upi--2020-07-16--Rapid testing, contact tracing might reduce COVID-19 transmission by 80%, researchers say

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Quick turnaround of test results and contact tracing improve the odds of successfully limiting COVID-19 spread , according to a modeling analysis published Thursday by The Lancet .
By providing test results within one day and tracing 80 % of the people with whom patients have come into contact , communities might be able to reduce onward transmission of the virus by 80 % per COVID-19 patient , the researchers said .
Contact tracing is a public health approach used to contain the spread of infectious diseases by attempting to track people who could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and isolating them to prevent further spread , the researchers said .
`` In our model , minimizing testing delays had the largest impact on reducing transmission of the virus , '' co-author Marc Bonten , a professor at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands , said in a statement .
`` Testing infrastructure is therefore the most critical factor for the success of a contact tracing system , '' he said .
Contact tracing has been advocated by the World Health Organization , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 lockdown measures .
Conventional contact tracing entails contacting those infected and asking them to recall everyone with whom they have been in contact over a defined period -- usually 14 days for COVID-19 -- before the onset of symptoms , the researchers said .
However , several countries , including China and Germany , have introduced mobile apps to speed this process by using technology that automatically alerts people who have been in close contact to an infected person by using cellphone data , the researchers said .
To be most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transmission rate of the virus below 1 , they said .
The transmission rate is the number of individuals who will be infected by a single infected person .
For this study , the researchers developed a model based on two assumptions -- first , that approximately 40 % of virus transmission occurs before a person develops symptoms , and second that , in the absence of any strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus , each infected person will transmit it to an average of 2.5 people .
Implementing social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contacts for infected persons by 40 % and casual contacts by 70 % -- would lower the transmission rate to an average of 1.2 people , the researchers said .
However , the model predicts that effective contact tracing could further reduce the number of people to whom a person with COVID-19 passes the virus from 1.2 to 0.8 people , they said .
To achieve this , at least 80 % of people who are eligible must be tested , no delays in testing after the onset of symptoms can occur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be identified on the same day as the test results are received , according to the researchers .
If testing is delayed by two days , keeping the transmission rate below 1 would require contacts to be traced within a day and at least 80 % of contacts must be identified , the researchers said .
The model assumes that conventional contact tracing takes a minimum of three days and is less efficient at tracking contacts than mobile app technologies , which are designed to provide information in real time , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology can accommodate a delay in testing of up to two days and still keep the transmission rate below 1 , according to the researchers .
But this depends on at least 80 % of contacts being found , even if only 20 % of the population uses the app technology , according to the researchers .
However , if testing is delayed by three days or more , even a perfect system that traced 100 % of contacts with no delays would be unable to bring the transmission rate below 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 testing , combined with digital technologies that minimize contact tracing delays , will be needed to reduce spread of the virus , they said .
`` As many infectious people as possible need to be tested [ so ] policymakers might consider lowering the eligibility threshold for access to testing , '' Bonten said .
`` This will lead to a large proportion of negative test results , [ so ] future studies should focus on identifying the optimal balance between the proportion of negative tests and the effectiveness of contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study does not take into account the age of the population , which may influence the proportion of asymptomatic cases , given that these are more common in younger people and children , or hospital- and nursing home-acquired infections , Bonten and his colleagues said .
Younger people may also be more likely to use a mobile app usage , they said .

Rapid COVID-19 testing and contact tracing may reduce virus spread by up to 80% per infected person, a new study has found. Photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht/U.S. Air National Guard/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Quick turnaround of test results and contact tracing improve the odds of successfully limiting COVID-19 spread, according to a modeling analysis published Thursday by The Lancet. By providing test results within one day and tracing 80% of the people with whom patients have come into contact, communities might be able to reduce onward transmission of the virus by 80% per COVID-19 patient, the researchers said. Advertisement
Contact tracing is a public health approach used to contain the spread of infectious diseases by attempting to track people who could have been exposed to an infected person and isolating them to prevent further spread, the researchers said.
"In our model, minimizing testing delays had the largest impact on reducing transmission of the virus," co-author Marc Bonten, a professor at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, said in a statement.
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"Testing infrastructure is therefore the most critical factor for the success of a contact tracing system," he said.
Contact tracing has been advocated by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others as a potential exit strategy from COVID-19 lockdown measures.
Conventional contact tracing entails contacting those infected and asking them to recall everyone with whom they have been in contact over a defined period -- usually 14 days for COVID-19 -- before the onset of symptoms, the researchers said.
However, several countries, including China and Germany, have introduced mobile apps to speed this process by using technology that automatically alerts people who have been in close contact to an infected person by using cellphone data, the researchers said.
To be most effective, contact tracing measures must keep the transmission rate of the virus below 1, they said. The transmission rate is the number of individuals who will be infected by a single infected person.
For this study, the researchers developed a model based on two assumptions -- first, that approximately 40% of virus transmission occurs before a person develops symptoms, and second that, in the absence of any strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus, each infected person will transmit it to an average of 2.5 people.
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Implementing social distancing measures alone -- and potentially reducing close contacts for infected persons by 40% and casual contacts by 70% -- would lower the transmission rate to an average of 1.2 people, the researchers said.
However, the model predicts that effective contact tracing could further reduce the number of people to whom a person with COVID-19 passes the virus from 1.2 to 0.8 people, they said.
To achieve this, at least 80% of people who are eligible must be tested, no delays in testing after the onset of symptoms can occur and at least 80% of contacts must be identified on the same day as the test results are received, according to the researchers.
If testing is delayed by two days, keeping the transmission rate below 1 would require contacts to be traced within a day and at least 80% of contacts must be identified, the researchers said.
The model assumes that conventional contact tracing takes a minimum of three days and is less efficient at tracking contacts than mobile app technologies, which are designed to provide information in real time, they said.
Contact tracing using mobile app technology can accommodate a delay in testing of up to two days and still keep the transmission rate below 1, according to the researchers.
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But this depends on at least 80% of contacts being found, even if only 20% of the population uses the app technology, according to the researchers.
However, if testing is delayed by three days or more, even a perfect system that traced 100% of contacts with no delays would be unable to bring the transmission rate below 1, the researchers said.
Improving access to COVID-19 testing, combined with digital technologies that minimize contact tracing delays, will be needed to reduce spread of the virus, they said.
"As many infectious people as possible need to be tested [so] policymakers might consider lowering the eligibility threshold for access to testing," Bonten said.
"This will lead to a large proportion of negative test results, [so] future studies should focus on identifying the optimal balance between the proportion of negative tests and the effectiveness of contact tracing."
The model used in this study does not take into account the age of the population, which may influence the proportion of asymptomatic cases, given that these are more common in younger people and children, or hospital- and nursing home-acquired infections, Bonten and his colleagues said.
Younger people may also be more likely to use a mobile app usage, they said.


upi--2020-07-16--NASA pushes back James Webb telescope launch date by seven months

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope has been postponed by more seven months to Oct. 31 , 2021 , due partly to workplace restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic , NASA said Thursday .
NASA had been working toward a launch in March , and the postponement is the latest in a series of delays for the project , which was conceived of in 1996 with an original launch target date in 2007 .
The new telescope is to be `` the world 's premier space science observatory and will solve mysteries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distant worlds around other stars , and probe '' the origins of the universe , according to NASA .
It is to orbit the sun , keeping up with Earth 's orbit -- but at nearly 1 million miles from Earth .
The spacecraft is intended to function for at least 10 years .
NASA said development of the telescope has continued during the pandemic , but the number of people working on it has been reduced at times , and that required the agency to move back the launch date .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols like social distancing ... and significantly reduced on-site personnel and shifts , '' Gregory Robinson , NASA 's Webb program director , said during a press conference Thursday .
By Monday , NASA had completed the first software and electrical tests since the telescope was fully assembled .
The spacecraft is the largest and most technically complex telescope NASA ever has built , according to the space agency .
The testing was designed to ensure the many components worked together properly .
Those tests lasted for 15 days , 24 hours a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process , the technology executed over 1,000 software scripts -- sequences of instructions .
The U.S. space program considers James Webb to be a replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope , which was launched in 1990 .
NASA planned the James Webb telescope with an original budget of about $ 1 billion .
But the official budget estimate grew to near $ 9 billion .
NASA expects Hubble , which is still operating , to remain operational through 2030 .
The new telescope will be `` the world 's premier space science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solar system , look beyond to distant worlds around other stars , and probe '' the origins of the universe , NASA said .
The instrument is built by Northrop Grumman in a program led by NASA with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency .
It is named after James Edwin Webb , NASA 's second administrator , who served from 1961 to 1968 .
Technicians will next run the telescope through acoustics and sound vibration tests , NASA officials said .
The mission is to launch aboard an Ariane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a French and European spaceport in French Guiana , which was the European Space Agency 's contribution to the project .

