upi--2020-07-03--Woman charged with tampering in death of Vanessa Guillen on Fort Hood base

July 3 ( UPI ) -- A new federal criminal complaint says missing soldier Pfc .
Vanessa Guillen was killed by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood , Texas , and his girlfriend helped to dismember and hide the body .
Cecily Aguilar , 22 , the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood soldier , is in custody in Bell County Jail in connection with the homicide of Guillen , 20 , who disappeared from the base April 22 .
She faces charges of tampering with evidence .
Specialist David Robinson , 20 , died by suicide Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronted him about Guillen 's death in Killeen , Texas .
Robinson had fled Fort Hood the day before as investigators from the Army Criminal Investigation Division command closed in .
`` Robinson was an armorer who worked in the building adjacent to the building where Spc .
Guillen worked and he was in no way in Spc .
Guillen 's chain of command , '' said Damon Phelps , senior special agent of Fort Hood CID on Thursday .
Texas Rangers arrested Aguilar in connection with Guillen 's death and said Aguilar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hide the remains .
The federal complaint alleges that on April 22 , in the armory where she worked , Robinson struck Guillen with a hammer multiple times , killing her .
Robinson put Gillen 's body in a large `` tough box '' and then called Aguilar to help him dispose of the body , investigators allege .
Aguilar told investigators the two dismembered Guillen 's body and then tried to burn the remains , but `` the body would not burn completely , so the two buried remains in three separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tip , found human remains earlier this week near the Leon River near Belton , Texas .
Guillen 's disappearance was investigated by Army investigators , the Texas Rangers , the FBI and the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force .
Family attorney , Natalie Khawam , said Thursday that the family believes the remains are those of Guillen , who grew up in Houston .
Guillen 's family said at a news conference Wednesday that Robinson had sexually harassed her and was planning to file a complaint against him .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported it to her family .
She even reported to other soldiers on base , but she did n't want to do a formal report because she was afraid of retaliation and being blackballed , and she , like most victims , just tried to deal with it herself , '' her sister , Lupe Guillen , said .
Fort Hood investigators said they would investigate sexual harassment claims .
`` All sexual harassment allegations are being investigated in this case , '' Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt said in a press conference Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other instance . ''
Guillen was promoted posthumously to specialist due to her time in service , according to the Fort Hood website .

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Cecily Aguilar, 22, is facing federal charges of tampering with human remains in connection with the homicide of soldier Specialist Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, Texas. Photo courtesy of the Bell County Jail
July 3 (UPI) -- A new federal criminal complaint says missing soldier Pfc. Vanessa Guillen was killed by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood, Texas, and his girlfriend helped to dismember and hide the body. Cecily Aguilar, 22, the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood soldier, is in custody in Bell County Jail in connection with the homicide of Guillen, 20, who disappeared from the base April 22. She faces charges of tampering with evidence. Advertisement
Specialist David Robinson, 20, died by suicide Wednesday, shooting himself with a pistol after police confronted him about Guillen's death in Killeen, Texas. Robinson had fled Fort Hood the day before as investigators from the Army Criminal Investigation Division command closed in.
"Robinson was an armorer who worked in the building adjacent to the building where Spc. Guillen worked and he was in no way in Spc. Guillen's chain of command," said Damon Phelps, senior special agent of Fort Hood CID on Thursday.
Texas Rangers arrested Aguilar in connection with Guillen's death and said Aguilar helped Robinson dismember Guillen's body and hide the remains.
The federal complaint alleges that on April 22, in the armory where she worked, Robinson struck Guillen with a hammer multiple times, killing her. Robinson put Gillen's body in a large "tough box" and then called Aguilar to help him dispose of the body, investigators allege.
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Aguilar told investigators the two dismembered Guillen's body and then tried to burn the remains, but "the body would not burn completely, so the two buried remains in three separate holes."
Investigators, acting on a tip, found human remains earlier this week near the Leon River near Belton, Texas.
Guillen's disappearance was investigated by Army investigators, the Texas Rangers, the FBI and the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.
Family attorney, Natalie Khawam, said Thursday that the family believes the remains are those of Guillen, who grew up in Houston.
Guillen's family said at a news conference Wednesday that Robinson had sexually harassed her and was planning to file a complaint against him.
"She reported it to her friends. She reported it to her family. She even reported to other soldiers on base, but she didn't want to do a formal report because she was afraid of retaliation and being blackballed, and she, like most victims, just tried to deal with it herself," her sister, Lupe Guillen, said.
Fort Hood investigators said they would investigate sexual harassment claims.
"All sexual harassment allegations are being investigated in this case," Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt said in a press conference Thursday, "as they are in every other instance."
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Guillen was promoted posthumously to specialist due to her time in service, according to the Fort Hood website.


upi--2020-07-03--SAG-AFTRA issues 'Do Not Work' order for 'Songbird' cast

July 3 ( UPI ) -- The actors ' union SAG-AFTRA has issued a `` Do Not Work '' order to the cast of the new pandemic drama , Songbird .
`` Please be advised that On A Lark Productions , LLC , the producer of the picture entitled Songbird , has failed to complete the signatory process and is therefore not signed to any applicable SAG-AFTRA agreement , '' the union said in a press release Thursday .
`` As such , SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services or perform any covered work for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please note , accepting employment or rendering services on Songbird may be considered a violation of Global Rule One .
Violating this order may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution . ''
Starring Demi Moore , Craig Robinson , Paul Walter Hauser and Peter Stormare , the film will be directed by Adam Mason , who co-wrote the script with Simon Boyes .
The movie is about a society locked down because of a deadly virus .
At the heart of the story is the one delivery man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps the people on his routes .
Songbird was to be among the first TV/film productions to start or resume after the entertainment industry was shut down for months due to the real-life coronavirus pandemic .
The producers announced the project late last month and said filming would `` utilize strict social distancing practices and innovative techniques that will allow for shooting to begin imminently . ''
But a SAG-AFTRA representative told Deadline Thursday : `` The producers have not been transparent about their safety protocols and that is something we obviously take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Do Not Work order , the producers have not yet become signatory to our agreement .
We have no further comment . ''

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SAG-AFTRA has ordered Demi Moore and her co-stars not to work on the film, "Songbird," until safety measures can be ensured. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 3 (UPI) -- The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work" order to the cast of the new pandemic drama, Songbird. "Please be advised that On A Lark Productions, LLC, the producer of the picture entitled Songbird, has failed to complete the signatory process and is therefore not signed to any applicable SAG-AFTRA agreement," the union said in a press release Thursday. Advertisement
"As such, SAG-AFTRA members are hereby instructed to withhold any acting services or perform any covered work for this production until further notice from the union. Please note, accepting employment or rendering services on Songbird may be considered a violation of Global Rule One. Violating this order may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Constitution."
Starring Demi Moore, Craig Robinson, Paul Walter Hauser and Peter Stormare, the film will be directed by Adam Mason, who co-wrote the script with Simon Boyes.
Michael Bay is producing the project.
The movie is about a society locked down because of a deadly virus. At the heart of the story is the one delivery man immune to the illness and how he helps the people on his routes.
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Songbird was to be among the first TV/film productions to start or resume after the entertainment industry was shut down for months due to the real-life coronavirus pandemic.
The producers announced the project late last month and said filming would "utilize strict social distancing practices and innovative techniques that will allow for shooting to begin imminently."
But a SAG-AFTRA representative told Deadline Thursday: "The producers have not been transparent about their safety protocols and that is something we obviously take very seriously. Also, as noted in the Do Not Work order, the producers have not yet become signatory to our agreement. We have no further comment."


upi--2020-07-03--In Photos: Audra McDonald turns 40: a look back

McDonald poses with her award for Best Featured Actress/Musical for her role in `` Ragtime '' at the Tony Awards @ @ @ @ @ June 7 , 1998 .
She became the first woman in the 52 year history @ @ @ @ @ win consecutive Tony Awards for her performances in 3 different productions , `` The Master @ @ @ @ @ , '' and `` Ragtime . ''
Playwright Terrence McNally , who wrote `` Ragtime @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

McDonald poses with her award for Best Featured Actress/Musical for her role in "Ragtime" at the Tony Awards in New York City on June 7, 1998. She became the first woman in the 52 year history of the awards ceremonies to win consecutive Tony Awards for her performances in 3 different productions, "The Master Class," "Carousel," and "Ragtime." Playwright Terrence McNally, who wrote "Ragtime," died from coronavirus in 2020. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI


upi--2020-07-03--'Shark Week' to start on Discovery Channel  Aug. 9

July 3 ( UPI ) -- Discovery Channel has announced its traditional Shark Week programming block will kick off on @ @ @ @ @ 20 hours of shark-themed shows are scheduled to air on the network through Aug. 16 @ @ @ @ @ to work with nearly two dozen of the world 's most respected marine biologists and @ @ @ @ @ , innovative shark research technology and compelling insight on some of the most unique shark @ @ @ @ @ '' a press release said .
`` Shark Week 2020 will take viewers to New @ @ @ @ @ Africa to see how the global lockdown and reduced amount of human activity on the @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to reclaim the oceans . ''

A shark swims in his new home at the St. Louis Aquarium in 2019. Discovery Channel has announced Shark Week 2020 will begin on Aug. 9. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
July 3 (UPI) -- Discovery Channel has announced its traditional Shark Week programming block will kick off on Aug. 9. More than 20 hours of shark-themed shows are scheduled to air on the network through Aug. 16. Advertisement
"Discovery Channel continues to work with nearly two dozen of the world's most respected marine biologists and science institutions to bring brand-new, innovative shark research technology and compelling insight on some of the most unique shark species in the world," a press release said.
"Shark Week 2020 will take viewers to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to see how the global lockdown and reduced amount of human activity on the seas has given sharks the opportunity to reclaim the oceans."


upi--2020-07-04--Lil Baby's 'My Turn' tops the U.S. album chart

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Rapper Lil Baby 's My Turn is the No .
1 album in the @ @ @ @ @ consecutive week .
Coming in at No .
2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated @ @ @ @ @ Rough and Rowdy Ways , followed by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie 's Artist 2.0 @ @ @ @ @ DaBaby 's Blame It On Baby at No .
4 and Post Malone 's Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
Rounding out the top tier are Lady Gaga 's Chromatica at No .
@ @ @ @ @ Lane Demo Tapes at No .
7 , Teyana Taylor 's The Album at No @ @ @ @ @ Avert 's Eternal Atake at No .
9 and Polo G 's The Goat at @ @ @ @

July 4 (UPI) -- Rapper Lil Baby's My Turn is the No. 1 album in the United States for a third consecutive week.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Bob Dylan's Rough and Rowdy Ways, followed by A Boogie Wit da Hoodie's Artist 2.0 at No. 3, DaBaby's Blame It On Baby at No. 4 and Post Malone's Hollywood's Bleeding at No. 5.


upi--2020-07-04--Local Texas leaders encourage sheltering in place as COVID-19 cases spike

July 4 ( UPI ) -- The leaders of two Texas counties where coronavirus cases have overwhelmed hospitals have encouraged residents to shelter in place to avoid further strain on healthcare resources .
The county judges stopped short of issuing official stay-at-home orders , but both gave dire warnings as COVID-19 cases soared in the state .
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said there have been 18 deaths in his county and two `` severely ill '' patients had to be flown to hospitals in bigger cities -- Dallas and San Antonio .
He issued a Level 1 severe threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The local and valley hospitals are at full capacity and have no more beds available , '' Vera said .
`` I urge all of our residents to please shelter-in-place , wear face coverings , practice social distancing and avoid gatherings . ''
Texas reported 7,555 new COVID-19 cases Friday , its third-highest daily total , with 50 deaths , according to the state 's Department of Health Services .
After a recent spike in cases , Gov .
Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered residents to wear masks or face coverings while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , Judge Richard Cortez issued a public safety alert .
He encouraged residents to shelter in place and avoid gatherings .
Hidalgo County has the fifth-highest number of active cases in the state , with 2,943 .
It 's had 57 deaths from the virus .
Overall , the United States has had more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and 129,000 deaths from the virus .
The country reported its highest single-day increase of cases Thursday with more than 55,000 , according to The New York Times ' tracker .
Several states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Texas , Arizona , Florida , Nevada , Mississippi and Georgia .
In Georgia , some 1,400 healthcare workers have signed a petition asking Gov .
Brian Kemp to increase efforts to prevent the spread of the virus .
They 're asking him to shutter bars and nightclubs and ban all indoor gatherings of 25 people or more .
`` During the past week we have seen a sharp spike in cases that can not be accounted for by increased testing , '' the group 's letter to Kemp said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubling increase in hospitalizations that , if continuing , will overwhelm our healthcare infrastructure , not only in metro Atlanta but also in rural Georgia .
Georgia is simply not prepared for a surge in cases and hospitalizations .
You have the power to do much more to save lives and protect our citizens from avoidable illness . ''

A pedestrian walks past a bar established in 1933 after Los Angeles County officials closed it for the second time following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles on August 10. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- The leaders of two Texas counties where coronavirus cases have overwhelmed hospitals have encouraged residents to shelter in place to avoid further strain on healthcare resources. The county judges stopped short of issuing official stay-at-home orders, but both gave dire warnings as COVID-19 cases soared in the state. Advertisement
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said there have been 18 deaths in his county and two "severely ill" patients had to be flown to hospitals in bigger cities -- Dallas and San Antonio. He issued a Level 1 severe threat alert in the southern Texas county.
"The local and valley hospitals are at full capacity and have no more beds available," Vera said.
"I urge all of our residents to please shelter-in-place, wear face coverings, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings."
Texas reported 6,971 new COVID-19 cases Friday, down from 7,555 Thursday, according to the state's Department of Health Services.
After a recent spike in cases, Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered residents to wear masks or face coverings while in public settings.
In neighboring Hidalgo County, Judge Richard Cortez issued a public safety alert. He encouraged residents to shelter in place and avoid gatherings.
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Hidalgo County has the fifth-highest number of active cases in the state, with 2,943. It's had 57 deaths from the virus.
Overall, the United States has had more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and 129,564 deaths from the virus. The country reported its highest single-day increase of cases Thursday with more than 55,000, according to The New York Times' tracker.
Friday's number of new cases -- 53,737 -- was down slightly from Thursday's but comparable.
Several states have reported record cases in recent days, including Texas, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Mississippi and Georgia.
Florida reported 11,458 new coronavirus cases Saturday, up from 9,488 Friday, continuing a sharp increase in new cases that began in June.
In Georgia, where there was 2,604 new cases Friday, some 1,400 healthcare workers have signed a petition asking Gov. Brian Kemp to increase efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. They're asking him to shutter bars and nightclubs and ban all indoor gatherings of 25 people or more.
"During the past week we have seen a sharp spike in cases that cannot be accounted for by increased testing," the group's letter to Kemp said.
"We are also seeing a very troubling increase in hospitalizations that, if continuing, will overwhelm our healthcare infrastructure, not only in metro Atlanta but also in rural Georgia. Georgia is simply not prepared for a surge in cases and hospitalizations. You have the power to do much more to save lives and protect our citizens from avoidable illness."


upi--2020-07-04--On This Day, July 4: Lou Gehrig announces retirement

July 4 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1776 , the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence , proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain .
In 1826 , in one of history 's notable coincidences , former U.S. Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died , 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted .
In 1863 , Union troops defeated Confederate forces in a battle at Vicksburg , Miss .
In 1895 , the poem `` America the Beautiful , '' by Wellesley College Professor Katherine Lee Bates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Samuel A .
Ward was published as a song in 1910 .
In 1910 , African-American boxer Jack Johnson took on former undefeated heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries , beating him in 15 rounds , to stake his claim as the as the greatest heavyweight in the world .
In 1939 , Lou Gehrig gave his `` luckiest man on the face of the Earth '' speech in announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees .
Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , a debilitating motor neuron disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressed with the Yankees ' `` Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day , '' saying doctors made up his ailment to explain his unexpected retirement .
In 1976 , Israeli commandos raided the airport at Entebbe , Uganda , rescuing 103 hostages held by Arab militants .
In 1986 , more than 250 sailing ships and the United States ' biggest fireworks display honored the Statue of Liberty in its 100th birthday year .
In 1995 , the British Parliament reconfirmed John Majors as prime minister .
In 1997 , NASA 's Pathfinder reached Mars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land on the planet in more than two decades .
Pathfinder returned more than 16,000 images and some 8.5 million measurements back to Earth before its final transmission on September , 27 , 1997 .
In 2006 , North Korea test-launched seven ballistic missiles in what it called `` routine military exercises , '' causing a firestorm of anger among its neighbors and the United States .
In 2010 , U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus took command of the Afghan war , acknowledging the `` tough fight '' ahead for NATO forces while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win . ''
In 2013 , the Statue of Liberty reopened to the public nine months after it was closed because of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy .
In 2018 , Hong Kong 's high court ruled unanimously that same-sex couples are entitled to spousal visas like married heterosexual couples .
In 2019 , a quartzite bust of the pharaoh Tutankhamun sold for nearly $ 6 million in a Christie 's auction in London despite objections from Egypt that the statue was stolen .

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On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his "luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech in announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees.. File Photo courtesy of Pacific & Atlantic Photos, Inc
July 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain. Advertisement
In 1826, in one of history's notable coincidences, former U.S. Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
In 1863, Union troops defeated Confederate forces in a battle at Vicksburg, Miss.
In 1895, the poem "America the Beautiful," by Wellesley College Professor Katherine Lee Bates, was published. The poem with music by Samuel A. Ward was published as a song in 1910.
In 1910, African-American boxer Jack Johnson took on former undefeated heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries, beating him in 15 rounds, to stake his claim as the as the greatest heavyweight in the world.
File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI
In 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his "luckiest man on the face of the Earth" speech in announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees. Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a debilitating motor neuron disease. United Press writer Jack Cuddy wasn't impressed with the Yankees' "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day," saying doctors made up his ailment to explain his unexpected retirement.
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In 1976, Israeli commandos raided the airport at Entebbe, Uganda, rescuing 103 hostages held by Arab militants.
In 1986, more than 250 sailing ships and the United States' biggest fireworks display honored the Statue of Liberty in its 100th birthday year.
In 1995, the British Parliament reconfirmed John Majors as prime minister.
In 1997, NASA's Pathfinder reached Mars to become the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the planet in more than two decades. Pathfinder returned more than 16,000 images and some 8.5 million measurements back to Earth before its final transmission on September, 27, 1997.
File Photo courtesy of NASA
In 2006, North Korea test-launched seven ballistic missiles in what it called "routine military exercises," causing a firestorm of anger among its neighbors and the United States.
In 2010, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus took command of the Afghan war, acknowledging the "tough fight" ahead for NATO forces while pledging "We are in this to win."
In 2013, the Statue of Liberty reopened to the public nine months after it was closed because of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
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In 2018, Hong Kong's high court ruled unanimously that same-sex couples are entitled to spousal visas like married heterosexual couples.
In 2019, a quartzite bust of the pharaoh Tutankhamun sold for nearly $6 million in a Christie's auction in London despite objections from Egypt that the statue was stolen.


upi--2020-07-04--Famous birthdays for July 4: Post Malone, Eva Marie Saint

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer .
-- Calvin @ @ @ @ @ the United States , in 1872 -- Malia Obama , daughter of former President Barack @ @ @ @ @ age 22 )

Post Malone performs on New Year's Eve in Times Square in New York City on December 31. The rapper turns 25 on July 4. File Photo by Corey Sipkin/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer. They include: Advertisement
-- Author Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1804
-- Songwriter Stephen Foster in 1826
-- Circus operator James Bailey in 1847
-- Astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt in 1868
-- Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States, in 1872
-- Cartoonist Rube Goldberg in 1883
-- Louis B. Mayer, film mogul /co-founder of MGM, in 1885
-- Actor Gloria Stuart in 1910
-- Advice columnists Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren, twin sisters, in 1918
-- Actor Eva Marie Saint in 1924 (age 96)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Playwright Neil Simon in 1927
-- Actor Gina Lollobrigida in 1927 (age 93)
-- Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis in 1929
-- New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner in 1930
-- Singer Bill Withers in 1938
-- TV reporter Geraldo Rivera in 1943 (age 77)
File Photo by Albin Lohr-Jones/UPI
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-- Activist Ron Kovic in 1946 (age 74)
-- Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in 1952 (age 68)
-- Chef Andrew Zimmern in 1961 (age 59)
-- Tennis player Pam Shriver in 1962 (age 58)
-- Actor/playwright Tracy Letts in 1965 (age 55)
-- Rapper Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post, in 1995 (age 25)
-- Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, in 1998 (age 22)
-- Actor Alex Hibbert in 2004 (age 16)


upi--2020-07-04--Arizona woman falls to her death during Grand Canyon hike

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Officials have recovered the body of a 59-year-old hiker who fell into the Grand @ @ @ @ @ a press release from the National Parks Service , on Friday park staff were alerted @ @ @ @ @ from the west rim of Mather Point .
Park rangers found the body of Maria @ @ @ @ @ , of Scottsdale , Ariz. , about 100 feet below the canyon 's rim .
@ @ @ @ @ Lopez was hiking off trail and taking photographs with her family when she accidentally stepped @ @ @ @ @ NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner 's Office are investigating the incident .
Grand @ @ @ @ @ all visitors to have a safe visit this holiday weekend by staying on designated trails @ @ @ @ @ a safe distance from the edge of the rim , and staying behind railings and @ @ @ @ @ said the NPS press release , which also stressed that visitors to national parks follow @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention 's social distancing guidelines while visiting parks during the holiday weekend .

A 59-year-old Arizona woman fell to her death in the Grand Canyon Friday. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
July 4 (UPI) -- Officials have recovered the body of a 59-year-old hiker who fell into the Grand Canyon Friday. According to a press release from the National Parks Service, on Friday park staff were alerted that a visitor had fallen from the west rim of Mather Point. Advertisement
Park rangers found the body of Maria A. Salgado Lopez, 59, of Scottsdale, Ariz., about 100 feet below the canyon's rim.
According to NPS, Salgado Lopez was hiking off trail and taking photographs with her family when she accidentally stepped off the edge.
"NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office are investigating the incident.
Grand Canyon National Park staff encourage all visitors to have a safe visit this holiday weekend by staying on designated trails and walkways, always keeping a safe distance from the edge of the rim, and staying behind railings and fences at overlooks," said the NPS press release, which also stressed that visitors to national parks follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's social distancing guidelines while visiting parks during the holiday weekend.


upi--2020-07-04--Watch live: Washington, D.C. celebrates Fourth of July with fireworks

July 4 ( UPI ) -- While Fourth of July celebrations were less traditional this year due to the coronavirus pandemic , the nation 's capital still plans to conduct its annual fireworks display Saturday and President Donald Trump gave an address at `` 2020 Salute to America , '' which began at 6:40 p.m. EDT on the South Lawn of the White House .
The Washington , D.C. , event will be capped by a mile-long fireworks display starting around 9 p.m. EDT along the National Mall , according to the National Parks Service .
The fireworks , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will be aired on PBS ' annual A Capitol Fourth special .
During his address , the president again touted Friday 's executive order to create a statuary garden and criticized the media and radical left while also calling for unity at a Fourth of July address on the White House south lawn Saturday .
The number of cases continues to climb and many states this week set records for the number of new cases , a trend the president attributes to the number of tests being administered .
He has previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down '' to keep the number of reported cases low .
The president also expressed optimism about vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus , saying a treatment or vaccine may be available `` long before the end of the year , '' though the most optimistic projections from researchers and health officials say a vaccine may be available by the end of the year at the earliest .
Trump drew a parallel between American battles against Nazis , communists and terrorists overseas and current domestic unrest : `` We are now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Marxists , the anarchists , the agitators , the looters , and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing '' and said the media calls opponents racists `` just for defending history . ''
As in his Friday address at Mt .
Rushmore , the president said he had just signed an executive order to create a statuary garden to honor an array of American heroes , including founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson , Frederick Douglass , Abraham Lincoln , Harriet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson and Gen. George Patton .
Prior to the performance of the national anthem and president 's address , the U.S. Army Parachute Team -- nicknamed the Golden Knights -- performed an aerial maneuver over the White House lawn .
His address was followed by flyovers by U.S. military aircraft , which also will travel over Baltimore , Boston , New York City and Philadelphia .
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said this year 's fireworks in D.C. will be `` the largest in recent memory '' despite otherwise scaled-down Fourth of July observances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the federal government 's event , which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators .
`` We know this is a special event for the Department of Interior , '' she aid .
`` We 've communicated to them that we do not think this is in keeping with the best [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] and Department of Health guidance . ''
The public gathering comes as the United States reported its highest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases Thursday with 55,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and 129,000 deaths from the virus .
Bowser canceled the city 's annual Fourth of July parade in an effort to stem the spread of the virus .

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Fireworks are set off over the Lincoln Memorial. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- While Fourth of July celebrations were less traditional this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the nation's capital still conduct its annual fireworks display Saturday and President Donald Trump gave an address at "2020 Salute to America," which began at 6:40 p.m. EDT on the South Lawn of the White House. The Washington, D.C., event was capped by a mile-long fireworks display starting around 9 p.m. EDT along the National Mall, according to the National Parks Service. Advertisement
The fireworks, along with a re-airing of past musical performances, were aired on PBS' annual A Capitol Fourth special.
During his address, the president again touted Friday's executive order to create a statuary garden and criticized the media and radical left while also calling for unity at a Fourth of July address on the White House south lawn Saturday.
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Trump touted the country's coronavirus response.
The number of cases continues to climb and many states this week set records for the number of new cases, a trend the president attributes to the number of tests being administered. He has previously said he asked to "slow testing down" to keep the number of reported cases low.
The president also expressed optimism about vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus, saying a treatment or vaccine may be available "long before the end of the year," though the most optimistic projections from researchers and health officials say a vaccine may be available by the end of the year at the earliest.
Trump drew a parallel between American battles against Nazis, communists and terrorists overseas and current domestic unrest: "We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the Marxists, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing" and said the media calls opponents racists "just for defending history."
As in his Friday address at Mt. Rushmore, the president said he had just signed an executive order to create a statuary garden to honor an array of American heroes, including founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Harriett Beecher Stowe, Jackie Robinson and Gen. George Patton.
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Pefore the performance of the national anthem and president's address, the U.S. Army Parachute Team -- nicknamed the Golden Knights -- performed an aerial maneuver over the White House lawn.
His address was followed by flyovers by U.S. military aircraft, which also will travel over Baltimore, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said this year's fireworks in D.C. will be "the largest in recent memory" despite otherwise scaled-down Fourth of July observances across the country.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the federal government's event, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators.
"We know this is a special event for the Department of Interior," she aid. "We've communicated to them that we do not think this is in keeping with the best [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and Department of Health guidance."
The public gathering comes as the United States reported its highest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases Thursday with 55,000. Overall, the United States has had more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and 129,000 deaths from the virus.
Bowser canceled the city's annual Fourth of July parade in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.
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America celebrates Fourth of July 2020


upi--2020-07-04--Former Phillies pitcher Tyson Brummett, 35, dies in Utah plane crash

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyson Brummett was killed in a plane crash in Utah along with four others Friday .
According to a press release from the Utah County Sheriff 's Office , Brummett , 35 , was piloting a small plane from South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan , Utah , when it crashed near the Box Elder Peak in American Fork Canyon Friday morning .
Also killed in the crash were Alex Blackhurst Ruegner , 35 , of Riverton ; and Alex 's aunt and uncle Elaine W. Blackhurst , 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Robinson Blackhurst , 62 , both of Riverton .
According to authorities , the plane left from South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan .
Hikers in the area called 911 after they saw the plane begin to turn and spiral downward , then heard the impact .
According to the witness , the victims died on impact .
Brummett pitched one major league game in 2012 for the Phillies , who drafted him out of UCLA in 2007 .
He was then picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then for the Los Angeles Dodgers ' Class AA club in 2014 before his release .
`` The Phillies organization sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former pitcher Tyson Brummett , along with three members of the Ruegnar and Blackhurst families , who tragically passed away in a plane crash yesterday morning , '' the Philadelphia Phillies tweeted Saturday .

Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyson Brummett, 35, died Friday in a plane crash in Utah. Image via Fox 13 News Utah/ YouTube
July 4 (UPI) -- Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyson Brummett was killed in a plane crash in Utah along with four others Friday. According to a press release from the Utah County Sheriff's Office, Brummett, 35, was piloting a small plane from South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan, Utah, when it crashed near the Box Elder Peak in American Fork Canyon Friday morning. Advertisement
Also killed in the crash were Alex Blackhurst Ruegner, 35, of Riverton; and Alex's aunt and uncle Elaine W. Blackhurst, 60, of Riverton and her husband, Douglas Robinson Blackhurst, 62, both of Riverton.
According to authorities, the plane left from South Valley Regional Airport in West Jordan.
Hikers in the area called 911 after they saw the plane begin to turn and spiral downward, then heard the impact. According to the witness, the victims died on impact.
Brummett pitched one major league game in 2012 for the Phillies, who drafted him out of UCLA in 2007.
He was then picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays and then pitched in their minor league system, then for the Los Angeles Dodgers' Class AA club in 2014 before his release.
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"The Phillies organization sends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former pitcher Tyson Brummett, along with three members of the Ruegnar and Blackhurst families, who tragically passed away in a plane crash yesterday morning," the Philadelphia Phillies tweeted Saturday.


upi--2020-07-04--Shooting in Alabama mall kills 8-year-old boy, wounds 3 others

July 4 ( UPI ) -- A shootout inside an Alabama mall killed an 8-year-old boy and injured three others Friday .
According to police , gunfire erupted at 3:18 p.m. on the first floor of the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover , Ala. , Friday , and among the injured was eight-year-old Royta Giles Jr. , who was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at a Birmingham hospital .
Three other victims -- a man , a woman and a juvenile female -- were transported to area hospitals Friday .
Their condition is unknown .
Royta 's mother , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she and her three children and their stepfather were waiting to get into a children 's clothing store , which was limiting the number of shoppers due to COVID-19 precautions , when shots suddenly rang out .
`` We heard the gunshots and I grabbed them and we hit the ground , '' she said .
`` When we all got up , he was the only one who did n't get up . ''
Royta was to begin third grade in the fall , and had aspirations to become a rapper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , if I could say anything to them , it 's I do n't care about justice or anything like that , '' she said .
`` I would n't say I 'm religious , I would say I 'm more spiritual , and the person who did this is going to have to answer for that whether it is to whoever they pray to or if it 's the streets . ''
`` Our hearts are simply broken at the tragic loss of Royta , '' Bessemer City Schools Superintendent Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are here for the family in every way possible , and we ask that everyone lifts the mother , family , and our school community in your prayers .
This is tough . ''
Police are still investigating the incident .

Eight-year-old Royta Giles Jr. was shot dead and three others were hurt Friday at an Alabama mall. Image courtesy of Fred Davenport via Twitter
July 4 (UPI) -- A shootout inside an Alabama mall killed an 8-year-old boy and injured three others Friday. According to police, gunfire erupted at 3:18 p.m. on the first floor of the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Ala., Friday, and among the injured was eight-year-old Royta Giles Jr., who was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at a Birmingham hospital. Advertisement
Three other victims -- a man, a woman and a juvenile female -- were transported to area hospitals Friday. Their condition is unknown.
Royta's mother, who spoke with a local newspaper anonymously, said she and her three children and their stepfather were waiting to get into a children's clothing store, which was limiting the number of shoppers due to COVID-19 precautions, when shots suddenly rang out.
"We heard the gunshots and I grabbed them and we hit the ground,'' she said. "When we all got up, he was the only one who didn't get up."
Royta was to begin third grade in the fall, and had aspirations to become a rapper.
"To the people who did this, if I could say anything to them, it's I don't care about justice or anything like that,'' she said. "I wouldn't say I'm religious, I would say I'm more spiritual, and the person who did this is going to have to answer for that whether it is to whoever they pray to or if it's the streets."
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"Our hearts are simply broken at the tragic loss of Royta," Bessemer City Schools Superintendent Dr. Autumn Jeter said in a statement. "We are here for the family in every way possible, and we ask that everyone lifts the mother, family, and our school community in your prayers. This is tough."
Police are still investigating the incident.


upi--2020-07-04--Letter from Iran triggers mediation process on nuclear deal

July 4 ( UPI ) -- The European Union 's top diplomat said a recent letter from Iran 's foreign minister triggers a dispute mechanism in the international accord governing Iran 's nuclear ambitions .
According to to Josep Borrell , the EU 's foreign policy chief , the letter raises concerns that Britain , France and Germany are not living up to their part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action .
That deal was signed in 2015 by Iran , the United States , Britain , Germany , France , China and Russia in 2015 but has eroded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the deal in 2018 and Iran 's government discarded some key parts of it .
`` As we approach the fifth anniversary of the JCPOA , I should like to take this opportunity to recall the importance of the agreement , '' Borrell wrote Friday .
`` The JCPOA is an historic achievement for global nuclear non-proliferation contributing to regional and global security .
I remain determined to continue working with the participants of the JCPOA and the international community to preserve it . ''
The letter triggers a process that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the possibility of nearly indefinite extensions unless there is unanimous agreement between Iran and the other signers of the deal .

European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, shown here at a video press conference in June, said a recent letter from Iran has triggered a mediation process regarding the country's international nuclear deal. Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard/EPA-EFE
July 4 (UPI) -- The European Union's top diplomat said a recent letter from Iran's foreign minister triggers a dispute mechanism in the international accord governing Iran's nuclear ambitions. According to to Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, the letter raises concerns that Britain, France and Germany are not living up to their part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Advertisement
That deal was signed in 2015 by Iran, the United States, Britain, Germany, France, China and Russia in 2015 but has eroded since President Donald Trump decided to pull out of the deal in 2018 and Iran's government discarded some key parts of it.
"As we approach the fifth anniversary of the JCPOA, I should like to take this opportunity to recall the importance of the agreement," Borrell wrote Friday. "The JCPOA is an historic achievement for global nuclear non-proliferation contributing to regional and global security. I remain determined to continue working with the participants of the JCPOA and the international community to preserve it."
The letter triggers a process that entails at least two 15-day mediation periods and the possibility of nearly indefinite extensions unless there is unanimous agreement between Iran and the other signers of the deal.


upi--2020-07-04--Coronavirus: WHO discontinues trial on hydroxychloroquine

July 4 ( UPI ) -- The World Health Organization announced Saturday that it discontinued its trial on hydroxychloroquine 's effect on COVID-19 patients in hospitals .
WHO said in a statement that it accepted a recommendation from the Solidarity Trial 's International Steering Committee that it stop the testing of the drug .
The decision to cease the trial came after interim trial results showed that the anti-malaria drug had little or no reduction in mortality of patients hospitalized for the novel coronavirus .
WHO also announced Saturday that it discontinued a trial for lopinavir/ritonavir arms , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HIV infection after finding in the interim trial that it similarly had little or no reduction on deaths of hospitalized COVID-19 patients .
The decision does not affect other studies evaluating these drugs for non-hospitalized patients , WHO said .
The National Institute of Health similarly halted a hydroxychloroquine trial last month after a study showed no harm or benefit from the anti-malaria drug 's use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients .
Last month , British researchers similarly found no benefit of hydroxychloroquine .
President Donald Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine 's potential use against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself for two weeks in May .
White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said last month that Trump completed the two-week regimen `` safely , '' after weighing risks and hypothetical benefit .
Still , citing safety and efficacy concerns , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration withdrew Emergency Use Authorization for anti-malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine last month .
FDA Chief Scientist Denise Hinton said the agency would no long allow either drug to be prescribed to hospitalized COVID-19 patients or be used in clinical trials through the emergency authorization it gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be effective . ''
A report published in the journal Heart Rhythm last month found that hydroxychloroquine led to a potentially deadly heart rhythm disorder in an 84-year-old woman treated for COVID-19 .
The FDA also recently cautioned against using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of hospital setting or clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems .
The WHO had resumed the hydroxychloroquine medical trials early last month after pausing the tests on May 25 for review by the Data Safety Monitoring Board .

The World Health Organization announced Saturday that it has discontinued the hydroxychloroquine trial for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. UPI File Photo | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization announced Saturday that it discontinued its trial on hydroxychloroquine's effect on COVID-19 patients in hospitals. WHO said in a statement that it accepted a recommendation from the Solidarity Trial's International Steering Committee that it stop the testing of the drug. Advertisement
The decision to cease the trial came after interim trial results showed that the anti-malaria drug had little or no reduction in mortality of patients hospitalized for the novel coronavirus.
WHO also announced Saturday that it discontinued a trial for lopinavir/ritonavir arms, which are used along with other medications to treat HIV infection after finding in the interim trial that it similarly had little or no reduction on deaths of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The decision does not affect other studies evaluating these drugs for non-hospitalized patients, WHO said.
The National Institute of Health similarly halted a hydroxychloroquine trial last month after a study showed no harm or benefit from the anti-malaria drug's use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Last month, British researchers similarly found no benefit of hydroxychloroquine.
President Donald Trump has touted hydroxychloroquine's potential use against COVID-19 and said he used the drug himself for two weeks in May. White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said last month that Trump completed the two-week regimen "safely," after weighing risks and hypothetical benefit.
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Still, citing safety and efficacy concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration withdrew Emergency Use Authorization for anti-malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine last month.
FDA Chief Scientist Denise Hinton said the agency would no long allow either drug to be prescribed to hospitalized COVID-19 patients or be used in clinical trials through the emergency authorization it gave in March as both are "unlikely to be effective."
A report published in the journal Heart Rhythm last month found that hydroxychloroquine led to a potentially deadly heart rhythm disorder in an 84-year-old woman treated for COVID-19. The FDA also recently cautioned against using hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of hospital setting or clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems.
The WHO had resumed the hydroxychloroquine medical trials early last month after pausing the tests on May 25 for review by the Data Safety Monitoring Board.


upi--2020-07-04--5 dead, 16 injured in attacks in Somalian cities

July 4 ( UPI ) -- A car bomb attack and a land mine explosion killed five people and hurt @ @ @ @ @ Somalian cities Saturday .
In Mogadishu , the country 's capital , a suicide car @ @ @ @ @ center .
The car bomber died and six others were injured .
In Baidoa , @ @ @ @ @ 10 hurt after a land mine detonated on the outskirts of the city near a @ @ @ @ @ BBC , al-Shabab claimed responsibility for both incidents .
The militant group has carried out @ @ @ @ @ past , including a suicide bombing on a Turkish military base in Somalia at the @ @ @ @ @ group , which is linked to al-Qaida , said they were targeting tax collectors and @ @ @ @ @ has been battling al-Shabab for control of the country for more than 10 years .
@ @ @ @ @ in the strongest terms the attacks against the civilians , '' the Somali Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .

A car bomb attack and a land mine explosion killed five people and hurt 16 others in Somalia Saturday. Image via Google Maps
July 4 (UPI) -- A car bomb attack and a land mine explosion killed five people and hurt 16 others in two major Somalian cities Saturday. In Mogadishu, the country's capital, a suicide car bomber targeted a tax collection center. The car bomber died and six others were injured. Advertisement
In Baidoa, five people were killed and 10 hurt after a land mine detonated on the outskirts of the city near a restaurant.
According to the BBC, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for both incidents. The militant group has carried out similar attacks in the recent past, including a suicide bombing on a Turkish military base in Somalia at the end of June.
The group, which is linked to al-Qaida, said they were targeting tax collectors and soldiers.
Somalia's government has been battling al-Shabab for control of the country for more than 10 years.
"The Somali government condemns in the strongest terms the attacks against the civilians," the Somali Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said in a statement.


upi--2020-07-04--Joey Chestnut, Miki Sudo win Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo won the Fourth of July Nathan 's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday , held this year without a crowd .
Chestnut ate 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes , setting a new world record during the event which aired on ESPN .
It surpassed his previous record of 74 in 2018 , and earned him his 13th career Mustard Yellow Belt .
He came up short of his 2018 record last year , but still won .
Sudo set a new world record in the women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ate 48.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes .
She now has seven championship titles .
The annual contest is usually held on July 4 in Brooklyn 's Coney Island , N.Y. , but due to the coronavirus pandemic it was held at a private location with no audience .
The 10-minute contests , one for men and one for women , included five participants instead of the usual 15 , to allow for social distancing .
Other COVID-19 precautions included workers wearing masks and gloves and competitors being tested for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on July 4 , 1916 , four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathan 's Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island and made eating contest history , '' Nathan 's website says .
`` As the story goes , they were competing to see who was the most patriotic .
How did they determine the winner ?
With a hot-dog eating contest , of course ! ''

1/5
Joey Chestnut walks off of the stage after winning Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest with a record total of 75 hot dogs and buns Saturday in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo won the Fourth of July Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday, held this year without a crowd. Chestnut ate 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, setting a new world record during the event which aired on ESPN. It surpassed his previous record of 74 in 2018, and earned him his 13th career Mustard Yellow Belt. He came up short of his 2018 record last year, but still won. Advertisement
Sudo set a new world record in the women's division of the competition when she ate 48.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. She now has seven championship titles.
The annual contest is usually held on July 4 in Brooklyn's Coney Island, N.Y., but due to the coronavirus pandemic it was held at a private location with no audience. The 10-minute contests, one for men and one for women, included five participants instead of the usual 15, to allow for social distancing. Other COVID-19 precautions included workers wearing masks and gloves and competitors being tested for the virus.
"Legend has it that on July 4, 1916, four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathan's Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island and made eating contest history," Nathan's website says. "As the story goes, they were competing to see who was the most patriotic. How did they determine the winner? With a hot-dog eating contest, of course!"
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America celebrates Fourth of July 2020
Fireworks are set off over the Lincoln Memorial as President Donald J. Trump and first lady Melania Trump host the 2020 Salute to America to celebrate America's Independence Day in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-07-04--America celebrates Fourth of July 2020

America celebrates Fourth of July 2020

President Donald Trump and first lady attend fireworks event at South Dakota 's Mount Rushmore , Nathan 's Famous Hot @ @ @ @ @ in New York and Macy 's holds fireworks displays in New York City .

Fireworks are set off over the Lincoln Memorial as President Donald J. Trump and first lady Melania Trump host the 2020 Salute to America to celebrate America's Independence Day in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI


upi--2020-07-04--COVID-19: Spain's Catalonia region reimposes lockdown amid spike

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Spain 's Catalonia region reimposed a strict lockdown on 210,000 people in one area Saturday after COVID-19 infections spiked .
Catalan President Quim Torra said residents were not allowed to enter or leave Segria , an agricultural area west of Barcelona , including Lleida , a city in the west of Catalonia .
Torra added that the lockdown began Saturday afternoon and provisions allow non-residents to leave .
On Saturday , the Catalan health department reported 155 new COVID-19 cases in Lleida in the past day , more than double the new cases announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus in Spain .
Since the pandemic began , official figures released Friday showed 72,860 COVID-19 cases and 6,869 deaths across the Catalan region of 7.5 million people .
Spain has reported 250,545 cases of infection and 28,385 deaths from COVID-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University 's global tracker .
A spike in public housing towers in Melbourne , Australia , also prompted a lockdown Saturday .
Premier Daniel Andrews said there have been at least 23 new COVID-19 cases in the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus had spread further .
State Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen said that was not being taken `` at all , lightly . ''
`` We are extremely concerned that there are many hundreds of people in these towers who have already been exposed to the cases that we 've found and possibly to cases that exist that we have n't found , '' van Diemen said .
`` The first priority here is to find every case in those towers so that we do n't have an explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very high rates of hospitalizations and deaths because of the background health status of a large number of people in these towers . ''
Victorian Public Tenants Association executive officer Mark Feenane said the virus `` does not discriminate based on income or housing tenure . ''
`` However , overcrowded living conditions assist the virus to spread , '' Feenane added .
`` We believe that if Victoria had more public housing , this would be less of an issue . ''
Across the Victoria state in southeast Australia , stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 104 deaths from COVID-19 to date , according to the global tracker .
Japan 's capital also saw a rise in COVID-19 cases Saturday , as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 131 new cases , marking the highest number since May 2 and the third day above 100 .
Despite the rise in infections , Gov .
Yuriko Koike said the government would continue to make efforts to reopen the economy , but urged residents to exercise caution and avoid travel beyond Tokyo 's borders .
The total number of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 6,654 .
Across the country , 19,459 cases have been reported and 977 deaths , the COVID-19 global tracker shows .
Worldwide , the United States has the most cases at more than 2.8 million and most deaths at more than 129,000 .
Brazil has the second-highest number at more than 1.5 million cases and more than 61,000 deaths .
Globally , the pandemic has sickened more than 11 million people and killed more than half a million .

A resident wearing mask Saturday carries a shopping cart by a bar's terrace in the city of Lleida, in the area of Segria, Catalonia, Spain. Photo by Oscar Carbrerizo/EPA-EFE
July 4 (UPI) -- Spain's Catalonia region reimposed a strict lockdown on 210,000 people in one area Saturday after COVID-19 infections spiked. Catalan President Quim Torra said residents were not allowed to enter or leave Segria, an agricultural area west of Barcelona, including Lleida, a city in the west of Catalonia. Advertisement
Torra added that the lockdown began Saturday afternoon and provisions allow non-residents to leave.
On Saturday, the Catalan health department reported 155 new COVID-19 cases in Lleida in the past day, more than double the new cases announced Friday -- 60.
The Catalan region has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus in Spain. Since the pandemic began, official figures released Friday showed 72,860 COVID-19 cases and 6,869 deaths across the Catalan region of 7.5 million people.
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Spain has reported 250,545 cases of infection and 28,385 deaths from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University's global tracker.
A spike in public housing towers in Melbourne, Australia, also prompted a lockdown Saturday.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there have been at least 23 new COVID-19 cases in the public housing estates in the city amid concerns that the virus had spread further.
State Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen said that was not being taken "at all, lightly."
"We are extremely concerned that there are many hundreds of people in these towers who have already been exposed to the cases that we've found and possibly to cases that exist that we haven't found," van Diemen said. "The first priority here is to find every case in those towers so that we don't have an explosion of infections in a highly vulnerable community and very high rates of hospitalizations and deaths because of the background health status of a large number of people in these towers."
Victorian Public Tenants Association executive officer Mark Feenane said the virus "does not discriminate based on income or housing tenure."
"However, overcrowded living conditions assist the virus to spread," Feenane added. "We believe that if Victoria had more public housing, this would be less of an issue."
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Across the Victoria state in southeast Australia, stay-at-home orders have expanded.
Australia has 8,362 cases and 104 deaths from COVID-19 to date, according to the global tracker.
Japan's capital also saw a rise in COVID-19 cases Saturday, as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 131 new cases, marking the highest number since May 2 and the third day above 100.
Despite the rise in infections, Gov. Yuriko Koike said the government would continue to make efforts to reopen the economy, but urged residents to exercise caution and avoid travel beyond Tokyo's borders.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo as of Saturday, was 6,654.
Across the country, 19,459 cases have been reported and 977 deaths, the COVID-19 global tracker shows.
Worldwide, the United States has the most cases at more than 2.8 million and most deaths at more than 129,000.
Brazil has the second-highest number at more than 1.5 million cases and more than 61,000 deaths.
Globally, the pandemic has sickened more than 11 million people and killed more than half a million.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-07-04--Phil Lord, Chris Miller working on 'Clone High' reboot

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Filmmakers Phil Lord , Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence are developing and producing a @ @ @ @ @ adult cartoon Clone High .
The show is about a school filled with the adolescent @ @ @ @ @ It ran on MTV 2002-03 .
Erica Rivinoja , a writer on the original series @ @ @ @ @ and co-write the pilot with Lord and Miller .
No voice cast or production start @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are thrilled to reunite with Phil Lord , Chris Miller and Bill @ @ @ @ @ classic as we rapidly grow our portfolio of beloved and iconic adult animation series , @ @ @ @ @ president of ViacomCBS Entertainment and Youth Group .
Since working on Clone High , Lord @ @ @ @ @ re-imagining beloved books , toys and TV shows for the big screen .
Their films @ @ @ @ @ of Meatballs , The Lego Movie , 21 Jump Street and Spiderman : Into the @ @

Phil Lord (L) and Christopher Miller are working on a reboot of "Clone High." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Filmmakers Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence are developing and producing a reboot of their early 2000s adult cartoon Clone High. The show is about a school filled with the adolescent clones of historical figures. It ran on MTV 2002-03. Advertisement
Erica Rivinoja, a writer on the original series, will serve as showrunner and co-write the pilot with Lord and Miller.
No voice cast or production start date have been announced yet.
"We are thrilled to reunite with Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence to re-imagine this cult classic as we rapidly grow our portfolio of beloved and iconic adult animation series," said Chris McCarthy, president of ViacomCBS Entertainment and Youth Group.
Since working on Clone High, Lord and Miller have found success re-imagining beloved books, toys and TV shows for the big screen.
Their films include Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street and Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse.
Lawrence created the TV comedies, Scrubs and Cougar Town.


upi--2020-07-04--Jennifer Grey, Clark Gregg ending 19-year marriage

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Dirty Dancing icon Jennifer Grey and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D .
star Clark Gregg have @ @ @ @ @ marriage .
`` After 19 years together , we separated in january , knowing we @ @ @ @ @ who loves , values and cares for each other , '' the former couple said @ @ @ @ @ `` We recently made the difficult decision to divorce , but we remain close and @ @ @ @ @ life we 've shared and the wonderful daughter we 've raised.- jennifer & clark p.s @ @ @ @ @ post this . ''
Accompanying the Instagram message is a photo of Grey and Gregg @ @ @ @ @ dating in 2000 , married in 2001 and have an 18-year-old daughter named Stella .

Jennifer Grey (L) and her husband, Clark Gregg, announced they have separated and plan to divorce. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Dirty Dancing icon Jennifer Grey and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Clark Gregg have announced they are ending their marriage. "After 19 years together, we separated in january, knowing we'd always be a family who loves, values and cares for each other," the former couple said in a statement Saturday. Advertisement
"We recently made the difficult decision to divorce, but we remain close and are deeply grateful for the life we've shared and the wonderful daughter we've raised.- jennifer & clark p.s. totally crying as we post this."
Accompanying the Instagram message is a photo of Grey and Gregg smiling together.
They began dating in 2000, married in 2001 and have an 18-year-old daughter named Stella.


upi--2020-07-04--President Donald Trump signs bill extending deadline for small business relief loans under PPP

July 4 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump signed a law Saturday extending the deadline for small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program .
The extension of PPP , which was established to provide small businesses relief from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic , was passed by Congress earlier in the week .
Trump signed the legislation to extend the PPP , which expired Tuesday with $ 130 million unspent .
The new deadline is Aug. 8 .
A watchdog in May found that `` rural , minority and women-owned businesses may not have received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Small Business Administration did not prioritize underserved and rural markets .
The PPP was part of a $ 2 trillion stimulus package signed in March to recover from coronavirus pandemic .
Last month , Trump signed a bill loosening restrictions on PPP to allow businesses 24 weeks instead of eight weeks to spend the money , and to allow more money to be spent on non-payroll expenses .
Since the program began , nearly 5 million businesses have received $ 520 billion in emergency loans .
The extension comes amid negotiations for another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House passed a $ 3 trillion stimulus bill called the HEROES Act in May , which included money for state and local governments , and increased funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , along with another $ 1,200 direct payment stimulus check .
However , only one Republican -- Rep. Pete King , R-N.Y. -- voted with Democrats in favor of the bill and Trump promised to veto it .
The White House has said that it needs to fully assess the impact of previous stimulus packages before discussions move forward on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in mid-June that the first stimulus packages will add $ 1.72 trillion to the deficit over a course of a decade .
Formal negotiations are not expected to pick up again until after the July 4 recess .
Trump told Fox Business on Wednesday that he would support another direct round of stimulus checks .
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , took issue with the stimulus package the House passed in May because he said that it provided another $ 1,200 stimulus check for Americans and undocumented immigrants alike .

President Donald Trump signed legislation Saturday extending the deadline for businesses to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans to August 8. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump signed a law Saturday extending the deadline for small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. The extension of PPP, which was established to provide small businesses relief from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, was passed by Congress earlier in the week. Trump signed the legislation to extend the PPP, which expired Tuesday with $130 million unspent. Advertisement
The new deadline is Aug. 8. A watchdog in May found that "rural, minority and women-owned businesses may not have received the loans as intended," because the Small Business Administration did not prioritize underserved and rural markets.
The PPP was part of a $2 trillion stimulus package signed in March to recover from coronavirus pandemic. Last month, Trump signed a bill loosening restrictions on PPP to allow businesses 24 weeks instead of eight weeks to spend the money, and to allow more money to be spent on non-payroll expenses.
Since the program began, nearly 5 million businesses have received $520 billion in emergency loans.
The extension comes amid negotiations for another potential round of stimulus money.
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The House passed a $3 trillion stimulus bill called the HEROES Act in May, which included money for state and local governments, and increased funding for the U.S. Postal Service, along with another $1,200 direct payment stimulus check. However, only one Republican -- Rep. Pete King, R-N.Y. -- voted with Democrats in favor of the bill and Trump promised to veto it.
The White House has said that it needs to fully assess the impact of previous stimulus packages before discussions move forward on the next. The Congressional Budget Office said in mid-June that the first stimulus packages will add $1.72 trillion to the deficit over a course of a decade.
Formal negotiations are not expected to pick up again until after the July 4 recess.
Trump told Fox Business on Wednesday that he would support another direct round of stimulus checks.
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., took issue with the stimulus package the House passed in May because he said that it provided another $1,200 stimulus check for Americans and undocumented immigrants alike.


upi--2020-07-04--Over 200,000 evacuated as flooding, mudslides strike southwestern Japan

Japan 's Meteorological Agency issued a dire warning of flooding and landslides for two prefectures in southwestern portions of Japan as an unprecedented deluge unfolded Friday into Saturday .
Approximately 203,200 people in the hard-hit prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima were under evacuation orders , with around 126,500 people being told to evacuate in Yatsushiro City alone , according to Kyodo News .
The newspaper said more than a dozen are feared dead .
The Kuma River , which flows through the Kumamoto prefecture , has risen well above its banks , washing away at least one bridge and cutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the flooding , the JMA issued its highest grade of warning for flooding and landslides across the two prefectures .
According to the agency , this is the first time these two areas have been placed under these warnings .
The warnings that were issued cover the Kumamoto cities of Amakusa , Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi , and parts of Kagoshima , including the cities of Isa and Akune .
According to rain gauge data in the vicinity of the heaviest rainfall , reports of 16 to 18 inches of rain fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midday Saturday .
As a result , numerous accounts of landslides and major river flooding have been reported in these areas .
Government officials have reported that some 10,000 members of the Self-Defense Force are being deployed to the area to assist with ongoing rescues and flood relief efforts .
Unfortunately , the storm system responsible for the heavy rainfall will continue to bring a threat across many of the same areas across Japan throughout the weekend and into the day on Tuesday .
`` Moisture will continue to stream into southwestern Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to daily rounds of rain and thunderstorms , some of which can be heavy .
This can exacerbate any ongoing flooding problems and perhaps create new ones , while also severely slowing rescue and recovery efforts , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff explained .
Citizens and those assisting with ongoing relief efforts will need to remain on alert as the threat of additional rainfall which could trigger flooding and landslide concerns persists .

An aerial view shows floods in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jiji Press/EPA-EFE
Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a dire warning of flooding and landslides for two prefectures in southwestern portions of Japan as an unprecedented deluge unfolded Friday into Saturday. Approximately 203,200 people in the hard-hit prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima were under evacuation orders, with around 126,500 people being told to evacuate in Yatsushiro City alone, according to Kyodo News. Advertisement
The newspaper said more than a dozen are feared dead.
The Kuma River, which flows through the Kumamoto prefecture, has risen well above its banks, washing away at least one bridge and cutting off citizens from rescue crews.
In response to the flooding, the JMA issued its highest grade of warning for flooding and landslides across the two prefectures. According to the agency, this is the first time these two areas have been placed under these warnings.
The warnings that were issued cover the Kumamoto cities of Amakusa, Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi, and parts of Kagoshima, including the cities of Isa and Akune.
According to rain gauge data in the vicinity of the heaviest rainfall, reports of 16 to 18 inches of rain fell in the area between Friday afternoon and midday Saturday.
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As a result, numerous accounts of landslides and major river flooding have been reported in these areas.
Government officials have reported that some 10,000 members of the Self-Defense Force are being deployed to the area to assist with ongoing rescues and flood relief efforts.
Unfortunately, the storm system responsible for the heavy rainfall will continue to bring a threat across many of the same areas across Japan throughout the weekend and into the day on Tuesday.
"Moisture will continue to stream into southwestern Japan through at least early week, leading to daily rounds of rain and thunderstorms, some of which can be heavy. This can exacerbate any ongoing flooding problems and perhaps create new ones, while also severely slowing rescue and recovery efforts," AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff explained.
Citizens and those assisting with ongoing relief efforts will need to remain on alert as the threat of additional rainfall which could trigger flooding and landslide concerns persists.


upi--2020-07-04--Watch: Seth Rogen plays dual roles in 'American Pickle' trailer

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Seth Rogen plays a jaded modern-day New Yorker and an optimistic immigrant from early @ @ @ @ @ the trailer for the upcoming dramedy , An American Pickle .
Directed by Brandon Trost @ @ @ @ @ , the film is set to debut on the HBO Max streaming service on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ Greenbaum , who wakes up 100 years after he falls into a vat of pickles @ @ @ @ @ Reluctantly helping him navigate the much-changed world is his great-grandson Ben , a computer programmer @ @ @ @ @ .

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Seth Rogen can now be seen in the trailer for the upcoming dramedy film, "An American Pickle." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Seth Rogen plays a jaded modern-day New Yorker and an optimistic immigrant from early 20th century Eastern Europe in the trailer for the upcoming dramedy, An American Pickle. Directed by Brandon Trost and written by Simon Rich, the film is set to debut on the HBO Max streaming service on Aug. 6. Advertisement
Rogen plays Herschel Greenbaum, who wakes up 100 years after he falls into a vat of pickles and is presumed dead.
Reluctantly helping him navigate the much-changed world is his great-grandson Ben, a computer programmer, also played by Rogen.
The movie's ensemble includes Maya Erskine, Sarah Snook, Jorma Taccone and Kevin O'Rourke.


upi--2020-07-04--Krysten Ritter, Aaron Paul to perform James Patterson book for Audible

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Krysten Ritter , Aaron Paul and Nathalie Emmanuel have signed on to perform The @ @ @ @ @ Book for Audible .
The prequel to James Patterson 's bestselling , 2017 crime thriller @ @ @ @ @ is part of a larger deal the author recently made to create a collection of @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm thrilled to collaborate with Audible on an extraordinary slate of original projects @ @ @ @ @ a press release .
`` I 'm particularly looking forward to building stories specifically for @ @ @ @ @ spin of a tire wheel , the gravel in a villain 's voice , the @ @ @ @ @ detective 's final words as he closes a case -- all performed by gifted , @ @ @ @ @ been flocking to the audio arena , and I ca n't wait to explore and @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Krysten Ritter has joined the voice cast of Audible's "The Coldest Case: A Black Book." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Krysten Ritter, Aaron Paul and Nathalie Emmanuel have signed on to perform The Coldest Case: A Black Book for Audible. The prequel to James Patterson's bestselling, 2017 crime thriller, The Black Book, is part of a larger deal the author recently made to create a collection of audio-only Audible Original stories. Advertisement
"I'm thrilled to collaborate with Audible on an extraordinary slate of original projects," Patterson said in a press release.
"I'm particularly looking forward to building stories specifically for the listening experience -- the spin of a tire wheel, the gravel in a villain's voice, the note of triumph in a detective's final words as he closes a case -- all performed by gifted, top-tier talent. Audiences have been flocking to the audio arena, and I can't wait to explore and innovate in a different medium."


upi--2020-07-04--'The Kominsky Method' renewed for third, final season

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Netflix has renewed its comedy , The Kominsky Method , for a third and @ @ @ @ @ stars Michael Douglas as a Los Angeles acting coach and Alan Arkin as his best @ @ @ @ @ ensemble also includes Nancy Travis and Sarah Baker .
`` The Kominsky Method has been @ @ @ @ @ me and it 's been an incredible experience to see the warm response from both @ @ @ @ @ series creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre said in a statement Thursday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ the story with this final chapter . ''
It is unclear when production on Season @ @ @ @ @ many episodes it will include .
Most TV and film productions remain shut down due @ @ @ @ @

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Michael Douglas (L) and Alan Arkin are returning for a third and final season of "The Kominsky Method." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Netflix has renewed its comedy, The Kominsky Method, for a third and final season. The show stars Michael Douglas as a Los Angeles acting coach and Alan Arkin as his best friend and agent. The ensemble also includes Nancy Travis and Sarah Baker. Advertisement
"The Kominsky Method has been a true passion project for me and it's been an incredible experience to see the warm response from both audiences and critics," series creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre said in a statement Thursday. "I'm excited to wrap up the story with this final chapter."
It is unclear when production on Season 3 will begin or how many episodes it will include.
Most TV and film productions remain shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-07-04--Shark attack kills man near Fraser Island, Australia

The man was fatally bitten while spearfishing in waters near Indian Head on the eastern side of Fraser Island , @ @ @ @ @ statement .
A doctor and nurse provided first aid on the shore before paramedics arrived @ @ @ @ @ dead after succumbing to injuries to his leg .
Police added that a report will @ @ @ @ @ .
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour told Australia 's national broadcaster , ABC , it @ @ @ @ @ the community .
`` Our deepest condolences go to this young man 's family and @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The loss of a young life with his future before him is a @ @ @ @ @ share their sadness and grief . ''

July 4 (UPI) -- A shark attack Saturday killed a 36-year-old man off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, local police said.
The man was fatally bitten while spearfishing in waters near Indian Head on the eastern side of Fraser Island, Queensland Police said in a statement. A doctor and nurse provided first aid on the shore before paramedics arrived, but he was pronounced dead after succumbing to injuries to his leg.
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Police added that a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour told Australia's national broadcaster, ABC, it was a sad day for the community.
"Our deepest condolences go to this young man's family and friends," Seymour said. "The loss of a young life with his future before him is a tragedy beyond words. We share their sadness and grief."


upi--2020-07-04--Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump campaign official, Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend, has COVID-19

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Kimberly Guilfoyle , a Trump campaign official and Donald Trump Jr. 's girlfriend , has tested positive for COVID-19 .
Guilfoyle , who is a former Fox News personality , tested positive Friday ahead of Trump 's Fourth of July celebration event at Mount Rushmore .
Trump , Jr. tested negative , but both will self-isolate , Trump Victory Finance Committee Chief of Staff Sergio Gor said .
`` She 's doing well , and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she 's asymptomatic , '' Gor said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cancel all upcoming events .
Donald Trump Jr. was tested negative , but as a precaution is also self isolating and is canceling all public events . ''
Guilfoyle , a top fundraising official for the Trump campaign , traveled to South Dakota with Trump , Jr. , but not aboard Air Force One , a person familiar with her condition told The New York Times .
She is the third person in close proximity to Trump who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
A personal valet and the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive in May .
Guilfoyle attended Trump 's last campaign rally in Tulsa , Okla. , last month , which was indoors and did n't require social distancing or face coverings .
Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain , who was also at the Tulsa rally , also tested positive for COVID-19 .
A representative said Thursday that Cain was hospitalized in Atlanta after being diagnosed .
A statement posted to Cain 's Twitter account Thursday said that he `` did not require a a respirator , and he is awake and alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump 's Tulsa rally tested COVID-19 positive ahead of the event , including some Secret Service members , and were quarantined .
The president , vice president and people in contact with them are screened routinely for the virus .

Kimberly Guilfoyle has tested positive for COVID-19 after speaking at a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Tulsa, Okla., last month. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Kimberly Guilfoyle, a Trump campaign official and Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend, has tested positive for COVID-19. Guilfoyle, who is a former Fox News personality, tested positive Friday ahead of Trump's Fourth of July celebration event at Mount Rushmore. Trump, Jr. tested negative, but both will self-isolate, Trump Victory Finance Committee Chief of Staff Sergio Gor said. Advertisement
"She's doing well, and will be retested to ensure the diagnosis is correct since she's asymptomatic," Gor said in a statement. "But as a precaution will cancel all upcoming events. Donald Trump Jr. was tested negative, but as a precaution is also self isolating and is canceling all public events."
Guilfoyle, a top fundraising official for the Trump campaign, traveled to South Dakota with Trump, Jr. , but not aboard Air Force One, a person familiar with her condition told The New York Times.
She is the third person in close proximity to Trump who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. A personal valet and the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence tested positive in May.
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Guilfoyle attended Trump's last campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., last month, which was indoors and didn't require social distancing or face coverings.
Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, who was also at the Tulsa rally, also tested positive for COVID-19. A representative said Thursday that Cain was hospitalized in Atlanta after being diagnosed. A statement posted to Cain's Twitter account Thursday said that he "did not require a a respirator, and he is awake and alert."
Six people involved in preparing for Trump's Tulsa rally tested COVID-19 positive ahead of the event, including some Secret Service members, and were quarantined.
The president, vice president and people in contact with them are screened routinely for the virus.


upi--2020-07-04--USS Nimitz, USS Ronald Reagan conduct drills in South China Sea

July 4 ( UPI ) -- U.S. aircraft carriers carried out exercises in the South China Sea , U.S. military officials said Saturday as China conducts its own drills in the disputed area .
Rear Adm. George Wikoff , commander of the strike group , said the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz carriers navigated to an unspecified area of the South China Sea for the drills .
`` The purpose is to show an unambiguous signal to our partners and allies that we are committed to regional security and stability , '' he said .
The move comes days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international waters .
The show of force comes as China aggressively lays claim to the islands there , despite counterclaims by neighboring countries , officials said .
Wikoff said the U.S. drills were not a response to China 's .
The two U.S. aircraft carriers conducted exercises in the Philippine Sea this week along with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying destroyers and cruisers .
With the USS Ronald Reagan nearby at the time , it was the first time since 2017 that three aircraft carriers of the U.S .
Seventh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contentious South China Sea .
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz , Carrier Air Wing 17 , the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton and the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson .
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group includes the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan , Carrier Air Wing 5 , the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam and the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin .
The Nimitz Strike Group left San Diego for deployment in early June .
The USS Theodore Roosevelt resumed its deployment on June 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with an onboard COVID-19 breakout .
The USS Ronald Reagan , whose homeport is Yokusuka , Japan , also left port in early June .

The aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz entered the South China Sea on Saturday for military exercises. File Photo by Mohammad Kheirkhah/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- U.S. aircraft carriers carried out exercises in the South China Sea, U.S. military officials said Saturday as China conducts its own drills in the disputed area. Rear Adm. George Wikoff, commander of the strike group, said the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz carriers navigated to an unspecified area of the South China Sea for the drills. Advertisement
"The purpose is to show an unambiguous signal to our partners and allies that we are committed to regional security and stability," he said.
The move comes days after China began its own exercises in the international waters. The show of force comes as China aggressively lays claim to the islands there, despite counterclaims by neighboring countries, officials said.
Wikoff said the U.S. drills were not a response to China's.
The two U.S. aircraft carriers conducted exercises in the Philippine Sea this week along with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying destroyers and cruisers.
With the USS Ronald Reagan nearby at the time, it was the first time since 2017 that three aircraft carriers of the U.S. Seventh Fleet were together in proximity of the contentious South China Sea.
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The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17, the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton and the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett and USS Ralph Johnson.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group includes the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Carrier Air Wing 5, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam and the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin.
The Nimitz Strike Group left San Diego for deployment in early June.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt resumed its deployment on June 4 after it was diverted to Guam to deal with an onboard COVID-19 breakout.
The USS Ronald Reagan, whose homeport is Yokusuka, Japan, also left port in early June.
Ed Adamczyk contributed to this report.


upi--2020-07-04--Kacey Musgraves, Ruston Kelly to divorce

July 4 ( UPI ) -- Country music stars Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly announced Saturday they are divorcing after @ @ @ @ @ .
`` With heavy but hopeful hearts we wanted to put our own thoughts into @ @ @ @ @ happening .
These kinds of announcements are always met with scrutiny and speculation and we @ @ @ @ @ it even starts , '' the former couple said in a joint statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ put into each other 's lives for a divine reason and have both changed each @ @ @ @ @ .
The love we have for each other goes far beyond the relationship we 've @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's a soul connection that can never be erased . ''
The pair @ @ @ @ @ together after trying hard to make the relationship work .
They added that they hope @ @ @ @ @ for the rest of our lives . ''
Musgraves and Kelly exchanged wedding vows in @ @ @ @ @

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Ruston Kelly (L) and Kacey Musgraves are divorcing. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- Country music stars Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly announced Saturday they are divorcing after nearly three years of marriage. "With heavy but hopeful hearts we wanted to put our own thoughts into the air about what's happening. These kinds of announcements are always met with scrutiny and speculation and we want to stop that before it even starts," the former couple said in a joint statement. Advertisement
"We believe that we were put into each other's lives for a divine reason and have both changed each other infinitely for the better. The love we have for each other goes far beyond the relationship we've shared as husband and wife. It's a soul connection that can never be erased."
The pair said they reached the decision together after trying hard to make the relationship work.
They added that they hope to remain "true friends for the rest of our lives."
Musgraves and Kelly exchanged wedding vows in Tennessee in October 2017.


upi--2020-07-04--President Donald Trump calls for statuary garden at Mount Rushmore Fourth of July event

July 4 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump condemned the toppling of Confederate statues and announced an executive order to establish a statuary garden during his appearance at Mount Rushmore on the eve of the Fourth of July .
The rally and fireworks event held at Mount Rushmore on Friday drew several thousand people in South Dakota who were not required to social distance or wear masks amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump observed a flyover of the Navy Blue Angels on the dais with the first lady Melania Trump , national security adviser Robert O ' Brien and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
Trump used the occasion to call for establishment of a statuary garden to honor American heroes and decry the toppling of Confederate statues and others deemed racist amid Black Lives Matter protests after the police killing of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , in Minneapolis on Memorial Day .
`` Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders , deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities , '' Trump said .
`` They think the American people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no , the American people are strong and proud and they will not allow our country and all its values , history and culture to be taken from them .
`` To make this possible , they are determined to tear down every statue , symbol and memory of our national heritage , '' he continued .
`` That 's why I 'm deploying federal law enforcement to protect our monuments , arrest the rioters and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law . ''
Trump praised George Washington , Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose likenesses were carved in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial behind him and denounced not just the rioters , but the `` cancel culture , '' which has led to intolerance for racism , as `` totalitarian . ''
`` One of their political weapons is cancel culture , driving people from their jobs , shaming dissenters and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees , '' Trump said .
`` This is the very definition of totalitarianism .
And it is completely alien to our culture and to our values and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States of America .
This attack on our liberty , our magnificent liberty must be stopped , and it will be stopped very quickly .
We will expose this dangerous movement , protect our nation 's children , end this radical assault and preserve our beloved American way of life . ''
Trump also railed against what he described as `` far-left fascism . ''
`` In our schools , our newsrooms , even our corporate boardrooms , there is a new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance if you do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recite its mantras and follow its commandments , then you will be censored , banished , persecuted and punished , '' Trump said .
`` Not going to happen to us .
Make no mistake this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American Revolution .
In so doing , they would destroy the very civilization that rescued billions from poverty , disease , violence and hunger and that lifted humanity to new heights of achievement , discovery and progress . ''
The first fireworks display in more than a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Fireworks are set off over the Lincoln Memorial as President Donald J. Trump and first lady Melania Trump host the 2020 Salute to America to celebrate America's Independence Day in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
July 4 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump condemned the toppling of Confederate statues and announced an executive order to establish a statuary garden during his appearance at Mount Rushmore on the eve of the Fourth of July. The rally and fireworks event held at Mount Rushmore on Friday drew several thousand people in South Dakota who were not required to social distance or wear masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
Trump observed a flyover of the Navy Blue Angels on the dais with the first lady Melania Trump, national security adviser Robert O' Brien and Mark Meadows, White House chief of staff.
Trump used the occasion to call for establishment of a statuary garden to honor American heroes and decry the toppling of Confederate statues and others deemed racist amid Black Lives Matter protests after the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.
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"Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities," Trump said. "They think the American people are weak and soft and submissive, but no, the American people are strong and proud and they will not allow our country and all its values, history and culture to be taken from them.
"To make this possible, they are determined to tear down every statue, symbol and memory of our national heritage," he continued. "That's why I'm deploying federal law enforcement to protect our monuments, arrest the rioters and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law."
Trump praised George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, whose likenesses were carved in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial behind him and denounced not just the rioters, but the "cancel culture," which has led to intolerance for racism, as "totalitarian."
"One of their political weapons is cancel culture, driving people from their jobs, shaming dissenters and demanding total submission from anyone who disagrees," Trump said. "This is the very definition of totalitarianism. And it is completely alien to our culture and to our values and it has absolutely no place in the United States of America. This attack on our liberty, our magnificent liberty must be stopped, and it will be stopped very quickly. We will expose this dangerous movement, protect our nation's children, end this radical assault and preserve our beloved American way of life."
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Trump also railed against what he described as "far-left fascism."
"In our schools, our newsrooms, even our corporate boardrooms, there is a new far-left fascism that demands absolute allegiance if you do not speak its language, perform its rituals, recite its mantras and follow its commandments, then you will be censored, banished, persecuted and punished," Trump said.
"Not going to happen to us. Make no mistake this left-wing cultural revolution is designed to overthrow the American Revolution. In so doing, they would destroy the very civilization that rescued billions from poverty, disease, violence and hunger and that lifted humanity to new heights of achievement, discovery and progress."
The first fireworks display in more than a decade capped off the event despite wildfire fears.