upi--2020-07-23--State Department authorizes $634.7M deal to upgrade Chile's F-16s

July 23 ( UPI ) -- The State Department has authorized a possible $ 634.7 million deal for upgrades to the F-16 aircraft , the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday .
According to the DSCA , Chile 's government asked to buy equipment and services for F-16 modernization , including 19 joint helmet-mounted cueing systems , 44 LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS and 49 multifunctional information distribution system joint tactical radios .
The deal also funds the bomb components , secure communications and precision navigation equipment , as well as engineering and logistical support .
Chile operates 44 F-16s , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 2000s , as well as 36 older models bought from the Netherlands .
`` This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in South America , '' the DSCA 's announcement said .
`` The proposed sale will improve Chile 's capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing its F-16 fleet , which will allow Chile to maintain sovereignty and homeland defense , increase interoperability with the United States and other partners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no difficulty absorbing the upgrades into its armed forces . ''
Lockheed Martin would be the prime contractor on the deal .

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron takes off in support of BALTOPS and Saber Strike 18 at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poland in this June 2018 photo. The State Department has approved a possible $634.7 million deal to upgrade Chile's fleet of F-16s. Photo by Christopher S. Sparks/U.S. Air Force
July 23 (UPI) -- The State Department has authorized a possible $634.7 million deal for upgrades to the F-16 aircraft, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday. According to the DSCA, Chile's government asked to buy equipment and services for F-16 modernization, including 19 joint helmet-mounted cueing systems, 44 LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS and 49 multifunctional information distribution system joint tactical radios. Advertisement
The deal also funds the bomb components, secure communications and precision navigation equipment, as well as engineering and logistical support.
Chile operates 44 F-16s, including 10 Block 50 models purchased in the early 2000s, as well as 36 older models bought from the Netherlands.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in South America," the DSCA's announcement said.
"The proposed sale will improve Chile's capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing its F-16 fleet, which will allow Chile to maintain sovereignty and homeland defense, increase interoperability with the United States and other partners, and deter potential adversaries. Chile will have no difficulty absorbing the upgrades into its armed forces."
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Lockheed Martin would be the prime contractor on the deal.


upi--2020-07-23--MLB, players' union agree on expanded playoffs for 2020 season

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball and its players ' union have agreed to a plan that will expand the postseason from 10 teams to 16 in the 2020 season .
League sources told ESPN and USA Today Sports that MLB and the union agreed on the proposal Thursday afternoon .
According to the outlets , the playoff expansion still requires the final approval of MLB owners , who are expected to officially ratify the deal before Thursday night 's regular-season opener between the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees .
Under the plan , the second-place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will qualify for the postseason .
According to ESPN , the seventh and eighth teams in the National League and American League will be chosen by best record among other teams .
The new playoff format will feature a best-of-three series in the first round instead of the traditional sudden-death wild-card game .
The opening round will have four three-game series with all games played at the higher seed 's home stadium .
The rest of the rounds will remain the same in length .
The two Division Series in each league will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and NL Championship Series and World Series will remain best-of-seven .
As part of the agreement , players also will receive a guaranteed $ 50 million pool that will be distributed after each round .
That total could increase if fans are allowed to attend games in the postseason .

Under the agreement, the MLB playoff field will increase from 10 teams to 16. The second-place teams in each of the six divisions will qualify for the postseason. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball and its players' union have agreed to a plan that will expand the postseason from 10 teams to 16 in the 2020 season. League sources told ESPN and USA Today Sports that MLB and the union agreed on the proposal Thursday afternoon. According to the outlets, the playoff expansion still requires the final approval of MLB owners, who are expected to officially ratify the deal before Thursday night's regular-season opener between the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees. Advertisement
Under the plan, the second-place teams in each of the six divisions will qualify for the postseason. According to ESPN, the seventh and eighth teams in the National League and American League will be chosen by best record among other teams.
The new playoff format will feature a best-of-three series in the first round instead of the traditional sudden-death wild-card game. The opening round will have four three-game series with all games played at the higher seed's home stadium.
The rest of the rounds will remain the same in length. The two Division Series in each league will be five-game series, while the AL and NL Championship Series and World Series will remain best-of-seven.
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As part of the agreement, players also will receive a guaranteed $50 million pool that will be distributed after each round. That total could increase if fans are allowed to attend games in the postseason.


upi--2020-07-23--Candidates in smaller swing state races struggle financially amid pandemic

When asked to describe what fundraising has been like during a pandemic , first-time Democratic congressional candidate Kimberly Walker did not miss a beat : `` Hard . ''
Across the board , donations surged in competitive congressional races despite the coronavirus pandemic .
But in smaller races , the pandemic has made it harder to raise money for first-time and lesser-known congressional candidates while low-cost options to advertise and outreach have been limited .
Walker paid $ 9,000 of the $ 10,400 of the Florida qualification fee out of her own pocket .
She raised about $ 17,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , one-seventh the amount of her opponent , Republican incumbent Rep. Gus Bilirakis , who brought in more than $ 1 million in the election cycle , according to the Federal Election Commission 's data .
Bilirakis has represented Florida 's 12th Congressional District since 2013 and before that , the 9th District since 2007 .
In the second quarter of 2020 , more than half of his donations were from political action committees , with his top donors being a Medical supply company and an investment firm .
But first-time candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to turn to individual contributors , many of whom have little money to spare during the economic downturn .
`` How am I supposed to in good conscience ask somebody for some money when they just lost their job ? ''
Walker questioned .
`` People are hurting . ''
In the Democratic primary race in Wisconsin 's 3rd Congressional District , Mark Neumann , who is running against incumbent Ronald Kind , also is reluctant to ask for contributions during the recession .
`` People are just under a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaign ] is not something that I want to add to anybody 's burdensomeness given our public health emergency right now , '' Neumann , another first-time candidate , said .
Alan Swain , a Republican running in North Carolina 's 2nd Congressional District , hopes that by connecting with voters now he will build a foundation to tap into down the road .
`` If people are more comfortable with how the economy is opening up , then hopefully they will come through and contribute to you , '' Swain said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running for Congress for the first time , was outraised by his Democratic rival , former state representative and 2016 U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Deborah Ross , by almost half a million dollars last quarter .
To make the first-timers ' financial struggles worse , the pandemic eliminated low-cost options of advertising and voter outreach such as going door-to-door and participating in community events , said Laurel Harbridge-Yong , an associate professor of political science at Northwestern University .
`` It is generally hard for less well-known candidates and those without previous experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Harbridge-Yong said in an email .
`` The pandemic likely makes it harder . ''
Television advertising may be an option for candidates with millions to spend , but that does n't include Florida 's Walker .
She purchased lawn signs and sent postcards to newly registered voters to get out the word about her candidacy .
Around 80 people donated to her campaign last quarter .
To be nominated for Wisconsin 's primary , Neumann needed signatures from 1,000 eligible voters by June 1 .
He thought about carrying a clipboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost-efficient , but that became impossible after the state issued a lockdown in March .
He mailed brochures and nomination forms to hundreds and re-mailed the 15 % of those who signed incorrectly .
He spent about $ 8,500 on signature gathering , accounting for 70 % of his total costs in the second quarter .
Despite the financial struggles , some candidates try to downplay the fundraising gaps .
In Arizona 's 6th Congressional District , Democratic primary candidate Anita Malik said she is n't worried about the difference in funding between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who she will face if she wins the Aug. 4 primary .
She is instead emphasizing her connection to voters and her grassroots approach to campaigning , wanting `` to inspire people in different ways , and not rely on the race to raise or the money game . ''
Malik raised over $ 65,000 in the second quarter of this year compared with Schweikert 's $ 200,000 , FEC filings showed .
`` We 're getting a lot of people that just have questions that just want to chat , '' Malik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect with voters in this way served her well in her race in 2018 , when she ran against Schweikert the first time .
She lost by 10 percentage points .
`` We 're not worried about whether he has more [ money ] , '' Malik said .