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The towering primary mirror of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope stands inside a cleanroom in 2017 at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA Photo by Chris Gunn/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope has been postponed by more seven months to Oct. 31, 2021, due partly to workplace restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, NASA said Thursday. NASA had been working toward a launch in March, and the postponement is the latest in a series of delays for the project, which was conceived of in 1996 with an original launch target date in 2007. Advertisement
The new telescope is to be "the world's premier space science observatory and will solve mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe" the origins of the universe, according to NASA.
It is to orbit the sun, keeping up with Earth's orbit -- but at nearly 1 million miles from Earth. The spacecraft is intended to function for at least 10 years.
NASA said development of the telescope has continued during the pandemic, but the number of people working on it has been reduced at times, and that required the agency to move back the launch date.
"The team was practicing COVID-19 workday protocols like social distancing ... and significantly reduced on-site personnel and shifts," Gregory Robinson, NASA's Webb program director, said during a press conference Thursday.
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By Monday, NASA had completed the first software and electrical tests since the telescope was fully assembled.
The spacecraft is the largest and most technically complex telescope NASA ever has built, according to the space agency. The testing was designed to ensure the many components worked together properly.
Those tests lasted for 15 days, 24 hours a day, according to NASA. In the process, the technology executed over 1,000 software scripts -- sequences of instructions.
The U.S. space program considers James Webb to be a replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched in 1990.
NASA planned the James Webb telescope with an original budget of about $1 billion. But the official budget estimate grew to near $9 billion. NASA expects Hubble, which is still operating, to remain operational through 2030.
The new telescope will be "the world's premier space science observatory and will solve mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe" the origins of the universe, NASA said.
The instrument is built by Northrop Grumman in a program led by NASA with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. It is named after James Edwin Webb, NASA's second administrator, who served from 1961 to 1968.
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Technicians will next run the telescope through acoustics and sound vibration tests, NASA officials said.
The mission is to launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Guiana Space Centre, a French and European spaceport in French Guiana, which was the European Space Agency's contribution to the project.
Out-of-this-world images from space
The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a flyaround of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on November 8. Photo courtesy of NASA


upi--2020-07-16--Statue of Black Lives Matter protester removed in Bristol, England

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Workers in Bristol , England , removed a statue of a Black Lives Matter protester Thursday , one day after it was erected on the spot where a monument to a slave trader once stood .
Witnesses took videos of contractors using ropes and a crane to remove the statue of protester Jen Reid after it was placed where a statue of 17th-century lawmaker Edward Colston had stood for 125 years .
`` This morning we removed the sculpture .
It will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city council spokeswoman said .
Artist Marc Quinn placed the statue of Reid in the area after being inspired by a viral photo of her standing with her fist raised on top of the base where Colston 's statue stood before being toppled and thrown into a harbor by protesters .
`` I 'd first like to thank Jen for collaborating with me on A Surge of Power ( Jen Reid ) 2020 at every point in the process of making this new temporary public artwork , '' Quinn wrote in an Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's title comes from Jen 's powerful description of her experience of standing on the plinth . ''
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees explained the city 's decision to remove the statue , saying `` the people of Bristol decide the future of the plinth , '' where the statue of Colston previously stood .
`` We are n't taking down a statue of a Black Lives Matter protester , we 're taking down the work of an artist who erected it without permission , '' he said .

Protester Jen Reid with a raised fist poses in front of a depiction of herself, the statue "A Surge of Power (Jen Reid)" by British artist Marc Quinn, which was removed on Wednesday. Photo by Neil Hall/EPA-EFE
July 16 (UPI) -- Workers in Bristol, England, removed a statue of a Black Lives Matter protester Thursday, one day after it was erected on the spot where a monument to a slave trader once stood. Witnesses took videos of contractors using ropes and a crane to remove the statue of protester Jen Reid after it was placed where a statue of 17th-century lawmaker Edward Colston had stood for 125 years. Advertisement
"This morning we removed the sculpture. It will be held at our museum for the artist to collect or donate to our collection," a Bristol city council spokeswoman said.
Artist Marc Quinn placed the statue of Reid in the area after being inspired by a viral photo of her standing with her fist raised on top of the base where Colston's statue stood before being toppled and thrown into a harbor by protesters.
"I'd first like to thank Jen for collaborating with me on A Surge of Power (Jen Reid) 2020 at every point in the process of making this new temporary public artwork," Quinn wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. "The sculpture's title comes from Jen's powerful description of her experience of standing on the plinth."
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Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees explained the city's decision to remove the statue, saying "the people of Bristol decide the future of the plinth," where the statue of Colston previously stood.
"We aren't taking down a statue of a Black Lives Matter protester, we're taking down the work of an artist who erected it without permission," he said.


upi--2020-07-16--GLAAD finds 2019 films more LGBTQ inclusive, less diverse

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The top Hollywood studios featured more LGBTQ characters in movies but overall had less diversity in 2019 , GLAAD said Thursday in its annual studio report card .
For its eighth-annual , Studio Responsibility Index , the organization studied the films released by the eight top studios in 2019 -- Lionsgate , Paramount , Sony , STX Films , United Artists , Universal , Disney and Warner Bros. Disney absorbed 20th Century Fox in mid-2019 .
The study found 22 out of 118 films -- or 18.6 percent -- included LGBTQ characters , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that many of those characters had less than 10 minutes of screen time , some so minor they did not have names .
Those included two animated films , Wonder Park and Toy Story 4 , which depicted same-sex parents .
Each set of parents appeared in one scene in their respective films , but there were no inclusive animated films the previous year .
Fewer LGBTQ characters were people of color than previous years .
Thirty-four percent of LGBTQ characters were people of color in 2019 , down from 42 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The study also found portrayals of gay men outnumbering lesbians and bisexuals .
Inclusion of gay men increased from 55 % of inclusive films in 2018 to 68 % in 2019 .
Lesbian representation remained at 36 % of inclusive films and bisexuals remained at 14 % , the same figures as 2018 .
Three films accounted for the 14 % of bisexual characters -- Bombshell , Anna and Good Boys .
Last year was the third-consecutive year in which no major studio movie featured a transgender character .
One film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character with a disability .
This was the first year GLAAD added disabled characters to its index .
Sony Pictures Classics had two films with LGBTQ characters with disabilities , but Sony 's wide studio releases did not have any .
Last year , GLAAD asked studios to reach 20 % LGBTQ inclusivity by 2021 and 50 % by 2024 .
Individually , Paramount , United Artists , Lionsgate and Disney surpassed 20 % in 2019 .

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Kate McKinnon arrives on the red carpet at a screening of "Bombshell" at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall on December 16 in New York City. The film was one of three major studio releases in 2019 to feature a bisexual character. File Photo by Serena Xu-Ning Carr/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The top Hollywood studios featured more LGBTQ characters in movies but overall had less diversity in 2019, GLAAD said Thursday in its annual studio report card. For its eighth-annual, Studio Responsibility Index, the organization studied the films released by the eight top studios in 2019 -- Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, STX Films, United Artists, Universal, Disney and Warner Bros. Disney absorbed 20th Century Fox in mid-2019. Advertisement
The study found 22 out of 118 films -- or 18.6 percent -- included LGBTQ characters, a record-high. The study noted, though, that many of those characters had less than 10 minutes of screen time, some so minor they did not have names.
Those included two animated films, Wonder Park and Toy Story 4, which depicted same-sex parents. Each set of parents appeared in one scene in their respective films, but there were no inclusive animated films the previous year.
Fewer LGBTQ characters were people of color than previous years. Thirty-four percent of LGBTQ characters were people of color in 2019, down from 42% in 2018 and 57% in 2017.
The study also found portrayals of gay men outnumbering lesbians and bisexuals. Inclusion of gay men increased from 55% of inclusive films in 2018 to 68% in 2019.
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Lesbian representation remained at 36% of inclusive films and bisexuals remained at 14%, the same figures as 2018. Three films accounted for the 14% of bisexual characters -- Bombshell, Anna and Good Boys. Last year was the third-consecutive year in which no major studio movie featured a transgender character.
One film, Five Feet Apart, featured an LGBTQ character with a disability. This was the first year GLAAD added disabled characters to its index. Sony Pictures Classics had two films with LGBTQ characters with disabilities, but Sony's wide studio releases did not have any.
Last year, GLAAD asked studios to reach 20% LGBTQ inclusivity by 2021 and 50% by 2024. Individually, Paramount, United Artists, Lionsgate and Disney surpassed 20% in 2019.
Charlize Theron, Kate McKinnon attend NYC 'Bombshell' screening
Charlize Theron stars as Megyn Kelly in "Bombshell," which depicts the allegation of sexual harassment in 2016 against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes. Photo by Serena Xu-Ning Carr/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-07-16--Survey: More porn consumption creates greater erectile dysfunction in European men

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Watching more pornographic videos worsens erectile dysfunction , according to the findings of a survey presented Thursday at the EAU virtual Congress .
Viewing pornography also is associated with greater dissatisfaction with `` normal '' sex , with only two-thirds of male respondents rating sex with a partner as more stimulating than watching adult videos , the researchers said .
`` We found that there was a highly significant relationship between time spent watching porn and increasing difficulty with erectile function with a partner , '' study co-author Gunter de Win , a professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in a statement .
For their research , de Win and his colleagues used an online questionnaire , which was advertised mainly to men in Belgium and Denmark through social media , posters and flyers .
In all , 3,267 men replied to the 118 questions , which asked about frequency of porn watching and sexual activity with partners , among other topics , the researchers said .
The questionnaire was focused on men who had had sex within the four-week period before responding , which allowed the researchers to relate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity , they said .
`` In our sample , men watch quite a lot of porn , on average around 70 minutes per week , '' de Win said .
In all , roughly 23 % of male respondents 35 years old and younger reported that they had some level of erectile dysfunction when having sex with a partner , he and his colleagues said .
Those who reported more porn viewing reported more problems becoming aroused when with their partners , according to the researchers .
Overall , 65 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a partner was more exciting than watching porn , the researchers said .
One in five respondents , or 20 % , also felt that they needed to watch more extreme pornography to get the same level of arousal they had from previously viewing adult videos , they said .
`` We believe that the erectile dysfunction problems associated with porn stem from this lack of arousal , '' de Win said .
`` There 's no doubt that porn conditions the way we view sex . ''
The researchers cautioned that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trial , meaning that respondents might not be representative of the entire male population .
They said they plan to conduct a similar study on the effects of pornography on women .

July 16 (UPI) -- Watching more pornographic videos worsens erectile dysfunction, according to the findings of a survey presented Thursday at the EAU virtual Congress.
Viewing pornography also is associated with greater dissatisfaction with "normal" sex, with only two-thirds of male respondents rating sex with a partner as more stimulating than watching adult videos, the researchers said.
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"We found that there was a highly significant relationship between time spent watching porn and increasing difficulty with erectile function with a partner," study co-author Gunter de Win, a professor at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, said in a statement.
For their research, de Win and his colleagues used an online questionnaire, which was advertised mainly to men in Belgium and Denmark through social media, posters and flyers.
In all, 3,267 men replied to the 118 questions, which asked about frequency of porn watching and sexual activity with partners, among other topics, the researchers said.
The questionnaire was focused on men who had had sex within the four-week period before responding, which allowed the researchers to relate the effect of porn watching on sexual activity, they said.
"In our sample, men watch quite a lot of porn, on average around 70 minutes per week," de Win said.
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In all, roughly 23% of male respondents 35 years old and younger reported that they had some level of erectile dysfunction when having sex with a partner, he and his colleagues said.
Those who reported more porn viewing reported more problems becoming aroused when with their partners, according to the researchers.
Overall, 65% of male respondents reported feeling that sex with a partner was more exciting than watching porn, the researchers said.
One in five respondents, or 20%, also felt that they needed to watch more extreme pornography to get the same level of arousal they had from previously viewing adult videos, they said.
"We believe that the erectile dysfunction problems associated with porn stem from this lack of arousal," de Win said. "There's no doubt that porn conditions the way we view sex."
The researchers cautioned that their research was a survey rather than a clinical trial, meaning that respondents might not be representative of the entire male population.
They said they plan to conduct a similar study on the effects of pornography on women.


upi--2020-07-16--CDC extends cruise no-sail order through Sept. 30

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | Hundreds of passengers form a line to @ @ @ @ @ China Southern Airlines flight to China on April 19 in Los Angeles .
Passengers at @ @ @ @ @ arrived at 5:30 a.m. , with many others standing in line since 8 a.m. to @ @ @ @ @ seat before the plane was full .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

The cruise ship Grand Princess enters San Francisco Bay on March 9 amid a coronavirus outbreak. The CDC said cruise ships may not sail out of U.S. ports through at least September 30. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday extended its order for cruise ships to stay docked or at sea through the end of September as coronavirus cases spike in the United States. The "no sail" order extends one first issued March 14 and lasts until Sept. 30. The previous ban was set to expire July 24. Advertisement
Under the CDC extension, cruise ship operators are barred from starting new trips or allowing passengers and crew who are now at sea to disembark at U.S. ports or stations unless allowed by authorities.
CDC Director Robert Redfield said there were a confirmed 2,973 COVID-19 cases and 34 deaths on cruise ships before officials halted all cruises and evacuated passengers.
On June 19, the Cruise Lines International Association announced it was voluntarily suspending all cruise operations from U.S. ports until Sept. 15. The organization represents more than 50 cruise lines and more than 95 percent of global cruise capacity.
"Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crewmembers," the CLIA said at the time. "The additional time will also allow us to consult with the CDC on measures that will be appropriate for the eventual resumption of cruise operations."
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The CLIA said that for each day that cruise operations are suspended in the United States, there is a $110 million loss in economic activity.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-07-16--Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot to be known as Stellantis following merger

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot announced that the name of the group following their merger late last year will be Stellantis .
In a statement late Wednesday , the companies said the name Stellantis is derived from the Latin verb `` stello '' which means `` to brighten the stars '' and hailed the announcement as a `` major step '' as they move toward the completion of the merger .
`` It draws inspiration from this new and ambitious alignment of storied automotive brands and strong company cultures that in coming together are creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next era of mobility while at the same time preserving all exceptional value and the values of its constituent parts , '' they said .
The companies said the next step in the process will be unveiling a logo and the merger is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021 .
Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot agreed to the $ 50 billion merger , which would create the world 's third-largest automaker , in December 2019 .
At the time they said the deal would allow them to cut costs by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to factory closures .

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot will be known as Stellantis following the completion of their $50 billion merger, the companies announced. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot announced that the name of the group following their merger late last year will be Stellantis. In a statement late Wednesday, the companies said the name Stellantis is derived from the Latin verb "stello" which means "to brighten the stars" and hailed the announcement as a "major step" as they move toward the completion of the merger. Advertisement
"It draws inspiration from this new and ambitious alignment of storied automotive brands and strong company cultures that in coming together are creating one of the new leaders in the next era of mobility while at the same time preserving all exceptional value and the values of its constituent parts," they said.
The companies said the next step in the process will be unveiling a logo and the merger is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot agreed to the $50 billion merger, which would create the world's third-largest automaker, in December 2019.
At the time they said the deal would allow them to cut costs by $4.1 billion a year without resorting to factory closures.


upi--2020-07-16--Taking care of stray cat leads couple to $50,000 lottery jackpot

July 16 ( UPI ) -- A Kentucky couple said taking care of a stray cat paid off when they stopped to buy food for the feline and won a $ 50,000 lottery jackpot .
The Florence couple told Kentucky Lottery officials they were out running errands when they decided to stop at the Turfway Food Mart to buy food for a stray cat that lives around a local shopping center .
The couple said they have been buying food for the cat for about three years , and when they stop at the store for cat food they usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal lovers ended up buying a pair of $ 5 Payday scratch-off tickets during their cat food run , and they each scratched off a ticket , with the wife revealing a $ 50,000 prize .
`` At first , I thought it was a $ 5 winner , but then noticed a comma , '' the wife said .
`` As I scratched off more , I was like , 'Oh my gosh , it 's $ 50,000 ! '
It was awesome . ''
She said taking care of the cat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If we had n't turned around and gone back this probably would have never happened , '' she said .

A Kentucky couple said a stop to buy food for a stray cat turned into a $50,000 lottery jackpot. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe July 16 (UPI) -- A Kentucky couple said taking care of a stray cat paid off when they stopped to buy food for the feline and won a $50,000 lottery jackpot. The Florence couple told Kentucky Lottery officials they were out running errands when they decided to stop at the Turfway Food Mart to buy food for a stray cat that lives around a local shopping center. Advertisement
The couple said they have been buying food for the cat for about three years, and when they stop at the store for cat food they usually buy two scratch-off lottery tickets.
The animal lovers ended up buying a pair of $5 Payday scratch-off tickets during their cat food run, and they each scratched off a ticket, with the wife revealing a $50,000 prize.
"At first, I thought it was a $5 winner, but then noticed a comma," the wife said. "As I scratched off more, I was like, 'Oh my gosh, it's $50,000!' It was awesome."
She said taking care of the cat turned out to be unexpectedly lucky.
"If we hadn't turned around and gone back this probably would have never happened," she said.


upi--2020-07-16--19-year-old charged in Secoriea Turner shooting denied bond

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The 19-year-old charged with murder and aggravated assault in the death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner will remain in jail without bond , a judge said Thursday .
Fulton County Magistrate Judge Ashley Gholamhosseini indicated the murder charge against Julian Conley made him ineligible for bond .
Conley 's attorney , Jackie Patterson , said he was made aware his client was formally charged at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and surrendered to Atlanta police at 4:30 p.m. and made his first appearance before the court on Thursday .
Secoriea was killed on July 4 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SUV in a parking lot across the street from the Wendy 's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by police .
Conley said he was at the scene of the shooting and had a firearm but did not fire .
Patterson said his client is being punished because he declined to talk to police about the case .
`` My client saw the deadly shooting but had no idea who pulled the trigger .
We are not obligated to help police with their case , '' Patterson said .
Police are still searching for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

July 16 (UPI) -- The 19-year-old charged with murder and aggravated assault in the death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner will remain in jail without bond, a judge said Thursday.
Fulton County Magistrate Judge Ashley Gholamhosseini indicated the murder charge against Julian Conley made him ineligible for bond.
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Conley's attorney, Jackie Patterson, said he was made aware his client was formally charged at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and surrendered to Atlanta police at 4:30 p.m. and made his first appearance before the court on Thursday.
Secoriea was killed on July 4 as four people shot at her mother's SUV in a parking lot across the street from the Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by police.
Conley said he was at the scene of the shooting and had a firearm but did not fire.
Patterson said his client is being punished because he declined to talk to police about the case.
"My client saw the deadly shooting but had no idea who pulled the trigger. We are not obligated to help police with their case," Patterson said.
Police are still searching for a second suspect in the shooting.


