upi--2020-03-24--Tornado risk to increase over storm-ravaged Tennessee

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Following a few severe thunderstorms over the southern Plains on Monday night , all forms of severe weather , including tornadoes , are possible over portions of the Tennessee and lower Mississippi valleys on Tuesday .
As warm and more humid air began to flow northward over portions of Kansas and Oklahoma after dark on Monday , big storms began to erupt .
An expanded risk of violent storms is expected as warm and humid air surges over the Tennessee Valley region through Tuesday evening .
The main threat from storms into Tuesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torrential downpours with frequent lightning strikes .
`` We are concerned about a narrow zone that could allow a few isolated tornadoes and storms with damaging winds to develop over portions of Tennessee , '' AccuWeather storm warning meteorologist Michaela Heeren said .
This risk will extend southward to include the northern portions of Mississippi , Alabama and Georgia as well .
The threat of severe weather is likely to extend into the first part of Tuesday night .
The swath in which some of the severe storms may occur on includes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit hard by tornadoes a few weeks ago .
The storms took dozens of lives and demolished long-standing neighborhoods in middle Tennessee during the early morning hours on March 3 .
There have been 163 tornadoes in 2020 through March 11 , based on preliminary storm reports from the Storm Prediction Center .
January and February both yielded above-average numbers of tornadoes , and even though March 's preliminary number for twisters is pacing behind average , there have been more tornado fatalities than the three-year average with a total of 25 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seven .
The strongest tornado so far in 2020 was the Cookeville , Tenn. , storm with a strength of EF4 and estimated winds of 166 mph to 200 mph on March 3 .
As the same storm system continues to move eastward , a narrow zone of heavy , gusty and perhaps isolated severe weather may occur in the eastern part of the Carolinas to southeastern Virginia on Wednesday .
Any storms on Wednesday along the southern Atlantic seaboard are likely to be brief due to the fast movement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to return to the South-Central states on Thursday .
Storms may fire over portions of Kansas and Oklahoma later Thursday .
The severe weather threat , including tornadoes may then expand to more of of the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley on Friday .

March 24 (UPI) -- Following a few severe thunderstorms over the southern Plains on Monday night, all forms of severe weather, including tornadoes, are possible over portions of the Tennessee and lower Mississippi valleys on Tuesday.
As warm and more humid air began to flow northward over portions of Kansas and Oklahoma after dark on Monday, big storms began to erupt.
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An expanded risk of violent storms is expected as warm and humid air surges over the Tennessee Valley region through Tuesday evening.
The main threat from storms into Tuesday evening are likely to be large hail and torrential downpours with frequent lightning strikes.
"We are concerned about a narrow zone that could allow a few isolated tornadoes and storms with damaging winds to develop over portions of Tennessee," AccuWeather storm warning meteorologist Michaela Heeren said.
This risk will extend southward to include the northern portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia as well.
The threat of severe weather is likely to extend into the first part of Tuesday night.
The swath in which some of the severe storms may occur on includes the Nashville, Tenn., area that was hit hard by tornadoes a few weeks ago. The storms took dozens of lives and demolished long-standing neighborhoods in middle Tennessee during the early morning hours on March 3.
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There have been 163 tornadoes in 2020 through March 11, based on preliminary storm reports from the Storm Prediction Center. January and February both yielded above-average numbers of tornadoes, and even though March's preliminary number for twisters is pacing behind average, there have been more tornado fatalities than the three-year average with a total of 25, compared to the SPC's three-year average of seven. The strongest tornado so far in 2020 was the Cookeville, Tenn., storm with a strength of EF4 and estimated winds of 166 mph to 200 mph on March 3.
As the same storm system continues to move eastward, a narrow zone of heavy, gusty and perhaps isolated severe weather may occur in the eastern part of the Carolinas to southeastern Virginia on Wednesday.
Any storms on Wednesday along the southern Atlantic seaboard are likely to be brief due to the fast movement of the system.
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The risk of severe weather is likely to return to the South-Central states on Thursday. Storms may fire over portions of Kansas and Oklahoma later Thursday. The severe weather threat, including tornadoes may then expand to more of of the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley on Friday.


upi--2020-03-24--India orders 1.3B people into 21-day lockdown; Wuhan to lift coronavirus restrictions

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The government of India on Tuesday ordered a 21-day national coronavirus-related lockdown -- a move that will restrict movements for an estimated 1.3 billion people .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a `` total lockdown '' in a nationally broadcast address Tuesday .
There are more than 500 cases across India and at least 10 deaths .
`` There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes , '' Modi said , also announcing a $ 150 billion emergency financial package .
`` If we are not able to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete lockdown ] , we will be pushed back 21 years , '' Modi warned .
`` Forget about leaving home in the next 21 days .
... You will invite the virus home . ''
As of Tuesday evening , there were more than 417,000 cases of COVID-19 worldwide , according to trackers at Johns Hopkins University .
More than 18,600 patients have died and 107,200 have recovered .
Earlier Tuesday , Chinese officials said beginning next month they will lift strict lockdown measures in Wuhan city , which was where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Wuhan and across China have steadily fallen in the last several days .
Officials said the lockdown in Wuhan will be lifted on April 8 , and will apply to all residents who are cleared by a doctor .
More than half of all Chinese cases and 77 percent of its deaths were recorded in Wuhan , according to Beijing 's National Health Commission .
After five straight days of no new local cases , officials in Wuhan reported one additional .
The vast majority of new cases across China have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Thailand , Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he will declare a national emergency on Thursday .
Restrictions will be issued on `` an ongoing basis to reduce the epidemic , '' he said , adding that `` some will be requests and others will be compulsory . ''
The leader urged citizens to self-isolate and avoid returning to their home provinces .
`` If the situation does not improve , there will be a total lockdown , '' he said .
With the emergency declaration , the prime minister will have power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public gatherings and to evacuate people from areas for public safety .
In Italy , now the global epicenter of the virus with 69,176 cases , there are signs the outbreak may be peaking .
Italy 's Department of Civil Protection said that the death toll rose by 743 cases to 6,820 after officials said the number of new cases and the death toll fell for a second straight day Monday .
In Spain , a spike of new cases and deaths were recorded Tuesday amid a tight national lockdown .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more than 500 new cases .
Nearly 40,000 Spanish citizens have been sickened .

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Residents wear protective face masks while visiting a shopping area in Beijing, China, on Tuesday. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- The government of India on Tuesday ordered a 21-day national coronavirus-related lockdown -- a move that will restrict movements for an estimated 1.3 billion people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a "total lockdown" in a nationally broadcast address Tuesday. There are more than 500 cases across India and at least 10 deaths. Advertisement
"There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Modi said, also announcing a $150 billion emergency financial package.
"If we are not able to manage the upcoming 21 days [of a complete lockdown], we will be pushed back 21 years," Modi warned.
"Forget about leaving home in the next 21 days. ... You will invite the virus home."
As of Tuesday evening, there were more than 417,000 cases of COVID-19 worldwide, according to trackers at Johns Hopkins University. More than 18,600 patients have died and 107,200 have recovered.
Earlier Tuesday, Chinese officials said beginning next month they will lift strict lockdown measures in Wuhan city, which was where the virus first emerged in December. Coronavirus cases in Wuhan and across China have steadily fallen in the last several days.
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Officials said the lockdown in Wuhan will be lifted on April 8, and will apply to all residents who are cleared by a doctor.
More than half of all Chinese cases and 77 percent of its deaths were recorded in Wuhan, according to Beijing's National Health Commission. After five straight days of no new local cases, officials in Wuhan reported one additional. The vast majority of new cases across China have been imported, it added.
Elsewhere in Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he will declare a national emergency on Thursday.
Restrictions will be issued on "an ongoing basis to reduce the epidemic," he said, adding that "some will be requests and others will be compulsory."
The leader urged citizens to self-isolate and avoid returning to their home provinces.
"If the situation does not improve, there will be a total lockdown," he said.
With the emergency declaration, the prime minister will have power to ban citizens from leaving their homes, public gatherings and to evacuate people from areas for public safety.
In Italy, now the global epicenter of the virus with 69,176 cases, there are signs the outbreak may be peaking.
Italy's Department of Civil Protection said that the death toll rose by 743 cases to 6,820 after officials said the number of new cases and the death toll fell for a second straight day Monday.
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In Spain, a spike of new cases and deaths were recorded Tuesday amid a tight national lockdown.
Officials reported a 24 percent increase in deaths and more than 500 new cases. Nearly 40,000 Spanish citizens have been sickened.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-24--Navy's USNS Comfort hospital ship to arrive in NYC within weeks

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The Navy 's massive floating hospital is due to arrive in New York City within the next `` couple of weeks '' to aid with coronavirus response , Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper confirmed this week .
In a Monday press briefing Esper told reporters the USNS Comfort would head to New York City `` for the same purpose '' as the USNS Mercy , which left its home port of San Diego for Los Angeles on Monday .
Neither ship is intended to treat individuals suffering from COVID-19 .
Instead , the vessels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were built to treat individuals wounded in war -- are intended to relieve the pressure on extant hospitals in the two cities as they experience an influx of patients .
The Comfort was also sent to New York after the 9/11 terrorist attacks .
It can accommodate 1,200 doctors , nurses and medical specialists , and has a helicopter landing pad -- and it can receive patients by boat as well .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said he expects the vessel to port in New York in mid-April after departing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergoing maintenance .
Earlier , it was suggested the Mercy would be sent to Seattle before the shift to Los Angeles .
The change in venue was ordered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency , Esper said , adding that the DoD anticipates setting up a field hospital in Seattle .
On Wednesday the New York Times reported that 25,000 people in New York State have tested positive for the virus , and that the number of positive cases in the state has doubled every three days .
New York officials project a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those suffering from the virus , up from an earlier projection of 110,000 .
Currently , just 53,000 are available .

Supplies and personnel are loaded aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Tuesday. Photo by Joshua D/ Sheppard/U.S. Navy
March 24 (UPI) -- The Navy's massive floating hospital is due to arrive in New York City within the next "couple of weeks" to aid with coronavirus response, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper confirmed this week. In a Monday press briefing Esper told reporters the USNS Comfort would head to New York City "for the same purpose" as the USNS Mercy, which left its home port of San Diego for Los Angeles on Monday. Advertisement
Neither ship is intended to treat individuals suffering from COVID-19.
Instead, the vessels -- each of which boasts 1,000 beds which were built to treat individuals wounded in war -- are intended to relieve the pressure on extant hospitals in the two cities as they experience an influx of patients.
The Comfort was also sent to New York after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It can accommodate 1,200 doctors, nurses and medical specialists, and has a helicopter landing pad -- and it can receive patients by boat as well.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he expects the vessel to port in New York in mid-April after departing Norfolk, Va., where it is undergoing maintenance.
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Earlier, it was suggested the Mercy would be sent to Seattle before the shift to Los Angeles. The change in venue was ordered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Esper said, adding that the DoD anticipates setting up a field hospital in Seattle.
On Wednesday the New York Times reported that 25,000 people in New York State have tested positive for the virus, and that the number of positive cases in the state has doubled every three days.
New York officials project a need of 140,000 hospital beds to house those suffering from the virus, up from an earlier projection of 110,000. Currently, just 53,000 are available.


upi--2020-03-24--COVID-19 cases doubling every 3 days in N.Y.; Gov. Andrew Cuomo pleads for ventilators

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Coronavirus cases in New York are doubling every three days , and Gov .
Andrew Cuomo urged the federal government Tuesday to address a shortage of medical equipment to meet the surge .
Speaking to reporters at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City , which is being converted into a 1,000-bed hospital , Cuomo said , `` The increase in the number of cases continues unabated . ''
The surge is expected to reach its apex within two weeks , when the governor estimated that 140,000 hospital beds could be needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me we were looking at a freight train coming across the country .
We are now looking at a bullet train , '' Cuomo said .
He is asking the federal government to provide ventilators by invoking the Defense Production Act to require companies to manufacture them immediately .
`` If we do n't have the ventilators in 14 days , it does us no good , '' he said .
`` Not to exercise that power is inexplicable to me . ''
In New York City , Bill de Blasio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall within high-risk categories for coronavirus , including being over the age of 70 , and having for major pre-existing health conditions -- chronic lung disease , heart conditions , those who are immunocompromised and those with obesity .
This will lead to the release of about 300 inmates serving less than one-year sentences for non-violent , misdemeanor offenses , on top of the 75 released Monday .
Vice President Mike Pence said later Tuesday on Fox News that the U.S. government had shipped 2,000 ventilators to New York on Tuesday and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Johns Hopkins University said New York now has more than 25,600 cases and 210 deaths , most of them in New York City .
De Blasio said New York City has 14,776 cases and 131 deaths .
Nationally , the number of cases is nearing 53,000 and the death toll is 700 , the university reported as of Tuesday afternoon .
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Tuesday , Dr. Deborah Birx said officials remain deeply concerned about New York City 's metro area , calling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to place themselves in quarantine for 14 days as they may have been exposed before leaving the state .
`` Everybody who was in New York should be self-quarantining for the next 14 days to ensure that the virus does n't spread to others , no matter where they have gone , whether it 's Florida , North Carolina or out to Long Island , '' Birx said .
Director of the National Institute of Infectious Disease Dr. Anthony Fauci said such self-quarantine procedures are important to prevent travel from the state from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to spread throughout the state .
President Donald Trump said at a Fox News virtual town hall at the White House he 'd like to see the economy up and running by Easter , April 12 .
`` We 're opening up this incredible country .
Because we have to do that .
I would love to have it open by Easter , '' he said .
`` You can destroy a country this way by closing it down .
`` It 's not built to shut down .
Our people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy .
They do n't want to be locked in a house or an apartment or some space .
With U.S. cases still climbing at rapid rates , health officials continued to urge social distancing and extensive measures for at least several weeks to mitigate the spread of the disease , for which there is no known cure .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards told the White House the New Orleans area is on track to reach the limits of its ability to deliver healthcare by the end of next week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus cases , our hospital current capacity to successfully treat infected patients will be exceeded , '' he wrote in a letter to the White House .
`` For the New Orleans area , the current projections of hospitalizations significantly exceed capacity beginning on April 4 . ''
Orleans Parish has the highest rate of coronavirus cases outside New York and the sixth-highest rate overall in the United States , with over 500 cases and 20 deaths as of Monday .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said his state needs 50,000 more hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need at 20,000 .
In Washington state , Gov .
Jay Inslee has ordered all non-essential businesses to close within 48 hours and for all state residents to `` shelter in place '' for two weeks .
In Florida , the caseload has risen to more than 1,400 .
Sixty of the new cases were reported in Miami-Dade County .
Defying the trend across the country to keep college students at home , the evangelical Christian Liberty University in Virginia reopened its campus on Monday .
Earlier Tuesday , Trump spoke by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss their respective efforts .
The United States has far surpassed the case total in South Korea , which received widespread praise for its efforts to control the outbreak in its early stages .
Meanwhile , Amazon said it 's cracking down on price gougers and has deleted nearly 4,000 seller accounts for virus-related gouging and misleading claims .
`` We are constantly monitoring our stores for unfair prices and listings that make false claims in regards to COVID-19 , '' the company said .
`` We have dynamic , automated systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priced items . ''

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A pedestrian wears gloves and a protective mask near Lincoln Center in New York City on Tuesday. New York state reports the most coronavirus cases and deaths in the country with more than 23,230 confirmed cases and 188 deaths. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- Coronavirus cases in New York are doubling every three days, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged the federal government Tuesday to address a shortage of medical equipment to meet the surge. Speaking to reporters at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, which is being converted into a 1,000-bed hospital, Cuomo said, "The increase in the number of cases continues unabated." Advertisement
The surge is expected to reach its apex within two weeks, when the governor estimated that 140,000 hospital beds could be needed.
"One of the forecasters said to me we were looking at a freight train coming across the country. We are now looking at a bullet train," Cuomo said.
He is asking the federal government to provide ventilators by invoking the Defense Production Act to require companies to manufacture them immediately.
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"If we don't have the ventilators in 14 days, it does us no good," he said. "Not to exercise that power is inexplicable to me."
In New York City, Bill de Blasio said he plans to release certain inmates who fall within high-risk categories for coronavirus, including being over the age of 70, and having for major pre-existing health conditions -- chronic lung disease, heart conditions, those who are immunocompromised and those with obesity.
This will lead to the release of about 300 inmates serving less than one-year sentences for non-violent, misdemeanor offenses, on top of the 75 released Monday.
Vice President Mike Pence said later Tuesday on Fox News that the U.S. government had shipped 2,000 ventilators to New York on Tuesday and would send 2,000 more on Wednesday.
Trackers at Johns Hopkins University said New York now has more than 25,600 cases and 210 deaths, most of them in New York City. De Blasio said New York City has 14,776 cases and 131 deaths.
Nationally, the number of cases is nearing 53,000 and the death toll is 700, the university reported as of Tuesday afternoon.
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During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Tuesday, Dr. Deborah Birx said officials remain deeply concerned about New York City's metro area, calling on any people who have left New York to place themselves in quarantine for 14 days as they may have been exposed before leaving the state.
"Everybody who was in New York should be self-quarantining for the next 14 days to ensure that the virus doesn't spread to others, no matter where they have gone, whether it's Florida, North Carolina or out to Long Island," Birx said.
Director of the National Institute of Infectious Disease Dr. Anthony Fauci said such self-quarantine procedures are important to prevent travel from the state from becoming another "seeding point" for the virus to spread throughout the state.
President Donald Trump said at a Fox News virtual town hall at the White House he'd like to see the economy up and running by Easter, April 12.
"We're opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter," he said. "You can destroy a country this way by closing it down.
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"It's not built to shut down. Our people are full of vim and vigor and energy. They don't want to be locked in a house or an apartment or some space.
With U.S. cases still climbing at rapid rates, health officials continued to urge social distancing and extensive measures for at least several weeks to mitigate the spread of the disease, for which there is no known cure.
The White House on Tuesday announced that Trump has approved Iowa's major disaster declaration, ordering federal assistance to the state to combat the virus.
The approval came as Gov. Kim Reynolds confirmed Iowa's first death to the virus -- a man between 61-80 years old from Dubuque County.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told the White House the New Orleans area is on track to reach the limits of its ability to deliver healthcare by the end of next week.
"With our current rate of new virus cases, our hospital current capacity to successfully treat infected patients will be exceeded," he wrote in a letter to the White House. "For the New Orleans area, the current projections of hospitalizations significantly exceed capacity beginning on April 4."
Orleans Parish has the highest rate of coronavirus cases outside New York and the sixth-highest rate overall in the United States, with over 500 cases and 20 deaths as of Monday.
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Edwards has requested Trump to approve his major disaster declaration.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said his state needs 50,000 more hospital beds. Last week, he estimated the need at 20,000.
In Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced the first death of a person under 18 in the United States for the virus, whose victims have predominately been seniors and those suffering from underlying health issues. No other information about the minor was released aside from that they were from Lancaster.
In Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered all non-essential businesses to close within 48 hours and for all state residents to "shelter in place" for two weeks.
In Florida, the caseload has risen to more than 1,400. Sixty of the new cases were reported in Miami-Dade County.
Defying the trend across the country to keep college students at home, the evangelical Christian Liberty University in Virginia reopened its campus on Monday.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss their respective efforts. The United States has far surpassed the case total in South Korea, which received widespread praise for its efforts to control the outbreak in its early stages.
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Meanwhile, Amazon said it's cracking down on price gougers and has deleted nearly 4,000 seller accounts for virus-related gouging and misleading claims.
"We are constantly monitoring our stores for unfair prices and listings that make false claims in regards to COVID-19," the company said. "We have dynamic, automated systems in place that locate and remove unfairly priced items."
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-24--Ownership of 76ers, Devils reverses coronavirus pay cuts for team employees

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment -- the group that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils -- reversed course and will pay team employees their full salaries amid the temporary shutdowns of the NBA and NHL because of the coronavirus pandemic .
After receiving public backlash and pushback from within the organizations , the ownership group held a conference call Tuesday afternoon and backed off on a plan that would have subjected full-time team employees to temporary pay reductions .
`` Our commitment has been to do our best to keep all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation , '' Josh Harris , founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment , said in a statement .
`` ... After listening to our staff and players , it 's clear that was the wrong decision .
We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries .
`` This is an extraordinary time in our world -- unlike any most of us have ever lived through before -- and ordinary business decisions are not enough to meet the moment .
To our staff and fans , I apologize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling back the plan , the ownership group notified salaried staff members that full-time employees are subject to pay cuts up to 20 percent as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` As we navigate this evolving COVID-19 environment , we are mindful of the long-term impact the suspension of live events and games will have on our organization and industry , '' Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O'Neil said in a statement Monday .
`` To ensure we can continue to support and operate our businesses during these uncertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asking our full-time , salaried employees to temporarily reduce their pay by up to 20 percent and move to a four-day week . ''
Sources told the New York Times and ESPN that the temporary salary reductions were for employees who earn more than $ 50,000 per year .
The salary reductions were to start April 15 and run through the end of June .
Sources told the Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer that 76ers general manager Elton Brand , 76ers president of business operations Chris Heck and Devils president Jake Reynolds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ownership group said the measures were taken to avoid layoffs and keep full benefits for the company 's 1,500 employees .
The NBA plans to give players full salary payments on April 1 .
NBA and NHL athletes were exempt from the owners ' proposed pay reductions because both leagues have collectively bargained labor agreements .
Sources told ESPN and The Athletic on Tuesday that 76ers center Joel Embiid was pledging $ 500,000 toward coronavirus medical relief efforts .
He also committed to helping team employees who were going to be impacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval of the ownership group 's reversal of the plan .
The NBA and NHL seasons were indefinitely suspended on March 11 and 12 , respectively , in response to the pandemic .

March 24 (UPI) -- Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment -- the group that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils -- reversed course and will pay team employees their full salaries amid the temporary shutdowns of the NBA and NHL because of the coronavirus pandemic.
After receiving public backlash and pushback from within the organizations, the ownership group held a conference call Tuesday afternoon and backed off on a plan that would have subjected full-time team employees to temporary pay reductions.
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"Our commitment has been to do our best to keep all of our employees working through this very difficult situation," Josh Harris, founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement. "... After listening to our staff and players, it's clear that was the wrong decision. We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries.
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"This is an extraordinary time in our world -- unlike any most of us have ever lived through before -- and ordinary business decisions are not enough to meet the moment. To our staff and fans, I apologize for getting this wrong."
Before rolling back the plan, the ownership group notified salaried staff members that full-time employees are subject to pay cuts up to 20 percent as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
"As we navigate this evolving COVID-19 environment, we are mindful of the long-term impact the suspension of live events and games will have on our organization and industry," Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O'Neil said in a statement Monday.
"To ensure we can continue to support and operate our businesses during these uncertain times without reducing our workforce, we are asking our full-time, salaried employees to temporarily reduce their pay by up to 20 percent and move to a four-day week."
Sources told the New York Times and ESPN that the temporary salary reductions were for employees who earn more than $50,000 per year. The salary reductions were to start April 15 and run through the end of June.
Advertisement
Sources told the Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer that 76ers general manager Elton Brand, 76ers president of business operations Chris Heck and Devils president Jake Reynolds previously agreed to salary reductions.
The ownership group said the measures were taken to avoid layoffs and keep full benefits for the company's 1,500 employees.
The NBA plans to give players full salary payments on April 1. NBA and NHL athletes were exempt from the owners' proposed pay reductions because both leagues have collectively bargained labor agreements.
Sources told ESPN and The Athletic on Tuesday that 76ers center Joel Embiid was pledging $500,000 toward coronavirus medical relief efforts. He also committed to helping team employees who were going to be impacted by the salary reductions.
Embiid tweeted his approval of the ownership group's reversal of the plan.
Advertisement In these trying times, I'm proud of the Sixers organization for reversing course and "doing a 180". Let's focus on beating this Coronavirus now. Let's be responsible and Trust the Process!!— Joel "Do a 180" Embiid??? (@JoelEmbiid) March 24, 2020
The NBA and NHL seasons were indefinitely suspended on March 11 and 12, respectively, in response to the pandemic.


upi--2020-03-24--Commission recommends women be required to register for military draft

March 24 ( UPI ) -- A national commission has recommended that women should be required to register with the government in case of a military draft .
The 11-member commission 's final report said that requiring all Americans aged 18-25 to register for the Selective Service is a `` necessary and fair step , making it possible to draw on the talent of a unified nation in a time of national emergency . ''
Members of the commission briefed the Pentagon on the report on Monday and presented it to the White House and Congressional staffers on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 National Defense Authorization Act .
The chairman of the commission , Joseph Heck , said the commission held dozens of public meetings and considered more than 4,000 public comments during the last two years before compiling the report .
`` The biggest piece of opposition was , we are not going to draft our mother and daughters , our sisters and aunts to fight in hand-to-hand combat , '' Heck said .
The report does not require action and it was not immediately clear when the House or Senate would consider a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2015 , the U.S. Department of Defense opened all combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces to women , saying the country ca n't afford to shut out roughly half of the population from supporting its mission of providing national security .
No one has been conscripted into the U.S. military in more than 40 years , but the Military Selective Service Act currently requires all men to register for a draft when they turn 18 .
Registration often takes place automatically when applying for a driver 's license or financial federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in fines , imprisonment or denial of services including federal student loans .

Women of the United States Navy cross the West Side Highway. A two-year commission determined women should be eligible for the draft. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- A national commission has recommended that women should be required to register with the government in case of a military draft. The 11-member commission's final report said that requiring all Americans aged 18-25 to register for the Selective Service is a "necessary and fair step, making it possible to draw on the talent of a unified nation in a time of national emergency." Advertisement
Members of the commission briefed the Pentagon on the report on Monday and presented it to the White House and Congressional staffers on Tuesday. The 255-page document was required by the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.
The chairman of the commission, Joseph Heck, said the commission held dozens of public meetings and considered more than 4,000 public comments during the last two years before compiling the report.
"The biggest piece of opposition was, we are not going to draft our mother and daughters, our sisters and aunts to fight in hand-to-hand combat," Heck said.
The report does not require action and it was not immediately clear when the House or Senate would consider a measure to institute such a policy.
In 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense opened all combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces to women, saying the country can't afford to shut out roughly half of the population from supporting its mission of providing national security.
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No one has been conscripted into the U.S. military in more than 40 years, but the Military Selective Service Act currently requires all men to register for a draft when they turn 18.
Registration often takes place automatically when applying for a driver's license or financial federal aid, but failing to register can result in fines, imprisonment or denial of services including federal student loans.


upi--2020-03-24--New York Mets star Noah Syndergaard to undergo Tommy John surgery

March 24 ( UPI ) -- New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery , the team announced Tuesday .
Dr. David Altcheck will perform the procedure Thursday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach , Fla. , according to the Mets ' statement .
`` After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the [ coronavirus ] pandemic , Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact , '' Mets general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` Based on the persistence of his symptoms , Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear .
A second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed the diagnosis and the recommendation for surgery .
`` Noah is an incredibly hard worker and a tremendous talent .
While this is unfortunate , we have no doubt that Noah will be able to return to full strength and continue to be an integral part of our championship pursuits in the future . ''
Syndergaard , 27 , was expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ace Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman this season .
After the surgery , he will be sidelined until at least April 2021 .
The right-hander threw a career-high 197 2/3 innings last season .
In 32 starts , he posted a 10-8 record with a career-worst 4.28 ERA and 202 strikeouts .
Syndergaard , a 2016 All-Star selection , is the second high-profile pitcher to need Tommy John surgery this month , with Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale also opting to undergo the operation during MLB 's temporary suspension due to the @ @ @

New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard will undergo the procedure Thursday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Fla. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team announced Tuesday. Dr. David Altcheck will perform the procedure Thursday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to the Mets' statement. Advertisement
"After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the [coronavirus] pandemic, Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact," Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement.
"Based on the persistence of his symptoms, Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear. A second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed the diagnosis and the recommendation for surgery.
"Noah is an incredibly hard worker and a tremendous talent. While this is unfortunate, we have no doubt that Noah will be able to return to full strength and continue to be an integral part of our championship pursuits in the future."
Syndergaard, 27, was expected to anchor the Mets' rotation alongside ace Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman this season. After the surgery, he will be sidelined until at least April 2021.
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The right-hander threw a career-high 197 2/3 innings last season. In 32 starts, he posted a 10-8 record with a career-worst 4.28 ERA and 202 strikeouts.
Syndergaard, a 2016 All-Star selection, is the second high-profile pitcher to need Tommy John surgery this month, with Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale also opting to undergo the operation during MLB's temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 outbreak.


upi--2020-03-24--First COVID-19 case confirmed in ICE detention

March 24 ( UPI ) -- An Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee in Pennsylvania tested positive for the coronavirus , immigration officials said Tuesday .
It 's the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in someone held ICE custody .
There are more than 52,000 cases and 670 deaths in the United States as of 3:30 p.m. , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The patient , a 31-year-old Mexican national , has been quarantined and is receiving medical treatment , ICE said in a news release .
`` Consistent with CDC guidelines , those who have come in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being monitored for symptoms , '' the release said .
`` ICE is suspending intake at the facility until further information is available . ''
The American Civil Liberties Union has called on prisons , jails and immigrant detention centers to release inmates `` who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 , '' including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions that makes the disease more serious for them .
The organization has sued ICE detention centers in Maryland and Pennsylvania to seek the release of those at risk .
`` ICE will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does not heed the advice of public health experts now , '' the ACLU said .
Over the weekend , a Pennsylvania court ordered the transfer of a death row inmate to a hospital for testing and treatment for possible COVID-19 .
Walter Ogrod has had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 , including cough , difficulty breathing and a 106-degree fever .
Last month , the Philadelphia District Attorney 's Office filed briefs in court saying Ogrod is `` likely innocent '' of assaulting and killing a 4-year-old girl in 1988 .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a coerced confession and testimony from discredited jailhouse informants .
In New York City , Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday plans to release some 300 inmates with non-violent misdemeanor charges if they fall within certain criteria that makes them more vulnerable to the virus .

March 24 (UPI) -- An Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee in Pennsylvania tested positive for the coronavirus, immigration officials said Tuesday.
It's the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in someone held ICE custody. There are more than 52,000 cases and 670 deaths in the United States as of 3:30 p.m., according to Johns Hopkins University.
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The patient, a 31-year-old Mexican national, has been quarantined and is receiving medical treatment, ICE said in a news release.
"Consistent with CDC guidelines, those who have come in contact with the individual have been cohorted and are being monitored for symptoms," the release said. "ICE is suspending intake at the facility until further information is available."
The American Civil Liberties Union has called on prisons, jails and immigrant detention centers to release inmates "who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions that makes the disease more serious for them.
The organization has sued ICE detention centers in Maryland and Pennsylvania to seek the release of those at risk.
"ICE will be responsible for a humanitarian tragedy if it does not heed the advice of public health experts now," the ACLU said.
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Over the weekend, a Pennsylvania court ordered the transfer of a death row inmate to a hospital for testing and treatment for possible COVID-19. Walter Ogrod has had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including cough, difficulty breathing and a 106-degree fever.
Last month, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office filed briefs in court saying Ogrod is "likely innocent" of assaulting and killing a 4-year-old girl in 1988. They said he was convicted on flawed evidence, including a coerced confession and testimony from discredited jailhouse informants.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday plans to release some 300 inmates with non-violent misdemeanor charges if they fall within certain criteria that makes them more vulnerable to the virus.


upi--2020-03-24--Look: Submarine training target washes up on North Carolina beach

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Officials in a North Carolina town said the Navy was called in to eject @ @ @ @ @ a 1,000-pound ball of concrete believed to be a submarine training target .
The Kill @ @ @ @ @ in a Facebook post the large , barnacle-covered object that washed up on the beach @ @ @ @ @ an explosive device '' and did not pose any danger to the public .
Police @ @ @ @ @ to practice social distancing '' if they decided to take a look at the object @ @ @ @ @ Devil Hills said the U.S. Navy removed the device Tuesday with help from the Kill @ @ @ @ @ Public Services Department .
The town said the Navy believes the 1,000-pound concrete ball to @ @ @ @ @ .
The Navy is planning to clean the object and attempt to determine where it @ @ @ @ @ said .

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March 24 (UPI) -- Officials in a North Carolina town said the Navy was called in to eject an unusual beach visitor -- a 1,000-pound ball of concrete believed to be a submarine training target.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department said in a Facebook post the large, barnacle-covered object that washed up on the beach Monday afternoon was "not an explosive device" and did not pose any danger to the public.
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Police urged residents to "remember to practice social distancing" if they decided to take a look at the object.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills said the U.S. Navy removed the device Tuesday with help from the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and Public Services Department.
The town said the Navy believes the 1,000-pound concrete ball to be a submarine training target. The Navy is planning to clean the object and attempt to determine where it came from, the town said.


upi--2020-03-24--Liver cancer incidence in older adults up 50% globally since 1990

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Liver cancer is on the rise globally , despite advances aimed at preventing the disease , a new study has found .
In an analysis published Tuesday in the journal Cancer , researchers from China report that while the number of cases of liver cancer in people 30 years old and younger has declined over the past 30 years , it has increased by more than 50 percent in older adults over the same period .
The increase was particularly marked in men 60 years of age and older , the authors added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention for older people in current liver cancer prevention efforts and highlight the emerging concern of obesity as a risk factor for liver cancer , '' co-author Dr. Xingdong Chen , a professor at Fudan University in China said in a press release .
`` Liver cancer prevention strategies in both developing and developed countries should be tailored and updated . ''
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology , more than 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with liver cancer annually .
More than 30,000 die from the disease each year .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by age , sex , region and cause , Chen and his colleagues reviewed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study collected between 1990 and 2017 .
The study includes information on disease diagnosis and death rates from 195 countries and territories .
Overall , the team found that global liver cancer cases among people age 30 and younger declined from 17,381 in 1990 to 14,661 in 2017 .
However , the number of adults between 30 and 59 years old diagnosed with the disease increased from 216,561 to 359,770 over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer diagnoses among people 60 years and older increased from 241,189 in 1990 to 578,344 in 2017 .
After adjusting for age , the team found that the cases of liver cancer diagnosed in those 30 years of age and younger and those between 30 and 59 years of age dropped in both sexes .
However , in older adults , rates increased in males and remained stable in females .
Compared with women , men 60 years of age and older had a more dramatic increase in liver cancer diagnoses .
Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a milder decrease in cases compared to women .
Chen and his colleagues credited the availability of hepatitis B vaccination with helping to lower liver cancer rates among younger people .
Hepatitis B virus can cause liver cancer .
Liver cancer caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease , or buildup of fat in the liver , increased by the greatest magnitude in most regions .

March 24 (UPI) -- Liver cancer is on the rise globally, despite advances aimed at preventing the disease, a new study has found.
In an analysis published Tuesday in the journal Cancer, researchers from China report that while the number of cases of liver cancer in people 30 years old and younger has declined over the past 30 years, it has increased by more than 50 percent in older adults over the same period.
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The increase was particularly marked in men 60 years of age and older, the authors added.
"Our findings suggest the lack of attention for older people in current liver cancer prevention efforts and highlight the emerging concern of obesity as a risk factor for liver cancer," co-author Dr. Xingdong Chen, a professor at Fudan University in China said in a press release. "Liver cancer prevention strategies in both developing and developed countries should be tailored and updated."
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, more than 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with liver cancer annually. More than 30,000 die from the disease each year.
To obtain trends and estimates of liver cancer by age, sex, region and cause, Chen and his colleagues reviewed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study collected between 1990 and 2017. The study includes information on disease diagnosis and death rates from 195 countries and territories.
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Overall, the team found that global liver cancer cases among people age 30 and younger declined from 17,381 in 1990 to 14,661 in 2017. However, the number of adults between 30 and 59 years old diagnosed with the disease increased from 216,561 to 359,770 over the same period.
In addition, liver cancer diagnoses among people 60 years and older increased from 241,189 in 1990 to 578,344 in 2017. After adjusting for age, the team found that the cases of liver cancer diagnosed in those 30 years of age and younger and those between 30 and 59 years of age dropped in both sexes.
However, in older adults, rates increased in males and remained stable in females. Compared with women, men 60 years of age and older had a more dramatic increase in liver cancer diagnoses. Men between age 30 and 59 also saw a milder decrease in cases compared to women.
Chen and his colleagues credited the availability of hepatitis B vaccination with helping to lower liver cancer rates among younger people. Hepatitis B virus can cause liver cancer. Liver cancer caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or buildup of fat in the liver, increased by the greatest magnitude in most regions.


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: Italian priest accidentally live streams mass with Facebook filters active

March 24 ( UPI ) -- An Italian priest 's live streamed mass on Facebook went viral after the religious @ @ @ @ @ 's AR filters active , causing him to appear in various cartoon disguises .
Paolo @ @ @ @ @ the Church of San Pietro and San Benedetto di Polla in Salerno province , live @ @ @ @ @ allow parishioners to attend the service virtually amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Longo 's video @ @ @ @ @ left the Facebook AR filters active during the live stream , causing him to appear @ @ @ @ @ sci-fi helmet , lifting dumbbells and a hat and sunglasses .
The priest had a @ @ @ @ @ mistake , later posting : `` Even a laugh is good . ''

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March 24 (UPI) -- An Italian priest's live streamed mass on Facebook went viral after the religious leader accidentally left the platform's AR filters active, causing him to appear in various cartoon disguises.
Paolo Longo, parish priest of the Church of San Pietro and San Benedetto di Polla in Salerno province, live streamed mass on Facebook to allow parishioners to attend the service virtually amid the coronavirus outbreak.
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Longo's video went viral when he accidentally left the Facebook AR filters active during the live stream, causing him to appear with animated accessories including a sci-fi helmet, lifting dumbbells and a hat and sunglasses.
The priest had a sense of humor about the mistake, later posting: "Even a laugh is good."


upi--2020-03-24--Playwright Terrence McNally dies at 81 from coronavirus complications

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Terrence McNally died Tuesday of complications from coronavirus at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota @ @ @ @ @ 81 .
His spokesperson Matt Polk confirmed the news to Deadline and the New York @ @ @ @ @ wrote such titles as Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune , Love !
@ @ @ @ @ the musical adaptation of The Full Monty and Kiss of the Spider-Woman .
McNally won @ @ @ @ @ !
Valour !
Compassion !
, Kiss of the Spider Woman , Master Class and @ @ @ @ @ the Tonys gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award .
The Ritz , Frankie and Johnny @ @ @ @ @ Compassion !
were adapted into films .
McNally also wrote for television .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ and those who are already immunocompromised .
McNally survived lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease @ @ @ @ @ husband , Tom Kirdahy , and extended family , which includes brother Peer McNally , @ @ @ @ @ son Stephen McNally and his daughter Kylie , with wife Carmen McNally .

1/2
Terrence McNally (left) is survived by his husband, Tom Kirdahy. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- Terrence McNally died Tuesday of complications from coronavirus at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Fla. He was 81. His spokesperson Matt Polk confirmed the news to Deadline and the New York Daily News. The playwright wrote such titles as Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Love! Valour! Compasion! and the musical adaptation of The Full Monty and Kiss of the Spider-Woman. Advertisement
McNally won four Tony Awards for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Master Class and Ragtime. In 2019, the Tonys gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Ritz, Frankie and Johnny and Love! Valour! Compassion! were adapted into films. McNally also wrote for television.
The coronavirus is deadlier to older patients and those who are already immunocompromised. McNally survived lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease. He is survived by husband, Tom Kirdahy, and extended family, which includes brother Peer McNally, sister-in-law Vicky McNally and their son Stephen McNally and his daughter Kylie, with wife Carmen McNally.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-03-24--6 inmates loose in Washington state after 14 escaped

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Six inmates were loose Tuesday after 14 inmates escaped a county jail in Washington state overnight .
The inmates had used a table inside the annex to break open an exterior fire door , Yakima County Sheriff 's Office said in a Facebook post .
Eight of them were captured and are back in jail while six remain at large .
The six escapees have been identified as Tyrone Mulvaney , 34 , Andrew Wolfey , 26 , Neftali Serrano , 27 , Fernando Castaneda-Sandoval , 31 , Hugo Amezcua-Hernandez , 28 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff Robert Udell told NBC affiliate KNDU the men escaped out of fear about a state order Gov .
Jay Inslee issued Monday to `` Stay Home , Stay Healthy '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Yakima Health District has reported as of last night 's update that 41 people in the county are confirmed or presumed to the have the coronavirus .
Yakima County Department of Corrections Director Ed Campbell told NBC News the jail , which has about 800 inmates , is strictly following Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that four inmates were tested and no inmate or staff has tested positive for the virus .
`` We are continuing to monitor all in-custody inmates and if any show any signs would quarantine them in a negative air-flow unit and have them tested , '' Campbell said .
Police said the inmates were likely wearing green shirts , imprinted with YCDOC and dark sweatpants .
The escapees ' charges include theft , assault , resisting arrest , possession of a firearm and drug offenses .
The Washington State Patrol and U.S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search effort .

Police said escaped inmates from a county jail in Washington state Monday night were likely wearing the outfit shown. Photo courtesy of Yakima Police Department
March 24 (UPI) -- Six inmates were loose Tuesday after 14 inmates escaped a county jail in Washington state overnight. The inmates had used a table inside the annex to break open an exterior fire door, Yakima County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. Eight of them were captured and are back in jail while six remain at large. Advertisement
The six escapees have been identified as Tyrone Mulvaney, 34, Andrew Wolfey, 26, Neftali Serrano, 27, Fernando Castaneda-Sandoval, 31, Hugo Amezcua-Hernandez, 28, and Miguel Chavez-Amezcua, 27.
Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell told NBC affiliate KNDU the men escaped out of fear about a state order Gov. Jay Inslee issued Monday to "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Yakima Health District has reported as of last night's update that 41 people in the county are confirmed or presumed to the have the coronavirus.
Yakima County Department of Corrections Director Ed Campbell told NBC News the jail, which has about 800 inmates, is strictly following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health protocols.
Campbell added that four inmates were tested and no inmate or staff has tested positive for the virus.
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"We are continuing to monitor all in-custody inmates and if any show any signs would quarantine them in a negative air-flow unit and have them tested," Campbell said.
Police said the inmates were likely wearing green shirts, imprinted with YCDOC and dark sweatpants.
The escapees' charges include theft, assault, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm and drug offenses.
The Washington State Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service have been assisting in the search effort.


upi--2020-03-24--Scientists catalogue thousands of parasitic wasps in new monograph

March 24 ( UPI ) -- In a newly published 1,089-page monograph , entomologists have detailed all of the known wasp species belonging to the Microgastrinae subfamily , the most significant group of parasitoids targeting the larvae of moths and butterflies .
Many of the moths and butterflies attacked by Microgastrinae wasps are destructive crop pests , making the wasp species of interest to scientists involved in biological pest control research .
There are 2,999 known Microgastrinae wasps .
All of them are described in the latest monograph , published this week in the journal ZooKeys .
Until now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of papers .
`` Microgastrinae is an important and hyperdiverse group , which has long played a central role in our understanding of insect parasitism in the context of many areas of ecological , agricultural and basic science , '' researchers wrote in their paper .
In addition to descriptions of nearly 3,000 parasitoid wasp species -- complete with info on size , behavior , distribution and more -- the monograph features color illustrations .
Authors of the monograph also produced estimates of the group 's diversity at global and regional levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microgastrinae species yet to be identified '' For the past six or seven years , we have spent thousands of hours pouring through hundreds of publications , reading original descriptions in old manuscripts , checking type specimens in many collections worldwide , exchanging information with colleagues from all continents , '' lead study author Jose Fernandez-Triana , professor at the Canadian National Collection of Insects , said in a news release .
Researchers are hoping their monograph will be utilized by other scientists that are interested in studying Microgastrinae wasps .

There are thousands of known parasitoid wasps in the Microgastrinae subfamily, which scientists have now catalogued. Photo by Jose Fernandez-Triana/Canadian National Collection of Insects
March 24 (UPI) -- In a newly published 1,089-page monograph, entomologists have detailed all of the known wasp species belonging to the Microgastrinae subfamily, the most significant group of parasitoids targeting the larvae of moths and butterflies. Many of the moths and butterflies attacked by Microgastrinae wasps are destructive crop pests, making the wasp species of interest to scientists involved in biological pest control research. Advertisement
There are 2,999 known Microgastrinae wasps. All of them are described in the latest monograph, published this week in the journal ZooKeys. Until now, information on the subfamily was scattered across hundreds of papers.
"Microgastrinae is an important and hyperdiverse group, which has long played a central role in our understanding of insect parasitism in the context of many areas of ecological, agricultural and basic science," researchers wrote in their paper.
In addition to descriptions of nearly 3,000 parasitoid wasp species -- complete with info on size, behavior, distribution and more -- the monograph features color illustrations. Authors of the monograph also produced estimates of the group's diversity at global and regional levels. Scientists suggest there are thousands of Microgastrinae species yet to be identified
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"For the past six or seven years, we have spent thousands of hours pouring through hundreds of publications, reading original descriptions in old manuscripts, checking type specimens in many collections worldwide, exchanging information with colleagues from all continents," lead study author Jose Fernandez-Triana, professor at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, said in a news release.
Researchers are hoping their monograph will be utilized by other scientists that are interested in studying Microgastrinae wasps.


upi--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Elderly found abandoned, dead in Spain's nursing homes

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Spanish soldiers have found multiple elderly people abandoned both alive and dead in nursing homes amid the coronavirus pandemic , the country 's defense minister said Tuesday .
Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the Spanish military has been utilized to help disinfect nursing homes during the outbreak .
According to figures from Johns Hopkins University , there are at least 39,000 cases of COVID-19 in Spain , with 2,800 deaths , the third-highest death toll in the world .
During an appearance on Telecinco 's The Ana Rosa Program , she said soldiers found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves , or even dead , in their beds . ''
Robles declined to say how many people were discovered abandoned or the causes of death for those found dead .
She said the government plans to investigate the nursing homes involved .
The government will `` be strict and inflexible when dealing with the way older people are treated , '' she said .
Studies indicate elderly patients are more likely to be hospitalized with serious complications and die from COVID-19 than younger patients , so health officials around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .
Health officials said normally , the bodies of people who die in nursing homes are put into cold storage at the home until a funeral home can collect them .
But for those who die of suspected COVID-19 , those bodies are left in their beds until they can be collected .
With the skyrocketing death toll in the country , that wait could be as long as 24 hours , BBC News reported .
To ease the burden on funeral homes , the government of Madrid has put an ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service as a temporary mortuary .
The Palacio de Hielo complex includes a skating rink , shops , restaurants , bowling alley and movie theater .
In addition to cleaning nursing homes , the Ministry of Defense has made phone calls to military personnel and their elderly relatives to check on their well-being and assist them .

Spain's troops have been put into service to disinfect nursing homes throughout the country. Photo courtesy of the Spanish Defense Ministry
March 24 (UPI) -- Spanish soldiers have found multiple elderly people abandoned both alive and dead in nursing homes amid the coronavirus pandemic, the country's defense minister said Tuesday. Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the Spanish military has been utilized to help disinfect nursing homes during the outbreak. According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 39,000 cases of COVID-19 in Spain, with 2,800 deaths, the third-highest death toll in the world. Advertisement
During an appearance on Telecinco's The Ana Rosa Program, she said soldiers found some residents "completely left to fend for themselves, or even dead, in their beds."
Robles declined to say how many people were discovered abandoned or the causes of death for those found dead. She said the government plans to investigate the nursing homes involved.
The government will "be strict and inflexible when dealing with the way older people are treated," she said.
Studies indicate elderly patients are more likely to be hospitalized with serious complications and die from COVID-19 than younger patients, so health officials around the world are enforcing strict care guidelines in care homes.
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Health officials said normally, the bodies of people who die in nursing homes are put into cold storage at the home until a funeral home can collect them. But for those who die of suspected COVID-19, those bodies are left in their beds until they can be collected.
With the skyrocketing death toll in the country, that wait could be as long as 24 hours, BBC News reported.
To ease the burden on funeral homes, the government of Madrid has put an ice skating rink at a shopping center into service as a temporary mortuary. The Palacio de Hielo complex includes a skating rink, shops, restaurants, bowling alley and movie theater.
In addition to cleaning nursing homes, the Ministry of Defense has made phone calls to military personnel and their elderly relatives to check on their well-being and assist them.


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: French athlete runs entire marathon on apartment balcony

March 24 ( UPI ) -- A French athlete whose racing plans were foiled by the coronavirus pandemic held his @ @ @ @ @ balcony .
Elisha Nochomovitz , 32 , who had been scheduled to run the March @ @ @ @ @ was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak , ran 26.2 miles on the 23-foot-long outside @ @ @ @ @ of Balma .
Nochomovitz said it took him 6 hours and 48 minutes to complete @ @ @ @ @ it took to run the distance of a marathon .
The runner , who has @ @ @ @ @ said the balcony run was more challenging than his previous runs because the short track @ @ @ @ @ momentum or speed while running .
Nochomovitz said his girlfriend acted as his support team @ @ @ @ @ M 's and Coca-Cola as he ran .
The runner dedicated his accomplishment to medical @ @ @ @ @ the viral pandemic .

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March 24 (UPI) -- A French athlete whose racing plans were foiled by the coronavirus pandemic held his own marathon on his 23-foot-long balcony.
Elisha Nochomovitz, 32, who had been scheduled to run the March 15 Barcelona Marathon before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, ran 26.2 miles on the 23-foot-long outside his apartment in the city of Balma.
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Nochomovitz said it took him 6 hours and 48 minutes to complete the approximately 3,000 laps that it took to run the distance of a marathon.
The runner, who has completed 36 official marathons, said the balcony run was more challenging than his previous runs because the short track made it impossible to build momentum or speed while running.
Nochomovitz said his girlfriend acted as his support team, feeding him M&M's and Coca-Cola as he ran.
The runner dedicated his accomplishment to medical staff working long hours during the viral pandemic.


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: Nursing home residents play life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos

Residents at a nursing home in Wales passed the time during lockdown by adapting the board game Hungry Hungry Hippos @ @ @ @ @ residents in wheelchairs playing the `` hippos . ''
The Bryn Celyn Care Home , @ @ @ @ @ 12 to protect residents an staff from the coronavirus pandemic , posted a video to @ @ @ @ @ playing a life-sized game of Hungry Hungry Hippos .
The video shows residents in wheelchairs @ @ @ @ @ while using plastic bins attached to poles to try to grab as many balls as @ @ @ @ @ the circle .
`` Everyone in the home team and residents are worried about the @ @ @ @ @ , general manager at Bryn Celyn Care , told CNN .
`` But we are @ @ @ @ @ we do every day , which is supporting our residents , and keeping it as @ @ @ @ @

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Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 24 (UPI) --
Residents at a nursing home in Wales passed the time during lockdown by adapting the board game Hungry Hungry Hippos into a life-sized competition with residents in wheelchairs playing the "hippos."
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The Bryn Celyn Care Home, which instituted a lockdown March 12 to protect residents an staff from the coronavirus pandemic, posted a video to Facebook showing residents and staff playing a life-sized game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.
The video shows residents in wheelchairs being pushed back and forth while using plastic bins attached to poles to try to grab as many balls as possible from the middle of the circle.
"Everyone in the home team and residents are worried about the virus," Michelle Williams, general manager at Bryn Celyn Care, told CNN. "But we are staying positive and doing what we do every day, which is supporting our residents, and keeping it as normal as possible."
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Michelle Williams


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: Iliza Shlesinger plays 'husband-wife,' talk show host in 'Sketch Show'

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show .
The streaming @ @ @ @ @ for the new sketch comedy series starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger .
The preview features clips @ @ @ @ @ .
The comedian plays a `` husband-wife '' who 's changed after marriage , a @ @ @ @ @ show , a host on the talk show The Laydeez and other characters .
Netflix @ @ @ @ @ Show in October .
Deadline said the show will feature absurd characters , insight into @ @ @ @ @ social commentary .
Shlesinger will executive produce the series with Kim Gamble , Kara Baker @ @ @ @ @ Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday .
Laura Murphy will direct .
Shlesinger came to fame after @ @ @ @ @ 6 .
She has released five Netflix comedy specials : War Paint , Freezing Hot @ @ @ @ @ Millennial and Unveiled , and appeared in the Netflix film Spenser Confidential .

March 24 (UPI) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show.
The streaming service shared a trailer Tuesday for the new sketch comedy series starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger.
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The preview features clips of Shlesinger in different skits. The comedian plays a "husband-wife" who's changed after marriage, a contestant on a food competition show, a host on the talk show The Laydeez and other characters.
Netflix ordered The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show in October. Deadline said the show will feature absurd characters, insight into the female experience and poignant social commentary.
Shlesinger will executive produce the series with Kim Gamble, Kara Baker, David Martin, Richard Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday. Laura Murphy will direct.
Shlesinger came to fame after winning Last Comic Standing Season 6. She has released five Netflix comedy specials: War Paint, Freezing Hot, Confirmed Kills, Elder Millennial and Unveiled, and appeared in the Netflix film Spenser Confidential.
The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show premieres April 1 on April Fools' Day.


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: Kang Daniel shares playful '2U' video

March 24 ( UPI ) -- South Korean singer Kang Daniel is back with a new music video .
The @ @ @ @ @ video Tuesday for the new single `` 2U . ''
The `` 2U '' video @ @ @ @ @ a custodian at a theater .
Kang and his friends take over the theater after @ @ @ @ @ and dance while avoiding a security guard .
`` 2U '' appears on Kang 's @ @ @ @ @ , also released Tuesday .
The EP also features the single `` Touchin ' '' @ @ @ @ @ Kang came to fame with the boy band Wan na One , which disbanded in @ @ @ @ @ debut solo EP , Color on Me , in July .

March 24 (UPI) -- South Korean singer Kang Daniel is back with a new music video.
The 23-year-old K-pop star released a video Tuesday for the new single "2U."
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The "2U" video opens with Kang working as a custodian at a theater. Kang and his friends take over the theater after hours, where they sing and dance while avoiding a security guard.
"2U" appears on Kang's forthcoming solo EP, Cyan, also released Tuesday. The EP also features the single "Touchin'", released in November.
Kang came to fame with the boy band Wanna One, which disbanded in 2018. He released his debut solo EP, Color on Me, in July.


upi--2020-03-24--Bright Eyes release first new song in nine years 'Persona Non Grata'

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Bright Eyes released on Tuesday their first new single in nine years titled `` Persona Non Grata . ''
The track is available on YouTube and music streaming services such as Spotify , Apple Music , Amazon Music and Deezer .
Bright Eyes also released a message to fans on Twitter where they promised to release a new album this year .
The band was planning to tour this year but are now reassessing their plans due to COVID-19 .
`` Hello Friends .
Strange days indeed .
Just wanted to send our love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frightened and isolated , '' Bright Eyes , which consists of members Conor Oberst , Mike Mogis and Nathaniel Walcott said .
`` Here is a song called 'Persona Non Grata . '
We hope you like it .
It was hard to decide which song to share first because they are all quite different , but this one seemed as good of a place as any to start .
And it has bagpipes !
Which is a first for us .
We hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyes is best known for songs `` Drunk Kid Catholic , '' `` Lover I Do n't Have to Love , '' `` Take It Easy ( Love Nothing ) , '' `` Hot Knives '' and `` Shell Games . ''
Their last album The People 's Key was released in 2011 .

March 24 (UPI) -- Bright Eyes released on Tuesday their first new single in nine years titled "Persona Non Grata."
The track is available on YouTube and music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Deezer.
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Bright Eyes also released a message to fans on Twitter where they promised to release a new album this year.
The band was planning to tour this year but are now reassessing their plans due to COVID-19.
"Hello Friends. Strange days indeed. Just wanted to send our love to everyone out there feeling alone, frightened and isolated," Bright Eyes, which consists of members Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nathaniel Walcott said.
"Here is a song called 'Persona Non Grata.' We hope you like it. It was hard to decide which song to share first because they are all quite different, but this one seemed as good of a place as any to start. And it has bagpipes! Which is a first for us. We hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe," they continued.
Bright Eyes is best known for songs "Drunk Kid Catholic," "Lover I Don't Have to Love," "Take It Easy (Love Nothing)," "Hot Knives" and "Shell Games." Their last album The People's Key was released in 2011.


upi--2020-03-24--Ex-Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia released from prison amid COVID-19 pandemic

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Bangladesh 's government plans to temporarily release former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from prison amid the coronavirus pandemic , the country 's law minister said Tuesday .
Law Minister Anisul Huq said Zia will be released for six months on humanitarian grounds .
He made the announcement during a news briefing from his home in Gulshan .
`` We have decided to release her on humanitarian grounds as per the instructions of the prime minister , '' Anisul said .
`` She can receive treatment staying at her home but she can not go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwell and officials worried about her risks of getting COVID-19 while incarcerated .
She had already been transferred from prison to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for treatment .
The new order means she can now receive treatment at home .
`` She is already admitted in the best hospital in Bangladesh .
She can not go abroad .
Under these difficult circumstances , sending someone abroad is like telling someone to commit suicide , '' Anisul said .
In October 2018 , a court sentenced Khaleda to seven years in prison for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their powers by raising charitable funds to be used for their own benefit .
In addition to the `` rigorous imprisonment , '' Khaleda was fined and was forced to give up land purchased through her Zia Charitable Trust .
At the time of her sentencing , Khaleda had been in jail for several months already for embezzling funds for an orphanage .
She has served 25 months of her seven-year sentence .
Khaleda served as prime minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006 .
She is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Johns Hopkins University 's coronavirus interactive tracking website counted 39 cases and four deaths from COVID-19 in Bangladesh as of noon Tuesday .
The country is preparing to cut off communications and order people to stay at home to stem the spread of the virus .

Imprisoned chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Khaleda Zia arrives at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital for her treatment in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 1. Justice officials plan to temporarily release her from prison during the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo courtesy of Stringer/EPA-EFE
March 24 (UPI) -- Bangladesh's government plans to temporarily release former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from prison amid the coronavirus pandemic, the country's law minister said Tuesday. Law Minister Anisul Huq said Zia will be released for six months on humanitarian grounds. He made the announcement during a news briefing from his home in Gulshan. Advertisement
"We have decided to release her on humanitarian grounds as per the instructions of the prime minister," Anisul said. "She can receive treatment staying at her home but she cannot go abroad."
Bdnews24.com reported Khaleda is unwell and officials worried about her risks of getting COVID-19 while incarcerated. She had already been transferred from prison to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for treatment. The new order means she can now receive treatment at home.
"She is already admitted in the best hospital in Bangladesh. She cannot go abroad. Under these difficult circumstances, sending someone abroad is like telling someone to commit suicide," Anisul said.
In October 2018, a court sentenced Khaleda to seven years in prison for corruption after she and three co-conspirators abused their powers by raising charitable funds to be used for their own benefit. In addition to the "rigorous imprisonment," Khaleda was fined and was forced to give up land purchased through her Zia Charitable Trust.
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At the time of her sentencing, Khaleda had been in jail for several months already for embezzling funds for an orphanage. She has served 25 months of her seven-year sentence.
Khaleda served as prime minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is the chairwoman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
Johns Hopkins University's coronavirus interactive tracking website counted 39 cases and four deaths from COVID-19 in Bangladesh as of noon Tuesday. The country is preparing to cut off communications and order people to stay at home to stem the spread of the virus.


upi--2020-03-25--Britain's Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19, Camilla negative

March 25 ( UPI ) -- Britain 's Prince Charles has tested positive for the coronavirus disease and is now self-isolating and working from his home in Scotland , the royal household said Wednesday .
A statement by Clarence House said the 71-year-old Prince of Wales , first in line to the British throne , underwent testing Monday after experiencing mild symptoms and received the positive results Tuesday .
`` He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus .
In accordance with government and medical advice , [ they ] are now self-isolating at home in Scotland .
`` It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks . ''
Both were tested after it was determined the royal couple met required criteria .
`` The queen last saw [ Prince Charles ] briefly on the morning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate advice with regard to her welfare , '' Buckingham Palace said .
Prince Charles ' last public engagement was also March 12 when he attended a London fundraiser for Australian wildfire relief .
Since then , he has been involved in only a few meetings and all participants have been tested , royal officials said .

Britain's Prince Charles speaks at the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem, Israel, on January 23. Royal officials said Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus disease. File Photo by Abir Sultan/UPI/Pool | License Photo
March 25 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince Charles has tested positive for the coronavirus disease and is now self-isolating and working from his home in Scotland, the royal household said Wednesday. A statement by Clarence House said the 71-year-old Prince of Wales, first in line to the British throne, underwent testing Monday after experiencing mild symptoms and received the positive results Tuesday. Advertisement
"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual," the statement said.
"[Camila] the Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with government and medical advice, [they] are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.
"It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks."
Both were tested after it was determined the royal couple met required criteria.
Buckingham Palace said Charles' mother, 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, "remains in good health."
"The queen last saw [Prince Charles] briefly on the morning of March 12 and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare," Buckingham Palace said.
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Prince Charles' last public engagement was also March 12 when he attended a London fundraiser for Australian wildfire relief. Since then, he has been involved in only a few meetings and all participants have been tested, royal officials said.


upi--2020-03-25--Giants to sign ex-XFL DB, Darrelle Revis' cousin Dravon Askew-Henry

March 25 ( UPI ) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a contract with former XFL defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry .
Sources told NFL Network and the New York Daily News that Askew-Henry agreed to a two-year pact with the NFC East franchise .
Askew-Henry appeared in five games for the XFL 's New York Guardians before the 2020 season was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Askew-Henry had 208 total tackles , 155 solo tackles , 10 passes defensed , 9.5 tackles for a loss , six interceptions and a touchdown in 49 games during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was an undrafted rookie free agent last off-season before spending time in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp .
Askew-Henry is a distant cousin to former New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis , with his uncle married to Revis ' mother .
He told the Daily News he has had a close relationship with Revis for most of his life .
Revis also helped Askew-Henry prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft .
`` He helped me mentally , was showing me how to eat , being a mentor , '' Askew-Henry told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are close .
We were family even before we were family .
He lived up the street from me my whole life .
We 've been close for so long . ''
Askew-Henry has played at both safety and nickel cornerback .
He was credited with 11 total tackles and six pass breakups during his XFL campaign .
Five of those passes defensed came in his final XFL game , a 30-12 win against the Dallas Renegades March 7 at Globe Life Park in Arlington , Texas .
Askew-Henry is one of several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL contracts over the last few days .
Star quarterback P.J .
Walker was the first player to agree to an NFL contract , joining the Carolina Panthers .
Former St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta'amu agreed to a contract Monday with the Kansas City Chiefs .
Former XFL defensive back Deatrick Nichols agreed to join the New Orleans Saints on Monday .

Dravon Askew-Henry appeared in four pre-season games in 2019 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo
March 25 (UPI) -- The New York Giants have agreed to a contract with former XFL defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry. Sources told NFL Network and the New York Daily News that Askew-Henry agreed to a two-year pact with the NFC East franchise. Askew-Henry appeared in five games for the XFL's New York Guardians before the 2020 season was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Advertisement
Askew-Henry had 208 total tackles, 155 solo tackles, 10 passes defensed, 9.5 tackles for a loss, six interceptions and a touchdown in 49 games during his four-year collegiate career at West Virginia. He was an undrafted rookie free agent last off-season before spending time in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp.
Askew-Henry is a distant cousin to former New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis, with his uncle married to Revis' mother. He told the Daily News he has had a close relationship with Revis for most of his life. Revis also helped Askew-Henry prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft.
"He helped me mentally, was showing me how to eat, being a mentor," Askew-Henry told the Daily News. "Me and Darrelle are close. We were family even before we were family. He lived up the street from me my whole life. We've been close for so long."
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Askew-Henry has played at both safety and nickel cornerback. He was credited with 11 total tackles and six pass breakups during his XFL campaign. Five of those passes defensed came in his final XFL game, a 30-12 win against the Dallas Renegades March 7 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.
Askew-Henry is one of several former XFL stars who have agreed to NFL contracts over the last few days. Star quarterback P.J. Walker was the first player to agree to an NFL contract, joining the Carolina Panthers. Former St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta'amu agreed to a contract Monday with the Kansas City Chiefs. Former XFL defensive back Deatrick Nichols agreed to join the New Orleans Saints on Monday.


upi--2020-03-25--Kevin Hart's wife Eniko pregnant with their second child

March 25 ( UPI ) -- Comedian Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko are expecting their second child together .
@ @ @ @ @ the midst of all of this we 're counting our blessings and could n't be @ @ @ @ @ be a family of 6 !
# glowingandgrowing , '' Eniko wrote in an Instagram @ @ @ @ @ photo of her showing off her baby bump , while wearing a sheer slip .
@ @ @ @ @ Blessed # LiveLoveLaugh , '' Kevin captioned the same image on his own account .
@ @ @ @ @ parents of a 2-year-old son , Kenzo Kash .
Kevin has a 15-year-old daughter Heaven @ @ @ @ @ his previous marriage to Torrei Hart .
Kevin recently has been social distancing at home @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 health crisis .
He told TV talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres in a video chat @ @ @ @ @ been trying out material for his stand-up comedy routine on his loved ones and growing @ @ @ @

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Kevin (L) and Eniko Hart are expecting their second child together. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 25 (UPI) -- Comedian Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko are expecting their second child together. "Baby #2 in the midst of all of this we're counting our blessings and couldn't be more grateful! soon to be a family of 6! #glowingandgrowing," Eniko wrote in an Instagram message Tuesday, alongside a photo of her showing off her baby bump, while wearing a sheer slip. Advertisement
"Harts #FamilyOfSix #Blessed #LiveLoveLaugh," Kevin captioned the same image on his own account.
The couple are already the parents of a 2-year-old son, Kenzo Kash.
Kevin has a 15-year-old daughter Heaven and 12-year-old son Hendrix from his previous marriage to Torrei Hart.
Kevin recently has been social distancing at home with his family amid the COVID-19 health crisis.
He told TV talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres in a video chat last week that he has been trying out material for his stand-up comedy routine on his loved ones and growing his hair gray.


upi--2020-03-25--Spain death toll surpasses China's; India enters 3-week lockdown

March 25 ( UPI ) -- Spain has now recorded more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak than any other nation except for Italy , health officials said Wednesday .
More than 700 new deaths were reported in Spain , bringing the nation 's total to more than 3,400 .
The spike pushed the Spanish toll ahead of the number of dead in China , where nearly 3,300 have died so far .
Italy has reported more deaths than any nation , with more than 6,800 so far .
As of early Wednesday , there are more than 435,000 cases worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to statistics from Johns Hopkins University .
Nearly 112,000 cases have recovered .
In India , more than 1.3 billion have begun a 21-day lockdown to clamp down on the spread of the cirus .
Modi ordered the lockdown on Tuesday and it took effect at midnight .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there will be a `` total ban '' on Indian citizens venturing out from their homes during the period .
In New Zealand , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the defense ministry has declared a state of national emergency ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus disease .
Ardern 's message came as New Zealand 's health ministry reported 50 new and probable cases , increasing its total to more than 200 ahead of a lockdown scheduled for Wednesday night '' From midnight tonight , we bunker down for four weeks to try and stop the virus in its tracks , to break the chain , '' Ardern said before New Zealand Parliament .
`` Make no mistake , this will get worse before it gets better . ''
Of all infections nationwide , only five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been no deaths , but Ardern said the state of emergency was declared to hit `` a window of opportunity '' to stop the virus before it gets worse and save lives .
`` It 's that simple , '' she said .
`` In this fight against a virus , we have some things on our side . ''
The prime minister announced the lockdown on Monday when New Zealand cases surpassed 100 and ordered 4.7 million people to prepare to stay at home and not interact with others for at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaration allows the director of Civil Defense Emergency Management to coordinate and use resources made available and gives it power to oversee the supply of food , fuel and other essential supplies ; regulate land , water and air traffic ; close roads and public places ; evacuate premises including public spaces ; and prohibit people from any place deemed necessary .
`` This declaration helps us limit our exposure , and the exposure of the most vulnerable members of our community , to COVID-19 , '' she added .
`` In short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The police and military will remind New Zealanders to follow the lockdown and can escalate the measure , if required .
`` They can arrest if needed , '' Ardern said .
This is the second time an emergency has been declared in New Zealand , following an earthquake in Christchurch in 2011 .
In Malaysia , Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin extended the national movement control order until April 14 , the Malay Mail reported .
The order , essentially a shutdown of all non-essential businesses and closing of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally to expire March 31 , but Muhyiddin extended it by two weeks on Wednesday as Malaysia 's number of cases rose .
The prime minister said the extension was called in response to an uptick in cases .
`` I know you feel burdened but I do n't have a choice , '' he said .
`` I have to extend the [ order ] for your own safety . ''
Health officials said there are about 1,800 cases in Malaysia and 17 deaths .

People wear protective face masks to guard against spread of the coronavirus disease on Tuesday while visiting a shopping area in Beijing, China. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 25 (UPI) -- World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus urged all countries to continue lockdown measures as the global death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surpassed the 20,000 milestone Wednesday. He said global leaders should undertake several "aggressive measures" to stop the transmission of the virus and cut down on deaths. Primarily, he said, countries should make sure people "stay home and stay safe." Advertisement
"The last thing any country needs is to open schools and businesses, only to be forced to close them again because of a resurgence," Ghebreyesus said.
"By taking the same aggressive actions now, these countries have the chance to prevent community transmission and avoid some of the more severe social and economic costs seen in other countries."
Among his recommendations were for countries to expand, train and deploy healthcare workers; root out every suspected case; ramp up testing; equip facilities for treating cases; create a plan to investigate contacts; and refocus the entire government's efforts on COVID-19.
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"These measures are the best way to suppress and stop transmission, so that when restrictions are lifted, the virus doesn't resurge," he said.
Ghebreyesus's comments come as the worldwide death toll reached more than 20,000, according to Johns Hopkins University's coronavirus tracker. There are more than 450,000 confirmed cases, with some 113,000 people having recovered from the illness.
Spain has now recorded more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak than any other nation except for Italy, health officials said earlier Wednesday.
More than 700 new deaths were reported in Spain, bringing the nation's total to more than 3,400. The spike pushed the Spanish toll ahead of the number of dead in China, where nearly 3,300 have died so far. Italy has reported more deaths than any nation, with more than 7,500 so far, according to Johns Hopkins.
In India, more than 1.3 billion have begun a 21-day lockdown to clamp down on the spread of the virus. Modi ordered the lockdown on Tuesday and it took effect at midnight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there will be a "total ban" on Indian citizens venturing out from their homes during the period.
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In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the defense ministry has declared a state of national emergency ahead of a lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Ardern's message came as New Zealand's health ministry reported 50 new and probable cases, increasing its total to more than 200 ahead of a lockdown scheduled for Wednesday night
"From midnight tonight, we bunker down for four weeks to try and stop the virus in its tracks, to break the chain," Ardern said before New Zealand Parliament. "Make no mistake, this will get worse before it gets better."
Of all infections nationwide, only five have so far been hospitalized and there have been no deaths, but Ardern said the state of emergency was declared to hit "a window of opportunity" to stop the virus before it gets worse and save lives.
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
"It's that simple," she said. "In this fight against a virus, we have some things on our side."
The prime minister announced the lockdown on Monday when New Zealand cases surpassed 200 and ordered 4.7 million people to prepare to stay at home and not interact with others for at least a month.
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Ardern said the declaration allows the director of Civil Defense Emergency Management to coordinate and use resources made available and gives it power to oversee the supply of food, fuel and other essential supplies; regulate land, water and air traffic; close roads and public places; evacuate premises including public spaces; and prohibit people from any place deemed necessary.
"This declaration helps us limit our exposure, and the exposure of the most vulnerable members of our community, to COVID-19," she added. "In short, it will help save lives."
The police and military will remind New Zealanders to follow the lockdown and can escalate the measure, if required.
"They can arrest if needed," Ardern said.
This is the second time an emergency has been declared in New Zealand, following an earthquake in Christchurch in 2011.
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin extended the national movement control order until April 14, the Malay Mail reported.
The order, essentially a shutdown of all non-essential businesses and closing of its borders, began March 18 and was originally to expire March 31, but Muhyiddin extended it by two weeks on Wednesday as Malaysia's number of cases rose.
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The prime minister said the extension was called in response to an uptick in cases.
"I know you feel burdened but I don't have a choice," he said. "I have to extend the [order] for your own safety."
Health officials said there are about 1,800 cases in Malaysia and 20 deaths.