Some candidates said they've been unable to go door-to-door to encourage voters to show up on election day because of coronavirus lockdown orders. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
When asked to describe what fundraising has been like during a pandemic, first-time Democratic congressional candidate Kimberly Walker did not miss a beat: "Hard." Across the board, donations surged in competitive congressional races despite the coronavirus pandemic. But in smaller races, the pandemic has made it harder to raise money for first-time and lesser-known congressional candidates while low-cost options to advertise and outreach have been limited. Advertisement
Walker paid $9,000 of the $10,400 of the Florida qualification fee out of her own pocket. She raised about $17,000 in contributions in the second quarter of this year, one-seventh the amount of her opponent, Republican incumbent Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who brought in more than $1 million in the election cycle, according to the Federal Election Commission's data.
Bilirakis has represented Florida's 12th Congressional District since 2013 and before that, the 9th District since 2007. In the second quarter of 2020, more than half of his donations were from political action committees, with his top donors being a Medical supply company and an investment firm.
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But first-time candidate Walker has few donations from PACs and has to turn to individual contributors, many of whom have little money to spare during the economic downturn.
"How am I supposed to in good conscience ask somebody for some money when they just lost their job?" Walker questioned. "People are hurting."
In the Democratic primary race in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, Mark Neumann, who is running against incumbent Ronald Kind, also is reluctant to ask for contributions during the recession.
"People are just under a lot of financial and emotional stress. It [the campaign] is not something that I want to add to anybody's burdensomeness given our public health emergency right now," Neumann, another first-time candidate, said.
Alan Swain, a Republican running in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, hopes that by connecting with voters now he will build a foundation to tap into down the road.
"If people are more comfortable with how the economy is opening up, then hopefully they will come through and contribute to you," Swain said.
Swain, a retired Army colonel running for Congress for the first time, was outraised by his Democratic rival, former state representative and 2016 U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Deborah Ross, by almost half a million dollars last quarter.
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To make the first-timers' financial struggles worse, the pandemic eliminated low-cost options of advertising and voter outreach such as going door-to-door and participating in community events, said Laurel Harbridge-Yong, an associate professor of political science at Northwestern University.
"It is generally hard for less well-known candidates and those without previous experience in office to compete against incumbents," Harbridge-Yong said in an email. "The pandemic likely makes it harder."
Television advertising may be an option for candidates with millions to spend, but that doesn't include Florida's Walker. She purchased lawn signs and sent postcards to newly registered voters to get out the word about her candidacy. Around 80 people donated to her campaign last quarter.
To be nominated for Wisconsin's primary, Neumann needed signatures from 1,000 eligible voters by June 1. He thought about carrying a clipboard from door to door, which is cost-efficient, but that became impossible after the state issued a lockdown in March. He mailed brochures and nomination forms to hundreds and re-mailed the 15% of those who signed incorrectly. He spent about $8,500 on signature gathering, accounting for 70% of his total costs in the second quarter.
Despite the financial struggles, some candidates try to downplay the fundraising gaps. In Arizona's 6th Congressional District, Democratic primary candidate Anita Malik said she isn't worried about the difference in funding between her and Republican incumbent David Schweikert, who she will face if she wins the Aug. 4 primary. She is instead emphasizing her connection to voters and her grassroots approach to campaigning, wanting "to inspire people in different ways, and not rely on the race to raise or the money game."
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Malik raised over $65,000 in the second quarter of this year compared with Schweikert's $200,000, FEC filings showed.
Malik has held Zoom virtual conversations with voters.
"We're getting a lot of people that just have questions that just want to chat," Malik said.
She said being able to connect with voters in this way served her well in her race in 2018, when she ran against Schweikert the first time. She lost by 10 percentage points.
"We're not worried about whether he has more [money]," Malik said.


upi--2020-07-23--Lawmakers criticize Lockheed over F-35 parts, missing equipment files

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Lockheed Martin declined to promise lawmakers it would fully reimburse the Department of Defense for defective equipment files relating to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter during a Congressional hearing this week .
Members of the House Oversight Committee criticized the defense contractor and Pentagon officials for failing to fix the F-35 's maintenance system , saying they were putting lives at risk by failing to act on the problem .
`` Fix this now , before you have blood on your hands , '' said Rep. Rashida Talib , D-Mich. House Democrats were particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the aisle .
`` We can not simply hope that these accidents never occur .
These problems must be addressed , '' said the committee chair , Rep. Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. , who said she is considering legislation `` to ensure that F-35 is meeting performance expectations . ''
Maloney pointed out that Lockheed was expected to make paid $ 41 billion in revenue from federal government contracts .
`` For that much money , we can expect Lockheed to deliver products that work and that keep our service members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anything else is unacceptable . ''
At issue during Wednesday 's hearing were the aircraft 's electronic equipment logs , which show the history of crucial F-35 parts throughout their lifespans .
The files help determine when a part will fail , which parts are compatible with which planes , according to officials .
But Lockheed is trying to use logs for only 400 parts that need them , as opposed to 1,000 it needs now , and has delivered multiple parts without the appropriate records , making them unfit for installation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not all associated with Lockheed Martin performance , '' Gregory M. Ulmer , vice president for the F-35 program at Lockheed , told the committee .
`` I 'm fully committed to supporting that continued engagement to resolve those issues going forward . ''
`` I 'm also committed to meeting with the Defense Contract Management Agency as well as the [ F-35 Joint Program Office ] to sit down and reconcile the concerns and adjudicate the cost appropriately , '' Ulmer said .
Pentagon inspector general Theresa Hull said the Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2015 to 2018 on labor needed to get parts ready for installation and will pay $ 55 million per year until the issue is resolved .
According to Ulmer , Lockheed has spent $ 30 million to resolve related issues so far and has doubled the percentage of parts that arrive ready to install .
The contractor aims to have nearly all parts come with complete electronic files starting next year .

Two F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighters assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, fly in formation with two aircraft belonging to European partners in June 2019. Photo by Evan Parker/U.S. Air Force
July 23 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin declined to promise lawmakers it would fully reimburse the Department of Defense for defective equipment files relating to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter during a Congressional hearing this week. Members of the House Oversight Committee criticized the defense contractor and Pentagon officials for failing to fix the F-35's maintenance system, saying they were putting lives at risk by failing to act on the problem. Advertisement
"Fix this now, before you have blood on your hands," said Rep. Rashida Talib, D-Mich.
House Democrats were particularly harsh, but criticism came from both sides of the aisle.
"We cannot simply hope that these accidents never occur. These problems must be addressed," said the committee chair, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., who said she is considering legislation "to ensure that F-35 is meeting performance expectations."
Maloney pointed out that Lockheed was expected to make paid $41 billion in revenue from federal government contracts.
"For that much money, we can expect Lockheed to deliver products that work and that keep our service members safe," she said. "Anything else is unacceptable."
At issue during Wednesday's hearing were the aircraft's electronic equipment logs, which show the history of crucial F-35 parts throughout their lifespans.
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The files help determine when a part will fail, which parts are compatible with which planes, according to officials.
But Lockheed is trying to use logs for only 400 parts that need them, as opposed to 1,000 it needs now, and has delivered multiple parts without the appropriate records, making them unfit for installation, according to officials.
"It's not all associated with Lockheed Martin performance," Gregory M. Ulmer, vice president for the F-35 program at Lockheed, told the committee. "I'm fully committed to supporting that continued engagement to resolve those issues going forward."
"I'm also committed to meeting with the Defense Contract Management Agency as well as the [F-35 Joint Program Office] to sit down and reconcile the concerns and adjudicate the cost appropriately," Ulmer said.
Pentagon inspector general Theresa Hull said the Department of Defense spent up to $303 million from 2015 to 2018 on labor needed to get parts ready for installation and will pay $55 million per year until the issue is resolved.
According to Ulmer, Lockheed has spent $30 million to resolve related issues so far and has doubled the percentage of parts that arrive ready to install.
The contractor aims to have nearly all parts come with complete electronic files starting next year.
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upi--2020-07-23--Justice Department inspector general to investigate federal police in Portland, Ore., Washington, D.

Justice Department inspector general to investigate federal police in Portland, Ore., Washington, D.C.

July 23 ( UPI ) -- The Justice Department inspector general announced Thursday he 's opening an investigation into the use of force by federal law enforcement agents on protesters in Portland , Ore. , and Washington , D.C .
Inspector General Michael Horowitz said a referral from the U.S. Attorney 's office in Oregon prompted the probe .
He said his office will coordinate with the Department of Interior inspector general to investigate use of force used near Lafayette Park in Washington , D.C. '' The review will include examining the training and instruction that was provided to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applicable identification requirements , rules of engagement , and legal authorities ; and adherence to DOJ policies regarding the use of less-lethal munitions , chemical agents , and other uses of force , '' a statement from the Justice Department watchdog said .
The announcement comes one day after President Donald Trump ordered officers from the FBI , U.S .
Marshals Service , Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives to Chicago and Albuquerque to quell violence there .
Federal law enforcement officials arrived in Portland earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter protests in the city , some of which involved violence and vandalism .
Witnesses accused the officers of using unmarked vehicles to grab protesters off the streets and detain them with little explanation of why they are being arrested in an apparent escalation of federal force .
Trump said he sent the officers after receiving intelligence that the building might be attacked .
On Wednesday , federal officers tear-gassed a crowd of demonstrators that included Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler near a federal courthouse .
The deployment in Portland prompted the American Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosenblum , and other groups and lawmakers to file lawsuits .
Meanwhile , the actions of federal law enforcement have also come under scrutiny in Washington , D.C. , after officials cleared protesters at Lafayette Park on June 1 to allow Trump to walk through the area to visit St. John 's Episcopal Church for a photo opportunity .
Officers in riot gear sprayed chemical gas and shoved protesters out of the area in front of the church , witnesses testified to Congress last month .

