upi--2020-05-12--Supreme Court appears divided on 3 cases seeking Trump's fiscal records

May 12 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided Tuesday during oral arguments in three cases that will determine whether President Donald Trump can block congressional investigators ' attempts to access his tax returns and other financial documents .
The high court heard the cases via teleconference and the proceedings were streamed via a live audio feed that 's provided a public feed since court began remote sessions in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
All three cases were initially scheduled to be heard by the high court in March , but were postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving congressional subpoenas , Chief Justice John Roberts and associate justice Neil Gorsuch appeared to side with the four Democratic appointees , asking Trump 's lawyers why they should n't allow Congress to determine whether its investigations have a legislative purpose .
`` Why is this subpoena not supported by a substantial legislative need , '' Gorsuch asked , according to CNBC .
The court 's second-newest member also pressed Trump attorneys on their argument that Trump should be immune from investigation because it 's distracting to the presidency .
`` How is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Clinton vs. Jones , '' Gorsuch asked , referring to Paula Jones ' 1997 sexual harassment suit against former President Bill Clinton .
House counsel Douglas Letter said the subpoenas are n't distracting because they 're directed at third parties .
`` There 's no way that these can interfere with the president , because does n't have to do anything , '' he said .
Justice Samuel Alito Jr. , meanwhile , appeared concerned about House subpoena powers and whether there are enough limits .
He said if the House can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation , `` that 's not much protection ; in fact , that 's no protection , '' he said , according to The Washington Post .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared to echo Alito 's concern , saying the Supreme Court is attempting to balance `` how can we both protect the House 's interest in information it needs ... but also protect the president . ''
In the first case , the justices heard a challenge from Trump 's attorneys to block a subpoena from the House oversight committee that has requested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm Mazars USA .
The committee first requested the returns after Trump 's former lawyer , Michael Cohen , testified that the president manipulated the value of his assets for personal gain .
A federal appeals court in Washington , D.C. , upheld an earlier ruling that said the firm must hand over the records .
Trump attorneys then applied for a stay last fall , arguing that the House lacks authority to issue subpoenas for any purpose other than writing laws .
`` This is the first time that Congress has subpoenaed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump attorney William Consovoy wrote in a Supreme Court brief .
`` These subpoenas are no more valid than would be demands for the president 's medical records so Congress may consider healthcare reform . ''
House Democrats responded by arguing Congress does indeed have subpoena power as a measure to assess how federal laws are working .
`` It is scarcely surprising that investigators need to conduct a thorough investigation when seeking to determine whether money laundering , election and national security , disclosure and conflict of interest laws are sufficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the second congressional case , the president 's attorneys are also seeking to have the high court block congressional subpoenas for financial information from two banks -- Deutsche Bank and Capital One -- that have provided services to Trump 's businesses .
The subpoenas seek to investigate the president 's past dealings with foreign businesses , including transactions potentially linked to Iran and Russia , to determine whether they violated the law .
A lower appellate court ruled in favor of the House committees , saying there is a legitimate concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity of elections . ''
The third case before the high court Tuesday involved a response to grand jury subpoenas obtained by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance that seek nearly a decade 's worth of Trump 's financial records .
The case is related to an investigation into purported `` hush money '' payments the president is said to have made to two women to keep secret alleged extramarital affairs .
Vance wants eight years of Trump 's records related to payments he says were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dunne , counsel with Vance 's office , told the Supreme Court Tuesday that investigators are worried about the length of time it 's taken them to get the records they seek .
`` No one should forget that we 've got an investigation that is looking at the conduct of other people and businesses , and waiting like that would benefit those other participants , '' Dunne said , adding that the statute of limitation could expire .
`` We 've already lost nine months of time in this investigation due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by without even a decision on the merits here , is granting the kind of temporary absolute immunity that the president is seeking here . ''
Trump 's attorneys argue a sitting president can not be indicted and is therefore immune from any part of the criminal justice process , including grand jury subpoenas .
`` We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant review in this significant constitutional case and reverse the dangerous and damaging decision of the appeals court , '' Trump 's team argued in November .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local prosecutors to relentlessly harass the president is simply too great to tolerate . ''
A lower appellate court , however , ruled Vance 's subpoena is lawful because it 's directed at Mazars USA , Trump 's accounting firm , not the president himself .
It also ruled that the subpoena is lawful because it seeks items related to his private business , not his official capacity as president .
Rulings in all three cases are expected by the end of June .

The Supreme Court building is seen Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Justices heard arguments in three cases that seek fiscal records belonging to President Donald Trump. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided Tuesday during oral arguments in three cases that will determine whether President Donald Trump can block congressional investigators' attempts to access his tax returns and other financial documents. The high court heard the cases via teleconference and the proceedings were streamed via a live audio feed that's provided a public feed since court began remote sessions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
All three cases were initially scheduled to be heard by the high court in March, but were postponed due to the health emergency.
Congressional subpoenas
In the two cases involving congressional subpoenas, Chief Justice John Roberts and associate justice Neil Gorsuch appeared to side with the four Democratic appointees, asking Trump's lawyers why they shouldn't allow Congress to determine whether its investigations have a legislative purpose.
Advertisement
"Why is this subpoena not supported by a substantial legislative need," Gorsuch asked, according to CNBC.
The court's second-newest member also pressed Trump attorneys on their argument that Trump should be immune from investigation because it's distracting to the presidency.
"How is this more burdensome than what took place in Clinton vs. Jones," Gorsuch asked, referring to Paula Jones' 1997 sexual harassment suit against former President Bill Clinton.
House counsel Douglas Letter said the subpoenas aren't distracting because they're directed at third parties.
"There's no way that these can interfere with the president, because doesn't have to do anything," he said.
Justice Samuel Alito Jr., meanwhile, appeared concerned about House subpoena powers and whether there are enough limits. He said if the House can issue a subpoena on any type of legislation, "that's not much protection; in fact, that's no protection," he said, according to The Washington Post.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared to echo Alito's concern, saying the Supreme Court is attempting to balance "how can we both protect the House's interest in information it needs ... but also protect the president."
Advertisement
In the first case, the justices heard a challenge from Trump's attorneys to block a subpoena from the House oversight committee that has requested Trump's tax returns from the accounting firm Mazars USA.
The committee first requested the returns after Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that the president manipulated the value of his assets for personal gain.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., upheld an earlier ruling that said the firm must hand over the records. Trump attorneys then applied for a stay last fall, arguing that the House lacks authority to issue subpoenas for any purpose other than writing laws.
"This is the first time that Congress has subpoenaed private records of a sitting president," Trump attorney William Consovoy wrote in a Supreme Court brief. "These subpoenas are no more valid than would be demands for the president's medical records so Congress may consider healthcare reform."
House Democrats responded by arguing Congress does indeed have subpoena power as a measure to assess how federal laws are working.
"It is scarcely surprising that investigators need to conduct a thorough investigation when seeking to determine whether money laundering, election and national security, disclosure and conflict of interest laws are sufficient," they wrote in their brief.
Advertisement
In the second congressional case, the president's attorneys are also seeking to have the high court block congressional subpoenas for financial information from two banks -- Deutsche Bank and Capital One -- that have provided services to Trump's businesses.
The subpoenas seek to investigate the president's past dealings with foreign businesses, including transactions potentially linked to Iran and Russia, to determine whether they violated the law.
A lower appellate court ruled in favor of the House committees, saying there is a legitimate concern that involves "national security and the integrity of elections."
Trump vs. Vance
The third case before the high court Tuesday involved a response to grand jury subpoenas obtained by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance that seek nearly a decade's worth of Trump's financial records.
The case is related to an investigation into purported "hush money" payments the president is said to have made to two women to keep secret alleged extramarital affairs. Vance wants eight years of Trump's records related to payments he says were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal.
Carey Dunne, counsel with Vance's office, told the Supreme Court Tuesday that investigators are worried about the length of time it's taken them to get the records they seek.
Advertisement
"No one should forget that we've got an investigation that is looking at the conduct of other people and businesses, and waiting like that would benefit those other participants," Dunne said, adding that the statute of limitation could expire.
"We've already lost nine months of time in this investigation due to this lawsuit. Every minute that goes by without even a decision on the merits here, is granting the kind of temporary absolute immunity that the president is seeking here."
Trump's attorneys argue a sitting president cannot be indicted and is therefore immune from any part of the criminal justice process, including grand jury subpoenas.
"We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant review in this significant constitutional case and reverse the dangerous and damaging decision of the appeals court," Trump's team argued in November.
"The risk that politics will lead state and local prosecutors to relentlessly harass the president is simply too great to tolerate."
A lower appellate court, however, ruled Vance's subpoena is lawful because it's directed at Mazars USA, Trump's accounting firm, not the president himself. It also ruled that the subpoena is lawful because it seeks items related to his private business, not his official capacity as president.
Advertisement
Rulings in all three cases are expected by the end of June.


upi--2020-05-13--Chinese province near North Korea confirms new COVID-19 cluster

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Chinese authorities in the northeastern province of Jilin warned Wednesday of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases as they ordered a lockdown of Jilin City .
The province 's health commission said on its proprietary website authorities confirmed six new cases of COVID-19 .
The cases include one `` asymptomatic patient . ''
The six new patients are located in the cities of Shulan and Jilin and are part of virus clusters .
The total number of confirmed patients in the province , which borders North Korea , is 21 , authorities say .
Patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have spread the virus while in close contact with family and co-workers at a laundry facility .
A patient in adjacent Liaoning Province has also been linked to the clusters in Jilin , according to reports .
Zunyou Wou , an epidemiologist with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , told local media it is likely the recent wave of infections originates from Russia .
Chinese citizens who were repatriated amid the pandemic may have infected public security officials during entry , Wou said .
Uniforms worn by the officials sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to infections among laundry workers , according to reports .
Bayin Chaolu , secretary of Jilin Province , said Tuesday the wave of infections must be stopped in order to prevent a massive outbreak in the region .
`` There must be no transmission from the city of Jilin to other regions , '' Bayin said .
China and North Korea share an 880-mile border and are openly cooperating on containing COVID-19 .
Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua reported Saturday Chinese President Xi Jinping is `` willing to enhance anti-epidemic cooperation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` provide as much support as its capacity allows for North Korea , in line with the latter 's needs . ''
Xi was responding to a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent earlier in the year , according to the report .

Authorities in the Chinese province of Jilin have confirmed a new COVID-19 cluster in a city not far from North Korea. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Chinese authorities in the northeastern province of Jilin warned Wednesday of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases as they ordered a lockdown of Jilin City. The province's health commission said on its proprietary website authorities confirmed six new cases of COVID-19. The cases include one "asymptomatic patient." Advertisement
The six new patients are located in the cities of Shulan and Jilin and are part of virus clusters.
The total number of confirmed patients in the province, which borders North Korea, is 21, authorities say. Patient No. 1 in the cluster may have spread the virus while in close contact with family and co-workers at a laundry facility. A patient in adjacent Liaoning Province has also been linked to the clusters in Jilin, according to reports.
Zunyou Wou, an epidemiologist with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told local media it is likely the recent wave of infections originates from Russia.
Chinese citizens who were repatriated amid the pandemic may have infected public security officials during entry, Wou said. Uniforms worn by the officials sent to laundry facilities may have in turn led to infections among laundry workers, according to reports.
Advertisement
Bayin Chaolu, secretary of Jilin Province, said Tuesday the wave of infections must be stopped in order to prevent a massive outbreak in the region.
"There must be no transmission from the city of Jilin to other regions," Bayin said.
China and North Korea share an 880-mile border and are openly cooperating on containing COVID-19.
Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua reported Saturday Chinese President Xi Jinping is "willing to enhance anti-epidemic cooperation" with North Korea, as well as "provide as much support as its capacity allows for North Korea, in line with the latter's needs."
Xi was responding to a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent earlier in the year, according to the report.


upi--2020-05-13--Netflix announces 'Sweet Tooth' series from Robert Downey Jr.

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Netflix has announced a television adaptation of DC Comics ' Sweet Tooth , which will be executive produced by Robert Downey Jr. Sweet Tooth , based on the comic book series of the same name by Jeff Lemire , follows a part deer , part boy who leaves his home to venture out into a post-apocalyptic world .
The boy joins a group of humans and other animal-children hybrids as they search for answers about the new world and their origins .
Netflix has ordered eight , one-hour episodes .
Christian Convery , Nonso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set to star with James Brolin as the narrator .
The series comes from Warner Bros. Television and Robert Downey Jr. 's Team Downey production company .
Team Downey 's Evan Moore is producing with Susan Downey and Amanda Burrell also executive producing along with Linda Moran .
Jim Mickle ( Hap and Leonard , Cold in July ) and Beth Schwartz ( Arrow , DC 's Legends of Tomorrow ) are serving as co-showrunners , writers and executive producers .
`` The sweetest things are worth waiting for ... Susan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series , Sweet Tooth , based on the comic by @ JeffLemire .
Ca n't wait to share it with you all , '' Robert Downey Jr. said on Twitter alongside promotional art for the series .

The sweetest things are worth waiting for...Susan and I are producing a @Netflix original series, Sweet Tooth, based on the comic by @JeffLemire. Can't wait to share it with you all. @NXonNetflix pic.twitter.com/Mx2xzNOHjs— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) May 12, 2020
May 13 (UPI) -- Netflix has announced a television adaptation of DC Comics' Sweet Tooth, which will be executive produced by Robert Downey Jr.
Sweet Tooth, based on the comic book series of the same name by Jeff Lemire, follows a part deer, part boy who leaves his home to venture out into a post-apocalyptic world.
Advertisement
The boy joins a group of humans and other animal-children hybrids as they search for answers about the new world and their origins.
Netflix has ordered eight, one-hour episodes. Christian Convery, Nonso Anozie, Adeel Akhtar and Will Forte are set to star with James Brolin as the narrator.
The series comes from Warner Bros. Television and Robert Downey Jr.'s Team Downey production company. Team Downey's Evan Moore is producing with Susan Downey and Amanda Burrell also executive producing along with Linda Moran.
Jim Mickle (Hap and Leonard, Cold in July) and Beth Schwartz (Arrow, DC's Legends of Tomorrow) are serving as co-showrunners, writers and executive producers.
"The sweetest things are worth waiting for...Susan and I are producing a @Netflix original series, Sweet Tooth, based on the comic by @JeffLemire. Can't wait to share it with you all," Robert Downey Jr. said on Twitter alongside promotional art for the series.


upi--2020-05-13--Mike Pompeo visits Israel to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz

May 13 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Israel Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discuss annexation in the West Bank , Iran , President Donald Trump 's Middle East peace plan and the coronavirus .
It 's a rare trip overseas for Pompeo since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and his first to Israel since Netanyahu and rival Benny Gantz agreed to a unity government last month .
Pompeo said he planned also to meet with Gantz , the leader of the Blue and White Party and Knesset speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testament to the strength of our alliance , to the strength of President [ Donald ] Trump 's commitment to the state of Israel , and to the strength of your commitment to the state of Israel and our alliance as well , '' Netanyahu told Pompeo during the six-hour visit .
`` We 'll have this great opportunity to chat about lots of topics , '' Pompeo added .
The two spoke about efforts to contain the coronavirus and Trump 's `` Vision of Peace '' plan , which allows Israel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a two-state solution .
The plan has been rejected by Palestinian leaders .
`` We 're now some months on from the day that you came to Washington when President Trump announced that Vision for Peace when you were there , '' Pompeo said .
`` There remains work yet to do , and we need to make progress on that .
I 'm looking forward to it . ''
The secretary of state also said U.S. efforts to curb Iranian influence in Israel have worked so far .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the resources that the ayatollah has to inflict harm here in Israel and all across the world has borne fruit , it has been successful , and we 're going to stay at it , '' Pompeo said .
David Friedman , U.S. ambassador to Israel , did not take part in Wednesday 's meeting due to illness that included `` mild upper-respiratory symptoms . ''
The embassy said he tested negative for COVID-19 but opted against the visit .

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L), meets Israeli Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz in Jerusalem Wednesday. Pool Photo by Sebastian Scheiner/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo traveled to Israel Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discuss annexation in the West Bank, Iran, President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan and the coronavirus. It's a rare trip overseas for Pompeo since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and his first to Israel since Netanyahu and rival Benny Gantz agreed to a unity government last month. Advertisement
Pompeo said he planned also to meet with Gantz, the leader of the Blue and White Party and Knesset speaker.
"I think this is a testament to the strength of our alliance, to the strength of President [Donald] Trump's commitment to the state of Israel, and to the strength of your commitment to the state of Israel and our alliance as well," Netanyahu told Pompeo during the six-hour visit.
"We'll have this great opportunity to chat about lots of topics," Pompeo added.
The two spoke about efforts to contain the coronavirus and Trump's "Vision of Peace" plan, which allows Israel to annex portions of the West Bank as part of a two-state solution. The plan has been rejected by Palestinian leaders.
Advertisement
"We're now some months on from the day that you came to Washington when President Trump announced that Vision for Peace when you were there," Pompeo said. "There remains work yet to do, and we need to make progress on that. I'm looking forward to it."
The secretary of state also said U.S. efforts to curb Iranian influence in Israel have worked so far.
"The campaign that we have been part of to reduce the resources that the ayatollah has to inflict harm here in Israel and all across the world has borne fruit, it has been successful, and we're going to stay at it," Pompeo said.
David Friedman, U.S. ambassador to Israel, did not take part in Wednesday's meeting due to illness that included "mild upper-respiratory symptoms." The embassy said he tested negative for COVID-19 but opted against the visit.


upi--2020-05-13--Los Angeles County beaches to reopen Wednesday, with restrictions

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

1/4
A surfer catches a wave at Huntington Beach, Calif., on April 30. Beaches in Los Angeles County will be allowed to reopen Wednesday, with certain limits. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Some beaches in the Los Angeles area of Southern California will reopen Wednesday and certain business in other states will be allowed to resume, with restrictions. In Los Angeles County, all beaches will reopen for ocean activities and exercise but with several restrictions. They include social distances of at least 6 feet and face coverings. Social gatherings, sitting and sunbathing will remain prohibited. Advertisement
The beaches in Los Angeles County have been closed for two months.
Neighboring Ventura County is also allowing beaches along its southern coast to reopen Wednesday with similar restrictions. The city of Long Beach is considering a similar measure.
Los Angeles County's stay-home order, however, will likely be extended by three months, Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said. It was set to expire Friday.
Ferrer told county commissioners Tuesday the order will "with all certainty" be extended through August unless there is a "dramatic change to the virus and tools at hand."
Madison County, Ill., said it plans to reopen Wednesday -- defying Gov. J.B. Pritzker's statewide plan. The county board of health voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to reopen, making Madison County one of the first areas in Illinois to defy the governor's plan.
Advertisement
Madison County's four-stage plan begins Wednesday and runs into June.
In Florida, beaches in the Gulf Coast city of Naples will reopen Wednesday following a two-day closure. The city council closed them Sunday due to overcrowding and users not following social distance guidelines. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Broward County is also expected to open with limited hours.
In Arizona, gyms, pools and spas in the state can reopen Wednesday after being closed for two months due to the pandemic. Gov. Doug Ducey also announced major league sports can resume, without fans, starting Saturday when his statewide stay-home order expires.
In Kentucky, hospitals can resume non-emergency surgeries and procedures Wednesday at 50 percent of their pre-pandemic patient volume. Facilities will determine their own capacities starting May 27, as long as progress continues.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic
A pedestrian walks past a bar established in 1933 after Los Angeles County officials closed it for the second time following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles on August 10. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-05-13--Dolphins, Bills, Falcons consider joint practices

May 13 ( UPI ) -- The Miami Dolphins , Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons have discussed the possibility of joint practices prior to the 2020 NFL season .
Falcons coach Dan Quinn spoke about the idea during a video conference call with reporters Tuesday .
Quinn said the Falcons spoke with both teams `` way back in the off-season . ''
The teams discussed `` doing some scrimmaging . ''
The idea could still be a longshot amid league and state coronavirus pandemic guidelines .
`` If those guidelines are in place that we 're able to , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practices would likely occur during the preseason , with the Falcons scheduled for games against each team .
Atlanta hosts Miami during the week of Aug. 13 .
The Bills host the Falcons during the week of Aug. 20 .
Quinn said the team awaits additional NFL guidelines about how they can meet safely .
Teams have not been allowed to meet at their facilities this off-season due to the pandemic .
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about the possible criteria for an NFL return last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fauci said there would a `` problem '' if multiple players tested positive for the coronavirus .
He said the team would have to be quarantined for 14 days with their next two games canceled or postponed .
Fauci could n't give an answer when asked if the NFL season can be played in full .
`` The virus will make the decision for us , '' Fauci said .
Fauci also suggested it would be optimal for players , coaches and team personnel to be tested more than once every week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require nearly 6,000 tests just to test players twice weekly before preseason roster cuts .
Nearly 60,000 tests would be required just to test players for 53-man rosters twice during the 17-week regular season .
The Falcons held rookie minicamp last weekend with video conferences .
Atlanta plans to have all players together on Monday on a virtual platform .

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (R) said his team has talked to the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins about possible joint practices and scrimmages before the 2020 regular season. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons have discussed the possibility of joint practices prior to the 2020 NFL season. Falcons coach Dan Quinn spoke about the idea during a video conference call with reporters Tuesday. Quinn said the Falcons spoke with both teams "way back in the off-season." The teams discussed "doing some scrimmaging." The idea could still be a longshot amid league and state coronavirus pandemic guidelines. Advertisement
"If those guidelines are in place that we're able to, we will," Quinn said.
The practices would likely occur during the preseason, with the Falcons scheduled for games against each team. Atlanta hosts Miami during the week of Aug. 13. The Bills host the Falcons during the week of Aug. 20.
Quinn said the team awaits additional NFL guidelines about how they can meet safely. Teams have not been allowed to meet at their facilities this off-season due to the pandemic.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about the possible criteria for an NFL return last weekend during an interview with NBC Sports. Fauci said there would a "problem" if multiple players tested positive for the coronavirus. He said the team would have to be quarantined for 14 days with their next two games canceled or postponed.
Advertisement
Fauci couldn't give an answer when asked if the NFL season can be played in full.
"The virus will make the decision for us," Fauci said.
Fauci also suggested it would be optimal for players, coaches and team personnel to be tested more than once every week. That could prove difficult as it would require nearly 6,000 tests just to test players twice weekly before preseason roster cuts. Nearly 60,000 tests would be required just to test players for 53-man rosters twice during the 17-week regular season.
The Falcons held rookie minicamp last weekend with video conferences. Atlanta plans to have all players together on Monday on a virtual platform.


upi--2020-05-13--Maroon 5 performs 'Memories' on 'Tonight Show'

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Maroon 5 gave a virtual performance of their song `` Memories '' on The @ @ @ @ @ .
Lead singer Adam Levine performed the song from his house on Tuesday and was @ @ @ @ @ Morton and James Valentine from their homes .
Levine was wearing a Lakers basketball jersey @ @ @ @ @ Bryant .
`` Toast to the ones here today/ Toast to the ones that we @ @ @ @ @ the drinks bring back all the memories/ And the memories bring back , memories bring @ @ @ @ @ sang .
Maroon 5 released a music video for `` Memories '' in October .
@ @ @ @ @ dedicated to his late friend and manager , Jordan Feldstein .
`` Memories '' is @ @ @ @ @ original music since releasing album Red Pill Blues in 2017 .

May 13 (UPI) -- Maroon 5 gave a virtual performance of their song "Memories" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Lead singer Adam Levine performed the song from his house on Tuesday and was joined by fellow members PJ Morton and James Valentine from their homes.
Advertisement
Levine was wearing a Lakers basketball jersey that represented the late Kobe Bryant.
"Toast to the ones here today/ Toast to the ones that we lost on the way/ 'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories/ And the memories bring back, memories bring back you," Levine sang.
Maroon 5 released a music video for "Memories" in October. Levine said the track is dedicated to his late friend and manager, Jordan Feldstein.
"Memories" is Maroon 5's first new original music since releasing album Red Pill Blues in 2017.


upi--2020-05-13--Recipients have until noon Wednesday to get stimulus payment by direct deposit

May 13 ( UPI ) -- For Americans who have not yet received their stimulus payment , they have until midday Wednesday if they want to receive that money via direct deposit .
The Internal Revenue Service set Wednesday as the deadline to submit the required information to receive Economic Impact Payment electronically into a bank account .
The IRS said recipients should visit the agency 's `` Get My Payment '' website by noon ( Eastern Time ) Wednesday to check their payment status and provide direct deposit information , if necessary .
After Wednesday , those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paper check in the mail .
`` We want people to visit 'Get My Payment ' before the noon Wednesday deadline so they can provide their direct deposit information , '' IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement .
`` Time is running out for a chance to get these payments several weeks earlier through direct deposit . ''
The IRS said after the Wednesday deadline , it will begin preparing millions of paper checks -- which it expects to arrive between late May and early June .
The IRS launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April and requires visitors to enter their tax identification or Social Security number , birth date , partial address and postal code to see the status of their stimulus payment .
The agency says about 130 million Americans have already received it .
The first deposits were made a month ago .
The IRS tool also allows Americans who have filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 , but do not have direct deposit information on file with the IRS , to provide their banking information to receive their Economic Impact Payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for non-filers also exists to allow those who are n't required to file a federal tax return to submit basic information to receive their payment electronically .

File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- For Americans who have not yet received their stimulus payment, they have until midday Wednesday if they want to receive that money via direct deposit. The Internal Revenue Service set Wednesday as the deadline to submit the required information to receive Economic Impact Payment electronically into a bank account. Advertisement
The IRS said recipients should visit the agency's "Get My Payment" website by noon (Eastern Time) Wednesday to check their payment status and provide direct deposit information, if necessary. After Wednesday, those who haven't filed such banking information will receive a paper check in the mail.
"We want people to visit 'Get My Payment' before the noon Wednesday deadline so they can provide their direct deposit information," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. "Time is running out for a chance to get these payments several weeks earlier through direct deposit."
The IRS said after the Wednesday deadline, it will begin preparing millions of paper checks -- which it expects to arrive between late May and early June.
The IRS launched the "Get My Payment" tool in April and requires visitors to enter their tax identification or Social Security number, birth date, partial address and postal code to see the status of their stimulus payment. The agency says about 130 million Americans have already received it. The first deposits were made a month ago.
Advertisement
The IRS tool also allows Americans who have filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019, but do not have direct deposit information on file with the IRS, to provide their banking information to receive their Economic Impact Payment via direct deposit.
A separate tool for non-filers also exists to allow those who aren't required to file a federal tax return to submit basic information to receive their payment electronically.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-13--New nightclub-related coronavirus cases alarm South Korea

SEOUL , May 13 ( UPI ) -- Officials in South Korea said Wednesday several new nightclub-related cases of COVID-19 have emerged and thousands of potentially exposed people have yet to be tested .
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 26 new cases were recorded Tuesday , with 18 traced to clubs and bars in Seoul 's multicultural Itaewon neighborhood .
An additional eight cases were reported by noon Wednesday , bringing the total related to the clubs to 119 .
Health officials were placed on high alert last week when a 29-year-old clubgoer tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , potentially exposing thousands .
Testing so far has confirmed 76 patients who attended the Itaewon clubs and 43 who were infected through secondary transmission .
Health officials stressed that it 's urgent for anyone who may have been exposed to get tested immediately .
`` If people hesitate [ to get tested ] , we will have more damage as the virus will lead to secondary and even tertiary infections , '' Jung Eun-kyeong , director of the KCDC , said at a press briefing Wednesday .
`` We would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary participation in the screening process as this is the most effective method . ''
Authorities urge anyone who visited clubs in Itaewon from April 24 through May 6 to get tested regardless of symptoms .
More than 22,000 have been tested since the Itaewon outbreak but thousands have not been identified , officials said .
Investigators are using cellphone data , credit card records and CCTV cameras to track down club visitors .
One complication to testing is the affected venues cater to an LGBT audience , which has led to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender community continues to face discrimination in South Korea and a backlash against the clubgoers has emerged online and on social media .
`` There are still many refraining from getting tested because they are concerned about discrimination and criticism , '' Jung said .
`` We would urge the public to refrain from discrimination and remind people that this hinders our quarantine efforts . ''
Officials are attempting to attract more participation by making testing anonymous nationwide .
Jung said Wednesday the government will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to new COVID-19 cases to allow for greater privacy .
The Seoul city government began anonymous testing on Monday , requiring only a phone number , and has expanded the number of screening locations in the Itaewon area , including new walk-through clinics .
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said Wednesday the measures have been effective , noting that daily demand for testing has increased by six to 10 times this week , with more than 8,300 tests administered Wednesday alone .
`` This is proof that anonymous tests are having a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park said at a press briefing Wednesday .
Park also cautioned that other nightlife locations in Itaewon have experienced transmissions without an established link with the initial 29-year-old clubgoer , meaning the outbreak could be more widespread than initially believed .
`` Another confirmed case was found in an additional club , '' Park said .
`` The epidemiological investigation is still going on , but until now it has been confirmed that there is no overlap with the first clubber . ''
Local governments have taken additional measures to contain the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed until further notice and several other municipalities followed suit .
Seoul also announced Wednesday that riders on subways during rush hour will be required to wear face masks .
Schools nationwide had been scheduled to start reopening on Wednesday but the government pushed the start date back by a week .
Officials said , however , they wo n't roll back relaxed social distancing rules that took effect last week .
Vice health minister Kim Gang-lip told reporters Wednesday the loosened guidelines will remain as long as new cases stay under 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of infections .
The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea rose to just under 11,000 on Wednesday and the death toll increased by one to 259 .

South Korea is trying to test thousands of nightclub visitors in Seoul to contain a new COVID-19 outbreak. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, May 13 (UPI) -- Officials in South Korea said Wednesday several new nightclub-related cases of COVID-19 have emerged and thousands of potentially exposed people have yet to be tested. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 26 new cases were recorded Tuesday, with 18 traced to clubs and bars in Seoul's multicultural Itaewon neighborhood. An additional eight cases were reported by noon Wednesday, bringing the total related to the clubs to 119. Advertisement
Health officials were placed on high alert last week when a 29-year-old clubgoer tested positive for COVID-19 after having visited five Itaewon clubs, potentially exposing thousands. Testing so far has confirmed 76 patients who attended the Itaewon clubs and 43 who were infected through secondary transmission.
Health officials stressed that it's urgent for anyone who may have been exposed to get tested immediately.
"If people hesitate [to get tested], we will have more damage as the virus will lead to secondary and even tertiary infections," Jung Eun-kyeong, director of the KCDC, said at a press briefing Wednesday. "We would like to identify patients at an early stage through voluntary participation in the screening process as this is the most effective method."
Advertisement
Authorities urge anyone who visited clubs in Itaewon from April 24 through May 6 to get tested regardless of symptoms.
More than 22,000 have been tested since the Itaewon outbreak but thousands have not been identified, officials said. Investigators are using cellphone data, credit card records and CCTV cameras to track down club visitors.
One complication to testing is the affected venues cater to an LGBT audience, which has led to a hesitation by some to come forward. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community continues to face discrimination in South Korea and a backlash against the clubgoers has emerged online and on social media.
"There are still many refraining from getting tested because they are concerned about discrimination and criticism," Jung said. "We would urge the public to refrain from discrimination and remind people that this hinders our quarantine efforts."
Officials are attempting to attract more participation by making testing anonymous nationwide. Jung said Wednesday the government will also revise its guidelines on releasing public information related to new COVID-19 cases to allow for greater privacy.
The Seoul city government began anonymous testing on Monday, requiring only a phone number, and has expanded the number of screening locations in the Itaewon area, including new walk-through clinics.
Advertisement
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said Wednesday the measures have been effective, noting that daily demand for testing has increased by six to 10 times this week, with more than 8,300 tests administered Wednesday alone.
"This is proof that anonymous tests are having a great effect on eliciting spontaneous testing," Park said at a press briefing Wednesday.
Park also cautioned that other nightlife locations in Itaewon have experienced transmissions without an established link with the initial 29-year-old clubgoer, meaning the outbreak could be more widespread than initially believed.
"Another confirmed case was found in an additional club," Park said. "The epidemiological investigation is still going on, but until now it has been confirmed that there is no overlap with the first clubber."
Local governments have taken additional measures to contain the outbreak. Last weekend, Seoul ordered clubs closed until further notice and several other municipalities followed suit. Seoul also announced Wednesday that riders on subways during rush hour will be required to wear face masks.
Schools nationwide had been scheduled to start reopening on Wednesday but the government pushed the start date back by a week. Officials said, however, they won't roll back relaxed social distancing rules that took effect last week.
Advertisement
Vice health minister Kim Gang-lip told reporters Wednesday the loosened guidelines will remain as long as new cases stay under 50 per day and officials can trace 95 percent of infections.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea rose to just under 11,000 on Wednesday and the death toll increased by one to 259.


upi--2020-05-13--What to binge next: 10 sci-fi shows to escape into the future

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Many sci-fi writers predicted the distant futures of 2001 , 2015 or 2019 , but 2020 feels like a world those authors never could have imagined , with people stuck in their homes to avoid a pandemic .
The TV drama derived from possible futures , space travel , far-fetched technology or other sci-fi concepts could be a good escape from the mundane realities of the world .
Here are some of the sci-fi series available on streaming platforms that have run at least three seasons .
Three seasons would have been it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up a fourth season and now streams all four .
When humans expanded beyond Earth in the future , that only created more drama between people who populated different planets , ships and even the asteroid belt .
Amazon is making a fifth season .
The original '60s series only lasted two seasons , but the '90s version lasted seven .
Both incarnations are on Hulu and Prime .
Each Outer Limits was a standalone story with a new cast , and often a twist ending a la The Twilight Zone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiments , time travel , the future or other forward-thinking concepts .
Based on the hit movie , Syfy elaborated the story over four seasons .
James Cole ( Aaron Stanford ) comes from an apocalyptic future to try to find an antidote for the virus that ravaged the world .
Dr. Cassandra Railly ( Amanda Schull ) grows to believe them , and they try to work with the erratic Jennifer Goines ( Emily Hampshire as a gender-swapped version of Brad Pitt 's Jeffrey Goines ) .
The 100 - Netflix and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth becomes uninhabitable and a few survivors live on a space station .
After a generation of kids grew up in space , their parents sent 100 down to Earth to see if it was possible to restart society .
Drama ensued with the 100 kids and tribes who had lived on Earth all along , and with the parents when they returned .
The seventh and final season is coming to The CW on May 20 .
This British anthology series from Charlie Brooker has an even darker take than The Outer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a society in which people live in ad supported cubes , a digital afterlife and a spaceship crew .
`` Bandersnatch '' only could exist on streaming with its interactive options that allow the viewer to choose the outcome .
There are five seasons , with no more than six episodes , so it 's a shorter total run .
For seven seasons , FBI agents Scully ( Gillian Anderson ) and Mulder ( David Duchovny ) investigated possible alien sightings .
Scully spent two more years investigating with Agent Doggett ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Scully and Mulder returned for two more short seasons of a revival .
All 11 seasons are on Hulu .
Remember that old movie in which Yul Brynner was a cowboy robot who malfunctioned and shot the guests ?
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy created a very serious version for HBO .
The Old West theme park `` hosts '' ( Evan Rachel Wood , Thandie Newton , James Marsden ) discovered secrets kept by their creators ( Jeffrey Wright , Anthony Hopkins ) .
Guests ( Ed Harris , Jimmi Simpson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's still unfolding over three seasons .
Sarah Manning ( Tatiana Maslany ) discovers she 's a clone , and keeps meeting new clones as the five seasons continue .
Maslany plays every clone distinctly , and they interact thanks to seamless visual effects .
It 's the Maslany show , but supporting characters like her friend , Felix ( Jordan Gavaris ) , and one clone 's husband , Donnie ( Kristian Bruun ) , are memorable , too .
Rod Serling created the classic anthology series in 1959 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last , '' in which one man ( Burgess Meredith ) hopes to spend the apocalypse reading every book in the library .
Or , there 's `` It 's a Good Life , '' in which adults live in terror of a psychically powered child ( Billy Mumy ) .
Netflix has four seasons and Hulu has all five .
CBS has all five plus Jordan Peele 's modern day reboot .
Gene Roddenberry created the crew of the Starship Enterprise in the 1966 original series , which spun off into many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '90s and '00s , and continues with CBS All Access developing even more new series .
Trekkers keep exploring new worlds and having new adventures .
CBS boasts every Trek series including its exclusives , Discovery and Picard .
You also can find the original series , Star Trek : The Next Generation , Deep Space Nine , Voyager and Enterprise on Netflix , Prime and Hulu .

Emmy winner Thandie Newton stars in "Westworld" on HBO. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Many sci-fi writers predicted the distant futures of 2001, 2015 or 2019, but 2020 feels like a world those authors never could have imagined, with people stuck in their homes to avoid a pandemic. The TV drama derived from possible futures, space travel, far-fetched technology or other sci-fi concepts could be a good escape from the mundane realities of the world. Here are some of the sci-fi series available on streaming platforms that have run at least three seasons. Advertisement
The Expanse - Prime
Three seasons would have been it for The Expanse on Syfy, but Amazon picked up a fourth season and now streams all four. When humans expanded beyond Earth in the future, that only created more drama between people who populated different planets, ships and even the asteroid belt. Amazon is making a fifth season.
Advertisement
The Outer Limits - Hulu and Prime
The original '60s series only lasted two seasons, but the '90s version lasted seven. Both incarnations are on Hulu and Prime. Each Outer Limits was a standalone story with a new cast, and often a twist ending a la The Twilight Zone. Sci-fi subjects could include aliens, science experiments, time travel, the future or other forward-thinking concepts.
12 Monkeys - Hulu
Based on the hit movie, Syfy elaborated the story over four seasons. James Cole (Aaron Stanford) comes from an apocalyptic future to try to find an antidote for the virus that ravaged the world. Dr. Cassandra Railly (Amanda Schull) grows to believe them, and they try to work with the erratic Jennifer Goines (Emily Hampshire as a gender-swapped version of Brad Pitt's Jeffrey Goines).
The 100 - Netflix and The CW
In this series, the Earth becomes uninhabitable and a few survivors live on a space station. After a generation of kids grew up in space, their parents sent 100 down to Earth to see if it was possible to restart society. Drama ensued with the 100 kids and tribes who had lived on Earth all along, and with the parents when they returned. The seventh and final season is coming to The CW on May 20.
Advertisement
Black Mirror - Netflix
This British anthology series from Charlie Brooker has an even darker take than The Outer Limits or Twilight Zone. Subjects range from a society in which people live in ad supported cubes, a digital afterlife and a spaceship crew. "Bandersnatch" only could exist on streaming with its interactive options that allow the viewer to choose the outcome. There are five seasons, with no more than six episodes, so it's a shorter total run.
The X-Files - Hulu
For seven seasons, FBI agents Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Mulder (David Duchovny) investigated possible alien sightings. Scully spent two more years investigating with Agent Doggett (Robert Patrick). After two movies, Scully and Mulder returned for two more short seasons of a revival. All 11 seasons are on Hulu.
Westworld - HBO
Remember that old movie in which Yul Brynner was a cowboy robot who malfunctioned and shot the guests? Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy created a very serious version for HBO. The Old West theme park "hosts" (Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, James Marsden) discovered secrets kept by their creators (Jeffrey Wright, Anthony Hopkins). Guests (Ed Harris, Jimmi Simpson) grew obsessive about the park too. It's still unfolding over three seasons.
Advertisement
Orphan Black - Prime and DirecTV
Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) discovers she's a clone, and keeps meeting new clones as the five seasons continue. Maslany plays every clone distinctly, and they interact thanks to seamless visual effects. It's the Maslany show, but supporting characters like her friend, Felix (Jordan Gavaris), and one clone's husband, Donnie (Kristian Bruun), are memorable, too.
The Twilight Zone - CBS All Access, Hulu, Netflix
Rod Serling created the classic anthology series in 1959 with memorable episodes like "Time Enough At Last," in which one man (Burgess Meredith) hopes to spend the apocalypse reading every book in the library. Or, there's "It's a Good Life," in which adults live in terror of a psychically powered child (Billy Mumy). Netflix has four seasons and Hulu has all five. CBS has all five plus Jordan Peele's modern day reboot.
Star Trek - CBS All Access, Netflix, Prime, Hulu
Gene Roddenberry created the crew of the Starship Enterprise in the 1966 original series, which spun off into many other Star Treks in the '80s, '90s and '00s, and continues with CBS All Access developing even more new series. Trekkers keep exploring new worlds and having new adventures. CBS boasts every Trek series including its exclusives, Discovery and Picard. You also can find the original series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise on Netflix, Prime and Hulu.


upi--2020-05-13--WWE's Sami Zayn unable to compete, Intercontinental title vacated

May 13 ( UPI ) -- WWE has announced that Sami Zayn is unable to compete so his Intercontinental Championship @ @ @ @ @ company also announced that a tournament will begin this Friday on SmackDown in order to @ @ @ @ @ .
Zayn won the title from Braun Strowman at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event in @ @ @ @ @ the championship against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 36 in April .
WWE did not specify @ @ @ @ @ compete .
He was last seen on WWE programming during WrestleMania .
Becky Lynch , @ @ @ @ @ she is pregnant with her first child which led to her vacating her Raw Women @ @ @ @ @ who had won the Women 's Money in the Bank Ladder match , was crowned @ @ @ @ @ Champion for her victory .

BREAKING: With @SamiZayn unable to defend the #ICTitle, a tournament to crown a new champion will begin THIS FRIDAY on #SmackDown. https://t.co/NxwnTlndOT— WWE (@WWE) May 13, 2020
May 13 (UPI) -- WWE has announced that Sami Zayn is unable to compete so his Intercontinental Championship will be vacated.
The company also announced that a tournament will begin this Friday on SmackDown in order to determine a new Intercontinental Champion.
Advertisement
Zayn won the title from Braun Strowman at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event in March. He successfully defended the championship against Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 36 in April.
WWE did not specify why Zayn is unable to compete. He was last seen on WWE programming during WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch, on Monday, announced that she is pregnant with her first child which led to her vacating her Raw Women's Championship. Asuka, who had won the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, was crowned the new Raw Women's Champion for her victory.


upi--2020-05-13--South Korea finds role models in Presidents Roosevelt, Kennedy

May 13 ( UPI ) -- The policies of former U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy are being held as examples in South Korea , where the government is calling for a series of programs to fight back a deepening recession amid the global coronavirus pandemic .
The ruling Democratic Party and the administration of President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday at a public discussion Roosevelt 's New Deal is an example of leadership and recovery .
Lee Gwang-jae , head of South Korea 's `` post-corona '' task force , said Wednesday Roosevelt 's programs culminated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drawing 1 million tourists , and the creation of social security , '' Yonhap reported .
Lee referred to former President Kennedy , who `` created NASA and created a United States that ranked first in all areas of the sciences . ''
The South Korean official also mentioned the need to pursue programs similar to the Green New Deal , a proposed package of U.S. legislation that was sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-NY , and Sen. Ed Markey , D-Mass , in 2019 .
`` It is time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee said , referring to plans for state-funded ventures in the life sciences , digital platforms , smart cities and the environment .
Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon , who was recently elected to a seat in the National Assembly , emphasized fostering new industries and expanding social safety nets as part of the government 's response in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic .
South Korea 's COVID-19 situation has mostly stabilized since April .
The country held national elections for parliament on April 15 , while enforcing social distancing guidelines at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a landslide victory last month .
On Wednesday the ruling party officially launched its new majority in parliament , a total of 177 seats , News 1 reported .
A party spokeswoman said allegations against lawmaker-elect Yoon Mi-hyang , a South Korean activist on comfort women issues , are negatively impacting social justice causes .
Je Youn-kyung said the allegations are `` an insult '' to all victims and used the term `` fake news '' to describe the allegations .
Yoon has been accused of misappropriating funds reserved for the survivors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee Yong-soo charged Yoon with misconduct last week .

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon emphasized on Wednesday fostering new industries and expanding social safety nets as part of the government’s response in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Yonhap/EPA-EFE
May 13 (UPI) -- The policies of former U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy are being held as examples in South Korea, where the government is calling for a series of programs to fight back a deepening recession amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The ruling Democratic Party and the administration of President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday at a public discussion Roosevelt's New Deal is an example of leadership and recovery. Advertisement
Lee Gwang-jae, head of South Korea's "post-corona" task force, said Wednesday Roosevelt's programs culminated in the "construction of the Hoover Dam, drawing 1 million tourists, and the creation of social security," Yonhap reported.
Lee referred to former President Kennedy, who "created NASA and created a United States that ranked first in all areas of the sciences."
The South Korean official also mentioned the need to pursue programs similar to the Green New Deal, a proposed package of U.S. legislation that was sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass, in 2019.
"It is time to take on a great challenge," Lee said, referring to plans for state-funded ventures in the life sciences, digital platforms, smart cities and the environment.
Advertisement
Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, who was recently elected to a seat in the National Assembly, emphasized fostering new industries and expanding social safety nets as part of the government's response in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
South Korea's COVID-19 situation has mostly stabilized since April. The country held national elections for parliament on April 15, while enforcing social distancing guidelines at polling stations.
Seoul's Democrats won a landslide victory last month. On Wednesday the ruling party officially launched its new majority in parliament, a total of 177 seats, News 1 reported.
A party spokeswoman said allegations against lawmaker-elect Yoon Mi-hyang, a South Korean activist on comfort women issues, are negatively impacting social justice causes.
Je Youn-kyung said the allegations are "an insult" to all victims and used the term "fake news" to describe the allegations.
Yoon has been accused of misappropriating funds reserved for the survivors of Japanese wartime brothels. Former comfort woman Lee Yong-soo charged Yoon with misconduct last week.


upi--2020-05-13--A MAD world: presidential succession in the age of coronavirus

With the coronavirus infecting the White House , the issue of presidential succession is no longer academic .
Elected leaders are not immune to this equal opportunity pandemic .
Britain 's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was so afflicted and temporarily turned his duties over to the foreign secretary .
The line of succession in the United States is clearly specified in the 1947 Presidential Succession Act and less so in the Constitution 's Article II and 12th , 20th and 25th Amendments .
The Succession Act puts the vice president , the speaker of the House of Representatives and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , followed by the Cabinet , headed by the secretary of State .
Chuck Grassley is Senate president pro tempore .
A president , in case of incapacitation , can delegate to the vice president duties as acting president .
Or the 25th Amendment can apply `` whenever the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide '' declare a president incapacitated , the vice president will assume those duties .
But what happens if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by COVID-19 ?
Obviously , the extent of incapacitation is important .
Suppose it is for an extended period .
Would a Republican Cabinet vote to make Democrat Nancy Pelosi acting president ?
And if not , would Congress provide another `` body '' to make that determination given a Republican Senate certain to oppose such action ?
The 25th Amendment is silent .
Suppose both the president and vice president succumb to the virus .
Speaker Pelosi then would automatically become president even though some might challenge the constitutionality of the 1947 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , looming , would the Democrats still nominate former Vice President Joe Biden ?
And who would Republicans nominate ?
In these circumstances , COVID-19 could provoke a constitutional and political crisis unlike any other .
The only time a president and vice president left office prematurely was during the Nixon administration .
Vice President Spiro Agnew was forced to resign in October 1973 charged with bribery as Maryland 's past governor .
Under the 25th Amendment , Gerald Ford was approved as vice president by Congress and then became president when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watergate .
Succession has been the stuff of Hollywood , too .
Recently , Netflix produced the Designated Survivor series when only the secretary of education survived an explosion that killed the president , his entire Cabinet , eight members of the Supreme Court and virtually all the members of Congress , elevating him to the presidency .
Do the coronavirus and COVID-19 then mandate considering revisions to the Constitution or the Succession Act to deal with these and other possible future disruptions ?
Return to President Pelosi ; What would she do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump agenda , as well as releasing damaging privileged material or require members of the executive branch who were prevented to testify before Congress on Russia or Ukraine ?
And if President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence recovered , then what ?
If Pelosi remained in office until January and the election of a new president , a Republican Senate could block or obstruct any legislation or appointments .
She then would probably issue executive orders .
However , the white hot politicization would only grow more intense .
Further , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances , what are the rules about choosing an interim speaker , as the 25th Amendment does not apply ?
If she dies , would the president pro tempore succeed her until a new speaker is elected ?
And what are the rules regarding a serving senator becoming acting or even president .
Presumably , he would have to resign from the Senate , although he could be reappointed by his state governor after the president was sworn in on Jan. 20 , 2021 .
Clearly , coronavirus and COVID-19 raise profound questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have been understandably unaddressed so far .
I have written about a new MAD replacing the old Cold War specter of Mutual Assured Destruction in a thermonuclear war that was societally devastating through Massive Acts of Disruption , whether of man or nature .
Climate change , massive cyberattacks and other black swan events now make the new MAD more relevant and significant .
For the future , ensuring security , stability and prosperity may rest on the ability to contain or prevent Massive Acts of Disruption .
This brief excursion about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vital fashioning a means to cope with disruptions is .
A major departure from the Trump `` America first '' view is the essential need for partners and allies in this endeavor .
In this new MAD world , partnership will be essential in maintaining security , stability and prosperity .
But will this come to pass ?
Harlan Ullman is UPI 's Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist .
He is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council .
His latest book is `` Anatomy of Failure : Why America Loses Every War It @ @ @

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is third in line for the presidency, if the president and vice president were to become incapacitated. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
With the coronavirus infecting the White House, the issue of presidential succession is no longer academic. Elected leaders are not immune to this equal opportunity pandemic. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was so afflicted and temporarily turned his duties over to the foreign secretary. The line of succession in the United States is clearly specified in the 1947 Presidential Succession Act and less so in the Constitution's Article II and 12th, 20th and 25th Amendments. The Succession Act puts the vice president, the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate in line, followed by the Cabinet, headed by the secretary of State. Chuck Grassley is Senate president pro tempore. Advertisement
A president, in case of incapacitation, can delegate to the vice president duties as acting president. Or the 25th Amendment can apply "whenever the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide" declare a president incapacitated, the vice president will assume those duties. But what happens if the president and vice president are incapacitated by COVID-19?
Advertisement
Obviously, the extent of incapacitation is important. Suppose it is for an extended period. Would a Republican Cabinet vote to make Democrat Nancy Pelosi acting president? And if not, would Congress provide another "body" to make that determination given a Republican Senate certain to oppose such action? The 25th Amendment is silent.
Suppose both the president and vice president succumb to the virus. Speaker Pelosi then would automatically become president even though some might challenge the constitutionality of the 1947 Succession Act. With a November presidential election, looming, would the Democrats still nominate former Vice President Joe Biden? And who would Republicans nominate?
In these circumstances, COVID-19 could provoke a constitutional and political crisis unlike any other. The only time a president and vice president left office prematurely was during the Nixon administration. Vice President Spiro Agnew was forced to resign in October 1973 charged with bribery as Maryland's past governor. Under the 25th Amendment, Gerald Ford was approved as vice president by Congress and then became president when Richard Nixon resigned in August 1974 over Watergate.
Succession has been the stuff of Hollywood, too. Recently, Netflix produced the Designated Survivor series when only the secretary of education survived an explosion that killed the president, his entire Cabinet, eight members of the Supreme Court and virtually all the members of Congress, elevating him to the presidency.
Advertisement
Do the coronavirus and COVID-19 then mandate considering revisions to the Constitution or the Succession Act to deal with these and other possible future disruptions? Return to President Pelosi; What would she do as president in terms of reversing the Trump agenda, as well as releasing damaging privileged material or require members of the executive branch who were prevented to testify before Congress on Russia or Ukraine? And if President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence recovered, then what?
If Pelosi remained in office until January and the election of a new president, a Republican Senate could block or obstruct any legislation or appointments. She then would probably issue executive orders. However, the white hot politicization would only grow more intense.
Further, Pelosi could become infected. In those circumstances, what are the rules about choosing an interim speaker, as the 25th Amendment does not apply? If she dies, would the president pro tempore succeed her until a new speaker is elected? And what are the rules regarding a serving senator becoming acting or even president. Presumably, he would have to resign from the Senate, although he could be reappointed by his state governor after the president was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021.
Advertisement
Clearly, coronavirus and COVID-19 raise profound questions about governance and governing, most of which have been understandably unaddressed so far. I have written about a new MAD replacing the old Cold War specter of Mutual Assured Destruction in a thermonuclear war that was societally devastating through Massive Acts of Disruption, whether of man or nature. Climate change, massive cyberattacks and other black swan events now make the new MAD more relevant and significant.
For the future, ensuring security, stability and prosperity may rest on the ability to contain or prevent Massive Acts of Disruption. This brief excursion about presidential succession is suggestive of how consequential and vital fashioning a means to cope with disruptions is. A major departure from the Trump "America first" view is the essential need for partners and allies in this endeavor.
In this new MAD world, partnership will be essential in maintaining security, stability and prosperity. But will this come to pass?
Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist. He is senior adviser at the Atlantic Council. His latest book is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Loses Every War It Starts."


upi--2020-05-13--British economy shrank a record 5.8% in March, gov't says

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Britain 's economy contracted by a record 5.8 percent in March , officials said Wednesday as the world 's sixth-largest economy begins to show the toll of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Office for National Statistics released its first-quarter report for 2020 on Wednesday , stating Gross Domestic Product shrank by 2 percent during the first three months of the year .
The office said the economy saw a slight increase of 0.1 percent in January but then contracted by 0.2 percent in February followed a record 5.8 percent dive in March .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first direct effects of the coronavirus .
Britain confirmed its first coronavirus case at the end of January .
As of Tuesday , Britain had recorded more than 226,000 confirmed infections of COVID-19 and more than 32,000 deaths , according to data from the Department of Health and Social Care .
To stymie the spread of the disease , officials restricted movement in the country on March 23 -- a move the statistical office said had the most significant impact on the economy , suggesting that the economies contraction may be worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries contributed to the decline while British trade was also negatively affected , especially imports from China , said Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow .
Among service sectors , accommodation and food services dropped 9.5 percent , transport and storage fell 4.9 percent and construction contracted 2.6 percent .
`` With the arrival of the pandemic nearly every aspect of the economy was hit in March , dragging growth to a record monthly fall , '' Athow said in a statement .
`` Services and construction saw record declines on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants all falling substantially . ''
IT support and the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals , soaps and cleaning products experienced growth during the first quarter , Athow said .
Last Thursday , the Bank of England warned the economy could contract as much as 14 percent this year with its recovery dependent oh how quickly Britain can end its outbreak .
The figures were announced as lockdown measures were eased throughout the country allowing people to spend more time outdoors and people who can not work from home to travel to their places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the easing earlier this week as part of a three-phase strategy to reopen the country .
Britain has the fourth-highest number of infections but the second-most deaths to the virus , according to tracking site worldometers.info .
Russia recently passed Britain into third in terms of infections as it continues to report quintuple-digit daily figures .
On Wednesday , Russia said it recorded 10,028 new cases of the virus and additional 96 deaths for a total of 2,212 .
The United States leads the world in infections with 1.4 million and nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases with 269,520 infections and fourth in deaths with 26,920 .
Globally , some 4.3 million people have contracted the disease and more than 293,000 have died .
Health officials in China , ground zero of the virus , reported seven new cases of COVID-19 , six of which were registered in Jilin Province where officials have seen an increase in cases recently .
Gai Dongping , the vice mayor of the province 's second-largest metropolis , Jilin city , told reporters Wednesday they will implement further restrictions to prevent spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infections to an outbreak 60 miles north in the province 's Shulan city , which has been placed under martial law .
China , once the epicenter of the pandemic , has experienced mostly single- and low double-digit daily increases since March .
It sits 11th in terms of infections with 82,926 and 12th in deaths with 4,633 .
On Tuesday , India 's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $ 260 billion coronavirus relief package , accounting for 10 percent of GDP .
Though scant on details , Modi said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` self-reliant India Campaign . ''
`` This economic package is for that laborer of the country , for the farmers of the country who are working day and night for the countrymen in every situation , every season , '' he said in a televised address .
`` This economic package is for the middle class of our country , which pays taxes honestly and contributes to the development of the country . ''
India has more than 74,000 infections and 2,415 deaths to the disease , according to data from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A street near British Parliament is seen empty on March 27 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
May 13 (UPI) -- Britain's economy contracted by a record 5.8 percent in March, officials said Wednesday as the world's sixth-largest economy begins to show the toll of the coronavirus pandemic. The Office for National Statistics released its first-quarter report for 2020 on Wednesday, stating Gross Domestic Product shrank by 2 percent during the first three months of the year. Advertisement
The office said the economy saw a slight increase of 0.1 percent in January but then contracted by 0.2 percent in February followed a record 5.8 percent dive in March.
The figures, the office said, capture the first direct effects of the coronavirus.
Britain confirmed its first coronavirus case at the end of January. As of Tuesday, Britain had recorded more than 226,000 confirmed infections of COVID-19 and more than 32,000 deaths, according to data from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Advertisement
To stymie the spread of the disease, officials restricted movement in the country on March 23 -- a move the statistical office said had the most significant impact on the economy, suggesting that the economy's contraction may be worse in April and May.
Nearly all industries contributed to the decline while British trade was also negatively affected, especially imports from China, said Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow.
Among service sectors, accommodation and food services dropped 9.5 percent, transport and storage fell 4.9 percent and construction contracted 2.6 percent.
"With the arrival of the pandemic nearly every aspect of the economy was hit in March, dragging growth to a record monthly fall," Athow said in a statement. "Services and construction saw record declines on the month with education, car sales and restaurants all falling substantially."
IT support and the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, soaps and cleaning products experienced growth during the first quarter, Athow said.
Last Thursday, the Bank of England warned the economy could contract as much as 14 percent this year with its recovery dependent oh how quickly Britain can end its outbreak.
The figures were announced as lockdown measures were eased throughout the country allowing people to spend more time outdoors and people who cannot work from home to travel to their places of occupation.
Advertisement
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the easing earlier this week as part of a three-phase strategy to reopen the country.
Britain has the fourth-highest number of infections but the second-most deaths to the virus, according to tracking site worldometers.info.
Russia recently passed Britain into third in terms of infections as it continues to report quintuple-digit daily figures.
On Wednesday, Russia said it recorded 10,028 new cases of the virus and additional 96 deaths for a total of 2,212.
The United States leads the world in infections with 1.4 million and nearly 300,000 deaths.
Spain sits second in cases with 269,520 infections and fourth in deaths with 26,920.
Globally, some 4.3 million people have contracted the disease and more than 293,000 have died.
Health officials in China, ground zero of the virus, reported seven new cases of COVID-19, six of which were registered in Jilin Province where officials have seen an increase in cases recently.
Gai Dongping, the vice mayor of the province's second-largest metropolis, Jilin city, told reporters Wednesday they will implement further restrictions to prevent spread of the virus.
Officials said they have traced the infections to an outbreak 60 miles north in the province's Shulan city, which has been placed under martial law.
Advertisement
Jilin train stations were also temporarily suspended starting Wednesday morning, China's state-run CGTN reported.
China, once the epicenter of the pandemic, has experienced mostly single- and low double-digit daily increases since March. It sits 11th in terms of infections with 82,926 and 12th in deaths with 4,633.
On Tuesday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $260 billion coronavirus relief package, accounting for 10 percent of GDP.
Though scant on details, Modi said it will provide a much-needed boost to the "self-reliant India Campaign."
"This economic package is for that laborer of the country, for the farmers of the country who are working day and night for the countrymen in every situation, every season," he said in a televised address. "This economic package is for the middle class of our country, which pays taxes honestly and contributes to the development of the country."
India has more than 74,000 infections and 2,415 deaths to the disease, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.


upi--2020-05-13--Soda, sugary drinks increase heart disease risk in women by 20%, study finds

May 13 ( UPI ) -- Women who drink one or more sugary beverages a day are more than 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease , a study published Wednesday by the Journal of the American Heart Association found .
Compared to women who never consume sugary drinks -- like soft drinks , sweetened bottled waters , or teas and fruit drinks with added sugar -- those who had one or more per day were at 26 percent higher risk for a revascularization procedure or angioplasty to open clogged arteries .
They also were at 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the authors observed .
`` Sugar may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in several ways , '' study co-author Dr. Cheryl Anderson , professor and interim chair of Family and Public Health at University of California-San Diego , said in a press release .
`` It raises glucose levels and insulin concentrations in the blood , which may increase appetite and lead to obesity , a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease , '' she added .
The findings are based on an analysis of data from the California Teacher 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes more than 106,000 women .
On average , study participants are 52 years of age , and none of those included in the analysis had a history of heart disease , stroke or diabetes when they enrolled .
Study participants were asked to report how much and what they drank on a food questionnaire .
Statewide inpatient hospitalization records were used to determine whether they had experienced a heart attack , stroke or surgery to open clogged arteries .
In general , Anderson and her colleagues observed that women who reported the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to be current smokers , obese and less likely to eat healthy foods .
In addition , there were differences in the types of beverages women consumed .
Overall , drinking one or more sugar-added fruit drinks daily was associated with a 42 percent greater likelihood of having heart disease .
Meanwhile , drinking soft drinks , such as soda daily , led to a 23 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease overall compared to those who rarely or never drank sugary beverages , the authors found .
For women , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sugar to no more than 100 calories a day -- or roughly 6 teaspoons of sugar .
Men can safely add up to 150 calories a day -- or roughly 9 teaspoons .
Sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugars in the American diet .
For example , a typical 12-ounce can of regular soda has 130 calories and 8 teaspoons of sugar , according to the AHA .
`` Too much sugar in the blood is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation , insulin resistance , unhealthy cholesterol profiles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly linked to the development of atherosclerosis , the slow narrowing of the arteries that underlies most cardiovascular disease , '' said Anderson , who also is chair of the AHA 's Nutrition Committee .

Sugars in soda and other drinks can increase the risk for heart disease in women, a new study has found. Photo by Igor Ovsyannykov/Pixabay
May 13 (UPI) -- Women who drink one or more sugary beverages a day are more than 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease, a study published Wednesday by the Journal of the American Heart Association found. Compared to women who never consume sugary drinks -- like soft drinks, sweetened bottled waters, or teas and fruit drinks with added sugar -- those who had one or more per day were at 26 percent higher risk for a revascularization procedure or angioplasty to open clogged arteries. Advertisement
They also were at 21 percent higher risk of suffering a stroke, the authors observed.
"Sugar may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in several ways," study co-author Dr. Cheryl Anderson, professor and interim chair of Family and Public Health at University of California-San Diego, said in a press release.
"It raises glucose levels and insulin concentrations in the blood, which may increase appetite and lead to obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease," she added.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from the California Teacher's Study, which began in 1995 and includes more than 106,000 women. On average, study participants are 52 years of age, and none of those included in the analysis had a history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes when they enrolled.
Advertisement
Study participants were asked to report how much and what they drank on a food questionnaire. Statewide inpatient hospitalization records were used to determine whether they had experienced a heart attack, stroke or surgery to open clogged arteries.
In general, Anderson and her colleagues observed that women who reported the highest sugar-sweetened beverage intake were younger, more likely to be current smokers, obese and less likely to eat healthy foods. In addition, there were differences in the types of beverages women consumed.
Overall, drinking one or more sugar-added fruit drinks daily was associated with a 42 percent greater likelihood of having heart disease. Meanwhile, drinking soft drinks, such as soda daily, led to a 23 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease overall compared to those who rarely or never drank sugary beverages, the authors found.
For women, the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 100 calories a day -- or roughly 6 teaspoons of sugar. Men can safely add up to 150 calories a day -- or roughly 9 teaspoons.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugars in the American diet. For example, a typical 12-ounce can of regular soda has 130 calories and 8 teaspoons of sugar, according to the AHA.
Advertisement
"Too much sugar in the blood is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, insulin resistance, unhealthy cholesterol profiles and type 2 diabetes, conditions that are strongly linked to the development of atherosclerosis, the slow narrowing of the arteries that underlies most cardiovascular disease," said Anderson, who also is chair of the AHA's Nutrition Committee.


upi--2020-05-13--Study: More men get COVID-19 because of blood enzyme concentration

Since the coronavirus pandemic began , rates of hospital admission and death from COVID-19 have been significantly higher in men than women .
Now , new Dutch research suggests a reason why : Compared to women , men have higher concentrations of a blood enzyme that helps the new coronavirus infect human cells .
The enzyme is called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 , or ACE2 .
`` ACE2 is a receptor on the surface of cells , '' explained lead researcher Dr. Adriaan Voors , a professor of cardiology at the University Medical Center Groningen , in the Netherlands .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Heart Journal .
ACE2 `` binds to the coronavirus and allows it to enter and infect healthy cells , '' Voors explained in a journal news release .
`` High levels of ACE2 are present in the lungs and , therefore , it is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of lung disorders related to COVID-19 . ''
Because of the importance of ACE2 in heart failure , the Dutch team was already exploring the enzyme 's role in cardiovascular health long before the new coronavirus appeared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the researchers tracked ACE2 concentrations in the blood of almost 1,500 men and more than 500 women .
All were older people treated for heart failure at medical institutions in 11 European countries .
In a long list of possible factors that might influence ACE2 concentrations in the blood , being male was the strongest factor , the researchers said .
The study may also have implications for people who are taking common heart medications .
Because of their links to ACE2 , doctors have worried that common heart medicines , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or ARBs , might increase risks for patients battling COVID-19 .
But the new study found no links between ACE2 blood levels and the use of these drugs .
So , `` our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in COVID-19 patients , as has been suggested by earlier reports , '' Voors noted .
His team stressed , however , that they only tracked levels of ACE2 in liquid blood , not tissues such as lung tissue , so they can not yet provide a definitive answer on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with COVID-19 .
The patients studied did not have COVID-19 at the time , the researchers added .
As to why ACE2 levels are higher in men than women , the study authors said that the enzyme is regulated in men in the testes , so that could explain its higher concentrations in males .
Two U.S. heart experts said the findings have real merit .
Most importantly , `` heart failure patients should consult their cardiologist before changing any medicines as they relate to the possible increase in [ coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Satjit Bhusri .
He practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
Dr. Geurys Rojas-Marte specializes in the treatment of advanced heart failure at Staten Island University Hospital , also in New York City .
He said that `` ACE2 is a normally occurring enzyme in the body that plays an important role in regulating the blood pressure .
The enzyme is abundant in the lungs , heart , kidneys and blood vessels .
It is also shed into the plasma and that is why we can measure it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only theorized that ACE2 concentrations in lung tissue would be similar to those seen in blood , their theory is `` a good one in my opinion . ''
Still , more study is needed , he said .
As to the pros and cons of using certain heart medicines while the new coronavirus is circulating , Rojas-Marte pointed to a study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine .
That research involved `` more than 8,000 patients , '' he said , and `` showed no difference in mortality in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibitors or ARBs . ''
Look to the U.S. National Library of Medicine for more on heart failure medicines .

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, rates of hospital admission and death from COVID-19 have been significantly higher in men than women.
Now, new Dutch research suggests a reason why: Compared to women, men have higher concentrations of a blood enzyme that helps the new coronavirus infect human cells.
Advertisement
The enzyme is called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, or ACE2.
"ACE2 is a receptor on the surface of cells," explained lead researcher Dr. Adriaan Voors, a professor of cardiology at the University Medical Center Groningen, in the Netherlands. His team published their findings May 11 in the European Heart Journal.
ACE2 "binds to the coronavirus and allows it to enter and infect healthy cells," Voors explained in a journal news release. "High levels of ACE2 are present in the lungs and, therefore, it is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of lung disorders related to COVID-19."
Advertisement
Because of the importance of ACE2 in heart failure, the Dutch team was already exploring the enzyme's role in cardiovascular health long before the new coronavirus appeared on the scene.
In their study, the researchers tracked ACE2 concentrations in the blood of almost 1,500 men and more than 500 women. All were older people treated for heart failure at medical institutions in 11 European countries.
In a long list of possible factors that might influence ACE2 concentrations in the blood, being male was the strongest factor, the researchers said.
The study may also have implications for people who are taking common heart medications.
Because of their links to ACE2, doctors have worried that common heart medicines, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs, might increase risks for patients battling COVID-19. But the new study found no links between ACE2 blood levels and the use of these drugs.
So, "our findings do not support the discontinuation of these drugs in COVID-19 patients, as has been suggested by earlier reports," Voors noted.
His team stressed, however, that they only tracked levels of ACE2 in liquid blood, not tissues such as lung tissue, so they cannot yet provide a definitive answer on whether ACE inhibitors or ARBs are harmless in people with COVID-19. The patients studied did not have COVID-19 at the time, the researchers added.
Advertisement
As to why ACE2 levels are higher in men than women, the study authors said that the enzyme is regulated in men in the testes, so that could explain its higher concentrations in males.
Two U.S. heart experts said the findings have real merit.
Most importantly, "heart failure patients should consult their cardiologist before changing any medicines as they relate to the possible increase in [coronavirus infection risk]," said cardiologist Dr. Satjit Bhusri. He practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Geurys Rojas-Marte specializes in the treatment of advanced heart failure at Staten Island University Hospital, also in New York City. He said that "ACE2 is a normally occurring enzyme in the body that plays an important role in regulating the blood pressure. The enzyme is abundant in the lungs, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. It is also shed into the plasma and that is why we can measure it."
Rojas-Marte said that although the Dutch group only theorized that ACE2 concentrations in lung tissue would be similar to those seen in blood, their theory is "a good one in my opinion." Still, more study is needed, he said.
As to the pros and cons of using certain heart medicines while the new coronavirus is circulating, Rojas-Marte pointed to a study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine. That research involved "more than 8,000 patients," he said, and "showed no difference in mortality in patients affected by COVID-19 previously taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs."
Advertisement
More information
Look to the U.S. National Library of Medicine for more on heart failure medicines.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.