upi--2020-05-25--WHO suspends trials of hydroxychloroquine, citing safety

May 25 ( UPI ) -- The World Health Organization announced Monday it was temporarily pausing international medical trials involving the malarial drug hydroxychloroquine , which was touted by U.S. President Trump as a possible cure for COVID-19 .
WHO 's Solidarity Trial division will temporarily suspend trials for further review by the agency 's Data Safety Monitoring Board , said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
`` The review will consider data collected so far in the Solidarity Trial and , in particular robust randomized available data , to adequately evaluate the potential benefits and harms from this drug , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,500 patients in 17 countries were enrolled in clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment , Tedros said .
But a study of 15,000 patients published in the Lancet on Friday said taking the drug doubled the risks of dangerous cardiac side effects that could lead to death .
Tedros added that the drug is accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria .
Hydroxychloroquine and related drug Chloroquine , have been used as anti-malarial drugs for decades .
Doctors have also prescribed them for lupus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Federal Drug Administration has approved testing under clinical conditions of hydroxychloroquine , and the drug combined with other drugs , such as zinc and antibiotic azithromycin , for treatment of COVID-19 .
But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association have warned that using the drug without medical supervision can lead to increased risks of cardiac arrest .
Trump and others , including billionaire Elon Musk , have theorized that hydroxychloroquine could be a potential treatment for COVID-19 or could be taken to prevent infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative medication , but then Sunday announced he had stopped taking the drug .
There have been more than 5.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with around 345,000 deaths , according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University .
In the United States , the number of COVID-19-related deaths approaches 100,000 with more than 1.6 million confirmed cases reported .

The World Health Organization announced Monday it was suspending clinical trials of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for treatment of COVID-19 until adequate data had been gathered. UPI File Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization announced Monday it was temporarily pausing international medical trials involving the malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, which was touted by U.S. President Trump as a possible cure for COVID-19. WHO's Solidarity Trial division will temporarily suspend trials for further review by the agency's Data Safety Monitoring Board, said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Advertisement
"The review will consider data collected so far in the Solidarity Trial and, in particular robust randomized available data, to adequately evaluate the potential benefits and harms from this drug," Tedros said in remarks.
More than 3,500 patients in 17 countries were enrolled in clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment, Tedros said.
But a study of 15,000 patients published in the Lancet on Friday said taking the drug doubled the risks of dangerous cardiac side effects that could lead to death. But that study was retracted by the authors on Thursday over questions of the validity of the data.
Tedros added that the drug is accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria.
Hydroxychloroquine and related drug Chloroquine, have been used as anti-malarial drugs for decades. Doctors have also prescribed them for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
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In the United States, the Federal Drug Administration has approved testing under clinical conditions of hydroxychloroquine, and the drug combined with other drugs, such as zinc and antibiotic azithromycin, for treatment of COVID-19.
But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association have warned that using the drug without medical supervision can lead to increased risks of cardiac arrest.
Trump and others, including billionaire Elon Musk, have theorized that hydroxychloroquine could be a potential treatment for COVID-19 or could be taken to prevent infection.
Trump said last week he had been taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative medication, but then Sunday announced he had stopped taking the drug.
There have been more than 5.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with around 345,000 deaths, according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University.
In the United States, the number of COVID-19-related deaths approaches 100,000 with more than 1.6 million confirmed cases reported.
This story has been updated to reflect that a study published in The Lancet was retracted.


upi--2020-05-25--Sailor Brinkley-Cook details struggles with body image in Instagram post

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Model and Dancing with the Stars alum Sailor Brinkley-Cook said in an Instagram post she feels `` proud as hell '' of her body after dealing with body dysmorphia .
`` I 've been so down on myself recently , '' Brinkley-Cook , 21 , wrote on Sunday , alongside three outdoor photos of her wearing a white bikini .
`` Crying about my cellulite , letting the fat on my body ruin my day , getting mad that i 'm not as skinny as i once was .
The body dysmorphia and left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in strong , '' she added .
The daughter of supermodel Christie Brinkley said she runs every day , goes to the gym six days a week and eats a healthy diet .
`` I am so [ expletive ] LUCKY to have two legs and a healthy body that takes me through life .
I 'm so tired of thinking anything that makes up ME is something to be ashamed of , '' she continued .
`` So as most 21st century girls would do , I 'm putting this out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellulite , and a stomach that does n't always look 'pleasant ' ( whatever the ( expletive ) that means ) and I am 100 % imperfect human .
And I 'm proud as hell of my body !
If you 're out there hating on yourself , stop !
!
Appreciate yourself .
You 're body is so magical .
That 's all .
Have a nice day . ''

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Sailor Brinkley-Cook wrote on Instagram that she has been struggling with body dysmorphia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Model and Dancing with the Stars alum Sailor Brinkley-Cook said in an Instagram post she feels "proud as hell" of her body after dealing with body dysmorphia. "I've been so down on myself recently," Brinkley-Cook, 21, wrote on Sunday, alongside three outdoor photos of her wearing a white bikini. Advertisement
"Crying about my cellulite, letting the fat on my body ruin my day, getting mad that i'm not as skinny as i once was. The body dysmorphia and left over eating disorder tendencies have been coming in strong," she added.
The daughter of supermodel Christie Brinkley said she runs every day, goes to the gym six days a week and eats a healthy diet.
"I am so [expletive] LUCKY to have two legs and a healthy body that takes me through life. I'm so tired of thinking anything that makes up ME is something to be ashamed of," she continued.
"So as most 21st century girls would do, I'm putting this out there on instagram. Declaring that I have cellulite, and a stomach that doesn't always look 'pleasant' (whatever the (expletive) that means) and I am 100% imperfect human. And I'm proud as hell of my body! If you're out there hating on yourself, stop!! Appreciate yourself. You're body is so magical. That's all. Have a nice day."
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upi--2020-05-25--Memorial Day: Trump thanks service members fighting 'invisible enemy'

May 25 ( UPI ) -- In Memorial Day remarks , President Donald Trump recognized members of the U.S. National Guard and armed services on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic battling an `` invisible enemy . ''
Trump spoke Monday to a socially distanced crowd of about 200 at historic Fort McHenry in Baltimore , hours after laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery .
About half in the audience wore masks , including U.S. Rep. Andy Harris , R-Md.
, who was wearing a face shield manufactured by a company in his district .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the world have been engaged in a new form of battle against an invisible enemy , '' Trump said .
`` Tens of thousands of service members and National Guardsmen are on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus , caring for patients , delivering critical supplies and working night and day to safeguard our citizens .
`` As one nation , we mourn alongside every single family that has lost love ones , including the families of our great veterans , '' he added .
Earlier Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first lady Melania Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia , laying a wreath to pay tribute to U.S. military members who have died in service .
While the Trumps , Pence and service members were unmasked , other participants covered their faces during the cemetery ceremony .
Masks have been required for weeks at Arlington for guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and for those performing funerals at Arlington .
Arlington is closed to the public amid the COVID-19 crisis , with only family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the historic cemetery .
Family members have been limited to 10 at the graveside at daily funerals in Arlington as social distancing is enforced .
Personnel from the Army 's Third Infantry Regiment , known as the `` Old Guard '' are reduced and remain masked during funeral services .
Some funerals have been carried out without family members if they 're unable to travel due to coronavirus restrictions , Capt .
Doug Rohde , commander in the Old Guard , told CNN .
`` Our heart goes out to them for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved one as they are laid to rest , but I hope they take comfort knowing the Old Guard was there , '' he said .
Trump has largely remained at the White House since March when he declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus .
But as he 's pushed for states to lift stay-at-home orders in recent weeks , he 's ventured out for more appearances , including a golf outing at his Virginia Club on Sunday .
He 's expected to travel to Florida on Wednesday to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and wife Jill also appeared in public Monday for the first time in two months , both wearing masks .
Biden laid a wreath at a Delaware war memorial .
Biden has not been seen in public since a March 15 debate with Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , at CNN studios .
He has broadcast a few messages from a makeshift studio in his Wilmington home .
`` It feels good to be out of my house , '' Biden told reporters .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day events were canceled , modified or went virtual .
In Fairfield , Ohio , near Cincinnati , a modified parade of police and fire emergency vehicles made a tour past local veteran 's homes , the city 's Parks and Recreation Department said on Facebook .
At Los Angeles National Cemetery , a virtual ceremony took place with Brig .
Gen. Michael Leeney , commanding general of the 40th Infantry Division , and Rep. Ted W. Lieu , D-Calif. , as well as a recorded message from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day under pandemic appears to signal a slow start to the tourist season .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announced re-opening for bars and restaurants in two regions : the Upper Peninsula and the area around Traverse City in time for Memorial Day .
In Oscoda , Mich. , in Iosco County near Ypsilanti , where restrictions have n't been lifted , holiday cabin owners watched as tourists bypassed the town , heading north for the holiday where restaurants were open .
Memorial Day weekend is usually the start of a busy holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's been really disappointing , '' Thomas Clark , third-generation owner of Thomas Parkside Cottages told Mlive.com `` Why , I guess is my first question ?
What makes them able before we can ? ''

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President Donald Trump observes Memorial Day by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony Monday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- In Memorial Day remarks, President Donald Trump recognized members of the U.S. National Guard and armed services on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic battling an "invisible enemy." Trump spoke Monday to a socially distanced crowd of about 200 at historic Fort McHenry in Baltimore, hours after laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. Advertisement
About half in the audience wore masks, including U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who was wearing a face shield manufactured by a company in his district.
"In recent months, our nation and the world have been engaged in a new form of battle against an invisible enemy," Trump said. "Tens of thousands of service members and National Guardsmen are on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus, caring for patients, delivering critical supplies and working night and day to safeguard our citizens.
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"As one nation, we mourn alongside every single family that has lost love ones, including the families of our great veterans," he added.
Earlier Monday, in keeping with tradition, Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, laying a wreath to pay tribute to U.S. military members who have died in service.
While the Trumps, Pence and service members were unmasked, other participants covered their faces during the cemetery ceremony.
Masks have been required for weeks at Arlington for guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and for those performing funerals at Arlington.
Arlington is closed to the public amid the COVID-19 crisis, with only family members of fallen service members allowed to visit the historic cemetery.
Family members have been limited to 10 at the graveside at daily funerals in Arlington as social distancing is enforced. Personnel from the Army's Third Infantry Regiment, known as the "Old Guard" are reduced and remain masked during funeral services.
Some funerals have been carried out without family members if they're unable to travel due to coronavirus restrictions, Capt. Doug Rohde, commander in the Old Guard, told CNN.
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"Our heart goes out to them for not being able to be there with their loved one as they are laid to rest, but I hope they take comfort knowing the Old Guard was there," he said.
Trump has largely remained at the White House since March when he declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus. But as he's pushed for states to lift stay-at-home orders in recent weeks, he's ventured out for more appearances, including a golf outing at his Virginia Club on Sunday.
He's expected to travel to Florida on Wednesday to observe the launching of SpaceX's first manned flight.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and wife Jill also appeared in public Monday for the first time in two months, both wearing masks. Biden laid a wreath at a Delaware war memorial.
Biden has not been seen in public since a March 15 debate with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at CNN studios. He has broadcast a few messages from a makeshift studio in his Wilmington home.
"It feels good to be out of my house," Biden told reporters.
Meanwhile, across the United States, some Memorial Day events were canceled, modified or went virtual.
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In Fairfield, Ohio, near Cincinnati, a modified parade of police and fire emergency vehicles made a tour past local veteran's homes, the city's Parks and Recreation Department said on Facebook.
At Los Angeles National Cemetery, a virtual ceremony took place with Brig. Gen. Michael Leeney, commanding general of the 40th Infantry Division, and Rep. Ted W. Lieu, D-Calif., as well as a recorded message from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
As states slowly reopen, Memorial Day under pandemic appears to signal a slow start to the tourist season.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced re-opening for bars and restaurants in two regions: the Upper Peninsula and the area around Traverse City in time for Memorial Day.
In Oscoda, Mich., in Iosco County near Ypsilanti, where restrictions haven't been lifted, holiday cabin owners watched as tourists bypassed the town, heading north for the holiday where restaurants were open. Memorial Day weekend is usually the start of a busy holiday party season for locals in Oscoda.
"It's been really disappointing," Thomas Clark, third-generation owner of Thomas Parkside Cottages told Mlive.com "Why, I guess is my first question? What makes them able before we can?"


upi--2020-05-25--LA County reports COVID-19 spike at 9 industrial facilities

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Los Angeles County health officials said they 're investigating outbreaks of coronavirus at nine industrial facilities , including five meat processing plants .
The city of Vernon reported the largest outbreak at Farmer John , a meat processing plant owned by Smithfield .
Farmer John is known for producing Dodger Dogs , which are served Dodger Stadium .
Of the facility 's 1,837 employees , 153 have tested positive for COVID-19 , the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said .
Of those who tested positive , 41 returned to work .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eight other facilities between March and May .
Multiple employees also tested positive at CLW , Via De France Yamazaki Inc. , Cal Farms Meat Company , Takaokaya USA Inc. , F. Gavina & Sons Inc. , Golden West Trading , Overhill Farms , and Rose and Shore .
`` We are closely monitoring outbreaks within facilities in the City of Vernon , as many of the employees reside in adjacent southeast Los Angeles communities , '' said Barbara Ferrer , director of Public Health .
`` We have assigned an infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vernon health director on response and mitigation plans , and we are engaging in comprehensive contact tracing protocols to ensure that close contacts are identified and isolation and quarantine orders are issued , to keep employees and their families safe . ''
Los Angeles County has confirmed nearly 45,000 COVID-19 cases , about one per 224 people , with 2,100 deaths , or one in 4,800 people .

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A small group of activists stage a protest outside a Farmer John slaughterhouse in Vernon, Calif., on Thursday. Outbreaks of COVID-19 have struck nine industrial facilities in Vernon, including Farmer John. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Los Angeles County health officials said they're investigating outbreaks of coronavirus at nine industrial facilities, including five meat processing plants. The city of Vernon reported the largest outbreak at Farmer John, a meat processing plant owned by Smithfield. Farmer John is known for producing Dodger Dogs, which are served Dodger Stadium. Advertisement
Of the facility's 1,837 employees, 153 have tested positive for COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. Of those who tested positive, 41 returned to work.
Public health officials tested employees at Farmer John and eight other facilities between March and May. Multiple employees also tested positive at CLW, Via De France Yamazaki Inc., Cal Farms Meat Company, Takaokaya USA Inc., F. Gavina & Sons Inc., Golden West Trading, Overhill Farms, and Rose and Shore.
"We are closely monitoring outbreaks within facilities in the City of Vernon, as many of the employees reside in adjacent southeast Los Angeles communities," said Barbara Ferrer, director of Public Health. "We have assigned an infectious disease doctor to work closely with the Vernon health director on response and mitigation plans, and we are engaging in comprehensive contact tracing protocols to ensure that close contacts are identified and isolation and quarantine orders are issued, to keep employees and their families safe."
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Los Angeles County has confirmed nearly 45,000 COVID-19 cases, about one per 224 people, with 2,100 deaths, or one in 4,800 people.


upi--2020-05-25--German government takes 20% stake in $10B Lufthansa bailout

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Lufthansa Group announced Monday that the airline will receive a $ 10 billion bailout from Germany , giving the government a 20 precent stake in the company and two seats on the airline 's board .
The biggest airline in Europe , with subsidiaries in Germany , Austria , Switzerland and Belgium , negotiated a `` stimulation package '' which allows the company to buy back more than $ 6 billion in shares from the government by the end of 2023 , providing the company has paid back the government 's investment and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp declines in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a $ 1.3 billion loss in the first quarter of 2020 .
CEO Carsten Spohr said the company planned to eliminate 10,000 jobs and would shut down Germanwings , a low-budget carrier .
`` Before the pandemic , the company was healthy and profitable and had good prospects for the future , but it faces an existential emergency because of the current corona crisis , '' the German government said Monday in a statement .
`` The federal government 's stabilization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company as well as the needs of taxpayers and employees of the Lufthansa Group . ''
Around 95 percent of Lufthansa 's 760-plane fleet is currently grounded , although the company has said it would resume some flights in June , with as many as 160 aircraft in the air as coronavirus restrictions are lifted worldwide .
The rescue package -- from Germany 's Federal Economic Stabilization Fund -- gives the government 20 percent of shares in the company at a subscription price of $ 2.79 per share , which could increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event of a hostile takeover attempt , the company announced .
The bailout must be approved by the European Union and company shareholders .

Lufthansa said sharp declines in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a $1.3 billion loss in the first quarter of 2020. File Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Lufthansa Group announced Monday that the airline will receive a $10 billion bailout from Germany, giving the government a 20 precent stake in the company and two seats on the airline's board. The biggest airline in Europe, with subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium, negotiated a "stimulation package" which allows the company to buy back more than $6 billion in shares from the government by the end of 2023, providing the company has paid back the government's investment and if share prices have increased. Advertisement
Lufthansa said sharp declines in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a $1.3 billion loss in the first quarter of 2020. CEO Carsten Spohr said the company planned to eliminate 10,000 jobs and would shut down Germanwings, a low-budget carrier.
"Before the pandemic, the company was healthy and profitable and had good prospects for the future, but it faces an existential emergency because of the current corona crisis," the German government said Monday in a statement. "The federal government's stabilization package takes into account the needs of the company as well as the needs of taxpayers and employees of the Lufthansa Group."
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Around 95 percent of Lufthansa's 760-plane fleet is currently grounded, although the company has said it would resume some flights in June, with as many as 160 aircraft in the air as coronavirus restrictions are lifted worldwide.
The rescue package -- from Germany's Federal Economic Stabilization Fund -- gives the government 20 percent of shares in the company at a subscription price of $2.79 per share, which could increase to 25 percent plus one share in the event of a hostile takeover attempt, the company announced.
The bailout must be approved by the European Union and company shareholders.


upi--2020-05-25--World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic

The world is slowly starting to open up again as the threat of the crisis brought on by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ some countries .
From China to Israel to the United States , here 's a @ @ @ @ @ reopen .

Patrons walk to their movie with refreshments at the St. Charles Cinema. After being closed for months due to the pandemic, movie theaters in the St. Louis area and across the country are reopening. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-05-25--Grimes, Elon Musk tweak their infant's unusual name

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Singer Grimes and SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have slightly changed the name @ @ @ @ @ The child was born May 4 .
He was originally named X Æ A-12 , @ @ @ @ @ as X Æ A-Xii .
USA Today , UsMagazine.com and EW.com reported Grimes confirmed the @ @ @ @ @ an Instagram post Sunday .
`` Roman numerals .
Looks better tbh , '' Grimes @ @ @ @ @ and her partner changed their baby 's name due to a California law that would @ @ @ @ @ Grimes explained in an earlier post what the name means .
`` X , the @ @ @ @ @ my elven spelling of Ai ( love & /or Artificial intelligence ) A-12 = precursor @ @ @ @ @ aircraft ) .
No weapons , no defenses , just speed .
Great in battle @ @ @ @ @ , my favorite song , '' she wrote .

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Singer Grimes confirmed she and Elon Musk have slightly changed the name of their newborn son. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Singer Grimes and SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have slightly changed the name of their infant son. The child was born May 4. He was originally named X Æ A-12, but will now be known as X Æ A-Xii. Advertisement
USA Today, UsMagazine.com and EW.com reported Grimes confirmed the alteration in the comments of an Instagram post Sunday.
"Roman numerals. Looks better tbh," Grimes said when asked if she and her partner changed their baby's name due to a California law that wouldn't allow a numeral.
Grimes explained in an earlier post what the name means.
"X, the unknown variable. Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &/or Artificial intelligence) A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent. A=Archangel, my favorite song," she wrote.


upi--2020-05-25--American viewers return for German soccer; NASCAR, golf spark sports weekend

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Weekend sports were a success in more ways than one , with German soccer , a celebrity golf match and NASCAR 's longest race getting high ratings while also raising money for COVID-19 relief efforts .
No fans were allowed to attend the events , due to coronavirus pandemic safety guidelines , but millions watched on TV and interacted on social media during the matchups .
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning teamed up to beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in The Match : Champions for Charity Sunday at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a goal to raise $ 10 million for COVID-19 relief funds , but doubled that amount with $ 20 million in donations .
A brief rain delay pushed the start time of the event back 45 minutes .
Woods and Manning held off Mickelson and Brady down the stretch and carded a 1-up victory in the charity event .
Manning and Woods were dominant early on , while Brady struggled to keep his drives straight .
Banter between Brady and Manning -- longtime NFL rivals -- caught the attention of fellow athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tour star Brooks Koepka jabbed Brady for his struggles on the course and even donated $ 100,000 to the event after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback holed a long birdie .
`` Congrats to Tiger Woods and Peyton for a hard fought victory and thanks to Phil Mickelson for coaching your boy and keeping us in it , '' Brady tweeted after the match .
`` Now ... back to my day job . ''
Fox Sports Executive Vice President Michael Mulvihill said Saturday 's Bundesliga soccer games had a viewership drop of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league returned from a coronavirus suspension .
But the numbers also showed that Americans returned to watch the games , with a 92 percent retention rating for viewership .
The viewership for Saturday 's two matches was up 450 percent compared to viewership of Bundesliga games before the league suspended play in March .
Fox was also the most-watched major network on Sunday during the primetime period , according to the fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research .
The 607-mile Coca-Cola 600 race was a key factor in the network 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jimmie Johnson to win the Cup Series race .
The event started just after 6:30 p.m. EDT but did n't end until after midnight due to a rain delay .
Chase Elliott finished second in the marathon competition .
Ryan Blaney , Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick also finished in the Top 5 .
Johnson crossed the finish line second , but was later disqualified because his car failed a post-race inspection .

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson 1-up in The Match: Champions for Charity golf matchup Sunday at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla. Photo by Rob Prezioso/EPA-EFE
May 25 (UPI) -- Weekend sports were a success in more ways than one, with German soccer, a celebrity golf match and NASCAR's longest race getting high ratings while also raising money for COVID-19 relief efforts. No fans were allowed to attend the events, due to coronavirus pandemic safety guidelines, but millions watched on TV and interacted on social media during the matchups. Advertisement
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning teamed up to beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in The Match: Champions for Charity Sunday at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla. The golf clash had a goal to raise $10 million for COVID-19 relief funds, but doubled that amount with $20 million in donations.
A brief rain delay pushed the start time of the event back 45 minutes. Woods and Manning held off Mickelson and Brady down the stretch and carded a 1-up victory in the charity event. Manning and Woods were dominant early on, while Brady struggled to keep his drives straight. Banter between Brady and Manning -- longtime NFL rivals -- caught the attention of fellow athletes and fans on social media.
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PGA Tour star Brooks Koepka jabbed Brady for his struggles on the course and even donated $100,000 to the event after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback holed a long birdie.
"Congrats to Tiger Woods and Peyton for a hard fought victory and thanks to Phil Mickelson for coaching your boy and keeping us in it," Brady tweeted after the match. "Now ... back to my day job."
Bundesliga remains a hit
Fox Sports Executive Vice President Michael Mulvihill said Saturday's Bundesliga soccer games had a viewership drop of 8 percent compared to the first weekend the league returned from a coronavirus suspension.
But the numbers also showed that Americans returned to watch the games, with a 92 percent retention rating for viewership. The viewership for Saturday's two matches was up 450 percent compared to viewership of Bundesliga games before the league suspended play in March.
Scores
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund 2, VfL Wolfsburg 0
Bayer Leverkusen 3, Borussia Monchengladbach 1
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Werder Bremen 1, Freiburg 0
Paderborn 1, Hoffenheim 1
Bayern Munich 5, Eintracht Frankfurt 2
Sunday
Augsburg 3, Schalke 0
RB Leipzig 5, Mainz 0
FC Koln 2, Fortuna Dusseldorf 2
NASCAR's longest race
Fox was also the most-watched major network on Sunday during the primetime period, according to the fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. The 607-mile Coca-Cola 600 race was a key factor in the network's high viewership.
Brad Keselowski held off Jimmie Johnson to win the Cup Series race. The event started just after 6:30 p.m. EDT but didn't end until after midnight due to a rain delay.
Chase Elliott finished second in the marathon competition. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick also finished in the Top 5. Johnson crossed the finish line second, but was later disqualified because his car failed a post-race inspection.
Coca-Cola 600 Top-10
1. Brad Keselowski
2. Chase Elliott
3. Ryan Blaney
4. Kyle Busch
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Martin Truex Jr.
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7. Kurt Busch
8. Tyler Reddick
9. Christopher Bell
10. Chris Buescher


upi--2020-05-25--Watch: Queen guitarist Brian May recovering after heart attack

May 25 ( UPI ) -- British rocker Brian May announced in an Instagram video this weekend that he recently suffered a `` small '' heart attack and had three stents put in to relieve his congested arteries .
`` I 'm good .
I 'm here and I 'm ready to rock , '' the 72-year-old guitarist said in the video .
May explained he weighed his options and decided against undergoing triple bypass surgery .
He wrote in a message accompanying the post : `` My medical adventures !
Hmm ... Sheer Heart Attack eh ?
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit about that album title .
I wondered if it might upset some people who had actually had heart attacks .
I 'm actually quite relieved now that I 'm in that club - and I do n't find it upsetting at all ! ''
About two weeks ago , May announced he was recovering after tearing his gluteus maximus muscle during a moment of `` over-enthusiastic '' gardening .
He said in Sunday 's video that the gardening injury was real , but subsequent medical examinations also showed he had a compressed @ @ @ @ @ @

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Rocker Brian May, 72, said he is on the mend after battling several health issues this month. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- British rocker Brian May announced in an Instagram video this weekend that he recently suffered a "small" heart attack and had three stents put in to relieve his congested arteries. "I'm good. I'm here and I'm ready to rock," the 72-year-old guitarist said in the video. Advertisement
May explained he weighed his options and decided against undergoing triple bypass surgery.
He wrote in a message accompanying the post: "My medical adventures! Hmm... Sheer Heart Attack eh? Well, I think I always worried a little bit about that album title. I wondered if it might upset some people who had actually had heart attacks. I'm actually quite relieved now that I'm in that club - and I don't find it upsetting at all!"
About two weeks ago, May announced he was recovering after tearing his gluteus maximus muscle during a moment of "over-enthusiastic" gardening.
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He said in Sunday's video that the gardening injury was real, but subsequent medical examinations also showed he had a compressed sciatic nerve and heart issues.


upi--2020-05-25--'Aggressive' rats on rise after coronavirus-related restaurant shutdowns, CDC says

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Federal health authorities warned that rats may exhibit `` unusual or aggressive '' behavior because they have been cut of from food waste due to coronavirus-related closures of restaurants nationwide .
`` Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food , '' the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted on its website Thursday .
`` Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior , '' the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breathing dust containing rat feces or urine can cause leptospirosis , a bacterial infection , and worsen asthma symptoms , especially in children , the CDC said .
The CDC recommended that homeowners make sure they seal gaps leading into their homes and clean up possible rodent food sources like unsecured garbage or pet food left outside overnight .
`` Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a half dollar , '' the agency 's website warns .
After natural disasters such as hurricanes , rodent populations sometimes decline , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Local environmental health agencies should be prepared to increase rat bait stations and service them more often , the agency said .
Rats that formerly kept to the shadows eating food from restaurant dumpsters have made brazen appearances in public in large urban centers such as New Orleans , New York and Chicago .
Disruptive food patterns have also led urban rats to seek new nesting sites , particularly in car engines of vehicles that have been not been driven because of stay-at-home orders , Car and Driver magazine reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause hundreds of dollars of damage in a car engine , the magazine said .
In Chicago , rats looking for food have been seen in the daytime , which is unusual , Robert Villamil , owner of Crow Pest Control Inc. , told the Chicago Tribune in April .
`` Rats have a hierarchy and they 're very territorial , '' Villamil said .
`` As they look for food , people are noticing them more .
Rats carry disease and they 're very unsightly , so it 's a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to keep rats away from their homes . ''
In March , as restaurants in the New Orleans French Quarter closed down , residents observed rats scurrying on Bourbon Street .
`` Unfortunately , with these businesses being shut down , these rats are hungry , '' Claudia Riegel , executive director of the New Orleans Mosquito , Termite and Rodent Control Board , told WWL-TV .
When New York restaurants closed down in April , residents and pest control inspectors reported colonies of rats moving into new territories and resorting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like you and I , and so when you 're really , really hungry , you 're not going to act the same -- you 're going to act very bad , usually , '' Bobby Corrigan , an urban rat expert , told NBC News .
`` So these rats are fighting with one another , now the adults are killing the young in the nest and cannibalizing the pups . ''
Jim Fredericks , chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association , said rats that had formerly congregated near suburban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nearby subdivisions .
`` As resources become scarce , whether that be food , or harborage , nesting places , that imposes stress upon that rat community , ... and when there 's stress you do see increased aggressive behavior within that rat social system , '' Fredericks said .

Hungry rats may exhibit "unusual or aggressive behavior" as they venture out to look for food after the pandemic-era shut-down of U.S. restaurants, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. Photo by m01229/Wikimedia
May 25 (UPI) -- Federal health authorities warned that rats may exhibit "unusual or aggressive" behavior because they have been cut of from food waste due to coronavirus-related closures of restaurants nationwide. "Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted on its website Thursday. Advertisement
"Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior," the agency said.
Rats can carry salmonella, and breathing dust containing rat feces or urine can cause leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, and worsen asthma symptoms, especially in children, the CDC said.
The CDC recommended that homeowners make sure they seal gaps leading into their homes and clean up possible rodent food sources like unsecured garbage or pet food left outside overnight.
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"Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a half dollar," the agency's website warns.
After natural disasters such as hurricanes, rodent populations sometimes decline, but then bounce back, the CDC said. Local environmental health agencies should be prepared to increase rat bait stations and service them more often, the agency said.
Rats that formerly kept to the shadows eating food from restaurant dumpsters have made brazen appearances in public in large urban centers such as New Orleans, New York and Chicago.
Disruptive food patterns have also led urban rats to seek new nesting sites, particularly in car engines of vehicles that have been not been driven because of stay-at-home orders, Car and Driver magazine reported in early May. Rats chewing through wiring can cause hundreds of dollars of damage in a car engine, the magazine said.
In Chicago, rats looking for food have been seen in the daytime, which is unusual, Robert Villamil, owner of Crow Pest Control Inc., told the Chicago Tribune in April.
"Rats have a hierarchy and they're very territorial," Villamil said. "As they look for food, people are noticing them more. Rats carry disease and they're very unsightly, so it's a big thing. People are wanting to take steps to keep rats away from their homes."
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In March, as restaurants in the New Orleans French Quarter closed down, residents observed rats scurrying on Bourbon Street.
"Unfortunately, with these businesses being shut down, these rats are hungry," Claudia Riegel, executive director of the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board, told WWL-TV.
When New York restaurants closed down in April, residents and pest control inspectors reported colonies of rats moving into new territories and resorting to cannabalism.
"They're mammals just like you and I, and so when you're really, really hungry, you're not going to act the same -- you're going to act very bad, usually," Bobby Corrigan, an urban rat expert, told NBC News. "So these rats are fighting with one another, now the adults are killing the young in the nest and cannibalizing the pups."
Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association, said rats that had formerly congregated near suburban strip malls were branching out seeking food in nearby subdivisions.
"As resources become scarce, whether that be food, or harborage, nesting places, that imposes stress upon that rat community, ... and when there's stress you do see increased aggressive behavior within that rat social system," Fredericks said.


upi--2020-05-25--Trump threatens to move GOP convention citing N.C. pandemic restrictions

May 25 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to cancel plans to hold the August Republican National Convention in Charlotte , N.C. , if the state 's governor could not guarantee he 'd lift coronavirus-related restrictions to allow thousands to attend .
`` Unfortunately , Democrat Governor , @ RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed full attendance in the Arena , '' Trump said in a series of four tweets .
`` Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans , and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August , '' Trump added .
`` They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied .
...
This is not something I want to do .
Thank you , and I LOVE the people of North Carolina ! ''
`` We all want to be in Charlotte , we love North Carolina , but having a sense now is absolutely essential because of the immense preparations that are involved and we look forward to working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response , and if need be moving the national convention to a state that is farther along on reopening and can say with confidence that we can gather there , '' Pence said .
Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper responded with a statement that state health officials were working with the Republican National Committee to `` review its plans as they make decisions '' about how to hold the convention in Charlotte .
`` North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state 's public safety , '' Cooper tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin a multimillion dollar upgrade of Charlotte 's Spectrum Center arena , for which the Republican National Committee has said it will raise $ 65 million .
The GOP plans to hold its convention Aug. 24-27 , expecting to bring 50,000 people to Charlotte .
Democrats will finish their convention in Milwaukee the week before , and have said they will alter events , making the convention largely virtual , to follow health safety precautions during the pandemic .
Charlotte has been a hot-spot for the COVID-19 outbreak .
North Carolina is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's coronavirus reopening plan , which limits indoor gatherings to 10 people .
North Carolina has seen almost 24,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with 754 deaths , according to the state 's department of health and human services .
Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs , a Republican , told the Charlotte Observer he believed the president was making `` dramatic gestures , '' and said he doubted any other city could prepare to host the convention quickly enough .
Charlotte has been working for two years to get ready for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of thing that happens in politics , where , and particularly the president is known for dramatic gestures , '' Driggs said Monday .
`` I do n't know whether that tweet by him is supported by the Republican Party ...
I do n't know how you would host a full convention on a couple of months ' notice anywhere else , '' he said .
Trumps tweets Monday follow his pattern of social media threats on Democratic governors who have kept coronavirus-related restrictions in place .
Last week , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Nevada and Michigan unless they backed down from vote-by-mail election plans .

Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and their families stand on the stage at the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 21, 2016. On Monday, the president threatened to have the RNC moved out of Charlotte if North Carolina couldn't guarantee that thousands could attend the event. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to cancel plans to hold the August Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., if the state's governor could not guarantee he'd lift coronavirus-related restrictions to allow thousands to attend. "Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed full attendance in the Arena," Trump said in a series of four tweets. Advertisement
"Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August," Trump added. "They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. ... This is not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina!"
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Vice President Mike Pence , appearing on Fox News on Monday, said if guarantees could not be met by North Carolina, the Republican National Committee will consider moving the convention to Texas, Florida or Georgia.
"We all want to be in Charlotte, we love North Carolina, but having a sense now is absolutely essential because of the immense preparations that are involved and we look forward to working with Gov. Cooper, getting a swift response, and if need be moving the national convention to a state that is farther along on reopening and can say with confidence that we can gather there," Pence said.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper responded with a statement that state health officials were working with the Republican National Committee to "review its plans as they make decisions" about how to hold the convention in Charlotte.
"North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state's public safety," Cooper tweeted.
In July, workers are expected to begin a multimillion dollar upgrade of Charlotte's Spectrum Center arena, for which the Republican National Committee has said it will raise $65 million.
The GOP plans to hold its convention Aug. 24-27, expecting to bring 50,000 people to Charlotte. Democrats will finish their convention in Milwaukee the week before, and have said they will alter events, making the convention largely virtual, to follow health safety precautions during the pandemic.
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Charlotte has been a hot-spot for the COVID-19 outbreak. North Carolina is now in Phase 2 of the governor's coronavirus reopening plan, which limits indoor gatherings to 10 people.
North Carolina has seen almost 24,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 754 deaths, according to the state's department of health and human services.
Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs, a Republican, told the Charlotte Observer he believed the president was making "dramatic gestures," and said he doubted any other city could prepare to host the convention quickly enough. Charlotte has been working for two years to get ready for the convention.
"I think this is the kind of thing that happens in politics, where, and particularly the president is known for dramatic gestures," Driggs said Monday. "I don't know whether that tweet by him is supported by the Republican Party ... I don't know how you would host a full convention on a couple of months' notice anywhere else," he said.
Trumps tweets Monday follow his pattern of social media threats on Democratic governors who have kept coronavirus-related restrictions in place.
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Last week, Trump threatened to withhold federal coronavirus aid money from Nevada and Michigan unless they backed down from vote-by-mail election plans.


upi--2020-05-25--Look: Kara Keough gets tattoo to honor late son

May 25 ( UPI ) -- The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Kara Keough shared on Instagram a photo of her new arm tattoo , a simple `` M '' intended to honor her late son , McCoy .
Keough , 32 , announced in April that her son had died during childbirth .
`` Feeling thankful for my new ( first ) tattoo , with my son 's ashes in the ink ... so that my baby can be with me always , '' Keough captioned Sunday 's message .
`` He can stay forever in my arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last rested .
I know I 'm privileged in my grief , to have the support of so many .
It 's very hard to feel lucky right now , and yet , somehow , I know I am . ''
Keough also expressed her gratitude for an 11-pound , 4-ounce teddy bear someone had given her .
`` Exactly the size of the hole in my heart .
But thanks to this thoughtful gift , my arms do n't feel so painfully empty .
I ca n't quite articulate how much carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body grounds me .
I think my physical need for him will be there forever , the heaviness of his absence always present .
But this sure helps , '' she added .
Less than two weeks after her baby 's death , Keough 's father Matt Keough , a former All-Star pitcher with the Oakland Athletics and a Real Housewives guest star , died at age 64 .
Keough and her husband , former NFL player Kyle Bosworth , are the parents of a 4-year-old daughter named Decker Bosworth .

Kara Keough shared a photo of her meaningful, new tattoo this weekend. Photo courtesy of Kara Keough/Instagram
May 25 (UPI) -- The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Kara Keough shared on Instagram a photo of her new arm tattoo, a simple "M" intended to honor her late son, McCoy. Keough, 32, announced in April that her son had died during childbirth. Advertisement
"Feeling thankful for my new (first) tattoo, with my son's ashes in the ink... so that my baby can be with me always," Keough captioned Sunday's message. "He can stay forever in my arms this way, in the place he last rested. I know I'm privileged in my grief, to have the support of so many. It's very hard to feel lucky right now, and yet, somehow, I know I am."
Keough also expressed her gratitude for an 11-pound, 4-ounce teddy bear someone had given her.
"Exactly the size of the hole in my heart. But thanks to this thoughtful gift, my arms don't feel so painfully empty. I can't quite articulate how much carrying the exact weight of McCoy against my body grounds me. I think my physical need for him will be there forever, the heaviness of his absence always present. But this sure helps," she added.
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Less than two weeks after her baby's death, Keough's father Matt Keough, a former All-Star pitcher with the Oakland Athletics and a Real Housewives guest star, died at age 64.
Keough and her husband, former NFL player Kyle Bosworth, are the parents of a 4-year-old daughter named Decker Bosworth.


upi--2020-05-25--Watch: Kobe Bryant's daughter Capri takes first steps

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Kobe Bryant 's youngest daughter , Capri Bryant , recently took her first steps , with his widow Vanessa Bryant documenting the special moment on social media .
Capri took the short walk on Sunday .
The Instagram post of the moment had more than 5 million views as of Monday morning '' My baby !
So proud of my Koko Bean , '' Vanessa Bryant wrote in the post .
`` Capri took her first steps from her auntie Sophie to mama today .
`` I 'm so proud of you !
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
Capri was born June 20 , about seven months before Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant , 13 , were among nine people who died in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas , Calif. Capri 's middle name is Kobe .
Kobe Bryant is also survived by daughters Bianka Bryant , 3 , and Natalia Bryant , 17 .
Before his death , the NBA star said he wanted to add another child to his family .
`` We loved each other with our whole beings , two perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising our sweet and amazing girls , '' Vanessa Bryant said at her husband 's Feb. 24 memorial service in Los Angeles .
`` Kobe was the MVP of girl dads , or MVD .
He never left the toilet seat up .
He always told the girls how beautiful and smart they are .
He taught them how to be brave .

May 25 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant's youngest daughter, Capri Bryant, recently took her first steps, with his widow Vanessa Bryant documenting the special moment on social media.
Capri took the short walk on Sunday. The Instagram post of the moment had more than 5 million views as of Monday morning
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"My baby! So proud of my Koko Bean," Vanessa Bryant wrote in the post. "Capri took her first steps from her auntie Sophie to mama today.
"I'm so proud of you! I knew you were gonna do it!"
Capri was born June 20, about seven months before Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13, were among nine people who died in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. Capri's middle name is Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is also survived by daughters Bianka Bryant, 3, and Natalia Bryant, 17. Before his death, the NBA star said he wanted to add another child to his family.
The Bryants married in 2001.
"We loved each other with our whole beings, two perfectly imperfect people making a beautiful family and raising our sweet and amazing girls," Vanessa Bryant said at her husband's Feb. 24 memorial service in Los Angeles.
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"Kobe was the MVP of girl dads, or MVD. He never left the toilet seat up. He always told the girls how beautiful and smart they are. He taught them how to be brave.
"He had a tender heart."


upi--2020-05-25--Veneto governor: Venice Film Festival still planned for September

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Veneto Gov .
Luca Zaia said plans are still in place to hold the @ @ @ @ @ Venice Film Festival in September .
The confirmation came after other prestigious live events and @ @ @ @ @ including South by the Southwest , Tribeca , Cannes and Burning Man -- were either @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 345,000 people globally .
According @ @ @ @ @ the Venice Film Festival is expected to go on as scheduled Sept. 2-12 , however @ @ @ @ @ be shown than in past years .
Film productions across the globe and release dates @ @ @ @ @ travel restricted in keeping with social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ of movies for the Venice Film Festival is expected to be announced in July .
@ @ @ @ @ previously named as the president of the festival 's main jury competition .
Italy will @ @ @ @ @ travelers June 3 .

Penelope Cruz attends the premiere of "Wasp Network" at the 76th Venice Film Festival on September 1. The 2020 edition of the festival is to take place Sept. 2-12. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia said plans are still in place to hold the 2020 edition of the famed Venice Film Festival in September. The confirmation came after other prestigious live events and festivals around the world -- including South by the Southwest, Tribeca, Cannes and Burning Man -- were either canceled or moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 345,000 people globally. Advertisement
According to Variety, Zaia said the Venice Film Festival is expected to go on as scheduled Sept. 2-12, however he expects fewer movies to be shown than in past years.
Film productions across the globe and release dates have been delayed and most travel restricted in keeping with social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the virus.
Deadline.com said the lineup of movies for the Venice Film Festival is expected to be announced in July.
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett was previously named as the president of the festival's main jury competition.
Italy will reopen its borders to European travelers June 3.


upi--2020-05-25--Japan lifts state of emergency in Tokyo; global cases near 5.5M

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday lifted a state of emergency in Tokyo as the rate of new cases declined .
The prime minister also declared an end to the emergency in Chiba , Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures , as well as Hokkaido , about a week earlier than expected .
He declared the emergency in Tokyo on April 16 in response to climbing coronavirus cases and deaths .
Japan , which has a population of 126 million , has had 16,500 confirmed cases and 820 deaths as of Monday morning , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At its peak , Japan was reporting about 1,000 confirmed new cases in a day , but that number has dwindled .
`` Recently , new infection cases have fallen below 50 for the entire nation , '' Abe said , `` and what was once nearly 10,000 hospitalized cases -- that has now fallen below 2,000 .
`` The lifting of the emergency does not mean the virus is gone or infections are down to zero .
Our battle against the virus will continue . ''
The announcement came as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Monday .
There have been at least 345,400 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins .
In New Zealand , Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the limit on gatherings will be expanded to 100 people by the week 's end .
`` We want to get our economy moving quickly without losing the gains we have made to date , '' she said during a news conference .
The archipelago nation has been one of the fastest to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic through issuing strict lockdown measures in mid-March , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at level 2 , the second-lowest of its four-level lockdown measure , New Zealand has permitted gatherings of up to 10 people , but staring Friday that limit will be upped to 100 , Ardern said .
Ardern said the government will regularly adjust restrictions to allow for more activity when medical advice permits it .
New Zealand moved to level 2 on May 14 .
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has reported 1,154 cases of COVID-19 and 21 deaths with 15 new cases this month .
Ardern said its drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what other countries have experienced and that is due to New Zealanders following the rules to maintain social distancing .
The expanded limit on gatherings , she said , will still prevent large concerts but more events can occur from noon Friday when the measure goes into effect .
`` These changes are good news for business and for those who look to plan larger gatherings , '' she said .
`` It 's another step in renormalizing life as we continue to stamp out the virus . ''
In neighboring Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queensland reopened Monday with their premiers encouraging people to continue to work from home if possible to relieve pressure on the transit system .
`` I am very pleased that the system has n't been overwhelmed , '' NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said during a press conference .
Australia , like New Zealand , has fared better than most countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic , recording 7,109 total cases and 102 deaths from the virus .
The ministry of health reported four new cases in the past 24 hours .
Oceania nations have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic with stringent lockdown measures , recording 8,726 cases and 123 deaths , according to worldometers.info .

1/2
An employee wears a face shield and face masks at the Matsuya Ginza department store, which partially reopened Monday in Tokyo. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
May 25 (UPI) -- Amid a rash of countries and regions the globe over moving to reopen their economies and lift their people out from under lockdown measures, the World Health Organization on Monday warned there could be an "immediate second peak" of the coronavirus before there is a second wave. With infections on the decline, countries such as Japan, New Zealand and Britain on Monday announced further easing to restrictive measures imposed months earlier when their number of coronavirus cases surged. Advertisement
However, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, responded to a reporter's question concerning scenarios of a second wave, stating the world is still in the middle of the first wave of infections with cases still increasing.
"Right now, we're not in the second wave, we're right in the middle of the first wave, globally, and if we look at the data from Central and South America, for Africa, for South Asia and for many other countries, we're still very much in a phase where the disease is actually on the way up," he said during a televised press conference.
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Since the virus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan early December and then spread the globe over, former epicenters, such as Europe and Asia, have seen daily infections decline to low numbers.
While Ryan said those countries should be applauded for containing and suppressing the virus the percentage of people in those nations who have been infected is low meaning many more are still susceptible to the disease.
A second wave, he explained, follows when a virus, once having rampantly spread, slows before resurging several months later. Concerning COVID-19, he said countries need to be cognizant it can "jump up at any time."
"We cannot make assumptions that just because the disease is on the way down now that it's going to keep going down and we're going to get a number of months to get ready for a second wave," he said. "We may get a second peak in this wave."
A second peak has occurred during previous pandemics, he explained, urging European, North American and Southeast Asian countries to continue public health, social surveillance, testing and other measures as well as implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent "an immediate second peak" in cases.
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Discussions over a possible second wave can be had later in the year, he said.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical COVID-19 lead with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, added that all countries need to be on "high alert" against the virus.
"Let us be perfectly clear: All countries need to remain on high alert here," she said. "All countries need to be ready to rapidly detect cases -- even countries that have had success in suppression. Even countries thave have seen a decline in cases must remain ready."
Based on studies of the virus, a large portion of the population remains susceptible to it, meaning if it finds an opportunity to start an outbreak, it will, she said.
The warning came as the number of global infections climbed to 5.5 million on Monday.
Health experts at Johns Hopkins University have tallied 5,494,287 coronavirus patients as of late Monday, with the United States reporting by far the highest number of infections at more than 1.6 million.
Japan, with 16,581 cases and 820 deaths, according to its health ministry, has been experiencing a decline since a peak in mid-April, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday lifted a state of emergency in Tokyo.
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The prime minister also declared an end to the emergency in Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures, as well as Hokkaido, about a week earlier than expected. He declared the emergency in Tokyo on April 16 in response to climbing coronavirus cases and deaths.
At its peak, Japan was reporting about 1,000 confirmed new cases in a day, but that number has dwindled.
"Recently, new infection cases have fallen below 50 for the entire nation," Abe said, "and what was once nearly 10,000 hospitalized cases -- that has now fallen below 2,000.
"The lifting of the emergency does not mean the virus is gone or infections are down to zero. Our battle against the virus will continue."
In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that starting early June thousands of shuttered shops, department stores and shopping centers may resume business.
The prime minister said from June 1 outdoor markets and car showrooms may reopen if they can ensure COVID-19 guidelines are met and all other non-essential retail may open their doors to the public on June 15, his office said in a release.
Shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, have been open during the pandemic.
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"I want to give the retail notice of our intention that they too can get ready," Johnson said in a press conference.
The announcement came as the British Department of Health and Social Care reported 261,184 confirmed positive cases of the virus after recording 1,625 new patients in the previous 24 hours. Nearly 37,000 have died from the virus in the country.
In Palestine, the government also announced Monday it would be ending its lockdown amid falling coronavirus numbers.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, there have been 602 cases of infection with zero new cases recorded on Sunday and nine on Saturday.
The lifting of lockdown measures permits industry to resume after the Eid holiday and churches and mosques to reopen from Tuesday with social distancing practices in place, Arab News reported.
In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the limit on gatherings will be expanded to 100 people by the week's end.
"We want to get our economy moving quickly without losing the gains we have made to date," she said during a news conference.
The archipelago nation has been one of the fastest to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic through issuing strict lockdown measures in mid-March, which have since been slowly eased.
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Currently at level 2, the second-lowest of its four-level lockdown measure, New Zealand has permitted gatherings of up to 10 people, but staring Friday that limit will be upped to 100, Ardern said.
Ardern said the government will regularly adjust restrictions to allow for more activity when medical advice permits it. New Zealand moved to level 2 on May 14.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has reported 1,154 cases of COVID-19 and 21 deaths with 15 new cases this month.
Ardern said its drop in cases despite easing of restrictions runs counter to what other countries have experienced and that is due to New Zealanders following the rules to maintain social distancing.
The expanded limit on gatherings, she said, will still prevent large concerts but more events can occur from noon Friday when the measure goes into effect.
"These changes are good news for business and for those who look to plan larger gatherings," she said. "It's another step in renormalizing life as we continue to stamp out the virus."
In neighboring Australia, schools in New South Wales and Queensland reopened Monday with their premiers encouraging people to continue to work from home if possible to relieve pressure on the transit system.
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"I am very pleased that the system hasn't been overwhelmed," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said during a press conference.
Australia, like New Zealand, has fared better than most countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic, recording 7,109 total cases and 102 deaths from the virus. The ministry of health reported four new cases in the past 24 hours.
Oceania nations have so far fought off the worst of the pandemic with stringent lockdown measures, recording 8,726 cases and 123 deaths, according to worldometers.info.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-25--Mother Nature to switch gears into summer across the Northeast to finish May

After the first two weeks of May featured well below-average temperatures across the Northeast and East Coast , Mother Nature will conclude the month on a much different note as summerlike conditions are expected to settle in .
A combination of meteorological entities will play a key role in the prolonged warmup across much of the eastern United States in the coming days .
A storm system that will plague the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley with heavy thunderstorms in the coming days will help to force warm and humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bermuda High '' will also help to bring warm and moist air northward .
These two features will result in warm and increasingly humid conditions across a wide swath of the Eastern states this week .
`` The core of the warmth will not affect the areas more accustomed to early season heat waves , such as Washington , D.C. , Baltimore and Philadelphia .
A breeze off the Atlantic Ocean will keep these cities right around average into the middle of the week , with highs in the middle 70s to near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renee Duff said .
Instead of targeting the Interstate 95 corridor , thermometers will be soaring to potentially record highs across much of the interior Northeast from Tuesday to Thursday .
`` Albany and Syracuse , N.Y. ; Burlington , Vt. ; Concord , N.H. ; and Caribou and Bangor , Maine , could all challenge record-high temperatures this week .
Here , highs in the middle 80s to middle 90s F will be common , levels that are 15-25 degrees above normal for the last week of May , '' Duff added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely be the first time that air conditioning units will need to be turned on for many across the Northeast .
In a time when millions of Americans are still financially stressed , the building heat will play another factor in increasing monthly expenses .
The heat wave that will build in this week is coming at a time when many states are beginning to ease , or lift the stay-at-home restrictions that have been in place since mid-March due to COVID-19 .
This is a reminder that if you do choose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't leave children or pets in the car behind in the sweltering heat .
Heat-related illnesses can occur within minutes as temperatures soar inside a vehicle .
With travel restrictions eased , many people across the Northeast and New England may want to head to a local lake or stream to cool off amid the summerlike conditions .
Although the air temperature will climb into the 80s and 90s F , many bodies of water remain very cold .
If immersed too fast or for too long it could cause your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember to be careful and plan appropriately for any outdoor excursions .
With the exception of an isolated shower or thunderstorm across the interior Northeast and New England through midweek , much of the region can expect dry , albeit humid conditions to persist through the time frame .
The expansive heat will begin to be routed out across the Northeast Friday and Saturday as a cold front sweeps through the region , ushering in much cooler and less humid air for the weekend .

After the first two weeks of May featured well below-average temperatures across the Northeast and East Coast, Mother Nature will conclude the month on a much different note as summerlike conditions are expected to settle in.
A combination of meteorological entities will play a key role in the prolonged warmup across much of the eastern United States in the coming days.
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A storm system that will plague the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley with heavy thunderstorms in the coming days will help to force warm and humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico. A second atmospheric feature known as the "Bermuda High" will also help to bring warm and moist air northward.
These two features will result in warm and increasingly humid conditions across a wide swath of the Eastern states this week.
"The core of the warmth will not affect the areas more accustomed to early season heat waves, such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia. A breeze off the Atlantic Ocean will keep these cities right around average into the middle of the week, with highs in the middle 70s to near 80 degrees Fahrenheit," AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said.
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Instead of targeting the Interstate 95 corridor, thermometers will be soaring to potentially record highs across much of the interior Northeast from Tuesday to Thursday.
"Albany and Syracuse, N.Y.; Burlington, Vt.; Concord, N.H.; and Caribou and Bangor, Maine, could all challenge record-high temperatures this week. Here, highs in the middle 80s to middle 90s F will be common, levels that are 15-25 degrees above normal for the last week of May," Duff added.
This stretch of heat will also likely be the first time that air conditioning units will need to be turned on for many across the Northeast. In a time when millions of Americans are still financially stressed, the building heat will play another factor in increasing monthly expenses.
The heat wave that will build in this week is coming at a time when many states are beginning to ease, or lift the stay-at-home restrictions that have been in place since mid-March due to COVID-19. This is a reminder that if you do choose to travel, please double-check to make sure you don't leave children or pets in the car behind in the sweltering heat.
Heat-related illnesses can occur within minutes as temperatures soar inside a vehicle.
Advertisement
With travel restrictions eased, many people across the Northeast and New England may want to head to a local lake or stream to cool off amid the summerlike conditions. Although the air temperature will climb into the 80s and 90s F, many bodies of water remain very cold.
If immersed too fast or for too long it could cause your body to go into shock. Just remember to be careful and plan appropriately for any outdoor excursions.
With the exception of an isolated shower or thunderstorm across the interior Northeast and New England through midweek, much of the region can expect dry, albeit humid conditions to persist through the time frame.
The expansive heat will begin to be routed out across the Northeast Friday and Saturday as a cold front sweeps through the region, ushering in much cooler and less humid air for the weekend.


upi--2020-05-25--Soccer: Timo Werner matches 21-year Bundesliga hat trick feat

May 25 ( UPI ) -- RB Leipzig 's Timo Werner scored three goals for his second hat trick against Mainz , becoming the first Bundesliga player in 21 years to bag two hat tricks against the same foe in the same season .
Werner scored in the 11th minute , 48th minute and 75th minute of the 5-0 victory Sunday at Opel Arena in Mainz , Germany .
Bayer Leverkusen 's Ulf Kirsten was the last player to accomplish the feat when he recorded two hat tricks against Borussia Monchengladbach during the 1998-1999 Bundesliga season .
Werner 's first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Mainz on Nov. 2 in Leipzig , Germany .
`` We played very well from the first minute and put pressure on the whole game , '' Werner said .
The German forward scored the first goal of Sunday 's affair off an assist from right back Konrad Laimer .
Laimer raced down the right flank to spark that sequence .
The RB Leipzig defender slapped a pass into the box and found Werner as he stood by himself about 10 yards from the net .
Werner knocked a first-touch shot into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florian Muller .
Yussuf Poulsen and Marcel Sabitzer each scored for RB Leipzig before halftime to give their sequad a 3-0 edge at the break .
Midfielder Kevin Kampl then assisted Werner 's second score less than three minutes into the second half .
Kampl dribbled through several defenders during that play before he slid a pass to Werner while inside the box .
Werner finished the play with a left-footed shot into the near-post netting .
Werner finished his hat trick with a break-away score .
Poulsen chipped a beautiful pass ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Werner outran several defenders before he used his left boot to knock a shot around Muller and into the right side of the net for RB Leipzig 's fifth and final score .
Werner now has a career-high 24 goals this season .
RB Leipzig faces Hertha in another Bundesliga clash at 12:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Leipzig .
Bayern Munich tops the Bundesliga standings while RB Leipzig sits in third place .
The Bundesliga season returned May 16 after it was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to safety guidelines .

RB Leipzig's Timo Werner, shown on March 10, now has a career-high 24 goals this season after he scored three times against Mainz on Sunday in Mainz, Germany. File Photo by Filip Singer/EPA-EFE
May 25 (UPI) -- RB Leipzig's Timo Werner scored three goals for his second hat trick against Mainz, becoming the first Bundesliga player in 21 years to bag two hat tricks against the same foe in the same season. Werner scored in the 11th minute, 48th minute and 75th minute of the 5-0 victory Sunday at Opel Arena in Mainz, Germany. Bayer Leverkusen's Ulf Kirsten was the last player to accomplish the feat when he recorded two hat tricks against Borussia Monchengladbach during the 1998-1999 Bundesliga season. Advertisement
Werner's first hat trick came in an 8-0 win against Mainz on Nov. 2 in Leipzig, Germany.
"We played very well from the first minute and put pressure on the whole game," Werner said.
The German forward scored the first goal of Sunday's affair off an assist from right back Konrad Laimer. Laimer raced down the right flank to spark that sequence. The RB Leipzig defender slapped a pass into the box and found Werner as he stood by himself about 10 yards from the net. Werner knocked a first-touch shot into the far-post netting to beat Mainz keeper Florian Muller.
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Yussuf Poulsen and Marcel Sabitzer each scored for RB Leipzig before halftime to give their sequad a 3-0 edge at the break. Midfielder Kevin Kampl then assisted Werner's second score less than three minutes into the second half. Kampl dribbled through several defenders during that play before he slid a pass to Werner while inside the box. Werner finished the play with a left-footed shot into the near-post netting.
Werner finished his hat trick with a break-away score. Poulsen chipped a beautiful pass ahead for Werner during that 75th minute sequence. Werner outran several defenders before he used his left boot to knock a shot around Muller and into the right side of the net for RB Leipzig's fifth and final score.
Werner now has a career-high 24 goals this season.
RB Leipzig faces Hertha in another Bundesliga clash at 12:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Leipzig. Bayern Munich tops the Bundesliga standings while RB Leipzig sits in third place.
The Bundesliga season returned May 16 after it was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. No fans are allowed to attend the games due to safety guidelines.


upi--2020-05-25--Watch live: President, first lady attend Memorial Day service at Arlington cemetery

May 25 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were scheduled to attend a Memorial @ @ @ @ @ National Cemetery .
The president was set to participate in the annual tradition Monday despite @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
After the ceremony , the Trumps were scheduled to travel to @ @ @ @ @ a Memorial Day even there .

May 25 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were scheduled to attend a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
The president was set to participate in the annual tradition Monday despite pared down observances due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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After the ceremony, the Trumps were scheduled to travel to Fort McHenry in Maryland for a Memorial Day even there.


upi--2020-05-25--Report: Ex-South Korean aide to pursue backchannel diplomacy with Pyongyang

May 25 ( UPI ) -- South Korea 's former presidential secretary and three other politicians of the ruling Democratic Party are to lead the Inter-Korea Cooperation Foundation , a group founded in September .
Im Jong-seok , a former aide to President Moon Jae-in , has requested local lawmakers Hong Ihk-pyo , Song Gap-seok and Yoon Young-chan to join him as directors , Maeil Business reported Monday .
According to the report , the foundation is expected to hold its first board meeting on June 1 .
Im founded his NGO with the purpose of `` contributing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the spirit of the June 15 Joint Declaration . ''
Former South Korean leader Kim Dae-jung and North Korea 's Kim Jong Il , the current leader 's father , signed the Declaration in 2000 .
A source at the Democratic Party said the group will seek to promote economic and cultural exchange and cooperation , or in areas beyond the scope of `` activism . ''
In an interview with The Quarterly Changbi published last week , Im said he wanted to create a 1.5 track for inter-Korea talks -- a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he would be able to `` meet frequently '' with Kim Yong Chol , a former North Korean military official who is currently deputy chair of the Korean Workers ' Party .
Kim Yong Chol is Kim Jong Un 's aide who visited the White House in 2018 .
Some analysts have suggested Kim Yong Chol is linked to the 2010 torpedo attack on the South Korean warship Cheonan .
Im was a leading student activist in the 1980s who served a prison sentence for helping another South Korean student , Lim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1989 , when Seoul was enforcing strict anti-communist laws .
Im has said Moon will push ahead with new North Korea-related initiatives if there is no progress in U.S.-North Korea relations this year .

Former South Korean presidential chief secretary Im Jong-seok could be planning a path to dialogue with the North, according to a local press report. File Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA-EFE
May 25 (UPI) -- South Korea's former presidential secretary and three other politicians of the ruling Democratic Party are to lead the Inter-Korea Cooperation Foundation, a group founded in September. Im Jong-seok, a former aide to President Moon Jae-in, has requested local lawmakers Hong Ihk-pyo, Song Gap-seok and Yoon Young-chan to join him as directors, Maeil Business reported Monday. Advertisement
According to the report, the foundation is expected to hold its first board meeting on June 1.
Im founded his NGO with the purpose of "contributing to the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula based on the spirit of the June 15 Joint Declaration."
Former South Korean leader Kim Dae-jung and North Korea's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, signed the Declaration in 2000.
A source at the Democratic Party said the group will seek to promote economic and cultural exchange and cooperation, or in areas beyond the scope of "activism."
In an interview with The Quarterly Changbi published last week, Im said he wanted to create a 1.5 track for inter-Korea talks -- a mix of former and current officials -- where he would be able to "meet frequently" with Kim Yong Chol, a former North Korean military official who is currently deputy chair of the Korean Workers' Party.
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Kim Yong Chol is Kim Jong Un's aide who visited the White House in 2018. Some analysts have suggested Kim Yong Chol is linked to the 2010 torpedo attack on the South Korean warship Cheonan.
Im was a leading student activist in the 1980s who served a prison sentence for helping another South Korean student, Lim Su-kyung, visit North Korea without authorization in 1989, when Seoul was enforcing strict anti-communist laws.
Im has said Moon will push ahead with new North Korea-related initiatives if there is no progress in U.S.-North Korea relations this year.


upi--2020-05-25--Matt Barnes won't accept NBA Finals ring from Warriors

May 25 ( UPI ) -- Former NBA forward Matt Barnes wo n't accept the NBA Finals ring he won with the Golden State Warriors because he does n't consider himself a champion .
Barnes spoke about the matter on his All the Smoke podcast .
The 14-year veteran retired after the 2016-17 season , a portion of which he spent with the Warriors .
Barnes , 40 , said his championship ring is in the office of Raymond Ridder , the Golden State Warriors ' vice president of communications .
The Warriors signed Barnes after All-Star Kevin Durant sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged 5.7 points , 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 20 appearances for the Warriors during the regular season before he logged 61 minutes in 12 post-season games .
He scored 9 points and had 9 rebounds , 7 assists and 2 steals during the Warriors ' championship run .
`` The journey is what makes it .
I did n't sweat ...
I did n't get to guard LeBron [ James ] or Kawhi [ Leonard ] so I did n't count my [ championship ] , '' Barnes said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprained ankle that post-season and was n't healthy until the end of the second round of the playoffs .
`` I came in when [ Durant ] went down , playing a consistent 20 to 25 minutes , '' Barnes said .
`` The game KD comes back , I get hurt maybe a week before the playoffs and I 'm out of it .
I got a free ride , I got a free ring .
The Warriors went 67-15 during the 2016-17 regular season before they won their second title in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to win back-to-back titles before they lost to the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 post-season .
The Warriors now own the worst record in the NBA ( 15-50 ) while the league is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic .

Matt Barnes doesn't consider himself an NBA champion because he didn't play enough during the Golden State Warriors' 2016-17 NBA Finals run. Photo by Tyler Smith/EPA
May 25 (UPI) -- Former NBA forward Matt Barnes won't accept the NBA Finals ring he won with the Golden State Warriors because he doesn't consider himself a champion. Barnes spoke about the matter on his All the Smoke podcast. The 14-year veteran retired after the 2016-17 season, a portion of which he spent with the Warriors. Advertisement
Barnes, 40, said his championship ring is in the office of Raymond Ridder, the Golden State Warriors' vice president of communications.
The Warriors signed Barnes after All-Star Kevin Durant sustained a hyperextended left knee injury. Barnes averaged 5.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 20 appearances for the Warriors during the regular season before he logged 61 minutes in 12 post-season games.
He scored 9 points and had 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals during the Warriors' championship run.
"The journey is what makes it. I didn't sweat ... I didn't get to guard LeBron [James] or Kawhi [Leonard] so I didn't count my [championship]," Barnes said.
Barnes also said he sustained a sprained ankle that post-season and wasn't healthy until the end of the second round of the playoffs.
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"I came in when [Durant] went down, playing a consistent 20 to 25 minutes," Barnes said. "The game KD comes back, I get hurt maybe a week before the playoffs and I'm out of it. I got a free ride, I got a free ring.
"I don't count that as a championship."
The Warriors went 67-15 during the 2016-17 regular season before they won their second title in three years that post-season. Golden State went on to win back-to-back titles before they lost to the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 post-season. The Warriors now own the worst record in the NBA (15-50) while the league is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-05-25--In photos: COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City

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

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


upi--2020-05-25--In photos: California life in the COVID-19 pandemic

The state of California has enacted a shelter-in-place order in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus , urging @ @ @ @ @ homes except for essential travel and closing non-essential businesses .
Red carpet events have been @ @ @ @ @ many films and TV shows has been suspended .

A pedestrian walks past a bar established in 1933 after Los Angeles County officials closed it for the second time following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles on August 10. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-05-25--In photos: SpaceX, NASA prepare to return astronauts to space from U.S. soil

SpaceX , NASA prepare to return astronauts to space from U.S. soil SpaceX 's first mission with NASA astronauts Bob @ @ @ @ @ board is scheduled to launch on May 27 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida .
@ @ @ @ @ , the mission will be the first crewed launch from U.S. soil since the space @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's a look at the preparations .

NASA astronaut Douglas Hurley (C) waves to onlookers as he boards a plane at Naval Air Station Pensacola to return him and NASA astronaut Robert Behnken home to Houston a few hours after the duo landed in their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft off the coast of Pensacola, Fla,, on August 2, 2020. Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA


upi--2020-05-26--South Korea approves Samsung Galaxy watch as medical device

SEOUL , May 26 ( UPI ) -- South Korea 's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has officially approved a heart-monitoring function for Samsung 's health app , enabling smartwatch users to keep tabs on their blood pressure .
The Seoul-based tech giant said Sunday that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 will enable its users to measure and analyze their heart rhythms beginning in the third quarter of this year .
Users will also be able to check any heart irregularities under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety clearance .
`` Simply open the Samsung Health Monitor app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the watch is fitted firmly to your wrist .
Next , rest your forearm on a flat surface and lightly place a fingertip from the opposite hand on the top button on the Galaxy Watch Active2 for 30 seconds .
The app will then measure your heart rate and rhythm . ''
Galaxy watch users in other countries will have to wait a little longer to take advantage of the ECG and blood pressure tracking technology .
Samsung still has to get approval from local authorities in different regions .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
Over the past several years , global smartphone and smart device manufacturers have tried to embed medical services into their products , including Apple .
The company 's New Apple Watch Series 4 was approved in 2018 as an FDA class 2 medical device , which offers on-demand measurements for three different health metrics and detects falls .
The Apple watch is designed to track ECG and to alert users when they exhibit a low heart rate or irregular heart rhythms .

South Korea has approved Samsung Electronics’ electrocardiogram-measuring function for its health app. Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics
SEOUL, May 26 (UPI) -- South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has officially approved a heart-monitoring function for Samsung's health app, enabling smartwatch users to keep tabs on their blood pressure. The Seoul-based tech giant said Sunday that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 will enable its users to measure and analyze their heart rhythms beginning in the third quarter of this year. Advertisement
Users will also be able to check any heart irregularities under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety clearance.
Samsung explains how it works:
"Simply open the Samsung Health Monitor app when you are seated comfortably, and ensure the watch is fitted firmly to your wrist. Next, rest your forearm on a flat surface and lightly place a fingertip from the opposite hand on the top button on the Galaxy Watch Active2 for 30 seconds. The app will then measure your heart rate and rhythm."
Galaxy watch users in other countries will have to wait a little longer to take advantage of the ECG and blood pressure tracking technology. Samsung still has to get approval from local authorities in different regions.
In the United States, this tech would have to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Over the past several years, global smartphone and smart device manufacturers have tried to embed medical services into their products, including Apple.
The company's New Apple Watch Series 4 was approved in 2018 as an FDA class 2 medical device, which offers on-demand measurements for three different health metrics and detects falls.
The Apple watch is designed to track ECG and to alert users when they exhibit a low heart rate or irregular heart rhythms.


upi--2020-05-26--Saudi Arabia to ease some restrictions this week, the rest in June

May 26 ( UPI ) -- Officials in Saudi Arabia said Tuesday they will relax coronavirus-related curfews and other restrictions for most of the country this week and they will be fully lifted nationwide next month .
The Saudi Interior Ministry said on Friday a round-the-clock curfew will change to between 3 p.m and 6 a.m. , and bans on domestic travel , prayers in mosques and workplace attendance will be lifted .
The changes do not apply to the holy city of Mecca , which will remain under 24-hour curfew and the ban on mosque attendance will be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspending the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages .
Gatherings of more than 50 people will be banned until June 21 and beauty salons , barber shops , sports and health clubs , recreational centers and cinemas will remained closed .
Indoor seating in restaurants and cafes , however , will be allowed under proper social distancing guidelines .
A second phase will begin on June 21 when Saudi officials said they expect to lift the lockdown entirely and return to normal life .
Interior Ministry officials , however , urged all Saudi citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 through distancing , wearing masks and washing their hands .
The coronavirus pandemic prompted Saudi Arabia last month to close mosques in Mecca and Medina for the holy month of Ramadan , which ended Saturday .

A man sits in front of a closed shop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 24. The Saudi government said Tuesday it expects to lift all lockdown measures on June 21. File Photo by Ali Ahmad/EPA-EFE
May 26 (UPI) -- Officials in Saudi Arabia said Tuesday they will relax coronavirus-related curfews and other restrictions for most of the country this week and they will be fully lifted nationwide next month. The Saudi Interior Ministry said on Friday a round-the-clock curfew will change to between 3 p.m and 6 a.m., and bans on domestic travel, prayers in mosques and workplace attendance will be lifted. Advertisement
The changes do not apply to the holy city of Mecca, which will remain under 24-hour curfew and the ban on mosque attendance will be in place until June 21, in effect suspending the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Gatherings of more than 50 people will be banned until June 21 and beauty salons, barber shops, sports and health clubs, recreational centers and cinemas will remained closed.
Indoor seating in restaurants and cafes, however, will be allowed under proper social distancing guidelines.
A second phase will begin on June 21 when Saudi officials said they expect to lift the lockdown entirely and return to normal life.
Interior Ministry officials, however, urged all Saudi citizens to remain on guard against transmission of COVID-19 through distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands.
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The coronavirus pandemic prompted Saudi Arabia last month to close mosques in Mecca and Medina for the holy month of Ramadan, which ended Saturday.
Palestinians celebrate Ramadan 2020