upi--2020-10-07--Donald Trump reverses course on stimulus; talks turn to stand-alone airline relief

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- White House talks with House Democrats turned toward a possible stand-alone relief bill for airlines Wednesday as President Donald Trump reversed course somewhat on his decision to end negotiations .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on an airline stimulus package Wednesday morning .
Funding for airlines under the Payroll Support Program expired at the end of September , causing the companies to begin layoffs of some 30,000 workers without replacement legislation in place .
Those layoffs were all but made certain Tuesday afternoon when Trump pulled his negotiators out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill .
But the industry saw a possible lifeline after Trump reversed course on his decision Wednesday , saying he 's open to pursuing smaller-scale , individual measures .
He said he would approve another direct $ 1,200 stimulus payment to Americans and stand-alone funding for certain industries , including airlines .
`` I am ready to sign right now , '' one tweet said .
Pelosi threw her support behind such a stand-alone package earlier this month , promising airlines she saw additional funding in their future .
`` I 'm optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always have to find a path , that is our responsibility to do so , and I believe that we will , '' she said at the time .
The contradictory messages from Trump came a day after he returned to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , where he was treated for COVID-19 .
Trump 's initial message was followed by a selloff in U.S. equity markets and stoked fears that homes and businesses would face more hardship brought on by the pandemic .
Markets mostly regained their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing up 1.91 % , the S & P 500 up 1.74 % and the Nasdaq Composite up 1.88 % .
`` Make no mistake : if you are out of work , if your business is closed , if your child 's school is shut down , if you are seeing layoffs in your community , Donald Trump decided today that none of that matters to him , '' Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said in a tweet .
`` Trump turned his back on millions of Americans who are struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed relief , '' added Biden 's vice presidential running mate Sen. Kamala Harris , who will appear with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday night in their only debate .
Earlier Tuesday , Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that a lack of more stimulus could lead to a `` weak recovery '' and `` unnecessary hardship '' for millions of Americans .
Later , Trump accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of `` not negotiating in good faith . ''
Pelosi and other congressional Democrats have been negotiating for weeks with White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a new round of stimulus .
The House favors a larger package that includes money for unemployed Americans , businesses and states to fight the pandemic .
Republicans have favored a more piecemeal approach with smaller , individual measures that earmark less money for only certain recipients .
The House passed a $ 2.2 trillion measure last week that includes another $ 1,200 payment and resurrects an enhanced federal unemployment supplement of $ 600 per week , which out-of-work Americans have not received since late July when the first round of aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , objecting to funding for state and local governments whose revenues have been interrupted by the health crisis .

President Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday after three days of COVID-19 treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- White House talks with House Democrats turned toward a possible stand-alone relief bill for airlines Wednesday as President Donald Trump reversed course somewhat on his decision to end negotiations. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on an airline stimulus package Wednesday morning. Advertisement
Funding for airlines under the Payroll Support Program expired at the end of September, causing the companies to begin layoffs of some 30,000 workers without replacement legislation in place. Those layoffs were all but made certain Tuesday afternoon when Trump pulled his negotiators out of talks with Democrats on another stimulus bill.
But the industry saw a possible lifeline after Trump reversed course on his decision Wednesday, saying he's open to pursuing smaller-scale, individual measures. He said he would approve another direct $1,200 stimulus payment to Americans and stand-alone funding for certain industries, including airlines.
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"I am ready to sign right now," one tweet said.
Pelosi threw her support behind such a stand-alone package earlier this month, promising airlines she saw additional funding in their future.
"I'm optimistic, I'm always optimistic. We always have to find a path, that is our responsibility to do so, and I believe that we will," she said at the time.
The contradictory messages from Trump came a day after he returned to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was treated for COVID-19.
Trump's initial message was followed by a selloff in U.S. equity markets and stoked fears that homes and businesses would face more hardship brought on by the pandemic.
Markets mostly regained their losses Wednesday, with the Dow Jones closing up 1.91%, the S&P 500 up 1.74% and the Nasdaq Composite up 1.88%.
Some critics slammed Trump's earlier declaration as a pure political move.
"Make no mistake: if you are out of work, if your business is closed, if your child's school is shut down, if you are seeing layoffs in your community, Donald Trump decided today that none of that matters to him," Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said in a tweet.
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"Trump turned his back on millions of Americans who are struggling to get through this global pandemic and desperately needed relief," added Biden's vice presidential running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, who will appear with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday night in their only debate.
Earlier Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that a lack of more stimulus could lead to a "weak recovery" and "unnecessary hardship" for millions of Americans.
Later, Trump accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "not negotiating in good faith."
Pelosi and other congressional Democrats have been negotiating for weeks with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Mnuchin on a new round of stimulus. The House favors a larger package that includes money for unemployed Americans, businesses and states to fight the pandemic. Republicans have favored a more piecemeal approach with smaller, individual measures that earmark less money for only certain recipients.
The House passed a $2.2 trillion measure last week that includes another $1,200 payment and resurrects an enhanced federal unemployment supplement of $600 per week, which out-of-work Americans have not received since late July when the first round of aid expired.
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Republicans balked at the proposal, objecting to funding for state and local governments whose revenues have been interrupted by the health crisis.
President Donald Trump hospitalized for COVID-19


upi--2020-10-07--In photos: Scenes from the White House as coronavirus hot spot

Scenes from the White House as coronavirus hot spot President Donald Trump , after returning from three days in the @ @ @ @ @ Melania Trump are recovering from COVID-19 at the White House , where many staffers have @ @ @ @ @ and other top federal officials are isolating after possible exposure .
Several people who attended @ @ @ @ @ of September 26 , 2020 , have tested positive for the coronavirus .

White House Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern speaks to members of the White House press corps about the status of President Donald Trump's health as he recovers from coronavirus outside of the West Wing of the White House on Wednesday. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI


upi--2020-10-07--Watch: Facebook flags onion seed ad as 'overly sexual'

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Officials with a Canadian business said they were left surprised , confused and somewhat amused when Facebook refused to run an ad because a photo of onions was flagged as an `` overtly sexual image . ''
Jackson McLean , a manager at Gaze Seed Company in St. John 's , Newfoundland and Labrador , said the company submitted an ad to Facebook to promote its walla walla onions , but the submitted image was rejected by the social media network because the photo , which depicted only a group of onions , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We got notified the other day that it 's an 'overtly sexual image ' that they had to ban from the site , '' McLean told CBC News .
`` I guess something about the two round shapes there could be misconstrued as boobs or something , nude in some way . ''
McLean said he had to laugh at what was apparently an error by Facebook 's anti-nudity algorithm .
`` I just thought it was funny , '' he said .
`` You 'd have to have a pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get something sexual out of it ... 'Overtly sexual , ' as in there 's no way of mistaking it as not sexual . ''
The company appealed the decision , and a Facebook Canada spokeswoman confirmed the ad 's rejection was an algorithm error .
`` We use automated technology to keep nudity off our apps , but sometimes it does n't know a walla walla onion from a , well , you know , '' the spokeswoman , Meg Sinclair , told The National Post .
`` We restored the ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble . ''

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Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Officials with a Canadian business said they were left surprised, confused and somewhat amused when Facebook refused to run an ad because a photo of onions was flagged as an "overtly sexual image."
Jackson McLean, a manager at Gaze Seed Company in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, said the company submitted an ad to Facebook to promote its walla walla onions, but the submitted image was rejected by the social media network because the photo, which depicted only a group of onions, was deemed to be "overtly sexual."
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"We got notified the other day that it's an 'overtly sexual image' that they had to ban from the site," McLean told CBC News. "I guess something about the two round shapes there could be misconstrued as boobs or something, nude in some way."
McLean said he had to laugh at what was apparently an error by Facebook's anti-nudity algorithm.
"I just thought it was funny," he said. "You'd have to have a pretty active imagination to look at that and get something sexual out of it ... 'Overtly sexual,' as in there's no way of mistaking it as not sexual."
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The company appealed the decision, and a Facebook Canada spokeswoman confirmed the ad's rejection was an algorithm error.
"We use automated technology to keep nudity off our apps, but sometimes it doesn't know a walla walla onion from a, well, you know," the spokeswoman, Meg Sinclair, told The National Post. "We restored the ad and are sorry for the business' trouble."


upi--2020-10-07--U.S. Army won't require Army Combat Fitness Test scores in training

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Army will suspend use of its new fitness test as a requirement for graduation from training programs , citing COVID-19 concerns , it said on Wednesday .
A new version of the six-event Army Combat Fitness Test went into effect last week .
The Army will encourages taking and passing the strength and fitness test , but the requirement to successfully complete it will be delayed until at least September 2021 , the end of the fiscal year , Army officials told Stars and Stripes .
Suspension of the use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on training and testing due to the quarantining , social distancing and other protections required during COVID-19 pandemic , Megan Reed , spokesperson for the Army 's Center for Initial Military Training at Fort Eustis , Va. , told Army Times .
While the test , regarded since Oct. 1 as the Army 's physical test of record , will still be administered , its successful completion is not required to advance from Army enlisted , officer or warrant officer training , Reed said .
The new test supersedes the decades-old , three-event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruits in the deadlift , the standing power throw , pushups , the sprint-drag-carry , the leg tuck and a two-mile run carrying full combat gear .
The change brings fitness test policy for initial trainees in accord with similar fitness policies throughout the Army .
The delay for completion of the new test applies to Basic Combat Training , Advanced Individual Training , One Station Unit Training , Warrant Officer Basic Course and the Basic Officer leader course .
While the new test wo n't need to be completed , recruits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass an obstacle course , hand-to-hand combat training and a 10-mile march , Army officials said .

U.S. Army recruits complete a two-mile run, part of the new Army Combat Fitness Test. Requirements to successfully complete the test were suspended on Wednesday by the Army. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army will suspend use of its new fitness test as a requirement for graduation from training programs, citing COVID-19 concerns, it said on Wednesday. A new version of the six-event Army Combat Fitness Test went into effect last week. The Army will encourages taking and passing the strength and fitness test, but the requirement to successfully complete it will be delayed until at least September 2021, the end of the fiscal year, Army officials told Stars and Stripes. Advertisement
Suspension of the use of the test comes as the Army acknowledged constraints on training and testing due to the quarantining, social distancing and other protections required during COVID-19 pandemic, Megan Reed, spokesperson for the Army's Center for Initial Military Training at Fort Eustis, Va., told Army Times.
While the test, regarded since Oct. 1 as the Army's physical test of record, will still be administered, its successful completion is not required to advance from Army enlisted, officer or warrant officer training, Reed said.
The new test supersedes the decades-old, three-event Army Physical Fitness Test. It tests recruits in the deadlift, the standing power throw, pushups, the sprint-drag-carry, the leg tuck and a two-mile run carrying full combat gear.
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The change brings fitness test policy for initial trainees in accord with similar fitness policies throughout the Army.
The delay for completion of the new test applies to Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, One Station Unit Training, Warrant Officer Basic Course and the Basic Officer leader course.
While the new test won't need to be completed, recruits in Basic Combat Training will still be required to pass an obstacle course, hand-to-hand combat training and a 10-mile march, Army officials said.


upi--2020-10-07--Officer charged with killing George Floyd posts bond, leaves prison

The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murdering George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, is scheduled to go to trial March 7. File Photo courtesy Ramsey County Sheriff's Office | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murdering George Floyd in May, Derek Chauvin, posted a $1 million bond Wednesday and left prison, local officials said. Chauvin had been incarcerated at a state prison in Oak Park Heights since May 31, less than a week after Floyd's death. He faces second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. Advertisement
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said Chauvin was released at 11:22 a.m. after posting a $1 million bond through A-Affordable Bail Bonds of Brainerd.
He's scheduled to return to court March 8 for the start of his trial.
The Minneapolis Police Department fired and arrested Chauvin after he was captured on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than 8 minutes on May 25. Floyd died after repeatedly calling for help, saying he couldn't breathe.
Chauvin's attorneys said officers were following protocol when they arrested and subdued Floyd. He was arrested on allegations he attempted to use a counterfeit $20 at a nearby food store. Police said he struggled during arrest, leading Chauvin to handcuff him face-down and kneel on his neck.
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Fellow Minneapolis police officers Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao, who were involved in the arrest, were also fired and charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-10-07--Navy to mark 20th anniversary of USS Cole attack with moment of silence

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Navy has directed the fleet to observe a moment of silence on Oct.12 to honor 17 sailors killed , and 37 injured , in a 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole .
The moment of silence will be observed at all U.S. Navy installations around the world , Adm. Mike Gilday , chief of naval operations , said in a message to the fleet this week .
`` At 11:18 a.m. , local time , on Oct. 12 , 2000 , the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole was the target of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refueling stop in Yemen 's Aden Harbor , '' Gilday said .
`` [ The blast ] tore a 40-by-60 foot hole in the ship 's hull .
The crew of Cole fought valiantly for more than 96 hours to save their ship and shipmates . ''
It was later determined that the explosion was conducted by the Islamist al-Qaida Islamist organization .
A 2014 U.S. court ruled that longtime Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir provided key aid to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden before the attack , and ordered $ 35 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decision was dismissed in 2019 because it had not been properly initiated in 2010 .
Bashir was ousted by the military in 2019 and the Sudanese interim government said it was willing to compensate the victims ' families , largely to have the country removed from the U.S. blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism .
In February 2020 , the interim government announced that it reached a settlement agreement with the families of those who died in the attack .
Sudanese Justice Minister Nasr al-Din Abdel Bari said a $ 30 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation package .
The USS Cole returned to service after repairs in 2002 , which included the removal and replacement of 550 tons of steel .

The U.S. Navy has directed the fleet observe a moment of silence on the 20th anniversary of the Oct. 12, 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole that resulted in the deaths of 17 sailors. File Photo by U.S. Navy/UPI
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has directed the fleet to observe a moment of silence on Oct.12 to honor 17 sailors killed, and 37 injured, in a 2000 terrorist attack on the USS Cole. The moment of silence will be observed at all U.S. Navy installations around the world, Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, said in a message to the fleet this week. Advertisement
"At 11:18 a.m., local time, on Oct. 12, 2000, the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole was the target of a suicide attack by terrorists during a routine refueling stop in Yemen's Aden Harbor," Gilday said. "[The blast] tore a 40-by-60 foot hole in the ship's hull. The crew of Cole fought valiantly for more than 96 hours to save their ship and shipmates."
It was later determined that the explosion was conducted by the Islamist al-Qaida Islamist organization.
A 2014 U.S. court ruled that longtime Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir provided key aid to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden before the attack, and ordered $35 million in restitution to the victims' families. The decision was dismissed in 2019 because it had not been properly initiated in 2010.
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Bashir was ousted by the military in 2019 and the Sudanese interim government said it was willing to compensate the victims' families, largely to have the country removed from the U.S. blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism.
In February 2020, the interim government announced that it reached a settlement agreement with the families of those who died in the attack. Sudanese Justice Minister Nasr al-Din Abdel Bari said a $30 million payment was part of the victims' compensation package.
The USS Cole returned to service after repairs in 2002, which included the removal and replacement of 550 tons of steel.


upi--2020-10-07--Watch: Massive Burmese python could be a Florida state record

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- A pair of Florida hunters caught an invasive Burmese python that the men said @ @ @ @ @ record of 18.8 feet long .
Ryan Ausburn , a contractor with the South Florida @ @ @ @ @ manage the Burmese python population in the Everglades , said he and roommate Kevin Pavlidis @ @ @ @ @ to be well over 15 feet long during a late night hunt .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ once-in-a-lifetime catch to be honest with you , '' Ausburn told WBBH-TV .
Pavlidis said @ @ @ @ @ 400 snakes during the past 2 years , but none came close the size of @ @ @ @ @ The men said the snake might be longer than the state record holder : an @ @ @ @ @ is slated to be officially measured this week to determine whether it is indeed a @ @ @ @ @ know very well that could be the biggest snake I ever see in my entire @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I accepted that the minute that I spotted her . ''

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Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A pair of Florida hunters caught an invasive Burmese python that the men said could potentially break the state record of 18.8 feet long.
Ryan Ausburn, a contractor with the South Florida Water Management District helping to manage the Burmese python population in the Everglades, said he and roommate Kevin Pavlidis landed a python they believe to be well over 15 feet long during a late night hunt.
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"That's a once-in-a-great-while if not once-in-a-lifetime catch to be honest with you," Ausburn told WBBH-TV.
Pavlidis said he has caught more than 400 snakes during the past 2 years, but none came close the size of his most recent catch.
The men said the snake might be longer than the state record holder: an 18.8-foot python.
The snake is slated to be officially measured this week to determine whether it is indeed a new record.
"I know very well that could be the biggest snake I ever see in my entire life," Pavlidis said. "I accepted that the minute that I spotted her."


upi--2020-10-07--Russia announces successful test of hypersonic missile

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Russia announced the successful test-firing of its Zircon hypersonic missile on Wednesday , striking a target 300 miles away after traveling at over 6,100 mph .
The announcement came in a teleconference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov , transcribed on the presidential website .
`` At 7:15 am yesterday [ Tuesday ] , the frigate Admiral Gorshkov deployed in the White Sea , [ and ] for the first time fired a Tsirkon [ Zircon ] hypersonic cruise missile at a sea target in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target in a direct hit , '' Gerasimov said .
Gerasimov added that the 4.5-minute flight covered a distance of 298 miles , had a maximum altitude of 17.3 miles and reached `` the hypersonic speed of over Mach 8 , '' or 6,138 mph .
A notice to airmen was issued for the White Sea , an Arctic Ocean inlet with complete Russian sovereignty , for the period from Oct.5 to Oct. 9 .
It is a standard notice to military pilots from all nations that a weapons test will be conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conflicts .
Anatoly Antonov , Russian ambassador to the United States , said on Wednesday that the test was not meant to intimidate any enemy .
`` We will discuss today 's example with Zircon for a long time , but I would like to emphasize that Russia is not thus trying to show its muscles or rattle weapons , '' Antonov said on Russia television .
He added that the United States is `` watching very closely what is happening here .
If the Pentagon is silent , this does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Any step of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is important for them . ''
The U.S. Defense Department did not immediately offer a comment on Gerasimov 's claims .

Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed of a successful hypersonic missile test on Tuesday by Russian Military Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Russian President
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Russia announced the successful test-firing of its Zircon hypersonic missile on Wednesday, striking a target 300 miles away after traveling at over 6,100 mph. The announcement came in a teleconference between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, transcribed on the presidential website. Advertisement
"At 7:15 am yesterday [Tuesday], the frigate Admiral Gorshkov deployed in the White Sea, [and] for the first time fired a Tsirkon [Zircon] hypersonic cruise missile at a sea target in the Barents Sea ... The missile destroyed the target in a direct hit," Gerasimov said.
Gerasimov added that the 4.5-minute flight covered a distance of 298 miles, had a maximum altitude of 17.3 miles and reached "the hypersonic speed of over Mach 8," or 6,138 mph.
The test-firing coincided with Putin's 68th birthday.
A notice to airmen was issued for the White Sea, an Arctic Ocean inlet with complete Russian sovereignty, for the period from Oct.5 to Oct. 9. It is a standard notice to military pilots from all nations that a weapons test will be conducted, and employed to reduce potential hazards and conflicts.
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Anatoly Antonov, Russian ambassador to the United States, said on Wednesday that the test was not meant to intimidate any enemy.
"We will discuss today's example with Zircon for a long time, but I would like to emphasize that Russia is not thus trying to show its muscles or rattle weapons," Antonov said on Russia television.
He added that the United States is "watching very closely what is happening here. If the Pentagon is silent, this does not mean that they do not pay attention. Any step of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is important for them."
The U.S. Defense Department did not immediately offer a comment on Gerasimov's claims.


upi--2020-10-07--Rising nitrous oxide emissions could put Paris Agreement goals out of reach

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Around the world , nitrous oxide emissions are rising , imperiling the effort to meet the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement .
According to a new study , published Wednesday in the journal Nature , the growing use of nitrogen fertilizers by industrial agriculture has led to a dramatic increase in N2O emissions .
For the study , researchers analyzed major N2O sources and sinks all over the world .
The effort was aided by scientists from 48 research institutions in 14 countries .
`` This study presents the most comprehensive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions and their impact on climate , '' lead study author Parvadha Suntharalingam , climate scientist at the University of East Anglia in Britain , said in a news release .
The data showed modern atmospheric nitrous oxide levels are 20 percent higher than preindustrial levels , increasing to 331 parts per billion in 2018 from 270 parts per billion in 1750 .
The majority of the increase , scientists determined , occurred during the last half-century -- and is the result of human activities .
`` The dominant driver of the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the growing demand for food and feed for animals will further increase global nitrous oxide emissions , '' said study co-author Hanqin Tian .
`` There is a conflict between the way we are feeding people and stabilizing the climate , '' said Tian , director of the International Center for Climate and Global Change Research at Auburn University .
The findings underscore the message from the United Nations that the effort to curb climate change demands significant land-use changes , researchers say .
Like carbon dioxide and methane , nitrous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its warming effect is 300 times more potent than CO2 .
Once emitted , scientists estimate N2O remains in the atmosphere for more than a century .
The new analysis showed agricultural practices are the primary driver of N2O emissions .
Over the last 40 years , nitrogen additions to croplands have increased 30 percent .
According to the study , N2O emissions have risen fastest in East Asia , South Asia , Africa and South America .
Scientists found that Europe is one of the only places where N2O usage is declining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable fertilizer use across the agricultural sector .
Researchers said they hope similar efforts will be adopted -- and swiftly -- in other parts of the world .
`` This new analysis calls for a full-scale rethink in the ways we use and abuse nitrogen fertilizers globally and urges us to adopt more sustainable practices in the way we produce food , including the reduction of food waste , '' said researcher Josep Canadell , executive director of the Global Carbon Project .
`` These findings underscore the urgency and opportunities to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst of climate impacts . ''

A farmer sprays liquid nitrogen fertilizer, which researchers say represents part of an increasing climate threat. Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Around the world, nitrous oxide emissions are rising, imperiling the effort to meet the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement. According to a new study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the growing use of nitrogen fertilizers by industrial agriculture has led to a dramatic increase in N2O emissions. Advertisement
For the study, researchers analyzed major N2O sources and sinks all over the world. The effort was aided by scientists from 48 research institutions in 14 countries.
"This study presents the most comprehensive and detailed picture to date, of N2O emissions and their impact on climate," lead study author Parvadha Suntharalingam, climate scientist at the University of East Anglia in Britain, said in a news release.
The data showed modern atmospheric nitrous oxide levels are 20 percent higher than preindustrial levels, increasing to 331 parts per billion in 2018 from 270 parts per billion in 1750. The majority of the increase, scientists determined, occurred during the last half-century -- and is the result of human activities.
"The dominant driver of the increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide comes from agriculture, and the growing demand for food and feed for animals will further increase global nitrous oxide emissions," said study co-author Hanqin Tian.
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"There is a conflict between the way we are feeding people and stabilizing the climate," said Tian, director of the International Center for Climate and Global Change Research at Auburn University.
The findings underscore the message from the United Nations that the effort to curb climate change demands significant land-use changes, researchers say.
Like carbon dioxide and methane, nitrous dioxide is a greenhouse gas, but its warming effect is 300 times more potent than CO2. Once emitted, scientists estimate N2O remains in the atmosphere for more than a century.
The new analysis showed agricultural practices are the primary driver of N2O emissions. Over the last 40 years, nitrogen additions to croplands have increased 30 percent. According to the study, N2O emissions have risen fastest in East Asia, South Asia, Africa and South America.
Scientists found that Europe is one of the only places where N2O usage is declining, thanks to the adoption of more sustainable fertilizer use across the agricultural sector. Researchers said they hope similar efforts will be adopted -- and swiftly -- in other parts of the world.
"This new analysis calls for a full-scale rethink in the ways we use and abuse nitrogen fertilizers globally and urges us to adopt more sustainable practices in the way we produce food, including the reduction of food waste," said researcher Josep Canadell, executive director of the Global Carbon Project. "These findings underscore the urgency and opportunities to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions worldwide to avoid the worst of climate impacts."


upi--2020-10-08--Dogs' brains don't process faces the same way humans do, scans show

You may think your dog is gazing lovingly at your face , but a new study suggests that 's not the case .
Hungarian researchers say dogs ' brains may not process faces the same way human brains do .
Faces are such an important part of communication for humans and other primates that faces have a special status in the visual system , and areas in the human brain are specifically activated by faces .
But this study found that dogs do n't have specific face areas in their brains .
The researchers , led by Nóra Bunford of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnetic imaging to compare the brain activity of 30 humans and 20 pet dogs as they watched brief videos of people and dogs .
The results revealed that human brains had a preference for faces .
Some visual areas of human brains showed greater activity in response to a face than to the back of someone 's head .
Some of these brain regions also displayed species preference , with increased activity in response to seeing a human compared to a dog .
In contrast , dog brains only showed species preference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dog than a person , and there was no difference in brain activity when dogs saw a face than when they saw the back of a head .
The findings were published this week in the journal JNeurosci .
For more on pet-human bonds , visit Pet Partners .

While scans of dog brains showed a preference for species, researchers say they do not show a specific preference for faces. Photo by Lepale /Pixabay
You may think your dog is gazing lovingly at your face, but a new study suggests that's not the case. Hungarian researchers say dogs' brains may not process faces the same way human brains do. Advertisement
Faces are such an important part of communication for humans and other primates that faces have a special status in the visual system, and areas in the human brain are specifically activated by faces.
But this study found that dogs don't have specific face areas in their brains.
The researchers, led by Nóra Bunford of Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, used magnetic imaging to compare the brain activity of 30 humans and 20 pet dogs as they watched brief videos of people and dogs.
The results revealed that human brains had a preference for faces. Some visual areas of human brains showed greater activity in response to a face than to the back of someone's head. Some of these brain regions also displayed species preference, with increased activity in response to seeing a human compared to a dog.
In contrast, dog brains only showed species preference. There was greater activity when they saw a dog than a person, and there was no difference in brain activity when dogs saw a face than when they saw the back of a head.
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The findings were published this week in the journal JNeurosci.
More information
For more on pet-human bonds, visit Pet Partners.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-08--Another 840K in U.S. file new unemployment claims, Labor Dept. says

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- Another 840,000 U.S. workers have filed new unemployment claims , the Labor Department said @ @ @ @ @ .
The department said the new claims were filed for the week ending Oct. 3 @ @ @ @ @ of 9,000 from the previous week .
The unemployment rate is 7.5 % , the @ @ @ @ @ decrease .
Most analysts had expected about 820,000 new claims .
Weekly claims have not @ @ @ @ @ and remain well above the record pre-pandemic record high of 695,000 , set in 1982 @ @ @ @ @ are 10.9 million continuing claims , which lag behind new claims by a week .
@ @ @ @ @ are still claiming some form of unemployment benefits .
Analysts say it 's unlikely that @ @ @ @ @ job losses in the airline industry , which began laying off workers in large numbers @ @ @ @ @ airlines were barred , under the terms of federal aid they received in the spring @ @ @ @ @ until the start of October .

A construction worker is seen on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in the background. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Another 840,000 U.S. workers have filed new unemployment claims, the Labor Department said in its weekly report Thursday. The department said the new claims were filed for the week ending Oct. 3, and were a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week. Advertisement
The unemployment rate is 7.5%, the report said, a 0.7-point decrease.
Most analysts had expected about 820,000 new claims.
Weekly claims have not fallen below 800,000 since March and remain well above the record pre-pandemic record high of 695,000, set in 1982.
The department said there are 10.9 million continuing claims, which lag behind new claims by a week. More than 25 million Americans are still claiming some form of unemployment benefits.
Analysts say it's unlikely that Thursday's report reflects mass job losses in the airline industry, which began laying off workers in large numbers on Oct. 1. The airlines were barred, under the terms of federal aid they received in the spring, from laying off employees until the start of October.


upi--2020-10-08--Suzanne Somers 'on the mend' after fall, neck surgery

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- Suzanne Somers is recovering from a fall at home and subsequent surgery .
The 73-year-old actress and singer said in an Instagram post Wednesday that she had neck surgery after injuring herself in a fall on her stairs at home .
Somers was already struggling with a fractured hip when she and her husband , Alan Hamel , fell down the steps of their home .
Somers thanked fans for their support and concern as she recovers .
`` Hi Friends !
Thank you so much for all of your concern while Alan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule .
As most of you know , I have been struggling for the better part of the year with a fractured hip , and then Alan and I took an unfortunate fall while coming down the stairs at our home , '' the star wrote .
`` I had an intense amount of pain after the fall that was not resolving -- even after having tequila !
After several scans , it was determined I had 2 vertebrae out of place which was causing pressure on nerves and creating that tremendous pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she underwent neck surgery and is now recovering .
`` The good news is that I had neck surgery to correct these issues and now I am on the mend !
I need a bit more time to recover before I can join you again at the bar for our virtual cocktail parties , '' she said .
`` As always , I so appreciate your love and support .
Be back soon ! ''
Somers said on her podcast , The Suzanne Somers Podcast , in December , that she was recovering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress fracture in her hip .
The Three 's Company alum sported a crutch while promoting her book A New Way to Age in New York City in January .
She joked about her injury in an interview with the New York Post .
`` I wish I could say that I fractured it having too much sex , '' Somers said .
`` But when you have a fractured hip , there is no sex . ''
Somers is known for playing Chrissy Snow on Three 's Company and Carol Foster Lambert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dancing with the Stars Season 20 in 2015 .

Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Suzanne Somers is recovering from a fall at home and subsequent surgery.
The 73-year-old actress and singer said in an Instagram post Wednesday that she had neck surgery after injuring herself in a fall on her stairs at home.
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Somers was already struggling with a fractured hip when she and her husband, Alan Hamel, fell down the steps of their home. Somers thanked fans for their support and concern as she recovers.
"Hi Friends! Thank you so much for all of your concern while Alan and I took a break from our normal schedule. As most of you know, I have been struggling for the better part of the year with a fractured hip, and then Alan and I took an unfortunate fall while coming down the stairs at our home," the star wrote.
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"I had an intense amount of pain after the fall that was not resolving -- even after having tequila! After several scans, it was determined I had 2 vertebrae out of place which was causing pressure on nerves and creating that tremendous pain," she said.
Somers said she underwent neck surgery and is now recovering.
"The good news is that I had neck surgery to correct these issues and now I am on the mend! I need a bit more time to recover before I can join you again at the bar for our virtual cocktail parties," she said. "As always, I so appreciate your love and support. Be back soon!"
Somers said on her podcast, The Suzanne Somers Podcast, in December, that she was recovering at home after learning she had a stress fracture in her hip.
The Three's Company alum sported a crutch while promoting her book A New Way to Age in New York City in January. She joked about her injury in an interview with the New York Post.
"I wish I could say that I fractured it having too much sex," Somers said. "But when you have a fractured hip, there is no sex."
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Somers is known for playing Chrissy Snow on Three's Company and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step. She competed in Dancing with the Stars Season 20 in 2015.


upi--2020-10-08--MLB playoffs: Athletics smack 5 homers, rally past Astros

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- Five home runs powered a dramatic Oakland Athletics comeback victory over the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series .
Tommy La Stella , Mark Canha , Matt Olson , Marcus Semien and Chad Pinder each went deep in the 9-7 win Wednesday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles .
Houston now leads the series 2-1 .
Pinder went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and a run scored in the win .
Semien , La Stella and Canha had two hits apiece for Oakland .
The Athletics trailed 7-4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before they scored five unanswered runs to secure the victory and prevent an Astros sweep in the best-of-five series .
`` Right before that inning , Ramon [ Laureano ] got everyone up and got everybody fired up and said 'this is n't it , ' '' Pinder said of a speech Laureano gave before the seventh inning .
`` We had n't been able to respond , but Ramon kinda nipped that in the bud . ''
Semien and La Stella each singled to start the seventh frame .
Pinder then stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitcher Josh James .
The Athletics third baseman ripped James ' only offering of the exchange to right field for a 360-foot homer .
The three-run shot tied the score at 7-7 .
Robbie Grossman took a walk at the start of the next inning .
Laureano followed with a double before Sean Murphy plated Grossman with an RBI sacrifice fly for the go-ahead run .
Pinder plated Laureano later in the same frame with another sacrifice fly for the final two-run advantage .
Athletics relief pitchers Jake Diekman and Liam Hendricks combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs and had six strikeouts over the final four innings to secure the win .
Athletics pitcher Jesus Luzardo and Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy each allowed allowed five hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings in their respective starts .
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve went 3 for 5 with an RBI in the loss .
Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman had two hits apiece for Houston .
The Astros battle the Athletics in Game 4 at 3:35 p.m. EDT Thursday at Dodger Stadium .
The winner of the series will face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rays in the American League Championship Series .
The Rays lead the series 2-1 .

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Oakland Athletics third baseman Chad Pinder went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in a win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday in Los Angeles. File Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Five home runs powered a dramatic Oakland Athletics comeback victory over the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. Tommy La Stella, Mark Canha, Matt Olson, Marcus Semien and Chad Pinder each went deep in the 9-7 win Wednesday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Houston now leads the series 2-1. Advertisement
Pinder went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and a run scored in the win. Semien, La Stella and Canha had two hits apiece for Oakland.
The Athletics trailed 7-4 at the start of the seventh inning before they scored five unanswered runs to secure the victory and prevent an Astros sweep in the best-of-five series.
"Right before that inning, Ramon [Laureano] got everyone up and got everybody fired up and said 'this isn't it,'" Pinder said of a speech Laureano gave before the seventh inning.
"We hadn't been able to respond, but Ramon kinda nipped that in the bud."
Semien and La Stella each singled to start the seventh frame. Pinder then stepped to the plate to face Astros relief pitcher Josh James.
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The Athletics third baseman ripped James' only offering of the exchange to right field for a 360-foot homer. The three-run shot tied the score at 7-7.
Robbie Grossman took a walk at the start of the next inning. Laureano followed with a double before Sean Murphy plated Grossman with an RBI sacrifice fly for the go-ahead run.
Pinder plated Laureano later in the same frame with another sacrifice fly for the final two-run advantage. Athletics relief pitchers Jake Diekman and Liam Hendricks combined to allow just two hits and no runs and had six strikeouts over the final four innings to secure the win.
Athletics pitcher Jesus Luzardo and Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy each allowed allowed five hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings in their respective starts.
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve went 3 for 5 with an RBI in the loss. Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman had two hits apiece for Houston.
The Astros battle the Athletics in Game 4 at 3:35 p.m. EDT Thursday at Dodger Stadium. The winner of the series will face the New York Yankees or Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series. The Rays lead the series 2-1.
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This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-10-08--In photos: Sen. Kamala Harris, Vice President Mike Pence debate in Utah

`` If the doctors tell us that we should take it , I 'll be first in line to take @ @ @ @ @ Harris said of a potential coronavirus vaccine .
`` But if Donald Trump tells us @ @ @ @ @ 'm not taking it . ''
Pool Photo by Kim Raff/UPI

"The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country," Harris said of President Donald Trump's term. Pool Photo by Justin Sullivan/UPI


upi--2020-10-08--Watch: Maya Rudolph calls 'SNL' return 'strange' and 'comforting' on 'Tonight Show'

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- Maya Rudolph appeared on The Tonight Show and discussed returning back to Saturday Night Live to portray Sen. Kamala Harris .
Rudolph told host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday that the experience was unique due to putting the episode together during the COVID-19 pandemic and the presidential election .
The actress compared the experience to filming SNL after Sept. 11 .
`` There was a reminiscent feeling of , you were in the center of everything going on .
And honestly , SNL 's been doing , they 're doing an unbelievable job of making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single time we walk in but it 's SNL .
Everything happens at the last minute you know in order to get the best show possible on the air , '' Rudolph said .
`` So imagine that with like PPE and masks and people spread apart .
It 's wild .
It was so strange and yet so comforting because the minute you 're in that building and you hear the music you 're like , 'Oh life 's back to normal again . '
With just some little alterations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the most recent episode of SNL with Jim Carrey as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Alec Baldwin as President Donald Trump .
The episode , hosted by Chris Rock , attracted nearly 8 million total viewers .
Rudolph appeared as Harris , Biden 's running mate , during a debate between Carrey 's Biden and Baldwin 's Trump .
The comedian said she did not know her lines until she was on air .
`` It was so scary .
I was not even thinking about what Kamala speaks like .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pants on ?
Is there a booger hanging out ? '
'' Rudolph said .
Rudolph and Fallon also presented a new skit where they portrayed professional scatters named Lon and Yvonne .
The pair performed scat versions of popular songs such as `` Express Yourself . ''

Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Maya Rudolph appeared on The Tonight Show and discussed returning back to Saturday Night Live to portray Sen. Kamala Harris.
Rudolph told host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday that the experience was unique due to putting the episode together during the COVID-19 pandemic and the presidential election.
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The actress compared the experience to filming SNL after Sept. 11.
"There was a reminiscent feeling of, you were in the center of everything going on. And honestly, SNL's been doing, they're doing an unbelievable job of making you feel safe. Everyone's tested every single time we walk in but it's SNL. Everything happens at the last minute you know in order to get the best show possible on the air," Rudolph said.
"So imagine that with like PPE and masks and people spread apart. It's wild. It was so strange and yet so comforting because the minute you're in that building and you hear the music you're like, 'Oh life's back to normal again.' With just some little alterations," she continued.
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Rudolph was featured on the most recent episode of SNL with Jim Carrey as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Alec Baldwin as President Donald Trump. The episode, hosted by Chris Rock, attracted nearly 8 million total viewers.
Rudolph appeared as Harris, Biden's running mate, during a debate between Carrey's Biden and Baldwin's Trump. The comedian said she did not know her lines until she was on air.
"It was so scary. I was not even thinking about what Kamala speaks like. I was just worried like 'Do I have pants on? Is there a booger hanging out?'" Rudolph said.
Rudolph and Fallon also presented a new skit where they portrayed professional scatters named Lon and Yvonne. The pair performed scat versions of popular songs such as "Express Yourself."


upi--2020-10-08--World Trade Organization narrows leadership finalists to 2 women

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- The World Trade Organization , for the first time in its history , will name a woman to lead the economic group in the coming weeks .
The WTO on Thursday narrowed its list of finalists for the director-general position to Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria .
One of the two will succeed Roberto Azevedo as WTO chief .
The organization said a decision could be made during the third phase of consultations between Oct. 18 and Oct. 27 .
`` Our aim continues to be to encourage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to assist in moving from this final slate of two candidates to a decision on appointment , '' WTO General Council Chair David Walker said in a statement .
`` As this is the final round of the consultation process , it should bring us to the point where we can make a recommendation to the General Council concerning that decision . ''
Yoo is a veteran trade delegate , with her involvement in South Korean government dating back 25 years .
She is credited with working on large , bilateral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain .
Okonjo-Iweala has served as Nigerian finance minister and foreign minister and is seen by many as an outsider .
Her experience includes serving as managing director of The World Bank Group from 2007 to 2011 .
`` It was clear that members consider them individuals of outstanding qualifications , '' Walker added .
`` I am sure you will all agree with us that in participating in the selection process , the candidates have all made a significant contribution to the standing and image of the WTO . ''
Azevedo announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office at the end of August , even though he still had one year remaining in his term .

Import and export business is seen at one of China's top ports, in Nansha, China, on the Pearl River in Southern China's Guangdong Province. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The World Trade Organization, for the first time in its history, will name a woman to lead the economic group in the coming weeks. The WTO on Thursday narrowed its list of finalists for the director-general position to Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria. One of the two will succeed Roberto Azevedo as WTO chief. Advertisement
The organization said a decision could be made during the third phase of consultations between Oct. 18 and Oct. 27.
"Our aim continues to be to encourage and facilitate the building of consensus among members, and to assist in moving from this final slate of two candidates to a decision on appointment," WTO General Council Chair David Walker said in a statement.
"As this is the final round of the consultation process, it should bring us to the point where we can make a recommendation to the General Council concerning that decision."
Yoo is a veteran trade delegate, with her involvement in South Korean government dating back 25 years. She is credited with working on large, bilateral trade deals with the United States and Britain.
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Okonjo-Iweala has served as Nigerian finance minister and foreign minister and is seen by many as an outsider. Her experience includes serving as managing director of The World Bank Group from 2007 to 2011.
"It was clear that members consider them individuals of outstanding qualifications," Walker added. "I am sure you will all agree with us that in participating in the selection process, the candidates have all made a significant contribution to the standing and image of the WTO."
Azevedo announced his resignation in May and he left office at the end of August, even though he still had one year remaining in his term.


upi--2020-10-08--Next presidential debate to be virtual; Trump refuses to participate

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- The Commission on Presidential Debates said Thursday the next exchange between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will be a virtual affair -- which Trump immediately rejected .
The commission said its decision was made to `` protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate . ''
Trump is recovering from COVID-19 , for which he was hospitalized last weekend .
`` The second presidential debate will take the form of a town meeting , in which the candidates would participate from separate remote locations , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The town meeting participants and the moderator , Steve Scully , senior executive producer & political editor , C-SPAN Networks , will be located at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami , Fla. '' The debate was already planned as a `` town hall '' style event in Miami , during which potential voters pose questions to the candidates .
The only change with Thursday 's announcement is that neither Trump nor Biden will be physically present at the Miami location .
Just minutes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he will not participate .
`` I 'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate , '' he said .
`` The commission changed the debate style and that 's not acceptable to us . ''
The commission 's switch to a virtual debate was a direct result of Trump 's illness , which has also spread to his campaign and White House staff and first lady Melania Trump .
The president spent three days in the hospital last weekend and has since been taking multiple treatments , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleveland last week , several members of Trump 's family , White House and campaign staff members were seen without masks before the event and some of them violated protocol by removing their masks while seated during the debate .
Biden said this week the next debate should not be staged as an in-person event if Trump is still infected with the coronavirus .
Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 multiple times since Trump 's diagnosis .
Trump 's has faced heavy criticism for downplaying the pandemic , which has killed more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 210,000 in the United States .
At Wednesday 's vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City , the Commission on Presidential Debates expanded COVID-19 safety precautions by placing Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic nominee Sen. Kamala Harris 12 feet apart .
They were also separated by two plexiglass dividers .

President Donald Trump (L) and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden are seen during the first presidential debate in Cleveland on September 29. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The Commission on Presidential Debates said Thursday the next exchange between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will be a virtual affair -- which Trump immediately rejected. The commission said its decision was made to "protect the health and safety of all involved with the second presidential debate." Trump is recovering from COVID-19, for which he was hospitalized last weekend. Advertisement
"The second presidential debate will take the form of a town meeting, in which the candidates would participate from separate remote locations," the commission said in a statement.
"The town meeting participants and the moderator, Steve Scully, senior executive producer & political editor, C-SPAN Networks, will be located at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami, Fla."
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The debate was already planned as a "town hall" style event in Miami, during which potential voters pose questions to the candidates. The only change with Thursday's announcement is that neither Trump nor Biden will be physically present at the Miami location.
Just minutes after the announcement, Trump told Fox Business that he will not participate.
"I'm not going to waste my time on a virtual debate," he said. "The commission changed the debate style and that's not acceptable to us."
The commission's switch to a virtual debate was a direct result of Trump's illness, which has also spread to his campaign and White House staff and first lady Melania Trump. The president spent three days in the hospital last weekend and has since been taking multiple treatments, including steroids.
Trump told Fox Business he doesn't think he's contagious.
His physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said Thursday night that Trump completed his therapy for COVID-19 and has remained stable since returning to the White House.
"Saturday will be Day 10 since Thursday's diagnosis, and based on the trajectory of advanced diagnostics the team has been conducting, I fully anticipate the president's safe return to public engagements at that time," he said.
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In response to Trump's refusal to participate the Oct. 15 debate, the Biden campaign asked the commission to change the following and final debate on Oct. 22 to be a town hall.
"We hope the Debate Commission will move the Biden-Trump Town Hall to October 22nd, so that the President is not able to evade accountability," said Kate Beddingfield, Biden's deputy campaign manager.
"The voters should have a chance to ask questions of both candidates, directly. Every presidential candidate since 1992 has participated in such an event, and it would be a shame if Donald Trump was the first to refuse."
Shortly after the Biden camp's request, ABC News announced it would hold a town hall event Oct. 15 featuring the former vice president.
"ABC News will host a town hall with @JoeBiden moderated by [George Stephanopoulos] on October 15th," the news organization tweeted.
"The primetime event will take place in Philadelphia where the former vice president will answer questions from voters."
At the first debate in Cleveland last week, several members of Trump's family, White House and campaign staff members were seen without masks before the event and some of them violated protocol by removing their masks while seated during the debate.
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Biden said this week the next debate should not be staged as an in-person event if Trump is still infected with the coronavirus. Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 multiple times since Trump's diagnosis.
Trump's has faced heavy criticism for downplaying the pandemic, which has killed more than 1 million people worldwide -- including more than 210,000 in the United States.
At Wednesday's vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City, the Commission on Presidential Debates expanded COVID-19 safety precautions by placing Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic nominee Sen. Kamala Harris 12 feet apart. They were also separated by two plexiglass dividers.
First presidential debate takes place in Cleveland


upi--2020-10-08--Fantasy football: Clyde Edwards-Helaire tops Week 5 running back rankings

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- Clyde Edwards-Helaire , Chris Carson , Ezekiel Elliott , Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry top my Week 5 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Dalvin Cook , James Conner , Jonathan Taylor , Josh Jacobs and Jerick McKinnon round out my Top 10 options for Week 5 .
David Johnson , Todd Gurley , Mark Ingram and Devin Singletary also are among my other favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Continue to monitor the status for Kansas City Chiefs , New England Patriots , Tennessee Titans , Buffalo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders players in your lineups , as their games could be postponed due to recent positive COVID-19 test results .
Austin Ekeler and Nick Chubb should be removed from all starting lineups after they sustained Week 4 injuries .
Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers players should be taken out of lineups as those teams have Week 5 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position .
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one of the key players on one of the most-prolific offenses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 433 yards from scrimmage and one score on 85 touches this season , but should be used more as a pass catcher going forward .
I have the Kansas City Chiefs running back as my No .
1 option this week as he faces a Las Vegas Raiders defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season .
I expect Edwards-Helaire to have at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week 5 .
Jerick McKinnon has risen to the occasion in place of injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McKinnon has scored in every game this season and has a great chance to get into the end zone again in Week 5 , when the 49ers battle host the 1-3 Miami Dolphins I have McKinnon as my No.10 running back this week .
He is a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 until Mostert returns to the lineup .
Houston Texans running back David Johnson is my No .
11 option at the position .
Johnson has scored in two of four games this season .
He also had 92 yards from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another performance with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 5 when the Texans face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley has four touchdowns this season and scored twice in Week 4 .
He has yet to eclipse 100 yards from scrimmage through four weeks , but I still like him as an RB2 this week .
The Falcons are set to face the Carolina Panthers , a defense tied for allowing a league-high seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gurley is my No .
14 option for Week 5 .
Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram has been disappointing this season for fantasy football teams , but I like him as a low-end RB2 in Week 5 .
The Ravens battle a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to running backs .
The Ravens own one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL .
Ingram has scored in two of his last three games and is my No .
16 option this week .
Buffalo Bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
19 running back for Week 5 .
He has just one score on the season , but it came last week against the Las Vegas Raiders .
This week , the Bills battle a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Start Singletary in your RB2 slot in Week 5 .

1/3
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) has 433 yards from scrimmage and one score this season, and he is my top running back for Week 5. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chris Carson, Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry top my Week 5 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Dalvin Cook, James Conner, Jonathan Taylor, Josh Jacobs and Jerick McKinnon round out my Top 10 options for Week 5. David Johnson, Todd Gurley, Mark Ingram and Devin Singletary also are among my other favorite starts this week at the running back position. Advertisement
Continue to monitor the status for Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders players in your lineups, as their games could be postponed due to recent positive COVID-19 test results.
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Austin Ekeler and Nick Chubb should be removed from all starting lineups after they sustained Week 4 injuries. Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers players should be taken out of lineups as those teams have Week 5 byes.
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for options of players to add at each position.
TOP SHELF
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one of the key players on one of the most-prolific offenses in the NFL. The rookie running back has 433 yards from scrimmage and one score on 85 touches this season, but should be used more as a pass catcher going forward.
I have the Kansas City Chiefs running back as my No. 1 option this week as he faces a Las Vegas Raiders defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season.
I expect Edwards-Helaire to have at least 100 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week 5.
Jerick McKinnon has risen to the occasion in place of injured San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert. McKinnon has scored in every game this season and has a great chance to get into the end zone again in Week 5, when the 49ers battle host the 1-3 Miami Dolphins
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I have McKinnon as my No.10 running back this week. He is a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 until Mostert returns to the lineup.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Houston Texans running back David Johnson is my No. 11 option at the position. Johnson has scored in two of four games this season. He also had 92 yards from scrimmage in Week 4.
I expect another performance with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in Week 5 when the Texans face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley has four touchdowns this season and scored twice in Week 4. He has yet to eclipse 100 yards from scrimmage through four weeks, but I still like him as an RB2 this week.
The Falcons are set to face the Carolina Panthers, a defense tied for allowing a league-high seven rushing touchdowns to running backs in 2020.
Gurley is my No. 14 option for Week 5.
LONGSHOTS
Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram has been disappointing this season for fantasy football teams, but I like him as a low-end RB2 in Week 5.
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The Ravens battle a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to running backs. The Ravens own one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL.
Ingram has scored in two of his last three games and is my No. 16 option this week.
Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary is my No. 19 running back for Week 5. He has just one score on the season, but it came last week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This week, the Bills battle a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Start Singletary in your RB2 slot in Week 5.
Week 5 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs vs. LV
2. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. MIN
3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG
4. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. LAC
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. BUF
6. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings at SEA
7. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. PHI
8. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts at CLE
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9. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders at KC
10. Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers vs. MIA
11. David Johnson, Houston Texans vs. JAX
12. Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers at ATL
13. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns vs. IND
14. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons vs. CAR
15. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars at HOU
16. Mark Ingram, Baltimore Ravens vs. CIN
17. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team vs. LAR
18. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles at PIT
19. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills at TEN
20. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals at NYJ
21. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers at NO
22. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals at BAL
23. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos at NE
24. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens vs. CIN
25. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams at WAS
26. Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins at SF
27. James White, New England Patriots vs. DEN
28. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams at WAS
29. Latavius Murray, New Orleans Saints vs. LAC
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30. Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals at NYJ
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-08--Fantasy football: D.K. Metcalf tops Week 5 wide receiver rankings

Oct. 7 ( UPI ) -- D.K .
Metcalf , DeAndre Hopkins , Tyreek Hill , Stefon Diggs and Amari Cooper top my Week 5 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020 .
Keenan Allen , Mike Evans , Will Fuller , JuJu Smith-Schuster and Adam Thielen round out my Top 10 options for Week 5 .
Darius Slayton , Greg Ward and Brandon Aiyuk also are among my favorite starts this week .
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay Packers and Detroit Lions players should be removed from starting lineups as they have Week 5 byes .
Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 5 matchup .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K .
Metcalf leads the NFL in receiving yards .
He is also my top fantasy football wide receiver for Week 5 .
Metcalf should be starting lineups regardless of matchup , but he should have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host a Minnesota Vikings team that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is my No .
4 wide receiver for Week 5 .
Diggs ranks second in receiving yards and is Josh Allen 's top pass-catching option .
He should have another WR1 outing on Sunday when the Bills battle a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen lands at No .
10 in my Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four touchdowns this season and should have another great performance when the Vikings face a Seattle Seahawks squad that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
The Seahawks have also allowed a league-high 94 receptions for 1,345 yards to the position .
Start Thielen regardless of matchup until further notice .
Darius Slayton is a great WR3 play this week as the New York Giants battle a Dallas Cowboys team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
Slayton is my No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ haul in at least five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 .
The Philadelphia Eagles do n't have many healthy players available at wide receiver .
Greg Ward will line up for the Eagles at that position in Week 5 .
Ward is my No .
36 wide receiver for Week 5 and lands in low-end WR3 territory .
He is a matchup-based WR3 against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers .
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins .
Aiyuk is my No .
40 option at the position .
The Dolphins have allowed the third-most receiving yards and are tied for allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position .
Aiyuk is a low-end WR3 or a bye week fill-in for Week 5 .

1/3
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (14) leads the NFL in receiving yards and is my top fantasy football wide receiver for Week 5. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 7 (UPI) -- D.K. Metcalf, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs and Amari Cooper top my Week 5 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2020. Keenan Allen, Will Fuller, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Adam Thielen and Calvin Ridley round out my Top 10 options for Week 5. Darius Slayton, Greg Ward and Brandon Aiyuk also are among my favorite starts this week. Advertisement
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at wide receiver.
Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions players should be removed from starting lineups as they have Week 5 byes. Check out my weekly waiver wire article for candidates to add to your roster before your Week 5 matchup.
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Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf leads the NFL in receiving yards. He is also my top fantasy football wide receiver for Week 5.
Metcalf should be starting lineups regardless of matchup, but he should have a big day on Sunday when the Seahawks host a Minnesota Vikings team that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is my No. 4 wide receiver for Week 5. Diggs ranks second in receiving yards and is Josh Allen's top pass-catching option.
He should have another WR1 outing on Sunday when the Bills battle a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen lands at No. 9 in my Week 5 rankings. Thielen has already scored four touchdowns this season and should have another great performance when the Vikings face a Seattle Seahawks squad that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
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The Seahawks have also allowed a league-high 94 receptions for 1,345 yards to the position. Start Thielen regardless of matchup until further notice.
Darius Slayton is a great WR3 play this week as the New York Giants battle a Dallas Cowboys team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Slayton is my No. 18 option.
I expect Slayton to haul in at least five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 5.
LONGSHOTS
The Philadelphia Eagles don't have many healthy players available at wide receiver. Greg Ward will line up for the Eagles at that position in Week 5. Ward is my No. 33 wide receiver for Week 5 and lands in low-end WR3 territory.
He is a matchup-based WR3 against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
San Francisco 49ers rookie Brandon Aiyuk has scored in back-to-back games heading into a Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins. Aiyuk is my No. 37 option at the position.
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The Dolphins have allowed the third-most receiving yards and are tied for allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position. Aiyuk is a low-end WR3 or a bye week fill-in for Week 5.
Week 5 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
1. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks vs. MIN
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals at NYJ
3. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs vs. LV
4. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills at TEN
5. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG
6. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers at NO
7. Will Fuller, Houston Texans vs. JAX
8. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. PHI
9. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings at SEA
10. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons vs. CAR
11. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. MIN
12. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams at WAS
13. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers at ATL
14. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins at SF
15. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals at BAL
16. Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers at ATL
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17. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings at SEA
18. Darius Slayton, New York Giants at DAL
19. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team vs. LAR
20. Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns vs. IND
21. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans vs. BUF
22. D.J. Chark Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars at HOU
23. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams at WAS
24. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG
25. John Brown, Buffalo Bills at TEN
26. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets vs. ARI
27. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills at TEN
28. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens vs. CIN
29. Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs vs. LV
30. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts at CLE
31. Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders at KC
32. Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints vs. LAC
33. Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at PIT
34. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals at BAL
35. Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons vs. CAR
36. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots vs. DEN
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37. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers vs. MIA
38. Golden Tate, New York Giants at DAL
39. Laviska Shenault, Jacksonville Jaguars at HOU
40. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs vs. LV
41. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals at BAL
42. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns vs. IND
43. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos at NE
44. N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots vs. DEN
45. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG
46. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers vs. MIA
47. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints vs. LAC
48. Brandin Cooks, Houston Texans vs. JAX
49. Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos at NE
50. Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals at NYJ
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-10-08--MLB playoffs: Bellinger robs Tatis HR, Dodgers edge Padres

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- Cody Bellinger made the play of the game with a home run robbery of Fernando Tatis Jr. to help the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on for a narrow win over the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the National League Division Series .
The Dodgers now own a 2-0 series lead after the 6-5 win Wednesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington , Texas .
Bellinger also went 1 for 4 with a home run and an RBI in the victory .
`` It 's going to take a while to wind down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the victory .
`` That was postseason baseball . ''
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw allowed six hits and three runs in six innings to earn the postseason win .
Bellinger 's acrobatic game-saver came in the top of the seventh inning .
Tatis Jr. stepped into the batter 's box with a man on second base during the sequence .
He smacked the first pitch he saw from Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol to dead center field .
Bellinger tracked the ball and drifted back toward the warning track before he jumped toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gloved right hand to snag the ball for the third out of the inning just before it could go over the fence .
The ball cruised 105 mph off Tatis ' bat and went 413 feet , according to Statcast .
A home run from Tatis would have given the Padres a 5-4 lead .
Justin Turner and Max Muncy each drove in runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to push the Dodgers lead to 6-3 .
The Padres attempted a rally in the top of the ninth inning , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch Moreland hit an RBI double and Trent Grisham hit an RBI single in the top of the final frame for San Diego .
Padres right fielder Wil Myers plated Tommy Pham on an RBI double for the first run of the game in the top of the second inning .
The Dodgers responded with an RBI double from Corey Seager and a Muncy RBI single in the bottom of the third frame .
Bellinger then hit a leadoff solo shot in the bottom of the fourth frame .
The Dodgers center fielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davies to center field for a 433-foot home run to give Los Angeles a 4-1 edge .
Padres sluggers Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer then led off the top of the sixth inning with back-to-back solo homers to cut the Dodgers lead to 4-3 .
Bellinger then took flight in the top of the next inning to prevent the Padres comeback .
Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen allowed three hits and two runs in the ninth inning before right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly entered the game and picked up a save .
Seager went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two runs scored in the win .
Mookie Betts , Austin Barnes and Muncy each collected two hits for the Dodgers .
Tatis went 0 for 4 in the loss .
Pham and Jake Cronenworth had two hits apiece for the Padres .
The Dodgers face the Padres in Game 3 at 9:08 p.m. EDT Thursday in Arlington .
The winner of the series faces the Miami Marlins or Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series .
The Braves lead that series 2-0 .

1/3
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger hit a home run and robbed a home run during a win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Cody Bellinger made the play of the game with a home run robbery of Fernando Tatis Jr. to help the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on for a narrow win over the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. The Dodgers now own a 2-0 series lead after the 6-5 win Wednesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Bellinger also went 1 for 4 with a home run and an RBI in the victory. Advertisement
"It's going to take a while to wind down from that one," Bellinger said of the victory. "That was postseason baseball."
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw allowed six hits and three runs in six innings to earn the postseason win.
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Bellinger's acrobatic game-saver came in the top of the seventh inning. Tatis Jr. stepped into the batter's box with a man on second base during the sequence. He smacked the first pitch he saw from Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol to dead center field.
Bellinger tracked the ball and drifted back toward the warning track before he jumped toward the outfield fence. He used his gloved right hand to snag the ball for the third out of the inning just before it could go over the fence.
The ball cruised 105 mph off Tatis' bat and went 413 feet, according to Statcast. A home run from Tatis would have given the Padres a 5-4 lead.
Justin Turner and Max Muncy each drove in runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to push the Dodgers lead to 6-3. The Padres attempted a rally in the top of the ninth inning, but fell short in their comeback effort. Mitch Moreland hit an RBI double and Trent Grisham hit an RBI single in the top of the final frame for San Diego.
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Padres right fielder Wil Myers plated Tommy Pham on an RBI double for the first run of the game in the top of the second inning. The Dodgers responded with an RBI double from Corey Seager and a Muncy RBI single in the bottom of the third frame.
Bellinger then hit a leadoff solo shot in the bottom of the fourth frame. The Dodgers center fielder hit a changeup from Padres starter Zach Davies to center field for a 433-foot home run to give Los Angeles a 4-1 edge.
Padres sluggers Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer then led off the top of the sixth inning with back-to-back solo homers to cut the Dodgers lead to 4-3. Bellinger then took flight in the top of the next inning to prevent the Padres comeback.
Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen allowed three hits and two runs in the ninth inning before right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly entered the game and picked up a save.
Seager went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the win. Mookie Betts, Austin Barnes and Muncy each collected two hits for the Dodgers.
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Tatis went 0 for 4 in the loss. Pham and Jake Cronenworth had two hits apiece for the Padres.
The Dodgers face the Padres in Game 3 at 9:08 p.m. EDT Thursday in Arlington. The winner of the series faces the Miami Marlins or Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series. The Braves lead that series 2-0.
This week in Major League Baseball


upi--2020-10-08--'Digital republic' like Estonia may be everyone's future

Oct. 8 ( UPI ) -- People around the globe have been watching the buildup to the U.S. election with disbelief .
Particularly confusing to many is the furor over postal ballots , which the U.S. president , Donald Trump is insisting will lead to large-scale voter fraud -- despite a complete lack of evidence to back this .
And yet this issue has become a central feature of the debate .
Citizens of Estonia , a small nation in Baltic region , will perhaps be particularly perplexed : Since 2005 , Estonians have been able vote online , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with their digital ID card and vote as many times as they want during the pre-voting period , with each vote cancelling the last .
This unique technological solution has safeguarded Estonian voters against fraud , use of force and other manipulations of remote voting that many American voters are apprehensive about in the 2020 U.S. election .
Voting online is just the start .
Estonia offers the most comprehensive governmental online services in the world .
In the United States , it takes an average taxpayer with no business income eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Estonia , it takes just five minutes .
In the United Kingdom , billions of pounds have been spent on IT , yet the National Health Service still struggles to make patient data accessible across different health boards .
In Estonia , despite having multiple private health service providers , doctors can collate and visualize patient records whenever and wherever necessary , with consent from patients -- a real boon in the country 's fight against coronavirus .
Branding itself the first `` digital republic '' in the world , Estonia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , in an era when trust in public services are declining across the globe , Estonia persistently achieves one of the highest ratings of trust in government in the European Union .
The Estonian government claims that this digitization of public services saves more than 1,400 years of working time and 2 % of its GDP annually .
The foundation of this digital republic dates back to 1997 , a time when only 1.7 % of world population had Internet access , a startup called Google had just registered its domain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was celebrating the launch of 10 Downing Street 's official website .
Meanwhile , the government of the newly formed state of Estonia envisaged the creation of a digital society , where all citizens would be technologically literate and governance would be paperless , decentralized , transparent , efficient and equitable .
The young post-Soviet government decided to ditch all communist-era legacy technologies and inefficient public service structure .
In a radical move , the government -- which had an average age of 35 -- also decided not to embrace Western technologies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a gift and the Estonian government declined , envisaging communicating over the Internet rather than analogue telephone .
The government of Estonia launched a project called Tiigrihüpe ( Tiger Leap ) in 1997 , investing heavily in development and the expansion of Internet networks and computer literacy .
Within a year of its inception , almost all ( 97 % ) of Estonian schools had Internet access and by 2000 , Estonia was the first country to pass legislation declaring access to the Internet a basic human right .
Free WiFi hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now cover most populated areas of the country .
The government also understood that , in order to create a knowledge-based society , information needs to be shared efficiently while maintaining privacy .
This was a radical understanding , even in the context of today , when for most countries , data sharing among different organizations ' databases is still limited .
It is predicted that by 2022 , 93 % of the world 's total data collected or stored will be such `` dark '' or siloed data .
Two decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an anti-silo data management system called X-Road through which public and private organizations can share data securely while maintaining data privacy through cryptography .
Built in partnership with Finnish government , X-Road came under cyberattack from Russian IP addresses in 2007 .
This attack made clear how vulnerable centralized data management systems are , and so Estonia required a distributed technology that is resistant to cyberattack .
Addressing this need , in 2012 Estonia became the first country to use blockchain technology for governance .
Distributed ledger technology , commonly known as blockchain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cryptocurrency bitcoin .
The technology has moved on significantly since its inception in 2009 and is now used for a variety of applications , from supply chains to fighting injustice .
Blockchain is an open-source distributed ledger or database system in which an updated copy of the records is available to all stakeholders at all times .
Due to this distributed nature , it is almost impossible for a single person or company to hack everybody 's ledger , ensuring security against cyberattacks .
Deploying blockchain technology not only ensures protection against any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other benefits to Estonians .
For example , in most countries citizens have to fill in many different forms with the same personal information ( name , address ) when they need to access public services from different government agencies .
In Estonia , citizens only need to input their personal information once : the blockchain system enables the relevant data to be immediately accessible to the required department .
This might scare people worried about data privacy .
But citizens , not the government , own their personal data in Estonia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approve which part of their information can be reused by which public service .
Estonians know that even government officials ca n't access their personal data beyond what is approved by them for the required public service .
Any unauthorized attempt to access personal data will be identified as invalid : Indeed , it is a criminal offense in Estonia for officials to gain unauthorized access to personal data .
This transfer of ownership and control of personal data to individuals is only possible due to blockchain technology .
This should be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is true that most countries do not have similar circumstances to post-Soviet Estonia when the Tiger Leap was introduced .
But the same futuristic mindset is required to address the challenge of declining trust .
Dr. Imtiaz Khan is a reader in data science and Ali Shahaab is a PhD candidate in distributed ledgers/blockchain technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

People prepare to vote in the 2019 Estonian parliamentary election, when 43.8% of all participants voted over the Internet. File Photo by Valda Kalnina/EPA-EFE
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- People around the globe have been watching the buildup to the U.S. election with disbelief. Particularly confusing to many is the furor over postal ballots, which the U.S. president, Donald Trump is insisting will lead to large-scale voter fraud -- despite a complete lack of evidence to back this. And yet this issue has become a central feature of the debate. Citizens of Estonia, a small nation in Baltic region, will perhaps be particularly perplexed: Since 2005, Estonians have been able vote online, from anywhere in the world. Estonians log on with their digital ID card and vote as many times as they want during the pre-voting period, with each vote cancelling the last. This unique technological solution has safeguarded Estonian voters against fraud, use of force and other manipulations of remote voting that many American voters are apprehensive about in the 2020 U.S. election. Advertisement Advertisement
Voting online is just the start. Estonia offers the most comprehensive governmental online services in the world. In the United States, it takes an average taxpayer with no business income eight hours to file a tax return. In Estonia, it takes just five minutes. In the United Kingdom, billions of pounds have been spent on IT, yet the National Health Service still struggles to make patient data accessible across different health boards. In Estonia, despite having multiple private health service providers, doctors can collate and visualize patient records whenever and wherever necessary, with consent from patients -- a real boon in the country's fight against coronavirus.
Branding itself the first "digital republic" in the world, Estonia has digitized 99% of its public services. And, in an era when trust in public services are declining across the globe, Estonia persistently achieves one of the highest ratings of trust in government in the European Union. The Estonian government claims that this digitization of public services saves more than 1,400 years of working time and 2% of its GDP annually.
The tiger leap
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The foundation of this digital republic dates back to 1997, a time when only 1.7% of world population had Internet access, a startup called Google had just registered its domain name and British Prime Minister John Major was celebrating the launch of 10 Downing Street's official website.
Meanwhile, the government of the newly formed state of Estonia envisaged the creation of a digital society, where all citizens would be technologically literate and governance would be paperless, decentralized, transparent, efficient and equitable. The young post-Soviet government decided to ditch all communist-era legacy technologies and inefficient public service structure.
In a radical move, the government -- which had an average age of 35 -- also decided not to embrace Western technologies. Neighboring Finland offered an analogue telephone exchange as a gift and the Estonian government declined, envisaging communicating over the Internet rather than analogue telephone.
The government of Estonia launched a project called Tiigrihüpe (Tiger Leap) in 1997, investing heavily in development and the expansion of Internet networks and computer literacy. Within a year of its inception, almost all (97%) of Estonian schools had Internet access and by 2000, Estonia was the first country to pass legislation declaring access to the Internet a basic human right. Free WiFi hot spots started being built in 2001, and now cover most populated areas of the country.
Advertisement
The government also understood that, in order to create a knowledge-based society, information needs to be shared efficiently while maintaining privacy. This was a radical understanding, even in the context of today, when for most countries, data sharing among different organizations' databases is still limited. It is predicted that by 2022, 93% of the world's total data collected or stored will be such "dark" or siloed data.
Two decades ago, in 2001, Estonia created an anti-silo data management system called X-Road through which public and private organizations can share data securely while maintaining data privacy through cryptography. Built in partnership with Finnish government, X-Road came under cyberattack from Russian IP addresses in 2007. This attack made clear how vulnerable centralized data management systems are, and so Estonia required a distributed technology that is resistant to cyberattack. Addressing this need, in 2012 Estonia became the first country to use blockchain technology for governance.
Blockchain governance
Distributed ledger technology, commonly known as blockchain, is the underpinning technology of the cryptocurrency bitcoin. The technology has moved on significantly since its inception in 2009 and is now used for a variety of applications, from supply chains to fighting injustice.
Blockchain is an open-source distributed ledger or database system in which an updated copy of the records is available to all stakeholders at all times. Due to this distributed nature, it is almost impossible for a single person or company to hack everybody's ledger, ensuring security against cyberattacks.
Advertisement
Deploying blockchain technology not only ensures protection against any future attacks, but also poses many other benefits to Estonians. For example, in most countries citizens have to fill in many different forms with the same personal information (name, address) when they need to access public services from different government agencies. In Estonia, citizens only need to input their personal information once: the blockchain system enables the relevant data to be immediately accessible to the required department.
This might scare people worried about data privacy. But citizens, not the government, own their personal data in Estonia. Citizens have a digital ID card and approve which part of their information can be reused by which public service. Estonians know that even government officials can't access their personal data beyond what is approved by them for the required public service. Any unauthorized attempt to access personal data will be identified as invalid: Indeed, it is a criminal offense in Estonia for officials to gain unauthorized access to personal data. This transfer of ownership and control of personal data to individuals is only possible due to blockchain technology.
This should be an inspiration for the rest of the world. It is true that most countries do not have similar circumstances to post-Soviet Estonia when the Tiger Leap was introduced. But the same futuristic mindset is required to address the challenge of declining trust.
Advertisement
Dr. Imtiaz Khan is a reader in data science and Ali Shahaab is a PhD candidate in distributed ledgers/blockchain technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-10-08--In Photos: Matt Damon turns 50: a look back

Left to right , cast members Charlize Theron , Damon and Will Smith attend the premiere of `` The Legend @ @ @ @ @ New York City on October 29 , 2000 .
The following year , Damon would @ @ @ @ @ with `` The Bourne Identity , '' a remake of the 1988 screen version of @ @ @ @ @ Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Left to right, cast members Charlize Theron, Damon and Will Smith attend the premiere of "The Legend Of Bagger Vance" in New York City on October 29, 2000. The following year, Damon would begin the Jason Bourne franchise with "The Bourne Identity," a remake of the 1988 screen version of Robert Ludlum's novel. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI