upi--2020-03-18--Oil spills in U.S. western states threaten water and health, residents fear

DENVER , March 18 ( UPI ) -- Oil spills and gas leaks in the U.S. West , along with the oil industry 's boom-and-bust business model , are worrying local residents who live near fossil-fuel operations .
With the international price of oil collapsing this month to under $ 30 a barrel , smaller operators might be on the verge of bankruptcy and could go broke without cleaning up their well operations , as has happened before , industry observers say .
`` The oil companies are in a precarious potion .
We will see how much they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation and energy analyst at the Denver-based Center for Western Priorities conservation and policy group .
`` Small operators are hit the hardest , and that 's where you see some real environmental problems , '' he said .
`` That 's where communities are at risk , because [ small operators ] can go bankrupt and not shut down wells safely . ''
Almost 3,000 oil spills were reported in top-drilling states of Wyoming , Colorado and New Mexico in 2019 , an average of eight spills per day , an analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who live near fracking and drilling sites worry that water supplies might become contaminated , or that their health could be affected by toxic chemical leaks near their homes .
`` I looked over the bridge and the water in the Black River looked milky .
It looked white , '' said Bert Rios , a 67-year-old retired heavy equipment operator from Malaga , N.M. Rios reported the spill to county and state health officials in late February .
Dallas-based Matador Resources , drilling for a pipeline to pass under the river in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had breached the bank , releasing a white foamy substance into the water .
The New Mexico Environment Department reported that the leak was drilling mud , a chemical grease .
The spill threatened the last remaining habitat of the endangered Texas hornshell mussel and polluted water used by area livestock , New Mexico 's Department of Fish and Game reported .
`` I 'm glad I spoke up , '' Rios said .
`` There 's those who would n't have said anything .
I grew up here .
My grandchildren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns property on that river .
I go fishing there in the summer . ''
Methane emissions from the thousands of natural gas wells in the Permian Basin spiked by 228 percent in 2019 to 8.1 million cubic feet from 2.5 million cubic feet in 2018 , the analysis found .
Methane has more than 100 times the global-warming potential of carbon dioxide , according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .
Despite the tight profits for producers of oil , which was selling at around $ 65 per barrel in November 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
In 2019 , U.S. crude output rose to 12.3 million barrels per day from 11 million in 2018 , according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration .
`` If you drill , there will be spills .
It 's inevitable , '' the Center for Western Priorities 's Prentice-Dunn said .
State agencies reported 23,600 barrels of oil spilled last year in the three states , along with 170,223 barrels of produced water , a byproduct of drilling that contains toxic chemicals .
On Colorado 's Front Range , new housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hydrocarbon-rich Denver-Julesburg oil and shale field .
Broomfield , Colo. , resident Mackenzie Carignan described the smell of gasses emitted last year from drilling mud at Broomfield 's new mega-sized oil fracking pad with dozens of wells a mile from her house .
`` It was a burning rubber mixed with rubbing alcohol smell that felt like it physically closed your throat , '' Carignan said .
`` My kids were gagging in their beds . ''
In Greeley , a toxic-gas sniffing mobile truck from the Colorado Department of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last fall of elevated levels of cancer-causing benzene near a local middle school , an analysis released March 12 shows .
The school is about 800 feet from a drilling pad with 11 wells , a tank and other buildings .
The symptoms of benzene exposure include headaches and irritation of the eyes , and nose .
Those symptoms could be mistaken by families as symptoms of a cold , said Patricia Nelson , the mother of a student .
`` One of our worst fears has been realized .
We were fearful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wells ] affecting our children , and that 's exactly what has happened , '' Nelson said .
About 65 percent of Colorado 's 636 oil spills , which dumped 30,505 barrels of material last year , occurred less than a mile from a human residence , the Center for Western Priorities analysis shows .
About 77 percent of spills were within a mile of well water .
`` We know some of these spills are happening close to communities , and that 's a problem , '' Prentice-Dunn said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drink water from the Boysen Reservoir oppose plans to increase the produced water released from the Moneta Divide oil and gas field to 8 million gallons per day from 2 million .
`` We 're the first community on the north side of the Wind River Canyon , '' said Mike Chimenti , the mayor of Thermopolis , population 3,000 , which is near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park .
`` A lot of carcinogens , cancer-causing agents , are being dumped into Boysen reservoir that travel down the Bighorn River to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Quality issued a violation to Riverton , Wyo.
, -based Aethon Energy Operating LLC for discharging polluted produced water that ended up in the Boyson drinking-water reservoir .
The regulatory agency found black sediment deposits , foams and free oil deposits in Alkali and Badwater creeks below the oil field , according to a violation notice .
Both creeks empty into the reservoir .
Produced water from the oil field was not clean enough for livestock and wildlife to drink , as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's Clean Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservation advocate of the Lander-Wyo.
, -based Wyoming Outdoor Council , a non-profit environmental group .
The water from the oil field contained chlorides , sulfates , salt and other possible contaminants , including benzene , which were poisoning the local creeks , Heilig said .
Financial pressure on oil and gas companies that can go broke increases environmental threats for communities near oil and gas operations , said the Center for Western Priorities ' Prentice-Dunn .
`` In the past , we 've seen the cost to reclaim all these abandoned wells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government has to pay for it , '' he said .
`` What a crash in the oil market could portend are wells being abandoned , and taxpayers will be left on the hook . ''

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Urban oil and gas operations, like this drill pad near Bella Romero middle school in Greeley, Colo., worry neighbors that spills or toxic leaks could affect their health. Photo courtesy of 350Colorado
DENVER, March 18 (UPI) -- Oil spills and gas leaks in the U.S. West, along with the oil industry's boom-and-bust business model, are worrying people who live near fossil fuel operations. With the international price of oil collapsing this month to under $30 a barrel, smaller operators might be on the verge of bankruptcy and could go broke without cleaning up their well operations, as has happened before, industry observers say. Advertisement
"The oil companies are in a precarious position. We will see how much they can endure," said Jesse Prentice-Dunn, conservation and energy analyst at the Denver-based Center for Western Priorities conservation and policy group.
"Small operators are hit the hardest, and that's where you see some real environmental problems," he said. "That's where communities are at risk, because [small operators] can go bankrupt and not shut down wells safely."
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Almost 3,000 oil spills were reported in top drilling states of Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico in 2019, an average of eight a day, an analysis by the nonprofit center showed.
People who live near fracking and drilling sites worry that water supplies might become contaminated, or that their health could be affected by toxic chemical leaks near their homes.
"I looked over the bridge, and the water in the Black River looked milky. It looked white," said Bert Rios, a 67-year-old retired heavy equipment operator from Malaga, N.M. Rios reported the spill to county and state health officials in late February.
Dallas-based Matador Resources, drilling for a pipeline to pass under the river in New Mexico's Permian Basin oil field, had breached the bank, releasing a white foamy substance into the water. The New Mexico Environment Department reported that the leak was drilling mud, a chemical grease.
The spill threatened the last remaining habitat of the endangered Texas hornshell mussel and polluted water used by area livestock, New Mexico's Department of Fish and Game reported.
"I'm glad I spoke up," Rios said. "There's those who wouldn't have said anything. I grew up here. My grandchildren swim in that river. My brother owns property on that river. I go fishing there in the summer."
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Methane emissions from the thousands of natural gas wells in the Permian Basin spiked by 228 percent in 2019 to 8.1 million cubic feet from 2.5 million cubic feet in 2018, the analysis found. Methane has more than 100 times the global-warming potential of carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Despite the tight profits for producers of oil, which was selling at around $65 per barrel in November, drilling has increased in the United States. In 2019, U.S. crude output rose to 12.3 million barrels per day from 11 million in 2018, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
"If you drill, there will be spills. It's inevitable," Prentice-Dunn said.
State agencies reported 23,600 barrels of oil spilled last year in the three states, along with 170,223 barrels of produced water, a byproduct of drilling that contains toxic chemicals.
On Colorado's Front Range, new housing conflicts with oil and gas drilling on the hydrocarbon-rich Denver-Julesburg oil and shale field.
Broomfield, Colo., resident Mackenzie Carignan described the smell of gasses emitted last year from drilling mud at Broomfield's new mega oil fracking pad with dozens of wells a mile from her house.
"It was a burning rubber mixed with rubbing alcohol smell that felt like it physically closed your throat," Carignan said. "My kids were gagging in their beds."
Advertisement
In Greeley, a toxic gas-sniffing mobile truck from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified more than 100 episodes last fall of elevated levels of cancer-causing benzene near a local middle school, an analysis released March 12 shows.
The school is about 800 feet from a drilling pad with 11 wells, a tank and other buildings.
The symptoms of benzene exposure include headaches and irritation of the eyes, and nose. Those symptoms could be mistaken by families as symptoms of a cold, said Patricia Nelson, the mother of a student.
"One of our worst fears has been realized. We were fearful there would be health impacts [from the wells] affecting our children, and that's exactly what has happened," she said.
About 65 percent of Colorado's 636 oil spills, which dumped 30,505 barrels of material last year, occurred less than a mile from a human residence, the Center for Western Priorities analysis shows. About 77 percent of spills were within a mile of well water.
"We know some of these spills are happening close to communities, and that's a problem," Prentice-Dunn said.
In Wyoming, Hot Springs County neighbors who drink water from the Boysen Reservoir oppose plans to increase the produced water released from the Moneta Divide oil and gas field to 8 million gallons per day from 2 million.
Advertisement
"We're the first community on the north side of the Wind River Canyon," said Mike Chimenti, the mayor of Thermopolis, population 3,000, which is near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. "A lot of carcinogens, cancer-causing agents, are being dumped into Boysen reservoir that travel down the Bighorn River to us."
Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality issued a violation to Riverton, Wyo.,-based Aethon Energy Operating LLC for discharging polluted produced water that ended up in the Boyson drinking-water reservoir.
The regulatory agency found black sediment deposits, foams and free oil deposits in Alkali and Badwater creeks below the oil field, according to a violation notice. Both creeks empty into the reservoir.
Produced water from the oil field was not clean enough for livestock and wildlife to drink, as required by the EPA's Clean Water Act, said Dan Heilig, senior conservation advocate of the Lander-Wyo.,-based Wyoming Outdoor Council, a non-profit environmental group.
The water from the oil field contained chlorides, sulfates, salt and other possible contaminants, including benzene, which were poisoning the local creeks, Heilig said.
Financial pressure on oil and gas companies that can go broke increases environmental threats for communities near oil and gas operations, Prentice-Dunn said.
"In the past, we've seen the cost to reclaim all these abandoned wells has far outstripped the amount of bonds the government has to pay for it," he said.
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"What a crash in the oil market could portend are wells being abandoned, and taxpayers will be left on the hook."


upi--2020-03-18--Kerry Washington, Reese Witherspoon delve into race, class in 'Little Fires'

LOS ANGELES , March 18 ( UPI ) -- Both the book and the Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere begin with Elena Richardson 's ( Reese Witherspoon ) house burning down .
Little Fires Everywhere flashes back from the fire to when Elena met Mia Warren ( Kerry Washington ) .
Mia was living in her car with her daughter , Pearl ( Lexi Underwood ) , so Elena rented her guest house to them .
`` We were representing completely different kinds of women and different kinds of mothering , but both with dignity and respect , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel .
`` It was just a great partnership . ''
Author Celeste Ng did not describe the Warrens as black .
By casting Washington and Underwood , the show added another level of friction between Mia and Elena .
`` The book really does delve into class and kind of sociopolitical differences and cultural differences , '' Washington said .
`` I think adding the layer of race to that really enriches the storytelling . ''
Washington said race already was a component of the book .
Ng 's parents came from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Mia 's coworkers at a Chinese restaurant , are included .
`` The book also deals with race , and I think does a beautiful job of stepping away from this binary idea we have of race in this country -- of black and white , '' Washington said .
`` We 're also dealing with Asian identity and immigrant identity and , again , class . ''
Class friction develops when Elena offers Mia work cleaning her house to supplement Mia 's income as an artist .
Mia resents the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the friction builds , Elena judges Mia 's choices as a mother .
Mia replies , `` You did n't make good choices .
You had good choices , '' insinuating that Elena was privileged to have more opportunity than the Warrens .
Witherspoon reflected on the nature of choices and determined she related more to Mia .
She co-founded the production company Pacific Standard in 2012 and Hello Sunshine in 2014 to take more control over the choices she had as an actor .
`` Choices used to be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I made a conscious decision about eight years ago to start my own company because I was n't happy with the choices that were being made for me .
I did n't see a place to exist within the industry that we had . ''
Witherspoon had success as an actor for hire in films like Election , Legally Blonde and Walk the Line , for which she won an Oscar .
Currently , she rarely stars in a film or show she does not produce .
`` Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Witherspoon said .
`` I have the gift of having companies like Hulu let me be this woman in this leadership position , which was n't possible eight years ago . ''
Her costars and co-producers in shows like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show agree that a shift in the industry has occurred .
They all shared experiences of being undervalued just a decade earlier .
`` Whether it 's Nicole Kidman or it 's Jennifer Aniston , we all remark about how much things have changed , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a position of respect for our ideas and that is a new world for us . ''
Washington , who also executive produces Little Fires Everywhere , said the # MeToo and Time 's Up movements improved opportunities for women behind the scenes .
In addition to improving safety and equity in the workplace , women coming forward allowed them to unite , Washington said .
`` In doing so , we came together , and we were no longer siloed , '' Washington said .
`` For so much of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so-and-so actress was crazy , so-and-so actress was difficult , this other actress is bad news .
When we were all gathered in a room together , we got to know each other . ''
Witherspoon and Washington came together to tell the story of two women who very much do not come together .
Mia is a suspect in the fire , and fire is a component of her modern art .
The fire might be a metaphor for the volatility of their relationship .
For Washington , the fire is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you watch the scene , it 's like Mia alone in her studio , lighting her work on fire , '' Washington said .
`` In real life , it was like me and 17 firemen standing just off-camera all giving me lectures on how much time I had before I was gon na burn down the whole lot . ''
Little Fires Everywhere premieres Wednesday on Hulu .

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Kerry Washington stars in "Little Fires Everywhere" on Hulu. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
LOS ANGELES, March 18 (UPI) -- Both the book and the Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere begin with Elena Richardson's (Reese Witherspoon) house burning down. Little Fires Everywhere flashes back from the fire to when Elena met Mia Warren (Kerry Washington). Mia was living in her car with her daughter, Pearl (Lexi Underwood), so Elena rented her guest house to them. Advertisement
"We were representing completely different kinds of women and different kinds of mothering, but both with dignity and respect," Witherspoon said on a Television Critics Association panel. "It was just a great partnership."
Author Celeste Ng did not describe the Warrens as black. By casting Washington and Underwood, the show added another level of friction between Mia and Elena.
"The book really does delve into class and kind of sociopolitical differences and cultural differences," Washington said. "I think adding the layer of race to that really enriches the storytelling."
Advertisement
Washington said race already was a component of the book. Ng's parents came from Hong Kong, and Chinese characters, such as Mia's coworkers at a Chinese restaurant, are included.
"The book also deals with race, and I think does a beautiful job of stepping away from this binary idea we have of race in this country -- of black and white," Washington said. "We're also dealing with Asian identity and immigrant identity and, again, class."
Class friction develops when Elena offers Mia work cleaning her house to supplement Mia's income as an artist. Mia resents the implication that she needs Elena's charity.
As the friction builds, Elena judges Mia's choices as a mother. Mia replies, "You didn't make good choices. You had good choices," insinuating that Elena was privileged to have more opportunity than the Warrens.
Witherspoon reflected on the nature of choices and determined she related more to Mia. She co-founded the production company Pacific Standard in 2012 and Hello Sunshine in 2014 to take more control over the choices she had as an actor.
"Choices used to be made for me a lot," Witherspoon said. "I made a conscious decision about eight years ago to start my own company because I wasn't happy with the choices that were being made for me. I didn't see a place to exist within the industry that we had."
Advertisement
Witherspoon had success as an actor for hire in films like Election, Legally Blonde and Walk the Line, for which she won an Oscar. Currently, she rarely stars in a film or show she does not produce.
"Now, I primarily generate everything that I do," Witherspoon said. "I have the gift of having companies like Hulu let me be this woman in this leadership position, which wasn't possible eight years ago."
Her costars and co-producers in shows like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show agree that a shift in the industry has occurred. They all shared experiences of being undervalued just a decade earlier.
"Whether it's Nicole Kidman or it's Jennifer Aniston, we all remark about how much things have changed," Witherspoon said. "We are put in a position of respect for our ideas and that is a new world for us."
Washington, who also executive produces Little Fires Everywhere, said the #MeToo and Time's Up movements improved opportunities for women behind the scenes. In addition to improving safety and equity in the workplace, women coming forward allowed them to unite, Washington said.
"In doing so, we came together, and we were no longer siloed," Washington said. "For so much of my career, I had been told that so-and-so actress was crazy, so-and-so actress was difficult, this other actress is bad news. When we were all gathered in a room together, we got to know each other."
Advertisement
Witherspoon and Washington came together to tell the story of two women who very much do not come together. Mia is a suspect in the fire, and fire is a component of her modern art.
The fire might be a metaphor for the volatility of their relationship. For Washington, the fire is very literal on the set.
"When you watch the scene, it's like Mia alone in her studio, lighting her work on fire," Washington said. "In real life, it was like me and 17 firemen standing just off-camera all giving me lectures on how much time I had before I was gonna burn down the whole lot."
Little Fires Everywhere premieres Wednesday on Hulu.


upi--2020-03-18--Famous birthdays for March 18: Queen Latifah, Lily Collins

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces .
-- John @ @ @ @ @ U.S. vice president to resign that office , in 1782 -- Grover Cleveland , 22nd @ @ @ @ @ United States , in 1837 -- German engineer Rudolf Diesel , inventor of the engine @ @ @ @ @ in 1858

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Queen Latifah arrives on the red carpet at the 36th annual MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on August 26. The singer/actor turns 50 on March 18. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Pisces. They include: Advertisement
-- John C. Calhoun, the first U.S. vice president to resign that office, in 1782
-- Grover Cleveland, 22nd and 24th president of the United States, in 1837
-- Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1844
-- German engineer Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the engine that bears his name, in 1858
-- British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1869
-- Actor Edward Everett Horton in 1886
-- Winemaker Ernest Gallo in 1909
-- Actor Peter Graves in 1926
-- Author John Updike in 1932
File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI
-- Country singer Charley Pride in 1934 (age 86)
-- Former South African President F.W. de Klerk in 1936 (age 84)
-- Singer/songwriter Wilson Pickett in 1941
-- Actor Brad Dourif in 1950 (age 70)
-- Olympic gold medal-winning skier Ingemar Stenmark in 1956 (age 64)
-- Singer Irene Cara in 1959 (age 61)
-- TV personality Mike Rowe in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor/singer Vanessa Williams in 1963 (age 57)
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File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
-- Olympic champion speed skater Bonnie Blair in 1964 (age 56)
-- Singer/actor Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, in 1970 (age 50)
-- Comedian/actor Dane Cook in 1972 (age 48)
-- Actor Sutton Foster in 1975 (age 45)
-- Singer/songwriter Adam Levine in 1979 (age 41)
-- Actor Lily Collins in 1989 (age 31)


upi--2020-03-18--On This Day, March 18: Michael Jordan announces return to basketball

March 18 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1922 , Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience against the British rulers of India .
In 1925 , the worst tornado in U.S. history roared through eastern Missouri , southern Illinois and southern Indiana , killing 695 people , injuring thousands of others and causing $ 17 million in property damage .
In 1937 , a natural gas explosion at a public school in New London , Texas , killed almost 300 people , most of them children .
In 1962 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement ending a seven-year civil war and bringing independence to the North African country .
In 1965 , Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov became the first person to walk in space .
In 1995 , `` I 'm back . ''
Superstar Michael Jordan announced he was returning to professional basketball and the Chicago Bulls after a 17-month break , during which he had tried a baseball career .
In 2002 , a 13-year-old girl died two days after being struck in the head by a puck at a Columbus Blue Jackets-Calgary Flames game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League to have teams install 18-foot nets behind all goals to protect spectators .
In 2003 , on the eve of war with Iraq , the U.S. State Department listed 30 countries as members of a `` coalition of the willing '' supporting military intervention , but only the United States , Britain and Australia were known to be providing troops .
In 2005 , doctors removed the feeding tube keeping Terri Schiavo alive after a wide-ranging fight over the brain-damaged Florida woman 's care that involved U.S. President George Bush and Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama signed a jobs-stimulus measure into law .
It provided $ 17.5 billion in tax cuts and other employer incentives and shifted $ 20 billion to boost transit programs .
In 2014 , the U.S. State Department ordered Syria to close its embassy in Washington , D.C. , and consulates in Michigan and Texas , and expelled all diplomats without U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status .
In 2018 , an Uber vehicle on autonomous mode struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe , Ariz. , the first fatal crash involving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunman opened fire on a tram in Utrecht , the Netherlands , killing three people and injuring several others .

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Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan drives past Atlanta Hawks Steve Smith for a layup during the second period February 14, 1997, in Atlanta. The Bulls ended Atlanta's winning streak at 20 games with a 89-88 victory. On March 18, 1995, "I'm back." Superstar Michael Jordan announced he was returning to professional basketball and the Chicago Bulls after a 17-month break. File Photo by Jim Middleton/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1922, Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience against the British rulers of India. Advertisement
In 1925, the worst tornado in U.S. history roared through eastern Missouri, southern Illinois and southern Indiana, killing 695 people, injuring thousands of others and causing $17 million in property damage.
In 1937, a natural gas explosion at a public school in New London, Texas, killed almost 300 people, most of them children.
In 1962, France and Algeria signed a cease-fire agreement ending a seven-year civil war and bringing independence to the North African country.
In 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov became the first person to walk in space.
In 1995, "I'm back." Superstar Michael Jordan announced he was returning to professional basketball and the Chicago Bulls after a 17-month break, during which he had tried a baseball career.
File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI
In 2002, a 13-year-old girl died two days after being struck in the head by a puck at a Columbus Blue Jackets-Calgary Flames game. The incident forced the National Hockey League to have teams install 18-foot nets behind all goals to protect spectators.
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In 2003, on the eve of war with Iraq, the U.S. State Department listed 30 countries as members of a "coalition of the willing" supporting military intervention, but only the United States, Britain and Australia were known to be providing troops.
In 2005, doctors removed the feeding tube keeping Terri Schiavo alive after a wide-ranging fight over the brain-damaged Florida woman's care that involved U.S. President George Bush and Congress.
File Photo by Cathy Kapulka/UPI
In 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama signed a jobs-stimulus measure into law. It provided $17.5 billion in tax cuts and other employer incentives and shifted $20 billion to boost transit programs.
In 2014, the U.S. State Department ordered Syria to close its embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulates in Michigan and Texas, and expelled all diplomats without U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status.
In 2018, an Uber vehicle on autonomous mode struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Ariz., the first fatal crash involving a self-driving car.
In 2019, a gunman opened fire on a tram in Utrecht, the Netherlands, killing three people and injuring several others.
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upi--2020-03-18--Joe Biden wins Florida, Illinois and Arizona primaries

Biden was projected to win Florida , Illinois and Arizona according to CNN and NBC News , widening his delegate lead over .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. '' Our campaign has had a very good night , '' Biden said in a message broadcast from his home in Delaware instead of before a crowd of supporters to adhere to guidelines against gatherings of more than 10 people due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` We move closer to securing the Democratic Party 's nomination for president and we 're doing it by building a broad coalition that we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A total of 441 delegates were available on Tuesday as Florida carries 219 pledged delegates , making it one of the most coveted primary states , while Illinois holds 155 and Arizona carries 67 .
President Donald Trump was also projected to have gathered enough delegates to win the Republican nomination with a win in Illinois .
Biden made an appeal to Sanders ' supporters , saying he and the senator share a common vision and praising his supporters for bringing `` a remarkable passion and tenacity '' to the issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So let me say , especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Senator Sanders : I hear you .
I know what 's at stake .
I know what we have to do .
He also called for unity as the country deals with the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` You know , it 's in moments like these we realize we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans , '' Biden said .
`` The coronavirus does n't care if you 're a Democrat or Republican .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus outbreak have cut the number of poll workers and may hamper voter turnout .
Ohio , in the meantime , pulled the plug on its primary early Tuesday following several wild hours of maneuvering .
In legal wrangling that went into Tuesday morning , the Ohio Supreme Court stepped in to postpone its primary , denying a legal challenge from a candidate in Wood County , near Toledo , who argued the state 's effort to delay the vote violated state election law .
Gov .
Mike DeWine tried Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County judge denied his request , saying it 's too late since the polls were set to open within hours .
After failing to appeal the move , Amy Acton , director of the Ohio Health Department , issued her own order to close the polls .
Acton 's order said the delay is necessary `` to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread exposure to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of the people in the general population , including the elderly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical conditions . ''
The state 's Supreme Court agreed .
The Ohio Democratic primary , which will award 136 delegates , has not yet been set for a future date .
Arizona 's most populous county , Maricopa , also closed most of its polling places for safety reasons because of the virus .
The state said it will operate 150 `` vote centers , '' where ballots can be cast regardless of where voters live .
Voters also had an opportunity to vote by mail as well .
Sixty-one delegates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ron DeSantis ordered election authorities to close all polling places in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities there , but polling places were open normally .
The state has 219 delegates .
In Illinois , polling places in schools and other locations were closed due to the coronavirus .
The state faces a poll worker shortage and state officials expect a low voter turnout .
`` We are in an untenable position at this point , and we understand and refuse to punish the [ election ] judges whose age or health condition might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Marisel Hernandez , chair of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners .
`` [ We are ] bracing for the most difficult election , under the most trying of times . ''

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Former Vice President Joe Biden swept Tuesday's three-state primary, widening his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden swept Tuesday's three-state primary, news outlets projected. Biden was projected to win Florida, Illinois and Arizona according to CNN and NBC News, widening his delegate lead over. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in the Democratic presidential primary. Advertisement
"Our campaign has had a very good night," Biden said in a message broadcast from his home in Delaware instead of before a crowd of supporters to adhere to guidelines against gatherings of more than 10 people due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We move closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president and we're doing it by building a broad coalition that we need to win in November," he said.
A total of 441 delegates were available on Tuesday as Florida carries 219 pledged delegates, making it one of the most coveted primary states, while Illinois holds 155, and Arizona carries 67.
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GOP President Donald Trump was also projected to have gathered enough delegates to win the Republican nomination with a win in Illinois.
Biden made an appeal to Sanders' supporters, saying he and the senator share a common vision and praising his supporters for bringing "a remarkable passion and tenacity" to the issues at hand in the election.
"So let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders: I hear you. I know what's at stake. I know what we have to do."
He also called for unity as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You know, it's in moments like these we realize we need to put politics aside and work together as Americans," Biden said. "The coronavirus doesn't care if you're a Democrat or Republican."
The complications over the primaries due to the coronavirus outbreak have cut the number of poll workers and may hamper voter turnout.
Ohio pulled the plug on its primary early Tuesday following several wild hours of maneuvering.
In legal wrangling that went into Tuesday morning, the Ohio Supreme Court stepped in to postpone its primary, denying a legal challenge from a candidate in Wood County, near Toledo, who argued the state's effort to delay the vote violated state election law.
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Gov. Mike DeWine tried Monday to postpone the election but a Franklin County judge denied his request, saying it was too late since the polls were set to open within hours. After failing to appeal the move, Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Health Department, issued her own order to close the polls.
Acton's order said the delay is necessary "to avoid the imminent threat with a high probability of widespread exposure to COVID-19 with a significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of the people in the general population, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions."
The state's Supreme Court agreed. The Ohio Democratic primary, which will award 136 delegates, has not yet been set for a future date.
Arizona's most populous county, Maricopa, also closed most of its polling places for safety reasons because of the virus. The state said it would operate 150 "vote centers," where ballots could be cast regardless of where voters live. Voters also had an opportunity to vote by mail.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered election authorities to close all polling places in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, but polling places elsewhere were open normally.
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In Illinois, polling places in schools and other locations were closed due to the coronavirus. The state faces a poll worker shortage and state officials expected a low voter turnout.
"We are in an untenable position at this point, and we understand and refuse to punish the [election] judges whose age or health condition might prevent them from going out," said Marisel Hernandez, chair of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. "[We are] bracing for the most difficult election, under the most trying of times."


upi--2020-03-18--State Department blacklists new Islamic State leader

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The Trump administration has blacklisted Amir Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla , the new leader of the Islamic State terrorist organization .
The State Department announced it was registering al-Mawla as a `` Specially Designated Global Terrorist '' on Tuesday , stating he was named the leader of IS following the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October .
Al-Baghdadi died when he detonated a suicide vest in a dead-end tunnel during a U.S. military raid on his compound in northwest Syria .
Prior to heading IS , al-Mawla was active in al-Qaida in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , becoming its deputy amir , the State Department said in a statement , adding that he `` helped drive and attempt to justify the abduction , slaughter and trafficking of Yazidi religious minorities in northwest Iraq '' as well as oversees IS ' global operations .
The terrorist organization , which once occupied about a third of Syria and 40 percent of Iraq , has dwindled and last year its final caliphate in Syria was recaptured by U.S.-backed forces .
`` We 've destroyed the caliphate and we remain committed to [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who they designate as their leader , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Tuesday while remarking on al-Mawla 's designation .
The State Department -- which has offered a $ 5 million reward for information on al-Mawla -- said the designation prohibits Americans from doing business with al-Mawla and blocks all of his property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction .
`` This whole-of-government effort is destroying [ IS ] in its safe havens , denying its ability to recruit foreign terrorist fighters , stifling its financial resources , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Internet and social media and helping to stabilize liberated areas in Iraq and Syria so the displaced can return to their homes and begin to rebuild their lives , '' the State Department said .

Amir Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla was appointed leader of the Islamic State terrorist organization after the death of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in October. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of State/ Website
March 18 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has blacklisted Amir Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla, the new leader of the Islamic State terrorist organization. The State Department announced it was registering al-Mawla as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" on Tuesday, stating he was named the leader of IS following the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. Advertisement
Al-Baghdadi died when he detonated a suicide vest in a dead-end tunnel during a U.S. military raid on his compound in northwest Syria.
Prior to heading IS, al-Mawla was active in al-Qaida in Iraq and rose through the ranks of IS, becoming its deputy amir, the State Department said in a statement, adding that he "helped drive and attempt to justify the abduction, slaughter and trafficking of Yazidi religious minorities in northwest Iraq" as well as oversees IS' global operations.
The terrorist organization, which once occupied about a third of Syria and 40 percent of Iraq, has dwindled and last year its final caliphate in Syria was recaptured by U.S.-backed forces.
"We've destroyed the caliphate and we remain committed to [IS'] enduring defeat no matter who they designate as their leader," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Tuesday while remarking on al-Mawla's designation.
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The State Department -- which has offered a $5 million reward for information on al-Mawla -- said the designation prohibits Americans from doing business with al-Mawla and blocks all of his property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
"This whole-of-government effort is destroying [IS] in its safe havens, denying its ability to recruit foreign terrorist fighters, stifling its financial resources, countering the false propaganda it disseminates over the Internet and social media and helping to stabilize liberated areas in Iraq and Syria so the displaced can return to their homes and begin to rebuild their lives," the State Department said.


upi--2020-03-18--Medical radiation exposure in U.S. down dramatically

There 's been a large decrease in Americans ' exposure to medical radiation , according to a new study .
Between 2006 and 2016 , medical radiation exposure among U.S. patients fell by 20 percent , reversing a steep , quarter century-long rise .
The number of diagnostic and interventional radiology exams remained largely unchanged , even though the U.S. population jumped about 23 million .
The study was published March 17 in the journal Radiology .
`` The radiation dose to the U.S. population went up dramatically ( between 1980 and 2006 ) because of medical exposure , mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that woke everybody up to the problem , '' said senior author Dr. Fred Mettler Jr. , a radiologist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque .
In response to a 2008 report showing a six-fold increase in medical radiation exposure between 1980 and 2006 , medical groups took steps to increase awareness of exposure .
Equipment manufacturers also developed more refined technology to control doses .
But the effects of these and other efforts had been largely unknown .
`` The overall trend stabilized , and the total dose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mettler said in a news release .
A major factor in reduced exposure was a significant decrease in the number of nuclear medicine procedures , from 17 million in 2006 to 13.5 million in 2016 .
After a cut in Medicare reimbursement , many heart specialists switched from nuclear medicine-based procedures to stress echocardiography , which uses ultrasound instead of ionizing radiation .
CT scans , a major source of medical radiation exposure , increased from 67 million to 84 million scans over the 10-year study period , but average individual dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mahadevappa Mahesh , professor of radiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore .
`` One important factor is the dose modulation techniques available on most CT scanners in the country , '' he said in the news release .
`` The second factor is that overall CT detectors are becoming very efficient in the sense that they can utilize less radiation to create the same quality images . ''
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on diagnostic imaging .

There's been a large decrease in Americans' exposure to medical radiation, according to a new study.
Between 2006 and 2016, medical radiation exposure among U.S. patients fell by 20 percent, reversing a steep, quarter century-long rise.
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The number of diagnostic and interventional radiology exams remained largely unchanged, even though the U.S. population jumped about 23 million.
The study was published March 17 in the journal Radiology.
"The radiation dose to the U.S. population went up dramatically (between 1980 and 2006) because of medical exposure, mostly from CT scanning and nuclear medicine, and that woke everybody up to the problem," said senior author Dr. Fred Mettler Jr., a radiologist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
In response to a 2008 report showing a six-fold increase in medical radiation exposure between 1980 and 2006, medical groups took steps to increase awareness of exposure. Equipment manufacturers also developed more refined technology to control doses.
But the effects of these and other efforts had been largely unknown.
"The overall trend stabilized, and the total dose to the U.S. population dropped a bit," Mettler said in a news release.
A major factor in reduced exposure was a significant decrease in the number of nuclear medicine procedures, from 17 million in 2006 to 13.5 million in 2016.
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After a cut in Medicare reimbursement, many heart specialists switched from nuclear medicine-based procedures to stress echocardiography, which uses ultrasound instead of ionizing radiation.
CT scans, a major source of medical radiation exposure, increased from 67 million to 84 million scans over the 10-year study period, but average individual dose fell 6 percent, according to co-author Mahadevappa Mahesh, professor of radiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
"One important factor is the dose modulation techniques available on most CT scanners in the country," he said in the news release. "The second factor is that overall CT detectors are becoming very efficient in the sense that they can utilize less radiation to create the same quality images."
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on diagnostic imaging.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-18--Kansas schools close for remainder of academic year; California may follow

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that all schools will close for the remainder of the academic year , making it the first state to do so as others consider adopting the drastic measure to curb coronavirus infections .
`` This was not an easy decision to make , '' Kelly said in a statement .
`` It came after close consultation with the education professionals who represent local school boards , school administrators and local teachers . ''
Kelly announced the decision during a press conference in Topeka , stating the schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' needed to limit the disease 's long-term impact .
Once sanitized , some buildings may reopen for small groups of school personnel to plan for continuous learning , she said .
`` The reality of this pandemic is that it can not be controlled statewide if school buildings return to normal operations or they respond inconsistently within our local communities , '' she said during the address .
`` These unprecedented circumstances threaten the safety of our students and the professionals who work with them every day and we must respond accordingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Kelly recommended all public schools to close for the week .
The state has at least 16 confirmed cases , according to its Department of Health and Environment .
Late last week , governors began to close schools starting with Ohio , Maryland , Michigan , New Mexico and Oregon and soon after more than two dozen followed , but with plans to reopen in a number of weeks .
According to Education Week , a total of 39 states have decided to close schools .
With Tuesday 's announcement , Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its K-12 schools for the remainder of the year but it may not be the last .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom warned the public Tuesday during an update that schools , which have already closed , will probably not reopen this 2019-2020 academic year .
`` I would plan and assume it is unlikely that many of these schools -- few , if any -- will open before the summer break , '' he said .
The announcement was made in order to be transparent and honest with the public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state 's school system , he said .
`` Do n't anticipate schools will open up in a week , '' he said .
`` Do n't anticipate in a few weeks , and I say that because one needs to be honest and I need to be accountable to you .
I do n't want to mislead you , six-plus million kids in our system and their families , they need to make some plans at a time when a lot of plans are already being curtailed . ''
The news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 patient , meaning all 50 states have now been infected with the virus .
According to a live tally by Johns Hopkins University , the United States recorded more than 6,360 infections and more than 100 deaths due to the coronavirus .

March 18 (UPI) -- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that all schools will close for the remainder of the academic year, making it the first state to do so as others consider adopting the drastic measure to curb coronavirus infections.
"This was not an easy decision to make," Kelly said in a statement. "It came after close consultation with the education professionals who represent local school boards, school administrators and local teachers."
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Kelly announced the decision during a press conference in Topeka, stating the schools were closed to "create the space" needed to limit the disease's long-term impact.
Once sanitized, some buildings may reopen for small groups of school personnel to plan for continuous learning, she said.
"The reality of this pandemic is that it cannot be controlled statewide if school buildings return to normal operations or they respond inconsistently within our local communities," she said during the address. "These unprecedented circumstances threaten the safety of our students and the professionals who work with them every day and we must respond accordingly."
The announcement came two days after Kelly recommended all public schools to close for the week. The state has at least 16 confirmed cases, according to its Department of Health and Environment.
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Late last week, governors began to close schools starting with Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico and Oregon and soon after more than two dozen followed, but with plans to reopen in a number of weeks.
According to Education Week, a total of 39 states have decided to close schools.
With Tuesday's announcement, Kansas is the first to shutter the doors of its K-12 schools for the remainder of the year but it may not be the last.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned the public Tuesday during an update that schools, which have already closed, will probably not reopen this 2019-2020 academic year.
"I would plan and assume it is unlikely that many of these schools -- few, if any -- will open before the summer break," he said.
The announcement was made in order to be transparent and honest with the public and the more than 6 million students in the state's school system, he said.
"Don't anticipate schools will open up in a week," he said. "Don't anticipate in a few weeks, and I say that because one needs to be honest and I need to be accountable to you. I don't want to mislead you, six-plus million kids in our system and their families, they need to make some plans at a time when a lot of plans are already being curtailed."
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The news came as West Virginia announced its first COVID-19 patient, meaning all 50 states have now been infected with the virus. According to a live tally by Johns Hopkins University, the United States recorded more than 6,360 infections and more than 100 deaths due to the coronavirus.


upi--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Hong Kong orders quarantines; Iran releases inmates

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Hong Kong announced mandatory quarantines Tuesday for anyone entering from abroad , and Iran released thousands of prisoners Tuesday to halt the spread of coronavirus .
The World Health Organization in its daily update called on European nations to follow China 's example of taking tough measures to halt the spread of the disease as much as possible .
A live tally by Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday morning a total of 185,000 cases worldwide and 7,300 deaths .
The total number of recovered patients , it said , has surpassed 80,200 .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 81,000 , followed by Italy ( 28,000 ) and Iran ( nearly 15,000 ) .
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that anyone entering the semi-autonomous region from abroad will be quarantined for 14 days starting Thursday .
Lam announced the measure during a briefing while wearing a protective face mask , and added that Hong Kong is shifting its focus to prevent imported cases of the virus .
The outbreak has significantly slowed in mainland China several weeks after it first emerged in Wuhan .
`` With the continuous spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Administrative Region ] government has now moved our focus from preventing import cases from mainland to import cases to overseas , '' Lam said .
Hong Kong has recorded more than 150 cases since the first patient in early January .
Taiwan on Tuesday also ordered a 14-day quarantine for travelers from 20 countries and three U.S. states , Washington , New York and California , starting Thursday at midnight .
China 's National Health Commission reported 21 new cases , all but one of which were imported .
Hubei province , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new case .
Chinese officials , meanwhile , are criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump for repeatedly calling COVID-19 a `` Chinese virus . ''
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing is `` strongly indignant '' over Trump 's term , which he said smacked of `` stigmatization . ''
A sharp rise in cases was reported in Indonesia Tuesday , health officials said , and Jakarta announced it will suspend its visa exemption policies for short stays -- and Malaysia reported its first coronavirus death , a 60-year-old pastor .
Malaysia so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- the most in Southeast Asia .
Hans Kluge , regional director of the WHO 's European office , said Tuesday the outbreak there -- which has now surpassed China in the total number of reported cases -- has produced `` a new reality '' in the lives of millions on the continent .
`` Europe is the epicenter of the first pandemic of coronavirus , and every country , with no exceptions , need to take their boldest actions to stop or slow the virus spread , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kluge praised lockdowns imposed in Italy , Spain , France and other European nations this week .
`` The experience of China and others shows that testing and contact tracing , combined with social distancing and community mobilization , when put in place quickly and effectively , can prevent infections and save lives , '' he said .
In Iran , where health officials said cases reached nearly 15,000 Monday , some 85,000 prisoners were temporarily released as a means to spread out the population and slow the virus .
Iranian judiciary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released were `` security-related '' inmates and others were political prisoners .
Officials had been calling for a release of prisoners from Iran 's overcrowded and disease-prone jails .
In Jordan , health officials reported four new cases and authorities suspended operations on the nation 's stock exchange until further notice .
New Zealand announced a $ 7.3 billion stimulus package Tuesday to boost healthcare , offer businesses subsidies and support the most vulnerable .
The package represents 4 percent of New Zealand 's GDP , Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and well-being of our people , '' he said .
`` The global spread of the virus has also disrupted economies across the world , costing the jobs and livelihoods of countless families . ''
The full impact on New Zealand , which has 11 confirmed cases , is not yet known but Robertson said it will likely cost some jobs and negatively impact businesses .
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians traveling abroad who wish to return home do so as soon as possible via commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to later .
The agency also warned that Australians abroad may not be able to access help at consular offices due to travel restrictions Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday it was suspending all prayer services at mosques across the religious nation except for at locations in Makkah and Madinah , according to the Saudi Press Agency .
The measure was announced to encourage citizens to remain home amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
The Middle Eastern country reported 38 new cases of the virus on Tuesday , increasing its total to 171 .

A traveler takes photos of a departure board showing canceled flights at Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Hong Kong announced mandatory quarantines Tuesday for anyone entering from abroad, and Iran released thousands of prisoners Tuesday to halt the spread of coronavirus. The World Health Organization in its daily update called on European nations to follow China's example of taking tough measures to halt the spread of the disease as much as possible. Advertisement
A live tally by Johns Hopkins University showed Tuesday morning a total of 185,000 cases worldwide and 7,300 deaths. The total number of recovered patients, it said, has surpassed 80,200. China has recorded the most number of cases, 81,000, followed by Italy (28,000) and Iran (nearly 15,000).
Asia
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that anyone entering the semi-autonomous region from abroad will be quarantined for 14 days starting Thursday.
Lam announced the measure during a briefing while wearing a protective face mask, and added that Hong Kong is shifting its focus to prevent imported cases of the virus. The outbreak has significantly slowed in mainland China several weeks after it first emerged in Wuhan.
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"With the continuous spread of the disease, the [Hong Kong Special Administrative Region] government has now moved our focus from preventing import cases from mainland to import cases to overseas," Lam said.
Hong Kong has recorded more than 150 cases since the first patient in early January.
Taiwan on Tuesday also ordered a 14-day quarantine for travelers from 20 countries and three U.S. states, Washington, New York and California, starting Thursday at midnight.
China's National Health Commission reported 21 new cases, all but one of which were imported. Hubei province, which houses Wuhan, reported just one new case.
Chinese officials, meanwhile, are criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump for repeatedly calling COVID-19 a "Chinese virus."
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing is "strongly indignant" over Trump's term, which he said smacked of "stigmatization."
A sharp rise in cases was reported in Indonesia Tuesday, health officials said, and Jakarta announced it will suspend its visa exemption policies for short stays -- and Malaysia reported its first coronavirus death, a 60-year-old pastor. Malaysia so far has reported more than 550 cases -- the most in Southeast Asia.
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Europe
Hans Kluge, regional director of the WHO's European office, said Tuesday the outbreak there -- which has now surpassed China in the total number of reported cases -- has produced "a new reality" in the lives of millions on the continent.
"Europe is the epicenter of the first pandemic of coronavirus, and every country, with no exceptions, need to take their boldest actions to stop or slow the virus spread," he said. "Boldest action should include community action."
Kluge praised lockdowns imposed in Italy, Spain, France and other European nations this week.
"The experience of China and others shows that testing and contact tracing, combined with social distancing and community mobilization, when put in place quickly and effectively, can prevent infections and save lives," he said.
Middle East
In Iran, where health officials said cases reached nearly 15,000 Monday, some 85,000 prisoners were temporarily released as a means to spread out the population and slow the virus.
Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said half of those released were "security-related" inmates and others were political prisoners. Officials had been calling for a release of prisoners from Iran's overcrowded and disease-prone jails.
In Jordan, health officials reported four new cases and authorities suspended operations on the nation's stock exchange until further notice.
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Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand announced a $7.3 billion stimulus package Tuesday to boost healthcare, offer businesses subsidies and support the most vulnerable. The package represents 4 percent of New Zealand's GDP, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement.
"Our first priority is the health and well-being of our people," he said. "The global spread of the virus has also disrupted economies across the world, costing the jobs and livelihoods of countless families."
The full impact on New Zealand, which has 11 confirmed cases, is not yet known but Robertson said it will likely cost some jobs and negatively impact businesses.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians traveling abroad who wish to return home do so as soon as possible via commercial flights, warning they may not be able to later.
The agency also warned that Australians abroad may not be able to access help at consular offices due to travel restrictions
Middle East
Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday it was suspending all prayer services at mosques across the religious nation except for at locations in Makkah and Madinah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
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The measure was announced to encourage citizens to remain home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Middle Eastern country reported 38 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, increasing its total to 171.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-03-17--Roger Mayweather, Floyd's uncle and former boxing champion, dies at 58

March 17 ( UPI ) -- Roger Mayweather , a two-division boxing world champion and the uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr. , died Tuesday after years of declining health , including a long battle with diabetes .
He was 58 .
Roger Mayweather compiled a professional record of 59 wins and 13 losses in a career that spanned from 1981 through 1999 .
After stepping away from competition inside the ring , he moved on and became a full-time trainer for his nephew .
`` My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr. said in a statement , just days after Josie Harris , the mother of three of Floyd Jr. 's children , was found dead .
`` Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing .
`` Unfortunately , his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace .
Roger meant the world to me , my father Floyd Sr. , my uncle Jeff , our whole family , everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us . ''
Roger Mayweather , a native of Grand Rapids , Mich. , won world titles as a junior lightweight and junior welterweight .
He squared off against many notable opponents during his 18-year career , including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. , Pernell Whitaker , Kostya Tszyu , Livingstone Bramble , Rafael Pineda , Rocky Lockridge , Samuel Serrano and Vinny Pazienza .
He trained Floyd Jr. from 2000 to 2012 before health issues prevented him from continuing .

Roger Mayweather (R), a two-division boxing world champion, died Tuesday after a long battle with diabetes and other known health issues. File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI | License Photo
March 17 (UPI) -- Roger Mayweather, a two-division boxing world champion and the uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr., died Tuesday after years of declining health, including a long battle with diabetes. He was 58. Roger Mayweather compiled a professional record of 59 wins and 13 losses in a career that spanned from 1981 through 1999. After stepping away from competition inside the ring, he moved on and became a full-time trainer for his nephew. Advertisement
"My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring," Floyd Mayweather Jr. said in a statement, just days after Josie Harris, the mother of three of Floyd Jr.'s children, was found dead. "Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing.
"Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr., my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us."
Advertisement We are saddened with the recent news of Roger Mayweather's passing. Our hearts go out to the Mayweather family and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Roger's spirit lives on with us forever pic.twitter.com/MWNsVftoYY— Mayweather Promotions (@MayweatherPromo) March 17, 2020
Roger Mayweather, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., won world titles as a junior lightweight and junior welterweight. He squared off against many notable opponents during his 18-year career, including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Pernell Whitaker, Kostya Tszyu, Livingstone Bramble, Rafael Pineda, Rocky Lockridge, Samuel Serrano and Vinny Pazienza.
He trained Floyd Jr. from 2000 to 2012 before health issues prevented him from continuing.


upi--2020-03-18--President Donald Trump signs coronavirus aid bill

March 18 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at providing relief in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Trump announced the signing of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in a statement after the Senate sent the legislation to his desk earlier in the day .
`` The act makes emergency supplemental appropriations and other changes to law to help the nation respond to the coronavirus outbreak , '' he said .
Senators voted 90-8 in favor of the bill four days after the House overwhelmingly passed it in a middle-of-the-night vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill were all Republican -- Sens .
Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee , James Inhofe of Oklahoma , Ron Johnson of Wisconsin , James Lankford of Oklahoma , Mike Lee of Utah , Rand Paul of Kentucky , Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim Scott of South Carolina .
The Joint Committee on Taxation said it expects the legislation will cost taxpayers $ 104 billion .
It includes up to 10 days of paid sick leave for some workers , enhanced unemployment insurance and aims to include free COVID-19 testing for anyone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline workers , increased federal funds for Medicaid and more than $ 1 billion to strengthen food security initiatives .
It 's the second congressional package to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak , and lawmakers are already working on a third bill to include more help for small businesses and individuals , including cash payments .
The White House is working with Congress to iron out the details of the new $ 1 trillion legislation , much of which was proposed by the Trump administration .
A Treasury Department fact sheet showed the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 billion bailout to the airline industry , funnel $ 150 billion into secured lending or loan guarantees to help other sectors of the economy , and shell out $ 500 billion in checks to individuals meeting certain income and family requirements .
The cash payments would be sent out in two checks -- one on April 6 , the second on May 18 .
The proposal also includes a $ 300 billion loan program for small businesses affected by the virus .
According to Johns Hopkins University , which has been tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 118 people have died and another 7,769 have been sickened by the coronavirus in the United States .

1/3
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a coronavirus aid bill as Congress and the White House began working on a third piece of legislation to provide relief to Americans amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Photo Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at providing relief in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Trump announced the signing of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in a statement after the Senate sent the legislation to his desk earlier in the day. Advertisement
"The act makes emergency supplemental appropriations and other changes to law to help the nation respond to the coronavirus outbreak," he said.
Senators voted 90-8 in favor of the bill four days after the House overwhelmingly passed it in a middle-of-the-night vote. The eight senators who voted against the bill were all Republican -- Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim Scott of South Carolina.
The Joint Committee on Taxation said it expects the legislation will cost taxpayers $104 billion. It includes up to 10 days of paid sick leave for some workers, enhanced unemployment insurance and aims to include free COVID-19 testing for anyone in need. It also contains protections for frontline workers, increased federal funds for Medicaid and more than $1 billion to strengthen food security initiatives.
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It's the second congressional package to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, and lawmakers are already working on a third bill to include more help for small businesses and individuals, including cash payments.
The White House is working with Congress to iron out the details of the new $1 trillion legislation, much of which was proposed by the Trump administration.
A Treasury Department fact sheet showed the administration wants a plan to give a $50 billion bailout to the airline industry, funnel $150 billion into secured lending or loan guarantees to help other sectors of the economy, and shell out $500 billion in checks to individuals meeting certain income and family requirements.
The cash payments would be sent out in two checks -- one on April 6, the second on May 18.
The proposal also includes a $300 billion loan program for small businesses affected by the virus.
According to Johns Hopkins University, which has been tracking the global coronavirus numbers, at least 118 people have died and another 7,769 have been sickened by the coronavirus in the United States.


upi--2020-03-18--Harvey Weinstein transferred to maximum-security New York prison

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Harvey Weinstein was transferred to a maximum-security prison on Wednesday as he prepares to @ @ @ @ @ rape and sexual assault convictions .
Weinstein , 67 , was received at Wende Correctional @ @ @ @ @ N.Y. , after leaving the North Infirmary Command at Rikers Island , the New York @ @ @ @ @ Officials said Weinstein will remain at the facility throughout his classification process .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ this process , as it varies based on the individual 's programmatic , medical and @ @ @ @ @ corrections official said .
Weinstein previously spent a week at Bellevue Hospital following a heart @ @ @ @ @ heart palpitations and high blood pressure after his conviction .
He was convicted of first-degree @ @ @ @ @ rape for assaults in 2013 and 2006 , and acquitted on two more serious predatory @ @ @ @ @ charges in Los Angeles .

Harvey Weinstein was transferred to a New York maximum-security prison from the North Infirmary Command at Rikers Island where he was recovering from a heart procedure after being sentenced to 23 years in prison on rape and sexual assault convictions. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- Harvey Weinstein was transferred to a maximum-security prison on Wednesday as he prepares to begin his 23-year sentence on rape and sexual assault convictions. Weinstein, 67, was received at Wende Correctional Facility outside of Buffalo, N.Y., after leaving the North Infirmary Command at Rikers Island, the New York Department of Corrections said. Advertisement
Officials said Weinstein will remain at the facility throughout his classification process.
"There is no standard timeframe for this process, as it varies based on the individual's programmatic, medical and other needs," a corrections official said.
Weinstein previously spent a week at Bellevue Hospital following a heart procedure when medical attendants detected heart palpitations and high blood pressure after his conviction.
He was convicted of first-degree criminal sex act and third-degree rape for assaults in 2013 and 2006, and acquitted on two more serious predatory counts. He faces additional charges in Los Angeles.


upi--2020-03-18--Trump invokes WWII-era law to make up medical shortages, fight coronavirus

March 18 ( UPI ) -- Promising `` total victory '' over the coronavirus outbreak , President Donald Trump announced a series of additional measures Wednesday to help beat the pandemic -- which include invoking a 70-year-old law that allows him to use the private sector to make up the shortage of medical supplies .
At a White House briefing with his Coronavirus Task Force , Trump said the 1950 Defense Production Act -- which allows the federal government to the marshal the manufacturing capabilities of the private sector during wartime -- will be used `` in case we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot good things if we need it , '' he said , adding that he would sign an order activating the law immediately .
The United States has more than 7,300 coronavirus cases , according to a live tally tracked by Johns Hopkins University .
The U.S. death toll is 115 so far , with the majority recorded in Washington state .
Trump said using the Defense Production Act shows that his administration is taking a wartime footing in response to the disease , and said , `` Now it 's our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , because we are all in this together , and we will come through together , '' he added .
`` It 's the invisible enemy .
That 's always the toughest enemy .
But we are going to defeat the invisible enemy .
`` I think we are going to do it even faster than we thought , and it 'll be a complete victory .
It 'll be a total victory . ''
Trump said he may use the law to shore up shortages of medical supplies and equipment nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept the United States behind the COVID-19 curve .
The president made the announcement after warnings from some doctors and industry groups about possible shortages in supplies , including face masks and protective medical gear like surgical gowns .
Trump also said he will send two Navy hospital ships , the Comfort and Mercy , into service to help treat patients .
One of the ships , he said , will go to New York City .
There are nearly 2,500 cases in New York state .
The president added that he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to approve `` self-swab '' coronavirus tests as a way to quickly expand access .
The new measures Wednesday also included an order to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to suspend foreclosures and evictions through the end of April .
During the briefing , Trump again referred to COVID-19 as `` the Chinese virus '' and later defended his use of the term .
Officials in Beijing have denounced Trump for insinuating the disease is China 's doing .
`` It 's not racist , it comes from China , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` As you know , China tried to say at one point ... that it was caused by American soldiers .
That ca n't happen .
...
It comes from China . ''
Before the briefing , the president conferred with CEOs of the nation 's major airlines after promising on Tuesday to funnel billions of dollars in relief to the hard-hit industry .
During the call , Trump thanked them for their willingness to help .
Earlier Wednesday , Trump acknowledged the closure of the U.S.-Canadian border for non-essential travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutual consent , temporarily closing our northern border with Canada to non-essential traffic , '' he wrote .
`` Trade will not be affected . ''
He also said the United States would take action to bar entry by migrants illegally crossing the southern border , including those seeking asylum , stating the border would not be closed but he would instead invoke `` a certain provision that will allow us great latitude a to what we do . ''

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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters Wednesday in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House. Photo Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- Promising "total victory" over the coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump announced a series of additional measures Wednesday to help beat the pandemic -- which include invoking a 70-year-old law that allows him to use the private sector to make up the shortage of medical supplies. At a White House briefing with his Coronavirus Task Force, Trump said the 1950 Defense Production Act -- which allows the federal government to the marshal the manufacturing capabilities of the private sector during wartime -- will be used "in case we need it." Advertisement
"It can do a lot good things if we need it," he said, adding that he would sign an order activating the law immediately.
The United States has more than 7,300 coronavirus cases, according to a live tally tracked by Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. death toll is 115 so far, with the majority recorded in Washington state.
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Trump said using the Defense Production Act shows that his administration is taking a wartime footing in response to the disease, and said, "Now it's our time."
"We must sacrifice together, because we are all in this together, and we will come through together," he added. "It's the invisible enemy. That's always the toughest enemy. But we are going to defeat the invisible enemy.
"I think we are going to do it even faster than we thought, and it'll be a complete victory. It'll be a total victory."
Trump said he may use the law to shore up shortages of medical supplies and equipment nationwide -- something that many experts say initially kept the United States behind the COVID-19 curve.
The president made the announcement after warnings from some doctors and industry groups about possible shortages in supplies, including face masks and protective medical gear like surgical gowns.
Trump also said he will send two Navy hospital ships, the Comfort and Mercy, into service to help treat patients. One of the ships, he said, will go to New York City. There are nearly 2,500 cases in New York state.
The president added that he will push for the Food and Drug Administration to approve "self-swab" coronavirus tests as a way to quickly expand access.
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The new measures Wednesday also included an order to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to suspend foreclosures and evictions through the end of April.
During the briefing, Trump again referred to COVID-19 as "the Chinese virus" and later defended his use of the term. Officials in Beijing have denounced Trump for insinuating the disease is China's doing.
"It's not racist, it comes from China, I want to be accurate," Trump said. "As you know, China tried to say at one point... that it was caused by American soldiers. That can't happen. ... It comes from China."
Before the briefing, the president conferred with CEOs of the nation's major airlines after promising on Tuesday to funnel billions of dollars in relief to the hard-hit industry. During the call, Trump thanked them for their willingness to help.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump acknowledged the closure of the U.S.-Canadian border for non-essential travel.
"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our northern border with Canada to non-essential traffic," he wrote. "Trade will not be affected."
He also said the United States would take action to bar entry by migrants illegally crossing the southern border, including those seeking asylum, stating the border would not be closed but he would instead invoke "a certain provision that will allow us great latitude a to what we do."
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U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-18--In-person voting numbers dip in Tuesdays primaries amid coronavirus fears

March 18 ( UPI ) -- In-person voting during Tuesday 's primary elections in Florida , Illinois and Arizona saw a downturn amid concerns about COVID-19 as state and federal government officials encouraged people to remain home and avoid crowds .
About half a million fewer voters cast ballots in the primary election in Illinois on Tuesday than did in the 2016 primary while Florida and Arizona saw increases in participation that were largely driven by early and mail-in voting .
Overall voting levels in Florida increased about 2 percent from 2016 but in-person turnout dropped from 820,000 to 630,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 470,000 in 2016 to 540,000 in the 2020 primary , bolstered primarily by 480,000 Democrats who voted early .
Ohio , which was also originally scheduled to hold its primary on Tuesday , closed polls after a judge rejected Gov .
Mike DeWine 's request to postpone the election to June .
Four other states also postponed their primary elections and Alabama delayed a Republican Senate runoff scheduled for March 31 in response to the virus .
While many polling places provided hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes as well as masks for poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday 's elections .
Poll workers in Chicago reported their polling places did not have sufficient cleaning supplies , hundreds of polling places were moved and shifted , and hundreds of volunteer poll workers in Florida told officials they could not show up for the elections .
The vote also came as Sen. Bernie Sanders ' campaign called for voters to decide on their own whether they were comfortable heading out to the polls in the outbreak and distributed safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to the polls amid the coronavirus outbreak is a personal decision and we respect whichever choice they make , '' said Sanders ' communications director , Mike Casca .
Former Vice President Joe Biden won all three states on Tuesday and his campaign manager , Kate Bedingfield , called for an expansion of early voting throughout the country .
`` Acess to vote by mail , early vote and no-excuse absentee ballots led to increased turnout in the midst of a national crisis and expanding this access will be an important step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Bedingfield said .

Voters went to the polls in lesser numbers in Tuesday's primary elections in Florida, Illinois and Arizona amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak while more voters took advantage of early and mail-in voting. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- In-person voting during Tuesday's primary elections in Florida, Illinois and Arizona saw a downturn amid concerns about COVID-19 as state and federal government officials encouraged people to remain home and avoid crowds. About half a million fewer voters cast ballots in the primary election in Illinois on Tuesday than did in the 2016 primary while Florida and Arizona saw increases in participation that were largely driven by early and mail-in voting. Advertisement
Overall voting levels in Florida increased about 2 percent from 2016 but in-person turnout dropped from 820,000 to 630,000. Arizona turnout increased 30 percent from 470,000 in 2016 to 540,000 in the 2020 primary, bolstered primarily by 480,000 Democrats who voted early.
Ohio, which was also originally scheduled to hold its primary on Tuesday, closed polls after a judge rejected Gov. Mike DeWine's request to postpone the election to June. Four other states also postponed their primary elections and Alabama delayed a Republican Senate runoff scheduled for March 31 in response to the virus.
While many polling places provided hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes as well as masks for poll workers, the outbreak caused complications during Tuesday's elections.
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Poll workers in Chicago reported their polling places did not have sufficient cleaning supplies, hundreds of polling places were moved and shifted, and hundreds of volunteer poll workers in Florida told officials they could not show up for the elections.
The vote also came as Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign called for voters to decide on their own whether they were comfortable heading out to the polls in the outbreak and distributed safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"We are making clear to voters that we believe going to the polls amid the coronavirus outbreak is a personal decision and we respect whichever choice they make," said Sanders' communications director, Mike Casca.
Former Vice President Joe Biden won all three states on Tuesday and his campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, called for an expansion of early voting throughout the country.
"Acess to vote by mail, early vote and no-excuse absentee ballots led to increased turnout in the midst of a national crisis and expanding this access will be an important step in protecting our democracy moving forward," Bedingfield said.


upi--2020-03-18--Carolina Panthers release veteran safety Eric Reid

March 18 ( UPI ) -- The Carolina Panthers released veteran safety Eric Reid after two seasons , the team announced Wednesday .
Reid , 28 , signed a three-year , $ 22 million extension with the Panthers last off-season after originally joining the team on a one-year deal during the 2018 campaign .
According to Spotrac , he was scheduled to count $ 8 million against the salary cap this year , and releasing him will save the Panthers about $ 3 million in cap space , including $ 5.5 million with a post-June 1 designation .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans , media , teammates , and staff there will be remembered , '' Reid wrote Wednesday on Twitter .
`` Looking forward to furthering my career in another city ! ''
Reid was the first player to join former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick 's protest against police brutality and social injustice by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 , when both players were with the San Francisco 49ers .
Before signing the one-year contract with the Panthers in 2018 , Reid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grievance against the NFL that accused team owners of colluding to keep them out of the league .
They both reached settlements with the NFL in February 2019 .
Reid , a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 , recorded career highs in tackles ( 130 ) and sacks ( four ) across 16 regular-season games last season .
In 99 career games between the 49ers and Panthers , he has notched 519 total tackles , six sacks , 11 interceptions and 45 passes defensed .
In an additional roster move , Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He saw action in two games for the Panthers last season before ending the year on injured reserve .

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid (25) previously signed a three-year, $22 million extension with the franchise last off-season. File Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo
March 18 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers released veteran safety Eric Reid after two seasons, the team announced Wednesday. Reid, 28, signed a three-year, $22 million extension with the Panthers last off-season after originally joining the team on a one-year deal during the 2018 campaign. According to Spotrac, he was scheduled to count $8 million against the salary cap this year, and releasing him will save the Panthers about $3 million in cap space, including $5.5 million with a post-June 1 designation. Advertisement
"It's been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered," Reid wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!"
It's been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 18, 2020
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Reid was the first player to join former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality and social injustice by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, when both players were with the San Francisco 49ers.
Before signing the one-year contract with the Panthers in 2018, Reid went unsigned after joining Kaepernick in filing a grievance against the NFL that accused team owners of colluding to keep them out of the league. They both reached settlements with the NFL in February 2019.
Reid, a Pro Bowl selection in 2013, recorded career highs in tackles (130) and sacks (four) across 16 regular-season games last season. In 99 career games between the 49ers and Panthers, he has notched 519 total tackles, six sacks, 11 interceptions and 45 passes defensed.
In an additional roster move, Carolina announced it waived offensive lineman Garrett McGhin. He saw action in two games for the Panthers last season before ending the year on injured reserve.