upi--2020-04-15--Unusually late-season snowfall to eye northeastern US

Forecasters have been tracking a storm that is dropping heavy snow over the Rockies at midweek -- and it is expected to trigger unusually late-season snow across a narrow zone of the Midwest and then the interior northeastern United States prior to week 's end .
It 's not too late in the season for slippery roads to occur due to a snowfall , including in areas where a snow drought defined the winter season .
`` A lobe of the polar vortex has set up shop near Hudson Bay , Canada , and will try to hold cold air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach ... a pattern that was lacking for most of the winter , '' AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok said .
Before the late-week system moved out of the Rockies , a weak disturbance brought a coating to an inch of snow in the Chicago area during Tuesday night and was enough to contribute to a slew of multiple-vehicle crashes early Wednesday morning .
Even though that leading system is forecast to weaken prior to reaching the coastal Northeast , it can bring a coating of snow , along with icy spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appalachians Wednesday evening .
Where the snow melts on roads then freezes before the roads dry , there can be dangerous black ice , especially but not limited to bridges , overpasses and areas that do not receive direct sunlight by day .
However , the main threat of a late-season snowfall over the interior Northeast will come late Friday to early Saturday as a storm dumping snow on the Rockies moves eastward into the cold air that recently became established .
`` At this time , we expect several inches of snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northern tier of Pennsylvania to the southern tier of New York state during Friday night , '' Brian Wimer , AccuWeather lead snow warning meteorologist , said .
`` Pockets of accumulating snow can also extend over the Catskills in eastern New York state as well as the Berkshires in southwestern New England and perhaps the southern parts of the mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire , '' he added .
Around Boston , mostly rain with some wet snowflakes is possible , but an accumulation is possible near and west of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Twin Tier area of Pennsylvania and New York state as well as the mountains in southern New England , a general 1 inch to 3 inches of snow is likely with 3 inches to 6 inches over the higher terrain and a whopping AccuWeather Local StormMax of 10 inches over the ridges .
Much less accumulation to a little slush is likely to accumulate on roads , except over the ridges .
However , even wet roads could turn icy as the storm pulls away and cold air causes air and road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recent rain has washed away most traces of salt and other ice-melting compounds from roadways .
The Twin Tiers of Pennsylvania and New York state generally receive an average of 2 inches of snow during April , but most of that snow typically falls during the first part of the month and not during the latter half .
Bradford , Pennsylvania , has already received twice its normal snowfall for April with 4.3 inches as of Wednesday .
During March , only 0.2 of an inch of snow fell on the area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over much of the zone expected to get accumulating snow , but buds have emerged and blossoming has begun .
This can cause more snow to adhere to the trees than usual with a greater surface area to cover , especially since the snow is likely to be wet and clinging in nature .
The added weight can cause some tree limbs to sag and break , which can then bring down power lines and cause power outages .
Any shift in the storm track due to a change in storm strength could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift northward or southward or to fizzle out or become enhanced .
As a result , the chance of steady snow for a time is not zero in places such as New York City , Boston , Philadelphia , Albany , New York , and Providence , Rhode Island .
Snowfall during the middle of the spring is typically confined to small areas but still can be intense and catch motorists off guard .
For example , a couple of inches of snow fell as late as May 9 , 1977 , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sits 948 feet above sea level .
In the wake of the late-week storm , a brief pocket of milder air that originated from the Pacific Ocean will settle in for the weekend .
That mild air and sunshine will cause much of and perhaps all of the snow to melt during the daytime hours , but a reinforcing burst of Arctic air , courtesy of the polar vortex will follow for early next week .

Forecasters have been tracking a storm that is dropping heavy snow over the Rockies at midweek -- and it is expected to trigger unusually late-season snow across a narrow zone of the Midwest and then the interior northeastern United States prior to week's end.
It's not too late in the season for slippery roads to occur due to a snowfall, including in areas where a snow drought defined the winter season.
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"A lobe of the polar vortex has set up shop near Hudson Bay, Canada, and will try to hold cold air in place in the Northeast as storms approach...a pattern that was lacking for most of the winter," AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
Before the late-week system moved out of the Rockies, a weak disturbance brought a coating to an inch of snow in the Chicago area during Tuesday night and was enough to contribute to a slew of multiple-vehicle crashes early Wednesday morning.
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Even though that leading system is forecast to weaken prior to reaching the coastal Northeast, it can bring a coating of snow, along with icy spots to the eastern Great Lakes and central Appalachians Wednesday evening. Where the snow melts on roads then freezes before the roads dry, there can be dangerous black ice, especially but not limited to bridges, overpasses and areas that do not receive direct sunlight by day.
However, the main threat of a late-season snowfall over the interior Northeast will come late Friday to early Saturday as a storm dumping snow on the Rockies moves eastward into the cold air that recently became established.
"At this time, we expect several inches of snow may fall mainly on non-paved surfaces from the northern tier of Pennsylvania to the southern tier of New York state during Friday night," Brian Wimer, AccuWeather lead snow warning meteorologist, said.
"Pockets of accumulating snow can also extend over the Catskills in eastern New York state as well as the Berkshires in southwestern New England and perhaps the southern parts of the mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire," he added.
Around Boston, mostly rain with some wet snowflakes is possible, but an accumulation is possible near and west of Interstate 495 in central Massachusetts.
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In the Twin Tier area of Pennsylvania and New York state as well as the mountains in southern New England, a general 1 inch to 3 inches of snow is likely with 3 inches to 6 inches over the higher terrain and a whopping AccuWeather Local StormMax of 10 inches over the ridges.
Much less accumulation to a little slush is likely to accumulate on roads, except over the ridges. However, even wet roads could turn icy as the storm pulls away and cold air causes air and road surface temperatures to dip below freezing. Recent rain has washed away most traces of salt and other ice-melting compounds from roadways.
The Twin Tiers of Pennsylvania and New York state generally receive an average of 2 inches of snow during April, but most of that snow typically falls during the first part of the month and not during the latter half.
Bradford, Pennsylvania, has already received twice its normal snowfall for April with 4.3 inches as of Wednesday. During March, only 0.2 of an inch of snow fell on the area.
Leaves have not emerged on the trees over much of the zone expected to get accumulating snow, but buds have emerged and blossoming has begun. This can cause more snow to adhere to the trees than usual with a greater surface area to cover, especially since the snow is likely to be wet and clinging in nature. The added weight can cause some tree limbs to sag and break, which can then bring down power lines and cause power outages.
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Any shift in the storm track due to a change in storm strength could cause the stripe of accumulating snow to shift northward or southward or to fizzle out or become enhanced. As a result, the chance of steady snow for a time is not zero in places such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Albany, New York, and Providence, Rhode Island.
Snowfall during the middle of the spring is typically confined to small areas but still can be intense and catch motorists off guard.
For example, a couple of inches of snow fell as late as May 9, 1977, at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Pennsylvania, which sits 948 feet above sea level.
In the wake of the late-week storm, a brief pocket of milder air that originated from the Pacific Ocean will settle in for the weekend.
That mild air and sunshine will cause much of and perhaps all of the snow to melt during the daytime hours, but a reinforcing burst of Arctic air, courtesy of the polar vortex will follow for early next week.


upi--2020-04-15--Watch: U.S. Navy says Iranian vessels conducted harassing actions toward U.S. ships

April 15 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Navy on Wednesday said 11 Iranian naval vessels conducted `` dangerous and harassing approaches '' to U.S. ships in the North Arabian Gulf .
U.S .
Naval Forces Central Command shared video of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy crossing in front of and behind the USS Lewis B. Puller , USS Paul Hamilton , USS Firebolt , USS Sirocco , USGC Wrangell and USGC Maui .
`` The IRGCN vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds , including multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closest point of approach and within 10 yards of Maui 's bow , '' the U.S. Navy said in a statement .
The Navy said the incident occurred while the U.S. vessels were conducting joint operations with U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in international waters .
In response to the actions , the U.S. crews issued multiple warnings including five short blasts of the ships ' horns and long-range acoustic noise maker devices but the Iranian ships did not respond .
About an hour later the Iranian ships responded to bridge-to-bridge radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maneuvered away from the U.S. vessels .
`` The IRGCN 's dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision , were not in accordance with the internationally recognized Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 'rules of the road ' or internationally recognized maritime customs and were not in accordance with the obligation under international law to act with due regard for the safety of other vessels in the are , '' the Navy said .

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The U.S. Navy on Wednesday said that Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Gard Corps Navy vessels conducted "dangerous and harassing" actions toward U.S. vessels conducting joint operations in the North Arabian Gulf. Photo by U.S. Navy | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy on Wednesday said 11 naval vessels from Iran conducted "dangerous and harassing approaches" to U.S. ships in the North Arabian Gulf. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command shared video of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy crossing in front of and behind the USS Lewis B. Puller, USS Paul Hamilton, USS Firebolt, USS Sirocco, USGC Wrangell and USGC Maui. Advertisement
"The IRGCN vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds, including multiple crossings of the Puller with a 50-yard closest point of approach and within 10 yards of Maui's bow," the U.S. Navy said in a statement.
Video of #IRGCN vessels conducting dangerous & harassing approaches on U.S. naval vessels in the international waters of the North Arabian Gulf. pic.twitter.com/zL9VKQ0eiQ— U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) April 15, 2020
The Navy said the incident occurred while the U.S. vessels were conducting joint operations with U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in international waters.
In response to the actions, the U.S. crews issued multiple warnings including five short blasts of the ships' horns and long-range acoustic noise maker devices but the Iranian ships did not respond.
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About an hour later the Iranian ships responded to bridge-to-bridge radio inquiries made by the U.S. ships and maneuvered away from the U.S. vessels.
"The IRGCN's dangerous and provocative actions increased the risk of miscalculation and collision, were not in accordance with the internationally recognized Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 'rules of the road' or internationally recognized maritime customs and were not in accordance with the obligation under international law to act with due regard for the safety of other vessels in the are," the Navy said.


upi--2020-04-15--Hensel Phelps Construction nabs $54.3M for undersea training center

April 15 ( UPI ) -- The Navy has awarded Hensel Phelps Construction a $ 54.3 million contract for design @ @ @ @ @ operational facility , the Pentagon said Wednesday .
According to the contract announcement , the @ @ @ @ @ in Oahu , Hawaii , and will support a variety of functions , including operator @ @ @ @ @ applied instruction and laboratories and computer laboratories .
The contract also includes a line item @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
The center will also include diver support spaces , administrative spaces , maintenance @ @ @ @ @ 's gear storage lockers and maintenance and support spaces .
Construction is expected to be @ @ @ @ @

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, participate in helicopter underwater egress training at the Water Survival Training Center on Camp Lejeune in North Carolina in February. The Navy has just awarded a contract for construction of an undersea training center in Oahu, Hawaii. Photo by Margaret Gale/UPI
April 15 (UPI) -- The Navy has awarded Hensel Phelps Construction a $54.3 million contract for design and construction of an undersea operational facility, the Pentagon said Wednesday. According to the contract announcement, the training center will be constructed in Oahu, Hawaii, and will support a variety of functions, including operator and undersea vehicle training, applied instruction and laboratories and computer laboratories. Advertisement
The contract also includes a line item for furniture, repairs and equipment.
The center will also include diver support spaces, administrative spaces, maintenance and repair spaces and operator's gear storage lockers and maintenance and support spaces.
Construction is expected to be complete by April 2022.


upi--2020-04-15--Dow drops 445 points as markets fall amid poor earnings reports, sliding oil prices

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 445.41 points , or 1.86 percent , while the S & P 500 dropped 2.2 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 1.44 percent .
Wednesday 's decline came as the Commerce Department issued a report stating sales at U.S. retail outlets fell 8.7 percent from February to March , its largest monthly drop since it began tracking statistics in 1992 .
Bank of America stock fell 6.49 percent after the bank said it would set aside $ 4.8 billion to cover credit losses amid the pandemic .
Citigroup stock dropped 5.53 percent after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion .
Earnings reports for each bank failed to meet expectations .
The energy , materials and financials sectors dragged the S & P 500 down , falling more than 4 percent each .
U.S. crude oil futures fell 24 cents a barrel , or 1.2 percent , to $ 19.87 , falling below $ 20 for the first time since 2002 .
Brent crude dropped 5.68 percent to $ 27.92 per barrel while WTI fell as low as $ 19.20 before ending the day at $ 20.26 .
American Airlines stock rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.11 percent after several major U.S. airlines reached a deal with the U.S. Treasury Department to participate in the Payroll Support Program .
Wednesday 's decline came after stocks rallied on Tuesday as the Dow rose 558 points amid optimism about reopening the economy .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 445 points Wednesday as banks presented disappointing earnings reports and oil prices fell amid a lack of demand due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Stocks fell Wednesday amid poor bank earnings reports, concerns surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 445.41 points, or 1.86 percent, while the S&P 500 dropped 2.2 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 1.44 percent. Advertisement
Wednesday's decline came as the Commerce Department issued a report stating sales at U.S. retail outlets fell 8.7 percent from February to March, its largest monthly drop since it began tracking statistics in 1992.
Bank of America stock fell 6.49 percent after the bank said it would set aside $4.8 billion to cover credit losses amid the pandemic. Citigroup stock dropped 5.53 percent after the bank increased allowances to $20.8 billion. Earnings reports for each bank failed to meet expectations.
The energy, materials and financials sectors dragged the S&P 500 down, falling more than 4 percent each.
U.S. crude oil futures fell 24 cents a barrel, or 1.2 percent, to $19.87, falling below $20 for the first time since 2002.
Brent crude dropped 5.68 percent to $27.92 per barrel while WTI fell as low as $19.20 before ending the day at $20.26.
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American Airlines stock rose 2.89 percent and United airlines stock rose 3.11 percent after several major U.S. airlines reached a deal with the U.S. Treasury Department to participate in the Payroll Support Program.
Wednesday's decline came after stocks rallied on Tuesday as the Dow rose 558 points amid optimism about reopening the economy.


upi--2020-04-15--U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , pandemic is spreading across the United States .
People are discouraged ( even banned @ @ @ @ @ large gatherings , public spaces are closed , store shelves are empty , with long @ @ @ @ @ and travel is limited .
Here are some scenes from across America .

Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-04-15--Russia launches anti-satellite missile

Russia launches anti-satellite missile

April 15 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Space Command said Wednesday that it is tracking what it characterizes as a `` hypocritical '' direct-ascent anti-satellite missile test conducted by Russia this week .
`` Russia 's DA-ASAT test provides yet another example that the threats to U.S. and allied space systems are real , serious and growing , '' said Gen. John W. `` Jay '' Raymond , USSPACECOM commander and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations , in a statement from U.S. Space Force .
`` The United States is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests from hostile acts in space . ''
Wednesday 's test comes two months after the United States became aware that two Russian satellites were tailing a U.S. satellite at close range .
According to Space Force , Russia 's missile system is capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit .
`` This test is further proof of Russia 's hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control proposals designed to restrict the capabilities of the United States while clearly having no intention of halting their counterspace weapons programs , '' Raymond said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations and our way of life .
The demands on space systems continue in this time of crisis where global logistics , transportation and communication are key to defeating the COVID-19 pandemic . ''

General John W. "Jay" Raymond, Commander, Air Force Space Command, listens as United States President Donald J. Trump establishes the US Space Command in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC in August 2019. On Wednesday Raymond criticized Russia for conducting anti-satellite missile tests. Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Space Command said Wednesday that it is tracking what it characterizes as a "hypocritical" direct-ascent anti-satellite missile test conducted by Russia this week. "Russia's DA-ASAT test provides yet another example that the threats to U.S. and allied space systems are real, serious and growing," said Gen. John W. "Jay" Raymond, USSPACECOM commander and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, in a statement from U.S. Space Force. "The United States is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending the Nation, our allies and U.S. interests from hostile acts in space." Advertisement
Wednesday's test comes two months after the United States became aware that two Russian satellites were tailing a U.S. satellite at close range.
According to Space Force, Russia's missile system is capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit.
"This test is further proof of Russia's hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control proposals designed to restrict the capabilities of the United States while clearly having no intention of halting their counterspace weapons programs," Raymond said. "Space is critical to all nations and our way of life. The demands on space systems continue in this time of crisis where global logistics, transportation and communication are key to defeating the COVID-19 pandemic."


upi--2020-04-15--Protesters block Lansing, Mich., streets, calling for easing of coronavirus restrictions

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Traffic in downtown Lansing , Mich. , was snarled for hours Wednesday as `` Operation Gridlock , '' a protest against Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer 's stay-at-home orders , surrounded the state Capitol .
The Michigan Conservative Council , organizers of the event , said Whitmer 's measures to slow the coronavirus violate constitutional rights .
She declared a state of emergency in Michigan on March 10 and announced a stay-at-home order on March 23 , calling on all state residents to stay inside , except for essential purposes .
The order , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 1 .
Whitmer , a Democrat , said the demonstration on Wednesday does not violate the stay-at-home policy .
Most demonstrators stayed in their vehicles , honking horns and jamming streets in downtown Lansing .
Lt. Darren Green of the Michigan State Police said that traffic was backed up by dozens of vehicles for over a mile from the Capitol , in several directions .
About 150 protesters were seen on the state capitol lawn , milling and not following safe social distancing , hours before the noon starting time of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meshawn Maddock , a board member of the group sponsoring the protest , said Michigan 's curve of coronavirus infections has been flattened , and less severely affected areas of the state should be re-opened for work and recreation .
While state infection numbers appeared to decline at the end of last week , infection and death figures were up again on Monday .
Health officials have said that it is too soon to say that the infection has reached its peak in the state .
As of Tuesday , there were about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state , according to state officials .
Michigan , with a current unemployment rate of 10 percent , has the third-largest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the nation .
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Wednesday , President Donald Trump said he would meet with governors to discuss plans to reopen states on Thursday .
`` We 'll have some information on some openings and again we 'll have some openings that will exceed our expectations and they 'll be safe , they 'll be strong but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're going to do it and we 'll do it soon , '' he said .
Trump added that he would leave it up to state governments to regulate travel between states and asserted the White House would `` take very strong action against a state or governor '' if federal officials are `` not happy with the job a governor is doing '' to reopen the state .
Vice President Mike Pence added that the task force would also share new federal coronavirus guidelines with governors and the public on @ @

