very warm and also heartbreaking , '' Finneran said .
`` They got the balance right all the way through . ''
The chance to play a sexy , agoraphobic , self-medicating woman like Marilyn -- who has a childlike innocence , says exactly what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly everyone she meets -- was irresistible for Finneran .
`` I did n't want people to think she was the stereotypical 'other woman ' that had been out to destroy this family , '' the actress said .
`` I wanted the audience to like her and to forgive her for what she had been doing . ''
Finneran does n't condone Marilyn 's affair with a married man , but said that , in the character 's mind , she was n't a homewrecker because she truly loved Colin , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and never expected him to leave his wife for her .
When Colin dies , Marilyn is eager to bond with the other women in his life .
`` These characters are all in the grip of grief when we meet them because they 've lost this man who meant the world to all of them , '' Finneran said .
`` I love the fact that Marilyn is so delighted with Cathy , and I do think that is because it is another connection to Colin . ''
Finneran relied primarily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marilyn , but also credits the show 's wardrobe and makeup departments with breathing life into the character .
`` Once my hair was on and I put on whatever fabulous outfit I 'd been given that day , it all helps to root her and settle me into playing her , '' Finneran said .
The Other One -- which previously aired in the United Kingdom on the BBC -- arrives in the United States as travel remains restricted , many businesses are closed down and millions of people are staying at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of people have said it was a lovely relief to just be watching something that was fun and warm , with a lot of heart in it , '' the actress said of the comedy 's U.K. fans .
`` Hopefully , it will go down in America as well as it has gone down here . ''
Finneran said she would love to return for another season , feeling there is more to explore in a show with such rich characters .
However with so many TV and movie productions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comedy 's future remains unclear .
The actress is n't back to work yet , as the entertainment industry struggles to figure out how to resume filming safely .
Until then , Finneran is making good use of her time at home .
`` I 'm doing what everyone 's doing -- redecorating the house and doing the garden , '' she said .
Although she is an artist trained to think outside the box and roll with changing circumstances , Finneran does n't believe she had better tools than anyone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` Having been an actress for 30 years now , I am used to having periods out of work , and so that was n't as difficult for me personally as it is for a lot of people , '' she said .
`` But I do n't think anybody could be prepared for what has just happened to the world . ''

Siobhan Finneran stars in "The Other One." Photo courtesy of Acorn/BBC
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Benidorm alum Siobhan Finneran said she is thrilled to play a perpetually smiling character and make people laugh in The Other One after years of starring in more serious fare like Downton Abbey, Happy Valley and The Stranger. "Having done a lot of hard-hitting, gritty drama where I spend a lot of time blowing my nose or shuffling about, it was great to be that free and be able to be happy while filming. There is a real joy in not having to cry or be distressed," the 54-year-old actress told UPI in a recent phone interview. Advertisement
Set to begin streaming in the United States on Acorn TV on Monday, the half-hour British sitcom is about what happens when prim and proper Tess (Rebecca Front) discovers her recently deceased husband Colin had a mistress named Marilyn (Finneran) for 30 years.
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Further complicating matters, both women have adult daughters named Catherine, fathered by Colin and born five days apart.
While Tess is too consumed by anger to properly mourn her spouse or comfort her always anxious, only child Cathy (Ellie White,) the outrageous Marilyn and her equally inappropriate daughter Cat (Lauren Socha) welcome Cathy with open arms into their family.
"I loved the way Holly [Walsh] crafted the script and made what could be a horrendous situation actually very funny and very warm and also heartbreaking," Finneran said. "They got the balance right all the way through."
The chance to play a sexy, agoraphobic, self-medicating woman like Marilyn -- who has a childlike innocence, says exactly what's on her mind and sets at ease nearly everyone she meets -- was irresistible for Finneran.
"I didn't want people to think she was the stereotypical 'other woman' that had been out to destroy this family," the actress said. "I wanted the audience to like her and to forgive her for what she had been doing."
Finneran doesn't condone Marilyn's affair with a married man, but said that, in the character's mind, she wasn't a homewrecker because she truly loved Colin, was satisfied seeing him one day a week and never expected him to leave his wife for her.
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When Colin dies, Marilyn is eager to bond with the other women in his life.
"These characters are all in the grip of grief when we meet them because they've lost this man who meant the world to all of them," Finneran said. "I love the fact that Marilyn is so delighted with Cathy, and I do think that is because it is another connection to Colin."
Finneran relied primarily on the script and her imagination to create Marilyn, but also credits
the show's wardrobe and makeup departments with breathing life into the character.
"Once my hair was on and I put on whatever fabulous outfit I'd been given that day, it all helps to root her and settle me into playing her," Finneran said.
The Other One -- which previously aired in the United Kingdom on the BBC -- arrives in the United States as travel remains restricted, many businesses are closed down and millions of people are staying at home amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"A lot of people have said it was a lovely relief to just be watching something that was fun and warm, with a lot of heart in it," the actress said of the comedy's U.K. fans. "Hopefully, it will go down in America as well as it has gone down here."
Advertisement
Finneran said she would love to return for another season, feeling there is more to explore in a show with such rich characters. However with so many TV and movie productions in limbo because of the pandemic, the comedy's future remains unclear.
The actress isn't back to work yet, as the entertainment industry struggles to figure out how to resume filming safely.
Until then, Finneran is making good use of her time at home.
"I'm doing what everyone's doing -- redecorating the house and doing the garden," she said.
Although she is an artist trained to think outside the box and roll with changing circumstances, Finneran doesn't believe she had better tools than anyone else when it came to coping during the pandemic.
"Having been an actress for 30 years now, I am used to having periods out of work, and so that wasn't as difficult for me personally as it is for a lot of people," she said. "But I don't think anybody could be prepared for what has just happened to the world."


upi--2020-08-10--High levels of mercury, plastic toxins found in stranded whales, dolphins

ORLANDO , Fla. , Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- Dolphins and whales stranded on beaches in the southeastern United States had high levels of toxins , including mercury and chemicals found in plastic , according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science .
Scientists who led the study said the data provides new , troubling information about the impact of pollution on marine mammals -- knowledge that could help save vulnerable and declining species .
The findings also could be a warning for humans , because whales and dolphins eat seafood that people also eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do our part to reduce the amount of toxicants that enter into our marine environment , which have important health and environmental implications not just for marine life , but for humans , '' lead author Annie Page-Karjian said .
`` Dolphins eat a variety of fish and shrimp in these marine environments and so do humans , '' said Page-Karjian , an assistant research professor of marine wildlife at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce , Fla .
Besides plastic chemicals , the study found toxins in the animals that included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in consumer products like in soap and toothpaste -- and atrazine , an herbicide .
The study , published last week , examined tissue from 83 dolphins and whales that became stranded from North Carolina to south Florida and died from 2012 to 2018 .
Eleven animal species were tested for 17 toxins .
The study is the first to report concentrations of toxicants in a white-beaked dolphin and in Gervais ' beaked whales , species for which the scientific literature remains sparse .
The researchers involved in the study are licensed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and internationally as part of a network to respond to the stranding of marine animals .
Such science collected from the dead animals is difficult to collect from live animals , and the stranded animals often are in stages of sickness or decay , said Justin Perrault , another study participant , who is director of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center Juno Beach , Fla. '' Some of the mercury levels we found were the highest found anywhere in the world , '' Perrault said .
`` It is eye-opening .
To see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is alarming . ''
Despite those high levels , the study was unable to determine if the toxins caused the animals to beach themselves , said James Sullivan , executive director at Harbor Branch .
`` It 's really hard to judge , when an animal strands , if the toxins in the animal were related to why it stranded , '' Sullivan said .
`` But these health problems do stack up .
The animal is much more susceptible to succumbing to natural disease and environmental problems , just like humans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they have underlying conditions . ''
Although the study focused on the Southeast , it has broader implications for marine mammal conservation , said John Calambokidis , senior research biologist with Olympia , Wash.-based Cascadia Research .
`` There are many things we do not know about how many contaminants accumulate and might impact marine mammals , '' Calambokidis said .
`` This is valuable especially because there are so many chemicals that are used by humans and enter the environment and many are not tested for . ''

A Gervais' beaked whale, stranded in St. Lucie County, Fla., in 2019, was part of a study that examined tissue from stranded dolphins and whales for toxins. Photo courtesy of Annie Page-Karjian/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Dolphins and whales stranded on beaches in the southeastern United States had high levels of toxins, including mercury and chemicals found in plastic, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. Scientists who led the study said the data provides new, troubling information about the impact of pollution on marine mammals -- knowledge that could help save vulnerable and declining species. Advertisement
The findings also could be a warning for humans, because whales and dolphins eat seafood that people also eat, researchers said.
"We must do our part to reduce the amount of toxicants that enter into our marine environment, which have important health and environmental implications not just for marine life, but for humans," lead author Annie Page-Karjian said.
"Dolphins eat a variety of fish and shrimp in these marine environments and so do humans," said Page-Karjian, an assistant research professor of marine wildlife at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, Fla.
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Besides plastic chemicals, the study found toxins in the animals that included mercury, triclosan -- an antibacterial agent used in consumer products like in soap and toothpaste -- and atrazine, an herbicide.
The study, published last week, examined tissue from 83 dolphins and whales that became stranded from North Carolina to south Florida and died from 2012 to 2018. Eleven animal species were tested for 17 toxins.
The study is the first to report concentrations of toxicants in a white-beaked dolphin and in Gervais' beaked whales, species for which the scientific literature remains sparse.
The researchers involved in the study are licensed to retrieve bodies of marine mammals nationally and internationally as part of a network to respond to the stranding of marine animals.
Such science collected from the dead animals is difficult to collect from live animals, and the stranded animals often are in stages of sickness or decay, said Justin Perrault, another study participant, who is director of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center Juno Beach, Fla.
"Some of the mercury levels we found were the highest found anywhere in the world," Perrault said. "It is eye-opening. To see the levels of some of these contaminants is alarming."
Advertisement
Despite those high levels, the study was unable to determine if the toxins caused the animals to beach themselves, said James Sullivan, executive director at Harbor Branch.
"It's really hard to judge, when an animal strands, if the toxins in the animal were related to why it stranded," Sullivan said. "But these health problems do stack up. The animal is much more susceptible to succumbing to natural disease and environmental problems, just like humans are more likely to get ill from coronavirus if they have underlying conditions."
Although the study focused on the Southeast, it has broader implications for marine mammal conservation, said John Calambokidis, senior research biologist with Olympia, Wash.-based Cascadia Research.
"There are many things we do not know about how many contaminants accumulate and might impact marine mammals," Calambokidis said. "This is valuable especially because there are so many chemicals that are used by humans and enter the environment and many are not tested for."


upi--2020-08-10--New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman opts out of season

Aug. 10 ( UPI ) -- New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has opted out of the 2020 MLB season because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic .
Stroman , whose recovery from a torn left calf muscle was almost complete , announced his decision Monday on social media .
He was in line to potentially make his season debut for the Mets next week against the Miami Marlins .
`` After much consideration and discussion with my family , I have made the difficult decision to opt out of the remainder of the 2020 season , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknowns and uncertainty due to the pandemic , this is the best decision for me and my family .
`` I appreciate the Mets organization for their support and understanding , and look forward to returning to baseball next season . ''
Stroman , who is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2020 season , becomes the second Mets player to opt out this month .
Former All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes left the team Aug. 2 .
Stroman 's decision came four days after he tossed 85 pitches in his second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set to throw another simulated game .
Mets manager Luis Rojas said he supported Stroman 's choice but was surprised .
`` He wanted to do another one just to play it safe and see how he felt coming out of it and then come join us , '' Rojas told reporters Monday .
`` But , once again , we fully support him . ''
Stroman will now go on the restricted list , allowing the Mets to clear a spot on their 40-man roster .
He was scheduled to earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the one-year , $ 12 million contract he signed in January -- this season .
Stroman , an All-Star selection in 2019 , posted a 4-2 record and 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets last season .

New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman posted a 4-2 record and 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets last season. File Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 10 (UPI) -- New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has opted out of the 2020 MLB season because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Stroman, whose recovery from a torn left calf muscle was almost complete, announced his decision Monday on social media. He was in line to potentially make his season debut for the Mets next week against the Miami Marlins. Advertisement
"After much consideration and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to opt out of the remainder of the 2020 season," Stroman said. "With all the unknowns and uncertainty due to the pandemic, this is the best decision for me and my family.
"I appreciate the Mets organization for their support and understanding, and look forward to returning to baseball next season."
Stroman, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2020 season, becomes the second Mets player to opt out this month. Former All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes left the team Aug. 2.
Stroman's decision came four days after he tossed 85 pitches in his second simulated game and a day before he was set to throw another simulated game.
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Mets manager Luis Rojas said he supported Stroman's choice but was surprised.
"He wanted to do another one just to play it safe and see how he felt coming out of it and then come join us," Rojas told reporters Monday. "But, once again, we fully support him."
Stroman will now go on the restricted list, allowing the Mets to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. He was scheduled to earn $4.4 million -- a prorated amount of the one-year, $12 million contract he signed in January -- this season.
Stroman, an All-Star selection in 2019, posted a 4-2 record and 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets last season.
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