upi--2020-09-27--Democrats call for release of Trump's tax records after 'blockbuster' report

Sept. 27 ( UPI ) -- Democrats on Sunday renewed calls for President Donald Trump 's tax records to be released following a New York Times report showing he has not paid taxes in 10 of the last 15 years through 2017 .
Calls for Trump to release his tax records began when he flaunted the longstanding practice of presidential candidates to disclose their financial records , claiming they were subject to a longstanding Internal Revenue Service audit .
He has long asserted that he has paid at least his fair share .
The Times reported Sunday that Trump paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each year 2016 and 2017 , while paying no income taxes in 10 of the last 15 years before becoming president due to reporting substantial losses while earning more than $ 427 million from his reality television show The Apprentice .
The report also said he has been battling the IRS over a $ 72.9 million tax refund he claimed in 2010 through detailing huge losses that could end up costing him more than $ 100 million if the federal agency determines the refund was illegitimate .
The stunning report , based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Times by unnamed sources , spurred Democrats to call for the president 's records to be released .
Rep. Bill Pascrell , chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee , which has been leading Congress ' charge to obtain Trump 's records since February 2017 , said in a statement that `` this blockbuster report confirms some of our worst fears . ''
The subcommittee has been attempting to retrieve Trump 's records over concerns that his financial holdings in business dealings may open him up to foreign influence .
Pascrell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` brilliant financial wizard '' as Trump has attempted to project himself to be but `` a cheat , a fraud and perhaps the worst businessman in the world . ''
`` To cover his losses , Trump has looted the government and made himself vulnerable to heaven knows what foreign manipulation and blackmail , '' Pascrell said in a statement , adding , `` I will continue to sift through the findings , but Trump must release his tax returns as is longstanding practice and is required by law to Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Following the publication of the report on Sunday , Trump denied the report 's findings to reporters at the White House , calling it `` fake news '' and said he has paid `` a lot '' in taxes .
`` It 's totally fake news .
Made up .
Fake , '' he said .
The Trump Organization also rejected the charges , stating that most of the facts in the report were `` inaccurate .
`` Most , if not all , of the facts appear to be inaccurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer of the Trump Organization , said .
`` Over the past decade , President Trump has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government , including paying millions in personal taxes since announce his candidacy in 2015 . ''
Richard Neal , chairman of the House ways and means committee , accused Trump of having `` gamed the tax code to his advantage '' and now , as president , oversees the IRS as it conducts an audit of his records .
`` Now , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considers an adversary , '' Neal said in a statement .
`` It is essential that the IRS 's presidential audit program remain free of interference .
Today 's report underscores the importance of the Ways and Means Committee 's ongoing lawsuit to access Mr. Trump 's tax returns and ensure the presidential audit program is functioning effectively , without improper influence . ''
New York state prosecutors are also in a legal battle for the president 's records as Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance investigates allegations that Trump paid hush money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs with Trump .
Nancy Pelosi , the Democratic speaker of the House from California , also pointed to The Times report as reason for the Republican president to release his records .
`` This report provides further evidence of the clear need for the Ways and Means lawsuit spearheaded by Chairman Neal to access Trump 's tax records and ensure the presidential audit program is functioning effectively , without improper influence , '' she said in a statement .
Chuck Schumer , the Democratic minority leader in the Senate , posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the president in taxes to raise their hand .
The report , the first of many planned in the coming days , arrives weeks before the Nov. 3 election , where Trump will face Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
The president and former vice president square off in their first debate on Tuesday .

President Donald Trump denies the findings of a New York Times report that said he paid little or no taxes over the past 10 years at a Sunday briefing at the White House. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Democrats on Sunday renewed calls for President Donald Trump's tax records to be released following a New York Times report showing he has not paid taxes in 10 of the last 15 years through 2017. Calls for Trump to release his tax records began when he flaunted the longstanding practice of presidential candidates to disclose their financial records, claiming they were subject to a longstanding Internal Revenue Service audit. He has long asserted that he has paid at least his fair share. Advertisement
The Times reported Sunday that Trump paid only $750 in federal taxes in each year 2016 and 2017, while paying no income taxes in 10 of the last 15 years before becoming president due to reporting substantial losses while earning more than $427 million from his reality television show The Apprentice.
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The report also said he has been battling the IRS over a $72.9 million tax refund he claimed in 2010 through detailing huge losses that could end up costing him more than $100 million if the federal agency determines the refund was illegitimate.
The stunning report, based on two decades of tax information leaked to the Times by unnamed sources, spurred Democrats to call for the president's records to be released.
Rep. Bill Pascrell, chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee, which has been leading Congress' charge to obtain Trump's records since February 2017, said in a statement that "this blockbuster report confirms some of our worst fears."
The subcommittee has been attempting to retrieve Trump's records over concerns that his financial holdings in business dealings may open him up to foreign influence.
Pascrell said the report's findings reveal not a "brilliant financial wizard" as Trump has attempted to project himself to be but "a cheat, a fraud and perhaps the worst businessman in the world."
"To cover his losses, Trump has looted the government and made himself vulnerable to heaven knows what foreign manipulation and blackmail," Pascrell said in a statement, adding, "I will continue to sift through the findings, but Trump must release his tax returns as is longstanding practice and is required by law to Congress instead of grandstanding and attacking the media."
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Following the publication of the report on Sunday, Trump denied the report's findings to reporters at the White House, calling it "fake news" and said he has paid "a lot" in taxes.
"It's totally fake news. Made up. Fake," he said.
The Trump Organization also rejected the charges, stating that most of the facts in the report were "inaccurate.
"Most, if not all, of the facts appear to be inaccurate," Alan Gartner, chief legal officer of the Trump Organization, said. "Over the past decade, President Trump has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government, including paying millions in personal taxes since announce his candidacy in 2015."
Richard Neal, chairman of the House ways and means committee, accused Trump of having "gamed the tax code to his advantage" and now, as president, oversees the IRS as it conducts an audit of his records.
"Now, Donald Trump is the boss of the agency he considers an adversary," Neal said in a statement. "It is essential that the IRS's presidential audit program remain free of interference. Today's report underscores the importance of the Ways and Means Committee's ongoing lawsuit to access Mr. Trump's tax returns and ensure the presidential audit program is functioning effectively, without improper influence."
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New York state prosecutors are also in a legal battle for the president's records as Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance investigates allegations that Trump paid hush money to two women who claim to have had affairs with Trump.
Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House from California, also pointed to The Times report as reason for the Republican president to release his records.
"This report provides further evidence of the clear need for the Ways and Means lawsuit spearheaded by Chairman Neal to access Trump's tax records and ensure the presidential audit program is functioning effectively, without improper influence," she said in a statement.
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader in the Senate, posted a tweet asking Americans who have paid more than the president in taxes to raise their hand.
The report, the first of many planned in the coming days, arrives weeks before the Nov. 3 election, where Trump will face Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
The president and former vice president square off in their first debate on Tuesday.


upi--2020-09-27--Miami Heat oust Boston Celtics, advance to NBA Finals

Sept. 27 ( UPI ) -- The Miami Heat advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 after a 125-113 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night inside the NBA bubble near Orlando , Fla. Bam Adebayo scored a season-high 32 points and brought down 14 rebounds for the Heat , who won the Eastern Conference for the sixth time in franchise history .
Miami will play LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for the championship .
Game 1 of that series is Wednesday night .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just love to compete , '' Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said during the trophy celebration .
Heat star Jimmy Butler , who will be playing in his first NBA Finals , notched 22 points and eight assists .
Tyler Herro had 19 points , seven assists and five rebounds , while Andre Iguodala and Duncan Robinson each scored 15 .
Goran Dragic added 13 points for Miami .
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points , eight rebounds and three steals .
Jayson Tatum scored 24 and had a career-best 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each added 20 points for the Celtics , who fell in the East finals for the third time in the past four seasons .
Gordon Hayward recorded 12 points and two assists off the bench .
The Heat are the only NBA team with six Finals appearances in the last 15 years .
They are seeking their fourth title in franchise history .

Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo (C) holds the Eastern Conference Championship trophy as he celebrates with teammates after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics on Sunday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE
Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The Miami Heat advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 after a 125-113 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night inside the NBA bubble near Orlando, Fla. Bam Adebayo scored a season-high 32 points and brought down 14 rebounds for the Heat, who won the Eastern Conference for the sixth time in franchise history. Miami will play LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for the championship. Game 1 of that series is Wednesday night. Advertisement
"This group, more than anything, they just love to compete," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said during the trophy celebration.
Heat star Jimmy Butler, who will be playing in his first NBA Finals, notched 22 points and eight assists. Tyler Herro had 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Andre Iguodala and Duncan Robinson each scored 15. Goran Dragic added 13 points for Miami.
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Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Jayson Tatum scored 24 and had a career-best 11 assists.
Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker each added 20 points for the Celtics, who fell in the East finals for the third time in the past four seasons. Gordon Hayward recorded 12 points and two assists off the bench.
The Heat are the only NBA team with six Finals appearances in the last 15 years. They are seeking their fourth title in franchise history.


upi--2020-09-28--FBI: Violent crime declined in 2019

FBI: Violent crime declined in 2019

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- For the third consecutive year , violent crime in the United States decreased in 2019 , the FBI said .
The FBI on Monday released its crime statistics for last year , noting that violent crime including murder , non-negligent manslaughter , rape , robbery and aggravated assault dipped by 0.5 % compared to 2018 with 366.7 offenses per 100,000 people .
Property crime also dropped 4.1 % from the year prior , making 2019 the 17th straight year it has declined , the FBI said , as there were only an estimated 2,109.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime , the FBI said robbery and rape offenses fell 4.7 % and 2.7 % , respectively , while aggravated assault rose 1.3 % and murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses rose by 0.3 % .
`` In 2019 , there were an estimated 1,203,808 violent crimes , '' a summary of the FBI report said .
Concerning property crimes , burglary , larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft offenses dropped 9.5 % , 2.8 % and 4 % , respectively , compared to a year prior .
The FBI added that the nearly 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incurred losses of an estimated $ 15.8 billion .
Law enforcement agencies also performed 10.1 million arrests excluding for traffic violations nationwide last year , the report based on data submitted by 16,554 law enforcement agencies said .
The report was published two weeks after the FBI released its preliminary findings for the first six months of 2020 that found while violent crimes overall had declined compared to the same period in 2019 , murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses had drastically increased .
The preliminary report on crime between January and June said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 % from the first six months of 2019 while rape and robbery offenses fell by 19 % and 7.1 % , respectively .

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- For the third consecutive year, violent crime in the United States decreased in 2019, the FBI said.
The FBI on Monday released its crime statistics for last year, noting that violent crime including murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault dipped by 0.5% compared to 2018 with 366.7 offenses per 100,000 people.
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Property crime also dropped 4.1% from the year prior, making 2019 the 17th straight year it has declined, the FBI said, as there were only an estimated 2,109.9 offenses per 100,000 people.
By violent crime, the FBI said robbery and rape offenses fell 4.7% and 2.7%, respectively, while aggravated assault rose 1.3% and murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses rose by 0.3%.
"In 2019, there were an estimated 1,203,808 violent crimes," a summary of the FBI report said.
Concerning property crimes, burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft offenses dropped 9.5%, 2.8% and 4%, respectively, compared to a year prior.
The FBI added that the nearly 7 million property crimes offenses committed in 2019 incurred losses of an estimated $15.8 billion.
Law enforcement agencies also performed 10.1 million arrests excluding for traffic violations nationwide last year, the report based on data submitted by 16,554 law enforcement agencies said.
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The report was published two weeks after the FBI released its preliminary findings for the first six months of 2020 that found while violent crimes overall had declined compared to the same period in 2019, murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses had drastically increased.
The preliminary report on crime between January and June said murder and non-negligent manslaughter increased by nearly 15% from the first six months of 2019 while rape and robbery offenses fell by 19% and 7.1%, respectively.


upi--2020-09-28--Purdue suspends 13 student-athletes for holding party amid pandemic

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Purdue University announced Monday that 13 student-athletes have been suspended for violating the `` Protect Purdue Pledge '' by hosting a party over the weekend in a campus residence hall .
The 13 student-athletes -- who were not identified by the school -- were among 14 total students disciplined for the party , which was held Saturday .
According to ESPN , the student-athletes do n't play for teams that compete in the fall , and they are not members of the men 's or women 's basketball teams .
Other winter and spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women 's golf , men 's and women 's tennis , baseball , softball , track and field , wrestling and men 's and women 's swimming and diving .
The `` Protect Purdue Pledge '' is part of the university 's attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on its campus .
The initiative prohibits on-campus parties that fail to adhere to social distancing guidelines .
`` This virus continues to be the demise of many universities and academic pursuits , '' Katie Sermersheim , associate vice provost and dean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` The majority of our students are behaving admirably in following the Pledge and helping protect the Purdue community .
`` For that , we are grateful , but we can not let our guard down and must hold those who violate our community standards accountable . ''
The school said the suspended students must vacate their residence hall by Wednesday , though they can appeal the suspensions .
Saturday 's party was the second campus incident that led to a large group of suspensions at Purdue .
In August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a party .
According to the Lafayette Journal and Courier , those students appealed their suspensions and remained at the school .
`` On one hand , we are glad to have had only two of this type of incident in six weeks , but we will deal with any such violation with firmness , '' Purdue President Mitch Daniels said in a statement Monday .
`` The fact that this episode involved student-athletes can make no difference .
At Purdue , we have one set of rules for everyone . ''

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Purdue University announced Monday that 13 student-athletes have been suspended for violating the "Protect Purdue Pledge" by hosting a party over the weekend in a campus residence hall.
The 13 student-athletes -- who were not identified by the school -- were among 14 total students disciplined for the party, which was held Saturday. According to ESPN, the student-athletes don't play for teams that compete in the fall, and they are not members of the men's or women's basketball teams.
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Other winter and spring sports at Purdue include: men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, baseball, softball, track and field, wrestling and men's and women's swimming and diving.
The "Protect Purdue Pledge" is part of the university's attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on its campus. The initiative prohibits on-campus parties that fail to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
"This virus continues to be the demise of many universities and academic pursuits," Katie Sermersheim, associate vice provost and dean of students, said in a statement Monday. "The majority of our students are behaving admirably in following the Pledge and helping protect the Purdue community.
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"For that, we are grateful, but we cannot let our guard down and must hold those who violate our community standards accountable."
The school said the suspended students must vacate their residence hall by Wednesday, though they can appeal the suspensions.
Saturday's party was the second campus incident that led to a large group of suspensions at Purdue. In August, the university suspended 36 individuals in connection with a party. According to the Lafayette Journal and Courier, those students appealed their suspensions and remained at the school.
"On one hand, we are glad to have had only two of this type of incident in six weeks, but we will deal with any such violation with firmness," Purdue President Mitch Daniels said in a statement Monday. "The fact that this episode involved student-athletes can make no difference. At Purdue, we have one set of rules for everyone."


upi--2020-09-28--Carole Baskin gets the boot on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 29

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- `` Tiger King '' alum and animal activist Carole Baskin was eliminated from Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars in Los Angeles on Monday night .
`` Join # TeamAreYouKittenMe tomorrow morning on @ GMA to say your goodbyes !
You 'll always have a place in the # DWTS family , @ carole_baskin , '' the show 's Twitter feed said moments after Baskin 's fate was revealed .
Baskin had teamed up with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov for the competition .
Still in the running for the coveted mirror-ball trophy are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alum Kaitlyn Bristowe , Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause , retired NFL player Vernon Davis , actresses Anne Heche , Skai Jackson and Justina Machado , reality TV stars Jeannie Mai and Nev Schulman , Backstreet Boys singer A.J .
McLean , actor Jesse Metcalfe , rapper Nelly and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir .
Carrie Ann Inaba , Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough are the judges this season .
The Bachelorette 's Hannah Brown and her pro partner Alan Bersten won Season 28 in November .
Charles Oakley was the first celebrity @ @ @ @ @

Carole Baskin got the boot on Season 29 of "Dancing with the Stars" Monday night. Photo courtesy of ABC
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- "Tiger King" alum and animal activist Carole Baskin was eliminated from Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars in Los Angeles on Monday night. "Join #TeamAreYouKittenMe tomorrow morning on @GMA to say your goodbyes! You'll always have a place in the #DWTS family, @carole_baskin," the show's Twitter feed said moments after Baskin's fate was revealed. Advertisement
Baskin had teamed up with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov for the competition.
Still in the running for the coveted mirror-ball trophy are Cheer coach Monica Aldama, The Bachelorette alum Kaitlyn Bristowe, Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, retired NFL player Vernon Davis, actresses Anne Heche, Skai Jackson and Justina Machado, reality TV stars Jeannie Mai and Nev Schulman, Backstreet Boys singer A.J. McLean, actor Jesse Metcalfe, rapper Nelly and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir.
Tyra Banks is the show's host.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough are the judges this season.
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The Bachelorette's Hannah Brown and her pro partner Alan Bersten won Season 28 in November.
Charles Oakley was the first celebrity eliminated in Season 29.


upi--2020-09-28--Denver Broncos' Jurrell Casey out for season with torn biceps

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Denver Broncos placed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jurrell Casey on season-ending injured reserve with a torn biceps , the team announced Monday .
Casey becomes the third Broncos starter to be lost for the season , joining All-Pro linebacker Von Miller and wide receiver Courtland Sutton .
Denver also has been without quarterback Drew Lock , running back Phillip Lindsay and cornerback A.J .
Bouye .
`` It probably is in light of the amount that you 're talking about so early in the season .
Maybe in that regard it is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters when asked whether the rash of injuries was uncharted territory for him as a coach .
`` ... We 've just got to keep moving on , next guy up will have to go in there and play good .
The rest of the team will have to play good around everybody else . ''
Casey , whom the Broncos acquired from the Tennessee Titans this past off-season , is believed to have sustained the injury in the second half of Sunday 's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 68 defensive snaps in the game and finished with four tackles , a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hit .
`` Like with a lot of injuries , they do n't seem as bad [ at first ] as what they end up being and guys are able to finish [ the game ] , '' Fangio said .
In three games this season , Casey recorded 14 total tackles and three passes defensed .
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Jets ( 0-3 ) on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium .

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Denver Broncos placed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jurrell Casey on season-ending injured reserve with a torn biceps, the team announced Monday.
Casey becomes the third Broncos starter to be lost for the season, joining All-Pro linebacker Von Miller and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Denver also has been without quarterback Drew Lock, running back Phillip Lindsay and cornerback A.J. Bouye.
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"It probably is in light of the amount that you're talking about so early in the season. Maybe in that regard it is," Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters when asked whether the rash of injuries was uncharted territory for him as a coach.
"... We've just got to keep moving on, next guy up will have to go in there and play good. The rest of the team will have to play good around everybody else."
Casey, whom the Broncos acquired from the Tennessee Titans this past off-season, is believed to have sustained the injury in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran defensive lineman played 48 of the team's 68 defensive snaps in the game and finished with four tackles, a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hit.
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"Like with a lot of injuries, they don't seem as bad [at first] as what they end up being and guys are able to finish [the game]," Fangio said.
We've placed DL Jurrell Casey & LB Austin Calitro on injured reserve.— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 28, 2020
In three games this season, Casey recorded 14 total tackles and three passes defensed. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons.
The Broncos (0-3) play the New York Jets (0-3) on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-09-28--Glass fire tears through California's wine country; hospital evacuated

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- A wildfire in California 's wine country destroyed structures at several historic vineyards and grew to thousands of acres , forcing evacuations throughout the region , including for a nearby hospital .
The Glass fire , which erupted just before 4 a.m. Sunday , exploded to 11,000 acres by Monday evening , burning vegetation and structures throughout Napa Valley , home to hundreds of wine vineyards , with zero containment , the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in its incident update .
The same region burned during 2017 wildfires .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as numerous fire tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions , the department said , adding that crews would be working on perimeter control , structure defense and evacuations .
At least nine people were treated at a Santa Rosa Memorial hospital , two for burns and seven for smoke inhalation , the Press Democrat reported .
Another 12 were treated for smoke inhalation at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa .
Sonoma County issued evacuation orders for 68,000 residents including 35,500 residents ordered to evacuate the city of Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents to leave for their own safety .
`` Unfortunately , there always seem to be some folks who choose not to heed those warnings , '' Schwedhelm said Monday .
`` We 're not doing these evacuations for practice .
We 're doing this for a reason .
... Do n't think you can do it on your own , because that leads to property damage , and quite frankly , death . ''
The fire burned historic structures , including the wine cellars at Castello di Amorosa , a tourist attraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,268 structures , prompting Napa County to initiate evacuations and issue warnings throughout the area as the fire burns near St. Helena .
Homes and public buildings in the town of Deer Park were burned .
The fire prompted St. Helena Hospital to suspend services and evacuate all 55 patients , who were transferred by helicopter to other hospitals , it said in a statement .
`` The safety and well-being of our patients and associates are our highest priority '' Steven Herber , president of the hospital , said .
The Contra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramon Valley Fire Department said via Twitter that they assisted with the hospital evacuations .
The National Weather Service said a Red Flag Warning issued for much of northern California due to critical fire weather caused by low humidity and winds of up to 50 mph has been extended to Monday night .
On top of the Red Flag Warning , a fire weather watch is in effect Monday across Los Angeles , Ventura , San Diego Mountains , Santa Clarita Valley and San Diego Valley due to gusty Santa Ana winds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utility Pacific Gas & Electric said it was shutting off power to high-risk areas to prevent further wildfires , impacting some 65,000 customers primarily in the northern and central Sierra region , it said in a statement Sunday .
Some 11,000 customers had their power shut off early Sunday with the second wave of shutoffs to have begun in the afternoon .
Napa County was one of 16 counties that were expected to be impacted , it said .
In Shasta County , north of Glass fire , Zogg fire consumed 7,000 acres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire ignited before 3 p.m. Sunday but exploded to 1,000 acres within three hours , forcing residents west of Redding to evacuate , an order that was later issued for other regions , including Stirling City and Magalia .
Glass and Zogg fires are only two of nearly 8,000 that have burned in the state this season , scorching more than 3.6 million acres .
Cal Fire said in a statement Sunday that since Aug. 15 , there have been 26 deaths and more than 7,000 structures destroyed by fires .

1/3
The Glass fire in Napa County, California, erupted early Sunday, threatening thousands of homes. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A wildfire in California's wine country destroyed structures at several historic vineyards and grew to thousands of acres, forcing evacuations throughout the region, including for a nearby hospital. The Glass fire, which erupted just before 4 a.m. Sunday, exploded to 36,236 acres by Monday night, burning vegetation and structures throughout Napa Valley, home to hundreds of wine vineyards, with zero containment, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in its incident update. The same region burned during the 2017 wildfires. Advertisement
Officials said 865 firefighters were battling the blaze as numerous fire air tankers from throughout the state flew fire suppression missions, the department said, adding that crews would be working on perimeter control, structure defense and evacuations.
Overnight, two additional fires merged with the Glass fire, and crews have reported short-range spotting with wind-driven runs.
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"The fire has been at a dangerous rate of spread and has expanded into Sonoma County," Cal Fire said in a Monday morning update.
At least nine people were treated at a Santa Rosa Memorial hospital, two for burns and seven for smoke inhalation, the Press Democrat reported. Another 12 were treated for smoke inhalation at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.
Sonoma County issued evacuation orders for 68,000 residents including 35,500 residents ordered to evacuate the city of Santa Rosa, where Mayor Tom Schwedhelm encouraged residents to leave for their own safety.
"Unfortunately, there always seem to be some folks who choose not to heed those warnings," Schwedhelm said Monday. "We're not doing these evacuations for practice. We're doing this for a reason. ... Don't think you can do it on your own, because that leads to property damage, and quite frankly, death."
The fire burned historic structures, including the wine cellars at Castello di Amorosa, a tourist attraction.
Cal Fire said the fire threatens at least 8,543 structures, prompting Napa County to initiate evacuations and issue warnings throughout the area as the fire burns near St. Helena. Homes and public buildings in the town of Deer Park were burned.
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The fire prompted St. Helena Hospital to suspend services and evacuate all 55 patients, who were transferred by helicopter to other hospitals, it said in a statement.
"The safety and well-being of our patients and associates are our highest priority," Steven Herber, president of the hospital, said.
The Contra County Fire Protection District and the San Ramon Valley Fire Department said via Twitter that they assisted with the hospital evacuations.
The National Weather Service said a Red Flag Warning issued for much of northern California due to critical fire weather caused by low humidity and winds of up to 50 mph has been extended to Monday night.
On top of the Red Flag Warning, a fire weather watch is in effect Monday across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley and San Diego Valley due to gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity, Cal Fire said.
Utility Pacific Gas & Electric said it was shutting off power to high-risk areas to prevent further wildfires, impacting some 65,000 customers primarily in the northern and central Sierra region, it said in a statement Sunday.
Some 11,000 customers had their power shut off early Sunday with the second wave of shutoffs to have begun in the afternoon. Napa County was one of 16 counties that were expected to be impacted, it said.
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In Shasta County, north of Glass fire, the Zogg fire consumed 15,000 acres after igniting Sunday, killing three people.
Shasta County Sheriff Eric Magrini announced the deaths Monday afternoon during a press conference, stating he could not go into further details.
"Our coroner's office is working diligently to identify the deceased and notify next of kin," he said.
He said Zogg is a fast-moving fire and to heed evacuation orders as there won't be any warnings.
"Do not wait," he said.
Officials said the fire ignited before 3 p.m. Sunday but exploded to 1,000 acres within three hours, forcing residents west of Redding to evacuate, an order that was later issued for other regions, including Stirling City and Magalia.
Glass and Zogg fires are only two of nearly 8,000 that have burned in the state this season, scorching more than 3.6 million acres.
Cal Fire said in a statement Sunday that since Aug. 15, there have been 26 deaths, excluding those announced Monday, and more than 7,000 structures destroyed by fires.


upi--2020-09-28--Universal Orlando Resort announces new 'Jurassic World' roller coaster

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Universal Orlando Resort announced Monday plans for a new roller coaster based on the @ @ @ @ @ The Florida theme park is describing the Velocicoaster as the `` apex predator of coasters @ @ @ @ @ on social media an artistic rendering of what the dinosaur-themed , high-speed ride will look @ @ @ @ @ hills and thrilling loops .
The coaster is expected to open at Universal 's Islands @ @ @ @ @ Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard starred in 2015 's Jurassic World and 2018 's @ @ @ @ @ , and will be seen next year in Jurassic World : Dominion .
The trilogy @ @ @ @ @ released in the 1990s and 2000s .
Universal 's Islands of Adventure is already the @ @ @ @ @ River Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers rides .

