upi--2020-07-09--Australia ends Hong Kong extradition treaty, extends visas with residency pathway

July 9 ( UPI ) -- Australia said Thursday it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and create a path to permanent residency for citizens from the former British colony with temporary visas in response to a draconian national security law Beijing imposed last week .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said during a press conference that Australia has formally notified Hong Kong and advised Chinese authorities of plans to end their extradition treaty , stating the new security law `` constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances '' in regards to Australia 's relationship with Hong Kong .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to formally suspend our extradition agreement with Hong Kong , '' he said .
Morrison added that because of the new law -- which criminalizes acts of secession , sedition , subversion , terrorism and working with foreign agencies to undermine the national security of China in Hong Kong -- that Australia has changed its immigration policies to create a path to permanent residency for Hongkongers holding temporary visas .
Some 10,000 Hong Kong residents currently in Australia had their temporary skilled-worker or students visas extended by five years on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they may apply for permanent residency .
The permanent residency offer will also be made to future visa applicants from Hong Kong with those working or studying in rural areas only having to wait three years instead of five , according to a statement from the Prime Minister 's Office .
Australia will also put forth efforts to attract export-oriented Hong Kong businesses to its shores , Morisson said , describing Australia as a `` great immigration nation . ''
`` As a result of changes that have occurred in Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong who may be looking to move elsewhere , to start a life somewhere else , to take their skills , their businesses and things they 've been running under the previous set of rules and arrangements in Hong Kong and seek that opportunity elsewhere , '' he said .
The announcement came as the Australian government updated its travel advisory for Hong Kong advising Australians to not travel to the city stating neither the full extent of the new law nor how it will be applied is known and that `` you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on vaguely defined national security grounds . ''
China has faced widespread condemnation from Western nations and human rights groups over the new law as they say it violates the U.N.-filed agreement it made with Britain , which returned the city to Chinese rule in 1997 , by reneging on its commitment to maintain Hong Kong 's high degree of autonomy from mainland China for 50 years .
Critics say the law will spell the end of Hong Kong 's autonomy , and several countries have already made moves in recognition .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Hong Kong and Britain created a pathway to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents who hold British national overseas passports and their families .
China responded Thursday , stating the moves by Australia were `` a serious violation '' of international norms , demanding it to `` immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs . ''
`` Hong Kong affairs are China 's internal affairs , '' China 's Consulate-General in Sydney said in a statement .
`` The Australian side has been clanking that they oppose 'foreign interference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China 's international affairs by making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong-related issues .
Its hypocrisy and double standard is exposed in full . ''
China has repeatedly accused countries that condemn its new law or human rights record as `` meddling '' in its affairs , threatening to take retaliatory measures .
On Thursday , it urged Australia to stop interfering with China 's internal affairs `` otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet . ''
The new law went into effect at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it was passed by Beijing and after a year of pro-democracy protests that destabilized the once semi-autonomous region .
Since the law went into effect , some dozen people have been arrested under the new charges for waving flags or carrying signs , stickers and the like that espouse Hong Kong independence .

A massive crowd of protesters under umbrellas leave an anti-government rally in Hong Kong's Victoria Park on August 18, 2019. Organizers estimated 1.7 million people turned out for the demonstration. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
July 9 (UPI) -- Australia said Thursday it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and create a path to permanent residency for citizens from the former British colony with temporary visas in response to a draconian national security law Beijing imposed last week. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said during a press conference that Australia has formally notified Hong Kong and advised Chinese authorities of plans to end their extradition treaty, stating the new security law "constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances" in regards to Australia's relationship with Hong Kong. Advertisement
"And so, Australia today has taken steps to formally suspend our extradition agreement with Hong Kong," he said.
Morrison added that because of the new law -- which criminalizes acts of secession, sedition, subversion, terrorism and working with foreign agencies to undermine the national security of China in Hong Kong -- that Australia has changed its immigration policies to create a path to permanent residency for Hongkongers holding temporary visas.
Advertisement
Some 10,000 Hong Kong residents currently in Australia had their temporary skilled-worker or students visas extended by five years on Thursday, Morrison said, adding that after that time they may apply for permanent residency.
The permanent residency offer will also be made to future visa applicants from Hong Kong with those working or studying in rural areas only having to wait three years instead of five, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Australia will also put forth efforts to attract export-oriented Hong Kong businesses to its shores, Morisson said, describing Australia as a "great immigration nation."
"As a result of changes that have occurred in Hong Kong, there will be citizens of Hong Kong who may be looking to move elsewhere, to start a life somewhere else, to take their skills, their businesses and things they've been running under the previous set of rules and arrangements in Hong Kong and seek that opportunity elsewhere," he said.
The announcement came as the Australian government updated its travel advisory for Hong Kong advising Australians to not travel to the city stating neither the full extent of the new law nor how it will be applied is known and that "you may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds."
Advertisement
China has faced widespread condemnation from Western nations and human rights groups over the new law as they say it violates the U.N.-filed agreement it made with Britain, which returned the city to Chinese rule in 1997, by reneging on its commitment to maintain Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy from mainland China for 50 years.
Critics say the law will spell the end of Hong Kong's autonomy, and several countries have already made moves in recognition.
Last week, Canada suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and Britain created a pathway to citizenship for some 3 million Hong Kong residents who hold British national overseas passports and their families.
China responded Thursday, stating the moves by Australia were "a serious violation" of international norms, demanding it to "immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs."
"Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs," China's Consulate-General in Sydney said in a statement. "The Australian side has been clanking that they oppose 'foreign interference.' However, they have blatantly interfered in China's international affairs by making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong-related issues. Its hypocrisy and double standard is exposed in full."
China has repeatedly accused countries that condemn its new law or human rights record as "meddling" in its affairs, threatening to take retaliatory measures.
Advertisement
On Thursday, it urged Australia to stop interfering with China's internal affairs "otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet."
The new law went into effect at 11 p.m. on June 30, hours after it was passed by Beijing and after a year of pro-democracy protests that destabilized the once semi-autonomous region.
Since the law went into effect, some dozen people have been arrested under the new charges for waving flags or carrying signs, stickers and the like that espouse Hong Kong independence.


upi--2020-07-09--Study: Street lights may harm teen sleep habits, mental health

New research is suggesting links between street lights , neon signs and other forms of nighttime outside lighting and sleeplessness and mood disorders among teens .
The study of more than 10,000 American kids aged 13 to 18 could n't prove cause and effect .
However , it found that teens living in areas with high levels of artificial outdoor light at night went to bed about 29 minutes later , on average , and got 11 fewer minutes of sleep , compared to teens in areas with the lowest levels of outdoor nighttime light .
What 's more , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with increased risk of a teen developing a mood or anxiety disorder .
Specifically , teens exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or specific phobia , according to researchers led by Diana Paksarian , a postdoctoral research fellow at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health , or NIMH .
`` Environmental light exposure is only one factor in a more complex network of influences on sleep and behavior , '' stressed study co-author Kathleen Merikangas , senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Branch at the NIMH .
But she believes it could be `` an important target for prevention and interventions in adolescent health . ''
As the researchers explained in an institute news release , sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are features of certain mental disorders , including bipolar disorder .
So , disrupted sleep might be the link connecting artificial nighttime light exposures and mental health disorders -- something that should be examined in future studies .
The study also found social disparities in exposure to artificial light .
Teens in racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , or from families with lower incomes were more likely to live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night , the research showed .
Two psychiatric experts who read over the new findings agreed that more research is needed .
While `` it remains unclear what the mechanism of action may be , '' the link between nighttime light and teen mental well-being `` merits further investigation , '' said Dr. Victor Fornari , vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a beneficial impact on mood , '' he theorized .
Brittany LeMonda is senior neuropsychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
She called the study `` an interesting and timely article , as adolescents continue to face increasing levels of academic and performance stress . ''
LeMonda said that `` sleep is a vital aspect of brain health , physical health , cognitive health , and emotional , and is especially important during our formative adolescent years .
We know that many adolescents do not get enough sleep , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the night , or early wake up times . ''
But there are easy solutions at hand , she added .
`` The good news is that simple solutions -- such as blackout curtains or using rooms not facing artificial light sources as bedrooms -- could be positive and possibly simple interventions to reduce light , and hopefully improve sleep patterns and health outcomes , '' LeMonda said .
The study was published online July 8 in JAMA Psychiatry .
The National Sleep Foundation has more on teens and sleep .

Teens living in areas with high levels of artificial outdoor light at night went to bed about 29 minutes later, on average, and got 11 fewer minutes of sleep, compared to teens in areas with the lowest levels, a new study shows. Photo by Free-Photos /Pixabay
New research is suggesting links between street lights, neon signs and other forms of nighttime outside lighting and sleeplessness and mood disorders among teens. The study of more than 10,000 American kids aged 13 to 18 couldn't prove cause and effect. However, it found that teens living in areas with high levels of artificial outdoor light at night went to bed about 29 minutes later, on average, and got 11 fewer minutes of sleep, compared to teens in areas with the lowest levels of outdoor nighttime light. Advertisement
What's more, greater levels of artificial light were also associated with increased risk of a teen developing a mood or anxiety disorder.
Specifically, teens exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or specific phobia, according to researchers led by Diana Paksarian, a postdoctoral research fellow at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH.
Advertisement
"Environmental light exposure is only one factor in a more complex network of influences on sleep and behavior," stressed study co-author Kathleen Merikangas, senior investigator and chief of the Genetic Epidemiology Research Branch at the NIMH.
But she believes it could be "an important target for prevention and interventions in adolescent health."
As the researchers explained in an institute news release, sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are features of certain mental disorders, including bipolar disorder. So, disrupted sleep might be the link connecting artificial nighttime light exposures and mental health disorders -- something that should be examined in future studies.
The study also found social disparities in exposure to artificial light. Teens in racial or ethnic minority groups, from immigrant families, or from families with lower incomes were more likely to live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night, the research showed.
Two psychiatric experts who read over the new findings agreed that more research is needed.
While "it remains unclear what the mechanism of action may be," the link between nighttime light and teen mental well-being "merits further investigation," said Dr. Victor Fornari, vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y.
Advertisement
"Limiting artificial nighttime light may have a beneficial impact on mood," he theorized.
Brittany LeMonda is senior neuropsychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She called the study "an interesting and timely article, as adolescents continue to face increasing levels of academic and performance stress."
LeMonda said that "sleep is a vital aspect of brain health, physical health, cognitive health, and emotional, and is especially important during our formative adolescent years. We know that many adolescents do not get enough sleep, due to sleep latency, awakenings throughout the night, or early wake up times."
But there are easy solutions at hand, she added.
"The good news is that simple solutions -- such as blackout curtains or using rooms not facing artificial light sources as bedrooms -- could be positive and possibly simple interventions to reduce light, and hopefully improve sleep patterns and health outcomes," LeMonda said.
The study was published online July 8 in JAMA Psychiatry.
More information
The National Sleep Foundation has more on teens and sleep.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-09--On This Day, July 9: Allies launch invasion of Sicily

July 9 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1850 , U.S. President Zachary Taylor died suddenly of cholera .
He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore .
In 1868 , the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified , guaranteeing African-Americans full citizenship and all people in the United States due process under the law .
In 1877 , the first Wimbledon tennis tournament was contested at the All-England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club .
In 1893 , Chicago surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery .
In 1943 , U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during World War II .
In 1960 , Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev threatened the United States with rockets if U.S. forces attempted to oust the communist government of Cuba .
In 1982 , a Pan Am Boeing 727 jetliner crashed in Kenner , La.
, shortly after takeoff from New Orleans , killing 154 people .
In 1992 , Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Clinton picked U.S. Sen. Al Gore , D-Tenn. , as his running mate .
In 1993 , British and Russian scientists identify the remains of the last Russian czar 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yekaterinburg two years before .
In 2004 , a report by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence accused the CIA and other intelligence agencies of producing false and misleading pre-war information about Iraq 's weapons program .
In 2006 , a S7 Airlines Airbus from Moscow taking children to a vacation area in Siberia crashed , killing about 120 of the 203 people aboard .
In 2011 , after more than half a century of struggle and violence that claimed an estimated 2 million lives , the Republic of South Sudan declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 54th nation .
In 2017 , Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over the Islamic State militant group in Mosul after months of fighting .
In 2019 , members of Parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland .

1/3
Troops from the 51st Highland Division unload stores from tank landing craft on during the Allied invasion of Sicily, on July 10, 1943. On July 9, 1943, U.S., Canadian and British forces invaded Sicily during World War II. File Photo courtesy of the Royal Navy
July 9 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1850, U.S. President Zachary Taylor died suddenly of cholera. He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore. Advertisement
In 1868, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing African-Americans full citizenship and all people in the United States due process under the law.
In 1877, the first Wimbledon tennis tournament was contested at the All-England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club.
In 1893, Chicago surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery.
In 1943, U.S., Canadian and British forces invaded Sicily during World War II.
In 1960, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev threatened the United States with rockets if U.S. forces attempted to oust the communist government of Cuba.
File Photo by Gary Haynes/UPI
In 1982, a Pan Am Boeing 727 jetliner crashed in Kenner, La., shortly after takeoff from New Orleans, killing 154 people.
In 1992, Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Clinton picked U.S. Sen. Al Gore, D-Tenn., as his running mate.
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In 1993, British and Russian scientists identify the remains of the last Russian czar's family found in a shallow grave in Yekaterinburg two years before.
In 2004, a report by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence accused the CIA and other intelligence agencies of producing false and misleading pre-war information about Iraq's weapons program.
File Photo by SSgt J. Knauth/U.S. Marine Corps
In 2006, a S7 Airlines Airbus from Moscow taking children to a vacation area in Siberia crashed, killing about 120 of the 203 people aboard.
In 2011, after more than half a century of struggle and violence that claimed an estimated 2 million lives, the Republic of South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan and became Africa's 54th nation.
In 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over the Islamic State militant group in Mosul after months of fighting.
In 2019, members of Parliament voted to legalize same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.


upi--2020-07-09--Famous birthdays for July 9: Chris Cooper, Courtney Love

July 9 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer .

Chris Cooper arrives on the red carpet the "Little Women" premiere at the Museum of Modern Art on December 7 in New York City. The actor turns 69 on July 9. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 9 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer. They include: Advertisement
-- Actor/singer Ed Ames in 1927 (age 93)
-- English artist David Hockney in 1937 (age 83)
-- Actor Brian Dennehy in 1938
-- Actor Richard Roundtree in 1942 (age 78)
-- Writer Dean R. Koontz in 1945 (age 75)
-- Rock singer Bon Scott in 1946
-- Football star/actor/convict O.J. Simpson in 1947 (age 73)
File Photo by Isaac Brekken/UPI
-- Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Chris Cooper in 1951 (age 69)
-- Entertainer John Tesh in 1952 (age 68)
-- Actor Jimmy Smits in 1955 (age 65)
-- Businessman/reality star Kevin O'Leary in 1954 (age 66)
-- Actor Tom Hanks in 1956 (age 64)
-- Actor Kelly McGillis in 1957 (age 63)
-- Musician Courtney Love in 1964 (age 56)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Musician Jack White in 1975 (age 45)
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-- Actor Fred Savage in 1976 (age 44)
-- Actor Mitchel Musso in 1991 (age 29)
-- Actor Douglas Booth in 1992 (age 28)
-- Actress Georgie Henley in 1995 (age 25)


upi--2020-07-09--Florida indoor farming firm turns pandemic disruption into opportunity

ORLANDO , Fla. , July 9 ( UPI ) -- A Florida company that grows lettuce in greenhouses turned a desperate situation during the coronavirus pandemic into new opportunities , thanks to a nationwide upswing in produce purchases from indoor farms .
Orlando , Fla.-based Kalera had to give away an entire harvest in March when the company 's commercial customers closed amid stay-at-home orders .
But , like some other greenhouse operations around the country , Kalera found other customers and avoided layoffs or going out of business .
Indoor farms like Kalera produce food close to their customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The process also is called vertical farming because produce is grown on racks , using hydroponics -- raising crops with water and nutrients , but without soil .
Good hygiene and a local supply are more important than ever during supply chain disruptions and waves of panic buying during the pandemic , said Daniel Malechuk , Kalera 's chief executive officer .
`` It was literally the day of our first harvest at a new facility when the state announced stay-at-home orders and many of our food-service customers closed overnight , '' Malechuk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
`` My reaction at first was massive disappointment .
That would be an understatement .
But we rolled up our sleeves and were determined to make the best of it , '' he said .
Kalera has developed its farm technology over the past 10 years and had built a demonstration farm and production facility in Orlando .
To the CEO 's dismay , the crops in the new greenhouse became ready for harvest just as Gov .
Ron Desantis ordered all restaurants closed to indoor dining .
That meant Kalera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures around the nation -- had nowhere to sell their crops .
Some growers buried their produce rather than shoulder the expense of harvesting crops without having buyers waiting .
Among the customers Kalera lost were Marriott Orlando World Center , the Orlando Magic basketball team and area theme parks , Malechuk said .
Kalera had built a large grow house on the grounds of the Marriott resort to supply fresh lettuce and micro-greens to the kitchens there .
But the resort has been closed for months , and does not plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroying the food , Malechuk donated his crop directly to local residents and food banks .
That 's also when he reached out to Florida-based Publix , one of the nation 's largest grocery chains with more than 1,200 stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions .
At first , Publix paid Kalera for some crops and donated the produce to food banks .
Worried about possibly laying off his workforce of about 100 , Malechuk wrote a heartfelt email to a Publix executive with whom he previously corresponded .
His subject line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email asked Publix to make Kalera a permanent supplier .
It worked , and Kalera produce now is sold in hundreds of Publix stores .
`` I knew Publix was n't accepting new suppliers at that point , and I did n't think it would work , '' Malechuk said .
`` But I had to try , and I told Publix that . ''
Unexpectedly , Publix expedited its process for accepting new products because of Kalera 's crisis , said Curt Epperson , the company 's business development manager for produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only able to help their business -- and all the people who depend on them -- but our customers and our community , '' Epperson said in an email to UPI .
Kalera was not alone in turning a dismal outlook to a brighter future .
Other indoor farm companies overcame difficulties during the pandemic and saw new opportunities .
Brooklyn , N.Y.-based Gotham Greens opened new greenhouses in several states as the pandemic spread around the world , CEO and co-founder Viraj Puri said .
His employees already had been wearing masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As coronavirus advanced , management added more levels of safety .
`` We started detailed health screening calls , temperature checks , increased distancing .
It was a hard time for everyone .
We all knew people who tested positive , and we saw people lose their jobs , '' Puri said .
Gotham Greens soon saw increased demand from retail merchants for its greenhouse produce as other farmers around the country struggled to find labor for harvests and had difficulties shipping food across the country during the pandemic , the CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around us , unfortunately , but it also showed that we can help ensure food security with indoor farming in controlled environments , '' Puri said .
`` These local supplies for growing produce are going to be important . ''
A number of other indoor farming operations found new customers -- and appreciation for their products -- during the pandemic , said Joel Cuello , a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at the University of Arizona and vice-chair of the Association for Vertical Farming , based in Munich , Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure they have reliable access to food nearby .
Vertical farming can be hyper local , with a facility next to your restaurant or inside your grocery market if wanted , '' Cuello said .
As people value their health more during a global pandemic , nutrient-packed leafy greens are the most likely food that will be produced indoors , especially in remote areas with harsh environments , said Krishna Nemali , assistant professor of controlled environment agriculture at Purdue University in Indiana .
`` In northern places , like Iceland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like the Middle East , they struggle to grow food outdoors , so they are turning more to hydroponics , '' Nemali said .
`` That 's where we will see more demand . ''
Another vertical farm company , Indiana-based Green Sense Farms , also reported an increase in calls and inquiries to its sales staff from potential customers about its technology , said Robert Colangelo , a founder and CEO .
Colangelo 's company provides contract research , design and construction of indoor , controlled-environment agriculture facilities .
Green Sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide a system that includes an automated germination room , grow room , equipment room and cooled packinghouse room .
`` What we found is the COVID virus caused people to look at the length of their supply chains .
Long complex supply chains can really be disrupted , '' Colangelo said .
He said he has spoken to officials in various cities who want to learn more about setting up vertical farms .
`` If you have a food desert [ an area with few grocery stores ] or a school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you could produce greens right on your property or right next door for that , '' he said .

1/2
A large greenhouse operated by Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Gotham Greens helped produce food as the coronavirus pandemic cut supply chains in March. Photo courtesy of Gotham Greens
ORLANDO, Fla., July 9 (UPI) -- A Florida company that grows lettuce in greenhouses turned a desperate situation during the coronavirus pandemic into new opportunities, thanks to a nationwide upswing in produce purchases from indoor farms. Orlando, Fla.-based Kalera had to give away an entire harvest in March when the company's commercial customers closed amid stay-at-home orders. But, like some other greenhouse operations around the country, Kalera found other customers and avoided layoffs or going out of business. Advertisement
Indoor farms like Kalera produce food close to their customers, in clean, hygienic facilities. The process also is called vertical farming because produce is grown on racks, using hydroponics -- raising crops with water and nutrients, but without soil.
Good hygiene and a local supply are more important than ever during supply chain disruptions and waves of panic buying during the pandemic, said Daniel Malechuk, Kalera's chief executive officer.
Advertisement
"It was literally the day of our first harvest at a new facility when the state announced stay-at-home orders and many of our food-service customers closed overnight," Malechuk said about what the company faced in March.
"My reaction at first was massive disappointment. That would be an understatement. But we rolled up our sleeves and were determined to make the best of it," he said.
Kalera has developed its farm technology over the past 10 years and had built a demonstration farm and production facility in Orlando. To the CEO's dismay, the crops in the new greenhouse became ready for harvest just as Gov. Ron Desantis ordered all restaurants closed to indoor dining.
That meant Kalera -- and other farmers who faced similar closures around the nation -- had nowhere to sell their crops. Some growers buried their produce rather than shoulder the expense of harvesting crops without having buyers waiting.
Among the customers Kalera lost were Marriott Orlando World Center, the Orlando Magic basketball team and area theme parks, Malechuk said.
Kalera had built a large grow house on the grounds of the Marriott resort to supply fresh lettuce and micro-greens to the kitchens there. But the resort has been closed for months, and does not plan to reopen until Aug. 1.
Advertisement
Instead of destroying the food, Malechuk donated his crop directly to local residents and food banks. That's also when he reached out to Florida-based Publix, one of the nation's largest grocery chains with more than 1,200 stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
At first, Publix paid Kalera for some crops and donated the produce to food banks.
Worried about possibly laying off his workforce of about 100, Malechuk wrote a heartfelt email to a Publix executive with whom he previously corresponded. His subject line was "Humble Plea."
The email asked Publix to make Kalera a permanent supplier. It worked, and Kalera produce now is sold in hundreds of Publix stores.
"I knew Publix wasn't accepting new suppliers at that point, and I didn't think it would work," Malechuk said. "But I had to try, and I told Publix that."
Unexpectedly, Publix expedited its process for accepting new products because of Kalera's crisis, said Curt Epperson, the company's business development manager for produce and floral.
"We were not only able to help their business -- and all the people who depend on them -- but our customers and our community," Epperson said in an email to UPI.
Kalera was not alone in turning a dismal outlook to a brighter future. Other indoor farm companies overcame difficulties during the pandemic and saw new opportunities.
Advertisement
Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Gotham Greens opened new greenhouses in several states as the pandemic spread around the world, CEO and co-founder Viraj Puri said.
His employees already had been wearing masks in growing areas before the pandemic struck. As coronavirus advanced, management added more levels of safety.
"We started detailed health screening calls, temperature checks, increased distancing. It was a hard time for everyone. We all knew people who tested positive, and we saw people lose their jobs," Puri said.
Gotham Greens soon saw increased demand from retail merchants for its greenhouse produce as other farmers around the country struggled to find labor for harvests and had difficulties shipping food across the country during the pandemic, the CEO said.
"The pandemic altered life around us, unfortunately, but it also showed that we can help ensure food security with indoor farming in controlled environments," Puri said. "These local supplies for growing produce are going to be important."
A number of other indoor farming operations found new customers -- and appreciation for their products -- during the pandemic, said Joel Cuello, a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at the University of Arizona and vice-chair of the Association for Vertical Farming, based in Munich, Germany.
Advertisement
"In the future, customers want to make sure they have reliable access to food nearby. Vertical farming can be hyper local, with a facility next to your restaurant or inside your grocery market if wanted," Cuello said.
As people value their health more during a global pandemic, nutrient-packed leafy greens are the most likely food that will be produced indoors, especially in remote areas with harsh environments, said Krishna Nemali, assistant professor of controlled environment agriculture at Purdue University in Indiana.
"In northern places, like Iceland or Alaska, or in desert regions, like the Middle East, they struggle to grow food outdoors, so they are turning more to hydroponics," Nemali said. "That's where we will see more demand."
Another vertical farm company, Indiana-based Green Sense Farms, also reported an increase in calls and inquiries to its sales staff from potential customers about its technology, said Robert Colangelo, a founder and CEO.
Colangelo's company provides contract research, design and construction of indoor, controlled-environment agriculture facilities. Green Sense charges a little under $1 million to provide a system that includes an automated germination room, grow room, equipment room and cooled packinghouse room.
"What we found is the COVID virus caused people to look at the length of their supply chains. Long complex supply chains can really be disrupted," Colangelo said.
Advertisement
He said he has spoken to officials in various cities who want to learn more about setting up vertical farms.
"If you have a food desert [an area with few grocery stores] or a school or hospital in a remote area, you could produce greens right on your property or right next door for that," he said.


upi--2020-07-09--1 dead, 4 injured after crane collapses in east London

July 9 ( UPI ) -- At least one person is dead and four others are injured after a 65-foot crane collapsed onto houses in east London , officials said .
The London Fire Brigade said in a statement they were called to the scene of a collapsed crane in Bow at 2:39 p.m. Wednesday discovering the machinery had crashed onto a row of flats being constructed and two adjacent houses .
The brigade 's Urban Search and Rescue team was dispatched to search the residences and discovered a deceased woman on the first floor of one of the houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the efforts of emergency services , a fifth person has been found and died at the scene , '' London Ambulance Services said in a statement .
`` Our thoughts are with their family at this difficult time . ''
Two people suffered head injuries in the crash and were taken to the hospital , the officials said , adding two other victims were treated at the scene and did not require to be hospitalized .
Several local fire crews were deployed to the scene and the fire brigade used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the rescue , it said .
Swan Housing Association , which was developing the units , issued its condolences in a statement , saying it was `` deeply saddened '' by the crash at its site .
`` Our thoughts are with those affected and their families at this difficult time , '' it said .
`` Our staff are on site to provide support to the emergency response and the investigation . ''

July 9 (UPI) -- At least one person is dead and four others are injured after a 65-foot crane collapsed onto houses in east London, officials said.
The London Fire Brigade said in a statement they were called to the scene of a collapsed crane in Bow at 2:39 p.m. Wednesday discovering the machinery had crashed onto a row of flats being constructed and two adjacent houses.
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The brigade's Urban Search and Rescue team was dispatched to search the residences and discovered a deceased woman on the first floor of one of the houses hit by the crane.
"Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, a fifth person has been found and died at the scene," London Ambulance Services said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with their family at this difficult time."
Two people suffered head injuries in the crash and were taken to the hospital, the officials said, adding two other victims were treated at the scene and did not require to be hospitalized.
Several local fire crews were deployed to the scene and the fire brigade used a drone to provide aerial imagery to aid with the rescue, it said.
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Swan Housing Association, which was developing the units, issued its condolences in a statement, saying it was "deeply saddened" by the crash at its site.
"Our thoughts are with those affected and their families at this difficult time," it said. "Our staff are on site to provide support to the emergency response and the investigation."


upi--2020-07-09--N.Y. AG calls for sweeping police reforms in response to protests

July 8 ( UPI ) -- Following weeks of protests over the police-involved killing of George Floyd , New York Attorney General Letitia James called for sweeping reforms of the New York Police Department in a new report , stating the public no longer had faith in their law enforcement .
Released Wednesday , the 57-page preliminary report by James ' office into the NYPD 's response to protests that erupted following the Memorial Day killing of Floyd found `` it is clear that real , meaningful reform can not wait . ''
`` While our investigation remains ongoing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is impossible to deny that many New Yorkers have lost faith in law enforcement , '' James said in a statement accompanying the report .
`` We must bridge the undeniable divide between the police and the public , and this preliminary report , and the recommendations included , is an important step forward . ''
In the report , the Attorney General 's Office said it received 1,300 complaints concerning police conduct during the protest , many of them alleging NYPD officers used excessive force , including the indiscriminate use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of firearms at protesters as well as pushing vehicles or bike into demonstrators .
Other areas of concern include the NYPD 's use of the so-called kettling tactic where officers surround and block protesters from leaving a specific area , which often leads to violent clashes between the two sides ; the officers ' treatment of the press , legal observers , elected officials and essential workers ; and general arrests practices as well as and other practices that impair community trust , such as not wearing personal protective equipment during the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , James calls for a series of systemic changes that the city , state and NYPD should consider to remedy the concerns of the public , including redesigning the role of police in New York City , stating law enforcement being the `` de facto response '' to mental illness , homelessness and school safety must change .
The report calls for a transparent commission with full-time staff and resources to be formed to determine the best way forward in replacing armed officers from these scenarios with specialized professionals .
Minor offenses should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police , especially among communities of color , it said .
Another sweeping change recommended is to increase public input and oversight of police policies and leadership through a commission that should have `` unfettered '' access to records and approval of its budget .
`` The NYPD must be overseen by a commission that has the authority to hire and fire NYPD leadership , including the commissioner , '' the report said .
The force should also seek public input on rules it changes of implements , removing this unilateral power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Concerning oversight and disciplinary issues , a system independent of the NYPD must be created , the report said , stating the civilian review board must be expanded and authorized to have final disciplinary authority , among other changes .
`` The police should not police themselves -- period , '' she told reporters Wednesday .
`` Why is this one agency treated so differently than all of the others ? ''
According to the report , 2,087 arrests were made during protests between May 28 and June 7 , of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people accounted for 39 percent and Latinos accounted for 13 percent .
However , black and Latino protesters were charged with felony crimes at 16 percent and 8 percent , respectively , while less than 4 percent of white demonstrators faced such charges .
The vast majority of those charged with felonies occurred near the start of the protests on May 31 when there was widespread `` plundering of businesses , '' the report said , while the vast majority of the arrests occurred between June 2-6 when a curfew was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant driver of detentions .
The report was commissioned by New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo after protests erupted nationwide , including New York City , after Floyd , an unarmed black man , was killed by a white police officer .
Video of the arrest showing Derek Chauvin -- who has since been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department and now faces murder and manslaughter charges -- with his knee on Floyd 's neck for nearly 9 minutes ignited simmering anger throughout the country following a series of high-profile incidents of white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a more detailed , final report will be released once their investigation is completed .
`` We must begin the hard work of re-evaluating the role of police in society and ensuring that there are mechanisms for public oversight , accountability and input , '' James said .
`` Progress is possible but , first , change and accountability are needed . ''
The report came after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in late June that he and the city council have agreed on a plan to cut $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and redirect the funds to communities of color .

New York Attorney General Letitia James has called for a redesign of policing and greater oversight accountability of New York Police Department officers in a new report released Wednesday on police conduct during recent protests. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 8 (UPI) -- Following weeks of protests over the police-involved killing of George Floyd, New York Attorney General Letitia James called for sweeping reforms of the New York Police Department in a new report, stating the public no longer had faith in their law enforcement. Released Wednesday, the 57-page preliminary report by James' office into the NYPD's response to protests that erupted following the Memorial Day killing of Floyd found "it is clear that real, meaningful reform cannot wait." Advertisement
"While our investigation remains ongoing, after 30 days of intense scrutiny, it is impossible to deny that many New Yorkers have lost faith in law enforcement," James said in a statement accompanying the report. "We must bridge the undeniable divide between the police and the public, and this preliminary report, and the recommendations included, is an important step forward."
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In the report, the Attorney General's Office said it received 1,300 complaints concerning police conduct during the protest, many of them alleging NYPD officers used excessive force, including the indiscriminate use of batons and pepper spray and the brandishing of firearms at protesters as well as pushing vehicles or bike into demonstrators.
Other areas of concern include the NYPD's use of the so-called kettling tactic where officers surround and block protesters from leaving a specific area, which often leads to violent clashes between the two sides; the officers' treatment of the press, legal observers, elected officials and essential workers; and general arrests practices as well as and other practices that impair community trust, such as not wearing personal protective equipment during the protests amid a pandemic.
Within the report, James calls for a series of systemic changes that the city, state and NYPD should consider to remedy the concerns of the public, including redesigning the role of police in New York City, stating law enforcement being the "de facto response" to mental illness, homelessness and school safety must change.
The report calls for a transparent commission with full-time staff and resources to be formed to determine the best way forward in replacing armed officers from these scenarios with specialized professionals.
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Minor offenses should also be decriminalized to reduce negative contact with police, especially among communities of color, it said.
Another sweeping change recommended is to increase public input and oversight of police policies and leadership through a commission that should have "unfettered" access to records and approval of its budget.
"The NYPD must be overseen by a commission that has the authority to hire and fire NYPD leadership, including the commissioner," the report said.
The force should also seek public input on rules it changes of implements, removing this unilateral power from the police commissioner, it said.
Concerning oversight and disciplinary issues, a system independent of the NYPD must be created, the report said, stating the civilian review board must be expanded and authorized to have final disciplinary authority, among other changes.
"The police should not police themselves -- period," she told reporters Wednesday. "Why is this one agency treated so differently than all of the others?"
According to the report, 2,087 arrests were made during protests between May 28 and June 7, of which white people accounted for 44 percent, black people accounted for 39 percent and Latinos accounted for 13 percent. However, black and Latino protesters were charged with felony crimes at 16 percent and 8 percent, respectively, while less than 4 percent of white demonstrators faced such charges.
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The vast majority of those charged with felonies occurred near the start of the protests on May 31 when there was widespread "plundering of businesses," the report said, while the vast majority of the arrests occurred between June 2-6 when a curfew was in place, suggesting that it was a significant driver of detentions.
The report was commissioned by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo after protests erupted nationwide, including New York City, after Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by a white police officer.
Video of the arrest showing Derek Chauvin -- who has since been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department and now faces murder and manslaughter charges -- with his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes ignited simmering anger throughout the country following a series of high-profile incidents of white police officers killing black suspects.
James said a more detailed, final report will be released once their investigation is completed.
"We must begin the hard work of re-evaluating the role of police in society and ensuring that there are mechanisms for public oversight, accountability and input," James said. "Progress is possible but, first, change and accountability are needed."
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The report came after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in late June that he and the city council have agreed on a plan to cut $1 billion from the NYPD's budget and redirect the funds to communities of color.