Protesters gather at the historic St. John's Episcopal Church on June 6, less than a week after U.S. and military police drove protesters out of Lafayette Square. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- The Justice Department inspector general announced Thursday he's opening an investigation into the use of force by federal law enforcement agents on protesters in Portland, Ore., and Washington, D.C. Inspector General Michael Horowitz said a referral from the U.S. Attorney's office in Oregon prompted the probe. He said his office will coordinate with the Department of Interior inspector general to investigate use of force used near Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. Advertisement
"The review will include examining the training and instruction that was provided to the DOJ law enforcement personnel; compliance with applicable identification requirements, rules of engagement, and legal authorities; and adherence to DOJ policies regarding the use of less-lethal munitions, chemical agents, and other uses of force," a statement from the Justice Department watchdog said.
The announcement comes one day after President Donald Trump ordered officers from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to Chicago and Albuquerque to quell violence there.
Federal law enforcement officials arrived in Portland earlier this month to respond to Black Lives Matter protests in the city, some of which involved violence and vandalism. Witnesses accused the officers of using unmarked vehicles to grab protesters off the streets and detain them with little explanation of why they are being arrested in an apparent escalation of federal force.
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Trump said he sent the officers after receiving intelligence that the building might be attacked.
On Wednesday, federal officers tear-gassed a crowd of demonstrators that included Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler near a federal courthouse.
The deployment in Portland prompted the American Civil Liberties Union, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and other groups and lawmakers to file lawsuits.
Meanwhile, the actions of federal law enforcement have also come under scrutiny in Washington, D.C., after officials cleared protesters at Lafayette Park on June 1 to allow Trump to walk through the area to visit St. John's Episcopal Church for a photo opportunity.
Officers in riot gear sprayed chemical gas and shoved protesters out of the area in front of the church, witnesses testified to Congress last month.
Protesters march for social justice


upi--2020-07-23--COVID-19 kills 13 Felician sisters in Michigan convent

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Thirteen Felician sisters at a Michigan convent have died from COVID-19 , 12 in a one-month span , and another six weeks later .
The sisters were part of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary convent in Livonia , Mich. , located about 20 miles west of Detroit , which had another 17 sisters who caught the virus , but recovered .
`` We all knew if it hit the place , it would be bad , '' Sister Mary Ann Smith , who recovered from the virus , told the Global Sisters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how quickly it would go . ''
A dozen sisters , ranging in ages from 69 to 99 , died at the convent from April 10 to May 10 .
The 13th Felician sister to die from COVID-19 , Sister Mary Danatha Suchyta , 98 , died six weeks later , on June 27 .
Suchyta had been a member of the Felician congregation for eight decades , and all 13 who died had been members for at least 50 years , according to a list from Suzanne English , executive director for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Province .
Our Lady of Hope Province represents a community formerly known as the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice , according to the website , that has 469 Felician sisters in convents in North America .
`` We grieve for each of our sisters who passed during the time of the pandemic throughout the province , and we greatly appreciate all of those who are holding us in prayer and supporting us in a number of ways , '' Our Lady of Hope Provincial Minister Sister Mary Christopher Moore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Felicians in North America , only convents in Livonia , and Lodi , N.J. , had COVID-19 cases , according to the Global Sisters Report .
In Lodi , there were 12 COVID-19 cases and one death from the virus .

The Livonia, Mich., convent is one of six large convents for Felician sisters in North America. File Photo by Dave Parker/ Wikimedia Commons
July 23 (UPI) -- Thirteen Felician sisters at a Michigan convent have died from COVID-19, 12 in a one-month span, and another six weeks later. The sisters were part of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary convent in Livonia, Mich., located about 20 miles west of Detroit, which had another 17 sisters who caught the virus, but recovered. Advertisement
"We all knew if it hit the place, it would be bad," Sister Mary Ann Smith, who recovered from the virus, told the Global Sisters Report. "But we never anticipated how quickly it would go."
A dozen sisters, ranging in ages from 69 to 99, died at the convent from April 10 to May 10. The 13th Felician sister to die from COVID-19, Sister Mary Danatha Suchyta, 98, died six weeks later, on June 27.
Suchyta had been a member of the Felician congregation for eight decades, and all 13 who died had been members for at least 50 years, according to a list from Suzanne English, executive director for mission advancement for Our Lady of Hope Province.
Our Lady of Hope Province represents a community formerly known as the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice, according to the website, that has 469 Felician sisters in convents in North America.
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"We grieve for each of our sisters who passed during the time of the pandemic throughout the province, and we greatly appreciate all of those who are holding us in prayer and supporting us in a number of ways," Our Lady of Hope Provincial Minister Sister Mary Christopher Moore said.
Out of six large convents for the Felicians in North America, only convents in Livonia, and Lodi, N.J., had COVID-19 cases, according to the Global Sisters Report. In Lodi, there were 12 COVID-19 cases and one death from the virus.


upi--2020-07-23--Trump cancels Republican National Convention events in Florida

July 23 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled the Jacksonville , Fla. , component of the Republican National Convention .
Trump said that the portions of the rally planned to take place in Florida would be replaced with telerallies and online events citing surging COVID-19 numbers in the state .
Florida reported 10,200 new cases Wednesday for a total of 389,900 since the pandemic started .
`` The timing for this event is not right , with what 's happened recently , the flare-up in Florida , to have a big convention ... it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The president added that he would still give a convention speech `` in a different form '' and portions of the event set to take place in the original host site in North Carolina , including nominations , would continue .
`` We 'll be starting in North Carolina for the Monday as has always been planned , we were never taking that off , that 's remaining as it is , the delegates are going to get together , '' Trump said .
The event was scheduled to run in Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials had in recent weeks announced measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including requiring masks and limiting attendance .
On Monday , Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams said his department did not have the resources nor adequate planning time to handle the event .
The Republican National Committee originally announced its convention would move to Jacksonville in June after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper , a Democrat , whose state was originally set to host the event , told the committee it would not be able to host a full-scale event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled Republican National Convention events scheduled to take place in Jacksonville, Fla., citing rising coronavirus cases in the state. Photo by Sarah Silbiger/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled the Jacksonville, Fla., component of the Republican National Convention. Trump said that the portions of the rally planned to take place in Florida would be replaced with telerallies and online events citing surging COVID-19 numbers in the state. Florida reported 10,200 new cases Wednesday for a total of 389,900 since the pandemic started. Advertisement
"The timing for this event is not right, with what's happened recently, the flare-up in Florida, to have a big convention ... it's not the right time," he said.
The president added that he would still give a convention speech "in a different form" and portions of the event set to take place in the original host site in North Carolina, including nominations, would continue.
"We'll be starting in North Carolina for the Monday as has always been planned, we were never taking that off, that's remaining as it is, the delegates are going to get together," Trump said.
The event was scheduled to run in Jacksonville from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27 and officials had in recent weeks announced measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including requiring masks and limiting attendance.
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On Monday, Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams said his department did not have the resources nor adequate planning time to handle the event.
The Republican National Committee originally announced its convention would move to Jacksonville in June after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, whose state was originally set to host the event, told the committee it would not be able to host a full-scale event due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-07-23--U.S. surpasses 4M COVID-19 cases since start of pandemic

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Several states including Texas and Florida reported sharp increases in daily COVID-19 cases Thursday as the United States surpassed 4 million cases since the pandemic started .
To date , the United States has recorded 4,007,859 cases and 143,846 deaths , according to updated figures provided by researchers at Johns Hopkins University .
For Wednesday alone , 71,700 new cases were reported , the second-highest daily total yet .
Wednesday , the national seven-day average for hospitalizations was almost 60,000 , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
That 's the highest level since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday 's case total of 10,200 ended a two-day streak of fewer than 10,000 cases .
So far , 389,900 people in Florida have tested positive for COVID-19 .
A 9-year-old girl in Putnam County also became the youngest person to die in the state due to the virus and the fifth child overall .
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said , however , that early signs are positive that a toughened mask mandate has been effective in mitigating the spread .
`` We 're seeing some early evidence that the mask in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to make sure it 's being adopted universally in our population , '' he told CNN Thursday .
Miami said it will fine persons who do n't comply with the mask rule as much as $ 100 .
Previously , only infractions within commercial businesses were eligible for fines .
Texas also reported more than 10,000 new cases , and set a record for most deaths in a single day -- 217 .
In New York City , Mayor Bill de Blasio said subway ridership has jumped 75 % since the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Under the rules , zoos , botanical gardens and other cultural venues can open for outdoor activities at 33 % capacity .
Bus ridership is up 57 % and traffic on the Staten Island Ferry is 70 % higher , the mayor said in an update Thursday .
`` For the first time in a while , we now see subway ridership passing bus ridership overall , which means more and more people are feeling confident they can go into the subway and feel safe , '' de Blasio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeWine issued an advisory urging travelers from nine states with positivity rates of at least 15 % to self-quarantine for 14 days -- Alabama , Arizona , Florida , Georgia , Idaho , Mississippi , Nevada , South Carolina and Texas .
`` I know this will be hard and is a sacrifice ... but when we have a higher likelihood of being exposed , we should take precautions to limit the exposure of others , '' DeWine said .

