upi--2020-09-07--Adams, Thomas, Beckham top 2020 fantasy football wide receiver rankings

Aug. 20 ( UPI ) -- Green Bay Packers pass-catcher Davante Adams should see an abundance of targets as the No .
1 option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers this year and ranks No .
1 in my top-100 wide receiver rankings for the 2020 fantasy football season .
New Orleans Saints All-Pro Michael Thomas is my No .
2 option at the position .
I expect Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to have a bounce-back campaign this year and he is the No .
3 wide receiver in my pre-draft rankings .
Tyreek Hill , DeAndre Hopkins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thielen and Julio Jones round out my top-10 players at the position .
Strategy will play a huge role in when any of these elite pass catchers joins your roster on draft day .
You likely will need to use a first-round or early second-round pick on any of the players I have ranked in the top-five at the position .
You could add two high-end options if you draw a pick at the back half of your draft .
I split my top targets into five tiers : Hall of Fame , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( early to mid-round targets ) and Deep Sleepers ( mid- to late-round sleepers ) .
The top-100 positional rankings are below .
Packers wide receiver Davante Adams missed four games last season due to injury , but still logged 83 catches for 997 yards and five touchdowns in his 12 appearances .
I expect a huge bounce-back year for the Packers Pro Bowler in 2020 .
Adams had a career-high 1,386 yards and 13 scores in 15 games during his 2018 campaign .
The Packers simply do n't have enough complementary weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an abundance of targets once again for Adams .
Adams also has a decent schedule for the fantasy football regular season -- the first 13 weeks of the 2020 NFL season .
He faces just one defense that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2019 .
He has five matchups against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position , including two such matchups in the first three weeks of the season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrific option for your first pick in your fantasy football draft .
Thomas is about as safe as it gets as far as production .
He has been named an All-Pro in back-to-back seasons and had an NFL-record 149 catches in 2019 .
Thomas has averaged more than 150 targets per season since he entered the NFL in 2016 .
He was targeted a career-high 185 times last season and turned that into 1,725 yards and nine scores .
I expect Thomas to haul in at least 115 catches for 1,300 yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give you a weekly advantage as an elite WR1 .
Odell Beckham Jr. 's first season with the Browns did n't go as planned .
The three-time Pro Bowl selection had just 1,035 yards and four scores on 74 catches in 16 games in 2019 .
The Browns were viewed as a contender to make the playoffs before last season , but have much less buzz as they enter the 2020 campaign .
I expect the Browns to play much better in 2020 and Beckham to flourish under new coach Kevin Stefanski and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an offensive-minded head coach and helped Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen become a very formidable duo during his previous tenure with the Minnesota Vikings .
He could do the same for Jarvis Landry , Beckham and the Browns ' other skill-position players .
Van Pelt also should also provide a boost for Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield , which could result in increased production for Cleveland 's entire offense .
I expect Beckham , who played through multiple injuries in 2019 , to return to elite fantasy football status .
I would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller leagues , but I would trust him as a WR1 this season .
He should provide terrific value as a late first-round or early second-round pick in leagues with at least 12 teams .
I project Beckham to haul in at least 95 catches for 1,300 yards if he plays in 16 games this season .
He also has a shot at a double-digit touchdown total .
Tyreek Hill is one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL .
The Chiefs speedster returns as a WR1 at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect HIll to be an elite option in 2020 , it remains to be seen how much Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the Chiefs ' replenished arsenal of pass catchers could chip into his receptions total .
Hill is my No .
4 option at the position in 2020 and should provide terrific second-round value in most leagues .
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a perennial top-end WR1 during his tenure with the Houston Texans .
He now is part of an emerging Arizona Cardinals offense after he joined the team in an off-season trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray , but I still expect the three-time All-Pro to post at least 1,200 yards in 2020 .
Hopkins , who has had at least 150 targets in each of the last five seasons , should draw a similar target total in Arizona .
He is a safe second-round pick in 2020 , but may be a bit of a reach as a first-round selection if you are looking for a cornerstone for your fantasy football squad .
The Bears could be a fantasy football surprise in 2020 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allen Robinson .
The former Jacksonville Jaguars playmaker had a career-high 98 catches for 1,147 yards and seven scores in 2019 and could have an even better year in 2020 if he has more consistent quarterback play .
The Bears traded for veteran quarterback Nick Foles this off-season and he is expected to compete with Mitchell Trubisky for the starting quarterback job .
The competition itself should improve the team 's quarterback play .
Foles also could elevate the Bears ' offense if he wins the competition in training camp .
Chicago has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receivers this year , with six games against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points to the position last season .
The Bears have just one game against a team that ranked inside the top-10 for fewest points allowed to wide receivers in 2019 .
Robinson should be a lock to post at least 1,200 yards and 95 catches .
He could provide elite WR1 value if he reaches 10 touchdowns in 2020 .
He is my No .
6 option among wide receivers and should provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top pass-catching option in the Cowboys offense .
He should post another WR1 campaign in 2020 for fantasy football squads .
The Cowboys selected former Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and still have emerging threat Michael Gallup on their roster , but Cooper remains a top-10 fantasy football wide receiver .
I expect the Cowboys wide receiver to haul in at least 80 catches and come close to 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns .
Cooper should provide solid return as a late second-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide excellent value as a late-round pick in your fantasy football draft .
He is my No .
35 option at the position and is worth a reach any time after the eighth round in your draft .
I expect Jefferson to see a lot of targets as the second pass-catching threat in the Vikings ' offense after the team traded away Stefon Diggs this off-season .
He should provide WR3 value at some point this season , but should n't be drafted to be an immediate starter for your squad .
Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your bench after he proves his fantasy football value on the field .
Brandon Aiyuk is another rookie who is worth a dart throw late in your fantasy football draft .
The 49ers took the former Arizona State wide receiver in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft .
San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel is still recovering from foot surgery .
The 49ers also lost veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders this off-season in free agency .
Wide receiver Jalen Hurd also is expected to miss the season due to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the obvious No .
1 threat in the 49ers ' offense , but the No .
2 role is wide open as we enter the 2020 season .
Aiyuk is a sneaky sleeper target with the talent and opportunity to provide value off of your bench .

