upi--2020-05-20--Thousands evacuated following Michigan dam failures

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration after two dams failed in Midland County , forcing thousands of residents to immediately evacuate their homes on Tuesday .
Downtown Midland could be under 9 feet of water by Wednesday morning , Gov .
Whitmer said during a Livestream on Tuesday night following the two collapses .
A flash flood emergency is in effect for the areas downstream , which includes Midland City and Freeland .
Whitmer told residents if they have n't evacuated the area yet , do so now .
`` This is unlike anything we 've seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state , go there now .
If you do n't , go to one of the shelters that have opened across the county . ''
Midland County emergency management told people in Midland City who are located west of Eastman and south of US 10 , to evacuate immediately on Tuesday afternoon , NBC25 reported .
A slow-moving storm doused Michigan with heavy rains over the period of several days , triggering fear of imminent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
At least two rivers in mid-Michigan , the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling , reached their major flood stage on Tuesday afternoon , sending dams past their limits .
Areas around Midland reported 3 inches to 4 inches of rain since Sunday , which produced a `` tremendous '' amount of runoff and is causing significant rises on the river system , the National Weather Service said .
The Tittabawassee Fire and Rescue rescued the driver of a pickup truck after the vehicle was swept away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadway on Tuesday , WNEM reported .
`` A very slowly moving storm system and cold front pushing through the Midwest has produced anywhere from 100 to 200 mm [ 3 inches to 8 inches ] of rainfall in just the past week from the western Great Lakes through northern Indiana and into southern Missouri , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jack Boston said .
Edenville Township residents along Sanford and Wixom lakes northwest of Midland were urged to evacuate their homes and advised to make arrangements to stay elsewhere through Wednesday .
Shelters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area .
Officials in Arenac and Gladwin counties also urged residents to evacuate due to the possible dam breach from flash flooding along the Tittabawassee and Cedar rivers .
As floodwaters continued rising , threatening to cut off road access , emergency personnel warned citizens about the potential dangers of flooding and to find alternative routes if met with road closures .
If drivers are caught going around a barricade , it can result in a traffic violation with a substantial fine , according to road commission officials .
Officials with Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing water over roads in some areas and water issues with draining .
The commission is in the process of working on a map of roads closed and water over the road , according to the commission 's Facebook post .
`` With all the rain we are getting , the river is rising and roads may be underwater .
If you see water over the road , please do not attempt to drive thru it .
Find an alternate route .
Also , We are also aware there are water issues with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large amount of rain and it has no where to go .
Please be patient over the next couple days , '' the post reads , MLive reports .
Around 1 a.m. Tuesday , the Saginaw County Emergency Management Team reported that an Edenville Dam failure in Midland could impact residents along the Tittabawassee River in Tittabawassee and Saginaw townships .
Midland County Emergency Management stated that the Edenville and Sanford dams are `` structurally sound but spilling floodwaters '' as of around 3 a.m. Tuesday , according to MLive .
Later on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Edenville and Sanford dams `` are structurally sound but can no longer control or contain the amount of water flowing through the spill gates . ''
The county is working with the hydroelectric power plant Boyce Hydro to assess the dams .
`` At this point , the water is still rising from all of the rainfall we received over the last couple of days and it will continue to do so throughout the day , '' the Midland County Central Dispatch Authority said Tuesday .
The Tittabawassee River in Midland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the river was observed at 28.46 feet , according to a Midland County news release .
The flood stage is 24 feet , and the river is expected to crest at 30.6 feet early Wednesday before levels start to subside over the next couple of days .
A flood warning remains in effect for the Tittabawassee , from Midland downstream to Saginaw , and the forecast does not show relief for Midland .
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas .
Hazards include damaging winds , large hail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service said on Tuesday late afternoon .
The heavy rain that stretched from Michigan to the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians , Carolinas and western Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration after two dams failed in Midland County, forcing thousands of residents to immediately evacuate their homes on Tuesday.
Downtown Midland could be under 9 feet of water by Wednesday morning, Gov. Whitmer said during a Livestream on Tuesday night following the two collapses. A flash flood emergency is in effect for the areas downstream, which includes Midland City and Freeland.
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Whitmer told residents if they haven't evacuated the area yet, do so now.
"This is unlike anything we've seen in Midland County," she said. "If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now. If you don't, go to one of the shelters that have opened across the county."
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Midland County emergency management told people in Midland City who are located west of Eastman and south of US 10, to evacuate immediately on Tuesday afternoon, NBC25 reported.
A slow-moving storm doused Michigan with heavy rains over the period of several days, triggering fear of imminent dam failure and flood warnings across the state.
At least two rivers in mid-Michigan, the Tittabawassee River in Midland and the Rifle River near Sterling, reached their major flood stage on Tuesday afternoon, sending dams past their limits.
Flooding from Pine River in Arenac County. Photo courtesy of the Arenac County Sheriff's Department.
Areas around Midland reported 3 inches to 4 inches of rain since Sunday, which produced a "tremendous" amount of runoff and is causing significant rises on the river system, the National Weather Service said.
The Tittabawassee Fire and Rescue rescued the driver of a pickup truck after the vehicle was swept away while trying to drive on a flooded roadway on Tuesday, WNEM reported.
"A very slowly moving storm system and cold front pushing through the Midwest has produced anywhere from 100 to 200 mm [3 inches to 8 inches] of rainfall in just the past week from the western Great Lakes through northern Indiana and into southern Missouri," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jack Boston said.
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Edenville Township residents along Sanford and Wixom lakes northwest of Midland were urged to evacuate their homes and advised to make arrangements to stay elsewhere through Wednesday. Shelters have been set up at schools in the area.
Officials in Arenac and Gladwin counties also urged residents to evacuate due to the possible dam breach from flash flooding along the Tittabawassee and Cedar rivers.
As floodwaters continued rising, threatening to cut off road access, emergency personnel warned citizens about the potential dangers of flooding and to find alternative routes if met with road closures. If drivers are caught going around a barricade, it can result in a traffic violation with a substantial fine, according to road commission officials.
Officials with Bay County Road Commission said the county is experiencing water over roads in some areas and water issues with draining. The commission is in the process of working on a map of roads closed and water over the road, according to the commission's Facebook post.
"With all the rain we are getting, the river is rising and roads may be underwater. If you see water over the road, please do not attempt to drive thru it. Find an alternate route. Also, We are also aware there are water issues with draining. We just received a very large amount of rain and it has no where to go. Please be patient over the next couple days," the post reads, MLive reports.
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Around 1 a.m. Tuesday, the Saginaw County Emergency Management Team reported that an Edenville Dam failure in Midland could impact residents along the Tittabawassee River in Tittabawassee and Saginaw townships.
Midland County Emergency Management stated that the Edenville and Sanford dams are "structurally sound but spilling floodwaters" as of around 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to MLive.
Later on Tuesday, Midland County Emergency Management said that the Edenville and Sanford dams "are structurally sound but can no longer control or contain the amount of water flowing through the spill gates." The county is working with the hydroelectric power plant Boyce Hydro to assess the dams.
"At this point, the water is still rising from all of the rainfall we received over the last couple of days and it will continue to do so throughout the day," the Midland County Central Dispatch Authority said Tuesday.
The Tittabawassee River in Midland entered major flood stage Tuesday morning when the river was observed at 28.46 feet, according to a Midland County news release. The flood stage is 24 feet, and the river is expected to crest at 30.6 feet early Wednesday before levels start to subside over the next couple of days.
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A flood warning remains in effect for the Tittabawassee, from Midland downstream to Saginaw, and the forecast does not show relief for Midland.
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning, the National Weather Service said on Tuesday late afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening for the highlighted areas. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail, and frequent lightning. Check back for updates! #txwx #nmwx pic.twitter.com/ZkfJgzgr9x— NWS Midland (@NWSMidland) May 19, 2020
The heavy rain that stretched from Michigan to the Ohio River Valley will shift to the southern Appalachians, Carolinas and western Virginia on Tuesday and Wednesday


upi--2020-05-20--Kandi Burruss wins Season 3 of 'Masked Singer'

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Recording artist and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss , disguised as Night Angel , won Season 3 of The Masked Singer on Fox Wednesday night .
She beat out her fellow finalists Frog -- rapper/actor Bow Wow -- and Turtle -- singer/actor Jesse McCartney -- for the honor .
Previous stars who were voted off the show this season include Barry Zito , Jackie Evancho , Hunter Hayes , Bret Michaels , Jordyn Woods , Rob Gronkowski , JoJo Siwa , Bella Thorne , Sarah Palin , Tom Bergeron , Dionne Warwick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drew Carey and Lil Wayne .
The judges ' panel was comprised of Ken Jeong , Jenny McCarthy , Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger .
`` You ca n't Xscape the truth @ Kandi , you STILL GOT IT & NEVER LOST IT !
!
Our first woman to win the golden mask and could n't go to a more deserving person .
Love you KANDI !
! ''
Thicke tweeted after the last episode aired .
The winners of the first two seasons were rapper T-Pain and entertainer Wayne Brady .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to you for taking home the Golden Mask !
!
You are so incredible # TheMaskedSinger , '' Scherzinger wrote in her own post .

May 20 (UPI) -- Recording artist and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss, disguised as Night Angel, won Season 3 of The Masked Singer on Fox Wednesday night.
She beat out her fellow finalists Frog -- rapper/actor Bow Wow -- and Turtle -- singer/actor Jesse McCartney -- for the honor.
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Previous stars who were voted off the show this season include Barry Zito, Jackie Evancho, Hunter Hayes, Bret Michaels, Jordyn Woods, Rob Gronkowski, JoJo Siwa, Bella Thorne, Sarah Palin, Tom Bergeron, Dionne Warwick, Tony Hawk, Chaka Khan, Drew Carey and Lil Wayne.
Nick Cannon hosted the singing competition.
The judges' panel was comprised of Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger.
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"You can't Xscape the truth @Kandi, you STILL GOT IT & NEVER LOST IT!! Our first woman to win the golden mask and couldn't go to a more deserving person. Love you KANDI!!" Thicke tweeted after the last episode aired.
The winners of the first two seasons were rapper T-Pain and entertainer Wayne Brady.
"#NightAngelMask is officially @kandi Congrats to you for taking home the Golden Mask!! You are so incredible #TheMaskedSinger," Scherzinger wrote in her own post.


upi--2020-05-20--Kevin Love, Maya Moore among finalists for Muhammad Ali award at ESPYS

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love , Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore and New England Patriots defensive backs Devin and Jason McCourty were among the finalists for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for their contributions in the community .
ESPN , which will air a combined show June 21 with the sixth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards and 2020 ESPY Awards , announced the finalists Wednesday .
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz and WWE star Titus O'Neil joined Love , Moore and the McCourty twins as finalists for the award , which is given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports . ''
`` ESPN recognizes that this year more than ever , athletes , teams and leagues have been leading the way in responding to the needs of communities across the country and the world , '' Kevin Martinez , vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship , said in a statement .
`` For six years , ESPN has been honored to telecast the Sports Humanitarian Awards , which highlights the impact that sports has to create social change , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative through the ESPYS and our other platforms . ''
Love , who has openly discussed his battle with anxiety and depression , is developing an education curriculum designed to destigmatize depression and anxiety through his Kevin Love Fund .
Moore , a former WNBA MVP and a five-time All-Star selection , put her WNBA career on hold in 2019 to pursue justice for Jonathan Irons .
As a minor in 1998 , he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for burglary and assault .
In March , a judge overturned Irons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their platforms to fight for criminal justice reform for juveniles and educational reform in Massachusetts .
Through their efforts , the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that will invest $ 1.5 billion in the state 's public education system over the next seven years .
Cruz has completely upgraded the infrastructure of his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic , while O'Neil is helping transform a magnet school into an education and community hub in Tampa , Fla .
Meanwhile , the Los Angeles Dodgers , Denver Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sacramento Kings were named finalists for the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year , which is awarded to a franchise that had a significant impact on a community or cause .

Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love (C), through his foundation, is developing an education curriculum designed to destigmatize anxiety and depression. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore and New England Patriots defensive backs Devin and Jason McCourty were among the finalists for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for their contributions in the community. ESPN, which will air a combined show June 21 with the sixth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards and 2020 ESPY Awards, announced the finalists Wednesday. Advertisement
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz and WWE star Titus O'Neil joined Love, Moore and the McCourty twins as finalists for the award, which is given to an athlete "whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured positive impact on their community through sports."
"ESPN recognizes that this year more than ever, athletes, teams and leagues have been leading the way in responding to the needs of communities across the country and the world," Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship, said in a statement.
"For six years, ESPN has been honored to telecast the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which highlights the impact that sports has to create social change, and we're excited to carry that narrative through the ESPYS and our other platforms."
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Love, who has openly discussed his battle with anxiety and depression, is developing an education curriculum designed to destigmatize depression and anxiety through his Kevin Love Fund.
Moore, a former WNBA MVP and a five-time All-Star selection, put her WNBA career on hold in 2019 to pursue justice for Jonathan Irons. As a minor in 1998, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for burglary and assault. In March, a judge overturned Irons' conviction.
The McCourty twins used their platforms to fight for criminal justice reform for juveniles and educational reform in Massachusetts. Through their efforts, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that will invest $1.5 billion in the state's public education system over the next seven years.
Cruz has completely upgraded the infrastructure of his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic, while O'Neil is helping transform a magnet school into an education and community hub in Tampa, Fla.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Denver Broncos, New York City FC and the Sacramento Kings were named finalists for the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, which is awarded to a franchise that had a significant impact on a community or cause.


upi--2020-05-20--Judge orders new proceedings or release for Ronald Prible

May 20 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered prosecutors to either bring new proceedings against a Texas death row inmate or release him from prison .
The ruling means Ronald Prible , 48 , could go free within a matter of months .
He was given the death penalty in 2002 for the 1999 deaths of five family members in Houston .
A jury convicted him of capital murder for the shooting deaths of Esteban `` Steve '' Herrera and Nilda Tirado , and the deaths by smoke inhalation of their three children -- Rachel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jade , 1 .
District Judge Keith Ellison granted Prible 's motion for relief based on his lawyers ' arguments that prosecutors suppressed evidence and improperly handled testimony from jailhouse informants .
An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute in Beaumont , Texas , testified that Prible confessed to him he killed the family .
Defense lawyers , though , said prosecutors coached informants to speak against Prible , and that his cellmate , Michael Beckcom , acted `` based on promises of relief '' from investigators .
`` Beckcom 's testimony was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury heard at trial , '' Ellison wrote .
`` Although the defense could and did impeach Beckcom 's credibility as a jailhouse smith , they did not have strong impeachment evidence about the actual substance of what he relayed to the jury about Prible 's confession .
`` Prible has made a strong case that there is more than a 'reasonable probability ' that exclusion of Beckcom 's testimony would have altered the outcome of the trial . ''
Ellison gave prosecutors 180 days to bring a new case against Prible or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confinement .

Ronald Prible was convicted of capital murder for the deaths of a Houston family of five in 1999. File Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
May 20 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered prosecutors to either bring new proceedings against a Texas death row inmate or release him from prison. The ruling means Ronald Prible, 48, could go free within a matter of months. Advertisement
He was given the death penalty in 2002 for the 1999 deaths of five family members in Houston. A jury convicted him of capital murder for the shooting deaths of Esteban "Steve" Herrera and Nilda Tirado, and the deaths by smoke inhalation of their three children -- Rachel, 7, Valerie, 7, and Jade, 1.
District Judge Keith Ellison granted Prible's motion for relief based on his lawyers' arguments that prosecutors suppressed evidence and improperly handled testimony from jailhouse informants.
An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute in Beaumont, Texas, testified that Prible confessed to him he killed the family. Defense lawyers, though, said prosecutors coached informants to speak against Prible, and that his cellmate, Michael Beckcom, acted "based on promises of relief" from investigators.
"Beckcom's testimony was plainly the most compelling evidence that the jury heard at trial," Ellison wrote.
"Although the defense could and did impeach Beckcom's credibility as a jailhouse smith, they did not have strong impeachment evidence about the actual substance of what he relayed to the jury about Prible's confession.
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"Prible has made a strong case that there is more than a 'reasonable probability' that exclusion of Beckcom's testimony would have altered the outcome of the trial."
Ellison gave prosecutors 180 days to bring a new case against Prible or he'd be entitled to release from confinement.


upi--2020-05-20--Tiffany Trump graduates from Georgetown Law

May 20 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated his daughter Tiffany Trump on her graduation from @ @ @ @ @ tweeted in celebration of his daughter 's degree from Georgetown Law , haling her as @ @ @ @ @ as a great school .
`` Just what I need is a lawyer in the @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Proud of you Tiff ! ''
Georgetown Law announced earlier this month it @ @ @ @ @ degree conferral for graduating students on May 16 as universities throughout the country closed amid @ @ @ @ @ Tiffany Trump , 26 , Trump 's youngest daughter , announced that she would attend @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's second son Eric Trump also received a degree from the law school , @ @ @ @ @ Trump attended the school for two years before transferring to the Wharton School at the @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump's youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, graduated from Georgetown Law, the president said in a tweet congratulating her on Wednesday. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated his daughter Tiffany Trump on her graduation from law school. The president tweeted in celebration of his daughter's degree from Georgetown Law, haling her as a great student and Georgetown as a great school. Advertisement
"Just what I need is a lawyer in the family," he joked. "Proud of you Tiff!"
Georgetown Law announced earlier this month it would host a virtual ceremonial degree conferral for graduating students on May 16 as universities throughout the country closed amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Tiffany Trump, 26, Trump's youngest daughter, announced that she would attend Georgetown Law in 2017.
Trump's second son Eric Trump also received a degree from the law school, while his oldest daughter Ivanka Trump attended the school for two years before transferring to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.


