upi--2020-04-24--Attack near Virunga National Park leaves multiple dead

April 24 ( UPI ) -- An attack near Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo left multiple people dead Friday , local park and conservation officials said .
Virunga National Park officials said armed groups attacked civilians , and Virunga employees and park rangers near Rumangabo village in North Kivu province .
The Congo Institute for Nature Conservation said the attackers killed 12 people and injured four others .
Virunga National Park said it appears as if the civilians were the target of the attack , not park employees .
`` This is a devastating day for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the park said .
Over the past 20 years , more than 175 Virunga rangers have died protecting the national park as anti-government rebel groups , local bandits and rare animal hunters roam the area .
In 2014 , Netflix released Virunga , a documentary on the park 's rangers who are tasked with protecting the critically endangered mountain gorilla .
The Virunga Mountains are one of only two places in the world where the gorilla is found , along with Uganda 's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park .
The 3,000-square-mile park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is home to hundreds of native species , including 218 mammal , 706 bird and 109 reptile species .

Over the past two decades, more than 175 park rangers have died at Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. File Photo courtesy UNESCO
April 24 (UPI) -- An attack near Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo left multiple people dead Friday, local park and conservation officials said. Virunga National Park officials said armed groups attacked civilians, and Virunga employees and park rangers near Rumangabo village in North Kivu province. Advertisement
The Congo Institute for Nature Conservation said the attackers killed 12 people and injured four others.
Virunga National Park said it appears as if the civilians were the target of the attack, not park employees.
"This is a devastating day for Virunga National Park and the surrounding communities," the park said.
Over the past 20 years, more than 175 Virunga rangers have died protecting the national park as anti-government rebel groups, local bandits and rare animal hunters roam the area.
In 2014, Netflix released Virunga, a documentary on the park's rangers who are tasked with protecting the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The Virunga Mountains are one of only two places in the world where the gorilla is found, along with Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The 3,000-square-mile park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- is home to hundreds of native species, including 218 mammal, 706 bird and 109 reptile species.


upi--2020-04-24--Smart contact lens accurately monitors blood sugar in rabbits, human tests next

April 24 ( UPI ) -- People with diabetes may soon have a new weapon as they battle to monitor their blood sugar -- their eyes .
An international team of researchers has found that a remotely operated , smart contact lens was able to effectively monitor blood sugar , or glucose levels , while also controlling drug delivery for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy , a common visual health condition associated with the disease .
The results of the tests , conducted with rabbits , were published Friday in the journal Science .
`` A smart contact lens is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be used as an excellent interface between the human body and an electronic device , '' co-author Dr. Sei Kwang Hahn , a visiting professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University , told UPI .
An estimated 100 million Americans are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and research suggests that as many as 30 percent of those with diabetes fail to adequately monitor and control blood sugar .
With further development and testing , the smart contact lens could prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially lead toward on-demand treatment of retinopathy and other eye diseases , Hahn said .
Retinopathy leads to damaged blood vessels in the eye , and often causes vision loss .
Hahn and his colleagues argue that the corneal surface of the eye , where a contact lens rests , provides a unique and convenient window to monitor physiological changes throughout the body .
Their lens is about 10 times thicker than a conventional contact lens and includes a real-time electrochemical biosensor , an on-demand flexible drug delivery system , a wireless energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication system .
The researchers inserted the lens into the eyes of live , diabetic rabbits and injected two units of insulin 15 minutes later to lower the rabbits ' blood glucose levels .
Then they monitored the changes , repeating the test after the lenses were stored for 63 days to demonstrate their ability to remain stable over time .
Following that , the researchers used the lenses to remotely release genistein -- a drug used to treat diabetes -- into the rabbits ' eyes and measured the concentration in the cornea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lens delivered the drug as effectively as an eye injection .
The researchers hope to begin testing a thinner version of the smart contact lens in humans no later than next year , and have an approved product commercially available by 2023 .
Their work has received funding from Samsung , among others .
`` We are currently trying to reduce the thickness ( of the lens ) to enable people to wear comfortably all the time , '' Hahn said .

April 24 (UPI) -- People with diabetes may soon have a new weapon as they battle to monitor their blood sugar -- their eyes.
An international team of researchers has found that a remotely operated, smart contact lens was able to effectively monitor blood sugar, or glucose levels, while also controlling drug delivery for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a common visual health condition associated with the disease.
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The results of the tests, conducted with rabbits, were published Friday in the journal Science.
"A smart contact lens is especially promising for healthcare applications because it can be used as an excellent interface between the human body and an electronic device," co-author Dr. Sei Kwang Hahn, a visiting professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University, told UPI.
An estimated 100 million Americans are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and research suggests that as many as 30 percent of those with diabetes fail to adequately monitor and control blood sugar.
With further development and testing, the smart contact lens could prevent invasive blood tests for diabetes patients and potentially lead toward on-demand treatment of retinopathy and other eye diseases, Hahn said. Retinopathy leads to damaged blood vessels in the eye, and often causes vision loss.
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Hahn and his colleagues argue that the corneal surface of the eye, where a contact lens rests, provides a unique and convenient window to monitor physiological changes throughout the body.
Their lens is about 10 times thicker than a conventional contact lens and includes a real-time electrochemical biosensor, an on-demand flexible drug delivery system, a wireless energy transfer system and a remote radio frequency communication system.
The researchers inserted the lens into the eyes of live, diabetic rabbits and injected two units of insulin 15 minutes later to lower the rabbits' blood glucose levels. Then they monitored the changes, repeating the test after the lenses were stored for 63 days to demonstrate their ability to remain stable over time.
Following that, the researchers used the lenses to remotely release genistein -- a drug used to treat diabetes -- into the rabbits' eyes and measured the concentration in the cornea after one hour. They found that the lens delivered the drug as effectively as an eye injection.
The researchers hope to begin testing a thinner version of the smart contact lens in humans no later than next year, and have an approved product commercially available by 2023. Their work has received funding from Samsung, among others.
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"We are currently trying to reduce the thickness (of the lens) to enable people to wear comfortably all the time," Hahn said.


upi--2020-04-24--Navy accepts delivery of USS Zumwalt

Navy accepts delivery of USS Zumwalt

April 24 ( UPI ) -- The Navy announced Friday that it has accepted delivery of the multi-mission surface combatant USS Zumwalt .
According to the service , the Zumwalt will now join the U.S. Pacific Fleet battle force and remain assigned to Surface Development Squadron One for at-sea testing .
`` Delivery is an important milestone for the Navy , as DDG 1000 continues more advanced at-sea testing of the Zumwalt combat system , '' said Capt .
Kevin Smith , DDG 1000 program manager , Program Executive Office , Ships .
`` The combat test team , consisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineers , and Navy field activity teams , have worked diligently to get USS Zumwalt ready for more complex , multi-mission at-sea testing .
I am excited to begin demonstrating the performance of this incredible ship , '' Smith said .
The 610-foot Zumwalt , which was commissioned in 2013 and left port for its first operational deployment in 2019 , is the first ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers .
Just three of the vessels were commissioned before the Zumwalt program was canceled in 2018 .
The USS Michael Monsoor is homeported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson is under construction at General Dynamics ' Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath , Maine .

An SH-60R assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 flies near USS Zumwalt as the ship travels to its home port of San Diego, Calif. in 2016. Photo by Liz Wolter/U.S. Navy
April 24 (UPI) -- The Navy announced Friday that it has accepted delivery of the multi-mission surface combatant USS Zumwalt. According to the service, the Zumwalt will now join the U.S. Pacific Fleet battle force and remain assigned to Surface Development Squadron One for at-sea testing. Advertisement
"Delivery is an important milestone for the Navy, as DDG 1000 continues more advanced at-sea testing of the Zumwalt combat system," said Capt. Kevin Smith, DDG 1000 program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships.
"The combat test team, consisting of the DDG 1000 sailors, Raytheon engineers, and Navy field activity teams, have worked diligently to get USS Zumwalt ready for more complex, multi-mission at-sea testing. I am excited to begin demonstrating the performance of this incredible ship," Smith said.
The 610-foot Zumwalt, which was commissioned in 2013 and left port for its first operational deployment in 2019, is the first ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers. Just three of the vessels were commissioned before the Zumwalt program was canceled in 2018.
The USS Michael Monsoor is homeported in San Diego and undergoing combat systems activation, and the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson is under construction at General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.


upi--2020-04-24--Best homemade mask combines cotton, natural silk, chiffon, study says

April 24 ( UPI ) -- New research suggests homemade masks combining cotton with natural silk or chiffon offer the best protection against virus-carrying aerosol particles .
Though public health experts offered conflicting guidance on mask-wearing at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic , both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are now recommending that people wear masks when out in public .
With N95 masks still in short supply , officials recommend the masks be reserved for healthcare professionals and others on the front-lines of the battle against the coronavirus .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alternative , whether bought online or made at home .
To see which materials best filter out tiny airborne particles called aerosols , scientists set up controlled experiments in the lab , the results of which were published Friday in the journal ACS Nano .
Using an aerosol mixing chamber , scientists were able to generate particles ranging in diameter from 10 nanometers to 6 micrometers .
A fan in the chamber blew the aerosols across various cloth samples .
`` We tried to keep the flow rates of air ( measured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the same as the respiratory rates during inhalation at rest and we have kept the fabric areas approximately the same as the mask area , '' study co-author Supratik Guha , molecular engineer at the University of Chicago , told UPI in an email .
Particle counters revealed how many particles made it across the different combinations of fabrics .
The combination of a tightly woven cotton sheet and two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon , a sheer fabric used to make evening gowns , filtered out between 80 and 99 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Filters using cotton combined with natural silk or flannel produced similarly impressive results .
`` In our measurements they performed very well , and close to the N95s , '' Guha said of the cotton-chiffon masks .
`` However keep in mind that the N95s have been thoroughly tested over the past several decades .
The cloth hybrid masks we are investigating need further examination in terms of their performance when there is humidity , say when humidity builds up on the inside . ''
What 's so special about cotton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more physical filtering , the other provides more electrostatic filtering -- particles bind to it driven by electrical attraction , '' Guha said .
Researchers plan to conduct followup tests to determine how filtering performance of different fabrics is affected by humidity and washing .
Scientists are also keen to see if different designs can achieve better fits .
`` Keep in mind that 'fit ' is critically important , '' Guha said .
`` You can have the best filtration material but if the fit is not good , air will leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

1/2
People wait to get into Giant Grocery Store in Washington, D.C. on Friday. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- New research suggests homemade masks combining cotton with natural silk or chiffon offer the best protection against virus-carrying aerosol particles. Though public health experts offered conflicting guidance on mask-wearing at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are now recommending that people wear masks when out in public. Advertisement
With N95 masks still in short supply, officials recommend the masks be reserved for healthcare professionals and others on the front-lines of the battle against the coronavirus.
Those without an N95 mask must opt for an alternative, whether bought online or made at home. To see which materials best filter out tiny airborne particles called aerosols, scientists set up controlled experiments in the lab, the results of which were published Friday in the journal ACS Nano.
Using an aerosol mixing chamber, scientists were able to generate particles ranging in diameter from 10 nanometers to 6 micrometers. A fan in the chamber blew the aerosols across various cloth samples.
"We tried to keep the flow rates of air (measured in cubic feet per minute), about the same as the respiratory rates during inhalation at rest and we have kept the fabric areas approximately the same as the mask area," study co-author Supratik Guha, molecular engineer at the University of Chicago, told UPI in an email.
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Particle counters revealed how many particles made it across the different combinations of fabrics. The combination of a tightly woven cotton sheet and two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon, a sheer fabric used to make evening gowns, filtered out between 80 and 99 percent of aerosol particles, depending on the size. Filters using cotton combined with natural silk or flannel produced similarly impressive results.
"In our measurements they performed very well, and close to the N95s," Guha said of the cotton-chiffon masks. "However keep in mind that the N95s have been thoroughly tested over the past several decades. The cloth hybrid masks we are investigating need further examination in terms of their performance when there is humidity, say when humidity builds up on the inside."
What's so special about cotton and chiffon?
"We believe one provides more physical filtering, the other provides more electrostatic filtering -- particles bind to it driven by electrical attraction," Guha said.
Researchers plan to conduct followup tests to determine how filtering performance of different fabrics is affected by humidity and washing. Scientists are also keen to see if different designs can achieve better fits.
"Keep in mind that 'fit' is critically important," Guha said. "You can have the best filtration material but if the fit is not good, air will leak around and effectiveness will be severely compromised."


upi--2020-04-24--FEMA field hospitals expand Navajo Nation's COVID-19 response

DENVER , April 24 ( UPI ) -- Expecting the cases of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation to peak in mid-May , the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency are constructing three reservation field hospitals to be used as alternative care sites , the tribe said Friday .
`` COVID-positive patients will be kept here isolated so they can recover here and then go home , '' said the nation 's President Jonathan Nez said in a live video feed from the Miyamura High School gymnasium in Gallop , N.M. , which had been converted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks nice , but believe me , you do n't want to end up here , you do n't want to be away from your family for a long time .
... We 're preparing for a worst-case scenario , '' Nez said .
Two other care sites are being built in Chinle , Ariz. , and Shiprock , N.M. , Nez said .
The reservation , with a population of around 175,000 people , has been a national hotspot for reported positive cases of the coronavirus .
Its an infection rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New Jersey , according to state health care department statistics .
The Navajo Epidemiology Center has reported 78 new cases confirmed positive cases since Wednesday , reaching a total of 1,360 .
Fifty-two deaths on the reservation have been attributed to the virus , and about 7,500 tests have been completed .
The average age of positive virus patients was 43 , and the average age of death was 65 , the health agency said .
As the reservation prepares for a third weekend curfew and stay-at-home orders , the tribal government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care packages , food supplies and firewood to about 250 remote reservation residents in Jeddito , Ariz .
The Window Rock , Ariz. , -based Navajo Times newspaper has published a list of resources and non-profit groups that were providing emergency relief to tribal members .
The Navajo Nation , about the size of the state of West Virginia , has only 13 grocery stores , and about 30 percent of residents lack running water or electricity .
The Hopi Nation , located within the Navajo Nation , has three villages with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director for the non-profit Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund , said in a video .
The group has delivered 1,500 food baskets across the two reservations and is coordinating volunteers to sew masks for residents , especially the elderly .
`` In many homes on the reservation , there are multi-generational families that live there , '' Jessica Stago , who coordinates water for the relief effort , said in a statement .
`` The virus is attacking this important family unit by spreading among entire families who can not isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , on Wednesday , the Navajo Nation joined a multi-tribe lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that asks the U.S. Treasury Department to exclude 230 Alaska Native corporations from the $ 8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief of CARES Act funds .
Three Sioux tribes , the Cheyenne River , Oglala and Rosebud Sioux , and others , including three Alaskan native tribes , say the corporations are for-profit entities , owned by shareholders , many of them non-Indian .
`` Allocating funds from the Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will severely impact the Navajo Nation 's ability to fight COVID-19 , and will impact every other tribe , as well , '' Navajo President Nez said in a statement .

Care on the Navajo Nation has been expanded with recovery centers built by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA as the COVID-19 pandemic sickens more reservation residents. Photo via FB Live, courtesy of the Navajo Nation.
DENVER, April 24 (UPI) -- Expecting the cases of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation to peak in mid-May, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency are constructing three reservation field hospitals to be used as alternative care sites, the tribe said Friday. "COVID-positive patients will be kept here isolated so they can recover here and then go home," said the nation's President Jonathan Nez said in a live video feed from the Miyamura High School gymnasium in Gallop, N.M., which had been converted into a 60-bed recovery center. Advertisement
"It looks nice, but believe me, you don't want to end up here, you don't want to be away from your family for a long time. ... We're preparing for a worst-case scenario," Nez said.
Two other care sites are being built in Chinle, Ariz., and Shiprock, N.M., Nez said.
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The reservation, with a population of around 175,000 people, has been a national hotspot for reported positive cases of the coronavirus. Its an infection rate is higher than any state except New York and New Jersey, according to state health care department statistics.
The Navajo Epidemiology Center has reported 78 new cases confirmed positive cases since Wednesday, reaching a total of 1,360.
Fifty-two deaths on the reservation have been attributed to the virus, and about 7,500 tests have been completed. The average age of positive virus patients was 43, and the average age of death was 65, the health agency said.
As the reservation prepares for a third weekend curfew and stay-at-home orders, the tribal government on Thursday organized a drive-through distribution of care packages, food supplies and firewood to about 250 remote reservation residents in Jeddito, Ariz.
The Window Rock, Ariz.,-based Navajo Times newspaper has published a list of resources and non-profit groups that were providing emergency relief to tribal members.
The Navajo Nation, about the size of the state of West Virginia, has only 13 grocery stores, and about 30 percent of residents lack running water or electricity.
The Hopi Nation, located within the Navajo Nation, has three villages with no running water, Cassandra Begay, communications director for the non-profit Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund, said in a video.
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The group has delivered 1,500 food baskets across the two reservations and is coordinating volunteers to sew masks for residents, especially the elderly.
"In many homes on the reservation, there are multi-generational families that live there," Jessica Stago, who coordinates water for the relief effort, said in a statement. "The virus is attacking this important family unit by spreading among entire families who cannot isolate from each other," she said.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Navajo Nation joined a multi-tribe lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that asks the U.S. Treasury Department to exclude 230 Alaska Native corporations from the $8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief of CARES Act funds.
Three Sioux tribes, the Cheyenne River, Oglala and Rosebud Sioux, and others, including three Alaskan native tribes, say the corporations are for-profit entities, owned by shareholders, many of them non-Indian.
"Allocating funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Alaska Native corporations will severely impact the Navajo Nation's ability to fight COVID-19, and will impact every other tribe, as well," Navajo President Nez said in a statement.


upi--2020-04-24--Markets rally Friday but fail to make up lost ground for the week

April 24 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 260 points Friday in an attempt to cut @ @ @ @ @ week as oil futures inched higher .
The Dow closed up 1.1 percent Friday , @ @ @ @ @ for the week .
The S & P 500 was up 1.4 percent on the @ @ @ @ @ more than 1 percent for the week , and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ 0.2 percent for the week .
Friday 's numbers were likely boosted by crude futures @ @ @ @ @ to $ 16.94 per barrel , less than one week after oil prices sagged into @ @ @ @ @ gained a few hundred points Thursday but gave them back following a Labor Department report @ @ @ @ @ Americans filed for new unemployment claims .
Friday , President Donald Trump signed the fourth @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
The measure , worth $ 486 billion was passed by the @ @ @ @ @ .

A woman walks near the New York Stock Exchange in New York City on Monday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 260 points Friday in an attempt to cut its overall losses for the week as oil futures inched higher. The Dow closed up 1.1 percent Friday, but was down 1.9 percent for the week. The S&P 500 was up 1.4 percent on the day, but down by more than 1 percent for the week, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.7 percent Friday, but down 0.2 percent for the week. Advertisement
Friday's numbers were likely boosted by crude futures, which rose 2.7 percent to $16.94 per barrel, less than one week after oil prices sagged into the negative.
The Dow gained a few hundred points Thursday but gave them back following a Labor Department report that showed another 4.4 million Americans filed for new unemployment claims.
Friday, President Donald Trump signed the fourth round of coronavirus aid at the White House. The measure, worth $486 billion was passed by the House and Senate this week.


upi--2020-04-24--City seeking owner of donkey found wandering loose

April 24 ( UPI ) -- A Texas city is asking residents to check and make sure they are n't @ @ @ @ @ wayward animal was picked up by officials .
The City of San Angelo said in @ @ @ @ @ was found wandering loose in the Quail Valley area , with no sign of its @ @ @ @ @ .
The post included a photo of the animal in its temporary pen .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , then please call Animal Services , '' the post said .

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April 24 (UPI) -- A Texas city is asking residents to check and make sure they aren't missing a donkey after a wayward animal was picked up by officials.
The City of San Angelo said in a Facebook post the donkey was found wandering loose in the Quail Valley area, with no sign of its owner or any identifying information.
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The post included a photo of the animal in its temporary pen.
"If this is your burro, then please call Animal Services," the post said.


upi--2020-04-24--Facebook introduces video calling service

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Facebook on Friday introduced a new video call system that will allow users and non-users alike to take part in group video chats with up to 50 people .
The social media company calls the new service Messenger Rooms .
Users can create or join a video chat room from their smartphones or desktop computers .
Those who create a room can choose who can see it and join it , and can lock a room to prevent others from joining .
People without Facebook accounts can also join a Messenger Room .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hope it 's a good time or check everyone 's calendar first , '' Facebook said in a blog post .
`` You can start and share rooms on Facebook through News Feed , Groups and Events , so it 's easy for people to drop by . ''
Facebook said it 's also planning to add ways to create rooms in Instagram Direct , WhatsApp and Portal .
Users with the Messenger app can incorporate augmented reality effects , such 360 backgrounds , mood lighting and bunny ear filters .
Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries this week and expand globally in the weeks to come .
Group video chats have become increasingly popular in recent weeks amid coronavirus social distancing guidelines , with services such as Zoom seeing a marked increase in use .

Facebook said its new Messenger Rooms service can be used by users and non-users alike. Photo courtesy of Facebook
April 24 (UPI) -- Facebook on Friday introduced a new video call system that will allow users and non-users alike to take part in group video chats with up to 50 people. The social media company calls the new service Messenger Rooms. Advertisement
Users can create or join a video chat room from their smartphones or desktop computers. Those who create a room can choose who can see it and join it, and can lock a room to prevent others from joining.
People without Facebook accounts can also join a Messenger Room.
"You don't need to call someone and hope it's a good time or check everyone's calendar first," Facebook said in a blog post. "You can start and share rooms on Facebook through News Feed, Groups and Events, so it's easy for people to drop by."
Facebook said it's also planning to add ways to create rooms in Instagram Direct, WhatsApp and Portal.
Users with the Messenger app can incorporate augmented reality effects, such 360 backgrounds, mood lighting and bunny ear filters.
Facebook said Messenger Rooms will debut in some countries this week and expand globally in the weeks to come.
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Group video chats have become increasingly popular in recent weeks amid coronavirus social distancing guidelines, with services such as Zoom seeing a marked increase in use.


upi--2020-04-24--Watch: Elephant rescued from agricultural well in India

April 24 ( UPI ) -- An elephant that fell into an agricultural well in India was rescued by wildlife @ @ @ @ @ an excavator .
Indian Forest Services Officer Yedukondalu V tweeted video showing a portion of @ @ @ @ @ the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka .
The footage shows an excavator digging out @ @ @ @ @ to climb to safety .
The officer thanked police and local villagers for assisting with @ @ @

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April 24 (UPI) -- An elephant that fell into an agricultural well in India was rescued by wildlife officials with the help of an excavator.
Indian Forest Services Officer Yedukondalu V tweeted video showing a portion of the elephant rescue Thursday at the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka.
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The footage shows an excavator digging out a path for the elephant to climb to safety.
The officer thanked police and local villagers for assisting with the rescue.


upi--2020-04-24--Victoria Justice to host remote 'Kids Choice Awards' May 2

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Nickelodeon announced Friday that Nickelodeon 's Kids Choice Awards 2020 : Celebrate Together will take place May 2 at 8 p.m. EDT .
Victorious star Victoria Justice will host a remote version of the event .
According to a Nickelodeon press release , millions of kids voted for their favorite stars , movies , games and other categories .
The kids ' network will present the awards virtually .
Nickelodeon also pledged to donate $ 1 million to No Kid Hungry to support families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic .
LeBron James will receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebron James Family Foundation 's I PROMISE School .
James ' foundation provides educational resources and seeks to reform public schooling .
Other celebrities committed to appear include Avengers cast members Robert Downey Jr. , Chris Evans , Chris Hemsworth , Scarlett Johansson , Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner , plus Dwayne Johnson , Ariana Grande , Kristen Bell , Josh Gad , Camila Cabello , Millie Bobby Brown , Ellen DeGeneres , BTS , Shawn Mendes , Lil Nas X , Dove Cameron , Tom Holland , David Dobrik , Tom Kenny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Choice Awards 2020 will also include humorous segments like hiding slime in JoJo Siwa 's home ; a look at Nick 's Slime in Space in which NASA agreed to send the networks ' famous slime into space ; a preview of the upcoming series The Astronauts and music by Asher Angel .

Victoria Justice will host a remote version of "Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards 2020: Celebrate Together." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Nickelodeon announced Friday that Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards 2020: Celebrate Together will take place May 2 at 8 p.m. EDT. Victorious star Victoria Justice will host a remote version of the event. According to a Nickelodeon press release, millions of kids voted for their favorite stars, movies, games and other categories. The kids' network will present the awards virtually. Advertisement
Nickelodeon also pledged to donate $1 million to No Kid Hungry to support families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
LeBron James will receive the 2020 Generation Change Award for his Lebron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE School. James' foundation provides educational resources and seeks to reform public schooling.
Other celebrities committed to appear include Avengers cast members Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner, plus Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Camila Cabello, Millie Bobby Brown, Ellen DeGeneres, BTS, Shawn Mendes, Lil Nas X, Dove Cameron, Tom Holland, David Dobrik, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, SSSniperWolf.
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Kids Choice Awards 2020 will also include humorous segments like hiding slime in JoJo Siwa's home; a look at Nick's Slime in Space in which NASA agreed to send the networks' famous slime into space; a preview of the upcoming series The Astronauts and music by Asher Angel.


upi--2020-04-24--U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson , ( L ) bumps elbows with director Kendra Holmes , getting a tour of @ @ @ @ @ at Affinia Health Care , in St. Louis on April 22 .
The new testing @ @ @ @ @ low-income neighborhood , where people without cars can walk-up for a COVID-19 test and not @ @ @ @ @ car .
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

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


upi--2020-04-24--Watch: Quilt carried off by Tennessee tornado returned to family

April 24 ( UPI ) -- A Tennessee family was reunited with a beloved military quilt more than a week after it was carried off by a tornado .
Beulah Lockmiller 's Chattanooga home was destroyed April 12 when a tornado swept through the area , and her family discovered after the storm that the dresser that contained a sentimental quilt had been carried away by the twister .
The quilt belonged to Beulah 's husband , Larry , who died about 10 years ago .
The quilt contained patches and photos from places he visited during his military deployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in Saudi Arabia , the family said .
A photo of the missing quilt was posted on Facebook , where it was recognized by Times Free Press photographer Troy Stolt , who had snapped a photo of the quilt amid other wreckage two days after the tornado .
Stolt returned to the spot where he took the picture , but the quilt was gone .
The family was then tipped off to another Facebook post from a woman named Pilar Estrada , who was attempting to find the owner of a quilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron , while he was assisting with clean-up operations .
`` It 's kind of unbelievable just like everything else that 's happened this week , but I 'm just so excited , '' Beulah Lockmiller told the Times Free Press .
`` To think that someone had a heart to return it just means a lot to me . ''
The quilt was returned to the family Thursday .
Lockmiller said she plans to take extra special care of the quilt after its long journey .
`` I do n't know where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told CNN .
`` I 'm gon na protect it so if I have to put it in a 5,000-pound safe . ''

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April 24 (UPI) -- A Tennessee family was reunited with a beloved military quilt more than a week after it was carried off by a tornado.
Beulah Lockmiller's Chattanooga home was destroyed April 12 when a tornado swept through the area, and her family discovered after the storm that the dresser that contained a sentimental quilt had been carried away by the twister.
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The quilt belonged to Beulah's husband, Larry, who died about 10 years ago. The quilt contained patches and photos from places he visited during his military deployment, as well as poem he wrote while in Saudi Arabia, the family said.
A photo of the missing quilt was posted on Facebook, where it was recognized by Times Free Press photographer Troy Stolt, who had snapped a photo of the quilt amid other wreckage two days after the tornado. Stolt returned to the spot where he took the picture, but the quilt was gone.
The family was then tipped off to another Facebook post from a woman named Pilar Estrada, who was attempting to find the owner of a quilt recovered from wreckage by her son, Aaron, while he was assisting with clean-up operations.
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"It's kind of unbelievable just like everything else that's happened this week, but I'm just so excited," Beulah Lockmiller told the Times Free Press. "To think that someone had a heart to return it just means a lot to me."
The quilt was returned to the family Thursday.
Lockmiller said she plans to take extra special care of the quilt after its long journey.
"I don't know where I'm gonna put it," she told CNN. "I'm gonna protect it so if I have to put it in a 5,000-pound safe."


upi--2020-04-24--Look: NASA releases image of 'Cosmic Reef' to mark Hubble's 30th anniversary

April 24 ( UPI ) -- NASA released a new image of two colorful , neighboring nebula Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope .
The twin objects , part of the Large Magellanic Cloud , a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way , are about 163,000 light-years away from Earth .
Astronomers nicknamed the colorful red-and-blue image the `` Cosmic Reef , '' a nod to its similarity to undersea life .
NASA launched the Hubble into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral , Fla. , on April 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then the most expensive satellite ever built , was meant to be a vital research tool for astronomers seeking to see deep into space and discover key details about the origins of the universe .
Hubble snapped its first image less than a month after its launch , that of an ancient star cluster .
Elated scientists said those first images were two to three times sharper than expected .
Over its three decades of use , NASA and the European Space Agency were able to narrow its estimation for the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , determine the expansion rate of the universe , predict and watch the same supernova explode twice , observe the aftermath of a comet 's collision with Jupiter , and discover a fifth moon orbiting Pluto .
`` Hubble has given us stunning insights about the universe , from nearby planets to the farthest galaxies we have seen so far , '' said Thomas Zurbuchen , associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington , D.C. `` It was revolutionary to launch such a large telescope 30 years ago , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science today .
Its spectacular images have captured the imagination for decades , and will continue to inspire humanity for years to come . ''
The telescope has made 1.4 million observations in 30 years , resulting in more than 17,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications .
NASA described it as the `` most prolific space observatory in history , '' and while it soon wo n't be the most technologically advanced telescope in space now , astronomers plan to keep it in use as long as it produces useful results .
NASA plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be able to see deeper into space , in 2021 .

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
April 24 (UPI) -- NASA released a new image of two colorful, neighboring nebula Friday to mark the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope. The twin objects, part of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, are about 163,000 light-years away from Earth. Astronomers nicknamed the colorful red-and-blue image the "Cosmic Reef," a nod to its similarity to undersea life. Advertisement
NASA launched the Hubble into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on April 24, 1990. The 12-ton space telescope, then the most expensive satellite ever built, was meant to be a vital research tool for astronomers seeking to see deep into space and discover key details about the origins of the universe.
Hubble snapped its first image less than a month after its launch, that of an ancient star cluster. Elated scientists said those first images were two to three times sharper than expected.
Over its three decades of use, NASA and the European Space Agency were able to narrow its estimation for the age of the universe (13.7 billion years), determine the expansion rate of the universe, predict and watch the same supernova explode twice, observe the aftermath of a comet's collision with Jupiter, and discover a fifth moon orbiting Pluto.
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"Hubble has given us stunning insights about the universe, from nearby planets to the farthest galaxies we have seen so far," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. "It was revolutionary to launch such a large telescope 30 years ago, and this astronomy powerhouse is still delivering revolutionary science today. Its spectacular images have captured the imagination for decades, and will continue to inspire humanity for years to come."
The telescope has made 1.4 million observations in 30 years, resulting in more than 17,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications. NASA described it as the "most prolific space observatory in history," and while it soon won't be the most technologically advanced telescope in space now, astronomers plan to keep it in use as long as it produces useful results.
NASA plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope, which will be able to see deeper into space, in 2021.


upi--2020-04-24--CBO predicts 39.6 percent annualized quarterly drop in GDP, debt at 101 percent of GDP

Six-year-old ballet student Allegra Madison in her home follows the instruction of her ballet teacher via an online dance class delivered by the Third Street Music School in New York City on April 23 .
Since schools remain closed due to COVID-19 rehearsals and in-person music and dance lessons have been moved to the Internet .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | A backhoe is parked on Hart Island in New York City .
For almost two centuries , the city has used Hart Island as a place where unclaimed bodies can be buried and laid to rest .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Hila Revilla of Queens sobs as workers from the The Humane Society of New York take her 17-year-old dog Bambi to be euthanized on April 3 .
Revilla was not allowed inside the building and had to say her final goodbye on the 59th Street sidewalk .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | A woman walks a dog in Central Park where a field hospital is ready to take in sick patients on April 1 .
The tents are located along the East Meadow near Mount Sinai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overflow medical center .
They were erected in 48 hours by the non-profit charity Samaritan 's Purse .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | The USNS Comfort Navy ship moves along the Hudson River and the Manhattan Skyline on route to dock on March 30 .
The floating hospital aims to relieve pressure on other facilities overwhelmed with coronavirus patients .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Newly erected hospital rooms are sectioned off with white curtains after Gov .
Andrew Cuomo speaks with the New York National Guard at the Jacob K. Javits Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center is setting up to be turned into field hospitals to test and possibly treat cases of COVID-19 .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | A trader puts on his vest on an empty floor at the New York Stock Exchange after the closing bell on Wall Street on March 20 .
The NYSE moved temporarily to fully electronic trading on March 23 due to the pandemic .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Workers in protective suits wait for the arrival of patients at New York state 's first drive-through coronavirus mobile testing center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , N.Y. , on March 13 .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Purple ribbons hang outside the Young Israel of New Rochelle synagogue on March 10 .
A one-mile containment zone around New Rochelle in Westchester County was set up after early cases of the coronavirus were traced there .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |

A Congressional Budget Office report on Friday, written by CBO Director Phillip Swagel (C), predicts a 39.6 percent annualized decline in the United States' gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2020, and an increase in debt to 101 percent of GDP. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Congressional Budget Office projections released Friday show an expected annualized 39.6 percent decline in gross domestic product in the second quarter. The report also predicted a $3.7 trillion deficit, largely because of emergency stimulus measures to combat economic decline in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. A fourfold increase, it is the United States' largest in history and indicates that the country's debt will be 101 percent of its GDP. It marks the first time since World War II that debt will be larger than national output. Advertisement
The projections include a 12 percent drop in GDP in the second quarter, ending June 30, "equivalent to a decline at an annual rate of 40 percent for that quarter," wrote CBO Director Phillip L. Swagel. "The economy will experience a sharp contraction in the second quarter of 2020 stemming from factors related to the pandemic, including the social distancing measures put in place to contain it."
The report envisions a third quarter rebound of 23.5 percent annualized growth, and 10.5 percent growth in the fourth quarter. It calculates a total 5.6 percent decline in the economy for all of 2020, followed by 2.8 percent growth in 2021, adding that labor market issues are expected to persist. Unemployment will peak at 16 percent in the third quarter before falling, and staying at over 10 percent through 2021.
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It also acknowledges uncertainty.
"These preliminary projections, which are subject to enormous uncertainty, reflect information from a number of sources, including high-frequency indicators, private-sector forecasts, and projections of the extent of social distancing. ... High-frequency indicators include more than 24 million new unemployment insurance claims reported since mid-March. Since social distancing began in early March, new information has generally suggested a worsening outlook, and private-sector forecasts have been revised repeatedly in that direction," the report says.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-04-24--20% of children on lockdown in China suffer depression, anxiety, study finds

April 24 ( UPI ) -- As many as one in five children in China confined to their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic suffer from depression and anxiety , suggests new data published Friday , and experts say that socioeconomic differences in the United States may only accentuate these issues .
Researchers in Hubei province , China -- where the new coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 , was first identified -- surveyed 1,800 students and found that roughly 20 percent reported either depression or anxiety , or both .
Dr. Margarita Alegria , chief of the Disparities Research Unit at Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conference call with reporters that , in the United States , where there is greater income inequality , these problems could be more pronounced .
`` The poverty that we have , and the inequities might make it even harder for people because they may not feel they are being treated equally , '' she said .
`` I 'm not sure that was the case in China . ''
Children in minority communities in the United States , Alegria added , may be particularly vulnerable , given some of the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which may have been made worse by the pandemic .
Nearly 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the start of the outbreak across the country , and research in many citiesindicates that minority communities may be most adversely affected , both by COVID-19 and its economic effects .
On Thursday , singer Beyoncé announced a donation of $ 6 million to the National Alliance in Mental Health , University of California Los Angeles and several local community-based organizations working to improve mental health , particularly those serving `` communities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communities that were already lacking funds for education , health and housing are now faced with alarming infection rates and fatalities , '' the singer added in a statement .
`` And these communities lack access to testing and equitable healthcare . ''
That 's true for mental health treatment as well , according to Alegria .
The COVID-19 pandemic , and social distancing implemented to mitigate it , have had an effect on mental health across the country -- NAMI has reported a 40 percent increase in calls to its helpline since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States in mid-March .
The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that one in three Latin Americans with mental health disorders receives the care they need , lower than the national average of 43 percent .
Alegria said it 's unlikely that the disparity in care has improved amid the outbreak .
Undocumented individuals are less likely to report mental health problems or seek support services following loss of employment , perhaps fearing deportation , she noted .
And there are language problems and cost-of-care issues for documented immigrants and people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , children living in families suffering economic hardships as a result of the pandemic may experience changes in family relationships and in quality of parenting , she said , which could impact their own mental well-being .
School closings and disruptions to social lives will likely not help , she emphasized .
The JAMA Pediatrics study out of Hubei compared mental health among children in Wuhan , where the outbreak started and lockout measures were most stringent , with another community .
The authors found that , in general , students living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety over the future than those living in the other community , where the lockdown was less pronounced .
`` COVID-19 has catapulted disparities in health outcomes ( in the U.S. ) center-stage , '' Alegria said .
As with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Maria in 2018 , people of color are bearing the brunt of school closures , job loss and family stress , she added , `` and we need to meet the needs of these communities . ''

Disruptions to school, social and family life could lead to mental health problems in children. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- As many as one in five children in China confined to their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic suffer from depression and anxiety, suggests new data published Friday, and experts say that socioeconomic differences in the United States may only accentuate these issues. Researchers in Hubei province, China -- where the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was first identified -- surveyed 1,800 students and found that roughly 20 percent reported either depression or anxiety, or both. Advertisement
Dr. Margarita Alegria, chief of the Disparities Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said during a conference call with reporters that, in the United States, where there is greater income inequality, these problems could be more pronounced.
"The poverty that we have, and the inequities might make it even harder for people because they may not feel they are being treated equally," she said. "I'm not sure that was the case in China."
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Children in minority communities in the United States, Alegria added, may be particularly vulnerable, given some of the economic hardships experienced by these families in general, which may have been made worse by the pandemic.
Nearly 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the start of the outbreak across the country, and research in many citiesindicates that minority communities may be most adversely affected, both by COVID-19 and its economic effects.
On Thursday, singer Beyoncé announced a donation of $6 million to the National Alliance in Mental Health, University of California Los Angeles and several local community-based organizations working to improve mental health, particularly those serving "communities of color," she said.
"Communities that were already lacking funds for education, health and housing are now faced with alarming infection rates and fatalities," the singer added in a statement. "And these communities lack access to testing and equitable healthcare."
That's true for mental health treatment as well, according to Alegria.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and social distancing implemented to mitigate it, have had an effect on mental health across the country -- NAMI has reported a 40 percent increase in calls to its helpline since the start of the outbreak in the United States in mid-March.
Advertisement
The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that one in three Latin Americans with mental health disorders receives the care they need, lower than the national average of 43 percent. Alegria said it's unlikely that the disparity in care has improved amid the outbreak.
Undocumented individuals are less likely to report mental health problems or seek support services following loss of employment, perhaps fearing deportation, she noted. And there are language problems and cost-of-care issues for documented immigrants and people of color as well.
As a result, children living in families suffering economic hardships as a result of the pandemic may experience changes in family relationships and in quality of parenting, she said, which could impact their own mental well-being. School closings and disruptions to social lives will likely not help, she emphasized.
The JAMA Pediatrics study out of Hubei compared mental health among children in Wuhan, where the outbreak started and lockout measures were most stringent, with another community. The authors found that, in general, students living in Wuhan experienced more depression symptoms and greater anxiety over the future than those living in the other community, where the lockdown was less pronounced.
"COVID-19 has catapulted disparities in health outcomes (in the U.S.) center-stage," Alegria said. As with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Maria in 2018, people of color are bearing the brunt of school closures, job loss and family stress, she added, "and we need to meet the needs of these communities."


upi--2020-04-24--Joint Apple-Google coronavirus tracker gets improved technology

Apple and Google, collaborating on coronavirus tracing technology by cellphone, announced improvements in privacy and security on Friday, as well as an expected rollout by mid-May. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Apple and Google announced Friday security and privacy enhancements to their proposed system to use cellphones to trace the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The revisions are part of an application program interface, or API, to be used in the companies' contact-tracing proposal, announced on April 10. They are working on a method allowing users to know when they've come into proximity with someone who has later gone on to test positive for COVID-19. Advertisement
The app employs Bluetooth technology already installed on mobile devices using Apple's iOS system or the Android system largely developed by Google. Working with existing public health apps, users could opt in to using the platform.
Representatives of each company pledged Friday to disable the service after the pandemic is sufficiently contained. The updated system includes security and privacy enhancements demanded by governments and public health authorities, they said.
The actions designed to protect privacy include a change to the cryptography mechanism for the keys used to trace potential contacts. The new method makes it more difficult for anyone to determine how the keys are derived, and then attempt to use that information to track specific individuals. All data will be encrypted.
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The system will be called "exposure notification," instead of "contact tracing" to distinguish it from traditional contact tracing practices by public health organizations relying on telephone calls warning individuals that they may have been exposed to someone carrying the virus.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-24--Arkansas family creates hanging blanket for pandemic-friendly hugs

April 24 ( UPI ) -- An Arkansas family is going viral after taking to social media to show off their invention : a `` plastic hug blanket '' to allow for social distancing-compliant embraces .
Paul Ayoub of Conway said the `` plastic hug blanket '' was concocted by his wife , Katie , to allow the family to meet and embrace a new arrival .
`` It was my wife 's idea that I did n't support in the beginning , it was just a crazy idea , '' Ayoub told KTHV-TV .
`` It all spawned from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having my niece , Mariah . ''
The blanket , which hangs like a curtain in the Ayoub family 's front doorway , was constructed from items including a shower curtain , tape and hot glue .
It includes arm holes with sleeves to allow for a full hug through the protective barrier .
`` My wife bought jumbo size bags , gallon size bags , and those are the arm holes , '' Ayoub said .
Ayoub posted a video of his family testing out the plastic hug blanket on TikTok , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of views .
`` It exploded and I got an ' I told you ' so from my wife .
Rightfully so , she was like , ' I just made you TikTok famous , ' '' Ayoub said .
`` I think people are missing things that we take for granted , like little things like a hug .
In a time where things seem helpless and scary , people gravitated towards it . ''

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April 24 (UPI) -- An Arkansas family is going viral after taking to social media to show off their invention: a "plastic hug blanket" to allow for social distancing-compliant embraces.
Paul Ayoub of Conway said the "plastic hug blanket" was concocted by his wife, Katie, to allow the family to meet and embrace a new arrival.
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"It was my wife's idea that I didn't support in the beginning, it was just a crazy idea," Ayoub told KTHV-TV. "It all spawned from the fact that my sister-in-law Kristie is having my niece, Mariah."
The blanket, which hangs like a curtain in the Ayoub family's front doorway, was constructed from items including a shower curtain, tape and hot glue. It includes arm holes with sleeves to allow for a full hug through the protective barrier.
"My wife bought jumbo size bags, gallon size bags, and those are the arm holes," Ayoub said.
Ayoub posted a video of his family testing out the plastic hug blanket on TikTok, where it quickly went viral with millions of views.
"It exploded and I got an 'I told you' so from my wife. Rightfully so, she was like, 'I just made you TikTok famous,'" Ayoub said. "I think people are missing things that we take for granted, like little things like a hug. In a time where things seem helpless and scary, people gravitated towards it."


upi--2020-04-25--Famous birthdays for April 25: Al Pacino, Hank Azaria

April 25 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .

1/3
Al Pacino arrives for the 92nd annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on February 9. The actor turns 80 on April 25. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Oliver Cromwell, lord protector of England, in 1599
-- U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan in 1906
-- Pioneer broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1908
-- Singer Ella Fitzgerald in 1917
-- Artist Edwin Parker "Cy" Twombly in 1928
-- Former Harlem Globetrotters basketball player George "Meadowlark" Lemon III in 1932
-- Actor Al Pacino in 1940 (age 80)
-- Actor Talia Shire in 1946 (age 74)
-- Actor Hank Azaria in 1964 (age 56)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UP
-- Sports broadcaster Joe Buck in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Renee Zellweger in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Jason Lee in 1970 (age 50)
-- Champion skier Anja Paerson in 1981 (age 39)
-- Actor Daniel Sharman in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Sara Paxton in 1988 (age 32)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI


upi--2020-04-25--On This Day, April 25: Baltimore protests Freddie Gray's death

April 25 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1507 , German geographer and mapmaker Martin Waldseemuller published a book in which he named the newly discovered continent of the New World `` America '' after the man he mistakenly thought had discovered it , Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci .
In 1792 , `` La Marseillaise , '' composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle , became the French national anthem .
In 1859 , ground was broken for the Suez Canal at Port Said , Egypt .
In 1901 , New York became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 1915 , the Battle of Gallipoli began when Allied troops launched an invasion of the Turkish Gallipoli Peninsula , landing at Anzac Cove and Cape Helles .
The conflict lasted eight months , two weeks and one day , and ended in an Ottoman victory .
In 1945 , delegates of 46 countries gathered in San Francisco to organize a permanent United Nations .
In 1967 , the first law legalizing abortion in the United States was signed into law by Colorado Gov .
John Arthur Love .
In 1982 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the occupied Sinai Peninsula to Egypt under the Camp David peace agreement .
In 1993 , an estimated 300,000 people took part in a gay rights march on the National Mall in Washington , D.C .
In 2000 , Vermont approved a measure legalizing `` civil unions '' among same-sex couples , becoming the first U.S. state to give same-sex couples the same legal status as traditional married couples .
In 2005 , the crash of a commuter train near Osaka , Japan , killed more than 70 people and injured about 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classified U.S. military documents released by WikiLeaks revealed details about the alleged terrorist activities of al-Qaida operatives held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba .
In 2013 , the George W. Bush Presidential Library was dedicated on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas .
In 2015 , a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu , Nepal , killing nearly 9,000 people and leaving millions homeless .
In 2015 , protests -- some violent -- broke out in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray , a 25-year old black man , while in police custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden announced his campaign to be president in 2020 .

1/4
Thousands of people march through the streets of Baltimore during a demonstration on April 25, 2015, to protest the mistreatment and ultimate death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. File Photo Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1507, German geographer and mapmaker Martin Waldseemuller published a book in which he named the newly discovered continent of the New World "America" after the man he mistakenly thought had discovered it, Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci. Advertisement
In 1792, "La Marseillaise," composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, became the French national anthem.
In 1859, ground was broken for the Suez Canal at Port Said, Egypt.
In 1901, New York became the first state to require license plates on automobiles.
In 1915, the Battle of Gallipoli began when Allied troops launched an invasion of the Turkish Gallipoli Peninsula, landing at Anzac Cove and Cape Helles. The conflict lasted eight months, two weeks and one day, and ended in an Ottoman victory.
In 1945, delegates of 46 countries gathered in San Francisco to organize a permanent United Nations.
In 1967, the first law legalizing abortion in the United States was signed into law by Colorado Gov. John Arthur Love.
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In 1982, Israel turned over the final third of the occupied Sinai Peninsula to Egypt under the Camp David peace agreement.
In 1993, an estimated 300,000 people took part in a gay rights march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
In 2000, Vermont approved a measure legalizing "civil unions" among same-sex couples, becoming the first U.S. state to give same-sex couples the same legal status as traditional married couples.
File Photo by Steven E. Frischling/UPI
In 2005, the crash of a commuter train near Osaka, Japan, killed more than 70 people and injured about 300 others.
In 2011, nearly 800 classified U.S. military documents released by WikiLeaks revealed details about the alleged terrorist activities of al-Qaida operatives held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
In 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Library was dedicated on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas.
In 2015, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu, Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 people and leaving millions homeless.
In 2015, protests -- some violent -- broke out in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year old black man, while in police custody.
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In 2019, former Vice President Joe Biden announced his campaign to be president in 2020.


upi--2020-04-25--Bengals get Tee Higgins, Eagles pick Jalen Hurts on Day 2 of 2020 NFL Draft

April 24 ( UPI ) -- One day removed from adding star quarterback Joe Burrow with the No .
1 overall pick , the Cincinnati Bengals selected ex-Clemson receiver Tee Higgins with the first pick in the second round of the virtual 2020 NFL Draft on Friday .
Burrow , who won the Heisman Trophy and a national title at LSU last season , faced off against Higgins and Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game .
Now , the duo will head to Cincinnati and join an offense that already consists of Pro Bowl wideout A.J .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indianapolis Colts picked USC wideout Michael Pittman Jr. , the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman Sr. , with the second pick in Round 2 .
The Detroit Lions chose Georgia star running back D'Andre Swift with the No .
35 overall pick in the draft .
The New York Giants took Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney at No .
36 overall .
The New England Patriots , making their first selection in this year 's draft after trading away their first-round choice Thursday , picked Lenoir-Rhyne University defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second round .
Dugger is the first Division II defensive back to be selected in the first three rounds since Danieal Manning in 2006 .
The Carolina Panthers selected Penn State defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos with the sixth pick of the second round .
The Miami Dolphins added another offensive lineman to protect new franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa , picking Louisiana guard Robert Hunt at No .
39 .
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock went to the Houston Texans with the 40th overall pick .
The Cleveland Browns traded the No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who selected Wisconsin tailback Jonathan Taylor .
With the 53rd pick in the draft , the Eagles selected former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts .
Former Iowa defensive lineman A.J .
Epenesa went to the Buffalo Bills at No .
54 .
The Bengals kicked off the third round by selecting Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson with the No .
65 overall pick .
The Redskins took versatile receiver Antonio Gibson out of Memphis at No .
66 .
The Las Vegas Raiders had back-to-back third-round picks at Nos .
80 and 81 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receivers , adding Kentucky star Lynn Bowden Jr. and South Carolina 's Bryan Edwards .
The Los Angeles Rams and Patriots each took Alabama linebackers in the middle of the third .
The Rams grabbed Terrell Lewis , while Anfernee Jennings went to the Patriots .
Much like the first round of the draft , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced picks from his home while the top prospects sat with their families and friends in their houses .
The annual public player selection process originally was planned to take place in Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ format due to the coronavirus pandemic .
68 .
New York Jets ( from New York Giants ) : Ashtyn Davis , S , California 101 .
New England Patriots ( from New York Jets ) : Dalton Keene , TE , Virginia Tech

Former Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) faced off against ex-LSU quarterback Joe Burrow in the national championship game last season. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- One day removed from adding star quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick, the Cincinnati Bengals selected ex-Clemson receiver Tee Higgins with the first pick in the second round of the virtual 2020 NFL Draft on Friday. Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy and a national title at LSU last season, faced off against Higgins and Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game. Now, the duo will head to Cincinnati and join an offense that already consists of Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Green and running back Joe Mixon. Advertisement
The Indianapolis Colts picked USC wideout Michael Pittman Jr., the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman Sr., with the second pick in Round 2.
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The Detroit Lions chose Georgia star running back D'Andre Swift with the No. 35 overall pick in the draft. The New York Giants took Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney at No. 36 overall.
The New England Patriots, making their first selection in this year's draft after trading away their first-round choice Thursday, picked Lenoir-Rhyne University defensive back Kyle Dugger with the fifth pick in the second round. Dugger is the first Division II defensive back to be selected in the first three rounds since Danieal Manning in 2006.
The Carolina Panthers selected Penn State defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos with the sixth pick of the second round. The Miami Dolphins added another offensive lineman to protect new franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, picking Louisiana guard Robert Hunt at No. 39.
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock went to the Houston Texans with the 40th overall pick. The Cleveland Browns traded the No. 41 pick to the Colts, who selected Wisconsin tailback Jonathan Taylor.
With the 53rd pick in the draft, the Eagles selected former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts. Former Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa went to the Buffalo Bills at No. 54.
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The Bengals kicked off the third round by selecting Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson with the No. 65 overall pick. The Redskins took versatile receiver Antonio Gibson out of Memphis at No. 66.
The Las Vegas Raiders had back-to-back third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 81. The team used both selections on wide receivers, adding Kentucky star Lynn Bowden Jr. and South Carolina's Bryan Edwards.
The Los Angeles Rams and Patriots each took Alabama linebackers in the middle of the third. The Rams grabbed Terrell Lewis, while Anfernee Jennings went to the Patriots.
Much like the first round of the draft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced picks from his home while the top prospects sat with their families and friends in their houses. The annual public player selection process originally was planned to take place in Las Vegas but was moved to a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.
2020 NFL Draft Round 2 results:
33. Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
34. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
35. Detroit Lions: D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
36. New York Giants: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
37. New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Chargers): Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
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38. Carolina Panthers: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
39. Miami Dolphins: Robert Hunt, OG, Louisiana
40. Houston Texans: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
41. Indianapolis Colts (from Cleveland Browns): Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
42. Jacksonville Jaguars: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
43. Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
44. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts): Grant Delpit, S, LSU
45. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
46. Denver Broncos: K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
47. Atlanta Falcons: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
48. Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, DE, Tennessee
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
50. Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
51. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
52. Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
54. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
55. Baltimore Ravens: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
56. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
57. Los Angeles Rams: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
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58. Minnesota Vikings: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
59. New York Jets: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
60. New England Patriots (from Baltimore Ravens): Josh Uche, DE, Michigan
61. Tennessee Titans: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
62. Green Bay Packers: A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
64. Carolina Panthers (from Seattle Seahawks): Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
2020 NFL Draft Round 3 results:
65. Cincinnati Bengals: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
66. Washington Redskins: Antonio Gibson, WR, Memphis
67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
68. New York Jets (from New York Giants): Ashtyn Davis, S, California
69. Seattle Seahawks (from Carolina Panthers): Damien Lewis, OG, LSU
70. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Jones, S, Texas
71. Baltimore Ravens (from Los Angeles Chargers): Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
72. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
73. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
74. New Orleans Saints (from Cleveland Browns): Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
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75. Detroit Lions (from Indianapolis Colts): Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
77. Denver Broncos: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
78. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
79. New York Jets: Jabari Zuniga, DE, Florida
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
81. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago Bears): Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
82. Dallas Cowboys: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
83. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh Steelers): Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
84. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
85. Indianapolis Colts (from Philadelphia Eagles): Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
86. Buffalo Bills: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
87. New England Patriots: Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
88. Cleveland Browns (from New Orleans Saints): Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
89. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
90. Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, LB, Florida
91. New England Patriots (from Seattle Seahawks): Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
92. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
93. Tennessee Titans: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
94. Green Bay Packers: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
95. Denver Broncos (from San Francisco 49ers): McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
97. Cleveland Browns: Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
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98. Baltimore Ravens: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
99. New York Giants: Matt Peart, OT, UConn
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
101. New England Patriots (from New York Jets): Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
102. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith, LB, Charlotte
103. Philadelphia Eagles: Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
104. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
105. New Orleans Saints (from Minnesota Vikings): Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
106. Baltimore Ravens: Tyre Phillips, OL, Mississippi State


upi--2020-04-24--Houston Texans make Laremy Tunsil highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL

April 24 ( UPI ) -- The Houston Texans signed Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a multiyear contract extension , the team announced Friday .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Tunsil 's deal is for three years and worth $ 66 million , with more than $ 50 million guaranteed .
The extension makes Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league .
Tunsil , 25 , negotiated the agreement without the help of an agent , according to ESPN .
With the new contract , Tunsil surpasses Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension worth about $ 18 million per season in November .
The Miami Dolphins selected Tunsil with the No .
13 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss .
Texans head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien traded for Tunsil before the beginning of the 2019 campaign for a package of draft picks .
Tunsil was named to his first Pro Bowl in his first season with the Texans , becoming the franchise 's first offensive lineman to earn a trip to the All-Star event since left tackle Duane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league , Tunsil has started 58 career games with the Dolphins and Texans .

April 24 (UPI) -- The Houston Texans signed Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Friday.
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Tunsil's deal is for three years and worth $66 million, with more than $50 million guaranteed. The extension makes Tunsil the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.
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Tunsil, 25, negotiated the agreement without the help of an agent, according to ESPN. With the new contract, Tunsil surpasses Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson in annual salary. Johnson signed a four-year extension worth about $18 million per season in November.
The Miami Dolphins selected Tunsil with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. Texans head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien traded for Tunsil before the beginning of the 2019 campaign for a package of draft picks.
The #Texans signed Pro Bowl T @KingTunsil78 to a contract extension.— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 24, 2020
Tunsil was named to his first Pro Bowl in his first season with the Texans, becoming the franchise's first offensive lineman to earn a trip to the All-Star event since left tackle Duane Brown in 2014.
Since entering the league, Tunsil has started 58 career games with the Dolphins and Texans.


upi--2020-04-24--First round of virtual 2020 NFL Draft draws record 15.6 million viewers

April 24 ( UPI ) -- The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft , which was conducted virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic , was the most watched opening round ever , the league announced Friday .
The first round of the draft , which featured NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his New York home , drew 15.6 million viewers , representing a 37 percent increase over the 2019 draft .
The record viewership , which included numbers from ABC , ESPN , NFL Network , ESPN Deportes and other digital channels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers from the 2014 draft .
Thursday night 's draft coverage peaked from 8:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST , when 19.6 million viewers tuned in , according to the league .
The NFL `` Draft-A-Thon , '' a fundraising initiative held in conjunction with the draft , had more than seven million viewers across multiple digital and social channels .
`` The theme of hope is always prevalent in the NFL , especially with regard to the draft , '' Goodell said in a statement Friday .
`` In 2020 , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor healthcare workers , first responders , and others on the front lines of the battle with COVID-19 while giving our fans something to cheer about as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars .
`` We are so thrilled so many people were able to join us last night and we thank them for helping support the Draft-A-Thon . ''
Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft were held Friday , and Rounds 4-7 will take place Saturday .

April 24 (UPI) -- The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, which was conducted virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic, was the most watched opening round ever, the league announced Friday.
The first round of the draft, which featured NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his New York home, drew 15.6 million viewers, representing a 37 percent increase over the 2019 draft.
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The record viewership, which included numbers from ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes and other digital channels, shattered the previous record of 12.4 million viewers from the 2014 draft. Thursday night's draft coverage peaked from 8:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST, when 19.6 million viewers tuned in, according to the league.
The NFL "Draft-A-Thon," a fundraising initiative held in conjunction with the draft, had more than seven million viewers across multiple digital and social channels.
"The theme of hope is always prevalent in the NFL, especially with regard to the draft," Goodell said in a statement Friday. "In 2020, that's especially true, as we help honor healthcare workers, first responders, and others on the front lines of the battle with COVID-19 while giving our fans something to cheer about as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.
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"We are so thrilled so many people were able to join us last night and we thank them for helping support the Draft-A-Thon."
The @nflcommish is signing these jerseys to be auctioned off as part of the #DraftAThon fundraiser for COVID-19 relief efforts! You can bid on them here-->https://t.co/wQXjQoOApK#NFLDraft #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/33YTzVXsIW— NFL Auction (@nflauction) April 24, 2020
Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft were held Friday, and Rounds 4-7 will take place Saturday.


upi--2020-04-25--Global coronavirus death toll hits 200,000; China reports 10 days of no deaths

People continue to wear protective face masks outside even though coronavirus restrictions have begun to ease as the number of new cases and new deaths has declined. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- China reported Saturday no new coronavirus deaths for the 10th straight day as the world's death toll from the pandemic surpassed 200,000. The country has reported 4,636 deaths from COVID-19 and 83,901 confirmed cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Of the confirmed cases, 78,138 have recovered from the virus. Advertisement
China's National Health Commission reported that the total number of active cases was below 1,000.
The capital city of Wuhan in Hubei province where the first COVID-19 case was identified released 22 recovered patients from the hospital, the National Health Commission said.
The Chinese health authority reported six new cases on the mainland, including two imported cases.
As a result of the decline in new cases since a lockdown began in January, the country has started to ease restrictions.
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Worldwide, there have been 2.86 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 810,000 recoveries and more than 200,000 deaths.
The United States has the most confirmed cases at 905,000 and 99,000 deaths.
British officials announced Saturday that the country had reached the "tragic and terrible milestone" of losing more than 20,000 people to COVID-19 in hospitals.
In March the country's chief scientific adviser said keeping the country's death toll below 20,000 would be a "good outcome."
Prime minister Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized April 5 with a COVID-19 infection, said Saturday that he could be back at work as soon as Monday.
Johnson was released from the hospital a week after his admission, and has been recuperating in the English countryside with his fiancee, the Telegraph reported.
Italy has the second-highest number of deaths at 25,969 deaths, with reported 192,994 cases and Spain has the second-highest number of cases at 219,764 cases, with 22,524 deaths.
The United States has six times the population of South Korea, which has 10,718 cases and 240 deaths reported.
The number of new cases in South Korea has remained below 20 for the eighth day in a row, according to South Korea's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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The country also reported no new deaths Saturday for the second-straight day.
In Hong Kong, the government has reported 1,038 cases and four deaths.
To enforce quarantine, South Korea and Hong Kong have implemented the use of electronic wristbands which alert police if people in quarantine leave their homes.
Other countries have also enforced new restrictions.
Indonesia, which has reported 8,607 cases and 720 deaths, has halted domestic travel as the predominantly Muslim country marks the holy month of Ramadan.
Singapore has reported 12,693 cases and 12 deaths, according to the global tracker.
The country's health ministry said more than 600 of the confirmed cases are migrant workers who isolated in dormitories. The government has been trying to isolate he dormitories, get workers tested and get symptomatic patients into quarantine facilities to control the spread.
India's Ministry Home of Affairs said Friday that some stores that sell non-essential commodities will reopen despite a nationwide lockdown since late March. The lockdown will stay in place until May 3. The stores will have to follow social distancing guidelines and operate with half their normal staff, according to the ministry.
India has reported 24,530 cases and 780 deaths, according to the global tracker.
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In New Zealand and Australia, Anzac Day's dawn ceremonies were canceled because of coronavirus restrictions. The ceremonies mark April 25 as the date when allied soldiers landed on the Gallipoli penninsula in Turkey during World War I.
With the ceremonies canceled, many paid their respects from their driveways.
New Zealand has reported 1,461 cases and 18 deaths, according to the global tracker.
Australia has reported 6,677 cases and 79 deaths.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-25--'Chernobyl Diaries,' 'Sons of Anarchy' actor Dimitri Diatchenko dead at 52

April 25 ( UPI ) -- Actor Dimitri Diatchenko , best known as Uri on `` Chernobyl Diaries , '' was found dead in his Florida home this week .
He was 52 .
The cause of death has not been determined , but does not appear to have been coronavirus-related , nor do police suspect foul play .
`` Furthering autopsy results , it appeared to be either a heart attack or related to being shocked by 220v of electricity while on the job the week prior , '' said a press statement sent to UPI .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on when he was electrocuted .
Co-workers told police Diatchenko had been recovering from the injury since April 13 at his home in Daytona Beach .
Friends requested a wellness check when they had n't heard from him for several days .
According to a police report , police entered the actor 's residence and found him unresponsive .
It is not clear what Diatchenko was working on when he was injured .
Diatchenko , who was born in California and was of Ukrainian , Greek and Swedish descent , had roles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Bones , `` Sons of Anarchy , '' `` 2 Broke Girls '' and Criminal Minds . ''
He also released four guitar albums and held a bachelor 's degree in music from Stetson University and a master 's degree in music from Florida State University .
In 2014 Diatchenko made headlines when he was arrested and charged with killing and eating his ex-girlfriend 's pet rabbit and threatening to do the same to her .
He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years probation .

Dimitri Diatchenko, known for roles in "Chernobyl Diaries" and "Sons of Anarchy," died this week at the age of 52. Photo courtesy of Bjoern
April 25 (UPI) -- Actor Dimitri Diatchenko, best known as Uri on "Chernobyl Diaries," was found dead in his Florida home this week. He was 52. The cause of death has not been determined, but does not appear to have been coronavirus-related, nor do police suspect foul play. Advertisement
"Furthering autopsy results, it appeared to be either a heart attack or related to being shocked by 220v of electricity while on the job the week prior," said a press statement sent to UPI.
It was not immediately clear what Diatchenko was working on when he was electrocuted.
Co-workers told police Diatchenko had been recovering from the injury since April 13 at his home in Daytona Beach.
Friends requested a wellness check when they hadn't heard from him for several days.
According to a police report, police entered the actor's residence and found him unresponsive.
It is not clear what Diatchenko was working on when he was injured.
Diatchenko, who was born in California and was of Ukrainian, Greek and Swedish descent, had roles in "How I Met Your Mother," "Bones, "Sons of Anarchy," "2 Broke Girls" and Criminal Minds."
He also released four guitar albums and held a bachelor's degree in music from Stetson University and a master's degree in music from Florida State University.
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In 2014 Diatchenko made headlines when he was arrested and charged with killing and eating his ex-girlfriend's pet rabbit and threatening to do the same to her.
He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years probation.


upi--2020-04-25--New York COVID-19 numbers trend downward; businesses in some states reopen

April 25 ( UPI ) -- Hospitalizations in the state of New York continue to decline , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced during a Saturday briefing on the coronavirus pandemic .
Cuomo also said the state is expanding diagnostic testing criteria to include first responders , front-line health care workers and essential workers -- and expanding the availability of tests throughout the state .
`` We are back where we were 21 days ago , '' Cuomo said .
`` Twenty one days of hell , but we 're back to where we were . ''
Cuomo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Friday and that 437 more people have died from the virus .
Those numbers represent a slight uptick after a downward trend , and are still down from the worst day of New York 's pandemic : on April 7 , the state reported 805 deaths statewide .
So far the state has reported 271,590 positive cases and 16,162 deaths .
Cuomo also said Saturday that he has signed an executive order allowing the state 's 5,000 pharmacies to conduct coronavirus tests .
New York state is also going to start conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four New York City hospitals starting Saturday , and will also start offering tests to front-line workers by next week .
Also on Saturday , some states , including Georgia and Oklahoma , began allowing certain businesses to reopen , flouting a University of Washington model suggesting no state should reopen their before May 1 .
The businesses reopening include spaces where people work closely with each other and with customers , including hair salons and barbershops .
As of Saturday the United States had 925,551 cases of COVID-19 and 53,100 total deaths @

Signs with messages about the Coronavirus are displayed in Times Square Thursday. On Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the numbers were on a downward trend, but New York City remains the U.S. epicenter of the Coronavirus pandemic with roughly 20 percent of the nation's cases and fatalities. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- Hospitalizations in the state of New York continue to decline, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced during a Saturday briefing on the coronavirus pandemic. Cuomo also said the state is expanding diagnostic testing criteria to include first responders, front-line health care workers and essential workers -- and expanding the availability of tests throughout the state. Advertisement
"We are back where we were 21 days ago," Cuomo said. "Twenty one days of hell, but we're back to where we were."
Cuomo said 1,100 new cases were detected in New York Friday and that 437 more people have died from the virus.
Those numbers represent a slight uptick after a downward trend, and are still down from the worst day of New York's pandemic: on April 7, the state reported 805 deaths statewide.
So far the state has reported 271,590 positive cases and 16,162 deaths.
Cuomo also said Saturday that he has signed an executive order allowing the state's 5,000 pharmacies to conduct coronavirus tests.
New York state is also going to start conducting antibody testing for health care workers at four New York City hospitals starting Saturday, and will also start offering tests to front-line workers by next week.
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Also on Saturday, some states, including Georgia and Oklahoma, began allowing certain businesses to reopen, flouting a University of Washington model suggesting no state should reopen their before May 1.
The businesses reopening include spaces where people work closely with each other and with customers, including hair salons and barbershops.
As of Saturday the United States had 925,551 cases of COVID-19 and 53,100 total deaths.


upi--2020-04-25--Mario Lopez teaches seniors to dance for TikTok video

April 25 ( UPI ) -- Saved By the Bell alum and Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez , with the @ @ @ @ @ Gia and Dominic hosted a virtual dance lesson this week for the residents of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ home .
`` The residents at Lincoln Meadows Senior Living had the best time learning @ @ @ @ @ Lopez and his family .
This genuine act of kindness from his family to ours @ @ @ @ @ brought laughter , movement , and love to our residents during an otherwise challenging time @ @ @ @ @ Gia , and Nico , '' Caitlin Shepherd , senior director of entertainment and programming @ @ @ @ @ release Saturday .
Gia showed 12 people at the facility the dance moves , then @ @ @ @ @ and did the final dance together with music .
Mario urged the students to `` @ @ @ @ @ flavor into it . ''
He will soon be seen in the Peacock TV revival @ @ @ @ @ the Bell .

1/3
Mario Lopez and his two children taught a dance routine to residents at a senior living facility in Colorado this week. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- Saved By the Bell alum and Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez, with the help of his young children Gia and Dominic hosted a virtual dance lesson this week for the residents of Colorado's Lincoln Meadows Senior Living home. "The residents at Lincoln Meadows Senior Living had the best time learning a TikTok dance with Mario Lopez and his family. This genuine act of kindness from his family to ours was so appreciated. It brought laughter, movement, and love to our residents during an otherwise challenging time. Thank you Mario, Gia, and Nico," Caitlin Shepherd, senior director of entertainment and programming, said in a news release Saturday. Advertisement
Gia showed 12 people at the facility the dance moves, then everyone practiced them several times and did the final dance together with music.
Mario urged the students to "feel it and put some flavor into it."
He will soon be seen in the Peacock TV revival of the sitcom Saved By the Bell.


upi--2020-04-25--Treasury doles out another $9.5B to U.S. airlines for payroll aid

April 25 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Treasury said Saturday it dispersed an additional $ 9.5 billion in aid to airlines , bringing the total stimulus to the industry to $ 12.4 billion during a slowing demand for travel .
The fund went to eight major airlines and 29 smaller passenger carriers , a statement said .
Previously , $ 2.9 billion was disbursed to 93 air carriers for the Payroll Support Program announced Monday .
Program funds can be used only to pay `` employee wages , salaries and benefits , '' the Treasury said , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` on a rolling basis . ''
The program was created under the $ 2.3 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act that President Donald Trump signed last month .
`` The financial assistance the Treasury Department is providing under Title IV of the CARES Act is essential to help American workers , preserve our aviation industry , and assist businesses that are critical to maintaining national security , '' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement .
`` Treasury is fully committed to delivering relief to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the stimulus will help preserve the airline industry. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
April 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury said Saturday it dispersed an additional $9.5 billion in aid to airlines, bringing the total stimulus to the industry to $12.4 billion during a slowing demand for travel. The fund went to eight major airlines and 29 smaller passenger carriers, a statement said. Previously, $2.9 billion was disbursed to 93 air carriers for the Payroll Support Program announced Monday. Advertisement
Program funds can be used only to pay "employee wages, salaries and benefits," the Treasury said, and more payments will be made to approved applicants "on a rolling basis."
The program was created under the $2.3 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that President Donald Trump signed last month.
"The financial assistance the Treasury Department is providing under Title IV of the CARES Act is essential to help American workers, preserve our aviation industry, and assist businesses that are critical to maintaining national security," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. "Treasury is fully committed to delivering relief to the American people and supporting the economy."