1/3
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is the No. 3 option in my top-100 wide receiver rankings for the 2020 fantasy football season. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Green Bay Packers pass-catcher Davante Adams should see an abundance of targets as the No. 1 option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers this year and ranks No. 1 in my top-100 wide receiver rankings for the 2020 fantasy football season. New Orleans Saints All-Pro Michael Thomas is my No. 2 option at the position. I expect Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to have a bounce-back campaign this year and he is the No. 3 wide receiver in my pre-draft rankings. Advertisement
Tyreek Hill, DeAndre Hopkins, Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin, Adam Thielen and Julio Jones round out my top-10 players at the position.
Advertisement
Strategy will play a huge role in when any of these elite pass catchers joins your roster on draft day. You likely will need to use a first-round or early second-round pick on any of the players I have ranked in the top-five at the position. You could add two high-end options if you draw a pick at the back half of your draft.
I split my top targets into five tiers: Hall of Fame, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Just Napping (early to mid-round targets) and Deep Sleepers (mid- to late-round sleepers). The top-100 positional rankings are below.
Hall of Fame
1. Davante Adams, 2. Michael Thomas
Packers wide receiver Davante Adams missed four games last season due to injury, but still logged 83 catches for 997 yards and five touchdowns in his 12 appearances. I expect a huge bounce-back year for the Packers Pro Bowler in 2020.
Adams had a career-high 1,386 yards and 13 scores in 15 games during his 2018 campaign. The Packers simply don't have enough complementary weapons in their offense, which should lead to an abundance of targets once again for Adams.
Adams also has a decent schedule for the fantasy football regular season -- the first 13 weeks of the 2020 NFL season. He faces just one defense that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2019.
Advertisement
He has five matchups against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position, including two such matchups in the first three weeks of the season.
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is another terrific option for your first pick in your fantasy football draft. Thomas is about as safe as it gets as far as production.
He has been named an All-Pro in back-to-back seasons and had an NFL-record 149 catches in 2019. Thomas has averaged more than 150 targets per season since he entered the NFL in 2016. He was targeted a career-high 185 times last season and turned that into 1,725 yards and nine scores.
I expect Thomas to haul in at least 115 catches for 1,300 yards and eight scores in 2020. He will give you a weekly advantage as an elite WR1.
All-Pro
3. Odell Beckham Jr., 4. Tyreek Hill
Odell Beckham Jr.'s first season with the Browns didn't go as planned. The three-time Pro Bowl selection had just 1,035 yards and four scores on 74 catches in 16 games in 2019. The Browns were viewed as a contender to make the playoffs before last season, but have much less buzz as they enter the 2020 campaign.
Advertisement
I expect the Browns to play much better in 2020 and Beckham to flourish under new coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Stefanski is an offensive-minded head coach and helped Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen become a very formidable duo during his previous tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.
He could do the same for Jarvis Landry, Beckham and the Browns' other skill-position players. Van Pelt also should also provide a boost for Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, which could result in increased production for Cleveland's entire offense.
I expect Beckham, who played through multiple injuries in 2019, to return to elite fantasy football status. I wouldn't use a first-round pick on him in smaller leagues, but I would trust him as a WR1 this season. He should provide terrific value as a late first-round or early second-round pick in leagues with at least 12 teams.
I project Beckham to haul in at least 95 catches for 1,300 yards if he plays in 16 games this season. He also has a shot at a double-digit touchdown total.
Tyreek Hill is one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL. The Chiefs speedster returns as a WR1 at the start of the 2020 fantasy football season.
Advertisement
While I expect HIll to be an elite option in 2020, it remains to be seen how much Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the Chiefs' replenished arsenal of pass catchers could chip into his receptions total. Hill is my No. 4 option at the position in 2020 and should provide terrific second-round value in most leagues.
Pro Bowl
5. DeAndre Hopkins
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a perennial top-end WR1 during his tenure with the Houston Texans. He now is part of an emerging Arizona Cardinals offense after he joined the team in an off-season trade.
Hopkins will need to develop chemistry with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, but I still expect the three-time All-Pro to post at least 1,200 yards in 2020. Hopkins, who has had at least 150 targets in each of the last five seasons, should draw a similar target total in Arizona.
He is a safe second-round pick in 2020, but may be a bit of a reach as a first-round selection if you are looking for a cornerstone for your fantasy football squad.
Just Napping
6. Allen Robinson, 7. Amari Cooper
Advertisement
The Bears could be a fantasy football surprise in 2020 and that movement might begin with wide receiver Allen Robinson. The former Jacksonville Jaguars playmaker had a career-high 98 catches for 1,147 yards and seven scores in 2019 and could have an even better year in 2020 if he has more consistent quarterback play.
The Bears traded for veteran quarterback Nick Foles this off-season and he is expected to compete with Mitchell Trubisky for the starting quarterback job. The competition itself should improve the team's quarterback play. Foles also could elevate the Bears' offense if he wins the competition in training camp.
Chicago has one of the most fantasy-football-friendly schedules for wide receivers this year, with six games against teams that ranked inside the top-10 for allowing the most fantasy points to the position last season.
The Bears have just one game against a team that ranked inside the top-10 for fewest points allowed to wide receivers in 2019.
Robinson should be a lock to post at least 1,200 yards and 95 catches. He could provide elite WR1 value if he reaches 10 touchdowns in 2020. He is my No. 6 option among wide receivers and should provide stable WR1 production.
Advertisement
Amari Cooper remains the top pass-catching option in the Cowboys offense. He should post another WR1 campaign in 2020 for fantasy football squads.
The Cowboys selected former Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and still have emerging threat Michael Gallup on their roster, but Cooper remains a top-10 fantasy football wide receiver.
I expect the Cowboys wide receiver to haul in at least 80 catches and come close to 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cooper should provide solid return as a late second-round pick.
Deep Sleepers
30. Julian Edelman, 35. Justin Jefferson, 44. Brandon Aiyuk
Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson should provide excellent value as a late-round pick in your fantasy football draft. He is my No. 35 option at the position and is worth a reach any time after the eighth round in your draft.
I expect Jefferson to see a lot of targets as the second pass-catching threat in the Vikings' offense after the team traded away Stefon Diggs this off-season.
He should provide WR3 value at some point this season, but shouldn't be drafted to be an immediate starter for your squad. Jefferson is a great option to come off of your bench after he proves his fantasy football value on the field.
Advertisement
Brandon Aiyuk is another rookie who is worth a dart throw late in your fantasy football draft. The 49ers took the former Arizona State wide receiver in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel is still recovering from foot surgery. The 49ers also lost veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders this off-season in free agency. Wide receiver Jalen Hurd also is expected to miss the season due to an injury.
Tight end George Kittle is the obvious No. 1 threat in the 49ers' offense, but the No. 2 role is wide open as we enter the 2020 season. Aiyuk is a sneaky sleeper target with the talent and opportunity to provide value off of your bench.
Top 100 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings for 2020
1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
2. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints, Bye Week 6
3. Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns, Bye Week 9
4. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
5. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
6. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears, Bye Week 11
7. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
Advertisement
8. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bye Week 13
9. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings, Bye Week 7
10. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons, Bye Week 10
11. Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
12. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills, Bye Week 11
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
14. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
15. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks, Bye Week 6
16. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers, Bye Week 13
17. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bye Week 13
18. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
19. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
20. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks, Bye Week 6
21. Will Fuller, Houston Texans, Bye Week 8
22. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons, Bye Week 10
23. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers, Bye Week 10
Advertisement
24. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
25. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans, Bye Week 8
26. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8
27. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans, Bye Week 7
28. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
29. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team, Bye Week 8
30. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
31. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
32. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns, Bye Week 9
33. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
34. Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
35. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings, Bye Week 7
36. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans, Bye Week 7
37. Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
38. Darius Slayton, New York Giants, Bye Week 11
Advertisement
39. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
40. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
41. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins, Bye Week 11
42. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints, Bye Week 6
43. John Brown, Buffalo Bills, Bye Week 11
44. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, Bye Week 11
45. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
46. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, Bye Week 11
47. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets, Bye Week 11
48. Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears, Bye Week 11
49. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
50. Golden Tate, New York Giants, Bye Week 11
51. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
52. Preston Williams, Miami Dolphins, Bye Week 11
53. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
54. Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers, Bye Week 13
Advertisement
55. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8
56. N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6
57. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers, Bye Week 11
58. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
59. Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
60. Laviska Shenault Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
61. Denzel Mims, New York Jets, Bye Week 11
62. Bryan Edwards, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
63. Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers, Bye Week 13
64. Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
65. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
66. Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
67. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
68. Kenny Stills, Houston Texans, Bye Week 8
69. James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
70. Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers, Bye Week 10
71. Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
72. Breshad Perriman, New York Jets, Bye Week 11
Advertisement
73. John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
74. Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
75. Randall Cobb, Dallas Cowboys, Bye Week 10
76. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
77. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills, Bye Week 11
78. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
79. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
80. Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams, Bye Week 9
81. Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions, Bye Week 5
82. Steven Sims Jr., Washington Football Team, Bye Week 8
83. Miles Boykin, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
84. Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints, Bye Week 6
85. Chris Conley, Jacksonville Jaguars, Bye Week 7
86. Andy Isabella, Arizona Cardinals, Bye Week 8
87. Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons, Bye Week 10
88. Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders, Bye Week 6
89. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers, Bye Week 8
90. K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos, Bye Week 8
91. Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts, Bye Week 7
Advertisement
92. Equanimeous St. Brown, Green Bay Packers, Bye Week 5
93. Phillip Dorsett, Seattle Seahawks, Bye Week 6
94. Adam Humphries, Tennessee Titans, Bye Week 7
95. Auden Tate, Cincinnati Bengals, Bye Week 9
96. Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles, Bye Week 9
97. DeMarcus Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs, Bye Week 10
98. Willie Snead, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
99. Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens, Bye Week 8
100. Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots, Bye Week 6


upi--2020-09-07--WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appears at extradition hearing

Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appeared at London 's Old Bailey on Monday for a hearing to determine whether he should be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges .
The 49-year-old told the British court he did n't consent to being sent to the United States to be tried on 18 charges , which bring up to 175 years in prison .
An attorney acting on behalf of the U.S. government , James Lewis , accused Assange 's lawyers of `` an attack upon the president of the United States [ which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies relevant to this case , the Constitution of the United States and the independence of its courts . ''
He also said the defense was inaccurately treating Assange as if he were a journalist .
Assange 's attorney , Edward Fitzgerald , said the United States was pursuing his client for `` ulterior political motives . ''
Assange was arrested in April 2019 .
He had been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since 2012 when he sought asylum to dodge sexual assault charges in Sweden .
Assange was arrested after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecuador 's President Lenin Moreno said the country 's patience for Assange had `` reached its limit '' after `` repeated violations to international conventions and daily life . ''
The WikiLeaks founder was indicted on 17 new charges of violating the Espionage Act in May of last year and already faced a charge from March 2018 of conspiring to commit unlawful computer intrusion , which carried a maximum five years in prison .
Assange was accused of working with former intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain and publicly release classified information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 18 counts with each violation of the Espionage Act carrying a maximum 10-year sentence .

Demonstrators protest in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange outside the Old Bailey in London on Monday. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE
Sept. 7 (UPI) -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appeared at London's Old Bailey on Monday for a hearing to determine whether he should be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges. The 49-year-old told the British court he didn't consent to being sent to the United States to be tried on 18 charges, which bring up to 175 years in prison. Advertisement
An attorney acting on behalf of the U.S. government, James Lewis, accused Assange's lawyers of "an attack upon the president of the United States [which] ignores the institutional competencies of the agencies relevant to this case, the Constitution of the United States and the independence of its courts."
He also said the defense was inaccurately treating Assange as if he were a journalist.
Assange's attorney, Edward Fitzgerald, said the United States was pursuing his client for "ulterior political motives."
Assange was arrested in April 2019. He had been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since 2012 when he sought asylum to dodge sexual assault charges in Sweden. Assange was arrested after Ecuador withdrew its offer of asylum. Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno said the country's patience for Assange had "reached its limit" after "repeated violations to international conventions and daily life."
Advertisement
The WikiLeaks founder was indicted on 17 new charges of violating the Espionage Act in May of last year and already faced a charge from March 2018 of conspiring to commit unlawful computer intrusion, which carried a maximum five years in prison. Assange was accused of working with former intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain and publicly release classified information. The new charges brought his total charges to 18 counts with each violation of the Espionage Act carrying a maximum 10-year sentence.


upi--2020-09-07--Indians pitcher Shane Bieber baffles Brewers, moves to 7-0 in 2020

Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber allowed five hits and one run and had 10 strikeouts in five innings to earn his seventh win of the season with a dominant outing against the Milwaukee Brewers .
Bieber is now tied for the league lead in wins and has an MLB-best 1.25 ERA after the pristine performance Sunday at Progressive Field in Cleveland .
Indians catcher Carlos Santana went 2 for 3 with two RBIs in the 4-1 win .
`` I 'm learning and growing a lot and learning how to attack in different ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would like to get a lot deeper into ball games , but certain teams are trying to get my pitch count up .
`` I have to take it for what it 's worth and keep it rolling . ''
The Indians pitcher has n't allowed more than three runs or six hits in any of his nine starts this season .
He has pitched for at least five innings in each of those starts .
Bieber also has had at least 10 strikeouts in six starts in 2020 .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't allow a run .
Bieber retired the first 11 Brewers batters in order and did n't allow a hit until the fourth inning on Sunday .
Santana gave the Indians a 1-0 lead with an RBI double in the bottom of the first frame .
Indians left fielder Jordan Luplow doubled the Indians ' lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning .
Brewers catcher Jaco Nottingham slapped an RBI single to second base to cut the Indians lead to 2-1 in the fifth frame .
Santana plated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of the sixth inning .
Franmil Reyes plated the final run of the game when he grounded into a double play in the same frame .
Indians relief pitchers Phil Maton , Dominic Leone , Nick Wittgren and Brad Hand combined to allow just two hits in four shutout innings to secure the Tribe 's triumph .
Hand earned his 11th save of the season .
Brewers starter Brett Anderson allowed six hits and four runs in five innings to move to 2-3 on the season .
Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored and a walk in the win .
Luplow went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a walk for the Indians .
Brewers first baseman Jace Peterson went 2 for 3 in the loss .
The Brewers ( 18-21 ) battle the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Comerica Park in Detroit .
The Indians ( 25-15 ) host the Kansas City Royals at 6:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Progressive Field .

Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber lowered his season ERA to 1.25 and moved to 7-0 in 2020 after he picked up a win over the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday in Cleveland. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber allowed five hits and one run and had 10 strikeouts in five innings to earn his seventh win of the season with a dominant outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. Bieber is now tied for the league lead in wins and has an MLB-best 1.25 ERA after the pristine performance Sunday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Indians catcher Carlos Santana went 2 for 3 with two RBIs in the 4-1 win. Advertisement
"I'm learning and growing a lot and learning how to attack in different ways," Bieber told reporters. "I would like to get a lot deeper into ball games, but certain teams are trying to get my pitch count up.
"I have to take it for what it's worth and keep it rolling."
The Indians pitcher hasn't allowed more than three runs or six hits in any of his nine starts this season. He has pitched for at least five innings in each of those starts. Bieber also has had at least 10 strikeouts in six starts in 2020. He has had five starts in which he didn't allow a run.
Advertisement
Bieber retired the first 11 Brewers batters in order and didn't allow a hit until the fourth inning on Sunday. Santana gave the Indians a 1-0 lead with an RBI double in the bottom of the first frame. Indians left fielder Jordan Luplow doubled the Indians' lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Brewers catcher Jaco Nottingham slapped an RBI single to second base to cut the Indians lead to 2-1 in the fifth frame.
Santana plated Jose Ramirez with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning. Franmil Reyes plated the final run of the game when he grounded into a double play in the same frame.
Indians relief pitchers Phil Maton, Dominic Leone, Nick Wittgren and Brad Hand combined to allow just two hits in four shutout innings to secure the Tribe's triumph. Hand earned his 11th save of the season.
Brewers starter Brett Anderson allowed six hits and four runs in five innings to move to 2-3 on the season.
Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and a walk in the win. Luplow went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a walk for the Indians. Brewers first baseman Jace Peterson went 2 for 3 in the loss.
Advertisement
The Brewers (18-21) battle the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Comerica Park in Detroit. The Indians (25-15) host the Kansas City Royals at 6:10 p.m. EDT Monday at Progressive Field.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-09-07--Ryan Fitzpatrick named starting quarterback for Miami Dolphins

MIAMI , Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores on Monday named veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick the team 's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2020 season .
Flores referenced how the coronavirus pandemic has limited practice sessions for one of the factors for the decision to name Fitzpatrick the team 's starter .
`` This is n't groundbreaking news , '' Flores said .
`` Fitz is going to be the starter .
With a year like this , with no OTAs , mincamp and modified training camp , that was the best decision for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day after the Dolphins waived backup quarterback Josh Rosen .
The Dolphins also have former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on their depth chart .
The No .
5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is expected to open the season as the team 's No .
2 quarterback .
The Dolphins face the New England Patriots in their first game of the season at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass .
Fitzpatrick , 37 , completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,529 yards , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season .
The 15-year veteran posted a 5-8 record in 13 starts in 2019 .
Tagovailoa and Fitzpatrick are the only quarterbacks on the team 's active roster , but the Dolphins signed backup Jake Rudock to the practice squad over the weekend and have some dynamic players who could fill in at the position if needed .
The Dolphins traded for former Las Vegas Raiders running back Lynn Bowden Jr. on Saturday .
Bowden played quarterback , running back and wide receiver at Kentucky before he joined the Raiders in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Dolphins picked Malcolm Perry out of Navy with a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft .
Perry is listed as a running back on the Dolphins ' official roster , but played quarterback in college .
Bowden is listed as a Dolphins wide receiver .

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the team's Week 1 clash against the New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. Photo by Rhona Wise/EPA-EFE
MIAMI, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores on Monday named veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2020 season. Flores referenced how the coronavirus pandemic has limited practice sessions for one of the factors for the decision to name Fitzpatrick the team's starter. Advertisement
"This isn't groundbreaking news," Flores said. "Fitz is going to be the starter. With a year like this, with no OTAs, mincamp and modified training camp, that was the best decision for the team."
The move came a day after the Dolphins waived backup quarterback Josh Rosen. The Dolphins also have former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on their depth chart. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is expected to open the season as the team's No. 2 quarterback.
The Dolphins face the New England Patriots in their first game of the season at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Fitzpatrick, 37, completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,529 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 games last season. The 15-year veteran posted a 5-8 record in 13 starts in 2019.
Advertisement
Tagovailoa and Fitzpatrick are the only quarterbacks on the team's active roster, but the Dolphins signed backup Jake Rudock to the practice squad over the weekend and have some dynamic players who could fill in at the position if needed.
The Dolphins traded for former Las Vegas Raiders running back Lynn Bowden Jr. on Saturday. Bowden played quarterback, running back and wide receiver at Kentucky before he joined the Raiders in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins picked Malcolm Perry out of Navy with a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Perry is listed as a running back on the Dolphins' official roster, but played quarterback in college. Bowden is listed as a Dolphins wide receiver.


upi--2020-09-07--Stanley Cup playoffs: Stars shut out Golden Knights in Game 1 of West finals

Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- John Klingberg scored 2:36 into the first period and goalie Anton Khudobin kept the puck from going between the pipes in the Dallas Stars ' shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals .
Khudobin had 25 saves in the 1-0 victory Sunday at Rogers Place in Edmonton , Alberta , Canada .
Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury had 24 saves in the loss .
Dallas had allowed 3.5 goals per game before Sunday 's shutout , the most of the four-team field still in the playoffs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great game , '' Klingberg told reporters .
`` He won the game for us .
We gave them [ the Golden Knights ] a little too much life in the third period , but we will take it and move on .
We are up 1-0 . ''
Center Radek Faksa stole the puck and raced out in transition to spark the game 's lone scoring sequence .
Faksa skated up the left flank before he slid the puck to left wing Jamie Benn near the Vegas blue line .
Benn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the attempt was blocked .
Klingberg collected the rebound before he smashed a shot past Fleury and into the left side of the net .
The No .
3 seed will face the top-seeded Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Edmonton .
`` That was Dallas Stars hockey for two periods , '' Stars coach Rick Bowness said of the defensive effort .
`` We were skating and on top of them .
We created a lot of offense from good defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The winner of the best-of-seven series will face the New York Islanders or Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final .
The Islanders and Lightning clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m. EDT Monday at Rogers Place .
`` I still have so much confidence in this team and the way we play , '' Fleury said of the Golden Knights .
`` I think we are going to learn from our mistakes .
We are n't worried about it .
We will be fine .
@

Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Sunday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 7 (UPI) -- John Klingberg scored 2:36 into the first period and goalie Anton Khudobin kept the puck from going between the pipes in the Dallas Stars' shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Khudobin had 25 saves in the 1-0 victory Sunday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury had 24 saves in the loss. Dallas had allowed 3.5 goals per game before Sunday's shutout, the most of the four-team field still in the playoffs. Advertisement
"Khudobin stepped up for us and played a great game," Klingberg told reporters.
"He won the game for us. We gave them [the Golden Knights] a little too much life in the third period, but we will take it and move on. We are up 1-0."
Center Radek Faksa stole the puck and raced out in transition to spark the game's lone scoring sequence.
Faksa skated up the left flank before he slid the puck to left wing Jamie Benn near the Vegas blue line. Benn then fired a backhanded wrist shot, but the attempt was blocked. Klingberg collected the rebound before he smashed a shot past Fleury and into the left side of the net.
Advertisement
The No. 3 seed will face the top-seeded Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Edmonton.
"That was Dallas Stars hockey for two periods," Stars coach Rick Bowness said of the defensive effort. "We were skating and on top of them. We created a lot of offense from good defensive structure all over the ice."
The winner of the best-of-seven series will face the New York Islanders or Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. The Islanders and Lightning clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m. EDT Monday at Rogers Place.
"I still have so much confidence in this team and the way we play," Fleury said of the Golden Knights. "I think we are going to learn from our mistakes. We aren't worried about it. We will be fine."


upi--2020-09-07--Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny wakes from coma

Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- Doctors in Germany said Monday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny woke from a @ @ @ @ @ result of a nerve agent poisoning .
The Charite hospital said doctors removed Navalny from @ @ @ @ @ mechanical ventilation .
They said he responded to verbal stimuli .
`` It remains too @ @ @ @ @ long-term effects of his severe poisoning , '' the hospital said .
Doctors said Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ nerve agent from the Novichok-class group , similar to the poison that nearly killed a @ @ @ @ @ in Britain two years ago .
Navalny became sick on a plane traveling from Siberia @ @ @ @ @ .
Two days later , at the urging of his family and political team , @ @ @ @ @ for treatment .
The European Council condemned the poisoning Thursday `` in the strongest words @ @ @ @ @ use of chemical weapons `` is completely unacceptable under any circumstances . ''
The Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ attack against Navalny .

Doctors said Alexei Navalny is responding to verbal stimuli. File Photo by Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA-EFE
Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Doctors in Germany said Monday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny woke from a coma they said was the result of a nerve agent poisoning. The Charite hospital said doctors removed Navalny from his medically induced coma and mechanical ventilation. They said he responded to verbal stimuli. Advertisement
"It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning," the hospital said.
Doctors said Wednesday he was poisoned with a nerve agent from the Novichok-class group, similar to the poison that nearly killed a Russian spy and his daughter in Britain two years ago.
Navalny became sick on a plane traveling from Siberia to Moscow on Aug. 20. Two days later, at the urging of his family and political team, he was taken to Berlin for treatment.
The European Council condemned the poisoning Thursday "in the strongest words possible," saying the use of chemical weapons "is completely unacceptable under any circumstances."
The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack against Navalny.


upi--2020-09-07--'Doc Martin' ending with Season 10

'Doc Martin' ending with Season 10

Sept. 7 ( UPI ) -- The 10th and final season of the dramedy Doc Martin is set to start @ @ @ @ @ , ITV announced Monday .
Co-starring Caroline Catz , the show about a cantankerous small-town @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Minghella .
Its last season is expected to debut later next year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ series of Doc Martin .
When we launched the series in 2004 we could never @ @ @ @ @ loyal viewers would take to the grumpy Doc like they have .
The series has @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom and throughout the world and we are thrilled that Doc Martin has topped @ @ @ @ @ '' Clunes and producer Philippa Braithwaite said in a statement .
`` However , after @ @ @ @ @ feel that the time has come to say goodbye to Portwenn .
We will be @ @ @ @ @ series in 2021 and we are very much looking forward to returning to Cornwall to @ @ @ @

Martin Clunes' dramedy "Doc Martin" is wrapping up with its 10th season. Photo courtesy of ITV
Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The 10th and final season of the dramedy Doc Martin is set to start filming in Britain in 2021, ITV announced Monday. Co-starring Caroline Catz, the show about a cantankerous small-town physician was created by screenwriter Dominic Minghella. Its last season is expected to debut later next year. Advertisement
"We have loved making nine series of Doc Martin. When we launched the series in 2004 we could never have imagined how much our loyal viewers would take to the grumpy Doc like they have. The series has avid fans both in the United Kingdom and throughout the world and we are thrilled that Doc Martin has topped the ratings every time," Clunes and producer Philippa Braithwaite said in a statement.
"However, after 16 years, we now feel that the time has come to say goodbye to Portwenn. We will be making the tenth and final series in 2021 and we are very much looking forward to returning to Cornwall to film it."


upi--2020-09-07--Michael Rooker announces he battled COVID-19

Sept. 6 ( UPI ) -- Guardians of the Galaxy and The Walking Dead alum Michael Rooker announced on Facebook this weekend that he recently battled COVID-19 .
`` If y'all aint figured it out by now why I 've been isolating in this crazy awesome Airstream of mine , let me help y'all out by saying I 've been fighting off COVID-19 .
and I have to let y'all know it has been quite a battle , '' the 65-year-old actor wrote .
`` The end result of all those daily battles has come to an end .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put up a pretty good fight ... but bottom line , it ended up getting its ass knocked out !
buy [ sic ] my immune system.1,2 , punch to the head , 2 body shots and a left hook right upper-cut combination . ''
Rooker also shared a photo of his negative test results dated Friday .
On Sunday , he posted a photo of him pouting and holding a broken martini glass .
`` Noooooooooooooooo !
After all this time stuck inside ... dealing with this crazy COVID Not ABLE TO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the last straw !
I 'm done & done .
No more of this fancy fragile crap !
from now on it 's a good old beer stein for me ... ... ... ... and YES !
Dar is no reason why you ca n't drink a delicious Hendricks martini out of a stein !
!
! ''
he wrote .

Michael Rooker tested negative for COVID-19 after battling the virus. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Guardians of the Galaxy and The Walking Dead alum Michael Rooker announced on Facebook this weekend that he recently battled COVID-19. "If y'all aint figured it out by now why I've been isolating in this crazy awesome Airstream of mine, let me help y'all out by saying I've been fighting off COVID-19. and I have to let y'all know it has been quite a battle," the 65-year-old actor wrote. Advertisement
"The end result of all those daily battles has come to an end. My body has won the WAR! Covid put up a pretty good fight... but bottom line, it ended up getting its ass knocked out! buy [sic] my immune system.1,2, punch to the head, 2 body shots and a left hook right upper-cut combination."
Rooker also shared a photo of his negative test results dated Friday.
On Sunday, he posted a photo of him pouting and holding a broken martini glass.
"Noooooooooooooooo! After all this time stuck inside...dealing with this crazy COVID Not ABLE TO HANG with family and friends... this is the last straw! I'm done&done. No more of this fancy fragile crap!from now on it's a good old beer stein for me............and YES! Dar is no reason why you can't drink a delicious Hendricks martini out of a stein!!!" he wrote.


upi--2020-09-08--Look: Teyana Taylor, Iman Shumpert celebrate daughter Rue's birth

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are celebrating the birth of their second child .
The 29-year-old singer and actress and 30-year-old professional basketball player welcomed a daughter , Rue Rose , on Sunday .
Taylor and Shumpert married in October 2016 and also have a 4-year-old daughter , Iman Tayla , aka Junie .
The couple shared news of Rue 's birth Sunday on Instagram .
Taylor and Shumpert posted videos of their baby girl sleeping .
In the caption , Shumpert said Taylor gave birth in the bathroom of their home -- the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 .
`` At 3:28 am on Sept 6 2020 Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her and mommy was too lit .
She did n't make the party but she managed to make the next day her birthdate !
!
! ''
Shumpert wrote .
`` Now ... when we buy homes , we always find a bathroom with great energy ... but not in a million years would you be able to tell me we 'd deliver both of our daughters in a bathroom without the assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore ! ''
`` A healthy child .
A little sister .
Another daughter .
Black love wins ... .
again .
Welcome babygirl ... we love you ! ''
Shumpert added .
Taylor also voiced her love for baby Rue .
`` We love you Rue , welcome baby girl , '' she wrote .
Music duo Chloe x Halle , actress Taraji P. Henson , singer and actress Christina Milian and actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to congratulate the couple in the comments .
`` incredible !
!
!
God bless you and your beautiful family , '' Chloe x Halle wrote .
`` Wow !
That 's amazing !
Fate has its way .
Congratulations , she 's beautiful ! ''
Milian said .
Taylor and Shumpert announced in June that they were expecting their second child .
`` We 're ready , and we 're very excited , '' Taylor told People at the time .
`` Iman is super excited .
Junie is ecstatic -- I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just excited .
I ca n't wait . ''
Taylor later said on Nick Cannon 's Power 106 morning show that the plan was to have singer Erykah Badu serve as her midwife .

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are celebrating the birth of their second child.
The 29-year-old singer and actress and 30-year-old professional basketball player welcomed a daughter, Rue Rose, on Sunday.
Advertisement
Taylor and Shumpert married in October 2016 and also have a 4-year-old daughter, Iman Tayla, aka Junie. The couple shared news of Rue's birth Sunday on Instagram.
Taylor and Shumpert posted videos of their baby girl sleeping. In the caption, Shumpert said Taylor gave birth in the bathroom of their home -- the same place she gave birth to Junie in 2015.
"At 3:28 am on Sept 6 2020 Rue Rose decided that the baby shower thrown for her and mommy was too lit. She didn't make the party but she managed to make the next day her birthdate!!!" Shumpert wrote.
"Now... when we buy homes, we always find a bathroom with great energy... but not in a million years would you be able to tell me we'd deliver both of our daughters in a bathroom without the assistance of a hospital!" he said. "Our newest edition entered the world in the water and came out looking around and ready to explore!"
Advertisement
"A healthy child. A little sister. Another daughter. Black love wins.... again. Welcome babygirl... we love you!" Shumpert added.
Taylor also voiced her love for baby Rue.
"We love you Rue, welcome baby girl," she wrote.
Music duo Chloe x Halle, actress Taraji P. Henson, singer and actress Christina Milian and actor and producer Kenya Barris were among those to congratulate the couple in the comments.
"incredible!!! God bless you and your beautiful family," Chloe x Halle wrote.
"CONGRATS MOMMA!!!" Henson added.
"Wow! That's amazing! Fate has its way. Congratulations, she's beautiful!" Milian said.
Taylor and Shumpert announced in June that they were expecting their second child.
"We're ready, and we're very excited," Taylor told People at the time. "Iman is super excited. Junie is ecstatic -- I'm talking super ecstatic. Everybody is just excited. I can't wait."
Taylor later said on Nick Cannon's Power 106 morning show that the plan was to have singer Erykah Badu serve as her midwife.


upi--2020-09-08--Tropical Storm Rene producing heavy rains, gusts in west Atlantic Ocean

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Tropical Storm Rene is moving across the central Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday , producing strong winds and heavy rains , forecasters said .
The National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday update that Rene was 55 miles southwest of Santo Antao and had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph .
It was moving west at 15 mph .
`` On the forecast track , the center of Rene will move away from the Cabo Verde Islands later tonight , '' the NHC said .
The strongest winds , on the order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a maximum of 65 mph , are expected along and just to the north of Rene 's track , which will put the central and northern islands at the greatest risk for impact , Accuweather forecasters said .
`` The heaviest rain will fall along and just to the north of the [ Rene 's ] track where 2-4 inches are expected , with rainfall of 6 inches across the Cabo Verde Islands , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty said .
Rene is a short distance behind Tropical Storm Paulette , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next tropical storm name on the list for 2020 in the Atlantic is Sally .
As was the case with Paulette , there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal , Edouard , Fay , Gonzalo , Hanna , Isaias , Josephine , Kyle , Laura , Marco , Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their respective letters .
Before Rene , Rita , which formed on Sept. 18 , 2005 , was the record holder for the earliest `` R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer , AccuWeather meteorologists predicted a hyperactive peak hurricane season .
Meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes in total this season .
These numbers mean that the Greek alphabet will have to be utilized for tropical storm names , which was only done in one other season : 2005 .

Rene weakened Saturday to a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic and was easy of Hurricane Paulette. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Rene weakened Saturday to a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic, currently posing no threat to land. In its 5 p.m. AST Sunday update, the National Hurricane Center said Rene was about 1,145 miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. It had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and was moving northwest at 9 mph. Advertisement
The NHC said a slower northwestward motion is expected later Sunday, and a slow westward motion is forecast by Sunday night. On Monday and Tuesday, the system is forecast to move west-southwestward.
The NHC said the storm will degenerate into a trough of low pressure in four or five days.
Rene is a short distance behind Tropical Storm Paulette, which also formed early Monday.
As was the case with Paulette, there is a significant chance more early formation records will fall and join Cristobal, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana and Omar as top of the list for early formation for their respective letters. On Saturday, Sally formed in the Gulf Coast.
Before Rene, Rita, which formed on Sept. 18, 2005, was the record holder for the earliest "R" named storm on record.
Advertisement
Early this summer, AccuWeather meteorologists predicted a hyperactive peak hurricane season. Meteorologists are calling for up to 24 tropical storms and up to 11 hurricanes in total this season.
These numbers mean that the Greek alphabet will have to be utilized for tropical storm names, which was only done in one other season: 2005.


upi--2020-09-08--Blue Jays jostle Yankees with 10-run sixth inning

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- The Toronto Blue Jays handed the New York Yankees their fourth straight loss and 14th setback in their last 19 games with the help of a 10-run sixth inning in Buffalo , N.Y. Toronto trailed 6-2 before the offensive explosion sparked the 12-7 win Monday at Sahlen Field .
The Blue Jays have played home games this season in Buffalo because officials did n't approve for MLB games to be played in Toronto due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen went 1 for 3 with four RBIs , two walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win .
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. , Rowdy Tellez and Travis Shaw plated two runs apiece for Toronto .
`` Everybody was just having quality at-bats and base hits , '' Jansen told reporters .
`` There 's so much resilience on this team and momentum .
That was obviously a huge inning , but the quality of at-bats with the walks , that 's where it started . ''
Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery allowed six hits and two runs in 3 and 1/3 innings before the New York bullpen surrendered the lead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ solo homers for the Yankees in the top of the first inning for a 2-0 lead .
Tellez then plated Cavan Biggio with an RBI double in the bottom of the first frame .
Blue Jays shortstop Santiago Espinal tied the game with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning .
Yankees designated hitter Miguel Andujar smacked another solo home run in the top of the fourth inning for a one-run lead .
Clint Frazier followed with a two-run double in the fifth inning for a 6-2 Yankees advantage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sixth frame to give New York a four-run edge .
The Yankees then replaced relief pitcher Jonathan Holder with Chad Green before they allowed the Blue Jays barrage in the bottom of the sixth inning .
Green walked Espinal in the first at-bat of the half-inning before he forced Jansen to fly out to center field .
The Yankees reliever then walked Biggio before he allowed a single to Randal Grichuk , which loaded the bases for Toronto .
Tellez reached base on a fielding error in the next at-bat .
Espinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yankees lead to three runs .
The Yankees then pulled Green for fellow reliever Adam Ottavino .
Guerrero smashed the first pitch Ottavino threw to right field for a two-run single .
Lourdes Gurriel then brought in Tellez with a game-tying RBI single to left field .
Ottavino walked Jonathan Villar in the next at-bat .
Shaw then hit a two-run single to center field to give the Rays an 8-6 lead .
Ottavino then issued another walk to Joe Panik to load the bases before Jansen stepped into the batter 's box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-1 lead in the count before he ripped an Ottavino sinker into the left center field seats for a 417-foot grand slam .
Andujar had an RBI groundout in the top of the ninth frame for the final run of the game .
Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu allowed six hits and five runs in five innings .
Voit went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI .
Yankees right fielder Clint Frazier went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored .
Andujar went 1 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored for the Yankees .
`` We just have to turn the page and have a short-term memory and try to win tomorrow , '' Green said of the Yankees loss .
`` We are just going to put it behind us . ''
The Yankees ( 21-20 ) face the Blue Jays ( 23-18 ) at 6:36 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Buffalo .

New York Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery allowed two runs in a start against the Toronto Blue Jays before his bullpen surrendered 10 runs in the sixth inning for a loss Monday in Buffalo, N.Y. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Toronto Blue Jays handed the New York Yankees their fourth straight loss and 14th setback in their last 19 games with the help of a 10-run sixth inning in Buffalo, N.Y. Toronto trailed 6-2 before the offensive explosion sparked the 12-7 win Monday at Sahlen Field. The Blue Jays have played home games this season in Buffalo because officials didn't approve for MLB games to be played in Toronto due to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen went 1 for 3 with four RBIs, two walks and a run scored in Monday's win. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Rowdy Tellez and Travis Shaw plated two runs apiece for Toronto.
"Everybody was just having quality at-bats and base hits," Jansen told reporters. "There's so much resilience on this team and momentum. That was obviously a huge inning, but the quality of at-bats with the walks, that's where it started."
Advertisement
Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery allowed six hits and two runs in 3 and 1/3 innings before the New York bullpen surrendered the lead.
Luke Voit and Aaron Hicks each hit solo homers for the Yankees in the top of the first inning for a 2-0 lead. Tellez then plated Cavan Biggio with an RBI double in the bottom of the first frame. Blue Jays shortstop Santiago Espinal tied the game with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.
Yankees designated hitter Miguel Andujar smacked another solo home run in the top of the fourth inning for a one-run lead. Clint Frazier followed with a two-run double in the fifth inning for a 6-2 Yankees advantage. Hicks then drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth frame to give New York a four-run edge.
The Yankees then replaced relief pitcher Jonathan Holder with Chad Green before they allowed the Blue Jays barrage in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Green walked Espinal in the first at-bat of the half-inning before he forced Jansen to fly out to center field. The Yankees reliever then walked Biggio before he allowed a single to Randal Grichuk, which loaded the bases for Toronto.
Advertisement
Tellez reached base on a fielding error in the next at-bat. Espinal scored during the sequence to cut the Yankees lead to three runs.
The Yankees then pulled Green for fellow reliever Adam Ottavino. Guerrero smashed the first pitch Ottavino threw to right field for a two-run single. Lourdes Gurriel then brought in Tellez with a game-tying RBI single to left field.
Ottavino walked Jonathan Villar in the next at-bat. Shaw then hit a two-run single to center field to give the Rays an 8-6 lead. Ottavino then issued another walk to Joe Panik to load the bases before Jansen stepped into the batter's box.
The Blue Jays catcher earned a 3-1 lead in the count before he ripped an Ottavino sinker into the left center field seats for a 417-foot grand slam.
Andujar had an RBI groundout in the top of the ninth frame for the final run of the game.
Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu allowed six hits and five runs in five innings. Voit went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Yankees right fielder Clint Frazier went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored. Andujar went 1 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored for the Yankees.
Advertisement
"We just have to turn the page and have a short-term memory and try to win tomorrow," Green said of the Yankees loss. "We are just going to put it behind us."
The Yankees (21-20) face the Blue Jays (23-18) at 6:36 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Buffalo.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-09-08--Adult Swim's 'The Venture Bros.' canceled after seven seasons

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Adult Swim has canceled animated action-comedy series The Venture Bros. after seven seasons .
Series creator Christopher McCulloch , who uses the pseudonym Jackson Publick on social media and on the show , confirmed the program 's cancellation on Twitter Monday .
`` Unfortunately , it 's true .
# VentureBros has been canceled .
We got the highly disappointing news a few months ago , while we were writing what would have been season 8 .
We thank you , our amazing fans , for 17 years of your kind ( and patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , We Love You , '' McCulloch said .
The Venture Bros. had its pilot episode air in 2003 before the first season arrived in 2004 .
New seasons would be released years apart with Season 7 wrapping up in October 2018 .
The show followed the bizarre adventures of scientist Dr. Rusty Venture , his teenaged sons , Dean and Hank , and their bodyguard , Brock Sampson .
Adult Swim , on Twitter , said that it is looking into continuing The Venture Bros. in another way .
`` We also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with Jackson and Doc to find another way to continue the Venture Bros. story , '' Adult Swim said .

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Adult Swim has canceled animated action-comedy series The Venture Bros. after seven seasons.
Series creator Christopher McCulloch, who uses the pseudonym Jackson Publick on social media and on the show, confirmed the program's cancellation on Twitter Monday.
Advertisement
"Unfortunately, it's true. #VentureBros has been canceled. We got the highly disappointing news a few months ago, while we were writing what would have been season 8. We thank you, our amazing fans, for 17 years of your kind (and patient) attention. And, as always, We Love You," McCulloch said.
Unfortunately, it's true: #VentureBros has been canceled. We got the highly disappointing news a few months ago, while we were writing what would have been season 8. We thank you, our amazing fans, for 17 years of your kind (and patient) attention. And, as always, We Love You.— Jackson Publick (@jacksonpublick) September 7, 2020
The Venture Bros. had its pilot episode air in 2003 before the first season arrived in 2004. New seasons were released years apart, with Season 7 wrapping up in October 2018.
The show followed the bizarre adventures of scientist Dr. Rusty Venture, his teenaged sons, Dean and Hank, and their bodyguard, Brock Sampson.
Advertisement
McCulloch, series co-writer Doc Hammer, Patrick Warburton, James Urbaniak and Michael Sinterniklaas provided voices.
Adult Swim, on Twitter, said that it is looking into continuing The Venture Bros. in another way.
"We also want more Venture Bros. and have been working with Jackson and Doc to find another way to continue the Venture Bros. story," Adult Swim said.


upi--2020-09-08--In photos: Moments from Major League Baseball for the week of Sept. 6, 2020

The Indians ' Zach Plesac is now 3-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 2020 after four strikeouts and no issued @ @ @ @ @ by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI

The Cardinals' Kolten Wong (L) puts the tag on the Reds' Shogo Akiyama at second base for the out. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-09-08--Study reveals how stone forests get their spikes

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have discovered how rock spires in stone forests get their sharp points .
Stone forests are rock formations featuring towering , pointed pillars of limestone that resemble petrified trees or stalagmites .
Found throughout southern China and Madagascar , stone forests are formed , not through addition , but subtraction .
These majestic limestone formations are forged over thousands of years , shaped through dissolution , or the dissolving of limestone .
Until now , the dissolution mechanisms that yield stone forests and their sharp points remained a mystery .
Scientists developed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer simulations to determine how rock dissolution and fluid flows interact to shape limestone .
Their analysis , published Tuesday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , could help researchers develop sharper micro-needles and probes used in medicine .
`` This work reveals a mechanism that explains how these sharply pointed rock spires , a source of wonder for centuries , come to be , '' study co-author Leif Ristroph said in a news release .
`` Through a series of simulations and experiments , we show how flowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Ristroph , an associate professor at New York University 's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences .
Their simulations revealed the way dissolution patterns influence future fluid flows , which , in turn , reinforce the dissolution pattern , carving sharper and sharper points from the limestone karst .
Scientists tested the predictions of their simulations using sugar-based pinnacles .
When the stone forest-like confection was submerged in a tank of water , researchers found they did n't need to create flows , as the dissolution patterns yielded their own flows .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the lab occur in China and Madagascar over thousands , even millions , of years .

A false-color photo shows a sugar-based spikes resembling a stone forest. Photo by NYU's Applied Mathematics Lab
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Scientists have discovered how rock spires in stone forests get their sharp points. Stone forests are rock formations featuring towering, pointed pillars of limestone that resemble petrified trees or stalagmites. Found throughout southern China and Madagascar, stone forests are formed, not through addition, but subtraction. Advertisement
These majestic limestone formations are forged over thousands of years, shaped through dissolution, or the dissolving of limestone. Until now, the dissolution mechanisms that yield stone forests and their sharp points remained a mystery.
Scientists developed a unique mathematical models and ran dozens of computer simulations to determine how rock dissolution and fluid flows interact to shape limestone.
Their analysis, published Tuesday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help researchers develop sharper micro-needles and probes used in medicine.
"This work reveals a mechanism that explains how these sharply pointed rock spires, a source of wonder for centuries, come to be," study co-author Leif Ristroph said in a news release.
"Through a series of simulations and experiments, we show how flowing water carves ultra-sharp spikes in landforms," said Ristroph, an associate professor at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
Advertisement
Their simulations revealed the way dissolution patterns influence future fluid flows, which, in turn, reinforce the dissolution pattern, carving sharper and sharper points from the limestone karst.
Scientists tested the predictions of their simulations using sugar-based pinnacles. When the stone forest-like confection was submerged in a tank of water, researchers found they didn't need to create flows, as the dissolution patterns yielded their own flows.
Researchers suspect the same forces they witnessed in the lab occur in China and Madagascar over thousands, even millions, of years.


