upi--2020-07-29--Teachers union votes to strike if schools remain unsafe after reopening

July 29 ( UPI ) -- As the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic , the second-largest teachers union in the country has said it will strike in districts where it feels it is unsafe for schools to resume in-class instruction .
The American Federation of Teachers announced Tuesday that it has passed a resolution authorizing local and state affiliates to go on so-called safety strikes `` as a last resort '' to protect the health of students , union members and their communities from the deadly and infectious coronavirus .
`` Nothing is off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety and health of those we represent and those we serve , '' the resolution passed by the AFT executive council late last week said .
The union of more than 1.7 million members voted on the resolution Friday , a day after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidelines arguing for schools to reopen with in-class instruction this fall despite surging coronavirus cases in several states .
The union in late April released its plan for schools to reopen , urging the White House to only allow the academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as reporting declining cases for at least 14 consecutive days and infusions of funding to institutions and hospitals , were met .
Both President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have been urging for schools to reopen , but the AFT accuses them of doing so in disregard of the science and blames the Trump administration 's `` willful denial and lack of national planning '' for the country 's current economic and health `` catastrophe , '' the resolution states .
In a scathing speech criticizing Trump at the AFT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Randi Weingarten , demanded resources from the federal government , stating if they can help the cruise industry and hedge funds , `` they sure as hell can help working families and can help educators ensure our kids get the education they need . ''
`` We will fight on all fronts for the safety of our students and their educators , '' she said .
`` But if authorities do n't protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve , as our executive council voted last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
On Monday , Senate Republicans introduced a $ 1 trillion coronavirus relief package that includes $ 70 billion to help schools reopen but was seen by Democrats as not enough .
In the resolution , the AFT estimated the cost to safely reopen at some $ 400 billion .
Last month , the Council of Chief State School Officers , a nonpartisan , nonprofit organization of public education officials , estimated the cost to safely open schools this fall at between $ 158 billion and $ 244 billion .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We need resources now .
Our message has gotten through , but we have n't gotten what we need . ''

The American Federation of Teachers said its executive council passed a resolution authorizing local and state affiliates to strike if they feel their schools are unsafe to reopen this fall. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- As the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, the second-largest teachers union in the country has said it will strike in districts where it feels it is unsafe for schools to resume in-class instruction. The American Federation of Teachers announced Tuesday that it has passed a resolution authorizing local and state affiliates to go on so-called safety strikes "as a last resort" to protect the health of students, union members and their communities from the deadly and infectious coronavirus. Advertisement
"Nothing is off the table when it comes to the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve," the resolution passed by the AFT executive council late last week said.
The union of more than 1.7 million members voted on the resolution Friday, a day after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidelines arguing for schools to reopen with in-class instruction this fall despite surging coronavirus cases in several states.
The union in late April released its plan for schools to reopen, urging the White House to only allow the academic year to resume if certain parameters, such as reporting declining cases for at least 14 consecutive days and infusions of funding to institutions and hospitals, were met.
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Both President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have been urging for schools to reopen, but the AFT accuses them of doing so in disregard of the science and blames the Trump administration's "willful denial and lack of national planning" for the country's current economic and health "catastrophe," the resolution states.
In a scathing speech criticizing Trump at the AFT Biennial Convention, the union's president, Randi Weingarten, demanded resources from the federal government, stating if they can help the cruise industry and hedge funds, "they sure as hell can help working families and can help educators ensure our kids get the education they need."
"We will fight on all fronts for the safety of our students and their educators," she said. "But if authorities don't protect the safety and health of those we represent and those we serve, as our executive council voted last week, nothing is off the table."
On Monday, Senate Republicans introduced a $1 trillion coronavirus relief package that includes $70 billion to help schools reopen but was seen by Democrats as not enough.
In the resolution, the AFT estimated the cost to safely reopen at some $400 billion.
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Last month, the Council of Chief State School Officers, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of public education officials, estimated the cost to safely open schools this fall at between $158 billion and $244 billion.
"It's the 11th hour," Weingarten said. "We need resources now. Our message has gotten through, but we haven't gotten what we need."


upi--2020-07-29--Certain COVID-19 antibodies may treat, prevent infection

Powerful antibodies found in certain COVID-19 survivors could treat patients with the disease and even protect against infection , researchers report in a new animal study .
These antibodies are among the most potent against the new coronavirus , and could be produced by drug companies in large quantities , according to a team from Columbia University Irving Medical Center .
`` We now have a collection of antibodies that 's more potent and diverse compared to other antibodies that have been found so far , and they are ready to be developed into treatments , '' said project director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and professor of medicine at Columbia University in New York City .
Sicker patients who survived coronavirus had more powerful antibodies , according to the study published July 22 in the journal Nature .
`` We think that the sicker patients saw more virus and for a longer period of time , which allowed their immune system to mount a more robust response , '' Ho said in a university news release .
`` This is similar to what we have learned from the HIV experience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strongly neutralizing antibodies provided significant protection from the coronavirus in hamsters , and they 're planning more studies in other animals and people .
However , animal studies do n't always pan out in people .
Antibodies are proteins that bind to invading pathogens to neutralize them and mark them for destruction by immune system cells .
A number of drugs and vaccines for COVID-19 are currently in clinical trials , but may not be ready for several months .
In the meantime , coronavirus neutralizing antibodies produced by COVID-19 patients could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even prevent infection in people exposed to the virus , according to Ho and his team .
The development and approval of antibodies for use as a treatment usually takes less time than conventional drugs , they noted .
The researchers said the use of antibodies is similar to the use of convalescent serum from COVID-19 patients , but could be more effective .
Convalescent serum contains a variety of antibodies , but because each patient has a different immune response , serum used to treat one patient may be quite different from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ varying levels and strengths of neutralizing antibodies , the study authors explained .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 .

Powerful antibodies found in certain COVID-19 survivors could treat patients with the disease and even protect against infection, researchers report in a new animal study.
These antibodies are among the most potent against the new coronavirus, and could be produced by drug companies in large quantities, according to a team from Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
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"We now have a collection of antibodies that's more potent and diverse compared to other antibodies that have been found so far, and they are ready to be developed into treatments," said project director Dr. David Ho, scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and professor of medicine at Columbia University in New York City.
Sicker patients who survived coronavirus had more powerful antibodies, according to the study published July 22 in the journal Nature.
"We think that the sicker patients saw more virus and for a longer period of time, which allowed their immune system to mount a more robust response," Ho said in a university news release. "This is similar to what we have learned from the HIV experience."
The researchers found that their purified, strongly neutralizing antibodies provided significant protection from the coronavirus in hamsters, and they're planning more studies in other animals and people. However, animal studies don't always pan out in people.
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Antibodies are proteins that bind to invading pathogens to neutralize them and mark them for destruction by immune system cells.
A number of drugs and vaccines for COVID-19 are currently in clinical trials, but may not be ready for several months. In the meantime, coronavirus neutralizing antibodies produced by COVID-19 patients could be used to treat other patients or even prevent infection in people exposed to the virus, according to Ho and his team.
The development and approval of antibodies for use as a treatment usually takes less time than conventional drugs, they noted.
The researchers said the use of antibodies is similar to the use of convalescent serum from COVID-19 patients, but could be more effective.
Convalescent serum contains a variety of antibodies, but because each patient has a different immune response, serum used to treat one patient may be quite different from serum given to another patient, with varying levels and strengths of neutralizing antibodies, the study authors explained.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-07-29--Pompeo sanctions two former Venezuelan officials accused of 'significant corruption'

July 28 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has sanctioned two former Venezuelan officials , accusing them of having abused their positions for personal gain at the expense of the Venezuelan people .
In a statement on Tuesday , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez , former minister of Electric Power and president of state power corporation Corpoelec , and Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez , former deputy minister of Finance , Investment and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power , were barred along with their immediate family members from entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant corruption . ''
`` They have been designated for accepting monetary benefits , including bribes and kickbacks , in exchange for awarding lucrative supply equipment contracts for Venezuela 's state-owned electricity company , Corpoelec , and for misappropriating public funds for their own self-enrichment , '' the United States ' top diplomat said in the statement .
Venezuela 's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza balked at the measure Tuesday , accusing Pompeo of being a hypocrite for positioning himself as a champion of anti-corruption when he has faced allegations of blocking corruption inquiries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the corporate elite ruling the U.S. , '' Arreaza said via Twitter .
`` Everything about them is fake . ''
The pair were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in June of last year over allegations of engaging in corruption and fraud .
The 2019 sanctions , which froze all their U.S. assets , were imposed amid mass blackouts in Venezuela that the Treasury said stemmed from years of corruption , neglect and mismanagement of the county 's electricity infrastructure by the government of embattled President Nicolas Maduro .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maduro from power with sanctions since his 2018 re-election was deemed illiterate early last year .
Since then , the United States has led a coalition of more than 50 countries who support opposition leader Juan Guaido 's claim to the interim presidency .
`` This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating corruption in Venezuela , '' Pompeo said .
`` The department will continue to use these authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally . ''
Last week , the Treasury blacklisted brothers with ties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5 million reward for information leading the arrest and conviction of Venezuela 's chief justice of the Supreme Court .