upi--2020-05-20--'Bold and the Beautiful' renewed through 2022

May 20 ( UPI ) -- CBS renewed its soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful for its 34th and @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday .
The new deal will keep the daytime drama on the air through @ @ @ @ @ than 3.2 million viewers every day .
`` For over three decades , The Bold @ @ @ @ @ a cornerstone of the CBS daytime lineup , '' said Amy Reisenbach , executive vice @ @ @ @ @ CBS Entertainment .
`` The show has been a creative and ratings success due to @ @ @ @ @ writers and producers that Brad Bell has assembled .
Of course , none of this @ @ @ @ @ B & B 's dedicated fans , whose passion for these characters and stories is @ @ @ @ @ to be able to continue to offer them a daily look into the romances and @ @ @ @ @ Logan and Spencer families . ''

Denise Richards' soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" has been renewed for two more seasons. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- CBS renewed its soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful for its 34th and 35th seasons, the network announced Wednesday. The new deal will keep the daytime drama on the air through 2022. Advertisement
The Los Angeles-set series stars Matthew Atkinson, Kiara Barnes, Katrina Bowden, Darin Brooks, Scott Clifton, Don Diamont, Jennifer Gareis, Courtney Hope, Thorsten Kaye, Katherine Kelly Lang, John McCook, Alley Mills, Annika Noelle, Denise Richards, Lawrence Saint-Victor, Henry Joseph Samiri, Rena Sofer, Aaron D. Spears, Heather Tom, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood.
It averages more than 3.2 million viewers every day.
"For over three decades, The Bold and the Beautiful has been a cornerstone of the CBS daytime lineup," said Amy Reisenbach, executive vice president of current programs for CBS Entertainment.
"The show has been a creative and ratings success due to the supremely talented cast, writers and producers that Brad Bell has assembled. Of course, none of this would have been possible without B&B's dedicated fans, whose passion for these characters and stories is unsurpassed. We are delighted to be able to continue to offer them a daily look into the romances and rivalries between the Forrester, Logan and Spencer families."
Advertisement The next two years just got even more #BoldandBeautiful! B&B has officially been renewed for two more seasons. Learn more about it here: https://t.co/HS0TsqkELe pic.twitter.com/kfpFIWStMh— Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) May 20, 2020


upi--2020-05-20--Tesla drops lawsuit against California county as plant reopens

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Tesla on Wednesday dropped a lawsuit it filed earlier this month over coronavirus-related restrictions in the California county where its factories are located .
The lawsuit asserted that Alameda County violated the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment by barring the company from reopening one of its factories under restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Last week , the county issued a statement saying it had approved plans to reopen Tesla 's Fremont , Calif. , plant after reviewing its safety plans .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department to verify Tesla is adhering to physical distancing and that agreed upon health and safety measures are in place for the safety of their workers as they prepare for full production , '' the county said .
Tesla closed the plant in March after Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order but sought to resume production earlier this month as the state updated its guidance on manufacturing .
Alameda County and five other Bay Area counties kept factories closed .
The company defied the order and resumed production on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a permanent injunction to prevent enforcement of county orders .
At the time , Tesla CEO Elon Musk also tweeted that the county 's decision was the `` final straw '' for the company 's plans to produce cars in California , threatening to move its headquarters and future programs to Texas or Nevada .

Tesla on Wednesday dropped a lawsuit against California's Alameda County after it allowed the company to resume production amid easing of restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- Tesla on Wednesday dropped a lawsuit it filed earlier this month over coronavirus-related restrictions in the California county where its factories are located. The lawsuit asserted that Alameda County violated the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment by barring the company from reopening one of its factories under restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Advertisement
Last week, the county issued a statement saying it had approved plans to reopen Tesla's Fremont, Calif., plant after reviewing its safety plans.
"We will be working with the Fremont Police Department to verify Tesla is adhering to physical distancing and that agreed upon health and safety measures are in place for the safety of their workers as they prepare for full production," the county said.
Tesla closed the plant in March after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order but sought to resume production earlier this month as the state updated its guidance on manufacturing.
Alameda County and five other Bay Area counties kept factories closed.
The company defied the order and resumed production on May 9, while suing the county, seeking a permanent injunction to prevent enforcement of county orders.
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At the time, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also tweeted that the county's decision was the "final straw" for the company's plans to produce cars in California, threatening to move its headquarters and future programs to Texas or Nevada.


upi--2020-05-20--CBS to air Daytime Emmys ceremony June 26

May 20 ( UPI ) -- CBS announced plans Wednesday to air the 47th annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on June 26 .
`` As a leader in daytime , we are thrilled to welcome back the Daytime Emmy Awards , '' said Jack Sussman , the network 's executive vice president of specials , music and live events .
`` Daytime television has been keeping viewers engaged and entertained for many years , so it is with great pride that we look forward to celebrating the best of the genre here on CBS . ''
Nominations in key categories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edition of The Talk .
Both the nominations announcement and the prize presentation will be taped using video-conference technology and social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed about 326,000 people worldwide .
`` In these challenging times , daytime has been a primary influence in staying connected with its audience , entertaining them and keeping them informed , '' said Emmys executive producer and director David McKenzie of Associated Television International .
`` We are honored to be a part of it .
We are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new format that will celebrate the contributions of daytime television . ''
This is the 14th time the awards ceremony will air on CBS .
The last time was in 2011 .
The event has been streamed online since 2016 .

Alex Trebek holds up his Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host in Pasadena in 2019. This year's edition of the prize presentation is to air on CBS on June 26. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- CBS announced plans Wednesday to air the 47th annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on June 26. "As a leader in daytime, we are thrilled to welcome back the Daytime Emmy Awards," said Jack Sussman, the network's executive vice president of specials, music and live events. "Daytime television has been keeping viewers engaged and entertained for many years, so it is with great pride that we look forward to celebrating the best of the genre here on CBS." Advertisement
Nominations in key categories are to be announced on Thursday's edition of The Talk.
Both the nominations announcement and the prize presentation will be taped using video-conference technology and social-distancing practices enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed about 326,000 people worldwide.
"In these challenging times, daytime has been a primary influence in staying connected with its audience, entertaining them and keeping them informed," said Emmys executive producer and director David McKenzie of Associated Television International. "We are honored to be a part of it. We are also excited for the challenge of introducing a new format that will celebrate the contributions of daytime television."
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This is the 14th time the awards ceremony will air on CBS. The last time was in 2011. The event has been streamed online since 2016.


upi--2020-05-20--NFL reinstates Dallas Cowboys' Aldon Smith after four-year hiatus

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The NFL conditionally reinstated Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith from his indefinite suspension , the team announced Wednesday .
Smith was reinstated after a video teleconference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week , according to the team .
The league 's decision to reinstate Smith will allow him to participate in meetings with Cowboys coaches and teammates in their virtual off-season program , which begins Tuesday .
At that time , the former All-Pro edge rusher will be officially reinstated to the Cowboys ' active roster .
Smith , 30 , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 due to legal troubles and multiple suspensions .
With his reinstatement , he will receive $ 90,000 from the Cowboys as part of the one-year contract he signed with the franchise in April that could be worth up to $ 4 million .
The San Francisco 49ers selected Smith with the No .
7 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Missouri .
He played his last NFL snaps with the then-Oakland Raiders before receiving his indefinite suspension for violating the league 's personal conduct and substance abuse policies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Raiders , Smith has recorded 172 total tackles , 47.5 sacks , one interception and eight passes defensed .

Former Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith hasn't played in the NFL since 2015 due to legal troubles and suspensions. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The NFL conditionally reinstated Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith from his indefinite suspension, the team announced Wednesday. Smith was reinstated after a video teleconference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week, according to the team. Advertisement
The league's decision to reinstate Smith will allow him to participate in meetings with Cowboys coaches and teammates in their virtual off-season program, which begins Tuesday. At that time, the former All-Pro edge rusher will be officially reinstated to the Cowboys' active roster.
Smith, 30, hasn't played in an NFL game since 2015 due to legal troubles and multiple suspensions. With his reinstatement, he will receive $90,000 from the Cowboys as part of the one-year contract he signed with the franchise in April that could be worth up to $4 million.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Smith with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Missouri. He played his last NFL snaps with the then-Oakland Raiders before receiving his indefinite suspension for violating the league's personal conduct and substance abuse policies.
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In 59 career games with the 49ers and Raiders, Smith has recorded 172 total tackles, 47.5 sacks, one interception and eight passes defensed.


upi--2020-05-20--Michigan river rises to highest level ever after dam break

May 20 ( UPI ) -- A dam breach in central Michigan that forced thousands to evacuate has swelled the Tittabawassee River to its highest level in history , forecasters said Wednesday .
The earthen Edenville Dam held back the river , which reached the record high of 34 feet in Midland , the National Weather Service said .
Forecasters from the NWS said the Tittabawassee River is expected to fluctuate to around 35 feet before beginning to drop at around midnight .
They previously predicted the river could crest at 38 feet .
The Edenville Dam ruptured Tuesday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was followed by the failure of Sanford Dam in Midland County .
The failures forced thousands to evacuate Midland and surrounding areas and Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency .
`` This is unlike anything we 've seen in Midland County , '' Whitmer said at a news conference Tuesday .
`` If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state , go there now . ''
Downtown Midland , the site of a major Dow Chemical plant , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 feet of water by late Wednesday , Whitmer said .
Midland City Manager Brad Kaye said Wednesday that the flood is expected to reach its peak height at around 9 p.m. and encouraged residents to remain vigilant .
`` The important point that I really want to stress ... is that this is not over , '' Kaye said .
`` It 's a bright sunny day .
For those of you that are Midlanders that have been here in the past , you know that every time we flood , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloudless day ... that does n't mean it 's over .
It does n't mean that things are n't going to get worse than they are right now . ''
President Donald Trump said he plans to visit Michigan `` at the appropriate time '' and has sent federal support in response to the flood .
`` They have a big problem with the dams breaking .
So that is a big problem .
And so we 've sent the [ Federal Emergency Management Agency ] and the Army Corps of Engineers out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
According to records , the company that owns the dam had a federal license revoked in 2018 .
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license for Boyce Hydro Power to generate power at the Edenville Dam , citing the company 's failure over a years-long span to correct safety problems , including its ability to withstand a major flood .
FERC regulators said they were revoking the license because of the company 's `` longstanding failure to increase the project 's spillway capacity to safely pass flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comply with its license '' and commission regulations .
Midland County and neighboring Gladwin Country agreed to buy the dams from Boyce Hydro in January .

Flooding is seen in Midland, Mich., after a dam failed on Tuesday and forced thousands to evacuate. Photo courtesy City of Midland/Facebook
May 20 (UPI) -- A dam breach in central Michigan that forced thousands to evacuate has swelled the Tittabawassee River to its highest level in history, forecasters said Wednesday. The earthen Edenville Dam held back the river, which reached the record high of 34 feet in Midland, the National Weather Service said. Advertisement
Forecasters from the NWS said the Tittabawassee River is expected to fluctuate to around 35 feet before beginning to drop at around midnight. They previously predicted the river could crest at 38 feet.
The Edenville Dam ruptured Tuesday after swelling with several inches of rain, and was followed by the failure of Sanford Dam in Midland County. The failures forced thousands to evacuate Midland and surrounding areas and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency.
"This is unlike anything we've seen in Midland County," Whitmer said at a news conference Tuesday. "If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now."
Downtown Midland, the site of a major Dow Chemical plant, is projected to be under as many as 9 feet of water by late Wednesday, Whitmer said.
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Midland City Manager Brad Kaye said Wednesday that the flood is expected to reach its peak height at around 9 p.m. and encouraged residents to remain vigilant.
"The important point that I really want to stress ... is that this is not over," Kaye said. "It's a bright sunny day. For those of you that are Midlanders that have been here in the past, you know that every time we flood, it seems to be a bright, sunny cloudless day ... that doesn't mean it's over. It doesn't mean that things aren't going to get worse than they are right now."
President Donald Trump said he plans to visit Michigan "at the appropriate time" and has sent federal support in response to the flood.
"They have a big problem with the dams breaking. So that is a big problem. And so we've sent the [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and the Army Corps of Engineers out and they're very good at dams," he said.
According to records, the company that owns the dam had a federal license revoked in 2018.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license for Boyce Hydro Power to generate power at the Edenville Dam, citing the company's failure over a years-long span to correct safety problems, including its ability to withstand a major flood.
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FERC regulators said they were revoking the license because of the company's "longstanding failure to increase the project's spillway capacity to safely pass flood flows, as well as its failure to comply with its license" and commission regulations.
Midland County and neighboring Gladwin Country agreed to buy the dams from Boyce Hydro in January.


upi--2020-05-20--Federal appeals court temporarily blocks voting-by-mail expansion in Texas

May 20 ( UPI ) -- A federal appeals court has temporarily put on hold a lower court 's sweeping ruling that would have allowed all Texas voters to qualify to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic .
Siding with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday blocked a preliminary injunction issued just a day before by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery .
The panel granted what 's known as an administrative stay , which stops Biery 's ruling from taking effect while the court considers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it during the entire appeals process .
Biery 's ruling covered Texas voters `` who seek to vote by mail to avoid transmission of the virus '' under the age of 65 who would ordinarily not qualify for mail-in ballots .
The appeals court 's action reverts the state to existing qualifications that limit absentee ballots to voters who are 65 years or older .
Texans under 65 can only qualify for a mail-in ballot if they cite a disability or illness , if they 'll be out of the county during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail .
It 's the latest in a legal tennis match that in the last week alone has twice opened and then shut the door on a massive expansion in absentee voting in Texas as federal and state courts consider challenges to the state 's rules for mail-in voting .
The issue is likely on a path to the U.S. Supreme Court as Texas Republican officials continue to resist expanding voting by mail during the pandemic in contrast to officials in other states , including several led by Republicans .
The case in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on whether the state 's age limitation violates the U.S. Constitution .
The Texas Democratic Party and a few individual voters argued it would impose additional burdens on voters who are younger than 65 during the pandemic .
Among his findings in a lengthy ruling , Biery agreed that the state 's failure to provide a safe option to vote by mail during the pandemic to voters under 65 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the 26th Amendment 's protections against voting restrictions that discriminate based on age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the attorney general 's office that he should wait until a case in state district court is fully adjudicated and shot down arguments that widening voting by mail to those under 65 would invite increased voter fraud in the state .
`` One 's right to vote should not be elusively based on the whims of nature , '' Biery wrote .
`` Citizens should have the option to choose voting by letter carrier versus voting with disease carriers . ''
In issuing the preliminary injunction , Bier cited the irreparable harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules for voting by mail remained in place for elections held while the new coronavirus remains in wide circulation .
In his request to the 5th Circuit , Paxton argued the injunction threatened `` irreparable injury '' to the state `` by injecting substantial confusion into the Texas voting process mere days before ballots are distributed and weeks before runoff elections . ''
The appeals court ordered the Democrats to file a response to the state 's request to block the ruling by Thursday afternoon .
This article originally appeared in The Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Texas Tribune is a non-profit , non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy , politics , government and statewide issues .

May 20 (UPI) -- A federal appeals court has temporarily put on hold a lower court's sweeping ruling that would have allowed all Texas voters to qualify to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic.
Siding with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday blocked a preliminary injunction issued just a day before by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery. The panel granted what's known as an administrative stay, which stops Biery's ruling from taking effect while the court considers if it will issue an injunction nullifying it during the entire appeals process.
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Biery's ruling covered Texas voters "who seek to vote by mail to avoid transmission of the virus" under the age of 65 who would ordinarily not qualify for mail-in ballots. The appeals court's action reverts the state to existing qualifications that limit absentee ballots to voters who are 65 years or older. Texans under 65 can only qualify for a mail-in ballot if they cite a disability or illness, if they'll be out of the county during the election period, or are confined in jail.
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It's the latest in a legal tennis match that in the last week alone has twice opened and then shut the door on a massive expansion in absentee voting in Texas as federal and state courts consider challenges to the state's rules for mail-in voting. The issue is likely on a path to the U.S. Supreme Court as Texas Republican officials continue to resist expanding voting by mail during the pandemic in contrast to officials in other states, including several led by Republicans.
The case in Biery's court focused, in part, on whether the state's age limitation violates the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Democratic Party and a few individual voters argued it would impose additional burdens on voters who are younger than 65 during the pandemic.
Among his findings in a lengthy ruling, Biery agreed that the state's failure to provide a safe option to vote by mail during the pandemic to voters under 65 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the 26th Amendment's protections against voting restrictions that discriminate based on age. Biery also cast aside arguments offered by the attorney general's office that he should wait until a case in state district court is fully adjudicated and shot down arguments that widening voting by mail to those under 65 would invite increased voter fraud in the state.
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"One's right to vote should not be elusively based on the whims of nature," Biery wrote. "Citizens should have the option to choose voting by letter carrier versus voting with disease carriers."
In issuing the preliminary injunction, Bier cited the irreparable harm voters would face if existing age eligibility rules for voting by mail remained in place for elections held while the new coronavirus remains in wide circulation. In his request to the 5th Circuit, Paxton argued the injunction threatened "irreparable injury" to the state "by injecting substantial confusion into the Texas voting process mere days before ballots are distributed and weeks before runoff elections."
The appeals court ordered the Democrats to file a response to the state's request to block the ruling by Thursday afternoon.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune. Read the original here. The Texas Tribune is a non-profit, non-partisan media organization that informs Texans -- and engages with them -- about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.


