upi--2020-08-07--France-Cyprus defense cooperation pact takes effect

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- A defense cooperation agreement between France and Cyprus , three years in the making , is now in force , the Cypriot government announced this week .
The two-year agreement `` provides for cooperation in the fields of armaments and defense technology , and staff training in France 's military schools , '' officials said .
Leaders also agreed to `` hold joint exercises and organize mutual visits in the framework of activities of the armed forces of the two countries , '' Charlambos Petridis , current Cypriot defense minister , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cypriot Defense Minister Savvas Angelides announced improvements to a navy base in the port of Limassol to accommodate French military vessels .
The agreement calls for improved teamwork between Paris and Nicosia in defense technology and search and rescue execution .
Non-military elements of the agreement include cooperation in dealing with energy , maritime security , terrorism and piracy .
It was signed in 2017 and put into force of Aug. 1 , 2020 , the two governments said on Friday .
Cyprus , an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a NATO member .
Its military uses aircraft made by several countries , including France .
The agreement is part of an effort by France to exercise more influence in the region .
In July , Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades met with French President Emmanuel Macron , prompting Macron to call on the EU to come down harder on Turkey for provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean region .
`` Macron is working toward that direction , '' Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said of France 's aspiration to wield more influence .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seven southern EU member states in Paris at the end of August .

A defense cooperation agreement between France and Cyprus includes improvement to the Cypriot port of Limassol for use by the French Navy. Photo courtesy of French Navy
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A defense cooperation agreement between France and Cyprus, three years in the making, is now in force, the Cypriot government announced this week. The two-year agreement "provides for cooperation in the fields of armaments and defense technology, and staff training in France's military schools," officials said. Advertisement
Leaders also agreed to "hold joint exercises and organize mutual visits in the framework of activities of the armed forces of the two countries," Charlambos Petridis, current Cypriot defense minister, said in a statement.
Earlier this year, former Cypriot Defense Minister Savvas Angelides announced improvements to a navy base in the port of Limassol to accommodate French military vessels.
The agreement calls for improved teamwork between Paris and Nicosia in defense technology and search and rescue execution.
Non-military elements of the agreement include cooperation in dealing with energy, maritime security, terrorism and piracy. It was signed in 2017 and put into force of Aug. 1, 2020, the two governments said on Friday.
Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, is a European Union member, but not a NATO member. Its military uses aircraft made by several countries, including France.
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The agreement is part of an effort by France to exercise more influence in the region.
In July, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades met with French President Emmanuel Macron, prompting Macron to call on the EU to come down harder on Turkey for provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
"Macron is working toward that direction," Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said of France's aspiration to wield more influence. He added that Macron will lead a meeting of seven southern EU member states in Paris at the end of August.


upi--2020-08-07--British Foreign Office's 'Chief Mouser' announces retirement

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Palmerston , the British Foreign Office 's famous feline `` Chief Mouser , '' announced he is retiring to `` spend more time relaxing away from the limelight . ''
A letter addressed to Sir Simon McDonald , permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office , was posted to the Palmerston 's official Twitter account to announce the cat 's retirement from hunting mice at the Foreign Office 's headquarters in London .
Palmerston , named for two-time Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston , arrived at the office as a rescue in 2016 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing in photos with visiting diplomats .
The cat previously made headlines for clashes with Larry , the cat charged with catching mice for the prime minister at 10 Downing Street .
The letter , written from the feline 's perspective , said Palmerston is retiring to live with a family in the British countryside .
`` Although I am ending my formal role here , I will always be an ambassador for the U.K. and the new Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office , '' the letter reads .
The Foreign Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter post .
`` We 'll all miss him paw-fully , but wish him a purr-fect retirement , '' the tweet reads .

Palmerston, the British Foreign Office's "Chief Mouser," announced on Twitter he is retiring to live with a family in the countryside. File Photo by Andy Rain/EPA
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Palmerston, the British Foreign Office's famous feline "Chief Mouser," announced he is retiring to "spend more time relaxing away from the limelight." A letter addressed to Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, was posted to the Palmerston's official Twitter account to announce the cat's retirement from hunting mice at the Foreign Office's headquarters in London. Advertisement
Palmerston, named for two-time Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston, arrived at the office as a rescue in 2016 and quickly gained fame for catching mice and appearing in photos with visiting diplomats.
The cat previously made headlines for clashes with Larry, the cat charged with catching mice for the prime minister at 10 Downing Street.
The letter, written from the feline's perspective, said Palmerston is retiring to live with a family in the British countryside.
"Although I am ending my formal role here, I will always be an ambassador for the U.K. and the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office," the letter reads.
The Foreign Office praised Palmerston for his service in a Twitter post.
"We'll all miss him paw-fully, but wish him a purr-fect retirement," the tweet reads.


upi--2020-08-07--One-third of children hospitalized with COVID-19 require ICU care, CDC says

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Roughly one in three children hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States has required treatment in the intensive care unit , according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Hospitalized adults infected with the new coronavirus are admitted to the ICU at essentially the same rate , the agency said .
However , adults are about 20 times more likely to need hospital care after getting infected than children , the CDC said .
`` Although the cumulative COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate among children is low compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe COVID-19 illness , '' agency researchers wrote .
The findings are based on an analysis of data from the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network , a surveillance system that monitors laboratory-confirmed cases and hospitalizations in 14 states .
The analysis covered the period between March 1 and July 25 , the CDC said .
Over that nearly five-month span , eight children for every 100,000 in the general population was hospitalized for COVID-19 .
For adults , that figure was 164 per 100,000 in the general population , the CDC said .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for children and adults , invasive mechanical ventilation was required in less than 6 % of children , compared to nearly 19 % of adults , CDC researchers said .
The COVID-19 hospitalization rate for children , however , increased four-fold over the nearly five-month period , and were highest for children age 2 and younger , at roughly 25 per 100,000 in the population , the agency said .
Nearly 30 % of children hospitalized for COVID-19 between March and July were Black and 46 % were Hispanic .
More than 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an underlying chronic health condition , with obesity being the most common , the CDC researchers said .
Fewer than 1 % of children infected with COVID-19 died as a result .
`` Most reported cases of COVID-19 in children appear to be asymptomatic or mild , '' the CDC researchers wrote .

Children hospitalized with COVID-19 are just as likely to require ICU admission as hospitalized adults, a CDC analysis finds. Pictured, a woman and child sit between neon yellow circles for social distancing at The High Line park in New York City in July. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Roughly one in three children hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States has required treatment in the intensive care unit, according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalized adults infected with the new coronavirus are admitted to the ICU at essentially the same rate, the agency said. Advertisement
However, adults are about 20 times more likely to need hospital care after getting infected than children, the CDC said.
"Although the cumulative COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate among children is low compared with that among adults ... children can develop severe COVID-19 illness," agency researchers wrote.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network, a surveillance system that monitors laboratory-confirmed cases and hospitalizations in 14 states. The analysis covered the period between March 1 and July 25, the CDC said.
Over that nearly five-month span, eight children for every 100,000 in the general population was hospitalized for COVID-19. For adults, that figure was 164 per 100,000 in the general population, the CDC said.
Although ICU admission rates were about the same for children and adults, invasive mechanical ventilation was required in less than 6% of children, compared to nearly 19% of adults, CDC researchers said.
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The COVID-19 hospitalization rate for children, however, increased four-fold over the nearly five-month period, and were highest for children age 2 and younger, at roughly 25 per 100,000 in the population, the agency said.
Nearly 30% of children hospitalized for COVID-19 between March and July were Black and 46% were Hispanic. More than 40% of the hospitalized children also had an underlying chronic health condition, with obesity being the most common, the CDC researchers said.
Fewer than 1% of children infected with COVID-19 died as a result. "Most reported cases of COVID-19 in children appear to be asymptomatic or mild," the CDC researchers wrote.


upi--2020-08-07--F-16 pilots to face off against artificial intelligence in simulated dogfight for DARPA

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- An aerial combat simulation between an F-16 pilot and an artificial intelligence algorithm is part of the government-sponsored `` Alpha Dog Trials '' on Aug. 20 , the Pentagon announced .
Teams from eight defense contractors are scheduled to be involved in flying simulated F-16 fighter planes against artificial intelligence-controlled planes in aerial combat , the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency , or DARPA , said Friday .
The teams will then fight each other in a round-robin format , followed by a matchup between the top AI and an experienced Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simulator .
The simulated dogfights are part of a DARPA three-day competition , now in its third year .
It will be at the Applied Physics Lab of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore .
Because of COVID-19 restrictions , it will be conducted virtually but will be streamed live in a webinar on ZoomGov , the U.S. government videoconferencing site , officials said .
`` We are still excited to see how the AI algorithms perform against each other , as well as a Weapons School-trained human and hope that fighter pilots from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Marine Corps , as well as military leaders and members of the AI tech community will register and watch online , '' Col. Dan Javorsek of DARPA 's Strategic Technology Office said in a press release .
`` It 's been amazing to see how far the teams have advanced AI for autonomous dogfighting in less than a year , '' Javorsek said .
The trials were designed to energize and expand abase of AI developers for DARPA 's Air Combat Evolution , or ACE , program , which attempts to automate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AI , in an element of improved human-machine teaming .
The combatants will include teams from Aurora Flight Sciences , EpiSys Science , Georgia Tech Research Institute , Heron Systems , Lockheed Martin , Perspecta Labs , PhysicsAI and SoarTech .
`` Regardless of whether the human or machine wins the final dogfight , the Alpha Dogfight Trials is all about increasing trust in AI , '' Javorsek said .
`` If the champion AI earns the respect of an F-16 pilot , we 'll have come one step closer to achieving effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the goal of the ACE program . ''

An experienced F-16 pilot will engage an artificial intelligence algorithm in a simulated dogfight at the "Alpha Dog Fight" on August 20. Photo courtesy of DARPA
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- An aerial combat simulation between an F-16 pilot and an artificial intelligence algorithm is part of the government-sponsored "Alpha Dog Trials" on Aug. 20, the Pentagon announced. Teams from eight defense contractors are scheduled to be involved in flying simulated F-16 fighter planes against artificial intelligence-controlled planes in aerial combat, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, said Friday. Advertisement
The teams will then fight each other in a round-robin format, followed by a matchup between the top AI and an experienced Air Force fighter pilot flying a virtual reality F-16 simulator.
The simulated dogfights are part of a DARPA three-day competition, now in its third year. It will be at the Applied Physics Lab of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, it will be conducted virtually but will be streamed live in a webinar on ZoomGov, the U.S. government videoconferencing site, officials said.
"We are still excited to see how the AI algorithms perform against each other, as well as a Weapons School-trained human and hope that fighter pilots from across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as military leaders and members of the AI tech community will register and watch online," Col. Dan Javorsek of DARPA's Strategic Technology Office said in a press release.
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"It's been amazing to see how far the teams have advanced AI for autonomous dogfighting in less than a year," Javorsek said.
The trials were designed to energize and expand abase of AI developers for DARPA's Air Combat Evolution, or ACE, program, which attempts to automate air-to-air combat and encourage human trust in AI, in an element of improved human-machine teaming.
The combatants will include teams from Aurora Flight Sciences, EpiSys Science, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Heron Systems, Lockheed Martin, Perspecta Labs, PhysicsAI and SoarTech.
"Regardless of whether the human or machine wins the final dogfight, the Alpha Dogfight Trials is all about increasing trust in AI," Javorsek said. "If the champion AI earns the respect of an F-16 pilot, we'll have come one step closer to achieving effective human-machine teaming in air combat, which is the goal of the ACE program."


upi--2020-08-07--'Invisible' words reveal common structure among famous stories

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Storytelling requires a narrative arc , but the trajectory of a dramatic arc is n't always obvious .
By tracing the abundance of `` invisible '' words -- pronouns , articles and other short words -- researchers were able to identify patterns shared by a diversity of stories , from Shakespeare to Spielberg , according to a study published Friday in Science Advances .
`` Over the years , these 'invisible ' words have been found to be related to a whole mess of psychological processes -- how people use small words like articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mental health , thinking style , their social status , and even how well they get along with other people , '' study lead author Ryan Boyd told UPI .
`` In many ways , it was a natural progression to look at what these words can tell us how the nature of stories , '' said Boyd , a lecturer in behavioral analytics at the University of Leeds .
For the study , Boyd and his colleagues used a range of statistical techniques to analyze the abundance and distribution of invisible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short stories , novels and movie scripts .
During the `` staging '' phase , authors use prepositions and articles in greater abundance , peppering their prose with `` a '' and `` the . ''
These words are more useful at the beginning , when authors must set the scene and provide the audience with basic information .
The middle phase is defined by plot progression , which is revealed by a greater abundance of auxiliary verbs , adverbs and pronouns -- or interactional language .
During this phase , `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` her home '' or `` it . ''
During the third phase , cognitive tension is ramped up as the narrative arc reaches a climax .
As the author guides the reader or viewer through the process of conflict resolution , cognitive-processing words like `` think , '' `` believe , '' `` understand '' and `` cause '' begin to crop up in greater numbers .
Researchers found this three-phase narrative shape remained consistent , regardless of a stories length .
`` A 25,000 word story has the same shape as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyd , lead author of the new study .
`` It seems , then , that we are able to do a good job of structuring our stories in an optimal way regardless of how much space we have to do it in . ''
The researchers set up a website showing the shapes of staging , plot progression and cognitive tension in eight texts at The Arc of Narrative website .
The patterns left by invisible words proved both good and bad stories -- tales spun by amateurs , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our results confirm what people have long believed about stories , '' Boyd said .
`` Like DNA , we knew about it long before we could actually see it and measure it .
With these new methods , we are able to see and measure the 'DNA ' of stories and understand them in more objective , scientific ways . ''
According to Boyd , studying the patterns of stories can offer insights into cognitive processes unique to humans .
`` What these story shapes seem to tell us is that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to process information in certain ways , '' he said .
`` We need to understand the 'who ' and 'what ' in order to understand the 'why ' of our everyday lives and the lives of others . ''
The authors of the latest story are already mining text for other language patterns that might help researchers determine whether a story-teller is telling the truth , or perhaps reveal the secrets to a `` good '' story .

All stories share a common narrative pattern, according to a new study. Photo by Ekrulila/Pexels
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Storytelling requires a narrative arc, but the trajectory of a dramatic arc isn't always obvious. By tracing the abundance of "invisible" words -- pronouns, articles and other short words -- researchers were able to identify patterns shared by a diversity of stories, from Shakespeare to Spielberg, according to a study published Friday in Science Advances. Advertisement
"Over the years, these 'invisible' words have been found to be related to a whole mess of psychological processes -- how people use small words like articles and pronouns tell us about a person's mental health, thinking style, their social status, and even how well they get along with other people," study lead author Ryan Boyd told UPI.
"In many ways, it was a natural progression to look at what these words can tell us how the nature of stories," said Boyd, a lecturer in behavioral analytics at the University of Leeds.
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For the study, Boyd and his colleagues used a range of statistical techniques to analyze the abundance and distribution of invisible words in 40,000 fictional texts, including short stories, novels and movie scripts.
The analysis revealed a common structure -- a so-called narrative curve -- featuring three distinct phases.
During the "staging" phase, authors use prepositions and articles in greater abundance, peppering their prose with "a" and "the." These words are more useful at the beginning, when authors must set the scene and provide the audience with basic information.
The middle phase is defined by plot progression, which is revealed by a greater abundance of auxiliary verbs, adverbs and pronouns -- or interactional language. During this phase, "the house" from the staging phase becomes "her home" or "it."
During the third phase, cognitive tension is ramped up as the narrative arc reaches a climax. As the author guides the reader or viewer through the process of conflict resolution, cognitive-processing words like "think," "believe," "understand" and "cause" begin to crop up in greater numbers.
Researchers found this three-phase narrative shape remained consistent, regardless of a stories length.
"A 25,000 word story has the same shape as a 250 word story," said Boyd, lead author of the new study. "It seems, then, that we are able to do a good job of structuring our stories in an optimal way regardless of how much space we have to do it in."
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The researchers set up a website showing the shapes of staging, plot progression and cognitive tension in eight texts at The Arc of Narrative website.
The patterns left by invisible words proved both good and bad stories -- tales spun by amateurs, as well as professionals -- utilize similar structures.
"Our results confirm what people have long believed about stories," Boyd said. "Like DNA, we knew about it long before we could actually see it and measure it. With these new methods, we are able to see and measure the 'DNA' of stories and understand them in more objective, scientific ways."
According to Boyd, studying the patterns of stories can offer insights into cognitive processes unique to humans.
"What these story shapes seem to tell us is that we have, to some degree, evolved to process information in certain ways," he said. "We need to understand the 'who' and 'what' in order to understand the 'why' of our everyday lives and the lives of others."
The authors of the latest story are already mining text for other language patterns that might help researchers determine whether a story-teller is telling the truth, or perhaps reveal the secrets to a "good" story.


upi--2020-08-07--Air India flight crashes landing in the rain; at least 20 dead

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- An Air India Express jetliner carrying 190 people skidded off the runway while landing @ @ @ @ @ , killing 20 , local authorities said .
The crash occurred at Kozhikode Calicut International @ @ @ @ @ The dead include the plane 's pilot and co-pilot , the Hindustan Times reported .
@ @ @ @ @ people were injured and hospitalized .
Officials said the plane landed in heavy rain and @ @ @ @ @ into a 30-foot deep gorge at the `` tabletop '' airport in the coastal city @ @ @ @ @ broke apart into two sections , Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said .
The @ @ @ @ @ , originated in Dubai and was part of a mission to bring home Indian nationals @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was investigating the cause of the crash .
@ @ @ @ @ accident in Kozhikode , '' he said .
`` My thoughts are with those who @ @ @ @ @ May the injured recover at the earliest . ''

Officials inspect the wreckage site of an Air India plane crash at Calicut airport in Kozhikode, India, on Friday. Photo courtesy of India's Civil Defense/EPA-EFE
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- An Air India Express jetliner carrying 190 people skidded off the runway while landing in southwest India on Friday, killing 20, local authorities said. The crash occurred at Kozhikode Calicut International Airport in Kerala state. The dead include the plane's pilot and co-pilot, the Hindustan Times reported. Advertisement
Authorities said at least 112 people were injured and hospitalized.
Officials said the plane landed in heavy rain and overshot the runway, falling into a 30-foot deep gorge at the "tabletop" airport in the coastal city of Kozhikode. The aircraft broke apart into two sections, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
The flight, a Boeing 737, originated in Dubai and was part of a mission to bring home Indian nationals stranded abroad by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was investigating the cause of the crash.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on Twitter.
"Pained by the plane accident in Kozhikode," he said. "My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest."
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upi--2020-08-07--In Photos: Notable deaths of 2020

In Photos: Notable deaths of 2020

Wilford Brimley arrives for the premiere of `` Did You Hear About the Morgans ? ''
in New York City @ @ @ @ @ .
The actor , best known for `` The Natural , '' and `` Cocoon @ @ @ @ @ 2 , 2020 , at the age of 85 .
Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI

Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells poses with the original, fully restored S.S. Minnow from "Gilligan's Island" to meet and greet fans and visitors at the Vancouver International Boat Show in Vancouver on January 23, 2014. Best known for her role as Mary Ann from "Gilligan's Island," Wells died of COVID-19 on December 30 at the age of 82. Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI


upi--2020-08-07--Former national security adviser Brent Scowcroft dies at 95

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Gen. Brent Scowcroft , a national security adviser for two presidents , has died at his Falls Church , Va. , home , a spokesman for the George and Barbara Bush Foundation said Friday .
He was 95 .
Scowcroft died Thursday of natural causes , Jim McGrath said .
`` He was a public servant of the highest order , always putting the good of the country ahead of other concerns , '' said Andrew Card Jr. , interim CEO of the Bush Foundation .
`` Nobody worked longer hours , nobody knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and in the end , very few contributed more to the universal cause of freedom than Brent Scowcroft . ''
Former President George W. Bush praised Scowcroft for his long career of `` distinguished service to our country . ''
`` As a retired Air Force general , he gave sound and thoughtful advice to several presidents , '' he said .
`` He was an especially important adviser to my father -- and an important friend .
Laura and I , and my family , send our condolences to Brent 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family . ''
Born 1925 in Utah , Scowcroft joined the Air Force in 1947 , holding a number of administrative posts after a crash effectively left him grounded .
He served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and held positions at the U.S. Air Force Academy , U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade , Yugoslavia .
Scowcroft served under five presidents over the course of a more than four-decade , post-military career .
He was first appointed as a military assistant to President Richard Nixon in 1972 and later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for national security affairs .
He replaced Henry Kissinger as national security adviser for President Gerald Ford in 1975 , at which time he retired from active duty in the military .
He was the first person to hold the position under a second president when he joined the administration of George H.W Bush .
Scowcroft was chairman of the president 's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board during the administration of President George W. Bush , and assisted President Barack Obama in selecting his national security team .
Scowcroft became long-term friends with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs within the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A & M University .
Together they wrote the 1998 memoir A World Transformed .
`` It is altogether fitting that , while these two giants have left us , the life 's work of George Bush and Brent Scowcroft will be forever linked in Aggieland , '' a statement from the Bush Foundation said .

1/4
Former U.S. national security adviser Brent Scowcroft addresses the audience during the Freedom Challenge Dinner in Berlin on November 8, 2009. He died Thursday at age 95. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Gen. Brent Scowcroft, a national security adviser for two presidents, has died at his Falls Church, Va., home, a spokesman for the George and Barbara Bush Foundation said Friday. He was 95. Scowcroft died Thursday of natural causes, Jim McGrath said. Advertisement
"He was a public servant of the highest order, always putting the good of the country ahead of other concerns," said Andrew Card Jr., interim CEO of the Bush Foundation. "Nobody worked longer hours, nobody knew more about working the levers of international power and in the end, very few contributed more to the universal cause of freedom than Brent Scowcroft."
Former President George W. Bush praised Scowcroft for his long career of "distinguished service to our country."
"As a retired Air Force general, he gave sound and thoughtful advice to several presidents," he said. "He was an especially important adviser to my father -- and an important friend. Laura and I, and my family, send our condolences to Brent's daughter, Karen, and the Scowcroft family."
Born 1925 in Utah, Scowcroft joined the Air Force in 1947, holding a number of administrative posts after a crash effectively left him grounded. He served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and held positions at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
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Scowcroft served under five presidents over the course of a more than four-decade, post-military career. He was first appointed as a military assistant to President Richard Nixon in 1972 and later served as deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs.
He replaced Henry Kissinger as national security adviser for President Gerald Ford in 1975, at which time he retired from active duty in the military. He was the first person to hold the position under a second president when he joined the administration of George H.W Bush.
Scowcroft was chairman of the president's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board during the administration of President George W. Bush, and assisted President Barack Obama in selecting his national security team.
Scowcroft became long-term friends with the 41st president and the two worked together to create the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs within the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Together they wrote the 1998 memoir A World Transformed.
"It is altogether fitting that, while these two giants have left us, the life's work of George Bush and Brent Scowcroft will be forever linked in Aggieland," a statement from the Bush Foundation said.
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Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-08-07--18% of Americans lack access to high-quality, healthy food, study finds

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- The percentage of adults who lack access to healthy food has more than doubled in the United States over the past 20 years , an analysis published Friday by JAMA Network Open revealed .
The percentage of American adults who said they experienced `` food insecurity '' increased to just over 18 % in 2015-16 from slightly less than 9 % in 1999-2000 , the researchers said .
In addition , nearly 23 % of obese adults across the country reported a lack of access to healthy food in 2015-16 , highlighting how food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced food intake , [ but also ] decreased diet healthfulness and ... poor eating habits , '' study co-author Candice A. Myers told UPI .
`` Food insecurity is a growing health issue among adults in the U.S and our study further solidifies food insecurity 's link to unhealthy body weight , '' said Myers , director of the Social Determinants and Health Disparities Laboratory at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center .
Increasing food insecurity and rising rates of obesity across the country marks a `` pivotal public health crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans meet the criteria for obesity , or a body weight that far exceeds healthy levels , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Food insecurity has been defined as conditions in which the `` availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain . ''
It is particularly pronounced in impoverished communities , Myers and her colleagues said .
For their research , the team reviewed data on nearly 50,000 U.S. adults who participated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nutrition Examination Survey .
Fifty-two percent of participants in the analysis were women and nearly 70 % were non-Hispanic White adults , the researchers said .
The prevalence of food insecurity among Black Americans increased to just over 29 % in 2015-2016 from 12 % in 1999-2000 , researchers said .
It also more than doubled among White Americans -- to 13 % from 6 % -- over the same period .
For Hispanic adults , food insecurity prevalence increased to 38 % in those with obesity in 2015-16 from 19 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insecurity and obesity are not mutually exclusive health issues , '' Myers said .
`` It is important to consider the availability and affordability of energy-dense , highly palatable , highly processed , but nutritionally lacking , foods , especially for lower-income families who are more likely to be food insecure . ''

The percentage of Americans who are food insecure has doubled in the last two decades, a new study shows. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The percentage of adults who lack access to healthy food has more than doubled in the United States over the past 20 years, an analysis published Friday by JAMA Network Open revealed. The percentage of American adults who said they experienced "food insecurity" increased to just over 18% in 2015-16 from slightly less than 9% in 1999-2000, the researchers said. Advertisement
In addition, nearly 23% of obese adults across the country reported a lack of access to healthy food in 2015-16, highlighting how food insecurity can lead not only to "reduced food intake, [but also] decreased diet healthfulness and ... poor eating habits," study co-author Candice A. Myers told UPI.
"Food insecurity is a growing health issue among adults in the U.S and our study further solidifies food insecurity's link to unhealthy body weight," said Myers, director of the Social Determinants and Health Disparities Laboratory at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Increasing food insecurity and rising rates of obesity across the country marks a "pivotal public health crisis," she said. More than 40% of Americans meet the criteria for obesity, or a body weight that far exceeds healthy levels, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Food insecurity has been defined as conditions in which the "availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain." It is particularly pronounced in impoverished communities, Myers and her colleagues said.
For their research, the team reviewed data on nearly 50,000 U.S. adults who participated in the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Fifty-two percent of participants in the analysis were women and nearly 70% were non-Hispanic White adults, the researchers said.
The prevalence of food insecurity among Black Americans increased to just over 29% in 2015-2016 from 12% in 1999-2000, researchers said. It also more than doubled among White Americans -- to 13% from 6% -- over the same period.
For Hispanic adults, food insecurity prevalence increased to 38% in those with obesity in 2015-16 from 19% in 1999-2000, they found.
"Food insecurity and obesity are not mutually exclusive health issues," Myers said.
"It is important to consider the availability and affordability of energy-dense, highly palatable, highly processed, but nutritionally lacking, foods, especially for lower-income families who are more likely to be food insecure."


upi--2020-08-07--Watch: Wandering monitor lizard ejected from hospital in Philippines

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Medical staff members at a hospital in the Philippines found themselves dealing with an @ @ @ @ @ -- a large lizard loose in the building .
A video filmed Friday morning at @ @ @ @ @ Cebu island , shows the staff and other workers chasing after and fleeing from a @ @ @ @ @ its way into the facility .
A security guard armed with a broom is seen @ @ @ @ @ chase the lizard out of the building .
Witnesses said the lizard was not harmed @ @ @ @ @ made its way back outside .
The Philippines is home to several different varieties of @ @ @ @ @ unclear which type of lizard visited the hospital Friday .

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Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Medical staff members at a hospital in the Philippines found themselves dealing with an unusual non-medical emergency Friday morning -- a large lizard loose in the building.
A video filmed Friday morning at Daanbantayan District Hospital, on Cebu island, shows the staff and other workers chasing after and fleeing from a large monitor lizard that made its way into the facility.
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A security guard armed with a broom is seen in the footage attempting to chase the lizard out of the building.
Witnesses said the lizard was not harmed in the chase and eventually made its way back outside.
The Philippines is home to several different varieties of monitor lizards. It was unclear which type of lizard visited the hospital Friday.


upi--2020-08-07--Navy, Air Force hold joint exercises with aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- Led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan , the Air Force and Navy held joint training exercises this week near Japan , the 7th Fleet announced .
The exercise involved the carrier and its strike group , currently the Navy 's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier , as well as the Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 131 , which transitioned from Whidbey Island , Wash. , in June , and the Air Force 35th Fighter Wing .
Both are currently stationed at Misawa Air Base , Japan .
Integrated training included air-to-air operations , combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense exercises , a 7th Fleet statement on Thursday said .
The Navy regularly conducts exercises with other U.S. military branches in the Indo-Pacific area of operations .
`` Our ability to integrate our Air Force brothers and sisters in the air anywhere in the Indo-Pacific theater is unmatched , '' Capt .
Michael Rovenolt , commander , Carrier Air Wing 5 , said in a statement .
`` Our integration provides enhanced capabilities and readiness in support of our enduring commitments to our allies and partners . ''
The strike group includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which flies F/A-18E/F Super Hornet , EA-18G Growler , E-2D Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound planes .
Included were integration exercises , which featured the Super Hornet and Growler working with land-based Navy Growlers and Air Force F-16s , officials said .

Crewmen aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan watch fighter planes in formation as the U.S. Navy and Air Force staged a joint exercise this week off the Japanese coast. Photo courtesy of U.S. 7th Fleet
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the Air Force and Navy held joint training exercises this week near Japan, the 7th Fleet announced. The exercise involved the carrier and its strike group, currently the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, as well as the Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 131, which transitioned from Whidbey Island,Wash., in June, and the Air Force 35th Fighter Wing. Advertisement
Both are currently stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
Integrated training included air-to-air operations,combat search and rescue drills, and air defense exercises, a 7th Fleet statement on Thursday said.
The Navy regularly conducts exercises with other U.S. military branches in the Indo-Pacific area of operations.
"Our ability to integrate our Air Force brothers and sisters in the air anywhere in the Indo-Pacific theater is unmatched," Capt. Michael Rovenolt, commander, Carrier Air Wing 5, said in a statement. "Our integration provides enhanced capabilities and readiness in support of our enduring commitments to our allies and partners."
The strike group includes embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 5, which flies F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound planes.
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Included were integration exercises, which featured the Super Hornet and Growler working with land-based Navy Growlers and Air Force F-16s, officials said.


upi--2020-08-07--Las Vegas family reunited with lost cat after 10 years

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- A cat brought into a Las Vegas shelter as a stray was reunited with @ @ @ @ @ going missing from a friend 's house .
Heather Whitener said Logan the cat fled @ @ @ @ @ a decade ago , and the family was shocked to receive a call this week @ @ @ @ @ the feline had been found .
The Animal Foundation said Logan had been brought in @ @ @ @ @ were able to get Whitener 's contact information from his microchip .
`` He 's @ @ @ @ @ '' Whitener told KSNV-TV .
`` As soon as I started scratching right here , @ @ @ @ @ 's like , OK. '' The Animal Foundation said microchipping pets dramatically increases the chances @ @ @ @ @ animal goes missing .
`` Thanks to a microchip , The Animal Foundation was able @ @ @ @ @ with his family after 10 years of being missing , '' the shelter said in @ @ @ @

A Las Vegas family was reunited with their pet cat 10 years after the animal fled from a friend's home. File Photo by bogitw/Pixabay
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A cat brought into a Las Vegas shelter as a stray was reunited with his family 10 years after going missing from a friend's house. Heather Whitener said Logan the cat fled from a friend's house a decade ago, and the family was shocked to receive a call this week from The Animal Foundation saying the feline had been found. Advertisement
The Animal Foundation said Logan had been brought in as a stray and staff were able to get Whitener's contact information from his microchip.
"He's a very loving cat," Whitener told KSNV-TV. "As soon as I started scratching right here, his favorite spot, he's like, OK."
The Animal Foundation said microchipping pets dramatically increases the chances of a reunion when an animal goes missing.
"Thanks to a microchip, The Animal Foundation was able to reunite Logan the cat with his family after 10 years of being missing," the shelter said in a Facebook post.


upi--2020-08-07--N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives green light to reopen schools

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Friday all New York school districts can reopen in the fall after meeting seven-day rolling infection rates in all 10 regions of the state , but officials still have to sign off on individual plans .
New York has been one of the few coronavirus success stories after having the worst rates in the country at one time .
Currently , all 10 regions in the state have a test-positive rate of well under 5 % .
Cuomo said schools could be shut down again if that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City is operating at a much stricter shutdown test-positive rate of 3 % .
`` We are probably in the best situation in the country right now , '' Cuomo said in a news conference call .
`` If anybody can open schools , we can open schools and that 's true for every region in the state . ''
Each of New York 's 749 school districts will have to come up with their own reopening plan and the state will have to approve them .
Cuomo said all but 127 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rejected .
`` They have to deal with their parents and teachers , which is going to be a more complicated issue than I think many of them appreciate , '' Cuomo said .
`` There is a significant amount of anxiety and concern . ''
New York City 's plan includes testing and tracing , along with an automatic building closure trigger if two or more cases occur in different classrooms .
School unions are asking for a `` rolling testing regimen '' to identify asymptomatic kids and adults .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday schools can reopen but the state still has to sign off on individual reopening plans. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday all New York school districts can reopen in the fall after meeting seven-day rolling infection rates in all 10 regions of the state, but officials still have to sign off on individual plans. New York has been one of the few coronavirus success stories after having the worst rates in the country at one time. Currently, all 10 regions in the state have a test-positive rate of well under 5%. Advertisement
Cuomo said schools could be shut down again if that rate increases to 9%. New York City is operating at a much stricter shutdown test-positive rate of 3%.
"We are probably in the best situation in the country right now," Cuomo said in a news conference call. "If anybody can open schools, we can open schools and that's true for every region in the state."
Each of New York's 749 school districts will have to come up with their own reopening plan and the state will have to approve them. Cuomo said all but 127 have submitted plans and about 50 have been rejected.
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"They have to deal with their parents and teachers, which is going to be a more complicated issue than I think many of them appreciate," Cuomo said. "There is a significant amount of anxiety and concern."
New York City's plan includes testing and tracing, along with an automatic building closure trigger if two or more cases occur in different classrooms. School unions are asking for a ''rolling testing regimen" to identify asymptomatic kids and adults.


upi--2020-08-07--Watch: Twice preps for 'World in a Day' online concert

Aug. 7 ( UPI ) -- South Korean girl group Twice is gearing up for its Beyond Live - Twice : World in a Day online concert .
The K-pop stars shared a video Friday featuring a behind-the-scenes look at their rehearsals for the show .
The footage shows Twice performing choreography at a dance practice for the concert .
Twice also shared a `` making of '' video that shows the group shooting the poster for the World in a Day concert .
The World in a Day concert will stream Sunday on VLive .
The virtual show explores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single day by communicating with fans around the world .
The online concert will feature different technologies , including live sync camera walking , enhanced 3D graphics and the ability to connect to light sticks that fans have at home .
Twice announced the show in July .
Tickets for World in a Day are available to purchase online .
Twice consists of Nayeon , Jeongyeon , Momo , Sana , Jihyo , Mina , Dahyun , Chaeyoung and Tzuyu .
The group will release its third Japanese album , # Twice3 @ @ @ @ @

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- South Korean girl group Twice is gearing up for its Beyond Live - Twice: World in a Day online concert.
The K-pop stars shared a video Friday featuring a behind-the-scenes look at their rehearsals for the show.
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The footage shows Twice performing choreography at a dance practice for the concert.
Twice also shared a "making of" video that shows the group shooting the poster for the World in a Day concert.
The World in a Day concert will stream Sunday on VLive. The virtual show explores the concept of touring the world in a single day by communicating with fans around the world.
The online concert will feature different technologies, including live sync camera walking, enhanced 3D graphics and the ability to connect to light sticks that fans have at home. Twice announced the show in July.
Tickets for World in a Day are available to purchase online.
Twice consists of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu. The group will release its third Japanese album, #Twice3, on Sept. 16.


upi--2020-08-08--New Mexico man in his 20s dies of septicemic plague

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- A New Mexico man in his 20s has died from septicemic plague , health authorities say .
It is the first human plague death in New Mexico this year and the second case this year in the state .
According to the New Mexico Department of Health , the man lived in Rio Arriba County and died after being hospitalized .
The Department of Health said officials will conduct an environmental investigation in the man 's home in order to ascertain ongoing risk to family members and neighbors .
On July 27 a Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with bubonic plague .
Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents , usually transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas .
But it can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals , including rodents , wildlife and pets , officials say .
There are three forms of plague , with symptoms varying depending on how the person was exposed to the bacterium , according to the Centers for Disease Control .
`` Plague activity in New Mexico is usually highest during the summer months , so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid rodents and their fleas which can expose you to plague , '' said Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel .
According to the CDC , while cases of plague are rare in the United States 21st century , they still happen , with health departments reporting an average of seven cases per year , with most occurring in the rural West .
New Mexico officials say this is the first human plague-related death in New Mexico since 2015 .
There was a single human plague case in 2019 involving a 78-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state in 2020 .
There have also been two animal plague cases in New Mexico this year : one in a dog and one in a cat .
New Mexico 's Department of Health recommends avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits , taking sick pets to the veterinarian and preventing pets from roaming and hunting -- and using appropriate flea control products on pets .

Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A New Mexico man in his 20s has died from septicemic plague, health authorities say. It is the first human plague death in New Mexico this year and the second case this year in the state.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the man lived in Rio Arriba County and died after being hospitalized.
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The Department of Health said officials will conduct an environmental investigation in the man's home in order to ascertain ongoing risk to family members and neighbors.
On July 27 a Santa Fe County man in his 60s was diagnosed with bubonic plague.
Plague is a bacterial disease of rodents, usually transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas.
But it can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets, officials say.
There are three forms of plague, with symptoms varying depending on how the person was exposed to the bacterium, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"Plague activity in New Mexico is usually highest during the summer months, so it is especially important now to take precautions to avoid rodents and their fleas which can expose you to plague," said Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel.
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According to the CDC, while cases of plague are rare in the United States 21st century, they still happen, with health departments reporting an average of seven cases per year, with most occurring in the rural West.
New Mexico officials say this is the first human plague-related death in New Mexico since 2015.
There was a single human plague case in 2019 involving a 78-year-old man, and no human plague cases in the state in 2020.
There have also been two animal plague cases in New Mexico this year: one in a dog and one in a cat.
New Mexico's Department of Health recommends avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits, taking sick pets to the veterinarian and preventing pets from roaming and hunting -- and using appropriate flea control products on pets.


upi--2020-08-08--Mauritius declares state of emergency as wrecked ship leaks oil into ocean

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- The island nation of Mauritius declared a state of environmental emergency Friday after a @ @ @ @ @ up , leaking into the ocean .
The vessel , MV Wakashio , was sailing @ @ @ @ @ it hit coral reefs near Pointe d'Esny when ran aground of a reef off the @ @ @ @ @ evacuated July 25 .
But the ship has since begun leaking oil into the surrounding @ @ @ @ @ Pravind Jugnauth said the nation does not have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded @ @ @ @ @ to France for help , which the latter nation has offered .
The French island @ @ @ @ @ , which is home to a number of coral reefs and is a tourist destination @ @ @ @ @ near the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve and a number of popular tourist beaches .

A handout satellite image made available by MAXAR Technologies shows the MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier ship that recently ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius, on Friday.The ship is leaking a considerable amount of oil into the ocean and the oil slick is drifting northwest and to the shore. EPA-EFE/MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES / HANDOUT
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The island nation of Mauritius declared a state of environmental emergency Friday after a wrecked ship offshore began breaking up, leaking into the ocean. The vessel, MV Wakashio, was sailing from China to Brazil when it hit coral reefs near Pointe d'Esny when ran aground of a reef off the Indian Ocean and its crew evacuated July 25. Advertisement
But the ship has since begun leaking oil into the surrounding waters.
Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth said the nation does not have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships, and has appealed to France for help, which the latter nation has offered.
The French island of Reunion is near Mauritius, which is home to a number of coral reefs and is a tourist destination.
The wreck took place near the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve and a number of popular tourist beaches.


upi--2020-08-08--Police, protesters clash in wake of Beirut blasts

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Beirut police fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday toward thousands of protesters calling for government accountability for this week 's explosions at a port that killed over 150 people .
Police also shot live ammunition in the air to disperse the crowd .
Demonstrators erected mock gallows in the city 's central Martyrs Square where they gathered from early afternoon , and stormed the foreign ministry , the environment ministry and the economy ministry , as well as the Banking Association , Saturday night .
Protesters accused the government of corruption and incompetence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosions .
`` The people want the fall of the regime , '' protesters chanted .
The demonstrators held posters saying , `` leave , you are all killers . ''
The first tear gas was deployed after a group of protesters attempted to break through a barrier blocking a street to Parliament , The Guardian reported .
Many children and older people in the demonstrators left as clashes between police and protesters escalated .
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday that all officials responsible for Tuesday 's explosion would be held accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hassan Diab , has also vowed to hold early elections and will remain in power for two more months as the major parties work toward an agreement .
The U.S. embassy in Beirut on Saturday tweeted support for the protesters .
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump said he plans to join a conference call with other global leaders to discuss aid to Lebanon .
The explosion in the port of the Lebanon 's capital Tuesday killed at least 157 people , injured 5,000 , and left many homeless , exacerbating the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
France and the United Nations are leading the conference call for aid , which Trump will join Sunday .
`` We will be having a conference call on Sunday with [ French ] President [ Emmanuel ] Macron , leaders of Lebanon , and leaders from various other parts of the world , '' Trump tweeted Friday .
`` Everyone wants to help ! ''
Trump called the blasts a `` horrible event '' and said that doctors , nurses and three large aircraft were on the way with medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency equipment .
Late Friday , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added in a tweet that the United States has pledged more than $ 17 million in disaster aid to Lebanon .
`` We remain ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from the horrible August 4th explosion , '' Pompeo also tweeted .
`` We keep everyone affected in this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers . ''
The blasts left about 300,000 people homeless and repairs are estimated to cost billions of dollars , Beirut Gov .
Marwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Air Force delivered 11 pallets of food , water and medical supplies .
Lebanese officials on Thursday , arrested 16 people linked to their investigation into the explosion .
On the same day , Human Rights Watch invited international experts to do an independent investigation , saying that there was evidence that some judges knew ammonium nitrate was stored at the port and did nothing about it .
The non-governmental human rights organization also said that there have been previous incidents where the judiciary failed to uphold the rule of law or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday clashed with protesters who blamed the explosion on government negligence .
And UNICEF , the U.N. agency that oversees humanitarian aid for youth , said some 80,000 children are in need of support after being displaced by the blast .
A day earlier the government said it planned to place port officials under house arrest in as part of investigation into why 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored at nearby warehouses .

1/3
Riot police fire tear gas against anti-government protesters during a demonstration outside of the Lebanese Parliament in Beirut, Lebanon, on Saturday. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA-EFE
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Beirut police fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday toward thousands of protesters calling for government accountability for this week's explosions at a port that killed over 150 people. Police also shot live ammunition in the air to disperse the crowd. Advertisement
Demonstrators erected mock gallows in the city's central Martyrs Square where they gathered from early afternoon, and stormed the foreign ministry, the environment ministry and the economy ministry, as well as the Banking Association, Saturday night.
Protesters accused the government of corruption and incompetence, which they said contributed to the explosions.
"The people want the fall of the regime," protesters chanted.
The demonstrators held posters saying, "leave, you are all killers."
The first tear gas was deployed after a group of protesters attempted to break through a barrier blocking a street to Parliament, The Guardian reported.
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Many children and older people in the demonstrators left as clashes between police and protesters escalated.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday that all officials responsible for Tuesday's explosion would be held accountable.
The country's prime minister, Hassan Diab, has also vowed to hold early elections and will remain in power for two more months as the major parties work toward an agreement.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut on Saturday tweeted support for the protesters.
2/2 We support them in their right to peaceful protest, and encourage all involved to refrain from violence.— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) August 8, 2020
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he plans to join a conference call with other global leaders to discuss aid to Lebanon.
The explosion in the port of the Lebanon's capital Tuesday killed at least 157 people, injured 5,000, and left many homeless, exacerbating the country's severe economic crisis, already worsened by COVID-19 pandemic.
France and the United Nations are leading the conference call for aid, which Trump will join Sunday.
"We will be having a conference call on Sunday with [French] President [Emmanuel] Macron, leaders of Lebanon, and leaders from various other parts of the world," Trump tweeted Friday. "Everyone wants to help!"
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Trump called the blasts a "horrible event" and said that doctors, nurses and three large aircraft were on the way with medical supplies, food, water and other emergency equipment.
Late Friday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added in a tweet that the United States has pledged more than $17 million in disaster aid to Lebanon.
"We remain ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from the horrible August 4th explosion," Pompeo also tweeted. "We keep everyone affected in this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers."
The blasts left about 300,000 people homeless and repairs are estimated to cost billions of dollars, Beirut Gov. Marwan Abboud said.
On Thursday, the U.S. Air Force delivered 11 pallets of food, water and medical supplies.
Lebanese officials on Thursday, arrested 16 people linked to their investigation into the explosion.
On the same day, Human Rights Watch invited international experts to do an independent investigation, saying that there was evidence that some judges knew ammonium nitrate was stored at the port and did nothing about it. The non-governmental human rights organization also said that there have been previous incidents where the judiciary failed to uphold the rule of law or conduct proper inquiry.
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Lebanese security forces on Thursday clashed with protesters who blamed the explosion on government negligence. And UNICEF, the U.N. agency that oversees humanitarian aid for youth, said some 80,000 children are in need of support after being displaced by the blast.
A day earlier the government said it planned to place port officials under house arrest in as part of investigation into why 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored at nearby warehouses.


upi--2020-08-08--New Orleans authorities recover body of man trapped in collapsed hotel

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Authorities have recovered the remains of 36-year-old Quinnyon Weimberly , who was trapped in a New Orleans hotel when it collapsed 10 months ago .
At a press conference Saturday , Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she hoped the removal would offer some closure for family members .
`` Words can not really explain or describe , not only the pain , but the closure that they 've been wanting for 10 months , '' Cantrell said .
In October 2019 , a Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans partially collapsed , injuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Wimberly , Anthony Magrette and Jose Ponce Arreola .
Magrette 's body was recovered the day after the collapse .
Arreola 's remains are still trapped at the construction site .
The recovery of the two bodies was delayed repeatedly , and the City of New Orleans took legal action against the hotel 's owner over a timeline for recovery and demolition .
Representatives for 1031 Canal Development , which owns the hotel , said the delays were due to problems with insurance , then a failure to find a contractor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connectivity issues for some of the equipment used in recovery efforts .
Wimberly 's body was taken to the parish coroner 's office , and it will also be examined by the state medical examiner to `` fully document the pain and harm that was caused that ended in death , '' Cantrell said .
`` I want to see justice for the families as it relates to this tragedy that they experienced and , of course , that this city has experienced , '' Cantrell said .
The forensic investigation could take @ @ @ @ @

New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell talks to reporters about the recovery of the body of Quinnyon Wimberly, a construction worker who died when the under-construction Hard Rock Hotel collapsed in October 2019. Image via WWLTV/ YouTube
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Authorities have recovered the remains of 36-year-old Quinnyon Weimberly, who was trapped in a New Orleans hotel when it collapsed 10 months ago. At a press conference Saturday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said she hoped the removal would offer some closure for family members. Advertisement
"Words cannot really explain or describe, not only the pain, but the closure that they've been wanting for 10 months," Cantrell said.
In October 2019, a Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans partially collapsed, injuring 18 people and killing three construction workers: Wimberly, Anthony Magrette and Jose Ponce Arreola.
Magrette's body was recovered the day after the collapse.
Arreola's remains are still trapped at the construction site.
The recovery of the two bodies was delayed repeatedly, and the City of New Orleans took legal action against the hotel's owner over a timeline for recovery and demolition.
Representatives for 1031 Canal Development, which owns the hotel, said the delays were due to problems with insurance, then a failure to find a contractor for demolition work, then rain, then connectivity issues for some of the equipment used in recovery efforts.
Wimberly's body was taken to the parish coroner's office, and it will also be examined by the state medical examiner to "fully document the pain and harm that was caused that ended in death," Cantrell said.
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"I want to see justice for the families as it relates to this tragedy that they experienced and, of course, that this city has experienced," Cantrell said.
The forensic investigation could take up to two months.


upi--2020-08-08--Trump signs executive orders on unemployment, payroll tax, evictions

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump signed several executive orders Saturday , including an order to provide an extra $ 400 in weekly unemployment aid to those whose $ 600 weekly benefits expired in July as well as eviction protections and student loan relief .
A fourth executive order would defer payroll tax payments for people who earn less than $ 100,000 .
It would take effect retroactively and continue through December .
During a press conference in Bedminster , N.J. , Saturday to announce the orders , the President said if he is reelected in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax , which funds Social Security and Medicare benefits .
The executive order to provide $ 400 in weekly benefits requires that 25 % of that funding be paid by states , many of whom are struggling with unexpected drops in revenue and have pleaded with Congress to receive additional aid .
Trump has sought a payroll tax deferral for more than a year with little support from Congress , but the other three issues were the subject of tense partisan negotiations in recent weeks as some parts of this spring 's CARES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach a deal by their Friday deadline .
The President acknowledged Saturday that the orders would prompt lawsuits .
The Constitution grants the power to raise revenue and appropriate funds exclusively to Congress .

President Donald Trump, shown here after after delivering remarks at the Whirlpool corporation manufacturing plant in Clyde, Ohio on Thursday, has signed four executive orders related to coronavirus relief. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump signed several executive orders Saturday, including an order to provide an extra $400 in weekly unemployment aid to those whose $600 weekly benefits expired in July as well as eviction protections and student loan relief. A fourth executive order would defer payroll tax payments for people who earn less than $100,000. It would take effect retroactively and continue through December. Advertisement
During a press conference in Bedminster, N.J., Saturday to announce the orders, the President said if he is reelected in November he would "terminate" the payroll tax, which funds Social Security and Medicare benefits.
The executive order to provide $400 in weekly benefits requires that 25% of that funding be paid by states, many of whom are struggling with unexpected drops in revenue and have pleaded with Congress to receive additional aid.
Trump has sought a payroll tax deferral for more than a year with little support from Congress, but the other three issues were the subject of tense partisan negotiations in recent weeks as some parts of this spring's CARES Act expired.
Ultimately Congressional leaders failed to reach a deal by their Friday deadline.
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The President acknowledged Saturday that the orders would prompt lawsuits. The Constitution grants the power to raise revenue and appropriate funds exclusively to Congress.


upi--2020-08-08--Venezuelan court sentences former Green Berets to 20 years in plot to oust Maduro

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- A Venezuelan attorney general announced Friday that two former members of U.S. Special Forces @ @ @ @ @ years in prison for taking part in a raid to oust President Nicolás Maduro .
@ @ @ @ @ Friday that Airan Berry , 42 , and Luke Denman , 34 , had admitted @ @ @ @ @ association , illicit trafficking of weapons of war and terrorism for `` Operation Gideon , @ @ @ @ @ against Maduro .
Saab also wrote that dozens of other defendants will be tried .
@ @ @ @ @ Secretary Mark Esper have said the United States had nothing to do with the plot @ @ @ @ @ involved in training dozens of Venezuelan military defectors in Colombia before the launch of Operation @ @ @ @ @ said he had worked with Jordan Goudrea , a former Green Beret who ran Silvercorp @ @ @ @ @ helped organize the mission .

Two former Green Berets were sentenced to 20 years by a Venezuelan court this week in connection with a plot to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shown here during a meeting with members of the Armed Forces in Caracas in May. EPA-EFE/MIRAFLORES PRESIDENTIAL PALACE / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A Venezuelan attorney general announced Friday that two former members of U.S. Special Forces have been sentenced to 20 years in prison for taking part in a raid to oust President Nicolás Maduro. Tarek William Saab tweeted late Friday that Airan Berry, 42, and Luke Denman, 34, had admitted to having committed conspiracy, association, illicit trafficking of weapons of war and terrorism for "Operation Gideon," a plan of insurrection against Maduro. Advertisement
Saab also wrote that dozens of other defendants will be tried.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper have said the United States had nothing to do with the plot.
Berry and Denman were involved in training dozens of Venezuelan military defectors in Colombia before the launch of Operation Gideon.
Maduro shared Denman's alleged confession during a news conference this spring.
Under interrogation Denman said he had worked with Jordan Goudrea, a former Green Beret who ran Silvercorp, a Florida-based firm that helped organize the mission.


upi--2020-08-08--Southern California firefighters set controlled fires around 32,400-acre Apple Fire

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters set controlled fires Saturday to clear vegetation around the Apple Fire , which has spread to more than 32,400 acres in Southern California .
The wildfire along San Bernardino Mountains near Riverside has burned through 32,412 acres with 35 % containment , according to a U.S. Forest Service update .
Firefighters planned Saturday to fly firefighters to a remote area of San Gorgonio , located in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains , to clear vegetation .
They have already set controlled fires to clear vegetation around the blaze .
The San Gorgonio wilderness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the San Bernardino National Forest tweeted .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection called the controlled fires a `` firing operation '' along the eastern edge of the fire to decrease fuels in order to stop the fire from spreading to the east .
`` Due to the hard work of the firefighters on this firing operation , smoke impacts to the communities east of the fire should be diminished , '' the Cal Fire statement said .
An estimated 2,845 firefighters , 18 water-dropping helicopters and two air tankers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canyon , Cal Fire said .
The malfunctioning exhaust system of a diesel vehicle sparked the fire on July 31 , which has burned through parts of Oak Glen and chaparral and brush in Banning Canyon in southwest San Bernadino County , just outside Riverside .
It has destroyed four homes , eight other structures and a firefighter sustained a head injury when a falling tree branch struck him on Thursday .
His identity and condition have not been released .
An estimated 7,800 people were evacuated from 2,600 residences during the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in effect for Forest Falls , Morongo Valley , Rimrock and Pioneertown , according the U.S. Forest Service , which estimates the fire will be contained by Aug. 17 .

Firefighters have been fighting a fire burning through chaparral and brush in Banning Canyon. Photo courtesy of San Bernadino National Forest
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Firefighters set controlled fires Saturday to clear vegetation around the Apple Fire, which has spread to more than 32,400 acres in Southern California. The wildfire along San Bernardino Mountains near Riverside has burned through 32,412 acres with 35% containment, according to a U.S. Forest Service update. Advertisement
Firefighters planned Saturday to fly firefighters to a remote area of San Gorgonio, located in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains, to clear vegetation. They have already set controlled fires to clear vegetation around the blaze.
The San Gorgonio wilderness area is closed to all use, the San Bernardino National Forest tweeted.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection called the controlled fires a "firing operation" along the eastern edge of the fire to decrease fuels in order to stop the fire from spreading to the east.
"Due to the hard work of the firefighters on this firing operation, smoke impacts to the communities east of the fire should be diminished," the Cal Fire statement said.
An estimated 2,845 firefighters, 18 water-dropping helicopters and two air tankers have been fighting the fire located near Banning Canyon, Cal Fire said.
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The malfunctioning exhaust system of a diesel vehicle sparked the fire on July 31, which has burned through parts of Oak Glen and chaparral and brush in Banning Canyon in southwest San Bernadino County, just outside Riverside.
It has destroyed four homes, eight other structures and a firefighter sustained a head injury when a falling tree branch struck him on Thursday. His identity and condition have not been released.
An estimated 7,800 people were evacuated from 2,600 residences during the fire's peak.
Non-mandatory evacuation warnings remain in effect for Forest Falls, Morongo Valley, Rimrock and Pioneertown, according the U.S. Forest Service, which estimates the fire will be contained by Aug. 17.


upi--2020-08-08--Jerry Sheridan defeats Joe Arpaio in Maricopa County sheriff primary

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Jerry Sheridan has secured the Republican nomination in the race for Maricopa County sheriff in Arizona , defeating Joe Arpaio in a bid to get his old job back .
The Maricopa County recorder 's office website , last updated Friday night , shows Sheridan got 156,396 votes , or 37 % of the vote , compared to Arpaio 's 150,116 , or 36 % .
The Arizona Republic reported that the results are not official , but there are fewer than 3,000 votes left to tabulate , making it impossible for Arpaio to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to beat Sheridan .
Arpaio served as Maricopa County sheriff for 24 years , but lost his seat to Democrat Paul Penzone in 2016 and in 2018 came in last in a three-way race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate .
In 2017 Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt of court in 2017 for defying a judge 's order to halt racial and ethnic profiling .
President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio , but a federal appeals court ruled in February that the conviction would stand but have `` no legal consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff 's office for 38 years .
He will face Penzone , who ran unopposed , in the general election .
`` Joe Arpaio did a great job for a long time , '' Sheridan said .
`` He will never be irrelevant , but I think his political career is over . ''
`` They were tired of me and tired of my office , '' Arpaio said .

Joe Arpaio, shown here speaking at the Republican National Convention in 2016, lost his bid to regain his old job as Maricopa County Sheriff Friday. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Jerry Sheridan has secured the Republican nomination in the race for Maricopa County sheriff in Arizona, defeating Joe Arpaio in a bid to get his old job back. The Maricopa County recorder's office website, last updated Friday night, shows Sheridan got 156,396 votes, or 37% of the vote, compared to Arpaio's 150,116, or 36%. Advertisement
The Arizona Republic reported that the results are not official, but there are fewer than 3,000 votes left to tabulate, making it impossible for Arpaio to make up the deficit of 6,000 votes needed to beat Sheridan.
Arpaio served as Maricopa County sheriff for 24 years, but lost his seat to Democrat Paul Penzone in 2016 and in 2018 came in last in a three-way race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
In 2017 Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt of court in 2017 for defying a judge's order to halt racial and ethnic profiling.
President Donald Trump pardoned Arpaio, but a federal appeals court ruled in February that the conviction would stand but have "no legal consequences."
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Sheridan has worked in the sheriff's office for 38 years. He will face Penzone, who ran unopposed, in the general election.
"Joe Arpaio did a great job for a long time," Sheridan said. "He will never be irrelevant, but I think his political career is over."
Arpaio, who is 88, agreed.
"They were tired of me and tired of my office," Arpaio said.


upi--2020-08-08--COVID-19: Florida hospitalizations up, Georgia schools grapple with cases

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Hospitalizations and deaths due to the novel coronavirus continued to increase in Florida this week while school districts in Georgia grappled with positive cases among students and staff .
Johns Hopkins University 's most recent tally of cases reported that 4.96 million people have contracted COVID-19 in the country and 161,810 people have died of the virus , with the U.S. death toll remaining the highest in the world .
On Saturday , the Florida Department of Health reported 8,502 new coronavirus cases and 189 deaths .
The state also reported that hospitalizations were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , with 6,991 people currently hospitalized with the virus .
More than 30,000 Floridians have been hospitalized due to the virus .
The state 's rate of positive infections fell to 9.91 % , but remained higher in some areas , with Bay County reporting that 16.3 % of tests were coming back positive .
In neighboring Georgia , school districts reported dozens of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases as students returned to classrooms .
Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Friday that the district would remain online-only `` until public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance from state and local public health officials recommends it . ''
The district had 100 suspected cases among teachers and students .
At the Cherokee County School District in northern Georgia , more than 250 people were self-isolating after multiple teachers and students tested positive for COVID-19 .
According to updates from the school district , which began classes this week , at least 11 students and two staff members in the district have tested positive for the virus .
After conducting contact tracing , the district instructed 250 students and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive to quarantine for two weeks , during which students will receive online instruction .
Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower sent a letter to families on Friday acknowledging that the trend of students and staff testing positive every day will likely continue .
`` We know we 're under a microscope , as national media follows the reopening of schools across the country , '' Hightower wrote .
`` But know that our decisions are not based on what people in New York or Kansas think , nor are we concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're focused on what 's doing best for our community . ''
Georgia exceeded 200,000 COVID-19 cases Wednesday , according to an internal Federal Emergency Management Agency memo obtained by ABC news , doubling from 100,000 total cases four weeks ago .

Members of the National Guard assist Miami Gardens residents waiting to obtain COVID-19 testing at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in July. Hospitalizations and deaths in the state continued to increase this week. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Hospitalizations and deaths due to the novel coronavirus continued to increase in Florida this week while school districts in Georgia grappled with positive cases among students and staff. Johns Hopkins University's most recent tally of cases reported that 4.96 million people have contracted COVID-19 in the country and 161,810 people have died of the virus, with the U.S. death toll remaining the highest in the world. Advertisement
On Saturday, the Florida Department of Health reported 8,502 new coronavirus cases and 189 deaths.
The state also reported that hospitalizations were up by 521 in the past 24 hours, with 6,991 people currently hospitalized with the virus. More than 30,000 Floridians have been hospitalized due to the virus.
The state's rate of positive infections fell to 9.91%, but remained higher in some areas, with Bay County reporting that 16.3% of tests were coming back positive.
In neighboring Georgia, school districts reported dozens of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases as students returned to classrooms.
Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Friday that the district would remain online-only "until public health data in Cobb County changes and guidance from state and local public health officials recommends it." The district had 100 suspected cases among teachers and students.
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At the Cherokee County School District in northern Georgia, more than 250 people were self-isolating after multiple teachers and students tested positive for COVID-19.
According to updates from the school district, which began classes this week, at least 11 students and two staff members in the district have tested positive for the virus.
After conducting contact tracing, the district instructed 250 students and staff who had possible exposure to those who tested positive to quarantine for two weeks, during which students will receive online instruction.
Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower sent a letter to families on Friday acknowledging that the trend of students and staff testing positive every day will likely continue.
"We know we're under a microscope, as national media follows the reopening of schools across the country," Hightower wrote. "But know that our decisions are not based on what people in New York or Kansas think, nor are we concerned about 'optics' or 'image' -- we're focused on what's doing best for our community."
Georgia exceeded 200,000 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, according to an internal Federal Emergency Management Agency memo obtained by ABC news, doubling from 100,000 total cases four weeks ago.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic
Visitors wear face masks as they tour the Whitney Museum of American Art as it reopens on September 3. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-08-08--Suicide bombing kills at least 9, injures 20 at Somali military base

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- A suicide bombing killed at least nine people and injured nearly 20 Saturday when the bomb-laden car detonated at the gates of a Somali military base , security officials and witnesses said .
Security officials told Voice of America that eight of the people killed were government soldiers and other casualties were family members of soldiers who were are at the base in the capital of Mogadishu .
`` A suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle sped toward the front gate of the camp but the guards opened fire to stop it before it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told VOA .
Hospital officials said that around 20 people were injured in the blast .
The base is near the newly renovated sports stadium that was reopened last month .
The attack is the second in the volatile seaside city this month , Garowe Online reported .
Last week , a suicide bomber linked to the same militant group blew himself up at a popular restaurant , Lul Yemeny eatery , near Mogadishu seaport .
The attack killed at least three people .
Last month , al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five people and hurt 16 others in two major Somalian cities , according to the BBC .
Al-Shabab occupied Mogadishu for years before being driven out in 2011 .
In March , the same terrorist militant group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed Abdisalan Hassan Hersi , the former governor of Nugaal region , in Garowe , nearly 600 miles from Mogadishu .
Al-Shabab also claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Mogadishu in March that killed three people .
In February , the United States carried out an airstrike in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected of being involved in a January attack in Kenya that killed a U.S. service member , Spc .
Henry J. Mayfield , Jr. , 23 , of Evergreen Park , Ill. U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend , commander of AFRICOM , has called al-Shabab an al-Qaida affiliate and an `` enemy of peace , '' in East Africa .
Last year , al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a pair of car bombs in Mogadishu that killed at least eight people and injured at least 16 .