A cyclist crosses a closed University Avenue in Palo Alto, Calif., on Wednesday -- a day that saw nearly 72,000 new COVID-19 cases and 4 million total cases in the United States. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- Several states including Texas and Florida reported sharp increases in daily COVID-19 cases Thursday as the United States surpassed 4 million cases since the pandemic started. To date, the United States has recorded 4,034,102 cases and 144,242 deaths, according to updated figures provided by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. For Wednesday alone, 70,900 new cases were reported, the third-highest daily total yet. Advertisement
Wednesday, the national seven-day average for hospitalizations was almost 60,000, according to the COVID Tracking Project. That's the highest level since April.
The Florida Department of Health said Wednesday's case total of 10,200 ended a two-day streak of fewer than 10,000 cases. So far, 389,900 people in Florida have tested positive for COVID-19.
A 9-year-old girl in Putnam County also became the youngest person to die in the state due to the virus and the fifth child overall.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said, however, that early signs are positive that a toughened mask mandate has been effective in mitigating the spread.
"We're seeing some early evidence that the mask in public rule is working, and we want to make sure it's being adopted universally in our population," he told CNN Thursday.
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Miami said it will fine persons who don't comply with the mask rule as much as $100. Previously, only infractions within commercial businesses were eligible for fines.
Texas also reported more than 10,000 new cases, and set a record for most deaths in a single day -- 217.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said subway ridership has jumped 75% since the city began Phase 4 of its reopening process on Monday.
Under the rules, zoos, botanical gardens and other cultural venues can open for outdoor activities at 33% capacity. Bus ridership is up 57% and traffic on the Staten Island Ferry is 70% higher, the mayor said in an update Thursday.
"For the first time in a while, we now see subway ridership passing bus ridership overall, which means more and more people are feeling confident they can go into the subway and feel safe," de Blasio said.
In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine issued an advisory urging travelers from nine states with positivity rates of at least 15% to self-quarantine for 14 days -- Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas.
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"I know this will be hard and is a sacrifice ... but when we have a higher likelihood of being exposed, we should take precautions to limit the exposure of others," DeWine said.
In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services reported a record 1,637 cases on Thursday, breaking the state's previous high of 1,302 set the day prior, lifting its total to 37,700 infections.


upi--2020-07-23--CDC: Indiana's COVID-19 infections may be underreported by 170K

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Up to 188,000 people in Indiana might have been infected with COVID-19 as of late April , according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
That figure is nearly 10 times higher than the reported number of confirmed cases in the state as of April 29 , which was 17,800 , CDC researchers said .
The findings are the latest to suggest that actual infections of the new coronavirus exceed reported case totals , they said .
`` The finding [ s ] suggest that Indiana was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the study was conducted , '' the researchers wrote .
Officials in Indiana issued a mask mandate this week as part of an effort to contain the outbreak .
The estimates are based on blood tests for COVID-19 antibodies performed on nearly 3,700 infected patients in Indiana , conducted between April 25 and 29 , the researchers said .
If accurate , the analysis indicates that just under 3 % of the state 's 6.73 million people were infected with the virus at that time , according to the researchers .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no obvious symptoms of the virus , which might be why many cases were n't reported to state health officials , the agency said .
Despite the higher rate of infections suggested by the findings , the majority of the state 's population remains `` susceptible '' to the virus , researchers said .
`` Adherence to evidence-based public health mitigation and containment measures -- social distancing , consistent and correct use of face coverings and hand hygiene -- is needed to reduce [ a ] surge in hospitalizations , '' they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 antibody testing in DeKalb and Fulton counties in Georgia -- including the Atlanta metropolitan area -- performed between April 28 and May 3 indicates as many as 2.5 % of the people in the region had been infected , CDC researchers said .
Nearly half of those with antibodies against the virus -- which suggests they had been infected -- were Black , the CDC said .
About 30 % of Georgia 's population is Black , according to U.S. Census figures .

A new CDC analysis suggests that just under 3% of Indiana's population may have had COVID-19 in late April. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- Up to 188,000 people in Indiana might have been infected with COVID-19 as of late April, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That figure is nearly 10 times higher than the reported number of confirmed cases in the state as of April 29, which was 17,800, CDC researchers said. Advertisement
The findings are the latest to suggest that actual infections of the new coronavirus exceed reported case totals, they said.
"The finding[s] suggest that Indiana was in the early stage of the pandemic when the study was conducted," the researchers wrote.
Officials in Indiana issued a mask mandate this week as part of an effort to contain the outbreak.
The estimates are based on blood tests for COVID-19 antibodies performed on nearly 3,700 infected patients in Indiana, conducted between April 25 and 29, the researchers said.
If accurate, the analysis indicates that just under 3% of the state's 6.73 million people were infected with the virus at that time, according to the researchers.
As many as 44% of those infected had no obvious symptoms of the virus, which might be why many cases weren't reported to state health officials, the agency said.
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Despite the higher rate of infections suggested by the findings, the majority of the state's population remains "susceptible" to the virus, researchers said.
"Adherence to evidence-based public health mitigation and containment measures -- social distancing, consistent and correct use of face coverings and hand hygiene -- is needed to reduce [a] surge in hospitalizations," they wrote.
Similarly, an analysis of COVID-19 antibody testing in DeKalb and Fulton counties in Georgia -- including the Atlanta metropolitan area -- performed between April 28 and May 3 indicates as many as 2.5% of the people in the region had been infected, CDC researchers said.
Nearly half of those with antibodies against the virus -- which suggests they had been infected -- were Black, the CDC said. About 30% of Georgia's population is Black, according to U.S. Census figures.


upi--2020-07-23--Dow drops 353 points amid falling tech stocks, high unemployment claims

July 23 ( UPI ) -- U.S. markets fell on Thursday as tech stocks performed poorly and the Labor Department reported a rise in unemployment claims .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 353 points , or 1.31 % , while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.29 % and the S & P 500 declined 1.23 % snapping a four-day winning streak .
Tech stocks were the primary contributors to the market decline on Thursday as Tesla stock dropped 4.98 % , Apple fell 4.55 % , Amazon declined 3.66 % and Netflix slid 2.5 % .
Also Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have filed for new unemployment benefits by the end of last week , an increase of 109,000 from the previous week , placing the unemployment rate at 11.1 % .
The U.S. dollar also fell 0.2 % against its rivals on the ICE U.S. Dollar Index , falling to its lowest level since September 2018 .
Negotiations in Congress over extensions to $ 600 weekly unemployment benefits also loomed over the markets as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said an extension would be based on `` approximately 70 % wage replacement '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would be reduced to a rate of $ 100 per week .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all fell on Thursday as tech stocks dropped and the Labor Department reported rising unemployment claims. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- U.S. markets fell on Thursday as tech stocks performed poorly and the Labor Department reported a rise in unemployment claims. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 353 points, or 1.31%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.29% and the S&P 500 declined 1.23% snapping a four-day winning streak. Advertisement
Tech stocks were the primary contributors to the market decline on Thursday as Tesla stock dropped 4.98%, Apple fell 4.55%, Amazon declined 3.66% and Netflix slid 2.5%.
Also Thursday, the Labor Department reported 1.4 million American workers have filed for new unemployment benefits by the end of last week, an increase of 109,000 from the previous week, placing the unemployment rate at 11.1%.
The U.S. dollar also fell 0.2% against its rivals on the ICE U.S. Dollar Index, falling to its lowest level since September 2018.
Negotiations in Congress over extensions to $600 weekly unemployment benefits also loomed over the markets as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said an extension would be based on "approximately 70% wage replacement" on Thursday, a day after CNBC reported they would be reduced to a rate of $100 per week.


upi--2020-07-23--Star Trek animated series unveils name, logo ahead of 2021 Nickelodeon premiere

July 23 ( UPI ) -- Star Trek Nickelodeon original animated series to debut next year unveiled Thursday its name and logo .
The computer-generated animated series to debut exclusively on Nickelodeon in 2021 , brings the Star Trek Universe to a new generation , a joint statement from Nickelodeon and CBS Television Studios said .
The title , Star Trek : Prodigy , and the logo were unveiled at a Star Trek Universe panel at Comic-Con @ Home .
The series `` follows a group of lawless teens who discover a derelict Starfleet ship and use it to search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the joint statement said .
Daytime Emmy Award winners , the Hageman brothers , Kevin and Dan Hageman , for Trollhunters , developed the series , overseen for Nickelodeon by Ramsey Naito , executive vice president of Nickelodeon animation .
The series comes from CBS Television Studios ' new animation arm , along with Secret Hideout , and Roddenberry Entertainment .
Alex Kurtzman , Heather Kadin , Katie Krentz , Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth will serve as executive producers along with the Hageman brothers .
Aaron Baiers will be a co-executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBS All Access includes Star Trek : Picard , Star Trek : Discovery and the animated series Star Trek : Lower Decks to debut on Aug. 6 , along with the upcoming Star Trek : Strange New Worlds and a Section 31 Star Trek spin-off in development featuring Michelle Yeoh .
Star Trek : Prodigy is ViacomCBS ' first Star Trek series geared toward younger audiences for Nickelodeon .
ViacomCBS is the parent company of Nickelodeon .

