upi--2020-10-27--World Series: Rays look to prevent early runs to force Game 7 vs. Dodgers

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- The Tampa Bay Rays say they need to stop the Los Angeles Dodgers ' streak of first-inning runs to extend the World Series , while the Dodgers can win the title with a Game 6 triumph Tuesday in Arlington , Texas .
Los Angeles has scored in the first inning of three consecutive World Series games and leads the series 3-2 after a Game 5 win Sunday at Globe Life Field .
`` It 's a problem , '' Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters .
`` We need to correct that and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
It needs to be fixed for Game 6 . ''
Tony Gonsolin will trot out to the mound and start Game 6 for Los Angeles .
The Rays will send out ace pitcher Blake Snell in an attempt to force a Game 7 .
The first pitch for Game 6 is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. EDT at Globe Life Field .
The game will air on Fox .
`` I 'm excited to be in a position to pitch Game 6 , '' Snell said .
`` That 's a tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep playing really , really good baseball . ''
Gonsolin has given up eight runs in 7 2/3 innings this postseason , but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is confident that the rookie right-handed pitcher can lead the Dodgers to their first title since 1988 .
`` Gonsolin is going to start and we expect to win , '' Roberts said .
`` That 's all we are thinking about . ''
Clayton Kershaw piloted the Dodgers to a Game 5 win Sunday to give Los Angeles a 3-2 series lead .
The Dodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had a 3-0 lead before Kershaw allowed two runs in the third inning .
The Los Angeles bullpen did n't allow the Rays to score again over the final three innings .
`` We have to prevent them from getting early leads on us , '' Cash said .
`` Offensively , we have to do our part earlier and set a tone .
We have to bounce back . ''
The Dodgers also got out to an early lead with five unanswered runs to start Game 3 .
They scored early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallied to win .
Justin Turner hit a solo home run to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the Dodgers beat the Rays in Game 3 .
He also hit a solo shot in the first inning of Game 4 .
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager plated Mookie Betts with an RBI single for the first run on Sunday for another early edge .
Seager has hit a team-best .471 in the series .
He also has two home runs and four RBIs .
Left fielder Joc Pederson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three RBIs in the World Series .
Pederson also hit a solo home run in the second inning on Sunday to help the Dodgers get by the Rays in Game 5 .
The Dodgers ' Nos .
1 through 4 hitters -- Betts , Seager , Turner and Max Muncy -- are a combined 20 for 51 ( .392 ) with 10 RBIs , 11 runs scored and five walks in the last three games of the 2020 World Series .
`` We are facing some really good arms , '' Pederson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The last thing we want to do is get behind . ''
Snell allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings to help the Rays beat the Dodgers in Game 2 .
The Rays scored in the first inning and held a 5-0 lead through 5 1/2 innings of that victory .
The 2018 Cy Young award winner will likely need more early run support on Tuesday if he hopes to carry the American League franchise into a winner-take-all Game 7 .
`` We still feel like we are going to do this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like we have a great team .
That 's what makes us so good .
We enjoying playing baseball with one another .
It 's a big family . ''

1/3
Tampa Bay Rays ace pitcher Blake Snell will be on the mound in Game 6 of the World Series and hopes to help his team tie the series Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Rays say they need to stop the Los Angeles Dodgers' streak of first-inning runs to extend the World Series, while the Dodgers can win the title with a Game 6 triumph Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles has scored in the first inning of three consecutive World Series games and leads the series 3-2 after a Game 5 win Sunday at Globe Life Field. Advertisement
"It's a problem," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters. "We need to correct that and we don't have much time to correct it. It needs to be fixed for Game 6."
Tony Gonsolin will trot out to the mound and start Game 6 for Los Angeles. The Rays will send out ace pitcher Blake Snell in an attempt to force a Game 7.
The first pitch for Game 6 is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. EDT at Globe Life Field. The game will air on Fox.
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"I'm excited to be in a position to pitch Game 6," Snell said. "That's a tough team over there. We have to keep playing really, really good baseball."
Gonsolin has given up eight runs in 7 2/3 innings this postseason, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is confident that the rookie right-handed pitcher can lead the Dodgers to their first title since 1988.
"Gonsolin is going to start and we expect to win," Roberts said. "That's all we are thinking about."
Clayton Kershaw piloted the Dodgers to a Game 5 win Sunday to give Los Angeles a 3-2 series lead. The Dodgers posted two runs in the first inning and had a 3-0 lead before Kershaw allowed two runs in the third inning.
The Los Angeles bullpen didn't allow the Rays to score again over the final three innings.
"We have to prevent them from getting early leads on us," Cash said. "Offensively, we have to do our part earlier and set a tone. We have to bounce back."
The Dodgers also got out to an early lead with five unanswered runs to start Game 3. They scored early in Game 4, but the Rays rallied to win.
Justin Turner hit a solo home run to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead in the first inning before the Dodgers beat the Rays in Game 3. He also hit a solo shot in the first inning of Game 4. Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager plated Mookie Betts with an RBI single for the first run on Sunday for another early edge.
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Seager has hit a team-best .471 in the series. He also has two home runs and four RBIs. Left fielder Joc Pederson has hit .300 with a home run and three RBIs in the World Series.
Pederson also hit a solo home run in the second inning on Sunday to help the Dodgers get by the Rays in Game 5.
The Dodgers' Nos. 1 through 4 hitters -- Betts, Seager, Turner and Max Muncy -- are a combined 20 for 51 (.392) with 10 RBIs, 11 runs scored and five walks in the last three games of the 2020 World Series.
"We are facing some really good arms," Pederson said of the Rays' pitchers. "The last thing we want to do is get behind."
Snell allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings to help the Rays beat the Dodgers in Game 2. The Rays scored in the first inning and held a 5-0 lead through 5 1/2 innings of that victory.
The 2018 Cy Young award winner will likely need more early run support on Tuesday if he hopes to carry the American League franchise into a winner-take-all Game 7.
"We still feel like we are going to do this," Snell said. "We feel like we have a great team. That's what makes us so good. We enjoying playing baseball with one another. It's a big family."
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This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-10-27--On This Day, Oct. 27: Boston Red Sox win first World Series in 86 years

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1682 , the city of Philadelphia was founded by William Penn to serve as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony .
In 1787 , a New York newspaper published the first of 77 essays explaining the new Constitution and urging its ratification .
The essays were written by Alexander Hamilton , James Madison and John Jay ( and later combined as `` The Federalist Papers ) . ''
In 1795 , a treaty with Spain settled Florida 's northern boundary and gave navigation rights on the Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1904 , the first rapid transit subway system in America opened in New York City .
In 1936 , Wallis Simpson , American friend of King Edward VIII , obtained a swift divorce in the small , dingy Ipswich Court .
In 1946 , the travel show Geographically Speaking , sponsored by Bristol-Myers , became the first television program with a commercial sponsor .
In 1954 , Benjamin O. Davis , Jr. , commander of the 332nd Fighter Group , the Tuskegee Airmen , becomes the first African American promoted to the rank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force .
In 1954 , Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio divorced .
Among the issues that ended their much-publicized marriage was a blowup over her famous scene in The Seven-Year Itch in which a blast of air lifts her skirt .
The marriage lasted nine months .
In 1962 , Major Rudolf Anderson , a U-2 pilot in the United States Air Force , is shot down during a reconnaissance mission over Cuba .
His death makes him the only direct casualty of the Cuban Missile Crisis .
In 1998 , Hurricane Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storms , began a four-day siege of Central America , causing at least 10,000 deaths .
In 2004 , the Boston Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in 86 years .
In 2013 , Lou Reed , iconoclastic main singer of the New York rock band Velvet Underground , died at the age of 71 .
He was widely regarded as an influential musician in pop music .
In 2017 , the Catalan Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from Spain .
In reaction , the Spanish government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Cherokee actor , activist and Vietnam veteran Wes Studi became the first Native American actor to be presented with an Oscar -- an honorary lifetime achievement award .

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Members of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after the final out of Game 4 of the World Series beating the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on October 27, 2004. Boston took the World Championship for the first time since 1918. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1682, the city of Philadelphia was founded by William Penn to serve as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. Advertisement
In 1787, a New York newspaper published the first of 77 essays explaining the new Constitution and urging its ratification. The essays were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay (and later combined as "The Federalist Papers)."
In 1795, a treaty with Spain settled Florida's northern boundary and gave navigation rights on the Mississippi River to the United States.
In 1904, the first rapid transit subway system in America opened in New York City.
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
In 1936, Wallis Simpson, American friend of King Edward VIII, obtained a swift divorce in the small, dingy Ipswich Court.
In 1946, the travel show Geographically Speaking, sponsored by Bristol-Myers, became the first television program with a commercial sponsor.
In 1954, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen, becomes the first African American promoted to the rank of general in the United States Air Force.
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In 1954, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio divorced. Among the issues that ended their much-publicized marriage was a blowup over her famous scene in The Seven-Year Itch in which a blast of air lifts her skirt. The marriage lasted nine months.
File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
In 1962, Major Rudolf Anderson, a U-2 pilot in the United States Air Force, is shot down during a reconnaissance mission over Cuba. His death makes him the only direct casualty of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In 1998, Hurricane Mitch, one of the strongest recorded Atlantic storms, began a four-day siege of Central America, causing at least 10,000 deaths.
In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in 86 years.
In 2013, Lou Reed, iconoclastic main singer of the New York rock band Velvet Underground, died at the age of 71. He was widely regarded as an influential musician in pop music.
In 2017, the Catalan Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from Spain. In reaction, the Spanish government dissolved Catalonia's legislative body.
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In 2019, Cherokee actor, activist and Vietnam veteran Wes Studi became the first Native American actor to be presented with an Oscar -- an honorary lifetime achievement award.
Cast member Wes Studi attends the premiere of the motion picture western "Hostiles" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, California on December 14, 2017. Storyline: In 1892, a legendary Army captain reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-10-27--Fantasy football: Derek Carr, Preston Williams among best Week 8 add/drops