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has repeatedly imposed sanctions against current and former Venezuelan officials as he tightens the United States' economic vises on embattled President Nicolas Maduro. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo
July 28 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has sanctioned two former Venezuelan officials, accusing them of having abused their positions for personal gain at the expense of the Venezuelan people. In a statement on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, former minister of Electric Power and president of state power corporation Corpoelec, and Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez, former deputy minister of Finance, Investment and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power, were barred along with their immediate family members from entering the United States for being involved in "significant corruption." Advertisement
"They have been designated for accepting monetary benefits, including bribes and kickbacks, in exchange for awarding lucrative supply equipment contracts for Venezuela's state-owned electricity company, Corpoelec, and for misappropriating public funds for their own self-enrichment," the United States' top diplomat said in the statement.
Former Minsters of Venezuela, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez and Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez used their powerful positions to enrich themselves rather than the Venezuelan people. I'm designating Motta and Lugo as ineligible for entry into the U.S.— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 28, 2020 Advertisement
Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza balked at the measure Tuesday, accusing Pompeo of being a hypocrite for positioning himself as a champion of anti-corruption when he has faced allegations of blocking corruption inquiries at home.
"Typical double standard of the corporate elite ruling the U.S.," Arreaza said via Twitter. "Everything about them is fake."
The pair were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in June of last year over allegations of engaging in corruption and fraud.
The 2019 sanctions, which froze all their U.S. assets, were imposed amid mass blackouts in Venezuela that the Treasury said stemmed from years of corruption, neglect and mismanagement of the county's electricity infrastructure by the government of embattled President Nicolas Maduro.
The Trump administration has been attempting to oust Maduro from power with sanctions since his 2018 re-election was deemed illiterate early last year. Since then, the United States has led a coalition of more than 50 countries who support opposition leader Juan Guaido's claim to the interim presidency.
"This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating corruption in Venezuela," Pompeo said. "The department will continue to use these authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally."
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Last week, the Treasury blacklisted brothers with ties to the Maduro family and Pompeo offered a $5 million reward for information leading the arrest and conviction of Venezuela's chief justice of the Supreme Court.


upi--2020-07-29--Chiefs' Damien Williams, Giants' Nate Solder opt out of 2020 NFL season

July 29 ( UPI ) -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams and New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder have opted out of the 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns , the teams announced Wednesday .
Williams , who helped lead the Chiefs to a win over the San Francisco 49ers in February 's Super Bowl LIV , becomes the second starter from last year 's team to sit out this season .
Starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 campaign last week .
`` As an organization , we certainly understand and respect Damien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the best interest of his family , '' Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement Wednesday .
`` He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person , and we 're going to miss having him around this season . ''
Williams was limited to 11 regular-season games ( six starts ) in 2019 due to multiple injuries .
Despite missing five games , he led the Chiefs in rushing with 498 yards .
In the Chiefs ' Super Bowl victory over the 49ers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game 's final two touchdowns in the fourth quarter .
In total , he scored six touchdowns in Kansas City 's three postseason matchups .
The Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of April 's NFL Draft .
They also have two of their tailbacks from last season -- Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson -- and free-agent acquisition DeAndre Washington .
Meanwhile , Solder became the first Giants player to opt out of the upcoming season .
He informed the team of his decision Wednesday .
Solder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's battle with cancer and his own fight against cancer .
He also has a newborn son .
`` My family and I have been praying , wrestling and listening to God about our current circumstances and whether it is best that I play football this season , '' Solder said in a statement .
`` Our primary goal is to pursue God and listen to the Holy Spirit in everything we do .
As hard as that can be and as daunting as what He asks us to do can seem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wait on the Lord .
That is why we have chosen to pause for this season .
`` Our family has health concerns , most notably our son 's ongoing battle with cancer , as well as my own bout with cancer .
We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring , a baby boy .
With fear and trembling , we struggle to keep our priorities in order and , for us , our children 's health and the health of our neighbors comes before football . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million contract with the Giants in 2018 .
According to Spotrac , he was scheduled to earn $ 13 million and count $ 19.5 million against the salary cap this season .
According to league rules , players considered at-risk for COVID-19 can earn $ 350,000 and an accrued season if they decide to opt out .
Players without risk who opt out can be fronted $ 150,000 .

Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams (26), who helped lead the Chiefs to a win over the San Francisco 49ers in February's Super Bowl LIV, becomes the second starter from last year's team to sit out this season. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams and New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder have opted out of the 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus concerns, the teams announced Wednesday. Williams, who helped lead the Chiefs to a win over the San Francisco 49ers in February's Super Bowl LIV, becomes the second starter from last year's team to sit out this season. Starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 campaign last week. Advertisement
"As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien's choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement Wednesday. "He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we're going to miss having him around this season."
Williams was limited to 11 regular-season games (six starts) in 2019 due to multiple injuries. Despite missing five games, he led the Chiefs in rushing with 498 yards.
In the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the 49ers, Williams rushed for 104 yards and scored the game's final two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. In total, he scored six touchdowns in Kansas City's three postseason matchups.
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The Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of April's NFL Draft. They also have two of their tailbacks from last season -- Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson -- and free-agent acquisition DeAndre Washington.
Meanwhile, Solder became the first Giants player to opt out of the upcoming season. He informed the team of his decision Wednesday.
Solder cited family concerns, including his son's battle with cancer and his own fight against cancer. He also has a newborn son.
"My family and I have been praying, wrestling and listening to God about our current circumstances and whether it is best that I play football this season," Solder said in a statement. "Our primary goal is to pursue God and listen to the Holy Spirit in everything we do. As hard as that can be and as daunting as what He asks us to do can seem, we have come to believe, trust and wait on the Lord. That is why we have chosen to pause for this season.
"Our family has health concerns, most notably our son's ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer. We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring, a baby boy. With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children's health and the health of our neighbors comes before football."
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Solder signed a four-year, $62 million contract with the Giants in 2018. According to Spotrac, he was scheduled to earn $13 million and count $19.5 million against the salary cap this season.
According to league rules, players considered at-risk for COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued season if they decide to opt out. Players without risk who opt out can be fronted $150,000.


upi--2020-07-29--Federal judge blocks 'public charge' immigration restriction

July 29 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to stop implementing a rule making it more difficult for low-income immigrants to get green cards to enter the country .
Judge George Daniels of the U.S. District Court blocked the so-called public charge rule on Wednesday after it went into effect in February following a decision by the Supreme Court to set aside court orders preventing its implementation .
`` Defendants ' interest in effectuating the Rule fails to measure up to the gravity of this global pandemic that continues to threaten the lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Daniels wrote .
`` No person should hesitate to seek medical care , nor should they endure punishment or penalty if they seek temporary financial aid as a result of the pandemic 's impact . ''
President Donald Trump 's administration expanded the term in August , allowing officials to deny visas and green cards to individuals who could be considered an economic burden on society for their reliance on public assistance benefits including food stamps , Medicaid and government-subsidized housing .
Officials could also look at other factors , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in determining eligibility for green cards .
In January , the Supreme Court lifted a lower court injunction against the rule , which faced challenges including one from the State of New York who argued the expansion will make it harder for poor immigrants , the disabled and people of color to enter the country .
Daniels on Wednesday said the COVID-19 pandemic provided more urgency to block the policy .
`` What were previously theoretical harms have proven to be true .
We no longer need to imagine the worst-case scenario @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in real time , '' he wrote .

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration's "public charge" rule which allows officials to deny visas and green cards to low-income immigrants. File Photo by Ariana Drehsler/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Trump administration to stop implementing a rule making it more difficult for low-income immigrants to get green cards to enter the country. Judge George Daniels of the U.S. District Court blocked the so-called public charge rule on Wednesday after it went into effect in February following a decision by the Supreme Court to set aside court orders preventing its implementation. Advertisement
"Defendants' interest in effectuating the Rule fails to measure up to the gravity of this global pandemic that continues to threaten the lives and economic well-being of America's residents," Daniels wrote. "No person should hesitate to seek medical care, nor should they endure punishment or penalty if they seek temporary financial aid as a result of the pandemic's impact."
President Donald Trump's administration expanded the term in August, allowing officials to deny visas and green cards to individuals who could be considered an economic burden on society for their reliance on public assistance benefits including food stamps, Medicaid and government-subsidized housing. Officials could also look at other factors, such as financial resources, health and education, in determining eligibility for green cards.
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In January, the Supreme Court lifted a lower court injunction against the rule, which faced challenges including one from the State of New York who argued the expansion will make it harder for poor immigrants, the disabled and people of color to enter the country.
Daniels on Wednesday said the COVID-19 pandemic provided more urgency to block the policy.
"What were previously theoretical harms have proven to be true. We no longer need to imagine the worst-case scenario; we are experiencing its dramatic effects in real time," he wrote.


upi--2020-07-29--ACC sets 11-game football schedule, includes Notre Dame

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors voted Wednesday to move forward with an 11-game football season this fall that will include FBS independent Notre Dame .
The ACC announced that all seven conference-sponsored fall sports , including football , will begin competition during the week of Sept. 7-12 .
If public health guidance allows , all ACC schools and Notre Dame will play 10 conference games plus one non-conference contest of their choosing .
The Fighting Irish also will be eligible for the ACC title game .
For this season only , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look ahead to the fall , the safety of our students , staff and overall campus community continues to be our top priority , '' Kent Syverud , Chancellor of Syracuse University and the Chair of the ACC Board of Directors , said in a statement Wednesday .
`` Today 's announcement outlines a specific path for ACC fall sports to return to intercollegiate athletic competition using comprehensive protocols put forward by our ACC Medical Advisory Group .
As a league , we understand the need to stay flexible and be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conjunction with local and state health guidelines . ''
The non-conference game is required to take place in the home state of the ACC institution , and all non-conference opponents must meet the medical protocol requirements as agreed upon by the ACC during the coronavirus pandemic .
The 11 games will happen over at least 13 weeks , with two bye weeks .
The ACC championship game will be played in Charlotte , N.C. , on either Dec. 12 or Dec. 19 and will consist of the top two teams with the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each team 's conference schedule on social media shortly after its announcement .
The conference will release its full schedule at a later date .
`` Today 's decision was made after months of thoughtful planning by numerous individuals throughout the conference , '' ACC Commissioner John Swofford said .
`` The Board 's decision presents a path , if public health guidance allows , to move forward with competition .
`` Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate the return in a safe and responsible manner .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nimble and make adjustments in the future .
We will be as prepared as possible should that need arise . ''
All television revenue for the 2020 season , including Notre Dame 's home games broadcast by NBC , will be shared equally between the 14 ACC schools and the Fighting Irish .
Notre Dame -- which competes in the ACC in every sport except football and hockey -- will play in a football conference for the first time in the program 's 133-year history .
The school already had six ACC opponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Irish added Florida State , Boston College , Pittsburgh and North Carolina to their slate .
The Big Ten and Pac-12 previously moved to conference-only schedules this fall .
The Big 12 and SEC have yet to announce any changes to their football schedules in 2020 .

Notre Dame, which competes in the ACC in every sport except football and hockey, will play in a football conference for the first time in the program's 133-year history this fall. File Photo by Marc Serota/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- The Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors voted Wednesday to move forward with an 11-game football season this fall that will include FBS independent Notre Dame. The ACC announced that all seven conference-sponsored fall sports, including football, will begin competition during the week of Sept. 7-12. If public health guidance allows, all ACC schools and Notre Dame will play 10 conference games plus one non-conference contest of their choosing. Advertisement
The Fighting Irish also will be eligible for the ACC title game. For this season only, there will be no divisions.
"As we look ahead to the fall, the safety of our students, staff and overall campus community continues to be our top priority," Kent Syverud, Chancellor of Syracuse University and the Chair of the ACC Board of Directors, said in a statement Wednesday.
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"Today's announcement outlines a specific path for ACC fall sports to return to intercollegiate athletic competition using comprehensive protocols put forward by our ACC Medical Advisory Group. As a league, we understand the need to stay flexible and be prepared to adjust as medical information evolves in conjunction with local and state health guidelines."
The non-conference game is required to take place in the home state of the ACC institution, and all non-conference opponents must meet the medical protocol requirements as agreed upon by the ACC during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 11 games will happen over at least 13 weeks, with two bye weeks. The ACC championship game will be played in Charlotte, N.C., on either Dec. 12 or Dec. 19 and will consist of the top two teams with the highest conference winning percentages.
The ACC shared each team's conference schedule on social media shortly after its announcement. The conference will release its full schedule at a later date.
"Today's decision was made after months of thoughtful planning by numerous individuals throughout the conference," ACC Commissioner John Swofford said. "The Board's decision presents a path, if public health guidance allows, to move forward with competition.
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"Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate the return in a safe and responsible manner. We recognize that we may need to be nimble and make adjustments in the future. We will be as prepared as possible should that need arise."
The 2020 Football Schedule Model has been announced. More info: https://t.co/D6iCbHIY1x pic.twitter.com/dfhTqr4YTd— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) July 29, 2020
All television revenue for the 2020 season, including Notre Dame's home games broadcast by NBC, will be shared equally between the 14 ACC schools and the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame -- which competes in the ACC in every sport except football and hockey -- will play in a football conference for the first time in the program's 133-year history. The school already had six ACC opponents on its 2020 schedule, including Clemson. The Irish added Florida State, Boston College, Pittsburgh and North Carolina to their slate.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 previously moved to conference-only schedules this fall. The Big 12 and SEC have yet to announce any changes to their football schedules in 2020.


upi--2020-07-29--San Francisco 49ers, GM John Lynch reach 5-year extension

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a multiyear contract extension with general manager John Lynch .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Wednesday that Lynch and the 49ers reached an agreement on a five-year extension that will tie him to the franchise through the 2024 season .
Financial details of the pact were n't disclosed , and the team has yet to confirm the deal .
During a local radio appearance Tuesday , Lynch hinted that a deal with the 49ers was close .
`` I could tell you I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Lynch told KNBR Radio in San Francisco .
`` I kind of live in the moment , not thinking years and years out , do n't know if I 'm going to be a lifer at this thing , but I love what we 're doing .
I love coming to work each day and I think there 's some good news on the horizon . ''
Lynch 's deal comes on the heels of the 49ers ' announcement in mid-June that head coach Kyle Shanahan was locked up to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shanahan one of the NFL 's five highest-paid coaches and will keep him with the team through the 2025 campaign .
Shanahan and Lynch signed matching six-year contracts with the 49ers in February 2017 .
After posting only 10 total wins in the first two seasons of their rebuilding effort , the 49ers surged to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance last season .

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch (R) and the team reached an agreement on a five-year extension that will tie him to the franchise through the 2024 season. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a multiyear contract extension with general manager John Lynch. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Wednesday that Lynch and the 49ers reached an agreement on a five-year extension that will tie him to the franchise through the 2024 season. Financial details of the pact weren't disclosed, and the team has yet to confirm the deal. Advertisement
During a local radio appearance Tuesday, Lynch hinted that a deal with the 49ers was close.
"I could tell you I think there's some good news around the corner," Lynch told KNBR Radio in San Francisco. "I kind of live in the moment, not thinking years and years out, don't know if I'm going to be a lifer at this thing, but I love what we're doing. I love coming to work each day and I think there's some good news on the horizon."
Lynch's deal comes on the heels of the 49ers' announcement in mid-June that head coach Kyle Shanahan was locked up to a new six-year contract. That deal made Shanahan one of the NFL's five highest-paid coaches and will keep him with the team through the 2025 campaign.
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Shanahan and Lynch signed matching six-year contracts with the 49ers in February 2017. After posting only 10 total wins in the first two seasons of their rebuilding effort, the 49ers surged to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance last season.


upi--2020-07-29--Ruth Bader Ginsburg undergoes non-surgical procedure to revise stent

`` Justice Ginsburg underwent a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure today at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to revise a bile duct stent that was originally placed at Sloan Kettering in August 2019 , '' the Supreme Court said in a statement .
The statement added that the procedure was performed using endoscopy and medical imaging guidance to minimize the risk of future infection .
Doctors added that stent revisions are `` common occurrences . ''
`` The justice is resting comfortably and expects to be released from the hospital by the end of the week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 17 , Ginsburg , 87 , said that her liver cancer has returned and she has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since May , when lesions were discovered on her liver .
Ginsburg also received treatment for cancer last year , forcing her to miss oral arguments for the first time since she was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 .
She was hospitalized July 15 for treatment of a possible infection and participated in oral arguments from a hospital room while recovering from a benign gallbladder condition in May .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted for chills and a fever .
She was previously treated for a tumor on her pancreas in August and has been treated for colon and pancreatic cancer in the past .

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized on Wednesday as she underwent a non-surgical procedure to revise a bile duct stent. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent a procedure to revise a stent Wednesday, the court announced. "Justice Ginsburg underwent a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure today at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to revise a bile duct stent that was originally placed at Sloan Kettering in August 2019," the Supreme Court said in a statement. Advertisement
The statement added that the procedure was performed using endoscopy and medical imaging guidance to minimize the risk of future infection. Doctors added that stent revisions are "common occurrences."
"The justice is resting comfortably and expects to be released from the hospital by the end of the week," the Supreme Court said.
On July 17, Ginsburg, 87, said that her liver cancer has returned and she has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since May, when lesions were discovered on her liver.
Ginsburg also received treatment for cancer last year, forcing her to miss oral arguments for the first time since she was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993.
She was hospitalized July 15 for treatment of a possible infection and participated in oral arguments from a hospital room while recovering from a benign gallbladder condition in May.
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She was also hospitalized in November after being admitted for chills and a fever. She was previously treated for a tumor on her pancreas in August and has been treated for colon and pancreatic cancer in the past.


upi--2020-07-29--U.S. surpasses 150,000 COVID-19 deaths; Florida sets records again

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The United States on Wednesday surpassed 150,000 deaths related to COVID-19 , as Florida set a single-day record in deaths for a second consecutive day .
Nationwide , there have been 4.41 million COVID-19 cases and 150,447 deaths since the start of the pandemic , according to updated figures from researchers at Johns Hopkins University .
More than 1,400 patients died on Tuesday , the eighth day of the last nine with at least 1,000 deaths , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
Ten states saw a record-high for average daily deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , Arkansas , Mississippi and South Carolina .
The Florida Department of Health said 216 patients died on Tuesday , topping the mark of 186 set a day earlier .
The state also saw 9,400 new cases .
Tuesday was also the first time Florida 's toll has been above 200 .
JetBlue Airways , which has a hub in Fort Lauderdale , said two of its employees have died from the coronavirus disease .
The carrier has now lost eight workers to the outbreak .
The Florida Division of Emergency Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites will be temporarily closed beginning Friday in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone 9 .
`` Testing sites are closing out of an abundance of caution to keep individuals operating and attending the sites safe , '' the agency said .
`` All sites have free standing structures including tents and other equipment , which can not withstand tropical storm force winds , and could cause damage to people and property if not secured . ''
In New York City , Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday the city 's positivity rate rose slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record-low 1 % .
De Blasio urged New Yorkers to make sure they 're registered to vote in presidential election and voiced support for a lawsuit that seeks to extend the registration deadline to a later date in October or November .
`` We need to make it simpler than ever to vote . ''
In South Carolina , officials said the state fair has been changed to a free drive-through version that will span two days .
`` In the midst of the worst global crisis of our lifetime , we wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to , '' South Carolina State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said .

San Francisco's Delores Park, usually packed with sunbathers during warm weather, has only a few people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- The United States on Wednesday surpassed 150,000 deaths related to COVID-19, as Florida set a single-day record in deaths for a second consecutive day. Nationwide, there have been 4.41 million COVID-19 cases and 150,447 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to updated figures from researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Advertisement
More than 1,400 patients died on Tuesday, the eighth day of the last nine with at least 1,000 deaths, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
Another 66,211 cases were reported nationwide Wednesday.
Ten states saw a record-high for average daily deaths on Tuesday, including California, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina.
The Florida Department of Health said 216 patients died on Tuesday, topping the mark of 186 set a day earlier. The state also saw 9,400 new cases. Tuesday was also the first time Florida's toll has been above 200.
JetBlue Airways, which has a hub in Fort Lauderdale, said two of its employees have died from the coronavirus disease. The carrier has now lost eight workers to the outbreak.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management on Wednesday announced that all state-supported testing sites will be temporarily closed beginning Friday in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone 9.
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"Testing sites are closing out of an abundance of caution to keep individuals operating and attending the sites safe," the agency said. "All sites have free standing structures including tents and other equipment, which cannot withstand tropical storm force winds, and could cause damage to people and property if not secured."
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday the city's positivity rate rose slightly to 2% -- up from a record-low 1%.
De Blasio urged New Yorkers to make sure they're registered to vote in presidential election and voiced support for a lawsuit that seeks to extend the registration deadline to a later date in October or November.
"We need to make it simpler than ever to vote."
In South Carolina, officials said the state fair has been changed to a free drive-through version that will span two days.
"In the midst of the worst global crisis of our lifetime, we wanted to give the community something positive to look forward to," South Carolina State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said.


upi--2020-07-29--Long-awaited break from heat in store for Northeast

After the latest stretch of heat and uncomfortably high levels of humidity , AccuWeather meteorologists say that the upcoming relief from the heat in the Northeast will last for several days .
However , the same may not be able to be said about the humidity in some areas .
While the relief from the heat and humidity will be welcome to most , the sun is still intense in late July and temperatures in many areas will still be above the historical average into Thursday .
Even though it will not feel as uncomfortable with lower humidity levels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overdo it when outdoors .
`` Do not be fooled even though it will not feel as sticky outside , the warmth and sunshine along with lower humidity levels can work to dehydrate people quickly , '' said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski .
`` Anyone with outdoor plans such as taking a jog or walking the dog will need to be sure to stay well hydrated with much of the region still seeing highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s . ''
Moisture associated with a disturbance is forecast to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Delaware and at least part of southeastern Pennsylvania , central and southern New Jersey and part of southeastern New York state from Thursday night to Friday .
The approach of this system will raise the humidity levels in much of the mid-Atlantic once again .
Farther north , people in much of New England will continue to experience low levels of humidity on Friday .
In addition , while a shower or thunderstorm is not out of the question on Thursday , plenty of sunshine is likely to end the week on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily be bad news in the area .
`` Much of the interior Northeast and New England are experiencing a slight to moderate drought and , unfortunately , the next chance for rain across a lot of this region may not be until Sunday , '' Pydynowski said .
The chance of rain will first arrive in the mid-Atlantic with a disturbance on Saturday before moving into New England on Sunday .
This will lead to an increase in humidity in all areas .
The clouds and rain will keep high temperatures near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this will be the longest stretch of below-normal high temperatures since the middle of June .
However , nighttime temperatures may run a bit above normal given the higher humidity levels .
Meanwhile , AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring the Caribbean as a budding tropical storm swipes at Puerto Rico into Wednesday night before making a run at Florida this weekend .

A child wears a face shield while playing near an open fire hydrant as temeratures reached around 90 degrees Wednesday in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
After the latest stretch of heat and uncomfortably high levels of humidity, AccuWeather meteorologists say that the upcoming relief from the heat in the Northeast will last for several days. However, the same may not be able to be said about the humidity in some areas. While the relief from the heat and humidity will be welcome to most, the sun is still intense in late July and temperatures in many areas will still be above the historical average into Thursday. Advertisement
Even though it will not feel as uncomfortable with lower humidity levels, residents must still be careful not to overdo it when outdoors.
"Do not be fooled even though it will not feel as sticky outside, the warmth and sunshine along with lower humidity levels can work to dehydrate people quickly," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski. "Anyone with outdoor plans such as taking a jog or walking the dog will need to be sure to stay well hydrated with much of the region still seeing highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s."
Moisture associated with a disturbance is forecast to pass through West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and at least part of southeastern Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey and part of southeastern New York state from Thursday night to Friday. The approach of this system will raise the humidity levels in much of the mid-Atlantic once again.
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Farther north, people in much of New England will continue to experience low levels of humidity on Friday. In addition, while a shower or thunderstorm is not out of the question on Thursday, plenty of sunshine is likely to end the week on Friday. However, rain would not necessarily be bad news in the area.
"Much of the interior Northeast and New England are experiencing a slight to moderate drought and, unfortunately, the next chance for rain across a lot of this region may not be until Sunday," Pydynowski said.
The chance of rain will first arrive in the mid-Atlantic with a disturbance on Saturday before moving into New England on Sunday. This will lead to an increase in humidity in all areas. The clouds and rain will keep high temperatures near or below normal. In many locations, this will be the longest stretch of below-normal high temperatures since the middle of June. However, nighttime temperatures may run a bit above normal given the higher humidity levels.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring the Caribbean as a budding tropical storm swipes at Puerto Rico into Wednesday night before making a run at Florida this weekend.


upi--2020-07-29--Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon CEOs face questions on digital 'dominance'

July 29 ( UPI ) -- Lawmakers on the House judiciary committee Wednesday accused four technology giants of being monopolies that have `` wielded their power in disruptive , harmful ways . ''
The representatives made the comments during a hearing on digital antitrust issues .
Four CEOs -- Jeff Bezos of Amazon , Tim Cook of Apple , Sundar Pichai of Google and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook -- appeared before the antitrust subcommittee of the House judiciary as part of the hearing .
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Cicilline , D-R.I. , has been leading a months-long investigation into potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee members have obtained more than 1.3 million documents from the companies and have conducted five earlier public hearings .
Cicilline said the power the four companies have threatens competition and U.S. democracy .
`` Any single action by one of these companies can affect hundreds of millions of us in profound and lasting ways , '' he said .
`` Simply put : They have too much power . ''
Cicilline also accused Google of stealing content from smaller companies by keeping users on Google sites .
`` I disagree with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defended Facebook 's purchase of Instagram in 2012 .
Documents from the subcommittee 's investigation indicated that the CEO viewed Instagram as a competitive threat .
`` Rather than compete with it , Facebook bought it , '' Sensenbrenner said .
Zuckerberg , though , said Instagram had several competitors at the time of Facebook 's purchase .
`` The acquisition has done wildly well not just because of the founders ' talent , but because we invested heavily in building up the infrastructure and promoting it , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American success story . ''
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner , R-Wis. , said he was less concerned with how big the tech companies are than he was with apparent efforts to suppress conservative viewpoints .
`` The way the net was put together , in the eyes of Congress , is that everybody should be able to speak their mind , '' he said .
Rep. Jim Jordan , R-Ohio , also accused the companies of downplaying conservative voices .
`` I 'll just cut to the chase , Big Tech 's out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jordan also accused Google of attempting to aide former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's presidential campaign in 2016 and asked Pichai to pledge the company would not `` tailor '' its features to help former Vice President Joe Biden in November 's election .
Pichai denied the claim that his company favored the Clinton campaign and told Jordan `` you have my commitment '' that Google will act in a non-partisan manner in the upcoming election , saying political activity should not take place during company time .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal political activity , while it 's their right , needs to happen on their own time and resources , '' Pichai said .
`` Any work we do around elections is nonpartisan . ''
Rep. Jerrold Nadler , D-Calif. , said the journalism industry has entered an economic freefall because Google and Facebook `` now capture the vast majority of digital ad revenue . ''
`` Although news publishers produce valuable content , it is Google and Facebook that increasingly profit off their content , '' he said .
Nadler noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choosing to boost their video '' products based on high and quickly growing rates of video viewership on Facebook , which were later revealed to be inflated .
Zuckerberg replied that he did not know the numbers were inflated , adding `` we regret that mistake . ''
The Wall Street Journal reported in April that Amazon used sensitive business information from third-party sellers to develop competing products .
Cicilline and other committee members said the report contradicts sworn statements made by company officials .
In a May 1 letter to Bezos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill `` significant gaps '' in their investigation .
In his opening statement , released in advance , Bezos said his company regularly fights `` large , established players '' for a share of the U.S. e-commerce market , including Walmart , which he said is `` more than twice Amazon 's size . ''
`` We also face new competition from the likes of Shopify and Instacart -- companies that enable traditionally physical stores to put up a full online store almost instantaneously and to deliver products directly to customers in new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of omnichannel business models .
`` The range of retail competitors and related services is constantly changing , and the only real constant in retail is customers ' desire for lower prices , better selection and convenience . ''
Cicilline also questioned Bezos about whether Amazon refers to third-party sellers as `` internal competitors . ''
`` In some ways we are competing and they 're also competing with each other , '' said Bezos .
In his prepared testimony , Zuckerberg said Facebook has a unique role of `` connecting people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant competition . ''
`` We face intense competition globally and we only succeed when we build things people find valuable , '' he said .
`` We compete against the companies appearing at this hearing , plus many others that sell advertising and connect people .
We also compete globally , including against companies that have access to markets that we are n't in .
`` Our story would not have been possible without U.S. laws that encourage competition and innovation . ''
Cook , who took over at Apple for Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insistence that the tech market is rife with competition .
`` As much as we believe the iPhone provides the best user experience , we know it is far from the only choice available to consumers , '' he said in his prepared remarks .
`` The smartphone market is fiercely competitive .
`` Apple does not have a dominant market share in any market where we do business .
That is not just true for the iPhone ; it is true for any product category . ''
Rep. Lucy Kay McBath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to exclude apps from its proprietary App Store , citing the company 's removal of parental control apps that monitored children 's ' screen time in 2016 after it introduced its own ScreenTime app .
Cook said that those apps were removed due to privacy concerns , arguing that the marketplace remains open to third-party developers .
`` If you look at the history of this , congresswoman , we 've increased the number of apps from 500 to 1.7 million so there is a very wide gate for the App @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there is fierce competition for developers and want every app we can on the platform . ''
Pichai said in his testimony that Google has promoted competition since it was founded in 1998 .
`` Because of our tools , businesses on Main Street can compete in a way that was n't possible 20 years ago , '' he said .
`` We know Google 's continued success is not guaranteed , '' he added .
`` Google operates in highly competitive and dynamic global markets , in which prices are free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improving . ''
Pichai said that greater competition breeds greater privacy and security .
`` Google is committed to keeping your information safe , treating it responsibly and putting you in control of what you choose to share , '' he said .
`` We also never sell user information to third parties .
But more must be done to protect users across industries , which is why we 've long supported the creation of comprehensive federal privacy laws . ''

1/7
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks via video conference before the House judiciary subcommittee on antitrust, commercial and administrative law Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol. Pool Photo by Graeme Jennings/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- Lawmakers on the House judiciary committee Wednesday accused four technology giants of being monopolies that have "wielded their power in disruptive, harmful ways." The representatives made the comments during a hearing on digital antitrust issues. Four CEOs -- Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Tim Cook of Apple, Sundar Pichai of Google and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook -- appeared before the antitrust subcommittee of the House judiciary as part of the hearing. Advertisement
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., has been leading a months-long investigation into potential anti-competitive practices at all four companies. Committee members have obtained more than 1.3 million documents from the companies and have conducted five earlier public hearings.
Cicilline said the power the four companies have threatens competition and U.S. democracy.
Advertisement
"Any single action by one of these companies can affect hundreds of millions of us in profound and lasting ways," he said. "Simply put: They have too much power."
Cicilline also accused Google of stealing content from smaller companies by keeping users on Google sites.
"I disagree with this characterization," Pichai said.
Zuckerberg defended Facebook's purchase of Instagram in 2012. Documents from the subcommittee's investigation indicated that the CEO viewed Instagram as a competitive threat.
"Rather than compete with it, Facebook bought it," Sensenbrenner said.
Zuckerberg, though, said Instagram had several competitors at the time of Facebook's purchase.
"The acquisition has done wildly well not just because of the founders' talent, but because we invested heavily in building up the infrastructure and promoting it," he said. "And I think that this has been an American success story."
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said he was less concerned with how big the tech companies are than he was with apparent efforts to suppress conservative viewpoints.
"The way the net was put together, in the eyes of Congress, is that everybody should be able to speak their mind," he said.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, also accused the companies of downplaying conservative voices.
Advertisement
"I'll just cut to the chase, Big Tech's out to get conservatives," he said.
Jordan also accused Google of attempting to aide former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2016 and asked Pichai to pledge the company would not "tailor" its features to help former Vice President Joe Biden in November's election.
Pichai denied the claim that his company favored the Clinton campaign and told Jordan "you have my commitment" that Google will act in a non-partisan manner in the upcoming election, saying political activity should not take place during company time.
"We've clearly communicated to our employees, any personal political activity, while it's their right, needs to happen on their own time and resources," Pichai said. "Any work we do around elections is nonpartisan."
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-Calif., said the journalism industry has entered an economic freefall because Google and Facebook "now capture the vast majority of digital ad revenue."
"Although news publishers produce valuable content, it is Google and Facebook that increasingly profit off their content," he said.
Nadler noted that "news publishers fired hundreds of journalists choosing to boost their video" products based on high and quickly growing rates of video viewership on Facebook, which were later revealed to be inflated.
Advertisement
Zuckerberg replied that he did not know the numbers were inflated, adding "we regret that mistake."
The Wall Street Journal reported in April that Amazon used sensitive business information from third-party sellers to develop competing products. Cicilline and other committee members said the report contradicts sworn statements made by company officials.
In a May 1 letter to Bezos, the panel members demanded his testimony to fill "significant gaps" in their investigation.
In his opening statement, released in advance, Bezos said his company regularly fights "large, established players" for a share of the U.S. e-commerce market, including Walmart, which he said is "more than twice Amazon's size."
"We also face new competition from the likes of Shopify and Instacart -- companies that enable traditionally physical stores to put up a full online store almost instantaneously and to deliver products directly to customers in new and innovative ways -- and a growing list of omnichannel business models.
"The range of retail competitors and related services is constantly changing, and the only real constant in retail is customers' desire for lower prices, better selection and convenience."
Cicilline also questioned Bezos about whether Amazon refers to third-party sellers as "internal competitors."
Advertisement
"In some ways we are competing and they're also competing with each other," said Bezos.
In his prepared testimony, Zuckerberg said Facebook has a unique role of "connecting people around the world" and faces "significant competition."
"We face intense competition globally and we only succeed when we build things people find valuable," he said.
"We compete against the companies appearing at this hearing, plus many others that sell advertising and connect people. We also compete globally, including against companies that have access to markets that we aren't in.
"Our story would not have been possible without U.S. laws that encourage competition and innovation."
Cook, who took over at Apple for Steve Jobs in 2011, echoed Zuckerberg's insistence that the tech market is rife with competition.
"As much as we believe the iPhone provides the best user experience, we know it is far from the only choice available to consumers," he said in his prepared remarks. "The smartphone market is fiercely competitive.
"Apple does not have a dominant market share in any market where we do business. That is not just true for the iPhone; it is true for any product category."
Advertisement
Rep. Lucy Kay McBath, D-Ga., asked Cook whether Apple has the power to exclude apps from its proprietary App Store, citing the company's removal of parental control apps that monitored children's' screen time in 2016 after it introduced its own ScreenTime app.
Cook said that those apps were removed due to privacy concerns, arguing that the marketplace remains open to third-party developers.
"If you look at the history of this, congresswoman, we've increased the number of apps from 500 to 1.7 million so there is a very wide gate for the App Store," Cook said. "And there is fierce competition for developers and want every app we can on the platform."
Pichai said in his testimony that Google has promoted competition since it was founded in 1998.
"Because of our tools, businesses on Main Street can compete in a way that wasn't possible 20 years ago," he said.
"We know Google's continued success is not guaranteed," he added. "Google operates in highly competitive and dynamic global markets, in which prices are free or falling, and products are constantly improving."
Pichai said that greater competition breeds greater privacy and security.
"Google is committed to keeping your information safe, treating it responsibly and putting you in control of what you choose to share," he said. "We also never sell user information to third parties. But more must be done to protect users across industries, which is why we've long supported the creation of comprehensive federal privacy laws."


upi--2020-07-29--U.S. government schedules execution of Lezmond Mitchell

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Wednesday scheduled the execution of a 37-year-old man who , if put to death next month , would be the first Native American executed by the federal government in the modern era .
Lezmond Mitchell is set to die by lethal injection Aug. 26 at the U.S. Penitentiary , Terre Haute , Ind .
He was sentenced to death for the 2001 murder of two Navajo people -- a woman and her granddaughter -- on reservation land .
The U.S. government scheduled Mitchell 's death to occur two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next federal execution , that of Keith Dwayne Nelson on Aug. 28 .
Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions this month after a 17-year hiatus .
The Bureau of Prisons executed three men -- Daniel Lewis Lee , Wesley Ira Purkey and Dustin Lee Honken -- within a span of a week .
The men sued over the government 's decision to use a single-drug lethal injection protocol , saying it violated the law which requires federal executions to use the same method as the individual states where the murders were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitchell will be the fourth federal execution this year and the first Native American to be executed in modern U.S. history , his lawyers said .
Under the Federal Death Penalty Act , the U.S. government ca n't seek the death penalty for crimes committed on tribal land unless said tribe allows it .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office in Arizona originally did n't seek the death penalty , but received pressure from then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to do so .
Defense attorneys Jonathan Aminoff and Celeste Bacchi said that since the Navajo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitchell 's case , the federal government used a `` loophole '' to charge him with a lesser crime -- carjacking resulting in death .
This allowed the government to seek the death penalty without tribal approval .
`` In what the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals referred to as a 'betrayal of a promise made to the Navajo Nation , ' the Department of Justice exploited a legal loophole and sought the death penalty against Mr. Mitchell for the federal crime of carjacking over the objection of the Navajo Nation , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States Attorney 's Office , '' Aminoff and Bacchi said in a statement .
`` The federal government 's announcement that it now plans to execute Lezmond Mitchell demonstrates the ultimate disrespect for the Navajo Nation 's values and sovereignty . ''
The defense team also accused the U.S. government of misconduct for allegedly jailing and questioning Mitchell for 25 days without providing him a lawyer and preventing Navajos from serving on his jury .
`` Under these circumstances , allowing Mr. Mitchell 's execution to go forward would be a grave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty , and it should not be permitted to proceed .
We will continue to pursue all available avenues of relief for Mr. Mitchell from his unconstitutional convictions and death sentence , '' the attorneys said .
Mitchell and co-defendant Johnny Orsinger were convicted in 2003 for the deaths of Alyce Slim , 63 , and her granddaughter Tiffany Lee , 9 .
The two men stabbed Slim dozens of times before stealing her vehicle and driving it to another location where they stabbed and beat the girl to death and dismembered their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orsinger used the vehicle to commit a robbery and when they were caught by police , Mitchell led them to the buried bodies .
Orsinger , who was a juvenile at the time , was sentenced to life in prison .

July 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Wednesday scheduled the execution of a 37-year-old man who, if put to death next month, would be the first Native American executed by the federal government in the modern era.
Lezmond Mitchell is set to die by lethal injection Aug. 26 at the U.S. Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Ind. He was sentenced to death for the 2001 murder of two Navajo people -- a woman and her granddaughter -- on reservation land.
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The U.S. government scheduled Mitchell's death to occur two days before what was expected to be the next federal execution, that of Keith Dwayne Nelson on Aug. 28.
Attorney General William Barr resumed federal executions this month after a 17-year hiatus. The Bureau of Prisons executed three men -- Daniel Lewis Lee, Wesley Ira Purkey and Dustin Lee Honken -- within a span of a week. The men sued over the government's decision to use a single-drug lethal injection protocol, saying it violated the law which requires federal executions to use the same method as the individual states where the murders were committed.
Advertisement
If his execution proceeds, Mitchell will be the fourth federal execution this year and the first Native American to be executed in modern U.S. history, his lawyers said.
Under the Federal Death Penalty Act, the U.S. government can't seek the death penalty for crimes committed on tribal land unless said tribe allows it. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona originally didn't seek the death penalty, but received pressure from then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to do so.
Defense attorneys Jonathan Aminoff and Celeste Bacchi said that since the Navajo Nation was against the death penalty in Mitchell's case, the federal government used a "loophole" to charge him with a lesser crime -- carjacking resulting in death. This allowed the government to seek the death penalty without tribal approval.
"In what the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals referred to as a 'betrayal of a promise made to the Navajo Nation,' the Department of Justice exploited a legal loophole and sought the death penalty against Mr. Mitchell for the federal crime of carjacking over the objection of the Navajo Nation, the victims' family, and the local United States Attorney's Office," Aminoff and Bacchi said in a statement. "The federal government's announcement that it now plans to execute Lezmond Mitchell demonstrates the ultimate disrespect for the Navajo Nation's values and sovereignty."
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The defense team also accused the U.S. government of misconduct for allegedly jailing and questioning Mitchell for 25 days without providing him a lawyer and preventing Navajos from serving on his jury.
"Under these circumstances, allowing Mr. Mitchell's execution to go forward would be a grave injustice and an unprecedented affront to tribal sovereignty, and it should not be permitted to proceed. We will continue to pursue all available avenues of relief for Mr. Mitchell from his unconstitutional convictions and death sentence," the attorneys said.
Mitchell and co-defendant Johnny Orsinger were convicted in 2003 for the deaths of Alyce Slim, 63, and her granddaughter Tiffany Lee, 9.
The two men stabbed Slim dozens of times before stealing her vehicle and driving it to another location where they stabbed and beat the girl to death and dismembered their bodies to prevent identification. Mitchell and Orsinger used the vehicle to commit a robbery and when they were caught by police, Mitchell led them to the buried bodies.
Orsinger, who was a juvenile at the time, was sentenced to life in prison.


upi--2020-07-29--Kansas City Chiefs sign S Tedric Thompson, OL Kelechi Osemele

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson and officially signed former All-Pro offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele .
The Chiefs announced the signing of Osemele on Wednesday .
He initially agreed to a one-year deal with the franchise Saturday after offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif on Friday opted out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns .
Due to injuries , Osemele , 31 , played only three games for the New York Jets last season after the team acquired him in a trade with the Oakland Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jets , he was a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders from 2016-18 .
The Baltimore Ravens selected Osemele in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Iowa State .
During his rookie season , he switched between right tackle and left guard , solidifying an offensive line that helped the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII .
Meanwhile , Thompson agreed to a short-term pact with the Chiefs , his agent announced Tuesday night .
Terms of the contract were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to confirm the signing .
Thompson provides depth and insurance for the Chiefs ' secondary with Juan Thornhill recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in December .
The Seahawks waived Thompson at the end of May with a failed physical designation .
His 2019 campaign came to an end after six games due to a shoulder injury that required labrum surgery .
Seattle picked Thompson in the fourth round of the 2017 draft out of Colorado .
In 29 career games , he has recorded 80 total tackles , three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fumble recoveries .
Also Wednesday , the Chiefs announced that Jovahn Fair , Braxton Hoyett , Jalen Julius , John Lovett , Tyler Newsome and Byran Wright were waived .

Former Seattle Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson was released by the team in late May with a failed physical designation. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson and officially signed former All-Pro offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. The Chiefs announced the signing of Osemele on Wednesday. He initially agreed to a one-year deal with the franchise Saturday after offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif on Friday opted out of the 2020 season because of coronavirus concerns. Advertisement
Due to injuries, Osemele, 31, played only three games for the New York Jets last season after the team acquired him in a trade with the Oakland Raiders in March 2019. Prior to joining the Jets, he was a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders from 2016-18.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Osemele in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. During his rookie season, he switched between right tackle and left guard, solidifying an offensive line that helped the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
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Meanwhile, Thompson agreed to a short-term pact with the Chiefs, his agent announced Tuesday night. Terms of the contract weren't disclosed, and the team has yet to confirm the signing.
We have signed free agent G Kelechi Osemele. The following players have been waived: Jovahn Fair, Braxton Hoyett, Jalen Julius, John Lovett, Tyler Newsome, and Byran Wright. pic.twitter.com/hgHalLo836— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 29, 2020
Thompson provides depth and insurance for the Chiefs' secondary with Juan Thornhill recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in December.
The Seahawks waived Thompson at the end of May with a failed physical designation. His 2019 campaign came to an end after six games due to a shoulder injury that required labrum surgery.
Seattle picked Thompson in the fourth round of the 2017 draft out of Colorado. In 29 career games, he has recorded 80 total tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Also Wednesday, the Chiefs announced that Jovahn Fair, Braxton Hoyett, Jalen Julius, John Lovett, Tyler Newsome and Byran Wright were waived.


upi--2020-07-29--Rep.  John Lewis lies in state at Georgia Capitol ahead of Thursday funeral

July 29 ( UPI ) -- The body of civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis arrived in Atlanta where he will lie in the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday .
Hundreds of people attended a public viewing and a brief ceremony attended by state leaders and the Lewis family .
The congressman died at the age of 80 on July 17 .
Lewis ' body arrived at Dobbins Air Reserve Base at 12:30 p.m. after departing Washington , D.C. , were he lay in state for two days at the Capitol rotunda .
During its trip to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Rainbow Crosswalk at 10th and Piedmont -- honoring his support of same-sex marriage -- and at a five-story John Lewis Mural on Auburn Avenue .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Rep. Calvin Smyre greeted the casket as it was delivered to the Capitol .
`` Congressman Lewis changed our country in profound and immeasurable ways and his legacy of passionate service is truly unmatched , '' Kemp said .
`` The son of sharecroppers , John Lewis felt his calling at a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight for justice , equality , access and opportunity for all people -- no matter their skin color .
He built quite a reputation along the way , and the 'good trouble ' that lead to real change inspired a country and changed the world . ''
Bottoms said she had a deep and abiding admiration for Lewis throughout his life and praised his lifelong commitment to social justice .
`` I do n't think it was happenstance that in his final public appearance he visited the Black Lives Matter Mural in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Until his last days , he was calling upon America to be America again in his words and his deeds . ''
Smyre closed the ceremony , describing Lewis as a `` fearless warrior '' and a giant redwood tree who has now `` fallen in the Georgia forest of life . ''
`` John , in your memory and as a legacy you will continue to motivate us and inspire us and be a solid source of strength .
You will be missed , but we will cherish the memories and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's public viewing was the latest in a series of memorial events that will conclude with his funeral on Thursday .
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are expected to attend the funeral and former President Barack Obama is expected to deliver the eulogy .

The casket of civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis is carried down the steps of the U.S. Capitol after lying in state in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Pool Photo by Erin Scott/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- The body of civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis arrived in Atlanta where he will lie in the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday. Hundreds of people attended a public viewing and a brief ceremony attended by state leaders and the Lewis family. The congressman died at the age of 80 on July 17. Advertisement
Lewis' body arrived at Dobbins Air Reserve Base at 12:30 p.m. after departing Washington, D.C., were he lay in state for two days at the Capitol rotunda.
During its trip to the Georgia State Capitol, the procession stopped at the Rainbow Crosswalk at 10th and Piedmont -- honoring his support of same-sex marriage -- and at a five-story John Lewis Mural on Auburn Avenue.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Rep. Calvin Smyre greeted the casket as it was delivered to the Capitol.
"Congressman Lewis changed our country in profound and immeasurable ways and his legacy of passionate service is truly unmatched," Kemp said. "The son of sharecroppers, John Lewis felt his calling at a young age and devoted every waking moment to the fight for justice, equality, access and opportunity for all people -- no matter their skin color. He built quite a reputation along the way, and the 'good trouble' that lead to real change inspired a country and changed the world."
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Bottoms said she had a deep and abiding admiration for Lewis throughout his life and praised his lifelong commitment to social justice.
"I don't think it was happenstance that in his final public appearance he visited the Black Lives Matter Mural in Washington," she said. "Until his last days, he was calling upon America to be America again in his words and his deeds."
Smyre closed the ceremony, describing Lewis as a "fearless warrior" and a giant redwood tree who has now "fallen in the Georgia forest of life."
"John, in your memory and as a legacy you will continue to motivate us and inspire us and be a solid source of strength. You will be missed, but we will cherish the memories and the moments," Smyre said.
Wednesday's public viewing was the latest in a series of memorial events that will conclude with his funeral on Thursday.
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are expected to attend the funeral and former President Barack Obama is expected to deliver the eulogy.


upi--2020-07-29--Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly suspended eight games for Astros incident

July 29 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball gave Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly an eight-game suspension Wednesday for his role in a benches-clearing incident with the Houston Astros a day earlier .
MLB also announced that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was handed a one-game suspension and Astros skipper Dusty Baker was issued a fine .
Under the league 's current 60-game format , an eight-game suspension would account for more than 13 % of this year 's schedule .
Kelly has elected to appeal his eight-game ban .
The Astros and Dodgers jumped out of their respective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly appeared to intentionally throw pitches at multiple Astros hitters Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston .
The testy clash was a rematch of the 2017 World Series .
The Astros won the title that year , aided by a sign-stealing scheme , which the team was punished for in January .
The Dodgers had n't played a game in Houston since that championship series nearly three years ago .
`` It 's something they apparently did n't take to kindly too , '' Kelly said of his throws after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
Several Dodgers players -- along with many others from around the league -- criticized Houston 's punishment by Major League Baseball as insufficient and the Astros themselves for a lack of remorse for the scheme .
MLB warned teams against throwing pitches at Astros players this season as a way to retaliate .
Kelly was a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2017 when they lost in the American League Divisional Series against the Astros , three games to one .
Houston then defeated the New York Yankees in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , Kelly denied that he intended to hit any of the Astros players .
He also said he did n't take any motivation from the 2017 playoffs , noting that his Red Sox team beat the Astros in the 2018 postseason before ultimately winning the World Series that year .
The 2018 Red Sox also have been disciplined for sign-stealing .
Kelly entered Tuesday 's game in the bottom of the sixth inning .
He first settled in against Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve , the 2017 American League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitch for an out before Alex Bregman walked to the plate .
Kelly threw three pitches for balls before he tossed a 96.4-mph fastball directly toward Bregman 's head .
The Astros third baseman had to duck to dodge the pitch , which made a loud sound when it hit the backstop .
`` When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy 's head , now you 're flirting with ending his career , '' Baker said .
Astros outfielder Michael Brantley hit into a force out before Kelly issued another walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's pitches to Gurriel were well above the strike zone .
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa then stepped into the box to face the hard-throwing right-handed relief pitcher .
Kelly 's first pitch was an 87-mph knuckle-curveball that also went toward the shortstop 's head .
Correa fell to the ground to avoid the pitch and Kelly pitched another inside knuckle-curveball before he evened the count at 2-2 .
Kelly threw an 88.6-mph knuckle-curveball to strike out Correa with his sixth pitch , and then stuck out his tongue at Correa .
The Dodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Correa walked toward the Dodgers dugout as players from both teams met to the left of home plate .
Correa , Kelly and other players continued to exchange words , but the teams were separated before a major melee developed .
`` What really enraged everybody is what he told Carlos , '' Baker said of Kelly .
`` He struck him out and he told him , 'Nice swing , [ expletive ] . '
What are you supposed to do with that ?
`` What upset me is the umpire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warn him ?
He 's the one throwing the ball and he 's the one who started this mess in the first place .
I do n't like it at all . ''
Roberts said he did n't believe there was any `` intent behind '' Kelly 's pitches .
Former Baltimore Orioles infielder Hughie Jennings holds the record for most times hit by a pitch in a single season at 51 , in 1896 .
William Hill sportsbook set the over/under for Astros players hit by pitches in 2020 at 83.5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be hit by the most pitches in 2020 .
The Cleveland Indians were hit by 103 pitches in 2008 , a modern-era record ( since 1990 ) .
The New York Mets were hit a league-high 95 times last season and the Astros were hit 66 times .
Houston players have been hit three times in 2020 , tied for eighth-most in the league .

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly (pictured) sparked a benches-clearing incident Tuesday after a series of wild pitches against Houston Astros sluggers Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball gave Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly an eight-game suspension Wednesday for his role in a benches-clearing incident with the Houston Astros a day earlier. MLB also announced that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was handed a one-game suspension and Astros skipper Dusty Baker was issued a fine. Advertisement
Under the league's current 60-game format, an eight-game suspension would account for more than 13% of this year's schedule. Kelly has elected to appeal his eight-game ban.
The Astros and Dodgers jumped out of their respective dugouts and had a socially-distant altercation after Kelly appeared to intentionally throw pitches at multiple Astros hitters Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
The testy clash was a rematch of the 2017 World Series. The Astros won the title that year, aided by a sign-stealing scheme, which the team was punished for in January.
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The Dodgers hadn't played a game in Houston since that championship series nearly three years ago.
"It's something they apparently didn't take to kindly too," Kelly said of his throws after the team's 5-2 win at Minute Maid Park.
Several Dodgers players -- along with many others from around the league -- criticized Houston's punishment by Major League Baseball as insufficient and the Astros themselves for a lack of remorse for the scheme.
Carlos Correa and Joe Kelly exchanged words after Kelly struck out Correa. Benches cleared following the exchange. pic.twitter.com/sVHaibpN2y— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 29, 2020
MLB warned teams against throwing pitches at Astros players this season as a way to retaliate.
Kelly was a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2017 when they lost in the American League Divisional Series against the Astros, three games to one. Houston then defeated the New York Yankees in the ALCS to advance to the World Series.
On Tuesday, Kelly denied that he intended to hit any of the Astros players. He also said he didn't take any motivation from the 2017 playoffs, noting that his Red Sox team beat the Astros in the 2018 postseason before ultimately winning the World Series that year. The 2018 Red Sox also have been disciplined for sign-stealing.
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Kelly entered Tuesday's game in the bottom of the sixth inning. He first settled in against Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve, the 2017 American League MVP. Altuve popped up the first pitch for an out before Alex Bregman walked to the plate.
Kelly threw three pitches for balls before he tossed a 96.4-mph fastball directly toward Bregman's head. The Astros third baseman had to duck to dodge the pitch, which made a loud sound when it hit the backstop.
"When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy's head, now you're flirting with ending his career," Baker said.
Astros outfielder Michael Brantley hit into a force out before Kelly issued another walk to Yuli Gurriel. All of Kelly's pitches to Gurriel were well above the strike zone.
Carlos Correa has to duck out of the way from an inside breaking ball from Joe Kelly. pic.twitter.com/NabNOVB0Q6— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 29, 2020
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa then stepped into the box to face the hard-throwing right-handed relief pitcher. Kelly's first pitch was an 87-mph knuckle-curveball that also went toward the shortstop's head. Correa fell to the ground to avoid the pitch and Kelly pitched another inside knuckle-curveball before he evened the count at 2-2.
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Kelly threw an 88.6-mph knuckle-curveball to strike out Correa with his sixth pitch, and then stuck out his tongue at Correa. The Dodgers pitcher and Astros infielder also exchanged words.
Correa walked toward the Dodgers dugout as players from both teams met to the left of home plate. Correa, Kelly and other players continued to exchange words, but the teams were separated before a major melee developed.
"What really enraged everybody is what he told Carlos," Baker said of Kelly. "He struck him out and he told him, 'Nice swing, [expletive].' What are you supposed to do with that?
"What upset me is the umpire warned us. Why don't you warn him? He's the one throwing the ball and he's the one who started this mess in the first place. I don't like it at all."
Roberts said he didn't believe there was any "intent behind" Kelly's pitches.
Former Baltimore Orioles infielder Hughie Jennings holds the record for most times hit by a pitch in a single season at 51, in 1896. William Hill sportsbook set the over/under for Astros players hit by pitches in 2020 at 83.5. BetOnline.AG listed Bregman as the best bet to be hit by the most pitches in 2020.
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The Cleveland Indians were hit by 103 pitches in 2008, a modern-era record (since 1990). The New York Mets were hit a league-high 95 times last season and the Astros were hit 66 times. Houston players have been hit three times in 2020, tied for eighth-most in the league.


upi--2020-07-29--Study: 65% of early COVID-19 cases globally linked to Italy, China, Iran travel

July 29 ( UPI ) -- Almost two-thirds of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside China during early stages of the pandemic occurred among people who had traveled to Italy , China or Iran or to their close contacts , an analysis published Wednesday by The Lancet Infectious Diseases found .
Seventy-five percent of countries outside China that reported their first coronavirus infections during the first 11 weeks of the pandemic -- between Dec. 31 , 2019 , and March 10 of this year -- could trace the cases to travel to an already affected country , the researchers said .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to Italy , 22 % traced to China and 11 % tracked to Iran , they said .
`` Our findings suggest that travel from just a few countries with substantial [ COVID-19 ] transmission may have seeded additional outbreaks around the world before the characterization of COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11 , '' Dr. Fatimah Dawood , a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said in a statement .
COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan , China , in December .
Italy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China to report large-scale outbreaks , according to the World Health Organization .
For this study , Dawood and her colleagues examined publicly available online reports from national ministries of health and other government agency websites , social media feeds and press releases to identify newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Countries with at least one case were classified as affected , and `` early '' cases were defined as the first 100 cases reported in each country , with those after the first 100 referred to as `` later '' cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic , 32,459 confirmed cases were reported in 99 countries outside mainland China , they said .
Of 1,200 cases from 68 countries with available patient age or sex data -- 4 % of the global number of cases on March 10 -- 874 , or 73 % , were `` early '' cases in their respective regions , the researchers said .
Travel to Italy was linked with three of the first six reported cases in Africa , and 16 of the first 45 reported cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first 13 cases in the Americas , the researchers said .
Meanwhile , travel to mainland China accounted for 10 of the first 12 reported cases in the Western Pacific region and four of the first seven in Southeast Asia , they said .
Seven of the first 16 reported cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region had a history of travel to Iran , the researchers said .
The average age of people infected in these early cases was 51 years , and only 3 % were children younger than 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were healthcare workers , they said .

Two-thirds of early COVID-19 cases globally were linked to travel to Italy, China or Iran, a new study has found. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 29 (UPI) -- Almost two-thirds of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside China during early stages of the pandemic occurred among people who had traveled to Italy, China or Iran or to their close contacts, an analysis published Wednesday by The Lancet Infectious Diseases found. Seventy-five percent of countries outside China that reported their first coronavirus infections during the first 11 weeks of the pandemic -- between Dec. 31, 2019, and March 10 of this year -- could trace the cases to travel to an already affected country, the researchers said. Advertisement
Of these, 27% were linked with travel to Italy, 22% traced to China and 11% tracked to Iran, they said.
"Our findings suggest that travel from just a few countries with substantial [COVID-19] transmission may have seeded additional outbreaks around the world before the characterization of COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11," Dr. Fatimah Dawood, a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement.
COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December. Italy and Iran were among the first countries outside China to report large-scale outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization.
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For this study, Dawood and her colleagues examined publicly available online reports from national ministries of health and other government agency websites, social media feeds and press releases to identify newly confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Countries with at least one case were classified as affected, and "early" cases were defined as the first 100 cases reported in each country, with those after the first 100 referred to as "later" cases, the researchers said.
During the first 11 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, 32,459 confirmed cases were reported in 99 countries outside mainland China, they said.
Of 1,200 cases from 68 countries with available patient age or sex data -- 4% of the global number of cases on March 10 -- 874, or 73%, were "early" cases in their respective regions, the researchers said.
Travel to Italy was linked with three of the first six reported cases in Africa, and 16 of the first 45 reported cases in Europe. It also accounted for five of the first 13 cases in the Americas, the researchers said.
Meanwhile, travel to mainland China accounted for 10 of the first 12 reported cases in the Western Pacific region and four of the first seven in Southeast Asia, they said.
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Seven of the first 16 reported cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region had a history of travel to Iran, the researchers said.
The average age of people infected in these early cases was 51 years, and only 3% were children younger than 18. Two percent of these early cases were healthcare workers, they said.


upi--2020-07-29--Man shot dead during blasphemy trial in Pakistan

July 29 ( UPI ) -- A man was shot and killed in a courtroom in Pakistan on Wednesday while standing trial on charges of blasphemy .
Police in Peshawar said Tahir Ahmad Naseem was shot six times during a hearing in his case on allegations he claimed to be a prophet .
`` The culprit accepts responsibility for killing him and says that he killed him for having committed blasphemy , '' police official Ijaz Ahmed said .
`` [ The suspect ] has been arrested from the scene . ''
Footage of the shooting showed the alleged gunman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he had been ordered to kill Naseem in a dream .
He was also seen attacking judges who hear blasphemy cases .
Naseem had been in police custody since 2018 when he was accused of committing blasphemy by claiming to be a prophet .
He was charged with having violated three sections of the Pakistani penal code , which deal with blasphemy against Islam and `` defiling the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad '' which carries a mandatory death penalty .
No one has been executed under Pakistan 's blasphemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been murdered in extrajudicial killings and mob violence since 1990 .
Saeed Zaher , a lawyer who was present at the courthouse during the shooting , said members of the public are allowed to observe trials but an observer being able to smuggle a weapon would constitute a security breach .
`` A person entering with a pistol and murdering someone within a courtroom is very disturbing , '' Zaher said .

A man was shot dead on Wednesday while standing trial in Pakistan while facing blasphemy charges alleging he claimed to be a prophet. Photo by Bilawal Arbab/EPA-EFE
July 29 (UPI) -- A man was shot and killed in a courtroom in Pakistan on Wednesday while standing trial on charges of blasphemy. Police in Peshawar said Tahir Ahmad Naseem was shot six times during a hearing in his case on allegations he claimed to be a prophet. Advertisement
"The culprit accepts responsibility for killing him and says that he killed him for having committed blasphemy," police official Ijaz Ahmed said. "[The suspect] has been arrested from the scene."
Footage of the shooting showed the alleged gunman sitting on a bench under police guard saying he had been ordered to kill Naseem in a dream. He was also seen attacking judges who hear blasphemy cases.
Naseem had been in police custody since 2018 when he was accused of committing blasphemy by claiming to be a prophet.
He was charged with having violated three sections of the Pakistani penal code, which deal with blasphemy against Islam and "defiling the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad" which carries a mandatory death penalty.
No one has been executed under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, but at least 77 people have been murdered in extrajudicial killings and mob violence since 1990.
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Saeed Zaher, a lawyer who was present at the courthouse during the shooting, said members of the public are allowed to observe trials but an observer being able to smuggle a weapon would constitute a security breach.
"A person entering with a pistol and murdering someone within a courtroom is very disturbing," Zaher said.