upi--2020-03-03--Jacksonville Jaguars trading CB A.J. Bouye to Denver Broncos

March 3 ( UPI ) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to trade veteran cornerback A.J .
Bouye to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Denver will send a fourth-round draft selection in this year 's NFL Draft to the Jaguars in exchange for Bouye .
The deal ca n't be processed until the new league year begins March 18 .
Bouye said he was informed of the pending trade from both Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell and Broncos president and general manager John Elway .
`` I 'm on the way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get a phone call from Caldwell , saying he appreciates everything I did for the team , '' Bouye told ESPN .
`` Then , Elway calls me , saying , 'Welcome to Denver . '
Now everyone is calling .
I 'm just finding out .
I want to thank Jacksonville . ''
Bouye , who went undrafted in 2013 , played four seasons with the Houston Texans ( 2013-16 ) before signing with the Jaguars in March 2017 .
He was a key member of Jacksonville 's 2017 free-agent class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best in team history .
Bouye , 28 , made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in 2017 .
He recorded 175 total tackles , eight interceptions and 34 passes defensed across three seasons ( 43 starts ) with the Jaguars .
Bouye is scheduled to earn $ 13 million and count $ 15.5 million against the salary cap in 2020 , according to Spotrac .
He is expected to replace Broncos star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. , who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this month .

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) is scheduled to earn $13 million and count $15.5 million against the salary cap in 2020. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to trade veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Denver will send a fourth-round draft selection in this year's NFL Draft to the Jaguars in exchange for Bouye. The deal can't be processed until the new league year begins March 18. Advertisement
Bouye said he was informed of the pending trade from both Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell and Broncos president and general manager John Elway.
"I'm on the way to get my kids, [and] I get a phone call from Caldwell, saying he appreciates everything I did for the team," Bouye told ESPN. "Then, Elway calls me, saying, 'Welcome to Denver.' Now everyone is calling. I'm just finding out. I want to thank Jacksonville."
Bouye, who went undrafted in 2013, played four seasons with the Houston Texans (2013-16) before signing with the Jaguars in March 2017. He was a key member of Jacksonville's 2017 free-agent class, which was regarded as one of the best in team history.
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Bouye, 28, made the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in 2017. He recorded 175 total tackles, eight interceptions and 34 passes defensed across three seasons (43 starts) with the Jaguars.
Bouye is scheduled to earn $13 million and count $15.5 million against the salary cap in 2020, according to Spotrac. He is expected to replace Broncos star cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this month.


upi--2020-03-03--President Donald Trump participates in coronavirus roundtable

March 3 ( UPI ) -- U.S. health officials told President Donald Trump to expect a phase one trial of @ @ @ @ @ to three months during a roundtable at the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases touted the timeframe , but reminded @ @ @ @ @ will likely be many more months before a usable vaccine is available .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ what this place is all about , '' Fauci said of the NIH .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the SWAT team of going out and responding to emerging microbes . ''
Trump , @ @ @ @ @ to the NIH , praised the work of the scientists and his administration to combat @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 people in the United States and killed nine .

President Donald Trump (R) watches a video presentation next to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during a coronavirus roundtable briefing at the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- U.S. health officials told President Donald Trump to expect a phase one trial of a coronavirus vaccine in two to three months during a roundtable at the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases touted the timeframe, but reminded those in attendance that it will likely be many more months before a usable vaccine is available. Advertisement
"So that kind of thing is what this place is all about," Fauci said of the NIH. "It's kind of like the SWAT team of going out and responding to emerging microbes."
Trump, who made his first visit to the NIH, praised the work of the scientists and his administration to combat COVID-19, which has sickened more than 100 people in the United States and killed nine.


upi--2020-03-03--New drug prevents bacteria from acquiring antibiotic resistance genes

March 3 ( UPI ) -- According to a new study , scientists have developed a drug that prevents bacteria from acquiring the genes needed to develop antibiotic resistance .
Bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics by acquiring DNA fragments from their environs and incorporating them into their genomes .
This ability is referred to as `` competence . ''
Through a series of observations and lab tests , scientists were able to identify the chain of events that allow bacteria cells to become competent .
Once they identified what competence looked like , scientists were able to identify drugs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaborated with scientists from Heidelberg , who developed a high-throughput assay to simultaneously test cells for competence and growth , '' lead study author Arnau Domenech , postdoctoral researcher at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands , said in a news release .
`` In this assay , 1,366 approved drugs were screened .
It turned out that 46 of them blocked the induction of competence , without negatively affecting growth . ''
Cells can become motivated to evolve defenses against drugs if the drugs cause growth stress .
Because the 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cells of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae did n't develop resistance .
The drugs that prevented competence and did n't inhibit cell growth belonged to two different categories : drugs affecting ion homeostasis and antipsychotics .
Further investigation showed that all of the drugs block competence by disrupting the proton-motive force , the electrochemical gradient that propels protons cellular membranes and fuels a variety of cellular processes .
`` The result is that the cells fail to secrete a peptide called CSP , '' said Domenech .
When enough cells secrete CSP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as quorum sensing .
By disrupting the proton-motive force , the 46 drugs prevented CSP secretion from crossing the necessary threshold and turning on the competence genes .
`` In the lab , we observed that our competence-blocking drugs could prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and we obtained the same results in cultures of human lung epithelial cells , '' Domenech said .
Scientists got the same promising results when they repeated the lab tests using a mouse model .
The research team published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the journal Cell Host and Microbe .
Because the proton-motive force is necessary for some vital functions in humans , scientists are n't certain whether drugs are safe for humans .
Further testing is needed to determine whether these anti-evolution drugs can help prevent antibiotic resistance in humans without harming cell growth .
`` Nevertheless , we discovered a general pathway that we can block to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance , '' said Domenech .

Postdoctoral researcher Arnau Domenech and his colleagues identified a new pathway for disrupting the ability of bacteria cells to develop antibiotic resistance. Photo by Veening Lab
March 3 (UPI) -- According to a new study, scientists have developed a drug that prevents bacteria from acquiring the genes needed to develop antibiotic resistance. Bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics by acquiring DNA fragments from their environs and incorporating them into their genomes. This ability is referred to as "competence." Advertisement
Through a series of observations and lab tests, scientists were able to identify the chain of events that allow bacteria cells to become competent. Once they identified what competence looked like, scientists were able to identify drugs that interfered with the process.
"We collaborated with scientists from Heidelberg, who developed a high-throughput assay to simultaneously test cells for competence and growth," lead study author Arnau Domenech, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, said in a news release. "In this assay, 1,366 approved drugs were screened. It turned out that 46 of them blocked the induction of competence, without negatively affecting growth."
Cells can become motivated to evolve defenses against drugs if the drugs cause growth stress. Because the 46 drugs don't negatively impact cell growth, cells of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae didn't develop resistance.
The drugs that prevented competence and didn't inhibit cell growth belonged to two different categories: drugs affecting ion homeostasis and antipsychotics. Further investigation showed that all of the drugs block competence by disrupting the proton-motive force, the electrochemical gradient that propels protons cellular membranes and fuels a variety of cellular processes.
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"The result is that the cells fail to secrete a peptide called CSP," said Domenech.
When enough cells secrete CSP, competence genes get activated -- a process known as quorum sensing. By disrupting the proton-motive force, the 46 drugs prevented CSP secretion from crossing the necessary threshold and turning on the competence genes.
"In the lab, we observed that our competence-blocking drugs could prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and we obtained the same results in cultures of human lung epithelial cells," Domenech said.
Scientists got the same promising results when they repeated the lab tests using a mouse model. The research team published the results of their tests this week in the journal Cell Host and Microbe.
Because the proton-motive force is necessary for some vital functions in humans, scientists aren't certain whether drugs are safe for humans. Further testing is needed to determine whether these anti-evolution drugs can help prevent antibiotic resistance in humans without harming cell growth.
"Nevertheless, we discovered a general pathway that we can block to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance," said Domenech.


upi--2020-03-03--Dow Jones falls 785 points despite emergency rate cut

March 3 ( UPI ) -- U.S. markets fell sharply on Tuesday despite an emergency rate cut by the Federal Reserve seeking to ease concerns about the economic effects of COVID-19 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 785.91 points , or 2.94 percent , while the S & P 500 dropped 2.81 percent and the Nasdaq composite slid 2.99 percent as the Fed cut rates by half of a percentage point .
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the `` coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity , '' although the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Dow surging nearly 1,300 points after all three major markets entered correction territory last week .
The rate cut came after G7 nations issued a statement declaring they would use policy tools to combat an economic slowdown due to the virus .
In response to the cut , investors turned to U.S. Treasurys and the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield hit a record low of 0.906 percent , causing bank stocks to decline .
Bank of America fell 5.5 percent , while JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup each dropped 3.8 percent .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were American Express , which lost 5.24 percent ; 3M , which dropped 5.09 percent , and Microsoft , which fell 4.79 percent .
More than 100 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the United States , and a slate of major events , including Facebook 's annual F8 developer conference , Google 's News Initiative Global Summit and the Game Developers Conference have been canceled because of concerns that the virus will spread .
American Airlines stock fell 5.36 percent and United Airlines slid 4.85 percent as both companies offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to alter travel plans as a result of the outbreak .