Streets around the state Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., were clogged Wednesday with protesters demonstrating against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home orders. Photo courtesy of Michigan Conservative Council /Facebook
April 15 (UPI) -- Traffic in downtown Lansing, Mich., was snarled for hours Wednesday as "Operation Gridlock," a protest against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home orders, surrounded the state Capitol. The Michigan Conservative Council, organizers of the event, said Whitmer's measures to slow the coronavirus violate constitutional rights. She declared a state of emergency in Michigan on March 10 and announced a stay-at-home order on March 23, calling on all state residents to stay inside, except for essential purposes. The order, with tougher restrictions, was later extended to May 1. Advertisement
Whitmer, a Democrat, said the demonstration on Wednesday does not violate the stay-at-home policy. Most demonstrators stayed in their vehicles, honking horns and jamming streets in downtown Lansing. Lt. Darren Green of the Michigan State Police said that traffic was backed up by dozens of vehicles for over a mile from the Capitol, in several directions.
About 150 protesters were seen on the state capitol lawn, milling and not following safe social distancing, hours before the noon starting time of the event. No arrests were reported.
Meshawn Maddock, a board member of the group sponsoring the protest, said Michigan's curve of coronavirus infections has been flattened, and less severely affected areas of the state should be re-opened for work and recreation.
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While state infection numbers appeared to decline at the end of last week, infection and death figures were up again on Monday. Health officials have said that it is too soon to say that the infection has reached its peak in the state. As of Tuesday, there were about 27,000 confirmed cases and 1,768 deaths in the state, according to state officials.
Michigan, with a current unemployment rate of 10 percent, has the third-largest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the nation.
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he would meet with governors to discuss plans to reopen states on Thursday.
"We'll have some information on some openings and again we'll have some openings that will exceed our expectations and they'll be safe, they'll be strong but we want to get our country back and we're going to do it and we'll do it soon," he said.
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Trump added that he would leave it up to state governments to regulate travel between states and asserted the White House would "take very strong action against a state or governor" if federal officials are "not happy with the job a governor is doing" to reopen the state.
Vice President Mike Pence added that the task force would also share new federal coronavirus guidelines with governors and the public on Thursday.


upi--2020-04-15--Pentagon IG: No evidence White House interfered in $10B Microsoft JEDI cloud contract

April 15 ( UPI ) -- A $ 10 billion JEDI cloud contract the Department of Defense awarded to Microsoft does n't appear to have been improperly influenced by the White House , a Pentagon watchdog said Wednesday .
The Defense Department Office of the Inspector General said , though , the White House did n't give full cooperation to its investigation , so the review into accusations of ethical misconduct is n't 100 percent complete .
`` This report should finally close the door on corporate-driven attacks on the career procurement officials who have been working tirelessly to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the hands of our frontline warfighter while continuing to protect American taxpayers , '' a Pentagon statement said .
The report concluded that the awarding of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud computing network contract to a single company -- Microsoft -- should stand .
It 's meant to create a large , centralized , secure network for the military and upgrade computer technology , which in some cases dates back to the 1980s and '90s .
The watchdog report said White House counsel only responded to certain questions in writing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to question the White House in this manner because there was no assurance which questions would be answered , nor would it allow for followup questions .
`` However , we believe the evidence we received showed that the DoD personnel who evaluated the contract proposals and awarded Microsoft the JEDI cloud contract were not pressured regarding their decision on the award of the contract by any DoD leaders more senior to them , who may have communicated with the White House , '' the report said .
A federal judge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 10-year contract over suspicions that President Donald Trump improperly interfered in the bidding process .
Microsoft beat Amazon , IBM , Oracle and Google during the selection process .
Amazon sued the Defense Department in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims , arguing that the president 's involvement skewed the playing field in Microsoft 's favor , and said there were numerous errors in the Pentagon 's process of weighing bids between the two .
Microsoft said Amazon sued the Department of Defense because it wants a `` do-over '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , Amazon is both delaying critical work for the nation 's military and trying to undo the mistake it made when it bid too high a price , '' Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw said .

A federal judge had ordered the Pentagon to halt work on the 10-year contract over suspicions that President Donald Trump improperly interfered in the bidding process. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- A $10 billion JEDI cloud contract the Department of Defense awarded to Microsoft doesn't appear to have been improperly influenced by the White House, a Pentagon watchdog said Wednesday. The Defense Department Office of the Inspector General said, though, the White House didn't give full cooperation to its investigation, so the review into accusations of ethical misconduct isn't 100 percent complete. Advertisement
The Pentagon praised the report's findings.
"This report should finally close the door on corporate-driven attacks on the career procurement officials who have been working tirelessly to get the much needed JEDI cloud computing environment into the hands of our frontline warfighter while continuing to protect American taxpayers," a Pentagon statement said.
The report concluded that the awarding of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure cloud computing network contract to a single company -- Microsoft -- should stand. It's meant to create a large, centralized, secure network for the military and upgrade computer technology, which in some cases dates back to the 1980s and '90s.
The watchdog report said White House counsel only responded to certain questions in writing. The inspector general said its office decided not to question the White House in this manner because there was no assurance which questions would be answered, nor would it allow for followup questions.
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"However, we believe the evidence we received showed that the DoD personnel who evaluated the contract proposals and awarded Microsoft the JEDI cloud contract were not pressured regarding their decision on the award of the contract by any DoD leaders more senior to them, who may have communicated with the White House," the report said.
A federal judge in February ordered the Pentagon to halt work on the 10-year contract over suspicions that President Donald Trump improperly interfered in the bidding process. Microsoft beat Amazon, IBM, Oracle and Google during the selection process.
Amazon sued the Defense Department in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, arguing that the president's involvement skewed the playing field in Microsoft's favor, and said there were numerous errors in the Pentagon's process of weighing bids between the two.
Microsoft said Amazon sued the Department of Defense because it wants a "do-over" on the bidding process.
"At this stage, Amazon is both delaying critical work for the nation's military and trying to undo the mistake it made when it bid too high a price," Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw said.
Christen McCurdy contributed to this report


upi--2020-04-15--Texas judge will issue order that could greatly expand mail-in voting

April 15 ( UPI ) -- A state district judge said Wednesday that he will move forward with an order easing restrictions for voting by mail in Texas in light of the new coronavirus pandemic .
After conducting a video conference hearing in a lawsuit filed by state Democrats and civic organizations , Judge Tim Sulak told the attorneys he will issue a temporary injunction allowing all voters fearful of contracting coronavirus if they vote in person to ask for a mail-in ballot under a portion of the Texas election code allowing absentee ballots for voters who cite a disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain to be appealed by the state , could greatly expand the number of voters casting ballots by mail in the upcoming July primary runoff elections .
Until now , voting by mail has been limited in the state .
Texans seeking an absentee ballot that they can fill out at home and mail in had to be 65 years or older , have a disability or illness , be out of the county during the election period , or be confined in jail .
The Texas election code defines disability as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevents a voter from appearing in person without the risk of `` injuring the voter 's health . ''
Citing ambiguity in state law regarding what qualifies as a disability , Sulak agreed that qualification can currently apply to any voter in Texas .
His official order has not yet been issued .
The debate over expanding voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic had emerged as the most recent political fault line between Texas Democrats and Republicans , who have opposed easing qualifications for mail ballots .
The ruling was a temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought the legal challenge asking the court for clarification of the election code .
The lawsuit was filed by the Texas Democratic Party and two individual voters under the age of 65 who would seek to vote by mail given the state of the coronavirus outbreak .
They were later joined by a third individual voter and nonprofit organizations focused on civic engagement , including the League of Women Voters of Texas and MOVE Texas .
`` Much like the public health experts tell us we have to reduce the curve , reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we too have to reduce the demand on in-person voting as a matter of practicality , as a matter of public health , and fortunately state law allows for that , '' Chad Dunn , a lawyer for the plaintiffs said in opening arguments .
During the hearing , those plaintiffs offered up two expert witnesses -- a local doctor and an epidemiologist -- who testified to the risks for transmitting the virus that would come with in-person voting .
Meanwhile , the risks tied to mail ballots are `` negligible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health .
The Texas attorney general 's office , which intervened in the case , argued against the expansion , claiming the vote-by-mail disability qualifications apply to voters who already have a `` sickness or physical condition '' and not those who fear contracting a disease `` whether it be COVID-19 or the seasonal flu . ''
Just as the hearing was wrapping up , Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made public an `` informal letter of advice '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a drawn-out court battle over expanding voting by mail ahead of the runoffs and the November election .
Paxton stated that an individual 's fear of contracting the virus was not enough to meet the definition of disability to qualify for a mail ballot , and that those who advise voters to apply for a mail ballot based on that fear could be criminally prosecuted .
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune .
Read the original here .
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit , nonpartisan media organization that informs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about public policy , politics , government and statewide issues .