Destroyed and deserted buildings are seen at the scene of ongoing fighting between Somali soldiers and al-Shabab fighters in Mogadishu, Somalia, last year. The same military group claimed responsibility Saturday for a suicide bombing of Somali military base. Photo by Said Yusuf Warsame/EPA-EFE
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A suicide bombing killed at least nine people and injured nearly 20 Saturday when the bomb-laden car detonated at the gates of a Somali military base, security officials and witnesses said. Security officials told Voice of America that eight of the people killed were government soldiers and other casualties were family members of soldiers who were are at the base in the capital of Mogadishu. Advertisement
"A suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle sped toward the front gate of the camp but the guards opened fire to stop it before it detonated," police officer Aden Mohamed told VOA.
Hospital officials said that around 20 people were injured in the blast.
The base is near the newly renovated sports stadium that was reopened last month.
Al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility for the explosion.
The attack is the second in the volatile seaside city this month, Garowe Online reported. Last week, a suicide bomber linked to the same militant group blew himself up at a popular restaurant, Lul Yemeny eatery, near Mogadishu seaport. The attack killed at least three people.
Last month, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack and mine explosion that killed five people and hurt 16 others in two major Somalian cities, according to the BBC.
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Al-Shabab occupied Mogadishu for years before being driven out in 2011.
In March, the same terrorist militant group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed Abdisalan Hassan Hersi, the former governor of Nugaal region, in Garowe, nearly 600 miles from Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab also claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Mogadishu in March that killed three people.
In February, the United States carried out an airstrike in Somalia that killed an unnamed al-Shabab leader suspected of being involved in a January attack in Kenya that killed a U.S. service member, Spc. Henry J. Mayfield, Jr., 23, of Evergreen Park, Ill.
U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of AFRICOM, has called al-Shabab an al-Qaida affiliate and an "enemy of peace," in East Africa.
Last year, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a pair of car bombs in Mogadishu that killed at least eight people and injured at least 16.


upi--2020-08-08--Amber Guyger to appeal murder conviction in Botham Jean case

Aug. 8 ( UPI ) -- Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger filed for an appeal this week of her murder conviction for shooting neighbor Botham Jean last year .
Her lawyers argued in court documents that she should be acquitted of the murder because she believed she was in her apartment at the time of the fatal shooting and acted in self-defense .
They requested a lesser charge of negligent homicide and a new hearing for her punishment .
Guyger , a White off-duty officer still in uniform at the time , fatally shot the unarmed 26-year-old Black accountant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating ice cream at his apartment on Sept. 6 , 2018 .
She said she thought she was entering her own apartment one floor below and mistook Jean for a burglar .
Her mistaken belief `` negated culpability of murder because although she intentionally and knowingly caused Jean 's death , she had the right to act in deadly force of self-defense , '' court documents said .
Guyger was convicted of murder in October and sentenced to 10 years in prison .
Prosecutors said at the trial that Guyger should have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but she was more concerned about losing her job .
The case was one of several cases over the past decade of police use of force against unarmed Black men and women that got garnered attention by activists speaking out against racial bias in law enforcement .
The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 ignited global outcry and ongoing Black Lives Matter protests .

Amber Guyger's attorneys filed for an appeal of her 2019 murder conviction this week. File Photo courtesy of Kaufman County Jail
Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger filed for an appeal this week of her murder conviction for shooting neighbor Botham Jean last year. Her lawyers argued in court documents that she should be acquitted of the murder because she believed she was in her apartment at the time of the fatal shooting and acted in self-defense. Advertisement
They requested a lesser charge of negligent homicide and a new hearing for her punishment.
Guyger, a White off-duty officer still in uniform at the time, fatally shot the unarmed 26-year-old Black accountant, who had been watching TV and eating ice cream at his apartment on Sept. 6, 2018. She said she thought she was entering her own apartment one floor below and mistook Jean for a burglar.
Her mistaken belief "negated culpability of murder because although she intentionally and knowingly caused Jean's death, she had the right to act in deadly force of self-defense," court documents said.
Guyger was convicted of murder in October and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors said at the trial that Guyger should have done more to help Jean after shooting him, but she was more concerned about losing her job.
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The case was one of several cases over the past decade of police use of force against unarmed Black men and women that got garnered attention by activists speaking out against racial bias in law enforcement.
The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 ignited global outcry and ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
Protesters march for social justice


upi--2020-08-08--Thunderstorms set to rumble across the Plains, Midwest this weekend

After a refreshing stretch of cooler weather across much of the Plains and Midwest in recent days , building heat and humidity across the region will provide fuel for thunderstorm development this weekend .
The building heat and humidity across the center and northern tier of the nation is in response to a northward retreat of the jet stream winds , which plays a major role in day-to-day weather .
During the summer months , subtle disturbances embedded within the jet stream winds are often responsible for explosive thunderstorm development .
The thunderstorm threat over the coming days will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After thunderstorms rolled across the Upper Midwest Friday night , bringing along heavy rain and locally strong wind gusts to places like Duluth , Minn. , AccuWeather meteorologists are shifting their focus a little farther west across the Plains for the threat for thunderstorm development Saturday afternoon .
One of the weak embedded disturbances chugging along through the jet stream will slide eastward out of the Rocky Mountains towards the central Plains during the day on Saturday , and as it treks east of the Front Range , ingredients will come together for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveling along interstates 80 and 90 across Nebraska and South Dakota , will want to monitor the sky very closely during the afternoon hours , as thunderstorms can pop up and become severe within a matter of an hour , sometimes less .
While the threat for severe weather is expected to be higher to the east of Sturgis , South Dakota , a feisty afternoon thunderstorm can not totally be ruled out .
With thousands of bikers in the area for the annual motorcycle rally , visitors may want to find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case rain , hail or wind threaten their vehicles .
Other cities across the Plains at risk for strong wind gusts , hail and localized flash flooding on Saturday include North Platte and Kearney , Neb .
; and Pierre , S.D .
Into the evening and overnight hours , the threat is expected to continue eastward .
Sioux Falls , S.D .
; Omaha , Neb .
; and possibly even portions of western Minnesota and Iowa , could be threatened by severe thunderstorms if they can maintain intensity overnight .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday will be somewhat dependent on how the remaining atmospheric energy from Saturday 's activity behaves as it tracks eastward through the Midwest .
On top of that , there will be another reinforcing disturbance tracking across the Canadian border that could act as another focal point for thunderstorm activity .
As a result , there is an expansive area that could potentially deal with severe weather on Sunday .
Impacts from the expected thunderstorm activity on Sunday will likely be similar in nature to what we expect to occur on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of large hail and downpours , which could lead to localized reports of flash flooding are all expected to play out within the threat zone .
Cities at risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday include Eau Claire and La Crosse , Wis. ; Minneapolis and Rochester , Minn. ; and even cities along the Interstate-29 corridor in the Dakotas .
Conditions will begin to calm down across the Plains and Upper Midwest early next week as an advancing cold front is expected to sweep through the region .
In its wake , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefly settle in , resulting in quieter conditions .

After a refreshing stretch of cooler weather across much of the Plains and Midwest in recent days, building heat and humidity across the region will provide fuel for thunderstorm development this weekend.
The building heat and humidity across the center and northern tier of the nation is in response to a northward retreat of the jet stream winds, which plays a major role in day-to-day weather. During the summer months, subtle disturbances embedded within the jet stream winds are often responsible for explosive thunderstorm development.
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The thunderstorm threat over the coming days will be in direct response to those events.
After thunderstorms rolled across the Upper Midwest Friday night, bringing along heavy rain and locally strong wind gusts to places like Duluth, Minn., AccuWeather meteorologists are shifting their focus a little farther west across the Plains for the threat for thunderstorm development Saturday afternoon.
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One of the weak embedded disturbances chugging along through the jet stream will slide eastward out of the Rocky Mountains towards the central Plains during the day on Saturday, and as it treks east of the Front Range, ingredients will come together for severe thunderstorms across the region.
Motorists traveling along interstates 80 and 90 across Nebraska and South Dakota, will want to monitor the sky very closely during the afternoon hours, as thunderstorms can pop up and become severe within a matter of an hour, sometimes less.
While the threat for severe weather is expected to be higher to the east of Sturgis, South Dakota, a feisty afternoon thunderstorm cannot totally be ruled out. With thousands of bikers in the area for the annual motorcycle rally, visitors may want to find a safe place to keep their bike in case rain, hail or wind threaten their vehicles.
Other cities across the Plains at risk for strong wind gusts, hail and localized flash flooding on Saturday include North Platte and Kearney, Neb.; and Pierre, S.D.
Into the evening and overnight hours, the threat is expected to continue eastward. Sioux Falls, S.D.; Omaha, Neb.; and possibly even portions of western Minnesota and Iowa, could be threatened by severe thunderstorms if they can maintain intensity overnight.
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The setup for severe weather during the day on Sunday will be somewhat dependent on how the remaining atmospheric energy from Saturday's activity behaves as it tracks eastward through the Midwest. On top of that, there will be another reinforcing disturbance tracking across the Canadian border that could act as another focal point for thunderstorm activity.
As a result, there is an expansive area that could potentially deal with severe weather on Sunday.
Impacts from the expected thunderstorm activity on Sunday will likely be similar in nature to what we expect to occur on Saturday. Damaging wind gusts, isolated reports of large hail and downpours, which could lead to localized reports of flash flooding are all expected to play out within the threat zone.
Cities at risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday include Eau Claire and La Crosse, Wis.; Minneapolis and Rochester, Minn.; and even cities along the Interstate-29 corridor in the Dakotas.
Conditions will begin to calm down across the Plains and Upper Midwest early next week as an advancing cold front is expected to sweep through the region. In its wake, an area of high pressure is expected to briefly settle in, resulting in quieter conditions.