The Dow Jones fell 785 points Tuesday as markets plunged despite an effort by the Federal Reserve to cut rates to ease concerns about COVID-19's effect on the economy. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- U.S. markets fell sharply on Tuesday despite an emergency rate cut by the Federal Reserve seeking to ease concerns about the economic effects of COVID-19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 785.91 points, or 2.94 percent, while the S&P 500 dropped 2.81 percent and the Nasdaq composite slid 2.99 percent as the Fed cut rates by half of a percentage point. Advertisement
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the "coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity," although the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong.
Stocks had bounced back on Monday, with the Dow surging nearly 1,300 points after all three major markets entered correction territory last week.
The rate cut came after G7 nations issued a statement declaring they would use policy tools to combat an economic slowdown due to the virus.
In response to the cut, investors turned to U.S. Treasurys and the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield hit a record low of 0.906 percent, causing bank stocks to decline. Bank of America fell 5.5 percent, while JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup each dropped 3.8 percent.
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Some of the biggest losers on the day were American Express, which lost 5.24 percent; 3M, which dropped 5.09 percent, and Microsoft, which fell 4.79 percent.
More than 100 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the United States, and a slate of major events, including Facebook's annual F8 developer conference, Google's News Initiative Global Summit and the Game Developers Conference have been canceled because of concerns that the virus will spread.
American Airlines stock fell 5.36 percent and United Airlines slid 4.85 percent as both companies offered to waive some fees for travelers forced to alter travel plans as a result of the outbreak.


upi--2020-03-03--Change from sandwich purchase leads to $500,000 lottery jackpot

March 3 ( UPI ) -- A Michigan man bought a sandwich for lunch and decided to spend his change on a lottery ticket that earned him $ 500,000 .
The Muskegon County man told Michigan Lottery officials he stopped at the Speedway gas station in Muskegon to buy something for lunch .
`` I went to get a sandwich and had a few extra bucks left , so I bought two instant tickets , '' the man said .
`` I won $ 10 on the first ticket and thought that was pretty great .
When I scratched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my eyes .
The second ticket , a Triple 7 's scratch-off game , earned him a $ 500,000 jackpot .
`` I called my girlfriend and asked her to come see me right away .
She told me to scan the ticket in the store , and that is when I realized I was n't dreaming , '' the man recalled .
`` I jumped about 10 feet in the air on my way out the door .
Since then , about every 10 minutes I 've thought to myself : 'Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The man said his immediate plans for the money include buying a new vehicle and a vintage speedboat .
`` Winning provides me with the opportunity to retire sooner and alleviates the unknown , '' he said .

A Michigan man said he used his leftover change from a sandwich purchase to buy two lottery tickets, one of which earned him a $500,000 jackpot. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 3 (UPI) -- A Michigan man bought a sandwich for lunch and decided to spend his change on a lottery ticket that earned him $500,000. The Muskegon County man told Michigan Lottery officials he stopped at the Speedway gas station in Muskegon to buy something for lunch. Advertisement
"I went to get a sandwich and had a few extra bucks left, so I bought two instant tickets," the man said. "I won $10 on the first ticket and thought that was pretty great. When I scratched the second ticket, I couldn't believe my eyes.
The second ticket, a Triple 7's scratch-off game, earned him a $500,000 jackpot.
"I called my girlfriend and asked her to come see me right away. She told me to scan the ticket in the store, and that is when I realized I wasn't dreaming," the man recalled. "I jumped about 10 feet in the air on my way out the door. Since then, about every 10 minutes I've thought to myself: 'Did this really happen to me?'"
The man said his immediate plans for the money include buying a new vehicle and a vintage speedboat.
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"Winning provides me with the opportunity to retire sooner and alleviates the unknown," he said.


upi--2020-03-03--Watch: Firefighters cut through backyard pool to rescue horse

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in California used power tools to cut through a resident 's deck and @ @ @ @ @ that fell through the cover and into the cold water .
Kery Poteracke of Penngrove @ @ @ @ @ find her 24-year-old horse , Spirit , had dislodged the lock on her corral and @ @ @ @ @ through the cover of the pool on the home 's back deck .
Poteracke said @ @ @ @ @ Spirit into climbing out of the pool , but they ended up calling 911 when @ @ @ @ @ Firefighters from the Rancho Adobe Fire District responded to the home and used power tools @ @ @ @ @ and the pool to give the horse a path to freedom .
`` They asked @ @ @ @ @ a crane come in and I said , well , my husband does n't want @ @ @ @ @ you can cut it apart , '' Poteracke told KPIX-TV .
Poteracke said Spirit suffered @ @ @ @ @ , but no major injuries .

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March 3 (UPI) -- Firefighters in California used power tools to cut through a resident's deck and pool to rescue a horse that fell through the cover and into the cold water.
Kery Poteracke of Penngrove said she awoke Monday to find her 24-year-old horse, Spirit, had dislodged the lock on her corral and wandered the yard until falling through the cover of the pool on the home's back deck.
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Poteracke said her family tried to coax Spirit into climbing out of the pool, but they ended up calling 911 when their efforts were unsuccessful.
Firefighters from the Rancho Adobe Fire District responded to the home and used power tools to cut through the deck and the pool to give the horse a path to freedom.
"They asked if I wanted to have a crane come in and I said, well, my husband doesn't want the pool so I guess you can cut it apart," Poteracke told KPIX-TV.
Poteracke said Spirit suffered some minor cuts and scrapes, but no major injuries.


upi--2020-03-03--Dublin architects are first two women to share Pritzker prize

March 3 ( UPI ) -- For the first time in the Pritzker Architecture Prize 's four-decade history , the organization handed out the industry 's most prestigious award to two women Tuesday .
The organization named Irish architects Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara as 2020 's winners of what 's considered to be the Nobel prize of architecture .
They co-founded Grafton Architects in Dublin in the 1978 .
`` Architecture could be described as one of the most complex and important cultural activities on the planet , '' Farrell said .
`` To be an architect is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a wonderful endorsement of our belief in architecture .
Thank you for this great honor . ''
Farrell and McNamara are known for their designs of educational buildings , including the University Campus UTEC Lima in Peru ; the Universite Toulouse 1 Capitole , School of Economics in France ; and the Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan , Italy .
Often relying on concrete and stone in their structures , the two are known for working in urban spaces and using a modern approach while `` honoring history , '' a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The collaboration between Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara represents a veritable interconnectedness between equal counterparts , '' said Tom Pritzker , chairman of The Hyatt Foundation , which sponsors the award .
`` They demonstrate incredible strength in their architecture , show deep relation to the local situation in all regards , establish different responses to each commission while maintaining the honesty of their work , and exceed the requirements of the field through responsibility and community . ''
In their home country , Farrell and McNamara designed North King Street Housing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the latter of which used local limestone in thick panels in order to convey a sense of strength .
As winners of the Pritzker prize , the two will receive $ 100,000 and a bronze medallion .
`` Within the ethos of a practice such as ours , we have so often struggled to find space for the implementation of such values as humanism , craft , generosity , and cultural connection with each place and context within which we work .
It is therefore extremely gratifying that this recognition is bestowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body of work we have managed to produce over a long number of years , '' McNamara said .
`` It is also a wonderful recognition of the ambition and vision of the clients who commissioned us and enabled us to bring our buildings to fruition . ''

1/2
Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, co-founders of Grafton Architects in Dublin, Ireland, won the 2020 Pritzker Architecture Prize. File Photo courtesy of the Alice Clancy
March 3 (UPI) -- For the first time in the Pritzker Architecture Prize's four-decade history, the organization handed out the industry's most prestigious award to two women Tuesday. The organization named Irish architects Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara as 2020's winners of what's considered to be the Nobel prize of architecture. They co-founded Grafton Architects in Dublin in the 1978. Advertisement
"Architecture could be described as one of the most complex and important cultural activities on the planet," Farrell said. "To be an architect is an enormous privilege. To win this prize is a wonderful endorsement of our belief in architecture. Thank you for this great honor."
Farrell and McNamara are known for their designs of educational buildings, including the University Campus UTEC Lima in Peru; the Universite Toulouse 1 Capitole, School of Economics in France; and the Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan, Italy.
Often relying on concrete and stone in their structures, the two are known for working in urban spaces and using a modern approach while "honoring history," a news release announcing the win said.
"The collaboration between Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara represents a veritable interconnectedness between equal counterparts," said Tom Pritzker, chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the award. "They demonstrate incredible strength in their architecture, show deep relation to the local situation in all regards, establish different responses to each commission while maintaining the honesty of their work, and exceed the requirements of the field through responsibility and community."
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In their home country, Farrell and McNamara designed North King Street Housing and the offices for the Department of Finance, the latter of which used local limestone in thick panels in order to convey a sense of strength.
As winners of the Pritzker prize, the two will receive $100,000 and a bronze medallion.
"Within the ethos of a practice such as ours, we have so often struggled to find space for the implementation of such values as humanism, craft, generosity, and cultural connection with each place and context within which we work. It is therefore extremely gratifying that this recognition is bestowed upon us and our practice and upon the body of work we have managed to produce over a long number of years," McNamara said. "It is also a wonderful recognition of the ambition and vision of the clients who commissioned us and enabled us to bring our buildings to fruition."


upi--2020-03-03--Supreme Court sides with Kansas in undocumented immigrants case

March 3 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of Kansas in a case about enforcing the state 's identity theft laws against undocumented immigrants .
At issue , was the case of Ramiro Garcia , who used another person 's Social Security number to get a job at a restaurant , and two other people who did the same , and were convicted under state identity theft law .
In particular , Garcia 's lawyers argued he could not be convicted under state law because the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 preempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and threw out all three convictions .
In a 5-4 ruling , the U.S. Supreme Court held Tuesday that the three convictions were not preempted by federal law , reversing the lower court 's decision .
Justice Samuel Alito delivered the majority opinion , which Justices John Roberts , Neil Gorsuch , Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh joined .
Tuesday 's decision was not only a win for the state , but it was also a win for President Donald Trump 's administration , which supported Kansas in the case .
`` Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco argued in briefs , `` neither invade a federally occupied field nor conflict with Congress ' purposes '' in passing the federal law .
Justices Elena Kagan , Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor joined Stephen Breyer in the dissent .
It 's already a federal crime for an employee to put a false Social Security number on an I-9 work authorization form , and the dissent said the IRCA preempts the state from using tax-withholding forms to `` police '' the matter .
`` By permitting these prosecutions , the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in the dissent .
`` Starting a new job almost always involves filling out tax-withholding forms alongside an I-9 .
So unless they want to give themselves away , people hoping to hide their federal work-authorization status from their employer will put the same false information on their tax withholding forms as they do on their I-9 .
To let the states prosecute such people for the former is , in practical effect , to let the states police the latter .
And policing the latter is what the Act expressly forbids @ @

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a federal immigration law does not preempt Kansas state prosecutions of three undocumented immigrants for identity theft. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of Kansas in a case about enforcing the state's identity theft laws against undocumented immigrants. At issue, was the case of Ramiro Garcia, who used another person's Social Security number to get a job at a restaurant, and two other people who did the same, and were convicted under state identity theft law. In particular, Garcia's lawyers argued he could not be convicted under state law because the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 preempts it. The Kansas Supreme Court agreed and threw out all three convictions. Advertisement
In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court held Tuesday that the three convictions were not preempted by federal law, reversing the lower court's decision. Justice Samuel Alito delivered the majority opinion, which Justices John Roberts, Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh joined.
Tuesday's decision was not only a win for the state, but it was also a win for President Donald Trump's administration, which supported Kansas in the case.
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"Kansas' prosecutions," Solicitor General Noel Francisco argued in briefs, "neither invade a federally occupied field nor conflict with Congress' purposes" in passing the federal law.
Justices Elena Kagan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor joined Stephen Breyer in the dissent.
It's already a federal crime for an employee to put a false Social Security number on an I-9 work authorization form, and the dissent said the IRCA preempts the state from using tax-withholding forms to "police" the matter.
"By permitting these prosecutions, the majority opens a colossal loophole," Breyer wrote in the dissent. "Starting a new job almost always involves filling out tax-withholding forms alongside an I-9. So unless they want to give themselves away, people hoping to hide their federal work-authorization status from their employer will put the same false information on their tax withholding forms as they do on their I-9. To let the states prosecute such people for the former is, in practical effect, to let the states police the latter. And policing the latter is what the Act expressly forbids."


upi--2020-03-03--Watch: Wandering African serval cat  captured in Los Angeles

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Los Angeles Animal Services officers captured an unusual cat -- an African serval -- @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood .
Witnesses said the large cat had been wandering the neighborhood for about a @ @ @ @ @ by animal control officers Monday evening .
Animal Control Officer Cynthea Easley said in a @ @ @ @ @ the cat to be a serval , rather than a Savannah cat , which is @ @ @ @ @ and a domesticated cat .
It is illegal to own serval cats without a permit @ @ @ @ @ the cat 's owner has been in contact with authorities , but it is not @ @ @ @ @ will be returned to the owner .

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March 3 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Animal Services officers captured an unusual cat -- an African serval -- spotted wandering around a Hollywood neighborhood.
Witnesses said the large cat had been wandering the neighborhood for about a day before it was wrangled by animal control officers Monday evening.
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Animal Control Officer Cynthea Easley said in a Facebook post that officials believe the cat to be a serval, rather than a Savannah cat, which is a hybrid between a serval and a domesticated cat.
It is illegal to own serval cats without a permit in California. Easley said the cat's owner has been in contact with authorities, but it is not yet clear whether the pet will be returned to the owner.


upi--2020-03-03--President Donald Trump says he's working with Congress to speed coronavirus aid

March 3 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his administration 's working with Congress on legislation to speed up aid to communities affected by the coronavirus .
Speaking at the National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington , D.C. , he said he 's also working closely with local jurisdictions to fight COVID-19 .
It has sickened more than 100 people in the United States and killed nine , all in Washington .
Globally , more than 90,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed and more than 3,100 have died .
`` Six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never heard of this .
All of a sudden it 's got the world aflutter , '' Trump said .
`` Things happen that you never would even think would happen . ''
He said health officials are working on therapeutic treatments for COVID-19 .
Doctors currently can only treat the symptoms of the disease .
The president also said lawmakers are working to send aid to affected communities .
`` We are working with Congress very closely to pass supplemental legislation that ensures state and county health departments get everything they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked for $ 2.5 billion , and it looks like they 're going to give us $ 8.5 billion .
I do n't think that 's ever happened to me before . ''
Trump is expected to participate in a roundtable coronavirus briefing at the National Institutes of Health on Friday at 2:30 p.m. EST .

President Donald Trump tours the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health on Tuesday in Bethesda, Md. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his administration's working with Congress on legislation to speed up aid to communities affected by the coronavirus. Speaking at the National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington, D.C., he said he's also working closely with local jurisdictions to fight COVID-19. It has sickened more than 100 people in the United States and killed nine, all in Washington. Advertisement
Globally, more than 90,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed and more than 3,100 have died.
"Six weeks ago, eight weeks ago, you never heard of this. All of a sudden it's got the world aflutter," Trump said. "Things happen that you never would even think would happen."
He said health officials are working on therapeutic treatments for COVID-19. Doctors currently can only treat the symptoms of the disease. The president also said lawmakers are working to send aid to affected communities.
"We are working with Congress very closely to pass supplemental legislation that ensures state and county health departments get everything they need," he said. "I asked for $2.5 billion, and it looks like they're going to give us $8.5 billion. I don't think that's ever happened to me before."
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Trump is expected to participate in a roundtable coronavirus briefing at the National Institutes of Health on Friday at 2:30 p.m. EST.


upi--2020-03-03--Director Spike Lee boycotting Knicks games for rest of season

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Director and NBA super fan Spike Lee said he will not attend another New York Knicks game this season after getting into an argument with the team about the entrance he uses at Madison Square Garden .
Lee got into the argument before the Knicks game against the Houston Rockets on Monday in New York City .
A video of the war of words was posted Monday on social media .
Lee appeared on ESPN 's First Take Tuesday to discuss the issue .
`` I 'm coming back next year , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee said .
Lee can be heard yelling at Madison Square Garden security team members outside of an elevator in the arena during the exchange .
The Knicks issued a statement Tuesday saying the Lee was not thrown out of the arena , but was confronted for repeatedly using the wrong entrance .
Lee said he has used the same entrance during the 28 years he has had Knicks season tickets .
He estimated he spends $ 300,000 annually for his two season tickets .
`` The idea that Spike Lee is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not use our employee entrance and instead use a dedicated VIP entrance -- which is used by every other celebrity who enters the Garden -- is laughable , '' the Knicks said .
`` It 's disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama .
`` He is welcome to come to the Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance ; just not through our employee entrance , which is what he and Jim [ Knicks owner James Dolan ] agreed to last night when they shook hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands with Dolan .
He sat in his normal sideline seat for the second half of Monday 's game .
Lee said the Knicks ' version of events for the exchange was `` spin . ''
The Knicks statement included photos of Lee appearing to shake hands with Dolan and the entrance , which they say Lee used inappropriately .
`` I 'm being harassed by James Dolan and I do n't know why , '' Lee told ESPN .

Director Spike Lee said he spends about $300,000 annually on his two New York Knicks season tickets. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Director and NBA super fan Spike Lee said he will not attend another New York Knicks game this season after getting into an argument with the team about the entrance he uses at Madison Square Garden. Lee got into the argument before the Knicks game against the Houston Rockets on Monday in New York City. A video of the war of words was posted Monday on social media. Lee appeared on ESPN's First Take Tuesday to discuss the issue. Advertisement
"I'm coming back next year, but I'm done for the season," Lee said.
Lee can be heard yelling at Madison Square Garden security team members outside of an elevator in the arena during the exchange. The Knicks issued a statement Tuesday saying the Lee was not thrown out of the arena, but was confronted for repeatedly using the wrong entrance.
Lee said he has used the same entrance during the 28 years he has had Knicks season tickets. He estimated he spends $300,000 annually for his two season tickets.
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"The idea that Spike Lee is a victim because we have repeatedly asked him to not use our employee entrance and instead use a dedicated VIP entrance -- which is used by every other celebrity who enters the Garden -- is laughable," the Knicks said. "It's disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama.
"He is welcome to come to the Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance; just not through our employee entrance, which is what he and Jim [Knicks owner James Dolan] agreed to last night when they shook hands."
Lee denied he had shaken hands with Dolan.
He sat in his normal sideline seat for the second half of Monday's game. Lee said the Knicks' version of events for the exchange was "spin." The Knicks statement included photos of Lee appearing to shake hands with Dolan and the entrance, which they say Lee used inappropriately.
"I'm being harassed by James Dolan and I don't know why," Lee told ESPN.


upi--2020-03-03--Kylie Bunbury to star in new ABC series 'The Big Sky'

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Kylie Bunbury will star in a new ABC series from The Practice and Big @ @ @ @ @ Kelley .
The 31-year-old actress has joined the cast of The Big Sky , a @ @ @ @ @ executive produced by Kelley .
The Big Sky is based on the C.J .
Box @ @ @ @ @ first book in Box 's Cassie Dewell series of novels .
Bunbury will play Dewell @ @ @ @ @ partners with an ex-cop , Jenny Hoyt ( Katheryn Winnick ) , after two sisters @ @ @ @ @ co-stars as Cody Hoyt , Dewell 's senior partner at their firm .
The series @ @ @ @ @ John Caroll Lynch and Dedee Pfeiffer .
The Big Sky is executive produced by Kelley @ @ @ @ @ , Matthew Gross and Paul McGuigan .
McGuigan will also direct .
Bunbury played Ginny @ @ @ @ @ Pitch and Angie Richardson in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us .
She will @ @ @ @ @ adaptation of the Aldous Huxley novel Brave New World .

Kylie Bunbury has joined "The Big Sky," a series based on the C.J. Box novel "The Highway." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Kylie Bunbury will star in a new ABC series from The Practice and Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley. The 31-year-old actress has joined the cast of The Big Sky, a new cop drama written and executive produced by Kelley. Advertisement
The Big Sky is based on the C.J. Box novel The Highway, the first book in Box's Cassie Dewell series of novels. Bunbury will play Dewell, a private detective who partners with an ex-cop, Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick), after two sisters are kidnapped.
Ryan Phillippe co-stars as Cody Hoyt, Dewell's senior partner at their firm. The series also features Brian Geraghty, John Caroll Lynch and Dedee Pfeiffer.
The Big Sky is executive produced by Kelley, Box, Ross Fineman, Matthew Gross and Paul McGuigan. McGuigan will also direct.
Bunbury played Ginny Baker on the Fox series Pitch and Angie Richardson in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us. She will also star in a Peacock adaptation of the Aldous Huxley novel Brave New World.


upi--2020-03-03--Watch: Lee Soo-young returns with 'Find Me' video

March 3 ( UPI ) -- South Korean singer Lee Soo-young is back with new music .
The 40-year-old K-pop @ @ @ @ @ music video for the new song `` Find Me '' on Tuesday .
The romantic @ @ @ @ @ shows a young couple falling in love .
The pair are seen biking together , @ @ @ @ @ street , and spending moments together at home .
`` Find Me '' is Lee @ @ @ @ @ 11 years .
She last released the album Dazzle in 2009 .
The Korea Times @ @ @ @ @ in celebration of the 21st anniversary of her debut .
Lee made her debut in @ @ @ @ @ for performing ballads .
She competed on the reality competition series King of Mask Singer @ @ @ @ @ series The Masked Singer , in 2015 .

March 3 (UPI) -- South Korean singer Lee Soo-young is back with new music.
The 40-year-old K-pop star released a single and music video for the new song "Find Me" on Tuesday.
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The romantic "Find Me" video shows a young couple falling in love. The pair are seen biking together, strolling and kissing in the street, and spending moments together at home.
"Find Me" is Lee's first new song in 11 years. She last released the album Dazzle in 2009.
The Korea Times said Lee released the song in celebration of the 21st anniversary of her debut.
Lee made her debut in 1999 and is best known for performing ballads. She competed on the reality competition series King of Mask Singer, which inspired the U.S. series The Masked Singer, in 2015.


upi--2020-03-03--Watch: 'Leaning Tower of Dallas' brought down by wrecking ball

March 3 ( UPI ) -- The Leaning Tower of Dallas , a building remnant that went viral following a @ @ @ @ @ down after two weeks of being struck with a wrecking ball .
The concrete core @ @ @ @ @ standing at an angle following the Feb. 16 implosion , sparking a social media trend @ @ @ @ @ to hold up the remnant .
The demolition contractor spent two weeks striking the building @ @ @ @ @ building 's stairway and elevator shafts , with a 5,600-pound wrecking ball before it finally @ @ @ @ @ La Vega Development , the firm redeveloping the site , had initially estimated it would @ @ @ @ @ to bring the tower down with the wrecking ball , but it ended up taking @ @ @ @ @ D. Nabors Demolition , the firm that conducted the implosion and the wrecking ball follow-up @ @ @ @ @ uncommon for a concrete core to remain when a high rise building is demolished .

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March 3 (UPI) -- The Leaning Tower of Dallas, a building remnant that went viral following a failed demolition, finally came down after two weeks of being struck with a wrecking ball.
The concrete core of the 11-story building remained standing at an angle following the Feb. 16 implosion, sparking a social media trend of people posting photos pretending to hold up the remnant.
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The demolition contractor spent two weeks striking the building core, which contained the building's stairway and elevator shafts, with a 5,600-pound wrecking ball before it finally came down Monday.
De La Vega Development, the firm redeveloping the site, had initially estimated it would take up to four days to bring the tower down with the wrecking ball, but it ended up taking two entire weeks.
Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition, the firm that conducted the implosion and the wrecking ball follow-up, said it is not uncommon for a concrete core to remain when a high rise building is demolished.


upi--2020-03-03--Porsche recalls over 70,000 Macan SUVs over potential fire risk

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Porsche is recalling over 70,000 Macan SUV models over a potential fuel leak that @ @ @ @ @ Model years 2015-2018 are listed in the February 2020 recall of 70,117 Macan vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ Administration said in a statement on the possible fuel leak .
`` The fuel pump @ @ @ @ @ flow nozzle on the filter range of the fuel pump , potentially causing cracks and @ @ @ @ @ the statement said .
The recall is set to begin April 10 .
The remedy @ @ @ @ @ apply a protective film to fuel pump flange and replace if cracks are present .
@ @ @ @ @ due to risk of fire in a leak near the engine with plenty of `` @ @ @ @ @ is not the first Macan recall due to fuel leaks .
Porsche previously issued a @ @ @ @ @ , including certain 2015-2017 Macan S and Macan Turbo and 2017 Macan , Macan Turbo @ @ @ @ @ Macan GTS vehicles over a potential fuel leak .

A Porsche Macan is seen on display at the Paris Motor Show in Paris. Porsche said this month it would recall over 70,000 2015-2018 Macans over potential fire risk. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Porsche is recalling over 70,000 Macan SUV models over a potential fuel leak that could cause a fire. Model years 2015-2018 are listed in the February 2020 recall of 70,117 Macan vehicles, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said in a statement on the possible fuel leak. Advertisement
"The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter range of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak," the statement said.
The recall is set to begin April 10.
The remedy will be to replace and apply a protective film to fuel pump flange and replace if cracks are present.
Porsche issued the voluntary recall due to risk of fire in a leak near the engine with plenty of "ignition sources."
This is not the first Macan recall due to fuel leaks.
Porsche previously issued a 2017 recall of 51,497 Macans, including certain 2015-2017 Macan S and Macan Turbo and 2017 Macan, Macan Turbo with the Performance Package and Macan GTS vehicles over a potential fuel leak.


upi--2020-03-03--Supreme Court may retain CFPB but curtail director's independence

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Members of the U.S. Supreme Court indicated they were unlikely to abolish the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as unconstitutional during oral arguments in a hearing Tuesday .
However , the tenor of the questions posed to attorneys suggested they could curtail the current independence of the agency 's director from the executive branch .
Some of the justices ' comments seemed to support the position of the Trump Administration in the case .
It is arguing that the legislation creating the CFPB -- established to protect consumers from predatory lending following the 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel 's head can not be fired by the president .
Instead , the board was set up as a semi-independent entity under the auspices of the Federal Reserve and its chief can only be removed `` for cause '' such as personal malfeasance , rather than for political or policy differences .
In the case , the administration is challenging court precedents stretching back to the 1930s New Deal era allowing for the creation of independent federal boards and agencies set up to perform watchdog functions free from political influence .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is backed by the U.S. business community .
While justices appeared to support the idea that the heads of such agencies should be answerable to the executive branch , they seemed less sympathetic to the broader contention that they are all unconstitutional and should thus be abolished and suggested the two issues could be severed .

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case seeking to abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Board. File photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Members of the U.S. Supreme Court indicated they were unlikely to abolish the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as unconstitutional during oral arguments in a hearing Tuesday. However, the tenor of the questions posed to attorneys suggested they could curtail the current independence of the agency's director from the executive branch. Advertisement
Some of the justices' comments seemed to support the position of the Trump Administration in the case.
It is arguing that the legislation creating the CFPB -- established to protect consumers from predatory lending following the 2008 financial crisis -- was unconstitutional because the panel's head cannot be fired by the president.
Instead, the board was set up as a semi-independent entity under the auspices of the Federal Reserve and its chief can only be removed "for cause" such as personal malfeasance, rather than for political or policy differences.
In the case, the administration is challenging court precedents stretching back to the 1930s New Deal era allowing for the creation of independent federal boards and agencies set up to perform watchdog functions free from political influence.
That position has alarmed consumer advocates, but is backed by the U.S. business community.
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While justices appeared to support the idea that the heads of such agencies should be answerable to the executive branch, they seemed less sympathetic to the broader contention that they are all unconstitutional and should thus be abolished and suggested the two issues could be severed.


upi--2020-03-03--Purina recalls food for chickens, rabbits and turkeys

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Purina Animal Nutrition , along with the Food and Drug Administration , announced a wide-ranging recall of several brands including food the pet company makes for rabbits , turkey and chickens .
Purina said it found unusually high levels of calcium in the foods affected , which could cause serious health issues and even death in rabbits and young chicken and turkeys .
The recall does not involve Nestle Purina , which makes the company 's popular dog and cat food products .
The pet company received several complaints about Purina Rabbit Feed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feed and DuMOR ChickStarter/Grower Feed several customers claimed their pets became ill after feeding on the products .
`` Elevated calcium carbonate levels can cause health issues and potential mortality in rabbits , '' a statement from the FDA said .
`` Continued feeding of these products may result in death as a result of feed refusal .
Elevated calcium carbonate levels in young chickens and turkey scan lead to leg abnormalities and kidney calcification . ''
The FDA said symptoms of excess calcium carbonate in rabbits may include pinkish urine and lethargy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turkeys up to six weeks of age may show leg abnormalities associated with excessive dietary calcium carbonate .
The recalled products are told in 32 states , including Alabama , Arkansas , Georgia , Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Mississippi , New Jersey , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Tennessee , Wisconsin , Nebraska , South Dakota , Florida , Virginia , North Dakota , North Carolina , South Carolina , Colorado , California , West Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are urged to discard the products or return them for a refund .
They can also contact Purina Animal Nutrition at 800-227-8941 .

Image of Purina pet food product. Photo courtesy of Food and Drug Administration
March 3 (UPI) -- Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Food and Drug Administration, announced a wide-ranging recall of several brands including food the pet company makes for rabbits, turkey and chickens. Purina said it found unusually high levels of calcium in the foods affected, which could cause serious health issues and even death in rabbits and young chicken and turkeys. Advertisement
The recall does not involve Nestle Purina, which makes the company's popular dog and cat food products.
The pet company received several complaints about Purina Rabbit Feed, Purina Turkey Feed, Country Acres Rabbit Feed and DuMOR ChickStarter/Grower Feed several customers claimed their pets became ill after feeding on the products.
"Elevated calcium carbonate levels can cause health issues and potential mortality in rabbits," a statement from the FDA said. "Continued feeding of these products may result in death as a result of feed refusal. Elevated calcium carbonate levels in young chickens and turkey scan lead to leg abnormalities and kidney calcification."
The FDA said symptoms of excess calcium carbonate in rabbits may include pinkish urine and lethargy due to decreased feed intake. Chicken and turkeys up to six weeks of age may show leg abnormalities associated with excessive dietary calcium carbonate.
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The recalled products are told in 32 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, Florida, Virginia, North Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, California, West Virginia, Texas, Hawaii and Arizona.
Customers are urged to discard the products or return them for a refund. They can also contact Purina Animal Nutrition at 800-227-8941.


upi--2020-03-03--DOJ announces elder fraud charges against 400, launches hotline

March 3 ( UPI ) -- Attorney General William Barr announced Tuesday the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history .
Prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants in the sweep announced this year for allegedly defrauding seniors out of over $ 1 billion , far more than the 260 defendants charged in the sweep announced last year , making this year 's sweep the largest in history , a Department of Justice statement said .
Still , cases in the new sweep date back to March 2019 , AARP reported .
Among the schemes , an impersonator from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a government official , make up a phony financial obligation and threaten arrest to con victims into sending money , an official said .
Barr announced the charges Tuesday at a `` Keep Seniors Safe , '' event at Sun City Center Community Hall in Florida .
He emphasized foreign-based fraud schemes , which represented a large number of cases in the sweep and declared `` Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud '' to be one of the department 's top priorities .
`` Americans are fed up with the constant barrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other vulnerable citizens , '' Barr said .
At the event , Barr also explained why the issue is personal to him .
`` I myself was used as a lure in a scam , '' Barr told the seniors , explaining that , before he became attorney general , a 1991 official photograph of him from his job in the George H.W .
Bush administration was used by scammers offering phony federal grants in exchange for money .
`` It was really heart-wrenching .
People called in desperate hope that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That crystalized the issue for me , and when I got to the department I wanted to make sure that this was one of our highest priorities to go after this . ''
FBI Director Christopher Wray also pointed out foreign-based schemes in a statement on the matter .
`` The charges announced today demonstrated the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas , '' Wray said .
`` We 're committed to keep our elderly citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door-to-door , over the phone or online . ''
An interactive map provides state-by-state information on the number of elder fraud cases .
Barr also announced a National Elder Fraud hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud .
The hotline is 833-FRAUD-11 ( 833-372-8311 ) .
In a separate announcement , the department also announced investigations into about 30 nursing homes in nine states to see if they 're delivering `` grossly substandard care , '' and hold them accountable .

United States Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that 400 defendants were charged with defrauding elderly in a nationwide sweep. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- Attorney General William Barr announced Tuesday the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. Prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants in the sweep announced this year for allegedly defrauding seniors out of over $1 billion, far more than the 260 defendants charged in the sweep announced last year, making this year's sweep the largest in history, a Department of Justice statement said. Advertisement
Still, cases in the new sweep date back to March 2019, AARP reported.
Among the schemes, an impersonator from a foreign country may claim to be a government official, make up a phony financial obligation and threaten arrest to con victims into sending money, an official said.
Barr announced the charges Tuesday at a "Keep Seniors Safe," event at Sun City Center Community Hall in Florida.
He emphasized foreign-based fraud schemes, which represented a large number of cases in the sweep and declared "Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud" to be one of the department's top priorities.
"Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens," Barr said.
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At the event, Barr also explained why the issue is personal to him.
"I myself was used as a lure in a scam," Barr told the seniors, explaining that, before he became attorney general, a 1991 official photograph of him from his job in the George H.W. Bush administration was used by scammers offering phony federal grants in exchange for money.
"It was really heart-wrenching. People called in desperate hope that this was real," Barr said. "That crystalized the issue for me, and when I got to the department I wanted to make sure that this was one of our highest priorities to go after this."
FBI Director Christopher Wray also pointed out foreign-based schemes in a statement on the matter.
"The charges announced today demonstrated the great success of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to identify and stop those who are targeting our senior communities from overseas," Wray said. "We're committed to keep our elderly citizens safe, whether they're being targeted door-to-door, over the phone or online."
An interactive map provides state-by-state information on the number of elder fraud cases.
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Barr also announced a National Elder Fraud hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The hotline is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
In a separate announcement, the department also announced investigations into about 30 nursing homes in nine states to see if they're delivering "grossly substandard care," and hold them accountable.


upi--2020-03-03--Army to buy additional BONUS munitions for howitzers

March 3 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Army is buying additional BONUS munitions from BAE Systems and France 's Nexter Munitions for two types of howitzer , BAE announced on Tuesday .
The BONUS , which is jointly developed by the two contractors , is a 155-millimeter munition designed for destroying armored targets , for use with M109 self-propelled howitzers and M77 ultra-lightweight towed howitzers .
`` This additional order shows the Army 's confidence in the BONUS system , '' said Lena Gillström , managing director for BAE Systems Weapon Systems Sweden .
`` This advanced technology facilitates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase combat efficiency and lethality on the battlefield . ''
The munitions system includes two sensor-fuzed warheads with advanced target-seeking sensors which can seek , track and strike targets within an area of 32,000 square meters .
The U.S. added the Bofors 155mm BONUS ammunition to its arsenal in a 2018 contract , which , like this week 's deal , is linked with NATO 's Support and Procurement Agency .
Finland , France , Norway and Sweden all have the BONUS in their arsenal .
In 2019 , BAE received an $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material for the howitzer program .

The U.S. Army has ordered more BONUS munitions from BAE. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems
March 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army is buying additional BONUS munitions from BAE Systems and France's Nexter Munitions for two types of howitzer, BAE announced on Tuesday. The BONUS, which is jointly developed by the two contractors, is a 155-millimeter munition designed for destroying armored targets, for use with M109 self-propelled howitzers and M77 ultra-lightweight towed howitzers. Advertisement
"This additional order shows the Army's confidence in the BONUS system," said Lena Gillström, managing director for BAE Systems Weapon Systems Sweden. "This advanced technology facilitates striking two targets with one munition to increase combat efficiency and lethality on the battlefield."
The munitions system includes two sensor-fuzed warheads with advanced target-seeking sensors which can seek, track and strike targets within an area of 32,000 square meters.
The U.S. added the Bofors 155mm BONUS ammunition to its arsenal in a 2018 contract, which, like this week's deal, is linked with NATO's Support and Procurement Agency.
Finland, France, Norway and Sweden all have the BONUS in their arsenal.
In 2019, BAE received an $88 million Army contract for long lead material for the howitzer program.


upi--2020-03-04--World Bank pledges $12B to help developing nations fight COVID-19

March 4 ( UPI ) -- The World Bank has pledged $ 12 billion in aid for developing nations to fight the coronavirus , hoping it will help slow the virus ' worldwide spread .
The World Bank announced the support plan on Tuesday , which includes loans , grants and technical assistance in repelling the viral disease , called COVID-19 .
`` We are working to provide a fast , flexible response based on developing country needs in dealing with the spread of COVID-19 , '' World Bank Group President David Malpass said in a statement .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and technical assistance , building on the World Bank Group 's existing instruments and expertise to help countries respond to the crisis . ''
The Overseas Development Institute said in an analysis last month the countries facing the greatest economic risk from the virus are Sri Lanka , Vietnam and the Philippines .
The report said sub-Saharan Africa could lose up to $ 4 billion in exports because of the coronavirus impact in China .
`` The World Bank support will cover a range of interventions to strengthen health services and primary health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , train front line health workers , encourage community engagement to maintain public trust , and improve access to treatment for the poorest patients . ''
Total new business in China has fallen at the largest rate on record , with the virus and various restrictions hampering demand for domestic and overseas products .
Canceled export orders and travelers opting to stay away from China are the driving forces behind the decline , experts say .

The money will go toward emergency financing, policy advice and technical assistance, the World Bank said. File Photo by Shawn Thew/EPA-EFE
March 4 (UPI) -- The World Bank has pledged $12 billion in aid for developing nations to fight the coronavirus, hoping it will help slow the virus' worldwide spread. The World Bank announced the support plan on Tuesday, which includes loans, grants and technical assistance in repelling the viral disease, called COVID-19. Advertisement
"We are working to provide a fast, flexible response based on developing country needs in dealing with the spread of COVID-19," World Bank Group President David Malpass said in a statement. "This includes emergency financing, policy advice, and technical assistance, building on the World Bank Group's existing instruments and expertise to help countries respond to the crisis."
The Overseas Development Institute said in an analysis last month the countries facing the greatest economic risk from the virus are Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines. The report said sub-Saharan Africa could lose up to $4 billion in exports because of the coronavirus impact in China.
"The World Bank support will cover a range of interventions to strengthen health services and primary health care, bolster disease monitoring and reporting, train front line health workers, encourage community engagement to maintain public trust, and improve access to treatment for the poorest patients."
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Total new business in China has fallen at the largest rate on record, with the virus and various restrictions hampering demand for domestic and overseas products. Canceled export orders and travelers opting to stay away from China are the driving forces behind the decline, experts say.


upi--2020-03-04--U.S. hits Taliban with first airstrike since Afghanistan peace deal

March 4 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. military carried out an airstrike against Taliban forces in Afghanistan 's Helmand province Wednesday , its first action against the militant group since the signing of a peace deal last weekend .
U.S .
Forces in Afghanistan Spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett called the drone strike at Nahr-e Saraj a `` defensive '' move to protect Afghan government troops under attack by Taliban fighters at a checkpoint .
`` This was our first strike against the Taliban in 11 days , '' Leggett tweeted , adding that attacks on Afghan troops have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed Saturday .
Under the terms of the settlement , the United States will begin a phased withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan in exchange for the Taliban agreeing to start intra-Afghan negotiations with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul .
The agreement was reached following the completion of a week-long `` reduction in violence . ''
Another part of the deal called for an exchange of prisoners , as a confidence-building measure ahead of the planned direct talks beginning next week .
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani , however , rejected that provision and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least 25 Afghan troops were killed in three separate Taliban attacks overnight Tuesday , CNN reported .
`` The Taliban claim to be fighting to free Afghanistan from international forces , the Feb 29 agreement provides a conditions-based path to withdrawal , '' Leggett said .
`` To be clear , '' he added , `` we are committed to peace , however we have the responsibility to defend our [ Afghan army ] partners .
Afghans and [ the ] U.S. have complied with our agreements ; however , [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this . ''
The U.S. airstrike came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to chief Taliban negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar by telephone .
The president told reporters Tuesday he `` had a very good talk '' with Baradar .
`` We have agreed there is no violence , do n't want violence .
We will see what happens .
They 're dealing with Afghanistan but we will see what happens . ''

Afghan security officials patrol in Helmand, Afghanistan, on Tuesday, where the U.S. military carried out its first airstrike against the Taliban in 11 days. Photo by Watan Yar/EPA-EFE
March 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. military carried out an airstrike against Taliban forces in Afghanistan's Helmand province Wednesday, its first action against the militant group since the signing of a peace deal last weekend. U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett called the drone strike at Nahr-e Saraj a "defensive" move to protect Afghan government troops under attack by Taliban fighters at a checkpoint. Advertisement
"This was our first strike against the Taliban in 11 days," Leggett tweeted, adding that attacks on Afghan troops have been frequent in the days since the deal was signed Saturday.
Under the terms of the settlement, the United States will begin a phased withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan in exchange for the Taliban agreeing to start intra-Afghan negotiations with the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. The agreement was reached following the completion of a week-long "reduction in violence."
Another part of the deal called for an exchange of prisoners, as a confidence-building measure ahead of the planned direct talks beginning next week. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, however, rejected that provision and the Taliban said it would resume attacks.
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At least 25 Afghan troops were killed in three separate Taliban attacks overnight Tuesday, CNN reported.
"The Taliban claim to be fighting to free Afghanistan from international forces, the Feb 29 agreement provides a conditions-based path to withdrawal," Leggett said.
"To be clear," he added, "we are committed to peace, however we have the responsibility to defend our [Afghan army] partners. Afghans and [the] U.S. have complied with our agreements; however, [Taliban fighters] appear intent on squandering this."
The U.S. airstrike came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to chief Taliban negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar by telephone.
The president told reporters Tuesday he "had a very good talk" with Baradar.
"We have agreed there is no violence, don't want violence. We will see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan but we will see what happens."


upi--2020-03-04--JBL to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020

March 4 ( UPI ) -- JBL or John Bradshaw Layfield , is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame .
JBL will be honored alongside the the Hall of Fame class of 2020 on April 2 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay as part of WrestleMania 36 week .
The grappler , who referred to himself as a wrestling god , joined the WWE in 1995 as Justin 'Hawk ' Bradshaw .
He later joined forces with fellow Hall of Famer Ron Simmons to form The Acolytes .
The Acolytes , one of WWE 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Era and beyond , served as enforcers for The Undertaker 's Ministry of Darkness before they struck out on their own to start the Acolytes Protection Agency or APA .
The APA would set up a makeshift office backstage and could be hired as bodyguards by other wrestlers in order to help them win matches .
The APA were known for drinking beer , starting bar fights , having rowdy poker games and for being three-time World Tag Team Champions .
Layfield transformed into his villainous JBL persona after The APA ended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the stock market .
JBL wore expensive suits , a white cowboy hat and he arrived to the ring in a white limousine with bullhorns on the hood .
JBL famously defeated fellow Hall of Famer , the late , great Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship in 2004 .
JBL , who used the powerful Clothesline from Hell to finish off his opponents , would then lose the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 21 in 2005 .
JBL was also a former Intercontinental Champion , United States Champion , European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired from in-ring action after WrestleMania 25 in 2009 and then became a color commentator in 2012 , calling matches for Raw and SmackDown through 2017 .
He left WWE in order to focus on his charity work with at-risk kids and communities with organizations Beyond Rugby Bermuda and Beyond Sport .
The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020 also includes Batista , The nWo consisting of members Hollywood Hulk Hogan , Kevin Nash , Scott Hall and Sean Waltman and The Bella Twins consisting of Nikki and Brie Bella .

March 4 (UPI) -- JBL or John Bradshaw Layfield, is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
JBL will be honored alongside the the Hall of Fame class of 2020 on April 2 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay as part of WrestleMania 36 week.
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The grappler, who referred to himself as a wrestling god, joined the WWE in 1995 as Justin 'Hawk' Bradshaw. He later joined forces with fellow Hall of Famer Ron Simmons to form The Acolytes.
The Acolytes, one of WWE's most memorable tag teams from the Attitude Era and beyond, served as enforcers for The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness before they struck out on their own to start the Acolytes Protection Agency or APA.
The APA would set up a makeshift office backstage and could be hired as bodyguards by other wrestlers in order to help them win matches. The APA were known for drinking beer, starting bar fights, having rowdy poker games and for being three-time World Tag Team Champions.
Layfield transformed into his villainous JBL persona after The APA ended. His new character mimicked his real-life success on the stock market.
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JBL wore expensive suits, a white cowboy hat and he arrived to the ring in a white limousine with bullhorns on the hood. JBL famously defeated fellow Hall of Famer, the late, great Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship in 2004.
JBL, who used the powerful Clothesline from Hell to finish off his opponents, would then lose the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 21 in 2005. JBL was also a former Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, European Champion and multi-time Hardcore Champion.
JBL retired from in-ring action after WrestleMania 25 in 2009 and then became a color commentator in 2012, calling matches for Raw and SmackDown through 2017.
He left WWE in order to focus on his charity work with at-risk kids and communities with organizations Beyond Rugby Bermuda and Beyond Sport.
The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020 also includes Batista, The nWo consisting of members Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman and The Bella Twins consisting of Nikki and Brie Bella.


upi--2020-03-04--Super Tuesday: Joe Biden catches fire by winning 9 states, including Texas

March 3 ( UPI ) -- After fourth- and fifth-place finishes to start the primary season a few weeks ago and some predicting the collapse of his campaign before his win in South Carolina last weekend , former Vice President Joe Biden continued his comeback Tuesday night and overtook Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the overall delegate count for the Democratic presidential nomination .
Biden notched key wins on Super Tuesday in Texas , North Carolina , Massachusetts , Alabama , Arkansas , Minnesota , Oklahoma , Tennessee and Virginia .
Sanders , who appeared to have a stranglehold on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win in South Carolina last weekend , won in four states -- California , Colorado , Utah and his home state of Vermont .
The race in Maine had not yet been called by early Wednesday , but it appears the two candidates each won eight delegates there .
`` We were told when you get to Super Tuesday , it may be over , '' an energized Biden told supporters late Tuesday .
`` Well , it may be over for the other guy . ''
`` I want to thank our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Your faith in our campaign -- especially when the pundits and the media counted us out -- means the world to me , '' he added later in a tweet .
`` Let 's go win this , together . ''
Former New York City Mike Bloomberg secured a win in the territory of American Somoa , which has six delegates , but finished a distant third or fourth everywhere else .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren did n't win in any of the Super Tuesday voting states , including her home state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from President Donald Trump that criticized Warren and Bloomberg .
`` You lost tonight , '' he told the president .
`` Democrats around the country are fired up .
We are decent , brave , and resilient people .
We are better than you .
Come November , we are going to beat you . ''
Biden appears to have been aided by three candidates who dropped out of the race just before the Super Tuesday vote -- Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Monday , former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steyer on Saturday .
At a rally Monday in Texas , Buttigieg , Klobuchar and former candidate Rep. Beto O'Rourke all endorsed Biden .
Following the results Tuesday , Bloomberg will reassess his campaign on Wednesday , The Hill reported .
States that cast ballots Tuesday were Alabama , Arkansas , California Colorado , Maine , Massachusetts , Minnesota , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont and Virginia .
American Samoa , a U.S. territory and the birthplace of candidate and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were up for grabs Tuesday -- nearly 70 percent of the 1,991 needed to secure the Democratic nomination on the first ballot at the party 's national convention in Milwaukee in July .
With the largest populations and most delegates to award -- a total of 756 -- California and Texas were the top prizes Tuesday .
North Carolina pledged 110 delegates .
Residents of Los Angeles County used new voting machines , the first wholesale redesign of the county 's voting system in more than 50 years .
The Los Angeles Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connecting their voting systems to the statewide voter database Tuesday .
Some counties were unable to update registration records to show that voters had already voted .
To make sure voters were n't able to vote twice , some elections officials asked them to cast provisional ballots , which are counted the day after the primary .
Los Angeles was unaffected by the problems .
`` There is no evidence of malicious activity , and all counties have restored connectivity at this time , '' Sam Mahood , a spokesman for Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This should not prevent any voters from casting a ballot , as counties have contingency procedures in place to check in voters .
Voters faced long lines in Houston , up to 3 hours , after technical problems with some Democratic voting machines .
Machines for the Republican primary had no reported problems .
`` I do n't think it 's right that someone should have to wait that long to participate in our democratic process , '' one voter , Karen Griffin , said .
Tornadoes in Tennessee overnight complicated the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilson County used paper ballots after it lost electricity due to the storm .
Lauren Breeze , a member of the county 's election commission , said two shelter sites in the county were n't offering shuttles to polling sites .
Polling locations at two high schools in the county were closed due to damage .

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Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks to supporters as his wife, Jill Biden (L), looks on during a Super Tuesday event at the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 3 (UPI) -- After fourth- and fifth-place finishes to start the primary season a few weeks ago before his win in South Carolina last weekend, former Vice President Joe Biden continued his comeback Tuesday night, overtaking Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the overall delegate count for the Democratic presidential nomination. Biden notched wins on Super Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Alabama, Arkansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. Advertisement
Sanders won in four states -- California, Colorado, Utah and his home state of Vermont. The race in Maine had not been called early Wednesday, but it appears the two candidates each won eight delegates there.
"We were told when you get to Super Tuesday, it may be over," an energized Biden told supporters late Tuesday. "Well, it may be over for the other guy."
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"I want to thank our incredible supporters and volunteers across the country. Your faith in our campaign -- especially when the pundits and the media counted us out -- means the world to me," he added later in a tweet. "Let's go win this, together."
Former New York City Mike Bloomberg secured a win in the territory of American Somoa, which has six delegates, but finished a distant third or fourth everywhere else. Sen. Elizabeth Warren didn't win in any of the Super Tuesday voting states, including her home state of Massachusetts.
Biden responded to a tweet from President Donald Trump that criticized Warren and Bloomberg.
"You lost tonight," he told the president. "Democrats around the country are fired up. We are decent, brave and resilient people. We are better than you. Come November, we are going to beat you."
Biden may have been aided by three candidates who dropped out of the race just before the Super Tuesday vote -- Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Monday, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg on Sunday and billionaire Tom Steyer on Saturday. At a rally Monday in Texas, Buttigieg, Klobuchar and former candidate Beto O'Rourke all endorsed Biden.
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Following the results Tuesday, Bloomberg will reassess his campaign on Wednesday, The Hill reported.
Who voted
States that cast ballots Tuesday were Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia, plus American Samoa, a U.S. territory and the birthplace of candidate and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
A total of 1,344 delegates were up for grabs Tuesday -- nearly 70 percent of the 1,991 needed to secure the Democratic nomination on the first ballot at the party's national convention in Milwaukee in July.
With the largest populations and most delegates to award -- a total of 756 -- California and Texas were the top prizes Tuesday. North Carolina pledged 110 delegates.
Residents of Los Angeles County used new voting machines, the first wholesale redesign of the county's voting system in more than 50 years.
The Los Angeles Times reported that 15 other counties experienced problems connecting their voting systems to the statewide voter database. Some counties were unable to update registration records to show that voters had already voted. To make sure voters weren't able to vote twice, some elections officials asked them to cast provisional ballots, which are counted the day after the primary.
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Los Angeles was unaffected by the problems.
"There is no evidence of malicious activity, and all counties have restored connectivity at this time," Sam Mahood, a spokesman for Secretary of State Alex Padilla, said. "This should not prevent any voters from casting a ballot, as counties have contingency procedures in place to check in voters.
Voters faced long lines in Houston, up to 3 hours, after technical problems with some Democratic voting machines. Machines for the Republican primary had no reported problems.
"I don't think it's right that someone should have to wait that long to participate in our democratic process," one voter, Karen Griffin, said.
Tornadoes in Tennessee overnight complicated the election process Tuesday. A polling location in Wilson County used paper ballots after it lost electricity due to the storm.
Lauren Breeze, a member of the county's election commission, said two shelter sites in the county weren't offering shuttles to polling sites. Polling locations at two high schools in the county were closed due to damage.


upi--2020-03-04--Movies with Hugh Jackman, Awkwafina to screen at Tribeca Film Festival

March 4 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 edition of New York 's Tribeca Film Festival will include 115 films from 33 countries .
The festival is to kick off April 15 with a screening of the documentary Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President and live performances by music legends Willie Nelson , Nile Rodgers and others .
The festival is slated to run through April 26 .
Highlights will include the U.S. premiere of Hugh Jackman 's Bad Education , the New York premiere of Pete Davidson 's The King of Staten Island , and screenings of Elisabeth Moss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starring Bridget Everett , Tig Notaro and Awkwafina .
The lineup at Tribeca will also include documentaries featuring Sean Penn ( Citizen Penn ) and DMX ( Do n't Try to Understand ) , and produced by Chrissy Teigen ( Fries !
, ) Laverne Cox ( Disclosure ) and John Legend ( With Drawn Arms . )
`` In a time of national divisiveness and heightened political awareness , the 19th edition of the festival presents a slate of inspiring , uplifting and impact driven films exploring issues ranging from politics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the environment and more .
Showcasing diverse works from established storytellers along with exciting new voices in the industry , the films have the power to unite communities and bring about positive change , '' a press release said .

1/3
Hugh Jackman's "Bad Education" is to screen at the Tribeca Film Festival in April. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 4 (UPI) -- The 2020 edition of New York's Tribeca Film Festival will include 115 films from 33 countries. The festival is to kick off April 15 with a screening of the documentary Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President and live performances by music legends Willie Nelson, Nile Rodgers and others. Advertisement
The festival is slated to run through April 26.
Highlights will include the U.S. premiere of Hugh Jackman's Bad Education, the New York premiere of Pete Davidson's The King of Staten Island, and screenings of Elisabeth Moss' Shirley, and Call Your Mother starring Bridget Everett, Tig Notaro and Awkwafina.
The lineup at Tribeca will also include documentaries featuring Sean Penn (Citizen Penn) and DMX (Don't Try to Understand), and produced by Chrissy Teigen (Fries!,) Laverne Cox (Disclosure) and John Legend (With Drawn Arms.)
"In a time of national divisiveness and heightened political awareness, the 19th edition of the festival presents a slate of inspiring, uplifting and impact driven films exploring issues ranging from politics, and activism to Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation, the environment and more. Showcasing diverse works from established storytellers along with exciting new voices in the industry, the films have the power to unite communities and bring about positive change," a press release said.


upi--2020-03-04--Progressive Christian group Vote Common Good tours U.S. to challenge Trump's re-election

March 4 ( UPI ) -- Religious conservatives in the United States are one key segment of the population on whom President Donald Trump is counting this fall for re-election .
But he most likely wo n't curry favor with a small group of progressive Christians who are traveling the country to challenge the belief he 's got their vote locked up .
Vote Common Good , a group of self-identified `` progressive evangelicals , '' has begun a year-long national bus tour with stops in several primary states its members hope will sway faith-based voters to vote against Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious liberalism .
The tour began in January and will run through April 26 -- covering all 50 states and Washington , D.C. Future dates will take the tour to states that include Missouri , Ohio , Florida , Illinois , Wisconsin , Oregon , Washington , Hawaii and Alaska .
The group 's mission may seem counterintuitive , given recent political realities .
With about 75 percent of white evangelicals approving of his job performance in mid-2019 , Trump 's support among the key cadre of white evangelicals who formed the bedrock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intact by the time of the first primaries this year .
Continuing support was visible in December after an editorial in Christianity Today , a magazine founded by evangelical icon Billy Graham , broke ranks with the Republican Party and called for Trump 's impeachment on moral grounds .
More than 200 prominent conservative evangelical leaders , including former Arkansas Gov .
Mike Huckabee and former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann , quickly jumped to his defense in a letter to the magazine that said it not only targeted `` our president , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who support him , and have supported you . ''
Trump has been working non-stop to solidify Christian support ever since -- appearing last month at the annual March for Life in Washington , D.C. , and declaring himself the `` most pro-life president in American history . ''
Vote Common Good , however , says it senses backlash brewing among some of Trump 's evangelical supporters -- over issues like his harsh treatment of immigrants -- and that it 's perhaps enough to make a difference in November .
The group first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and wants to persuade at least some religious supporters to reassess support for Trump -- and his actions that do not align with Christian , Jewish , Muslim or other religious traditions and values .
Their pitch , said Minneapolis-based pastor and Vote Common Good Executive Director Doug Pagitt , is to back the `` common good '' of the United States .
`` Our message to evangelicals is , even if you 're a Republican , it does n't mean you have to vote for the guy in the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop in Boston .
`` In New Hampshire , for instance , we held an event with Republican presidential candidate William Weld .
We 're telling religious voters there are other choices . ''
Vote Common Good hopes to open the eyes of religious Americans who voted for Trump four years ago , who now can recognize his `` un-Christian '' policies and personal behaviors that are wholly backed by the Republican Party .
Arkansas pastor , former Republican congressional candidate and Vote Common Good Political Director Robb Ryerse summed up the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Trump is an anathema to everything I was taught to love about Jesus , everything I was taught about how to live out my faith , '' he wrote in an op-ed .
`` His disdain for decency , disrespect toward basic tenets of right and wrong and complete disregard for the most vulnerable among us could not be more fundamentally un-Christian . ''
This view has earned Vote Common Good harsh criticism from some conservative quarters .
Last fall , the Family Research Council declared it a group of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to `` dress up '' a radical political agenda in `` biblical terms '' and to `` sow confusion and division among Bible-believing Christians . ''
Pagitt , however , said the group 's message -- which harks back to the religious roots of the late 19th-century progressive movement -- nevertheless remains a powerful one for some evangelicals .
And while admitting that Trump most likely will retain most of his religious base , losing even a small number could make a substantial difference .
`` We know there are many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Donald Trump in 2016 , but who are now having a crisis of faith , '' he said .
`` We think they 're not going to fall in line to the same degree this time , '' Pagitt said .
`` And if he does n't get 80 percent of them in states like Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin and Florida , he 's in trouble . ''
How successful can Vote Common Good be in taking a piece of Trump 's religious base ?
It 's probably too early to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the same as those of former Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg and or candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who target religious progressives who never have supported Trump .
`` What these progressive groups seem to be doing is trying to tap into a long history of religious support for progressive issues , '' said David Mislin , an expert in American religious history at Philadelphia 's Temple University .
`` This goes back to the Social Gospel and support for the labor movement in the early 20th century and continued through the Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said , though , that he questions how much Vote Common Good 's message might resonate among the Catholic and evangelical voters it wants -- mainly because of its perceived `` leftist '' rhetoric .
`` It 's offering a pretty progressive message , while nevertheless presenting itself as trying to reach a broad constituency , '' Mislin said .
`` But I think it 's very much an open question as to whether this pitch will get any traction .
Personally , I 'm skeptical that it will . ''

President Donald Trump speaks last fall at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. Vote Common Good aims to open the eyes of religious Americans who voted for Trump four years ago and now see his "un-Christian" policies that are backed by the Republican Party. File Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI | License Photo
March 4 (UPI) -- Religious conservatives in the United States are one key segment of the population on whom President Donald Trump is counting this fall for re-election. But he most likely won't curry favor with a small group of progressive Christians who are traveling the country to challenge the belief he's got their vote locked up. Vote Common Good, a group of self-identified "progressive evangelicals," is presently on a national bus tour with stops in several primary states its members hope will sway faith-based voters to vote against Trump by appealing to once-dominant traditions of American religious liberalism. Advertisement
The tour began in January and will run through April 26 -- covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Future dates will take the tour to states that include Missouri, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska.
Advertisement
The group's mission may seem counterintuitive, given recent political realities.
With about 75 percent of white evangelicals approving of his job performance in mid-2019, Trump's support among the key cadre of white evangelicals who formed the bedrock of his 2016 election still appeared largely intact by the time of the first primaries this year.
Continuing support was visible in December after an editorial in Christianity Today, a magazine founded by evangelical icon Billy Graham, broke ranks with the Republican Party and called for Trump's impeachment on moral grounds.
More than 200 prominent conservative evangelical leaders, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, quickly jumped to his defense in a letter to the magazine that said it not only targeted "our president," but also targeted "those of us who support him, and have supported you."
Trump has been working non-stop to solidify Christian support ever since -- appearing last month at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., and declaring himself the "most pro-life president in American history."
Vote Common Good, however, says it senses backlash brewing among some of Trump's evangelical supporters -- over issues like his harsh treatment of immigrants -- and that it's perhaps enough to make a difference in November.
Advertisement
The group first surfaced ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, and wants to persuade at least some religious supporters to reassess support for Trump -- and his actions that do not align with Christian, Jewish, Muslim or other religious traditions and values.
Their pitch, said Minneapolis-based pastor and Vote Common Good Executive Director Doug Pagitt, is to back the "common good" of the United States.
"Our message to evangelicals is, even if you're a Republican, it doesn't mean you have to vote for the guy in the White House," Pagitt said at a tour stop in Boston. "In New Hampshire, for instance, we held an event with Republican presidential candidate William Weld. We're telling religious voters there are other choices."
Vote Common Good hopes to open the eyes of religious Americans who voted for Trump four years ago, who now can recognize his "un-Christian" policies and personal behaviors that are wholly backed by the Republican Party.
Arkansas pastor, former Republican congressional candidate and Vote Common Good Political Director Robb Ryerse summed up the group's position in Time magazine last month.
"Trump is an anathema to everything I was taught to love about Jesus, everything I was taught about how to live out my faith," he wrote in an op-ed. "His disdain for decency, disrespect toward basic tenets of right and wrong and complete disregard for the most vulnerable among us could not be more fundamentally un-Christian."
Advertisement
This view has earned Vote Common Good harsh criticism from some conservative quarters. Last fall, the Family Research Council declared it a group of "ultra-liberal pastors and speakers" whose aim was to "dress up" a radical political agenda in "biblical terms" and to "sow confusion and division among Bible-believing Christians."
Pagitt, however, said the group's message -- which harks back to the religious roots of the late 19th-century progressive movement -- nevertheless remains a powerful one for some evangelicals. And while admitting that Trump most likely will retain most of his religious base, losing even a small number could make a substantial difference.
"We know there are many people who felt like they gave a try to Donald Trump in 2016, but who are now having a crisis of faith," he said. "We think they're not going to fall in line to the same degree this time.
"And if he doesn't get 80 percent of them in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida, he's in trouble."
How successful can Vote Common Good be in taking a piece of Trump's religious base? It's probably too early to tell. The group's strategy is not the same as those of former Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg and candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who have courted the religious progressives who have never supported Trump.
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"What these progressive groups seem to be doing is trying to tap into a long history of religious support for progressive issues," said David Mislin, an expert in American religious history at Philadelphia's Temple University.
"This goes back to the Social Gospel and support for the labor movement in the early 20th century and continued through the Civil Rights Movement."
He said, though, that he questions how much Vote Common Good's message might resonate among the Catholic and evangelical voters it wants -- mainly because of its perceived "leftist" rhetoric.
"It's offering a pretty progressive message, while nevertheless presenting itself as trying to reach a broad constituency," Mislin said. "But I think it's very much an open question as to whether this pitch will get any traction. Personally, I'm skeptical that it will."