upi--2020-05-13--Arizona governor: Stay-at-home order will expire; pro sports may resume

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey announced the state will be lifting its stay-at-home order Friday , clearing the path for professional sports to resume as early as this weekend .
During a press conference Tuesday , Ducey said he would not be renewing the stay-at-home order issued on March 30 , and he will be replacing it with new guidelines for the next stage of economic recovery .
`` This is not a green light to speed .
This is a green light to proceed and we 're going to proceed with caution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that we return stronger as a state -- that 's what we want to focus on .
And it was hard-fought to get the wins that we had to attain to come here .
It was a great sacrifice . ''
Under the new guidelines , pools , fitness centers and spas may open Wednesday and mayor league sports can resume without fans from Saturday .
Ducey said the National Hockey League , Major League Baseball , the National Football League , the National Basketball League and Major league Soccer will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he 's spoken with `` leaders '' of some of the leagues and they welcome the invitation .
The guidelines align with those issued by the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aiming to mitigate the health and economic risks of the coronavirus , which has infected more than 1.3 million people and caused nearly 300,000 deaths in the country .
Since Arizona reported its first case on Jan. 26 , it has recorded nearly 12,000 infections and more than 560 deaths to the virus , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
The Republican governor said as part of entering the next phase of reopening , officials will be ramping up testing , tracking key health metrics , increasing hospital surge capacity and expanding contact tracing , among other measures .
`` I 'm grateful to all Arizonans for their partnership and cooperation during these trying times , '' he said in a statement .
`` By continuing to follow the data and recommendations of public health officials , we can continue to move forward safely and responsibly together . ''
The announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana , South Carolina and Wisconsin said they would allow certain businesses to open soon .

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday he has given professional sports the green light to resume play in the state. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced the state will be lifting its stay-at-home order Friday, clearing the path for professional sports to resume as early as this weekend. During a press conference Tuesday, Ducey said he would not be renewing the stay-at-home order issued on March 30, and he will be replacing it with new guidelines for the next stage of economic recovery. Advertisement
"This is not a green light to speed. This is a green light to proceed and we're going to proceed with caution," he said. "The objective is that we return stronger as a state -- that's what we want to focus on. And it was hard-fought to get the wins that we had to attain to come here. It was a great sacrifice."
With Arizona trending in the right direction it is time to move forward with the next steps of economic recovery - while continuing to make health and safety our number one priority. That's why, on May 15, the Stay at Home Order will expire and be replaced by new guidance. 6/ pic.twitter.com/Pmjaenl9F6— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 12, 2020 Advertisement
Under the new guidelines, pools, fitness centers and spas may open Wednesday and major-league sports can resume without fans on Saturday.
Ducey said the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball League and Major League Soccer will be allowed to resume play.
He said he's spoken with leaders of some of the leagues and they welcome the invitation.
The guidelines align with those issued by the White House and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aiming to mitigate the health and economic risks of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 4.2 million people and caused nearly 300,000 deaths globally.
Since Arizona reported its first case on Jan. 26, it has recorded nearly 12,000 infections and more than 560 deaths due to the virus, according to data from the state's health department.
The Republican governor said that as part of entering the next phase of reopening, officials will be ramping up testing, tracking key health metrics, increasing hospital surge capacity and expanding contact tracing, among other measures.
"I'm grateful to all Arizonans for their partnership and cooperation during these trying times," he said in a statement. "By continuing to follow the data and recommendations of public health officials, we can continue to move forward safely and responsibly together."
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The announcement came a day after the governors of Louisiana, South Carolina and Wisconsin said they would allow certain businesses to open soon.


upi--2020-05-13--Orange juice, fresh citrus sales surge during pandemic

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 13 ( UPI ) -- Orange juice and citrus sales have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic , which the industry attributes mostly to consumers ' desire for Vitamin C to boost immune systems .
The increasing sales mean that citrus growers were spared the disasters that many other produce growers and some dairy farms saw as restaurants closed suddenly in mid-March under pandemic restrictions .
So far , juice prices have n't jumped , but frozen orange juice futures spiked about 20 percent at one point , growers and industry sources said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oranges and grapefruit sales , and for juice , has been remarkable , '' said Dan Richey , a grapefruit grower and president and CEO of Riverfront Packing Co. in Vero Beach , Fla. , about 80 miles north of West Palm Beach .
`` We attribute that to the recognition of citrus juices to boost the immune system , '' Richey said .
He said the boost came in mid-March , after the peak of harvest .
His company saw no interruptions in the supply chain , but it did take steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the packing plant and mask use .
`` The demand for citrus is also about shelf life .
People are buying things they can store for a while , '' Richey said .
`` We 've seen a 60 percent uptick for citrus every week since March . ''
The only exception was lemons , he said , which primarily go to restaurants , bars and food-service establishments .
He said his company did n't raise prices .
`` We viewed this as doing our part to help in the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange juice sales destined for food service were lost , especially to breakfast restaurants , said Andrew Meadows , director of communications for Florida Citrus Mutual , a trade group .
`` Any slack in sales to restaurants was more than offset by the growth in retail , '' Meadows said .
A new orange juice sales report will be released next week , and the industry expects it to show continued high demand , Meadows said .
`` The processing plants here are going full steam right now .
We 've had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spike in retail sales moved some of that , '' he said .
Florida 's citrus industry has been reeling from the effects of greening disease and citrus canker , both of which ruin mature fruit trees .
Many groves also were damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 .
`` Citrus processors struck deals with foreign growers after Irma , but we bounced back quickly in Florida and that has resulted in a lot of inventory , '' Meadows said .
Some orange growers hope that the processing plants pass on any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Francisco Pines , who has about 2,000 acres of groves in southwest Florida .
He sells to Tropicana , based in Bradenton , about 45 miles south of Tampa .
`` At this point , the processor is reaping the benefit , and growers are still getting inferior prices because of cheap foreign competition where they have lower labor costs , '' Pines said .
`` I 'm told they are looking into what they can do . ''

Demand for citrus and citrus juice surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Citrus
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13 (UPI) -- Orange juice and citrus sales have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, which the industry attributes mostly to consumers' desire for Vitamin C to boost immune systems. The increasing sales mean that citrus growers were spared the disasters that many other produce growers and some dairy farms saw as restaurants closed suddenly in mid-March under pandemic restrictions. Advertisement
So far, juice prices haven't jumped, but frozen orange juice futures spiked about 20 percent at one point, growers and industry sources said.
"The uptick we've seen of both fresh oranges and grapefruit sales, and for juice, has been remarkable," said Dan Richey, a grapefruit grower and president and CEO of Riverfront Packing Co. in Vero Beach, Fla., about 80 miles north of West Palm Beach.
"We attribute that to the recognition of citrus juices to boost the immune system," Richey said.
He said the boost came in mid-March, after the peak of harvest. His company saw no interruptions in the supply chain, but it did take steps to protect workers -- including social distancing in the packing plant and mask use.
"The demand for citrus is also about shelf life. People are buying things they can store for a while," Richey said. "We've seen a 60 percent uptick for citrus every week since March."
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The only exception was lemons, he said, which primarily go to restaurants, bars and food-service establishments.
He said his company didn't raise prices.
"We viewed this as doing our part to help in the fight against COVID-19," Richey said.
Some orange juice sales destined for food service were lost, especially to breakfast restaurants, said Andrew Meadows, director of communications for Florida Citrus Mutual, a trade group.
"Any slack in sales to restaurants was more than offset by the growth in retail," Meadows said.
A new orange juice sales report will be released next week, and the industry expects it to show continued high demand, Meadows said.
"The processing plants here are going full steam right now. We've had high inventories, but we're hoping the spike in retail sales moved some of that," he said.
Florida's citrus industry has been reeling from the effects of greening disease and citrus canker, both of which ruin mature fruit trees. Many groves also were damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
"Citrus processors struck deals with foreign growers after Irma, but we bounced back quickly in Florida and that has resulted in a lot of inventory," Meadows said.
Some orange growers hope that the processing plants pass on any of the financial benefits they have received, said Francisco Pines, who has about 2,000 acres of groves in southwest Florida. He sells to Tropicana, based in Bradenton, about 45 miles south of Tampa.
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"At this point, the processor is reaping the benefit, and growers are still getting inferior prices because of cheap foreign competition where they have lower labor costs," Pines said. "I'm told they are looking into what they can do."


upi--2020-05-13--Planned Florida factory eyes building supersonic commercial jets

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 13 ( UPI ) -- A Texas businessman 's dream of building commercial supersonic jets could become reality with construction of a manufacturing plant in Florida after 18 years of planning , modifying plans and changing major partners .
Reno , Nev.-based Aerion Corp. , backed by an undisclosed amount of investment from Boeing , plans to build a $ 300 million corporate headquarters and factory next to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne , 40 miles south of Kennedy Space Center .
Aerion said it plans to build 12-passenger jets by 2023 and test them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aviation said that timetable might be difficult to meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic and delays that are frequent in any new aerospace venture .
Aerion said it wants to market its planned AS2 jet to charter companies , corporations and some individuals .
The hook would be speeds of up to 990 mph hour -- or Mach 1.5 -- which is more than 50 percent faster than current long-range jets , Aerion said .
The firm also claimed it would ensure flights are carbon neutral by using biofuel in the jets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planting of 100 million trees around the globe to absorb carbon .
A location in Melbourne along the Florida coast , near a large pool of aerospace professionals at NASA and defense contractor Harris Corp. , attracted the company , said Matthew Clarke , Aerion 's vice president of marketing and communications .
Such a location also would facilitate development , the company said .
`` Being able to test over water for a supersonic aircraft will be enormously important , '' Clarke said .
`` We will not travel at supersonic speeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Texas oil magnate and private equity financier Robert Bass founded Aerion in 2002 , a year before the last Concorde jet flight , and the company developed concepts for a decade .
Tom Vice , a former Northrop Grumman executive , is Aerion 's CEO .
He replaced Bass , 72 , as chairman of the board in 2019 .
Aerion had planned to begin testing of an earlier model of its jet -- the SBJ -- in 2019 .
Before any tests began , Aerion announced it would pursue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an updated design that includes a larger cabin and greater range .
Aerion engaged Lockheed Martin in 2017 as a partner .
Lockheed said in 2019 it only provided an assessment of the AS2 .
Aerion never disclosed the results of Lockheed 's assessment , but it then announced in February 2019 that Boeing would become its new partner .
Aerion 's work on new supersonic technology includes a partnership with NASA to test a method of reducing air friction and fuel consumption known as natural laminar flow , according to the space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Aerion 's move to Melbourne with much fanfare in late April , even as the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the aviation industry .
The company pledges to bring 675 new jobs to Florida , and the state says those jobs would have an average salary of $ 105,000 per year .
Aerion said it can build the AS2 for about $ 120 million per 12-passenger jet .
That compares to $ 30 million for a conventional , subsonic jet with that seating capacity , said Richard Aboulafia , a vice president at aerospace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aboulafia said Aerion has impressive technology and leadership , but it remains to be seen if the company can produce what it promises and if it can sell the planes .
`` The two big challenges for Aerion are to maintain their existing alliance to get the AS2 built in these uncertain times , and then convincing very high-end corporate customers to pay a higher price for more speed and less space , '' Aboulafia said .
Air pollution standards and fuel costs would create additional challenges , the analyst said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its major investors , including Boeing , he said -- because the aviation sector has been hard-hit economically by the pandemic .
Boeing also took a major economic hit after two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX , which was then grounded worldwide in March 2019 until the company implements fixes to its flight control system and pilot training .
Boeing suspended production of the aircraft in January as orders dissipated , but announced Friday it plans to resume building the plane this month .
The cost of Aerion 's jet will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iain Boyd , an aerospace professor at the University of Colorado Boulder .
But the company is betting on `` enough people with very deep pockets to get a first-generation aircraft off the ground , '' he said .
Some wealthy businessmen might be willing to pay the additional cost if they see the faster travel time as a status symbol , Boyd said .
`` The key challenge today in the commercial passenger business is to develop technology that allows supersonic aircraft to fly efficiently , '' Boyd said .
`` High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was what ultimately doomed Concorde . ''

Aerion Corp.’s plans to market the AS2 supersonic jet to charter companies, corporations, as well as some individuals with a speed of 990 mph. Photo courtesy of Aerion
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13 (UPI) -- A Texas businessman's dream of building commercial supersonic jets could become reality with construction of a manufacturing plant in Florida after 18 years of planning, modifying plans and changing major partners. Advertisement
Reno, Nev.-based Aerion Corp., backed by an undisclosed amount of investment from Boeing, plans to build a $300 million corporate headquarters and factory next to Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, 40 miles south of Kennedy Space Center.
Aerion said it plans to build 12-passenger jets by 2023 and test them in 2024, although experts in supersonic aviation said that timetable might be difficult to meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic and delays that are frequent in any new aerospace venture.
Aerion said it wants to market its planned AS2 jet to charter companies, corporations and some individuals. The hook would be speeds of up to 990 mph -- or Mach 1.5 -- which is more than 50 percent faster than current long-range jets, Aerion said.
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The firm also claimed it would ensure flights are carbon neutral by using biofuel in the jets and renewable energy in manufacturing while sponsoring the planting of 100 million trees around the globe to absorb carbon.
Location an advantage
A location in Melbourne along the Florida coast, near a large pool of aerospace professionals at NASA and defense contractor Harris Corp., attracted the company, said Matthew Clarke, Aerion's vice president of marketing and communications.
Such a location also would facilitate development, the company said.
"Being able to test over water for a supersonic aircraft will be enormously important," Clarke said. "We will not travel at supersonic speeds over land to avoid creating sonic booms."
Texas oil magnate and private equity financier Robert Bass founded Aerion in 2002, a year before the last Concorde jet flight, and the company developed concepts for a decade. Tom Vice, a former Northrop Grumman executive, is Aerion's CEO. He replaced Bass, 72, as chairman of the board in 2019.
Aerion had planned to begin testing of an earlier model of its jet -- the SBJ -- in 2019. Before any tests began, Aerion announced it would pursue a new model, the AS2, with an updated design that includes a larger cabin and greater range.
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Aerion engaged Lockheed Martin in 2017 as a partner. Lockheed said in 2019 it only provided an assessment of the AS2. Aerion never disclosed the results of Lockheed's assessment, but it then announced in February 2019 that Boeing would become its new partner.
Partners with NASA
Aerion's work on new supersonic technology includes a partnership with NASA to test a method of reducing air friction and fuel consumption known as natural laminar flow, according to the space agency.
Florida Gov. Ron Desantis announced Aerion's move to Melbourne with much fanfare in late April, even as the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the aviation industry. The company pledges to bring 675 new jobs to Florida, and the state says those jobs would have an average salary of $105,000 per year.
Aerion said it can build the AS2 for about $120 million per 12-passenger jet. That compares to $30 million for a conventional, subsonic jet with that seating capacity, said Richard Aboulafia, a vice president at aerospace analyst firm Teal Group in Virginia.
Aboulafia said Aerion has impressive technology and leadership, but it remains to be seen if the company can produce what it promises and if it can sell the planes.
Advertisement
"The two big challenges for Aerion are to maintain their existing alliance to get the AS2 built in these uncertain times, and then convincing very high-end corporate customers to pay a higher price for more speed and less space," Aboulafia said.
Air pollution standards and fuel costs would create additional challenges, the analyst said. The firm also faces growing financial storm clouds for its major investors, including Boeing, he said -- because the aviation sector has been hard-hit economically by the pandemic.
Boeing took hit
Boeing also took a major economic hit after two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX, which was then grounded worldwide in March 2019 until the company implements fixes to its flight control system and pilot training.
Boeing suspended production of the aircraft in January as orders dissipated, but announced Friday it plans to resume building the plane this month.
The cost of Aerion's jet will limit its potential customer base, said Iain Boyd, an aerospace professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. But the company is betting on "enough people with very deep pockets to get a first-generation aircraft off the ground," he said.
Some wealthy businessmen might be willing to pay the additional cost if they see the faster travel time as a status symbol, Boyd said.
Advertisement
"The key challenge today in the commercial passenger business is to develop technology that allows supersonic aircraft to fly efficiently," Boyd said. "High fuel consumption leading to high seat prices was what ultimately doomed Concorde."


upi--2020-05-13--On This Day, May 13: Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert sentenced to 6 years

On this date in history : In 1607 , Jamestown , the first permanent English colony in North America , was founded near the James River in Virginia .
In 1846 , the United States declared war on Mexico .
In 1912 , Britain established its air force -- the Royal Flying Corps .
In 1958 , a crowd of protesters -- mostly students -- attacked Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife , Pat Nixon , as they arrived in Venezuela .
Shouting anti-American slogans , the group broke the windows of Nixon 's vehicle and nearly toppled it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unharmed , In 1963 , President John F. Kennedy sent military riot-control units to Birmingham , Ala. , stating that the government would do everything in its power preserve order , to protect the lives of its citizens and to uphold the law .
Kennedy also directed an executive order be drafted enabling him to order the Alabama National Guard into immediate federal service if violence between black and white people was to once again erupt .
In 1973 , Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court in the first Battle of the Sexes tennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mehmet Ali Agca shot and injured Pope John Paul II in St. Peter 's Square in Vatican City .
Later , the pope , from his hospital bed , forgave his assailant .
In 1985 , a Philadelphia police helicopter bombed the fortified house of a radical organization , MOVE , to end a 24-hour siege .
Eleven people died and the ensuing fire destroyed 53 homes .
In 1994 , President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Stephen Breyer to succeed Justice Harry A. Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court .
Breyer joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astronauts on a 14-day servicing mission embarked on the first of five planned spacewalks to repair and update the 19-year-old Hubble Space Telescope .
The project included installation of a wide-field camera and a Cosmic Origins Spectograph .
In 2011 , in a reported retaliation to the slaying of terrorist chief Osama bin Laden , two suicide bombers killed 80 Pakistani recruits at a training center .
In 2014 , in Israel former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was sentenced to six years in prison for taking bribes while he was mayor of Jerusalem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an explosion and fire in a coal mine killed more than 300 people and injured dozens of others .
In 2019 , actor Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to paying $ 15,000 in a scheme to get her daughter admitted to college .

1/5
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court on May 13, 2014. Olmert was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for taking bribes. File Photo by Finbarr O'Reilly/UPI | License Photo
On this date in history: In 1607, Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in North America, was founded near the James River in Virginia. Advertisement
In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico.
In 1912, Britain established its air force -- the Royal Flying Corps.
File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
In 1958, a crowd of protesters -- mostly students -- attacked Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat Nixon, as they arrived in Venezuela. Shouting anti-American slogans, the group broke the windows of Nixon's vehicle and nearly toppled it before the U.S. delegation made an escape unharmed,
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent military riot-control units to Birmingham, Ala., stating that the government would do everything in its power preserve order, to protect the lives of its citizens and to uphold the law. Kennedy also directed an executive order be drafted enabling him to order the Alabama National Guard into immediate federal service if violence between black and white people was to once again erupt.
Advertisement
In 1973, Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court in the first Battle of the Sexes tennis match.
In 1981, Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca shot and injured Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Later, the pope, from his hospital bed, forgave his assailant.
In 1985, a Philadelphia police helicopter bombed the fortified house of a radical organization, MOVE, to end a 24-hour siege. Eleven people died and the ensuing fire destroyed 53 homes.
In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Stephen Breyer to succeed Justice Harry A. Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court. Breyer joined the court in August.
File Photo by Olivier Douliery/UPI
In 2009, astronauts on a 14-day servicing mission embarked on the first of five planned spacewalks to repair and update the 19-year-old Hubble Space Telescope. The project included installation of a wide-field camera and a Cosmic Origins Spectograph.
In 2011, in a reported retaliation to the slaying of terrorist chief Osama bin Laden, two suicide bombers killed 80 Pakistani recruits at a training center.
Advertisement
In 2014, in Israel former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was sentenced to six years in prison for taking bribes while he was mayor of Jerusalem.
In 2014, in western Turkey, an explosion and fire in a coal mine killed more than 300 people and injured dozens of others.
In 2019, actor Felicity Huffman pleaded guilty to paying $15,000 in a scheme to get her daughter admitted to college.


upi--2020-05-13--Famous birthdays for May 13: Stevie Wonder, Stephen Colbert

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .
-- Composer @ @ @ @ @ and Sullivan , in 1842

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Stevie Wonder attends the premiere of "Sing" at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on December 3, 2016. The singer turns 70 on May 13. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Pope Innocent XIII in 1655
-- Pope Pius IX in 1792
-- Composer Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert and Sullivan, in 1842
-- French cubist painter Georges Braque in 1882
-- English novelist Daphne du Maurier in 1907
-- Former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis in 1914
-- Singer Mary Wells in 1943
-- Actor/singer Bea Arthur in 1922
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
-- Cult leader Jim Jones in 1931
-- Actor Harvey Keitel in 1939 (age 81)
-- Actor Senta Berger in 1941 (age 79)
-- Singer Ritchie Valens in 1941
-- Singer Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, in 1950 (age 70)
-- Politician John Kasich in 1952 (age 68)
-- Basketball Hall of Fame member Dennis Rodman in 1961 (age 59)
-- Comedian Stephen Colbert in 1964 (age 56)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Singer Darius Rucker in 1966 (age 54)
-- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 1968 (age 52)
-- Actor Samantha Morton in 1977 (age 43)
-- Rapper Pusha T, born Terrence Thornton, in 1977 (age 43)
-- Actor Iwan Rheon in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Lena Dunham in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Robert Pattinson in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Tommy Dorfman in 1992 (age 28)


upi--2020-05-13--Texas AG calls on local officials to fix 'unlawful' coronavirus orders

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned local officials that orders mandating face masks be worn and other emergency measures aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus are unlawful .
In letters sent Tuesday to Dallas , Travis and Bexar Counties and the cities of Austin and San Antonio , the attorney general 's office said some local public health orders are unlawful and confuse citizens , urging officials to repeal them .
`` A few Texas counties and cities seem to have confused recommendations with requirements and have grossly exceeded state law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens and businesses , '' Paxton said in a statement .
`` I trust that local officials will act quickly to correct any orders that unlawfully conflict with Texas law and Gov .
[ Greg ] Abbott 's Executive Orders . ''
Each letter is tailored to each local government , highlighting measures put in place to prevent further spread of the coronavirus that do not mirror those ordered by Gov .
Abbott .
For example , in the letter to Bexar County and San Antonio , Paxton 's office said orders mandating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people on the premises conflicts with the governor 's order by `` limiting how a house of worship conducts services . ''
`` Unlike the governor 's order , which respects the robust constitutional and statutory rights protecting Texans ' free exercise of religion , your local orders unlawfully trample religious freedom and expose the county and the city to legal liability , '' Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel Ryan Vassar wrote .
Concerning laws over wearing face coverings in public , Vassar wrote to Dallas County that it was exceeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of two to wear masks when using services .
Vassar said Abbott 's executive order `` encourages individuals to wear appropriate masks , but it does not require them . ''
`` The governor 's order recognizes that Texans will act responsibly and make smart decisions to protect themselves and their families , '' he wrote .
`` In contrast , your order purports to strip Texans of their agency . ''
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins pushed back against the letter late Tuesday , stating officials intentionally modeled health guidelines based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not want his own guidelines followed . ''
`` I ask the public to make decisions based on the recommendations of public health professionals : our lives depend on it , '' he said in a statement that linked to the recommendations .
Austin Mayor Steve Adler accused Paxton of attempting to politicize the health crisis , stating , `` I will not follow the AG down that road . ''
Paxton sent the letters nearly a week after writing to a Dallas County judge calling for the release of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her business in spite of orders restricting all but essential services to shutter .
Late last month , Attorney General William Barr instructed federal prosecutors to be on the lookout for local coronavirus directives that violate the Constitution and the rights of citizens .

Police officers prevent protesters from confronting one another near City Hall while protesting the COVID-19 guidelines in Los Angeles on May 1. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned local officials that orders mandating face masks be worn and other emergency measures aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus are unlawful. In letters sent Tuesday to Dallas, Travis and Bexar Counties and the cities of Austin and San Antonio, the attorney general's office said some local public health orders are unlawful and confuse citizens, urging officials to repeal them. Advertisement
"A few Texas counties and cities seem to have confused recommendations with requirements and have grossly exceeded state law to impose their own will on private citizens and businesses," Paxton said in a statement. "I trust that local officials will act quickly to correct any orders that unlawfully conflict with Texas law and Gov. [Greg] Abbott's Executive Orders."
Each letter is tailored to each local government, highlighting measures put in place to prevent further spread of the coronavirus that do not mirror those ordered by Gov. Abbott.
For example, in the letter to Bexar County and San Antonio, Paxton's office said orders mandating that houses of worship restrict the number of people on the premises conflicts with the governor's order by "limiting how a house of worship conducts services."
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"Unlike the governor's order, which respects the robust constitutional and statutory rights protecting Texans' free exercise of religion, your local orders unlawfully trample religious freedom and expose the county and the city to legal liability," Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel Ryan Vassar wrote.
Concerning laws over wearing face coverings in public, Vassar wrote to Dallas County that it was exceeding the law by mandating everyone over the age of two to wear masks when using services.
Vassar said Abbott's executive order "encourages individuals to wear appropriate masks, but it does not require them."
"The governor's order recognizes that Texans will act responsibly and make smart decisions to protect themselves and their families," he wrote. "In contrast, your order purports to strip Texans of their agency."
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins pushed back against the letter late Tuesday, stating officials intentionally modeled health guidelines based on Abbott's recommendations "never imagining he did not want his own guidelines followed."
"I ask the public to make decisions based on the recommendations of public health professionals: our lives depend on it," he said in a statement that linked to the recommendations.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler accused Paxton of attempting to politicize the health crisis, stating, "I will not follow the AG down that road."
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Paxton sent the letters nearly a week after writing to a Dallas County judge calling for the release of a salon owner who was arrested after opening her business in spite of orders restricting all but essential services to shutter.
Late last month, Attorney General William Barr instructed federal prosecutors to be on the lookout for local coronavirus directives that violate the Constitution and the rights of citizens.


upi--2020-05-13--Behavioral condition in kids linked to inflammation in brain

Researchers may have gained new insights into a mystifying condition that causes children 's behavior to change so severely and abruptly , it can be like they woke up as a different person .
The condition is known as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome , or PANS .
It is diagnosed when a child has a dramatic -- sometimes overnight -- onset of psychiatric and neurological symptoms .
The primary ones are obsessive-compulsive behaviors and fears over food that cause the child to stop eating .
But affected children also have issues ranging from depression and dramatic mood swings , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bedwetting and behavioral regression -- reverting to preschool temper tantrums and separation anxiety , for example .
PANS is still a mystery , but researchers suspect it begins with an infection , which causes a misguided immune system attack on the brain .
But while a PANS diagnosis is sometimes made , it is also controversial .
Some doctors attribute the symptoms to psychological causes , and many have never heard of PANS .
`` Families can have a hard time getting medical services , '' said Dr. Jennifer Frankovich , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study .
`` When they come in to see the doctor , they can look like they 're frantic , telling this unbelievable story of their child changing overnight . ''
But Frankovich and her Stanford University colleagues now have evidence of subtle abnormalities in the brains of children diagnosed with PANS .
The differences are not obvious enough to be seen on standard MRI brain scans they are instead detectable within the `` microstructure '' of brain areas believed to be involved in PANS .
That 's not proof that the brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford .
But it is evidence that something is happening in the brain .
And it 's possible the differences are caused by inflammation , said Dr. Kyle Williams .
Williams , who was not involved in the study , is director of pediatric neuropsychiatry and immunology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston .
`` We 're operating under the hypothesis that [ PANS ] is an inflammatory process , '' Williams said .
And that theory includes using anti-inflammatory medications , such as corticosteroids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies can determine that any brain differences in kids with PANS are related to inflammation , Williams said , `` that would give us even more rationale for using anti-inflammatory treatments . ''
The roots of PANS go back to the late-1980s , when researchers began to observe that symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder , or OCD , in children could sometimes appear out of nowhere .
And it often happened after a bout of strep throat , a bacterial infection .
The theory is that in some kids -- perhaps those with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abnormal immune system attack on parts of the brain .
A subgroup of PANS is known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections , or PANDAS .
But , Williams said , not all cases of PANS can be linked to an earlier strep infection , and researchers suspect that other infections are at work , too .
When it comes to diagnosis , doctors look at symptoms -- with the sudden onset being key .
Frankovich said that parents may describe it as the child they 'd always known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also follow a relapsing-remitting course , she noted , with periods of improvement followed by a new flare-up .
Williams said that trying to link the onset of the symptoms to an infection is also important , to help differentiate it from pediatric OCD .
For the new study , the Stanford researchers analyzed MRI brain scans from 34 children with PANS and 64 kids without the condition .
The PANS group had no obvious brain injuries , but a closer analysis revealed something subtler .
Using a software program , the researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was more movement of water molecules through certain brain structures .
They included the basal ganglia , which is involved in movement , learning and emotion and the amygdala , which is considered the brain 's fear center .
It 's not clear what it all means , and the findings need to replicated in another study , Frankovich said .
If the results are confirmed , Williams said that could pave the way for using brain scans to help diagnose PANS .
Frankovich said that another question for the future is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do n't know if this goes away when kids get better , '' she said .
The findings were published online recently in JAMA Network Open .
The PANDAS Physicians Network has more on PANS and PANDAS .

Researchers may have gained new insights into a mystifying condition that causes children's behavior to change so severely and abruptly, it can be like they woke up as a different person.
The condition is known as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, or PANS. It is diagnosed when a child has a dramatic -- sometimes overnight -- onset of psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
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The primary ones are obsessive-compulsive behaviors and fears over food that cause the child to stop eating. But affected children also have issues ranging from depression and dramatic mood swings, to difficulty with school work, sleep disturbances, bedwetting and behavioral regression -- reverting to preschool temper tantrums and separation anxiety, for example.
PANS is still a mystery, but researchers suspect it begins with an infection, which causes a misguided immune system attack on the brain.
But while a PANS diagnosis is sometimes made, it is also controversial. Some doctors attribute the symptoms to psychological causes, and many have never heard of PANS.
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"Families can have a hard time getting medical services," said Dr. Jennifer Frankovich, one of the lead researchers on the new study. "When they come in to see the doctor, they can look like they're frantic, telling this unbelievable story of their child changing overnight."
But Frankovich and her Stanford University colleagues now have evidence of subtle abnormalities in the brains of children diagnosed with PANS. The differences are not obvious enough to be seen on standard MRI brain scans they are instead detectable within the "microstructure" of brain areas believed to be involved in PANS.
That's not proof that the brain differences cause the symptoms, said Frankovich, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford.
But it is evidence that something is happening in the brain. And it's possible the differences are caused by inflammation, said Dr. Kyle Williams.
Williams, who was not involved in the study, is director of pediatric neuropsychiatry and immunology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
"We're operating under the hypothesis that [PANS] is an inflammatory process," Williams said. And that theory includes using anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, to treat the condition.
If studies can determine that any brain differences in kids with PANS are related to inflammation, Williams said, "that would give us even more rationale for using anti-inflammatory treatments."
Advertisement
The roots of PANS go back to the late-1980s, when researchers began to observe that symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, in children could sometimes appear out of nowhere. And it often happened after a bout of strep throat, a bacterial infection.
The theory is that in some kids -- perhaps those with a genetic vulnerability -- the infection leads to an abnormal immune system attack on parts of the brain. A subgroup of PANS is known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or PANDAS.
But, Williams said, not all cases of PANS can be linked to an earlier strep infection, and researchers suspect that other infections are at work, too.
When it comes to diagnosis, doctors look at symptoms -- with the sudden onset being key. Frankovich said that parents may describe it as the child they'd always known "being kidnapped."
PANS symptoms also follow a relapsing-remitting course, she noted, with periods of improvement followed by a new flare-up.
Williams said that trying to link the onset of the symptoms to an infection is also important, to help differentiate it from pediatric OCD.
For the new study, the Stanford researchers analyzed MRI brain scans from 34 children with PANS and 64 kids without the condition. The PANS group had no obvious brain injuries, but a closer analysis revealed something subtler.
Advertisement
Using a software program, the researchers found that in children with PANS, there was more movement of water molecules through certain brain structures. They included the basal ganglia, which is involved in movement, learning and emotion and the amygdala, which is considered the brain's fear center.
It's not clear what it all means, and the findings need to replicated in another study, Frankovich said.
If the results are confirmed, Williams said that could pave the way for using brain scans to help diagnose PANS.
Frankovich said that another question for the future is whether the brain differences are permanent. "We don't know if this goes away when kids get better," she said.
The findings were published online recently in JAMA Network Open.
More information
The PANDAS Physicians Network has more on PANS and PANDAS.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-13--Judge postpones ruling on request to dismiss Michael Flynn case

May 12 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge has postponed ruling on the Department of Justice 's request to dismiss charges against former national security adviser Michael Flynn to allow third parties to examine the case .
Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said Tuesday he will allow more time for other individuals and organizations to file briefs before he rules on the dismissal of the case .
A former President Donald Trump advisor , Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during a probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election .
In his December 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false statements regarding his interactions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislayk .
In January , his sentence recommendation was changed from probation to six months in prison , which prompted Flynn to retract his plea .
The Justice Department last week asked for the charges to be withdrawn , stating that under the charge of making false statements , his statement must be found `` materially false . ''
Sullivan 's decision Tuesday attracted the criticism of Flynn 's legal team , which argued that the court has 24 times refused to permit third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views into this case . ''
`` This travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man 's life -- and that of his entire family , '' Flynn 's defense said in a motion Tuesday .
`` No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused to him and his defense .
This court should enter the order proposed by the government immediately . ''
The lawyers said the decision to hold off on ruling on the Justice Department 's request for a dismissal came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Watergate Prosecutors '' submitted a notice of intent to file a brief on the case with the court .
`` Any effort of third parties to intervene for any purpose should be rejected for the same reasons as all prior attempts by third parties have been , '' the motion read .
On Monday , nearly 2,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors and members of the FBI published an open letter calling for Attorney General William Barr to resign over his decision to drop the charges against Flynn .

Judge Emmet G. Sullivan has delayed ruling on whether to dismiss the case against former national security advisor Michael Flynn. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- A federal judge has postponed ruling on the Department of Justice's request to dismiss charges against former national security adviser Michael Flynn to allow third parties to examine the case. Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said Tuesday he will allow more time for other individuals and organizations to file briefs before he rules on the dismissal of the case. Advertisement
A former President Donald Trump advisor, Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during a probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
In his December 2017 guilty plea, he said he made false statements regarding his interactions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislayk. In January, his sentence recommendation was changed from probation to six months in prison, which prompted Flynn to retract his plea.
The Justice Department last week asked for the charges to be withdrawn, stating that under the charge of making false statements, his statement must be found "materially false."
Sullivan's decision Tuesday attracted the criticism of Flynn's legal team, which argued that the court has 24 times refused to permit third parties to "inject themselves or their views into this case."
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"This travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man's life -- and that of his entire family," Flynn's defense said in a motion Tuesday. "No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused to him and his defense. This court should enter the order proposed by the government immediately."
The lawyers said the decision to hold off on ruling on the Justice Department's request for a dismissal came a day after a group calling themselves "Watergate Prosecutors" submitted a notice of intent to file a brief on the case with the court.
"Any effort of third parties to intervene for any purpose should be rejected for the same reasons as all prior attempts by third parties have been," the motion read.
On Monday, nearly 2,000 former Department of Justice prosecutors and members of the FBI published an open letter calling for Attorney General William Barr to resign over his decision to drop the charges against Flynn.


upi--2020-05-12--Dozens killed in attacks on Afghanistan maternity ward, funeral

May 12 ( UPI ) -- Dozens of people , mostly civilians , have been killed in a series of attacks in Afghanistan conducted over the past 24 hours , including a siege Tuesday on a hospital in Kabul that resulted in the deaths of mothers and babies , authorities said .
At least 14 people , including two newborns , mothers and medical staff , were killed Tuesday when gunmen stormed one of Kabul 's busiest hospitals , which contained a maternity ward run by Doctors Without Borders .
Shortly after in the eastern province of Nangarhar , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others were injured after a suicide bomber attacked the funeral of a local police commander .
In response , Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered security forces to resume offensive operations against the Taliban .
`` I strongly condemn recent attacks in a hospital in Kabul and Nangarhar province , which killed a number of innocent people , including women and children , '' he said Tuesday in a national address .
`` Taliban have rejected our repeated calls for a cease-fire , calls for cease-fire do n't mean weakness . ''
Interior Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack also left some new mothers and nurses dead at the maternity clinic .
Fifteen people sustained injuries .
`` Who attacks newborn babies and new mothers ?
Who does this ? ''
tweeted Deborah Lyons , the head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan , in condemnation of the attack .
`` The most innocent of innocents , a baby !
Why ? ''
Medicins Sans Frontieres confirmed the attack on its maternity ward , reporting explosions and gunfire .
`` We can confirm the attack is over , but details remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All our efforts at this time are focused on the safety of our patients and staff . ''
According to its website , it focuses on emergency , pediatric and maternal healthcare .
Witnesses heard gunfire and two explosions at the onset of the attacks by suicide bombers , officials said .
Aryan said several assailants were involved in the attack .
He said special forces killed all attackers during a `` clearing operation . ''
The special forces also moved about 100 people to safety .
The 100-bed facility is located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan capital .
The attacks attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups , the United Nations and the United States .
Amnesty International South Asia described the attacks as `` unconscionable war crimes '' that should act as a wake-up call for the world `` to the horrors civilians continue to face . ''
`` There must be accountability for these grave crimes , and civilians must be protected , '' it tweeted .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attacks , describing the hospital siege as `` an act of sheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility for the assaults , blaming them instead on the Islamic State terrorist organization .
Afghan officials have blamed the Taliban for the attacks amid an increase in violence that has followed the militant group and the United States signing a peace agreement in February .
`` The attacks of the last two months show us and the world that Taliban & their sponsors do not and did not intend to pursue peace , '' said Hamdullah Mohib , Afghanistan 's national security advisor , in a series of tweets .
`` Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the level of fighting in past fighting seasons . ''
He said the Afghan government has a responsibility to hold them accountable , threatening to end ongoing peace negotiations .
`` If the Taliban can not control the violence , or their sponsors have no subcontracted their terror to other entities -- which was one of our primary concerns form the beginning -- then there seems little point in continuing to engage Taliban in 'peace talks , ' '' he said .
The Taliban said in a statement it `` strongly condemns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will protect itself .
Pompeo , in his statement , acknowledged the Taliban 's rejection of responsibility , urging it and the Afghan government to cooperate `` to bring the perpetrators to justice . ''
`` As long as there is no sustained reduction in violence and insufficient progress towards a negotiated political settlement , Afghanistan will remain vulnerable to terrorism , '' Pompeo said .
`` The Afghan people deserve a future free from terror , and the ongoing peace process continues to present a critical opportunity for Afghans to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the menace of terrorism . ''

Security forces respond to an attack Tuesday at a medical facility in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo by Hedayatullah Amid/EPA-EFE
May 12 (UPI) -- Dozens of people, mostly civilians, have been killed in a series of attacks in Afghanistan conducted over the past 24 hours, including a siege Tuesday on a hospital in Kabul that resulted in the deaths of mothers and babies, authorities said. At least 14 people, including two newborns, mothers and medical staff, were killed Tuesday when gunmen stormed one of Kabul's busiest hospitals, which contained a maternity ward run by Doctors Without Borders. Advertisement
Shortly after in the eastern province of Nangarhar, at least 26 people were killed and 68 others were injured after a suicide bomber attacked the funeral of a local police commander.
In response, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered security forces to resume offensive operations against the Taliban.
"I strongly condemn recent attacks in a hospital in Kabul and Nangarhar province, which killed a number of innocent people, including women and children," he said Tuesday in a national address. "Taliban have rejected our repeated calls for a cease-fire, calls for cease-fire don't mean weakness."
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Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Aryan told CBS News the attack also left some new mothers and nurses dead at the maternity clinic. Fifteen people sustained injuries.
"Who attacks newborn babies and new mothers? Who does this?" tweeted Deborah Lyons, the head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, in condemnation of the attack. "The most innocent of innocents, a baby! Why?"
Medicins Sans Frontieres confirmed the attack on its maternity ward, reporting explosions and gunfire.
"We can confirm the attack is over, but details remain unclear," it said. "All our efforts at this time are focused on the safety of our patients and staff."
According to its website, it focuses on emergency, pediatric and maternal healthcare.
Witnesses heard gunfire and two explosions at the onset of the attacks by suicide bombers, officials said.
Aryan said several assailants were involved in the attack. He said special forces killed all attackers during a "clearing operation."
The special forces also moved about 100 people to safety.
The 100-bed facility is located in the minority Shiite Hazara community of the Afghan capital.
The attacks attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups, the United Nations and the United States.
Advertisement
Amnesty International South Asia described the attacks as "unconscionable war crimes" that should act as a wake-up call for the world "to the horrors civilians continue to face."
"There must be accountability for these grave crimes, and civilians must be protected," it tweeted.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attacks, describing the hospital siege as "an act of sheer evil."
The Taliban has denied responsibility for the assaults, blaming them instead on the Islamic State terrorist organization.
Afghan officials have blamed the Taliban for the attacks amid an increase in violence that has followed the militant group and the United States signing a peace agreement in February.
"The attacks of the last two months show us and the world that Taliban & their sponsors do not and did not intend to pursue peace," said Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, in a series of tweets. "Their attacks this spring against Afghans are comparable to the level of fighting in past fighting seasons."
He said the Afghan government has a responsibility to hold them accountable, threatening to end ongoing peace negotiations.
"If the Taliban can not control the violence, or their sponsors have no subcontracted their terror to other entities -- which was one of our primary concerns form the beginning -- then there seems little point in continuing to engage Taliban in 'peace talks,'" he said.
Advertisement
The Taliban said in a statement it "strongly condemns" the attacks though warned Ghani that it will protect itself.
Pompeo, in his statement, acknowledged the Taliban's rejection of responsibility, urging it and the Afghan government to cooperate "to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"As long as there is no sustained reduction in violence and insufficient progress towards a negotiated political settlement, Afghanistan will remain vulnerable to terrorism," Pompeo said. "The Afghan people deserve a future free from terror, and the ongoing peace process continues to present a critical opportunity for Afghans to come together to build a united front against the menace of terrorism."


upi--2020-05-13--Baseball's Barry Zito, the rhino, exits 'Masked Singer'

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Baseball great Barry Zito -- dressed in a rhino costume -- became the latest disguised celebrity eliminated from Season 3 of Fox 's The Masked Singer competition series Wednesday night .
Previous stars who have been voted off the show this season include Jackie Evancho , Hunter Hayes , Bret Michaels , Jordyn Woods , Rob Gronkowski , JoJo Siwa , Bella Thorne , Sarah Palin , Tom Bergeron , Dionne Warwick , Tony Hawk , Chaka Khan , Drew Carey and Lil Wayne .
Three costumed performers remain in the competition , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges ' panel is comprised of Ken Jeong , Jenny McCarthy , Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger .
`` Thank you so much @ barryzitomusic for coming on this show and showing your heart to the world You were such a joy to have on this show and your voice is UNREAL !
# TheMaskedSinger , '' Scherzinger tweeted after the show .
`` Aw NO .
Sad to see you go , # RhinoMask .
# TheMaskedSinger , '' said McCarthy .
Season 3 is slated to wrap up next week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito was eliminated from "The Masked Singer" on Wednesday. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Baseball great Barry Zito -- dressed in a rhino costume -- became the latest disguised celebrity eliminated from Season 3 of Fox's The Masked Singer competition series Wednesday night. Previous stars who have been voted off the show this season include Jackie Evancho, Hunter Hayes, Bret Michaels, Jordyn Woods, Rob Gronkowski, JoJo Siwa, Bella Thorne, Sarah Palin, Tom Bergeron, Dionne Warwick, Tony Hawk, Chaka Khan, Drew Carey and Lil Wayne. Advertisement
Three costumed performers remain in the competition, which is hosted by Nick Cannon.
The judges' panel is comprised of Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger.
"Thank you so much @barryzitomusic for coming on this show and showing your heart to the world You were such a joy to have on this show and your voice is UNREAL! #TheMaskedSinger," Scherzinger tweeted after the show.
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"Aw NO. Sad to see you go, #RhinoMask. #TheMaskedSinger," said McCarthy.
Season 3 is slated to wrap up next week, with episodes airing on Tuesday and Wednesday.


upi--2020-05-13--Los Angeles Rams reveal new uniforms for 2020 season

May 13 ( UPI ) -- The Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday unveiled their rebranded uniforms ahead of their move into SoFi Stadium this year .
Two of the Rams ' three new uniforms have some similarities to the franchise 's royal blue and yellow uniform worn from 1973-99 .
The Rams ' new look consists of a blue jersey featuring yellow gradient numbering , with interchangeable blue or yellow bottoms .
The team 's third outfit was a shade called `` bone , '' an off-white tone that includes more gray than standard white .
According to The Athletic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL to wear the off-white uniform .
The `` bone '' color has never been used by an NFL franchise before .
The Rams ' new helmet features royal blue and yellow colors and a metallic finish , including a gradient yellow horn and blue face mask .
The new uniforms come as the franchise prepares to begin the 2020 season against the Dallas Cowboys at the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood , Calif. Rams owner Stan Kroenke funded the $ 5 billion project .
`` SoFi Stadium is an iconic , transformative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as innovative as our new home , '' Rams COO Kevin Demoff said in a statement .
`` Our new uniforms preserve the storied legacy of the Rams with the horns at the heart of the design , while introducing vibrant colors and groundbreaking materials .
`` We are proud to unveil a modern look for our players to wear as we begin this exciting new era for the Los Angeles Rams . ''
The Rams revealed updated colors and logos in March , moving on from their old colors of navy blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team originally adopted that color scheme in 2000 in St. Louis .
The Rams ' new uniforms were met with mixed reviews , including another negative response from former Rams star running back Eric Dickerson .
Earlier this off-season , he expressed his disapproval of the team 's updated logo .
On Wednesday , Dickerson continued to voice his displeasure with the rebranding by calling the Rams ' new uniforms `` soft . ''
`` I looked at them real hard [ Tuesday ] night and this morning , '' Dickerson told AM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They really took away from the Rams uniforms and it looks almost like a [ Los Angeles ] Chargers logo .
It looks like two bananas is what it looks like .
`` ...
This is football .
This does n't have anything to do with surfing .
This does n't have anything to do with waves .
This is football .
This is a man 's sport , and to me it just looks soft . ''
The Rams have n't designated a home or away jersey , according to Demoff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are scheduled to be unveiled in 2021 and 2022 .

May 13 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday unveiled their rebranded uniforms ahead of their move into SoFi Stadium this year.
Two of the Rams' three new uniforms have some similarities to the franchise's royal blue and yellow uniform worn from 1973-99. The Rams' new look consists of a blue jersey featuring yellow gradient numbering, with interchangeable blue or yellow bottoms.
Advertisement
The team's third outfit was a shade called "bone," an off-white tone that includes more gray than standard white. According to The Athletic, the Rams needed permission from the NFL to wear the off-white uniform. The "bone" color has never been used by an NFL franchise before.
The Rams' new helmet features royal blue and yellow colors and a metallic finish, including a gradient yellow horn and blue face mask.
The new uniforms come as the franchise prepares to begin the 2020 season against the Dallas Cowboys at the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Rams owner Stan Kroenke funded the $5 billion project.
"SoFi Stadium is an iconic, transformative stadium that encouraged us to design uniforms as innovative as our new home," Rams COO Kevin Demoff said in a statement. "Our new uniforms preserve the storied legacy of the Rams with the horns at the heart of the design, while introducing vibrant colors and groundbreaking materials.
Advertisement
"We are proud to unveil a modern look for our players to wear as we begin this exciting new era for the Los Angeles Rams."
The Rams revealed updated colors and logos in March, moving on from their old colors of navy blue, light gold and white. The team originally adopted that color scheme in 2000 in St. Louis.
2020 A new era in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/Qc8vv2mUd3— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 13, 2020
The Rams' new uniforms were met with mixed reviews, including another negative response from former Rams star running back Eric Dickerson. Earlier this off-season, he expressed his disapproval of the team's updated logo.
On Wednesday, Dickerson continued to voice his displeasure with the rebranding by calling the Rams' new uniforms "soft."
"I looked at them real hard [Tuesday] night and this morning," Dickerson told AM 570 LA Sports Radio. "... They really took away from the Rams uniforms and it looks almost like a [Los Angeles] Chargers logo. It looks like two bananas is what it looks like.
Advertisement
"... This is football. This doesn't have anything to do with surfing. This doesn't have anything to do with waves. This is football. This is a man's sport, and to me it just looks soft."
The Rams haven't designated a home or away jersey, according to Demoff. The team also teased two additional uniforms that are scheduled to be unveiled in 2021 and 2022.


upi--2020-05-13--FX, BBC working on 'Great Expectations' remake

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Dirty Pretty Things and Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight is writing and will executive produce a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens ' 19th century novel , Great Expectations , for FX and the BBC .
Other executive producers on the six-part project include Ridley Scott , Tom Hardy , Dean Baker , David W. Zucker and Kate Crowe .
Knight previously wrote the limited series A Christmas Carol for the networks .
It is also based on a Dickens classic and was produced by Knight , Hardy and Scott .
The team collaborated together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Adapting Dickens ' work is a delight , '' Knight said in a press release Wednesday .
`` I chose Great Expectations as the next work to bring to the screen not just because of the timeless characters , but also because of the very timely story .
A story of class mobility and class intransigence , told through an intensely emotional and personal first-person narrative .
As the son of a blacksmith myself , Pip 's journey from the forge into society is a very special one to me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

1/2
Tom Hardy is executive producing a new adaptation of "Great Expectations" for FX and the BBC. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Dirty Pretty Things and Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight is writing and will executive produce a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' 19th century novel, Great Expectations, for FX and the BBC. Other executive producers on the six-part project include Ridley Scott, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker and Kate Crowe. Advertisement
Knight previously wrote the limited series A Christmas Carol for the networks. It is also based on a Dickens classic and was produced by Knight, Hardy and Scott.
The team collaborated together on the series Taboo, as well.
"Adapting Dickens' work is a delight," Knight said in a press release Wednesday.
"I chose Great Expectations as the next work to bring to the screen not just because of the timeless characters, but also because of the very timely story. A story of class mobility and class intransigence, told through an intensely emotional and personal first-person narrative. As the son of a blacksmith myself, Pip's journey from the forge into society is a very special one to me."
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No casting has been announced.


upi--2020-05-13--Senate passes bill expanding protections of FISA warrant targets

May 13 ( UPI ) -- The Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment providing increased protections for targets of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants but failed to approve new restrictions on the federal government 's ability to search Internet history .
An amendment by Sens .
Mike Lee , R-Utah , and Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , adding protections for the targets of surveillance warrants in FISA court passed by a vote of 79-11 , while an amendment by Sens .
Steve Daines , R-Mont.
, and Ron Wyden , D-Ore. , that would prevent searches of browser and search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 60-vote threshold to pass with a vote of 59-37 .
The Senate is set Thursday to vote on a third amendment from Sen Rand Paul , R-Ky. , that would require a warrant for U.S. citizens to be searched under FISA as part of a bill to reauthorize FISA surveillance authorities that lapsed in March .
Leahy on Wednesday praised the passage of his amendment which would make outside reviews of warrants on U.S. citizens be conducted in FISA court .
`` BIG win tonight for the protection of Americans ' privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
The passage of the amendment , however , will send the legislation back to the House , which must pass the measure again before sending it to President Donald Trump for approval .
Wyden said he believes the bill protecting Internet search history from FISA surveillance failed to pass because `` there were some people absent . ''
Sens .
Patty Murray , D-Wash. ; Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. ; Ben Sasse , R-Neb .
; and Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. were not present for the vote .

The Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment by Sen. Patrick Leahy providing additional protections to targets of FISA court warrants but failed to pass a measure preventing searches of internet history without a warrant. File Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- The Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment providing increased protections for targets of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants but failed to approve new restrictions on the federal government's ability to search Internet history. An amendment by Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., adding protections for the targets of surveillance warrants in FISA court passed by a vote of 79-11, while an amendment by Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., that would prevent searches of browser and search history without a warrant fell short of the 60-vote threshold to pass with a vote of 59-37. Advertisement
The Senate is set Thursday to vote on a third amendment from Sen Rand Paul, R-Ky., that would require a warrant for U.S. citizens to be searched under FISA as part of a bill to reauthorize FISA surveillance authorities that lapsed in March.
Leahy on Wednesday praised the passage of his amendment which would make outside reviews of warrants on U.S. citizens be conducted in FISA court.
"BIG win tonight for the protection of Americans' privacy and civil liberties!" Leahy wrote on Twitter.
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The passage of the amendment, however, will send the legislation back to the House, which must pass the measure again before sending it to President Donald Trump for approval.
Wyden said he believes the bill protecting Internet search history from FISA surveillance failed to pass because "there were some people absent."
Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash.; Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Ben Sasse, R-Neb.; and Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. were not present for the vote.


upi--2020-05-13--Officials order evacuations as Typhoon Ambo nears the Philippines

May 13 ( UPI ) -- As Typhoon Ambo continues to strengthen , AccuWeather meteorologists forecast that the Philippines will take a direct hit from the destructive tropical system .
The powerful storm , also referred to as Vongfong by Japan Meteorological Agency , has been slowly approaching the eastern islands of the Philippines for days .
In preparation of the storm , towns forecast to be in the path of the typhoon have began to issue evacuations and distribution of relief packages .
A total of 515 families were evacuated from the towns of Maninila , Tandarora and Muladbucad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the cities of Naga and Legazpi City .
Given the continuation of the global COVID-19 pandemic , evacuees were required to wear face masks.Now with sustained winds of 80 mph , Ambo is equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic and East Pacific basins .
As Ambo nears the Philippines , outer rain bands may continue to batter eastern locations , like Samar Island , although the brunt of the storm will wait until Thursday morning The brunt of the storm will reach the island with typhoon-strength winds and heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meteorologist Dave Houk expects Ambo to continue to strengthen into Friday .
But , the exact track that Ambo takes will ultimately influence how strong the system and its winds can become .
`` The mountains on each of the islands have the potential to rip Ambo apart and weaken it considerably .
The longer Ambo remains over water , the stronger it can get , '' Houk added .
While several landfalls are possible , each one that Ambo makes will increase the chances that the storm will weaken .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sustained winds of up to 100 mph are possible with wind gusts near an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 125 mph .
The most likely track , at this time , keeps the center of Ambo off the coast of Luzon through early Saturday , which may allow it to hold onto its identity as a typhoon a little longer .
`` There will be a lot of moisture associated with this system , which will help to create a wide swath of heavy rain across the central and northern Philippines through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as 2 inches to 4 inches is possible as far south as Cebu and all the way up to Manila .
Heavy tropical downpours throughout the second half of the week can increase the risk of flooding and mudslides across the area .
The heaviest rain is likely to follow the center of the storm and extend just to the east , as moisture is pulled in from the warm Philippine Sea .
It is in this region that the AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches is most likely .
The steadiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east of Manila , but should Ambo wobble once moving into Luzon , some heavier downpours may reach the suburbs as well as Quezon City and Caloocan .
Even as Ambo loses wind strength at the end of the weekend and moves off to the north of the Philippines , other land areas could be impacted .
While most of the rain is likely to remain east of Taiwan , the southernmost islands of Japan may experience gusty winds and flooding downpours .
AccuWeather is predicting a slow start to the West Pacific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Pacific tropical season runs throughout the early winter , but most activity occurs between May and October .
Forecasters began monitoring a tropical low over the southern Philippine Sea over the weekend , when it brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to Palau .
Late in the day on Sunday , the low developed into a tropical depression and was given the name Ambo by the Philippine Atmospheric , Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration .
The system was upgraded to a tropical storm on Tuesday then to a severe tropical storm on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in the Northern Pacific Ocean of 2020 .

As #Ambo continues to strengthen, AccuWeather meteorologists say the storm will become a typhoon before striking the Philippines: https://t.co/hbSUu8vQRS pic.twitter.com/eZnAqBIuIe— AccuWeather (@breakingweather) May 13, 2020
May 13 (UPI) -- As Typhoon Ambo continues to strengthen, AccuWeather meteorologists forecast that the Philippines will take a direct hit from the destructive tropical system.
The powerful storm, also referred to as Vongfong by Japan Meteorological Agency, has been slowly approaching the eastern islands of the Philippines for days.
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In preparation of the storm, towns forecast to be in the path of the typhoon have began to issue evacuations and distribution of relief packages. A total of 515 families were evacuated from the towns of Maninila, Tandarora and Muladbucad Grande, all in the Albay area between the cities of Naga and Legazpi City.
Given the continuation of the global COVID-19 pandemic, evacuees were required to wear face masks.Now with sustained winds of 80 mph, Ambo is equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic and East Pacific basins.
As Ambo nears the Philippines, outer rain bands may continue to batter eastern locations, like Samar Island, although the brunt of the storm will wait until Thursday morning
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The brunt of the storm will reach the island with typhoon-strength winds and heavy rainfall during that time.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Houk expects Ambo to continue to strengthen into Friday. But, the exact track that Ambo takes will ultimately influence how strong the system and its winds can become.
"The mountains on each of the islands have the potential to rip Ambo apart and weaken it considerably. The longer Ambo remains over water, the stronger it can get," Houk added.
While several landfalls are possible, each one that Ambo makes will increase the chances that the storm will weaken.
However, if landfalls and land interaction are minimized, sustained winds of up to 100 mph are possible with wind gusts near an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 125 mph.
The most likely track, at this time, keeps the center of Ambo off the coast of Luzon through early Saturday, which may allow it to hold onto its identity as a typhoon a little longer.
"There will be a lot of moisture associated with this system, which will help to create a wide swath of heavy rain across the central and northern Philippines through the weekend," Houk said.
As much as 2 inches to 4 inches is possible as far south as Cebu and all the way up to Manila.
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Heavy tropical downpours throughout the second half of the week can increase the risk of flooding and mudslides across the area.
The heaviest rain is likely to follow the center of the storm and extend just to the east, as moisture is pulled in from the warm Philippine Sea. It is in this region that the AccuWeather Local StormMax of 12 inches is most likely.
The steadiest downpours are expected to remain north and east of Manila, but should Ambo wobble once moving into Luzon, some heavier downpours may reach the suburbs as well as Quezon City and Caloocan.
Even as Ambo loses wind strength at the end of the weekend and moves off to the north of the Philippines, other land areas could be impacted. While most of the rain is likely to remain east of Taiwan, the southernmost islands of Japan may experience gusty winds and flooding downpours.
AccuWeather is predicting a slow start to the West Pacific basin for this tropical season. The West Pacific tropical season runs throughout the early winter, but most activity occurs between May and October.
Forecasters began monitoring a tropical low over the southern Philippine Sea over the weekend, when it brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to Palau.
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Late in the day on Sunday, the low developed into a tropical depression and was given the name Ambo by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. The system was upgraded to a tropical storm on Tuesday then to a severe tropical storm on Wednesday. Ambo because the first named tropical system in the Northern Pacific Ocean of 2020.


upi--2020-05-13--Big jackpot changes wife's opinion of lottery ticket purchase

May 13 ( UPI ) -- An Australian man who caught his wife 's ire for wasting money on a lottery ticket said she changed her tune when the ticket earned a $ 1.16 million jackpot .
The Secret Harbour , Western Australia , man told Lotterywest officials his wife was initially displeased to learn he had bought a ticket for Saturday 's Superdraw lottery drawing at The Lucky Charm Secret Harbour .
`` I saw how much was on offer , so I decided to buy a ticket , '' the winner said .
`` I got in trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I bought one , but she has taken that back now . ''
The man said his wife 's opinion of the lottery ticket changed when it won them a $ 1.16 million Division One jackpot .
`` The only other prize we have ever won was a six pack of beer , '' the man said .
The couple said they are considering putting the money toward a vacation home , but for the moment their lives will remain unchanged .
`` I 'm still going to work tomorrow , '' the @ @ @

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May 13 (UPI) -- An Australian man who caught his wife's ire for wasting money on a lottery ticket said she changed her tune when the ticket earned a $1.16 million jackpot.
The Secret Harbour, Western Australia, man told Lotterywest officials his wife was initially displeased to learn he had bought a ticket for Saturday's Superdraw lottery drawing at The Lucky Charm Secret Harbour.
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"I saw how much was on offer, so I decided to buy a ticket," the winner said. "I got in trouble with my wife when I told her I bought one, but she has taken that back now."
The man said his wife's opinion of the lottery ticket changed when it won them a $1.16 million Division One jackpot.
"The only other prize we have ever won was a six pack of beer," the man said.
The couple said they are considering putting the money toward a vacation home, but for the moment their lives will remain unchanged.
"I'm still going to work tomorrow," the man said.


upi--2020-05-13--Hollywood Bowl cancels all summer concerts for first time in history

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

Halsey was scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- The Hollywood Bowl announced Wednesday that it canceled its entire summer concert series due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first time in the Los Angeles venue's history that it will not present shows during the summer. Advertisement
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer suggested that the city's stay-at-home orders could continue through July, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Bowl said in a statement on its website that it wanted to protect its artists, audience, staff and community from the spread of COVID-19.
The Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater on Highland Avenue near Hollywood. It hosts performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, rock concerts and movie screenings with a live orchestral score.
The 2020 season had performances scheduled from May 29 through Sept. 26. Hall & Oates, Lady Antebellum, Alice Cooper, Alanis Morisette, Halsey and Steely Dan were among the artists with bookings at the Bowl. Some list their shows as postponed rather than canceled, so they may return.
Ticketholders have three options. The Bowl suggests donating or exchanging tickets for credit toward a future performance at the Bowl or sister theaters. Ticketholders may also request a refund by phone or email. The Bowl recommends email.
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The Los Angeles Philharmonic is a non-profit organization that runs the Hollywood Bowl via ticket sales and donations. With a loss in ticket sales for the season, the Bowl encouraged its supporters to make a donation.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-13--LeBron James, NBA stars held private meeting about resuming season

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Some of the NBA 's biggest stars , including Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and the Brooklyn Nets ' Kevin Durant , took part in a private conference call earlier this week to discuss continuing the 2019-20 season .
League sources told Yahoo Sports and CNN that Chris Paul , the president of the National Basketball Players Association , arranged the secret phone call that included Giannis Antetokounmpo , Stephen Curry , Damian Lillard , Russell Westbrook , Kawhi Leonard , Anthony Davis , James and Durant , among others .
The players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a return to the court with proper safety guidelines once the league is allowed to restart , according to Yahoo Sports .
The group 's decision is expected to have a significant influence on the rest of the NBA 's players when deliberations begin on whether to resume this season .
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown , who is one of the NBPA 's vice presidents , also was on the private call .
He told CNN on Wednesday that a lot of players want to resume play but do n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think that the purpose of the conversation was for Chris Paul to do his due diligence and make sure he gets a feel for what players want , '' Brown said .
`` There 's a bunch of information that 's being gathered right now .
When that information proceeds , we 'll be able to continue things regularly .
`` ... A lot of the guys want to play .
I think the most influential players that were on that call that we speak of , a lot of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's very important to us .
But we 've also got to get with some of the other guys that also make up this league and see how they feel .
Everything is moving in the [ right direction ] . ''
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus .
Most recently , the league started allowing some teams in states with relaxed stay-at-home orders to resume individual workouts at their respective facilities .
NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on whether to restart the season until sometime in June .

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and other NBA superstars were in agreement on a return to the court with proper safety measures once the league is allowed to restart. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Some of the NBA's biggest stars, including Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, took part in a private conference call earlier this week to discuss continuing the 2019-20 season. League sources told Yahoo Sports and CNN that Chris Paul, the president of the National Basketball Players Association, arranged the secret phone call that included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, James and Durant, among others. Advertisement
The players spoke Monday and were in agreement on a return to the court with proper safety guidelines once the league is allowed to restart, according to Yahoo Sports. The group's decision is expected to have a significant influence on the rest of the NBA's players when deliberations begin on whether to resume this season.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who is one of the NBPA's vice presidents, also was on the private call. He told CNN on Wednesday that a lot of players want to resume play but don't want to "come back too early."
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"I think that the purpose of the conversation was for Chris Paul to do his due diligence and make sure he gets a feel for what players want," Brown said. "There's a bunch of information that's being gathered right now. When that information proceeds, we'll be able to continue things regularly.
"... A lot of the guys want to play. I think the most influential players that were on that call that we speak of, a lot of those guys want to continue the season and that's very important to us. But we've also got to get with some of the other guys that also make up this league and see how they feel. Everything is moving in the [right direction]."
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. Most recently, the league started allowing some teams in states with relaxed stay-at-home orders to resume individual workouts at their respective facilities.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously said he doesn't have to make a decision on whether to restart the season until sometime in June.


upi--2020-05-13--Bus drivers rally for federal aid in Washington, D.C., amid coronavirus pandemic

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Hundreds of buses drove through Washington , D.C. , on Wednesday as a trade @ @ @ @ @ on lawmakers to provide federal funding to the industry .
The rally , organized by @ @ @ @ @ called for $ 15 billion in grants and loans as well as modifications to the @ @ @ @ @ and Paycheck Protection Program to help the industry survive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ positive event showcasing how big buses and small businesses move America .
Buses will be @ @ @ @ @ the motorcoach industry including : the groups they serve , the economic impact they make @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ABA said in a statement ahead of the event .
The ABA @ @ @ @ @ off or furloughed nearly 90 percent of its national workforce made up of nearly than @ @ @ @ @ that almost 600 million motorcoach trips take place each year and nearly 36,000 buses are @ @ @ @

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Buses circle on the National Mall as motorcoach operators rally for federal financial aid for their industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Hundreds of buses drove through Washington, D.C., on Wednesday as a trade association for motorcoach operators called on lawmakers to provide federal funding to the industry. The rally, organized by the American Bus Association, called for $15 billion in grants and loans as well as modifications to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Paycheck Protection Program to help the industry survive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement
"This is a positive event showcasing how big buses and small businesses move America. Buses will be decorated with informative signs about the motorcoach industry including: the groups they serve, the economic impact they make and the people they employ," the ABA said in a statement ahead of the event.
The ABA said the industry has laid off or furloughed nearly 90 percent of its national workforce made up of nearly than 100,000 workers.
It added that almost 600 million motorcoach trips take place each year and nearly 36,000 buses are currently sitting idle.


upi--2020-05-13--Melissa Etheridge's son Beckett dies at 21

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Singer Melissa Etheridge announced on her social media Wednesday that her son Beckett Cypher died .
He was 21 .
Variety confirmed the death through a representative of Etheridge .
The cause of death remains undisclosed and they expect to make a further statement .
The singer canceled an online concert scheduled for Wednesday night .
Etheridge had Beckett with her former partner Julia Cypher through artificial insemination .
They also have a daughter , 23-year-old Bailey Jean .
David Crosby was the sperm donor for both children .
Etheridge and Julia Cypher shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2000 .
Etheridge later had twins Johnnie Rose and Miller Stephen with Tammy Lynn Michaels .
She is now married to Linda Wallem .
The singer won her first Grammy in 1993 for `` Ai n't It Heavy . ''
She won another Grammy in 1995 for `` Come to My Window . ''
Hit songs `` I 'm the Only One , '' `` Breathe '' and `` An Inconvenient Truth '' also garnered her Grammy nominations .
She won an Oscar for `` An Inconvenient Truth , '' the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She has released 15 studio albums , the most recent of which , The Medicine Show , debuted April 12 , 2019 .
She also released two greatest hits albums and five live albums .

Melissa Etheridge, pictured in 2011, announced the death of her son Beckett Cypher on Wednesday. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Singer Melissa Etheridge announced on her social media Wednesday that her son Beckett Cypher died. He was 21. Variety confirmed the death through a representative of Etheridge. The cause of death remains undisclosed and they expect to make a further statement. The singer canceled an online concert scheduled for Wednesday night. Advertisement We're sad to inform you that Melissa's son Beckett passed away and there will not be a Concerts From Home show today. - #TeamME— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) May 13, 2020
Etheridge had Beckett with her former partner Julia Cypher through artificial insemination. They also have a daughter, 23-year-old Bailey Jean. David Crosby was the sperm donor for both children.
Etheridge and Julia Cypher shared custody of the children after their split in 2000. Etheridge later had twins Johnnie Rose and Miller Stephen with Tammy Lynn Michaels. She is now married to Linda Wallem.
The singer won her first Grammy in 1993 for "Ain't It Heavy." She won another Grammy in 1995 for "Come to My Window." Hit songs "I'm the Only One," "Breathe" and "An Inconvenient Truth" also garnered her Grammy nominations. She won an Oscar for "An Inconvenient Truth," the title song for the documentary starring Al Gore.
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She has released 15 studio albums, the most recent of which, The Medicine Show, debuted April 12, 2019. She also released two greatest hits albums and five live albums.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-05-13--AMC adapting Anne Rice's 'Vampire,' 'Mayfair' books

May 13 ( UPI ) -- AMC Networks said it plans to adapt Anne Rice 's The Vampire Chronicles and The Lives of the Mayfair Witches novels as new television dramas .
Rice and her son Christopher Rice will executive produce the franchise .
Writer Rolin Jones -- whose credits include Perry Mason and Friday Night Lights -- will develop the projects .
Anne Rice said in a press release : `` It 's always been my dream to see the worlds of my two biggest series united under a single roof so that filmmakers could explore the expansive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That dream is now a reality , and the result is one of the most significant and thrilling deals of my long career . ''
The books covered in Wednesday 's deal between Rice and AMC include Interview with the Vampire , The Vampire Lestat , The Queen of the Damned , The Tale of the Body Thief , Memnoch the Devil , The Vampire Armand , Pandora , Vittorio the Vampire , Blood and Gold , Prince Lestat , Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis , Blood Communion : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hour , Lasher , Taltos , Merrick , Blackwood Farm and Blood Canticle .
Interview with the Vampire was turned into a 1994 film starring Tom Cruise , Brad Pitt , Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas .
It was followed by Queen of the Damned , featuring the late Aaliyah and Stuart Townsend , in 2002 .

AMC is adapting for television Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" and "The Lives of the Mayfair Witches" books. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- AMC Networks said it plans to adapt Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles and The Lives of the Mayfair Witches novels as new television dramas. Rice and her son Christopher Rice will executive produce the franchise. Writer Rolin Jones -- whose credits include Perry Mason and Friday Night Lights -- will develop the projects. Advertisement
Anne Rice said in a press release: "It's always been my dream to see the worlds of my two biggest series united under a single roof so that filmmakers could explore the expansive and interconnected universe of my vampires and witches. That dream is now a reality, and the result is one of the most significant and thrilling deals of my long career."
The books covered in Wednesday's deal between Rice and AMC include Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, The Queen of the Damned, The Tale of the Body Thief, Memnoch the Devil, The Vampire Armand, Pandora, Vittorio the Vampire, Blood and Gold, Prince Lestat, Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis, Blood Communion: A Tale of Prince Lestat, The Witching Hour, Lasher, Taltos, Merrick, Blackwood Farm and Blood Canticle.
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Interview with the Vampire was turned into a 1994 film starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas. It was followed by Queen of the Damned, featuring the late Aaliyah and Stuart Townsend, in 2002.