upi--2020-05-20--Warriors, Blazers focus on charities, gaming, skills on conference finals anniversary

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers stars are in a very different place now than they were at this time in 2019 , as players provide basketball lessons , stream video games and raise money those impacted by COVID-19 .
One year ago , Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green each recorded triple doubles to lead their team to a Western Conference finals sweep of the Blazers and clinch a spot in the NBA Finals .
The Warriors went on to lose to the Toronto Raptors in the championship series , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three consecutive titles .
Golden State dispatched of the Blazers without the help of Kevin Durant .
The two-time NBA Finals MVP strained his right calf in Game 5 of the prior series .
He also missed the entire NBA Finals series .
Durant now is a member of the Brooklyn Nets .
Several other Warriors and Blazers stars also switched teams last off-season and now live in other cities .
All of the players have been shut in their homes , like the majority of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they 've used technology and their resources to make a difference and entertain their fans .
Curry , the Warriors ' sharpshooter , ignited for a game-high 37 points and had 13 rebounds and 11 assists to lead his squad to the 119-117 win in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals last May 20 at Moda Center in Portland , Ore. Curry returned to the Warriors just before the NBA 's March suspension after he missed time due to a broken left foot .
He now gives lessons for shooting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court at his house .
Curry also has used his social media platforms to educate others about the coronavirus pandemic .
He had an Instagram Live chat March 26 with Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease .
The question and answer session had nearly 50,000 viewers , including former President Barack Obama .
Former Warriors players Andre Iguodala and Leandro Barbosa and singers Common and Justin Bieber also tuned in for the Instagram conversation .
`` I appreciate everybody chiming in because I think this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the chat .
`` I think we all can take some of this information that we 're going to hear , pass it on to our inner circles .
`` And then have that information trickle down to everybody that you know .
Because information is power and this is such a timely conversation I think in terms of what we can do . ''
Curry also has been an active fundraiser for COVID-19 relief .
His efforts included a donation of 1 million meals to an Oakland school district and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leonard recorded a team-high 30 points and had 12 rebounds for the Blazers in Game 4 last year .
Leonard -- who now plays for the Miami Heat -- posted an Instagram story video Wednesday of his performance from Game 4 .
He is also one of several players who has turned to gaming .
Leonard streams his Call of Duty Warzone games on Twitch so fans can watch .
He hosted a video game tournament May 1 called the Hammer Classic , which raised more than $ 175,000 for Feeding South Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic .
The tournament also featured fellow NBA players Ben Simmons and Josh Hart and Pittsburgh Steelers star JuJu Smith-Schuster .
Stephen Curry 's younger brother , Seth Curry , was also a member of the Blazers last year .
He signed with the Dallas Mavericks this off-season .
Curry has also been a Call of Duty : Warzone streamer and led his team to a win in an April Call of Duty tournament that raised nearly $ 7,000 for coronavirus relief efforts .
Former Warriors guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Lakers -- also has been gaming during the break .
He asked fans to join in on a pro-am league for Madden and NBA 2K20 at the beginning of May .
The Warriors had the worst record in the NBA at the time of the suspension at 15-50 .
The Blazers were just outside of the playoff picture at 29-37 .
If the NBA decides to resume its season and jump to the post-season immediately , both teams would miss the playoffs .
As of May 19 , 14 teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workouts .
More teams plan to open their facilities this week , on a limited basis .
Sources told the New York Times and The Athletic that Orlando , Fla. , and Las Vegas have been discussed as sites being considered for a centralized-location return for the league in July .

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (L) has given basketball lessons, helped educate his fans about COVID-19 and donated to those in need while the NBA season is suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers stars are in a very different place now than they were at this time in 2019, as players provide basketball lessons, stream video games and raise money those impacted by COVID-19. One year ago, Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green each recorded triple doubles to lead their team to a Western Conference finals sweep of the Blazers and clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. Advertisement
The Warriors went on to lose to the Toronto Raptors in the championship series, which denied the franchise a chance to win three consecutive titles.
Golden State dispatched of the Blazers without the help of Kevin Durant. The two-time NBA Finals MVP strained his right calf in Game 5 of the prior series. He also missed the entire NBA Finals series.
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Durant now is a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Several other Warriors and Blazers stars also switched teams last off-season and now live in other cities.
All of the players have been shut in their homes, like the majority of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, because NBA facilities and gyms were closed. But they've used technology and their resources to make a difference and entertain their fans.
Curry gives lessons
Curry, the Warriors' sharpshooter, ignited for a game-high 37 points and had 13 rebounds and 11 assists to lead his squad to the 119-117 win in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals last May 20 at Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
Curry returned to the Warriors just before the NBA's March suspension after he missed time due to a broken left foot. He now gives lessons for shooting, dribbling and passing from the outdoor basketball court at his house.
Curry also has used his social media platforms to educate others about the coronavirus pandemic. He had an Instagram Live chat March 26 with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
The question and answer session had nearly 50,000 viewers, including former President Barack Obama. Former Warriors players Andre Iguodala and Leandro Barbosa and singers Common and Justin Bieber also tuned in for the Instagram conversation.
Advertisement
"I appreciate everybody chiming in because I think this is really dope," Curry said during the chat. "I think we all can take some of this information that we're going to hear, pass it on to our inner circles.
"And then have that information trickle down to everybody that you know. Because information is power and this is such a timely conversation I think in terms of what we can do."
Curry also has been an active fundraiser for COVID-19 relief. His efforts included a donation of 1 million meals to an Oakland school district and a fundraiser launched for Feeding America.
Turning to gaming
Meyers Leonard recorded a team-high 30 points and had 12 rebounds for the Blazers in Game 4 last year. Leonard -- who now plays for the Miami Heat -- posted an Instagram story video Wednesday of his performance from Game 4.
He is also one of several players who has turned to gaming. Leonard streams his Call of Duty Warzone games on Twitch so fans can watch.
He hosted a video game tournament May 1 called the Hammer Classic, which raised more than $175,000 for Feeding South Florida and Feeding America to help provide food for people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement
The tournament also featured fellow NBA players Ben Simmons and Josh Hart and Pittsburgh Steelers star JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Stephen Curry's younger brother, Seth Curry, was also a member of the Blazers last year. He signed with the Dallas Mavericks this off-season. Curry has also been a Call of Duty: Warzone streamer and led his team to a win in an April Call of Duty tournament that raised nearly $7,000 for coronavirus relief efforts.
Former Warriors guard Quinn Cook -- who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers -- also has been gaming during the break. He asked fans to join in on a pro-am league for Madden and NBA 2K20 at the beginning of May.
Poor chances
The Warriors had the worst record in the NBA at the time of the suspension at 15-50. The Blazers were just outside of the playoff picture at 29-37. If the NBA decides to resume its season and jump to the post-season immediately, both teams would miss the playoffs.
As of May 19, 14 teams had reopened their training facilities for voluntary workouts. More teams plan to open their facilities this week, on a limited basis. Sources told the New York Times and The Athletic that Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas have been discussed as sites being considered for a centralized-location return for the league in July.


upi--2020-05-20--Supreme Court temporarily blocks House from obtaining Mueller grand jury documents

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked a request by the House to obtain grand jury material gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigators .
The court issued a stay giving the Justice Department until June 1 to file a formal appeal .
The House judiciary committee sought the documents for its investigation into President Donald Trump .
If an appeal is not filed by the deadline , the stay will dissolve .
In March , the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in a separation-of-powers lawsuit brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the documents to be released .
The appeals court gave the Justice Department until May 11 to turn over the materials to Congress , but the Supreme Court on May 8 issued a stay to allow both sides to submit legal briefs .
On Tuesday , House Democrats filed a brief with the Supreme Court to gain access to the documents , while also suggesting its investigation into potentially impeachable offenses has expanded to include Trump allies Roger Stone and Michael Flynn .
`` If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee will proceed accordingly -- including , if necessary , by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment , '' House general counsel Douglas Letter said .
Letter also said he was concerned that it could take the Supreme Court months to issue a decision in the case if it decides to take it up , potentially hindering the House 's ability to complete the investigation .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday pointed to the court decision , stating Democrats are attempting to conduct a `` perpetual investigation , perpetual @ @ @ @ @

The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on Wednesday blocking a request by the House judiciary committee to obtain grand jury material gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked a request by the House to obtain grand jury material gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators. The court issued a stay giving the Justice Department until June 1 to file a formal appeal. The House judiciary committee sought the documents for its investigation into President Donald Trump. Advertisement
If an appeal is not filed by the deadline, the stay will dissolve.
In March, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in a separation-of-powers lawsuit brought by House Democrats clearing the way for the documents to be released.
The appeals court gave the Justice Department until May 11 to turn over the materials to Congress, but the Supreme Court on May 8 issued a stay to allow both sides to submit legal briefs.
On Tuesday, House Democrats filed a brief with the Supreme Court to gain access to the documents, while also suggesting its investigation into potentially impeachable offenses has expanded to include Trump allies Roger Stone and Michael Flynn.
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"If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses the committee will proceed accordingly -- including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment," House general counsel Douglas Letter said.
Letter also said he was concerned that it could take the Supreme Court months to issue a decision in the case if it decides to take it up, potentially hindering the House's ability to complete the investigation.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday pointed to the court decision, stating Democrats are attempting to conduct a "perpetual investigation, perpetual impeachment" of Trump.


upi--2020-05-20--WHO reports largest number of COVID-19 cases in single day

May 20 ( UPI ) -- World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday marked a grim milestone in the coronavirus pandemic -- the largest single-day total of confirmed cases .
He said public health officials reported 106,000 cases of the virus in the past 24 hours , two-thirds of which came from four countries .
While Ghebreyesus did n't specify which four countries he was talking about , the United States , Russia , Brazil and Britain account for the most confirmed cases at more than 2.3 million , according to Johns Hopkins University .
`` We still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pandemic , '' Ghebreyesus said .
As countries conduct more testing and more positive results are returned , the globe is likely to surpass 5 million confirmed cases over the next 24 hours .
Johns Hopkins ' global tracker says there are 4.96 million cases worldwide , with at least 325,800 deaths .
Of the confirmed cases , 1.87 million have recovered from COVID-19 .
`` We are very concerned about rising cases in low and middle income countries , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` The pandemic has taught and informed many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; it 's an investment .
`` To live in a secure world , guaranteeing quality health for all is not just the right choice ; it 's the smart choice . ''
Dr. Mike Ryan , executive director of WHO 's Emergencies Program , meanwhile , warned people not to use hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment or prevention .
His comments on the malaria drug came two days after President Donald Trump told reporters he 's taking the drug to prevent COVID-19 .
Scientific studies show there 's little evidence the drug successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drug Administration warned it causes serious and potentially life-threatening side effects , including heart rhythm problems .
Trump said Wednesday afternoon that he plans to stop taking hydroxychloroquine `` in a day or two . ''

People gather and form a line for food distribution in the Chinatown section of Manhattan during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City on Tuesday. The world is nearing a milestone 5 million confirmed cases of the virus. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday marked a grim milestone in the coronavirus pandemic -- the largest single-day total of confirmed cases. He said public health officials reported 106,000 cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, two-thirds of which came from four countries. Advertisement
While Ghebreyesus didn't specify which four countries he was talking about, the United States, Russia, Brazil and Britain account for the most confirmed cases at more than 2.3 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.
"We still have a long way to go in this pandemic," Ghebreyesus said.
As countries conduct more testing and more positive results are returned, the globe is likely to surpass 5 million confirmed cases over the next 24 hours.
Johns Hopkins' global tracker says there are 4.96 million cases worldwide, with at least 325,800 deaths. Of the confirmed cases, 1.87 million have recovered from COVID-19.
"We are very concerned about rising cases in low and middle income countries," Ghebreyesus said. "The pandemic has taught and informed many lessons. Health is not a cost; it's an investment.
"To live in a secure world, guaranteeing quality health for all is not just the right choice; it's the smart choice."
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Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO's Emergencies Program, meanwhile, warned people not to use hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus treatment or prevention. His comments on the malaria drug came two days after President Donald Trump told reporters he's taking the drug to prevent COVID-19.
Scientific studies show there's little evidence the drug successfully treats the virus and the Food and Drug Administration warned it causes serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including heart rhythm problems.
Trump said Wednesday afternoon that he plans to stop taking hydroxychloroquine "in a day or two."
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-20--Experimental COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective in monkeys

Two new studies offer hope for an effective coronavirus vaccine -- and for the notion that prior infection also confers immunity .
Both studies were conducted in rhesus macaque monkeys , so testing in humans is required for more definitive proof .
But in one study , monkeys developed immunity against the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus after receiving experimental vaccines .
`` Our findings increase optimism that the development of COVID-19 vaccines will be possible , '' said lead researcher Dr. Dan Barouch .
He directs the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , macaques were given experimental coronavirus vaccines that expressed six different forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein , a structure on the virus ' surface that it uses to bind with and invade human cells .
The vaccines provide DNA that enables host cells to make the spike protein , so that they can then generate antibody responses to it .
In this way , the immune system is trained to recognize coronavirus and quickly respond to it if it appears .
The vaccines were given to25 adult macaques in initial vaccinations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 monkeys got a sham vaccine .
All of the macaques were infected with the new coronavirus six weeks after vaccination , and those that had received the real vaccines produced levels of antibodies in their blood that were high enough to neutralize the virus within two weeks .
In fact , 8 of the 25 vaccinated monkeys showed no detectable virus at any point following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 , and the other vaccinated animals showed only low viral loads , the researchers reported in the March 20 issue of the journal Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of immune system antibodies rose , viral load declined .
That suggests that there 's a direct correlation between the two -- an important factor to consider as vaccine development goes forward , the researchers said .
In another important finding , a second study conducted by the same team found that monkeys who were infected with the new coronavirus developed immunity .
In that research , nine adult macaques were infected with the virus , but then cleared it from their bodies when they were re-exposed to it 35 days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no symptoms after re-exposure and had immune responses that appeared to protect them against a second infection .
Further research is needed to find out how long this natural immunity lasts , the study authors noted .
Still , `` In these two studies , we demonstrate in rhesus macaques that prototype vaccines protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection and that SARS-CoV-2 infection protected against re-exposure , '' Barouch said in Beth Israel news release .
However , he stressed that research conducted in animals sometimes fails to pan out in people , so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address the important questions about the length of protection , as well as the optimal vaccine platforms for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans . ''
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus .

Monkeys developed immunity against the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus after receiving experimental vaccines, a new study found. Photo by Arek Socha /Pixabay
Two new studies offer hope for an effective coronavirus vaccine -- and for the notion that prior infection also confers immunity. Both studies were conducted in rhesus macaque monkeys, so testing in humans is required for more definitive proof. But in one study, monkeys developed immunity against the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus after receiving experimental vaccines. Advertisement
"Our findings increase optimism that the development of COVID-19 vaccines will be possible," said lead researcher Dr. Dan Barouch. He directs the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
As part of the new research, macaques were given experimental coronavirus vaccines that expressed six different forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, a structure on the virus' surface that it uses to bind with and invade human cells.
The vaccines provide DNA that enables host cells to make the spike protein, so that they can then generate antibody responses to it. In this way, the immune system is trained to recognize coronavirus and quickly respond to it if it appears.
The vaccines were given to25 adult macaques in initial vaccinations and also in follow-up boost immunizations. Another 10 monkeys got a sham vaccine.
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All of the macaques were infected with the new coronavirus six weeks after vaccination, and those that had received the real vaccines produced levels of antibodies in their blood that were high enough to neutralize the virus within two weeks.
In fact, 8 of the 25 vaccinated monkeys showed no detectable virus at any point following exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and the other vaccinated animals showed only low viral loads, the researchers reported in the March 20 issue of the journal Science.
In all cases, as the production of immune system antibodies rose, viral load declined. That suggests that there's a direct correlation between the two -- an important factor to consider as vaccine development goes forward, the researchers said.
In another important finding, a second study conducted by the same team found that monkeys who were infected with the new coronavirus developed immunity.
In that research, nine adult macaques were infected with the virus, but then cleared it from their bodies when they were re-exposed to it 35 days later. All nine also had few or no symptoms after re-exposure and had immune responses that appeared to protect them against a second infection.
Further research is needed to find out how long this natural immunity lasts, the study authors noted.
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Still, "In these two studies, we demonstrate in rhesus macaques that prototype vaccines protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection and that SARS-CoV-2 infection protected against re-exposure," Barouch said in Beth Israel news release.
However, he stressed that research conducted in animals sometimes fails to pan out in people, so, "further research will be needed to address the important questions about the length of protection, as well as the optimal vaccine platforms for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans."
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-20--Scientists use ultrasonic mind control on monkeys

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Scientists have for the first time directed the decision making of monkeys using remote , ultrasonic brain stimulation .
For the study , published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances , researchers had a pair of macaque monkeys participate in a visual test designed to investigate basic decision making .
The monkeys were made to look at a target at the center of a screen before being presented with a second and third target to the left and right sides of the screen , one following the other .
Typically , macaques and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , but researchers were able to alter the tendency by directing low-intensity ultrasound waves at the frontal eye fields of the two monkeys , the brain region that controls eye movement .
`` Brief , low-intensity ultrasound pulses delivered non-invasively into specific brain regions of macaque monkeys influenced their decisions regarding which target to choose , '' researchers wrote .
`` The effects were substantial , leading to around a 2:1 bias in choices compared to the default balanced proportion . ''
Each of the ultrasonic pulses lasted 300 milliseconds and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared on the sides of the screen .
The pulses cause brain tissue to vibrate and neurons to fire , altering the neuronal sequences in the targeted brain region .
When researchers directed ultrasonic waves on the monkey 's motor cortex , which does n't control the eye movements or decision making of monkeys , the visual choices of the two monkeys were unaffected .
Though a lot more testing of the technology and its potential is necessary , scientists estimate ultrasonic brain manipulation could eventually be used to study and treat decision-making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are ... tantalizing opportunities to apply ultrasonic neuromodulation to non-invasively modulate choice behavior in humans , with first applications aimed at determining the set of circuits involved in a given disorder in a given individual , '' researchers wrote .

Scientists estimate ultrasonic brain manipulation could eventually be used to study and treat decision-making disorders like addiction in humans. Photo by QuinceMedia /Pixabay
May 20 (UPI) -- Scientists have for the first time directed the decision making of monkeys using remote, ultrasonic brain stimulation. For the study, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, researchers had a pair of macaque monkeys participate in a visual test designed to investigate basic decision making. Advertisement
The monkeys were made to look at a target at the center of a screen before being presented with a second and third target to the left and right sides of the screen, one following the other.
Typically, macaques and other monkeys glance at the target that appears first, but researchers were able to alter the tendency by directing low-intensity ultrasound waves at the frontal eye fields of the two monkeys, the brain region that controls eye movement.
"Brief, low-intensity ultrasound pulses delivered non-invasively into specific brain regions of macaque monkeys influenced their decisions regarding which target to choose," researchers wrote . "The effects were substantial, leading to around a 2:1 bias in choices compared to the default balanced proportion."
Each of the ultrasonic pulses lasted 300 milliseconds and was applied just before the first secondary target appeared on the sides of the screen. The pulses cause brain tissue to vibrate and neurons to fire, altering the neuronal sequences in the targeted brain region.
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When researchers directed ultrasonic waves on the monkey's motor cortex, which doesn't control the eye movements or decision making of monkeys, the visual choices of the two monkeys were unaffected.
Though a lot more testing of the technology and its potential is necessary, scientists estimate ultrasonic brain manipulation could eventually be used to study and treat decision-making disorders like addiction in humans.
"There are ... tantalizing opportunities to apply ultrasonic neuromodulation to non-invasively modulate choice behavior in humans, with first applications aimed at determining the set of circuits involved in a given disorder in a given individual," researchers wrote.


upi--2020-05-20--Dow rises 369 points as last U.S. state begins reopening

May 20 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 300 points on Wednesday as markets reacted to states continuing to reopen following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The bellwether index climbed 369 points , or 1.52 percent , while the S & P 500 gained 1.67 percent and the Nasdaq Composite grew 2.08 percent .
Wednesday 's gains came as retail stores in Connecticut , the last state to lift coronavirus restrictions , were allowed to reopen with some guidelines including limiting occupancy to 50 percent and requiring masks to be worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from activities such as retail businesses and travel resuming saw increases on Wednesday .
MGM Resorts stock grew 8.91 percent , Live Nation gained 6.45 percent and United Airlines rose 5.19 percent .
Tech stocks , which have helped lead the markets to gains amid the pandemic in recent weeks also performed well with Facebook stock rising 6.04 percent and Amazon increasing 1.98 percent .
The S & P 500 and the Dow rose 3 percent for the week and the Nasdaq increased 4.5 percent for 2020 after markets slid on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks after a strong start to the week .

Markets closed with gains on Wednesday amid optimism about plans for states to reopen following restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 300 points on Wednesday as markets reacted to states continuing to reopen following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The bellwether index climbed 369 points, or 1.52 percent, while the S&P 500 gained 1.67 percent and the Nasdaq Composite grew 2.08 percent. Advertisement
Wednesday's gains came as retail stores in Connecticut, the last state to lift coronavirus restrictions, were allowed to reopen with some guidelines including limiting occupancy to 50 percent and requiring masks to be worn at check-out counters.
Companies that would benefit from activities such as retail businesses and travel resuming saw increases on Wednesday. MGM Resorts stock grew 8.91 percent, Live Nation gained 6.45 percent and United Airlines rose 5.19 percent.
Tech stocks, which have helped lead the markets to gains amid the pandemic in recent weeks also performed well with Facebook stock rising 6.04 percent and Amazon increasing 1.98 percent.
The S&P 500 and the Dow rose 3 percent for the week and the Nasdaq increased 4.5 percent for 2020 after markets slid on Tuesday amid poor performance by retail and bank stocks after a strong start to the week.


upi--2020-05-20--Astronauts land in Florida ahead of historic launch to space station

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 20 ( UPI ) -- NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday to prepare for the historic return of crewed launches from U.S. soil .
Their space agency jet from Houston arrived shortly before 4 p.m. EDT .
Behnken and Hurley , who both flew two previous space shuttle missions , are scheduled for a May 27 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station .
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Bob Cabana , director of the space center , wore surgical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space fliers , who are in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` It feels so good to be here , '' Hurley said after stepping off the plane .
`` I know times are tough right now , '' Bridenstine said during a press conference held on the space center 's runway .
`` We just welcomed our astronauts and we could n't shake [ hands ] .
We had to wave from 6 feet away . ''
But he noted NASA was able to unite people around the world during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped the mission would help people `` talk about how bright things are going to be in the future . ''
The astronauts thanked NASA , SpaceX and the public for their support .
They will spend anywhere from one to four months in space , Hurley said .
`` This is an awesome time to be an astronaut to get a new spacecraft to go and fly , '' Behnken said .
`` We view this as an opportunity , but also as a responsibility . ''
The astronauts will continue final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach House at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with their families , who also have been quarantined .
Hurley said he was amazed at how SpaceX and NASA adjusted astronaut training because of the pandemic .
He and Behnken were traveling every week to SpaceX 's headquarters in Hawthorne , Calif. , earlier this year as the pandemic reached America .
`` We had to keep our teams safe , but also ourselves and our family , '' Hurley said .
It will be the first time NASA astronauts are launched from U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
The United States has purchased seats on Russian Soyuz rockets launched from Kazakhstan since then .
The launch , set for 4:33 p.m. EDT , will also be the first time people have flown inside the Crew Dragon capsule made by Elon 's Musk 's SpaceX .
It is due to arrive at the space station the day after launch , with docking planned at 11:29 a.m. EDT .
Behnken , 49 , and Hurley , 53 , have been astronauts since their selection in 2000 .
They worked closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Behnken recently thanked his neighbors in the Houston area for posting countdown signs and positive messages about the launch .
He posted on Twitter : `` My neighborhood has a long history of @ NASA_Astronauts as residents and finds a special way to take part in each mission . ''
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , NASA has requested that spectators not travel to Florida to see the launch , and access to the space center is restricted to essential personnel only .
The launch and much of the flight to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV and streamed online .
Behnken is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was former chief of NASA 's Astronaut Office .
Hailing from the St. Louis area , Behnken flew space shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010 , logging more than 37 hours during six spacewalks .
Behnken holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology .
He is married to fellow astronaut K. Meghan Arthur , and they have one child .
Hurley is a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot and test pilot , and was the first Marine pilot to fly the F/A‐18 E/F Super Hornet .
Hurley was the pilot on space shuttle missions STS‐127 in 2009 and the final shuttle mission , STS‐135 , in 2011 .
Hurley grew up in Apalachin , N.Y. , and holds a bachelor 's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University .
He is married to astronaut Karen Nyberg , and they have one child .

1/8
NASA Astronauts Bob Behnken (L) and Doug Hurley give the "thumbs up" after they arrive at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
ORLANDO, Fla., May 20 (UPI) -- NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday to prepare for the historic return of crewed launches from U.S. soil. Their space agency jet from Houston arrived shortly before 4 p.m. EDT. Advertisement
Behnken and Hurley, who both flew two previous space shuttle missions, are scheduled for a May 27 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Bob Cabana, director of the space center, wore surgical face masks as they greeted the two space fliers, who are in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It feels so good to be here," Hurley said after stepping off the plane.
"I know times are tough right now," Bridenstine said during a press conference held on the space center's runway. "We just welcomed our astronauts and we couldn't shake [hands]. We had to wave from 6 feet away."
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But he noted NASA was able to unite people around the world during the Cold War years. He said he hoped the mission would help people "talk about how bright things are going to be in the future."
The astronauts thanked NASA, SpaceX and the public for their support. They will spend anywhere from one to four months in space, Hurley said.
"This is an awesome time to be an astronaut to get a new spacecraft to go and fly," Behnken said. "We view this as an opportunity, but also as a responsibility."
The astronauts will continue final preparations as they stay in the Astronaut Beach House at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with their families, who also have been quarantined.
Hurley said he was amazed at how SpaceX and NASA adjusted astronaut training because of the pandemic. He and Behnken were traveling every week to SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif., earlier this year as the pandemic reached America.
"We had to keep our teams safe, but also ourselves and our family," Hurley said.
It will be the first time NASA astronauts are launched from U.S. soil since the last shuttle mission in 2011. The United States has purchased seats on Russian Soyuz rockets launched from Kazakhstan since then.
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The launch, set for 4:33 p.m. EDT, will also be the first time people have flown inside the Crew Dragon capsule made by Elon's Musk's SpaceX. It is due to arrive at the space station the day after launch, with docking planned at 11:29 a.m. EDT.
Behnken, 49, and Hurley, 53, have been astronauts since their selection in 2000. They worked closely with SpaceX to develop the new spacecraft systems.
Behnken recently thanked his neighbors in the Houston area for posting countdown signs and positive messages about the launch. He posted on Twitter: "My neighborhood has a long history of @NASA_Astronauts as residents and finds a special way to take part in each mission."
My neighborhood has been at it again. Just in case @NASA or @SpaceX needs a backup countdown calendar, they've got it covered! #LaunchAmerica pic.twitter.com/5T5XfNWeFq- Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) May 19, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NASA has requested that spectators not travel to Florida to see the launch, and access to the space center is restricted to essential personnel only.
The launch and much of the flight to the station will be shown live on NASA TV and streamed online.
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Behnken is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was former chief of NASA's Astronaut Office.
Hailing from the St. Louis area, Behnken flew space shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010, logging more than 37 hours during six spacewalks.
Behnken holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology. He is married to fellow astronaut K. Meghan Arthur, and they have one child.
Hurley is a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. Before joining NASA he was a fighter pilot and test pilot, and was the first Marine pilot to fly the F/A‐18 E/F Super Hornet.
Hurley was the pilot on space shuttle missions STS‐127 in 2009 and the final shuttle mission, STS‐135, in 2011.
Hurley grew up in Apalachin, N.Y., and holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University. He is married to astronaut Karen Nyberg, and they have one child.
Astronauts make round trip to space station from U.S. soil


upi--2020-05-20--Blood pressure spikes during exercise could be sign of heart disease

Middle-aged men and women who develop high blood pressure while performing even moderate exercise may be at higher risk for heart disease , a new study suggests .
`` The way our blood pressure changes during and after exercise provides important information on whether we will develop disease in the future , '' researcher Vanessa Xanthakis , assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine , said in a university news release .
In the study , Xanthakis and her colleagues looked at the link between blood pressure levels , as well as the time needed for high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for nearly 2,000 people enrolled in a major ongoing U.S. heart health study .
Participants averaged 58 years of age , about a quarter were obese , and about a third had hypertension at the beginning of the study .
All of the participants were tested for changes in blood pressure while running at a `` submaximal '' level on a treadmill for three minutes at a stretch .
Their blood pressure readings were taken in the middle of the exercise bout , and then the rate at which blood pressure returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recorded as they laid on their backs after the exercise .
Higher blood pressure during exercise was linked with a higher risk of developing hypertension over the 12 years of the study , the team found .
As well , delays in blood pressure recovery after exercise were also associated with a higher risk of both heart disease and death during the study period , the researchers found .
Xanthakis believes that people should know their blood pressure numbers , speak to their doctor about changes in blood pressure during and after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- including regular physical activity -- to lower risk of heart disease later in life .
Dr .
Guy Mintz directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health 's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset , N.Y. Reading over the new findings , he pointed out that in a typical cardiac stress test , `` blood pressure is also monitored and reported as normal or as a hypertensive response to exercise -- and that 's it .
But now we see that an abnormal blood pressure response to exercise should be a wake-up call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in a typical stress test , `` useful data is left on the table that doctors can use to risk-stratify their middle-aged cardiovascular patient , '' Mintz believes .
`` If we can identify this group of middle-aged patients early , we can intensify their cardiovascular risk reduction at a younger age . ''
`` As the arteries harden , they can not relax after exercise during the recovery phase , '' explained Dr. Satjit Bhusri , a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
`` This sustained elevated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marker of cardiovascular health , '' he said , and `` the quicker the return to normal , the healthier the cardiovascular system . ''
The report was published online May 20 in the Journal of the American Heart Association .
For more on hypertension , head to the American Heart Association .

A team of investigators found that higher blood pressure during exercise was linked with a higher risk of developing hypertension during a 12-year study. Photo by Debora Cartagena/Pixnio
Middle-aged men and women who develop high blood pressure while performing even moderate exercise may be at higher risk for heart disease, a new study suggests. "The way our blood pressure changes during and after exercise provides important information on whether we will develop disease in the future," researcher Vanessa Xanthakis, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, said in a university news release. Advertisement
In the study, Xanthakis and her colleagues looked at the link between blood pressure levels, as well as the time needed for high blood pressure to recede back to normal, for nearly 2,000 people enrolled in a major ongoing U.S. heart health study.
Participants averaged 58 years of age, about a quarter were obese, and about a third had hypertension at the beginning of the study.
All of the participants were tested for changes in blood pressure while running at a "submaximal" level on a treadmill for three minutes at a stretch.
Their blood pressure readings were taken in the middle of the exercise bout, and then the rate at which blood pressure returned to normal ("recovered") was recorded as they laid on their backs after the exercise.
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Higher blood pressure during exercise was linked with a higher risk of developing hypertension over the 12 years of the study, the team found. As well, delays in blood pressure recovery after exercise were also associated with a higher risk of both heart disease and death during the study period, the researchers found.
Xanthakis believes that people should know their blood pressure numbers, speak to their doctor about changes in blood pressure during and after exercise, and follow a healthy lifestyle -- including regular physical activity -- to lower risk of heart disease later in life.
Dr. Guy Mintz directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Reading over the new findings, he pointed out that in a typical cardiac stress test, "blood pressure is also monitored and reported as normal or as a hypertensive response to exercise -- and that's it. But now we see that an abnormal blood pressure response to exercise should be a wake-up call to the clinician."
This means that in a typical stress test, "useful data is left on the table that doctors can use to risk-stratify their middle-aged cardiovascular patient," Mintz believes. "If we can identify this group of middle-aged patients early, we can intensify their cardiovascular risk reduction at a younger age."
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Another heart specialist agreed.
"As the arteries harden, they cannot relax after exercise during the recovery phase," explained Dr. Satjit Bhusri, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "This sustained elevated pressure during recovery is itself another independent marker of cardiovascular health," he said, and "the quicker the return to normal, the healthier the cardiovascular system."
The report was published online May 20 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
More information
For more on hypertension, head to the American Heart Association.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-20--Look: Reported alligator in Oklahoma neighborhood was exotic lizard

May 20 ( UPI ) -- Police in Oklahoma said officers who responded to a report of an alligator wandering @ @ @ @ @ up capturing something no less unusual -- a tegu lizard .
The Oklahoma City Police @ @ @ @ @ to a neighborhood in the southeast part of the city after a caller reported their @ @ @ @ @ while playing outside .
`` What in the Joe Exotic is going on in OKC @ @ @ @ @ department said in a Facebook post .
`` Last week it was snakes , this @ @ @ @ @ The post included photos of the captured creature , which Oklahoma Wildlife Department officials identified @ @ @ @ @ Argentine tegu lizard , which often are kept as exotic pets .

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May 20 (UPI) -- Police in Oklahoma said officers who responded to a report of an alligator wandering in a residential neighborhood ended up capturing something no less unusual -- a tegu lizard.
The Oklahoma City Police Department said an officer responded to a neighborhood in the southeast part of the city after a caller reported their children had spotted an alligator while playing outside.
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"What in the Joe Exotic is going on in OKC???" the department said in a Facebook post. "Last week it was snakes, this week more critters."
The post included photos of the captured creature, which Oklahoma Wildlife Department officials identified as a black and white Argentine tegu lizard, which often are kept as exotic pets.