upi--2020-07-16--Fires aboard USS Bonhomme Richard are out, Navy says

July 16 ( UPI ) -- All fires on the USS Bonhomme Richard have been extinguished , the Navy announced Thursday afternoon .
`` Our fire teams , are investigating every space to verify the absence of fire .
Until every space is checked and there are no active fires we will not be able to commence any official investigations , '' said Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck Commander , the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 , which includes the Bonhomme Richard , said in a statement .
`` We did not know the origin of the fire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damage .
It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be , '' Sobeck said .
Late Wednesday night firefighters evacuated the ship as its tilt continued to worsen due to excessive water , but they resumed fighting the days-old blaze Thursday morning .
`` Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship 's list , '' said a tweet from Naval Surface Forces posted at 11 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now pier side .
We will continue to monitor as the ship settles . ''
As of Wednesday morning , 1,500 buckets of water had been dropped on the ship in an effort to keep the exterior cool .
According to Sobeck , the fire has destroyed the ship 's forward mast and damaged its superstructure , which sits on top of the ship and where the bridge is located .
A total of 63 people -- 40 sailors and 23 civilians -- have been treated for minor injuries related to the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fire was reported in a lower cargo area where seafaring tanks and landing craft were parked , and appears to have started in an area where ship maintenance supplies , like cardboard boxes and rags , were stored .
Officials were particularly concerned about ensuring the fire did not reach a part of the ship where one million gallons of fuel were stored .
`` What we do know is , that brave Sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside Federal Firefighters to get this fire extinguished and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts .
This was a Navy team effort , '' Sobeck said Thursday .

Fire crews on the USS Bonhomme Richard were still fighting Thursday to contain a blaze that broke out on Sunday. Photo via Naval Surface Forces/ Twitter
July 16 (UPI) -- All fires on the USS Bonhomme Richard have been extinguished, the Navy announced Thursday afternoon. "Our fire teams, are investigating every space to verify the absence of fire. Until every space is checked and there are no active fires we will not be able to commence any official investigations," said Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck Commander, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, which includes the Bonhomme Richard, said in a statement. Advertisement
"We did not know the origin of the fire. We do not know the extent of the damage. It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be," Sobeck said.
Late Wednesday night firefighters evacuated the ship as its tilt continued to worsen due to excessive water, but they resumed fighting the days-old blaze Thursday morning.
"Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship's list," said a tweet from Naval Surface Forces posted at 11 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday. "Personnel are now pier side. We will continue to monitor as the ship settles."
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As of Wednesday morning, 1,500 buckets of water had been dropped on the ship in an effort to keep the exterior cool.
According to Sobeck, the fire has destroyed the ship's forward mast and damaged its superstructure, which sits on top of the ship and where the bridge is located.
A total of 63 people -- 40 sailors and 23 civilians -- have been treated for minor injuries related to the fire, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
The fire was reported in a lower cargo area where seafaring tanks and landing craft were parked, and appears to have started in an area where ship maintenance supplies, like cardboard boxes and rags, were stored.
Officials were particularly concerned about ensuring the fire did not reach a part of the ship where one million gallons of fuel were stored.
"What we do know is, that brave Sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside Federal Firefighters to get this fire extinguished and I want to thank them for their efforts. This was a Navy team effort," Sobeck said Thursday.
As of 06:00 a.m. Pacific time July 16, firefighting teams are on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) continuing operations. The total personnel treated for minor injuries remains 63, 40 Sailors and 23 civilians.Will continue to provide updates via our social media platforms. pic.twitter.com/lIlaSRls1b— Naval Surface Forces (@SurfaceWarriors) July 16, 2020
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upi--2020-07-16--Watch: Missing dog rescued from drain pipe on university campus

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in California came to the rescue of a dog found trapped in a @ @ @ @ @ of California Santa Barbara campus .
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department said a member @ @ @ @ @ dog crying in distress from a drain pipe on the school 's campus and alerted @ @ @ @ @ the drain and coaxed the dog out of the pipe .
The department said the @ @ @ @ @ named Sophie , had been missing from her owner 's home for about a month @ @ @ @ @ believed to have been trapped in the pipe for about three days .
The canine @ @ @ @ @ the area prior to the drain rescue , but firefighters said her whereabouts for most @ @ @ @ @ had been missing are unknown .

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July 16 (UPI) -- Firefighters in California came to the rescue of a dog found trapped in a drain pipe on the University of California Santa Barbara campus.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department said a member of the public heard the dog crying in distress from a drain pipe on the school's campus and alerted authorities.
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Firefighters climbed into the drain and coaxed the dog out of the pipe.
The department said the canine, a 2-year-old pet named Sophie, had been missing from her owner's home for about a month. They said she is believed to have been trapped in the pipe for about three days.
The canine had been spotted periodically in the area prior to the drain rescue, but firefighters said her whereabouts for most of the month that she had been missing are unknown.


upi--2020-07-16--Tokyo, Melbourne, Spain set new coronavirus case records

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Tokyo confirmed its highest number of new coronavirus cases Thursday -- 286 -- as Japan , overall , marked its biggest increase in three months .
The nation confirmed 622 new cases for a total of 23,600 infections since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Tokyo 's overall case count increased to 8,640 .
Kyodo News reported the uptick sparked a fear of a second wave of the virus .
Tokyo Gov .
Yuriko Koike blamed the rise in cases on more testing , but called the situation `` rather severe . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people being infected , '' she said .
The spike in Tokyo promoted the Japanese government to drop the capital city from its planned `` Go To '' travel campaign , encouraging people to travel throughout the country as the tourism industry wanes from the pandemic .
The campaign is scheduled to kick off Wednesday .
`` We will be excluding from the campaign those who are making Tokyo their tourist destination and those who reside in Tokyo traveling outside the prefecture , '' Tourism Minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 percent of the new cases in the capital are among people under age 39 .
The record figure came as the International Olympics Committee expressed concern about the Olympic Games that were supposed to be held in Tokyo this month .
They 've been postponed to summer 2021 because of the coronavirus .
The IOC said it did n't want the Games to be held behind closed doors .
President Thomas Bach said the committee is working on `` multiple scenarios '' to hold the Games safely .
In Australia , Melbourne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus cases -- 317 .
According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker , the country has had 10,810 cumulative cases and at least 113 deaths .
In response to the new spike , Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos delayed certain elective surgeries at public hospitals to free up space for COVID-19 hospitalizations .
Spain also recorded its highest single-day increase of new coronavirus cases since May 10 .
The Health Ministry confirmed 580 new cases Thursday , bringing the total number of cases to more than 250,000 .
Fernando Simon , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed much of the increase on outbreaks in Aragon and Catalonia .
Of the 158 outbreaks in the country , 10 percent are linked to seasonal workers .
`` We need to get used to seeing outbreaks linked to seasonal workers , '' he said .
`` They are essential workers , and although the outbreaks might be controlled , they travel from region to region and cases around this activity will probably be constant . ''
At the outbreak 's height earlier in the year , Spain saw up to 10,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday applauded the country for limiting the spread using mitigation tactics .
`` Spain has shown that with political leadership and action , backed by community support , that COVID-19 can be controlled , no matter at what stage virus transmission is at in a country .
From being greatly challenged , Spain has reversed the trajectory of the outbreak , '' Tedros said .
`` While we have witnessed the suppression of the virus across Spain , I support the commitment by Spanish authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the persistent threat that COVID-19 poses . ''
As of Thursday afternoon , there have been some 13.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus globally , with 7.6 recoveries .
At least 586,000 people have died from the virus .

Customers wearing face masks are seen visiting the Matsuya Ginza department store which partially reopened in Tokyo on May 25. Tokyo recorded its largest number of new coronavirus cases Thursday. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Tokyo confirmed its highest number of new coronavirus cases Thursday -- 286 -- as Japan, overall, marked its biggest increase in three months. The nation confirmed 622 new cases for a total of 23,600 infections since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokyo's overall case count increased to 8,640. Advertisement
Kyodo News reported the uptick sparked a fear of a second wave of the virus.
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike blamed the rise in cases on more testing, but called the situation "rather severe."
"We will respond appropriately to reduce the number of people being infected," she said.
The spike in Tokyo promoted the Japanese government to drop the capital city from its planned "Go To" travel campaign, encouraging people to travel throughout the country as the tourism industry wanes from the pandemic. The campaign is scheduled to kick off Wednesday.
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"We will be excluding from the campaign those who are making Tokyo their tourist destination and those who reside in Tokyo traveling outside the prefecture," Tourism Minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said 80 percent of the new cases in the capital are among people under age 39.
The record figure came as the International Olympics Committee expressed concern about the Olympic Games that were supposed to be held in Tokyo this month. They've been postponed to summer 2021 because of the coronavirus.
The IOC said it didn't want the Games to be held behind closed doors. President Thomas Bach said the committee is working on "multiple scenarios" to hold the Games safely.
In Australia, Melbourne also has experienced a one-day record for new coronavirus cases -- 317. According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, the country has had 10,810 cumulative cases and at least 113 deaths.
In response to the new spike, Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos delayed certain elective surgeries at public hospitals to free up space for COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Spain also recorded its highest single-day increase of new coronavirus cases since May 10. The Health Ministry confirmed 580 new cases Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to more than 250,000.
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Fernando Simon, director of the Center for Health Emergencies, blamed much of the increase on outbreaks in Aragon and Catalonia. Of the 158 outbreaks in the country, 10 percent are linked to seasonal workers.
"We need to get used to seeing outbreaks linked to seasonal workers," he said. "They are essential workers, and although the outbreaks might be controlled, they travel from region to region and cases around this activity will probably be constant."
At the outbreak's height earlier in the year, Spain saw up to 10,000 new cases in a single day. World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday applauded the country for limiting the spread using mitigation tactics.
"Spain has shown that with political leadership and action, backed by community support, that COVID-19 can be controlled, no matter at what stage virus transmission is at in a country. From being greatly challenged, Spain has reversed the trajectory of the outbreak," Tedros said.
"While we have witnessed the suppression of the virus across Spain, I support the commitment by Spanish authorities to remain vigilant in the face of the persistent threat that COVID-19 poses."
As of Thursday afternoon, there have been some 13.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus globally, with 7.6 recoveries. At least 586,000 people have died from the virus.
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World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-07-16--Watch: Simone Biles shows off Olympic form with rare gymnastic move

July 16 ( UPI ) -- Star gymnast Simone Biles displayed her elite athleticism in a video she posted to social media , which showed the four-time Olympic gold medalist performing a move she has n't completed in 10 years .
Biles posted the video earlier this week on Twitter .
She came into the picture doing a cycle of back handsprings before she launched herself through the air for a double layout .
She then jumped into a double tuck to end the acrobatic sequence .
`` Have n't done a double tuck since I was probably 13 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the caption on the post .
Biles , 23 , was scheduled to compete in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo before the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
She has 19 World Championship gold medals and arguably is the greatest gymnast of all time .
Biles ' video of her latest move had more than 50,000 interactions of as Thursday afternoon , with nearly 45,000 likes and 5,600 retweets .
She has more than 1.1 million Twitter followers .
The Team USA star has posted several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic shutdown .
Biles posted a video of a triple-double dismount in June .
She said she had been training at the gym when she learned the 2020 Summer Games were postponed .
She said she cried when she heard the news .
`` Ultimately , it was the right decision , '' Biles told the Today program in April .
`` We need to make sure everyone in the U.S. and the world is healthy and safe .
It 's hard , but it 's OK .
The 2021 Summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 , in Tokyo .

Simone Biles performed a move she hasn't pulled off in a decade and posted a video of the sequence Tuesday on Twitter. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- Star gymnast Simone Biles displayed her elite athleticism in a video she posted to social media, which showed the four-time Olympic gold medalist performing a move she hasn't completed in 10 years. Biles posted the video earlier this week on Twitter. She came into the picture doing a cycle of back handsprings before she launched herself through the air for a double layout. She then jumped into a double tuck to end the acrobatic sequence. Advertisement
"Haven't done a double tuck since I was probably 13. Here you go," Biles wrote for the caption on the post.
Biles, 23, was scheduled to compete in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo before the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. She has 19 World Championship gold medals and arguably is the greatest gymnast of all time.
haven't done a double tuck since I was probably 13 - here you go pic.twitter.com/B93QP4ALHc— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 14, 2020
Biles' video of her latest move had more than 50,000 interactions of as Thursday afternoon, with nearly 45,000 likes and 5,600 retweets. She has more than 1.1 million Twitter followers.
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The Team USA star has posted several other gymnastics stunts on social media amid the coronavirus pandemic shutdown. Biles posted a video of a triple-double dismount in June.
She said she had been training at the gym when she learned the 2020 Summer Games were postponed. She said she cried when she heard the news.
"Ultimately, it was the right decision," Biles told the Today program in April. "We need to make sure everyone in the U.S. and the world is healthy and safe. It's hard, but it's OK.
The 2021 Summer Games are planned to start July 23, 2021, in Tokyo.


upi--2020-07-16--6 Macy's execs get combined $9M in bonuses after cutting 3,900 jobs

July 16 ( UPI ) -- The board of Macy 's gave six top executives a combined total of $ 9 million in bonuses two weeks after cutting 3,900 jobs .
Human resources chief Danielle Kirgan and legal chief Elisa Garcia , are among the other five who received bonuses , with awards ranging from $ 350,000 to $ 3 million , filings said .
A female representative from Macy 's told CNBC the equity grants to management and the board were delayed this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
She added that the company will go into further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 2021 proxy filing .
Bloomberg Law first reported on the filings .
Earlier this month , the board reversed top executives ' temporary pay cuts in place since April 1 , which means that Gennette , who took a pay cut , is now back to a $ 1.3 million annual rate .
Macy 's announced plans in February to close 125 stores over three years and cut about 2,000 corporate jobs .
More recently , on June 25 , the company announced it will cut 3,900 corporate and management-level jobs as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to cope with the economic fallout of COVID-19 .
Shares of the company have fallen 60 % this year .
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the struggle for some retail companies already struggling with online competition , including Neiman Marcus and J.C. Penney , which both filed for bankruptcy in May .

Six top executives at Macy's have received millions of dollars in bonuses combined weeks after the company cut thousands of more jobs, filings show. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 16 (UPI) -- The board of Macy's gave six top executives a combined total of $9 million in bonuses two weeks after cutting 3,900 jobs. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gennette received a stock award worth $3.7 million, according to a regulatory filing. Advertisement
Human resources chief Danielle Kirgan and legal chief Elisa Garcia, are among the other five who received bonuses, with awards ranging from $350,000 to $3 million, filings said.
A female representative from Macy's told CNBC the equity grants to management and the board were delayed this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added that the company will go into further detail on its 2020 compensation plans in its 2021 proxy filing.
Bloomberg Law first reported on the filings.
Earlier this month, the board reversed top executives' temporary pay cuts in place since April 1, which means that Gennette, who took a pay cut, is now back to a $1.3 million annual rate.
Macy's announced plans in February to close 125 stores over three years and cut about 2,000 corporate jobs. More recently, on June 25, the company announced it will cut 3,900 corporate and management-level jobs as part of strategy to save $630 million to cope with the economic fallout of COVID-19.
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Shares of the company have fallen 60% this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the struggle for some retail companies already struggling with online competition, including Neiman Marcus and J.C. Penney, which both filed for bankruptcy in May.


upi--2020-07-17--Aaron Rodgers, Danica Patrick break up after two-year union

July 17 ( UPI ) -- NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers and former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick have ended their two-year relationship .
Patrick 's rep told E !
News Thursday that the couple separated .
Rodgers , 36 , and Patrick , 38 , went public with their relationship in February 2018 , but started dating in 2017 .
Patrick and Rodgers first met at ESPN 's ESPY Awards show in 2012 .
Rodgers attended Patrick 's races before she retired from professional motorsports .
Patrick also had attended Rodgers ' Green Bay Packers games for the past two seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after rumors circulated about the split after Patrick unfollowed Rodgers on social media platforms .
Patrick also deleted several Instagram photos she had posted with the Packers quarterback .
Rodgers also was absent from last week 's American Century Championship , a celebrity golf event he plays annually in Stateline , Nev. Patrick is the only woman in history to win an IndyCar Series race .
She began her IndyCar career in 2005 before she transitioned to NASCAR in 2010 .
She competed in the 2018 Daytona 500 and 2018 Indianapolis 500 before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire 15-year NFL tenure for the Packers .
The eight-time Pro Bowl selection , two-time NFL MVP and two-time All-Pro won a Super Bowl in 2011 .
Rodgers is under contract through 2023 , but can opt out of that deal after the 2021 season .
Green Bay selected former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft , Rodgers ' potential replacement .

Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick (L) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (R) began dating in 2018 before the couple separated this summer. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
July 17 (UPI) -- NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers and former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick have ended their two-year relationship. Patrick's rep told E! News and People.com Thursday that the couple separated. Rodgers, 36, and Patrick, 38, went public with their relationship in February 2018, but started dating in 2017. Patrick and Rodgers first met at ESPN's ESPY Awards show in 2012. Advertisement
Rodgers attended Patrick's races before she retired from professional motorsports. Patrick also had attended Rodgers' Green Bay Packers games for the past two seasons.
The report of their breakup came after rumors circulated about the split after Patrick unfollowed Rodgers on social media platforms. Patrick also deleted several Instagram photos she had posted with the Packers quarterback.
Rodgers also was absent from last week's American Century Championship, a celebrity golf event he plays annually in Stateline, Nev.
Patrick is the only woman in history to win an IndyCar Series race. She began her IndyCar career in 2005 before she transitioned to NASCAR in 2010. She competed in the 2018 Daytona 500 and 2018 Indianapolis 500 before she retired.
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Rodgers has played his entire 15-year NFL tenure for the Packers. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time NFL MVP and two-time All-Pro won a Super Bowl in 2011. Rodgers is under contract through 2023, but can opt out of that deal after the 2021 season. Green Bay selected former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Rodgers' potential replacement.


upi--2020-07-17--Watch: Dorinda Medley 'felt terrible' after mugshot remark to Luann de Lesseps

July 17 ( UPI ) -- Dorinda Medley says she `` felt terrible '' after bringing up Luann de Lesseps ' mugshot during a fight .
The 55-year-old television personality appeared Thursday on Watch What Happens Live after a new episode of Real Housewives of New York showed Medley insulting de Lesseps while defending their co-star Sonja Morgan .
`` It was just all very emotional , and I think we 're horrible day drinkers , '' Medley said of the row .
When asked by fellow guest Michael Rappaport about the conflict , Medley said she thinks she took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Yes , because I did n't remember it the next day , '' the star said .
`` I do remember thinking she was really attacking Sonja , and I feel like Sonja really did n't deserve that this season .
Sonja , too , was going through a really hard time . ''
`` The thing about Sonja is she does really try to help Lu in all ways .
She 's her ride or die , '' she added .
Thursday 's episode of RHONY showed Medley standing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be paying Morgan for her participation in her cabaret show .
`` Shame on you for saying that to this girl , '' Medley told de Lesseps .
`` She was with you when you were down and out .
This girl took care of it . ''
`` You know everything Dorinda , do n't you , '' de Lesseps replied .
`` No , you do n't . ''
`` You drunken fool , '' Medley said .
`` You have a mugshot of your drunkenness .
Be gracious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' On WWHL , Medley said she `` felt terrible '' for referencing de Lesseps ' 2017 arrest for disorderly intoxication and battery on a police officer .
`` I really think of Lu as more like a sister relationship , '' she added .
`` She kind of grew up like me .
We can fight and get through it . ''
De Lesseps said on WWHL in April that she is not drinking amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
During Thursday 's episode , Medley also weighed in on her RHONY co-star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump , Jr. 's girlfriend , Kimberly Guilfoyle , who recently tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` For me , it 's not mad or sad .
It 's about being responsible , '' she said .

July 17 (UPI) -- Dorinda Medley says she "felt terrible" after bringing up Luann de Lesseps' mugshot during a fight.
The 55-year-old television personality appeared Thursday on Watch What Happens Live after a new episode of Real Housewives of New York showed Medley insulting de Lesseps while defending their co-star Sonja Morgan.
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"It was just all very emotional, and I think we're horrible day drinkers," Medley said of the row.
When asked by fellow guest Michael Rappaport about the conflict, Medley said she thinks she took her fight with de Lesseps too far.
"Yes, because I didn't remember it the next day," the star said. "I do remember thinking she was really attacking Sonja, and I feel like Sonja really didn't deserve that this season. Sonja, too, was going through a really hard time."
"The thing about Sonja is she does really try to help Lu in all ways. She's her ride or die," she added.
Thursday's episode of RHONY showed Medley standing up for Morgan after de Lesseps said she would not be paying Morgan for her participation in her cabaret show.
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"Shame on you for saying that to this girl," Medley told de Lesseps. "She was with you when you were down and out. This girl took care of it."
"You know everything Dorinda, don't you," de Lesseps replied. "No, you don't."
"You drunken fool," Medley said. "You have a mugshot of your drunkenness. Be gracious to these people that helped you."
On WWHL, Medley said she "felt terrible" for referencing de Lesseps' 2017 arrest for disorderly intoxication and battery on a police officer.
"I really think of Lu as more like a sister relationship," she added. "She kind of grew up like me. We can fight and get through it."
De Lesseps said on WWHL in April that she is not drinking amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During Thursday's episode, Medley also weighed in on her RHONY co-star Ramona Singer attending the same party as Donald Trump, Jr.'s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
"For me, it's not mad or sad. It's about being responsible," she said.


upi--2020-07-17--Watch: The Chicks explain name change: 'It was about time'

July 17 ( UPI ) -- The Chicks appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss why they dropped Dixie from their name .
`` Well just because of everything that 's going on in the world .
It was about time .
We had wanted to change it for a long time actually , '' member Natalie Maines said on Thursday .
`` We started using DCX a lot and The Chicks a lot when we could .
We hoped it would catch on , but it did n't .
So , in the moment now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did n't even have to have much discussion about it .
We just all wanted to do it right away , '' she continued .
The Chicks , formerly known as The Dixie Chicks , officially changed their name in June .
The change followed pressure from those who object to Dixie as a nostalgic nickname for the South , specifically the states that composed the Confederacy .
The group also consists of Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire .
Robinson gave other names the band considered before settling on The Chicks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up was our initials , but spelled out as men , so we 'd go from Chicks to Men , '' she said while laughing .
The Chicks also considered using nicknames from their past including Puss ' N Boots and Woolly Puddin ' .
The Chicks performed their protest anthem , `` March March , '' which appears on their newly released album , Gaslighter .
The album is their first in 14 years .

July 17 (UPI) -- The Chicks appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss why they dropped Dixie from their name.
"Well just because of everything that's going on in the world. It was about time. We had wanted to change it for a long time actually," member Natalie Maines said on Thursday.
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"We started using DCX a lot and The Chicks a lot when we could. We hoped it would catch on, but it didn't. So, in the moment now we just felt that it was right and we didn't even have to have much discussion about it. We just all wanted to do it right away," she continued.
The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, officially changed their name in June. The change followed pressure from those who object to Dixie as a nostalgic nickname for the South, specifically the states that composed the Confederacy.
The group also consists of Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire. Robinson gave other names the band considered before settling on The Chicks.
"One of the ones that came up was our initials, but spelled out as men, so we'd go from Chicks to Men," she said while laughing.
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The Chicks also considered using nicknames from their past including Puss 'N Boots and Woolly Puddin'.
The Chicks performed their protest anthem, "March March," which appears on their newly released album, Gaslighter. The album is their first in 14 years.


upi--2020-07-17--It's time for every state to enact its own voting rights law

July 17 ( UPI ) -- In 2013 , Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg argued that gutting provisions of the Voting Rights Act that protected communities of color from electoral discrimination was like `` throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm when you are not getting wet . ''
Yet that is exactly what has been happening around the country as barriers have been placed in front of communities of color .
Increasingly restrictive voter ID laws , polling place closures and felony disenfranchisement laws have popped up in many states .
Without the full protection of the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the civil rights era that was neutered by the Supreme Court seven years ago , the onus has been shifted to the states to protect communities of color from voting discrimination .
And so every state should adopt its own version of a voting rights act and other election system reforms to ensure that communities of color can gain equal access in voting and representation .
The original 1965 law vastly improved the ability of communities of color to participate in our democracy .
Much of this success came from the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that states and localities with long histories of suppressing voters of color needed to gain approval from the federal government before instituting new voting rules .
Soon after the law 's enactment , the number of registered voters of color skyrocketed .
In the seven states originally subject to preclearance , the number of registered Black voters ballooned from less than a million in 1965 to nearly 3.6 million in 1986 .
Additionally , with communities of color able to elect their preferred candidates , more elected officials of color started serving in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though the Supreme Court has gutted the federal law , states can write their own statutes to ensure communities of color make strides in ballot access and representation .
Nearly 200 jurisdictions have seen changes to their electoral systems to better protect the voting rights of people of color in the roughly 20 years since the enactment of the California Voting Rights Act .
The version of the law enacted in Washington state goes beyond California 's protections , in particular by explicitly allowing jurisdictions to adopt electoral systems other than single-member districts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can better enfranchise communities of color that are spread out across a jurisdiction .
Under this alternative election system , voters may rank candidates for each office in order of preference .
If one is the first choice of most voters , that candidate wins .
If not , the candidate in the top spot on the fewest ballots is eliminated , and those ballots are redistributed to the candidates named as second choice .
This process continues until someone has more than half of the vote .
Latinx activists are pushing rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle , to adopt RCV .
The county commission uses an at-large voting system whereby all the commissioners can get elected by the white plurality -- leaving Latinx and Native American voters unable to elect their candidates of choice .
Even though half of Yakima County is Latinx , only one Latinx person has ever been elected to the commission .
In January , our two organizations sent a letter on behalf of the activists , putting the county on notice its system was denying the Latinx community `` an equal opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since Yakima County has failed to respond by engaging the community in creating a solution , we sued the county this week for violating the Washington Voting Rights Act .
The growing non-white community deserves equal representation and to have their voices heard .
Ranked-choice elections have the potential to uplift communities of color elsewhere , too .
They fundamentally encourage candidates to reach out to a more diverse pool of voters and prevent candidates from relying on narrow White majorities to propel them to victory .
The RCV advocacy group FairVote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California cities , found that the share of candidates of color grew to 26 percent from 17 percent in the municipalities with RCV -- and slipped by a point , to 11 percent , in places with traditional elections .
Sometimes , creating one or more electoral districts with a non-White majority can remedy political discrimination and allow communities of color to choose their preferred candidates .
But often these communities are dispersed across several neighborhoods and can not be packed into one district in a way that maximizes their electoral power .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strongest option for allowing everyone to participate equally in the governing process -- because it can take varying levels of racial segregation into account .
However , equitable representation relies on states having voting rights laws that allow them to force jurisdictions with long histories of voting discrimination to change their election systems .
Only Oregon , California and Washington have their own such laws on the books , although such a measure is making its way through the New York Legislature .
The other 46 states should follow suit .
State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities left to face voting discrimination in place of a federal law that 's hardly in full effect , they would also improve on the original Voting Rights Act by creating better mechanisms for addressing local instances of voting discrimination .
For the past seven years , communities of color may have been without umbrellas as they try to weather the storm of voting discrimination .
The states could step in and give them better protection than ever .
Ruth Greenwood is co-director for voting rights and redistricting at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of OneAmerica , an immigrant and refugee advocacy organization in Washington state .
This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum .

Voters wait to check in during the D.C. primary election at a polling location on June 2. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 17 (UPI) -- In 2013, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg argued that gutting provisions of the Voting Rights Act that protected communities of color from electoral discrimination was like "throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm when you are not getting wet." Yet that is exactly what has been happening around the country as barriers have been placed in front of communities of color. Increasingly restrictive voter ID laws, polling place closures and felony disenfranchisement laws have popped up in many states. Advertisement
Without the full protection of the federal Voting Rights Act, a landmark achievement of the civil rights era that was neutered by the Supreme Court seven years ago, the onus has been shifted to the states to protect communities of color from voting discrimination.
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And so every state should adopt its own version of a voting rights act and other election system reforms to ensure that communities of color can gain equal access in voting and representation.
The original 1965 law vastly improved the ability of communities of color to participate in our democracy. Much of this success came from the fact that it required preclearance, which meant that states and localities with long histories of suppressing voters of color needed to gain approval from the federal government before instituting new voting rules.
Soon after the law's enactment, the number of registered voters of color skyrocketed. In the seven states originally subject to preclearance, the number of registered Black voters ballooned from less than a million in 1965 to nearly 3.6 million in 1986. Additionally, with communities of color able to elect their preferred candidates, more elected officials of color started serving in state and local governments.
But even though the Supreme Court has gutted the federal law, states can write their own statutes to ensure communities of color make strides in ballot access and representation. Nearly 200 jurisdictions have seen changes to their electoral systems to better protect the voting rights of people of color in the roughly 20 years since the enactment of the California Voting Rights Act.
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The version of the law enacted in Washington state goes beyond California's protections, in particular by explicitly allowing jurisdictions to adopt electoral systems other than single-member districts. This includes ranked-choice voting, which can better enfranchise communities of color that are spread out across a jurisdiction.
Under this alternative election system, voters may rank candidates for each office in order of preference. If one is the first choice of most voters, that candidate wins. If not, the candidate in the top spot on the fewest ballots is eliminated, and those ballots are redistributed to the candidates named as second choice. This process continues until someone has more than half of the vote.
Latinx activists are pushing rural Yakima County, 140 miles southeast of Seattle, to adopt RCV. The county commission uses an at-large voting system whereby all the commissioners can get elected by the white plurality -- leaving Latinx and Native American voters unable to elect their candidates of choice. Even though half of Yakima County is Latinx, only one Latinx person has ever been elected to the commission.
In January, our two organizations sent a letter on behalf of the activists, putting the county on notice its system was denying the Latinx community "an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice." Since Yakima County has failed to respond by engaging the community in creating a solution, we sued the county this week for violating the Washington Voting Rights Act. The growing non-white community deserves equal representation and to have their voices heard.
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Ranked-choice elections have the potential to uplift communities of color elsewhere, too. They fundamentally encourage candidates to reach out to a more diverse pool of voters and prevent candidates from relying on narrow White majorities to propel them to victory. The RCV advocacy group FairVote, which studied two decades of elections in California cities, found that the share of candidates of color grew to 26 percent from 17 percent in the municipalities with RCV -- and slipped by a point, to 11 percent, in places with traditional elections.
Sometimes, creating one or more electoral districts with a non-White majority can remedy political discrimination and allow communities of color to choose their preferred candidates. But often these communities are dispersed across several neighborhoods and cannot be packed into one district in a way that maximizes their electoral power. In these jurisdictions, RCV would be the strongest option for allowing everyone to participate equally in the governing process -- because it can take varying levels of racial segregation into account.
However, equitable representation relies on states having voting rights laws that allow them to force jurisdictions with long histories of voting discrimination to change their election systems. Only Oregon, California and Washington have their own such laws on the books, although such a measure is making its way through the New York Legislature. The other 46 states should follow suit.
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State voting rights laws would not only protect communities left to face voting discrimination in place of a federal law that's hardly in full effect, they would also improve on the original Voting Rights Act by creating better mechanisms for addressing local instances of voting discrimination.
For the past seven years, communities of color may have been without umbrellas as they try to weather the storm of voting discrimination. The states could step in and give them better protection than ever.
Ruth Greenwood is co-director for voting rights and redistricting at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. Roxana Norouzi is deputy director of OneAmerica, an immigrant and refugee advocacy organization in Washington state. This article originally appeared at The Fulcrum.


upi--2020-07-17--Golfer Bryson DeChambeau clubs 423-yard tee shot at Memorial Tournament

July 17 ( UPI ) -- Golfer Bryson DeChambeau smacked a drive that traveled the distance of nearly four football fields during the first round of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin , Ohio .
DeChambeau 's 423-yard bomb came on the 470-yard first hole Thursday at Muirfield Village Golf Club .
He pulled out his driver and laced the 191-mph shot over three bunkers before the ball landed in the fairway , about 46 yards short of the hole .
DeChambeau chipped his second shot 2 yards from the hole before he sank a 6-foot shot for birdie .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied for 42nd place .
Tony Finau had the first-round lead with a 6-under 66 in Dublin .
Ryan Palmer shot a 67 for a second-place finish in the first round .
Gary Woodland , Brendan Steele , Jon Rahm , Lucas Glover and Charles Howell III also are in the top-five .
The second round of the Memorial Tournament teed off Friday morning .
DeChambeau tees off with Colin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay at 1:06 p.m. EDT .
Tiger Woods -- who is tied for 18th -- teed off at 8:17 a.m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The winner will earn $ 1.6 million .

Bryson Dechambeau used a 423-yard tee shot to card a birdie on the first hole in the first round of the Memorial Tournament Thursday in Dublin, Ohio. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 17 (UPI) -- Golfer Bryson DeChambeau smacked a drive that traveled the distance of nearly four football fields during the first round of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. DeChambeau's 423-yard bomb came on the 470-yard first hole Thursday at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He pulled out his driver and laced the 191-mph shot over three bunkers before the ball landed in the fairway, about 46 yards short of the hole. Advertisement
DeChambeau chipped his second shot 2 yards from the hole before he sank a 6-foot shot for birdie. He ended the day at 1-over par and tied for 42nd place.
Tony Finau had the first-round lead with a 6-under 66 in Dublin. Ryan Palmer shot a 67 for a second-place finish in the first round. Gary Woodland, Brendan Steele, Jon Rahm, Lucas Glover and Charles Howell III also are in the top-five.
The second round of the Memorial Tournament teed off Friday morning. DeChambeau tees off with Colin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay at 1:06 p.m. EDT. Tiger Woods -- who is tied for 18th -- teed off at 8:17 a.m.
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The four-day tournament ends Sunday. The winner will earn $1.6 million.


upi--2020-07-17--NFL vows action after sex harassment investigation of Washington team

July 17 ( UPI ) -- The NFL said Friday it will take action after the Washington team 's lawyers investigate allegations of sexual harassment from 15 women who worked for the franchise and two reporters .
`` These matters as reported are serious , disturbing and contrary to the NFL 's values , '' the statement said .
`` Everyone in the NFL has the right to work in an environment free from any and all forms of harassment .
`` Washington has engaged outside counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations .
The club has pledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the investigator and we expect the club and all employees to do so .
`` We will meet with the attorneys upon the conclusion of their investigation and take any action based on their findings . ''
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the allegations spanned from 2006 to 2019 .
The report detailed the allegations of harassment from team executives against the employees and female reporters .
The team has retained D.C.-based law firm Wilkinson Walsh to review the matter .
Neither team owner Daniel Snyder nor the team had commented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coach Ron Rivera -- who was hired Jan. 1 -- said in a statement that he would not `` allow any of this . ''
Rivera 's daughter , Courtney Rivera , was hired in March to work in the team 's social media department .
`` We 're trying to create a new culture here , '' Rivera said .
`` We 're hoping to get people to understand that they need to judge us on where we are and where we 're going , as opposed to where we 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to move forward from this and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will follow and that we have an open-door policy with no retribution .
Rivera added : `` Plus my daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this !
Dan Snyder brought me here to change culture and create an environment of inclusion among employees .
I believe everyone that works for this franchise has a vested interest in our success . ''
Washington , which has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brand for insensitivity to Native Americans , and the other 31 NFL teams are scheduled to report to training camp later this month .

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Washington's NFL team has hired lawyers to investigate allegations of sexual harassment brought by 15 women who worked for the team and two reporters. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 17 (UPI) -- Dan Snyder, owner of Washington's NFL team, said Friday that behavior described in a report that cited allegations of sexual harassment byteam executives against female employees "has no place" in the franchise. The Washington Post reported Thursday that 15 former female employees and two reporters were sexually harassed by former male executives from 2006 to 2019. The team has retained D.C.-based law firm Wilkinson Walsh to review the matter. Advertisement
"The behavior described in yesterday's Washington Post article has no place in our franchise or society," Snyder said.
"This story has strengthened my commitment to setting a new culture and standard for our team, a process that began with the hiring of coach [Ron] Rivera earlier this year.
"Beth Wilkinson and her firm are empowered to do a full, unbiased investigation and make any and all requisite recommendations.
"Upon completion of her work, we will institute new policies and procedures and strengthen our human resources infrastructure to not only avoid these issues in the future but most importantly create a team culture that is respectful and inclusive of all."
The NFL said Friday it will take action after the Washington team's lawyers investigate the allegations.
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"These matters as reported are serious, disturbing and contrary to the NFL's values," the statement said. "Everyone in the NFL has the right to work in an environment free from any and all forms of harassment.
"Washington has engaged outside counsel to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. The club has pledged that it will give its full cooperation to the investigator and we expect the club and all employees to do so.
"We will meet with the attorneys upon the conclusion of their investigation and take any action based on their findings."
Coach Rivera, who was hired Jan. 1, said in a statement Thursday that he would not "allow any of this."
Rivera's daughter, Courtney Rivera, was hired in March to work in the team's social media department.
"We're trying to create a new culture here," Rivera said. "We're hoping to get people to understand that they need to judge us on where we are and where we're going, as opposed to where we've been.
"[The] biggest thing is that we have to move forward from this and make sure everybody understands we have policies that we will follow and that we have an open-door policy with no retribution."
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Rivera added: "Plus my daughter works for the team and I sure as hell am not going to allow any of this! Dan Snyder brought me here to change culture and create an environment of inclusion among employees. I believe everyone that works for this franchise has a vested interest in our success."
Washington, which has not announced a new team name after dropping the brand for insensitivity to Native Americans, and the other 31 NFL teams are scheduled to report to training camp later this month.
Washington's former nickname was absent from Friday's statement from Snyder, the first time it hasn't appeared on a news release since the franchise said it would retire the nickname Monday.


upi--2020-07-17--U.S. sets another daily record: 77,300 new COVID-19 cases

July 17 ( UPI ) -- Friday brought another record spike for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States -- more than 77,000 additional cases , breaking the previous single-day mark by almost 10,000 patients .
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University said U.S. cases grew by 77,255 on Thursday .
The previous high , 67,400 , was set on Wednesday .
The national case total since the start of the pandemic is about 3.58 million and there have been 138,300 deaths in the United States , according to Friday 's update .
The death toll grew by nearly 1,000 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top health expert and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , said Friday most new cases are coming from those who have COVID-19 but show no symptoms .
`` Most of the spread are from asymptomatic people , particularly young adults , so you have to cast a wide net , '' Giroir told CNBC .
`` I think we 're able to do that . ''
Florida , the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak , has contributed the most to the growing national tally .
Friday , the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ron DeSantis asking for `` strong action to slow the spread . ''
`` We ask that you immediately impose a statewide mask order and stay-at-home orders recommended by public health officials in parts of the state where the outbreak is raging , '' the letter states .
`` By failing to reopen our state in the safe , smart , and step-by-step manner that you promised , and by ignoring CDC gating criteria , our state may be forced into a statewide economic shutdown , either by your order or simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe . ''
The letter was signed by Florida 's 13 Democratic representatives in the U.S. House .
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has issued a mandatory mask order , but has not given a stay-home order .
The county has seen more COVID-19 cases than any other in Florida .
Texas on Thursday set a new single-day record for deaths , 154 , and the third consecutive day of at least 100 .
Hospitalizations , however , decreased slightly , indicating they may be stabilizing .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet needed .
`` We are certainly not out of the woods yet , but this could be a glimmer of hope coming if people will continue to practice wearing face masks wherever possible , '' Abbott told KRIV-TV .
`` The only way we can avoid a shutdown is if we do get everyone buying in to this process of wearing face masks . ''
`` These are people from our community who are loved dearly by family and friends who continue to die every day because of COVID-19 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This virus is real , it 's everywhere , and it 's continuing to cause death and disease all across the state . ''
In California , San Diego County officials reported a record 17 deaths -- and young people between the ages of 20 and 39 have accounted for nearly half of all new cases , said county health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten .
`` Some young people think they 're invincible and wo n't get sick , '' she said .
`` Not only are they getting sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency rooms . ''
Los Angeles County set another new record of 4,600 new cases , officials said .
`` We have hit concerning milestones , '' said county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer .
`` Without aggressive action on the part of every person , we will not get back to slowing the spread . ''
Nevada also broke its daily record for new cases , 1,447 .
Officials said new cases grew by 3.6 % during the seven-day period ending July 15 -- and the positivity rate Thursday was 24.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Oklahoma to Chicago must now also quarantine for two weeks on arrival .
The two states officially joined the quarantine list on Friday .
The rule had already affected travelers from other states on the list Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is entirely relying on travelers from those states to report their condition , but is n't devoting any resources to enforcing the rule .

A woman and child sit between yellow circles that mark distancing measures at the High Line park in New York City on Thursday. The park closed in March but reopened Thursday with a number of protocols to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 17 (UPI) -- Friday brought another record spike for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States -- more than 77,000 additional cases, breaking the previous single-day mark by almost 10,000 patients. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University said U.S. cases grew by 77,255 on Thursday. The previous high, 67,400, was set on Wednesday. Advertisement
The national case total since the start of the pandemic is about 3.58 million and there have been 138,300 deaths in the United States, according to Friday's update. The death toll grew by nearly 1,000 on Thursday.
Adm. Brett Giroir, a top health expert and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said Friday most new cases are coming from those who have COVID-19 but show no symptoms.
"Most of the spread are from asymptomatic people, particularly young adults, so you have to cast a wide net," Giroir told CNBC. "I think we're able to do that."
Advertisement
Florida, the U.S. epicenter of the outbreak, has contributed the most to the growing national tally. Friday, the state's congressional delegation sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis asking for "strong action to slow the spread."
"We ask that you immediately impose a statewide mask order and stay-at-home orders recommended by public health officials in parts of the state where the outbreak is raging," the letter states.
"By failing to reopen our state in the safe, smart, and step-by-step manner that you promised, and by ignoring CDC gating criteria, our state may be forced into a statewide economic shutdown, either by your order or simply because Floridians and visitors do not feel safe."
The letter was signed by Florida's 13 Democratic representatives in the U.S. House.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has issued a mandatory mask order, but has not given a stay-home order. The county has seen more COVID-19 cases than any other in Florida.
Texas on Thursday set a new single-day record for deaths, 154, and the third consecutive day of at least 100.
Hospitalizations, however, decreased slightly, indicating they may be stabilizing.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said numbers prove that new lockdown measures are not yet needed.
Advertisement
"We are certainly not out of the woods yet, but this could be a glimmer of hope coming if people will continue to practice wearing face masks wherever possible," Abbott told KRIV-TV. "The only way we can avoid a shutdown is if we do get everyone buying in to this process of wearing face masks."
South Carolina also recorded a one-day record of 69 deaths Thursday.
"These are people from our community who are loved dearly by family and friends who continue to die every day because of COVID-19," state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell told reporters. "This virus is real, it's everywhere, and it's continuing to cause death and disease all across the state."
In California, San Diego County officials reported a record 17 deaths -- and young people between the ages of 20 and 39 have accounted for nearly half of all new cases, said county health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten.
"Some young people think they're invincible and won't get sick," she said. "Not only are they getting sick, but they are also ending up at emergency rooms."
Los Angeles County set another new record of 4,600 new cases, officials said.
Advertisement
"We have hit concerning milestones," said county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.
"Without aggressive action on the part of every person, we will not get back to slowing the spread."
Nevada also broke its daily record for new cases, 1,447. Officials said new cases grew by 3.6% during the seven-day period ending July 15 -- and the positivity rate Thursday was 24.3%.
In Illinois, travelers from Iowa and Oklahoma to Chicago must now also quarantine for two weeks on arrival. The two states officially joined the quarantine list on Friday.
The rule had already affected travelers from other states on the list
--Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is entirely relying on travelers from those states to report their condition, but isn't devoting any resources to enforcing the rule.


upi--2020-07-17--In photos: COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City

New York City swiftly became the U.S. epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic , with cases perhaps starting to peak around @ @ @ @ @ The city , which was virtually shut down except for essential businesses , started a @ @ @ @ @ Here 's a collection of scenes from UPI photographer John Angelillo .

A woman wears a face mask while looking at clothing at Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City on September 8. The CFDA announced in June that New York Fashion Week shows will run for only three days in September due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-07-17--In photos: Baseball kicks off with training camps

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller throws during an intrasquad game at the summer training at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on @ @ @ @ @ Archie Carpenter/UPI

Kansas City Royals batter Alex Gordon connects for a sacrifice RBI during an exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 22. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI