upi--2020-05-05--Kidney transplant patients at high risk of fatal COVID-19, study shows

Because people who receive a donor kidney are often on immune-suppressing medications , they 're at extremely high risk of dying if COVID-19 strikes , a new report warns .
The study , from doctors at Montefiore Medical Center in hard-hit New York City , looked at outcomes for 36 kidney transplant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 16 and April 1 .
Nearly a third of these patients died from their infection with the new coronavirus , and in most cases COVID-19 worsened rapidly , according to a team of Montefiore physicians led by Dr. Enver Akalin .
Thirty-nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a mechanical ventilator , and nearly two-thirds ( 64 percent ) of those ventilated patients died .
`` Our results show a very high early mortality among kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 -- 28 percent at three weeks as compared with the reported 1 percent to 5 percent mortality among patients with COVID-19 in the general population , '' the doctors wrote in a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .
Patients who receive donor organs are placed on immune-suppressing drugs to help prevent rejection of the new organ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patients had low levels of immune system blood cells needed to mount a strong defense against any infectious disease .
So , the new study `` supports the need to decrease doses of immunosuppressive agents in patients with COVID-19 , '' its authors believe .
They said that 's especially true for transplant patients who get a particular immunosuppressive drug called antithymocyte globulin , `` which decreases all [ immune system ] T-cell subsets for many weeks , '' they said .
Two of the eight patients in the study who did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home also died , and both had been taking antithymocyte globulin , Akalin 's group pointed out .
One outside expert said the study highlights the special risks organ transplant recipients have in the COVID-19 era .
`` Transplant patients are uniquely at risk for poorer outcomes from COVID-19 , '' said Dr. Lewis Teperman , director of organ transplantation at Northwell Health in Manhasset , N.Y. `` Many of the medicines need to be reduced or discontinued , and patients need to be monitored by their transplant team . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 may also pose heightened risks to health care workers .
`` Early indications suggest that transplant recipients may have higher viral loads and shed virus for an extended period of times , so-called 'super shedders , ' '' he said .
`` Investigation is underway at Northwell to prove this hypothesis , and proper personal protective equipment [ PPE ] is crucial in the care of recipients with COVID-19 . ''
There 's more on the organ donation process at the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration .

Nearly a third of kidney transplant patients died from their infection with the new coronavirus, a new study found. Photo by 4466844 /Pixabay
Because people who receive a donor kidney are often on immune-suppressing medications, they're at extremely high risk of dying if COVID-19 strikes, a new report warns. The study, from doctors at Montefiore Medical Center in hard-hit New York City, looked at outcomes for 36 kidney transplant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 16 and April 1. Advertisement
Nearly a third of these patients died from their infection with the new coronavirus, and in most cases COVID-19 worsened rapidly, according to a team of Montefiore physicians led by Dr. Enver Akalin.
Thirty-nine percent of patients needed to be put on a mechanical ventilator, and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of those ventilated patients died.
"Our results show a very high early mortality among kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 -- 28 percent at three weeks as compared with the reported 1 percent to 5 percent mortality among patients with COVID-19 in the general population," the doctors wrote in a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Patients who receive donor organs are placed on immune-suppressing drugs to help prevent rejection of the new organ. But this meant that most of the patients had low levels of immune system blood cells needed to mount a strong defense against any infectious disease.
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So, the new study "supports the need to decrease doses of immunosuppressive agents in patients with COVID-19," its authors believe.
They said that's especially true for transplant patients who get a particular immunosuppressive drug called antithymocyte globulin, "which decreases all [immune system] T-cell subsets for many weeks," they said. Two of the eight patients in the study who did not require hospitalization but were monitored at home also died, and both had been taking antithymocyte globulin, Akalin's group pointed out.
One outside expert said the study highlights the special risks organ transplant recipients have in the COVID-19 era.
"Transplant patients are uniquely at risk for poorer outcomes from COVID-19," said Dr. Lewis Teperman, director of organ transplantation at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y. "Many of the medicines need to be reduced or discontinued, and patients need to be monitored by their transplant team."
According to Teperman, organ transplant patients who develop COVID-19 may also pose heightened risks to health care workers.
"Early indications suggest that transplant recipients may have higher viral loads and shed virus for an extended period of times, so-called 'super shedders,'" he said. "Investigation is underway at Northwell to prove this hypothesis, and proper personal protective equipment [PPE] is crucial in the care of recipients with COVID-19."
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More information
There's more on the organ donation process at the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-05--Strong tech stocks, rebounding oil prices fuel slight gains on Wall Street

May 5 ( UPI ) -- U.S. stocks rose slightly on Tuesday , driven upward by a rise in tech @ @ @ @ @ oil prices .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 133.33 points , or 0.56 @ @ @ @ @ & P 500 rose 0.9 percent and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.13 percent after all @ @ @ @ @ to begin the week .
The main impact appeared to be a rebound in oil @ @ @ @ @ grew by more than 20 percent to $ 24.59 per barrel and Brent crude rose @ @ @ @ @ 31.16 per barrel .
Stocks were also buoyed by an announcement Tuesday from Pfizer that @ @ @ @ @ potential coronavirus vaccine have started .
Pfizer stock rose 2.37 percent , while the healthcare @ @ @ @ @ drove the S & P 500 higher .

The New York Stock Exchange is seen Monday on Wall Street in New York City. The main trading floor of the exchange remains closed and traders are conducting business remotely. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- U.S. stocks rose slightly on Tuesday, driven upward by a rise in tech stocks and a rebound in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 133.33 points, or 0.56 percent, while the S&P 500 rose 0.9 percent and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.13 percent after all three showed small gains Monday to begin the week. Advertisement
Tech stocks influenced trading Tuesday as Google stock rose 1.97 percent, Apple gained 1.5 percent and Microsoft climbed 1.07 percent.
The main impact appeared to be a rebound in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate grew by more than 20 percent to $24.59 per barrel and Brent crude rose nearly 15 percent to $31.16 per barrel.
Stocks were also buoyed by an announcement Tuesday from Pfizer that human testing trials for a potential coronavirus vaccine have started.
Pfizer stock rose 2.37 percent, while the healthcare, tech and energy sectors drove the S&P 500 higher.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-05--Injuries a drain on employee productivity

Injuries in the United States take a huge toll on the workplace , new research shows .
For the study , researchers analyzed millions of workplace health insurance claims among adults aged 18 to 64 between 2014 and 2015 , with a specific focus on non-fatal injuries treated in emergency departments .
The injuries examined in the study included burns , poisonings , gunshot wounds , falls , bites and stings , traffic crashes , and those caused by machinery and overexertion .
The researchers found that such injuries result in an estimated loss of $ 1,590 and an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee every year .
There was a range from 1.5 days and $ 210 for bites and stings to 44 days and $ 6,196 for motorcycle injuries .
Days taken off work ranged from four for other head , face and neck injuries to almost 20 for traumatic brain injuries , according to the study published online May 4 in the journal Injury Prevention .
The findings do n't include caregivers , people who do n't have workplace health insurance , and those without jobs .
Each year in the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emergency care for non-fatal injuries , resulting in total medical costs of more than $ 133 billion , according to lead researcher Dr. Cora Peterson , from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Peterson and colleagues noted that previous estimates of lost productivity due to injury have been based on missing work due to injuries sustained only in the workplace and have n't assessed the impact of different types of injury .
The new study did n't include long-term disabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by violent assault .
`` Non-fatal injuries are preventable and incur substantial lost work productivity at a high cost to individuals , employers and society , '' the study authors concluded in a journal news release .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources on injury prevention .

Injuries in the United States take a huge toll on the workplace, new research shows.
For the study, researchers analyzed millions of workplace health insurance claims among adults aged 18 to 64 between 2014 and 2015, with a specific focus on non-fatal injuries treated in emergency departments.
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The injuries examined in the study included burns, poisonings, gunshot wounds, falls, bites and stings, traffic crashes, and those caused by machinery and overexertion.
The researchers found that such injuries result in an estimated loss of $1,590 and an average of 11 days off work per injured employee every year.
There was a range from 1.5 days and $210 for bites and stings to 44 days and $6,196 for motorcycle injuries. Days taken off work ranged from four for other head, face and neck injuries to almost 20 for traumatic brain injuries, according to the study published online May 4 in the journal Injury Prevention.
The findings don't include caregivers, people who don't have workplace health insurance, and those without jobs.
Each year in the United States, there are more than 30 million visits to emergency care for non-fatal injuries, resulting in total medical costs of more than $133 billion, according to lead researcher Dr. Cora Peterson, from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Peterson and colleagues noted that previous estimates of lost productivity due to injury have been based on missing work due to injuries sustained only in the workplace and haven't assessed the impact of different types of injury.
The new study didn't include long-term disabilities or long-term physical and mental illness caused by violent assault.
"Non-fatal injuries are preventable and incur substantial lost work productivity at a high cost to individuals, employers and society," the study authors concluded in a journal news release.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources on injury prevention.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-05--Philippines' largest TV network shutters after government order

May 5 ( UPI ) -- The Philippines ' largest television network , ABS-CBN , shut down Tuesday after its license expired under government order .
The network , which employed about 11,000 people , signed off after broadcasting its evening news .
The National Telecommunications Commission ordered it earlier in the day to cease TV and radio broadcasts since its 25-year franchise license expired Monday , a statement posted on Twitter shows .
`` This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies previously accused the network of airing his opponents ' advertisements during the 2016 election campaign , but not his .
Network President Carlo Katigbak apologized to Duterte during congressional hearings on the franchise 's renewal in February and clarified operations regarding how it aired advertisements .
Duterte has also been upset by critical news coverage of his bloody war against drugs .
Lawmakers had a resolution to allow the network to continue operation as its renewal was pending .
But on Sunday , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solicitor General Jose Calida threatened to charge the NTC with corruption if it granted a temporary permit .
Calida also filed a petition in February with the Supreme Court seeking to revoke the ABS-CBN franchise .
Network supporters had protested back in March outside the House of Representatives in Quezon City .
Critics added that the network was singled out because of Duterte 's disdain for it .
`` It sends a clear message : What Duterte wants , Duterte gets , '' the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear , with the brazen move to shut down ABS-CBN , that he intends to silence critical media and intimidate everyone else into submission . ''
The Philippines has been considered one of the world 's most dangerous countries to be a journalist and this year fell down two spots on the World Press Freedom Index to 136th place .
`` The order threatens press freedom at a time when the public needs an unfettered press the most , '' the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines added in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic , ABS-CBN 's critical eye is needed now more than ever to help inform the public . ''

Supporters of ABS-CBN held a demonstration calling for government to uphold press freedom, outside the House of Representatives in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines in March. Despite the protest, the network shutdown Tuesday because of a government order to cease operations. File Photo by Rolex Dela Pena/EPA-EFE
May 5 (UPI) -- The Philippines' largest television network, ABS-CBN, shut down Tuesday after its license expired under government order. The network, which employed about 11,000 people, signed off after broadcasting its evening news. Advertisement
The National Telecommunications Commission ordered it earlier in the day to cease TV and radio broadcasts since its 25-year franchise license expired Monday, a statement posted on Twitter shows.
"This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately," a company statement said.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies previously accused the network of airing his opponents' advertisements during the 2016 election campaign, but not his.
Network President Carlo Katigbak apologized to Duterte during congressional hearings on the franchise's renewal in February and clarified operations regarding how it aired advertisements.
Duterte has also been upset by critical news coverage of his bloody war against drugs.
Lawmakers had a resolution to allow the network to continue operation as its renewal was pending. But on Sunday, which marked World Press Freedom Day, Philippines Solicitor General Jose Calida threatened to charge the NTC with corruption if it granted a temporary permit.
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Calida also filed a petition in February with the Supreme Court seeking to revoke the ABS-CBN franchise.
Network supporters had protested back in March outside the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
Critics added that the network was singled out because of Duterte's disdain for it.
"It sends a clear message: What Duterte wants, Duterte gets," the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said in a statement. "And it is clear, with the brazen move to shut down ABS-CBN, that he intends to silence critical media and intimidate everyone else into submission."
The Philippines has been considered one of the world's most dangerous countries to be a journalist and this year fell down two spots on the World Press Freedom Index to 136th place.
"The order threatens press freedom at a time when the public needs an unfettered press the most," the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines added in a statement. "As the Philippines reels from the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, ABS-CBN's critical eye is needed now more than ever to help inform the public."


upi--2020-05-05--California sues Lyft, Uber over worker classification

May 5 ( UPI ) -- California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the attorneys of three major cities in the state filed a lawsuit against Lyft and Uber , accusing the ride-share companies of misclassifying drivers as independent contractors .
The lawsuit , filed Tuesday in California Superior Court , says the two companies violated a new state law , evading obligations to provide workers with minimum wage , overtime , payroll taxes and workers ' compensation insurance .
`` Californians who drive for Uber and Lyft lack basic worker protections -- from paid sick leave to the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement announcing the lawsuit .
`` Sometimes it takes a pandemic to shake us into realizing what that really means and who suffers the consequences .
Uber and Lyft drivers who contract the coronavirus or lose their job quickly realize what they 're missing . ''
The cities of Los Angeles , San Diego and San Francisco are also listed as plaintiffs in the legal challenge .
`` All Californians are harmed when companies like Uber and Lyft cheat their employees out of healthcare , unemployment benefits and basic protections required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mara Elliott said .
`` Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies that refuse to follow the rules , expecting taxpayers to pick up the slack when their employees get sick , need a hospital or lose their jobs .
It 's time for Uber and Lyft to pay their own bills . ''
Lyft said in an email to UPI that it 's `` looking forward to working with the attorney general and mayors across the state to bring all the benefits of California 's innovation economy to as many workers as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation of good jobs with access to affordable healthcare and other benefits is more important than ever . ''
Uber said California is `` unfairly and arbitrarily singling us out , '' and that other companies also `` should be worried about this enforcement action . ''
`` At a time when California 's economy is in crisis with four million people out of work , we need to make it easier , not harder , for people to quickly start earning , '' Uber said in a statement .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time pushing to raise the standard of independent work for drivers in California , including with guarantied minimum earnings and new benefits . ''
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom signed AB5 into law in September requiring companies to define independent contractors as employees if the companies hired the workers for their primary business and directly controlled their work .
Uber and food delivery service Postmates filed a lawsuit at the end of December to prevent the law from going into effect in January .
Some employment experts said the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the companies ' labor costs .
Uber said at the time that the new law lacks `` equal protection and due process under both federal and state law '' making it unconstitutional .

Demonstrators hold signs protest how Uber treats workers outside the NYSE before the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on May 10. California is suing Uber and Lyft for how they classify workers. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the attorneys of three major cities in the state filed a lawsuit against Lyft and Uber, accusing the ride-share companies of misclassifying drivers as independent contractors. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in California Superior Court, says the two companies violated a new state law, evading obligations to provide workers with minimum wage, overtime, payroll taxes and workers' compensation insurance. Advertisement
"Californians who drive for Uber and Lyft lack basic worker protections -- from paid sick leave to the right to overtime pay," Becerra said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.
"Sometimes it takes a pandemic to shake us into realizing what that really means and who suffers the consequences. Uber and Lyft drivers who contract the coronavirus or lose their job quickly realize what they're missing."
The cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco are also listed as plaintiffs in the legal challenge.
"All Californians are harmed when companies like Uber and Lyft cheat their employees out of healthcare, unemployment benefits and basic protections required by law," San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott said. "Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies that refuse to follow the rules, expecting taxpayers to pick up the slack when their employees get sick, need a hospital or lose their jobs. It's time for Uber and Lyft to pay their own bills."
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Lyft said in an email to UPI that it's "looking forward to working with the attorney general and mayors across the state to bring all the benefits of California's innovation economy to as many workers as possible, especially during this time when the creation of good jobs with access to affordable healthcare and other benefits is more important than ever."
Uber said California is "unfairly and arbitrarily singling us out," and that other companies also "should be worried about this enforcement action."
"At a time when California's economy is in crisis with four million people out of work, we need to make it easier, not harder, for people to quickly start earning," Uber said in a statement. "We will contest this action in court, while at the same time pushing to raise the standard of independent work for drivers in California, including with guarantied minimum earnings and new benefits."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB5 into law in September requiring companies to define independent contractors as employees if the companies hired the workers for their primary business and directly controlled their work.
Uber and food delivery service Postmates filed a lawsuit at the end of December to prevent the law from going into effect in January. Some employment experts said the law would add up to 30 percent to the companies' labor costs.
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Uber said at the time that the new law lacks "equal protection and due process under both federal and state law" making it unconstitutional.


upi--2020-05-05--Man wins nearly $800,000 from lottery ticket bought by mistake

May 5 ( UPI ) -- An Australian man who scored a lottery jackpot of nearly $ 800,000 said he bought his ticket by mistake while attempting to play a different drawing .
The Hobart , Tasmania , man told The Lott officials that he had meant to buy a different ticket when he visited Sandy Bay Lotteries .
`` I actually wanted to play the Superdraw this weekend but accidentally bought an entry into last weekend 's TattsLotto draw by mistake , '' he said .
`` So it 's a mistake that led me to have this winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that mistake ! ''
The man , who wanted to remain anonymous , collected a Division One prize of $ 785,303 .
`` Yesterday , I checked my ticket on my phone .
I did n't know what to think .
I thought it was a joke at first .
Even now , I 'm not so sure .
I 'm a bit overwhelmed , '' he said .
The winner said he is making plans for his prize money .
`` I ca n't wait to clear the mortgage , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we 're allowed to go out , we 'll go out and celebrate too , '' he said .

An Australian lottery player said a ticket he bought by mistake turned out to be a nearly $800,000 winner. Photo courtesy of The Lott
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe May 5 (UPI) -- An Australian man who scored a lottery jackpot of nearly $800,000 said he bought his ticket by mistake while attempting to play a different drawing. The Hobart, Tasmania, man told The Lott officials that he had meant to buy a different ticket when he visited Sandy Bay Lotteries. Advertisement
"I actually wanted to play the Superdraw this weekend but accidentally bought an entry into last weekend's TattsLotto draw by mistake," he said. "So it's a mistake that led me to have this winning entry, but I'm very happy with that mistake!"
The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, collected a Division One prize of $785,303.
"Yesterday, I checked my ticket on my phone. I didn't know what to think. I thought it was a joke at first. Even now, I'm not so sure. I'm a bit overwhelmed," he said.
The winner said he is making plans for his prize money.
"I can't wait to clear the mortgage, then after that, we'll see. When we're allowed to go out, we'll go out and celebrate too," he said.


upi--2020-05-05--Boeing presents first Loyal Wingman drone aircraft to Australia

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Boeing announced Tuesday it has presented its first unmanned aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force .
The Loyal Wingman is the first aircraft to be designed , engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years , and is the company 's largest investment in a drone outside of the United States , according to the company .
`` This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation , '' Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said in a statement .
`` The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future . ''
The aircraft uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms , and will serve as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System being developed for the global defense market .
Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld , chief of the Royal Australian Air Force , called the rollout `` an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together '' with the defense industry .
`` I look forward to exploring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing fleet in the future , '' Hupfeld said .
The Loyal Wingman prototype will now move into ground testing , with the taxi and first flight planned for later this year .

Boeing Australia has built the first of three Loyal Wingman prototype aircraft, which will serve as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System being developed for the global defense market. Photo courtesy of Boeing
May 5 (UPI) -- Boeing announced Tuesday it has presented its first unmanned aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force. The Loyal Wingman is the first aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, and is the company's largest investment in a drone outside of the United States, according to the company. Advertisement
"This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation," Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said in a statement. "The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future."
The aircraft uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms, and will serve as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System being developed for the global defense market.
Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, called the rollout "an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together" with the defense industry.
"I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future," Hupfeld said.
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The Loyal Wingman prototype will now move into ground testing, with the taxi and first flight planned for later this year.


upi--2020-05-05--Look: Studio apartment listed in Australia has bathroom in the kitchen

May 5 ( UPI ) -- A studio apartment listed for rent in Australia is drawing attention online for an @ @ @ @ @ bathroom and kitchen are separated by only a glass wall .
The studio apartment , @ @ @ @ @ area of Sydney , places the kitchen and bathroom side by side , with the @ @ @ @ @ view from the cooking area .
The glass walls of the bathroom are partially frosted @ @ @ @ @ barrier located right in front of the toilet is completely transparent .
Emma Mattiuzzo of @ @ @ @ @ is listing the residence , told listing website Domain the glass walls of the bathroom @ @ @ @ @ the illusion of more space . ''
She said there has been some interest in @ @ @ @ @ listed for $ 245 a week .
Mattiuzzo said the property was formerly a short-term @ @ @ @ @ owner is searching for long-term residents due to the downturn in tourism amid the COVID-19 @ @

A studio apartment listed in Sydney, Australia, is drawing attention online for the unusual placement of the bathroom -- in the kitchen. Photo courtesy of Exclusive Real Estate/Domain.com.au
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe May 5 (UPI) -- A studio apartment listed for rent in Australia is drawing attention online for an unusual design feature -- the bathroom and kitchen are separated by only a glass wall. The studio apartment, located in the Surry Hills area of Sydney, places the kitchen and bathroom side by side, with the toilet and shower in full view from the cooking area. Advertisement
The glass walls of the bathroom are partially frosted for privacy, but a barrier located right in front of the toilet is completely transparent.
Emma Mattiuzzo of Exclusive Real Estate, which is listing the residence, told listing website Domain the glass walls of the bathroom are designed to "give the illusion of more space."
She said there has been some interest in the studio, which is listed for $245 a week. Mattiuzzo said the property was formerly a short-term vacation rental, but the owner is searching for long-term residents due to the downturn in tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


upi--2020-05-05--Supreme Court skeptical about new case on rules for NGO affiliates

May 5 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism Tuesday during arguments in a case about whether Congress can force foreign affiliates of non-governmental organizations to abide by language outlawed for its local affiliates .
Because of coronavirus limitations , high court justices heard arguments via telephone for the second straight day .
Justice Clarence Thomas , known for his years of silence during hearings , was again an active questioner under the structured format that allows senior members to quiz lawyers from both sides first .
The arguments centered around a 2003 law that provided billions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive funds , the law said groups had to `` have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking . ''
The Supreme Court ruled seven years ago that the law violated the First Amendment rights of U.S.-based NGOs , but left unclear whether the ruling extends to overseas affiliates .
`` What has changed since this case was here last ? ''
Thomas asked while fellow conservatives Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito wondered about larger implications if the government could not make such demands of foreign NGOs .
David Bowker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said at Tuesday 's arguments if free speech rights are applied differently it could lead to confusion and hinder their general missions .
`` There can be a risk of attribution across corporate lines , where the entities in question are so clearly identified as they are here , '' Bowker said .
`` When those entities speak together with one voice and make their speech and policy decisions together . ''
Chris Michel , an assistant U.S. solicitor general , argued that foreign NGOs ca n't make constitutional claims if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that making such requirements of foreign entities are well within Congress ' right .

The U.S. Supreme Court, pictured on March 26. For the second day in a row, the court on Tuesday heard arguments via telephone due to the coronavirus crisis. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism Tuesday during arguments in a case about whether Congress can force foreign affiliates of non-governmental organizations to abide by language outlawed for its local affiliates. Because of coronavirus limitations, high court justices heard arguments via telephone for the second straight day. Justice Clarence Thomas, known for his years of silence during hearings, was again an active questioner under the structured format that allows senior members to quiz lawyers from both sides first. Advertisement
The arguments centered around a 2003 law that provided billions to fight HIV/AIDS. As a requirement to receive funds, the law said groups had to "have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking."
The Supreme Court ruled seven years ago that the law violated the First Amendment rights of U.S.-based NGOs, but left unclear whether the ruling extends to overseas affiliates.
"What has changed since this case was here last?" Thomas asked while fellow conservatives Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito wondered about larger implications if the government could not make such demands of foreign NGOs.
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David Bowker, an attorney for NGOs in the case, said at Tuesday's arguments if free speech rights are applied differently it could lead to confusion and hinder their general missions.
"There can be a risk of attribution across corporate lines, where the entities in question are so clearly identified as they are here," Bowker said. "When those entities speak together with one voice and make their speech and policy decisions together."
Chris Michel, an assistant U.S. solicitor general, argued that foreign NGOs can't make constitutional claims if they have no constitutional rights. He added that making such requirements of foreign entities are well within Congress' right.


upi--2020-05-05--Look: TXT shares tracklist for 'The Dream Chapter: Eternity' EP

May 5 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band TXT is sharing new details about its forthcoming EP .
@ @ @ @ @ Tomorrow X Together , posted cover art and a tracklist for the EP , titled @ @ @ @ @ , Tuesday on Twitter .
The cover art features the EP 's title and the @ @ @ @ @ white and green symbol of two interlocking rings .
The Dream Chapter : Eternity features @ @ @ @ @ Drama , '' `` Ca n't You See Me '' and `` Eternally . ''
@ @ @ @ @ which song will be the EP 's single .
TXT announced the EP in a @ @ @ @ @ TXT released its debut EP , The Dream Chapter : Star , in March 2019 @ @ @ @ @ debut studio album , The Dream Chapter : Magic , in October .
TXT is @ @ @ @ @ from Big Hit Entertainment since BTS .
The group consists of Soobin , Yeonjun , @ @ @ @ @ Kai .

May 5 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band TXT is sharing new details about its forthcoming EP.
The K-pop group, aka Tomorrow X Together, posted cover art and a tracklist for the EP, titled The Dream Chapter: Eternity, Tuesday on Twitter.
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The cover art features the EP's title and the group's new logo, white and green symbol of two interlocking rings.
The Dream Chapter: Eternity features six songs, including "Drama," "Can't You See Me" and "Eternally." TXT has yet to announce which song will be the EP's single.
TXT announced the EP in a video teaser last week.
TXT released its debut EP, The Dream Chapter: Star, in March 2019. The group released its debut studio album, The Dream Chapter: Magic, in October.
TXT is the first group to debut from Big Hit Entertainment since BTS. The group consists of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Heuning Kai.


upi--2020-05-05--Rep. John Ratcliffe: China, coronavirus origins will be priorities if confirmed as DNI

May 5 ( UPI ) -- Rep. John Ratcliffe on Tuesday said his primary focus if confirmed as director of national intelligence would be on China and the origins of the novel coronavirus that has so far killed more than 250,000 globally .
The Texas Republican made the comments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate intelligence committee .
`` If confirmed the intelligence committee will be laser focused on getting all of the answers that we can regarding how this happened , when this happened , and I commit to providing with as much transparency to you as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sources and methods , '' Ratcliffe told the panel .
`` All roads lead to China , '' he said , referencing cybersecurity threats and COVID-19 's origins in Wuhan .
The U.S. intelligence community issued a rare statement last week saying that although it can confirm COVID-19 originated in China , it was not manmade or genetically modified .
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , though , have made suggestions otherwise .
Ratcliffe told the intelligence committee that he has n't seen evidence that the virus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had `` been a while '' since he 'd seen a classified coronavirus briefing .
The congressman also sought to reassure the panel he would n't let politics affect his job as the country 's chief intelligence officer .
Senators expressed skepticism over his ability to be impartial after being seen as a strong ally of Trump .
`` Regardless of what anyone wants our intelligence to reflect , the intelligence I will provide if confirmed will not be altered or impacted by outside influence , '' he said in his opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be director of national intelligence , first last July after Dan Coats chose to step down from the position .
He stepped aside less than a week later citing media scrutiny , which targeted his experience .
Critics accused the congressman of padding his resume .
His second nomination came in February .
Ratcliffe , 53 , has served as the U.S. representative for Texas ' 4th District since 2015 and serves on the House Committee on Intelligence .
He previously worked as a U.S. attorney and federal terrorism prosecutor and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas .
The position of director of national intelligence was created in the wake of the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terror attacks as a means of fostering inter-agency dialogue and cooperation among the 16 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence-gathering network .

