upi--2020-03-30--Police responding to shut down comedy show find it was pre-recorded

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A British comedy club said about 20 police officers responded to the facility to shut-down a live show that actually took place more than two weeks earlier .
The owners of the Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool , England , said a Facebook Live show featuring comedian Paul Smith hosting a selection of clips from when the club was still open led a concerned viewer to contact police and report the club for violating bans on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I was really surprised .
The first we heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call from the convenience store next door , saying a full police squad had turned up at the club , '' Paul Blair , one of the club 's owners , told Sky News .
`` I looked at our CCTV and saw about 20 police officers outside , '' he said .
The club shared CCTV footage showing the confused officers gathered outside the empty club .
Police confirmed officers responded to a report from the public about a live comedy event taking place at the club Saturday night .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedy club was open and live streaming a show with a large number of customers inside , '' a Merseyside Police representative said .
`` To verify this , they attended the club and found it closed .
Checks were made around the building to make sure no-one was inside . ''
Blair admitted the video showed comedians performing to a full audience , but the footage was actually filmed March 7 .
He said Smith attempted to make that clear multiple times during the broadcast .
`` I think it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't think whoever called them did it deliberately , I think it was just a misunderstanding , '' Blair said .

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March 30 (UPI) -- A British comedy club said about 20 police officers responded to the facility to shut-down a live show that actually took place more than two weeks earlier.
The owners of the Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool, England, said a Facebook Live show featuring comedian Paul Smith hosting a selection of clips from when the club was still open led a concerned viewer to contact police and report the club for violating bans on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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"I was really surprised. The first we heard about it was when we got a call from the convenience store next door, saying a full police squad had turned up at the club," Paul Blair, one of the club's owners, told Sky News.
"I looked at our CCTV and saw about 20 police officers outside," he said.
The club shared CCTV footage showing the confused officers gathered outside the empty club.
Police confirmed officers responded to a report from the public about a live comedy event taking place at the club Saturday night.
"Our officers responded to a report that a comedy club was open and live streaming a show with a large number of customers inside," a Merseyside Police representative said. "To verify this, they attended the club and found it closed. Checks were made around the building to make sure no-one was inside."
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Blair admitted the video showed comedians performing to a full audience, but the footage was actually filmed March 7. He said Smith attempted to make that clear multiple times during the broadcast.
"I think it was a waste of their time, but I don't think whoever called them did it deliberately, I think it was just a misunderstanding," Blair said.


upi--2020-03-30--COVID-19: Capitol to remain closed to visitors through May 1

The U.S. Capitol may only be accessed by members of Congress, their staff, the press and those there on official business. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Capitol and its surrounding buildings will be closed to the public for another month after President Donald Trump extended restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, federal officials announced Monday. The House and Senate sergeants-at-arms announced the restricted access will be in place until at least May 1. They first announced the partial closures starting March 12 and ending Wednesday. Advertisement
"We are taking this temporary action out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public. We appreciate the understanding of those with planned visits interrupted by this necessary, but prudent, decision," House sergeant-at-arms Paul Irving and Senate sergeant-at-arms Michael Stenger said.
Only members of Congress, their staff, credentialed press and those on official business may enter the buildings.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic
Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Trump announced Sunday that federal guidelines for social distancing were extended through April 30 as the country fights to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid non-essential travel at Trump's direction and as hundreds of millions of Americans throughout the country have been placed under some sort of stay-at-home or shelter-in-place restrictions.
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There have been more than 150,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States and nearly 2,600 people have died from the disease as of Monday afternoon, Johns Hopkins University figures indicate.


upi--2020-03-30--How an animal processes numbers influences its odds of survival

March 30 ( UPI ) -- While some animals are quite adept mathematicians , most can at least differentiated between larger and smaller amounts .
Animals must be able to comprehend numbers -- to known when more is more -- in order to find a meal and a mate , or even to find their way home .
According to a new study , published this week in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution , an animal 's numerical competence influences their chance of survival .
For the paper , German researcher Andreas Nieder surveyed the available scientific literature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including frogs , wolves , bees and more .
`` Interestingly , we know now that numerical competence is present on almost every branch on the animal tree of life , '' Andreas Nieder , neurobiologist at the University of Tuebingen , said in a news release .
`` Different groups of animals obviously developed this trait independently from other lineages and that strongly indicates that it has to be of adaptive value .
So the capability to discriminate numbers has to have a strong survival benefit and reproduction benefit . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to food in order to successfully navigate their way back to the hive .
Previous studies have even shown different honeybee populations use unique language dialects to communicate distances to their peers .
`` The last common ancestor between honeybees and us primates lived about 600 million years ago , '' Nieder said .
`` But still , they evolved numerical competence that , in many respects , is comparable to vertebrae numerical competence . ''
While bees can count travel markers , other animals are able to differentiate between larger and smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to count both the size of their pack and the number of prey they 're targeting .
They know a small group of elk require only a fewer hunters , but a group of bison necessitate extra wolves for a successful hunt .
Prey count , too .
Elk either stick to small herds , diminishing the odds of encountering wolves , or gather in very large groups , increasing their odds of survival should the group be attacked .
`` So obviously they are assessing the number of individuals in their groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nieder said .
Counting is woven in the courting and mating process of many species , as well .
Female frogs , for example , count a specific feature of a male 's mating song .
The frog that produces the most `` chucks '' during his song , wins a chance at mating .
According to Nieder , these instances of numerical competence have n't been comprehensively compiled and analyzed .
`` Many of these behavioral findings in the wild have usually been collected as by-products or accidental findings of other research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have perviously studied the mathematical abilities of a variety of animals , including birds , apes and insects , but often these lab experiments provide little ecological context .
Nieder hopes his newest paper will inspire scientists to look more closely at the connections between numerical competence and the hunting and mating decisions made by animals in the wild .
`` I hope I can encourage behavioral ecologists to specifically explore numerical competence in the wild , and , in doing so , also open new research fields , '' Nieder said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate the neural patterns animals use to process numbers in order to better understand how numerical competence influences animal behavior .

Bees count landmarks as they fly in search of food. Their numerical competence helps them find their way back home. Photo by Creative Commons
March 30 (UPI) -- While some animals are quite adept mathematicians, most can at least differentiated between larger and smaller amounts. Animals must be able to comprehend numbers -- to known when more is more -- in order to find a meal and a mate, or even to find their way home. According to a new study, published this week in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution, an animal's numerical competence influences their chance of survival. Advertisement
For the paper, German researcher Andreas Nieder surveyed the available scientific literature on the numerical competence of various species, including frogs, wolves, bees and more.
"Interestingly, we know now that numerical competence is present on almost every branch on the animal tree of life," Andreas Nieder, neurobiologist at the University of Tuebingen, said in a news release. "Different groups of animals obviously developed this trait independently from other lineages and that strongly indicates that it has to be of adaptive value. So the capability to discriminate numbers has to have a strong survival benefit and reproduction benefit."
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Honeybees can count landmarks as they travel to food in order to successfully navigate their way back to the hive. Previous studies have even shown different honeybee populations use unique language dialects to communicate distances to their peers.
"The last common ancestor between honeybees and us primates lived about 600 million years ago," Nieder said. "But still, they evolved numerical competence that, in many respects, is comparable to vertebrae numerical competence."
While bees can count travel markers, other animals are able to differentiate between larger and smaller amounts of food. Wolves are able to count both the size of their pack and the number of prey they're targeting. They know a small group of elk require only a fewer hunters, but a group of bison necessitate extra wolves for a successful hunt.
Prey count, too. Elk either stick to small herds, diminishing the odds of encountering wolves, or gather in very large groups, increasing their odds of survival should the group be attacked.
"So obviously they are assessing the number of individuals in their groups for their everyday life situations," Nieder said.
Counting is woven in the courting and mating process of many species, as well. Female frogs, for example, count a specific feature of a male's mating song. The frog that produces the most "chucks" during his song, wins a chance at mating.
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According to Nieder, these instances of numerical competence haven't been comprehensively compiled and analyzed.
"Many of these behavioral findings in the wild have usually been collected as by-products or accidental findings of other research questions," he said.
Scientists have perviously studied the mathematical abilities of a variety of animals, including birds, apes and insects, but often these lab experiments provide little ecological context. Nieder hopes his newest paper will inspire scientists to look more closely at the connections between numerical competence and the hunting and mating decisions made by animals in the wild.
"I hope I can encourage behavioral ecologists to specifically explore numerical competence in the wild, and, in doing so, also open new research fields," Nieder said.
In future studies, Nieder plans to investigate the neural patterns animals use to process numbers in order to better understand how numerical competence influences animal behavior.


upi--2020-03-30--Point-of-care COVID-19 tests could help focus on worst hit areas

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A fast , simple test for COVID-19 scheduled to be released Thursday could speed diagnosis and help focus healthcare workers on areas with the worst outbreaks , experts said Monday .
The first of these so-called point-of-care tests , developed by Abbott Laboratories , is designed to yield positive results in as little as five minutes , though a thorough analysis to definitively rule out infection with the new coronavirus can take up to 15 minutes .
The company plans to begin distributing up to 50,000 test kits daily and , like another point-of-care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will focus primarily on hospital emergency rooms , urgent-care clinics and doctors ' offices .
The United States has struggled to supply enough COVID-19 tests , even as the outbreak threatens to overwhelm hospitals in New York , California and Washington , among other states .
And without a quick test , or enough of them , officials have not been able to determine where the problem was greatest .
After initially restricting testing to high-risk people , and those with obvious symptoms , and problems with a test designed by the Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators have streamlined the approval process for new tests .
The newly approved tests will improve things `` in substantial fashion going forward , '' Howard Koh , a professor of public health leadership at Harvard and former secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama , said during a conference call with reporters Monday .
`` Testing had been a challenge initially , but it 's now ramping up . ''
The Abbott test is one of several developed since the COVID-19 pandemic exploded across the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test -- so called because it reveals results on-site , without samples being sent to a lab -- Abbott has also released the m2000 RealTime system , which last week received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use in hospitals and molecular laboratories .
That system is designed to test up to 1 million samples weekly , but it takes longer to yield results .
With the two platforms , Abbott plans to provide at least 5 million tests per month .
In addition , diagnostics company Henry Schein Inc. announced last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which looks for evidence that the immune system has fought off COVID-19 infection , would be available starting this week .
According to the company , the antibody rapid blood test , known as Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test and manufactured by SD Biosensor , Inc. , is designed to deliver results within 15 minutes from a pinprick with no instrumentation required , although it can not be used to confirm active infection .
Healthcare professionals can use the results of the test , along with a patient 's medical history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing , to make decisions on quarantining and care .
The test could conceivably also be used to identify potential blood donors for convalescent plasma treatments for COVID-19 currently being evaluated in New York and elsewhere .
Schein expects to have `` at least several hundred thousand tests '' available for use by physician offices , hospitals and other relevant health care institutions today and significantly increased availability beginning next month .
The Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test is being made available under emergency guidance issued by the FDA .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making rapid diagnostic tools available to health care professionals is critical for detecting and mitigating the spread of the coronavirus , '' Stanley M. Bergman , Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein , said in a press release .
The company is the private-sector lead of the Pandemic Supply Chain Network , a public-private partnership created in 2015 to improve the efficiency of the supply chain for personal protective equipment .
According to Harvard 's Koh , these point-of-care tests will take some of the pressure off American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swamped with possible cases of the new coronavirus , because they enable testing at doctors ' offices and walk-in clinics .
Currently , Koh said , the United States is testing about one-fourth as many people as South Korea , which implemented an aggressive testing approach and thus far has been able to avoid implementing stringent social distancing measures .
The country 's testing capacity needs to `` accelerate dramatically , '' he added .
`` These point of care tests will help , but we still have a ways to go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is key as healthcare workers in some parts of the country have had to wait days or more than a week for results , forcing them to remain in quarantine and further draining hospital capacity .
These new point-of-care tests will `` improve turnaround time , '' Koh said .
`` It 's frustrating for many people to wait days for results , '' he added .
`` That 's not an efficient system . ''
Koh said that the country ca n't consider relaxing social distancing measures , which currently have about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` we know the number of people infected . ''

Medical and fire department personnel distribute self-testing coronavirus kits to residents who made appointments in a parking lot adjacent to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- A fast, simple test for COVID-19 scheduled to be released Thursday could speed diagnosis and help focus healthcare workers on areas with the worst outbreaks, experts said Monday. The first of these so-called point-of-care tests, developed by Abbott Laboratories, is designed to yield positive results in as little as five minutes, though a thorough analysis to definitively rule out infection with the new coronavirus can take up to 15 minutes. Advertisement
The company plans to begin distributing up to 50,000 test kits daily and, like another point-of-care test by Henry Schein Inc., they will focus primarily on hospital emergency rooms, urgent-care clinics and doctors' offices.
The United States has struggled to supply enough COVID-19 tests, even as the outbreak threatens to overwhelm hospitals in New York, California and Washington, among other states. And without a quick test, or enough of them, officials have not been able to determine where the problem was greatest.
Advertisement
After initially restricting testing to high-risk people, and those with obvious symptoms, and problems with a test designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. regulators have streamlined the approval process for new tests.
The newly approved tests will improve things "in substantial fashion going forward," Howard Koh, a professor of public health leadership at Harvard and former secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama, said during a conference call with reporters Monday. "Testing had been a challenge initially, but it's now ramping up."
The Abbott test is one of several developed since the COVID-19 pandemic exploded across the United States. In addition to its point-of-care test -- so called because it reveals results on-site, without samples being sent to a lab -- Abbott has also released the m2000 RealTime system, which last week received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use in hospitals and molecular laboratories.
That system is designed to test up to 1 million samples weekly, but it takes longer to yield results. With the two platforms, Abbott plans to provide at least 5 million tests per month.
Advertisement
In addition, diagnostics company Henry Schein Inc. announced last week that its point-of-care antibody test, which looks for evidence that the immune system has fought off COVID-19 infection, would be available starting this week. According to the company, the antibody rapid blood test, known as Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test and manufactured by SD Biosensor, Inc., is designed to deliver results within 15 minutes from a pinprick with no instrumentation required, although it can not be used to confirm active infection.
Healthcare professionals can use the results of the test, along with a patient's medical history, symptoms, and results of other relevant testing, to make decisions on quarantining and care. The test could conceivably also be used to identify potential blood donors for convalescent plasma treatments for COVID-19 currently being evaluated in New York and elsewhere.
Schein expects to have "at least several hundred thousand tests" available for use by physician offices, hospitals and other relevant health care institutions today and significantly increased availability beginning next month. The Standard Q COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test is being made available under emergency guidance issued by the FDA.
"This pandemic is an unprecedented situation, and making rapid diagnostic tools available to health care professionals is critical for detecting and mitigating the spread of the coronavirus," Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, said in a press release.
Advertisement
The company is the private-sector lead of the Pandemic Supply Chain Network, a public-private partnership created in 2015 to improve the efficiency of the supply chain for personal protective equipment.
According to Harvard's Koh, these point-of-care tests will take some of the pressure off American hospitals, many of which already are swamped with possible cases of the new coronavirus, because they enable testing at doctors' offices and walk-in clinics.
Currently, Koh said, the United States is testing about one-fourth as many people as South Korea, which implemented an aggressive testing approach and thus far has been able to avoid implementing stringent social distancing measures.
The country's testing capacity needs to "accelerate dramatically," he added. "These point of care tests will help, but we still have a ways to go."
The speed of newer tests also is key as healthcare workers in some parts of the country have had to wait days or more than a week for results, forcing them to remain in quarantine and further draining hospital capacity. These new point-of-care tests will "improve turnaround time," Koh said.
"It's frustrating for many people to wait days for results," he added. "That's not an efficient system."
Koh said that the country can't consider relaxing social distancing measures, which currently have about 200 million Americans on lockdown, until "we know the number of people infected."


upi--2020-03-30--'Space Fence' radar operational, tracks objects as small as 10 centimeters

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A radar system known as Space Fence , which can track material in space as small as 10 centimeters , is fully operational , the U.S. Space Force announced .
Using enhanced S-band radar , the Space Fence improves on previous capabilities of the Space Surveillance Network in tracking objects such as commercial and military satellites , depleted rocket boosters and space debris in low , medium , and geosynchronous Earth orbit regimes , Space Force officials said on Friday .
The SSN has tracked 26,000 objects already accounted for in space , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase that figure , essentially offering a catalog and location of every object in space .
`` Space Fence is revolutionizing the way we view space by providing timely , precise orbital data on objects that threaten both manned and unmanned military and commercial space assets , '' said Gen. Jay Raymond , Commander of the U.S. Space Command in the statement .
The radar system 's infrastructure is located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands , with headquarters at the Space Fence Operations Center in Huntsville , Ala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Lockheed Martin , can track material in low earth orbit about the size of a marble .
It will also detect incidents in space that could harm , for example , GPS satellites or the International Space Station .
A second radar site is planned to go online in 2021 .

The U.S. Space Force announced that its new radar system for tracking objects in space, known as Space Fence, is now online. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
March 30 (UPI) -- A radar system known as Space Fence, which can track material in space as small as 10 centimeters, is fully operational, the U.S. Space Force announced. Using enhanced S-band radar, the Space Fence improves on previous capabilities of the Space Surveillance Network in tracking objects such as commercial and military satellites, depleted rocket boosters and space debris in low, medium, and geosynchronous Earth orbit regimes, Space Force officials said on Friday. Advertisement
The SSN has tracked 26,000 objects already accounted for in space, and the new system is expected to vastly increase that figure, essentially offering a catalog and location of every object in space.
"Space Fence is revolutionizing the way we view space by providing timely, precise orbital data on objects that threaten both manned and unmanned military and commercial space assets," said Gen. Jay Raymond, Commander of the U.S. Space Command in the statement.
The radar system's infrastructure is located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with headquarters at the Space Fence Operations Center in Huntsville, Ala.
The radar observation technology, designed by Lockheed Martin, can track material in low earth orbit about the size of a marble. It will also detect incidents in space that could harm, for example, GPS satellites or the International Space Station.
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A second radar site is planned to go online in 2021.


upi--2020-03-30--Watch: Indian police officer dons coronavirus helmet to raise awareness

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A police inspector on traffic duty in India is raising awareness of coronavirus lockdown measures by wearing a motorcycle helmet modeled after the virus .
Inspector Rajesh Babu , who has been stopping pedestrians and vehicles at checkpoints in Chennai , is sporting a helmet fashioned by local artist B. Gowtham to resemble coronavirus when viewed under a microscope .
Babu said he has been using the helmet to remind travelers not to go outside for non-essential reasons and to wear face masks and other protective gear when they do have to go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will come in , '' Babu , in character as the virus , has been telling travelers .
Gowtham said he wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of the virus and inspire people to stay home .
`` People are not hygienic enough , '' Gowtham told CNN .
`` We have government orders not to come out -- but still , we 're seeing people roaming here and there without proper safety equipment , without masks . ''
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown measures Tuesday .
The measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 days .

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March 30 (UPI) -- A police inspector on traffic duty in India is raising awareness of coronavirus lockdown measures by wearing a motorcycle helmet modeled after the virus.
Inspector Rajesh Babu, who has been stopping pedestrians and vehicles at checkpoints in Chennai, is sporting a helmet fashioned by local artist B. Gowtham to resemble coronavirus when viewed under a microscope.
Advertisement
Babu said he has been using the helmet to remind travelers not to go outside for non-essential reasons and to wear face masks and other protective gear when they do have to go out.
"If you go out, I will come in," Babu, in character as the virus, has been telling travelers.
Gowtham said he wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of the virus and inspire people to stay home.
"People are not hygienic enough," Gowtham told CNN. "We have government orders not to come out -- but still, we're seeing people roaming here and there without proper safety equipment, without masks."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced nationwide lockdown measures Tuesday. The measures are scheduled to last for at least 21 days.


upi--2020-03-30--ACLU, Planned Parenthood, file suit against Iowa over halting abortions

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood Federation of America filed a lawsuit Monday against Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds ' order halting abortions amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Pat Garrett , a spokesman for Reynolds , told the Des Moines Register Friday that the governors ' proclamation earlier this week to suspend `` non-essential '' medical procedures through mid-April included surgical abortion .
The lawsuit filed in Johnson County District Court against Reynolds and other state officials `` asks the court for an emergency injunction to block the Governor 's Proclamation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACLU of Iowa statement said Monday .
The suit was filed on behalf of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland , which offers services at health centers in Iowa and Nebraska , its medical director Jill Meadows , and the abortion clinic called Emma Goldman Clinic , based in Iowa City .
`` Abortion is an essential , time-sensitive medical procedure , '' Planned Parenthood 's Iowa Executive Director Erin Davison-Rippey said in a statement .
`` We are in a critical moment for our state when we must come together to fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services that are constitutionally protected .
Iowans are doing all they can to protect their families and communities during this pandemic and Planned Parenthood is focused on providing our patients with crucial services they need . ''
The Iowa Constitution grants women a fundamental right to abortion , according a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling , which the lawsuit cites .
Reynolds has been a vocal pro-life advocate for years and in 2018 signed one of the most restrictive state abortion bans in the nation into law , known as the `` heartbeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six weeks .
The pro-life governor has defended her position and said it is not because of her ideology , but part of plan to deal with national shortage in medical equipment during the pandemic .
However , the lawsuit says the governor calling abortions non-essential procedures `` flagrantly defies clear and binding constitutional precedent , '' showing `` protected liberty interest in terminating an unwanted pregnancy . ''
Officials in Texas , Ohio and Mississippi have also halted abortion procedures amid the pandemic .

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and Planned Parenthood filed suit Monday against Iowa state officials based on governor's order halting abortions during the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood Federation of America filed a lawsuit Monday against Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' order halting abortions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pat Garrett, a spokesman for Reynolds, told the Des Moines Register Friday that the governors' proclamation earlier this week to suspend "non-essential" medical procedures through mid-April included surgical abortion. Advertisement
The lawsuit filed in Johnson County District Court against Reynolds and other state officials "asks the court for an emergency injunction to block the Governor's Proclamation as it applies to abortions," an ACLU of Iowa statement said Monday.
The suit was filed on behalf of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which offers services at health centers in Iowa and Nebraska, its medical director Jill Meadows, and the abortion clinic called Emma Goldman Clinic, based in Iowa City.
"Abortion is an essential, time-sensitive medical procedure," Planned Parenthood's Iowa Executive Director Erin Davison-Rippey said in a statement. "We are in a critical moment for our state when we must come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, not politicize health care services that are constitutionally protected. Iowans are doing all they can to protect their families and communities during this pandemic and Planned Parenthood is focused on providing our patients with crucial services they need."
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The Iowa Constitution grants women a fundamental right to abortion, according a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling, which the lawsuit cites.
Reynolds has been a vocal pro-life advocate for years and in 2018 signed one of the most restrictive state abortion bans in the nation into law, known as the "heartbeat" bill, banning the procedure after six weeks.
The pro-life governor has defended her position and said it is not because of her ideology, but part of plan to deal with national shortage in medical equipment during the pandemic.
However, the lawsuit says the governor calling abortions non-essential procedures "flagrantly defies clear and binding constitutional precedent," showing "protected liberty interest in terminating an unwanted pregnancy."
Officials in Texas, Ohio and Mississippi have also halted abortion procedures amid the pandemic.


upi--2020-03-30--Watch: Monsta X shares 'Wish on the Same Sky' video

March 30 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band Monsta X is back with a new music video .
@ @ @ @ @ video Monday for the Japanese single `` Wish on the Same Sky . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ Monsta X looking wistful as they sing about missing a loved one .
`` Wish @ @ @ @ @ appears on Monsta X 's forthcoming single album of the same name .
The album @ @ @ @ @ of the group 's single `` Follow . ''
Monsta X released its second Japanese @ @ @ @ @ in August .
The group 's other Japanese singles include `` Hero , '' `` @ @ @ @ @ ' It Up '' and `` Alligator . ''
Monsta X released the Korean EP @ @ @ @ @ October .
The group is slated to begin a North American leg of its 2020 @ @ @ @ @ X debuted as a group in 2015 .
The group consists of Shownu , Minhyuk @ @ @ @ @ Joohoney and I.M .

March 30 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band Monsta X is back with a new music video.
The K-pop group released a video Monday for the Japanese single "Wish on the Same Sky."
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The video shows the members of Monsta X looking wistful as they sing about missing a loved one.
"Wish on the Same Sky" appears on Monsta X's forthcoming single album of the same name. The album also features the Japanese version of the group's single "Follow."
Monsta X released its second Japanese studio album, Phenomenon, in August. The group's other Japanese singles include "Hero," "Spotlight," "Livin' It Up" and "Alligator."
Monsta X released the Korean EP Follow: Find You in October. The group is slated to begin a North American leg of its 2020 tour in June.
Monsta X debuted as a group in 2015. The group consists of Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney and I.M.


upi--2020-03-30--Dating site Quarantine Together creating connections from a distance

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A new dating site launched amid the coronavirus pandemic aims to help people create connections while social distancing .
Quarantine Together , a new dating website and app developed by Daniel Ahmadizadeh and Christopher Smeder , asks users at 6 p.m. each day if they have washed their hands , and if they answer affirmatively , they are then connected to another user for text chat .
The users are offered the option of switching to video chat after talking for 15 minutes .
`` People need to stay home and people will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ahmadizadeh told CNN .
`` We wanted to build something that is not just great for others , but for our selfish purposes so we do n't get bored , '' Ahmadizadeh said .
`` I watch basketball when I get home but that 's not on . ''
He said the service `` is specific to how people are living in this time . ''
Ahmadizadeh said matched users initially know nothing about each other except for their names .
`` There are no rejections , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your bio , it 's more about actually being able to talk to another person . ''

Dating website and app Quarantine Together is aiming to help people connect via text and video chat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by QuarantineTogether.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 30 (UPI) -- A new dating site launched amid the coronavirus pandemic aims to help people create connections while social distancing. Quarantine Together, a new dating website and app developed by Daniel Ahmadizadeh and Christopher Smeder, asks users at 6 p.m. each day if they have washed their hands, and if they answer affirmatively, they are then connected to another user for text chat. Advertisement
The users are offered the option of switching to video chat after talking for 15 minutes.
"People need to stay home and people will be lonely when they stay at home," Ahmadizadeh told CNN.
"We wanted to build something that is not just great for others, but for our selfish purposes so we don't get bored," Ahmadizadeh said. "I watch basketball when I get home but that's not on."
He said the service "is specific to how people are living in this time."
Ahmadizadeh said matched users initially know nothing about each other except for their names.
"There are no rejections," he said. "It's less about your photo or your bio, it's more about actually being able to talk to another person."


upi--2020-03-30--New York coronavirus cases top 66,000; Maryland, Miami area ordered to stay home

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Members of the Maryland National Guard and Prince George's County Department of Health operate a coronavirus screening site at FedEx Field, the home of the Washington Redskins, in Landover, Md., on Monday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York, the U.S. epicenter of the crisis, has surpassed 66,000 with the addition of 7,000 new cases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in an update Monday. Cuomo, speaking to reporters at a makeshift hospital in the Jacob Javits Convention Center, said the majority of the new cases were recorded in New York City, where more than 36,000 patients have so far tested positive. Advertisement
New York's death toll rose to more than 1,200, he added, and the number of patients hospitalized jumped by 12 percent.
There have now been more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States and the total U.S. caseload is more than 164,000, according to a count by experts at Johns Hopkins University on Monday night.
"That's a lot of loss, that's a lot of pain, that's a lot of tears, that's a lot of grief that people all across the state are feeling," Cuomo said.
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Cuomo waited to stage his daily briefing until after a Navy hospital ship docked in Manhattan on Monday to help alleviate crowding in New York City hospitals. The USNS Comfort adds 1,000 more beds -- 750 of which will be used immediately, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
New York also converted Central Park's East Meadow into a field hospital that was designated as a respiratory care unit in response to the virus, with 68 beds including 10 that will serve as a makeshift intensive care unit for patients who require ventilators.
The hospital was constructed by 72 disaster assistance response specialists from humanitarian aid organization Samaritan's Purse and will be operational as of Tuesday.
"This is the kind of thing you will see now as this crisis develops," de Blasio said.
President Donald Trump, during a briefing in the White House Rose Garden on Monday, said that 1 million people have been tested for the coronavirus. He touted the Food and Drug Administration's approval of new tests by Chicago-based Abbott Laboratories that are capable of producing test results in minutes.
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"Just like tests for flu or strep -- where you go to the doctor so you can get the test done -- you can get an answer within minutes of having this test done," FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said during the briefing. "Now with those tests being approved for Abbott and for others, these are available throughout the country, they're planning to scale up the number of tests that can be put out throughout the country over the next month and patients can get the answer within as little as 15 to 5 minutes."
Trump also said the United States has received donations of supplies from other countries in order to combat the outbreak.
"China sent us some stuff, which was terrific. Russia sent us a very, very large planeload of things, medical equipment which was very nice," he said.
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci added Monday that it is likely there will be a second outbreak of the coronavirus in the fall.
"In fact, I would anticipate that that would actually happen," said Fauci, adding, however, that such an outbreak would be "a totally different ball game" in regards to the preparedness of the U.S. government.
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"Our ability to go out and be able to test, identify, isolate and detect, trace would be orders of magnitude greater than it was just a couple of months ago," he said. "In addition, we have a number of clinical trials that are looking at a variety of therapeutic interventions. We hope one or more of them will be available."
Fauci also noted the government has a vaccine that is on track for an accelerated development and several other candidates that could be used in a potential second outbreak.
Trump on Monday said that it was "pretty unlikely" that he would order a nationwide stay-at-home order beyond the federal social distancing guideline he extended through April 30 on Sunday, noting he has allowed individual governors and other local leaders to make their own distinctions.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a stay-home order for the populous southeastern part of the state, which includes Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order that bars residents from traveling outside the state and riding public transportation.
"This is a rapidly escalating emergency situation," the governor said, just days after the coronavirus killed dozens at a senior center in Mount Airy, Md.
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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam also issued a stay-at-home order for the state, ordering all Virginians to stay home except in "extremely limited circumstances" including travel to seek medical attention, work, care for family or household members and obtain groceries, prescriptions or other goods and services until June 10.
The order also directs all Virginia institutions of higher education to halt in-person classes and instruction and closed private campgrounds as well as beaches for activities other than fishing and exercise.
"We are in a public health crisis and we need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly," Northam said. "Our message to Virginians is clear: stay home. We know this virus spreads primarily through human-to-human contact and that's why it's so important that people follow this order and practice social distancing."
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser also issued a stay-at-home order but warned anyone who violates it may be found guilty of committing a misdemeanor crime and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and fined $5,000.
"Our message remains the same: stay home," Bowser said in a statement. "Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family and our entire community from COVID-19."
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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a similar order while also encouraging improvements to "social connectedness" by maintaining communication with social supports including family, friends, neighbors and other social groups and developing habits such as physical activities, virtual social gathering and volunteer activities.
"This order builds on the state's efforts to protect public health by reminding Arizonans to maintain healthy habits and find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones while spending time at home," said Ducey.
Also Monday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer imposed a hiring freeze and halted discretionary spending during the health emergency. She authorized $150 million in emergency spending.
Whitmer said her administration must spend to save lives, even though the state faces an expected decline in tax revenues.
"My number one priority is protecting Michiganders' health and safety," she said. "However, we must also work to prepare our state for the impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on our economy and the state budget. These executive orders will help us do just that."
In Louisiana, the state's caseload and death toll grew Monday. Among those hospitalized was legendary New Orleans Saints placekicker Tom Dempsey, who also has Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
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Dempsey, 73, who was born without toes on his right foot, became famous for converting a 63-yard field goal to lift the Saints to a 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions on Nov. 8, 1970. His daughter said he picked up the disease while living at a senior center in New Orleans.
In Tennessee, 33 staff members of a Nashville nursing home were in home isolation Monday after testing positive, state officials said. Twenty-three residents at the home were hospitalized Friday.
In Washington, the Transportation Security Administration said more than 50 screening agents have tested positive over the last two weeks. Twenty-two other agents, who have had relatively limited interaction with travelers, have also tested positive, the agency said.
Officials said the affected TSA employees worked at 21 airports in 18 states.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-30--Ohio bill would relax rules for athletes wearing religious clothing

March 30 ( UPI ) -- An Ohio legislator is sponsoring a bill that would ban requirements that student athletes get a waiver to wear religious apparel while competing .
Senate Bill 288 stems from the disqualification last fall of 16-year-old high school junior Noor Alexandria Abukaram from a cross-country track meet because she was wearing a hijab , a head scarf worn by Muslim women .
Race officials said that under an Ohio High School Athletic Association rule , she was required to have a waiver to exempt her from a rule prohibiting headwear , and her coach had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bill 's sponsor , said her legislation is designed to protect religious expression for everyone .
`` I want to make sure a student athlete does n't have to choose between their religion and participating in sports , '' Gavarone , R-Bowling Green , said .
Noor , who attends Sylvania Northview High School in the Toledo area , had just run her personal best on Oct. 19 in the 5K -- 22 minutes and 22 seconds -- when officials disqualified her .
The move was a surprise to the teen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitions wearing a hijab with no problem .
`` They decided to dust off the rule book , '' Noor said .
`` The reason why it hurt me so much was that I had worked so hard to get that spot on the varsity team . ''
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass apologized in an Oct. 25 tweet for the disqualification .
`` Having a rule in place for those who wear religious articles is wrong , and we are taking immediate steps to have our board of directors modify this outdated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , '' he tweeted .
On Dec. 5 , OHSAA dropped its requirement for a special advance waiver and mandated that if a player does not want to expose his or her head , referees shall approve a covering or wrap that does not fundamentally alter the sport ; pose a danger to any other participant ; is not attached in a way that is likely to come off during play ; and is not deemed unsporting or offensive .
For exceptions that are not addressed in the revised rule , school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact the OHSAA sport administrator in advance of the competition date to discuss whether a waiver is available .
Gavarone , who introduced Senate Bill 28 on Feb. 26 , praised OHSAA for responding quickly to the situation .
Her bill bars schools and interscholastic organizations from adopting rules that prohibit or create any obstruction to wearing religious apparel when competing or participating in athletics or extracurricular activities , including requiring waivers or advance approval .
Exceptions are allowed if wearing the apparel creates a legitimate danger and , in those cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Religious apparel is defined as headwear , clothing , jewelry or other coverings worn while observing a sincerely held religious belief .
Senate Bill 288 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee .
`` I 'm looking forward to getting sponsor testimony and getting it through the committee process , '' Gavarone said .
`` The bill has support from the Christian community , the Jewish community and the Muslim community . ''
After her situation received widespread publicity , Noor began hearing from other athletes about similar incidents and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative to fight discrimination in sports around the country .
`` It 's a recurring thing and the stories are endless , '' she said of the resistance faced by some athletes who want to wear religious headgear such as hijabs and turbans .
Let Noor Run 's first event , on Jan. 24 at Lourdes University in Sylvania , featured a panel discussion with Noor ; Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir , who played basketball for the University of Memphis and Indiana State University while wearing a hijab ; and Amaiya Zafar , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boxing , became the first boxer to wear the hijab in a sanctioned bout .
The panelists talked about how athletes are often allowed to go so far before the rules suddenly stop them from going further , The Blade newspaper reported .
Abdul-Qaadir played basketball through college while wearing a hijab , but was prevented from playing professionally because of an International Basketball Federation rule that prohibited players from wearing head coverings .
( The federation dropped the hijab ban in 2017 . )
`` In college , which was surprising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The waivers are , honestly , they should be obsolete at this point , '' she said .

Noor Alexandria Abukaram (L) joined Sen. Theresa Gavarone at the Ohio Statehouse on February 26 as the senator introduced a bill to ban requirements that student athletes get a waiver to wear religious apparel while competing. Photo courtesy of Sen. Theresa Gavarone
March 30 (UPI) -- An Ohio legislator is sponsoring a bill that would ban requirements that student athletes get a waiver to wear religious apparel while competing. Senate Bill 288 stems from the disqualification last fall of 16-year-old high school junior Noor Alexandria Abukaram from a cross-country track meet because she was wearing a hijab, a head scarf worn by Muslim women. Race officials said that under an Ohio High School Athletic Association rule, she was required to have a waiver to exempt her from a rule prohibiting headwear, and her coach had not submitted one. Advertisement
Sen. Theresa Gavarone, the bill's sponsor, said her legislation is designed to protect religious expression for everyone.
"I want to make sure a student athlete doesn't have to choose between their religion and participating in sports," Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, said.
Noor, who attends Sylvania Northview High School in the Toledo area, had just run her personal best on Oct. 19 in the 5K -- 22 minutes and 22 seconds -- when officials disqualified her. The move was a surprise to the teen, who had participated in six previous competitions wearing a hijab with no problem.
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"They decided to dust off the rule book," Noor said. "The reason why it hurt me so much was that I had worked so hard to get that spot on the varsity team."
OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass apologized in an Oct. 25 tweet for the disqualification.
"Having a rule in place for those who wear religious articles is wrong, and we are taking immediate steps to have our board of directors modify this outdated regulation so that this does not happen again," he tweeted.
On Dec. 5, OHSAA dropped its requirement for a special advance waiver and mandated that if a player does not want to expose his or her head, referees shall approve a covering or wrap that does not fundamentally alter the sport; pose a danger to any other participant; is not attached in a way that is likely to come off during play; and is not deemed unsporting or offensive.
For exceptions that are not addressed in the revised rule, school administrators and head coaches are directed to contact the OHSAA sport administrator in advance of the competition date to discuss whether a waiver is available.
Gavarone, who introduced Senate Bill 28 on Feb. 26, praised OHSAA for responding quickly to the situation.
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Her bill bars schools and interscholastic organizations from adopting rules that prohibit or create any obstruction to wearing religious apparel when competing or participating in athletics or extracurricular activities, including requiring waivers or advance approval.
Exceptions are allowed if wearing the apparel creates a legitimate danger and, in those cases, event officials must offer all reasonable accommodations. Religious apparel is defined as headwear, clothing, jewelry or other coverings worn while observing a sincerely held religious belief.
Senate Bill 288 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.
"I'm looking forward to getting sponsor testimony and getting it through the committee process," Gavarone said. "The bill has support from the Christian community, the Jewish community and the Muslim community."
After her situation received widespread publicity, Noor began hearing from other athletes about similar incidents and was inspired to found Let Noor Run, an initiative to fight discrimination in sports around the country.
"It's a recurring thing and the stories are endless," she said of the resistance faced by some athletes who want to wear religious headgear such as hijabs and turbans.
Let Noor Run's first event, on Jan. 24 at Lourdes University in Sylvania, featured a panel discussion with Noor; Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who played basketball for the University of Memphis and Indiana State University while wearing a hijab; and Amaiya Zafar, who, after a two-year battle with USA Boxing, became the first boxer to wear the hijab in a sanctioned bout.
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The panelists talked about how athletes are often allowed to go so far before the rules suddenly stop them from going further, The Blade newspaper reported.
Abdul-Qaadir played basketball through college while wearing a hijab, but was prevented from playing professionally because of an International Basketball Federation rule that prohibited players from wearing head coverings. (The federation dropped the hijab ban in 2017.)
"In college, which was surprising, nobody ever asked for the waiver. The waivers are, honestly, they should be obsolete at this point," she said.


upi--2020-03-30--Myanmar braces for surge in coronavirus cases

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Myanmar is warning a spike in cases of the novel coronavirus could take place within its borders as more than 20,000 migrant workers return from neighboring Thailand .
Myanmar 's Health and Sports Minister U Myint Htwe said Sunday an outbreak could occur among the returning workers , Japanese news service Kyodo News reported Monday .
More than 1,500 people are confirmed infected with the coronavirus in Thailand , while Myanmar official data indicate only 14 cases , with four new infections reported Monday .
U Myint Htwe also warned of a `` large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border .
The mass migration of 23,000 workers began on March 19 , according to The Irrawaddy .
Crowds of people were repatriated by land at checkpoints between Thailand and Myanmar .
Myanmar 's health ministry has ordered the returnees to isolate themselves at home for 14 days .
One of the returnees , identified as a 44-year-old migrant worker from Thailand , tested positive for the coronavirus .
U Myint Htwe has called for the collection of data to map the location of returnees and assign them to `` restricted areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under investigation are more than 470 people who had close contact with the country 's first eight confirmed patients .
All 470 people have been told to self-isolate .
Earlier in the month , officials in Bangkok issued a shutdown order for businesses , including schools , restaurants and shopping malls , according to Malaysian news service The Star .
The closure is in effect until April 12 .
`` I understand well that using my authority to close these venues will lead to economic consequences , but I want each of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all else , '' Bangkok Gov .
Aswin Kwanmuang said on March 21 .

Firefighters spray water at a local market amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday. The country is warning of an increase in coronavirus infections. Photo by Nyein Chan Naing/EPA-EFE
March 30 (UPI) -- Myanmar is warning a spike in cases of the novel coronavirus could take place within its borders as more than 20,000 migrant workers return from neighboring Thailand. Myanmar's Health and Sports Minister U Myint Htwe said Sunday an outbreak could occur among the returning workers, Japanese news service Kyodo News reported Monday. Advertisement
More than 1,500 people are confirmed infected with the coronavirus in Thailand, while Myanmar official data indicate only 14 cases, with four new infections reported Monday.
U Myint Htwe also warned of a "large-scale infection" as citizens return across the border.
The mass migration of 23,000 workers began on March 19, according to The Irrawaddy. Crowds of people were repatriated by land at checkpoints between Thailand and Myanmar.
Myanmar's health ministry has ordered the returnees to isolate themselves at home for 14 days.
One of the returnees, identified as a 44-year-old migrant worker from Thailand, tested positive for the coronavirus.
U Myint Htwe has called for the collection of data to map the location of returnees and assign them to "restricted areas."
Mapping may have already begun. Under investigation are more than 470 people who had close contact with the country's first eight confirmed patients. All 470 people have been told to self-isolate.
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Earlier in the month, officials in Bangkok issued a shutdown order for businesses, including schools, restaurants and shopping malls, according to Malaysian news service The Star.
The closure is in effect until April 12.
"I understand well that using my authority to close these venues will lead to economic consequences, but I want each of you to consider the value of life above all else," Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said on March 21.


upi--2020-03-30--Vincent van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A painting by Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was stolen in an early morning break-in at the Singer Laren museum in the Netherlands on Monday , museum officials said .
The painting , De Lentetuin , which , in English is known as Spring Garden , the vicarage garden in Nuenen in the spring , was on loan to the museum from the Groninger Museum .
Police said the theft happened around 3:15 a.m .
The thief or thieves broke a large glass door at the front of the museum and tripped a burglar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the museum , no suspects were found .
`` I am extremely pissed off that this happened .
This is a huge blow , '' museum director Jan Rudolph de Lorm said during a news conference .
`` This is extremely difficult , especially in these times . ''
The director of the Groninger Museum , Andreas Blühm , said the Dutch people were the real victims of the theft .
`` We are not deterred .
We will ensure that it is back as soon as possible , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there were no lapses in the facility 's security procedures that could have allowed the theft to happen , according to Nos.nl .
The 1884 painting , which is about 15 inches by 28 inches , depicts the garden of the Dutch Reformist Church in Nuenen , which is where van Gogh 's father was a vicar .

Vincent van Gogh's work was on loan to the Singer Laren museum from the Groninger Museum. File Photo by Marten de Leeuw/EPA-EFE/HANDOUT
March 30 (UPI) -- A painting by Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was stolen in an early morning break-in at the Singer Laren museum in the Netherlands on Monday, museum officials said. The painting, De Lentetuin, which, in English is known as Spring Garden, the vicarage garden in Nuenen in the spring, was on loan to the museum from the Groninger Museum. Advertisement
Police said the theft happened around 3:15 a.m. The thief or thieves broke a large glass door at the front of the museum and tripped a burglar alarm.
Authorities said when they arrived at the museum, no suspects were found.
"I am extremely pissed off that this happened. This is a huge blow," museum director Jan Rudolph de Lorm said during a news conference. "This is extremely difficult, especially in these times."
The director of the Groninger Museum, Andreas Blühm, said the Dutch people were the real victims of the theft.
"We are not deterred. We will ensure that it is back as soon as possible," he said.
Officials at the Singer Laren museum said there were no lapses in the facility's security procedures that could have allowed the theft to happen, according to Nos.nl.
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The 1884 painting, which is about 15 inches by 28 inches, depicts the garden of the Dutch Reformist Church in Nuenen, which is where van Gogh's father was a vicar.


upi--2020-03-30--The National to release 'High Violet' 10th anniversary edition

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The National will release an expanded edition of High Violet in honor of the album 's 10th anniversary .
The rock band will celebrate the occasion by releasing a three-disc vinyl version of High Violet featuring the album 's 10 original tracks , plus `` Wake Up Your Saints , '' an alternate version of `` Terrible Love , '' `` Walk Off '' and more .
`` To celebrate the 10th anniversary of High Violet , we are releasing the first-ever vinyl pressing of our 'High Violet Expanded Edition ' on June 19th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Instagram .
High Violet was originally released in May 2010 .
The album features the singles `` Bloodbuzz Ohio , '' `` Anyone 's Ghost , '' `` Conversation 16 '' and `` Terrible Love ( Alternate Version ) . ''
The High Violet expanded edition retails for $ 37.49 for pre-sale orders .
In addition , The National will stream The National - High Violet Live From the Brooklyn Academy of Music ( BAM ) , a film directed by D.A .
Pennebaker and Chris Hegudus , Monday at 5 p.m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture 's the band 's performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music in May 2010 .
The National postponed dates on its 2020 tour this month due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The group announced last week that it will direct all profits from its web store and fan club to support its crew members throughout the health crisis .
`` Our crew are the lifeblood of our touring operation and have become family through the many years we 've worked together , '' the band said .
The National released its eighth studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in May 2019 .