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Week 7 of the 2020 NFL season featured more serious injuries and breakout performances , which should put new names on your radar ahead of the fantasy football waiver period .
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had the most serious injury of the week and will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL .
Beckham should be dropped if you are in a redraft league .
You also should start to target players you can use as replacement starters during bye weeks in Week 8 or down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play defense and pick up a player your opponent might need for your head-to-head matchup .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule .
Washington Football Team , Arizona Cardinals , Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans players should be removed from all starting lineups , as those teams have Week 8 byes .
I have added more of my favorite players to target on this week 's waiver wire and separated them by priority and position .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's waiver period have low ownership percentages in standard size leagues .
Here are my top players to add and top players to drop for Week 8 : Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr should be a decent fill-in starter this week if your typical fantasy football quarterback has a Week 8 bye .
Carr and the Raiders battle the Cleveland Browns on Sunday .
The Browns just allowed over 400 yards and three scores to Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow .
Carr has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should post another two or three touchdown day in Week 8 .
Add him to your roster if you or your opponent needs a quarterback this week .
JaMycal Hasty and Carlos Hyde are worth speculative waiver wire additions in Week 8 .
The San Francisco 49ers are already without starting running back Raheem Mostert due to an injury and now could be without backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr. , who sustained an ankle injury in Week 7 .
Hasty had 73 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches in Week 7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 8 when the 49ers battle the Seattle Seahawks .
Hasty could be a risky start this week , but needs to be added to your roster if you need running back depth .
Hyde could be a better plug-in option in Week 8 if Seahawks starter Chris Carson misses time after he also sustained an injury in Week 7 .
Hyde will likely be a low-end RB2 in leagues with at least 12 teams in Week 8 if Carson is unable to play .
Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a very tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starter in Week 8 as the Miami Dolphins host the Los Angeles Rams .
I expect the Dolphins to attempt to control the clock in this game , but they could end up airing it out if they fall behind early .
The Rams will likely put Jalen Ramsey on Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker , which should make Preston Williams one of Tagovailoa 's top targets .
I like Williams as a bye week fill-in for Week 8 and as a streaming option down the stretch .
Williams has scored in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia Eagles are in need of help at the tight end position .
Richard Rodgers answered that call in Week 7 , with six catches for 85 yards in a win over the New York Giants .
Eagles starter Zach Ertz will miss at least the next two games due to an ankle injury .
Tight end Dallas Goedert also is n't expected to play until Week 10 .
Those injuries should lead to continued production for Rodgers .
Pick him up if you are in a league that has at least 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

1/3
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is one of my top waiver-wire additions for Week 8. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Week 7 of the 2020 NFL season featured more serious injuries and breakout performances, which should put new names on your radar ahead of the fantasy football waiver period. Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had the most serious injury of the week and will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. Beckham should be dropped if you are in a redraft league. Advertisement
You also should start to target players you can use as replacement starters during bye weeks in Week 8 or down the road. Don't be afraid to play defense and pick up a player your opponent might need for your head-to-head matchup.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule. Washington Football Team, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans players should be removed from all starting lineups, as those teams have Week 8 byes.
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I have added more of my favorite players to target on this week's waiver wire and separated them by priority and position. The players I have listed ahead of Wednesday's waiver period have low ownership percentages in standard size leagues.
Here are my top players to add and top players to drop for Week 8:
ALL-ADD TEAM
QB | Derek Carr; RB | JaMycal Hasty, Carlos Hyde; WR | Preston Williams, Sterling Shepard; TE | Richard Rodgers; D/ST | Green Bay Packers; K | Dan Bailey
HONORABLE MENTIONS
QB | Tua Tagovalioa; RB | Wayne Gallman, Damien Harris; WR | Rashard Higgins, Corey Davis; TE | Harrison Bryant; D/ST | Las Vegas Raiders
TOP DROPS
QB | Gardner Minshew; RB | Joshua Kelley; WR | Odell Beckham Jr.; TE | Darren Fells
QUARTERBACK
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr should be a decent fill-in starter this week if your typical fantasy football quarterback has a Week 8 bye. Carr and the Raiders battle the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Browns just allowed over 400 yards and three scores to Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow.
Carr has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of his last five games. He should post another two or three touchdown day in Week 8. Add him to your roster if you or your opponent needs a quarterback this week.
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RUNNING BACK
JaMycal Hasty and Carlos Hyde are worth speculative waiver wire additions in Week 8. The San Francisco 49ers are already without starting running back Raheem Mostert due to an injury and now could be without backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr., who sustained an ankle injury in Week 7.
Hasty had 73 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches in Week 7. He could receive even more work in Week 8 when the 49ers battle the Seattle Seahawks. Hasty could be a risky start this week, but needs to be added to your roster if you need running back depth.
Hyde could be a better plug-in option in Week 8 if Seahawks starter Chris Carson misses time after he also sustained an injury in Week 7.
Hyde will likely be a low-end RB2 in leagues with at least 12 teams in Week 8 if Carson is unable to play.
WIDE RECEIVER
Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a very tough matchup for his NFL debut as a starter in Week 8 as the Miami Dolphins host the Los Angeles Rams. I expect the Dolphins to attempt to control the clock in this game, but they could end up airing it out if they fall behind early.
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The Rams will likely put Jalen Ramsey on Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker, which should make Preston Williams one of Tagovailoa's top targets. I like Williams as a bye week fill-in for Week 8 and as a streaming option down the stretch.
Williams has scored in three of his last four games.
TIGHT END
The Philadelphia Eagles are in need of help at the tight end position. Richard Rodgers answered that call in Week 7, with six catches for 85 yards in a win over the New York Giants.
Eagles starter Zach Ertz will miss at least the next two games due to an ankle injury. Tight end Dallas Goedert also isn't expected to play until Week 10. Those injuries should lead to continued production for Rodgers. Pick him up if you are in a league that has at least 12 teams and requires starting tight ends.
This week in the National Football League
Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott (L) is stopped by Washington's Landon Collins during their game at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Sunday, where the Cowboys lost to Washington 25-3. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-10-27--Researchers identify gene that signals need to urinate

Scientists say they have spotted the gene responsible for telling you when it 's time to pee .
The gene , called PIEZO2 , may help at least two different types of cells sense when the bladder is full and needs to be emptied .
`` Urination is essential for our health .
It 's one of the primary ways our bodies dispose of waste .
We show how specific genes and cells may play critical roles in initiating this process , '' said study senior author Ardem Patapoutian , a professor at the Scripps Research Institute , in La @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these results provide a more detailed understanding of how urination works under healthy and disease conditions . ''
The study , which was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and included NIH researchers , was published recently in the journal Nature .
The PIEZO2 gene has instructions for making proteins that are activated when cells are stretched or squeezed .
The researchers found that patients who are born with a genetic deficiency in PIEZO2 have trouble sensing when their bladder is full , and experiments in mice suggest the gene has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to study lead author Kara Marshall , `` There were a lot of reasons to think that PIEZO2 could be important for urination .
Theoretically , it made sense as it is a pressure sensor for other internal sensory processes . ''
Marshall is a postdoctoral researcher at Scripps .
In 2015 , researchers discovered people who were born with mutations in their PIEZO2 genes .
They had no sense of the movement of the body and could not feel some types of touch and pain .
They also had something else in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an NIH news release .
`` We were really struck by what we heard during background interviews with patients and their families , '' said researcher Dr. Dimah Saade , a clinical fellow at the NIH .
`` Almost everyone mentioned that the patients had problems with urination .
As children , they had trouble potty training .
They would often have urinary tract infections .
And most of them follow a daily urination schedule .
After seeing a consistent pattern , we decided to take a closer look . ''
Almost all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all day without feeling the need to urinate , and most urinated less than the normal five to six times per day .
Marshall said , `` These results strongly suggested that PIEZO2 plays a role in urination .
We wanted to know how it may do this . ''
Experiments in mice helped find the answer .
The researchers found that the PIEZO2 gene was highly active in a few neurons that send nerve signals from the mouse bladder to the brain .
Aided by an imaging system , they saw that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mouse 's bladder filled .
`` These were the first clues to understanding wherein the urinary tract PIEZO2 worked .
They suggested that it may help control the bladder , '' said researcher Nima Ghitani , a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH .
For more on urination , head to the U.S. National Library of Medicine .

Scientists say they have spotted the gene responsible for telling you when it's time to pee.
The gene, called PIEZO2, may help at least two different types of cells sense when the bladder is full and needs to be emptied.
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"Urination is essential for our health. It's one of the primary ways our bodies dispose of waste. We show how specific genes and cells may play critical roles in initiating this process," said study senior author Ardem Patapoutian, a professor at the Scripps Research Institute, in La Jolla, Calif. "We hope that these results provide a more detailed understanding of how urination works under healthy and disease conditions."
The study, which was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and included NIH researchers, was published recently in the journal Nature.
The PIEZO2 gene has instructions for making proteins that are activated when cells are stretched or squeezed. The researchers found that patients who are born with a genetic deficiency in PIEZO2 have trouble sensing when their bladder is full, and experiments in mice suggest the gene has two roles in this process.
According to study lead author Kara Marshall, "There were a lot of reasons to think that PIEZO2 could be important for urination. Theoretically, it made sense as it is a pressure sensor for other internal sensory processes." Marshall is a postdoctoral researcher at Scripps.
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In 2015, researchers discovered people who were born with mutations in their PIEZO2 genes. They had no sense of the movement of the body and could not feel some types of touch and pain. They also had something else in common, the study authors said in an NIH news release.
"We were really struck by what we heard during background interviews with patients and their families," said researcher Dr. Dimah Saade, a clinical fellow at the NIH. "Almost everyone mentioned that the patients had problems with urination. As children, they had trouble potty training. They would often have urinary tract infections. And most of them follow a daily urination schedule. After seeing a consistent pattern, we decided to take a closer look."
Almost all of the patients said they could go all day without feeling the need to urinate, and most urinated less than the normal five to six times per day.
Marshall said, "These results strongly suggested that PIEZO2 plays a role in urination. We wanted to know how it may do this." Experiments in mice helped find the answer.
The researchers found that the PIEZO2 gene was highly active in a few neurons that send nerve signals from the mouse bladder to the brain. Aided by an imaging system, they saw that the cells lit up with activity when a mouse's bladder filled.
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"These were the first clues to understanding wherein the urinary tract PIEZO2 worked. They suggested that it may help control the bladder," said researcher Nima Ghitani, a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH.
More information
For more on urination, head to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-27--Supreme Court rejects request  to extend Wisconsin mail-in voting deadline

Oct. 26 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that mail-in ballots in Wisconsin can only be counted if they are received by Election Day .
The court voted 5-3 along ideological lines , with all five Republican-appointed judges voting to reject a request from Wisconsin Democrats to extend the threshold for the state to count ballots for six days after Election Day if they were postmarked before Nov. 3 .
Earlier this month , the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to suspend a ruling by a District Court judge in Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date back to Nov. 9 .
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a solo concurring opinion calling the lower court 's action `` improper '' and denying the request by Democrats to lift the stay put in place by the appeals court .
`` In this case , as in several this Court has recently addressed , a District Court intervened in the thick of this election season to enjoin enforcement of a state 's laws , '' he wrote .
The Supreme Court previously allowed Pennsylvania to extend the counting of mail-in ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case `` implicated the authority of state courts to apply their own constitutions to election regulations , '' while the Supreme Court lifting the stay would represent `` federal intrusion . ''
`` Different bodies of law and different precedents govern these two situations and require , in these particular circumstances , that we allow the modification of election rules in Pennsylvania but not Wisconsin , '' he wrote .
Justice Elena Kagan , joined by fellow liberal Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor , wrote a dissent stating the ruling failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on voters .
`` Because the court refuses to reinstate the district court 's injunction , Wisconsin will throw out thousands of timely requested and timely cast mail ballots .
And today 's decision does not stand alone , '' wrote Kagan .
`` As the COVID-19 pandemic rages , the court has failed to adequately protect the nation 's voters . ''

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled against allowing Wisconsin to extend its deadline to receive mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to Nov. 9. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that mail-in ballots in Wisconsin can only be counted if they are received by Election Day. The court voted 5-3 along ideological lines, with all five Republican-appointed judges voting to reject a request from Wisconsin Democrats to extend the threshold for the state to count ballots for six days after Election Day if they were postmarked before Nov. 3. Advertisement
Earlier this month, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to suspend a ruling by a District Court judge in Wisconsin who issued an order pushing the ballot-counting date back to Nov. 9.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a solo concurring opinion calling the lower court's action "improper" and denying the request by Democrats to lift the stay put in place by the appeals court.
"In this case, as in several this Court has recently addressed, a District Court intervened in the thick of this election season to enjoin enforcement of a state's laws," he wrote.
The Supreme Court previously allowed Pennsylvania to extend the counting of mail-in ballots to Nov. 6 but Roberts wrote that case "implicated the authority of state courts to apply their own constitutions to election regulations," while the Supreme Court lifting the stay would represent "federal intrusion."
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"Different bodies of law and different precedents govern these two situations and require, in these particular circumstances, that we allow the modification of election rules in Pennsylvania but not Wisconsin," he wrote.
Justice Elena Kagan, joined by fellow liberal Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor, wrote a dissent stating the ruling failed to consider the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on voters.
"Because the court refuses to reinstate the district court's injunction, Wisconsin will throw out thousands of timely requested and timely cast mail ballots. And today's decision does not stand alone," wrote Kagan. "As the COVID-19 pandemic rages, the court has failed to adequately protect the nation's voters."


upi--2020-10-26--Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson week-to-week with foot sprain

Oct. 26 ( UPI ) -- Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced Monday that running back Chris Carson is considered week-to-week after an MRI revealed a mid-foot sprain .
Carson suffered the foot injury during the first half in the Seahawks ' 37-34 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday .
He did n't return to the game , finishing with five carries for 34 yards .
He also had one reception for seven yards .
`` There 's something there that we could see , '' Carroll said of Carson 's MRI on Monday .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what happens .
We do n't know .
He was real determined to say , ' I can go with it , ' but we wo n't know until the end of the week , for sure . ''
Carson joins a growing list of players with injuries in the Seahawks ' banged-up backfield .
Veteran tailback Carlos Hyde and rookie fourth-round draft pick DeeJay Dallas were the team 's only available running backs by the end of Sunday night 's game against Arizona .
Carson and Travis Homer were injured against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is unsure of Hyde 's status for this week due to tightness in his hamstring .
Carroll added that Homer has a knee bruise .
The Seahawks have no other running backs on their active roster or practice squad .
Rashaad Penny -- the Seahawks ' first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- is still on the physically unable to perform list because of a knee injury .
Seattle ( 5-1 ) is set to host the division rival San Francisco 49ers ( 4-3 ) on Sunday at CenturyLink Field .

Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson suffered the foot injury in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. File Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced Monday that running back Chris Carson is considered week-to-week after an MRI revealed a mid-foot sprain. Carson suffered the foot injury during the first half in the Seahawks' 37-34 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. He didn't return to the game, finishing with five carries for 34 yards. He also had one reception for seven yards. Advertisement
"There's something there that we could see," Carroll said of Carson's MRI on Monday. "It's just week-to-week, so we'll see what happens. We don't know. He was real determined to say, 'I can go with it,' but we won't know until the end of the week, for sure."
Carson joins a growing list of players with injuries in the Seahawks' banged-up backfield. Veteran tailback Carlos Hyde and rookie fourth-round draft pick DeeJay Dallas were the team's only available running backs by the end of Sunday night's game against Arizona.
Carson and Travis Homer were injured against the Cardinals, and Carroll said Monday he is unsure of Hyde's status for this week due to tightness in his hamstring. Carroll added that Homer has a knee bruise.
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The Seahawks have no other running backs on their active roster or practice squad. Rashaad Penny -- the Seahawks' first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft -- is still on the physically unable to perform list because of a knee injury.
Seattle (5-1) is set to host the division rival San Francisco 49ers (4-3) on Sunday at CenturyLink Field.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-27--Five firefighters injured battling two raging wildfires in California

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Five firefighters have been injured in a pair of wildfires that have burned through the state prompting tens of thousands of evacuations .
The Silverado Fire had burned 12,600 acres and was at 5 % containment on Tuesday while the Blue Ridge fire had burned 15,200 acres as the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection said the two blazes will combine into a complex .
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy said five firefighters have been injured in the blaze with three having been treated for minor injuries and released , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , remain in critical condition .
`` It 's tough for any firefighter , certainly any fire chief , to feel this helpless when you 've got part of our fire family fighting for their lives , '' he said .
`` I 'm confident that they 're going to do all they can to fight through this .
This just who they are . ''
Late Monday , Southern California Edison sent a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission acknowledging that while there was `` no indication of any circuit activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire , '' its electrical facilities are near the area where the Silverado Fire began .
`` However , it appears that a lashing wire that was attached to an underbuilt telecommunication line ... may have resulted in the ignition of the fire , '' the letter stated .
Nearly one million Californians were without power on Tuesday morning as Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. and other utilities made deliberate power cuts to reduce the risk of sparking further blazes .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said the state would remain under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. on Tuesday night as 42 wildfires have ignited within the last 24 hours .
`` It 's an extraordinary testament to ( state firefighters ) that you do n't know about most of those -- they 've suppressed the vast majority of those , '' he said .

Your #OCFirefighters are working hard to fight the #BlueRidgeFire. These shots are taken from the Casino Ridge area in Yorba Linda. pic.twitter.com/yDrhHmw4kL— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) October 27, 2020
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Five firefighters have been injured in a pair of wildfires that have burned through the state prompting tens of thousands of evacuations.
The Silverado Fire had burned 12,600 acres and was at 5% containment on Tuesday while the Blue Ridge fire had burned 15,200 acres as the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection said the two blazes will combine into a complex.
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Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy said five firefighters have been injured in the blaze with three having been treated for minor injuries and released, while two others, aged 26 and 31, remain in critical condition.
"It's tough for any firefighter, certainly any fire chief, to feel this helpless when you've got part of our fire family fighting for their lives," he said. "I'm confident that they're going to do all they can to fight through this. This just who they are."
Late Monday, Southern California Edison sent a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission acknowledging that while there was "no indication of any circuit activity prior to the report time of the fire," its electrical facilities are near the area where the Silverado Fire began.
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"However, it appears that a lashing wire that was attached to an underbuilt telecommunication line ... may have resulted in the ignition of the fire," the letter stated.
Nearly one million Californians were without power on Tuesday morning as Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. and other utilities made deliberate power cuts to reduce the risk of sparking further blazes.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would remain under a red flag warning until at least 11 p.m. on Tuesday night as 42 wildfires have ignited within the last 24 hours.
"It's an extraordinary testament to (state firefighters) that you don't know about most of those -- they've suppressed the vast majority of those," he said.


upi--2020-10-27--FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, board of directors resign

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from his position Tuesday following a contractual dispute with superstar forward Lionel Messi earlier this year .
The rest of the club 's board of directors also stepped down alongside Bartomeu , and an election will be scheduled within the next three months to appoint a new team president .
A temporary management board will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club until a new executive board is appointed .
Bartomeu opted to leave Barcelona rather than wait on club members to vote on his future in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay the vote , citing health concerns for the club 's more than 110,000 members amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But earlier Tuesday , local officials authorized the vote to take place .
`` We have to act responsibly , '' Bartomeu told reporters Tuesday .
`` For that reason we can not hold the vote of censure in the current circumstances .
It was necessary to do so in conditions that guaranteed everybody 's health .
We can not nor want to put ourselves in a position of having to choose between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to vote .
`` For that reason we have taken the decision to not call the vote and resign forthwith .
...
It 's a thought-out , serene , informed decision to resign . ''
Earlier this month , more than 20,000 supporters signed a petition for Bartomeu to be removed as Barca president after becoming increasingly upset with his management of the team .
That triggered a referendum on Bartomeu 's position at the club , but a vote is no longer needed .
Victor Font , Jordi Roche and Joan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run in an election to replace Bartomeu .
Bartomeu , 57 , took over for Sandro Rosell as Barcelona president in 2014 .
Bartomeu previously served as vice president to Rosell , who stepped down from his role after a lawsuit was filed accusing him of hiding the real cost of the Neymar transfer .
Following Barcelona 's Treble in the 2014-15 season , Bartomeu was re-elected on a new six-year mandate in 2015 .
However , his popularity decreased over the past five years after multiple issues off the pitch .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this past summer .
Bartomeu stood firm when Messi wanted to leave Barcelona , with the forward accusing him of lying and then criticizing Bartomeu 's running of the club .
Messi eventually announced he would remain with the club instead of pursuing legal action to force his way out .
In April , six board members resigned due to disagreements over how the club was being run by Bartomeu .

Oct. 27 (UPI) -- FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from his position Tuesday following a contractual dispute with superstar forward Lionel Messi earlier this year.
The rest of the club's board of directors also stepped down alongside Bartomeu, and an election will be scheduled within the next three months to appoint a new team president.
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A temporary management board will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club until a new executive board is appointed.
Bartomeu opted to leave Barcelona rather than wait on club members to vote on his future in the coming weeks. He wanted to delay the vote, citing health concerns for the club's more than 110,000 members amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But earlier Tuesday, local officials authorized the vote to take place.
"We have to act responsibly," Bartomeu told reporters Tuesday. "For that reason we cannot hold the vote of censure in the current circumstances. It was necessary to do so in conditions that guaranteed everybody's health. We cannot nor want to put ourselves in a position of having to choose between protecting people's health and exercising the right to vote.
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"For that reason we have taken the decision to not call the vote and resign forthwith. ... It's a thought-out, serene, informed decision to resign."
Earlier this month, more than 20,000 supporters signed a petition for Bartomeu to be removed as Barca president after becoming increasingly upset with his management of the team. That triggered a referendum on Bartomeu's position at the club, but a vote is no longer needed.
Victor Font, Jordi Roche and Joan Laporta are among the candidates expected to run in an election to replace Bartomeu.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu announces the resignation of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors. pic.twitter.com/Xr9pBoUzHM— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2020
Bartomeu, 57, took over for Sandro Rosell as Barcelona president in 2014. Bartomeu previously served as vice president to Rosell, who stepped down from his role after a lawsuit was filed accusing him of hiding the real cost of the Neymar transfer.
Following Barcelona's Treble in the 2014-15 season, Bartomeu was re-elected on a new six-year mandate in 2015. However, his popularity decreased over the past five years after multiple issues off the pitch.
One of those issues involved Bartomeu and Messi this past summer. Bartomeu stood firm when Messi wanted to leave Barcelona, with the forward accusing him of lying and then criticizing Bartomeu's running of the club. Messi eventually announced he would remain with the club instead of pursuing legal action to force his way out.
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In April, six board members resigned due to disagreements over how the club was being run by Bartomeu.


upi--2020-10-27--Jim Beam parent company to pay $19M in fines for foreign bribery scheme

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- A Chicago-based distillery that makes Jim Beam agreed to pay a $ 19.5 million penalty after federal investigators accused it of bribing officials to sell alcoholic beverages in India and crafting company policies to account for `` grease/facilitation payments . ''
Beam Suntory , Inc. , which also makes Maker 's Mark Bourbon , Skinnygirl Cocktails and Calico Jack Rum , agreed to pay $ 19,572,885 as part of a deferred prosecution agreement for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act .
The 1977 act makes it illegal for U.S. citizens and companies to bribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests .
`` U.S. companies that attempt to gain the upper hand in foreign business ventures by engaging in corruption must be held accountable , '' said U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois , in a statement on Tuesday .
`` The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has a long reach , and for good reason .
It is critical that our global economy remain on a fair playing field . ''
In July , 2018 , Beam , which is a publicly traded company , also paid an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exchange Commission for accounting practices which disguised bribes as commissions , violating the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 .
Between 2006 and 2012 , Beam and its Indian subsidiaries Beam Global Spirits & Wine headquartered in Gurgaon , India , paid at least one bribe of 1 million rupees , or $ 18,000 to an Indian official , prosecutors said .
The company , which already distilled Teachers Scotch in India , paid the bribe to acquire approval for a license to break into a highly restricted Indian alcohol market to bottle a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company also implemented a pass-through method to overpay third-party distributors who could then bribe local officials .
Prosecutors accused Beam of passing through overpayments totalling $ 2 million .
Federal prosecutors said the company looked the other way and fudged accounting to hide the pass throughs , which were referred to in company documents as `` grease/facilitation payments . ''
Independent auditors described the accounting irregularities as `` red flags '' for corruption , and recommended more internal accounting controls .
But executives excused the bribes in memos , saying that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulatory regime should not be imposed '' in a way that `` would acknowledge India customs and ways of doing business , '' the federal complaint said .
Todd Bloomquist , Beam 's general counsel , said the company cooperated with the U.S. government in 2012 and temporarily suspended its India operations and fired employees , the Chicago Tribune reported .
The penalty payment is 10 percent less than the minimum U.S .
Sentencing Guidelines fine range because The company agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in the investigation , federal prosecutors said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of competing in a fair , ethical , and honest manner should take note of today 's agreement , '' said Brian C. Rabbitt , acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department 's Criminal Division .
`` Paying bribes to obtain and retain business is not business as usual , it is a crime , '' he added .

The parent company of Jim Beam agreed to pay $19 million in penalties as part of a federal investigation into allegations of bribery in India. File Photo by Sanjeev Gupta/EPA-EFE
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A Chicago-based distillery that makes Jim Beam agreed to pay a $19.5 million penalty after federal investigators accused it of bribing officials to sell alcoholic beverages in India and crafting company policies to account for "grease/facilitation payments." Beam Suntory, Inc., which also makes Maker's Mark Bourbon, Skinnygirl Cocktails and Calico Jack Rum, agreed to pay $19,572,885 as part of a deferred prosecution agreement for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The 1977 act makes it illegal for U.S. citizens and companies to bribe foreign government officials to benefit their business interests. Advertisement
"U.S. companies that attempt to gain the upper hand in foreign business ventures by engaging in corruption must be held accountable," said U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois, in a statement on Tuesday. "The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has a long reach, and for good reason. It is critical that our global economy remain on a fair playing field."
In July, 2018, Beam, which is a publicly traded company, also paid an $8 million fine to the Securities Exchange Commission for accounting practices which disguised bribes as commissions, violating the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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Between 2006 and 2012, Beam and its Indian subsidiaries Beam Global Spirits & Wine headquartered in Gurgaon, India, paid at least one bribe of 1 million rupees, or $18,000 to an Indian official, prosecutors said. The company, which already distilled Teachers Scotch in India, paid the bribe to acquire approval for a license to break into a highly restricted Indian alcohol market to bottle a new line of "Ready-to-Drink" products.
The company also implemented a pass-through method to overpay third-party distributors who could then bribe local officials. Prosecutors accused Beam of passing through overpayments totalling $2 million.
Federal prosecutors said the company looked the other way and fudged accounting to hide the pass throughs, which were referred to in company documents as "grease/facilitation payments." Independent auditors described the accounting irregularities as "red flags" for corruption, and recommended more internal accounting controls.
But executives excused the bribes in memos, saying that in a compliance review, "a U.S. regulatory regime should not be imposed" in a way that "would acknowledge India customs and ways of doing business," the federal complaint said.
Todd Bloomquist, Beam's general counsel, said the company cooperated with the U.S. government in 2012 and temporarily suspended its India operations and fired employees, the Chicago Tribune reported.
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The penalty payment is 10 percent less than the minimum U.S. Sentencing Guidelines fine range because The company agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in the investigation, federal prosecutors said.
"Companies that use corrupt influence instead of competing in a fair, ethical, and honest manner should take note of today's agreement," said Brian C. Rabbitt, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Paying bribes to obtain and retain business is not business as usual, it is a crime," he added.


upi--2020-10-27--Trevor Lawrence could return to Clemson Tigers for senior season

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Clemson Tigers star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has left the door open for a possible return to the school next season .
Lawrence , widely considered the likely No .
1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft , told reporters Tuesday that he has n't ruled out returning to Clemson for his senior season instead of going pro .
He previously said he planned on heading to the NFL after this season -- his junior year .
`` My mindset has been that I 'm going to move on , '' Lawrence said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a lot of things that could happen . ''
Lawrence , who is from Cartersville , Ga. , has posted a 31-1 record as a starting college quarterback .
He has the Tigers in position for a sixth straight ACC title and another trip to the College Football Playoff this season .
The 6-foot-6 Lawrence is set to graduate in December with a bachelor 's degree in marketing .
`` No matter where I go -- whether that 's across the country or whether it 's close to home , whether I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out , '' Lawrence said .
As of now , the New York Jets are in position to hold the No .
1 pick in next spring 's draft .
The Jets are 0-7 and the league 's only winless team this season .

Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence is widely considered the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Clemson Tigers star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has left the door open for a possible return to the school next season. Lawrence, widely considered the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, told reporters Tuesday that he hasn't ruled out returning to Clemson for his senior season instead of going pro. He previously said he planned on heading to the NFL after this season -- his junior year. Advertisement
"My mindset has been that I'm going to move on," Lawrence said Tuesday. "But who knows? There's a lot of things that could happen."
Lawrence, who is from Cartersville, Ga., has posted a 31-1 record as a starting college quarterback. He has the Tigers in position for a sixth straight ACC title and another trip to the College Football Playoff this season.
The 6-foot-6 Lawrence is set to graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in marketing.
"No matter where I go -- whether that's across the country or whether it's close to home, whether I stay another year -- we'll work it out," Lawrence said.
As of now, the New York Jets are in position to hold the No. 1 pick in next spring's draft. The Jets are 0-7 and the league's only winless team this season.


upi--2020-10-27--Cordae opens 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards with freestyle promoting voting

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- The BET Hip Hop Awards 2020 opened with a freestyle by Cordae encouraging viewers to vote .
`` See I feel this transition of powers on this cycle of ours , '' Cordae rapped before an image featuring the word `` vote '' appeared on-screen to kick off the event with the theme `` Hip Hop has something to say . ''
Comedy supergroup 85 South , consisting of Karlous Miller , DC Young Fly and Chico Bean , are co-hosting the event .
Before presenting the first award , T.I .
encouraged viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls .
`` Do n't let the long lines , or any other forms of voter suppression deter you , '' he said .
`` Bring a snack , a mask and a battery charger to keep your phone charged . ''
The night will also feature performances by Lil Wayne , 2 Chainz , Big Sean , Burna Boy , Chris Martin , City Girls , Gucci Mane , Jhenè Aiko , Lil Baby , Mulatto , Quavo , Tobe Nwigwe and Ty Dolla $ ign .
DaBaby leads the pack with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Year , Best Live Performer , Lyricist of the Year and Impact Track for `` Rockstar ( BLM Remix ) '' featuring Roddy Ricch , who narrowly trails him with 11 nominations .
Drake and Megan Thee Stallion are tied for third place with eight nominations each .
Flo Milli , Jack Harlow , Mulatto , NLE Choppa , Pop Smoke and Rod Wave are nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist .
Future 's High Off Life , Lil Baby 's My Turn , Megan Thee Stallion 's Suga and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being AntiSocial are also nominated for Hip Hop Album of the Year .
G Hergo and Trae Tha Truth will be honored at the awards show for their community activism .
In addition , Master P will receive the I Am Hip Hop Award for his contributions to music and philanthropy .

1/2
Megan Thee Stallion won Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the 2020 Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday night. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch took home big prizes after being among the most nominated artists at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards. After being nominated for eight total awards, Megan Thee Stallion won Hip Hop Artist of the Year beating out Roddy Ricch, who was nominated for 11 awards and won Hip Hop Album of the year for "Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial." Advertisement
Megan Thee Stallion also won Best Collaboration for "Savage Remix" featuring Beyonce and Roddy Ricch won Song of the Year for "The Box."
Other notable winners included Rapsody being named "Best Lyricist," Lil Baby winning Impact Track for "The Bigger Picture" and Pop Smoke being posthumously named "Best New Hip Hop Artist."
G Hergo and Trae Tha Truth were also honored at the awards show for their community activism. In addition, Master P received the I Am Hip Hop Award for his contributions to music and philanthropy.
At the event, which featured the theme "Hip Hop has something to say," Cordae encouraged viewers to vote. Many of the "cyphers," for which the event is known, featured artists delivering a similar message as well as speaking on issues such as police brutality.
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"See I feel this transition of powers on this cycle of ours," Cordae rapped before an image featuring the word "vote" appeared on-screen.
Before presenting the first award, T.I. joined co-hosts Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean, of comedy supergroup 85 South, and encouraged viewers to make preparations before heading to the polls.
"Don't let the long lines, or any other forms of voter suppression deter you," T.I. said. "Bring a snack, a mask and a battery charger to keep your phone charged."
The night also featured performances by Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, City Girls, Gucci Mane, Jhenè Aiko, Lil Baby, Mulatto, Quavo, Tobe Nwigwe and Ty Dolla $ign.


upi--2020-10-27--Dallas Cowboys trade Pro Bowl DE Everson Griffen to Detroit Lions

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- The Dallas Cowboys traded former Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen to the Detroit Lions for a conditional draft pick , the team announced Tuesday .
The Cowboys received a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft that could become as high as a fifth-rounder , according to the team .
The trade also allows Dallas to shed half of Griffen 's $ 6 million salary .
`` This year has been a journey for my family , '' Griffen wrote Tuesday on social media .
`` I was so blessed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dallas Cowboys .
I want to thank the Jones family and Coach [ Mike ] McCarthy for the opportunity . ''
The addition of Griffen gives the Lions another pass-rushing option to shore up one of the biggest holes on their defense .
Through six games this season , Detroit sits near the bottom of the league with only eight total sacks .
Griffen , who spent his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings , signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in August .
In seven games , he recorded 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 quarterback pressures .
Due to the NFL 's COVID-19 protocols , the 32-year-old Griffen wo n't be able to make his Lions debut until Nov. 8 , when Detroit plays in Minnesota .

Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys traded former Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen to the Detroit Lions for a conditional draft pick, the team announced Tuesday.
The Cowboys received a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft that could become as high as a fifth-rounder, according to the team. The trade also allows Dallas to shed half of Griffen's $6 million salary.
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"This year has been a journey for my family," Griffen wrote Tuesday on social media. "I was so blessed to be able to spend this time with the Dallas Cowboys. I want to thank the Jones family and Coach [Mike] McCarthy for the opportunity."
The addition of Griffen gives the Lions another pass-rushing option to shore up one of the biggest holes on their defense. Through six games this season, Detroit sits near the bottom of the league with only eight total sacks.
The #DallasCowboys have traded DE Everson Griffen to the Detroit Lions for a conditional draft pick. Breaking News | @LGUS— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 27, 2020
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Griffen, who spent his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys in August. In seven games, he recorded 20 total tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures.
Due to the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, the 32-year-old Griffen won't be able to make his Lions debut until Nov. 8, when Detroit plays in Minnesota.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-27--Hurricane warning for New Orleans as storm aims for Gulf Coast

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Zeta , the 27th named storm of the 2020 hurricane season , emerged over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday , where it will intensify back into hurricane force before it crashes into Louisiana , near Houma , late Wednesday .
In its 7 p.m. CDT advisory , the National Hurricane Center said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph .
It was located about 410 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River and was moving northwest at 14 mph .
It 's expected to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have rated Zeta a 1 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale at the time of landfall .
The state is bracing for its fifth strike from a named storm of the season , which will make the United States tally for land-falling storms climb to 11 -- a record for the country .
Hurricane warnings were in effect along the Gulf Coast from central Louisiana eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama border .
New Orleans , which has been spared the worst from storms striking Louisiana so far this year , was included in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been issued northward through Atlanta .
Zeta made its first landfall as a Category 1 hurricane , packing 80-mph winds , along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico just north of Tulum shortly after 11 p.m. CDT Monday .
The storm lost some wind intensity once over land and weakened into a tropical storm as it spun northward unleashing storm surge , heavy rain and strong winds overnight .
There is the chance that Zeta could reach Category 2 hurricane strength with sustained winds between 96 mph to 110 mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters of the Gulf Tuesday and Tuesday night , but then it could weaken slightly into a Category 1 storm ( 74 mph to 95 mph ) before it nears the Gulf Coast on Wednesday .
`` We anticipate a slight loss of wind intensity shortly before landfall on Wednesday evening , which may cause Zeta to be a minimal Category 1 hurricane or a strong tropical storm at the time of landfall , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty said .
`` Regardless of this small difference of strength , overall impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Douty said .
Dangerous and damaging storm surge , high winds and flooding rainfall will hammer Louisiana to Florida as Zeta makes landfall late Wednesday and begins to move inland .
Several tornadoes could also touch down as the Zeta batters the U.S. Gulf Coast , especially near and east of where the storm comes onshore .
Zeta is forecast to track northeastward toward the coastline , striking just southeast of Morgan City , La.
, during Wednesday evening , and forecasters say the center of the storm will come close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path has the potential to bring the most significant impacts in southeastern Louisiana and the New Orleans area of any tropical system this season as the city managed to avoid the core of all tropical systems thus far this year .
The Big Easy is at risk for power outages and flooding from Zeta -- and conditions will deteriorate quickly there late Wednesday .
A storm surge of 3 feet to 6 feet is forecast along the southeastern Louisiana coast , including along lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain .
But , a storm surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as far to the east as the northern Gulf coast of Florida and as far to the west as Intercoastal City , La .
Storm surge warnings have been issued from the mouth of the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana to Navarre , Fla .
This includes the bays around Gulfport , Miss.
, and Mobile , Ala. As Zeta moves over the northern Gulf , it is expected to pick up forward speed and move along at a breakneck pace of 25 mph as it reaches the Louisiana coastline .
The storm 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast rise in coastal waters -- much faster than what would be expected by a system moving at a more typical speed of 10 mph .
However , the storm 's quick movement will also mean a shorter duration of high winds and torrential rainfall .
Significant power outages and tree damage are still anticipated in southeastern Louisiana to part of southern Mississippi with gusts frequenting 60 mph to 80 mph .
An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 90 mph is forecast in southeastern Louisiana .
`` Power outages could last for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minor structural damage is expected as well , especially to weak and poorly built buildings , '' Douty said .
Sporadic tree damage and power outages can occur with wind gusts of 40 mph to 60 mph as far to the north as the mid-Atlantic coast .
The central and eastern Gulf is being warned to closely monitor the progress of Zeta as the area will bear the brunt of the tropical system 's impacts , but effects will also reach far inland across the U.S .
Enough rain to cause flash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the north as the Ohio Valley , central and southern Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic coasts .
Torrential rainfall will be limited to several hours due to the fast forward motion of Zeta , but downpours and moderate rainfall will precede the storm many hours in advance .
`` Heavy rain is by far going to be the most widespread impact from Zeta in the United States , '' warned AccuWeather meteorologist Niki LoBiondo .
Rainfall on the order of 4 inches to 8 inches will occur along the path of Zeta as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same one bringing heavy snow and ice to the southern Plains and Rockies .
An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches is forecast from southeastern Louisiana to part of western Alabama , which will be closest to the source of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico .
`` Flash flooding will be a threat across much of the area where the heaviest rain totals are expected , especially in places with steeper terrain , '' according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jake Sojda .
`` Ponding on roads and in poor drainage areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities where falling leaves clog storm drains . ''
Due to the widespread nature of heavy rain over the lower Mississippi and Ohio valleys , some minor river flooding may also develop along the tributaries of these major rivers by the end of the week .
Sometimes , when tropical storms or hurricanes make landfall , tornadoes and waterspouts can occur , and that will be a threat when Zeta comes ashore on the Gulf Coast .
`` Tornadoes to the east of Zeta 's track can lead to localized areas of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is the concern that there could be a higher-than-usual number of tornadoes with this tropical system as extra energy from the non-tropical storm system over the southern Plains interacts with Zeta as it moves inland . ''
In the wake of Zeta , showers and thunderstorms will be left behind in the area from the western Caribbean to the southern Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits .
`` This area will have to be watched for the next potential tropical development zone next week , '' according to AccuWeather Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can to prepare for this storm' Even though Zeta is expected to strike the U.S coast as a Category 1 hurricane , forecasters and officials have been warning residents along the central and eastern Gulf Coast not to let their guard down .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of Zeta 's arrival .
`` [ The ] good thing and the bad thing is we 've had a lot of practice '' at weathering storms this season , Edwards said during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his state .
`` We 're doing everything we can to prepare for this storm , '' he added .
Nearly 3,600 people remain sheltered by the state after devastating back-to-back hurricane strikes .
Laura struck the state as a devastating Category 4 storm in late August , and then just 43 days later , Category 2 Hurricane Delta made landfall only 13 miles to the east of where Laura hit .
Zeta is predicted to be the fifth tropical system to make landfall in the state at tropical storm strength or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hurricane Laura , Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Delta .
There were also other near misses on Louisiana from Sally and Beta .
Edwards also noted that his state is dealing with dueling disasters amid the public health emergency of the pandemic .
`` We may be tired of COVID-19 and hurricanes , but neither the virus nor Mother Nature is going to take that into account , '' Edwards said .
Zeta became the 11th hurricane of the extremely busy Atlantic hurricane season over the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1851 ( 1950 and 2005 ) spawned 11 or more hurricanes by Oct. 26 , according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach .
An average season generates six hurricanes and 12 named storms .
It will become the eighth named storm to strike the Gulf Coast this season , and the 11th tropical system to make landfall in the United States in 2020 .
Hurricane Delta was number 10 , which broke the record of nine storms to crash into the continental U.S. in one season , previously set in 1916 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still holds the record for the most number of named storms in a season ( 28 ) .
NHC identified an 'unnamed ' subtropical storm in its post-season analysis that year , which is included in the total , '' the National Hurricane Center said on Twitter .
`` With # Zeta , the number for 2020 currently stands at 27 . ''
Only one other storm in history has been named Zeta , with the last Tropical Storm Zeta forming on Dec. 28 , 2005 .
That Zeta was also the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two different years , as it continued to churn in the Atlantic until Jan. 6 , 2006 .
Forecasters have never before utilized the name Eta , or the next Greek letter on the list to name Atlantic tropical systems .
Zeta is the earliest-forming 27th storm on record for the Atlantic basin ; the prior record for the earliest Atlantic 27th named storm formation was Epsilon on Nov. 29 , 2005 , according to Klotzbach .

Hurricane Zeta weakened to a Category 1 storm after making landfall. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Hurricane Zeta made landfall on New Orleans as a Category 2 storm Wednesday evening, bringing life-threatening storm surge, high winds and heavy rain, meteorologists said. Early Wednesday afternoon, Zeta strengthened into a Category 2 storm packing 110-mph winds as it bore down on the Gulf Coast. Advertisement
In its 10 p.m. CDT advisory, the National Hurricane Center said the eye had moved to about 70 miles northeast of Hattiesburg, Miss., and was moving northeast at 31 mph. The storm weakened slightly to a Category 1 with 80 mph winds.
Forecasters rated Zeta a 1 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale at the time of landfall. The company's hurricane scale takes into account a broad range of impacts, rather than just wind speed used in the Saffir-Simpson scale to assess the overall impact of a tropical system.
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As Zeta came crashing ashore, it became the fifth named storm to hit the Louisiana coast during what has been a relentless hurricane season, and the 11th to strike the country as a whole -- a national record. City officials in New Orleans called for residents who live outside the levee system to evacuate voluntarily as AccuWeather's futurecast shows that Zeta's eyewall could move right over the Big Easy.
Impacts along the coast began to occur late Wednesday morning. AccuWeather National Reporter Jonathan Petramala was stationed in Grand Isle, Louisiana, a barrier island about 100 miles south of New Orleans, and storm surge was already encroaching onto land.
In addition to New Orleans, hurricane warnings were in effect along the Gulf Coast from central Louisiana eastward to the Mississippi-Alabama border and tropical storm watches have been issued northward through Atlanta.
Dangerous and damaging storm surge, high winds and flooding rainfall will hammer the area from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Several tornadoes could also touch down as the Zeta batters the U.S. Gulf Coast, especially near and east of where the storm comes onshore.
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The storm's projected path has the potential to bring the most significant impacts in southeastern Louisiana and the New Orleans area of any tropical system this season as the city managed to avoid the core of all tropical systems thus far this year. The Big Easy is at risk for power outages, flooding and property damage from Zeta -- and conditions will deteriorate quickly there late Wednesday afternoon and early Wednesday evening.
A storm surge of 3 feet to 6 feet is forecast along much of the southeastern Louisiana coast, including Lake Pontchartrain. But, a storm surge of 6 feet to 10 feet is forecast along portions of the Mississippi coast and Lake Borgne, and a surge of 1 foot to 3 feet can occur as far to the east as the northern Gulf coast of Florida and as far to the west as Intercoastal City, La.
Storm surge warnings have been issued from the mouth of the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana to Navarre, Fla. This includes the bays around Gulfport, Miss., and Mobile, Ala.
Significant power outages and tree damage are still anticipated in southeastern Louisiana to part of southern Mississippi and central and southern Alabama with gusts frequenting 60 mph to 80 mph. An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 100 mph is forecast in southeastern Louisiana.
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"Power outages could last for a few days to a week in some areas and minor structural damage is expected as well, especially to weak and poorly built buildings," Douty said.
Sporadic tree damage and power outages can occur with wind gusts of 40-60 mph as far to the north as the Piedmont areas of the interior South and perhaps to the mid-Atlantic coast. Major cities well inland, such as Montgomery, Ala.; Atlanta; Greenville, S.C., and Charlotte, N.C., could experience power outages and travel problems due to fallen trees and urban flooding.
The central and eastern Gulf is being warned to closely monitor the progress of Zeta as the area will bear the brunt of the tropical system's impacts, but effects will also reach far inland across the U.S.
Enough rain to cause flash and urban flooding is forecast as far to the north as the Ohio Valley, central and southern Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic coast. Torrential rainfall will be limited to several hours due to the fast forward motion of Zeta, but downpours and moderate rainfall will precede the storm many hours in advance.
"Heavy rain is by far going to be the most widespread impact from Zeta in the United States," warned AccuWeather meteorologist Niki LoBiondo.
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Rainfall on the order of 4 inches to 8 inches will occur along the path of Zeta as it interacts with a non-tropical storm, the same one bringing heavy snow and ice to the southern Plains and Rockies. An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches is forecast from southeastern Louisiana to part of western Alabama, which will be closest to the source of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
"Flash flooding will be a threat across much of the area where the heaviest rain totals are expected, especially in places with steeper terrain," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jake Sojda. "Ponding on roads and in poor drainage areas will likely be widespread, especially in communities where falling leaves clog storm drains."
Due to the widespread nature of heavy rain over the lower Mississippi and Ohio valleys, as well as the southern Appalachians, small stream flooding is expected and some minor river flooding may also develop along the tributaries of the major rivers by the end of the week.
Zeta's legacy may include tornado outbreak
Sometimes, when tropical storms or hurricanes make landfall, tornadoes and waterspouts can occur, and that will be a threat when Zeta comes ashore on the Gulf Coast.
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"Tornadoes to the east of Zeta's track can lead to localized areas of more intense damage," Douty said. "There is the concern that there could be a higher-than-usual number of tornadoes with this tropical system as extra energy from the non-tropical storm system over the southern Plains interacts with Zeta as it moves inland."
In the wake of Zeta, showers and thunderstorms will be left behind in the area from the western Caribbean to the southern Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. "This area will have to be watched for the next potential tropical development zone next week," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.
"We're doing everything we can to prepare for this storm"
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of Zeta's arrival. "[The] good thing and the bad thing is we've had a lot of practice" at weathering storms this season, Edwards said during a Monday afternoon update on the looming threat for his state. "We're doing everything we can to prepare for this storm," he added.
Nearly 3,600 people remain sheltered by the state after devastating back-to-back hurricane strikes. Laura struck the state as a devastating Category 4 storm in late August, and then just 43 days later, Category 2 Hurricane Delta made landfall only 13 miles to the east of where Laura hit.
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Zeta is predicted to be the fifth tropical system to make landfall in Louisiana at tropical storm strength or greater following hits from Tropical Storm Cristobal, Hurricane Laura, Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Delta. Once this occurs, it will break the record set in 2002, when four tropical systems made landfall in the state.
Edwards also noted that his state is dealing with dueling disasters amid the public health emergency of the pandemic. "We may be tired of COVID-19 and hurricanes, but neither the virus nor Mother Nature is going to take that into account," Edwards said.
The National Guard was mobilized and ready to respond to Zeta in 16 parishes of Louisiana. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves both issued emergency declarations in advance of the hurricane's effects.
Zeta made its first landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, packing 80-mph winds, along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico just north of Tulum shortly after 11 p.m. CDT Monday. The storm lost some wind intensity once over land and weakened into a tropical storm as it spun northward unleashing storm surge, heavy rain and strong winds Monday night.
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Zeta became the 11th hurricane of the extremely busy Atlantic hurricane season over the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Monday afternoon. Only two other Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1851(1950 and 2005) spawned 11 or more hurricanes by Oct. 26, according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach. An average season generates six hurricanes and 12 named storms.
It will become the eighth named storm to strike the Gulf Coast this season, and the 11th tropical system to make landfall in the U.S. in 2020. Hurricane Delta was number 10, which broke the record of nine storms to crash into the continental U.S. in one season, previously set in 1916.
Zeta is projected to be the sixth landfalling hurricane in the continental U.S. this season, which will tie another national record previously set in 1886 and 1985. Hanna, Isaias, Laura, Sally and Delta are the other hurricanes that hit U.S. soil in 2020.
Also notable is the calendar date that Zeta will impact the U.S. It's expected to be the latest hurricane landfall in the calendar year since Kate hit Mexico Beach, Florida, in 1985.
"For those counting, 2005 still holds the record for the most number of named storms in a season (28). NHC identified an 'unnamed' subtropical storm in its post-season analysis that year, which is included in the total," the National Hurricane Center said on Twitter. "With #Zeta, the number for 2020 currently stands at 27."


upi--2020-10-27--Trader Joe's recalls frozen fish in 19 states for undeclared milk, wheat allergens

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Trader Joe 's has recalled packages of frozen fish sold in 19 states for undeclared wheat and milk allergens .
The Food and Drug Administration said 10-ounce packages of Trader Joe 's brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut produced by Seattle-based Orca Bay Foods did not list wheat and milk ingredients , which could lead to the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction in people who eat the product .
The packages , with SKU No .
00503822 , were sold in Trader Joe 's stores in Connecticut , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Nebraska , New Hampshire , New York , Ohio , Rhode Island , Tennessee , Vermont , and Wisconsin .
The packages have a code 537312620 and `` Best If Used By Nov 5 , 2021 '' printed on the box end .
Trader Joe 's said in a statement that no illnesses or allergic reactions were reported from the products to date .
The company is destroying up to 4,450 pounds , or 356 cases , of the product that was incorrectly labeled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund , the company said .

1/2
Trader Joe's announced the recall of certain frozen fish products sold in 19 states that were incorrectly packaged without warnings for milk and wheat allergens. Photo courtesy of Trader Joe's
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Trader Joe's has recalled packages of frozen fish sold in 19 states for undeclared wheat and milk allergens. The Food and Drug Administration said 10-ounce packages of Trader Joe's brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut produced by Seattle-based Orca Bay Foods did not list wheat and milk ingredients, which could lead to the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction in people who eat the product. Advertisement
The packages, with SKU No. 00503822, were sold in Trader Joe's stores in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The packages have a code 537312620 and "Best If Used By Nov 5, 2021" printed on the box end.
Trader Joe's said in a statement that no illnesses or allergic reactions were reported from the products to date.
The company is destroying up to 4,450 pounds, or 356 cases, of the product that was incorrectly labeled.
Consumers who have purchased the frozen halibut are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, the company said.


upi--2020-10-27--Pentagon spearheads $20M hypesonics research project at Texas A & M

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- The Pentagon has awarded a $ 100 million contract to Texas A & M University to do research on hypersonic weapons .
Texas A & M will lead a research effort to look into dozens of different types of hypersonic weapons in an effort to stay ahead of Russia and China in this area of weapons development .
`` We are in a bit of a race right now , '' said Mark Lewis , acting deputy undersecretary of Defense for research and engineering ( and director of defense research and engineering for modernization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis noted that China works closely with universities in helping develop hypersonic weapons .
According to Gillian Bussey , head of the joint Hypersonic Transition Office , universities in the United States , Australia , Britain and Canada are eligible to work on the program .
But Bussey also said Texas A & M has strict counterintelligence protocols in place and the Pentagon will also screen participants for classified work .
Last week Boeing received a $ 30 million contract to develop a high-speed missile demonstrator for the Navy -- one that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month the Pentagon established a Joint Hypersonics Transition Office Systems Engineering Field Activity at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane , Ind.
, on Thursday .

A common hypersonic glide body launches from Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, in March during a Department of Defense flight experiment. Photo by U.S. Navy/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The Pentagon has awarded a $100 million contract to Texas A&M University to do research on hypersonic weapons. Texas A&M will lead a research effort to look into dozens of different types of hypersonic weapons in an effort to stay ahead of Russia and China in this area of weapons development. Advertisement
"We are in a bit of a race right now," said Mark Lewis, acting deputy undersecretary of Defense for research and engineering, in a Monday press call.
Lewis, who is also director of defense research and engineering for modernization, noted that China works closely with universities in helping develop hypersonic weapons.
According to Gillian Bussey, head of the joint Hypersonic Transition Office, universities in the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada are eligible to work on the program.
But Bussey also said Texas A&M has strict counterintelligence protocols in place and the Pentagon will also screen participants for classified work.
Last week Boeing received a $30 million contract to develop a high-speed missile demonstrator for the Navy -- one that could reach hypersonic speeds,.
Earlier this month the Pentagon also established a Joint Hypersonics Transition Office Systems Engineering Field Activity at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Ind.
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upi--2020-10-27--Watch: Diane Keaton, Jeremy Irons star in 'Love, Weddings and other Disasters' trailer

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons are set to star in a new romantic comedy @ @ @ @ @ of love and weddings .
In the trailer for Love , Weddings and Other Disasters @ @ @ @ @ celebrity caterer who falls in love with Keaton 's character , who is visually impaired @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , an inexperienced wedding planner known as `` The Wedding Thrasher , '' @ @ @ @ @ Grace , and a tour-bus guide , portrayed by former Vine star Andrew Bachelor , @ @ @ @ @ encounters .
The trailer has Irons don a blindfold as he encourages Keaton to let @ @ @ @ @ see , '' while Grace arm wrestles the lead of a wedding band and Bachelor @ @ @ @ @ '' The film , directed by Dennis Dugan is set to release in theaters and @ @ @ @ @ .

Honoree Diane Keaton arrives for American Film Institute's 45th annual Life Achievement Award tribute gala at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on June 8, 2017. Keaton stars opposite Jeremy Irons in "Love, Weddings and other Disasters." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons are set to star in a new romantic comedy centered around a weaving tale of love and weddings. In the trailer for Love, Weddings and Other Disasters, Irons plays a fussy celebrity caterer who falls in love with Keaton's character, who is visually impaired, on a blind date. Advertisement
Meanwhile, an inexperienced wedding planner known as "The Wedding Thrasher," played by Taken actress Maggie Grace, and a tour-bus guide, portrayed by former Vine star Andrew Bachelor, also find love in chance encounters.
The trailer has Irons don a blindfold as he encourages Keaton to let him "see what you see," while Grace arm wrestles the lead of a wedding band and Bachelor meets his "Cinderella."
The film, directed by Dennis Dugan is set to release in theaters and on demand on Dec. 4.


upi--2020-10-27--President Donald Trump takes credit for foiling Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plot

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump returned Tuesday to campaign in Michigan and again targeted Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , taking credit for the law enforcement effort that spoiled an alleged plot to kidnap her .
He took aim at the governor during a campaign rally in Lansing , Mich. , his first of the day .
He later traveled to Wisconsin and planned to appear in Nebraska .
After Trump mentioned restrictions in place in Michigan to limit the spread of COVID-19 , the crowd reprised a chant of `` Lock her up , '' an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .
The chant was the same one often heard at Trump rallies in reference to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election .
But Trump himself did n't join in .
`` See , I do n't comment on that because every time if I make just a little bit of a nod , they say , 'the president led them , ' '' he told the Lansing crowd .
`` I do n't have to lead you . ''
Trump spoke about an alleged plot to kidnap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncovered earlier this month by the FBI .
Whitmer called those involved in the plot `` sick and depraved '' and blamed Trump for stoking distrust and fear by encouraging protesters -- some armed -- to demonstrate against the her lockdown restrictions in April .
Trump said Whitmer should 've shown more appreciation for the fact that federal agents were the ones who stopped the alleged plot .
`` I 'm the one , it was our people that helped her out with her problem .
I mean , we 'll have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right ?
People are entitled to say maybe it was a problem , maybe it was n't , '' Trump said , casting doubt on the seriousness of the threat against Whitmer .
`` And then she blamed me for it . ''
Trump also targeted his opponent , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , for favoring more restrictive COVID-19 measures .
He told voters they can choose between a `` Trump boom '' and a `` Biden lockdown . ''
Michigan , which is considered a battleground state , has polled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to RealClear Politics ' average of polls .
As of Tuesday evening , the Democrat is polling at 50.5 % compared to Trump 's 41.5 % .
Trump won Michigan in 2016 with a narrow 47.6 % over Clinton 's 47.3 % .

President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn as he departs the White House for his last week of campaigning on Tuesday. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump returned Tuesday to campaign in Michigan and again targeted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, taking credit for the law enforcement effort that spoiled an alleged plot to kidnap her. He took aim at the governor during a campaign rally in Lansing, Mich., his first of the day. He later traveled to Wisconsin and planned to appear in Nebraska. Advertisement
After Trump mentioned restrictions in place in Michigan to limit the spread of COVID-19, the crowd reprised a chant of "Lock her up," an echo of last week's rally in the state. The chant was the same one often heard at Trump rallies in reference to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election.
But Trump himself didn't join in.
"See, I don't comment on that because every time if I make just a little bit of a nod, they say, 'the president led them,'" he told the Lansing crowd.
"I don't have to lead you."
Trump spoke about an alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer and her family, which was uncovered earlier this month by the FBI. Whitmer called those involved in the plot "sick and depraved" and blamed Trump for stoking distrust and fear by encouraging protesters -- some armed -- to demonstrate against the her lockdown restrictions in April.
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Trump said Whitmer should've shown more appreciation for the fact that federal agents were the ones who stopped the alleged plot.
"I'm the one, it was our people that helped her out with her problem. I mean, we'll have to see if it's a problem, right? People are entitled to say maybe it was a problem, maybe it wasn't," Trump said, casting doubt on the seriousness of the threat against Whitmer.
"And then she blamed me for it."
Trump also targeted his opponent, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, for favoring more restrictive COVID-19 measures. He told voters they can choose between a "Trump boom" and a "Biden lockdown."
Michigan, which is considered a battleground state, has polled in favor of Biden since at least May, according to RealClear Politics' average of polls. As of Tuesday evening, the Democrat is polling at 50.5% compared to Trump's 41.5%.
Trump won Michigan in 2016 with a narrow 47.6% over Clinton's 47.3%.


upi--2020-10-27--Army receives first Infantry Squad Vehicle in Michigan

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Army received the first Infantry Squad Vehicle made by General Motors Defense Tuesday .
The vehicle , which the Army received at GM Proving Grounds in Milford , Mich. , was the result of the first major contract GM Defense , a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM , has won since its formation since 2017 .
GM Defense delivered the vehicle just 120 days after winning the $ 214.3 million contract to produce it in June .
`` One hundred and twenty days from contract award to delivery is a significant milestone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team for this accomplishment , '' said David Albritton , president of GM Defense in a press release .
`` We 're leveraging General Motors ' engineering prowess and immense manufacturing capabilities to bring transformative solutions to the military vehicle market . ''
The Infantry Squad Vehicle is based on the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 truck , and it uses 90 % commercial components -- but is designed to carry a nine-soldier infantry squad quickly across a battlefield .
The vehicle is also light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a CH-47 Chinook .
GM Defense is contracted to make 649 ISVs for delivery by fiscal year 2024 , and could make as many as 2,065 if the contract is modified .
The contractor will make the first 27 ISVs at the Proving Grounds , then move to a facility in Mooresville , N.C. , which can produce a higher volume of ISVs .

GM Defense delivered the first Infantry Squad Vehicle to the Army Tuesday. Photo courtesy of GM Defense
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army received the first Infantry Squad Vehicle made by General Motors Defense Tuesday. The vehicle, which the Army received at GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Mich., was the result of the first major contract GM Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, has won since its formation since 2017. Advertisement
GM Defense delivered the vehicle just 120 days after winning the $214.3 million contract to produce it in June.
"One hundred and twenty days from contract award to delivery is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team for this accomplishment," said David Albritton, president of GM Defense in a press release. "We're leveraging General Motors' engineering prowess and immense manufacturing capabilities to bring transformative solutions to the military vehicle market."
The Infantry Squad Vehicle is based on the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 truck, and it uses 90% commercial components -- but is designed to carry a nine-soldier infantry squad quickly across a battlefield.
The vehicle is also light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and small enough to fit into a CH-47 Chinook.
GM Defense is contracted to make 649 ISVs for delivery by fiscal year 2024, and could make as many as 2,065 if the contract is modified.
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The contractor will make the first 27 ISVs at the Proving Grounds, then move to a facility in Concord, N.C., which can produce a higher volume of ISVs.


upi--2020-10-27--Former President Barack Obama skewers President Donald Trump's handling of pandemic

Oct. 27 ( UPI ) -- Former President Barack Obama lambasted President Donald Trump over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while campaigning for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in Florida on Tuesday .
Speaking at Tinker Field in Orlando , Fla. , Obama highlighted the toll of the pandemic , which has sickened 8.7 million Americans and killed more than 226,000 , while also pointing to multiple outbreaks at the White House .
`` The pandemic would have been challenging for any president , but the idea that this White House has done anything but completely screw this up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and about a dozen people linked to events he attended at the White House tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and over the weekend , Vice President Mike Pence 's chief of staff , Marc Short , and several of his close aides tested positive for the virus .
`` Let me say this : I lived in the White House for a while , '' Obama said .
`` You know , it 's a well-controlled environment .
You can take some preventive measures in the White House to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't seem to do it .
He 's turned the White House into a hot zone . ''
He added that the Trump administration is `` waving the white flag of surrender '' when it comes to combatting the virus , referencing White House chief of staff Mark Meadows ' statement over the weekend that the United States is `` not going to control '' the pandemic and is instead focusing on vaccines and therapeutics .
`` We ca n't afford four more years of this , '' Obama said .
Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his recent rallies and on Twitter that the media has been too focused on the pandemic .
`` He said at one of his rallies 'COVID , COVID , COVID , ' he 's complaining , '' the former president said .
`` He 's jealous of COVID 's media coverage . ''
Conversely , Obama described Biden -- his former vice president -- as a man of `` principle and character '' stating that he would seek to control the pandemic through widespread testing , free vaccine distribution and providing necessary personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's going to make sure that small businesses that hold our communities together and employ millions of Americans can reopen safely and he understands that we 're not going to rebuild the economy and put people back to work until we get this pandemic under control , '' he said .

Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump and his administration over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a rally in Florida Tuesday. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Former President Barack Obama lambasted President Donald Trump over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while campaigning for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in Florida on Tuesday. Speaking at Tinker Field in Orlando, Fla., Obama highlighted the toll of the pandemic, which has sickened 8.7 million Americans and killed more than 226,000, while also pointing to multiple outbreaks at the White House. Advertisement
"The pandemic would have been challenging for any president, but the idea that this White House has done anything but completely screw this up is nonsense," Obama said.
Trump and about a dozen people linked to events he attended at the White House tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and over the weekend, Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, and several of his close aides tested positive for the virus.
"Let me say this: I lived in the White House for a while," Obama said. "You know, it's a well-controlled environment. You can take some preventive measures in the White House to avoid getting sick. Except, this guy can't seem to do it. He's turned the White House into a hot zone."
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He added that the Trump administration is "waving the white flag of surrender" when it comes to combatting the virus, referencing White House chief of staff Mark Meadows' statement over the weekend that the United States is "not going to control" the pandemic and is instead focusing on vaccines and therapeutics.
"We can't afford four more years of this," Obama said.
Obama also countered comments Trump has made at his recent rallies and on Twitter that the media has been too focused on the pandemic.
"He said at one of his rallies 'COVID, COVID, COVID,' he's complaining," the former president said. "He's jealous of COVID's media coverage."
Conversely, Obama described Biden -- his former vice president -- as a man of "principle and character" stating that he would seek to control the pandemic through widespread testing, free vaccine distribution and providing necessary personal protective equipment to front-line workers.
"He's going to make sure that small businesses that hold our communities together and employ millions of Americans can reopen safely and he understands that we're not going to rebuild the economy and put people back to work until we get this pandemic under control," he said.