upi--2020-09-08--Watch: Derek Hough to serve as judge on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Derek Hough will serve as a judge in the new season of Dancing with the Stars .
The 35-year-old professional dancer said Tuesday on Good Morning America that he will return to the ABC reality dance competition in Season 29 .
Hough previously served as a pro on the show in Seasons 5-11 , 13-21 and 23 .
He won the competition a record six times , including with Bindi Irwin in Season 21 .
On GMA , Hough said he is `` so excited '' to return to the DWTS ballroom .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , being a part of that show for so long , having such amazing memories and experiences and triumphs and failures and all the things , '' he said .
`` I 'm excited .
Ca n't wait . ''
Hough said he plans to be a `` fair and honest '' judge .
`` I want to try to inspire and motivate these celebrities to have the best possible time they have and they get better each week , '' the star said .
`` For me , I 've just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've been on the show 17 seasons , '' he added .
`` I understand .
I 'll be very empathic and very compassionate as well . ''
Season 29 will feature Artem Chigvintsev , Sharna Burgess , Cheryl Burke , Val Chmerkovskiy , Jenna Johnson and other returning pros .
The pros will be partnered with Nelly , Carole Baskin , Johnny Weir , Anne Heche and other celebrities .
Hough also serves as a judge on the NBC reality dance competition World of Dance , which completed a fourth season @ @ @

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Derek Hough will serve as a judge in the new season of Dancing with the Stars.
The 35-year-old professional dancer said Tuesday on Good Morning America that he will return to the ABC reality dance competition in Season 29.
Advertisement
Hough previously served as a pro on the show in Seasons 5-11, 13-21 and 23. He won the competition a record six times, including with Bindi Irwin in Season 21.
On GMA, Hough said he is "so excited" to return to the DWTS ballroom.
"It's like coming home. You know, being a part of that show for so long, having such amazing memories and experiences and triumphs and failures and all the things," he said. "I'm excited. Can't wait."
Hough said he plans to be a "fair and honest" judge.
"I want to try to inspire and motivate these celebrities to have the best possible time they have and they get better each week," the star said.
"For me, I've just experienced everything that they've experienced. I've been on the show 17 seasons," he added. "I understand. I'll be very empathic and very compassionate as well."
Advertisement
DWTS confirmed Hough's return Tuesday on Twitter.
Dancing is back... and so is Derek!! We can't wait to have him join #DWTS all season long! pic.twitter.com/rA10SrX9wA— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@DancingABC) September 8, 2020
Season 29 will feature Artem Chigvintsev, Sharna Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson and other returning pros. The pros will be partnered with Nelly, Carole Baskin, Johnny Weir, Anne Heche and other celebrities.
Hough also serves as a judge on the NBC reality dance competition World of Dance, which completed a fourth season in August.


upi--2020-09-08--Watch: 'Drag Race Holland' introduces contestants for first season

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Drag Race Holland is showcasing the drag queens who will be competing on Season 1 of the competition series which comes to WOW Presents Plus on Sept. 17 .
This new Dutch version of RuPaul 's Drag Race will feature 10 contestants ranging in age from 21 to 34 .
Miss Abby Omg , 25 , who grew up in Brazil ; Roem , 21 , who performs online ; ChelseaBoy , 26 , who uses drag to explore gender and identity ; Janey Jacké , 28 , who is a 10-year veteran ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as non-binary make up the roster .
Madame Madness , 24 , who is the first bearded queen in Drag Race worldwide ; Envy Peru , 31 , who has a following on social media ; Sederginne , 26 , a nine-year veteran ; Patty Pam-Pam , 24 , who sings , lip-syncs and dances ; and Megan Schoonbrood , 32 , a multi-time pageant winner are also competing .
Canada 's Drag Race , which is also available on WOW Presents Plus , recently crowned Priyanka as the first-ever Canadian Drag Superstar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has finished production in Los Angeles .
Production has also started on the franchise 's various spin-off shows .

The cast of "Drag Race Holland" Season 1 has been announced. The show is coming to WOW Presents Plus in U.S. on Sept. 17. Image courtesy of Videoland - Mark Engelen
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Drag Race Holland is showcasing the drag queens who will be competing on Season 1 of the competition series which comes to WOW Presents Plus on Sept. 17. This new Dutch version of RuPaul's Drag Race will feature 10 contestants ranging in age from 21 to 34. Advertisement
Dutch television presenter and stylist Fred van Leer serves as host.
Miss Abby Omg, 25, who grew up in Brazil; Roem, 21, who performs online; ChelseaBoy, 26, who uses drag to explore gender and identity; Janey Jacké, 28, who is a 10-year veteran; and Ma'MaQueen, 30, who identifies as non-binary make up the roster.
Madame Madness, 24, who is the first bearded queen in Drag Race worldwide; Envy Peru, 31, who has a following on social media; Sederginne, 26, a nine-year veteran; Patty Pam-Pam, 24, who sings, lip-syncs and dances; and Megan Schoonbrood, 32, a multi-time pageant winner are also competing.
The time has come to crown our queen. Drag Race Holland vanaf 18 september, on Videoland.#DragRaceHolland pic.twitter.com/ayTpswwFsT— Drag Race Holland (@DragRaceHoland) September 7, 2020 Advertisement
Canada's Drag Race, which is also available on WOW Presents Plus, recently crowned Priyanka as the first-ever Canadian Drag Superstar.
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13 has finished production in Los Angeles. Production has also started on the franchise's various spin-off shows.


upi--2020-09-08--COVID-19 vaccines should prioritize 'super-spreaders'

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Once safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available , tough choices will need to be made about who gets the first shots .
A committee of the National Academies of Sciences , Engineering and Medicine -- at the behest of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health -- has proposed an equitable way to allocate the vaccine .
They recommend first responders and healthcare workers take top priority .
Older adults in congregate living situations would also be part of a first vaccination phase , according to the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and the University of Southern California who have spent decades studying health economics and epidemiology .
One of us is a member of the National Academy of Medicine .
Having seen firsthand the real risks of rapid , asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 among younger adults , we disagree with some of the recommendations .
Asymptomatic spread is shutting down schools and universities nationwide and threatening surrounding communities .
We argue that this pandemic requires a different model for making vaccination choices .
After taking care of essential workers , vaccinations should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus -- mostly the young -- and only then to the most vulnerable .
The textbook vaccine model goes out the window when novel viruses emerge .
Some lessons can be drawn from the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic , which killed an estimated 500,000 people around the world .
In the United States , President Barack Obama declared the spread a national emergency .
A vaccine was developed as early as the fall of 2009 .
However , only 16 million doses were initially available .
The CDC was required to make some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested 10 times the amount they were allocated .
In the end , the CDC allocated the vaccine strictly in proportion to a state 's population -- that is , on a per capita basis .
States then allocated them , often with priority to infants and the elderly , along with people at high risk .
This priority -- to protect the most frail -- has been public policy since at least the 1957-58 influenza pandemic .
Later studies , however , have shown that a better way to protect older people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which often has meant vaccinating school-age children early .
One of the lessons from these past pandemics is that vaccinating the likely asymptomatic spreaders early can avert multiple infections with others .
The experience of the past few months has shown how important it is to check transmission with COVID-19 .
A recent study found that as few as 10 % of those infected lead to 80 % of the infection cases .
What has made it more difficult is that up to 40 % of those who carry the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms at all .
Very few of the COVID-19 super-spreaders are elderly .
It is the younger people who have a much greater propensity to resume social lives at schools and in other venues .
Among the young are a subset of highly social people with wide circles of friends who become the most fertile ground for the spread of COVID-19 .
These young people also have a much lower risk of death or even severe symptoms , which also means they are more likely to infect others .
Cases have been spiking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another likely sign that they are propelling the spread of the virus .
A recent outbreak on the University of Southern California 's fraternity row infected at least 40 people .
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children 's Hospital Association reports that at least 338,000 children have tested positive for the virus through July 30 , with more than a quarter of that number having tested positive in just the last two weeks of that month .
More broadly , younger residents in the virus hot spot of Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases .
In California , young people between 18 to 34 years of age account for more than one-third of cases .
Anticipating that young people will engage in activities that spread the virus , many universities put their fall classes exclusively online .
Some that decided to go in-person had to close after as little as a week on campus .
With or without a vaccine , the best strategy for older Americans , especially those with underlying medical conditions , is avoiding contact with potential carriers .
Optimally , older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in large numbers , and younger people will drive down infections by getting vaccinated in even larger numbers .
It all works if the vaccine is effective and enough people take it .
We predict the pressures and politics around prioritizing vaccine distribution will be intense .
We argue that they key will be to take the most beneficial route , not the most obvious one .
With a full-scale public health campaign behind it , that will mean prioritizing those who are driving transmission , not those who are most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may appear , plenty of evidence shows this would be the right approach .
Dana Goldman is the Leonard D. Schaeffer Chair and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy , Pharmacy and Economics and David Conti is a professor of preventive medicine and associate director for data science integration at the University of Southern California .
Matthew E. Kahn is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Economics and Business and director of the 21st Century Cities Initiative at Johns Hopkins University .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
@ @ @ @ @