The new logo for Nickelodeon's new animated series to debut in 2021 is shown. Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon.
July 23 (UPI) -- Star Trek Nickelodeon original animated series to debut next year unveiled Thursday its name and logo. The computer-generated animated series to debut exclusively on Nickelodeon in 2021, brings the Star Trek Universe to a new generation, a joint statement from Nickelodeon and CBS Television Studios said. Advertisement
The title, Star Trek: Prodigy, and the logo were unveiled at a Star Trek Universe panel at Comic-Con@Home.
The series "follows a group of lawless teens who discover a derelict Starfleet ship and use it to search for adventure, meaning and salvation," the joint statement said.
Daytime Emmy Award winners, the Hageman brothers, Kevin and Dan Hageman, for Trollhunters, developed the series, overseen for Nickelodeon by Ramsey Naito, executive vice president of Nickelodeon animation.
The series comes from CBS Television Studios' new animation arm, along with Secret Hideout, and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin, Katie Krentz, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth will serve as executive producers along with the Hageman brothers. Aaron Baiers will be a co-executive producer.
The Star Trek Universe on CBS All Access includes Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Discovery and the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks to debut on Aug. 6, along with the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and a Section 31 Star Trek spin-off in development featuring Michelle Yeoh.
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Star Trek: Prodigy is ViacomCBS' first Star Trek series geared toward younger audiences for Nickelodeon.
ViacomCBS is the parent company of Nickelodeon.


upi--2020-07-23--Funeral for C.T. Vivian held in Atlanta

Funeral for C.T. Vivian held in Atlanta

July 23 ( UPI ) -- The family and friends of civil rights icon the Rev .
C.T .
Vivian laid him to rest Thursday at an Atlanta church , though some participated remotely via video .
Television personalty Oprah Winfrey , appearing by video , praised Vivian for discussing racism openly and frankly during an appearance on her TV show in the 1990s .
`` What an impact he made on that audience , mostly white women , '' she said .
Gently , yet passionately confronting them on their ignorances and their denial of racial inequality .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a privilege to witness his wisdom , teaching and action .
In his presence , we were always learning more about our country , ourselves and what it means to stand for what is right .
He was a giant for justice . ''
A close associate of the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , Vivian was an aide with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the 1960s as the organization spearheaded a non-violent campaign to end segregation in the South .
During his time as SCLC director from 1963 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-violence training , conducted voter registration drives and worked on community development projects .
Vivian was known as a tireless organizer of marches , sit-ins at lunch counters and boycotts of businesses practicing segregation -- measures that often resulted in violent police responses and mass arrests .
He was frequently arrested , jailed and beaten , including an incident in 1961 when he was severely beaten by guards at the Hinds County Prison Farm in Mississippi .
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden gave a video tribute to Vivian , who received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time as vice president .
`` C.T .
was truly a remarkable man , a man whose physical courage was exceeded only by his moral courage , whose capacity for love overwhelmed incredible hatreds , whose faith and power of non-violence helped forever change our nation , '' Biden said .
Also in attendance or speaking at Thursday 's private funeral at Providence Missionary Baptist Church were former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young , baseball legend Hank Aaron and civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette .

Several notable figures spoke at C.T. Vivian's funeral Thursday, including former Vice President Joe Biden, TV personality Oprah Winfrey and baseball legend Hank Aaron. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 23 (UPI) -- The family and friends of civil rights icon the Rev. C.T. Vivian laid him to rest Thursday at an Atlanta church, though some participated remotely via video. Television personalty Oprah Winfrey, appearing by video, praised Vivian for discussing racism openly and frankly during an appearance on her TV show in the 1990s. Advertisement
"What an impact he made on that audience, mostly white women," she said. Gently, yet passionately confronting them on their ignorances and their denial of racial inequality.
"We spent several days filming and it was a privilege to witness his wisdom, teaching and action. In his presence, we were always learning more about our country, ourselves and what it means to stand for what is right. He was a giant for justice."
Vivian died Friday at age 95.
A close associate of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Vivian was an aide with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the 1960s as the organization spearheaded a non-violent campaign to end segregation in the South.
During his time as SCLC director from 1963 to 1966, Vivian organized protests, oversaw non-violence training, conducted voter registration drives and worked on community development projects.
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Vivian was known as a tireless organizer of marches, sit-ins at lunch counters and boycotts of businesses practicing segregation -- measures that often resulted in violent police responses and mass arrests.
He was frequently arrested, jailed and beaten, including an incident in 1961 when he was severely beaten by guards at the Hinds County Prison Farm in Mississippi.
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden gave a video tribute to Vivian, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Biden's time as vice president.
"C.T. was truly a remarkable man, a man whose physical courage was exceeded only by his moral courage, whose capacity for love overwhelmed incredible hatreds, whose faith and power of non-violence helped forever change our nation," Biden said.
Also in attendance or speaking at Thursday's private funeral at Providence Missionary Baptist Church were former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, baseball legend Hank Aaron and civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette.


upi--2020-07-23--Watch: Man makes good on 1992 handshake, splits $22M jackpot with friend

July 23 ( UPI ) -- A Wisconsin man proved his devotion as a friend by making good on a 28-year-old handshake promise and splitting his $ 22 million Powerball jackpot with his longtime buddy .
Thomas Cook told Wisconsin Lottery officials that learning the Powerball ticket he bought from Synergy Coop in Menomonie was a $ 22 million winner made him quickly recall a deal he made with friend Joseph Feeney in 1992 .
Cook said the two men shook hands and agreed that if either of them ever won a Powerball jackpot , they would split the winnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said 'are you jerking my bobber ? '
'' Feeney recalled of being told the news .
Cook and Feeney , who took the lump sum option for their payouts , each received about $ 5.7 million after federal and state taxes .
Cook said the money inspired him to put in his two weeks notice and retire .
He and Feeney , who had already retired previously , said the money will allow them to spend more time with their families .
`` We can pursue what we feel comfortable with , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think of a better way to retire . ''

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July 23 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin man proved his devotion as a friend by making good on a 28-year-old handshake promise and splitting his $22 million Powerball jackpot with his longtime buddy.
Thomas Cook told Wisconsin Lottery officials that learning the Powerball ticket he bought from Synergy Coop in Menomonie was a $22 million winner made him quickly recall a deal he made with friend Joseph Feeney in 1992.
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Cook said the two men shook hands and agreed that if either of them ever won a Powerball jackpot, they would split the winnings.
"He called me and I said 'are you jerking my bobber?'" Feeney recalled of being told the news.
Cook and Feeney, who took the lump sum option for their payouts, each received about $5.7 million after federal and state taxes.
Cook said the money inspired him to put in his two weeks notice and retire. He and Feeney, who had already retired previously, said the money will allow them to spend more time with their families.
"We can pursue what we feel comfortable with," Cook said. "I can't think of a better way to retire."


upi--2020-07-23--China braces for impact after mass flooding at Three Gorges Dam

July 23 ( UPI ) -- A second round of mass flooding in several provinces across China is expected to increase the risk of natural disasters as torrential rains have affected 45 million people in the country and at least 142 people have died or gone missing , according to local authorities .
China 's ministry of water resources said at 8 p.m. Wednesday a key section of the Yangtze River and other areas had risen above flood level .
The ministry also said 93 rivers have exceeded their flood limit levels and that they are monitoring the Three Gorges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Yangtze River .
China 's ministry of emergency management said this week more than 4,500 people in Jiangxi , Anhui , Hubei and other provinces have been displaced due to floods , and at least 35,000 homes have collapsed , bringing direct damage close to $ 23 billion .
Chinese state media reports indicate Chinese leader Xi Jinping has yet to visit the disaster zones despite heavy rains since June .
In the absence of more transparent information on the flooding , Chinese users of social media have begun uploading images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large machinery at construction sites .
Last week , as floodwaters rose to high levels , human rights activist Jennifer Zeng uploaded a video showing a 700-year-old temple engulfed in water from the overflowing Yangtze River , Taiwan News reported .
The Guanyin Temple in Hubei Province survived the floods , according to the report .
According to Taiwan News , China may have experienced `` displacement , seepage and deformation '' of the Three Gorges Dam that spans the Yangtze River in Hubei province .
A Xinhua reporter stated on Friday three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened to let out `` huge streams of water , '' Taiwan News said .
Chinese residents downstream are suspecting more water from the dam have been released but authorities are not disclosing the developments , according to the report .

An aerial view of the Guanyin Temple in Hubei Province in the middle of the flooded Yangtze River in Ezhou, China on Sunday. The temple was first built in 1345 and was partly submerged under the latest round of flooding last week. Photo by Peng Nian/EPA-EFE
July 23 (UPI) -- A second round of mass flooding in several provinces across China is expected to increase the risk of natural disasters as torrential rains have affected 45 million people in the country and at least 142 people have died or gone missing, according to local authorities. China's ministry of water resources said at 8 p.m. Wednesday a key section of the Yangtze River and other areas had risen above flood level. The ministry also said 93 rivers have exceeded their flood limit levels and that they are monitoring the Three Gorges reservoir, located in the upstream part of the Yangtze River. Advertisement
China's ministry of emergency management said this week more than 4,500 people in Jiangxi, Anhui, Hubei and other provinces have been displaced due to floods, and at least 35,000 homes have collapsed, bringing direct damage close to $23 billion.
Chinese state media reports indicate Chinese leader Xi Jinping has yet to visit the disaster zones despite heavy rains since June. In the absence of more transparent information on the flooding, Chinese users of social media have begun uploading images of downpours sweeping up excavators and other large machinery at construction sites.
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Last week, as floodwaters rose to high levels, human rights activist Jennifer Zeng uploaded a video showing a 700-year-old temple engulfed in water from the overflowing Yangtze River, Taiwan News reported.
The Guanyin Temple in Hubei Province survived the floods, according to the report.
According to Taiwan News, China may have experienced "displacement, seepage and deformation" of the Three Gorges Dam that spans the Yangtze River in Hubei province.
A Xinhua reporter stated on Friday three lower flood gates of the hydropower complex opened to let out "huge streams of water," Taiwan News said.
Chinese residents downstream are suspecting more water from the dam have been released but authorities are not disclosing the developments, according to the report.


upi--2020-07-24--Mothers with COVID-19 unlikely to pass it to newborns, study shows

Mothers are unlikely to pass COVID-19 to their newborns if they follow recommended precautions , a small study suggests .
`` We hope our study will provide some reassurance to new mothers that the risk of them passing COVID-19 to their babies is very low .
However , larger studies are needed to better understand the risks of transmission from mother to child , '' said study co-leader Dr. Christine Salvatore .
Salvatore is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Komansky Children 's Hospital in New York City .
The research included 120 babies born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The infants , born at three New York hospitals between March 22 and May 17 , were allowed to room with their mothers and breastfeed , if moms were well enough .
The babies were in enclosed cribs , 6 feet from their mothers , except during feeding .
Moms were required to wear masks while handling their babies and to follow frequent hand- and breast-washing guidelines .
There were no cases of coronavirus transmission to the babies during birth or after two weeks of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact .
At 1 month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual checkup and were well and growing normally , according to the study published July 23 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal .
The findings suggest it 's safe for mothers with COVID-19 to breastfeed and room with their newborn -- if they follow infection control procedures , researchers concluded .
Study co-leader Dr. Patricia DeLaMora , another pediatric infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell , noted that skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are important for bonding between mother and child and for the baby 's long-term health .
`` Our findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 infection can still benefit from these safely , if appropriate infection control measures are followed , '' she said in a journal news release .
Dr. Melissa Medvedev , an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California , San Francisco , wrote an editorial that accompanied the study .
While she said the findings provide valuable safety data , key questions remain unanswered .
`` Robust population-based data are needed to quantify the incidence of complications among pregnant women and neonates , and to understand rates and routes of vertical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Medvedev wrote .
`` Studies are also required to determine the effectiveness of infection prevention and control practices in the neonatal care setting , '' Medvedev said .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on pregnancy and COVID-19 .

Researchers say it's safe for mothers with COVID-19 to breastfeed newborns, as long as they follow recommendations. Photo by Free-Photos/Pixabay
Mothers are unlikely to pass COVID-19 to their newborns if they follow recommended precautions, a small study suggests. "We hope our study will provide some reassurance to new mothers that the risk of them passing COVID-19 to their babies is very low. However, larger studies are needed to better understand the risks of transmission from mother to child," said study co-leader Dr. Christine Salvatore. Advertisement
Salvatore is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital in New York City.
The research included 120 babies born to 116 mothers with COVID-19 infection.
The infants, born at three New York hospitals between March 22 and May 17, were allowed to room with their mothers and breastfeed, if moms were well enough.
The babies were in enclosed cribs, 6 feet from their mothers, except during feeding. Moms were required to wear masks while handling their babies and to follow frequent hand- and breast-washing guidelines.
There were no cases of coronavirus transmission to the babies during birth or after two weeks of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
At 1 month of age, 53 babies had a virtual checkup and were well and growing normally, according to the study published July 23 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal.
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The findings suggest it's safe for mothers with COVID-19 to breastfeed and room with their newborn -- if they follow infection control procedures, researchers concluded.
Study co-leader Dr. Patricia DeLaMora, another pediatric infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell, noted that skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are important for bonding between mother and child and for the baby's long-term health.
"Our findings suggest that babies born to mothers with COVID-19 infection can still benefit from these safely, if appropriate infection control measures are followed," she said in a journal news release.
Dr. Melissa Medvedev, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote an editorial that accompanied the study. While she said the findings provide valuable safety data, key questions remain unanswered.
"Robust population-based data are needed to quantify the incidence of complications among pregnant women and neonates, and to understand rates and routes of vertical and horizontal transmission, including asymptomatic transmission," Medvedev wrote.
"Studies are also required to determine the effectiveness of infection prevention and control practices in the neonatal care setting," Medvedev said.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on pregnancy and COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-24--Watch: Rachel Brosnahan says she's binged 15 seasons of 'Survivor'

July 24 ( UPI ) -- Rachel Brosnahan appeared on Late Night and discussed her love for Survivor and how she has binged 15 seasons of the series while saying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Brosnahan told host Seth Meyers on Thursday that she and her husband Jason Ralph were Survivor fans before the pandemic , but now they are considered super fans with the show being a part of her brand .
`` Every single gift I got for my 30th birthday was Survivor-themed .
My best friend gave us a Survivor board game from 2000 where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I got Survivor socks and a Saint Jeff candle , '' Brosnahan said , referencing Survivor host Jeff Probst .
`` I am all-in .
That 's the escape from the real-life Survivor that we are currently playing , '' the actress continued .
Brosnahan is best known for portraying Miriam 'Midge ' Maisel on Amazon 's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel .
Brosnahan said that performing stand-up comedy scenes on the series is still a challenge and as the show has continued , her character has only gotten better at telling jokes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jokes .
She knows how to work an audience .
So I feel like I have to catch up .
I 'm still catching up and just gosh , hope you buy it , '' she said about her character .

July 24 (UPI) -- Rachel Brosnahan appeared on Late Night and discussed her love for Survivor and how she has binged 15 seasons of the series while saying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brosnahan told host Seth Meyers on Thursday that she and her husband Jason Ralph were Survivor fans before the pandemic, but now they are considered super fans with the show being a part of her brand.
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"Every single gift I got for my 30th birthday was Survivor-themed. My best friend gave us a Survivor board game from 2000 where you split into tribes and you play it. I got Survivor socks and a Saint Jeff candle," Brosnahan said, referencing Survivor host Jeff Probst.
"I am all-in. That's the escape from the real-life Survivor that we are currently playing," the actress continued.
Brosnahan is best known for portraying Miriam 'Midge' Maisel on Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Brosnahan said that performing stand-up comedy scenes on the series is still a challenge and as the show has continued, her character has only gotten better at telling jokes.
"She knows how to get jokes. She knows how to work an audience. So I feel like I have to catch up. I'm still catching up and just gosh, hope you buy it," she said about her character.


upi--2020-07-24--Watch: Bindi Irwin sends 'love and light' to fans on 22nd birthday

July 24 ( UPI ) -- Bindi Irwin is sending `` love and light '' to fans on her 22nd birthday .
The Australian television personality and conservationist thanked fans for their support in a video message on Instagram while celebrating her birthday Friday .
`` I do n't really record a whole lot of selfie videos but I really felt like it was important to send you some love and light to thank you for your incredible birthday messages , your kind words , '' Irwin said .
`` Thank you for your support today and everyday -- it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family . ''
Irwin reflected on the `` challenging times '' of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic and said her `` heart goes out '' to everyone affected by the health crisis .
`` Now , more than ever , we need to stand together as a society to spread a little more love and light and do what we can to make a positive difference in the world , '' she said .
Irwin and her family have been living at the Australia Zoo during the pandemic , where they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildlife hospital .
`` Let 's hope for a brighter future and work together to make a difference , '' Irwin said .
`` Thank you guys for everything , and hang in there . ''
Irwin , the daughter of Terri Irwin and late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin , also paid tribute to her parents in a post online .
She shared a video of Steve Irwin describing his joy at becoming a father .
`` 22 years ago my parents decided to start a family , '' Irwin captioned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful for their unconditional love and encouragement to follow my dreams . ''
`` I chose the two most compassionate , dedicated and loving people in the world to be my mum and dad .
There are no words to describe the amount of love in my heart for them both , '' she said .
Irwin 's husband , Chandler Powell , was among those to wish Irwin a happy birthday on social media .
`` For the first time ever as a married couple , happy birthday to my beautiful wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of epic and you have handled everything thrown our way with courage and grace , '' Powell wrote on Instagram .
`` You inspire me to be a better person every day with how much love you have to give , '' he said .
`` Thank you for making the world a better and brighter place .
My best friend , my wife , my everything .
I love you . ''
Irwin and Powell married at an intimate wedding in March after changing their wedding plans due to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight in May that she 's keeping her maiden name to honor her late dad .

July 24 (UPI) -- Bindi Irwin is sending "love and light" to fans on her 22nd birthday.
The Australian television personality and conservationist thanked fans for their support in a video message on Instagram while celebrating her birthday Friday.
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"I don't really record a whole lot of selfie videos but I really felt like it was important to send you some love and light to thank you for your incredible birthday messages, your kind words," Irwin said. "Thank you for your support today and everyday -- it means the world to me and my family."
Irwin reflected on the "challenging times" of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and said her "heart goes out" to everyone affected by the health crisis.
"Now, more than ever, we need to stand together as a society to spread a little more love and light and do what we can to make a positive difference in the world," she said.
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Irwin and her family have been living at the Australia Zoo during the pandemic, where they are still rescuing and rehabilitating animals at their wildlife hospital.
"Let's hope for a brighter future and work together to make a difference," Irwin said. "Thank you guys for everything, and hang in there."
Irwin, the daughter of Terri Irwin and late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin, also paid tribute to her parents in a post online. She shared a video of Steve Irwin describing his joy at becoming a father.
"22 years ago my parents decided to start a family," Irwin captioned the post. "I will forever be grateful for their unconditional love and encouragement to follow my dreams."
"I chose the two most compassionate, dedicated and loving people in the world to be my mum and dad. There are no words to describe the amount of love in my heart for them both," she said.
Irwin's husband, Chandler Powell, was among those to wish Irwin a happy birthday on social media.
"For the first time ever as a married couple, happy birthday to my beautiful wife. This year has been nothing short of epic and you have handled everything thrown our way with courage and grace," Powell wrote on Instagram.
"You inspire me to be a better person every day with how much love you have to give," he said. "Thank you for making the world a better and brighter place. My best friend, my wife, my everything. I love you."
Irwin and Powell married at an intimate wedding in March after changing their wedding plans due to the pandemic. Irwin said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in May that she's keeping her maiden name to honor her late dad.


upi--2020-07-24--Dodgers' Betts kneels for anthem after 2016 vow to 'always stand'

July 24 ( UPI ) -- Mookie Betts was one of several Major League Baseball stars to take a knee during the national anthem before the first two games of the season , after the Los Angeles star in 2016 vowed to `` always stand . ''
`` We all are on the same team , '' Betts said .
`` We all are here for change . ''
Betts said nearly four years ago that he would never kneel in protest during the anthem because of his connection to those who have served in the military , including his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to his right knee in front of the Dodgers ' dugout as teammates Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy placed a hand on each of his shoulders in support .
Betts was the lone Dodgers player to take a knee during the anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States .
At least a half dozen members of the San Francisco Giants also kneeled , including manager Gabe Kapler .
All uniformed personnel took a knee prior to the anthem during a planned demonstration .
Players and coaches held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that display of unity .
Dodgers and Giants players also wore `` Black Lives Matter '' shirts in pregame warmups .
Most players stood during the anthem , a move Betts felt strongly about in 2016 , when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the trend in professional sports .
`` I 'm always going to stand because I have that connection , '' Betts said in 2016 .
`` For me , it 's different .
... '' My dad fought for this country .
We may be in a completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those people to go out and protect us .
So I 'll always make sure [ to stand ] . ''
Betts said he is n't sure if he will kneel for future games .
`` I was n't educated , '' Betts said of his stance to stand in 2016 .
`` That 's my fault .
I need to be educated on the situation .
I know my dad served and I 'll never disrespect the flag , but there 's also got ta be change in the world , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who served our country . ''
Betts had one hit in his Dodgers debut , as Los Angeles beat the San Francisco Giants 8-1 in the second game of the 2020 MLB season .
The New York Yankees beat the Washington Nationals 4-1 in the first game of the season earlier on Thursday in Washington , D.C. All Yankees and Nationals players knelt as they also held a long black fabric prior to the first pitch .
They also sported `` Black Lives Matter '' shirts in warmups .
The players -- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national anthem .
Actor Morgan Freeman narrated the ceremony before the anthem .
`` Today , and every day , we come together as brothers , '' Freeman said .
`` As equals , all with the same goal -- to level the playing field .
To change the injustices .
`` Equality is not just a word .
It 's our right !
Today we stand as men from 25 nations on six continents .
Today we are one . ''
The Dodgers face the Giants in the second game of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles .

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts said he "wasn't educated" in 2016 when he said he wouldn't knee during the national anthem, but he chose to participate in the protest Thursday in Los Angeles. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 24 (UPI) -- Mookie Betts was one of several Major League Baseball stars to take a knee during the national anthem on opening day of the 2020 season, after the Los Angeles star in 2016 vowed to "always stand." "We all are on the same team," Betts said. "We all are here for change." Advertisement
Betts said nearly four years ago that he would never kneel in protest during the anthem because of his connection to those who have served in the military, including his father.
On Thursday, Betts went down to his right knee in front of the Dodgers' dugout as teammates Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy placed a hand on each of his shoulders in support.
Betts was the lone Dodgers player to take a knee during the anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. At least a half dozen members of the San Francisco Giants also kneeled, including manager Gabe Kapler.
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All uniformed team personnel took a knee prior to the anthem during a planned demonstration. Players and coaches held a 200-yard piece of black fabric in that display of unity. Dodgers and Giants players also wore "Black Lives Matter" shirts in pregame warmups. Most players stood during the anthem, a move Betts felt strongly about in 2016, when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the trend in professional sports.
"I'm always going to stand because I have that connection," Betts said in 2016. "For me, it's different. ...
"My dad fought for this country. We may be in a completely different spot if we don't have those people to go out and protect us. So I'll always make sure [to stand]."
Betts said he isn't sure if he will kneel for future games.
"I wasn't educated," Betts said of his stance to stand in 2016. "That's my fault. I need to be educated on the situation. I know my dad served and I'll never disrespect the flag, but there's also gotta be change in the world, and kneeling has nothing to do with those who served our country."
Betts had one hit in his Dodgers debut, as Los Angeles beat the San Francisco Giants 8-1 in the second game of the 2020 MLB season. The New York Yankees beat the Washington Nationals 4-1 in the first game of the season earlier on Thursday in Washington, D.C.
All Yankees and Nationals players knelt as they also held a long black fabric prior to the first pitch. They also sported "Black Lives Matter" shirts in warmups. The players -- and coaches -- then stood up for the national anthem.
Today, and every day, we come together as brothers. As equals, all with the same goal - to level the playing field. To change the injustices. Equality is not just a word. It's our right! Today we stand as men from 25 nations on 6 continents. Today, we are one. pic.twitter.com/vKUGdRfwgQ— MLB (@MLB) July 23, 2020
Actor Morgan Freeman narrated the ceremony before the anthem.
"Today, and every day, we come together as brothers," Freeman said. "As equals, all with the same goal -- to level the playing field. To change the injustices.
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"Equality is not just a word. It's our right! Today we stand as men from 25 nations on six continents. Today we are one."
The Dodgers face the Giants in the second game of their season-opening series at 9:40 p.m. EDT Friday in Los Angeles.


upi--2020-07-24--Goldman Sachs agrees to pay $3.9B to settle Malaysian 1MDB scandal

July 24 ( UPI ) -- U.S. investment house Goldman Sachs has agreed to pay nearly $ 4 billion to settle a dispute with the Malaysian government over the 1MDB scandal , officials said Friday .
The Malaysian finance ministry said the settlement includes a cash payment of $ 2.5 billion and a guarantee for full recovery of at least $ 1.4 billion in assets .
The latter was traceable to diverted proceeds from three bond transactions arranged by Goldman for the government 's 1Malaysia Development Berhad company , also known as 1MDB .
`` This settlement represents assets that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' finance minister Tengku Dato ' Sri Zafrul Aziz said in a statement .
`` We are confident that we are securing more money from Goldman Sachs compared to previous attempts , which were far below expectations . ''
Malaysian prosecutors filed charges against three Goldman Sachs units in late 2018 that accused the bank of misleading investors in a $ 6.5 billion bond sale for the sovereign wealth fund .
The bank pleaded not guilty to the charges , which said 1MDB officials in the administration of former Prime Minster Najib Razak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrich themselves .
The scandal ultimately led to the ouster of Najib 's government .
U.S. prosecutors have also charged Goldman in the scandal .
They accused Najib in 2017 of funneling $ 4.5 billion into bank accounts belonging to he and his family and friends .
Prosecutors said some of the money was used to buy a pink diamond necklace for Najib 's wife , a 300-foot luxury yacht and extravagant gifts for celebrities .
Some was also used to buy Nature Morte au Crane de Taureau , a painting by Pablo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DiCaprio as a birthday gift .
Goldman Sachs , which has denied wrongdoing in the scandal , unsuccessfully tried to settle last year for $ 1.75 billion .

Goldman Sachs, which has denied wrongdoing in the scandal, unsuccessfully tried to settle last year for $1.75 billion. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE
July 24 (UPI) -- U.S. investment house Goldman Sachs has agreed to pay nearly $4 billion to settle a dispute with the Malaysian government over the 1MDB scandal, officials said Friday. The Malaysian finance ministry said the settlement includes a cash payment of $2.5 billion and a guarantee for full recovery of at least $1.4 billion in assets. The latter was traceable to diverted proceeds from three bond transactions arranged by Goldman for the government's 1Malaysia Development Berhad company, also known as 1MDB. Advertisement
"This settlement represents assets that rightfully belong to the Malaysian people," finance minister Tengku Dato' Sri Zafrul Aziz said in a statement. "We are confident that we are securing more money from Goldman Sachs compared to previous attempts, which were far below expectations."
Malaysian prosecutors filed charges against three Goldman Sachs units in late 2018 that accused the bank of misleading investors in a $6.5 billion bond sale for the sovereign wealth fund.
The bank pleaded not guilty to the charges, which said 1MDB officials in the administration of former Prime Minster Najib Razak diverted proceeds from the bond sales to enrich themselves. The scandal ultimately led to the ouster of Najib's government.
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U.S. prosecutors have also charged Goldman in the scandal. They accused Najib in 2017 of funneling $4.5 billion into bank accounts belonging to he and his family and friends.
Prosecutors said some of the money was used to buy a pink diamond necklace for Najib's wife, a 300-foot luxury yacht and extravagant gifts for celebrities. Some was also used to buy Nature Morte au Crane de Taureau, a painting by Pablo Picasso that was given to actor Leonardo DiCaprio as a birthday gift.
Goldman Sachs, which has denied wrongdoing in the scandal, unsuccessfully tried to settle last year for $1.75 billion.


upi--2020-07-24--NASCAR's Denny Hamlin wins fifth race of 2020 with Kansas triumph

July 24 ( UPI ) -- Denny Hamlin won his Cup Series-high fifth race of the 2020 season as he crossed the checkered flag first in the Super Start Batteries 400 at Kansas Speedway .
Hamlin took the lead from Kevin Harvick on lap No .
255 of 267 Thursday in Kansas City , Kan .
He held off Brad Keselowski down the stretch to secure the victory .
`` I thought we were in trouble , '' Hamlin told reporters .
`` Our car did n't have the all-out speed that a couple cars did .
`` To outduel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gratifying , but it only lasts this week .
It does n't give me false confidence going forward . ''
Keselowski settled for a second-place finish , ahead of Martin Truex Jr. , Harvick and Erik Jones in the top five .
Hamlin led for a race-high 57 laps .
Kyle Busch led for 52 laps , but finished 11th .
True Jr. led for 44 laps and Keselowski led 30 laps .
Harvick still leads the Cup Series standings , with a two-point edge on Hamlin .
Keselowski sits in third place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blaney .
Chase Elliott , Truex Jr. , Alex Bowman , Austin Dillon and Cole Custer also have clinched playoff spots .
`` I thought Denny and I were probably pretty close to equal the second half of the night , '' Keselowski said .
`` It was just a matter of who got out in front .
We did n't get out in front on the restarts there , and he was able to take advantage and bring home the win .
All in all , it was still a really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues with the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at 3 p.m. EDT Aug. 2 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon , N.H. '' I love winning , '' Hamlin said .
`` I just want to get to as many wins as I possibly can and hopefully I win the last race of the season .
That 's the goal , but there are no guarantees .
We are putting together a very solid season . ''

Denny Hamlin held off Cup Series leader Kevin Harvick and led a race-high 57 laps to win Thursday at Kansas Speedway Thursday in Kansas City, Kan. File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo
July 24 (UPI) -- Denny Hamlin won his Cup Series-high fifth race of the 2020 season as he crossed the checkered flag first in the Super Start Batteries 400 at Kansas Speedway. Hamlin took the lead from Kevin Harvick on lap No. 255 of 267 Thursday in Kansas City, Kan. He held off Brad Keselowski down the stretch to secure the victory. Advertisement
"I thought we were in trouble," Hamlin told reporters. "Our car didn't have the all-out speed that a couple cars did.
"To outduel [Harvick] out the end is gratifying, but it only lasts this week. It doesn't give me false confidence going forward."
Keselowski settled for a second-place finish, ahead of Martin Truex Jr., Harvick and Erik Jones in the top five. Hamlin led for a race-high 57 laps. Kyle Busch led for 52 laps, but finished 11th. True Jr. led for 44 laps and Keselowski led 30 laps.
Harvick still leads the Cup Series standings, with a two-point edge on Hamlin. Keselowski sits in third place, followed by Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Chase Elliott, Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon and Cole Custer also have clinched playoff spots.
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"I thought Denny and I were probably pretty close to equal the second half of the night," Keselowski said. "It was just a matter of who got out in front. We didn't get out in front on the restarts there, and he was able to take advantage and bring home the win. All in all, it was still a really good day."
The Cup Series season continues with the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at 3 p.m. EDT Aug. 2 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.
"I love winning," Hamlin said. "I just want to get to as many wins as I possibly can and hopefully I win the last race of the season. That's the goal, but there are no guarantees. We are putting together a very solid season."


upi--2020-07-24--Disney delays 'Star Wars' and 'Avatar' films by one year

July 24 ( UPI ) -- Disney has delayed a number of untitled Star Wars films and the planned Avatar sequels by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The next Star Wars film , which was set for Dec. 16 , 2022 , has moved to Dec. 22 , 2023 .
A second Star Wars film has moved from Dec. 20 , 2024 to Dec. 19 , 2025 followed by a third film moving from Dec. 18 , 2026 to Dec. 17 , 2027 .
Avatar 2 , originally set for Dec. 17 , 2021 , will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avatar 3 moves from Dec. 22 , 2023 to Dec. 20 , 2024 followed by Avatar 4 from Dec. 19 , 2025 to Dec. 18 , 2026 and Avatar 5 from Dec. 17 , 2027 to Dec. 22 , 2028 .
Avatar director James Cameron said on Instagram Thursday that the delays are from being unable to conduct virtual production work in Los Angeles due to the pandemic .
Cameron had announced in June that he had returned to New Zealand to work on the films .
`` There is no one more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I am buoyed by the incredible performances of our cast and the extraordinary work that Weta Digital is doing bringing the world of Pandora and the characters of the film to life , '' Cameron said on Instagram .
Disney has also taken its live-action adaptation of Mulan off the release calendar .
Mulan was set to arrive in theaters on Aug. 21 following multiple delays .
`` Over the last few months , it 's become clear that nothing can be set in stone when it comes to how we release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and today that means pausing our release plans for Mulan as we assess how we can most effectively bring this film to audiences around the world , '' a Disney spokesperson said in a statement .

Director James Cameron (L) and his wife, Suzy Amis, attend the premiere of "The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies" on December 2014. Disney has delayed the release of Cameron's "Avatar" sequels along with a collection of untitled "Star Wars" films. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 24 (UPI) -- Disney has delayed a number of untitled Star Wars films and the planned Avatar sequels by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next Star Wars film, which was set for Dec. 16, 2022, has moved to Dec. 22, 2023. A second Star Wars film has moved from Dec. 20, 2024 to Dec. 19, 2025 followed by a third film moving from Dec. 18, 2026 to Dec. 17, 2027. Advertisement
Avatar 2, originally set for Dec. 17, 2021, will now release on Dec. 16, 2022. Avatar 3 moves from Dec. 22, 2023 to Dec. 20, 2024 followed by Avatar 4 from Dec. 19, 2025 to Dec. 18, 2026 and Avatar 5 from Dec. 17, 2027 to Dec. 22, 2028.
Avatar director James Cameron said on Instagram Thursday that the delays are from being unable to conduct virtual production work in Los Angeles due to the pandemic. Cameron had announced in June that he had returned to New Zealand to work on the films.
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"There is no one more disappointed about this delay than me. But I am buoyed by the incredible performances of our cast and the extraordinary work that Weta Digital is doing bringing the world of Pandora and the characters of the film to life," Cameron said on Instagram.
Disney has also taken its live-action adaptation of Mulan off the release calendar. Mulan was set to arrive in theaters on Aug. 21 following multiple delays.
"Over the last few months, it's become clear that nothing can be set in stone when it comes to how we release films during the global health crisis, and today that means pausing our release plans for Mulan as we assess how we can most effectively bring this film to audiences around the world," a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.


upi--2020-07-24--Gallup poll: 75% of U.S. teachers concerned about COVID-19 in schools this fall

July 24 ( UPI ) -- A vast majority of U.S. schoolteachers are concerned about exposure to COVID-19 in classrooms this fall , a Gallup survey Friday showed .
According to the poll , three-quarters of teachers from kindergarten through high school said they 're either `` very '' ( 57 % ) or `` moderately '' ( 18 % ) concerned about COVID-19 exposure in the classroom .
That 's an increase of 16 % from May .
The survey comes amid uncertainty across the United States about how and when schools can safely be reopened .
Some health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon , while others -- including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Robert Redfield -- have expressed confidence the next school year can safely begin on time .
The study found that teachers are far more concerned about coronavirus exposure than workers in other fields .
Just 21 % of other workers said they 're very concerned and 29 % said they 're moderately worried .
`` This divergence in the views of teachers and workers in all other industries has grown since May , '' Gallup wrote .
`` While concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among workers who are not teachers , this unease has risen sharply among teachers . ''
Teachers have been working remotely since schools were closed in the spring .
In Friday 's survey , 74 % of educators said they would continue to work remotely if it was up to them .
That figure was 57 % in May .
`` They are increasingly saying they prefer to work remotely almost entirely because of concerns about the virus , '' Gallup noted .
`` Even if districts decide to go fully in-person , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so depends on teachers ' willingness to go into work and parents ' willingness to send their children to school . ''
Gallup surveyed nearly 500 teachers and 2,600 non-education workers for the poll , which has a margin of error of between 4 and 9 points .

Concerned educators, including St. Louis Public School first-grade teacher Cindy Digar, attend a protest at district headquarters in St. Louis. Mo., on July 13. Teachers nationwide have expressed some concern about resuming classes in the fall. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 24 (UPI) -- A vast majority of U.S. schoolteachers are concerned about exposure to COVID-19 in classrooms this fall, a Gallup survey Friday showed. According to the poll, three-quarters of teachers from kindergarten through high school said they're either "very" (57%) or "moderately" (18%) concerned about COVID-19 exposure in the classroom. That's an increase of 16% from May. Advertisement
The survey comes amid uncertainty across the United States about how and when schools can safely be reopened. Some health experts have warned against resuming classes too soon, while others -- including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Robert Redfield -- have expressed confidence the next school year can safely begin on time.
The study found that teachers are far more concerned about coronavirus exposure than workers in other fields. Just 21% of other workers said they're very concerned and 29% said they're moderately worried.
"This divergence in the views of teachers and workers in all other industries has grown since May," Gallup wrote. "While concern about workplace exposure has been fairly steady among workers who are not teachers, this unease has risen sharply among teachers."
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Teachers have been working remotely since schools were closed in the spring. In Friday's survey, 74% of educators said they would continue to work remotely if it was up to them. That figure was 57% in May.
"They are increasingly saying they prefer to work remotely almost entirely because of concerns about the virus," Gallup noted.
"Even if districts decide to go fully in-person, whether they will be able to do so depends on teachers' willingness to go into work and parents' willingness to send their children to school."
Gallup surveyed nearly 500 teachers and 2,600 non-education workers for the poll, which has a margin of error of between 4 and 9 points.