upi--2020-03-13--On This Day, March 13: John Wayne Gacy sentenced to death

March 13 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1781 , the planet Uranus was discovered by British astronomer William Herschel .
In 1868 , the Republican-dominated U.S. Senate began impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Andrew Johnson , a Democrat and successor to Abraham Lincoln , climaxing a political feud following the Civil War .
He was acquitted by one vote .
In 1881 , Czar Alexander II , the ruler of Russia since 1855 , was killed in a St. Petersburg street by a bomb thrown by a member of the revolutionary People 's Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depths of the Great Depression , banks throughout the United States began to reopen after a weeklong bank holiday declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a successful effort to stop runs on bank assets .
In 1933 , President Roosevelt sent word to Congress calling for the immediate modification of the Volstead act to permit the manufacture and sale of beer .
In 1961 , President John F. Kennedy proposed the multibillion-dollar Alliance for Progress to aid Latin America .
The program was largely believed to have failed to bring democracy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago jury sentenced John Wayne Gacy to death for the murder of 33 young men and boys .
He died by lethal injection May 10 , 1994 .
In 1990 , the Soviet Congress of People 's Deputies formally ended the Communist Party 's monopoly rule , establishing a presidential system and giving Mikhail Gorbachev broad new powers .
In 1992 , a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northeast Turkey , killing at least 500 people and leaving some 50,000 homeless .
In 1996 , a gun collector opened fire at a school in Dunblane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their teacher , and then himself .
In 2004 , opera singer Luciano Pavarotti sang his final opera at New York City 's Metropolitan Opera house .
In 2008 , gold prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $ 1,000 per ounce for the first time .
In 2011 , the Dalai Lama , 75-year-old spiritual leader of Tibet , formally submitted his resignation as Tibet 's political leader , a post he had held since he was 18 , to the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile .
In 2013 , Cardinal Jorge Mario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , became pope of the Catholic Church .
He chose the name of Francis .
In 2019 , former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was sentenced to an additional 43 months in prison for conspiracy , and bank and tax fraud , bringing his total sentence to 7.5 years .

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On March 13, 1980, a Chicago jury sentenced John Wayne Gacy to death for the murder of 33 young men and boys. He died by lethal injection May 10, 1994. File Photo courtesy of the White House
March 13 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1781, the planet Uranus was discovered by British astronomer William Herschel. Advertisement
In 1868, the Republican-dominated U.S. Senate began impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Andrew Johnson, a Democrat and successor to Abraham Lincoln, climaxing a political feud following the Civil War. He was acquitted by one vote.
In 1881, Czar Alexander II, the ruler of Russia since 1855, was killed in a St. Petersburg street by a bomb thrown by a member of the revolutionary People's Will group.
In 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression, banks throughout the United States began to reopen after a weeklong bank holiday declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a successful effort to stop runs on bank assets.
In 1933, President Roosevelt sent word to Congress calling for the immediate modification of the Volstead act to permit the manufacture and sale of beer.
File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy proposed the multibillion-dollar Alliance for Progress to aid Latin America. The program was largely believed to have failed to bring democracy to the continent.
Advertisement
In 1980, a Chicago jury sentenced John Wayne Gacy to death for the murder of 33 young men and boys. He died by lethal injection May 10, 1994.
In 1990, the Soviet Congress of People's Deputies formally ended the Communist Party's monopoly rule, establishing a presidential system and giving Mikhail Gorbachev broad new powers.
In 1992, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northeast Turkey, killing at least 500 people and leaving some 50,000 homeless.
In 1996, a gun collector opened fire at a school in Dunblane, Scotland, killing 16 kindergarten children and their teacher, and then himself.
In 2004, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti sang his final opera at New York City's Metropolitan Opera house.
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
In 2008, gold prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $1,000 per ounce for the first time.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama, 75-year-old spiritual leader of Tibet, formally submitted his resignation as Tibet's political leader, a post he had held since he was 18, to the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile.
Advertisement
In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, a Jesuit, became pope of the Catholic Church. He chose the name of Francis.
In 2019, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was sentenced to an additional 43 months in prison for conspiracy, and bank and tax fraud, bringing his total sentence to 7.5 years.


upi--2020-03-13--Test your knowledge of week's news: Harvey Weinstein, coronavirus, Chuck Norris

U.S. News // 6 hours ago
Hunter Biden lawyer asks to withdraw from case because he could be called as witness
Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Hunter Biden's lawyer asked to withdraw from the criminal case against Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, over the possibility he might be called as a witness.


upi--2020-03-13--Famous birthdays for March 13: William H. Macy, Common

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces .
-- English @ @ @ @ @ discoverer of oxygen , in 1733 -- U.S. first lady Abigail Fillmore in 1798 -- @ @ @ @ @ fiction writer and founder of the Church of Scientology , in 1911 -- Helen `` @ @ @ @ @ , known as the `` Ted Williams of women 's baseball , '' in 1923

William H. Macy attends the 76th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on January 6, 2019. The actor turns 70 on March 13. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include: Advertisement
-- Pope Innocent XII in 1615
-- English chemist Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen, in 1733
-- U.S. first lady Abigail Fillmore in 1798
-- Astronomer Percival Lowell in 1855
-- Publisher Walter Annenberg in 1908
-- L. Ron Hubbard, science fiction writer and founder of the Church of Scientology, in 1911
-- Former CIA Director William Casey in 1913
-- Cartoonist Al Jaffee in 1921 (age 99)
-- Helen "Callaghan" Candaele Saint Aubin, known as the "Ted Williams of women's baseball," in 1923
-- Singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka in 1939 (age 81)
File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Actor William H. Macy in 1950 (age 70)
-- Political commentator Charles Krauthammer in 1950
-- Actor Dana Delany in 1956 (age 64)
-- Musician Adam Clayton, U2 bass player, in 1960 (age 60)
-- Actor Annabeth Gish in 1971 (age 49)
-- Actor/rapper Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., in 1972 (age 48)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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-- Metal singer David Draiman in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Danny Masterson in 1976 (age 44)
-- Actor Noel Fisher in 1984 (age 36)
-- Actor Emile Hirsch in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Harry Melling in 1989 (age 31)
-- Journalist/model Peaches Geldof in 1989
-- Actor Kaya Scodelario in 1992 (age 28)
-- Actor George MacKay in 1992 (age 28)
-- U.S. Olympic gold alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin in 1995 (age 25)


upi--2020-03-13--The real Charles Lindbergh behind 'The Plot Against America'

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Charles A. Lindbergh was a lot of things .
He was an air age legend who became the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean .
He was a father , who publicly faced a parent 's worst nightmare -- the kidnapping and death of a child -- in what came to be known as the trial of the century .
He was an aviation consultant who assisted companies making military aircraft during World War II .
But he also had an interest in politics , campaigning for the United States to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anti-Semitic , pro-fascist America First Committee .
So what if Lindbergh had become president in 1941 ?
That 's the question a new HBO series , The Plot Against America , asks .
The series , based on the 2004 Philip Roth novel of the same name , is set to premiere Monday .
Starring Winona Ryder , Zoe Kazan , Morgan Spector , John Turturro , Anthony Boyle , Azhy Robertson and Caleb Malis , it imagines a world in which Lindbergh defeated President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term in office and eventually leading the country into war after the attack on Pearl Harbor , the series lays out the story of a United States torn apart by anti-Semitism , fear and propaganda .
It also glimpses a world coming more and more under the power of Nazi Germany .
To some it may be hard to reconcile the idea of Lindbergh working in coordination with the Nazis , as the series and book posit .
Hailed by many Americans as a national hero , his record-setting Spirit of St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air and Space Museum in Washington , D.C .
But much of the fictionalized story is in fact inspired by the real events of Lindbergh 's life .
Lindbergh is perhaps best remembered for his numerous aviation records and milestones , capturing the world 's imagination as he traversed the globe in his single-engine Ryan monoplane .
He began his flying career as a U.S. Air Mail pilot in 1925 after receiving formal training in the U.S. Army Air Service , a precursor to the Air Force .
He made headlines for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he became the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic .
He won the $ 25,000 Orteig Prize for his efforts , beating out other famous aviators and explorers such as Richard E. Byrd and Clarence Chamberlin .
A team of more than 100 United Press correspondents were posted at news offices across the United States and on remote coasts along Lindbergh 's route to quickly relay news of his progress and success .
In theaters , United Press bulletins were read to audiences amid wild cheering .
He received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for acts of heroism in military combat .
Lindbergh 's achievement inspired an interest in aviation and he used his fame to promote transatlantic passenger service and an increase in air mail .
In The Plot Against America , Lindbergh 's interest in aviation plays out in his unique campaigning technique in which he criss-crossed the United States in his own airplane , speaking to supporters on the grounds of small , local airfields .
Tragedy struck the Lindbergh family in 1932 , when his 20-month-old son , Charles Lindbergh Jr. , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amwell , N.J. After searching the house , the family found a ransom note demanding $ 50,000 in exchange for the baby .
The Lindbergh family and authorities negotiated an exchange of the money , and though an intermediary handed over the money to a man named `` John , '' the baby was not found at the location the kidnapper gave near Martha 's Vineyard .
Charles ' badly decomposed body was eventually found May 12 , 1932 , about 4 miles from the Lindbergh home .
A coroner said he believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months and his cause of death was a blow to the head .
The crime might never have been solved had the U.S. government not dropped the gold standard two years later .
The Lindberghs paid the ransom money in gold certificates and when the culprit turned them in , it put investigators on the trail of Bruno Hauptmann , a German immigrant carpenter .
This breakthrough began what would later come to be known as the trial of the century .
In 1935 , a jury convicted Hauptmann of murder in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was executed less than two months later .
A fictionalized theory about what was behind the baby 's kidnapping figures heavily in the conclusion of The Plot Against America .
The Lindberghs and their surviving children moved to and traveled throughout Europe , seeking to escape from the public eye .
In the mid- to late-1930s , he worked at the request of the U.S. military representative in Berlin -- Col. Truman Smith -- to gather intelligence .
He conducted four visits to Germany before the start of World War II to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adolf Hitler 's aircraft manufacturing facilities , according to Smith .
Lindbergh came under scrutiny in 1938 for accepting a medal from Nazi Field Marshal Hermann Goering , but Smith later wrote that had the aviator refused , he would have offended the leader .
Despite helping the U.S. military gain intelligence on the Nazis , Lindbergh staunchly opposed the United States joining the fight .
He was a spokesman for the America First Committee , a non-interventionist group that espoused building up the U.S. military to protect it from an outside attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anti-Jewish efforts by Nazi Germany in his speeches and writings during this time .
He wrote in 1939 in Readers Digest about building up the United States ' defenses to protect against the `` infiltration of inferior blood . ''
In reaction to the 1938 Kristallnacht , in which Nazis killed some 100 Jewish people in a single night , he agreed Germany had a `` Jewish problem , '' but described the massacre as unreasonable in his diary .
In The Plot Against America , Roth imagines a United States in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindbergh 's views on non-interventionism and race and vote him into office .
Gradually , anti-Semitic speech and attacks become commonplace in this alternative America .
The story is told from the perspective of a working-class Jewish family -- the Roths -- living in Newark , N.J .
They witness Lindbergh 's political success and the rise of populism and xenophobia in a country they once thought they understood and belonged in .
The adaptation is created by David Simon and Ed Burns , best known for their work on the HBO series @ @ @

Aviator Charles Lindbergh, wearing a helmet and goggles, is pictured in the open cockpit of airplane at Lambert Field in St. Louis in the 1920s. He's perhaps best known for being the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic. File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress
March 13 (UPI) -- Charles A. Lindbergh was a lot of things. He was an air age legend who became the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. He was a father, who publicly faced a parent's worst nightmare -- the kidnapping and death of a child -- in what came to be known as the trial of the century. He was an aviation consultant who assisted companies making military aircraft during World War II. But he also had an interest in politics, campaigning for the United States to stay out of the war and supporting the anti-Semitic, pro-fascist America First Committee. Advertisement
So what if Lindbergh had become president in 1941?
That's the question a new HBO series, The Plot Against America, asks.
The series, based on the 2004 Philip Roth novel of the same name, is set to premiere Monday. Starring Winona Ryder, Zoe Kazan, Morgan Spector, John Turturro, Anthony Boyle, Azhy Robertson and Caleb Malis, it imagines a world in which Lindbergh defeated President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 election.
Advertisement
Instead of FDR winning a third term in office and eventually leading the country into war after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the series lays out the story of a United States torn apart by anti-Semitism, fear and propaganda. It also glimpses a world coming more and more under the power of Nazi Germany.
To some it may be hard to reconcile the idea of Lindbergh working in coordination with the Nazis, as the series and book posit. Hailed by many Americans as a national hero, his record-setting Spirit of St. Louis airplane is on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
But much of the fictionalized story is in fact inspired by the real events of Lindbergh's life.
Aviation legend
Lindbergh is perhaps best remembered for his numerous aviation records and milestones, capturing the world's imagination as he traversed the globe in his single-engine Ryan monoplane. He began his flying career as a U.S. Air Mail pilot in 1925 after receiving formal training in the U.S. Army Air Service, a precursor to the Air Force.
He made headlines for the first time in 1927 at age 25 when he became the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. He won the $25,000 Orteig Prize for his efforts, beating out other famous aviators and explorers such as Richard E. Byrd and Clarence Chamberlin.
Advertisement
A team of more than 100 United Press correspondents were posted at news offices across the United States and on remote coasts along Lindbergh's route to quickly relay news of his progress and success. In theaters, United Press bulletins were read to audiences amid wild cheering.
He received the Medal of Honor, normally only awarded for acts of heroism in military combat.
Lindbergh's achievement inspired an interest in aviation and he used his fame to promote transatlantic passenger service and an increase in air mail.
In The Plot Against America, Lindbergh's interest in aviation plays out in his unique campaigning technique in which he criss-crossed the United States in his own airplane, speaking to supporters on the grounds of small, local airfields.
Lindbergh baby
Tragedy struck the Lindbergh family in 1932, when his 20-month-old son, Charles Lindbergh Jr., was kidnapped from the family home in East Amwell, N.J. After searching the house, the family found a ransom note demanding $50,000 in exchange for the baby.
Advertisement
The Lindbergh family and authorities negotiated an exchange of the money, and though an intermediary handed over the money to a man named "John," the baby was not found at the location the kidnapper gave near Martha's Vineyard.
Charles' badly decomposed body was eventually found May 12, 1932, about 4 miles from the Lindbergh home. A coroner said he believed the baby had been dead for about two months and his cause of death was a blow to the head.
The crime might never have been solved had the U.S. government not dropped the gold standard two years later. The Lindberghs paid the ransom money in gold certificates and when the culprit turned them in, it put investigators on the trail of Bruno Hauptmann, a German immigrant carpenter.
This breakthrough began what would later come to be known as the trial of the century.
In 1935, a jury convicted Hauptmann of murder in the death of Charles, and he was executed less than two months later.
Advertisement
A fictionalized theory about what was behind the baby's kidnapping figures heavily in the conclusion of The Plot Against America.
Lindbergh and politics
The Lindberghs and their surviving children moved to and traveled throughout Europe, seeking to escape from the public eye.
In the mid- to late-1930s, he worked at the request of the U.S. military representative in Berlin -- Col. Truman Smith -- to gather intelligence. He conducted four visits to Germany before the start of World War II to provide data on the Luftwaffe's planes and Adolf Hitler's aircraft manufacturing facilities, according to Smith.
Lindbergh came under scrutiny in 1938 for accepting a medal from Nazi Field Marshal Hermann Goering, but Smith later wrote that had the aviator refused, he would have offended the leader.
Despite helping the U.S. military gain intelligence on the Nazis, Lindbergh staunchly opposed the United States joining the fight. He was a spokesman for the America First Committee, a non-interventionist group that espoused building up the U.S. military to protect it from an outside attack.
Lindbergh discussed his thoughts about race and anti-Jewish efforts by Nazi Germany in his speeches and writings during this time. He wrote in 1939 in Readers Digest about building up the United States' defenses to protect against the "infiltration of inferior blood." In reaction to the 1938 Kristallnacht, in which Nazis killed some 100 Jewish people in a single night, he agreed Germany had a "Jewish problem," but described the massacre as unreasonable in his diary.
Advertisement
In The Plot Against America, Roth imagines a United States in which the majority of Americans agree with Lindbergh's views on non-interventionism and race and vote him into office. Gradually, anti-Semitic speech and attacks become commonplace in this alternative America.
The story is told from the perspective of a working-class Jewish family -- the Roths -- living in Newark, N.J. They witness Lindbergh's political success and the rise of populism and xenophobia in a country they once thought they understood and belonged in.
The adaptation is created by David Simon and Ed Burns, best known for their work on the HBO series The Wire.


upi--2020-03-13--SpaceX plans Saturday launch from Florida to boost Starlink satellite count

Orlando , Fla. , March 13 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX is aiming for a Saturday morning launch of its sixth cluster of 60 Starlink satellites from Florida .
The launch is planned for 9:36 a.m. on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the company 's Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center .
The mission would boost the number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 362 , by far the largest known satellite constellation .
Saturday 's mission has a 90 percent likelihood of good launch weather and no significant problems in the recovery zone for the booster landing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Starlink satellites are roughly the size of a large dinner table , each weighing over 500 pounds .
The space firm launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May , November , on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17 , with two test satellites launched before that .
The spacecraft are stacked in the rocket nosecone , using a flat-panel design that minimizes volume .
If all continues on track for Starlink , 100 or more such Starlink launches could occur in the next few years .
SpaceX intends ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband around the globe to provide high-speed Internet available everywhere , even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets .
Despite the fast pace of launches , little is known about Starlink 's eventual business strategy , said Shagun Sachdeva , a satellite analyst with Northern Sky Research .
`` Starlink is a bit of a black hole right now ; they are not sharing much information , '' Sachdeva said .
`` We do know there is interest from the U.S. military , and we believe most of their revenue will come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sachdeva noted recent reports saying SpaceX is valued at $ 36 billion .
`` Most of the company 's value is because of Elon Musk , not Starlink or their products .
He is a good brand now , '' she said .
`` No investors are directly funding Starlink .
Company leadership has said it is funding the constellation itself . ''
Starlink has drawn some concern from astronomers and stargazers who have seen the satellites as they reflect sunlight .
In response , SpaceX launched a satellite in January with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is less visible on the ground .
The company has said it could take months before they can evaluate the coating .
SpaceX did n't respond to a request for an update .
The satellites orbit about 340 miles above the Earth .
By comparison , the Kármán line that defines space is 62 miles high , and the International Space Station is more than 250 miles high .
The Starlink satellites detach from the rocket 's second stage at an altitude of about 180 miles .
SpaceX engineers then conduct data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating as intended .
Once the checkouts are complete , the satellites use onboard ion thrusters to move into the final orbit height .
SpaceX competitors plan their own new satellite constellations , including OneWeb and Jeff Bezos ' Amazon .
SpaceX has said it is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy what it describes as the world 's most advanced broadband Internet system in Starlink .

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SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites like this one from Florida on Sunday morning. File Photo by Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell/UPI | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., March 13 (UPI) -- SpaceX is aiming for a Sunday morning launch of its sixth cluster of 60 Starlink satellites from Florida after pushing the launch back by one day. Liftoff is planned for 9:22 a.m. on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the company's Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The mission would boost the number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 362, by far the largest known satellite constellation. Advertisement
The mission has a 90 percent likelihood of good launch weather and no significant problems in the recovery zone for the booster landing, according to the Air Force weather forecast.
Starlink satellites are roughly the size of a large dinner table, each weighing over 500 pounds.
The space firm launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May, November, on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17, with two test satellites launched before that. The spacecraft are stacked in the rocket nosecone, using a flat-panel design that minimizes volume.
If all continues on track for Starlink, 100 or more such Starlink launches could occur in the next few years. SpaceX intends ultimately to launch thousands of satellites to beam broadband around the globe to provide high-speed Internet everywhere, even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets.
Advertisement
Despite the fast pace of launches, little is known about Starlink's eventual business strategy, said Shagun Sachdeva, a satellite analyst with Northern Sky Research.
"Starlink is a bit of a black hole right now. They are not sharing much information," Sachdeva said. "We do know there is interest from the U.S. military, and we believe most of their revenue will come from there rather than commercial customers."
Sachdeva noted recent reports saying SpaceX is valued at $36 billion.
"Most of the company's value is because of Elon Musk, not Starlink or their products. He is a good brand now," she said. "No investors are directly funding Starlink. Company leadership has said it is funding the constellation itself."
Starlink has drawn some concern from astronomers and stargazers who have seen the satellites as they reflect sunlight. In response, SpaceX launched a satellite in January with a non-reflective coating, to see if it is less visible on the ground.
The company has said it could take months before they can evaluate the coating. SpaceX didn't respond to a request for an update.
The satellites orbit about 340 miles above the Earth. By comparison, the Kármán line that defines space is 62 miles high, and the International Space Station is more than 250 miles high.
Advertisement
The Starlink satellites detach from the rocket's second stage at an altitude of about 180 miles. SpaceX engineers then conduct data reviews to ensure all Starlink satellites are operating as intended. Once the checkouts are complete, the satellites use onboard ion thrusters to move into the final orbit height.
SpaceX competitors plan their own new satellite constellations, including OneWeb and Jeff Bezos' Amazon. SpaceX has said it is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy what it describes as the world's most advanced broadband Internet system in Starlink.


upi--2020-03-13--U.S. Treasury blacklists Rosneft subsidiary over Venezuela

March 13 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against a subsidiary of the Russian state-controlled Rosneft Oil Company for allegedly propping up embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through brokering the sale of the South American nation 's oil .
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed the sanctions against TNK Trading International `` for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy , '' it said in a statement .
Last month , the Treasury blacklisted Rosneft for aiding Maduro in evading sanctions , accusing it of overseeing the sale of Venezuelan oil , going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrels between ships at sea to evade detection .
The Treasury said following Rosneft 's designation , TNK Trading assisted in the evasion of sanctions by slapping its name on shipments of Venezuelan oil that were previously allocated to its parent company .
`` TNK Trading International S.A. is another Rosneft subsidiary brokering the sale and transport of Venezuelan crude oil , which is subject to sanctions , '' Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement .
`` The Trump administration remains committed to targeting those who support the corrupt regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the sanctions were being deployed to force Maduro to the negotiating table over implementing democratic elections in the socialist country .
`` Today , we sanctioned Russian Rosneft-owned oil firm TNK Trading International S.A. , increasing the regime 's isolation and bringing the people of Venezuela closer to freedom and prosperity , '' he said .
The United States has repeatedly imposed sanctions against the Venezuelan leadership and those it accuses of supporting it since Maduro 's 2018 re-election was deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration backed opposition leader Juan Guaido 's self-appointed claim as interim president , a movement that has garnered the support of nearly 60 mostly Western countries .
Venezuela on Thursday rejected the sanctions as `` illegal and arbitrary , '' threatening to bring the matter before the international criminal court .
`` Respect international law and the sovereignty of Venezuela , '' said Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza via Twitter .
`` Lift the sanctions . ''
The United States said Rosneft obtained control of TNK Trading in December 2017 and together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's oil exports last year .
Pompeo on Thursday urged the international community to join the United States in applying pressure on the Maduro regime in order to force it to `` relinquish its illegitimate hold on power . ''
`` The United States , in coordination with international partners , will continue to increase the pressure on Maduro and his enablers until freedom and prosperity are restored in Venezuela , '' he said in a statement .

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido demonstrate with a Venezuelan national flag in Caracas on March 4, 2019. Photo by Marcelo Perez/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has imposed sanctions against a subsidiary of the Russian state-controlled Rosneft Oil Company for allegedly propping up embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through brokering the sale of the South American nation's oil. The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed the sanctions against TNK Trading International "for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy," it said in a statement. Advertisement
Last month, the Treasury blacklisted Rosneft for aiding Maduro in evading sanctions, accusing it of overseeing the sale of Venezuelan oil, going so far as to transfer millions of barrels between ships at sea to evade detection.
The Treasury said following Rosneft's designation, TNK Trading assisted in the evasion of sanctions by slapping its name on shipments of Venezuelan oil that were previously allocated to its parent company.
"TNK Trading International S.A. is another Rosneft subsidiary brokering the sale and transport of Venezuelan crude oil, which is subject to sanctions," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement. "The Trump administration remains committed to targeting those who support the corrupt regime's exploitation of Venezuela's oil assets."
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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the sanctions were being deployed to force Maduro to the negotiating table over implementing democratic elections in the socialist country.
"Today, we sanctioned Russian Rosneft-owned oil firm TNK Trading International S.A., increasing the regime's isolation and bringing the people of Venezuela closer to freedom and prosperity," he said.
The United States has repeatedly imposed sanctions against the Venezuelan leadership and those it accuses of supporting it since Maduro's 2018 re-election was deemed illegitimate. In January 2019, the Trump administration backed opposition leader Juan Guaido's self-appointed claim as interim president, a movement that has garnered the support of nearly 60 mostly Western countries.
Venezuela on Thursday rejected the sanctions as "illegal and arbitrary," threatening to bring the matter before the international criminal court.
"Respect international law and the sovereignty of Venezuela," said Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza via Twitter. "Lift the sanctions."
The United States said Rosneft obtained control of TNK Trading in December 2017 and together they handled a large percentage of Venezuela's oil exports last year.
Pompeo on Thursday urged the international community to join the United States in applying pressure on the Maduro regime in order to force it to "relinquish its illegitimate hold on power."
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"The United States, in coordination with international partners, will continue to increase the pressure on Maduro and his enablers until freedom and prosperity are restored in Venezuela," he said in a statement.


upi--2020-03-13--Latter-day Saints suspends gatherings worldwide amid COVID-19 pandemic

March 13 ( UPI ) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has temporarily suspended all public gatherings worldwide to combat the spread of the deadly and infectious coronavirus among its congregation .
Effective immediately , all public gatherings , including conferences , worship services and branch , ward and stake activities , have been suspended , the church said Thursday in a statement .
`` We have considered the counsel of local church leaders , government officials and medical professionals , and have sought the lord 's guidance in these matters , '' the church said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of church members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice . ''
The church called for essential leadership meetings to be held electronically and said discussions are ongoing concerning how to make sacrament available to its 13 million members at least once a month .
The news comes a day after the church announced that the public would be barred from attending its April general conference in Utah and that sessions would be distributed online .
Also Thursday , the Archdiocese of Washington and the Maryland Episcopal Church announced they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wilton Gregory announced the closure of Catholic schools and masses starting Saturday until further notice though weddings and funerals may proceed if attendance is limited to immediate family .
`` We are aware of the rapidly developing district and state guidelines regarding the coronavirus , '' Gregory said in a statement .
`` My number one priority as your archbishop is to ensure the safety and health of all who attend our masses , the children in our schools and those we welcome through our outreach and services .
Please know that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our schools or cancel masses . ''
In Maryland , Rev .
Eugene Taylor Sutton said in a statement he directed all churches to shut down public worship services starting Sunday .

March 13 (UPI) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has temporarily suspended all public gatherings worldwide to combat the spread of the deadly and infectious coronavirus among its congregation.
Effective immediately, all public gatherings, including conferences, worship services and branch, ward and stake activities, have been suspended, the church said Thursday in a statement.
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"We have considered the counsel of local church leaders, government officials and medical professionals, and have sought the lord's guidance in these matters," the church said. "Beginning immediately, all public gatherings of church members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice."
The church called for essential leadership meetings to be held electronically and said discussions are ongoing concerning how to make sacrament available to its 13 million members at least once a month.
The news comes a day after the church announced that the public would be barred from attending its April general conference in Utah and that sessions would be distributed online.
Also Thursday, the Archdiocese of Washington and the Maryland Episcopal Church announced they would be suspending service.
In Washington, Archbishop Wilton Gregory announced the closure of Catholic schools and masses starting Saturday until further notice though weddings and funerals may proceed if attendance is limited to immediate family.
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"We are aware of the rapidly developing district and state guidelines regarding the coronavirus," Gregory said in a statement. "My number one priority as your archbishop is to ensure the safety and health of all who attend our masses, the children in our schools and those we welcome through our outreach and services. Please know that this decision does not come lightly to close our schools or cancel masses."
In Maryland, Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton said in a statement he directed all churches to shut down public worship services starting Sunday.


upi--2020-03-12--China says COVID-19 has peaked; new restrictions in Italy, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Beijing on Thursday declared the coronavirus outbreak has peaked in China , as new cases in the Wuhan epicenter declined to single digits .
But cases in Europe and Iran continued to climb , and Italy , Saudi Arabia and Venezuela expanded restrictions on movement .
Chinese National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said that while COVID-19 infections remained an epidemic in the country , the peak has passed , as only eight new cases were reported Wednesday in Wuhan and a total of 15 across the country .
No new cases had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for seven consecutive days , Mi said .
China recorded 11 deaths on Wednesday while 1,318 people were discharged from hospital after recovery .
Since the start of the outbreak , confirmed cases reached 80,793 in all , with 3,169 deaths .
The decline in China came as infections elsewhere , particularly in Europe and Iran , continued to spiral .
The World Health Organization urged governments , especially those where case levels have been low so far , to take stronger measures to contain its spread .
The WHO reported Thursday more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nearly 4,300 deaths .
In Europe , tough new lock-down measures began Thursday in Italy , which has seen more than 12,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases -- the most of any nation outside of China .
Cafes , bars and restaurants and all shops selling non-essential items were ordered closed under measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte late Wednesday .
Pharmacies , supermarkets , hardware stores and gas stations in Italy were allowed to remain open .
European Union leaders in Brussels , meanwhile , slammed a decision by U.S. President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States for 30 days , saying he failed to consult with the 27-member bloc about the restrictions .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel criticized Trump 's decision , particularly because the U.S. leader did n't seek advice or feedback from the EU .
EU leaders have agreed to set up a $ 28 billion fund to cushion its economic impact and to work to ensure adequate medical equipment and supplies .
New cases in Spain also continued to escalate as it became Europe 's second-worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The regional governments in Catalonia , the Basque Country , Galicia and Murcia joined Madrid on Thursday in closing all schools .
Madrid officials , however , said the city would not follow Italy 's lead in instituting a broad-based lockdown , despite 1,388 infections and 38 deaths .
`` I want to say that Madrid will not be shut down , at least not on orders from the regional government , '' regional Premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso said .
`` And the central government has not relayed any decision that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid . ''
The outbreak continued to worsen in Iran , where health officials said Thursday the country 's caseload had surpassed 10,000 .
More than 1,000 new cases were confirmed over the previous 24 hours , health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told reporters , adding that 429 people had died there since the outbreak started .
He said 3,276 coronavirus patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals while urging Iranians to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel .
In South Korea , the number of new cases continued to decline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Wednesday , marking the lowest daily number in two weeks .
It brought the nation 's total infections to 7,869 .
Saudi Arabia expanded its flight and travel bans to 12 countries and the European Union on Thursday , hours after Trump 's announcement .
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency , the country said it was temporarily suspending `` the travel of citizens and expatriates and suspended flights '' to EU member states and Switzerland , India , Pakistan , Sri Lanka , the Philippines , Sudan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenya , Djibouti and Somalia .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the suspension of flights from Europe and Columbia to the South American nation on Thursday as part of measures the country is adopting to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , the country 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement .
The suspension of flights will be in effect starting Sunday and the government will continue to assess the situation of flights from other regions and that new measures will be announced if necessary .
The president also barred large gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled in addition to the closure of public spaces `` that promote the conditions of virus transmission . ''
`` I ask all the people , organizations and social movements , maximum understanding and social discipline , in the face of this threat to health , '' he said via Twitter .
Maduro also declared a state of permanent emergency in order to implement mechanisms in its healthcare system , the ministry said in a separate statement .
`` I have decided to declare a state of permanent emergency in the healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its capacity to address cases that could be eventually detected in the country , he said .
According to the ministry , Venezuela is also considering closing its borders with Colombia and Brazil if necessary , calling on the other South American nations to put aside their differences with Venezuela and coordinate with its health authorities .
`` We are going to insist a thousand times on putting aside our ideological differences , which are trivial in the face of this pandemic , so that we can effectively provide care to the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus from Colombia and Brazil , '' Maduro said .
Colombia and Brazil are two of the more than 55 countries that back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido 's claim to the Venezuelan presidency after Maduro 's 2018 re-election was deemed illegitimate .
The United States has been incrementally tightening pressure on Maduro in order to usher in a democratic transition in the socialist nation but Maduro has remained in power , largely due to the support of Russia and Cuba .
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Brazil `` have not answered our phone calls '' concerning a COVID-19 response .
Maduro also demanded the United States on Thursday lift sanctions imposed against Venezuela that bar it from buying medical supplies .
`` We have to pay three times the price of tests , but we have managed to get them in this phase and we are still trying to find enough diagnostic tests for the next phases , '' he said .
Venezuela , Maduro said , has not yet confirmed a case of COVID-19 after ruling our @ @ @ @

1/3
A woman wears a mandatory face mask at an empty international shopping mall in Beijing on Tuesday. Chinese officials said Thursday, the coronavirus epidemic has peaked there. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- Beijing on Thursday declared the coronavirus outbreak has peaked in China, as new cases in the Wuhan epicenter declined to single digits. But cases in Europe and Iran continued to climb, and Italy, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela expanded restrictions on movement. Chinese National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said that while COVID-19 infections remained an epidemic in the country, the peak has passed, as only eight new cases were reported Wednesday in Wuhan and a total of 15 across the country. Advertisement
No new cases had been reported in other cities of Hubei province for seven consecutive days, Mi said.
China recorded 11 deaths on Wednesday while 1,318 people were discharged from hospital after recovery. Since the start of the outbreak, confirmed cases reached 80,793 in all, with 3,169 deaths.
The decline in China came as infections elsewhere, particularly in Europe and Iran, continued to spiral. The World Health Organization urged governments, especially those where case levels have been low so far, to take stronger measures to contain its spread.
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The WHO reported Thursday more than 125,000 confirmed cases in 118 countries with nearly 4,300 deaths.
Europe
In Europe, tough new lock-down measures began Thursday in Italy, which has seen more than 12,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases -- the most of any nation outside of China. Cafes, bars and restaurants and all shops selling non-essential items were ordered closed under measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte late Wednesday.
Pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores and gas stations in Italy were allowed to remain open.
European Union leaders in Brussels, meanwhile, slammed a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to bar travel into the United States for 30 days, saying he failed to consult with the 27-member bloc about the restrictions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel criticized Trump's decision, particularly because the U.S. leader didn't seek advice or feedback from the EU.
EU leaders have agreed to set up a $28 billion fund to cushion its economic impact and to work to ensure adequate medical equipment and supplies.
New cases in Spain also continued to escalate as it became Europe's second-worst affected country with 2,277 cases and 55 deaths.
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The regional governments in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia and Murcia joined Madrid on Thursday in closing all schools. Madrid officials, however, said the city would not follow Italy's lead in instituting a broad-based lockdown, despite 1,388 infections and 38 deaths.
"I want to say that Madrid will not be shut down, at least not on orders from the regional government," regional Premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso said. "And the central government has not relayed any decision that might be interpreted as the closure of Madrid."
Asia
The outbreak continued to worsen in Iran, where health officials said Thursday the country's caseload had surpassed 10,000.
More than 1,000 new cases were confirmed over the previous 24 hours, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour told reporters, adding that 429 people had died there since the outbreak started.
He said 3,276 coronavirus patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals while urging Iranians to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
In South Korea, the number of new cases continued to decline. Health officials said 114 new cases were found Wednesday, marking the lowest daily number in two weeks. It brought the nation's total infections to 7,869.
Middle East
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Saudi Arabia expanded its flight and travel bans to 12 countries and the European Union on Thursday, hours after Trump's announcement.
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the country said it was temporarily suspending "the travel of citizens and expatriates and suspended flights" to EU member states and Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia.
South America
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the suspension of flights from Europe and Columbia to the South American nation on Thursday as part of measures the country is adopting to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The suspension of flights will be in effect starting Sunday and the government will continue to assess the situation of flights from other regions and that new measures will be announced if necessary.
The president also barred large gatherings and called for public events to be canceled in addition to the closure of public spaces "that promote the conditions of virus transmission."
"I ask all the people, organizations and social movements, maximum understanding and social discipline, in the face of this threat to health," he said via Twitter.
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Maduro also declared a state of permanent emergency in order to implement mechanisms in its healthcare system, the ministry said in a separate statement.
"I have decided to declare a state of permanent emergency in the healthcare system to prevent, protect and upgrade all its capacity to address cases that could be eventually detected in the country, he said.
According to the ministry, Venezuela is also considering closing its borders with Colombia and Brazil if necessary, calling on the other South American nations to put aside their differences with Venezuela and coordinate with its health authorities.
"We are going to insist a thousand times on putting aside our ideological differences, which are trivial in the face of this pandemic, so that we can effectively provide care to the population on the border and manage to avoid the spread of coronavirus from Colombia and Brazil," Maduro said.
Colombia and Brazil are two of the more than 55 countries that back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to the Venezuelan presidency after Maduro's 2018 re-election was deemed illegitimate.
The United States has been incrementally tightening pressure on Maduro in order to usher in a democratic transition in the socialist nation but Maduro has remained in power, largely due to the support of Russia and Cuba.
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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a tweet that the foreign ministers of Colombia and Brazil "have not answered our phone calls" concerning a COVID-19 response.
Maduro also demanded the United States on Thursday lift sanctions imposed against Venezuela that bar it from buying medical supplies.
"We have to pay three times the price of tests, but we have managed to get them in this phase and we are still trying to find enough diagnostic tests for the next phases," he said.
Venezuela, Maduro said, has not yet confirmed a case of COVID-19 after ruling our 30 suspected patients.


upi--2020-03-12--Canadian PM Justin Trudeau quarantined after Sophie Trudeau tests positive for COVID-19

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was quarantined Thursday after his wife , Sophie Trudeau , tested positive for the coronavirus .
In an emailed statement , the Prime Minister 's Office said Justin Trudeau , 48 , was in good health and was exhibiting no symptoms of the disease but will be isolated for 14 days as a precaution .
`` The prime minister will continue to fully assume his duties and will address Canadians tomorrow , '' it said .
`` ... All orders of government will continue to work tirelessly and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health system to deal with the spread of COVID-19 . ''
According to his office , doctors advised that he not be tested as he is not exhibiting symptoms and for the same reason there is no risk of infection to those he 's been in contact with .
Sophie Trudeau , 44 , was tested earlier Thursday for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation with her husband as they awaited her test results , which came back positive , the Prime Minister 's Office said .
`` She is feeling well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her symptoms remain mild , '' the office said , adding that health professionals will be reaching out to those Sophie Trudeau has been in contact with .
`` Although I 'm experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus , I will be back on my feet soon , '' Sophie Trudeau said in a statement .
`` Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns . ''
Earlier Thursday , Justin Trudeau announced that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speaking engagement in Britain and that both of them had been quarantined at the recommendations of their doctors .
`` Out of an abundance of caution , I , too , will be self-isolating and self-monitoring until we get Sophie 's results back , '' Justin Trudeau said in a statement .
`` But I 'll be busy working from home . ''
Justin Trudeau was scheduled to speak with provincial premiers and Indigenous leaders on Thursday but the speech was postponed .
`` We 'll speak on the phone about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 and keep Canadians said , '' he said .
Canada has 138 cases of COVID-19 , the majority in Ontario and British Columbia , health officials said .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Trudeau, are in self-isolation after Sophie Trudeau's test results came back positive Thursday for COVID-19. Photo by Heinz Ruckermann/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was quarantined Thursday after his wife, Sophie Trudeau, tested positive for the coronavirus. In an emailed statement, the Prime Minister's Office said Justin Trudeau, 48, was in good health and was exhibiting no symptoms of the disease but will be isolated for 14 days as a precaution. Advertisement
"The prime minister will continue to fully assume his duties and will address Canadians tomorrow," it said. "... All orders of government will continue to work tirelessly and in close collaboration. Canada has a well-equipped public health system to deal with the spread of COVID-19."
According to his office, doctors advised that he not be tested as he is not exhibiting symptoms and for the same reason there is no risk of infection to those he's been in contact with.
Sophie Trudeau, 44, was tested earlier Thursday for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation with her husband as they awaited her test results, which came back positive, the Prime Minister's Office said.
"She is feeling well, is taking all recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild," the office said, adding that health professionals will be reaching out to those Sophie Trudeau has been in contact with.
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"Although I'm experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon," Sophie Trudeau said in a statement. "Being in quarantine at home is nothing compared to other Canadian families who might be going through this and for those facing more serious health concerns."
Earlier Thursday, Justin Trudeau announced that his wife was suffering from flu-like symptoms following a speaking engagement in Britain and that both of them had been quarantined at the recommendations of their doctors.
"Out of an abundance of caution, I, too, will be self-isolating and self-monitoring until we get Sophie's results back," Justin Trudeau said in a statement. "But I'll be busy working from home."
I have some personal news to share today. Sophie recently returned from a speaking event in the UK, and last night she was experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. She's feeling better, but following the advice of our doctor she is self-isolating as we wait on COVID-19 test results.— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 12, 2020
Justin Trudeau was scheduled to speak with provincial premiers and Indigenous leaders on Thursday but the speech was postponed.
"We'll speak on the phone about how we can mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19 and keep Canadians said," he said.
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Canada has 138 cases of COVID-19, the majority in Ontario and British Columbia, health officials said.


upi--2020-03-12--PGA Tour cancels 2020 Players Championship due to coronavirus outbreak

March 12 ( UPI ) -- After one round of play , the PGA Tour canceled the 2020 Players Championship and all other tournaments across the next three weeks because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak .
`` It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of The Players Championship , '' the PGA Tour said in a statement Thursday night .
`` We have also decided to cancel all PGA Tour events -- across all of our Tours -- in the coming weeks , through the Valero Texas Open .
`` We have pledged from the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our decision process .
We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend , and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate .
`` But at this point -- and as the situation continues to rapidly change -- the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause . ''
According to the statement , PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will answer additional questions at 8 a.m. EDT Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Japan 's Hideki Matsuyama tied a course record by shooting a 9-under par 63 in the first round of the 2020 Players Championship on Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach , Fla. Matsuyama led the field by two strokes when he headed to the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass .
Harris English , Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Si Woo Kim each finished 7-under par for a share of second place .
The No .
21 golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking began the day by making four consecutive birdies on the back-9 .
Matsuyama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final five holes for a score of 3-under par through nine holes .
Matsuyama then made par on three of his first four holes on the front-9 .
He carded a birdie on No .
2 before making three straight birdies on Nos .
5 , 6 and 7 .
Matsuyama made par on No .
8 before making an eagle on his 18th hole of the day , tying the course record .
Matsuyama has five career PGA Tour victories .
He tied for eighth at the 2019 Players Championship .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tour , capturing titles at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions , World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and Waste Management Phoenix Open .
World No .
1 Rory McIlroy , who won the 2019 Players Championship , was 2-over par through 11 holes in Thursday 's first round before ending with an even 72 .
World No .
2 Jon Rahm was 3-under par and tied for 22nd .
No .
3 Brooks Koepka finished 2-under par and tied for 37th .
Monahan previously announced that fans will not be allowed to attend tour events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continuing through the Valero Texas Open .
The Valero Texas Open is from March 30 to April 5 in San Antonio .
The three canceled events after the Players Championship are the Valspar Championship , the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and the Valero Texas Open .
The PGA Tour previously canceled the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship .

Hideki Matsuyama made an eagle on his final hole of the first round at the 2020 Players Championship Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- After one round of play, the PGA Tour canceled the 2020 Players Championship and all other tournaments across the next three weeks because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. "It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of The Players Championship," the PGA Tour said in a statement Thursday night. "We have also decided to cancel all PGA Tour events -- across all of our Tours -- in the coming weeks, through the Valero Texas Open. Advertisement
"We have pledged from the start to be responsible, thoughtful and transparent with our decision process. We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend, and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate.
"But at this point -- and as the situation continues to rapidly change -- the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause."
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According to the statement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will answer additional questions at 8 a.m. EDT Friday.
Before the cancellation of the tournament, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama tied a course record by shooting a 9-under par 63 in the first round of the 2020 Players Championship on Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Matsuyama led the field by two strokes when he headed to the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass. Harris English, Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Si Woo Kim each finished 7-under par for a share of second place.
The No. 21 golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking began the day by making four consecutive birdies on the back-9. Matsuyama carded par scores on four of his final five holes for a score of 3-under par through nine holes.
Matsuyama then made par on three of his first four holes on the front-9. He carded a birdie on No. 2 before making three straight birdies on Nos. 5, 6 and 7. Matsuyama made par on No. 8 before making an eagle on his 18th hole of the day, tying the course record.
That's how you finish. An eagle to tie the course record for Hideki Matsuyama.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/E6faRFR1s3— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2020 Advertisement
Matsuyama has five career PGA Tour victories. He tied for eighth at the 2019 Players Championship. He won three times during the 2017 PGA Tour, capturing titles at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions, World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and Waste Management Phoenix Open.
World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who won the 2019 Players Championship, was 2-over par through 11 holes in Thursday's first round before ending with an even 72. World No. 2 Jon Rahm was 3-under par and tied for 22nd. No. 3 Brooks Koepka finished 2-under par and tied for 37th.
Monahan previously announced that fans will not be allowed to attend tour events, starting Friday at the Players Championship and continuing through the Valero Texas Open. The Valero Texas Open is from March 30 to April 5 in San Antonio.
The three canceled events after the Players Championship are the Valspar Championship, the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and the Valero Texas Open. The PGA Tour previously canceled the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship.


upi--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Kevin Love donating $100K to arena workers affected by NBA shutdown

March 12 ( UPI ) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love pledged $ 100,000 to aid arena workers affected by the NBA 's response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The NBA announced Wednesday night that it was suspending the 2019-20 season until further notice because of the disease , causing workers from the league 's 28 arenas around the country to be displaced for the foreseeable future .
In Love 's statement posted Thursday on Instagram , the All-Star forward , who signed a four-year , $ 120 million contract extension with the Cavs in 2018 , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everyone is feeling . ''
`` Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations .
And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming , '' Love wrote .
`` Through the game of basketball , we 've been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players , the fans , and the communities where we work .
`` I 'm concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I 'm committing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of the @ Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season .
I hope that during this time of crisis , others will join me in supporting our communities . ''
Love 's donation echoed the joint statement released Thursday by the Cavaliers and their home arena , Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse .
`` Providing as safe and healthy of a work environment as possible for our organization and our visitors is our highest priority and the extensive precautionary and preventative measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement said .
`` At the same time , we are also developing a compensation plan to continue paying our event staff and hourly workforce that is impacted with the changes to our regular event schedule . ''
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also offered similar assurances that his employees at the American Airlines Center would be compensated while the league is suspended .
`` I reached out to the folks at the arena and our folks at the Mavs to find out what it would cost to financially support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to come to work , '' Cuban said in a press conference Wednesday .
`` You know , they get paid by the hour , and this is their source of income .
`` We 'll do some things there .
We may ask them to go do some volunteer work in exchange , but we 've already started the process of having a program in place .
I do n't have any details to give , but it 's certainly something that 's important to me . ''

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Cavs in the summer of 2018. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love pledged $100,000 to aid arena workers affected by the NBA's response to the coronavirus outbreak. The NBA announced Wednesday night that it was suspending the 2019-20 season until further notice because of the disease, causing workers from the league's 28 arenas around the country to be displaced for the foreseeable future. Advertisement
In Love's statement posted Thursday on Instagram, the All-Star forward, who signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Cavs in 2018, said he was "concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling."
"Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming," Love wrote. "Through the game of basketball, we've been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players, the fans, and the communities where we work.
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"I'm concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I'm committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities."
Love's donation echoed the joint statement released Thursday by the Cavaliers and their home arena, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
"Providing as safe and healthy of a work environment as possible for our organization and our visitors is our highest priority and the extensive precautionary and preventative measures being taken continue to be in place," the statement said.
"At the same time, we are also developing a compensation plan to continue paying our event staff and hourly workforce that is impacted with the changes to our regular event schedule."
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also offered similar assurances that his employees at the American Airlines Center would be compensated while the league is suspended.
"I reached out to the folks at the arena and our folks at the Mavs to find out what it would cost to financially support people who aren't going to be able to come to work," Cuban said in a press conference Wednesday. "You know, they get paid by the hour, and this is their source of income.
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"We'll do some things there. We may ask them to go do some volunteer work in exchange, but we've already started the process of having a program in place. I don't have any details to give, but it's certainly something that's important to me."


upi--2020-03-12--Treasury blacklists businesses linked to Mexican drug cartels

March 12 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Treasury said it has blacklisted four businesses over their connections to two allied Mexican drug cartels .
The four companies are accused of being linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel , or CJNG , and the Los Cuinis Drug Trafficking Organization that funnel fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States , the Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The United States will continue to work with our Mexican counterparts to expose drug trafficking organizations that profit off of the suffering of American families , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The companies were designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act that aims to deny narcotics traffickers and their related businesses access to the U.S. financial system .
In a statement Thursday , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Kingpin Act blocks all property and interests in property within the United States designated to the named people or entities while also prohibiting Americans from conducting business with them .
Two of the businesses -- International Investments Holding in Guadalajara and GBJ de Colima , a gas station company in Villa de Alvarez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Abigael Gonzalez Valencia , the alleged leader of Los Cuinis , according to Treasury officials .
Master Reposterias Y Restaurantes and Corporativo Sushi Provi , the other two Mexican companies , were sanctioned due to the drug cartels attempting to use them to evade sanctions , the department said .
The Treasury said it has also added two new names to its Specially Designated Nationals List for a cabin rental business in Tapalpa that was previously designated in 2015 for providing assistance to CJNG .
`` Through targeted foreign assistance , diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act and the State Department 's Narcotics Rewards Program , the United States will continue its whole-of-government effort to deny foreign narcotics traffickers access to the U.S. financial system and to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the health and welfare of Americans , '' Pompeo said .
The designations are the result of the Treasury 's Office of Foreign Assets Control collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration , which also on Wednesday announced along with the Justice Department that federal agents had arrested some 700 people connected to CJNG as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets drug trafficking organizations , including CJNG , on all fronts , '' DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon said in a statement .
`` Making money is at the heart of drug trafficking , and by choking off their means to launder drug proceeds , DEA , along with our interagency partners , is taking another step toward dismantling CJNG and associated organizations . ''

March 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury said it has blacklisted four businesses over their connections to two allied Mexican drug cartels.
The four companies are accused of being linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, and the Los Cuinis Drug Trafficking Organization that funnel fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States, the Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday.
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"The United States will continue to work with our Mexican counterparts to expose drug trafficking organizations that profit off of the suffering of American families," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin G. Muzinich.
The companies were designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act that aims to deny narcotics traffickers and their related businesses access to the U.S. financial system.
In a statement Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Kingpin Act blocks all property and interests in property within the United States designated to the named people or entities while also prohibiting Americans from conducting business with them.
Two of the businesses -- International Investments Holding in Guadalajara and GBJ de Colima, a gas station company in Villa de Alvarez -- were sanctioned due to their connections to Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, the alleged leader of Los Cuinis, according to Treasury officials.
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Master Reposterias Y Restaurantes and Corporativo Sushi Provi, the other two Mexican companies, were sanctioned due to the drug cartels attempting to use them to evade sanctions, the department said.
The Treasury said it has also added two new names to its Specially Designated Nationals List for a cabin rental business in Tapalpa that was previously designated in 2015 for providing assistance to CJNG.
"Through targeted foreign assistance, diplomatic engagement and tools such as the Kingpin Act and the State Department's Narcotics Rewards Program, the United States will continue its whole-of-government effort to deny foreign narcotics traffickers access to the U.S. financial system and to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the health and welfare of Americans," Pompeo said.
The designations are the result of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, which also on Wednesday announced along with the Justice Department that federal agents had arrested some 700 people connected to CJNG as part of Project Python.
"DEA targets drug trafficking organizations, including CJNG, on all fronts," DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon said in a statement. "Making money is at the heart of drug trafficking, and by choking off their means to launder drug proceeds, DEA, along with our interagency partners, is taking another step toward dismantling CJNG and associated organizations."


upi--2020-03-12--Tennessee Titans release RB Dion Lewis, LB Cameron Wake

March 12 ( UPI ) -- The Tennessee Titans released running back Dion Lewis and veteran pass-rusher Cameron Wake , the team announced Thursday .
Lewis signed a four-year , $ 19.8 million contract in 2018 and was scheduled to hold a $ 5.1 million cap figure in the 2020 season , according to Spotrac .
Wake , who signed a three-year deal worth $ 23 million in 2019 , was set to hold an $ 8.6 million cap figure next season , according to Spotrac .
With the Titans ' decision to release Lewis and Wake , the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cap space this off-season .
Tennessee saves about $ 5.6 million by releasing Wake and $ 4 million by letting Lewis enter free agency .
Lewis , 29 , was used primarily as a third-down specialist in a receiving role out of the Titans ' backfield .
In two seasons in Tennessee , he recorded 726 yards and a touchdown on 209 carries , while adding 84 receptions for 564 yards and two scores .
Wake , 38 , played in nine games for the Titans last season , finishing with four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and a pass defensed .
He ended last season on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury .
Wake spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Titans for one season .
The veteran linebacker has tallied 364 total tackles , 100.5 sacks , one interception and 17 passes defensed in 155 career games .
The Titans also announced Thursday that the team re-signed defensive back and special teams player Chris Milton to a one-year deal .

Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract with the Titans in 2018. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
March 12 (UPI) -- The Tennessee Titans released running back Dion Lewis and veteran pass-rusher Cameron Wake, the team announced Thursday. Lewis signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract in 2018 and was scheduled to hold a $5.1 million cap figure in the 2020 season, according to Spotrac. Wake, who signed a three-year deal worth $23 million in 2019, was set to hold an $8.6 million cap figure next season, according to Spotrac. Advertisement
With the Titans' decision to release Lewis and Wake, the team is freeing up about $10 million in cap space this off-season. Tennessee saves about $5.6 million by releasing Wake and $4 million by letting Lewis enter free agency.
Lewis, 29, was used primarily as a third-down specialist in a receiving role out of the Titans' backfield. In two seasons in Tennessee, he recorded 726 yards and a touchdown on 209 carries, while adding 84 receptions for 564 yards and two scores.
Wake, 38, played in nine games for the Titans last season, finishing with four total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one safety and a pass defensed. He ended last season on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.
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Wake spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Titans for one season. The veteran linebacker has tallied 364 total tackles, 100.5 sacks, one interception and 17 passes defensed in 155 career games.
The Titans also announced Thursday that the team re-signed defensive back and special teams player Chris Milton to a one-year deal.


upi--2020-03-13--Speaker Nancy Pelosi: House, President Donald Trump come to agreement on coronavirus bill

March 13 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday said House Democrats came to an agreement with President Donald Trump on a multi-billion dollar bill to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Today , the House is taking the next step to put families first , '' she said in a statement .
`` We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges , and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act . ''
Trump , who earlier Friday said he was n't happy with the bill as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pelosi 's statement .
Pelosi said the House plans to vote on the bill Friday .
The speaker said the legislation focuses on COVID-19 testing as the means of halting the spread of the disease throughout the country .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were at least 1,600 cases and 41 deaths in the United States as of Thursday afternoon .
The act would provide free coronavirus testing for anyone who needs it , regardless of whether the person has health insurance .
It also includes clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds for Medicaid and strengthened food security initiatives , including SNAP , student meals and seniors nutrition and food banks .
Specifically , the bill includes more than $ 1 billion for food assistance with $ 500 million allocated to provide food to low-income pregnant women and mothers of young children who lose their jobs due to COVID-19 , $ 400 million for local food banks and $ 250 million for the senior nutrition program .
It also calls for the Department of Agriculture to approve plans to provide SNAP assistance to children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can continue to have food while their schools are closed .
The bill also includes requirements that all employees receive 14 days of paid sick leave .
Pelosi 's announcement comes hours after Trump declared a national emergency , freeing up to $ 50 billion for states to battle the disease and improve testing .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House plans to vote on a coronavirus bill Friday. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday said House Democrats came to an agreement with President Donald Trump on a multi-billion dollar bill to fight the coronavirus pandemic. "Today, the House is taking the next step to put families first," she said in a statement. "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act." Advertisement
Trump, who earlier Friday said he wasn't happy with the bill as it stood, didn't immediately respond to Pelosi's statement. Pelosi said the House plans to vote on the bill Friday.
The speaker said the legislation focuses on COVID-19 testing as the means of halting the spread of the disease throughout the country.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were at least 1,600 cases and 41 deaths in the United States as of Thursday afternoon.
The act would provide free coronavirus testing for anyone who needs it, regardless of whether the person has health insurance. It also includes clear protections for frontline workers, increased federal funds for Medicaid and strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals and seniors nutrition and food banks.
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Specifically, the bill includes more than $1 billion for food assistance with $500 million allocated to provide food to low-income pregnant women and mothers of young children who lose their jobs due to COVID-19, $400 million for local food banks and $250 million for the senior nutrition program. It also calls for the Department of Agriculture to approve plans to provide SNAP assistance to children who receive free or discounted meals so they can continue to have food while their schools are closed.
The bill also includes requirements that all employees receive 14 days of paid sick leave.
Pelosi's announcement comes hours after Trump declared a national emergency, freeing up to $50 billion for states to battle the disease and improve testing.


upi--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson pledge to aid arena workers

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson have joined other NBA stars in helping arena employees who were impacted by the NBA 's indefinite suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In a tweet posted Friday , Antetokounmpo said he will pledge $ 100,000 to Fiserv Forum staff .
Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry said on social media Friday the franchise will match Antetokounmpo 's donation to arena workers in Milwaukee .
`` It 's bigger than basketball !
And during this tough time I want to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family 's lives and my teammates lives easier , '' Antetokounmpo wrote on Twitter .
`` Me and my family pledge to donate $ 100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff .
We can get through this together ! ''
Meanwhile , Williamson posted to Instagram on Friday that he will cover the salaries of Smoothie King employees for the next month .
Williamson , who was selected with the No .
1 overall pick in last year 's NBA Draft , mentioned how many of the same people working at the Pelicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hurricane Katrina in 2005 .
`` The people of New Orleans have been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I was drafted by the Pels last June , and some of the most special people I have met are those who work at Smoothie King Center , '' Williamson wrote .
`` These are the folks who make our games possible , creating the perfect environment for our fans and everyone involved in the organization .
`` Unfortunately , many of them are still recovering from long-term challenges created by Katrina , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of games because of the virus .
`` My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have , and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days . ''
Williamson is scheduled to make about $ 9.8 million this season as part of his four-year , $ 44.2 million rookie deal , according to Spotrac .
He also has endorsement deals with Jordan , Gatorade , Mercedes-Benz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among others .
Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin also pledged to donate $ 100,000 to help workers at the team 's Little Caesars Arena .
He acknowledged the pledge Friday on Twitter , saying he was following the lead of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love .
Love kicked off the recent string of pledges when he announced Thursday on social media that he will donate $ 100,000 through his foundation to support the employees at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland .

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo pledged $100,000 to Fiserv Forum staff who were affected by the NBA's temporary shutdown because of coronavirus. File Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/EPA-EFE
March 13 (UPI) -- Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson have joined other NBA stars in helping arena employees who were impacted by the NBA's indefinite suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a tweet posted Friday, Antetokounmpo said he will pledge $100,000 to Fiserv Forum staff. Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry said on social media Friday the franchise will match Antetokounmpo's donation to arena workers in Milwaukee. Advertisement
"It's bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family's lives and my teammates lives easier," Antetokounmpo wrote on Twitter. "Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together!"
Advertisement As usual, we follow our leader. Everyone at Fiserv Forum is part of our family, so the Bucks organization will match Giannis' contribution as we all try to get thru this...and we will together! https://t.co/z9ou3i3w5T— Alex Lasry (@AlexanderLasry) March 13, 2020
Meanwhile, Williamson posted to Instagram on Friday that he will cover the salaries of Smoothie King employees for the next month.
Williamson, who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's NBA Draft, mentioned how many of the same people working at the Pelicans' home arena are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"The people of New Orleans have been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I was drafted by the Pels last June, and some of the most special people I have met are those who work at Smoothie King Center," Williamson wrote. "These are the folks who make our games possible, creating the perfect environment for our fans and everyone involved in the organization.
"Unfortunately, many of them are still recovering from long-term challenges created by Katrina, and now face the economic impact of the postponement of games because of the virus.
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"My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have, and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days."
Williamson is scheduled to make about $9.8 million this season as part of his four-year, $44.2 million rookie deal, according to Spotrac. He also has endorsement deals with Jordan, Gatorade, Mercedes-Benz, Mountain Dew and Panini America, among others.
Detroit Pistons star Blake Griffin also pledged to donate $100,000 to help workers at the team's Little Caesars Arena. He acknowledged the pledge Friday on Twitter, saying he was following the lead of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love.
Love kicked off the recent string of pledges when he announced Thursday on social media that he will donate $100,000 through his foundation to support the employees at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.


upi--2020-03-13--Citizen scientists enlisted to chart galaxies

March 13 ( UPI ) -- A study of spiral structure , reduced in complexity so citizen scientists can participate , could offer insight into how galaxies evolve , researchers say .
Researchers at the North Carolina Museum on Natural Sciences in Raleigh used software and tracings of known spiral galaxies on paper , and found that no artificial intelligence program , algorithm or other approach was as accurate in depicting the winding-arm design of galaxies .
The work , called Spiral Graph , has been described in a paper published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zooniverse.org for no charge .
`` These human-generated tracings give our software a boost so it can accurately measure how tightly wrapped the structure [ of the galaxy ] is , '' Patrick Treuthardt of the museum said in a press release .
The degree of wrapping of the spiral arms is called the pitch angle -- a spiral with tightly wrapped arms has a small pitch angle , while one with open arms has a large pitch angle .
If researchers know the pitch angle , Treuhardt said , they can easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ galaxies , as well as identify galaxies for follow-up telescope observations .
Spiral galaxies comprise the majority of the galaxies in the nearby universe .
In many of these galaxies , the difference in brightness between the winding arms and the inter-arm regions is very subtle , confusing automated approaches of measurement to the point that bright foreground stars can skew an analysis .
Computer algorithms have difficulty determining where spirals begin and end -- but that 's not a problem for a human tracing a photograph -- hence the citizen scientist project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions , have been graphed thus far , making the project ideal for amateur astronomers .

| License Photo A project by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences employs citizen scientists to trace images of spiral galaxies like the MGC 5468, depicted. Photo courtesy of NASA/UPI
March 13 (UPI) -- A study of spiral structure, reduced in complexity so citizen scientists can participate, could offer insight into how galaxies evolve, researchers say. Researchers at the North Carolina Museum on Natural Sciences in Raleigh used software and tracings of known spiral galaxies on paper, and found that no artificial intelligence program, algorithm or other approach was as accurate in depicting the winding-arm design of galaxies. Advertisement
The work, called Spiral Graph, has been described in a paper published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and is available to citizen scientists at Zooniverse.org for no charge.
"These human-generated tracings give our software a boost so it can accurately measure how tightly wrapped the structure [of the galaxy] is," Patrick Treuthardt of the museum said in a press release.
The degree of wrapping of the spiral arms is called the pitch angle -- a spiral with tightly wrapped arms has a small pitch angle, while one with open arms has a large pitch angle. If researchers know the pitch angle, Treuhardt said, they can easily estimate the parameters of other features of galaxies, as well as identify galaxies for follow-up telescope observations.
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Spiral galaxies comprise the majority of the galaxies in the nearby universe. In many of these galaxies, the difference in brightness between the winding arms and the inter-arm regions is very subtle, confusing automated approaches of measurement to the point that bright foreground stars can skew an analysis.
Computer algorithms have difficulty determining where spirals begin and end -- but that's not a problem for a human tracing a photograph -- hence the citizen scientist project.
An estimated 6,000 galaxies, of millions, have been graphed thus far, making the project ideal for amateur astronomers.


upi--2020-03-13--Cincinnati Bengals release veteran OL Cordy Glenn

March 13 ( UPI ) -- The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran offensive tackle Cordy Glenn after two tumultuous seasons , the team announced Friday .
Glenn , who was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2020 season , played in six games ( five starts ) in 2019 and was in the middle of a four-year contract worth more than $ 46 million , according to Spotrac .
The Bengals will free up $ 9.5 million in salary cap space this off-season and wo n't owe the veteran offensive lineman any additional money .
At the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve as the Bengals ' starting left tackle .
However , the former Buffalo Bills lineman reported a concussion after the team 's second preseason game , leading to a prolonged absence that stretched into the regular season .
Tensions between the team and Glenn over his extended absence reached a boiling point when he was suspended for the Bengals ' Week 7 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars for `` internal disciplinary reasons . ''
According to ProFootballTalk , Glenn got into a verbal altercation with a member of the Bengals ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team to return from his concussion .
The team also fined Glenn $ 200,000 , according to the report .
Both sides eventually mended the situation and Glenn started five of the final six games of the regular season .
He did n't start in the Bengals ' season finale against the Cleveland Browns .
Glenn was expected to lose his starting left tackle job to 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams , who is set to return from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss all of last season , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Bengals , Glenn appeared in 19 games and garnered 18 starts .
Cincinnati acquired him from the Bills in a trade before the 2018 season .

March 13 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran offensive tackle Cordy Glenn after two tumultuous seasons, the team announced Friday.
Glenn, who was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2020 season, played in six games (five starts) in 2019 and was in the middle of a four-year contract worth more than $46 million, according to Spotrac. The Bengals will free up $9.5 million in salary cap space this off-season and won't owe the veteran offensive lineman any additional money.
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At the start of the 2019 preseason, Glenn was expected to serve as the Bengals' starting left tackle. However, the former Buffalo Bills lineman reported a concussion after the team's second preseason game, leading to a prolonged absence that stretched into the regular season.
Tensions between the team and Glenn over his extended absence reached a boiling point when he was suspended for the Bengals' Week 7 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars for "internal disciplinary reasons."
According to ProFootballTalk, Glenn got into a verbal altercation with a member of the Bengals' coaching staff after he felt rushed by the team to return from his concussion. The team also fined Glenn $200,000, according to the report.
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Both sides eventually mended the situation and Glenn started five of the final six games of the regular season. He didn't start in the Bengals' season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Glenn was expected to lose his starting left tackle job to 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams, who is set to return from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss all of last season, in the 2020 campaign.
In two seasons with the Bengals, Glenn appeared in 19 games and garnered 18 starts. Cincinnati acquired him from the Bills in a trade before the 2018 season.


upi--2020-03-13--Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft's board

March 13 ( UPI ) -- Bill Gates has stepped down from Microsoft 's board of directors to focus on his philanthropic efforts , the company announced Friday .
Microsoft said Gates , the co-founder of the company , will continue in his role as technology adviser to CEO Satya Nadella .
`` I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve -- Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway -- to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development , education , and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on LinkedIn .
`` With respect to Microsoft , stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company .
Microsoft will always be an important part of my life 's work and I will continue to be engaged with Satya and the technical leadership to help shape the vision and achieve the company 's ambitious goals .
I feel more optimistic than ever about the progress the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world . ''
Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the company as CEO until 2000 , when Steve Ballmer replaced him .
He stepped down as chairman of the board in 2014 .
Gates and his wife , Melinda Gates , established their philanthropic foundation in 2000 , donating billions of dollars toward global healthcare , reducing poverty , and expanding education and technology .
`` It 's been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years .
Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
And Microsoft and the world are better for it , '' Nadella said .

Bill Gates will continue to serve as a technology adviser to Microsoft's CEO. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 13 (UPI) -- Bill Gates has stepped down from Microsoft's board of directors to focus on his philanthropic efforts, the company announced Friday. Microsoft said Gates, the co-founder of the company, will continue in his role as technology adviser to CEO Satya Nadella. Advertisement
"I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve -- Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway -- to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change," Gates said in a post on LinkedIn.
"With respect to Microsoft, stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company. Microsoft will always be an important part of my life's work and I will continue to be engaged with Satya and the technical leadership to help shape the vision and achieve the company's ambitious goals. I feel more optimistic than ever about the progress the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world."
Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975 in Albuquerque, N.M. He led the company as CEO until 2000, when Steve Ballmer replaced him. He stepped down as chairman of the board in 2014.
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Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates, established their philanthropic foundation in 2000, donating billions of dollars toward global healthcare, reducing poverty, and expanding education and technology.
"It's been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a passion to solve society's most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it," Nadella said.