upi--2020-04-18--Lesotho PM Tom Thabane deploys army to restore order

April 18 ( UPI ) -- Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane on Saturday deployed the army into the streets to restore order .
The order was meant to `` restore law and order '' after Thabane said in a televised statement that people and institutions were undermining his government and the rule of law .
He added that democracy has also been undermined with abuse of the courts , freedom of speech and human rights .
The army has been deployed `` to take control of this situation and take necessary measures against these elements in alignment with the security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Thabane said .
`` This is to avoid putting the nation in danger . ''
The order appears to be unrelated to measures to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
The mountain kingdom is already under a pandemic lockdown -- like much of surrounding South Africa -- but the country is one of over a dozen that has n't reported a single case .
Lesotho closed its border before any cases of COVID-19 were reported .
The country 's lockdown is expected to end in the coming week , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The lockdown is still expected to end on April 21 , '' a statement from the prime minister 's office reads .
`` The extension of the lockdown will be decided by government after assessing the general situation surrounding the pandemic.
`` Thabane , himself , has been subject to controversy after police said they wanted to charge him with the murder of his former wife , Lipolelo Thabane , who was killed outside her home in Lesotho 's capital of Maseru in 2017 , two days before Thabane 's inauguration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot to oust him from his prime minister seat .
His lawyers sought immunity from the charges and in February , a magistrate ruled he would not be charged with the murder until a constitutional issue was settled because he is a sitting prime minister .
Amid the controversy , Thabane agreed to resign by the end of July , but members of his All Basotho Convention party have urged him to leave even sooner to avoid political crisis .
Thabane has accused members of his own party of plotting a coup against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses to investigate these terrorism acts and ensure that legal action is taken against those leading this campaign , '' he said .

Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane arrives at the White House for a state dinner on August 5, 2014, in Washington, D.C. The leader deployed the army to restore order Saturday. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
April 18 (UPI) -- Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane on Saturday deployed the army into the streets to restore order. The order was meant to "restore law and order" after Thabane said in a televised statement that people and institutions were undermining his government and the rule of law. Advertisement
He added that democracy has also been undermined with abuse of the courts, freedom of speech and human rights.
The army has been deployed "to take control of this situation and take necessary measures against these elements in alignment with the security orders and restore peace and order," Thabane said. "This is to avoid putting the nation in danger."
Critics have labeled the move "martial law."
The order appears to be unrelated to measures to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The mountain kingdom is already under a pandemic lockdown -- like much of surrounding South Africa -- but the country is one of over a dozen that hasn't reported a single case.
Lesotho closed its border before any cases of COVID-19 were reported.
The country's lockdown is expected to end in the coming week, but an extension is still being considered.
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"The lockdown is still expected to end on April 21," a statement from the prime minister's office reads. "The extension of the lockdown will be decided by government after assessing the general situation surrounding the pandemic. "
Thabane, himself, has been subject to controversy after police said they wanted to charge him with the murder of his former wife, Lipolelo Thabane, who was killed outside her home in Lesotho's capital of Maseru in 2017, two days before Thabane's inauguration.
Thabane has dismissed the accusation as a plot to oust him from his prime minister seat.
His lawyers sought immunity from the charges and in February, a magistrate ruled he would not be charged with the murder until a constitutional issue was settled because he is a sitting prime minister.
Amid the controversy, Thabane agreed to resign by the end of July, but members of his All Basotho Convention party have urged him to leave even sooner to avoid political crisis.
Thabane has accused members of his own party of plotting a coup against him.
"I therefore order security bosses to investigate these terrorism acts and ensure that legal action is taken against those leading this campaign," he said.


upi--2020-04-18--The Weeknd's 'After Hours' tops U.S. album chart for 3rd week

April 18 ( UPI ) -- The Weeknd 's After Hours is No .
1 on the U.S. album chart @ @ @ @ @ week .
Coming in at No .
2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday @ @ @ @ @ 4 Love , followed by Lil Uzi Vert 's Eternal Atake at No .
3 @ @ @ @ @ Truth at No .
4 and Sam Hunt 's SOUTHSIDE at No .
5 .
@ @ @ @ @ are Bad Bunny 's YHLQMDLG at No .
6 , Roddy Ricch 's Please Excuse @ @ @ @ @ No .
7 , Dua Lipa 's Future Nostalgia at No .
8 , Post @ @ @ @ @ at No .
9 and Jhene Aiko 's Chilombo at No .
10 .

April 18 (UPI) -- The Weeknd's After Hours is No. 1 on the U.S. album chart for a third, consecutive week.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Rod Wave's Pray 4 Love, followed by Lil Uzi Vert's Eternal Atake at No. 3, Lil Baby's My Truth at No. 4 and Sam Hunt's SOUTHSIDE at No. 5.


upi--2020-04-18--6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan; no injuries reported

The Japan Meteorological Agency initially measured the temblor at 6.9-magnitude , but later revised the strength downward .
The epicenter @ @ @ @ @ Chichi-shima , the largest of the Ogasawara Islands , the U.S. Geological Survey said .
@ @ @ @ @ miles south-southeast of Tokyo and had a depth of about 280 miles .
CNN reported @ @ @ @ @ injuries or damage .
There also was no threat of a tsunami .

April 18 (UPI) -- A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southern Ogasawara Islands on Saturday, seismologists confirmed.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially measured the temblor at 6.9-magnitude, but later revised the strength downward. The epicenter was on the island of Chichi-shima, the largest of the Ogasawara Islands, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
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The epicenter was about 600 miles south-southeast of Tokyo and had a depth of about 280 miles.
CNN reported there were no reports of injuries or damage. There also was no threat of a tsunami.


upi--2020-04-18--Judge rules abortions can proceed in Tennessee amid pandemic

April 18 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge in Tennessee ruled that the state 's stay-at-home order ca n't block abortions because they 're `` time-sensitive procedures . ''
District Judge Bernard Friedman said Gov .
Bill Lee 's order barring non-emergency medical procedures amid the coronavirus pandemic must not infringe on women 's constitutional rights to an abortion .
`` Abortion is a time-sensitive procedure , '' the ruling issued Friday said .
`` Delaying a woman 's access to abortion even by a matter of days can result in her having to undergo a lengthier and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks , or can result in her losing the right to obtain an abortion altogether . ''
Lee issued a stay-at-home order March 31 , shutting down non-essential businesses and banning elective , non-emergency medical procedures , and urging residents to remain at home whenever possible .
A group of abortion advocacy groups and individuals -- CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health , Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health , Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi , Adams & Boyle P.C.
, and Dr. Kimberly Looney -- sued the state over the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered elective .
`` We thank our hard working dedicated lawyers and the judge 's level-headed verdict protecting women 's constitutional rights to bodily autonomy ... even and especially during this pandemic , '' the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health said in response to the ruling .
Several other states , including Texas , Oklahoma , Iowa and Alabama , have faced similar legal battles over whether abortions should be allowed during COVID-19-related shutdowns .

The federal judge says Tennessee's stay-at-home order violates women's constitutional right to an abortion. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 18 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Tennessee ruled that the state's stay-at-home order can't block abortions because they're "time-sensitive procedures." District Judge Bernard Friedman said Gov. Bill Lee's order barring non-emergency medical procedures amid the coronavirus pandemic must not infringe on women's constitutional rights to an abortion. Advertisement
"Abortion is a time-sensitive procedure," the ruling issued Friday said. "Delaying a woman's access to abortion even by a matter of days can result in her having to undergo a lengthier and more complex procedure that involves progressively greater health risks, or can result in her losing the right to obtain an abortion altogether."
Lee issued a stay-at-home order March 31, shutting down non-essential businesses and banning elective, non-emergency medical procedures, and urging residents to remain at home whenever possible.
A group of abortion advocacy groups and individuals -- CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health, Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, Adams & Boyle P.C., and Dr. Kimberly Looney -- sued the state over the restrictions on abortions, which Lee's order considered elective.
"We thank our hard working dedicated lawyers and the judge's level-headed verdict protecting women's constitutional rights to bodily autonomy ... even and especially during this pandemic," the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health said in response to the ruling.
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Several other states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Alabama, have faced similar legal battles over whether abortions should be allowed during COVID-19-related shutdowns.


upi--2020-04-19--Southern U.S. braces for yet another round of severe storms, flooding

There will be no rest for the storm-battered South as forecasters say another round of severe weather looms at the end of the weekend .
Communities across the South continue to clean up from the most violent outbreak of severe weather yet this year which occurred during Easter weekend .
Recovery and relief efforts across the region have faced complications due to the coronavirus pandemic .
A storm system encountering warm , humid air from the Gulf of Mexico will bring another round of heavy rainfall and severe weather from Texas through the Southeast Sunday into Monday morning , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can gust to an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph in the most severe thunderstorms .
Such gusts can turn debris lingering on the ground from the Easter weekend outbreak into dangerous projectiles and cause damage and power outages in other communities .
The thunderstorms could also spell trouble for tents and canopies set up at outdoor triage and testing centers for COVID-19 .
AccuWeather has offered free severe weather notifications to COVID-19 testing and triage medical facilities , including temporary sites that may be particularly vulnerable to violent thunderstorms .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , downpours and tornadoes can occur .
AccuWeather meteorologists do not expect the number of tornadoes with this event to come near the total of 155 from Easter Sunday .
`` However , all it takes is for one tornado to strike a community to cause widespread destruction and potentially cause loss of life .
And the event from Sunday to Sunday night is still likely to produce multiple tornadoes , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said .
Timing of the worst weather will be Sunday afternoon and night from eastern Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South , and Monday morning along the Southeast coast .
Residents from Houston to Shreveport and New Orleans , La .
; Jackson , Miss .
; Birmingham , Mobile and Montgomery , Ala. ; Atlanta and Savannah , Ga. ; Pensacola , Tallahassee and Jacksonville , Fla. ; Charleston and Myrtle Beach , S.C. ; and Wilmington , N.C. , should make sure they have a way to be notified when severe weather is imminent .
Flash flooding is likely to be another significant threat with this system .
Widespread rainfall totals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the north of the severe weather zone .
`` An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches is anticipated , which can be enough to cause not only urban flooding , but also a rapid rise on small streams , '' Sosnowski said .
Motorists are urged to not venture into floodwaters as the water may be deeper than it appears and the roadway underneath could be washed away .
Drier weather will sweep in behind the storms early this week , but the region may be in the crosshairs of yet another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter part of the week .
`` In terms of severe weather and tornado risk , the overall weather pattern is loaded for the rest of April and into May , '' AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said .

Damage from the tornado is seen in Monroe, La., on April 12. Photo courtesy Monroe Fire Department
There will be no rest for the storm-battered South as forecasters say another round of severe weather looms at the end of the weekend. Communities across the South continue to clean up from the most violent outbreak of severe weather yet this year which occurred during Easter weekend. Recovery and relief efforts across the region have faced complications due to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
A storm system encountering warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico will bring another round of heavy rainfall and severe weather from Texas through the Southeast Sunday into Monday morning, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Winds can gust to an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph in the most severe thunderstorms. Such gusts can turn debris lingering on the ground from the Easter weekend outbreak into dangerous projectiles and cause damage and power outages in other communities.
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The thunderstorms could also spell trouble for tents and canopies set up at outdoor triage and testing centers for COVID-19.
AccuWeather has offered free severe weather notifications to COVID-19 testing and triage medical facilities, including temporary sites that may be particularly vulnerable to violent thunderstorms.
In addition to the damaging winds, large hail, downpours and tornadoes can occur.
AccuWeather meteorologists do not expect the number of tornadoes with this event to come near the total of 155 from Easter Sunday.
"However, all it takes is for one tornado to strike a community to cause widespread destruction and potentially cause loss of life. And the event from Sunday to Sunday night is still likely to produce multiple tornadoes," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
Timing of the worst weather will be Sunday afternoon and night from eastern Texas to the lower Mississippi Valley and Deep South, and Monday morning along the Southeast coast.
Residents from Houston to Shreveport and New Orleans, La.; Jackson, Miss.; Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery, Ala.; Atlanta and Savannah, Ga.; Pensacola, Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Fla.; Charleston and Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Wilmington, N.C., should make sure they have a way to be notified when severe weather is imminent.
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Flash flooding is likely to be another significant threat with this system.
Widespread rainfall totals of 2-4 inches are expected within and to the north of the severe weather zone.
Some locales in the region already received heavy rain Saturday night into Sunday morning. Starkville, Miss., recorded 1.69 inches of rain Saturday night, while New Orleans received 2.29 inches late Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening. The additional heavy rain and storms expected Sunday and Sunday night will exacerbate the flooding threat in the region.
"An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 6 inches is anticipated, which can be enough to cause not only urban flooding, but also a rapid rise on small streams," Sosnowski said.
Motorists are urged to not venture into floodwaters as the water may be deeper than it appears and the roadway underneath could be washed away.
Drier weather will sweep in behind the storms early this week, but the region may be in the crosshairs of yet another severe weather event during the middle and latter part of the week.
"In terms of severe weather and tornado risk, the overall weather pattern is loaded for the rest of April and into May," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.


upi--2020-04-19--Famous birthdays for April 19: Ali Wong, Tim Curry

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries .
-- Statesman @ @ @ @ @ of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution , in 1721

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Ali Wong attends the annual Hollywood Foreign Press Association Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California on July 31. The actor turns 38 on April 19. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Aries. They include: Advertisement
-- Statesman Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, in 1721
-- First lady Lucretia Garfield in 1832
-- Music patron Augustus Juilliard in 1836
-- Actor Hugh O'Brian in 1925
-- Actor Jayne Mansfield in 1933
-- Actor Dudley Moore in 1935
-- Actor Elinor Donahue in 1937 (age 83)
-- Actor Tim Curry in 1946 (age 74)
File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
-- Auto racer Al Unser Jr. in 1962 (age 58)
-- Record producer Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. in 1965 (age 55)
-- Singer Dar Williams in 1967 (age 53)
-- Actor Ashley Judd in 1968 (age 52)
-- Television personality Jesse James in 1969 (age 51)
File Photo by James Atoa/UPI
-- Actor James Franco in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Kate Hudson in 1979 (age 41)
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-- Actor Hayden Christensen in 1981 (age 39)
-- Comedian Ali Wong in 1982 (age 38)
-- Tennis player Maria Sharapova in 1987 (age 33)


upi--2020-04-19--On This Day, April 19: Oklahoma City bombing kills 168

April 19 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1775 , the American Revolutionary War began at the Battle of Lexington , Mass .
Eight minutemen were killed and 10 injured in an exchange of musket fire with British redcoats .
In 1912 , Col. Archibald Gracie , survivor on the ill-fated Titanic , told of being sucked under by the sinking ship before managing to make his way back to the surface and the safety of a life raft .
In 1943 , Jewish residents of the Warsaw ghetto revolted when Germans tried to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the uprising ended on May 16 , 7,000 Jews and 300 Germans had died and the ghetto lay in ruins .
In 1971 , the Soviet Union launched its first Salyut space station .
In 1987 , the first Simpsons cartoon appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show .
In 1989 , an explosion in a gun turret aboard the battleship USS Iowa killed 47 sailors .
In 1989 , a Wall Street banker jogging through Central Park was assaulted and raped , leaving her in a coma for more than a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , but in 2002 , another man confessed to the attack , which was confirmed by DNA evidence .
In 1993 , a 51-day Branch Davidian standoff near Waco , Texas , ended when fire destroyed a fortified compound after it was tear-gassed by authorities .
Cult leader David Koresh and about 75 followers , including 17 children , were killed .
In 1994 , a federal jury awarded police-beating victim Rodney King $ 3.8 million in compensatory damages from the city of Los Angeles .
In 1995 , a bomb exploded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , killing 168 people and injuring several hundred others .
In 2000 , a federal appeals court ruled in a high-profile case that 6-year-old Cuban refugee Elian Gonzalez could stay in the United States until judges heard a full appeal from his relatives who sought to retain custody of the boy .
He was eventually returned to his father in Cuba .
In 2005 , German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger , already a major power in the Roman Catholic Church , was elected pope to succeed John Paul II .
He chose the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one Boston Marathon bombing suspect was killed by police and another , his brother , was arrested .
The city had been in a virtual lockdown .
In 2018 , for the first time in decades , someone outside the Castro family assumed the presidency of Cuba -- Miguel Diaz-Canel .

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Families of survivors and rescue workers attend opening of the Oklahoma City bombing memorial April 19, 2000. File Photo by Bill Carter/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1775, the American Revolutionary War began at the Battle of Lexington, Mass. Eight minutemen were killed and 10 injured in an exchange of musket fire with British redcoats. Advertisement
In 1912, Col. Archibald Gracie, survivor on the ill-fated Titanic, told of being sucked under by the sinking ship before managing to make his way back to the surface and the safety of a life raft.
In 1943, Jewish residents of the Warsaw ghetto revolted when Germans tried to resume deportations to the Treblinka concentration camp. When the uprising ended on May 16, 7,000 Jews and 300 Germans had died and the ghetto lay in ruins.
In 1956, famed actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
File Photo by George Bilyk/UPI
In 1971, the Soviet Union launched its first Salyut space station.
In 1987, the first Simpsons cartoon appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show.
In 1989, an explosion in a gun turret aboard the battleship USS Iowa killed 47 sailors.
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In 1989, a Wall Street banker jogging through Central Park was assaulted and raped, leaving her in a coma for more than a week. Five teenagers were convicted in the attack, but in 2002, another man confessed to the attack, which was confirmed by DNA evidence.
In 1993, a 51-day Branch Davidian standoff near Waco, Texas, ended when fire destroyed a fortified compound after it was tear-gassed by authorities. Cult leader David Koresh and about 75 followers, including 17 children, were killed.
In 1994, a federal jury awarded police-beating victim Rodney King $3.8 million in compensatory damages from the city of Los Angeles.
In 1995, a bomb exploded outside a federal office building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring several hundred others.
In 2000, a federal appeals court ruled in a high-profile case that 6-year-old Cuban refugee Elian Gonzalez could stay in the United States until judges heard a full appeal from his relatives who sought to retain custody of the boy. He was eventually returned to his father in Cuba.
File Photo by Patrick Ward/UPI
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In 2005, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, already a major power in the Roman Catholic Church, was elected pope to succeed John Paul II. He chose the name of Benedict XVI.
In 2013, one Boston Marathon bombing suspect was killed by police and another, his brother, was arrested. The city had been in a virtual lockdown.
In 2018, for the first time in decades, someone outside the Castro family assumed the presidency of Cuba -- Miguel Diaz-Canel.


upi--2020-04-18--Charlie Puth jokes about his 'Together at Home' unmade bed

April 18 ( UPI ) -- Charlie Puth performed a beautiful rendition of his hit song `` See You Again '' at the Global Citizen One World : Together at Home remote concert Saturday .
But many people online are talking about how the 28-year-old artist was filmed at his house , singing the song -- and playing the keyboard -- with an unmade bed behind him .
Puth later responded to the comments by tweeting : `` Ooops I forgot to make my bed , '' `` Honestly ...
I do n't think I 've made my bed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm lit . ''
Other celebrities taking part in the marathon music event included Taylor Swift , Jennifer Lopez , Celine Dion , Camila Cabello , Alicia Keys , Sam Smith , Usher , Pharrell Williams , Oprah Winfrey , Ellen DeGeneres , Awkwafina , Amy Poehler , LL Cool J , Lupita Nyong ' o , Matthew McConaughey , Victoria Beckham , Lady Gaga , Andrea Bocelli , Billie Eilish , Billie Joe Armstrong , Chris Martin , David Beckham , Eddie Vedder , Elton John , Keith Urban , Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Everyone appeared via video chat/satellite from their homes due to social-distance practices amid the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 150,000 worldwide .
The first six hours of the program streamed online , and the last two hours were broadcast Together at Home was curated by Lady Gaga , and late-night , talk-show hosts Stephen Colbert , Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the last two hours of the show , which was meant to celebrate healthcare workers and entertain people stuck at home .

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Charlie Puth performed at Saturday's "Global Citizen One World: Together at Home" concert. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 18 (UPI) -- Charlie Puth performed a beautiful rendition of his hit song "See You Again" at the Global Citizen One World: Together at Home remote concert Saturday. But many people online are talking about how the 28-year-old artist was filmed at his house, singing the song -- and playing the keyboard -- with an unmade bed behind him. Advertisement
Puth later responded to the comments by tweeting: "Ooops I forgot to make my bed," "Honestly...I don't think I've made my bed since 2008," and "Single & I'm lit."
Honestly...I don't think I've made my bed since 2008.— Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) April 18, 2020
Other celebrities taking part in the marathon music event included Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Camila Cabello, Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Awkwafina, Amy Poehler, LL Cool J, Lupita Nyong'o, Matthew McConaughey, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, Keith Urban, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra and Stevie Wonder.
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Everyone appeared via video chat/satellite from their homes due to social-distance practices amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 150,000 worldwide.
The first six hours of the program streamed online, and the last two hours were broadcast
on NBC, ABC, ViacomCBS Networks, The CW, the BBC, iHeartMedia and other global networks and platforms.
Together at Home was curated by Lady Gaga, and late-night, talk-show hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the last two hours of the show, which was meant to celebrate healthcare workers and entertain people stuck at home.


upi--2020-04-19--Meghan Markle to be seen on 'GMA' Monday

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Former Suits actress Meghan Markle , the wife of Britain 's Prince Harry , @ @ @ @ @ 's edition of ABC 's Good Morning America .
Harper 's Bazaar said she will @ @ @ @ @ Disney+ documentary she narrated .
Deadline.com said Markle will appear in a pre-recorded asset from @ @ @ @ @ live interview as initially reported .
Markle and Harry largely have stayed out of the @ @ @ @ @ they announced they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family and moved @ @ @ @ @ , first to Canada , then to the United States .
Markle married Prince Harry @ @ @ @ @ to their son Archie in 2019 .

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Meghan Markle will be seen on Monday's edition of "Good Morning America." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Former Suits actress Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, will be seen on Monday's edition of ABC's Good Morning America. Harper's Bazaar said she will be promoting Elephant, a Disney+ documentary she narrated. Advertisement
Deadline.com said Markle will appear in a pre-recorded asset from the film and not a live interview as initially reported.
Markle and Harry largely have stayed out of the media spotlight since January when they announced they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family and moved out of the United Kingdom, first to Canada, then to the United States.
Markle married Prince Harry in 2018 and gave birth to their son Archie in 2019.


upi--2020-04-19--Dawn French reviving 'Vicar of Dibley' for 'Big Night In' special

April 19 ( UPI ) -- British comedian Dawn French has announced she will return in her signature role of Geraldine Granger from The Vicar of Dibley for an upcoming BBC special .
`` Hmmm .
Somethin interestin this way comes ... .Thurs  @ BBCOne 7-10pm # BigNightIn , '' French tweeted on Sunday , along with a photo of her iconic minister 's collar and cross .
`` I 'm back in the dog collar , back in the vicarage , and back on your telly as part of The Big Night In .
Be there , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some sway , '' French said in a longer statement .
French has played the small-town vicar off and on since 1994 .
She last revived the character in a 2015 Comic Relief special .
Hosted by Matt Baker , Zoe Ball , Lenny Henry , Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness , Thursday 's Big Night In sketch-comedy show is intended to raise money for Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need .
It will air as people are social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dawn French is reprising her title role from "The Vicar of Dibley" in the BBC's "Big Night In" special Thursday. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- British comedian Dawn French has announced she will return in her signature role of Geraldine Granger from The Vicar of Dibley for an upcoming BBC special. "Hmmm. Somethin interestin this way comes....Thurs @BBCOne 7-10pm #BigNightIn," French tweeted on Sunday, along with a photo of her iconic minister's collar and cross. Advertisement
"I'm back in the dog collar, back in the vicarage, and back on your telly as part of The Big Night In. Be there, or go to hell. Literally. I have some sway," French said in a longer statement.
French has played the small-town vicar off and on since 1994. She last revived the character in a 2015 Comic Relief special.
Hosted by Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness, Thursday's Big Night In sketch-comedy show is intended to raise money for Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need.
It will air as people are social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide.


upi--2020-04-19--Peyton Manning gives advice to Joe Burrow ahead of 2020 NFL Draft

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Ahead of this week 's NFL Draft , future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning provided some advice to former LSU star quarterback Joe Burrow , who is considered the top prospect in the draft .
Manning , who was the No .
1 overall selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 draft , said Sunday on SportsCenter that Burrow recently reached out to him for tips on being a rookie quarterback in the NFL .
Burrow , who won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship last season at LSU , attended Manning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He called me about some of the things that I tried to do as a rookie that maybe he can apply to his NFL career , '' Manning said .
`` Looks like it 's going to be for the Cincinnati Bengals .
`` What I told him , 'Look , Joe , if you 're the first pick in the NFL Draft , you are going to a team that has earned the first pick in the NFL Draft .
There are going to be some holes there .
There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 that year .
There 's a reason the Bengals are picking No .
1 this year . '
'' Manning also pointed out the struggles he endured during his rookie campaign , which included more losses than his high school and college careers combined .
`` [ Then-Colts head coach ] Jim Mora never took me out , '' Manning said .
`` I learned some things in the fourth quarter of those blowouts about what it took to be an NFL quarterback , and the next year we went from 3-13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened if I had n't have hung in there and learned the ropes as a rookie , even though we took some bumps and bruises .
`` So that 's what I tried to encourage Joe and all the other rookie quarterbacks , that your rookie year is not going to be the same as your senior year in college .
But if you learn how fast the defensive backs are , how soon you have to get rid of the ball , understand defenses , you can become a better player and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two after that . ''
After Manning 's rookie season , the 14-time Pro Bowl selection had only one more losing season as a starting quarterback in his NFL career .
He won two Super Bowl titles and ranks third in league history in passing yards and touchdowns .
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to select Burrow with the No .
1 overall pick in this year 's NFL Draft , which will be held virtually Thursday through Saturday because of the coronavirus pandemic .

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft later this week. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Ahead of this week's NFL Draft, future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning provided some advice to former LSU star quarterback Joe Burrow, who is considered the top prospect in the draft. Manning, who was the No. 1 overall selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 draft, said Sunday on SportsCenter that Burrow recently reached out to him for tips on being a rookie quarterback in the NFL. Advertisement
Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship last season at LSU, attended Manning's Passing Academy last year.
"He called me about some of the things that I tried to do as a rookie that maybe he can apply to his NFL career," Manning said. "Looks like it's going to be for the Cincinnati Bengals.
"What I told him, 'Look, Joe, if you're the first pick in the NFL Draft, you are going to a team that has earned the first pick in the NFL Draft. There are going to be some holes there. There's a reason the Colts were picking No. 1 that year. There's a reason the Bengals are picking No. 1 this year.'"
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Manning also pointed out the struggles he endured during his rookie campaign, which included more losses than his high school and college careers combined.
"[Then-Colts head coach] Jim Mora never took me out," Manning said. "I learned some things in the fourth quarter of those blowouts about what it took to be an NFL quarterback, and the next year we went from 3-13 to 13-3. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't have hung in there and learned the ropes as a rookie, even though we took some bumps and bruises.
"So that's what I tried to encourage Joe and all the other rookie quarterbacks, that your rookie year is not going to be the same as your senior year in college. But if you learn how fast the defensive backs are, how soon you have to get rid of the ball, understand defenses, you can become a better player and really get it going the year or two after that."
After Manning's rookie season, the 14-time Pro Bowl selection had only one more losing season as a starting quarterback in his NFL career. He won two Super Bowl titles and ranks third in league history in passing yards and touchdowns.
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The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to select Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, which will be held virtually Thursday through Saturday because of the coronavirus pandemic.


upi--2020-04-19--NASCAR iRacing: William Byron edges Timmy Hill for second consecutive win

April 19 ( UPI ) -- William Byron claimed his second straight victory in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series , edging Timmy Hill by only .256 seconds in overtime at the virtual Richmond Raceway .
With his win in Sunday 's Toyota Owners 150 , Byron became the first competitor to win multiple races in the NASCAR iRacing series .
He also won the Food City Showdown at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago .
`` I did n't really know how that was going to work out , but luckily we were able to have a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four tires , and then the late restart , just executed that well , '' Byron said after the race .
`` It was fun and really enjoyed it .
To go back-to-back is really cool .
`` Having fun with it while we 're kind of in a hiatus here , but looking forward to getting back to real racing soon , too . ''
The race at Richmond was NASCAR 's fourth virtual event since its real-life season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Byron , who has dominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the four iRacing events , held the top spot for 94 laps in Sunday 's 154-lap race .
Byron , who lost the March 29 virtual event at Texas Motor Speedway after a bump-and-run maneuver by Hill late in the race , again found himself locked in a tight finish with Hill .
This time , it was a cleaner sprint to the checkered flag .
`` He raced me really clean .
I was really thankful for that , '' Byron said of Hill .
`` We 've had some good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was frustrated with Texas , but if I would have been in his position , I probably would have done the same thing , looking back on it . ''
Hill , the only driver with top-three finishes in all four eNASCAR iRacing events , congratulated Byron on the win after the race .
`` Just came up a little bit short there at the end , '' Hill wrote on Twitter .
`` Congratulations @ WilliamByron on the win !
Looking forward to a bunch of fun at Talladega next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hill in third , while Landon Cassill came in fourth .
Kyle Busch ended in fifth and Denny Hamlin in sixth .
Erik Jones ( seventh ) , Dale Earnhardt Jr. ( eighth ) , Bubba Wallace ( ninth ) and Brad Keselowski ( 10th ) rounded out the top 10 .

William Byron, who has dominated in total laps led (319) in the four iRacing events, held the top spot for 94 laps in Sunday's 154-lap race at a virtual Richmond Raceway. File Photo by Edwin Locke/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- William Byron claimed his second straight victory in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, edging Timmy Hill by only .256 seconds in overtime at the virtual Richmond Raceway. With his win in Sunday's Toyota Owners 150, Byron became the first competitor to win multiple races in the NASCAR iRacing series. He also won the Food City Showdown at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago. Advertisement
"I didn't really know how that was going to work out, but luckily we were able to have a little bit of buffer to the guys with four tires, and then the late restart, just executed that well," Byron said after the race. "It was fun and really enjoyed it. To go back-to-back is really cool.
"Having fun with it while we're kind of in a hiatus here, but looking forward to getting back to real racing soon, too."
The race at Richmond was NASCAR's fourth virtual event since its real-life season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic. Byron, who has dominated in total laps led (319) in the four iRacing events, held the top spot for 94 laps in Sunday's 154-lap race.
Advertisement TWO IN A ROW! RETWEET TO CONGRATULATE @WILLIAMBYRON ON HIS #PROINVITATIONALSERIES WIN AT VIRTUAL RICHMOND. pic.twitter.com/TuSEiFOv7z— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 19, 2020
Byron, who lost the March 29 virtual event at Texas Motor Speedway after a bump-and-run maneuver by Hill late in the race, again found himself locked in a tight finish with Hill. This time, it was a cleaner sprint to the checkered flag.
"He raced me really clean. I was really thankful for that," Byron said of Hill. "We've had some good races, honestly. Texas, obviously I was frustrated with Texas, but if I would have been in his position, I probably would have done the same thing, looking back on it."
Hill, the only driver with top-three finishes in all four eNASCAR iRacing events, congratulated Byron on the win after the race.
"Just came up a little bit short there at the end," Hill wrote on Twitter. "Congratulations @WilliamByron on the win! Looking forward to a bunch of fun at Talladega next week."
Parker Kligerman finished behind Byron and Hill in third, while Landon Cassill came in fourth. Kyle Busch ended in fifth and Denny Hamlin in sixth. Erik Jones (seventh), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (eighth), Bubba Wallace (ninth) and Brad Keselowski (10th) rounded out the top 10.


upi--2020-04-19--Gunman dead after posing as police officer, killing at least 10 in Nova Scotia

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Sunday that a gunman who killed at least 10 people , including a police officer , was dead after an active shooter incident in Nova Scotia .
Police confirmed that the gunman 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman had died after carrying out a series of shootings beginning in Portapique , N.S .
and leading police on a chase Sunday morning .
RCMP first reported an active shooter situation in Portapique at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday , urging residents to remain inside their homes and lock their doors .
Police later warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle resembling an RCMP vehicle and wearing an RCMP uniform as he traveled southbound from the area of the initial incident .
`` To clarify , the suspect in our active shooter investigation , Gabrial Wortman is NOT employed by the RCMP but he may be wearing an RCMP uniform .
He is considered armed and dangerous .
If you see him , do NOT approach and call 911 immediately , '' RCMP wrote on Twitter .
Assistant police commissioner , Lee Bergerman , confirmed that Const .
Heidi Stevenson , a 23-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the officer killed in the shooting .
`` Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served .
Earlier this afternoon I met with Heidi 's family and there are no words to describe their pain , '' said Bergerman .
`` Two children have lost their mother .
And a husband has lost his wife .
Parents have lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague . ''
Bergerman also said another officer was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries .

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Const. Heidi Stevenson was one of 16 people killed during a shooting rampage in Nova Scotia. Photo courtesy of Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia/ Facebook
April 19 (UPI) -- Some of the victims killed in a mass-shooting in Nova Scotia were remembered Monday after a man impersonating a police officer killed 19 people during a 12-hour shooting rampage that spanned miles. Heidi Stevenson, RCMP Advertisement
Among the dead was Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who was killed by the gunman during an altercation that ended in a gun battle at an Enfield, N.S. gas station.
"Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served," wrote RCMP assistant commissioner Lee Bergerman on Facebook.
"Earlier this afternoon, I met with Heidi's family and there are no words to describe their pain. Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague."
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The suspect, identified as Gabriel Wortman, 51, who was wearing a Mountie uniform, was also killed, police said. Authorities said it is the worst mass shooting in Canadian history.
Family of 3
A Portapique family of three, Aaron Tuck, 45, Jolene Oliver, 40, a former waitress from Calgary, and daughter Emily Tuck, 17, were remembered as recent residents who had moved to be closer to a grandmother.
Emily was a violinist and would help her father, Aaron, an auto mechanic, fix cars in the garage, her aunt told CBCNews.
"She knew everything underneath the hood," said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie. "She didn't even get to live her life. She had so much potential ... so much love, so, smart, so caring, so humble." Family members started a GoFundMe page to pay for the burials.
Elementary teacher
Shooting victim and mother of two, Lisa McCully taught elementary school, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union said Sunday.
"[Our] hearts are broken along with those of her colleagues and students at Debert Elementary, as well as her family and friends who knew her not only as a passionate teacher but as a shining love in their lives," Paul Wozney, union president wrote on Facebook.
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Two nurses
Two nurses were identified as victims by the Victorian Order of Nurses in a statement released Monday.
"All of our frontline care providers are heroes," the statement said.
"Yesterday, two of those heroes, Heather O'Brien and Kristen Beaton, were taken from their families, and from VON. We mourn their loss, and we mourn for their families."
O'Brien, a wife, mother and grandmother, was a licensed practical nurse for nearly 17 years, the organization said.
Beaton, a young wife and mother, worked for six years as a continuing care assistant, the nursing agency said.
Married couple
Greg and Jamie Blair were confirmed by CBCNews to be among the victims. Greg Blair worked at a gas company and the two were parents of young children.
"Two beautiful souls were lost today ... and many more," family member Jessica MacBurnie wrote on Facebook. "I have absolutely no words for the heartache my family & many others are going through."
Corrections employees and passerby
Sean McLeod and Alanna Jenkins worked for Correctional Service Canada and lived together in West Wentworth, about 31 miles north of Portapique. The couple was found dead in their home, which exploded.
A neighbor called 911 after hearing gunshots Sunday morning and reported that the home was on fire.
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Tom Bagley, a neighbor was shot and killed when he passed by the scene Sunday morning.
"He was the type of person who would have run to help," neighbor Darrol Thurier told the local Chronicle Herald.
RCMP first reported an active shooter situation in Portapique at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, urging residents to remain inside their homes and lock their doors.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said officers responded to a call, discovering "several casualties inside and outside the home," spurring a search for the missing suspect, later identified as Wortman.
Police said Wortman was driving a vehicle resembling an RCMP cruiser and wearing an RCMP uniform.
The manhunt ended at around 11:40 a.m. Sunday in Enfield, about 60 miles south of Portapique.
In a statement, the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team said that there was a "confrontation" with the suspect in Enfield, resulting in police discharging their weapons and killing Wortman.
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki told CBC News that she believes there was "an initial motivation" behind the shooting that then "turned to randomness."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that he spoke with Lucki and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil to offer his condolences on behalf of the government.
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"The people of Nova Scotia are strong and resilient, and we will be here to support them as they heal from this tragedy," he said.


upi--2020-04-19--More than 100,000 attend mass funeral for Muslim cleric in Bangladesh

April 19 ( UPI ) -- More than 100,000 people in Bangladesh defied restrictions on mass gatherings to attend the funeral of Muslim cleric Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari on Sunday .
Mohammad Maunul Haque , joint secretary general of the Islamist party , said people walked into the streets of the Brahmanbaria district from the surrounding area defying the country 's ban more than five people attending prayers at one time to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Police were unable to contain the crowd after police officer Shahadat Hossain Tipu said that officials urged Ansari 's family to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We never thought that such a large number of people would show up at a time when there is a countrywide lockdown .
They came from all sides -- even through the fields and other normally unused routes , '' said Tipu .
Bangladesh Police Central spokesman Sohel Rana said the officer in charge and assistant superintendent were withdrawn from the event and police formed a committee to determine how such a large gathering was allowed to form .
Bangladesh has recorded 2,456 cases of COVID-19 and 91 deaths related to the @ @

April 19 (UPI) -- More than 100,000 people in Bangladesh defied restrictions on mass gatherings to attend the funeral of Muslim cleric Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari on Sunday.
Mohammad Maunul Haque, joint secretary general of the Islamist party, said people walked into the streets of the Brahmanbaria district from the surrounding area defying the country's ban more than five people attending prayers at one time to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Police were unable to contain the crowd after police officer Shahadat Hossain Tipu said that officials urged Ansari's family to hold a funeral with only close relatives.
"We never thought that such a large number of people would show up at a time when there is a countrywide lockdown. They came from all sides -- even through the fields and other normally unused routes," said Tipu.
Bangladesh Police Central spokesman Sohel Rana said the officer in charge and assistant superintendent were withdrawn from the event and police formed a committee to determine how such a large gathering was allowed to form.
Bangladesh has recorded 2,456 cases of COVID-19 and 91 deaths related to the virus.


upi--2020-04-19--Broadway's Nick Cordero has leg amputated amid coronavirus battle

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Broadway actor Nick Cordero 's leg was amputated this weekend as he battles the coronavirus .
`` I got a phone call from the hospital saying that Nick made it out of surgery alive and he is headed to his room to rest and recover ! ''
Cordero 's wife , actress Amanda Kloots , wrote on Instagram on Saturday .
`` AMEN !
He is hearing us !
!
!
He is hearing the support , the love and your voices everyday .
I just know it .
Thank you God for watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nurses @ cedarssinai hospital !
I may sleep tonight . ''
Variety said Kloots had announced earlier in the day that her spouse -- who had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit since March 31 -- was scheduled to undergo surgery after suffering blood clots in his legs .
On Sunday , she posted a video of her and Cordero dancing at their wedding .
`` Part of our wedding dance that our friends @ swaywithmeny choreographed for us .
I love dancing with you @ nickcordero1 and we WILL dance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cordero , 41 , has appeared in Bullets Over Broadway , A Bronx Tale and Waitress .
Broadway has been shut down -- along with most American and European cultural institutions -- since last month when social distancing began in an effort to slow the spread of the virus , which has killed more than 164,000 people worldwide .

Nick Cordero (L) -- seen here with his "Bullets Over Broadway" co-star Zach Braff -- is hospitalized with the coronavirus. His leg was amputated Saturday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Broadway actor Nick Cordero's leg was amputated this weekend as he battles the coronavirus. "I got a phone call from the hospital saying that Nick made it out of surgery alive and he is headed to his room to rest and recover!" Cordero's wife, actress Amanda Kloots, wrote on Instagram on Saturday. Advertisement
"AMEN! He is hearing us!!! He is hearing the support, the love and your voices everyday. I just know it. Thank you God for watching over him and for the incredible doctors and nurses @cedarssinai hospital! I may sleep tonight."
Variety said Kloots had announced earlier in the day that her spouse -- who had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit since March 31 -- was scheduled to undergo surgery after suffering blood clots in his legs.
On Sunday, she posted a video of her and Cordero dancing at their wedding.
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"Part of our wedding dance that our friends @swaywithmeny choreographed for us. I love dancing with you @nickcordero1 and we WILL dance again!" Kloots captioned the clip.
Cordero, 41, has appeared in Bullets Over Broadway, A Bronx Tale and Waitress.
Broadway has been shut down -- along with most American and European cultural institutions -- since last month when social distancing began in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 164,000 people worldwide.


upi--2020-04-19--Gwyneth Paltrow auctioning off Oscars gown for coronavirus fundraiser

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow has put on the auction block for a good @ @ @ @ @ she wore to the 2000 Oscars ceremony .
`` Joining the # allinchallenge , '' @ @ @ @ @ the frock on Instagram this weekend .
She also posted a video , showing her @ @ @ @ @ she decided to give up this particular gown .
`` It 's very end-of-the-90s , @ @ @ @ @ now , so I thought it would be a good one to donate , '' @ @ @ @ @ the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love in 1999 .
She @ @ @ @ @ Cameron Diaz and Lake Bell to also donate garments in the All in Challenge effort @ @ @ @ @ impacted by the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide .

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Gwyneth Paltrow is auctioning one of her beautiful dresses to raise money for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow has put on the auction block for a good cause the Calvin Klein dress she wore to the 2000 Oscars ceremony. "Joining the #allinchallenge," Paltrow captioned a photo of the frock on Instagram this weekend. Advertisement
"
#allinchallenge
@mealsonwheelsamerica
@nokidhungry
@wckitchen
@feedingamerica
@americasfoodfund
allinchallenge.com
@garyvee
In an effort to focus on organizations providing food assistance, I have joined thewhich is raising money forand. I am donating a dress I wore to the Oscars (and that holds great sentimental value!) which I will personally hand to you over a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Go toto bid as 100% of funds will go to help Americans currently experiencing food insecurity. I love youfor being part of this."
She also posted a video, showing her makeup-free, and explaining why she decided to give up this particular gown.
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"It's very end-of-the-90s, which is back in style now, so I thought it would be a good one to donate," she said.
Paltrow won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love in 1999.
She then nominated Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lake Bell to also donate garments in the All in Challenge effort to raise money for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide.


upi--2020-04-19--California Mayor Bill Kirby dies in plane crash

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Bill Kirby , mayor of Auburn in Northhern California , died in a plane crash , his family said in a statement .
The Placer County Sheriff 's Office announced that there was one confirmed fatality in a small plane crash near Auburn Municipal Airport on Saturday morning and that one person had survived .
Auburn , which has a population of around 14,000 , is 33 miles north of Sacramento .
The sheriff 's office said it was still awaiting forensic confirmation but Kirby 's family issued a statement saying he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crash .
`` Our family is devastated by this tragic news .
Bill devoted decades of enthusiastic and loving support to his family , his patients and the Auburn community he loved so much , '' his family wrote .
`` We will miss him immensely but take comfort in knowing he died while flying -- one of the other loves of his life . ''
Auburn Vice Mayor Matthew Spokely also offered condolences to Kirby in a post on the city 's Facebook page .
`` We are all very shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragic plane crash this morning at the Auburn Airport , '' he wrote .
`` Throughout his term on council , Bill contributed to our community in so many ways -- From the Arts Commission and the Let 's Never Forget Series to his support of the Auburn Airport and Placer Athletics . ''
In addition to serving as mayor , Kirby , 72 , was a practicing urologist who served on various medical boards and a licensed pilot since 2009 .
Kirby announced on Monday that he would step aside from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likening President Donald Trump 's supporters to members of the Ku Klux Klan on his personal Facebook page .
He was expected to be succeeded by Councilman Daniel Berlant this week .

Auburn, Calif. Mayor Bill Kirby died in a plane crash on Saturday, his family and city officials said. Kirby had announced on Monday that he would step away from the position after making a post on his personal Facebook page comparing President Donald Trump's supporters to the Ku Klux Klan. Photo courtesy CIty of Auburn
April 19 (UPI) -- Bill Kirby, mayor of Auburn in Northhern California, died in a plane crash, his family said in a statement. The Placer County Sheriff's Office announced that there was one confirmed fatality in a small plane crash near Auburn Municipal Airport on Saturday morning and that one person had survived. Auburn, which has a population of around 14,000, is 33 miles north of Sacramento. Advertisement
The sheriff's office said it was still awaiting forensic confirmation but Kirby's family issued a statement saying he had been tentatively identified as the person killed in the crash.
"Our family is devastated by this tragic news. Bill devoted decades of enthusiastic and loving support to his family, his patients and the Auburn community he loved so much," his family wrote. "We will miss him immensely but take comfort in knowing he died while flying -- one of the other loves of his life."
Auburn Vice Mayor Matthew Spokely also offered condolences to Kirby in a post on the city's Facebook page.
"We are all very shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic plane crash this morning at the Auburn Airport," he wrote. "Throughout his term on council, Bill contributed to our community in so many ways -- From the Arts Commission and the Let's Never Forget Series to his support of the Auburn Airport and Placer Athletics."
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In addition to serving as mayor, Kirby, 72, was a practicing urologist who served on various medical boards and a licensed pilot since 2009.
Kirby announced on Monday that he would step aside from his post as mayor after reposting an image likening President Donald Trump's supporters to members of the Ku Klux Klan on his personal Facebook page.
He was expected to be succeeded by Councilman Daniel Berlant this week.


upi--2020-04-19--Congress, Treasury nearing deal on adding $300B to small business rescue fund

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that Congress was nearing a deal to add more funds for small businesses to the Paycheck Protection Program .
Mnuchin told CNN 's State of the Union that the agreement could include an additional $ 300 billion for the program designed to provide small businesses with funds to keep employees on the payroll amid shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic , $ 50 billion more than the administration originally proposed .
The Small Business Administration said Thursday that the initial $ 350 billion rescue fund set up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're incredibly pleased with the participation rate and because of that , we want Congress to approve more funds right away , '' said Mnuchin .
`` We think that another $ 300 billion -- that 's what we 're talking about -- should be sufficient to reach almost everybody . ''
Mnuchin added he hoped the Senate would be able to reach an agreement to pass the deal on Monday , allowing the House to take up the measure as early as Tuesday to make the funds available by Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're very close to a deal today and I 'm hopeful that we can get that done , '' he said .
Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer also said the upper chamber has made `` very good progress '' in discussions with the House and the Treasury but added the bill must include provisions to make the funds more accessible .
`` We Democrats , yes , we want to put some more money in , but let 's set aside some money to make sure it goes to the rural areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbanked , '' Schumer told CNN .
`` And the $ 60 billion for the disaster loan was in our proposal and now the administration is going along with that .
Setting aside a good chunk of the money , about half of it , so it goes to these unbanked people who do n't have a connection with a bank or the smaller ones was our proposal and it looks like it 's going . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered a similar picture of the discussions while appearing on ABC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money `` in a timely fashion . ''
`` I will say , overwhelmingly my caucus ... we 're working closely with Senate Democrats -- know that we have an opportunity and urgency to do something for our hospitals , our teachers and firefighters and the rest right now and then we are preparing for our next bill , '' she said .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Democratic congressional leaders said Sunday they were nearing a deal to provide an additional $300 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program after the initial round of funding for the small business relief program were depleted last week. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that Congress was nearing a deal to add more funds for small businesses to the Paycheck Protection Program. Mnuchin told CNN's State of the Union that the agreement could include an additional $300 billion for the program designed to provide small businesses with funds to keep employees on the payroll amid shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, $50 billion more than the administration originally proposed. Advertisement
The Small Business Administration said Thursday that the initial $350 billion rescue fund set up in March was fully depleted.
"We're incredibly pleased with the participation rate and because of that, we want Congress to approve more funds right away," said Mnuchin. "We think that another $300 billion -- that's what we're talking about -- should be sufficient to reach almost everybody."
Mnuchin added he hoped the Senate would be able to reach an agreement to pass the deal on Monday, allowing the House to take up the measure as early as Tuesday to make the funds available by Wednesday.
"I'm hopeful. I think we're very close to a deal today and I'm hopeful that we can get that done," he said.
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Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer also said the upper chamber has made "very good progress" in discussions with the House and the Treasury but added the bill must include provisions to make the funds more accessible.
"We Democrats, yes, we want to put some more money in, but let's set aside some money to make sure it goes to the rural areas, to the minority areas, to the unbanked," Schumer told CNN. "And the $60 billion for the disaster loan was in our proposal and now the administration is going along with that. Setting aside a good chunk of the money, about half of it, so it goes to these unbanked people who don't have a connection with a bank or the smaller ones was our proposal and it looks like it's going."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered a similar picture of the discussions while appearing on ABC News' This Week saying businesses would have the money "in a timely fashion."
"I will say, overwhelmingly my caucus ... we're working closely with Senate Democrats -- know that we have an opportunity and urgency to do something for our hospitals, our teachers and firefighters and the rest right now and then we are preparing for our next bill," she said.


upi--2020-04-19--Pence: United States will ramp up coronavirus testing amid reopening efforts

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that the United States will ramp up COVID-19 testing to facilitate plans to lift stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of the virus .
The United States had 762,496 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 40,478 deaths , as of early Sunday night , according to figures by worldometers.info -- which is a 3.8 percent increase in one day .
On Saturday , there were 1,867 more deaths announced for a 5 percent increase .
One week ago , the U.S. increase was twice that amount .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he believes the United States has the number of tests necessary to begin the three-phase plan to reopen the country outlined by President Donald Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force last week .
`` At President Trump 's direction we are going to continue to fully partner with governors around the country and health officials in increasing and scaling the amount of testing and we have every confidence that we can have a sufficient amount of testing to be able to reopen America not just in phase one , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand testing in ways that will give the American people the confidence and the tools to be able to go back to work , '' Pence said .
The reopening plan requires that states exhibit the ability to provide safe and efficient sites for testing and contact tracing in addition to a downward trajectory of influenza-and COVID-like illnesses for 14 days before resuming some activities such as in-person work and outpatient elective surgeries .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who criticized the White House 's plan as `` vague and inconsistent '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ' F , ' a failure , on the testing '' adding the move to test Americans has been `` way late . ''
She also cited comments by White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci stating that the White House plan could be effective if testing is implemented properly , saying the administration has failed to do so .
`` Dr. Fauci 's right -- 'if it 's done properly , '' said Pelosi .
`` It has n't been and I think when he puts in the 'if it 's done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't been done . ''
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , whose state has the highest death toll in the country , said 507 more people had died from the coronavirus in the state after 540 deaths were reported on Saturday .
Cuomo said data indicated the state was `` past the high point '' of the infection as the number of new patients and deaths begins to decline .
The percentage change was 3.5 percent , '' If the data holds and if this trend holds , we are past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point are that we are on a descent , '' he said .
`` We are on the other side of the plateau and the numbers are coming down . ''
Protesters in many states , including Michigan which has the third highest death toll in the country at 1,070 deaths , launched demonstrations against stay-at-home orders last week calling for businesses to reopen .
Trump on Friday appeared to encourage these protesters in a series of tweets calling to `` liberate '' certain states .
`` The American people know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country more than President Donald Trump , '' Pence said Sunday .
`` And in the president 's tweets and public statements , I can assure you , he 's going to continue to encourage governors to find ways to safely and responsibly let America go back to work , '' he said .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer told CNN 's State of the Union the curve of infection in the state is beginning to flatten , indicating that her aggressive measures are working to combat the virus .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronting as a globe frankly and the harsh way that it 's hitting my state means that we 've got to be really smart about the actions we take now to protect life as well as the actions we take to reengage , '' she said .
Michigan ranks third in the nation with 2,391 deaths after an additional 83 were reported Sunday .
The increase Sunday was 3.8 percent -- far less than the double-digit increases for several days .
New Jersey is in second place with 4,202 deaths , an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday after 230 more Saturday .
The tri-state area , which also includes Connecticut with 1,127 deaths , comprises 52 percent percent of the deaths in the United States .
Adjacent Massachusetts ranks fourth with 1,706 deaths , including 146 more Sunday , the second highest in the nation behind New York , after 156 more Saturday .
The 9.4 percent gain Sunday was less than the percentage increase from eight days ago at 19.5 percent but there were 87 more deaths then .
Another state in the Northeast , Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 135 , for a 1,237 total .
The increase is 12.3 percent -- highest among the top 10 states in fatalities .
Another hotspot , sixth-place Illinois , announced 31 more deaths for a total of 1,290 and a 2.5 percent hike .
Florida reported 26 deaths to rise to 774 in 10th place , which is a 3.5 percentage point increase .
Twenty percent of the population is at a vulnerable age , 65 and older , according to a U.S. Census estimate last year .

Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said the United States has the capacity to conduct the number of coronavirus tests necessary to facilitate the White House's plan to reopen states following stay at home orders to prevent the spread of the virus. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that the United States will ramp up COVID-19 testing to facilitate plans to lift stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of the virus. The United States had 762,496 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 40,478 deaths, as of early Sunday night, according to figures by worldometers.info -- which is a 3.8 percent increase in one day. On Saturday, there were 1,867 more deaths announced for a 5 percent increase. One week ago, the U.S. increase was twice that amount. Advertisement
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Pence said he believes the United States has the number of tests necessary to begin the three-phase plan to reopen the country outlined by President Donald Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force last week.
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"At President Trump's direction we are going to continue to fully partner with governors around the country and health officials in increasing and scaling the amount of testing and we have every confidence that we can have a sufficient amount of testing to be able to reopen America not just in phase one, but continue in the weeks and months ahead to expand testing in ways that will give the American people the confidence and the tools to be able to go back to work," Pence said.
The reopening plan requires that states exhibit the ability to provide safe and efficient sites for testing and contact tracing in addition to a downward trajectory of influenza-and COVID-like illnesses for 14 days before resuming some activities such as in-person work and outpatient elective surgeries.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who criticized the White House's plan as "vague and inconsistent" on Sunday said Trump has earned "an 'F,' a failure, on the testing" adding the move to test Americans has been "way late."
She also cited comments by White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci stating that the White House plan could be effective if testing is implemented properly, saying the administration has failed to do so.
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"Dr. Fauci's right -- 'if it's done properly," said Pelosi. "It hasn't been and I think when he puts in the 'if it's done,' is an admission that it hasn't been done."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose state has the highest death toll in the country, said 507 more people had died from the coronavirus in the state after 540 deaths were reported on Saturday.
Cuomo said data indicated the state was "past the high point" of the infection as the number of new patients and deaths begins to decline. The percentage change was 3.5 percent,
"If the data holds and if this trend holds, we are past the high point and all indications at this point are that we are on a descent," he said. "We are on the other side of the plateau and the numbers are coming down."
Protesters in many states, including Michigan which has the third highest death toll in the country at 1,070 deaths, launched demonstrations against stay-at-home orders last week calling for businesses to reopen.
Trump on Friday appeared to encourage these protesters in a series of tweets calling to "liberate" certain states.
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"The American people know that no one in America wants to reopen this country more than President Donald Trump," Pence said Sunday. "And in the president's tweets and public statements, I can assure you, he's going to continue to encourage governors to find ways to safely and responsibly let America go back to work," he said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told CNN's State of the Union the curve of infection in the state is beginning to flatten, indicating that her aggressive measures are working to combat the virus.
"This is an unprecedented crisis that we are confronting as a globe frankly and the harsh way that it's hitting my state means that we've got to be really smart about the actions we take now to protect life as well as the actions we take to reengage," she said.
Michigan ranks third in the nation with 2,391 deaths after an additional 83 were reported Sunday. The increase Sunday was 3.8 percent -- far less than the double-digit increases for several days.
New Jersey is in second place with 4,202 deaths, an increase of 132 for a 3.2 percent increase on Sunday after 230 more Saturday.
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The tri-state area, which also includes Connecticut with 1,127 deaths, comprises 52 percent percent of the deaths in the United States.
Connecticut reported 41 more deaths Sunday, a 3.5 percent boost.
Adjacent Massachusetts ranks fourth with 1,706 deaths, including 146 more Sunday, the second highest in the nation behind New York, after 156 more Saturday. The 9.4 percent gain Sunday was less than the percentage increase from eight days ago at 19.5 percent but there were 87 more deaths then.
Another state in the Northeast, Pennsylvania, reported the third-highest number of additional deaths, 135, for a 1,237 total. The increase is 12.3 percent -- highest among the top 10 states in fatalities.
Another hotspot, sixth-place Illinois, announced 31 more deaths for a total of 1,290 and a 2.5 percent hike.
Florida reported 26 deaths to rise to 774 in 10th place, which is a 3.5 percentage point increase. Twenty percent of the population is at a vulnerable age, 65 and older, according to a U.S. Census estimate last year.


upi--2020-04-19--Gaga, Legend sing 'The Prayer' with Dion, Bocelli for 'Together at Home'

April 19 ( UPI ) -- Lady Gaga and John Legend joined in on Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli 's performance of their 1999 song `` The Prayer '' during Saturday 's Global Citizen One World : Together at Home concert .
The show featured music artists singing at their houses around the world , while maintaining social-distancing practices required during the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 160,000 people globally .
Global Citizen posted on Twitter that the event had raised $ 127.9 million for COVID-19 relief .
Gaga , Legend , Dion and Bocelli all contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a split screen at the end of the Together at Home broadcast created to celebrate essential workers .
Gaga , who also sang a solo version of `` Smile , '' is credited with curating the event , which included six hours of streaming performances , followed by a two-hour , multi-network TV special hosted by comedians Jimmy Fallon , Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert .
Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger , Keith Richards , Ron Wood and Charlie Watts also collaborated on `` You Ca n't Always Get What You Want '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the show included Legend and Sam Smith dueting on `` Stand By Me , '' Elton John singing `` I 'm Still Standing , '' Taylor Swift performing `` Soon You 'll Get Better , '' Lizzo offering `` A Change is Gon na Come , '' Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello collaborating on `` What a Wonderful World , '' Jennifer Lopez singing `` People , '' Keith Urban crooning `` Higher Love '' and Jennifer Hudson 's rendition of `` Memory . ''
`` I love all the artists on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everyone the did n't or could n't .
We all matter .
We 're one world , '' Gaga tweeted after the show .

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Lady Gaga curated and performed at Saturday's "Global Citizen One World: Together at Home" show. File Photo by Gregg DeGuire/UPI | License Photo
April 19 (UPI) -- Lady Gaga and John Legend joined in on Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's performance of their 1999 song "The Prayer" during Saturday's Global Citizen One World: Together at Home concert. The show featured music artists singing at their houses around the world, while maintaining social-distancing practices required during the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 160,000 people globally. Advertisement
Global Citizen posted on Twitter that the event had raised $127.9 million for COVID-19 relief.
Gaga, Legend, Dion and Bocelli all contributed flawless vocals remotely and were seen on a split screen at the end of the Together at Home broadcast created to celebrate essential workers.
Gaga, who also sang a solo version of "Smile," is credited with curating the event, which included six hours of streaming performances, followed by a two-hour, multi-network TV special hosted by comedians Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert.
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Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts also collaborated on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" from their individual abodes.
If you start us up, we'll never stop fighting for global health. Take action with The @RollingStones: https://t.co/26xVXSb0qy #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/Dpze2tNyCW— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 19, 2020
Other highlights of the show included Legend and Sam Smith dueting on "Stand By Me," Elton John singing "I'm Still Standing," Taylor Swift performing "Soon You'll Get Better," Lizzo offering "A Change is Gonna Come," Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello collaborating on "What a Wonderful World," Jennifer Lopez singing "People," Keith Urban crooning "Higher Love" and Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Memory."
"I love all the artists on #TogetherAtHome. And everyone that watched and everyone the didn't or couldn't. We all matter. We're one world," Gaga tweeted after the show.
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upi--2020-04-19--Coronavirus deaths slow worldwide, pass 165,000 as restrictions ease

April 19 ( UPI ) -- The death toll from the coronavirus continues to slow as nations make plans to reopen businesses and other activities .
After reporting double-digit increases for several weeks , nations worldwide are announcing rises of just a few percentage points daily .
In all , more than 165,000 have died from the outbreak so far Sunday , according to tracking by worldometers.info .
So far , the increased death rate is 3.5 percent with nearly 5,600 additional decks..
The United States tops the list with nearly 40,000 deaths , which is around one-quarter of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths worldwide were reported , which is a 6 percent gain from the previous day .
In addition , cases increased 81,903 to 2.3 million for a 4.1 percent increase .
Spain reported 410 new deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours for a total of 20,453 -- the third highest in the world behind the United States and Italy -- and a 1.1 percent increase .
That 's the lowest increase since 391 deaths were reported on March 22 .
Fernando Simón , Spain 's director of health emergencies , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` substantial reduction of infections . ''
On Saturday , Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would ask parliament for a third 15-day extension of the lockdown through May 9 .
The lockdown was imposed March 14 .
Last week some sectors of the economy , including manufacturing , opened though most people were only allowed to leave their homes for essential outings .
Italy 's rate also has been declining since the first death was reported on Feb. 21 and the nation rose to number in the world until being surpassed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 433 deaths were reported -- the lowest since 431 on April 12 -- after 482 more on Saturday .
The rate of increase was 1.9 percent for a total of 23,660 Sunday .
The Italian government has established a $ 435 million food voucher fund and $ 4.8 billion to local mayors .
Mafia clans are already taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic , especially in southern Italy , senior anti-mafia officials and researchers have told CNN .
On Sunday , Britain reported the most deaths in Europe -- 596 -- for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , and a 3.9 percent increase .
On Saturday the kingdom reported the second-most deaths in the world , 888 , second only to the United States with 1,867 .
Britain 's Department of Health and Social Care reported Sunday that 15,944 have tested positive out of 372,967 .
The Sunday Times described how Britain `` sleepwalked into disaster '' over 38 days beginning on Jan. 3 .
The government has been criticized for shortages of personal protective equipment and a slow start to testing .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beam '' and `` out of context '' though he acknowledged Prime Minister Boris Johnson had n't covered five Cabinet meetings though they were led by the secretary of state .
No .
4 France reported 395 additional deaths Sunday -- a 2 percent rise -- to 19,718 .
That 's the fewest deaths since 292 on March 29 .
Belgium moved into sixth place , rising ahead of Iran and China on Sunday , with 230 additional deaths for a total of 5,683 for a 4.2 percent increase .
No .
7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dead for a total of 5,118 .
That 's a 1.7 percent increase .
China , the original epicenter of the virus and the world 's most populous country with 1.4 billion people , on Sunday reported no additional deaths and 16 new cases .
Its death toll stands at 4,632 , including announcing on Friday 1,290 additional deaths that had not been previously counted in Wuhan , where is stands at 3,869 .
Europe reported 3,287 more deaths Sunday after a gain of 3,050 Saturday .
No .
8 Germany reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,547 after 186 announced Saturday .
On Monday , smaller stores will be allowed to reopen after a month-long lockdown .
Though retailers have lost $ 33 billion in sales , including bankruptcy , Prime Minister Angela Merkel has been praised for handling the crisis .
In Asia , only 385 additional deaths were reported Sunday for a total of 14,786 .
Those nations include the Middle East .
In the Far East , South Korea reported two deaths and only eight cases .
But 16 more people who had recovered from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive again for the infection , according to South Korea 's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
In all , 8,042 had been listed as recovered .
South Korea has implemented a widespread testing program .
On Sunday , Japan reported 14 deaths after 32 more Saturday , tying a daily record , for a total of 236 .
In addition , 501 more cases were reported for a total of 10,797 .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has extended the state of emergency from seven prefectures to the entire country .
India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country with 1.35 billion people , reported no deaths and 521 cases to reach 16,365 .
India 's lockdown , which initially was for 21 days , has been extended to May 3 .
Singapore reported 942 new confirmed cases of coronavirus -- the highest daily jump so far -- and 596 more Sunday for a total of 6,588 .
All but 14 of the cases were Singapore citizens or permanent residents with the rest migrant workers living in dormitories , according to the city-state 's Ministry of Health .
The death count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brazil accounts for 2,462 of the 3,975 deaths , including an additional 101 deaths Sunday -- less than half the number of 220 reported Saturday .
On Friday , Brazil 's president Jair Bolsonaro fired his health minister , Luiz Henrique Mandetta , who had backed social distancing .
Bolsonaro has previously downplayed coronavirus as nothing more than a `` little flu . ''
He has discussed plans to `` gradually open up '' the nation 's economy with incoming minister Nelson Teich .
In Africa , 41 deaths were announced for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Algeria with 375 and 239 in Egypt .
In Oceania , 71 deaths have been reported in Australia with one new death announced Sunday , and 12 in New Zealand , with one more fatality .
Beaches in some parts of Sydney 's eastern suburbs will reopen Monday .
In North America , all but about 2,800 of the deaths are in the United States .
On Sunday , Canada reported 113 additional fatalities for a total of 1,583 and Mexico had 104 more for a total of 650 .
Canada and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared border to most travelers for 30 days , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said .
The changes began in March .
And on Friday , President Donald Trump spoke with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico .
They discussed the need to maintain restrictions on land border crossings for non-essential reasons `` while ensuring cross-border activities that are critical to commerce , health security , supply security , and other essential industries remain unimpeded , '' according to a White House readout .

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A stroller crosses a deserted road in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain, on Sunday. Photo by EPA-EFE/Salas
April 19 (UPI) -- The death toll from the coronavirus continues to slow as nations make plans to reopen businesses and other activities. After reporting double-digit increases for several weeks, nations worldwide are announcing rises of just a few percentage points daily. Advertisement
In all, more than 165,000 have died from the outbreak, according to tracking by worldometers.info. The increased death rate is 3.1 percent with nearly 5,000 additional deaths. The United States tops the list with 40,575 deaths, which is around one-quarter of the global total.
Cases increased 75,804 to 2.4 million for a 3.1 percent increase.
Spain reported 410 new deaths from the coronavirus in the last 24 hours for a total of 20,453 -- the third highest in the world behind the United States and Italy -- and a 2 percent increase. That's the lowest increase since 391 deaths were reported on March 22.
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Fernando Simón, Spain's director of health emergencies, said at a briefing the numbers reflected a "substantial reduction of infections."
On Saturday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would ask parliament for a third 15-day extension of the lockdown through May 9. The lockdown was imposed on March 14.
Last week, some sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, reopened though most people were only allowed to leave their homes for essential outings.
Italy's rate has also been declining since the first death was reported on Feb. 21 and the nation rose to No. 1 in the world until being surpassed by the United States. On Sunday, 433 deaths were reported -- the lowest since 431 on April 12 -- after 482 more on Saturday.
The rate of increase was 1.9 percent for a total of 23,660 Sunday.
The Italian government has established a $435 million food voucher fund and $4.8 billion to local mayors.
Mafia clans are already taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in southern Italy, senior anti-mafia officials and researchers have told CNN.
On Sunday, Britain reported the most deaths in Europe -- 596 -- for a total of 16,060, which is fifth in the world, and a 3.9 percent increase. On Saturday the kingdom reported the second-most deaths in the world, 888, second only to the United States with 1,867.
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Britain's Department of Health and Social Care reported Sunday that 15,944 have tested positive out of 372,967.
The Sunday Times described how Britain "sleepwalked into disaster" over 38 days beginning on Jan. 3. The government has been criticized for shortages of personal protective equipment and a slow start to testing.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove described the newspaper article as "off beam" and "out of context" though he acknowledged Prime Minister Boris Johnson hadn't covered five Cabinet meetings though they were led by the secretary of state.
No. 4 France reported 395 additional deaths Sunday -- a 2 percent rise -- to 19,718. That's the fewest deaths since 292 on March 29.
Belgium moved into sixth place, rising ahead of Iran and China on Sunday, with 230 additional deaths for a total of 5,683 for a 4.2 percent increase.
No. 7 Iran added 87 people to its list of dead for a total of 5,118. That's a 1.7 percent increase.
China, the original epicenter of the virus and the world's most populous country with 1.4 billion people, on Sunday reported no additional deaths and 16 new cases. Its death toll stands at 4,632, including announcing on Friday 1,290 additional deaths that had not been previously counted in Wuhan, where the tally stands at 3,869.
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No. 8 Germany reported 104 additional deaths by Sunday for a total of 4,642 after 186 announced Saturday.
On Monday, smaller stores will be allowed to reopen after a month-long lockdown. Though retailers have lost $33 billion in sales, including bankruptcy, Prime Minister Angela Merkel has been praised for her handling of the crisis.
Russia ranks 27th in deaths with 361 but is sixth in cases with 42,853, including 6,060 new infections, second behind the United States with 25,844
In Asia, only 385 additional deaths were reported Sunday for a total of 14,786. Those nations include the Middle East.
In the Far East, South Korea reported two deaths and only eight cases. But 16 more people who had recovered from coronavirus and were released from quarantine have tested positive again for the infection, according to South Korea's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In all, 8,042 had been listed as recovered. South Korea has implemented a widespread testing program.
On Sunday, Japan reported 14 deaths after 32 more Saturday, tying a daily record, for a total of 236. In addition, 501 more cases were reported for a total of 10,797.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has extended the state of emergency from seven prefectures to the entire country.
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India, the world's second-most populous country with 1.35 billion people, reported no deaths and 521 cases to reach 16,365 infections. India's lockdown, which initially was for 21 days, has been extended to May 3.
Singapore reported 942 new confirmed cases of coronavirus -- the highest daily jump so far -- and 596 more Sunday for a total of 6,588. All but 14 of the cases were Singapore citizens or permanent residents with the rest migrant workers living in dormitories, according to the city-state's Ministry of Health. The death count stands at 11.
Turkey, which is 12th in deaths with 2,017, had the fifth most additional cases (3,977 to climb to 86,306).
In South America, Brazil accounts for 2,462 of the 3,849 deaths, including an additional 101 deaths Sunday -- less than half the number of 220 reported Saturday.
On Friday, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro fired his health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who had backed social distancing. Bolsonaro has previously downplayed coronavirus as nothing more than a "little flu." He has discussed plans to "gradually open up" the nation's economy with incoming minister Nelson Teich.
In Africa, 43 deaths were announced for a total of 1,125 Sunday, led by Algeria with 375 and 239 in Egypt.
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In Oceania, 71 deaths have been reported in Australia with one new death announced Sunday, and 12 in New Zealand, with one more fatality.
Beaches in some parts of Sydney's eastern suburbs will reopen Monday.
In North America, all but about 2,500 of the deaths are in the United States. On Sunday, Canada reported 117 additional fatalities for a total of 1,587 and Mexico had 104 more for a total of 650.
Canada and the U.S. will extend restrictions on their shared border to most travelers for 30 days, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. The changes began in March.
And on Friday, President Donald Trump spoke with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico. They discussed the need to maintain restrictions on land border crossings for non-essential reasons "while ensuring cross-border activities that are critical to commerce, health security, supply security, and other essential industries remain unimpeded," according to a White House readout.


upi--2020-04-19--Police officer killed, 2 others hurt in shooting in Texas

April 19 ( UPI ) -- A police officer died and two others were critically injured after responding to an `` assault/domestic disturbance '' at an apartment complex in San Marcos , Texas , the police agency said Sunday morning .
The suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday night , according to a Facebook post by the agency , which is 30 miles south of Austin and about the same distance north of San Antonio .
Killed in the shooting , which was described by police as an `` ambush , '' was Justin R. Putnam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 5 1/2 years .
`` Our family in blue is mourning the loss of our fallen brother , '' the San Marco police department posted on Facebook .
`` Words can never adequately express our profound sorrow for Officer Putnam 's family and loved ones .
To say he will be missed is an understatement . ''
The two injured officers , Franco C. Stewart and Justin P. Miller , were transported to Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle where they underwent surgery and are in critical but stable condition , the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KXAN-TV reported .
Mueller has been an officer for 10 months after serving as a telecommunications operator with with the department for more than 11 years .
Stewart has worked for the department for five months and previously was with McAllen Police Department for 2 1/2 years .
The shooter was tentatively identified as Alfredo Perez De La Cruz , 46 .
The suspect began firing a rifle at officers responding to a family violence call at Twin Lake Villas Apartments around 6 p.m. De la Cruz reportedly had hit his wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They had to make entry .
As they entered he ambushed them , '' Interim Police Chief Bob Klett said .
`` There was nothing they could do to escape the gunfire .
He was ready for them . ''
Klett said the man wore body armor `` as part of his preparation for the officers coming in . ''
The last officer killed from the department was Kenneth Copeland , who was shot and killed while serving a warrant on Dec. 4 , 2017 .
The officer is the 15th to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , according to ABC News .
`` Tonight 's shooting in San Marcos is a somber reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe , '' Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott said in a statement .
`` I am grateful for the swift action of the San Marcos Police Department in containing the threat and minimizing the loss of life .
I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officer killed and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities . ''

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Justin R. Putnam, 31, an officer with the San Marcos Police Department for 5 1/2 years. Photo courtesy San Marcos Police Department/Facebook
April 19 (UPI) -- A police officer died and two others were critically injured after responding to an "assault/domestic disturbance" at an apartment complex in San Marcos, Texas, the police agency said Sunday morning. The suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday night, according to a Facebook post by the agency, which is 30 miles south of Austin and about the same distance north of San Antonio. Advertisement
Killed in the shooting, which was described by police as an "ambush," was Justin R. Putnam, 31, a member of the force for 5 1/2 years.
"Our family in blue is mourning the loss of our fallen brother," the San Marco police department posted on Facebook. "Words can never adequately express our profound sorrow for Officer Putnam's family and loved ones. To say he will be missed is an understatement."
The two injured officers, Franco C. Stewart and Justin P. Miller, were transported to Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle where they underwent surgery and are in critical but stable condition, the agency said in a news conference Sunday, KXAN-TV reported.
Mueller has been an officer for 10 months after serving as a telecommunications operator with with the department for more than 11 years. Stewart has worked for the department for five months and previously was with McAllen Police Department for 2 1/2 years.
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The shooter was tentatively identified as Alfredo Perez De La Cruz, 46.
The suspect began firing a rifle at officers responding to a family violence call at Twin Lake Villas Apartments around 6 p.m. De la Cruz reportedly had hit his wife and other people were inside the building.
"They had to make entry. As they entered he ambushed them," Interim Police Chief Bob Klett said. "There was nothing they could do to escape the gunfire. He was ready for them."
Klett said the man wore body armor "as part of his preparation for the officers coming in."
The last officer killed from the department was Kenneth Copeland, who was shot and killed while serving a warrant on Dec. 4, 2017.
The officer is the 15th to die by gunfire in the United States this year, according to ABC News.
"Tonight's shooting in San Marcos is a somber reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "I am grateful for the swift action of the San Marcos Police Department in containing the threat and minimizing the loss of life. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officer killed and for those injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities."


upi--2020-04-20--Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis announce quarantine wine for charity

April 20 ( UPI ) -- Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have launched a new wine with all of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The married couple introduced the wine on Instagram Sunday which is being made in @ @ @ @ @ .
The wine is a 2018 pinot noir blend named Quarantine Wine .
The bottle @ @ @ @ @ can be personalized and written on .
Bottles of Quarantine Wine are available for pre-order @ @ @ @ @ two bottles .
Kutcher said that deliveries will be made soon .
All profits will @ @ @ @ @ , Direct Relief , Frontline Responders Fund and America 's Food Fund .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ go to a handful of charities that we have done homework on , due diligence @ @ @ @ @ sure that their overhead is low enough where they actually do the work they 're @ @ @ @ @ Kunis said on Instagram .

April 20 (UPI) -- Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have launched a new wine with all of the proceeds going towards COVID-19 relief.
The married couple introduced the wine on Instagram Sunday which is being made in conjunction with Nocking Point Wines.
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The wine is a 2018 pinot noir blend named Quarantine Wine. The bottle features a white label that can be personalized and written on.
Bottles of Quarantine Wine are available for pre-order starting at $50 for two bottles. Kutcher said that deliveries will be made soon.
All profits will help benefit charities including GiveDirectly, Direct Relief, Frontline Responders Fund and America's Food Fund.
"One hundred percent of the proceeds go to a handful of charities that we have done homework on, due diligence, vetted out to make sure that their overhead is low enough where they actually do the work they're supposed to do," Kunis said on Instagram.