Until now, voting by mail has been limited in the state. Texans seeking an absentee ballot that they can fill out at home and mail in had to be 65 years or older, have a disability or illness, be out of the county during the election period, or be confined in jail. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- A state district judge said Wednesday that he will move forward with an order easing restrictions for voting by mail in Texas in light of the new coronavirus pandemic. After conducting a video conference hearing in a lawsuit filed by state Democrats and civic organizations, Judge Tim Sulak told the attorneys he will issue a temporary injunction allowing all voters fearful of contracting coronavirus if they vote in person to ask for a mail-in ballot under a portion of the Texas election code allowing absentee ballots for voters who cite a disability. His ruling, which is almost certain to be appealed by the state, could greatly expand the number of voters casting ballots by mail in the upcoming July primary runoff elections. Advertisement
Until now, voting by mail has been limited in the state. Texans seeking an absentee ballot that they can fill out at home and mail in had to be 65 years or older, have a disability or illness, be out of the county during the election period, or be confined in jail.
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The Texas election code defines disability as a "sickness or physical condition" that prevents a voter from appearing in person without the risk of "injuring the voter's health." Citing ambiguity in state law regarding what qualifies as a disability, Sulak agreed that qualification can currently apply to any voter in Texas. His official order has not yet been issued.
The debate over expanding voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic had emerged as the most recent political fault line between Texas Democrats and Republicans, who have opposed easing qualifications for mail ballots.
The ruling was a temporary win for the coalition of plaintiffs who brought the legal challenge asking the court for clarification of the election code. The lawsuit was filed by the Texas Democratic Party and two individual voters under the age of 65 who would seek to vote by mail given the state of the coronavirus outbreak. They were later joined by a third individual voter and nonprofit organizations focused on civic engagement, including the League of Women Voters of Texas and MOVE Texas.
"Much like the public health experts tell us we have to reduce the curve, reduce the demand on hospital beds and ventilators, we too have to reduce the demand on in-person voting as a matter of practicality, as a matter of public health, and fortunately state law allows for that," Chad Dunn, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said in opening arguments.
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During the hearing, those plaintiffs offered up two expert witnesses -- a local doctor and an epidemiologist -- who testified to the risks for transmitting the virus that would come with in-person voting. Meanwhile, the risks tied to mail ballots are "negligible," said Catherine Troisi, an epidemiologist with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health.
The Texas attorney general's office, which intervened in the case, argued against the expansion, claiming the vote-by-mail disability qualifications apply to voters who already have a "sickness or physical condition" and not those who fear contracting a disease "whether it be COVID-19 or the seasonal flu."
Just as the hearing was wrapping up, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made public an "informal letter of advice" that further teed up what is expected to be a drawn-out court battle over expanding voting by mail ahead of the runoffs and the November election.
Paxton stated that an individual's fear of contracting the virus was not enough to meet the definition of disability to qualify for a mail ballot, and that those who advise voters to apply for a mail ballot based on that fear could be criminally prosecuted.
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Disclosure: The League of Women Voters, MOVE Texas and the University of Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a non-profit, non-partisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.


upi--2020-04-15--Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York 'still in the woods' of coronavirus, sets mask mandate

April 15 ( UPI ) -- New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said in an update Wednesday there is still a ways to go before life can begin returning to normal following the state 's coronavirus crisis .
The governor told reporters the daily tally of new cases again declined and the number of new deaths remained constant .
New York state is the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak with more than 200,000 cases so far and nearly 11,000 deaths .
Nationally , the United States has seen more than 600,000 cases so far and 26,000 deaths , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
Cuomo described the new cases as `` a click down '' from where they were earlier this week .
He has said for days the case `` curve '' is flattening and expressed optimism the state is emerging from the pandemic .
Nonetheless , he cautioned , `` We are still in the woods . ''
Cuomo said an executive order he 's signed , mandating face coverings in public , takes effect Friday and applies to any situation in which it 's not possible to stay more than six feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose a civil penalty for violations , he said .
Earlier , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $ 170 million program to give free meals to thousands of people in the city who face coronavirus-related hardship .
New York City is the state 's epicenter of the outbreak , accounting for 110,000 cases and almost 10,400 deaths .
De Blasio said hospital admissions climbed by 370 Wednesday .
The mayor also said the city will `` back up '' grocery store owners who enforced city guidelines requiring shoppers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the right to put up that guidance and make it a requirement for entry into the store , '' de Blasio said .
`` Any customer who refuses should not be allowed in . ''
Maryland also issued its own orders requiring face masks in certain public settings .
Gov .
Larry Hogan signed an executive order saying face masks must be worn while inside all retail stores and when riding public transportation .
`` While this order is an important step in our immediate efforts to protect public health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that we may all have to become more accustomed to in order to safely reopen our state , '' he said .
The order will go into effect at 7 a.m. Saturday .
Officials in Michigan reported the state 's second-largest number of daily cases total to date -- 1,366 .
The state has seen a total of more than 27,000 cases .
Wayne County , which encompasses Detroit , trails only New York City and Nassau County , N.Y. , as the area with the most cases nationally .
Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in place until April 30 , are working and that state officials can start thinking about how to reopen the economy next month .
`` Come April 30 , we can start thinking about ... getting back to living life the way we are accustomed to , '' she said .
The number of new cases climbed in Illinois , where officials announced more than 1,200 additions and a total tally approaching 25,000 .
Seventy-four new deaths were reported .
Cook County , which includes the Chicago area , accounts for nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J.B. Pritzker said data projects a longer-term slowdown and a stabilizing number of patients in intensive care .
`` Our COVID-19 positive case count was doubling [ in ] about two days [ at the end of March ] , '' he said .
`` As of this Sunday , April 12 , our case doubling rate had reached 8.2 days . ''

Mannequins with face masks and designer clothing fill a window at a Diane Von Furstenberg store in New York City on September 8, 2020. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in an update Wednesday there is still a ways to go before life can begin returning to normal following the state's coronavirus crisis. The governor told reporters the daily tally of new cases again declined and the number of new deaths remained constant. New York state is the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak with more than 200,000 cases so far and nearly 11,000 deaths. Advertisement
Nationally, the United States has seen more than 600,000 cases so far and 26,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Fifty-thousand patients have recovered.
Cuomo described the new cases as "a click down" from where they were earlier this week. He has said for days the case "curve" is flattening and expressed optimism the state is emerging from the pandemic. Nonetheless, he cautioned, "We are still in the woods."
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Cuomo said an executive order he's signed, mandating face coverings in public, takes effect Friday and applies to any situation in which it's not possible to stay more than six feet away from others. The state may impose a civil penalty for violations, he said.
Earlier, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $170 million program to give free meals to thousands of people in the city who face coronavirus-related hardship.
New York City is the state's epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 110,000 cases and almost 10,400 deaths. De Blasio said hospital admissions climbed by 370 Wednesday.
The mayor also said the city will "back up" grocery store owners who enforced city guidelines requiring shoppers to wear face coverings.
"Every store has the right to put up that guidance and make it a requirement for entry into the store," de Blasio said. "Any customer who refuses should not be allowed in."
Maryland
Maryland also issued its own orders requiring face masks in certain public settings. Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order saying face masks must be worn while inside all retail stores and when riding public transportation.
"While this order is an important step in our immediate efforts to protect public health and safety, the wearing of masks is also something that we may all have to become more accustomed to in order to safely reopen our state," he said.
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The order will go into effect at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Michigan
Officials in Michigan reported the state's second-largest number of daily cases total to date -- 1,366. The state has seen a total of more than 27,000 cases.
Wayne County, which encompasses Detroit, trails only New York City and Nassau County, N.Y., as the area with the most cases nationally.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed optimism that stay-at-home orders, in place until April 30, are working and that state officials can start thinking about how to reopen the economy next month.
"Come April 30, we can start thinking about ... getting back to living life the way we are accustomed to," she said.
Illinois
The number of new cases climbed in Illinois, where officials announced more than 1,200 additions and a total tally approaching 25,000.
Seventy-four new deaths were reported. Cook County, which includes the Chicago area, accounts for nearly 600 of those deaths.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said data projects a longer-term slowdown and a stabilizing number of patients in intensive care.
"Our COVID-19 positive case count was doubling [in] about two days [at the end of March]," he said. "As of this Sunday, April 12, our case doubling rate had reached 8.2 days."


upi--2020-04-15--Germany arrests 5 in suspected Islamic State plot targeting U.S. military facilities

April 15 ( UPI ) -- German authorities arrested four suspected members of the Islamic State on Wednesday for allegedly @ @ @ @ @ in the European country .
The German federal prosecutors office accused the four men -- @ @ @ @ @ in custody -- of founding an IS cell in Germany and planning to travel to @ @ @ @ @ to fight against the government .
Abandoning that plan , the men then plotted to @ @ @ @ @ including U.S. military facilities , prosecutors said .
Specifically , the men allegedly planned to @ @ @ @ @ made comments critical of Islam .
Investigators said the suspected leader , Ravsan B. , @ @ @ @ @ instructions on how to manufacture explosive devices .
The man had already acquired some of @ @ @ @ @ , the prosecutors said .
The four men , natives of Tajikistan , were arrested @ @ @ @ @ Rhine-Westphalia .
The federal prosecutors office identified them as Azizjon B. , Muhammadali G. , @ @ @ @ @ .

April 15 (UPI) -- German authorities arrested four suspected members of the Islamic State on Wednesday for allegedly plotting to attack U.S. bases in the European country.
The German federal prosecutors office accused the four men -- and their suspected leader already in custody -- of founding an IS cell in Germany and planning to travel to their home country of Tajikistan to fight against the government.
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Abandoning that plan, the men then plotted to attack locations in Germany, including U.S. military facilities, prosecutors said. Specifically, the men allegedly planned to kill a person they believed made comments critical of Islam.
Investigators said the suspected leader, Ravsan B., gave the other four men instructions on how to manufacture explosive devices. The man had already acquired some of the components for such devices, the prosecutors said.
The four men, natives of Tajikistan, were arrested throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The federal prosecutors office identified them as Azizjon B., Muhammadali G., Farhodshoh K. and Sunatullokh K.


upi--2020-04-15--Republican National Convention considering face masks, social distancing

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Leaders with the Republican National Convention said Wednesday they are considering enacting social distancing and face mask requirements for the event in August .
Marcia Lee Kelly , president of the 2020 convention , said organizers are moving `` full steam ahead '' to produce the convention in North Carolina as some states begin to consider lifting lockdowns in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
`` This has been a truly challenging time , '' she said .
`` We are working to make this a remarkable and safe experience for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Spectrum Center in Charlotte would allow planners to create space for attendees .
The convention 's vice president , Lee Everett , said it is possible for everyone to stand 6 feet apart in the arena .
`` I 'm very happy about playing Tetris with the seats , or whether it 's social distancing , or whether it 's everyone having to wear a mask , '' Kelly said .
Everett said there could be more virtual elements at the convention .
Earlier this month President Donald Trump said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the decision would ultimately fall to North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper and other local officials .
`` In the coming months , all eyes will be on Charlotte and the Carolinas , '' she said .

Republican National Convention leaders on Wednesday said that plans to hold the convention are moving "full speed ahead" with potential provisions to accommodate concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo
April 15 (UPI) -- Leaders with the Republican National Convention said Wednesday they are considering enacting social distancing and face mask requirements for the event in August. Marcia Lee Kelly, president of the 2020 convention, said organizers are moving "full steam ahead" to produce the convention in North Carolina as some states begin to consider lifting lockdowns in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Advertisement
"This has been a truly challenging time," she said. "We are working to make this a remarkable and safe experience for all."
Kelly said the size of the Spectrum Center in Charlotte would allow planners to create space for attendees. The convention's vice president, Lee Everett, said it is possible for everyone to stand 6 feet apart in the arena.
"I'm very happy about playing Tetris with the seats, or whether it's social distancing, or whether it's everyone having to wear a mask," Kelly said.
Everett said there could be more virtual elements at the convention.
Earlier this month President Donald Trump said he would not cancel the event but Kelly said the decision would ultimately fall to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other local officials.
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"In the coming months, all eyes will be on Charlotte and the Carolinas," she said.


upi--2020-04-15--Air Force selects Wisconsin, Alabama bases for F-35As

April 15 ( UPI ) -- The Air Force announced Wednesday that it has selected Truax Field in Wisconsin and Dannelly Field in Alabama as its next two F-35A Lightning II locations for the Air National Guard .
`` The Department of the Air Force selected the 115th Fighter Wing and the 187th Fighter Wing as the next Air National Guard locations to receive the F-35A , '' said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett in a statement .
`` Putting F-35s at these two bases continues our transition into the next generation of air superiority . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fly a mix of older-generation fighter aircraft into the 2040s , but F-35As will begin to replace those fighters as they are phased out .
There are currently four active duty operational locations for the F-35A : Hill Air Force Base in Utah , RAF Lakenheath in Britain , Eilson Air Force Base in Alaska and Burlington Air Guard Station in Vermont .
One Air Force Reserve location , Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth , Texas , has been selected to host F-35A aircraft , pending the results of an environmental study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin arriving at Truax and Dannelly Fields in 2023 .

F-16 Fighting Falcons from Madison, Wis. fly alongside an F-35 Lightning II. The Department of the Air Force selected Truax Field, Wis., and Dannelly Field, Ala., for the next two Air National Guard F-35A Lightning II locations. Photo by Scott Wolff/U.S. Air Force
April 15 (UPI) -- The Air Force announced Wednesday that it has selected Truax Field in Wisconsin and Dannelly Field in Alabama as its next two F-35A Lightning II locations for the Air National Guard. "The Department of the Air Force selected the 115th Fighter Wing and the 187th Fighter Wing as the next Air National Guard locations to receive the F-35A," said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett in a statement. "Putting F-35s at these two bases continues our transition into the next generation of air superiority." Advertisement
The Air Force said it will continue to fly a mix of older-generation fighter aircraft into the 2040s, but F-35As will begin to replace those fighters as they are phased out.
There are currently four active duty operational locations for the F-35A: Hill Air Force Base in Utah, RAF Lakenheath in Britain, Eilson Air Force Base in Alaska and Burlington Air Guard Station in Vermont.
One Air Force Reserve location, Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, has been selected to host F-35A aircraft, pending the results of an environmental study.
The Air Force expects the F-35As to begin arriving at Truax and Dannelly Fields in 2023.


upi--2020-04-15--New algorithm can predict evolution of genetic mutations

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have developed a new algorithm that can predict how a protein could evolve to become highly effective or totally unproductive .
The machine learning model -- detailed this week in the journal Nature Communications -- works by analyzing how different combinations of genetic mutations trigger changes in the functionality of a protein .
In the lab , scientists studied the effects of mutations among the genes responsible for the production of a protein called streptococcal GB1 .
Because the GB1 protein is so complex , it can be influenced by a near infinite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the algorithm with the idea that all mutations matter , because different combinations of mutations produce unique interactions -- what scientists call epistasis .
`` Having two mutations that cancel each others ' effects is one possible example of epistasis , '' study author David McCandlish , an assistant professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories , told UPI in an email .
`` But there are many other possibilities , such as two mutations that amplify each others ' effects , or more complex interactions among three or more mutations .
The multitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of what makes this area so fascinating . ''
In other words , a single gene mutation is unlikely to evolve a functional protein on its own .
Evolutionary adaptations require a multitude of gene mutations .
`` It is often observed that an adaptive mutation only has its beneficial effects in the presence of a specific 'permissive ' or 'potentiating ' mutation that precedes it , '' McCandlish said .
So how do a group of genes mutate to yield an effective protein , and what does it look like ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be visualized .
First , scientists were able to use what they already know about genes to simulate their potential behavior .
`` Under some simplifying assumption , our first-principles understanding of how selection , mutation and genetic drift interact allows us to write down equations that give the probability of any specific evolutionary path , '' McCandlish said .
Unfortunately , studying the behavioral patterns of genes does n't reveal whether the changes they necessitate will prove advantageous or not .
`` A key missing ingredient is that we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genotypes along the path , which is needed to model the effects of natural selection , '' McCandlish said .
`` The imputation method described in the paper lets us use experimental data to fill in these missing fitnesses , so that we can use our theoretical understanding to calculate these evolutionary probabilities for a specific protein or DNA sequence . ''
When the algorithm combines basic assumptions about gene behavior and experimental data , it can predict optical evolutionary pathway for different sequences of gene mutations .
It can also predict how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sequence to evolve into another more effective and efficient sequence .
In the future , scientists could use the algorithm to predict the evolutionary pathway of a potentially dangerous virus .
The algorithm could also identify the best way to intercept an evolving virus before it mutates into a more dangerous form .
`` Because at present the SARS-CoV-2 genome does not appear to be undergoing positive natural selection for increased functionality in human hosts , this work likely is n't particularly relevant to the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ method has many applications to other rapidly evolving pathogens where a key question is how to predict the evolution of drug resistance , '' he added .
`` The method may also be particularly useful in protein engineering , where we are trying to find protein sequences that do new functions such as catalyzing new chemical reactions . ''

A new algorithm can visualize the likely evolutionary pathway of genetic sequences responsible for the production of a specific protein. Photo by McCandlish lab, CSHL
April 15 (UPI) -- Scientists have developed a new algorithm that can predict how a protein could evolve to become highly effective or totally unproductive. The machine learning model -- detailed this week in the journal Nature Communications -- works by analyzing how different combinations of genetic mutations trigger changes in the functionality of a protein. Advertisement
In the lab, scientists studied the effects of mutations among the genes responsible for the production of a protein called streptococcal GB1. Because the GB1 protein is so complex, it can be influenced by a near infinite number of mutation combinations.
Scientists built the algorithm with the idea that all mutations matter, because different combinations of mutations produce unique interactions -- what scientists call epistasis.
"Having two mutations that cancel each others' effects is one possible example of epistasis," study author David McCandlish, an assistant professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, told UPI in an email. "But there are many other possibilities, such as two mutations that amplify each others' effects, or more complex interactions among three or more mutations. The multitude of ways that mutations can interact is part of what makes this area so fascinating."
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In other words, a single gene mutation is unlikely to evolve a functional protein on its own. Evolutionary adaptations require a multitude of gene mutations.
"It is often observed that an adaptive mutation only has its beneficial effects in the presence of a specific 'permissive' or 'potentiating' mutation that precedes it," McCandlish said.
So how do a group of genes mutate to yield an effective protein, and what does it look like? The new model offers clues -- clues that can be visualized.
First, scientists were able to use what they already know about genes to simulate their potential behavior.
"Under some simplifying assumption, our first-principles understanding of how selection, mutation and genetic drift interact allows us to write down equations that give the probability of any specific evolutionary path," McCandlish said.
Unfortunately, studying the behavioral patterns of genes doesn't reveal whether the changes they necessitate will prove advantageous or not.
"A key missing ingredient is that we don't typically know the fitnesses of the genotypes along the path, which is needed to model the effects of natural selection," McCandlish said. "The imputation method described in the paper lets us use experimental data to fill in these missing fitnesses, so that we can use our theoretical understanding to calculate these evolutionary probabilities for a specific protein or DNA sequence."
Advertisement
When the algorithm combines basic assumptions about gene behavior and experimental data, it can predict optical evolutionary pathway for different sequences of gene mutations. It can also predict how long it will take for one genetic sequence to evolve into another more effective and efficient sequence.
In the future, scientists could use the algorithm to predict the evolutionary pathway of a potentially dangerous virus. The algorithm could also identify the best way to intercept an evolving virus before it mutates into a more dangerous form.
"Because at present the SARS-CoV-2 genome does not appear to be undergoing positive natural selection for increased functionality in human hosts, this work likely isn't particularly relevant to the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic," McCandlish said.
"However, the method has many applications to other rapidly evolving pathogens where a key question is how to predict the evolution of drug resistance," he added. "The method may also be particularly useful in protein engineering, where we are trying to find protein sequences that do new functions such as catalyzing new chemical reactions."


upi--2020-04-15--Glucose metabolism may play key role in illness with flu, COVID-19

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Some influenza strains may trigger the same over-active immune system responses as COVID-19 , and it may be determined by how the body metabolizes sugar , a new analysis , published Wednesday by the journal Science Advances , suggests .
If true , the findings add to the similarities between the two viruses , which are both highly contagious and share many of the same basic symptoms , including cough , fever and , in some cases , shortness of breath .
However , COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is no effective vaccine or treatment against it .
It has been well-documented that those with underlying health conditions , including diabetes , are at higher risk for serious illness and death from the infection .
`` We believe that glucose metabolism contributes to various COVID-19 outcomes since both influenza and COVID-19 can induce a cytokine storm , and since COVID-19 patients with diabetes have shown higher mortality , '' study co-author Shi Liu , a researcher at Wuhan Hospital in China , said in a press release issued by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bloodstream and send messages to immune cells throughout the body to fortify its response to a virus or other pathogen .
When too many cytokines are released -- the so-called `` storm '' -- they can cause the body 's immune system to attack healthy tissue .
Instead of making people better , these attacks actually worsen health .
A study published earlier this month in the journal Nature Review Immunology found that people with serious , life-threatening illness from COVID-19 had elevated levels of up to 14 cytokines in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe pneumonia , as well as heart-related symptoms .
In general , according to the authors of the current study , the mechanisms that promote cytokine storms , remain unknown .
Although research suggests that glucose -- or blood sugar -- metabolism and cytokine signal networks are known to have evolved together , it has not been clear how , if at all , they interact during flu infection .
To attempt to answer this question , at least for influenza A , a highly contagious form of the virus that causes annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glucose levels and cytokine production in mice with the flu .
Researchers found that those treated with glucosamine -- a naturally occurring amino sugar found in the body that is sold as a supplement for joint stiffness -- produced significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than mice that did not receive glucosamine .
Additionally , the researchers analyzed blood sugar levels in samples from patients diagnosed with influenza A and compared them with those in samples collected from healthy patients .
They found that the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway -- a process the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential role in cytokine storms triggered by the flu virus , causing some people to suffer more serious illness from influenza A .
The researchers are now investigating how glucose metabolism affects patients with COVID-19 , in the hope that observations from the study `` provide new avenues for prognosis and therapy '' of the pandemic illness .

A computer generated representation of the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, under an electron microscope. Image by Felipe Esquivel Reed/Wikimedia Commons
April 15 (UPI) -- Some influenza strains may trigger the same over-active immune system responses as COVID-19, and it may be determined by how the body metabolizes sugar, a new analysis, published Wednesday by the journal Science Advances, suggests. If true, the findings add to the similarities between the two viruses, which are both highly contagious and share many of the same basic symptoms, including cough, fever and, in some cases, shortness of breath. Advertisement
However, COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, has posed a unique challenge, given that there is no effective vaccine or treatment against it. It has been well-documented that those with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, are at higher risk for serious illness and death from the infection.
"We believe that glucose metabolism contributes to various COVID-19 outcomes since both influenza and COVID-19 can induce a cytokine storm, and since COVID-19 patients with diabetes have shown higher mortality," study co-author Shi Liu, a researcher at Wuhan Hospital in China, said in a press release issued by the journal.
Cytokines are proteins that circulate in the bloodstream and send messages to immune cells throughout the body to fortify its response to a virus or other pathogen. When too many cytokines are released -- the so-called "storm" -- they can cause the body's immune system to attack healthy tissue.
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Instead of making people better, these attacks actually worsen health. A study published earlier this month in the journal Nature Review Immunology found that people with serious, life-threatening illness from COVID-19 had elevated levels of up to 14 cytokines in the blood.
Many of these patients developed severe pneumonia, as well as heart-related symptoms.
In general, according to the authors of the current study, the mechanisms that promote cytokine storms, remain unknown. Although research suggests that glucose -- or blood sugar -- metabolism and cytokine signal networks are known to have evolved together, it has not been clear how, if at all, they interact during flu infection.
To attempt to answer this question, at least for influenza A, a highly contagious form of the virus that causes annual epidemics worldwide, the authors examined blood glucose levels and cytokine production in mice with the flu.
Researchers found that those treated with glucosamine -- a naturally occurring amino sugar found in the body that is sold as a supplement for joint stiffness -- produced significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than mice that did not receive glucosamine.
Additionally, the researchers analyzed blood sugar levels in samples from patients diagnosed with influenza A and compared them with those in samples collected from healthy patients.
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They found that the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway -- a process the body uses to process sugars -- plays an essential role in cytokine storms triggered by the flu virus, causing some people to suffer more serious illness from influenza A.
The researchers are now investigating how glucose metabolism affects patients with COVID-19, in the hope that observations from the study "provide new avenues for prognosis and therapy" of the pandemic illness.


upi--2020-04-15--Watch: Maine paper mill explosion rains down debris on town

April 15 ( UPI ) -- An explosion at a paper mill in southwestern Maine caused debris to rain down on nearby witnesses Wednesday , though officials said no injuries were reported .
The blast happened around noon at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay , about 30 miles northwest of Augusta .
`` We 're hearing from the mill that all employees and contractors are accounted for and that there are no injuries , '' Maine Department of Public safety spokesman Stephen McCausland told the Bangor Daily News .
The company said there were fewer employees inside the paper mill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The Androscoggin Mill employs about 300 people .
One witness caught footage of the blast and debris -- which appeared to be wood pulp -- as it fell on the town .
`` I urge Maine people to stay far away from the scene , to stay safe and to allow first responders to work as quickly as they can , '' she said .
`` I ask the people of Maine to join me in praying for the safety and wellbeing of all those in and around this historic mill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let us summon the strength and resilience which has defined us as Maine people throughout our history and which has sustained us and carried us through our most challenging times . ''

April 15 (UPI) -- An explosion at a paper mill in southwestern Maine caused debris to rain down on nearby witnesses Wednesday, though officials said no injuries were reported.
The blast happened around noon at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay, about 30 miles northwest of Augusta.
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"We're hearing from the mill that all employees and contractors are accounted for and that there are no injuries," Maine Department of Public safety spokesman Stephen McCausland told the Bangor Daily News.
The company said there were fewer employees inside the paper mill at the time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Androscoggin Mill employs about 300 people.
One witness caught footage of the blast and debris -- which appeared to be wood pulp -- as it fell on the town.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills said she's monitoring the incident.
"I urge Maine people to stay far away from the scene, to stay safe and to allow first responders to work as quickly as they can," she said.
"I ask the people of Maine to join me in praying for the safety and wellbeing of all those in and around this historic mill. In this already difficult moment, let us summon the strength and resilience which has defined us as Maine people throughout our history and which has sustained us and carried us through our most challenging times."


upi--2020-04-15--California wildfires linked to spike in heart attacks

The deadly consequences of wildfires may stretch beyond the people directly in harm 's way .
Smoke-polluted air may also fuel a spike in cardiac arrests , a new U.S. government study finds .
Looking at the impact of California wildfires in recent years , researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found a clear pattern : As smoke from the fires rolled in , more people fell victim to cardiac arrest .
Within days of heavy smoke exposure , counties ' cardiac arrest rates rose by as much as 70 percent .
The findings add to evidence that wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EPA study linked California wildfires to short-term spikes in heart attacks and strokes .
It has long been known that air pollution can raise the risks of sometimes-fatal heart complications in vulnerable people .
But it 's important to study the effects of wildfires specifically , said Aruni Bhatnagar , chief of environmental medicine at the University of Louisville in Kentucky .
`` The mix of pollutants in forest fire is very different from that of pollutants common in urban environments , '' said Bhatnagar , who also directs the American Heart Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people are being exposed to those pollutants .
According to the EPA , roughly 57 million Americans were exposed to wildfire smoke at least once between 2004 and 2009 -- a number that is projected to rise to 82 million by mid-century .
So there is a `` great need , '' Bhatnagar said , to understand how smoke exposure affects rates of heart complications .
The current study focused on cardiac arrest , where an electrical malfunction in the heart prevents it from pumping blood to the body .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restore the heart 's normal rhythm .
The EPA researchers analyzed more than 5,300 cases of cardiac arrest in 14 California counties between 2015 and 2017 .
To see how those cases correlated with wildfire smoke , they used a federal database with information on smoke `` plumes '' seen by satellite .
Overall , the study found , the risk of cardiac arrest rose on days with heavy smoke density , and remained elevated for up to three days .
The strongest effect was seen two days later .
At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 70 percent higher , compared with days with no smoke exposure .
The findings were published April 15 in the Journal of the American Heart Association .
And they 're in line with what 's known about particulate matter -- extremely fine air pollutants that can be inhaled deep into the lungs .
`` These particles can create an inflammatory reaction in the lungs and throughout the body , '' said Ana Rappold , an EPA scientist who worked on the study .
`` The body 's defense system may react to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate , constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure , '' Rappold explained in a journal news release .
`` These changes can lead to disturbances in the heart 's normal rhythm , blockages in blood vessels and other effects creating conditions that could lead to cardiac arrest . ''
There were signs that people in low-income communities were more vulnerable .
Cardiac arrests rose in those areas even on days with less-dense smoke .
It 's not clear why , but Rappold said lower-income people may be less likely to have air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most part , Bhatnagar said , cardiac arrest strikes people who already have heart disease , or at least risk factors for it .
In this study , the ill effects of smoke exposure were strongest among people age 65 and older -- though the risk also tended to go up among 35- to 64-year-olds .
One possibility , Rappold said , is that many people in that age range may be outside , exerting themselves , on smoky days .
But when wildfires are raging , Bhatnagar said , people living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health authorities ' messages .
`` Either stay indoors with air conditioning or , if possible , evacuate if the air quality index is dangerous for sensitive individuals , '' he said .
People with existing heart disease -- or risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure -- should be especially careful , according to Bhatnagar .
He advised talking to your doctor , and possibly taking extra precautions , like using an indoor air filter and wearing a mask if you must go outside .
The American Lung Association has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health .

The deadly consequences of wildfires may stretch beyond the people directly in harm's way. Smoke-polluted air may also fuel a spike in cardiac arrests, a new U.S. government study finds.
Looking at the impact of California wildfires in recent years, researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found a clear pattern: As smoke from the fires rolled in, more people fell victim to cardiac arrest.
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Within days of heavy smoke exposure, counties' cardiac arrest rates rose by as much as 70 percent.
The findings add to evidence that wildfires can harm the heart. An earlier EPA study linked California wildfires to short-term spikes in heart attacks and strokes.
It has long been known that air pollution can raise the risks of sometimes-fatal heart complications in vulnerable people. But it's important to study the effects of wildfires specifically, said Aruni Bhatnagar, chief of environmental medicine at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
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"The mix of pollutants in forest fire is very different from that of pollutants common in urban environments," said Bhatnagar, who also directs the American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation Center.
And a growing number of people are being exposed to those pollutants. According to the EPA, roughly 57 million Americans were exposed to wildfire smoke at least once between 2004 and 2009 -- a number that is projected to rise to 82 million by mid-century.
So there is a "great need," Bhatnagar said, to understand how smoke exposure affects rates of heart complications.
The current study focused on cardiac arrest, where an electrical malfunction in the heart prevents it from pumping blood to the body. It is quickly fatal without emergency medical attention to restore the heart's normal rhythm.
The EPA researchers analyzed more than 5,300 cases of cardiac arrest in 14 California counties between 2015 and 2017. To see how those cases correlated with wildfire smoke, they used a federal database with information on smoke "plumes" seen by satellite.
Overall, the study found, the risk of cardiac arrest rose on days with heavy smoke density, and remained elevated for up to three days. The strongest effect was seen two days later. At that point, the risk of cardiac arrest was 70 percent higher, compared with days with no smoke exposure.
Advertisement
The findings were published April 15 in the Journal of the American Heart Association. And they're in line with what's known about particulate matter -- extremely fine air pollutants that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
"These particles can create an inflammatory reaction in the lungs and throughout the body," said Ana Rappold, an EPA scientist who worked on the study.
"The body's defense system may react to activate the fight-or-flight system, increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure," Rappold explained in a journal news release. "These changes can lead to disturbances in the heart's normal rhythm, blockages in blood vessels and other effects creating conditions that could lead to cardiac arrest."
There were signs that people in low-income communities were more vulnerable. Cardiac arrests rose in those areas even on days with less-dense smoke.
It's not clear why, but Rappold said lower-income people may be less likely to have air conditioning or portable air filters.
For the most part, Bhatnagar said, cardiac arrest strikes people who already have heart disease, or at least risk factors for it. In this study, the ill effects of smoke exposure were strongest among people age 65 and older -- though the risk also tended to go up among 35- to 64-year-olds.
Advertisement
One possibility, Rappold said, is that many people in that age range may be outside, exerting themselves, on smoky days.
But when wildfires are raging, Bhatnagar said, people living in affected areas should pay attention to local health authorities' messages.
"Either stay indoors with air conditioning or, if possible, evacuate if the air quality index is dangerous for sensitive individuals," he said.
People with existing heart disease -- or risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure -- should be especially careful, according to Bhatnagar. He advised talking to your doctor, and possibly taking extra precautions, like using an indoor air filter and wearing a mask if you must go outside.
More information
The American Lung Association has a site dedicated to air pollution and public health.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-15--Hugh Grosvenor donates $15.7M to COVID-19 fight

The biggest chunk of Hugh Grosvenor's donation will go toward supporting National Health Service workers and their families. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE
April 15 (UPI) -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor announced increased donations to COVID-19 treatment and relief efforts on Wednesday. The foundation announced an additional donation of $150 million bringing its total commitment to more than $250 million. Advertisement
The funds will be directed toward efforts to strengthen coronavirus response in Africa and South Asia, develop and deliver treatments and vaccines, accelerate detection and containment of the virus and protect vulnerable communities in the United States.
"Even in an emergency like this, the starting point for how to use our resources is where it's always been: our fundamental belief that all lives have equal value. And since we know that epidemics hit the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest, that's where our funding is chiefly directed.
Grosvenor will donate $15.7 million toward charities and organizations battling the coronavirus pandemic, the British businessman's foundation announced Wednesday.
The Westminster Foundation said Grosvenor, the richest person in the world under the age of 30, added a $12.55 million donation Wednesday to the $3.14 million he gave in March.
The March donation primarily went to charities focused on feeding vulnerable families and children who would normally receive free meals at school.
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The biggest chunk of the new donation will support National Health Service workers.
"NHS staff and key workers don't work in isolation," Grosvenor said. "They have children and families whose health and wellbeing will also be highly impacted by this crisis. As they keep us safe, I want to help provide as much support to them and their families as we can."
The new infusion of funds will be split among the NHS Charities Together ($6.27 million); national medical research linked to COVID-19 ($3.76 million); and charities providing support to people most vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic ($2.5 million).
Ellie Orton, the chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said the organization is grateful for the support from Grosvenor.
"We know many NHS staff have chosen to keep their families safe by staying apart and focusing their time and energy to care for their patients and save lives," she said.
"Their dedication is not only remarkable but no doubt comes with its own price and if I may speak on their behalf, we say a heartfelt thank you to the Westminster Foundation."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also announced that they would donate $113,000 to the charity Feeding Britain, using money they made from the BBC broadcast of their wedding.
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"The Duke and Duchess were able to speak to The Archbishop recently and were moved to hear all about the work Feeding Britain was doing to support people during COVID-19," a representative for the couple said.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19
A health worker with the Israeli national emergency service, Magen David Adam, wears protective gear while taking swabs to test for COVID-19 at a drive-through testing center in East Jerusalem on August 26. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
Pandemic empties streets, public spaces around the world


upi--2020-04-15--Astronomers discover brightest supernova ever

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Astronomers have discovered the brightest supernova ever .
The stellar explosion recorded by an international team of astronomers was twice as bright as the average supernova .
When stars die , they collapse in on themselves and explode , releasing massive amounts of energy .
In the Milky Way , a supernova occurs roughly once every century .
Some are brighter than others , but the stellar explosion named SN2016aps produced unprecedented spectra and energies .
Astronomers described their discovery this week in the journal Nature Astronomy .
`` We have never experienced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it lit up for 600 days , while a 'normal ' supernova shines brightly for between 10 and 100 days , before its light is extinguished , '' study co-author Alejandro Vigna-Goméz , postdoctoral researcher with the Niels Bohr Institute 's Dark Cosmology Center at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark , said in a news release .
Observations of SN2016aps showed the supernova explosion was not only bright , but also extremely violent , yielding forces five times more powerful than a typical stellar death .
Scientists are still trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than others , but astronomers have some ideas about the forces responsible for the brightness and explosiveness of SN2016aps .
Stellar death simulations and data analyses suggest the record explosion was produced by the collapse of a binary star system .
`` We believe that this is a case of where two stars merged into one giant star , '' said Vigna-Goméz .
`` We believe this to be the case because the level of hydrogen gas was so incredibly high for so long after the star began to explode . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a star begins to explode and 'die . '
But for this supernova , the level remained high until the very end , '' Vigna-Goméz said .
`` This suggests that there were two stars , each with an exceptionally large amount of gas , that became one . ''
The theory remains just that , a theory , but scientists hope that by analyzing real-life observations of supernovae like SN2016aps , they can confirm their explanation for especially powerful stellar explosions -- supernovae scales that scientists thought impossible .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limitations that we had placed on supernovas , which no longer apply , '' Vigna-Goméz said .
`` This study confirms that there is still much to discover about our ever-puzzling universe . ''

The brightest supernova seen by scientists, reported in a study this week, was twice as bright as the average supernova. Photo by geralt /Pixabay
April 15 (UPI) -- Astronomers have discovered the brightest supernova ever. The stellar explosion recorded by an international team of astronomers was twice as bright as the average supernova. When stars die, they collapse in on themselves and explode, releasing massive amounts of energy. In the Milky Way, a supernova occurs roughly once every century. Some are brighter than others, but the stellar explosion named SN2016aps produced unprecedented spectra and energies. Advertisement
Astronomers described their discovery this week in the journal Nature Astronomy.
"We have never experienced a supernova that shines so brightly. Furthermore, it lit up for 600 days, while a 'normal' supernova shines brightly for between 10 and 100 days, before its light is extinguished," study co-author Alejandro Vigna-Goméz, postdoctoral researcher with the Niels Bohr Institute's Dark Cosmology Center at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, said in a news release.
Observations of SN2016aps showed the supernova explosion was not only bright, but also extremely violent, yielding forces five times more powerful than a typical stellar death.
Scientists are still trying to figure out why some supernovas are brighter than others, but astronomers have some ideas about the forces responsible for the brightness and explosiveness of SN2016aps.
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Stellar death simulations and data analyses suggest the record explosion was produced by the collapse of a binary star system.
"We believe that this is a case of where two stars merged into one giant star," said Vigna-Goméz. "We believe this to be the case because the level of hydrogen gas was so incredibly high for so long after the star began to explode."
"Normally, this gas is quickly depleted after a star begins to explode and 'die.' But for this supernova, the level remained high until the very end," Vigna-Goméz said. "This suggests that there were two stars, each with an exceptionally large amount of gas, that became one."
The theory remains just that, a theory, but scientists hope that by analyzing real-life observations of supernovae like SN2016aps, they can confirm their explanation for especially powerful stellar explosions -- supernovae scales that scientists thought impossible.
"It's just crazy to think of the limitations that we had placed on supernovas, which no longer apply," Vigna-Goméz said. "This study confirms that there is still much to discover about our ever-puzzling universe."


upi--2020-04-15--Truman CSG to remain at sea until Nimitz can deploy, Navy says

April 15 ( UPI ) -- Former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said Wednesday that the Navy should bring all its ships into port and quarantine the majority of the crews while the vessels undergo a deep clean in order to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks similar to the one that has sidelined the USS Roosevelt .
Mabus ' recommendation comes after the Pentagon and the Navy announced a decision to keep surge carrier forces at sea due to the pandemic .
During an interview on the podcast Pod Save the World , Mabus recommended the Navy bring ships to port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitize the ship and quarantine crews for two weeks .
Once ships are reboarded , they should not leave the ship `` until this crisis is mitigated , '' said Mabus , who led the Navy from 2009 to 2017 .
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said Tuesday that the Truman Carrier Strike Group would stay at sea at least until the Nimitz group is ready to deploy .
`` We made a decision , the [ Secretary of Defense ] made a decision and the Navy made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Truman at sea so that we had at least two carriers at sea at a moment 's notice , '' Milley said Tuesday .
The USS Nimitz , which has had two sailors test positive for COVID-19 , is nearing the end of a 14-day pier-side isolation period in Bremerton , Wash. , before heading to sea for pre-deployment training .
Its escorts , command staff and Carrier Air Wing 17 are also observing a 14-day isolation period in California before the elements of the group begin coming together later in April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Stripes reported that the Navy has the highest number of coronavirus cases at 1,056 .
The USS Theodore Roosevelt , which was docked in Guam in March due to an outbreak on the ship , has reported 585 cases of the virus and one death .
Milley 's announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement from the US 2nd Fleet .
`` The ship is entering a period in which it needs to be ready to respond and deploy at any time , '' Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis , commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Normally we can do that pierside , but in the face of [ the coronavirus pandemic ] , we need to protect our most valuable asset , our people , by keeping the ship out to sea . ''
Navy officials said Monday that the branch will continue to evaluate the carrier strike group 's situation and update sailors and their families in about three weeks .

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman follows the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower while transiting the Arabian Sea on March 21. Photo by Brandon C. Cole/U.S. Navy
April 15 (UPI) -- Former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said Wednesday that the Navy should bring all its ships into port and quarantine the majority of the crews while the vessels undergo a deep clean in order to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks similar to the one that has sidelined the USS Roosevelt. Mabus' recommendation comes after the Pentagon and the Navy announced a decision to keep surge carrier forces at sea due to the pandemic. Advertisement
During an interview on the podcast Pod Save the World, Mabus recommended the Navy bring ships to port, offload most of the crew, sanitize the ship and quarantine crews for two weeks.
Once ships are reboarded, they should not leave the ship "until this crisis is mitigated," said Mabus, who led the Navy from 2009 to 2017.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said Tuesday that the Truman Carrier Strike Group would stay at sea at least until the Nimitz group is ready to deploy.
"We made a decision, the [Secretary of Defense] made a decision and the Navy made a decision to keep the Harry S. Truman at sea so that we had at least two carriers at sea at a moment's notice," Milley said Tuesday.
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The USS Nimitz, which has had two sailors test positive for COVID-19, is nearing the end of a 14-day pier-side isolation period in Bremerton, Wash., before heading to sea for pre-deployment training.
Its escorts, command staff and Carrier Air Wing 17 are also observing a 14-day isolation period in California before the elements of the group begin coming together later in April, USNI News reported.
On Monday Stars & Stripes reported that the Navy has the highest number of coronavirus cases at 1,056.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was docked in Guam in March due to an outbreak on the ship, has reported 585 cases of the virus and one death.
Milley's announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement from the US 2nd Fleet.
"The ship is entering a period in which it needs to be ready to respond and deploy at any time," Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander of the 2nd Fleet, said Monday. "Normally we can do that pierside, but in the face of [the coronavirus pandemic], we need to protect our most valuable asset, our people, by keeping the ship out to sea."
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Navy officials said Monday that the branch will continue to evaluate the carrier strike group's situation and update sailors and their families in about three weeks.


upi--2020-04-15--Maryland police: Remember to wear pants while checking the mail

April 15 ( UPI ) -- A Maryland police department shared a cryptic warning to a local resident who apparently @ @ @ @ @ their mail without pants during the coronavirus lockdown .
The Taneytown Police Department posted a @ @ @ @ @ that appears to be specifically aimed at an unnamed resident .
The post serves as @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic , some dress code rules remain in effect .
`` Please remember to @ @ @ @ @ the house to check your mailbox .
You know who you are .
This is @ @ @ @ @ the post states .

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April 15 (UPI) -- A Maryland police department shared a cryptic warning to a local resident who apparently has a habit of checking their mail without pants during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Taneytown Police Department posted a reminder to its Facebook page that appears to be specifically aimed at an unnamed resident.
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The post serves as a reminder that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, some dress code rules remain in effect.
"Please remember to put pants on before leaving the house to check your mailbox. You know who you are. This is your final warning," the post states.