March 30 (UPI) -- The National will release an expanded edition of High Violet in honor of the album's 10th anniversary.
The rock band will celebrate the occasion by releasing a three-disc vinyl version of High Violet featuring the album's 10 original tracks, plus "Wake Up Your Saints," an alternate version of "Terrible Love," "Walk Off" and more.
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"To celebrate the 10th anniversary of High Violet, we are releasing the first-ever vinyl pressing of our 'High Violet Expanded Edition' on June 19th, 2020," the group wrote on Instagram.
High Violet was originally released in May 2010. The album features the singles "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Anyone's Ghost," "Conversation 16" and "Terrible Love (Alternate Version)."
The High Violet expanded edition retails for $37.49 for pre-sale orders.
In addition, The National will stream The National - High Violet Live From the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), a film directed by D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegudus, Monday at 5 p.m. ET on YouTube. The film capture's the band's performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music in May 2010.
The National postponed dates on its 2020 tour this month due to the coronavirus outbreak. The group announced last week that it will direct all profits from its web store and fan club to support its crew members throughout the health crisis.
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"Our crew are the lifeblood of our touring operation and have become family through the many years we've worked together," the band said.
The National released its eighth studio album, I Am Easy to Find, in May 2019.


upi--2020-03-30--Video shows Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't need to be quarantined

Pope Francis , isolated in front of an empty square from the sagrato of St. Peter 's Basilica in St. @ @ @ @ @ City , offers an extraordinary moment of prayer in time of pandemic , the adoration @ @ @ @ @ on March 27 .
The `` Salus Populi Romani '' icon and the crucifix of @ @ @ @ @ in front of the central door of the basilica .
Vatican media broadcast the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ it could also be followed in several languages on Facebook and YouTube .
Photo by @ @ @

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for a speech at his office in Jerusalem, Israel, on March 14. File Photo by Gali Tibbon/UPI/Pool | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his aides should not have to quarantine even though an adviser tested positive for the coronavirus, his office said Monday. Netanyahu's office said cameras in the Knesset showed that the prime minister and staffers didn't spend enough time near the infected aide, parliamentary adviser Rivka Paluch, to require quarantine. Advertisement
An epidemiological study was conducted after Paluch tested positive, forcing Netanyahu to temporarily isolate himself until it was completed. The results have not yet been released.
"We would like to stress that the prime minister and those around him strictly adhere to health minister regulations, in conjunction with his personal physician, and [he] holds most of his conferences via video," Netanyahu's office said. "The prime minister and his surroundings will keep obeying health ministry guidelines."
Doctors tested Paluch for the coronavirus disease after her husband was admitted to a hospital with COVID-19 last week. She said she hadn't been close to Netanyahu and doesn't believe she infected anyone.
Netanyahu and Paluch were not seen in the Knesset footage in the same room for any extended time over the past two weeks. They did, however, meet briefly last week.
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The prime minister was tested for the coronavirus but was expected to be retested Monday.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-30--Marines' 'Ugly Angels' Osprey helicopter squadron declared fully operational

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Marine Corps announced the operational capability of the California-based helicopter squadron known as the `` Ugly Angels '' on Monday .
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was declared `` fully operational capable '' last week , the Corps said in a press release , indicating that its MV-22B Osprey helicopters are prepared to support the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing .
The squadron was first activated in 1952 and deactivated in 2012 , but return in 2018 as an Osprey squadron .
The new MV-22B variant can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is used as an assault transport for troops , equipment and supplies , and can operate from ships or expeditionary airfields .
The aircraft is a tiltrotor helicopter with both vertical takeoff and landing , and short takeoff and landing capabilities , in service with modifications since 2007 .
Made by Bell Helicopter and Boeng , it is meant to merge a conventional helicopter 's functions with those of a turboprop aircraft .
The squadron 's training began in 2019 and cleared all five of its major inspections , the Marine Corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was a big day , '' said Lt. Col. Matthew McSorely , commanding officer of VMM-362 , of the designation announcement .
`` We launched a report saying the squadron is ready-to-go , and I am extremely proud of all the hard work and effort the Marines put into building this squadron from the ground up . ''
`` Now we can represent the MAW with absolute confidence as a fully operational squadron , '' McSorely added .
`` The training we have completed up to this point will allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission without reservations . ''

U.S. Marines board an MV-22 Osprey aircraft during an exercise. Photo by LCpl. Alexa M. Hernandez/U.S. Marine Corps
March 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps announced the operational capability of the California-based helicopter squadron known as the "Ugly Angels" on Monday. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was declared "fully operational capable" last week, the Corps said in a press release, indicating that its MV-22B Osprey helicopters are prepared to support the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was first activated in 1952 and deactivated in 2012, but return in 2018 as an Osprey squadron. Advertisement
The new MV-22B variant can carry up to 18 combat-ready Marines, and is used as an assault transport for troops, equipment and supplies, and can operate from ships or expeditionary airfields.
The aircraft is a tiltrotor helicopter with both vertical takeoff and landing, and short takeoff and landing capabilities, in service with modifications since 2007. Made by Bell Helicopter and Boeng, it is meant to merge a conventional helicopter's functions with those of a turboprop aircraft.
The squadron's training began in 2019 and cleared all five of its major inspections, the Marine Corps statement said, leading to the designation.
"It was a big day," said Lt. Col. Matthew McSorely, commanding officer of VMM-362, of the designation announcement. "We launched a report saying the squadron is ready-to-go, and I am extremely proud of all the hard work and effort the Marines put into building this squadron from the ground up."
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"Now we can represent the MAW with absolute confidence as a fully operational squadron," McSorely added. "The training we have completed up to this point will allow us to support the ground forces' mission without reservations."


upi--2020-03-30--Busch offering three months of free beer for dog adoptions

March 30 ( UPI ) -- The makers of Busch Beer are teaming with a Minnesota animal rescue to offer @ @ @ @ @ beer to anyone who adopts or fosters a dog from the group .
Busch announced @ @ @ @ @ foster dogs from Midwest Animal Rescue will be awarded a three months supply of beer @ @ @ @ @ $ 100 pre-paid debit card .
The `` Foster a Dog , Get Busch '' @ @ @ @ @ dog adoption and fostering as Midwest Animal Rescue and other groups across the country are @ @ @ @ @ public and cancel events amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Everyone could use a companion @ @ @ @ @ .
So if you foster ( or adopt ) a dog from Midwest Animal Rescue @ @ @ @ @ give you 3 months ' worth of Busch to enjoy by their side , '' @ @ @ @ @ post .
The promotion is scheduled to run through April 25 or until 500 winners @ @ @ @ @

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March 30 (UPI) -- The makers of Busch Beer are teaming with a Minnesota animal rescue to offer three months worth of free beer to anyone who adopts or fosters a dog from the group.
Busch announced 500 people who adopt or foster dogs from Midwest Animal Rescue will be awarded a three months supply of beer in the form of a $100 pre-paid debit card.
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The "Foster a Dog, Get Busch" promotion is designed to promote dog adoption and fostering as Midwest Animal Rescue and other groups across the country are forced to close to the public and cancel events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Everyone could use a companion for the couch right now. So if you foster (or adopt) a dog from Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, we'll give you 3 months' worth of Busch to enjoy by their side," Busch said in a Facebook post.
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The promotion is scheduled to run through April 25 or until 500 winners have claimed their prizes.


upi--2020-03-30--Doctors make first drone delivery of diabetes meds to remote patient

Imagine needing insulin to live but a natural disaster suddenly cuts off access to your medication .
New drone technology may one day come to the rescue by making urgent deliveries to remote locations , researchers say .
The world 's first documented drone delivery of medications to a diabetes patient in a difficult-to-reach community is described in a new paper .
The 16-minute test flight took place last September from Galway , Ireland , to the Aran Islands about 12 miles off Ireland 's west coast .
Severe storms have disrupted health care access in Ireland in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to find a way to help people with diabetes in remote regions who could be stranded for days after a disaster without access to medications .
The drone project is outlined in an abstract published in a special supplemental issue of the Journal of the Endocrine Society .
`` We now have the drone technology and protocols in place to deliver diabetes medications and supplies in an actual disaster if needed , '' said principal investigator Derek O'Keeffe .
He is a consultant endocrinologist at National University of Ireland , Galway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient care , '' he added in an Endocrine Society news release .
The international medical team 's year-long planning for the test flight required approvals from aviation , pharmaceutical and medical officials .
The large self-flying drone flew `` beyond visual line of sight '' during commercial flight operations in regulated airspace , O'Keeffe said .
A number of challenges had to be overcome in order to transport the medications in the drone , another researcher noted .
`` Insulin can be outside the fridge for hours , but it ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we put it in an insulated parcel with temperature monitoring en route , '' said Dr. Spyridoula Maraka , an endocrinologist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock , who was part of the test .
`` We also put a security lock on the parcel in case the drone did not arrive at the right place , '' she explained in the news release .
To comply with prescription drug regulations , Maraka had a pharmacist dispense the insulin and another diabetes medication , glucagon , before placing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had another important first : The drone returned with a blood sample collected from the patient for monitoring blood sugar ( glucose ) control .
`` We wanted to find a way to monitor glycemic control remotely , '' Maraka said .
`` It was the full circle of care , which has not been done by drone before . ''
Using drones to monitor patients could save lives , the medical team said .
`` A patient with type 1 diabetes could develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis after more than one day without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A blood specimen would allow us to properly diagnose and treat the condition . ''
The American Diabetes Association has more on diabetes .

Drone deliveries may help people with diabetes in remote regions get access to medications after doctors in Ireland described the first such delivery. Photo courtesy of Wingcopter
Imagine needing insulin to live but a natural disaster suddenly cuts off access to your medication. New drone technology may one day come to the rescue by making urgent deliveries to remote locations, researchers say. The world's first documented drone delivery of medications to a diabetes patient in a difficult-to-reach community is described in a new paper. Advertisement
The 16-minute test flight took place last September from Galway, Ireland, to the Aran Islands about 12 miles off Ireland's west coast.
Severe storms have disrupted health care access in Ireland in recent years, and an international team of researchers wanted to find a way to help people with diabetes in remote regions who could be stranded for days after a disaster without access to medications.
The drone project is outlined in an abstract published in a special supplemental issue of the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
"We now have the drone technology and protocols in place to deliver diabetes medications and supplies in an actual disaster if needed," said principal investigator Derek O'Keeffe. He is a consultant endocrinologist at National University of Ireland, Galway.
"This is a milestone in improving patient care," he added in an Endocrine Society news release.
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The international medical team's year-long planning for the test flight required approvals from aviation, pharmaceutical and medical officials.
The large self-flying drone flew "beyond visual line of sight" during commercial flight operations in regulated airspace, O'Keeffe said.
A number of challenges had to be overcome in order to transport the medications in the drone, another researcher noted.
"Insulin can be outside the fridge for hours, but it can't be exposed to extreme heat, so we put it in an insulated parcel with temperature monitoring en route," said Dr. Spyridoula Maraka, an endocrinologist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, who was part of the test.
"We also put a security lock on the parcel in case the drone did not arrive at the right place," she explained in the news release.
To comply with prescription drug regulations, Maraka had a pharmacist dispense the insulin and another diabetes medication, glucagon, before placing them in the drone.
The test flight had another important first: The drone returned with a blood sample collected from the patient for monitoring blood sugar (glucose) control.
"We wanted to find a way to monitor glycemic control remotely," Maraka said. "It was the full circle of care, which has not been done by drone before."
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Using drones to monitor patients could save lives, the medical team said.
"A patient with type 1 diabetes could develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis after more than one day without insulin," Maraka said. "A blood specimen would allow us to properly diagnose and treat the condition."
More information
The American Diabetes Association has more on diabetes.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-30--N.Y. man, Josef Neumann, dies 3 months after hate crime-related machete attack

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A New York man who was attacked at a Hanukkah celebration at a rabbi 's home three months ago has died from his injuries , officials said .
Josef Neumann , 72 , was injured in the Dec. 29 machete attack in Monsey , N.Y .
He died Sunday , the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council tweeted late Sunday .
Monsey is located 30 miles north of downtown Manhattan .
Neumann 's funeral was scheduled for Monday .
His family said in January that his chances for recovery were grim .
Prosecutors have charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
He has pleaded not guilty to five state counts of attempted murder and one count of attempt of murder .
FBI investigators said they found anti-Semitic views in Thomas ' journal entries that made reference to Adolf Hitler and `` Nazi culture . ''
He also faces federal hate crime charges .
Defense attorney said Thomas suffers from an extensive history of mental illness may have been hallucinating the night of the stabbing .
Authorities are also looking into Thomas ' possible involvement in an attack on a Jewish man a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Cuomo on Monday renamed the Domestic Terror Hate Crime Legislation the Josef Neumann Hate Crimes Domestic Terrorism Act , and called on the state legislature to pass it next month .
`` I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Josef Neumann , '' Cuomo said in a statement .
`` The repugnant attack shook us to our core , demonstrating that we are not immune to the hate-fueled violence that we shamefully see elsewhere in the country , '' Cuomo said .
`` I promised [ that ] we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this hate what it is : domestic terrorism .
`` White supremacists , anti-Semites , anti-LGBTQ white nationalists -- these are Americans committing mass hate crimes against other Americans , and the punishment for their vile acts must fit their crimes .
These acts of hate may not have started in New York , but they must end in New York . ''

March 30 (UPI) -- A New York man who was attacked at a Hanukkah celebration at a rabbi's home three months ago has died from his injuries, officials said.
Josef Neumann, 72, was injured in the Dec. 29 machete attack in Monsey, N.Y. He died Sunday, the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council tweeted late Sunday. Monsey is located 30 miles north of downtown Manhattan.
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Neumann's funeral was scheduled for Monday. His family said in January that his chances for recovery were grim.
Prosecutors have charged Grafton Thomas, 37, with the attack. He has pleaded not guilty to five state counts of attempted murder and one count of attempt of murder.
FBI investigators said they found anti-Semitic views in Thomas' journal entries that made reference to Adolf Hitler and "Nazi culture." He also faces federal hate crime charges.
Defense attorney said Thomas suffers from an extensive history of mental illness may have been hallucinating the night of the stabbing.
Authorities are also looking into Thomas' possible involvement in an attack on a Jewish man a month earlier.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday renamed the Domestic Terror Hate Crime Legislation the Josef Neumann Hate Crimes Domestic Terrorism Act, and called on the state legislature to pass it next month.
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"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Josef Neumann," Cuomo said in a statement.
"The repugnant attack shook us to our core, demonstrating that we are not immune to the hate-fueled violence that we shamefully see elsewhere in the country," Cuomo said. "I promised [that] we would enact a first-in-the-nation law that calls this hate what it is: domestic terrorism.
"White supremacists, anti-Semites, anti-LGBTQ white nationalists -- these are Americans committing mass hate crimes against other Americans, and the punishment for their vile acts must fit their crimes. These acts of hate may not have started in New York, but they must end in New York."


upi--2020-03-30--Ken Shimura, comedian, dead at 70 from COVID-19 complications

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Ken Shimura , a famed Japanese comedian , has died at the age of @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
Shimura died of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 in a Tokyo hospital on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ confirmed .
The comedian was admitted to the hospital on March 20 with severe pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ the virus on March 23 .
Shimura was a regular on Japanese television and was @ @ @ @ @ , The Drifters , along with Cha Kato , Boo Takagi and Joki Nakamoto .
@ @ @ @ @ `` Japan 's Robin Williams '' and is known for his facial expressions .
Shimura @ @ @ @ @ figure to die from COVID-19 .
Musician Alan Merrill who co-wrote `` I Love Rock @ @ @ @ @ country singer Joe Diffie , CBS broadcast journalist Maria Mercader , actor Mark Blum , @ @ @ @ @ playwright Terrence McNally and jazz great Manu Dibango have also died from the virus .

March 30 (UPI) -- Ken Shimura, a famed Japanese comedian, has died at the age of 70 due to complications from COVID-19.
Shimura died of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 in a Tokyo hospital on Sunday, his agency Izawa Office confirmed.
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The comedian was admitted to the hospital on March 20 with severe pneumonia before he tested positive for the virus on March 23.
Shimura was a regular on Japanese television and was a member of comedy band, The Drifters, along with Cha Kato, Boo Takagi and Joki Nakamoto.
He has been described as "Japan's Robin Williams" and is known for his facial expressions.
Shimura is the first Japanese celebrity figure to die from COVID-19.
Musician Alan Merrill who co-wrote "I Love Rock 'N' Roll, country singer Joe Diffie, CBS broadcast journalist Maria Mercader, actor Mark Blum, fashion designer Jenny Polanco, playwright Terrence McNally and jazz great Manu Dibango have also died from the virus.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-03-30--Michelle Money's daughter 'on life support in ICU' after 'terrible' accident

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Bachelor alum Michelle Money says her daughter is hospitalized in the intensive care unit following a `` terrible '' accident .
The 39-year-old television personality said in an Instagram post Monday that Brielle Money , 15 , is `` on life support '' after fracturing her skull during an accident while skateboarding .
Money shared a photo of her daughter hooked up to machines at a children 's hospital in Salt Lake City , Utah .
`` Brielle was in a terrible skateboarding accident and is in the ICU on life support .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fractured skull .
She is in a medically induced coma to relieve pressure on her brain , '' Money captioned the post .
Money asked for prayers and support for Brielle , calling her daughter 's accident `` the worst experience '' of her life .
She said Brielle was not wearing a hemet at the time of the accident and was found by neighbors on a walk .
`` ALWAYS MAKE THEM WEAR THE HELMET .
ALWAYS .
EVEN WHEN THEY PUSH BACK , '' Money told fans .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My heart is forever grateful , '' she said .
`` Thank you to all of you who have sent prayers and messages and love .
Brielle has been through so much already this year .
She has proven how strong she is .
I know she will pull through . ''
Fellow Bachelor Nation alums DeAnna Pappas , Graham Bunn , Ashley Spivey , Chris Bukowski , Kelly Travis and Bob Guiney were among those to voice their support for Money and Brielle in the comments .
`` Michelle - if anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love you so much lady and Brielle will get thru this ! ''
Spivey wrote .
`` Oh man .
I 'm so sorry Michelle .
My whole family will be saying prayers for you and Brie today !
!
! ''
Guiney said .
Money appeared in Brad Womack 's season of The Bachelor , which aired in 2011 , and later appeared in Bachelor Pad Season 2 and Bachelor in Paradise Season 1 .
She is dating golfer Mike Weir , who has two daughters of his own .

March 30 (UPI) -- Bachelor alum Michelle Money says her daughter is hospitalized in the intensive care unit following a "terrible" accident.
The 39-year-old television personality said in an Instagram post Monday that Brielle Money, 15, is "on life support" after fracturing her skull during an accident while skateboarding.
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Money shared a photo of her daughter hooked up to machines at a children's hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"Brielle was in a terrible skateboarding accident and is in the ICU on life support. She suffered a serious brain trauma and a fractured skull. She is in a medically induced coma to relieve pressure on her brain," Money captioned the post.
Money asked for prayers and support for Brielle, calling her daughter's accident "the worst experience" of her life. She said Brielle was not wearing a hemet at the time of the accident and was found by neighbors on a walk.
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"ALWAYS MAKE THEM WEAR THE HELMET. ALWAYS. EVEN WHEN THEY PUSH BACK," Money told fans.
"I would not have found her in time. My heart is forever grateful," she said. "Thank you to all of you who have sent prayers and messages and love. Brielle has been through so much already this year. She has proven how strong she is. I know she will pull through."
Fellow Bachelor Nation alums DeAnna Pappas, Graham Bunn, Ashley Spivey, Chris Bukowski, Kelly Travis and Bob Guiney were among those to voice their support for Money and Brielle in the comments.
"Michelle - if anyone deserves a miracle it is you. I love you so much lady and Brielle will get thru this!" Spivey wrote.
"Oh man. I'm so sorry Michelle. My whole family will be saying prayers for you and Brie today!!!" Guiney said.
Money appeared in Brad Womack's season of The Bachelor, which aired in 2011, and later appeared in Bachelor Pad Season 2 and Bachelor in Paradise Season 1. She is dating golfer Mike Weir, who has two daughters of his own.


upi--2020-03-30--Watch: Boat bucks driver, keeps doing donuts in Potomac River

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Emergency responders in Washington , D.C. , were called to the Potomac River to @ @ @ @ @ moving in circles after its driver fell overboard .
D.C. Fire and EMS said in @ @ @ @ @ driver of the boat fell overboard Sunday and was helped to shore by a passing @ @ @ @ @ continued doing donuts in the water .
The tweet included video of the boat spinning @ @ @ @ @ Fire and EMS vessel approaches .
The boat was secured and the driver was not @ @ @ @ @ .

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March 30 (UPI) -- Emergency responders in Washington, D.C., were called to the Potomac River to stop a motorboat that kept moving in circles after its driver fell overboard.
D.C. Fire and EMS said in a Twitter post that the driver of the boat fell overboard Sunday and was helped to shore by a passing boat, but the motorboat continued doing donuts in the water.
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The tweet included video of the boat spinning in the water as a Fire and EMS vessel approaches.
The boat was secured and the driver was not injured, the agency said.


upi--2020-03-30--Look: Chris Hemsworth is mercenary in poster for Netflix's 'Extraction'

March 30 ( UPI ) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of the new film Extraction .
The streaming service shared a poster for the new action movie Tuesday featuring Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake , a mercenary tasked with rescuing a drug lord 's kidnapped son .
The poster shows Hemsworth wearing a tactical vest in the forefront of the image and a chaotic scene in the background .
Extraction is directed by Sam Hargrave and produced by the Russo brothers , Anthony and Joe Russo .
Hemsworth previously collaborated with Russos while playing Thor in Avengers : Infinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers directed .
`` @ chrishemsworth is Tyler Rake .
EXTRACTION , directed by ATOMIC BLONDE stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave and produced by the @ Russo_Brothers , arrives Netflix 4/24 , '' the post reads .
Extraction is based on the graphic novel Ciudad , which the Russo brothers created with Andre Parks and Fernando Leon Gonzalez .
The film co-stars David Harbour and Derek Luke .
`` Tyler Rake is a fearless black market mercenary with nothing left to lose when his skills are solicited to rescue the kidnapped son of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official synopsis reads .
`` But in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers , an already deadly mission approaches the impossible , forever altering the lives of Rake and the boy . ''

.@chrishemsworth is Tyler Rake. EXTRACTION, directed by ATOMIC BLONDE stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave and produced by the @Russo_Brothers, arrives on Netflix 4/24. pic.twitter.com/N0Ms91KE4x— Netflix Film (@NetflixFilm) March 30, 2020
March 30 (UPI) -- Netflix is giving a glimpse of the new film Extraction.
The streaming service shared a poster for the new action movie Tuesday featuring Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, a mercenary tasked with rescuing a drug lord's kidnapped son.
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The poster shows Hemsworth wearing a tactical vest in the forefront of the image and a chaotic scene in the background.
Extraction is directed by Sam Hargrave and produced by the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo. Hemsworth previously collaborated with Russos while playing Thor in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers Endgame, which the brothers directed.
"@chrishemsworth is Tyler Rake. EXTRACTION, directed by ATOMIC BLONDE stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave and produced by the @Russo_Brothers, arrives Netflix 4/24," the post reads.
Extraction is based on the graphic novel Ciudad, which the Russo brothers created with Andre Parks and Fernando Leon Gonzalez. The film co-stars David Harbour and Derek Luke.
"Tyler Rake is a fearless black market mercenary with nothing left to lose when his skills are solicited to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord," an official synopsis reads. "But in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible, forever altering the lives of Rake and the boy."
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Extraction premieres April 24.


upi--2020-03-30--Watch: Quibi returns to 1995 with murder mystery in 'When the Streetlights Go On' trailer

March 30 ( UPI ) -- A teen murder mystery rocks a small town in the first trailer for upcoming Quibi movie , When the Streetlights Go On .
Chosen Jacobs ( It ) stars in the film and is the one to discover the dead bodies of one of his classmates and an older man .
The victim 's sister , portrayed by Sophie Thatcher , struggles with the murder during the summer of 1995 and searches for the truth .
The town and police start to suspect a known troublemaker , however , not everything is the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On , from writers Chris Hutton and Eddie O'Keefe , is set to premiere on Quibi when it launches on April 6 .
The film is a part of Quibi 's `` movies in chapters '' series which presents films in episodes of of 7 to 10 minutes .
Quibi is a short-form streaming service designed with mobile phones in mind .
The service will launch with 50 programs that are presented in quick chunks of 10 minutes or less including Liam Hemsworth film Most Dangerous Game and Survive starring Sophie Turner and @ @ @

March 30 (UPI) -- A teen murder mystery rocks a small town in the first trailer for upcoming Quibi movie, When the Streetlights Go On.
Chosen Jacobs (It) stars in the film and is the one to discover the dead bodies of one of his classmates and an older man.
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The victim's sister, portrayed by Sophie Thatcher, struggles with the murder during the summer of 1995 and searches for the truth. The town and police start to suspect a known troublemaker, however, not everything is the way it seems.
When the Streetlights Go On, from writers Chris Hutton and Eddie O'Keefe, is set to premiere on Quibi when it launches on April 6. The film is a part of Quibi's "movies in chapters" series which presents films in episodes of of 7 to 10 minutes.
Queen Latifah, Sam Strike, David Lewis, Mark Duplass, Cameron Bancroft, Tony Hale, Beh Ahlers and Kristine Froseth also star.
Quibi is a short-form streaming service designed with mobile phones in mind. The service will launch with 50 programs that are presented in quick chunks of 10 minutes or less including Liam Hemsworth film Most Dangerous Game and Survive starring Sophie Turner and Corey Hawkins.


upi--2020-03-30--USNS Comfort arrives in N.Y., military mobilizes for COVID-19 fight

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The USNS Comfort Navy ship moves past the Statue of Liberty on route to dock in the Hudson River in New York City on Monday to serve as a floating hospital. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 30 (UPI) -- The Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort arrived in New York City on Monday to relieve the strain on city hospitals overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ship entered New York harbor and passed the Statue of Liberty on its way to Manhattan's Pier 90 on Monday morning, arriving from Virginia. It will treat urgent care patients who do not have symptoms of the virus, but who would otherwise face long delays at the city hospitals, allowing hospital personnel to focus on patients with the virus. Advertisement
Nearly 1,200 people have died in New York state amid the outbreak, and over 60,000 are infected with the virus.
The USNS Comfort has 12 operating rooms and about 1,000 hospital beds, as well as an 80-bed intensive-care ward, a 20-bed recovery ward and a 280-bed immediate care ward.
"The last time that this great hospital ship was here was in the wake of 9/11, where she served as respite and comfort for our first responders working around the clock," Rear Adm. John Mustin, vice commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said Monday. "Our message to New Yorkers -- now your Navy has returned, and we are with you, committed to this fight."
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Its sister ship, the USNS Mercy, treated its first patients on Sunday after arriving in Los Angeles with a similar mission.
"The men and women embarked on board Mercy are energized, eager and ready to provide relief to those in need," said Capt. John Rotruck, the ship's commanding officer.
The U.S. Northern Command announced Monday that a 450-person Naval Medical Unit stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., will soon deploy to New Orleans and Dallas to expand medical capabilities in those areas.
President Donald Trump also signed an executive order last week authorizing mobilization of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Component in response to dealing with containment of the virus.
The order calls for organization of Reserve volunteers prepared to support the military's COVID-19 response. Required personnel will be contacted through command channels, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement on Monday.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic