upi--2020-05-19--Edenville Dam breaks, sparking immediate evacuations in Michigan

The Edenville Dam structure broke in Gladwin County , Mich. , which sparked immediate evacuations in the area Tuesday evening .
Now , the Sanford Dam that is downstream is at risk of failure .
A slow-moving storm doused Michigan with heavy rains over the last couple of days , triggering flood warnings across the state and forcing some residents to evacuate their homes amid the looming threat of dam failure .
At least two rivers in mid-Michigan , the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling , reached their major flood stage on Tuesday afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Midland reported 3 inches to 4 inches of rain since Sunday , which produced a `` tremendous '' amount of runoff and is causing significant rises on the river system , the National Weather Service said .
The Tittabawassee Fire and Rescue rescued the driver of a pickup truck after the vehicle was swept away while trying to drive on a flooded roadway on Tuesday , according to WNEM .
`` A very slowly moving storm system and cold front pushing through the Midwest has produced anywhere from 100 to 200 mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rainfall in just the past week from the western Great Lakes through northern Indiana and into southern Missouri , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jack Boston said .
Edenville Township residents along Sanford and Wixom lakes northwest of Midland were urged to evacuate their homes and advised to make arrangements to stay elsewhere through Wednesday .
Shelters have been set up at schools in the area .
Officials in Arenac and Gladwin counties also urged residents to evacuate due to the possible dam breach from flash flooding along the Tittabawassee and Cedar rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cut off road access , emergency personnel warned citizens about the potential dangers of flooding and to find alternative routes if met with road closures .
If drivers are caught going around a barricade , it can result in a traffic violation with a substantial fine , according to road commission officials .
Officials with Bay County Road Commission said the county is experiencing water over roads in some areas and water issues with draining .
The commission is in the process of working on a map of roads closed and water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commission 's Facebook post .
`` With all the rain we are getting , the river is rising and roads may be underwater .
If you see water over the road , please do not attempt to drive thru it .
Find an alternate route .
Also , We are also aware there are water issues with draining .
We just received a very large amount of rain and it has no where to go .
Please be patient over the next couple days , '' the post reads , MLive reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Emergency Management Team reported that an Edenville Dam failure in Midland could impact residents along the Tittabawassee River in Tittabawassee and Saginaw townships .
Midland County Emergency Management stated that the Edenville and Sanford dams are `` structurally sound but spilling floodwaters '' as of around 3 a.m. Tuesday , according to MLive .
Later on Tuesday , Midland County Emergency Management said that the Edenville and Sanford dams `` are structurally sound but can no longer control or contain the amount of water flowing through the spill gates . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant Boyce Hydro to assess the dams .
`` At this point , the water is still rising from all of the rainfall we received over the last couple of days and it will continue to do so throughout the day , '' the Midland County Central Dispatch Authority said Tuesday .
The Tittabawassee River in Midland entered major flood stage Tuesday morning when the river was observed at 28.46 feet , according to a Midland County news release .
The flood stage is 24 feet , and the river is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels start to subside over the next couple of days .
A flood warning remains in effect for the Tittabawassee , from Midland downstream to Saginaw , and the forecast does not show relief for Midland .
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas .
Hazards include damaging winds , large hail and frequent lightning , the National Weather Service said on Tuesday late afternoon .
The heavy rain that stretched from Michigan to the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians , Carolinas and western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service 's Weather Prediction Center said .
The threat of flash flooding is likely , especially in the western Carolinas and Virginia .

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration after two dams failed in Midland County, forcing thousands of residents to immediately evacuate their homes on Tuesday.
Downtown Midland could be under 9 feet of water by Wednesday morning, Gov. Whitmer said during a Livestream on Tuesday night following the two collapses. A flash flood emergency is in effect for the areas downstream, which includes Midland City and Freeland.
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Whitmer told residents if they haven't evacuated the area yet, do so now.
"This is unlike anything we've seen in Midland County," she said. "If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now. If you don't, go to one of the shelters that have opened across the county."
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Midland County emergency management told people in Midland City who are located west of Eastman and south of US 10, to evacuate immediately on Tuesday afternoon, NBC25 reported.
A slow-moving storm doused Michigan with heavy rains over the period of several days, triggering fear of imminent dam failure and flood warnings across the state.
At least two rivers in mid-Michigan, the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling, reached their major flood stage on Tuesday afternoon, sending dams past their limits.
Flooding from Pine River in Arenac County. Photo courtesy of the Arenac County Sheriff's Department.
Areas around Midland reported 3 inches to 4 inches of rain since Sunday, which produced a "tremendous" amount of runoff and is causing significant rises on the river system, the National Weather Service said.
The Tittabawassee Fire and Rescue rescued the driver of a pickup truck after the vehicle was swept away while trying to drive on a flooded roadway on Tuesday, WNEM reported.
"A very slowly moving storm system and cold front pushing through the Midwest has produced anywhere from 100 to 200 mm [3 inches to 8 inches] of rainfall in just the past week from the western Great Lakes through northern Indiana and into southern Missouri," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jack Boston said.
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Edenville Township residents along Sanford and Wixom lakes northwest of Midland were urged to evacuate their homes and advised to make arrangements to stay elsewhere through Wednesday. Shelters have been set up at schools in the area.
Officials in Arenac and Gladwin counties also urged residents to evacuate due to the possible dam breach from flash flooding along the Tittabawassee and Cedar rivers.
As floodwaters continued rising, threatening to cut off road access, emergency personnel warned citizens about the potential dangers of flooding and to find alternative routes if met with road closures. If drivers are caught going around a barricade, it can result in a traffic violation with a substantial fine, according to road commission officials.
Officials with Bay County Road Commission said the county is experiencing water over roads in some areas and water issues with draining. The commission is in the process of working on a map of roads closed and water over the road, according to the commission's Facebook post.
"With all the rain we are getting, the river is rising and roads may be underwater. If you see water over the road, please do not attempt to drive thru it. Find an alternate route. Also, We are also aware there are water issues with draining. We just received a very large amount of rain and it has no where to go. Please be patient over the next couple days," the post reads, MLive reports.
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Around 1 a.m. Tuesday, the Saginaw County Emergency Management Team reported that an Edenville Dam failure in Midland could impact residents along the Tittabawassee River in Tittabawassee and Saginaw townships.
Midland County Emergency Management stated that the Edenville and Sanford dams are "structurally sound but spilling floodwaters" as of around 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to MLive.
Later on Tuesday, Midland County Emergency Management said that the Edenville and Sanford dams "are structurally sound but can no longer control or contain the amount of water flowing through the spill gates." The county is working with the hydroelectric power plant Boyce Hydro to assess the dams.
"At this point, the water is still rising from all of the rainfall we received over the last couple of days and it will continue to do so throughout the day," the Midland County Central Dispatch Authority said Tuesday.
The Tittabawassee River in Midland entered major flood stage Tuesday morning when the river was observed at 28.46 feet, according to a Midland County news release. The flood stage is 24 feet, and the river is expected to crest at 30.6 feet early Wednesday before levels start to subside over the next couple of days.
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A flood warning remains in effect for the Tittabawassee, from Midland downstream to Saginaw, and the forecast does not show relief for Midland.
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning, the National Weather Service said on Tuesday late afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail, and frequent lightning. Check back for updates! #txwx #nmwx pic.twitter.com/ZkfJgzgr9x— NWS Midland (@NWSMidland) May 19, 2020
The heavy rain that stretched from Michigan to the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians, Carolinas and western Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday


upi--2020-05-19--Cambridge University to hold lectures online until summer 2021 term

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Cambridge University announced Tuesday that it will not hold face-to-face lectures during the next @ @ @ @ @ said that since social distancing procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will likely continue @ @ @ @ @ lectures will be held virtually .
Some exceptions may be made for tutorials and smaller @ @ @ @ @ to conforming to social distancing requirements .
`` This decision has been taken now to @ @ @ @ @ ever , will be reviewed should there be changes to official advice on coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Cambridge moved classes and exams online in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ first British university to commit to holding mostly virtual lectures for the duration of the @ @ @ @ @ of Manchester also announced prolonged online instruction for its next term .

Cambridge University announced Tuesday that it will not hold face-to-face lectures in the upcoming academic year, holding most classes online until summer 2021. Photo by Emmanuel College/ Wikimedia Commons
May 19 (UPI) -- Cambridge University announced Tuesday that it will not hold face-to-face lectures during the next academic year. The university said that since social distancing procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will likely continue into next year, most lectures will be held virtually. Advertisement
Some exceptions may be made for tutorials and smaller classes if they can commit to conforming to social distancing requirements.
"This decision has been taken now to facilitate planning, but as ever, will be reviewed should there be changes to official advice on coronavirus," the university said.
Cambridge moved classes and exams online in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move makes Cambridge the first British university to commit to holding mostly virtual lectures for the duration of the school year.
The University of Manchester also announced prolonged online instruction for its next term.


upi--2020-05-19--COVID-19 antibodies may tame Kawasaki-like condition in kids

Reports of children suffering from a serious coronavirus-linked inflammatory condition have scared parents everywhere , but new research suggests that treatment with COVID-19 antibodies might help in the worst cases .
The inflammatory condition , now known as Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children , or MIS-C , mimics some of the symptoms seen in toxic shock syndrome and a serious heart condition called Kawasaki disease .
Those symptoms include fever , lethargy , severe abdominal pain , diarrhea or vomiting , swollen lymph nodes and rashes .
Reports of cases in New York City first surfaced two weeks ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children have contracted the condition , NBC New York reported .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also confirmed the link , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday .
A small number of cases have been reported in other states , including New Jersey , California , Louisiana and Mississippi , the New York Times reported .
At least 50 cases have been reported in European countries .
The new study , from researchers in France and Switzerland , included 35 children with fever , cardiogenic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't pump enough blood ) or acute left ventricular dysfunction ( when the lower left chamber of the heart ca n't pump enough blood ) with inflammation who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units from March 22 to April 30 .
Twenty-five of the children received coronavirus antibodies from donated blood , known as immune globulin treatment , and 12 were treated with intravenous steroids .
Three children were treated with an interleukin 1 receptor antagonist due to persistent severe inflammation , and 23 patients were treated with heparin .
None of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibodies and steroids restored heart function in the majority of children .
`` The majority of patients recovered within a few days following intravenous immune globulin , with adjunctive steroid therapy used in one third .
Treatment with immune globulin appears to be associated with recovery of left ventricular systolic function , '' wrote the researchers led by Dr. Damien Bonnet of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris .
The study was published May 17 in the journal Circulation .
Children with the syndrome may initially have severe symptoms -- with some requiring mechanical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but treatment with immune globulin and steroids appeared to help in rapid recovery , the study authors said in a journal news release .
Further research is needed to understand all aspects of this condition and whether patients may be at risk for long-term heart complications , the authors concluded .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 .

A child wears a protective face mask while adults wait on line at a food distribution for neighborhood people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City on Monday. The CDC has confirmed the link between a rare, potentially deadly syndrome in children resembling Kawasaki's Disease.with COVID-19. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Reports of children suffering from a serious coronavirus-linked inflammatory condition have scared parents everywhere, but new research suggests that treatment with COVID-19 antibodies might help in the worst cases. The inflammatory condition, now known as Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, mimics some of the symptoms seen in toxic shock syndrome and a serious heart condition called Kawasaki disease. Advertisement
Those symptoms include fever, lethargy, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rashes.
Reports of cases in New York City first surfaced two weeks ago, and the latest count shows that 147 children have contracted the condition, NBC New York reported.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also confirmed the link, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday.
A small number of cases have been reported in other states, including New Jersey, California, Louisiana and Mississippi, the New York Times reported. At least 50 cases have been reported in European countries.
The new study, from researchers in France and Switzerland, included 35 children with fever, cardiogenic shock (when the heart suddenly can't pump enough blood) or acute left ventricular dysfunction (when the lower left chamber of the heart can't pump enough blood) with inflammation who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units from March 22 to April 30.
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Twenty-five of the children received coronavirus antibodies from donated blood, known as immune globulin treatment, and 12 were treated with intravenous steroids. Three children were treated with an interleukin 1 receptor antagonist due to persistent severe inflammation, and 23 patients were treated with heparin. None of the children died.
Treatment with the antibodies and steroids restored heart function in the majority of children.
"The majority of patients recovered within a few days following intravenous immune globulin, with adjunctive steroid therapy used in one third. Treatment with immune globulin appears to be associated with recovery of left ventricular systolic function," wrote the researchers led by Dr. Damien Bonnet of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris. The study was published May 17 in the journal Circulation.
Children with the syndrome may initially have severe symptoms -- with some requiring mechanical assistance with breathing and blood circulation -- but treatment with immune globulin and steroids appeared to help in rapid recovery, the study authors said in a journal news release.
Further research is needed to understand all aspects of this condition and whether patients may be at risk for long-term heart complications, the authors concluded.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
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Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-19--Missouri executes Walter Barton by lethal injection

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Missouri executed a man convicted of killing an 81-year-old woman in 1991 on Tuesday , the first execution to be carried out in the United States since the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
Walter Barton 's lethal injection came hours after the Supreme Court refused to hear his case .
He was convicted in the death of trailer park operator Gladys Kuehler , though he maintained his innocence .
Barton sought a stay on the grounds that a blood spatter expert disagreed with the state 's expert , who said during trial that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed he killed Kuehler .
The new expert , though , said that had Barton killed her , he would have had more blood on him .
His appeal also called into question the reliability of a jail informant , who testified at trial that Barton threatened to kill her `` like he did that old lady . ''
Barton 's lawyers , meanwhile , sought the stay based on the COVID-19 pandemic , which has hindered defense attorneys across the country from conducting investigations needed in the final weeks before a scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of Missouri carried out the execution of Walter Barton tonight , as we face a deadly pandemic , is unconscionable , '' said Cassandra Stubbs , director of the American Civil Liberties Union 's Capital Punishment Project .
`` By moving forward , the state not only put the health of prison staff at risk and forced them to defy public health guidance , it also refused to consider new , persuasive evidence that Barton may be innocent .
We have nearly 50 years of data to show the death penalty is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costly .
The continued use of the death penalty has no place in any society that values human dignity and justice . ''
A federal judge on Friday issued a temporary stay , which was later vacated by the 8th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
Gov .
Mike Parson declined to grant clemency .
Barton was tried five times for Kuehler 's death , with two ending in a mistrial and hung jury .
The next two led to convictions but both were overturned .
The final trial again led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Innocent Project , an advocacy group against wrongful convictions , said Barton is `` likely innocent . ''
`` The only piece of physical evidence used to connect Barton to the murder was a spot of blood found on his shirt , which Barton has always said got on his shirt while he was pulling the victim 's granddaughter off her body -- a fact the victim 's granddaughter confirmed to investigators , '' the group said in a statement .
`` Significantly , the victim was stabbed 50 times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been covered with blood , which Barton was not .
`` If you look at the evidence that convicted him a lot of it has been debunked , '' added Elyse Max of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty .
`` Blood spatter science has changed since the 1990s .
We know a lot more about how it works to get witnesses who are jailhouse snitches .
`` Three [ witnesses ] have recanted their testimony .
To procedurally deny someone the ability to have this heard based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in such a way that it is very difficult . ''
The office of Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt , however , says Barton is guilty and his defense attorneys have no credible avenue for a delay .
`` There is nothing that supports a stay here , '' Schmitt 's office wrote in a court filing before Monday 's ruling .
`` But , nevertheless , the district court granted a stay of execution -- not because it found that Barton had met the standard for a stay as set out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only because it wanted more time to consider his claims .
`` Missouri respectfully submits that the 28 years since Barton 's horrific crimes have provided sufficient time for review of his conviction and sentence .
This court should vacate this stay and permit the execution to proceed as scheduled . ''

Barton was convicted after five trials in the 1991 stabbing death of an 81-year-old Missouri woman. Photo by Missouri Department of Corrections/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- Missouri executed a man convicted of killing an 81-year-old woman in 1991 on Tuesday, the first execution to be carried out in the United States since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Walter Barton's lethal injection came hours after the Supreme Court refused to hear his case. He was convicted in the death of trailer park operator Gladys Kuehler, though he maintained his innocence. Advertisement
Barton sought a stay on the grounds that a blood spatter expert disagreed with the state's expert, who said during trial that blood pattern on the defendant's clothes showed he killed Kuehler. The new expert, though, said that had Barton killed her, he would have had more blood on him.
His appeal also called into question the reliability of a jail informant, who testified at trial that Barton threatened to kill her "like he did that old lady."
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Barton's lawyers, meanwhile, sought the stay based on the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hindered defense attorneys across the country from conducting investigations needed in the final weeks before a scheduled execution.
"The fact that the state of Missouri carried out the execution of Walter Barton tonight, as we face a deadly pandemic, is unconscionable," said Cassandra Stubbs, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Capital Punishment Project.
"By moving forward, the state not only put the health of prison staff at risk and forced them to defy public health guidance, it also refused to consider new, persuasive evidence that Barton may be innocent. We have nearly 50 years of data to show the death penalty is arbitrary, error-prone, biased, and costly. The continued use of the death penalty has no place in any society that values human dignity and justice."
A federal judge on Friday issued a temporary stay, which was later vacated by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Gov. Mike Parson declined to grant clemency.
Barton was tried five times for Kuehler's death, with two ending in a mistrial and hung jury. The next two led to convictions but both were overturned. The final trial again led to a conviction and a sentence of death.
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The Innocent Project, an advocacy group against wrongful convictions, said Barton is "likely innocent."
"The only piece of physical evidence used to connect Barton to the murder was a spot of blood found on his shirt, which Barton has always said got on his shirt while he was pulling the victim's granddaughter off her body -- a fact the victim's granddaughter confirmed to investigators," the group said in a statement.
"Significantly, the victim was stabbed 50 times, and the real perpetrator of the crime would have been covered with blood, which Barton was not.
"If you look at the evidence that convicted him a lot of it has been debunked," added Elyse Max of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. "Blood spatter science has changed since the 1990s. We know a lot more about how it works to get witnesses who are jailhouse snitches.
"Three [witnesses] have recanted their testimony. To procedurally deny someone the ability to have this heard based on a technicality, the system is set up in such a way that it is very difficult."
The office of Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, however, says Barton is guilty and his defense attorneys have no credible avenue for a delay.
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"There is nothing that supports a stay here," Schmitt's office wrote in a court filing before Monday's ruling. "But, nevertheless, the district court granted a stay of execution -- not because it found that Barton had met the standard for a stay as set out in the applicable case law -- but instead only because it wanted more time to consider his claims.
"Missouri respectfully submits that the 28 years since Barton's horrific crimes have provided sufficient time for review of his conviction and sentence. This court should vacate this stay and permit the execution to proceed as scheduled."


upi--2020-05-19--Japanese military to receive new rifles for the first time since 1989

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Japan 's Ground Self-Defense Force will receive new rifles for the first time since @ @ @ @ @ 's southwestern islands , Japanese media reported this week .
The rifles , are called @ @ @ @ @ they were produced in Fiscal 2020 , were unveiled Monday at the Defense Ministry in @ @ @ @ @ are said to be more water-resistant and built for use in amphibious operations on the @ @ @ @ @ GDSF has recently been shifting troops , reportedly in response to increased naval actions by @ @ @ @ @ , which stretches about 745 miles om the Osumi islands in Kagoshima Prefecture to Yonagunijima @ @ @ @ @ The new rifles were made by Howa Machinery Limited , which also manufactured the Type @ @ @ @ @ 31 years ago , as part of a competitive bidding process .
The government will @ @ @ @ @ to buy 3,000 of the rifles this year -- or $ 2,600 each .
Troops @ @ @ @ @ rifles in fiscal 2021 .

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Member of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force holds new HOWA Type 20 assault rifle at the Defnce Ministry in Tokyo, Japan on Monday, May 18, 2020. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's assault rifle updates for the first time in 31 years. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force will receive new rifles for the first time since 1989 to defend the country's southwestern islands, Japanese media reported this week. The rifles, are called Type 20 assault rifles because they were produced in Fiscal 2020, were unveiled Monday at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo. Advertisement
The new rifles are said to be more water-resistant and built for use in amphibious operations on the Nansei Islands, where the GDSF has recently been shifting troops, reportedly in response to increased naval actions by China in the island chain, which stretches about 745 miles om the Osumi islands in Kagoshima Prefecture to Yonagunijima island in Okinawa Prefecture.
The new rifles were made by Howa Machinery Limited, which also manufactured the Type 89 rifles the GDSF received 31 years ago, as part of a competitive bidding process.
The government will spend about $8.3 million to buy 3,000 of the rifles this year -- or $2,600 each.
Troops are expected to receive the rifles in fiscal 2021.


upi--2020-05-19--Buccaneers QB Tom Brady holds informal throwing session with teammates

The two-hour informal workout took place at Tampa 's Berkeley Preparatory School and included eight of his teammates , according to the Tampa Bay Times and ESPN .
The newspaper said Brady was at the event with wide receivers Mike Evans and Scotty Miller , tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J .
Howard , center Ryan Jensen , running back Dare Ogunbowale and quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Griffin .
`` Boys will be boys , '' Brady wrote on his Instagram story later Tuesday .
`` One day closer to football season . ''
The NFL has been relegated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
According to ESPN , Brady can conduct the private workouts as long as they are adhering to recommendations and guidelines provided by state and local authorities and medical experts , as well as the league .
The league allowed team facilities to begin reopening Tuesday , but only essential personnel and players who were receiving treatment for injuries before facilities were temporarily closed can enter .
Team facilities are currently closed to coaches and non-rehabbing players .
Berkeley Prep is closed to students but is permitting workouts .
Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 10 people .

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady held the two-hour workout Tuesday morning at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady held a private throwing session with teammates Tuesday morning. The two-hour informal workout took place at Tampa's Berkeley Preparatory School and included eight of his teammates, according to the Tampa Bay Times and ESPN. Advertisement
The newspaper said Brady was at the event with wide receivers Mike Evans and Scotty Miller, tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, center Ryan Jensen, running back Dare Ogunbowale and quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Griffin.
"Boys will be boys," Brady wrote on his Instagram story later Tuesday. "One day closer to football season."
The NFL has been relegated to a virtual off-season program due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to ESPN, Brady can conduct the private workouts as long as they are adhering to recommendations and guidelines provided by state and local authorities and medical experts, as well as the league.
The league allowed team facilities to begin reopening Tuesday, but only essential personnel and players who were receiving treatment for injuries before facilities were temporarily closed can enter. Team facilities are currently closed to coaches and non-rehabbing players.
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Berkeley Prep is closed to students but is permitting workouts. Florida social distancing guidelines allow for groups of under 10 people.


upi--2020-05-19--Hobby Lobby accuses Christie's of selling ancient artifact fraudulently

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Hobby Lobby sued Christie 's on Tuesday , accusing the auction house of selling it an ancient artifact that had been looted .
The lawsuit comes one day after U.S. Attorney 's Office in the Eastern District of New York seized the cuneiform tablet from where it was housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington , D.C. Hobby Lobby said Christie 's told the company the sale of the cuneiform tablet , which features the Epic of Gilgamesh , was legal .
The auction house allegedly said the tablet had been sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1981 , meaning it had ownership in the United States prior to a federal ban on cultural imports from Iraq in the 1990s .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office said a provenance letter proving the tablet was sold in 1981 was false .
`` In this case , a major auction house failed to meet its obligations by minimizing its concerns that the provenance of an important Iraqi artifact was fabricated , and withheld from the buyer information that undermined the provenance 's reliability , '' said Richard Donoghue , U.S. attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hobby Lobby purchased the cuneiform tablet with plans for it to go on display at the Museum of the Bible , partly funded by the Green family , which owns Hobby Lobby .
The museum opened in 2017 under the shadow of a separate case in which Hobby Lobby agreed to return more than 100 historic artifacts from modern-day Iraq that company President Steve Green purchased in Dubai .
In the lawsuit , Hobby Lobby said it wants the $ 1.6 million it spent on the tablet back as well as interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's fees .
In addition to Christie 's , the lawsuit names the anonymous seller of the cuneiform tablet -- identified as `` John Doe '' -- as a defendant .

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The cuneiform tablet in question tells the Epic of Gilgamesh. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York
May 19 (UPI) -- Hobby Lobby sued Christie's on Tuesday, accusing the auction house of selling it an ancient artifact that had been looted. The lawsuit comes one day after U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York seized the cuneiform tablet from where it was housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Advertisement
Hobby Lobby said Christie's told the company the sale of the cuneiform tablet, which features the Epic of Gilgamesh, was legal. The auction house allegedly said the tablet had been sold by San Francisco firm Butterfield & Butterfield in 1981, meaning it had ownership in the United States prior to a federal ban on cultural imports from Iraq in the 1990s.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said a provenance letter proving the tablet was sold in 1981 was false.
"In this case, a major auction house failed to meet its obligations by minimizing its concerns that the provenance of an important Iraqi artifact was fabricated, and withheld from the buyer information that undermined the provenance's reliability," said Richard Donoghue, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of New York.
Christie's denied having knowledge that the item's sale was illegal.
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"This filing is linked to new information that has come to light regarding an unidentified dealer's admission to government authorities that he illegally imported this item then falsified documents over a decade ago, in order to perpetrate an illegal sale and exploit the legitimate market for ancient art," a spokesperson said in an email to UPI.
"Now that we are informed of this illicit activity pre-dating Christie's involvement, we are reviewing all representations made to us by prior owners and will reserve our rights in this matter. Any suggestion that Christie's had knowledge of the original fraud or illegal importation is unsubstantiated."
Hobby Lobby purchased the cuneiform tablet with plans for it to go on display at the Museum of the Bible, partly funded by the Green family, which owns Hobby Lobby. The museum opened in 2017 under the shadow of a separate case in which Hobby Lobby agreed to return more than 100 historic artifacts from modern-day Iraq that company President Steve Green purchased in Dubai.
In the lawsuit, Hobby Lobby said it wants the $1.6 million it spent on the tablet back as well as interest on the money since 2014 and attorney's fees.
In addition to Christie's, the lawsuit names the anonymous seller of the cuneiform tablet -- identified as "John Doe" -- as a defendant.


upi--2020-05-19--Air Force splits nuclear weapons directorate into two focused groups

May 19 ( UPI ) -- The Air Force announced Tuesday that its Nuclear Weapons Center is breaking up the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate into two new directorate teams : the Minuteman III Systems Directorate and the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent , or GBSD , Systems Directorate .
`` This restructuring is a natural progression of the Air Force 's increasing focus on the modernization of the ICBM , the third leg of our strategic nuclear triad , '' said Maj. Gen. Shaun Morris , AFNWC commander and Air Force program executive officer for strategic systems , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to centralize some functional requirements , such as manpower and security , at a central operating location at Hill AFB , thus freeing up our subject matter experts to better focus on both sustaining the Minuteman III and acquiring the new GBSD weapon system , '' Morris said .
The NWC synchronizes all aspects of nuclear materiel management on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command in support of Air Force Global Strike Command , with more than 1,300 personnel assigned to 18 locations around the world .
The Minuteman III Systems Directorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , currently the ICBM Systems director .
The GBSD Systems Directorate will be led by Col. Jason Bartolomei , who is currently the system program manager for GBSD and will continue to serve in that role .
The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent is a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system which was developed to replace the Air Force 's 450 Minuteman III missiles beginning in 2027 .

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center created two new directorates to focus on its intercontinental ballistic missile mission. Photo by Clayton Wear/U.S. Air Force
May 19 (UPI) -- The Air Force announced Tuesday that its Nuclear Weapons Center is breaking up the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate into two new directorate teams: the Minuteman III Systems Directorate and the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD, Systems Directorate. "This restructuring is a natural progression of the Air Force's increasing focus on the modernization of the ICBM, the third leg of our strategic nuclear triad," said Maj. Gen. Shaun Morris, AFNWC commander and Air Force program executive officer for strategic systems, in a press statement. Advertisement
"It also allows us to centralize some functional requirements, such as manpower and security, at a central operating location at Hill AFB, thus freeing up our subject matter experts to better focus on both sustaining the Minuteman III and acquiring the new GBSD weapon system," Morris said.
The NWC synchronizes all aspects of nuclear materiel management on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command in support of Air Force Global Strike Command, with more than 1,300 personnel assigned to 18 locations around the world.
The Minuteman III Systems Directorate will be led by Col. Luke Cropsey, currently the ICBM Systems director. The GBSD Systems Directorate will be led by Col. Jason Bartolomei, who is currently the system program manager for GBSD and will continue to serve in that role.
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Morris said he expects a seamless transition.
The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent is a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system which was developed to replace the Air Force's 450 Minuteman III missiles beginning in 2027.


upi--2020-05-19--Powell, Mnuchin testify economic recovery may take time but administration is prepared

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers Tuesday the economic slowdown brought on by coronavirus restrictions could last for a while , but the Trump administration is prepared for a recovery .
The two testified in a remote hearing of the Senate banking committee to address the impact of the $ 2 trillion CARES Act and further economic fallout .
Powell said the scope and speed of the downturn are `` without modern precedent '' and are `` significantly worse than any recession since World War II . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates to near zero at an emergency session in March , plans to maintain rates at their present level until the central bank is confident the economy has `` weathered recent events '' and is on track to achieve `` maximum-employment and price-stability goals , '' Powell added .
Powell noted that the Fed 's Main Street Lending Program will be ready to go by the end of May , providing fiscal aid directly to small- and medium-sized businesses hampered by the health crisis .
He also said the central bank will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy in the coming months .
Mnuchin warned of `` permanent damage '' to the economy if states delay reopening .
`` We are continuing to see large unemployment and other negative indicators , '' Mnuchin said in his testimony .
`` It is important to realize that the large numbers represent real people .
`` As we listen to medical experts , we are optimistic about the progress being made on vaccines , antiviral therapies , and testing . ''
Much of the United States has loosened restrictions in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of closure has cost more than 30 million American workers their jobs over the past two months .
`` Working closely with governors , we are beginning to open the economy in a way that minimizes risks to workers and customers .
We expect economic conditions to improve in the third and fourth quarters , '' Mnuchin added .
Powell said that a plan to wider reopening will require controlling the spread of the virus as well as developing therapeutics and a vaccine .
`` The number one thing , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go back to work and that 's about having a sensible , thoughtful reopening of the economy , something that we all want -- and something that we 're in the early stages of now , '' he said .
Further , Powell said the Fed might expand its program to buy municipal debt and warned state and local governments that laying off workers could slow recovery .
`` We have the evidence of the global financial crisis and the years afterward , where state and local government layoffs and lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
A four-member congressional panel reported Monday that $ 37 billion of the $ 454 billion allocated to the Treasury for business loans has made it to the Fed 's Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility .
Mnuchin disputed accusations that the aid is being distributed too slowly , noting that the Treasury has `` committed up to $ 195 billion in credit support under the CARES Act . ''
The Treasury chief also said the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve are `` fully prepared to take losses '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distribute all $ 500 billion in funds earmarked for struggling businesses .

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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin exits the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after meeting with McConnell and Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers Tuesday the economic slowdown brought on by coronavirus restrictions could last for a while, but the Trump administration is prepared for a recovery. The two testified in a remote hearing of the Senate banking committee to address the impact of the $2 trillion CARES Act and further economic fallout. Advertisement
Powell said the scope and speed of the downturn are "without modern precedent" and are "significantly worse than any recession since World War II."
The Federal Reserve, which lowered key interest rates to near zero at an emergency session in March, plans to maintain rates at their present level until the central bank is confident the economy has "weathered recent events" and is on track to achieve "maximum-employment and price-stability goals," Powell added.
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Powell noted that the Fed's Main Street Lending Program will be ready to go by the end of May, providing fiscal aid directly to small- and medium-sized businesses hampered by the health crisis. He also said the central bank will use all "tools" to stabilize the U.S. economy in the coming months.
Mnuchin warned of "permanent damage" to the economy if states delay reopening.
"We are continuing to see large unemployment and other negative indicators," Mnuchin said in his testimony. "It is important to realize that the large numbers represent real people.
"As we listen to medical experts, we are optimistic about the progress being made on vaccines, antiviral therapies, and testing."
Much of the United States has loosened restrictions in recent weeks to reopen businesses, but weeks of closure has cost more than 30 million American workers their jobs over the past two months.
"Working closely with governors, we are beginning to open the economy in a way that minimizes risks to workers and customers. We expect economic conditions to improve in the third and fourth quarters," Mnuchin added.
Powell said that a plan to wider reopening will require controlling the spread of the virus as well as developing therapeutics and a vaccine.
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"The number one thing, of course, is people believing that it's safe to go back to work and that's about having a sensible, thoughtful reopening of the economy, something that we all want -- and something that we're in the early stages of now," he said.
Further, Powell said the Fed might expand its program to buy municipal debt and warned state and local governments that laying off workers could slow recovery.
"We have the evidence of the global financial crisis and the years afterward, where state and local government layoffs and lack of hiring did weigh on economic growth," he said.
A four-member congressional panel reported Monday that $37 billion of the $454 billion allocated to the Treasury for business loans has made it to the Fed's Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility.
Mnuchin disputed accusations that the aid is being distributed too slowly, noting that the Treasury has "committed up to $195 billion in credit support under the CARES Act."
The Treasury chief also said the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve are "fully prepared to take losses" on money given for relief aid and will distribute all $500 billion in funds earmarked for struggling businesses.
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World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-19--Nearly 40% of critically ill COVID-19 patients in New York City died, study finds

May 19 ( UPI ) -- The majority of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 require mechanical ventilation to help them breathe , according to a study published Tuesday by The Lancet .
The findings also show that nearly 40 percent of those who are hospitalized and become critically ill from the disease caused by the new coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 , ultimately die .
The study describes the progression of the virus in 257 patients in New York City , epicenter of the outbreak in the United States .
`` Our study provides in-depth understanding of how COVID-19 may be affecting critically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Max O'Donnell , senior author and a pulmonologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City , said in a statement .
`` Of particular interest is the finding that over three quarters of critically ill patients required a ventilator and almost one third required renal dialysis support , '' he added .
`` This has important implications for resource allocation in hospitals , where access to equipment and specialized staff needed to deliver this level of care is limited . ''
Through Tuesday afternoon , there have been more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the United States , with nearly 200,000 in New York City alone , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
More than 90,000 Americans have died from the virus , including at least 20,000 in New York .
For the analysis , O'Donnell and colleagues describe cases involving 1,150 adult COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in New York City between March 2 and April 1 , and followed for at least 28 days .
The most common symptoms reported by the patients were shortness of breath , fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The authors found that 22 percent of the patients they tracked -- 257 of 1,150 -- developed `` critical illness , '' meaning they required treatment in the hospital intensive care unit , or ICU .
Two-thirds of the critically ill patients were men , and more than 80 percent of them had at least one chronic illness .
The most common of these were high blood pressure , in 63 percent , and diabetes , in 36 percent , the authors found .
Critical illness was more common in older patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 62 , but roughly one in five patients were under 50 , the authors noted .
Nearly half of the patients were obese .
Additionally , the researchers report that 62 percent of the critically ill patients were Hispanic or Latino and around one in five were black or African-American , the authors said .
And 5 percent were employed as healthcare workers , although it was not possible to determine whether they became infected while working in a clinical setting .
Of the critically ill patients , 79 percent -- 203 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average of 18 days on a ventilator , and some spending as long as 28 days on a ventilator .
Almost one third of the critically ill patients developed severe kidney damage and required therapy to support kidney function , such as dialysis , the authors said .
As of April 28 , 39 percent of the critically ill patients had died and 37 percent remained in the hospital .
Only 23 percent had been discharged alive , the researchers reported .
In general , the findings in New York City mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with older age and preexisting conditions being the most prominent risk factors associated with poor outcomes from the virus , the authors said .
`` Until now , detailed understanding of how the virus is affecting critically ill patients in the U.S. has been limited to reports from a small number of cases , '' said Dr. Natalie Yip , associate director of the ICU at Columbia University Irving Medical Center .
`` Our study aimed to identify risk factors associated with death in critically ill COVID-19 patients in a U.S. hospital @ @ @

New Yorkers remain cautious as a new study provides insight into the effects of COVID-19 on health. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- The majority of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 require mechanical ventilation to help them breathe, according to a study published Tuesday by The Lancet. The findings also show that nearly 40 percent of those who are hospitalized and become critically ill from the disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, ultimately die. Advertisement
The study describes the progression of the virus in 257 patients in New York City, epicenter of the outbreak in the United States.
"Our study provides in-depth understanding of how COVID-19 may be affecting critically ill patients in U.S. hospitals," Dr. Max O'Donnell, senior author and a pulmonologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, said in a statement.
"Of particular interest is the finding that over three quarters of critically ill patients required a ventilator and almost one third required renal dialysis support," he added. "This has important implications for resource allocation in hospitals, where access to equipment and specialized staff needed to deliver this level of care is limited."
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Through Tuesday afternoon, there have been more than 1.52 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the United States, with nearly 200,000 in New York City alone, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University. More than 90,000 Americans have died from the virus, including at least 20,000 in New York.
For the analysis, O'Donnell and colleagues describe cases involving 1,150 adult COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in New York City between March 2 and April 1, and followed for at least 28 days. The most common symptoms reported by the patients were shortness of breath, fever, cough, muscle pain and diarrhea.
The authors found that 22 percent of the patients they tracked -- 257 of 1,150 -- developed "critical illness," meaning they required treatment in the hospital intensive care unit, or ICU.
Two-thirds of the critically ill patients were men, and more than 80 percent of them had at least one chronic illness. The most common of these were high blood pressure, in 63 percent, and diabetes, in 36 percent, the authors found.
Critical illness was more common in older patients, who had a median age of 62, but roughly one in five patients were under 50, the authors noted. Nearly half of the patients were obese.
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Additionally, the researchers report that 62 percent of the critically ill patients were Hispanic or Latino and around one in five were black or African-American, the authors said. And 5 percent were employed as healthcare workers, although it was not possible to determine whether they became infected while working in a clinical setting.
Of the critically ill patients, 79 percent -- 203 of 257 -- required ventilator support, spending an average of 18 days on a ventilator, and some spending as long as 28 days on a ventilator.
Almost one third of the critically ill patients developed severe kidney damage and required therapy to support kidney function, such as dialysis, the authors said.
As of April 28, 39 percent of the critically ill patients had died and 37 percent remained in the hospital. Only 23 percent had been discharged alive, the researchers reported.
In general, the findings in New York City mirror reports from China, Italy and Britain, with older age and preexisting conditions being the most prominent risk factors associated with poor outcomes from the virus, the authors said.
"Until now, detailed understanding of how the virus is affecting critically ill patients in the U.S. has been limited to reports from a small number of cases," said Dr. Natalie Yip, associate director of the ICU at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "Our study aimed to identify risk factors associated with death in critically ill COVID-19 patients in a U.S. hospital setting."


upi--2020-05-19--President Donald Trump signs executive order to cut regulations hampering economic recovery

May 19 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday seeking to cut regulations that hamper @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 pandemic .
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House , Trump @ @ @ @ @ agencies to review hundreds of regulations that have been suspended in response to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ where possible .
`` With millions of Americans forced out of work by the virus @ @ @ @ @ than ever to remove burdens that destroy American jobs , '' Trump said .
He @ @ @ @ @ to use emergency authorities to speed up regulation cuts or `` new rules that will @ @ @ @ @ get rid of unnecessary rules and regulations . ''
The administration has taken steps to @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , including a March memo by the Environmental Protection Agency announcing it suspended enforcement @ @ @ @ @ to monitor their pollution .

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing federal agencies to review regulations that have been suspended in response to the coronavirus pandemic and cut any that would hinder economic recovery. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday seeking to cut regulations that hamper economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said the order directs federal agencies to review hundreds of regulations that have been suspended in response to the pandemic and make those suspensions permanent where possible. Advertisement
"With millions of Americans forced out of work by the virus, it's more important than ever to remove burdens that destroy American jobs," Trump said.
He also said he instructed agencies to use emergency authorities to speed up regulation cuts or "new rules that will create jobs and prosperity and get rid of unnecessary rules and regulations."
The administration has taken steps to loosen some regulations amid the pandemic, including a March memo by the Environmental Protection Agency announcing it suspended enforcement of environmental laws requiring companies to monitor their pollution.


upi--2020-05-19--Woman credits lottery win to unusual schedule change

May 19 ( UPI ) -- An Australian woman said an unusual shift in her schedule led to her winning a lottery jackpot worth more than $ 250,000 .
The Bayswater , Western Australia , woman told Lotterywest officials she has played the Saturday Lotto drawing for decades , and always buys her ticket at the same time .
The woman said she found herself unexpectedly ahead of schedule when she stopped at the Swan Lotteries Kiosk in Bassendean .
`` I went earlier to get my ticket this time by a couple of hours , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first line of numbers on her ticket matched the numbers in the drawing .
`` I ca n't tell you how many times I checked the ticket as the numbers came up on the first line , '' the player said .
Lotterywest spokeswoman Pina Compagnone said there have been a number of unusual lottery stories so far this year .
`` This year , we 've seen winners who have used the same numbers for 30 years , to someone randomly buying a ticket on their wedding day because they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For this winner it was buying a ticket a couple of hours ahead of schedule . ''

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May 19 (UPI) -- An Australian woman said an unusual shift in her schedule led to her winning a lottery jackpot worth more than $250,000.
The Bayswater, Western Australia, woman told Lotterywest officials she has played the Saturday Lotto drawing for decades, and always buys her ticket at the same time.
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The woman said she found herself unexpectedly ahead of schedule when she stopped at the Swan Lotteries Kiosk in Bassendean.
"I went earlier to get my ticket this time by a couple of hours," she said.
The change in schedule paid off when the first line of numbers on her ticket matched the numbers in the drawing.
"I can't tell you how many times I checked the ticket as the numbers came up on the first line," the player said.
The woman won $268,454.
Lotterywest spokeswoman Pina Compagnone said there have been a number of unusual lottery stories so far this year.
"This year, we've seen winners who have used the same numbers for 30 years, to someone randomly buying a ticket on their wedding day because they were feeling lucky," Compagnone said. "For this winner it was buying a ticket a couple of hours ahead of schedule."


upi--2020-05-19--Sea lion rescued next to busy California highway

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Authorities and animal rescuers in California came to the assistance of a wayward sea @ @ @ @ @ to a busy stretch of highway .
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito said the @ @ @ @ @ by rescuers , was spotted Sunday next to Interstate 5 in the Tracy area .
@ @ @ @ @ 's Office 's Animal Services unit and troopers with the California Highway Patrol arrived on @ @ @ @ @ the sea lion while waiting for personnel from the Marine Mammal Center .
Dave Zahniser @ @ @ @ @ 's response training and operations manager , said Gilligan appears to be healthy and likely @ @ @ @ @ food .
`` So , what we see with animals like this is they 're @ @ @ @ @ told KTXL-TV .
`` They 're opportunistic and there is quite a bit of food @ @ @ @ @ Bay Area . ''
He said Gilligan will likely be released back into the ocean @ @ @ @ @ observation .

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May 19 (UPI) -- Authorities and animal rescuers in California came to the assistance of a wayward sea lion spotted making its way to a busy stretch of highway.
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito said the sea lion, dubbed Gilligan by rescuers, was spotted Sunday next to Interstate 5 in the Tracy area.
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The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office's Animal Services unit and troopers with the California Highway Patrol arrived on the scene first and monitored the sea lion while waiting for personnel from the Marine Mammal Center.
Dave Zahniser, the Marine Mammal Center's response training and operations manager, said Gilligan appears to be healthy and likely became lost while searching for food.
"So, what we see with animals like this is they're following food," Zahniser told KTXL-TV. "They're opportunistic and there is quite a bit of food in the waterways around the Bay Area."
He said Gilligan will likely be released back into the ocean after a few days of observation.


upi--2020-05-19--Sen. Mitch McConnell: Senate to consider new coronavirus relief bill in 'couple weeks'

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Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell listens as President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after attending the weekly Senate Republican luncheon on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the Senate will discuss the latest coronavirus relief bill -- passed by the House last week -- in a "couple weeks." He told reporters of his plans after a Republican conference lunch with President Donald Trump. Advertisement
"We need to assess what we've already done, take a look at what worked and what didn't work, and we'll discuss a way forward in the next couple weeks," McConnell said.
The fourth COVID-19 relief bill, as written by House Democrats, aims to funnel money to state and local governments to address issues that were not included in previous measures and increase funding for the U.S. Postal Service.
The House passed the $3 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Emergency Solutions Act on Friday with a vote of 208-199.
Republicans have balked at the package, deriding it as a partisan move filled with expenses unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic, a notion the White House repeated Thursday in its letter to the House of Representatives.
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California took issue with the fact that the package provides another round of $1,200 stimulus checks for Americans and undocumented immigrants alike.
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Trump promised to veto the legislation as written.
When it was unveiled, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described the package as having three pillars to reopen the economy safely and quickly, to honor those fighting the coronavirus and to put money in the pockets of Americans suffering under strict lockdown measures put in place to prevent spread of the virus.
Since lockdown measures were put in place across the country, some 36 million Americans have filed for unemployment and there's been a 16.4 percent drop in retail sales.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-05-19--'Father Ted' superfan sought to get paid watching classic series

May 19 ( UPI ) -- An Irish website is seeking a superfan of classic sitcom Father Ted to review @ @ @ @ @ -- and get paid to do it .
A news and viral content website called @ @ @ @ @ is seeking a Father Ted superfan to watch every episode of the show , review @ @ @ @ @ by quality .
The selected candidate will work together with the website 's writers and @ @ @ @ @ around the series , the posting said .
The winning fan , who does n't @ @ @ @ @ Ireland to land the position , will be paid $ 12 an hour for their @ @ @ @ @ said it will begin interviewing prospective candidates June 15

An Irish website is seeking a fan of sitcom "Father Ted" to get paid $12 an hour to watch and review every episode of the series. Photo by mohamed_hassan/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe May 19 (UPI) -- An Irish website is seeking a superfan of classic sitcom Father Ted to review every episode of the series -- and get paid to do it. A news and viral content website called Meanwhile in Ireland said it is seeking a Father Ted superfan to watch every episode of the show, review each episode and rank them by quality. Advertisement
The selected candidate will work together with the website's writers and editors to create content based around the series, the posting said.
The winning fan, who doesn't need to be based in Ireland to land the position, will be paid $12 an hour for their efforts.
Meanwhile in Ireland said it will begin interviewing prospective candidates June 15


upi--2020-05-19--Dow falls 300 points as banks, retailers flop

May 19 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 390 points on Tuesday , following poor performances @ @ @ @ @ .
The bellwether index closed down 1.59 percent Tuesday , while the S & P @ @ @ @ @ the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.54 percent .
Tuesday 's losses came after the markets reported @ @ @ @ @ weeks on Monday as the Dow gained 900 points .
Markets were influenced in part @ @ @ @ @ that dampened some of the optimism surrounding trials by biotech firm Moderna for a potential @ @ @ @ @ market 's surge on Monday .
Moderna stock fell 10.41 percent on Tuesday after climbing @ @ @ @ @ announcement that early trials of the possible vaccine were `` positive . ''
Bank shares @ @ @ @ @ positive results on Monday as Wells Fargo sank 5.75 percent , Bank of America fell @ @ @ @ @ 2.72 percent and JPMorgan Chase slid 1.73 percent .
Poor financial reports also caused retailers @ @ @ @ @ as Home Depot stock dropped 2.95 percent and Walmart fell 2.22 percent .

Markets fell on Tuesday following their best day in six weeks on Monday as optimism about a potential coronavirus vaccine was thrown into question and retailers and bank stocks fell. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 19 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 390 points on Tuesday, following poor performances by bank stocks and retailers. The bellwether index closed down 1.59 percent Tuesday, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.05 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.54 percent. Advertisement
Tuesday's losses came after the markets reported their best session in six weeks on Monday as the Dow gained 900 points.
Markets were influenced in part by a STAT news report that dampened some of the optimism surrounding trials by biotech firm Moderna for a potential coronavirus vaccine that spurred the market's surge on Monday.
Moderna stock fell 10.41 percent on Tuesday after climbing 19.96 on Monday upon the announcement that early trials of the possible vaccine were "positive."
Bank shares also experienced a turnaround after positive results on Monday as Wells Fargo sank 5.75 percent, Bank of America fell 3.14 percent, Citigroup dropped 2.72 percent and JPMorgan Chase slid 1.73 percent.
Poor financial reports also caused retailers to take a hit Tuesday as Home Depot stock dropped 2.95 percent and Walmart fell 2.22 percent.


upi--2020-05-19--Look: Alligator ejected from Louisiana family's patio

May 19 ( UPI ) -- A Louisiana police officer was called to a home to eject an unwanted visitor @ @ @ @ @ the home 's patio .
The Brusly Police Department shared photos on Facebook showing the @ @ @ @ @ of rocking chairs right outside a door to the home in Allain .
The department @ @ @ @ @ its face mask and required police assistance .
The gator was relocated away from the @ @ @ @ @ .

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May 19 (UPI) -- A Louisiana police officer was called to a home to eject an unwanted visitor -- an alligator lurking on the home's patio.
The Brusly Police Department shared photos on Facebook showing the alligator hiding behind a pair of rocking chairs right outside a door to the home in Allain.
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The department joked the alligator had misplaced its face mask and required police assistance.
The gator was relocated away from the property by Officer Ron Tetzel.


upi--2020-05-19--Watch: Millions of moths invade animal sanctuary pig pen

May 19 ( UPI ) -- The owner of a New Mexico animal sanctuary said she was shocked to discover some unwanted animals had invaded her pig pen -- a massive swarm of millions of moths .
Tamara Hubbard of the Santuario De Karuna in Tijeras said she heard one of the pigs living at the sanctuary crying out in distress at night and rushed to investigate .
`` I came out of the house and noticed the light was on , '' Hubbard told KOB-TV .
`` I must have inadvertently bumped it cause I do n't know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million moths . ''
Hubbard said there were so many moths she could n't see the white paint on the walls .
`` Oh my God we are under siege , '' she can be heard saying in cellphone video of the swarm .
`` This is bad , this is so bad , oh my God they are all over me . ''
Hubbard said she got the moths to disperse by shutting off the light .
Insect expert Richard Fagerlund said moths are swarming in the area due to dry weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are coming out of the mountains and out of the desert because there 's no rain , they are coming to town because they can sense the moisture , '' he said .

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May 19 (UPI) -- The owner of a New Mexico animal sanctuary said she was shocked to discover some unwanted animals had invaded her pig pen -- a massive swarm of millions of moths.
Tamara Hubbard of the Santuario De Karuna in Tijeras said she heard one of the pigs living at the sanctuary crying out in distress at night and rushed to investigate.
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"I came out of the house and noticed the light was on," Hubbard told KOB-TV. "I must have inadvertently bumped it cause I don't know. I couldn't count them, a million moths."
Hubbard said there were so many moths she couldn't see the white paint on the walls.
"Oh my God we are under siege," she can be heard saying in cellphone video of the swarm. "This is bad, this is so bad, oh my God they are all over me."
Hubbard said she got the moths to disperse by shutting off the light.
Insect expert Richard Fagerlund said moths are swarming in the area due to dry weather.
"It's so dry out that they are coming out of the mountains and out of the desert because there's no rain, they are coming to town because they can sense the moisture," he said.


upi--2020-05-19--Major Midwest flooding ongoing; heavy rain moves to Carolinas

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Major ongoing flooding has hit the Midwest from Illinois to Michigan amid heavy rainfall over the last few days .
In Michigan , the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling reached major flood stage Tuesday and minor to moderate flooding has been observed in several rivers across the state , according to the National Weather Service .
Meteorologist said that 3 to 4 inches of rain have fallen in Midland County , Mich. , since Sunday producing a `` tremendous '' amount of runoff , which the NWS said is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it impossible to pass some roads and bridges .
Evacuation orders have been issued as some dams in Midland County , Mich. , could barely hold and could still possibly fail , ABC News reported .
In Illinois , heavy rains Sunday combined with record rain in Chicago last week that led to flooding of homes and power outages in swaths of the city and suburbs as rivers and streams overflowed .
Chicago alone has recorded 8.3 inches of rain in May so far , marking the wettest May on record .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a Facebook post that heavy rain from the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians , Carolinas and western Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday .
Some flash flooding is likely in Indiana , Ohio and Kentucky Tuesday , according to the WPC , and the same is likely in western parts of South Carolina , North Carolina and Virginia Tuesday and Wednesday .

Snapshot of Significant River Flood Outlook map. Photo courtesy of NWS/Website.
May 19 (UPI) -- Major ongoing flooding has hit the Midwest from Illinois to Michigan amid heavy rainfall over the last few days. In Michigan, the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling reached major flood stage Tuesday and minor to moderate flooding has been observed in several rivers across the state, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement
Meteorologist said that 3 to 4 inches of rain have fallen in Midland County, Mich., since Sunday producing a "tremendous" amount of runoff, which the NWS said is significantly impacting the rivers.
Flooding has made it impossible to pass some roads and bridges.
The scene in downtown Midland this morning. You can see "The Tridge," our three-way footbridge spanning the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers. The circle is the roof of our farmers' market. pic.twitter.com/YNIBxegYEc— Andrew Wehrman (@ProfWehrman) May 19, 2020
Evacuation orders have been issued as some dams in Midland County, Mich., could barely hold and could still possibly fail, ABC News reported.
In Illinois, heavy rains Sunday combined with record rain in Chicago last week that led to flooding of homes and power outages in swaths of the city and suburbs as rivers and streams overflowed.
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Chicago alone has recorded 8.3 inches of rain in May so far, marking the wettest May on record.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center said in a Facebook post that heavy rain from the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians, Carolinas and western Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Some flash flooding is likely in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky Tuesday, according to the WPC, and the same is likely in western parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia Tuesday and Wednesday.


upi--2020-05-19--Controlling blood pressure may reduce dementia risk by 7%

May 19 ( UPI ) -- Treating high blood pressure may also reduce risk for dementia or cognitive impairment later in life , an analysis published Tuesday by JAMA has found .
Researchers report that treating high blood pressure , or hypertension , with medications such as beta blockers , ACE inhibitors and ARB blockers lowers a person 's likelihood of developing dementia by more than 7 percent , and some forms of cognitive decline by more than 20 percent .
Scientists in Ireland , Scotland and Canada reviewed data from 12 clinical trials with more than 92,000 participants who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Treating high blood pressure with blood pressure medications reduces your risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment , '' co-author Dr. Michelle Canavan , specialist registrar in geriatric medicine at University Hospital Limerick in Ireland , told UPI .
`` The findings of this study add dementia and cognitive impairment to the list of benefits -- like heart disease and stroke -- of lowering blood pressure with medications , '' she added .
`` This is a very relevant message for people who want to know how they can age successfully and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can . ''
More than half of all American adults -- 108 million -- have high blood pressure , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The agency estimates only about one in four people with high blood pressure have their condition under control .
Meanwhile , about 6 million people in the United States are living with some form of dementia , while another 5 million have some form of cognitive impairment .
Dementia is not a single disease , but rather a general term for symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication and thinking difficulties .
Cognitive impairment is diagnosed when a person has trouble remembering , learning new things , concentrating or making decisions , according to the CDC .
Cognitive decline is considered a mild form of cognitive impairment that is expected as a natural part of aging .
All 12 studies analyzed by the researchers reported the incidence of dementia in their patient populations , while eight recorded cognitive decline and eight documented changes in cognitive test scores , the researchers said .
Among all study participants , mean systolic baseline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mean diastolic blood pressure was 83.3 mm Hg .
The researchers found that blood pressure lowering with prescription medications significantly reduced the risk for dementia , by 7 percent , or cognitive impairment , by 7.5 percent , over at least a four-year period .
In addition , eight of the included studies observed that effective blood pressure control reduced risk for cognitive decline by just over 20 percent .
`` High blood pressure increases the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment through stroke -- clotting or bleeding -- as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canavan said .
`` The effect of lowering blood pressure on the brain not only reduces the risk of stroke but also reduces damage to blood vessels in the brain . ''

Effectively controlling blood pressure may also reduce risk for dementia, a new analysis has found. Photo by agilemktg1/Flickr
May 19 (UPI) -- Treating high blood pressure may also reduce risk for dementia or cognitive impairment later in life, an analysis published Tuesday by JAMA has found. Researchers report that treating high blood pressure, or hypertension, with medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARB blockers lowers a person's likelihood of developing dementia by more than 7 percent, and some forms of cognitive decline by more than 20 percent. Advertisement
Scientists in Ireland, Scotland and Canada reviewed data from 12 clinical trials with more than 92,000 participants who had a mean age of 69.
"Treating high blood pressure with blood pressure medications reduces your risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment," co-author Dr. Michelle Canavan, consultant geriatrician at Galway University Hospital in Ireland, told UPI.
"The findings of this study add dementia and cognitive impairment to the list of benefits -- like heart disease and stroke -- of lowering blood pressure with medications," she added. "This is a very relevant message for people who want to know how they can age successfully and live independently for as long as they can."
More than half of all American adults -- 108 million -- have high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency estimates only about one in four people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
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Meanwhile, about 6 million people in the United States are living with some form of dementia, while another 5 million have some form of cognitive impairment. Dementia is not a single disease, but rather a general term for symptoms of cognitive impairment, including memory loss and communication and thinking difficulties.
Examples of conditions that entail dementia include Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive impairment is diagnosed when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating or making decisions, according to the CDC. Cognitive decline is considered a mild form of cognitive impairment that is expected as a natural part of aging.
All 12 studies analyzed by the researchers reported the incidence of dementia in their patient populations, while eight recorded cognitive decline and eight documented changes in cognitive test scores, the researchers said.
Among all study participants, mean systolic baseline blood pressure was 154 mm Hg and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 83.3 mm Hg.
The researchers found that blood pressure lowering with prescription medications significantly reduced the risk for dementia, by 7 percent, or cognitive impairment, by 7.5 percent, over at least a four-year period.
In addition, eight of the included studies observed that effective blood pressure control reduced risk for cognitive decline by just over 20 percent.
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"High blood pressure increases the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment through stroke -- clotting or bleeding -- as well as silent stroke and brain shrinkage," Canavan said. "The effect of lowering blood pressure on the brain not only reduces the risk of stroke but also reduces damage to blood vessels in the brain."


upi--2020-05-20--South Korea ruling party prepared to eradicate ‘fake news’

May 20 ( UPI ) -- South Korea 's ruling party is supporting new laws that could punish people for disseminating `` fake news , '' according to multiple press reports .
South Korea 's Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan said Wednesday a new law designed to verify the truths of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising should also consider bringing to justice people who have conflicting interpretations of the events of 40 years ago , when the South Korean military quelled a pro-democracy movement , Yonhap and News 1 reported Wednesday .
Lee , a former prime minister under progressive President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the Democratic Party Supreme Council he takes issue specifically with Jee Man-won , a far-right politician who has said the uprising of May 18 , 1980 included the participation of North Korean military personnel .
Jee has been the target of lawsuits from activists , who allege he created falsified documents to connect the Gwangju Uprising with the North Korean regime in Pyongyang .
On Wednesday , Lee said Jee was promoting `` fake news , '' and engaging in `` unscrupulous acts aimed in advancing his self-interest . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korean people ] can the spread of fake news be stopped , '' Lee said .
`` It is truly deplorable .
To distort the history of the Gwangju Uprising is to also violate the spirit of the [ South Korean ] Constitution . ''
Park Kwang-on , a member of the DP Supreme Council , said the May 18 Special Law to `` reveal the truth '' must be passed , in order to lead the country down a path of reconciliation , News 1 reported .
Park also said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` expand the authority '' of inspectors .
`` Tragic history repeats itself , unless people are duly punished for a systematic and widespread massacre of citizens . ''
Former President Chun Doo-hwan , who came to power after staging a military coup in 1979 , has been blamed for ordering the crackdown against Gwangju protesters .
Chun is facing a libel lawsuit in connection to the events of Gwangju .

Lee Hae-chan (R), leader of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party, condemned politicians who "distort history," in reference to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA-EFE
May 20 (UPI) -- South Korea's ruling party is supporting new laws that could punish people for disseminating "fake news," according to multiple press reports. South Korea's Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan said Wednesday a new law designed to verify the truths of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising should also consider bringing to justice people who have conflicting interpretations of the events of 40 years ago, when the South Korean military quelled a pro-democracy movement, Yonhap and News 1 reported Wednesday. Advertisement
Lee, a former prime minister under progressive President Roh Moo-hyun, told politicians at a meeting of the Democratic Party Supreme Council he takes issue specifically with Jee Man-won, a far-right politician who has said the uprising of May 18, 1980 included the participation of North Korean military personnel.
Jee has been the target of lawsuits from activists, who allege he created falsified documents to connect the Gwangju Uprising with the North Korean regime in Pyongyang.
On Wednesday, Lee said Jee was promoting "fake news," and engaging in "unscrupulous acts aimed in advancing his self-interest."
"Only with the consensus of the [South Korean people] can the spread of fake news be stopped," Lee said.
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"It is truly deplorable. To distort the history of the Gwangju Uprising is to also violate the spirit of the [South Korean] Constitution."
Park Kwang-on, a member of the DP Supreme Council, said the May 18 Special Law to "reveal the truth" must be passed, in order to lead the country down a path of reconciliation, News 1 reported.
Park also said it is necessary to investigate the facts, and "expand the authority" of inspectors.
"Tragic history repeats itself, unless people are duly punished for a systematic and widespread massacre of citizens."
Former President Chun Doo-hwan, who came to power after staging a military coup in 1979, has been blamed for ordering the crackdown against Gwangju protesters.
Chun is facing a libel lawsuit in connection to the events of Gwangju.


upi--2020-05-20--Saints' Superdome to get new name in 2021

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The New Orleans Saints ' Superdome will have a new name in 2021 .
Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel told Forbes and NOLA.com that Mercedes-Benz wo n't renew its naming rights to 75,000-seat facility .
The company 's contract for the stadium name -- the Mercedes-Benz Superdome -- expires in July 2021 .
`` The agreement is not being renewed , based on Mercedes-Benz having other opportunities , '' Bensel told NOLA.com .
`` Mercedes-Benz has been an excellent partner for our team , the building and our region .
We could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global company to have as our inaugural naming rights partner . ''
Mercedes-Benz will focus on its sponsorships for Mercedes-Benz Stadium , the home of the Atlanta Falcons and MLS squad Atlanta United .
The German automaker was the first company to buy naming rights for the Superdome .
The Louisiana Superdome opened in 1975 .
Mercedes-Benz signed a 10-year deal worth $ 50 million to $ 60 million with the Saints in 2011 .
Mercedes-Benz signed a 27-year naming rights deal for the Falcons/Atlanta United facility .
Atlanta is the home of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superdome has hosted Super Bowls , festivals , concerts , Saints games , the College Football Playoff , an address by Pope John Paul II , the Republican National Convention , NCAA Division I men 's basketball Final Four tournament games and served as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina .
The facility is undergoing $ 450 million in renovations .
It is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in 2024 .
The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District , a government-appointed board that owns the Superdome and the Smoothie King Center , has begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner .

Mercedes-Benz's contract for the naming rights of the Superdome in New Orleans expires in July 2021. File Photo by Mark Wallheiser/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The New Orleans Saints' Superdome will have a new name in 2021. Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel told Forbes and NOLA.com that Mercedes-Benz won't renew its naming rights to 75,000-seat facility. The company's contract for the stadium name -- the Mercedes-Benz Superdome -- expires in July 2021. Advertisement
"The agreement is not being renewed, based on Mercedes-Benz having other opportunities," Bensel told NOLA.com. "Mercedes-Benz has been an excellent partner for our team, the building and our region. We could not have asked for a more well-respected global company to have as our inaugural naming rights partner."
Mercedes-Benz will focus on its sponsorships for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons and MLS squad Atlanta United. The German automaker was the first company to buy naming rights for the Superdome.
The Louisiana Superdome opened in 1975. Mercedes-Benz signed a 10-year deal worth $50 million to $60 million with the Saints in 2011. Mercedes-Benz signed a 27-year naming rights deal for the Falcons/Atlanta United facility. Atlanta is the home of Mercedes-Benz's U.S. corporate headquarters.
The Superdome has hosted Super Bowls, festivals, concerts, Saints games, the College Football Playoff, an address by Pope John Paul II, the Republican National Convention, NCAA Division I men's basketball Final Four tournament games and served as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina. The facility is undergoing $450 million in renovations. It is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in 2024.
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The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, a government-appointed board that owns the Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, has begun its search for a new naming rights partner.


upi--2020-05-20--Watch: Ben Stiller shares memories of his dad, Jerry Stiller, on 'Tonight Show'

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Ben Stiller paid tribute to his late father , fellow comedian Jerry Stiller , while appearing on The Tonight Show .
Jerry Stiller recently died at the age of 92 .
Jerry Stiller was best known for forming a comedy duo with his late wife , Anne Meara , and for starring on Seinfeld and The King of Queens .
`` They were such a unit together and they just had this amazing chemistry and were married for 60-plus years and worked together , you know , their whole lives , '' Ben Stiller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioning how much fun they had playing charades previously on The Tonight Show .
`` My dad , you know , it 's the way that he was always funny was that he was n't really trying to be funny .
I mean , he was aware that he wanted to be funny , but he would n't go for a laugh .
He 'd just be himself , '' Ben Stiller continued .
Ben Stiller also discussed how different his father was from his famous characters such as the often-angry Frank Costanza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very quiet and you know , I think he suppressed a lot and just did his whole life .
He came up from this upbringing where he was very , very poor .
His dad was a bus driver , depression era New York City .
And you know he had all this kind of stuff inside of him , but that 's where it would come out .
It would come out in the characters , '' Ben Stiller said .

May 20 (UPI) -- Ben Stiller paid tribute to his late father, fellow comedian Jerry Stiller, while appearing on The Tonight Show.
Jerry Stiller recently died at the age of 92. Jerry Stiller was best known for forming a comedy duo with his late wife, Anne Meara, and for starring on Seinfeld and The King of Queens.
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"They were such a unit together and they just had this amazing chemistry and were married for 60-plus years and worked together, you know, their whole lives," Ben Stiller said on Tuesday about his parents after mentioning how much fun they had playing charades previously on The Tonight Show.
"My dad, you know, it's the way that he was always funny was that he wasn't really trying to be funny. I mean, he was aware that he wanted to be funny, but he wouldn't go for a laugh. He'd just be himself," Ben Stiller continued.
Ben Stiller also discussed how different his father was from his famous characters such as the often-angry Frank Costanza on Seinfeld.
"He was very, very quiet and you know, I think he suppressed a lot and just did his whole life. He came up from this upbringing where he was very, very poor. His dad was a bus driver, depression era New York City. And you know he had all this kind of stuff inside of him, but that's where it would come out. It would come out in the characters," Ben Stiller said.


upi--2020-05-20--Freeform renews 'Everything’s Gonna Be Okay,' 'Motherland: Fort Salem'

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Freeform has announced it renewed Everything 's Gon na Be Okay and Motherland : Fort Salem .
`` We could n't be happier to bring both Everything 's Gon na Be Okay and Motherland : Fort Salem back for second seasons .
Each show 's originality , characters and themes struck a chord with our audience , and we 're excited to share the ambitious stories the writers have planned for Season 2 , '' Lauren Corrao , executive vice president of original programming and development at Freeform , said in a press release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slate ahead , and with our young adult audience coming of age in a time that will forever impact their lives , we owe it to them to tell bold , authentic stories that reflect who they are and where they are going . ''
Everything 's Gon na Be Okay is a a comedy created , executive produced and stars Josh Thomas .
It is about a man in his 20s raising his two teenage half-sisters after the death of their father .
Motherland : Fort Salem is a thriller set in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with the U.S. government to defend the country using supernatural tactics and weapons .
The series stars Taylor Hickson , Jessica Sutton , Ashley Nicole Williams , Amalia Holm , Demetria McKinney and Lyne Renee .
It is written and was created by Eliot Laurence , with Laurence , Will Ferrell , Adam McKay and Kevin Messick serving as executive producers .

1/2
Josh Thomas' series "Everything's Gonna Be Okay" has been renewed for a second season. Photo courtesy of Freeform
May 20 (UPI) -- Freeform has announced it renewed Everything's Gonna Be Okay and Motherland: Fort Salem. "We couldn't be happier to bring both Everything's Gonna Be Okay and Motherland: Fort Salem back for second seasons. Each show's originality, characters and themes struck a chord with our audience, and we're excited to share the ambitious stories the writers have planned for Season 2," Lauren Corrao, executive vice president of original programming and development at Freeform, said in a press release Tuesday. Advertisement
"We have a strong slate ahead, and with our young adult audience coming of age in a time that will forever impact their lives, we owe it to them to tell bold, authentic stories that reflect who they are and where they are going."
Everything's Gonna Be Okay is a a comedy created, executive produced and stars Josh Thomas. It is about a man in his 20s raising his two teenage half-sisters after the death of their father.
The show's ensemble includes Kayla Cromer, Adam Faison and Maeve Press.
ACTUAL GOOD NEWS: #EverythingsGonnaBeOkay is coming back for Season 2. Larry, go put on your party hat. pic.twitter.com/XQpMc3q2PY— Everything's Gonna Be Okay (@EverythingsOkTV) May 19, 2020 Advertisement
Motherland: Fort Salem is a thriller set in an alternate, present-day America where witches work with the U.S. government to defend the country using supernatural tactics and weapons. The series stars Taylor Hickson, Jessica Sutton, Ashley Nicole Williams, Amalia Holm, Demetria McKinney and Lyne Renee.
It is written and was created by Eliot Laurence, with Laurence, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick serving as executive producers.


upi--2020-05-20--Jet engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce to cut 9,000 jobs

May 20 ( UPI ) -- British jet engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce said Wednesday it will cut 9,000 jobs as it tries to weather the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the air travel industry .
Rolls-Royce said 8,000 of the cuts will be made in its civil aerospace sector .
The losses represent nearly one-fifth of the company 's worldwide workforce of 52,000 .
`` Our airline customers and airframe partners are having to adapt and so must we , '' Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East said in a statement .
`` We must take difficult decisions to see our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rolls-Royce said the reorganization should save the company about $ 1.6 billion annually and $ 858 million immediately .
`` We have to do this right , which means we will work closely with our employee and trade union representatives as appropriate , look at any viable alternatives to mitigate the impact , consult with everyone affected and treat our people with dignity and respect , '' West added .
A number of aircraft use Rolls Royce engines , including Airbus ' A330 , A340 , A350 and A380 jetliners , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The International Air Transport Association said last week it does n't expect air travel to return to 2019 levels until 2023 .
Rolls-Royce said it plans to produce just 250 plane engines this year , down from its previous estimate of 450 .

A worker walks beneath one of four large Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines on an Airbus A380 at Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- British jet engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce said Wednesday it will cut 9,000 jobs as it tries to weather the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the air travel industry. Rolls-Royce said 8,000 of the cuts will be made in its civil aerospace sector. The losses represent nearly one-fifth of the company's worldwide workforce of 52,000. Advertisement
"Our airline customers and airframe partners are having to adapt and so must we," Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East said in a statement. "We must take difficult decisions to see our business through these unprecedented times."
Rolls-Royce said the reorganization should save the company about $1.6 billion annually and $858 million immediately.
"We have to do this right, which means we will work closely with our employee and trade union representatives as appropriate, look at any viable alternatives to mitigate the impact, consult with everyone affected and treat our people with dignity and respect," West added.
A number of aircraft use Rolls Royce engines, including Airbus' A330, A340, A350 and A380 jetliners, as well as Boeing's 777 and 787.
The International Air Transport Association said last week it doesn't expect air travel to return to 2019 levels until 2023. Rolls-Royce said it plans to produce just 250 plane engines this year, down from its previous estimate of 450.


upi--2020-05-20--NASCAR pushes Darlington Xfinity race to Thursday

May 20 ( UPI ) -- NASCAR has moved the Toyota 200 Xfinity Series race to Thursday after rain soaked the track Tuesday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina .
The next race in Darlington will now be Wednesday 's Toyota 500 , the second Cup Series event at the track since Sunday 's The Real Heroes 400 .
No fans are allowed to attend the events due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic guidelines .
The Toyota 200 was set to start at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday before a weather delay .
NASCAR personnel attempted to dry the 1.366-mile oval track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Toyota 200 is now scheduled to start at noon EDT Thursday at Darlington Raceway and it will air on FS1 .
The race will be the first Xfinity Series event since March 7 .
Noah Gragson will start on pole position , alongside teammate Michael Annett .
Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will start 26th .
Busch is attempting to compete in all of the first seven races held by NASCAR since its return due to a coronavirus pandemic hiatus .
Every car in the Toyota 200 field passed inspections with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday 's Cup Series race was the most-watched non-Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series race since March 5 , 2017 .
Fox Sports said 6.32 million viewers tuned in to watch The Real Heroes 400 .
Kevin Harvick won the event .

Kyle Busch (18) will have to wait for the third leg of his attempt to race in 7 events in 11 days after Tuesday's Xfinity Series event was postponed to Thursday. File Photo By Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- NASCAR has moved the Toyota 200 Xfinity Series race to Thursday after rain soaked the track Tuesday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. The next race in Darlington will now be Wednesday's Toyota 500, the second Cup Series event at the track since Sunday's The Real Heroes 400. No fans are allowed to attend the events due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic guidelines. Advertisement
The Toyota 200 was set to start at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday before a weather delay. NASCAR personnel attempted to dry the 1.366-mile oval track before the race was ultimately postponed.
The Toyota 200 is now scheduled to start at noon EDT Thursday at Darlington Raceway and it will air on FS1. The race will be the first Xfinity Series event since March 7.
Noah Gragson will start on pole position, alongside teammate Michael Annett. Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will start 26th. Busch is attempting to compete in all of the first seven races held by NASCAR since its return due to a coronavirus pandemic hiatus.
Every car in the Toyota 200 field passed inspections with no issues before the race was postponed.
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Sunday's Cup Series race was the most-watched non-Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series race since March 5, 2017. Fox Sports said 6.32 million viewers tuned in to watch The Real Heroes 400. Kevin Harvick won the event.