upi--2020-07-09--Elementary, middle school absenteeism carries later life consequences

Missing lots of school between kindergarten and eighth grade may have consequences when kids grow up , a new study suggests .
When they reached their early 20s , frequent absentees were less likely to vote and more likely to have economic problems and poor educational outcomes , researchers found .
The results suggest early school absenteeism should be taken seriously .
`` There 's this misconception , especially among parents , that it does n't matter as much if kids miss school early on -- that it only becomes important when they get to middle or high school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an assistant professor of human sciences at Ohio State University .
`` This study shows that those early absences do matter , and in ways that many people do n't consider . ''
Ansari 's team reviewed government data on nearly 650 students from 10 U.S. cities who were followed from birth through young adulthood .
The review found that school absenteeism had no effect on criminal , risky or deviant behavior , but it did have associations with political engagement and educational and economic success .
While the research did not prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often absent from school were nearly 5 percentage points less likely to have voted in 2012 .
The absentees also reported having trouble paying bills and were more likely to use government assistance , such as food stamps .
They had lower high school grade averages , were less likely to go to college and were less likely to have a job .
Not showing up for school may set a bad precedent , researchers said .
`` If you start out being disengaged with school , you may end up being less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're less likely to vote , less likely to go to college , less likely to be employed , '' Ansari said in an Ohio State news release .
`` We believe disengagement may be one of the key mechanisms linking early school absences to poorer outcomes in early adulthood . ''
Most of the participants were from middle-class families .
Ansari said the results may be different among disadvantaged families .
During the coronavirus pandemic , parents may worry about the long-term effects of school closures on their children .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are absent , '' Ansari said , adding that differing access to resources and support will likely widen gaps when classes eventually resume .
`` What this work suggests is that we should take absenteeism and its consequences more seriously , '' he said .
The study was published online July 1 in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence .
Learn more about school absenteeism from the U.S. Department of Education .

P.S. 64 Joseph P. Addabbo, located in Queens, New York, closed earlier this year -- just as other public schools around the country closed -- in an effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Missing lots of school between kindergarten and eighth grade may have consequences when kids grow up, a new study suggests. When they reached their early 20s, frequent absentees were less likely to vote and more likely to have economic problems and poor educational outcomes, researchers found. Advertisement
The results suggest early school absenteeism should be taken seriously.
"There's this misconception, especially among parents, that it doesn't matter as much if kids miss school early on -- that it only becomes important when they get to middle or high school," said lead author Arya Ansari, an assistant professor of human sciences at Ohio State University. "This study shows that those early absences do matter, and in ways that many people don't consider."
Ansari's team reviewed government data on nearly 650 students from 10 U.S. cities who were followed from birth through young adulthood.
The review found that school absenteeism had no effect on criminal, risky or deviant behavior, but it did have associations with political engagement and educational and economic success.
While the research did not prove a cause-and-effect link, students who were often absent from school were nearly 5 percentage points less likely to have voted in 2012.
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The absentees also reported having trouble paying bills and were more likely to use government assistance, such as food stamps. They had lower high school grade averages, were less likely to go to college and were less likely to have a job.
Not showing up for school may set a bad precedent, researchers said.
"If you start out being disengaged with school, you may end up being less engaged with society more broadly. You're less likely to vote, less likely to go to college, less likely to be employed," Ansari said in an Ohio State news release. "We believe disengagement may be one of the key mechanisms linking early school absences to poorer outcomes in early adulthood."
Most of the participants were from middle-class families. Ansari said the results may be different among disadvantaged families.
During the coronavirus pandemic, parents may worry about the long-term effects of school closures on their children.
"These really are unprecedented times. All kids are absent," Ansari said, adding that differing access to resources and support will likely widen gaps when classes eventually resume.
"What this work suggests is that we should take absenteeism and its consequences more seriously," he said.
The study was published online July 1 in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
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More information
Learn more about school absenteeism from the U.S. Department of Education.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-09--Hawks hire Tori Miller as NBA G League's first female general manager

July 9 ( UPI ) -- The Atlanta Hawks ' G League affiliate became the first organization in the league @ @ @ @ @ general manager with the promotion of Tori Miller on Thursday .
The College Park Skyhawks @ @ @ @ @ social media .
She spent time as a basketball operations intern for the Phoenix Suns @ @ @ @ @ G League .
Miller was named assistant general manager of the Skyhawks last July .
@ @ @ @ @ career as basketball operations manager with the Erie BayHawks three years ago .
Former Skyhawks @ @ @ @ @ continue to oversee the team 's scouting department in his role as vice president of @ @ @ @ @ the organization .
In addition to Miller 's promotion , the Hawks promoted Dwight Lutz @ @ @ @ @ strategy and analytics .
Zac Walsh was promoted to director of team operations and Max @ @ @ @ @ .
The Hawks also announced the hiring of Justin Howe as the team 's assistant @ @ @ @

July 9 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Hawks' G League affiliate became the first organization in the league to hire a woman as general manager with the promotion of Tori Miller on Thursday.
The College Park Skyhawks announced Miller's promotion on social media. She spent time as a basketball operations intern for the Phoenix Suns before moving to the developmental G League.
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Miller was named assistant general manager of the Skyhawks last July. She started her G League career as basketball operations manager with the Erie BayHawks three years ago.
Former Skyhawks general manager Derek Pierce will continue to oversee the team's scouting department in his role as vice president of player personnel, according to the organization.
In addition to Miller's promotion, the Hawks promoted Dwight Lutz to senior director of basketball strategy and analytics. Zac Walsh was promoted to director of team operations and Max Horowitz to senior data scientist.
The Hawks also announced the hiring of Justin Howe as the team's assistant athletic trainer/physical therapist.


upi--2020-07-09--Workday Charity Open: Collin Morikawa holds 1-shot lead after first round

July 9 ( UPI ) -- After missing the cut two weeks ago at the Travelers Championship , Collin Morikawa rebounded Thursday in the opening round of the Workday Charity Open with a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead over Adam Hadwin .
Before missing the cut at the Travelers , Morikawa made 22 consecutive cuts to start his PGA Tour career -- three short of Tiger Woods ' record to begin a pro career .
The 23-year-old American skipped last week 's Rocket Mortgage Classic but quickly settled in at Muirfield Village in Dublin , Ohio .
Morikawa recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and finished with six birdies , including four on the back nine in the first round .
His only setback was a bogey from the fairway on the 18th hole .
`` It 's a beautiful track .
It 's a very tough course , obviously , but you just have to map your way around it , '' Morikawa said .
`` You 've got to be really smart .
If you 're not in the fairway , you 've got to make sure you play smart .
I was playing smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I was able to attack some pins when they were accessible . ''
Hadwin had five birdies on the front nine and mixed in two birdies and one bogey on the back nine to finish 6-under par .
Hideki Matsuyama and Zach Johnson were among the four players who sat two strokes back in a tie for third .
Brooks Koepka , making his first start since withdrawing from the Travelers Championship after his caddie , Ricky Elliott , tested positive for the coronavirus , started his round with three bogeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine .
He had three birdies on the front nine for a 74 .
Phil Mickelson shot a 1-over 73 for a share of 89th , while Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were even after the first day .

July 9 (UPI) -- After missing the cut two weeks ago at the Travelers Championship, Collin Morikawa rebounded Thursday in the opening round of the Workday Charity Open with a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead over Adam Hadwin.
Before missing the cut at the Travelers, Morikawa made 22 consecutive cuts to start his PGA Tour career -- three short of Tiger Woods' record to begin a pro career. The 23-year-old American skipped last week's Rocket Mortgage Classic but quickly settled in at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.
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Morikawa recorded an eagle on hole No. 5 and finished with six birdies, including four on the back nine in the first round. His only setback was a bogey from the fairway on the 18th hole.
"It's a beautiful track. It's a very tough course, obviously, but you just have to map your way around it," Morikawa said. "You've got to be really smart. If you're not in the fairway, you've got to make sure you play smart. I was playing smart but I felt good with my irons, so I was able to attack some pins when they were accessible."
Advertisement Out front at Muirfield.@Collin_Morikawa leads by 1 after the first round of the Workday Charity Open. pic.twitter.com/cElKtd3pee— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 10, 2020
Hadwin had five birdies on the front nine and mixed in two birdies and one bogey on the back nine to finish 6-under par. Hideki Matsuyama and Zach Johnson were among the four players who sat two strokes back in a tie for third.
Brooks Koepka, making his first start since withdrawing from the Travelers Championship after his caddie, Ricky Elliott, tested positive for the coronavirus, started his round with three bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine. He had three birdies on the front nine for a 74.
Phil Mickelson shot a 1-over 73 for a share of 89th, while Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were even after the first day.


upi--2020-07-09--Bolivia's interim president, Venezuelan socialist party leader test positive for COVID-19

July 9 ( UPI ) -- Top officials in Bolivia and Venezuela announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ interim president , Jeanine Anez , tweeted that she had tested positive for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ than 12 million people worldwide .
`` I feel well , I feel strong , @ @ @ @ @ working remotely from my isolation and I want to thank all the Bolivians who are @ @ @ @ @ this health crisis , '' she said .
Anez added she would remain quarantined for @ @ @ @ @ test to determine if she was still positive .
Bolivia has reported 42,984 COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ the virus , according to figures by John 's Hopkins University .
Venezuelan socialist party @ @ @ @ @ that he had tested positive and has entered self-isolation .
`` We will prevail , @ @ @ @

Bolivia's interim president, Jeanine Anez, and Venezuelan socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello announced Thursday that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Photo by EPA-EFE
July 9 (UPI) -- Top officials in Bolivia and Venezuela announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. Bolivia's interim president, Jeanine Anez, tweeted that she had tested positive for the coronavirus, which has infected more than 12 million people worldwide. Advertisement
"I feel well, I feel strong, I am going to keep working remotely from my isolation and I want to thank all the Bolivians who are working to help us in this health crisis," she said.
Anez added she would remain quarantined for 14 days before taking another test to determine if she was still positive.
Bolivia has reported 42,984 COVID-19 cases and 1,577 deaths related to the virus, according to figures by John's Hopkins University.
Venezuelan socialist party leader Diosdado Cabello also tweeted that he had tested positive and has entered self-isolation.
"We will prevail," he wrote.
Venezuela has reported 8,008 coronavirus cases and 75 deaths.


upi--2020-07-09--Ivory Coast Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly dies after Cabinet meeting

July 9 ( UPI ) -- The prime minister of Ivory Coast , Amadou Gon Coulibaly , died suddenly after @ @ @ @ @ the country announced .
He was 61 .
Gon Coulibaly died after a cabinet meeting @ @ @ @ @ he returned from France where he spent two months being treated for a heart condition @ @ @ @ @ transplant in 2012 and traveled to Paris on May 2 to have a stent inserted @ @ @ @ @ , Gon Coulibaly had been chosen as the ruling party 's candidate in October 's @ @ @ @ @ Outtara said he would not pursue a third term in office .
`` I pay @ @ @ @ @ , my son , Amadou Gon Coulibaly , who was , for 30 years , @ @ @ @ @ Outtara wrote on Twitter .
Gon Coullibaly was a close ally to Ouattara and also @ @ @ @ @ under the prior president , Laurent Gbagbo .

Ivory Coast Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly died at the age of 61 following a Cabinet meeting after he returned from France for a heart procedure. Photo by Legnan Koula/EPA-EFE
July 9 (UPI) -- The prime minister of Ivory Coast, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, died suddenly after attending a ministerial meeting, the country announced. He was 61. Gon Coulibaly died after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, shortly after he returned from France where he spent two months being treated for a heart condition. Advertisement
He received a heart transplant in 2012 and traveled to Paris on May 2 to have a stent inserted.
Prior to his death, Gon Coulibaly had been chosen as the ruling party's candidate in October's presidential election after President Alassane Outtara said he would not pursue a third term in office.
"I pay tribute to my younger brother, my son, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who was, for 30 years, my closest collaborator," Outtara wrote on Twitter.
Gon Coullibaly was a close ally to Ouattara and also served as minister of agriculture under the prior president, Laurent Gbagbo.


upi--2020-07-09--Nashville SC becomes second team to withdraw from MLS tournament

July 9 ( UPI ) -- Nashville SC was withdrawn from the `` MLS is Back Tournament '' after multiple positive coronavirus tests , Major League Soccer announced Thursday .
With the team 's withdrawal , Nashville SC became the second club to pull out of the MLS ' tournament in Orlando , Fla. FC Dallas was withdrawn from the competition Monday due to a high number of positive test results .
`` We have withdrawn Nashville SC from the 'MLS is Back Tournament . '
Due to the number of positive tests , the club has been unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to play matches , '' MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement Thursday .
`` For every decision we make in our return to play , the well-being of our players , staff , officials and all participants is our top priority . ''
Nashville SC 's match against the Chicago Fire -- originally scheduled for Wednesday -- was postponed Tuesday as the league discussed the team 's future in the tournament .
After Nashville 's withdrawal , there are now only 24 clubs competing in Orlando .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of six groups of four teams , with the Fire moving from Group A to Group B .
Since arriving in Orlando , nine players on Nashville have tested positive for the virus .
`` In what has been a challenging year , and in an uncharted environment created by the tornado that devastated our city and COVID-19 , this is another big disappointing outcome for Nashville SC and its supporters , '' Nashville CEO Ian Ayre said in a statement Thursday .
`` Our focus now lays on the recovery of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on getting our complete traveling party back home safely .
Once everyone is safe and healthy in Nashville , we can then turn the page and focus on our preparation and participation in the return to play for the latter half of the season post Orlando . ''
The `` MLS is Back Tournament '' kicked off Wednesday with Orlando City beating Inter Miami CF 2-1 .

July 9 (UPI) -- Nashville SC was withdrawn from the "MLS is Back Tournament" after multiple positive coronavirus tests, Major League Soccer announced Thursday.
With the team's withdrawal, Nashville SC became the second club to pull out of the MLS' tournament in Orlando, Fla. FC Dallas was withdrawn from the competition Monday due to a high number of positive test results.
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"We have withdrawn Nashville SC from the 'MLS is Back Tournament.' Due to the number of positive tests, the club has been unable to train since arriving in Orlando and would not be able to play matches," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement Thursday.
"For every decision we make in our return to play, the well-being of our players, staff, officials and all participants is our top priority."
Nashville SC's match against the Chicago Fire -- originally scheduled for Wednesday -- was postponed Tuesday as the league discussed the team's future in the tournament. After Nashville's withdrawal, there are now only 24 clubs competing in Orlando.
The league also reconfigured the tournament to consist of six groups of four teams, with the Fire moving from Group A to Group B.
Advertisement Updated groups below.  pic.twitter.com/fBGPecEWhO— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 9, 2020
Be as cool as the Boys in Gold. Mask up. #EveryoneN pic.twitter.com/k9H4DbPN4Q— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) July 4, 2020
Since arriving in Orlando, nine players on Nashville have tested positive for the virus.
"In what has been a challenging year, and in an uncharted environment created by the tornado that devastated our city and COVID-19, this is another big disappointing outcome for Nashville SC and its supporters," Nashville CEO Ian Ayre said in a statement Thursday.
"Our focus now lays on the recovery of our players who have been infected with COVID-19 and on getting our complete traveling party back home safely. Once everyone is safe and healthy in Nashville, we can then turn the page and focus on our preparation and participation in the return to play for the latter half of the season post Orlando."
The "MLS is Back Tournament" kicked off Wednesday with Orlando City beating Inter Miami CF 2-1.


upi--2020-07-09--Record-breaking Tropical Storm Fay forms off Atlantic coast

There are no other significant candidates for a tropical depression or storm over the Atlantic basin into this weekend .
Waters around the coast and offshore from North Carolina through the lower part of the mid-Atlantic are sufficiently warm , about 82 degrees in several places , to support a tropical system , while wind shear in the region is not strong .
Wind shear is the change in the flow of air at different levels of the atmosphere and the change in direction of the flow of air in the horizontal above the sea surface .
Strong wind shear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from strengthening .
The system is forecast to drift on a general north to northeast track through this weekend .
This path will take the feature right along the mid-Atlantic coast and inland over New England and Atlantic Canada .
`` Exactly how close to the coast this system tracks as it moves northward will generally dictate how much strengthening takes place , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Randy Adkins said .
`` A path 100 miles off the mid-Atlantic coast increases the likelihood of strengthening to a moderate tropical storm as the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer period of time as opposed to hugging the coast or just onshore of the coast , '' Adkins explained .
While a `` hug-the-coast '' scenario might still allow a depression to form and maintain itself or reach minimal tropical storm status , immediate coastal waters are significantly cooler than those over the Gulf Stream and the land will offer a lot of wind resistance .
That frictional resistance would limit strengthening .
Strengthening to a hurricane is not anticipated at this time no matter whether or not the system hugs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heavy rainfall with the feature will tend to be limited to the immediate mid-Atlantic coast from Thursday into Friday night .
Downpours can be heavy enough to lead to urban flooding problems .
Mid-Atlantic cities that are most likely to receive downpours from the feature include Norfolk , Va. ; Salisbury , Md .
; Dover , Del .
; Atlantic City , N.Y. ; and New York City .
Those with plans at the beach may have them interrupted by downpours and locally gusty winds for about a 12- to 24-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1 inch to 3 inches of rain is expected from the tropical system along the mid-Atlantic coast , but higher amounts are possible from northern New Jersey to New England at the local level .
As the storm moves northward this weekend , some heavy rain is likely to wrap westward .
This , combined with the geography of New England that extends farther to the east into the Atlantic , should produce drenching rainfall for a time over much of the region through the end of the week and into Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , which has been in a worsening drought situation could be quenched by the tropical system , assuming it tracks just inland .
A general 2-3 inches of rain seems likely over New England with local amounts to 4 inches possible .
However , that may change on the track and strength of the tropical system .
Depending on the strength of the storm , winds blowing in from the Atlantic will cause above-normal tide levels .
Minor coastal flooding at times of high tide can occur as the feature moves northward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderate levels , and rip currents will increase in strength and number until after the storm has passed well to the north this weekend .
In lieu of direct tropical impact , areas farther west will be under the influence of an approaching non-tropical system this weekend .
That feature will produce a swath of drenching showers and thunderstorms over the eastern Great Lakes , the Ohio Valley and the central Appalachians first , then the Atlantic coast later in the weekend .
While areas west of the coast and New England may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move in from outside of the tropics regardless .
In the wake of the tropical feature along the Atlantic coast this week , a similar setup could allow yet another tropical system to slowly brew in roughly the same area next week .
AccuWeather is projecting a busy season ahead with 14 to 20 named tropical storms , seven to 11 hurricanes and four to six major hurricanes .
Five tropical storms are already in the books for the season , with two U.S. landfalls .
Fay has unseated another entry in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held early-season records since the satellite era of the 1960s .
The earliest sixth-named storm on record was Franklin during the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season , the same season which produced Hurricane Katrina in late August .
Franklin formed on July 21 , near the central Bahamas , and traveled northeastward , well to the east of the U.S. coast .
The storm did not reach hurricane strength .
This past weekend , Edouard became the earliest fifth tropical storm in any Atlantic hurricane season since the satellite era of the 1960s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out Emily , which formed on July 12 and went on to become a Category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean Sea in 2005 , by a week .
Cristobal became the earliest `` C '' named storm in recorded history for the Atlantic on June 2 , a feat that typically does not occur until around the middle of August .
The storm went on to crash ashore along the Gulf Coast , where it unleashed flooding rains .
Dolly was the second-earliest `` D '' named storm ever in the basin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacting land .
Arthur and Bertha , as well as Dolly , formed in the same near-coast waters of the eastern U.S. this season .
Both Arthur and Bertha formed in May , prior to the officials start of hurricane season on June 1 .
Looking beyond Fay , the next two named storms on the Atlantic list for 2020 are Gonzalo and Hanna .
The 2005 hurricane season also holds the earliest dates for tropical storms through the letter `` K '' when Katrina formed on Aug. 24 .
Gert formed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvey on Aug. 3 .
The name Harvey would eventually be retired after the 2017 season when a different Harvey brought devastating flooding to Texas .
Since the area along the Atlantic coast will remain unsettled through the middle of July , it is not out of the question for another tropical feature to take shape in that area .
Odds are against any major tropical system in that area next week .
Forecasters say it 's more likely systems similar to what have been forming thus far this year in the Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will develop .

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Pedestrians carry umbrellas while walking in Times Square as tropical storm Fay approaches New York City on Friday. The storm made landfall hours later. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 10 -- Fay weakened from a tropical storm to a post-tropical depression Saturday, one day after making landfall near Atlantic City, N.J. Its sustained winds dropped from 60 mph to 50 mph and moving at a forward speed of 14 mph as it made landfall, according to the National Hurricane Center. Atlantic City is near Brigantine, N.J., where Hurricane Sandy made landfall in 2012. Advertisement
As of 5 a.m. EDT Saturday, Fay's sustained winds dropped to 35 mph and was classified as a post-tropical depression as it continues its path northward at a speed of 17 mph. The center of Post-Tropical Depression Fay was located about 30 miles south of Albany, N.Y., according to the National Hurricane Center.
As of early Saturday morning, all tropical storm warnings associated with Fay have been cancelled.
AccuWeather forecasters have rated Fay a less than one on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes.
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The formation of Fay late Thursday afternoon, the sixth-named storm in the Atlantic this year, added another record to the books as it is the earliest named "F" storm to form in the basin in the satellite era, which dates back to the 1960s, and added to what has been an unusually active start to the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.
Early on Friday morning, Fay's outer bands were bringing rain and rough surf along the coast of South Jersey. Video posted on social media showed the streets of Stone Harbor, about 40 miles south of Atlantic City, already flooded. Several coastal towns in Delaware were also dealing with flooding. Heavy rains and tropical-storm-force winds continued along the mid-Atlantic coast through the afternoon as Fay marched north.
The storm dumped more than five inches of rain on West Ocean City, Md., by Friday afternoon -- more than 2 inches above the city's normal precipitation total for all of July.
Forecasters expect Fay to impact New York City as a tropical storm. Fay's center remained just west of New York City proper as it tracked northward Friday evening, just missing out on becoming the fourth tropical system to track directly over the city prior to Aug. 1.
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The three to hit the city before the start of August are Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and Tropical Storm Brenda in 1960. Most direct hits on The Big Apple have occurred later in the season or outside the metro area. The most recent tropical system to hit New York City was Hurricane Irene in late August 2011.
"The path this storm has taken is rather unique for this time of the year," Kottlowski said.
Many other tropical storms have affected New York City over the years, of course, including Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which was classified as a post-tropical storm by the National Hurricane Center at the time of its landfall in New Jersey, though it devastated the New York metro area.
Fay formed just before 5 p.m. on Thursday about 40 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C.
"Fay's winds will only impact sections of the mid and upper New Jersey coast and along the southern coast of western Long Island. Winds will spread across Long Island and impact Long Island Sound impacting southern New England coastal areas," AccuWeather senior meteorologist and lead hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said about the storm's potential. Indeed, President Donald Trump's campaign heeded forecasters' warnings and canceled a rally that was scheduled to take place in New Hampshire on Saturday.
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An AccuWeather Local StormMax wind gust of 65 mph is expected over the water or over some of the hilltops.
The system is forecast to drift on a general north to northeast track through this weekend. This path will take the feature inland over New England and into Quebec.
Heavy rainfall with the feature will fall across eastern New York state and into New England during the day on Saturday. Heavy rain will continue to fall from the system as it tracks northward, with some downpours being heavy enough to lead to urban flooding problems.
Those with plans at the beach may have them interrupted by downpours and locally gusty winds through the day on Saturday. Swimming conditions could be rather dangerous depending on what beach you are at. Strong rip currents and rough surf could pose a risk for anyone thinking about heading into the water.
Generally, 2 inches4 inches of rain is expected from the tropical system along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Hudson Valley of New York state and in western New England with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches anticipated.
This means that part of New England, which has been in a worsening drought situation could be quenched by the tropical system.
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Depending on the strength of the storm, winds blowing in from the Atlantic will cause above-normal tide levels. Minor coastal flooding at times of high tide can occur as the feature moves northward.
Regardless, seas will build to moderate levels, and rip currents will increase in strength and number until after the storm has passed well to the north this weekend.
In lieu of direct tropical impact, areas farther west will be under the influence of an approaching non-tropical system this weekend. That feature will produce a swath of drenching showers and thunderstorms over the eastern Great Lakes, the Ohio Valley and the central Appalachians first, then the Atlantic coast later in the weekend.
While areas west of the coast may dodge the tropical system, rain will move in from outside of the tropics regardless.
In the wake of the tropical feature along the Atlantic coast this week, a similar setup could allow yet another tropical system to slowly brew in roughly the same area next week.
AccuWeather is projecting a busy season ahead with 14-20 named tropical storms, seven to 11 hurricanes and four to six major hurricanes. Five tropical storms are already in the books for the season, with two U.S. landfalls.
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Fay has unseated another entry in a long list of 2005 tropical storms that held early-season records since the satellite era of the 1960s. The earliest sixth-named storm on record was Franklin during the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, the same season which produced Hurricane Katrina in late August. Franklin formed on July 21, near the central Bahamas, and traveled northeastward, well to the east of the U.S. coast. The storm did not reach hurricane strength.
Last weekend, Edouard became the earliest fifth tropical storm in any Atlantic hurricane season since the satellite era of the 1960s. On July 5, Edouard beat out Emily, which formed on July 12 and went on to become a Category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean Sea in 2005, by a week.
Cristobal became the earliest "C" named storm in recorded history for the Atlantic on June 2, a feat that typically does not occur until around the middle of August. The storm went on to crash ashore along the Gulf Coast, where it unleashed flooding rains. Dolly was the second-earliest "D" named storm ever in the basin, but it moved out to sea without impacting land.
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Arthur and Bertha, as well as Dolly, formed in the same near-coast waters of the eastern U.S. this season. Both Arthur and Bertha formed in May, prior to the officials start of hurricane season on June 1.
Looking beyond Fay, the next two named storms on the Atlantic list for 2020 are Gonzalo and Hanna.
The 2005 hurricane season also holds the earliest dates for tropical storms through the letter "K" when Katrina formed on Aug. 24. Gert formed on July 24, 2005, followed by Harvey on Aug. 3. The name Harvey would eventually be retired after the 2017 season when a different Harvey brought devastating flooding to Texas.
Since the area along the Atlantic coast will remain unsettled through the middle of July, it is not out of the question for another tropical feature to take shape in that area. Odds are against any major tropical system in that area next week. Forecasters say it's more likely systems similar to what have been forming thus far this year in the Atlantic, such as tropical depression and storms, will develop.


upi--2020-07-09--Judge issues gag order in George Floyd case after release of body cam transcripts

A protester holds a painting of George Floyd as activists gather near New York City Hall on June 25. Floyd's death in police custody spawned demonstrations worldwide calling for police reforms and new criminal justice legislation. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 9 (UPI) -- The judge overseeing the cases of the four former officers charged in the killing of Geroge Floyd issued a gag order barring attorneys from speaking publicly about the case on Thursday. Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill issued the order that prevents attorneys and others working on the case from publicly discussing "opinions, strategies, plans or potential evidence," related to the case surrounding the killing that has sparked global protests and calls for police reform and abolition. Advertisement
"The court finds that continuing pretrial publicity in this case by the attorneys involved will increase the risk of tainting a potential jury pool and will impair all parties' right to a fair trial," wrote Cahill.
Cahill's decision came after transcripts of police body camera footage from the scene were released after an attorney for Thomas Lane, one of the former officers charged in Floyd's death, filed a motion to dismiss counts of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter against his client.
The transcripts show Floyd said the words "please" and "I can't breathe" dozens of times as four officers restrained him during a May 25 arrest on suspicion of forgery.
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Floyd ultimately died during the Memorial Day encounter and bystander video of the encounter sparked a global wave of protests and calls for racial equality and justice.
Former Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Keung and Tou Thao face similar charges to Lane, while veteran officer Derek Chauvin, the one seen on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes, faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
The documents indicate Floyd refused to put his hands up during his arrest and would not get into a squad car due to claustrophobia, saying he would rather be restrained on the pavement.
"Please don't shoot me, Mr. Officer. Please, don't shoot me, man. Please. Can you not shoot me, man?" Floyd said as Lane ordered him out of his car.
Later, as Floyd was pinned on the street, he kept calling, "Mama, mama, mama," saying he couldn't breathe.
"I'm through, I'm through. I'm claustrophobic," Floyd said. "My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Everything hurts. I need some water or something, please. Please? I can't breathe, officer."
Chauvin responded, "Then stop talking, stop yelling. It takes a heck of a lot of oxygen to talk," according to the transcript.
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Floyd's final words were recorded as, "Come on, man. Oh, oh. I cannot breathe. Cannot breathe. Ah! They'll kill me. They'll kill me. I can't breathe. Can't breathe. Oh! Ah! Ah! Please. Please. Please."
The transcript also shows that Lane expressed concern for Floyd's condition and asked Chauvin if they should turn him over onto his side.
"No, he's staying put where we got him," Chauvin answered.
Protesters demand justice in police killing of George Floyd


upi--2020-07-09--State Department approves $23.1B sale of 105 F-35s to Japan

July 9 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $ 23.1 billion sale of 105 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to the government of Japan , the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday .
According to the DSCA , Japan 's government asked to buy 63 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft , 42 F-35V short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft and 110 F135 engineers , including five spares .
The Japanese government announced plans to buy 105 F-35s in 2018 .
In 2019 Lockheed Martin was awarded a $ 25.2 million contract to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan for the country 's fleet of 42 F-35 fighter planes .
The deal would also include support equipment , tools and test equipment , technical data and publications , personnel training and other aspects of logistics support .
`` This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region , '' the announcement said .
`` It is vital to U.S. national interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong and effective self-defense capability . ''
The deal 's prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin and Pratt and Whitney .

A pilot assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing's 34th Fighter Squadron drops a GBU-39 bomb from an F-35A Lightning II in this November 2018 photo. The U.S. State Department this week approved a possible $23.1 billion sale of F-35s to Japan. U.S. Air Force
July 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $23.1 billion sale of 105 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to the government of Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Thursday. According to the DSCA, Japan's government asked to buy 63 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, 42 F-35V short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft and 110 F135 engineers, including five spares. Advertisement
The Japanese government announced plans to buy 105 F-35s in 2018.
In 2019 Lockheed Martin was awarded a $25.2 million contract to build a maintenance repair and upgrade facility in Japan for the country's fleet of 42 F-35 fighter planes.
The deal would also include support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and other aspects of logistics support.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region," the announcement said. "It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defense capability."
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The deal's prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin and Pratt and Whitney.


upi--2020-07-09--Big Ten moving to conference-only schedule for fall sports due to pandemic

July 9 ( UPI ) -- The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday it will cut non-conference games for all fall sports , including football , amid `` unprecedented times '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We are facing uncertain and unprecedented times , and the health , safety and wellness of our student-athletes , coaches , game officials , and others associated with our sports programs and campuses remain our number one priority , '' the Big Ten said in a statement .
`` ... By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions , the conference will have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic . ''
The Big Ten becomes the first Power 5 conference to move to a conference-only schedule this fall .
The Ivy League on Wednesday ruled out playing fall sports this year , but the conference has yet to make a decision on whether fall teams could play in the spring next year .
Other sports impacted include men 's and women 's soccer , field hockey , men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's volleyball .
The Big Ten said the updated conference-only schedules will be released at a later date .
The conference also said it will continue to evaluate other sports .
The Big Ten 's decision to scrap all non-conference matchups impacts 36 scheduled football opponents -- 28 from the FBS and eight from the FCS .
Six FBS schools -- BYU , UConn , Northern Illinois , Ball State , Bowling Green and Central Michigan -- were set to take on two Big Ten opponents this year .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchup against Notre Dame on Oct. 3 at Lambeau Field , Michigan 's road game against Washington on Sept. 5 and Ohio State 's visit to Oregon on Sept. 12 .

The Big Ten becomes the first Power 5 conference to move to a conference-only schedule this fall. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
July 9 (UPI) -- The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday it will cut non-conference games for all fall sports, including football, amid "unprecedented times" during the coronavirus pandemic. "We are facing uncertain and unprecedented times, and the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, game officials, and others associated with our sports programs and campuses remain our number one priority," the Big Ten said in a statement. Advertisement
"... By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions, the conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic."
The Big Ten becomes the first Power 5 conference to move to a conference-only schedule this fall. The Ivy League on Wednesday ruled out playing fall sports this year, but the conference has yet to make a decision on whether fall teams could play in the spring next year.
Other sports impacted include men's and women's soccer, field hockey, men's and women's cross country and women's volleyball.
The Big Ten said the updated conference-only schedules will be released at a later date. The conference also said it will continue to evaluate other sports.
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The Big Ten's decision to scrap all non-conference matchups impacts 36 scheduled football opponents -- 28 from the FBS and eight from the FCS. Six FBS schools -- BYU, UConn, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Bowling Green and Central Michigan -- were set to take on two Big Ten opponents this year.
Some of the marquee non-conference games lost include Wisconsin's matchup against Notre Dame on Oct. 3 at Lambeau Field, Michigan's road game against Washington on Sept. 5 and Ohio State's visit to Oregon on Sept. 12.