After taking care of essential workers, COVID-19 vaccinations should be given to the biggest transmitters of the virus -- mostly the young -- and only then to the most vulnerable. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Once safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available, tough choices will need to be made about who gets the first shots. A committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine -- at the behest of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health -- has proposed an equitable way to allocate the vaccine. Advertisement
They recommend first responders and healthcare workers take top priority. Older adults in congregate living situations would also be part of a first vaccination phase, according to the plan.
We are faculty at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Southern California who have spent decades studying health economics and epidemiology. One of us is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Having seen firsthand the real risks of rapid, asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 among younger adults, we disagree with some of the recommendations. Asymptomatic spread is shutting down schools and universities nationwide and threatening surrounding communities.
Advertisement
We argue that this pandemic requires a different model for making vaccination choices. After taking care of essential workers, vaccinations should be given to the biggest transmitters of the virus -- mostly the young -- and only then to the most vulnerable.
Lessons from 2009
The textbook vaccine model goes out the window when novel viruses emerge.
Some lessons can be drawn from the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic, which killed an estimated 500,000 people around the world. In the United States, President Barack Obama declared the spread a national emergency.
A vaccine was developed as early as the fall of 2009. However, only 16 million doses were initially available. The CDC was required to make some difficult decisions about allocation. Some states requested 10 times the amount they were allocated.
In the end, the CDC allocated the vaccine strictly in proportion to a state's population -- that is, on a per capita basis. States then allocated them, often with priority to infants and the elderly, along with people at high risk.
This priority -- to protect the most frail -- has been public policy since at least the 1957-58 influenza pandemic.
Advertisement
Later studies, however, have shown that a better way to protect older people was to control spread among the young, which often has meant vaccinating school-age children early.
One of the lessons from these past pandemics is that vaccinating the likely asymptomatic spreaders early can avert multiple infections with others.
The super-spreaders
The experience of the past few months has shown how important it is to check transmission with COVID-19. A recent study found that as few as 10% of those infected lead to 80% of the infection cases. What has made it more difficult is that up to 40% of those who carry the virus, often known as super-spreaders, show no symptoms at all.
Very few of the COVID-19 super-spreaders are elderly. It is the younger people who have a much greater propensity to resume social lives at schools and in other venues.
Among the young are a subset of highly social people with wide circles of friends who become the most fertile ground for the spread of COVID-19. These young people also have a much lower risk of death or even severe symptoms, which also means they are more likely to infect others.
Advertisement
Cases have been spiking in the 15- to 25-year-old age group, another likely sign that they are propelling the spread of the virus. A recent outbreak on the University of Southern California's fraternity row infected at least 40 people.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association reports that at least 338,000 children have tested positive for the virus through July 30, with more than a quarter of that number having tested positive in just the last two weeks of that month.
More broadly, younger residents in the virus hot spot of Los Angeles County make up the majority of positive new cases. In California, young people between 18 to 34 years of age account for more than one-third of cases.
Young vs. old
Anticipating that young people will engage in activities that spread the virus, many universities put their fall classes exclusively online. Some that decided to go in-person had to close after as little as a week on campus.
With or without a vaccine, the best strategy for older Americans, especially those with underlying medical conditions, is avoiding contact with potential carriers.
Optimally, older people will drive down deaths by staying home in large numbers, and younger people will drive down infections by getting vaccinated in even larger numbers. It all works if the vaccine is effective and enough people take it.
Advertisement
We predict the pressures and politics around prioritizing vaccine distribution will be intense. We argue that they key will be to take the most beneficial route, not the most obvious one. With a full-scale public health campaign behind it, that will mean prioritizing those who are driving transmission, not those who are most vulnerable.
As counterintuitive as such a strategy may appear, plenty of evidence shows this would be the right approach.
Dana Goldman is the Leonard D. Schaeffer Chair and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, Pharmacy and Economics and David Conti is a professor of preventive medicine and associate director for data science integration at the University of Southern California. Matthew E. Kahn is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Economics and Business and director of the 21st Century Cities Initiative at Johns Hopkins University.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


Notable deaths of 2020

National Baseball Hall of Fame member Lou Brock waves to the fans as he rides in a car around the @ @ @ @ @ Day in St. Louis on April 5 , 2019 .
The former St. Louis player @ @ @ @ @ to two World Series titles , died on September 6 at the age of 81 @ @ @ @ @

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--2020-09-08--Zach Plesac pitches Indians into first place with win over Royals

Sept. 8 ( UPI ) -- Zach Plesac allowed seven hits and one run in seven innings to lead the Cleveland Indians to a win over the Kansas City Royals and into a tie for first place in the American League Central .
Plesac also had four strikeouts and did not issue a walk in the 5-2 victory Monday at Progressive Field in Cleveland .
He is now 3-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 2020 .
`` I 'm locked in , '' Plesac told Fox Sports Ohio after the victory .
`` We are all locked in .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do is focus on these next couple weeks and get ready for some big games . ''
Tyler Naquin had an 0 for 3 night , but had two RBIs in the win .
Francisco Lindor and Franmil Reyes each went 2 for 3 and scored a run for the Indians .
The Indians ( 26-15 ) are now tied with the Chicago White Sox for first place in their division , with a one-game lead over the third-place Minnesota Twins .
The Indians have won six of their last seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in the American League Central and are on a seven-game losing streak .
Plesac 's pristine performance began after he allowed a single to Whit Merrifield in the first at-bat of the game .
He went on to pitch 6 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball before Adalberto Mondesi ripped a solo home run to right field .
Plesac then forced a groundout and left the game .
Carlos Santana gave the Indians a 1-0 lead in the second inning when he scored off a fielding error when Naquin reached base on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored in the next at-bat when Josh Naylor grounded into a force out .
Naquin later plated Lindor on an RBI sacrifice fly to push the Indians lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth frame .
Mondesi then smacked his 458-foot homer to right field for the Royals first run in the top of the seventh inning .
The Indians responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh frame .
Royals third baseman Maikel Franco plated the game 's final run with an RBI single to center field in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Cimber , Phil Maton and Brad Hand came out of the Indians bullpen to preserve the lead over the final two innings .
Hand earned his 12th save of the season after he struck out the final three Royals hitters in the ninth inning .
The Indians host the Royals ( 14-28 ) at 6:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Progressive Field .

Cleveland Indians pitcher Zach Plesac is now 3-1 on the season with a 1.32 ERA after a dominant performance against the Kansas City Royals Monday in Cleveland. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Zach Plesac allowed seven hits and one run in seven innings to lead the Cleveland Indians to a win over the Kansas City Royals and into a tie for first place in the American League Central. Plesac also had four strikeouts and did not issue a walk in the 5-2 victory Monday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. He is now 3-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 2020. Advertisement
"I'm locked in," Plesac told Fox Sports Ohio after the victory. "We are all locked in. There aren't many games left. All we can do is focus on these next couple weeks and get ready for some big games."
Tyler Naquin had an 0 for 3 night, but had two RBIs in the win. Francisco Lindor and Franmil Reyes each went 2 for 3 and scored a run for the Indians.
The Indians (26-15) are now tied with the Chicago White Sox for first place in their division, with a one-game lead over the third-place Minnesota Twins. The Indians have won six of their last seven games.
Advertisement
The Royals are in last place in the American League Central and are on a seven-game losing streak.
Plesac's pristine performance began after he allowed a single to Whit Merrifield in the first at-bat of the game. He went on to pitch 6 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball before Adalberto Mondesi ripped a solo home run to right field. Plesac then forced a groundout and left the game.
Carlos Santana gave the Indians a 1-0 lead in the second inning when he scored off a fielding error when Naquin reached base on a fielder's choice. Reyes then scored in the next at-bat when Josh Naylor grounded into a force out. Naquin later plated Lindor on an RBI sacrifice fly to push the Indians lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth frame.
Mondesi then smacked his 458-foot homer to right field for the Royals first run in the top of the seventh inning. The Indians responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh frame. Royals third baseman Maikel Franco plated the game's final run with an RBI single to center field in the top of the eighth inning.
Advertisement
Adam Cimber, Phil Maton and Brad Hand came out of the Indians bullpen to preserve the lead over the final two innings. Hand earned his 12th save of the season after he struck out the final three Royals hitters in the ninth inning.
The Indians host the Royals (14-28) at 6:10 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Progressive Field.
This week in Major League Baseball