Image courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Universal Orlando Resort announced Monday plans for a new roller coaster based on the Jurassic World film franchise. The Florida theme park is describing the Velocicoaster as the "apex predator of coasters." Advertisement
A teaser released on social media an artistic rendering of what the dinosaur-themed, high-speed ride will look like, complete with steep hills and thrilling loops.
The coaster is expected to open at Universal's Islands of Adventure next summer.
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard starred in 2015's Jurassic World and 2018's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and will be seen next year in Jurassic World: Dominion. The trilogy follows three Jurassic Park movies released in the 1990s and 2000s.
Universal's Islands of Adventure is already the home to the Jurassic Park River Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers rides.


upi--2020-09-28--Pro Bowl S Earl Thomas to visit Houston Texans, will likely sign with team

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- The Houston Texans are bringing in former Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas for a workout this week .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Monday that Thomas will be one of multiple safeties to work out for the Texans at some point this week .
According to NFL Media , the team wants to see if Thomas would be a fit in their locker room .
If the tryout and visit go well , the team is expected to sign the All-Pro defensive back , according to ESPN .
Thomas has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens abruptly released him in August following an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark .
The Ravens said they parted ways with Thomas for `` personal conduct that adversely affected '' the team .
The 31-year-old Thomas reportedly punched Clark during a practice .
Earlier Monday , the Texans put safety A.J .
Moore on injured reserve with a hamstring injury .
Moore is expected to return later this season and is eligible to come back after Week 6 .
If Thomas signs with the Texans , he will replace Eric Murray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million contract in March .
In place of Moore , Murray played 91 % of the team 's defensive snaps in Sunday 's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but struggled in coverage .
In 140 career games between the Seattle Seahawks and Ravens , Thomas recorded 713 total tackles , 30 interceptions , two sacks , 11 forced fumbles , six fumble recoveries and 73 passes defensed .
The Texans ( 0-3 ) host the Minnesota Vikings ( 0-3 ) on Sunday .

Former Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens. In August, the Ravens parted ways with Thomas for personal conduct that adversely affected the team. File Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Houston Texans are bringing in former Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas for a workout this week. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Monday that Thomas will be one of multiple safeties to work out for the Texans at some point this week. According to NFL Media, the team wants to see if Thomas would be a fit in their locker room. Advertisement
If the tryout and visit go well, the team is expected to sign the All-Pro defensive back, according to ESPN. Thomas hasn't been on a roster since the Baltimore Ravens abruptly released him in August following an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark.
The Ravens said they parted ways with Thomas for "personal conduct that adversely affected" the team. The 31-year-old Thomas reportedly punched Clark during a practice.
Earlier Monday, the Texans put safety A.J. Moore on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Moore is expected to return later this season and is eligible to come back after Week 6.
If Thomas signs with the Texans, he will replace Eric Murray, who signed a three-year, $18 million contract in March. In place of Moore, Murray played 91% of the team's defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but struggled in coverage.
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In 140 career games between the Seattle Seahawks and Ravens, Thomas recorded 713 total tackles, 30 interceptions, two sacks, 11 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 73 passes defensed.
The Texans (0-3) host the Minnesota Vikings (0-3) on Sunday.
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-09-28--Brett Hankison pleads not guilty to charges from night of Breonna Taylor killing

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Brett Hankison , the former Louisville , Ky. , police detective charged for shots fired on the night police killed Breonna Taylor , pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment on Monday .
Following Monday 's plea , Judge Ann Bailey Smith ordered that Hankison must not possess any firearms and refused a request by his attorney , Stewart Matthews , to allow him to own weapons , citing multiple threats he said his client had received .
Hankison is next set to appear in court on Oct. 28 for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers were charged directly for the killing of the 26-year-old Taylor while serving a `` no-knock '' warrant on her Louisville apartment , but a Jefferson County grand jury indicted Hankison , who had been dismissed from the force after `` wantonly and blindly '' firing 10 shots into Taylor 's apartment and one next door .
The felony counts are related to bullets Hankison fired through a sliding glass door and bedroom window , some of which pierced the wall of a neighboring apartment endangering three people , including a child and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , state Attorney General Daniel Cameron 's office said in a statement last week .
`` There is no conclusive evidence that any bullets fired from Detective Hankison 's weapon struck Ms. Taylor , '' the statement read .
Wanton endangerment is a Class D felony in Kentucky and if convicted , Hankison could face up to five years in prison for each count .
The two other officers in the shooting , Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove , were not indicted .
The grand jury decision sparked renewed protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States and Ben Crump , an attorney for Taylor 's family , has said Hankison and the officers should have been charged with murder .
`` How ironic and typical that the only charges brought in this case were for shots fired into the apartment of a White neighbor , while no charges were brought for the shots fired into the Black neighbor 's apartment or into Breonna 's residence , '' said Crump .

Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison on Monday pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment stemming from shots fired on the night police shot and killed Breonna Taylor. File Photo by Kyle Grillot/EPA-EFE
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Brett Hankison, the former Louisville, Ky., police detective charged for shots fired on the night police killed Breonna Taylor, pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment on Monday. Following Monday's plea, Judge Ann Bailey Smith ordered that Hankison must not possess any firearms and refused a request by his attorney, Stewart Matthews, to allow him to own weapons, citing multiple threats he said his client had received. Advertisement
Hankison is next set to appear in court on Oct. 28 for a pre-trial conference.
No Louisville Metro Police officers were charged directly for the killing of the 26-year-old Taylor while serving a "no-knock" warrant on her Louisville apartment, but a Jefferson County grand jury indicted Hankison, who had been dismissed from the force after "wantonly and blindly" firing 10 shots into Taylor's apartment and one next door.
The felony counts are related to bullets Hankison fired through a sliding glass door and bedroom window, some of which pierced the wall of a neighboring apartment endangering three people, including a child and a pregnant woman who lived next door, state Attorney General Daniel Cameron's office said in a statement last week.
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"There is no conclusive evidence that any bullets fired from Detective Hankison's weapon struck Ms. Taylor," the statement read.
Wanton endangerment is a Class D felony in Kentucky and if convicted, Hankison could face up to five years in prison for each count.
The two other officers in the shooting, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, were not indicted.
The grand jury decision sparked renewed protests in Kentucky and other places throughout the United States and Ben Crump, an attorney for Taylor's family, has said Hankison and the officers should have been charged with murder.
"How ironic and typical that the only charges brought in this case were for shots fired into the apartment of a White neighbor, while no charges were brought for the shots fired into the Black neighbor's apartment or into Breonna's residence," said Crump.


upi--2020-09-28--Microsoft 365 service interruption knocks out office and schoolwork worldwide

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Microsoft reported a service interruption Monday evening for Microsoft 365 programs , the company said .
`` Users [ are ] unable to access Outlook.com , Microsoft Teams including Teams Live Events , and Office.com.
, '' the company said on its website .
`` Additionally , Power Platform and Dynamics365 properties are affected by this incident . ''
`` We 're not observing an increase in successful connections after rolling back a recent change .
We 're working to evaluate additional mitigation solutions while we investigate the root cause , '' the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 5 p.m. Eastern time , according to Down Detector , a website that tracks internet outages .
Users complained that even apps such as SharePoint , OneDrive and Noodle , which required a Microsoft email login , were unresponsive Monday night .
Microsoft 's Azure cloud computing network was also inaccessible , users said .
`` I do n't know if my file was saved and uploaded to the cloud properly , '' posted a PowerPoint user with the handle felipetabare .
`` I 'm redoing my job , locally , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early morning and I 'm really not comfortable to say that file was saved before Office365 crashed . ''
Students also complained about being unable to finish homework .
About 56 % of the most reported problems were logging in , according to Down Detector , with 31 % of users reporting a server connection and 11 percent reporting problems with Outlook .

Microsoft announced a worldwide service interruption in its Microsoft 365 services Monday night, which knocked out email, video calls and cloud storage for users. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Microsoft reported a service interruption Monday evening for Microsoft 365 programs, the company said. "Users [are] unable to access Outlook.com, Microsoft Teams including Teams Live Events, and Office.com.," the company said on its website. "Additionally, Power Platform and Dynamics365 properties are affected by this incident." Advertisement
"We're not observing an increase in successful connections after rolling back a recent change. We're working to evaluate additional mitigation solutions while we investigate the root cause," the company tweeted.
The problem was first reported around 5 p.m. Eastern time, according to Down Detector, a website that tracks internet outages.
Users complained that even apps such as SharePoint, OneDrive and Noodle, which required a Microsoft email login, were unresponsive Monday night. Microsoft's Azure cloud computing network was also inaccessible, users said.
"I don't know if my file was saved and uploaded to the cloud properly," posted a PowerPoint user with the handle felipetabare. "I'm redoing my job, locally, because I'll use this presentation on my early morning and I'm really not comfortable to say that file was saved before Office365 crashed."
Students also complained about being unable to finish homework.
About 56% of the most reported problems were logging in, according to Down Detector, with 31% of users reporting a server connection and 11 percent reporting problems with Outlook.
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upi--2020-09-28--HBO renews 'Real Time with Bill Maher' through 2022

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- HBO announced Monday it has renewed Real Time with Bill Maher for two more @ @ @ @ @ talk show on the air through 2022 .
`` For 18 seasons , Bill Maher @ @ @ @ @ Real Time have given audiences an unparalleled platform for debate , comedy , and social @ @ @ @ @ , executive vice president and HBO programming , said in a statement .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ this partnership . ''
Each episode features an opening monologue , followed by round-table discussions @ @ @ @ @ `` 18 years -- I ca n't believe I 'm turning 18 and HBO is @ @ @ @ @ , '' joked Maher .
`` Thrilled to be living under their roof for another @ @ @ @ @

Bill Maher's "Real Time" talk show has been renewed through 2022 by HBO. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- HBO announced Monday it has renewed Real Time with Bill Maher for two more seasons, keeping the topical talk show on the air through 2022. "For 18 seasons, Bill Maher and the talented team at Real Time have given audiences an unparalleled platform for debate, comedy, and social discourse," Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president and HBO programming, said in a statement. "We're so happy to continue this partnership." Advertisement
Each episode features an opening monologue, followed by round-table discussions with guests and interviews.
"18 years -- I can't believe I'm turning 18 and HBO isn't making me leave home," joked Maher. "Thrilled to be living under their roof for another couple of years."


upi--2020-09-28--Don Cheadle, David Harbour join Steven Soderbergh's 'No Sudden Move'

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Don Cheadle , Benicio Del Toro , David Harbour and Brendan Fraser are set to star in director Steven Soderbergh 's No Sudden Move , HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures said Monday .
The film 's cast will also include Amy Seimetz , Jon Hamm , Ray Liotta , Kieran Culkin , Noah Jupe , Bill Duke , Frankie Shaw and Julia Fox .
Ed Solomon -- whose credits include Bill and Ted Face the Music , Mosaic and Men in Black -- wrote the screenplay for No Sudden Move , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document , '' according to a press release .
`` I could not be prouder of this script .
With this director .
And this amazing cast .
Production started today , '' Solomon tweeted Monday .
Filming is taking place in Detroit with the cast and crew operating under strict COVID-19 safety protocols in an effort to keep people safe during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It 's a pleasure to begin production on another project with Steven Soderbergh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Casey Bloys , chief content officer for HBO and HBO Max , said in a statement .
`` We have an incredible partner in Warner Bros. Pictures and an extraordinarily talented cast -- we could n't be happier to bring No Sudden Move to HBO Max . ''
Soderbergh 's films include sex , lies and videotape , the Ocean 's 11 trilogy , Erin Brockovich , Contagion , Magic Mike and Logan Lucky .

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Don Cheadle has signed on for a role in Steven Soderbergh's "No Sudden Move." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour and Brendan Fraser are set to star in director Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures said Monday. The film's cast will also include Amy Seimetz, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, Kieran Culkin, Noah Jupe, Bill Duke, Frankie Shaw and Julia Fox. Advertisement
Ed Solomon -- whose credits include Bill and Ted Face the Music, Mosaic and Men in Black -- wrote the screenplay for No Sudden Move, which is set in 1955 Detroit and follows "small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document," according to a press release.
"I could not be prouder of this script. With this director. And this amazing cast. Production started today," Solomon tweeted Monday.
Filming is taking place in Detroit with the cast and crew operating under strict COVID-19 safety protocols in an effort to keep people safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's a pleasure to begin production on another project with Steven Soderbergh, Casey Silver and Ed Solomon," Casey Bloys, chief content officer for HBO and HBO Max, said in a statement. "We have an incredible partner in Warner Bros. Pictures and an extraordinarily talented cast -- we couldn't be happier to bring No Sudden Move to HBO Max."
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Soderbergh's films include sex, lies and videotape, the Ocean's 11 trilogy, Erin Brockovich, Contagion, Magic Mike and Logan Lucky.


upi--2020-09-28--United Launch Alliance postpones spy satellite launch again

ORLANDO , Fla. , Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- United Launch Alliance postponed launch of a spy satellite for the U.S. Department of Defense on Monday due to lightning and stormy weather in the area near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida .
The company 's powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket had been scheduled to carry the satellite aloft at 12:02 a.m. EDT Tuesday .
ULA set a new new launch time for 11:58 p.m. EDT Tuesday .
A significant risk exists , however , that storms could postpone liftoff again , according to U.S. Space Force meteorologists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various woes besides Mother Nature .
On Aug. 29 , controllers halted a launch three seconds before liftoff .
The company blamed a faulty helium pressure regulator for that abort .
The mission was further delayed due to a problem with a retractable support arm at the launch site , according to ULA .
The mission is to utilize a Delta Heavy rocket , which is a triple-core launcher that produces a collective 2.2 million pounds of thrust .
That compares to SpaceX 's Falcon Heavy , the most powerful of today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrust at liftoff .
The flight , called NROL-44 , is to be the 12th launch of a Delta IV Heavy , which first was used in 2004 , the company said .
The National Reconnaissance Office , the agency that oversees the launch , is part of the Defense Department .
According to its mission statement , it is responsible for developing , launching and operating America 's reconnaissance satellites , along with data-processing facilities .
That data is used by the National Security Agency and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to produce photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the president , Congress , national policymakers , warfighters and others .
The Delta IV Heavy , the fourth version of the workhorse Delta rocket , was developed to launch for the reconnaissance office , U.S. Space Force and NASA .
It also carried NASA 's Orion capsule in a 2014 test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe into the sun 's outer atmosphere .
ULA plans only three more Delta IV Heavy launches from Florida -- including this week 's launch -- and two more from Vandenberg Air Force Base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company plans to use its Vulcan rocket , which is being developed .

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A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carries a U.S. spy satellite as it awaits launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- United Launch Alliance postponed launch of a spy satellite for the U.S. Department of Defense on Monday due to lightning and stormy weather in the area near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The company's powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket had been scheduled to carry the satellite aloft at 12:02 a.m. EDT Tuesday. Advertisement
ULA set a new new launch time for 11:58 p.m. EDT Tuesday. A significant risk exists, however, that storms could postpone liftoff again, according to U.S. Space Force meteorologists.
The launch has been delayed by various woes besides Mother Nature.
On Aug. 29, controllers halted a launch three seconds before liftoff. The company blamed a faulty helium pressure regulator for that abort. The mission was further delayed due to a problem with a retractable support arm at the launch site, according to ULA.
The mission is to utilize a Delta Heavy rocket, which is a triple-core launcher that produces a collective 2.2 million pounds of thrust. That compares to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, the most powerful of today's rockets, with 3.4 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.
The flight, called NROL-44, is to be the 12th launch of a Delta IV Heavy, which first was used in 2004, the company said.
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The National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that oversees the launch, is part of the Defense Department. According to its mission statement, it is responsible for developing, launching and operating America's reconnaissance satellites, along with data-processing facilities.
That data is used by the National Security Agency and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to produce photos, maps, reports and other tools for the president, Congress, national policymakers, warfighters and others.
The Delta IV Heavy, the fourth version of the workhorse Delta rocket, was developed to launch for the reconnaissance office, U.S. Space Force and NASA. It also carried NASA's Orion capsule in a 2014 test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe into the sun's outer atmosphere.
ULA plans only three more Delta IV Heavy launches from Florida -- including this week's launch -- and two more from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After that, the company plans to use its Vulcan rocket, which is being developed.


upi--2020-09-28--Los Angeles Clippers, head coach Doc Rivers part ways after seven seasons

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Doc Rivers has stepped down as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers after seven seasons and another disappointing finish in the playoffs .
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer called it a `` mutual decision '' after the team fell short of their championship expectations following the acquisitions of stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George before the season .
`` Doc has been a terrific coach for the Clippers , an incredible ambassador , and a pillar of strength during tumultuous times , '' Ballmer said in a statement Monday .
`` He won a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid a foundation for this franchise .
`` I am immeasurably grateful to Doc for his commitment and contributions to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles .
I am also extremely confident in our front office and our players .
We will find the right coach to lead us forward and help us reach our ultimate goals .
We will begin the search and interview process immediately . ''
The Clippers posted a 49-23 record in the regular season -- the fourth-best record in franchise history -- but blew a 3-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Denver Nuggets .
In that series , Los Angeles surrendered multiple double-digit leads to extend the organization 's Western Conference finals drought to 50 years .
`` Thank you Clipper Nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise , '' Rivers said in a statement posted to Twitter .
`` When I took this job , my goals were to make this a winning basketball program , a free agent destination , and bring a championship to this organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplish most of my goals , I wo n't be able to see them all through .
Though it was a disappointing ending to our season , you are right there and I know what this team is capable of accomplishing with your support .
`` Thank you to all the players , coaches and staff for helping us get here .
Most importantly , thank you to the fans .
We went through a lot , and I am grateful for my time here . ''
Rivers took over as Clippers coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven seasons at the helm , the team posted a 356-208 record -- the fifth-best mark in the NBA and the best by any team without a trip to the conference finals .
The Clippers ' coaching job becomes the sixth vacancy in the league , along with the Houston Rockets , Indiana Pacers , Philadelphia 76ers , Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans .
The New York Knicks , Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls have already filled their openings .

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers guided the team to a 356-208 record in seven seasons. File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Doc Rivers has stepped down as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers after seven seasons and another disappointing finish in the playoffs. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer called it a "mutual decision" after the team fell short of their championship expectations following the acquisitions of stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George before the season. Advertisement
"Doc has been a terrific coach for the Clippers, an incredible ambassador, and a pillar of strength during tumultuous times," Ballmer said in a statement Monday. "He won a heck of a lot of games and laid a foundation for this franchise.
"I am immeasurably grateful to Doc for his commitment and contributions to the Clippers and the city of Los Angeles. I am also extremely confident in our front office and our players. We will find the right coach to lead us forward and help us reach our ultimate goals. We will begin the search and interview process immediately."
The Clippers posted a 49-23 record in the regular season -- the fourth-best record in franchise history -- but blew a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets. In that series, Los Angeles surrendered multiple double-digit leads to extend the organization's Western Conference finals drought to 50 years.
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"Thank you Clipper Nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise," Rivers said in a statement posted to Twitter. "When I took this job, my goals were to make this a winning basketball program, a free agent destination, and bring a championship to this organization.
"While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I won't be able to see them all through. Though it was a disappointing ending to our season, you are right there and I know what this team is capable of accomplishing with your support.
"Thank you to all the players, coaches and staff for helping us get here. Most importantly, thank you to the fans. We went through a lot, and I am grateful for my time here."
Rivers took over as Clippers coach in June 2013. In Rivers' seven seasons at the helm, the team posted a 356-208 record -- the fifth-best mark in the NBA and the best by any team without a trip to the conference finals.
The Clippers' coaching job becomes the sixth vacancy in the league, along with the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans. The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls have already filled their openings.


upi--2020-09-28--Trump administration to ship 100 million rapid COVID-19 tests

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Monday announced a plan to distribute 100 million rapid COVID-19 tests to states by the end of the year with the goal of helping schools resume in-person instruction .
Under the plan , state governors will be able to determine how they use the rapid antigen tests , which can produce results in 15 minutes , but Trump on Monday urged states to deploy them to schools .
`` Given the extraordinary capacity that we have in testing today , we expressed hope to all the governors today that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up American schools and to keep them open , '' he said .
A shipment of 6.5 million tests will be sent out this week , and the number of tests each state receives will be based on population data , officials said .
`` The support my administration is providing would allow every state to , on a very regular basis , test every teacher who needs it , '' Trump said .
The Trump administration purchased 150 million of the low-cost , rapid-response tests from Abbott Laboratories last month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , assisted living facilities , historically black colleges and universities , and areas affected by wildfires and hurricanes .
Monday 's announcement comes as the United States reported a total of 7.12 million cases and 204,800 deaths , with 36,900 cases -- the lowest count in a week -- and 266 deaths , one of its lowest death tolls since July .
Cases , however , surged in some areas .
Montana , South Dakota , Utah , Wisconsin and Wyoming reported record numbers , and Alaska and North Dakota reported record deaths @

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President Donald Trump introduces a plan Monday to ship 100 million rapid COVID-19 tests to states by the end of the year, encouraging governors to use them to help reopen schools. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday announced a plan to distribute 100 million rapid COVID-19 tests to states by the end of the year with the goal of helping schools resume in-person instruction. Under the plan, state governors will be able to determine how they use the rapid antigen tests, which can produce results in 15 minutes, but Trump on Monday urged states to deploy them to schools. Advertisement
"Given the extraordinary capacity that we have in testing today, we expressed hope to all the governors today that they would particularly use these Abbott tests to open up American schools and to keep them open," he said.
A shipment of 6.5 million tests will be sent out this week, and the number of tests each state receives will be based on population data, officials said.
"The support my administration is providing would allow every state to, on a very regular basis, test every teacher who needs it," Trump said.
The Trump administration purchased 150 million of the low-cost, rapid-response tests from Abbott Laboratories last month and has already sent millions to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, historically black colleges and universities, and areas affected by wildfires and hurricanes.
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Monday's announcement comes as the United States reported a total of 7.12 million cases and 204,800 deaths, with 36,900 cases -- the lowest count in a week -- and 266 deaths, one of its lowest death tolls since July.
Cases, however, surged in some areas. Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming reported record numbers, and Alaska and North Dakota reported record deaths.


upi--2020-09-28--FBI: Voter database hacker rumors seek to 'discredit' electoral process

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Federal intelligence agencies issued a warning Monday that `` foreign agents '' and cyber criminals were amping up inaccurate claims that U.S. voter databases have been hacked .
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said that groups hostile to U.S. elections were spreading false and inconsistent information online `` in an attempt to manipulate public opinion , discredit the electoral process , and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions . ''
On Sept. 1 , a Russian news site , Kommersant , reported that private information for millions of voters in databases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan and North Carolina had been obtained by Russian hackers and was being sold on the `` darkweb . ''
But claims that voter databases were hacked or leaked are not true , and much voter registration information is already available from public sources and county clerks , the federal agencies said Monday .
The intelligence agencies recommended that voters view early , unverified claims with `` a healthy dose of skepticism . ''
The agencies also recommended using social media tools to flag questionable claims that voting databases had been hacked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has repeatedly made claims that the election system can be `` rigged , '' that `` millions '' of undocumented residents are voting illegally , and that mail-in ballots are ripe for fraud .
`` This story comes up every year , and every year that basic voter info remains public , '' David Becker , the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research , told NBC via text message when the Russian article appeared .
`` I could see a good argument for making it private , but just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't evidence of hacking , any more than if Russia had a copy of the white pages ( for those that remember what that is ! )
'' Claims of attempted foreign interference turned out to be accurate during the 2016 presidential election .
A U.S. Senate investigation in 2018 concluded that leading up to the 2016 presidential election , Russian-affiliated cyber actors tried to hack election systems in least 18 states and had the capacity to delete voter registrations .
The committee found that some Internet-connected election infrastructure was vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have paper records that could be audited after allegations of machine manipulation .
Other countries that tried to interfere with the 2016 election were Venezuela and Iran , a hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Security found in March 2019 .
Local election authorities moved to strengthen election systems across the country for the 2020 election .
The report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller also alleged that Russian sources tried to interfere with the 2016 election .

The FBI announced Monday that online rumors that state voter databases had been "hacked" were likely the work of foreign agents or cyber criminals who sought to undermine the U.S. election process. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Federal intelligence agencies issued a warning Monday that "foreign agents" and cyber criminals were amping up inaccurate claims that U.S. voter databases have been hacked. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said that groups hostile to U.S. elections were spreading false and inconsistent information online "in an attempt to manipulate public opinion, discredit the electoral process, and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions." Advertisement
On Sept. 1, a Russian news site, Kommersant, reported that private information for millions of voters in databases from Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan and North Carolina had been obtained by Russian hackers and was being sold on the "darkweb."
But claims that voter databases were hacked or leaked are not true, and much voter registration information is already available from public sources and county clerks, the federal agencies said Monday.
The intelligence agencies recommended that voters view early, unverified claims with "a healthy dose of skepticism."
The agencies also recommended using social media tools to flag questionable claims that voting databases had been hacked.
The warning comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly made claims that the election system can be "rigged," that "millions" of undocumented residents are voting illegally, and that mail-in ballots are ripe for fraud.
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"This story comes up every year, and every year that basic voter info remains public," David Becker, the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, told NBC via text message when the Russian article appeared.
"I could see a good argument for making it private, but just because this basic info is publicly available isn't evidence of hacking, any more than if Russia had a copy of the white pages (for those that remember what that is!)"
Claims of attempted foreign interference turned out to be accurate during the 2016 presidential election.
A U.S. Senate investigation in 2018 concluded that leading up to the 2016 presidential election, Russian-affiliated cyber actors tried to hack election systems in least 18 states and had the capacity to delete voter registrations.
The committee found that some Internet-connected election infrastructure was vulnerable to hacking and that outdated voting systems didn't have paper records that could be audited after allegations of machine manipulation.
Other countries that tried to interfere with the 2016 election were Venezuela and Iran, a hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Security found in March 2019.
Local election authorities moved to strengthen election systems across the country for the 2020 election. The report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller also alleged that Russian sources tried to interfere with the 2016 election.


upi--2020-09-28--FDA approved opioids for chronic pain despite lacking 'critical' safety data, analysis finds

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nearly 50 new prescription opioid pain medications between 1997 and 2018 , even though it lacked `` critical '' data on safety and effectiveness , an analysis published Monday by the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found .
None of the 48 drugs granted agency approval during the more than 20-year period was evaluated in clinical trials that lasted longer than 12 weeks , and the trials often included narrowly defined groups of patients , researchers said .
And few included `` systematic assessments '' of risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential and non-medical use .
`` Our analysis provides a window through which to view the FDA 's opioid regulation over the past 20 years , '' study co-author Dr. Caleb Alexander , founding co-director of the Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , told UPI .
`` We found the FDA often approved new opioids based on trials of short duration , in narrowly defined populations , and that systematic collection of certain important safety outcomes was rare , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pain has come under scrutiny in recent years due to increasing rates of addiction and reported overdoses nationally .
Generally , new guidelines for physicians recommend the drugs only for short-term use to treat a sudden , acute episode of pain that occurs after surgery or a traumatic injury , such as a broken bone , as opposed to pain caused by chronic conditions .
For this study , Alexander and his colleagues reviewed new drug approval records for all prescription opioids approved by the FDA between 1997 and 2018 .
Forty-seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dosage forms , methods of drug delivery or drug combinations , and only one was for a new drug or compound , the researchers said .
Of the 39 drug applications approved for use in people with chronic pain during that period , only 21 included at least one new pivotal trial , while the remainder relied on previously approved opioids for evidence of effectiveness , they said .
Seventeen of the 21 products approved for chronic pain with new trials excluded study participants who could not tolerate the drug or who reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevance of the results to real-world practice , '' according to Alexander .
In addition , among the trials for products approved for chronic pain , none extended beyond 84 days , despite the fact that many people take these medicines for much longer periods , he said .
Although the trials generally reported adverse health events and side effects , they frequently failed to collect other important information , such as opioid diversion or non-medical use of these drugs , the analysis showed .
`` Despite the scope of America 's ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA 's approval of new opioid products over the past two decades , '' Alexander said .
`` The FDA has regulatory flexibility in the requirements they set for market access , and our findings suggest that the agency did not use this to require opioid manufacturers to produce more information about the safety and effectiveness of [ these drugs ] prior to [ approval ] . ''

The FDA approved dozens of opioids for use in people with pain, despite lacking full data on safety and effectiveness, a new analysis has found. Photo by jorono/Pixabay
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nearly 50 new prescription opioid pain medications between 1997 and 2018, even though it lacked "critical" data on safety and effectiveness, an analysis published Monday by the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found. None of the 48 drugs granted agency approval during the more than 20-year period was evaluated in clinical trials that lasted longer than 12 weeks, and the trials often included narrowly defined groups of patients, researchers said. Advertisement
And few included "systematic assessments" of risks associated with these medications, including addiction potential and non-medical use.
"Our analysis provides a window through which to view the FDA's opioid regulation over the past 20 years," study co-author Dr. Caleb Alexander, founding co-director of the Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told UPI.
"We found the FDA often approved new opioids based on trials of short duration, in narrowly defined populations, and that systematic collection of certain important safety outcomes was rare," he said.
The use of opioid-based medications in the treatment of pain has come under scrutiny in recent years due to increasing rates of addiction and reported overdoses nationally.
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Generally, new guidelines for physicians recommend the drugs only for short-term use to treat a sudden, acute episode of pain that occurs after surgery or a traumatic injury, such as a broken bone, as opposed to pain caused by chronic conditions.
For this study, Alexander and his colleagues reviewed new drug approval records for all prescription opioids approved by the FDA between 1997 and 2018.
Forty-seven of the 48 approvals were for new dosage forms, methods of drug delivery or drug combinations, and only one was for a new drug or compound, the researchers said.
Of the 39 drug applications approved for use in people with chronic pain during that period, only 21 included at least one new pivotal trial, while the remainder relied on previously approved opioids for evidence of effectiveness, they said.
Seventeen of the 21 products approved for chronic pain with new trials excluded study participants who could not tolerate the drug or who reported few early benefits, "limiting the relevance of the results to real-world practice," according to Alexander.
In addition, among the trials for products approved for chronic pain, none extended beyond 84 days, despite the fact that many people take these medicines for much longer periods, he said.
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Although the trials generally reported adverse health events and side effects, they frequently failed to collect other important information, such as opioid diversion or non-medical use of these drugs, the analysis showed.
"Despite the scope of America's ongoing opioid epidemic, little is known regarding the FDA's approval of new opioid products over the past two decades," Alexander said.
"The FDA has regulatory flexibility in the requirements they set for market access, and our findings suggest that the agency did not use this to require opioid manufacturers to produce more information about the safety and effectiveness of [these drugs] prior to [approval]."


upi--2020-09-28--Dow climbs 410 points amid rising tech stocks, COVID-19 stimulus hopes

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- U.S. markets delivered strong gains on Monday amid rising tech stocks and optimism surrounding a new round of COVID-19 economic stimulus .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day up 410.1 points , or 1.51 % , while the S & P 500 gained 1.61 % and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.87 % as major tech stocks rose broadly to help lead the gains .
Bank stocks also received a boost as Citigroup gained 3.12 % and Bank of America , JPMorgan Chase , Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs all increased more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy announced they would move forward with merger plans , sending their stocks up 11.24 % and 16.31 % respectively .
Markets responded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's scheduled meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday to discuss a long-awaited stimulus package as Congress ' pre-election recess looms .
`` We are having our conversations , '' Pelosi told CNN 's State of the Union on Sunday .
`` And when I have a conversation with the administration , it is in good faith .
I trust Secretary Mnuchin to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I believe we can come to an agreement . ''
Monday 's gains came after a rally on Friday that saw the Dow climb more than 300 points but markets remained down for the month of September , with the Dow falling 3 % , the S & P 500 sliding 4.4 % and the Nasdaq dropping 5.8 % .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 410 points on Monday as tech stocks surged and investors responded to optimism surrounding another round of COVID-19 stimulus. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. markets delivered strong gains on Monday amid rising tech stocks and optimism surrounding a new round of COVID-19 economic stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day up 410.1 points, or 1.51%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.61% and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.87% as major tech stocks rose broadly to help lead the gains. Advertisement
Amazon stock gained 2.55%, Alphabet increased 1.36%, Microsoft grew 0.83% and Facebook climbed 0.78%.
Bank stocks also received a boost as Citigroup gained 3.12% and Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs all increased more than 2%.
Devon Energy and WPX Energy announced they would move forward with merger plans, sending their stocks up 11.24% and 16.31% respectively.
Markets responded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's scheduled meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday to discuss a long-awaited stimulus package as Congress' pre-election recess looms.
"We are having our conversations," Pelosi told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. "And when I have a conversation with the administration, it is in good faith. I trust Secretary Mnuchin to represent something that can reach a solution. And I believe we can come to an agreement."
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Monday's gains came after a rally on Friday that saw the Dow climb more than 300 points but markets remained down for the month of September, with the Dow falling 3%, the S&P 500 sliding 4.4% and the Nasdaq dropping 5.8%.


upi--2020-09-28--Watch: Arkansas hunters bag longest alligator in state history

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- A group of alligator hunters in Arkansas broke a state record when they landed @ @ @ @ @ feet long .
Travis Bearden said he was out on Lake Merrisach with three other @ @ @ @ @ and his father , when they spotted a large gator in the water .
`` @ @ @ @ @ how big he was when we spotted him , and to our surprise after we @ @ @ @ @ up being a giant , '' Bearden told KFSM-TV .
`` It drug the boat @ @ @ @ @ before I was able to get a clean shot on it . ''
The 800-pound @ @ @ @ @ 13 feet , 11.5 inches long -- the longest alligator harvested in Arkansas state history @ @ @ @ @ Fish Commission confirmed .
`` We do n't really have an official state record , @ @ @ @ @ , and it 's the longest , '' department spokesman Trey Reid said .

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Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A group of alligator hunters in Arkansas broke a state record when they landed a gator measuring nearly 14 feet long.
Travis Bearden said he was out on Lake Merrisach with three other men, including his brother and his father, when they spotted a large gator in the water.
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"We weren't real sure how big he was when we spotted him, and to our surprise after we harpooned it, it ended up being a giant," Bearden told KFSM-TV. "It drug the boat around for almost 2 hours before I was able to get a clean shot on it."
The 800-pound gator turned out to measure 13 feet, 11.5 inches long -- the longest alligator harvested in Arkansas state history, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission confirmed.
"We don't really have an official state record, but keep data on length, and it's the longest," department spokesman Trey Reid said.


upi--2020-09-28--CDC: Avoid high-risk Black Friday crowds, 'turkey trots' and travel for Thanksgiving

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- Federal health experts urged Americans to change their behavior for the Thanksgiving holiday to limit the spread of the coronavirus infection by avoiding Black Friday shopping crowds and `` turkey trots '' and limiting family dinners to smaller groups .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to celebrate fall festivals and categorized as `` high risk '' some traditional Thanksgiving activities such as shopping and attending crowded sports events , church services or parades .
Drinking alcohol or using drugs could also lead to risky behaviors that could spread the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC warned against `` attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household , '' as high-risk for Thanksgiving .
The agency also warned against unnecessary travel .
`` Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together , '' the agency said on its website .
`` Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others . ''
The CDC said the lowest-risk Thanksgiving activities included limiting the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sharing a `` virtual dinner '' with friends and family , or organizing a contactless delivery of a meal for family members who are at higher risk .
The agency also suggested shopping online rather than in-person on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and watching sporting events , parades and movies on television .
New York 's famous Macy 's Thanksgiving Day parade will be held virtually this year .
Moderate-risk activities included hosting an outdoor Thanksgiving cookout , and visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches while wearing masks and using hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency also categorized as moderately risky `` small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place . ''
Already some big-box retailers such as Home Depot have announced that they were canceling Black Friday sales by extending sale-pricing online and in stores throughout the holiday season .
Best Buy , Kohls , Dick 's Sporting Goods , Walmart and others announced stores would be closed on Thanksgiving Day .
Other companies , such as Target , announced that holiday sales would start early in October .
`` Let 's face it : Historically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean crowded events , and this is n't a year for crowds , '' Target said on its site .

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorized Black Friday shopping the day after Thanksgiving as "high risk" for spreading the novel coronavirus in a Thanksgiving advisory. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Federal health experts urged Americans to change their behavior for the Thanksgiving holiday to limit the spread of the coronavirus infection by avoiding Black Friday shopping crowds and "turkey trots" and limiting family dinners to smaller groups. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to celebrate fall festivals and categorized as "high risk" some traditional Thanksgiving activities such as shopping and attending crowded sports events, church services or parades. Advertisement
Drinking alcohol or using drugs could also lead to risky behaviors that could spread the virus, the agency said. The CDC warned against "attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household," as high-risk for Thanksgiving.
The agency also warned against unnecessary travel.
"Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together," the agency said on its website. "Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others."
The CDC said the lowest-risk Thanksgiving activities included limiting the size of Thanksgiving dinner to just immediate family members, sharing a "virtual dinner" with friends and family, or organizing a contactless delivery of a meal for family members who are at higher risk.
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The agency also suggested shopping online rather than in-person on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and watching sporting events, parades and movies on television.
New York's famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade will be held virtually this year.
Moderate-risk activities included hosting an outdoor Thanksgiving cookout, and visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches while wearing masks and using hand sanitizer, the CDC said. The agency also categorized as moderately risky "small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place."
Already some big-box retailers such as Home Depot have announced that they were canceling Black Friday sales by extending sale-pricing online and in stores throughout the holiday season. Best Buy, Kohls, Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart and others announced stores would be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Other companies, such as Target, announced that holiday sales would start early in October.
"Let's face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn't a year for crowds," Target said on its site.


upi--2020-09-28--Couple win $100,100 in two-day lottery winning streak

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- A North Carolina couple are celebrating a two-day lucky stream after they won a $ 100,000 lottery jackpot just 24 hours after collecting a $ 100 prize .
Nancy Kelly of Hickory told North Carolina Education Lottery officials her husband , Dean , visited The Ole Store in Rhodhiss the day after she won a $ 100 prize from a scratch-off ticket .
`` My husband went down to pick up some things at the store and bought one ticket .
We got home , I was making dinner and we were watching Wheel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it off and there it was , '' Kelly said .
The $ 150 Million Cash Explosion ticket turned out to be a $ 100,000 winner -- bringing the couple 's two-day total to $ 100,100 .
The couple said they have a system for playing lottery scratch-offs .
`` He picks them out and I scratch them , '' Kelly said .
Dean Kelly said he 's happy to let his wife handle the scratching .
`` She 's always been lucky , '' he said .
`` That 's why I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The couple said they are still deciding what to do with their winnings , but a trip to California with their two sons could be on the horizon .

Nancy and Dean Kelly of Hickory, N.C., are celebrating a two-day winning streak after they scored a $100,000 lottery jackpot just one day after winning $100. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A North Carolina couple are celebrating a two-day lucky stream after they won a $100,000 lottery jackpot just 24 hours after collecting a $100 prize. Nancy Kelly of Hickory told North Carolina Education Lottery officials her husband, Dean, visited The Ole Store in Rhodhiss the day after she won a $100 prize from a scratch-off ticket. Advertisement
"My husband went down to pick up some things at the store and bought one ticket. We got home, I was making dinner and we were watching Wheel of Fortune when I decided to scratch it off and there it was," Kelly said.
The $150 Million Cash Explosion ticket turned out to be a $100,000 winner -- bringing the couple's two-day total to $100,100.
The couple said they have a system for playing lottery scratch-offs.
"He picks them out and I scratch them," Kelly said.
Dean Kelly said he's happy to let his wife handle the scratching.
"She's always been lucky," he said. "That's why I don't mind that she scratches."
The couple said they are still deciding what to do with their winnings, but a trip to California with their two sons could be on the horizon.


upi--2020-09-28--LGBT people may get more migraines, research suggests

Could migraine risk be affected by sexual orientation ?
A new study suggests that the answer may be yes .
After tracking migraines among thousands of American adults , investigators found that men and women who identify as gay , bisexual or mostly but not exclusively heterosexual have a notably higher migraine risk .
`` Lesbian , gay or bisexual individuals were 58 % more likely to experience a migraine compared to heterosexual individuals , '' said lead author Dr. Jason Nagata , an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California , San Francisco .
Nearly a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants had experienced a migraine , Nagata noted .
`` We also found that individuals who identified as mostly heterosexual but with some same-sex attractions were more likely to experience a migraine , compared to those who identified as exclusively heterosexual , '' he added .
Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea , vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound .
It often produces a throbbing pain on one side of the head .
The study team noted that migraines are the fifth-leading reason for emergency room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1 in 6 Americans .
The Migraine Research Foundation estimates that 18 % of American women and 6 % of men get migraines .
Nine in 10 migraine patients have a family history of the headaches .
For the new study , researchers looked at nearly 10,000 men and women between 31 and 42 years of age .
All were part of a larger nationwide health study between 2016 and 2018 .
About 86 % identified as straight 10 % said they were `` mostly '' straight and just over 4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bisexual .
In the end , the team determined that LGBT and `` mostly '' straight participants had a higher migraine risk than exclusively straight participants .
On the question of why , Nagata said more research will be needed to tease out the underlying causes .
But he noted that `` lesbian , gay and bisexual people may experience homophobia and discrimination , which can lead to stress , and trigger a migraine . ''
Dr. Richard Lipton , director of the Montefiore Headache Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the findings with surprise .
`` We know that migraine prevalence peaks in midlife , is three times higher in women than in men , [ and ] higher in low-income groups than in high-income groups , '' noted Lipton , who was not part of the study .
`` This is the first data I have seen stratified by heterosexual vs. LGB status . ''
His take ?
`` It is interesting that the 'mostly heterosexual group ' and the LGB groups looked so similar , '' Lipton said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' has a similar distribution of sexual minority stress as the LGB group . ''
While agreeing that the sexual minority stress theory is one plausible explanation , he stressed that the study 's observations so far are `` certainly not proven . ''
To get more concrete proof , Lipton argued , `` we would want to measure sexual minority stress , and [ then ] see if it predicts migraine prevalence in the LGB group . ''
The findings were published as a letter Sept. 28 in the online edition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about migraines at the Migraine Research Foundation .

Men and women who identify as gay, bisexual or mostly but not exclusively heterosexual have a notably higher migraine risk, according to new research. Photo by kizzzbeth/Flickr
Could migraine risk be affected by sexual orientation? A new study suggests that the answer may be yes. After tracking migraines among thousands of American adults, investigators found that men and women who identify as gay, bisexual or mostly but not exclusively heterosexual have a notably higher migraine risk. Advertisement
"Lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals were 58% more likely to experience a migraine compared to heterosexual individuals," said lead author Dr. Jason Nagata, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.
Nearly a third of gay, lesbian and bisexual study participants had experienced a migraine, Nagata noted.
"We also found that individuals who identified as mostly heterosexual but with some same-sex attractions were more likely to experience a migraine, compared to those who identified as exclusively heterosexual," he added.
Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound. It often produces a throbbing pain on one side of the head.
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The study team noted that migraines are the fifth-leading reason for emergency room visits in the United States, affecting about 1 in 6 Americans.
The Migraine Research Foundation estimates that 18% of American women and 6% of men get migraines. Nine in 10 migraine patients have a family history of the headaches.
For the new study, researchers looked at nearly 10,000 men and women between 31 and 42 years of age. All were part of a larger nationwide health study between 2016 and 2018.
About 86% identified as straight 10% said they were "mostly" straight and just over 4% said they were lesbian, gay or bisexual.
In the end, the team determined that LGBT and "mostly" straight participants had a higher migraine risk than exclusively straight participants.
On the question of why, Nagata said more research will be needed to tease out the underlying causes. But he noted that "lesbian, gay and bisexual people may experience homophobia and discrimination, which can lead to stress, and trigger a migraine."
Dr. Richard Lipton, director of the Montefiore Headache Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, reacted to the findings with surprise.
"We know that migraine prevalence peaks in midlife, is three times higher in women than in men, [and] higher in low-income groups than in high-income groups," noted Lipton, who was not part of the study. "This is the first data I have seen stratified by heterosexual vs. LGB status."
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His take? "It is interesting that the 'mostly heterosexual group' and the LGB groups looked so similar," Lipton said. "It is possible that the 'mostly heterosexual group' has a similar distribution of sexual minority stress as the LGB group."
While agreeing that the sexual minority stress theory is one plausible explanation, he stressed that the study's observations so far are "certainly not proven."
To get more concrete proof, Lipton argued, "we would want to measure sexual minority stress, and [then] see if it predicts migraine prevalence in the LGB group."
The findings were published as a letter Sept. 28 in the online edition of JAMA Neurology.
More information Learn more about migraines at the Migraine Research Foundation.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-09-28--Romanian mayor wins landslide re-election two weeks after death

Sept. 28 ( UPI ) -- The mayor of a Romanian village was re-elected by a landslide despite a major @ @ @ @ @ he died about two weeks before the election .
Deveselu Mayor Ion Aliman , a @ @ @ @ @ to a third term with 64 % of the vote in Sunday 's election , @ @ @ @ @ died of complications from COVID-19 on Sept. 17 .
A video posted online showed dozens @ @ @ @ @ holding a candle light vigil at Aliman 's grave after voting ended .
Elections officials @ @ @ @ @ already been printed on the ballots and it was too late to correct then before @ @ @ @ @ They said the town will hold a special election to choose a new mayor , @ @ @ @ @ as interim mayor in the meantime .

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Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The mayor of a Romanian village was re-elected by a landslide despite a major setback in his campaign -- he died about two weeks before the election.
Deveselu Mayor Ion Aliman, a Social Democrat, was re-elected to a third term with 64% of the vote in Sunday's election, which came days after Aliman died of complications from COVID-19 on Sept. 17.
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A video posted online showed dozens of Aliman's local supporters holding a candle light vigil at Aliman's grave after voting ended.
Elections officials said Aliman's name had already been printed on the ballots and it was too late to correct then before the start of voting. They said the town will hold a special election to choose a new mayor, with Aliman's deputy serving as interim mayor in the meantime.