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Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, is sworn in before a Senate intelligence committee nomination hearing to be the next director of national intelligence on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo
May 5 (UPI) -- Rep. John Ratcliffe on Tuesday said his primary focus if confirmed as director of national intelligence would be on China and the origins of the novel coronavirus that has so far killed more than 250,000 globally. The Texas Republican made the comments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate intelligence committee. Advertisement
"If confirmed the intelligence committee will be laser focused on getting all of the answers that we can regarding how this happened, when this happened, and I commit to providing with as much transparency to you as the law will allow and with due regard for sources and methods," Ratcliffe told the panel.
"All roads lead to China," he said, referencing cybersecurity threats and COVID-19's origins in Wuhan.
The U.S. intelligence community issued a rare statement last week saying that although it can confirm COVID-19 originated in China, it was not manmade or genetically modified. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, though, have made suggestions otherwise.
Ratcliffe told the intelligence committee that he hasn't seen evidence that the virus was created in a lab, but that it had "been a while" since he'd seen a classified coronavirus briefing.
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The congressman also sought to reassure the panel he wouldn't let politics affect his job as the country's chief intelligence officer. Senators expressed skepticism over his ability to be impartial after being seen as a strong ally of Trump.
"Regardless of what anyone wants our intelligence to reflect, the intelligence I will provide if confirmed will not be altered or impacted by outside influence," he said in his opening statement.
Trump twice nominated the Ratcliffe to be director of national intelligence, first last July after Dan Coats chose to step down from the position. He stepped aside less than a week later citing media scrutiny, which targeted his experience. Critics accused the congressman of padding his resume. His second nomination came in February.
Ratcliffe, 53, has served as the U.S. representative for Texas' 4th District since 2015 and serves on the House Committee on Intelligence. He previously worked as a U.S. attorney and federal terrorism prosecutor and as mayor of the city of Heath, Texas.
The position of director of national intelligence was created in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as a means of fostering inter-agency dialogue and cooperation among the 16 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence-gathering network.


upi--2020-05-06--ESPN moves up broadcast dates for Lance Armstrong, McGwire and Sosa documentaries

May 6 ( UPI ) -- ESPN has moved up air dates for several documentaries , including films that detail Lance Armstrong , Bruce Lee and Mark McGwire 's 1998 home run race against Sammy Sosa .
The network announced the move Tuesday , which follows what 's been ESPN 's highly successful 10-part series The Last Dance about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls .
The series has averaged 5.8 million viewers through its first six episodes , 62 percent more than ESPN 's previously highest-viewed documentary You Do n't Know Bo ( 2012 ) .
ESPN said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of live sports during the coronavirus pandemic .
The network did the same thing for The Last Dance , which was originally scheduled to premiere in June .
ESPN will now air Lance , Be Water and Long Gone Summer in late May and mid-June , immediately after the final two episodes of The Last Dance .
All of the films will air at 9 p.m. EDT on their respective dates .
Lance and Be Water both debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival .
Lance features unprecedented access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his career as a cyclist .
The two-part film -- directed by Marina Zenovich -- will air May 24 and May 31 .
Director Bao Nguyen 's Be Water , a personal look at the life of Bruce Lee , will debut June 7 .
Long Gone Summer includes interviews with both McGwire and Sosa , as the sluggers discuss the 1998 summer at length for the first time .
AJ Schnack 's film will air June 14 .
`` It 's a great feeling to bring three more epic documentary projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , '' said Libby Geist , vice president and executive producer for ESPN Films and Original Content .
`` Moving up these films is no easy task , but it 's absolutely worth the effort to get them on the air for audiences to experience together . ''
`` It 's a mix of fascinating topics , compelling characters and some of the absolute best storytelling our team has cranked out .
The whole ESPN Films team is working hard to entertain fans while we wait for live sports to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through these hard times . ''
Episodes 7 and 8 of The Last Dance will air at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday and the final two episodes a week later on May 17 .

Long Gone Summer, a film that details the 1998 home run race between Sammy Sosa (L) and Mark McGwire (R), will air at 9 p.m. EDT June 14 on ESPN. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | a film that details the 1998 home run race between Sammy Sosa (L) and Mark McGwire (R), will air at 9 p.m. EDT June 14 on ESPN. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- ESPN has moved up air dates for several documentaries, including films that detail Lance Armstrong, Bruce Lee and Mark McGwire's 1998 home run race against Sammy Sosa. The network announced the move Tuesday, which follows what's been ESPN's highly successful 10-part series The Last Dance about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The series has averaged 5.8 million viewers through its first six episodes, 62 percent more than ESPN's previously highest-viewed documentary You Don't Know Bo (2012). Advertisement
ESPN said it's changing the broadcast schedule due to the lack of live sports during the coronavirus pandemic. The network did the same thing for The Last Dance, which was originally scheduled to premiere in June.
ESPN will now air Lance, Be Water and Long Gone Summer in late May and mid-June, immediately after the final two episodes of The Last Dance. All of the films will air at 9 p.m. EDT on their respective dates.
Lance and Be Water both debuted earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. Lance features unprecedented access to Armstrong through the rise and fall of his career as a cyclist. The two-part film -- directed by Marina Zenovich -- will air May 24 and May 31.
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Director Bao Nguyen's Be Water, a personal look at the life of Bruce Lee, will debut June 7.
Long Gone Summer includes interviews with both McGwire and Sosa, as the sluggers discuss the 1998 summer at length for the first time. AJ Schnack's film will air June 14.
"It's a great feeling to bring three more epic documentary projects to sports fans who so need it right now," said Libby Geist, vice president and executive producer for ESPN Films and Original Content. "Moving up these films is no easy task, but it's absolutely worth the effort to get them on the air for audiences to experience together."
"It's a mix of fascinating topics, compelling characters and some of the absolute best storytelling our team has cranked out. The whole ESPN Films team is working hard to entertain fans while we wait for live sports to return and give them a distraction while we go through these hard times."
Episodes 7 and 8 of The Last Dance will air at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday and the final two episodes a week later on May 17.


upi--2020-05-06--AMC orders more 'Friday Night In with the Morgans'

May 6 ( UPI ) -- AMC said it has ordered four more episodes of Friday Night In with the Morgans .
The video-chat series is hosted by The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his wife , One Tree Hill alum Hilarie Burton Morgan .
It has been filmed on the couple 's farm in upstate New York since mid-April .
`` Cool beans .
Thanks to everyone for watching ... it 's because of you ... we are doing more .
Thank you .
Xxxjd , '' Morgan tweeted upon hearing he and his wife would get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's guests include celebrity couples Paul and Julie Rudd , and Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos , as well as John Traver , the manager of Samuel 's Sweet Shop , candy store near the Morgans ' home .
`` Friday Night In was an experiment , that has worked !
It worked because the Morgans are effortless and delightful hosts , and the conversations with their friends are uplifting , hilarious , sweet , relatable , playful and meaningful , '' Sarah Barnett , president of AMC Networks ' Entertainment Group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The show has generated delighted buzz and social engagement , we all want to see more of Jeffrey and Hilarie and their enthusiastic embrace of their friends and community during this time . ''
Among the previous guests on Friday Night In are Christian Serratos , Sarah Wayne Callies , Mark Duplass , Katie Aselton , Jensen Ackles , Danneel Ackles , Colman Domingo and Michael Cudlitz .
The show is being taped as most people in the United States are at home social-distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people worldwide .
Many TV and film productions , live performances , businesses , schools and cultural institutions remain shut down while decisions are being made regarding how to safely move forward .

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AMC has ordered four more episodes of "Friday Night In with the Morgans," starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan (L) and Hilarie Burton. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- AMC said it has ordered four more episodes of Friday Night In with the Morgans. The video-chat series is hosted by The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his wife, One Tree Hill alum Hilarie Burton Morgan. Advertisement
It has been filmed on the couple's farm in upstate New York since mid-April.
"Cool beans. Thanks to everyone for watching... it's because of you... we are doing more. Thank you. Xxxjd," Morgan tweeted upon hearing he and his wife would get to make more episodes.
This week's guests include celebrity couples Paul and Julie Rudd, and Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, as well as John Traver, the manager of Samuel's Sweet Shop, candy store near the Morgans' home.
"Friday Night In was an experiment, that has worked! It worked because the Morgans are effortless and delightful hosts, and the conversations with their friends are uplifting, hilarious, sweet, relatable, playful and meaningful," Sarah Barnett, president of AMC Networks' Entertainment Group and AMC Studios, said in a statement.
"The show has generated delighted buzz and social engagement, we all want to see more of Jeffrey and Hilarie and their enthusiastic embrace of their friends and community during this time."
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Among the previous guests on Friday Night In are Christian Serratos, Sarah Wayne Callies, Mark Duplass, Katie Aselton, Jensen Ackles, Danneel Ackles, Colman Domingo and Michael Cudlitz.
The show is being taped as most people in the United States are at home social-distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide.
Many TV and film productions, live performances, businesses, schools and cultural institutions remain shut down while decisions are being made regarding how to safely move forward.


upi--2020-05-06--Tuberculosis cases, deaths will rise due to COVID-19 crisis, study warns

May 6 ( UPI ) -- New research Wednesday predicts a sharp rise in global cases of tuberculosis over the next five years , partly due to consequences from global restrictions that have been imposed to repel the coronavirus outbreak .
An analysis published by the Stop TB Partnership said lockdown measures will likely lead to as many as 6.3 million new tuberculosis cases between now and 2025 because many patients will go undiagnosed and untreated .
While COVID-19 restrictions may only last for a few months , the study says they could have a `` lasting impact on TB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TB diagnosis and treatment by as much as eight years .
The research was performed in collaboration with Imperial College London , Avenir Health , Johns Hopkins University and USAID .
`` The global response to COVID-19 has slowed the spread of the virus for now but is continuing to cause serious , short and longer term , disruptions to the programs for other major diseases , '' the group said in a seven-page report .
`` For [ TB ] in particular , lockdowns on society are already showing signs of severely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability of drugs . ''
In modeling the effects of the lockdowns on TB , the partnership took examples in India , Kenya and Ukraine and extrapolated them to the global level .
It studied a pair of scenarios -- a two-month lockdown followed by a two-month restoration period and a three-month lockdown followed by a 10-month restoration .
Switzerland-based Stop TB determined there would be 1.8 million additional cases and 342,500 more deaths by 2025 under the two-month lockdown scenario .
The three-month variant showed 6.3 million additional cases and 1.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent years , the study advises `` ramped-up active case-finding '' and intensive community engagement and contact tracing via digital technology and other tools .
`` Securing access to an uninterrupted supply of quality assured treatment and care for every single person with TB will be essential , '' the report concludes .

A tuberculosis patient receives medical treatment at a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, on March 24, 2019. File Photo by Bilawal Arbab/EPA-EFE
May 6 (UPI) -- New research Wednesday predicts a sharp rise in global cases of tuberculosis over the next five years, partly due to consequences from global restrictions that have been imposed to repel the coronavirus outbreak. An analysis published by the Stop TB Partnership said lockdown measures will likely lead to as many as 6.3 million new tuberculosis cases between now and 2025 because many patients will go undiagnosed and untreated. Advertisement
While COVID-19 restrictions may only last for a few months, the study says they could have a "lasting impact on TB in high-burden settings" by setting back TB diagnosis and treatment by as much as eight years. The research was performed in collaboration with Imperial College London, Avenir Health, Johns Hopkins University and USAID.
"The global response to COVID-19 has slowed the spread of the virus for now but is continuing to cause serious, short and longer term, disruptions to the programs for other major diseases," the group said in a seven-page report. "For [TB] in particular, lockdowns on society are already showing signs of severely curtailing diagnosis and notifications and potentially the availability of drugs."
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In modeling the effects of the lockdowns on TB, the partnership took examples in India, Kenya and Ukraine and extrapolated them to the global level. It studied a pair of scenarios -- a two-month lockdown followed by a two-month restoration period and a three-month lockdown followed by a 10-month restoration.
Switzerland-based Stop TB determined there would be 1.8 million additional cases and 342,500 more deaths by 2025 under the two-month lockdown scenario. The three-month variant showed 6.3 million additional cases and 1.3 million more deaths.
To recover gains made in recent years, the study advises "ramped-up active case-finding" and intensive community engagement and contact tracing via digital technology and other tools.
"Securing access to an uninterrupted supply of quality assured treatment and care for every single person with TB will be essential," the report concludes.


upi--2020-05-06--Samsung heir apologies for no-union policy

SEOUL , May 6 ( UPI ) -- Lee Jae-yong , vice chairman and heir of Samsung Group , apologized Wednesday for a decades-long policy of not allowing trade unions .
Lee , who is a de facto leader of Samsung instead of his bedridden father , Chairman Lee Kun-hee , held a news conference to apologize for the no-labor-union policy .
His remarks are in stark contrast to those of Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul , the vice chairman 's grandfather , who once famously remarked that there will be no trade unions until he `` has dirt over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samsung failed to catch up with the changes of the time in terms of labor management culture , '' Lee Jae-yong said .
`` I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt due to Samsung 's union issues . ''
The third-generation businessman also promised to strictly comply with labor-related laws and to secure laborers ' rights .
The public remarks are the first time the 51-year-old tycoon made a high-profile apology since 2015 , when he bowed his head due to the public in response to Samsung hospital improperly treating the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows the advice of the group 's compliance committee .
Samsung has been notorious for its no-union policy , and the group 's executives were found guilty late last year of trying to sabotage union activities .
Lee Jae-yong also pledged not to hand over Samsung 's management to his siblings .
He has a son born in 2000 and a daughter born in 2004 .
`` I made the decision a quite long time ago , but hesitated to make public , '' he said .
However , some critics are downplaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deflect attention from his 2017 imprisonment .
He served time for bribing former South Korean President Park Geun-hye in return for her support in strengthening his control over Samsung .
He was sentenced to five years in prison but was let go the next year after an appeals court suspended the sentence .
South Korea 's Supreme Court overturned the ruling last year , sending it back to the high court for a review .
The judge of the high court instructed Lee Jae-yong to make tangible efforts to improve Samsung 's @ @ @ @ @

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong bows in apology during a press conference at the company’s office in Seoul on Wednesday. Photo by Jeong Byung-hyuk/UPI News Korea
SEOUL, May 6 (UPI) -- Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman and heir of Samsung Group, apologized Wednesday for a decades-long policy of not allowing trade unions. Lee, who is a de facto leader of Samsung instead of his bedridden father, Chairman Lee Kun-hee, held a news conference to apologize for the no-labor-union policy. Advertisement
His remarks are in stark contrast to those of Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul, the vice chairman's grandfather, who once famously remarked that there will be no trade unions until he "has dirt over [his] eyes."
"Samsung failed to catch up with the changes of the time in terms of labor management culture," Lee Jae-yong said. "I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt due to Samsung's union issues."
The third-generation businessman also promised to strictly comply with labor-related laws and to secure laborers' rights.
The public remarks are the first time the 51-year-old tycoon made a high-profile apology since 2015, when he bowed his head to the public in response to Samsung hospital improperly treating the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
Wednesday's apology follows the advice of the group's compliance committee.
Samsung has been notorious for its no-union policy, and the group's executives were found guilty late last year of trying to sabotage union activities.
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Lee Jae-yong also pledged not to hand over Samsung's management to his siblings. He has a son born in 2000 and a daughter born in 2004.
"I made the decision a quite long time ago, but hesitated to make public," he said.
However, some critics are downplaying the apology as a public relations maneuver to deflect attention from his 2017 imprisonment. He served time for bribing former South Korean President Park Geun-hye in return for her support in strengthening his control over Samsung.
He was sentenced to five years in prison but was let go the next year after an appeals court suspended the sentence. South Korea's Supreme Court overturned the ruling last year, sending it back to the high court for a review.
The judge of the high court instructed Lee Jae-yong to make tangible efforts to improve Samsung's compliance in the future.


upi--2020-05-06--Topher Grace, Damon Wayans Jr. join 'Twilight Zone' Season 2

May 6 ( UPI ) -- CBS All Access has announced Topher Grace , Damon Wayans Jr. , Kylie Bunbury @ @ @ @ @ to appear in Season 2 of its sci-fi anthology series , The Twilight Zone .
@ @ @ @ @ , Natalie Martinez , Gretchen Mol , Paula Newsome and Jurnee Smollett have also signed @ @ @ @ @ show , which is executive produced by Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg .
Peele -- @ @ @ @ @ contemporary horror classic Get Out -- is also returning as host of the Twilight Zone @ @ @ @ @ will consist of 10 episodes .
No premiere date has been announced yet .
The @ @ @ @ @ five seasons on CBS 1959-64 .

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Topher Grace is to star in an upcoming episode of "The Twilight Zone." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- CBS All Access has announced Topher Grace, Damon Wayans Jr., Kylie Bunbury and Sky Ferreira are set to appear in Season 2 of its sci-fi anthology series, The Twilight Zone. David Krumholtz, Thomas Lennon, Natalie Martinez, Gretchen Mol, Paula Newsome and Jurnee Smollett have also signed on for roles on the show, which is executive produced by Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg. Advertisement
Previously announced cast members include Billy Porter, Morena Baccarin, Jenna Elfman, Joel McHale, Colman Domingo, Ethan Embry, Tavi Gevinson, Tony Hale, Gillian Jacobs, Chris Meloni, Jimmi Simpson and Daniel Sunjata.
Peele -- the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind the contemporary horror classic Get Out -- is also returning as host of the Twilight Zone reboot.
The second season will consist of 10 episodes. No premiere date has been announced yet.
The original show initially ran for five seasons on CBS 1959-64.
We have some fresh faces crossing over into #TheTwilightZone! Read on for season 2 episode titles and casting: https://t.co/YbfecbWaZw pic.twitter.com/dgpNt0d8Dg— The Twilight Zone (@TheTwilightZone) May 4, 2020


upi--2020-05-06--Korean travelers sleeping in cars instead of hotels

SEOUL , May 6 ( UPI ) -- Many South Koreans are heading outdoors as the COVID-19 coronavirus shows signs of stabilizing and the government lifts social distancing guidelines .
But the pandemic may have a lasting impact on consumer behavior -- instead of using hotels , many travelers are now sleeping in cars .
Social commerce platform WeMakePrice said Wednesday sales of in-vehicle sleeping pads jumped more than sixfold last month , compared to a year before .
Along the same line , the sales of dome-to-go hatchback tents rose sixfold in April compared to last year .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cars to expand available sleeping space .
`` While people want to get back out there , they still seem to care about the virus , '' a WeMakePrice representative told UPI News Korea .
`` We plan to come up with products to meet new related demand . ''
South Korea saw the worst of its COVID-19 outbreak in late February and early March , but the number of new infections per day has dipped to around 10 or fewer in recent weeks .
For the third day in a row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases from incoming travelers on Wednesday .
While some Koreans look for new ways to limit their exposure to the virus while enjoying the great outdoors , many are still opting to stay at home and keep up social distancing practices .
As a result , the popularity of water purifiers , air purifiers , automatic dishwashers and massage chairs have gone up during the pandemic .
SK Magic , a Seoul-based home appliance manufacturer , said the number of customers using its dishwasher rental services surged 160 percent in the first quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has benefited our business .
As our customers eat mostly at home , more and more appear to rent our dishwashers , '' an SK Magic official told UPI News Korea .
In March , Chungho Nais even came up with a portable air purifier , which the company said has become popular with health-conscious shoppers .

Sales of in-vehicle sleeping pads and dome-to-go hatchback tents have increased. Photo courtesy of WeMakePrice
SEOUL, May 6 (UPI) -- Many South Koreans are heading outdoors as the COVID-19 coronavirus shows signs of stabilizing and the government lifts social distancing guidelines. But the pandemic may have a lasting impact on consumer behavior -- instead of using hotels, many travelers are now sleeping in cars. Social commerce platform WeMakePrice said Wednesday sales of in-vehicle sleeping pads jumped more than sixfold last month, compared to a year before. Advertisement
Along the same line, the sales of dome-to-go hatchback tents rose sixfold in April compared to last year. These hatchback tents wrap around the trunk area of cars to expand available sleeping space.
"While people want to get back out there, they still seem to care about the virus," a WeMakePrice representative told UPI News Korea. "We plan to come up with products to meet new related demand."
South Korea saw the worst of its COVID-19 outbreak in late February and early March, but the number of new infections per day has dipped to around 10 or fewer in recent weeks. For the third day in a row, South Korea reported only imported COVID-19 cases from incoming travelers on Wednesday.
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While some Koreans look for new ways to limit their exposure to the virus while enjoying the great outdoors, many are still opting to stay at home and keep up social distancing practices.
As a result, the popularity of water purifiers, air purifiers, automatic dishwashers and massage chairs have gone up during the pandemic.
SK Magic, a Seoul-based home appliance manufacturer, said the number of customers using its dishwasher rental services surged 160 percent in the first quarter from a year ago.
"COVID-19 has benefited our business. As our customers eat mostly at home, more and more appear to rent our dishwashers," an SK Magic official told UPI News Korea.
In March, Chungho Nais even came up with a portable air purifier, which the company said has become popular with health-conscious shoppers.


upi--2020-05-06--Tiger Woods says running 30 miles a week 'destroyed' body

May 6 ( UPI ) -- Tiger Woods said running more than 30 miles a week early on in his golf career `` destroyed '' his body .
Woods , 44 , made the comment during an interview with Golf TV .
Fans asked the 15-time major championship winner questions about his career and about what advice he would give his younger self .
`` Not to run so much , '' Woods said .
`` Running over 30 miles a week for probably my first five or six years on the PGA Tour pretty much destroyed my body and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routine at a news conference in 2018 at the Genesis Open .
That regimen included 45 miles of running if he worked out Monday through Friday and 56 miles if he worked out every day .
`` I used to get up in the morning and run four miles , '' Woods said .
`` Then I 'd go to the gym and do my lift .
Then I 'd hit balls for about two to three hours .
I would go play , come back , work on my short game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles . ''
He also said he would play basketball or tennis after his second run .
Woods said he no longer does any of that workout .
The star golfer was at his most prolific in the early 2000s .
He won seven of 11 majors contested between the 1999 PGA Championship and 2002 U.S. Open .
Woods also won 32 PGA Tour events from 1999 through 2003 .
He won 12 of his 15 majors between 2000 and 2008 .
Prior to his 2019 Masters Tournament title , Woods had n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longest drought between championships .
Numerous injuries derailed Woods on his quest to catch Jack Nicklaus ' major championship record of 18 .
Woods had at least four knee surgeries before he took a break from the PGA Tour in 2008 .
He returned to win the 2008 U.S. Open before he had another knee surgery and missed the rest of the season .
He took an indefinite leave from professional golf in December of 2009 before he returned to finish fourth at the 2010 Masters .
Woods picked up several minor injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his back and had several surgeries to address those ailments .
He had another knee surgery after he won the Masters on April 14 , 2019 .
Fans also asked Woods if he would play on the Champions Tour when he is eligible , after his time is over on the PGA Tour .
Golfers must be at least 50 years old to compete on the Champions Tour .
`` If I can get a golf cart , '' Woods said .

Tiger Woods said his running routine attributed to the numerous surgeries he has had since 2008. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods said running more than 30 miles a week early on in his golf career "destroyed" his body. Woods, 44, made the comment during an interview with Golf TV. Fans asked the 15-time major championship winner questions about his career and about what advice he would give his younger self. Advertisement
"Not to run so much," Woods said. "Running over 30 miles a week for probably my first five or six years on the PGA Tour pretty much destroyed my body and my knees."
Woods detailed his routine at a news conference in 2018 at the Genesis Open. That regimen included 45 miles of running if he worked out Monday through Friday and 56 miles if he worked out every day.
"I used to get up in the morning and run four miles," Woods said. "Then I'd go to the gym and do my lift. Then I'd hit balls for about two to three hours. I would go play, come back, work on my short game. Then I'd go run another four miles."
He also said he would play basketball or tennis after his second run. Woods said he no longer does any of that workout.
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The star golfer was at his most prolific in the early 2000s. He won seven of 11 majors contested between the 1999 PGA Championship and 2002 U.S. Open. Woods also won 32 PGA Tour events from 1999 through 2003. He won 12 of his 15 majors between 2000 and 2008. Prior to his 2019 Masters Tournament title, Woods hadn't won a major since 2008, his longest drought between championships.
Numerous injuries derailed Woods on his quest to catch Jack Nicklaus' major championship record of 18. Woods had at least four knee surgeries before he took a break from the PGA Tour in 2008. He returned to win the 2008 U.S. Open before he had another knee surgery and missed the rest of the season.
He took an indefinite leave from professional golf in December of 2009 before he returned to finish fourth at the 2010 Masters. Woods picked up several minor injuries before he started to have issues with his back and had several surgeries to address those ailments. He had another knee surgery after he won the Masters on April 14, 2019.
Fans also asked Woods if he would play on the Champions Tour when he is eligible, after his time is over on the PGA Tour. Golfers must be at least 50 years old to compete on the Champions Tour.
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"If I can get a golf cart," Woods said.


upi--2020-05-06--Look: Royal family celebrates Archie Harrison's first birthday

May 6 ( UPI ) -- The royal family is celebrating the first birthday of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 's son , Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor .
The Kensington Palace Instagram page , the official account of Prince William and Kate Middleton , featured a group photo of the royal family .
`` Wishing Archie a very happy first birthday today , '' the caption said .
The royal family Instagram page , the official account of Queen Elizabeth II , also released a photo of Markle introducing Archie to Elizabeth and Prince Philip alongside her mother Doria Ragland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seventh in line to the throne .
Harry and Markle got married in May 2018 and announced that they were expecting their first child in October .
Archie 's last name of Mountbatten-Windsor goes back to 1960 , when Elizabeth and Philip chose to make their own surname for their own direct descendants to be distinguished from the rest of the royal family .
Mountbatten comes from Philip 's surname , which he used while serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy .
For Archie 's birthday , Markle read children 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reading which was posted to the Save The Children U.K. Instagram page in support of the charity .

May 6 (UPI) -- The royal family is celebrating the first birthday of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Kensington Palace Instagram page, the official account of Prince William and Kate Middleton, featured a group photo of the royal family.
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"Wishing Archie a very happy first birthday today," the caption said.
The royal family Instagram page, the official account of Queen Elizabeth II, also released a photo of Markle introducing Archie to Elizabeth and Prince Philip alongside her mother Doria Ragland.
Archie is Elizabeth's eighth great-grandchild and seventh in line to the throne. Harry and Markle got married in May 2018 and announced that they were expecting their first child in October.
Archie's last name of Mountbatten-Windsor goes back to 1960, when Elizabeth and Philip chose to make their own surname for their own direct descendants to be distinguished from the rest of the royal family. Mountbatten comes from Philip's surname, which he used while serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
For Archie's birthday, Markle read children's book Duck! Rabbit! Harry recorded the reading which was posted to the Save The Children U.K. Instagram page in support of the charity.


upi--2020-05-06--Federal judge orders New York to revive canceled Democratic primary election

May 6 ( UPI ) -- A U.S. district judge has reinstated New York 's Democratic presidential primary , saying the state 's move to cancel the vote would deny millions a say in the process -- even if Joe Biden is the only candidate left in the race .
Judge Analisa Torres sided with former Democratic hopeful Andrew Yang , who filed the lawsuit after the New York Board of Elections decided to cancel the primary .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo postponed the April 28 primary due to the coronavirus outbreak and the Board of Elections subsequently canceled it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month arguing that the move sets a dangerous precedent .
`` [ Plaintiffs ] can clearly establish irreparable injury because , without court intervention , the presidential primary will not take place , '' Torres wrote in the decision late Tuesday .
`` Along with other New York Democratic voters -- [ plaintiffs ] will be deprived of the right to cast a vote for an otherwise qualified candidate and the political views expressed by that candidate . ''
`` Canceling one election opens the door for other states -- and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something we can all agree is wholly un-American , '' Yang attorney Jeff Kurzon said after the decision .
`` We are grateful to the court for delivering justice . ''
The New York Democratic primary will be held June 23 .
Board of Elections spokesman John Conklin said the board is reviewing the decision but did n't say for sure whether it will appeal .
Jay Jacobs , the chairman of the New York State Democratic Party , said he favors canceling the primary altogether .
`` I supported the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of election before this opinion and I support it now , '' he said .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , Biden 's last remaining opponent in the race , dropped out a month ago and left the former vice president as the party 's presumptive nominee .
The Democratic National Convention , where Biden will be formally nominated , is presently scheduled for August in Milwaukee .
It was postponed for a month due to the coronavirus crisis .

A voter casts a ballot during Ohio's primary election on April 28. New York was scheduled to hold its primary that same day, but it was postponed and later canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- A U.S. district judge has reinstated New York's Democratic presidential primary, saying the state's move to cancel the vote would deny millions a say in the process -- even if Joe Biden is the only candidate left in the race. Judge Analisa Torres sided with former Democratic hopeful Andrew Yang, who filed the lawsuit after the New York Board of Elections decided to cancel the primary. Advertisement
Gov. Andrew Cuomo postponed the April 28 primary due to the coronavirus outbreak and the Board of Elections subsequently canceled it altogether, leading Yang to file suit last month arguing that the move sets a dangerous precedent.
"[Plaintiffs] can clearly establish irreparable injury because, without court intervention, the presidential primary will not take place," Torres wrote in the decision late Tuesday. "Along with other New York Democratic voters -- [plaintiffs] will be deprived of the right to cast a vote for an otherwise qualified candidate and the political views expressed by that candidate."
"Canceling one election opens the door for other states -- and the federal government -- to cancel future elections, something we can all agree is wholly un-American," Yang attorney Jeff Kurzon said after the decision. "We are grateful to the court for delivering justice."
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The New York Democratic primary will be held June 23.
Board of Elections spokesman John Conklin said the board is reviewing the decision but didn't say for sure whether it will appeal.
Jay Jacobs, the chairman of the New York State Democratic Party, said he favors canceling the primary altogether.
"I supported the decision by the commissioners of the state board of election before this opinion and I support it now," he said.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Biden's last remaining opponent in the race, dropped out a month ago and left the former vice president as the party's presumptive nominee. The Democratic National Convention, where Biden will be formally nominated, is presently scheduled for August in Milwaukee. It was postponed for a month due to the coronavirus crisis.


upi--2020-05-06--Google brings back Halloween game in latest Doodle

May 6 ( UPI ) -- Google has re-released its Halloween game from 2016 in the latest Doodle .
Google @ @ @ @ @ `` o '' in the company 's logo dressed up as magical cat Momo from @ @ @ @ @ her wand in order to make the logo 's second `` o , '' a @ @ @ @ @ the game , Momo 's Magic Cat Academy is overrun by ghosts .
Players can @ @ @ @ @ in the shape of symbols above the ghosts ' head in order to defeat them @ @ @ @ @ re-release old Doodle games as many stay indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ card game from 2019 .
`` As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world @ @ @ @ @ are spending more time at home .
In light of this , we 're launching @ @ @ @ @ back at some of our popular interactive Google Doodle games , '' Google said .

Google is again featuring its Halloween game from 2016 in the latest Doodle. Image courtesy of Google
May 6 (UPI) -- Google has re-released its Halloween game from 2016 in the latest Doodle. Google's homepage features the letter "o" in the company's logo dressed up as magical cat Momo from the game. Advertisement
Momo waves her wand in order to make the logo's second "o," a ghost, disappear.
In the game, Momo's Magic Cat Academy is overrun by ghosts. Players can use their mouse to swipe in the shape of symbols above the ghosts' head in order to defeat them.
Google has started to re-release old Doodle games as many stay indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently re-released its Loteria card game from 2019.
"As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, people and families everywhere are spending more time at home. In light of this, we're launching a throwback Doodle series looking back at some of our popular interactive Google Doodle games," Google said.


upi--2020-05-06--'Blacklist' season finale will blend live action and animation

May 6 ( UPI ) -- The Season 7 finale of The Blacklist will blend live-action sequences with graphic novel-style @ @ @ @ @ The episode is set to air on May 15 .
`` The season 's 19th @ @ @ @ @ Brothers , ' was midway into filming in New York when TV productions across the @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , '' a network press release said Tuesday .
`` Looking to do something @ @ @ @ @ finish the episode and close out the season , producers came up with an idea @ @ @ @ @ that would incorporate with the already filmed live-action scenes .
Cast members recorded dialogue from @ @ @ @ @ scenes to ensure a seamless transition between the two styles as editors and animators complete @ @ @ @ @ The show was renewed in February for an eighth season .

1/3
The Season 7 finale of James Spader's crime drama "The Blacklist" will blend live action and animation. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 6 (UPI) -- The Season 7 finale of The Blacklist will blend live-action sequences with graphic novel-style animation, NBC announced. The episode is set to air on May 15. Advertisement
"The season's 19th episode, titled 'The Kazanjian Brothers,' was midway into filming in New York when TV productions across the industry were halted due to COVID-19," a network press release said Tuesday.
"Looking to do something out of the box to finish the episode and close out the season, producers came up with an idea to add graphic novel-style animation that would incorporate with the already filmed live-action scenes. Cast members recorded dialogue from their homes for the animated scenes to ensure a seamless transition between the two styles as editors and animators complete their work remotely."
The crime drama stars James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff, Amir Arison, Hisham Tawfiq and Harry Lennix.
The show was renewed in February for an eighth season.
#TheBlacklist is going to be more animated than usual. The season finale will feature a hybrid of live-action and graphic novel-style animation when it airs Friday, May 15 at 8/7c on @NBC. pic.twitter.com/HMpJLH4GTh— The Blacklist (@NBCBlacklist) May 5, 2020
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upi--2020-05-06--Mother's Day forecast: Unusual chill for East, summer-like heat out West

May 6 -- Coronavirus-related restrictions will make Mother 's Day look a bit different this year , as many Americans may need to connect digitally to wish mom a happy holiday .
For those able to travel and pay a visit or for mothers planning to celebrate outdoors , there will be some rather unusual weather conditions to contend with for the middle of May .
Mother 's Day weekend will bring an unprecedented chill and weather more typical of late winter in the eastern United States .
Mothers who live in parts of Florida may need to dodge drenching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some areas west of the Rockies .
`` A southward pivot of the polar vortex , which was largely absent this winter , will contribute to a greatly convoluted jet stream across North America , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said .
In the East , a southward dip in the jet stream will bring not only cold air and the likelihood of a frost and freeze , but also some snow around part of the Midwest as a clipper storm from western Canada rolls along .
At the very least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone of cold rain from the northern Plains on Saturday to the Great Lakes region Sunday .
Wet snowflakes can mix in at times with even a wintry mix of rain , sleet and wet snow and perhaps light , slushy accumulations in the upper Great Lakes .
Afternoon showers will suppress temperatures to near 50 in Chicago , where the normal high is 68 degrees .
Clouds will keep conditions cool in Detroit as well with a high about 10 degrees below the normal high of 67 .
Spotty rain showers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Ohio Valley , where there may even be a thunderstorm that produces small hail .
Thanks to clouds and the cold precipitation , high temperatures in much of the Midwest may be as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit below average .
In parts of the Midwest , highs may only reach into the 30s and the lower 40s on Mother 's Day .
In the Northeast , there will be an abnormal chill for this time in May , especially in the morning , where some areas will be recovering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a recent snowfall .
Only strong mid-May sunshine will allow temperatures to recover a bit during the afternoon in the Northeast , although highs will remain 10 to 20 degrees below normal levels , which range from the mid-50s in Boston to near 60 in New York City and the low 60s in Washington , D.C. Where clouds increase in advance of the approaching clipper storm , as will be the case in the central Appalachians and eastern Great Lakes area , it will likely turn chilly once again prior to sunset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chill during the day over the South .
`` Much of the South is likely to have delightful weather , but the chill will be most noticeable in the shade and at the start of the day with record-challenging lows , '' Anderson said .
Since the cold air will have pushed all the way into the Gulf of Mexico and even the northern Caribbean Sea , a storm is forecast to form along the temperature contrast zone early on in the weekend .
`` That same storm can bring drenching rain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico from Friday night to Saturday and then the central and southern part of the Florida Peninsula by Mother 's Day , '' said AccuWeather forecaster Isaac Longley .
People accustomed to spending time outdoors on Mother 's Day in the Florida Peninsula may want to consider alternative plans or celebrate outdoors on Saturday instead , as Sunday could be stormy and quite cool and wet .
`` This storm system will have to be monitored for potential development as some early-season tropical systems have formed in this manner , '' Dan Kottlowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Tropical threats can form near the U.S. coastline early in the season along cold fronts that progress over the Gulf of Mexico and warmer waters of the western Atlantic .
AccuWeather 's long-range meteorologists warned in the Atlantic hurricane season outlook released in late March that early-season formation of tropical systems could occur with unusually warm waters stretching from the Caribbean to east of the Bahamas this year .
Further west , dramatic differences in weather will exist over a short distance .
The weather in parts of the High Plains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tricky because of that .
A strong jet stream will be in place overhead , and a significant temperature contrast zone will exist from northeast to southwest .
West of the Rockies , the weather will be dry , sunny and quite warm as the summer-like pattern from this week continues to build into this weekend .
The greatest departures from average temperatures will be seen in the Northwest , where highs may challenge record levels in some locations .
Typical high temperatures in Seattle are in the middle 60s , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to middle 80s this weekend .
Farther south , temperatures in California will be more typical of those in the middle to late June .
Temperatures will be within a few degrees of 70 along the immediate coast with highs well into the 80s to near 90 inland .
Over the interior Southwest , highs are forecast to be in the upper 90s in Las Vegas and in the low 100s around Phoenix .
Warmth will also extend into the Salt Lake Basin , with highs forecast to be within a few degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow a few thunderstorms to fire off during the afternoon in parts of Arizona , New Mexico and southwestern Colorado .
Even though a wild weather pattern will be in place , the widespread chilly air in the East and the dry conditions in the West may limit the amount of severe weather across much of the nation , with a few exceptions , over the weekend .

A woman carries an umbrella while crossing Pine Street in downtown St. Louis, Mo., on April 25. Forecasters say Mother's Day weekend will bring a chill in the East, heat in the West and rains in the Southeast. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
May 6 -- Coronavirus-related restrictions will make Mother's Day look a bit different this year, as many Americans may need to connect digitally to wish mom a happy holiday. For those able to travel and pay a visit or for mothers planning to celebrate outdoors, there will be some rather unusual weather conditions to contend with for the middle of May. Advertisement
Mother's Day weekend will bring an unprecedented chill and weather more typical of late winter in the eastern United States. Mothers who live in parts of Florida may need to dodge drenching rain while summer-like heat is in store for some areas west of the Rockies.
"A southward pivot of the polar vortex, which was largely absent this winter, will contribute to a greatly convoluted jet stream across North America," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Advertisement
In the East, a southward dip in the jet stream will bring not only cold air and the likelihood of a frost and freeze, but also some snow around part of the Midwest as a clipper storm from western Canada rolls along.
At the very least, that clipper storm will spread a zone of cold rain from the northern Plains on Saturday to the Great Lakes region Sunday. Wet snowflakes can mix in at times with even a wintry mix of rain, sleet and wet snow and perhaps light, slushy accumulations in the upper Great Lakes.
Afternoon showers will suppress temperatures to near 50 in Chicago, where the normal high is 68 degrees. Clouds will keep conditions cool in Detroit as well with a high about 10 degrees below the normal high of 67.
Spotty rain showers will dot areas from the middle Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley, where there may even be a thunderstorm that produces small hail.
Thanks to clouds and the cold precipitation, high temperatures in much of the Midwest may be as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit below average. In parts of the Midwest, highs may only reach into the 30s and the lower 40s on Mother's Day.
Advertisement
In the Northeast, there will be an abnormal chill for this time in May, especially in the morning, where some areas will be recovering from a frost or freeze in the wake of a recent snowfall.
Only strong mid-May sunshine will allow temperatures to recover a bit during the afternoon in the Northeast, although highs will remain 10 to 20 degrees below normal levels, which range from the mid-50s in Boston to near 60 in New York City and the low 60s in Washington, D.C.
Where clouds increase in advance of the approaching clipper storm, as will be the case in the central Appalachians and eastern Great Lakes area, it will likely turn chilly once again prior to sunset. Some sunshine will help remove the chill during the day over the South.
"Much of the South is likely to have delightful weather, but the chill will be most noticeable in the shade and at the start of the day with record-challenging lows," Anderson said.
Since the cold air will have pushed all the way into the Gulf of Mexico and even the northern Caribbean Sea, a storm is forecast to form along the temperature contrast zone early on in the weekend.
Advertisement
"That same storm can bring drenching rain and isolated flooding to South Texas and northeastern Mexico from Friday night to Saturday and then the central and southern part of the Florida Peninsula by Mother's Day," said AccuWeather forecaster Isaac Longley.
People accustomed to spending time outdoors on Mother's Day in the Florida Peninsula may want to consider alternative plans or celebrate outdoors on Saturday instead, as Sunday could be stormy and quite cool and wet.
"This storm system will have to be monitored for potential development as some early-season tropical systems have formed in this manner," Dan Kottlowski, AccuWeather's top hurricane expert, said.
Tropical threats can form near the U.S. coastline early in the season along cold fronts that progress over the Gulf of Mexico and warmer waters of the western Atlantic.
AccuWeather's long-range meteorologists warned in the Atlantic hurricane season outlook released in late March that early-season formation of tropical systems could occur with unusually warm waters stretching from the Caribbean to east of the Bahamas this year.
Further west, dramatic differences in weather will exist over a short distance. The weather in parts of the High Plains and eastern slopes of the Rockies could be tricky because of that. A strong jet stream will be in place overhead, and a significant temperature contrast zone will exist from northeast to southwest.
Advertisement
West of the Rockies, the weather will be dry, sunny and quite warm as the summer-like pattern from this week continues to build into this weekend.
The greatest departures from average temperatures will be seen in the Northwest, where highs may challenge record levels in some locations. Typical high temperatures in Seattle are in the middle 60s, but actual highs may be in the lower to middle 80s this weekend.
Farther south, temperatures in California will be more typical of those in the middle to late June. Temperatures will be within a few degrees of 70 along the immediate coast with highs well into the 80s to near 90 inland.
Over the interior Southwest, highs are forecast to be in the upper 90s in Las Vegas and in the low 100s around Phoenix. Warmth will also extend into the Salt Lake Basin, with highs forecast to be within a few degrees of 80.
A weak disturbance may allow a few thunderstorms to fire off during the afternoon in parts of Arizona, New Mexico and southwestern Colorado.
Even though a wild weather pattern will be in place, the widespread chilly air in the East and the dry conditions in the West may limit the amount of severe weather across much of the nation, with a few exceptions, over the weekend.


upi--2020-05-06--A war will not beat coronavirus

A war will not beat coronavirus

Mr. President, where are the strategy and the plans for dealing with this pandemic? Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
Too often, declaring war against something is a common political response to crises. Unfortunately, America's record in winning the wars it starts, either against military or non-military dangers, would not gain entry into the geopolitical equivalents of the Super Bowl or World Series. Indeed, that record has been pretty dismal. Wars against alcohol, crime, drugs, inequality, obesity, racism and now COVID-19 have been costly, long and terminally unsuccessful. Indeed, the last war America won decisively was also the last war in which a declaration of war was passed by Congress and one we did not start: World War II. Still, presidents like to assume the image of wartime leadership. Advertisement
Korea (1950-53) was at best a draw after Gen. Douglas MacArthur's reckless race north to the border with China provoked China's massive intervention. U.S. and U.N. forces were driven back to the 38th parallel and two and a half years of further bloodshed. Vietnam was an unequivocal disaster with the ignominious withdrawal in 1974 made vivid by the last Huey helicopter lifting off from Saigon followed the next year by victorious North Vietnamese troops parading through the same streets of what would be renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
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Coalition forces were brilliantly successful in driving Saddam Hussein from Kuwait in 1991 in a ground campaign that lasted 100 hours, destroying much of Iraq's "vaunted" military. But that was a war that we did not start and in essence was a military campaign. The war we did start a dozen years later in the misguided effort to eliminate non-existent Iraqi weapons of mass destruction was costly in blood, treasure and in producing turmoil in the region that persists nearly two decades later.
To be blunt, the ability of America to wage war based on past experiences is not very good. Of course one can argue that success in the HIV/AIDS battle was an exception other than no one ever declared war on that scourge. What does all this mean today for the effort to contain, mitigate and control the current pandemic?
In World War II, unlike other wars, the United States had a successful strategy and an effective plan. The strategy was to win first in Europe and then in the Pacific, demanding unconditional surrender by the enemy. And unlike Vietnam, America was prepared to "pay any price and bear any burden" to win by unleashing an economic juggernaut to out-produce Nazi Germany and Japan with what Franklin D. Roosevelt called "the arsenal of democracy."
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What are the strategy and plans today for dealing with the coronavirus? And what lessons has the United States drawn from other countries that appear to have been successful in stemming the disease?
Despite the hours of briefings by the coronavirus task force and the ubiquitous presence of the president on television at the dinner hour, slogans have become substitutes for strategy. Hence, Americans "must flatten the curve," "shelter in place" or practice "social distancing." And while wearing face masks seems essential, neither the president nor the vice president are inclined to do so.
We are told that testing is on track; that America has tested more people than any other country; and that testing is readily available to all. Yet, less than 2 percent of 330 million Americans have been tested. And since it is unclear if immunity to COVID-19 once having survived the disease lasts, multiple tests for individuals would appear inevitable. That means having hundreds of millions of test kits. So where are they?
At this point, America has accounted for about one-third of all the cases of COVID-19 and one-fourth of the fatalities, with only about one-20th of the global population. But no one has asked why or explained these statistics. And why so far have Africa and South America been less affected when weather-wise it is fall moving to winter in the Southern Hemisphere, when flu is more prevalent?
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Overlay these gaps in plans and knowledge with a presidential election in November and the necessity of restarting the economy. Leaving economic decisions to the 50 states and territories with guidelines that have not always been followed is surely not a plan nor a strategy. And it is a safe and tragic bet that in many of these zones that are removing social distancing and other health safety measures, by mid-May, infection and fatality rates will not be declining.
Mr. President, where are the strategy and the plans for dealing with this pandemic? They must be the top priority. And based on the past failures, please stop calling this a war.
Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist. He is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council. His last book was "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Loses Every War It Starts."
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic