upi--2020-04-23--New research confirms safety, efficacy of children's vaccines

Vaccines for measles , mumps , rubella and varicella ( chickenpox ) are highly effective and do not cause autism , say researchers who reviewed 138 studies that included 23 million children .
`` In terms of safety , we know from previous studies all around the world that the risks posed by these diseases far outweigh those of the vaccines administered to prevent them , '' said lead author Dr. Carlo Di Pietrantonj .
`` In this review , we wanted to look at evidence for specific harms that have been linked with these vaccines in public debate -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis . ''
The infectious diseases can cause serious illness , disability and death .
Measles is a leading cause of childhood death worldwide .
Rubella poses a serious risk in pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage or harm the fetus .
The MMR ( measles , mumps , rubella ) vaccine protects against all three infections .
There 's also a combined MMR and varicella vaccine ( MMRV ) , or the chickenpox vaccine can be given separately at the same time ( MMR+V ) .
The new study was published April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Overall we think that existing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of MMR/MMRV/MMR+V vaccines supports their use for mass immunization , '' Di Pietrantonj said in a Cochrane news release .
He 's with Italy 's Regional Epidemiology Unit SeREMI .
For the new study , the researchers reviewed 51 studies of 10 million children that assessed the effectiveness of MMR and chickenpox vaccines , and 87 studies of 13 million children that assessed risks posed by the vaccines .
One dose of vaccine was 95 percent effective in preventing measles , rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rate of cases in children who received one dose would be 0.5 percent , compared with 7 percent in unvaccinated children .
One dose of vaccine was 72 percent effective in preventing mumps , rising to 86 percent after two doses .
The rate of cases in children with two doses would be 1 percent , compared with 7.4 percent in unvaccinated children .
The results for rubella and chickenpox were also encouraging .
One dose of vaccine was 89 percent effective in preventing rubella .
One study found that after 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent effective at preventing chickenpox infection .
If exposed to chickenpox , five out of 100 vaccinated children would catch it .
In addition , the researchers analyzed two studies with nearly 1.2 million children that examined the association between vaccination and autism .
Diagnosed cases of autism were similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children .
Two other studies with more than 1 million children found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccines and the following diseases and conditions : encephalitis , inflammatory bowel disease , Crohn 's disease , cognitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dermatitis/eczema , hay fever , leukemia , multiple sclerosis , gait disturbance , and bacterial or viral infections .
`` Campaigns aimed at global eradication should assess epidemiological and socioeconomic situations of the countries as well as the capacity to achieve high vaccination coverage .
More evidence is needed to assess whether the protective effect of MMR/MMRV could wane with time since immunization , '' Di Pietrantonj said .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on vaccines and immunizations .

Researchers reviewed 138 studies that included 23 million children, confirming that childhood vaccines are highly effective and do not cause autism. Photo by whitesession/Pixabay
Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) are highly effective and do not cause autism, say researchers who reviewed 138 studies that included 23 million children. "In terms of safety, we know from previous studies all around the world that the risks posed by these diseases far outweigh those of the vaccines administered to prevent them," said lead author Dr. Carlo Di Pietrantonj. "In this review, we wanted to look at evidence for specific harms that have been linked with these vaccines in public debate -- often without rigorous scientific evidence as a basis." Advertisement
The infectious diseases can cause serious illness, disability and death. Measles is a leading cause of childhood death worldwide. Rubella poses a serious risk in pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage or harm the fetus.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine protects against all three infections. There's also a combined MMR and varicella vaccine (MMRV), or the chickenpox vaccine can be given separately at the same time (MMR+V).
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The new study was published April 20 in the Cochrane Review.
"Overall we think that existing evidence on the safety and effectiveness of MMR/MMRV/MMR+V vaccines supports their use for mass immunization," Di Pietrantonj said in a Cochrane news release. He's with Italy's Regional Epidemiology Unit SeREMI.
For the new study, the researchers reviewed 51 studies of 10 million children that assessed the effectiveness of MMR and chickenpox vaccines, and 87 studies of 13 million children that assessed risks posed by the vaccines.
One dose of vaccine was 95 percent effective in preventing measles, rising to 96 percent after two doses. The rate of cases in children who received one dose would be 0.5 percent, compared with 7 percent in unvaccinated children.
One dose of vaccine was 72 percent effective in preventing mumps, rising to 86 percent after two doses. The rate of cases in children with two doses would be 1 percent, compared with 7.4 percent in unvaccinated children.
The results for rubella and chickenpox were also encouraging. One dose of vaccine was 89 percent effective in preventing rubella. One study found that after 10 years, the MMRV vaccine was 95 percent effective at preventing chickenpox infection. If exposed to chickenpox, five out of 100 vaccinated children would catch it.
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In addition, the researchers analyzed two studies with nearly 1.2 million children that examined the association between vaccination and autism. Diagnosed cases of autism were similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children.
Two other studies with more than 1 million children found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccines and the following diseases and conditions: encephalitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, cognitive delay, type 1 diabetes, asthma, dermatitis/eczema, hay fever, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, gait disturbance, and bacterial or viral infections.
"Campaigns aimed at global eradication should assess epidemiological and socioeconomic situations of the countries as well as the capacity to achieve high vaccination coverage. More evidence is needed to assess whether the protective effect of MMR/MMRV could wane with time since immunization," Di Pietrantonj said.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on vaccines and immunizations.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-23--Watch: Firefighters rescue raccoon from Oregon skate park

April 23 ( UPI ) -- Firefighters in Oregon came to the rescue of a raccoon that wandered into a @ @ @ @ @ trapped at the bottom of a ramp .
The Coos Bay Fire Department said firefighters @ @ @ @ @ Park on Tuesday when a raccoon was reported stranded at the bottom of a ramp @ @ @ @ @ aluminum ladder down the ramp and allowed the raccoon , which firefighters dubbed Woodrow , @ @ @ @ @ `` Firefighters do not typically respond to non-emergency animal related calls as they can get @ @ @ @ @ , however Woodrow needed some assistance today , '' the department said .

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April 23 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Oregon came to the rescue of a raccoon that wandered into a closed skate park and got trapped at the bottom of a ramp.
The Coos Bay Fire Department said firefighters responded to the Mingus Skate Park on Tuesday when a raccoon was reported stranded at the bottom of a ramp.
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The firefighters lowered an aluminum ladder down the ramp and allowed the raccoon, which firefighters dubbed Woodrow, to climb to safety.
"Firefighters do not typically respond to non-emergency animal related calls as they can get out of many unusual situations, however Woodrow needed some assistance today," the department said.


upi--2020-04-23--Watch: Dog breaks Australian record with litter of 21 puppies

April 23 ( UPI ) -- An Australian animal hospital said a dog broke a national record by giving birth @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr. Patrycja Zimmermann , a veterinarian at Animal Emergency Service Underwood in Queensland , @ @ @ @ @ already delivered three puppies at home when she was brought in early Monday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ no activity and a puppy that did n't make it , her owner brought her @ @ @ @ @ , '' Zimmermann said .
Veterinarians discovered there were still at least 10 puppies waiting @ @ @ @ @ an emergency Caesarian section was performed to remove the canines .
The veterinarians ended up @ @ @ @ @ the litter 's total to 21 .
Zimmermann said 18 of the puppies survived .
@ @ @ @ @ miracle litter '' is a new Australian record , beating the previous largest litter of @ @ @ @ @ World Record for largest littler of puppies was set by a Neapolitan mastiff that gave @ @ @ @ @ 2004 .

Veterinarians at an Australian animal hospital said a dog broke a national record by delivering a littler of 21 puppies. Photo courtesy of Animal Emergency Service
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe April 23 (UPI) -- An Australian animal hospital said a dog broke a national record by giving birth a litter of 21 puppies. Dr. Patrycja Zimmermann, a veterinarian at Animal Emergency Service Underwood in Queensland, said the Neapolitan mastiff had already delivered three puppies at home when she was brought in early Monday morning. Advertisement
"After four hours of no activity and a puppy that didn't make it, her owner brought her into us expecting the worst," Zimmermann said.
Veterinarians discovered there were still at least 10 puppies waiting to be born, so an emergency Caesarian section was performed to remove the canines.
The veterinarians ended up removing 18 puppies, bringing the litter's total to 21. Zimmermann said 18 of the puppies survived.
The hospital said the "miracle litter" is a new Australian record, beating the previous largest litter of 19 puppies.
The Guinness World Record for largest littler of puppies was set by a Neapolitan mastiff that gave birth to 24 newborns in 2004.


upi--2020-04-23--Snake pops out of car hood at Georgia bank drive-through

April 23 ( UPI ) -- Police in Georgia said an officer rescued a snake that was spotted slithering out @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle at a bank 's drive-through window .
The Bibb County Sheriff 's Office @ @ @ @ @ the Animal Enforcement Unit responded to the bank in Macon after a caller reported a @ @ @ @ @ the hood of a car .
The sheriff 's office said the bank customer fled @ @ @ @ @ the bank for help when they spotted the snake emerging .
Galeazzo said she was @ @ @ @ @ in the car door jamb and extract it without any injury to the creature .
@ @ @ @ @ a non-venomous eastern rat snake , was released back into the wild .

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April 23 (UPI) -- Police in Georgia said an officer rescued a snake that was spotted slithering out from under the hood of a vehicle at a bank's drive-through window.
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office said Officer Rebecca Galeazzo of the Animal Enforcement Unit responded to the bank in Macon after a caller reported a snake slithering out from under the hood of a car.
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The sheriff's office said the bank customer fled their vehicle and went inside the bank for help when they spotted the snake emerging.
Galeazzo said she was able to locate the reptile in the car door jamb and extract it without any injury to the creature.
The serpent, identified as a non-venomous eastern rat snake, was released back into the wild.


upi--2020-04-23--Remdesivir doesn't help COVID-19 patients, leaked study suggests

April 23 ( UPI ) -- The antiviral drug remdesivir -- touted as a potential treatment for COVID-19 since early March -- did not improve symptoms or prevent death in patients with the disease , according to the preliminary results from a clinical trial in China .
The findings of the highly anticipated study were apparently posted , in error , to the World Health Organization website on Thursday , before they were quickly taken down , STAT and the Financial Times reported .
Roughly 14 percent of the COVID-19 patients in the study who received remdesivir ultimately died , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not given the drug , both outlets reported -- a difference that is not `` statistically significant . ''
A spokeswoman for Gilead Sciences , makers of remdesivir , indicated to STAT that the WHO posting `` included inappropriate characterization of the study . ''
The study was stopped early because it had too few patients , she said , so it can not yield `` statistically meaningful conclusions , '' she said .
Still , `` trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir , particularly among patients treated early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Flood , added .
The antiviral is actually one of several possible treatments under evaluation for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 .
Others include the anti-malarial drug chloroquine , the HIV/AIDS combination regimen lopinavir/ritonavir/nelfinavir , and the hepatitis C treatment ribavirin .
Until now , remdesivir had produced at least promising results .
For example , a small study involving 53 people with severe illness , published earlier this month by the New England Journal of Medicine , found that two thirds of those in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nearly half recovered sufficiently to be discharged from the hospital .
Given the incomplete nature of the study posted -- briefly -- today , it 's unlikely that the book on remdesivir as a possible treatment for COVID-19 is closed .
Gilead is in the midst of two much larger clinical trials of the drug , including one being done in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
`` A draft document was provided by the authors to WHO and inadvertently posted on the website and taken down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told STAT .
`` The manuscript is undergoing peer review and we are waiting for a final version before WHO comments . ''
Trading was briefly halted on Gilead 's stock after the draft was published , and while the stock 's price did not rebound , analysts said the company 's statement helped to steady trading .

Chinese people continue to wear protective face masks outside even though the government has declared the threat of the Covid-19 outbreak basically finished in Beijing. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
April 23 (UPI) -- The antiviral drug remdesivir -- touted as a potential treatment for COVID-19 since early March -- did not improve symptoms or prevent death in patients with the disease, according to the preliminary results from a clinical trial in China. The findings of the highly anticipated study were apparently posted, in error, to the World Health Organization website on Thursday, before they were quickly taken down, STAT and the Financial Times reported. Advertisement
Roughly 14 percent of the COVID-19 patients in the study who received remdesivir ultimately died, compared to approximately 13 percent of those not given the drug, both outlets reported -- a difference that is not "statistically significant."
A spokeswoman for Gilead Sciences, makers of remdesivir, indicated to STAT that the WHO posting "included inappropriate characterization of the study." The study was stopped early because it had too few patients, she said, so it cannot yield "statistically meaningful conclusions," she said.
Still, "trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease," the spokeswoman, Amy Flood, added.
The antiviral is actually one of several possible treatments under evaluation for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Others include the anti-malarial drug chloroquine, the HIV/AIDS combination regimen lopinavir/ritonavir/nelfinavir, and the hepatitis C treatment ribavirin.
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Until now, remdesivir had produced at least promising results. For example, a small study involving 53 people with severe illness, published earlier this month by the New England Journal of Medicine, found that two thirds of those in the study saw improvement in their respiratory symptoms and nearly half recovered sufficiently to be discharged from the hospital.
Given the incomplete nature of the study posted -- briefly -- today, it's unlikely that the book on remdesivir as a possible treatment for COVID-19 is closed. Gilead is in the midst of two much larger clinical trials of the drug, including one being done in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
"A draft document was provided by the authors to WHO and inadvertently posted on the website and taken down as soon as the mistake was noticed," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told STAT. "The manuscript is undergoing peer review and we are waiting for a final version before WHO comments."
Trading was briefly halted on Gilead's stock after the draft was published, and while the stock's price did not rebound, analysts said the company's statement helped to steady trading.


upi--2020-04-23--Gallup: Americans trust governors most when it comes to COVID-19 crisis

April 23 ( UPI ) -- Nearly 70 percent of Americans trust governors across the United States to do the right thing for the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic , a survey showed Thursday .
Gallup asked respondents about their confidence in various groups of leaders in handling the pandemic .
Sixty-eight percent expressed a great deal to a fair amount of confidence in their governors ; forty-seven percent voiced the same measure of confidence in President Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders ; and 46 percent said the same for Democrats .
`` The current level of confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than the previous 58 percent and 51 percent ratings that governors received in 2011 and 2014 , respectively , though governors ranked much higher than federal leaders in each of those polls as well , '' Gallup wrote .
Support is politically divided for Trump and Congress .
The president received 93 percent approval from Republicans and 13 percent from Democrats .
Trump has sparred with multiple governors in recent weeks .
Wednesday , he criticized Republican Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp for a plan to allow non-essential businesses to reopen Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
Gallup polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults for the survey , which has a margin of error of 4 points .

President Donald Trump plays a video clip of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the White House Sunday during a briefing of his Coronavirus Task Force. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
April 23 (UPI) -- Nearly 70 percent of Americans trust governors across the United States to do the right thing for the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, a survey showed Thursday. Gallup asked respondents about their confidence in various groups of leaders in handling the pandemic. Sixty-eight percent expressed a great deal to a fair amount of confidence in their governors; forty-seven percent voiced the same measure of confidence in President Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders; and 46 percent said the same for Democrats. Advertisement
Respondents also rated Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell (58 percent) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (51 percent).
"The current level of confidence in state governors to handle the economy is higher than the previous 58 percent and 51 percent ratings that governors received in 2011 and 2014, respectively, though governors ranked much higher than federal leaders in each of those polls as well," Gallup wrote.
Support is politically divided for Trump and Congress. The president received 93 percent approval from Republicans and 13 percent from Democrats.
Trump has sparred with multiple governors in recent weeks. Wednesday, he criticized Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp for a plan to allow non-essential businesses to reopen Friday. He has also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
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Gallup polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults for the survey, which has a margin of error of 4 points.
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-04-23--China to give WHO $30M to help make up for U.S. funding gap

Pope Francis , isolated in front of an empty square from the sagrato of St. Peter 's Basilica in St. @ @ @ @ @ City , offers an extraordinary moment of prayer in time of pandemic , the adoration @ @ @ @ @ on March 27 .
The `` Salus Populi Romani '' icon and the crucifix of @ @ @ @ @ in front of the central door of the basilica .
Vatican media broadcast the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ it could also be followed in several languages on Facebook and YouTube .
Photo by @ @ @

Women wear protective face masks in public in Beijing, China, on Thursday. The government in Beijing said it will donate another $30 million to the WHO to help make up for a funding gap left by the United States. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
April 23 (UPI) -- The Chinese government said Thursday it will donate an additional $30 million to the World Health Organization to help make up for the funding gap left by U.S. President Donald Trump. The foreign ministry said the donation reflects support and trust that's been placed in the WHO by the people and government of China. Advertisement
Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the money, combined with $20 million it gave last month, will support the global fight against COVID-19 and "strengthen developing countries' health systems."
Geng told reporters the WHO has responded to the pandemic based on science and objectivity.
"At this crucial moment, supporting WHO is supporting multi-lateralism and global solidarity," ministry spokeswoman spokeswoman Hua Chunying added in a tweet.
The Trump administration said last week it would halt WHO funding over accusations the body is responsible for "mismanaging and covering up" the coronavirus pandemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has asked the United States to reconsider. Trump also promised to investigate the WHO's response.
To date, more than 2.6 million coronavirus cases and 186,000 deaths have been reported worldwide.
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Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-23--Sorry espresso lovers: Filtered coffee linked to better heart health

Stay-at-home orders mean that many people are making their own morning coffee for the first time .
Now , a timely new study suggests the healthiest way is with a drip coffee maker .
Researchers found that coffee drinkers typically enjoyed longer lives than nondrinkers , but only if the java was filtered -- suggesting espresso lovers might be out of luck .
The study , of over 500,000 Norwegian adults , showed that people who regularly drank filtered coffee were 15 percent less likely to die over 20 years , versus those who avoided it .
In contrast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed no survival advantage .
And those who indulged -- 9 or more cups a day -- had a slightly increased risk of death from heart disease .
Unfiltered coffee refers to brews in which the grounds have prolonged contact with hot water .
That includes espresso , boiled coffees and coffee made with a French press .
Researchers have known for years that unfiltered coffee contains higher levels of natural oils that can raise blood cholesterol .
And it 's possible that explains the latest findings , according to senior researcher Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Gothenburg in Sweden .
`` Our study suggests that coffee passing a filter is the most favorable coffee beverage where health consequences are concerned , '' Thelle said .
However , the findings do not prove a cause-and-effect link , said Connie Diekman , a food and nutrition consultant and former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics .
For one , the study lacked information on people 's diets -- including whether they doused their coffee with sugar and cream , or enjoyed their espresso with cookies .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the different outcomes for the filtered and unfiltered crowds , Diekman said .
`` Unfiltered coffee does allow for some of the [ cholesterol-raising ] components of the coffee bean to drip into the cup we drink , '' she agreed .
`` But the good news is that the amount is not enough to be the sole cause of elevated cholesterol , for most people . ''
The findings , published April 23 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , are based on more than 508,000 men and women who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outset .
Over the next 20 years , more than 46,000 died .
Those who regularly drank filtered coffee were 15 percent less likely to die , versus people who rarely or never drank coffee .
That was after the researchers accounted for some other differences between the groups -- like body weight , blood pressure , cholesterol levels and exercise and smoking habits .
The picture was different for people who preferred the traditional Norwegian method of simmering ground coffee in near-boiling water .
Their risk of dying during the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And people who downed a lot of unfiltered coffee -- at least 9 cups per day -- had a 9 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease .
In general , the `` healthiest '' coffee habit appeared to be 1 to 4 cups of filtered brew per day , according to Thelle .
Those people had the lowest risk of death from heart disease or stroke , specifically .
Whitney Linsenmeyer is an assistant professor of nutrition at Saint Louis University and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings can not pin the blame on unfiltered coffee , per se .
`` This is certainly an interesting study , '' Linsenmeyer said .
`` But there are perhaps much more influential factors to consider in your coffee choice -- such as the total quantity throughout your day , or the use of sweeteners . ''
That does not mean cutting your java with some milk or sugar is a bad thing , she added .
But be aware that it adds extra calories , and factor that into your overall diet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Diekman said , `` current evidence suggests that up to 400 milligrams per day is safe for most adults . ''
That 's roughly equivalent to 4 8-ounce cups of coffee .
There are exceptions , however , Diekman added .
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to have stricter caffeine limits , and people with heart disease may want to talk with their doctor about caffeine intake .
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on the health effects of coffee .

Unfiltered coffee refers to brews in which the grounds have prolonged contact with hot water -- including espresso, boiled coffees and coffee made with a French press. Photo by Christoph /Pixabay
Stay-at-home orders mean that many people are making their own morning coffee for the first time. Now, a timely new study suggests the healthiest way is with a drip coffee maker. Researchers found that coffee drinkers typically enjoyed longer lives than nondrinkers, but only if the java was filtered -- suggesting espresso lovers might be out of luck. Advertisement
The study, of over 500,000 Norwegian adults, showed that people who regularly drank filtered coffee were 15 percent less likely to die over 20 years, versus those who avoided it.
In contrast, coffee drinkers who preferred filter-free brewing methods showed no survival advantage. And those who indulged -- 9 or more cups a day -- had a slightly increased risk of death from heart disease.
Unfiltered coffee refers to brews in which the grounds have prolonged contact with hot water. That includes espresso, boiled coffees and coffee made with a French press.
Advertisement
Researchers have known for years that unfiltered coffee contains higher levels of natural oils that can raise blood cholesterol. And it's possible that explains the latest findings, according to senior researcher Dr. Dag Thelle, a professor at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
"Our study suggests that coffee passing a filter is the most favorable coffee beverage where health consequences are concerned," Thelle said.
However, the findings do not prove a cause-and-effect link, said Connie Diekman, a food and nutrition consultant and former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
For one, the study lacked information on people's diets -- including whether they doused their coffee with sugar and cream, or enjoyed their espresso with cookies. So it's possible that diet helps explain the different outcomes for the filtered and unfiltered crowds, Diekman said.
"Unfiltered coffee does allow for some of the [cholesterol-raising] components of the coffee bean to drip into the cup we drink," she agreed. "But the good news is that the amount is not enough to be the sole cause of elevated cholesterol, for most people."
The findings, published April 23 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, are based on more than 508,000 men and women who were between 20 and 79 years old at the outset. Over the next 20 years, more than 46,000 died.
Advertisement
Those who regularly drank filtered coffee were 15 percent less likely to die, versus people who rarely or never drank coffee. That was after the researchers accounted for some other differences between the groups -- like body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and exercise and smoking habits.
The picture was different for people who preferred the traditional Norwegian method of simmering ground coffee in near-boiling water. Their risk of dying during the study was similar to that of nondrinkers.
And people who downed a lot of unfiltered coffee -- at least 9 cups per day -- had a 9 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease.
In general, the "healthiest" coffee habit appeared to be 1 to 4 cups of filtered brew per day, according to Thelle. Those people had the lowest risk of death from heart disease or stroke, specifically.
Whitney Linsenmeyer is an assistant professor of nutrition at Saint Louis University and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Like Diekman, she said the findings cannot pin the blame on unfiltered coffee, per se.
"This is certainly an interesting study," Linsenmeyer said. "But there are perhaps much more influential factors to consider in your coffee choice -- such as the total quantity throughout your day, or the use of sweeteners."
Advertisement
That does not mean cutting your java with some milk or sugar is a bad thing, she added. But be aware that it adds extra calories, and factor that into your overall diet, Linsenmeyer advised.
As for caffeine, Diekman said, "current evidence suggests that up to 400 milligrams per day is safe for most adults." That's roughly equivalent to 4 8-ounce cups of coffee.
There are exceptions, however, Diekman added. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to have stricter caffeine limits, and people with heart disease may want to talk with their doctor about caffeine intake.
More information
The Harvard School of Public Health has more on the health effects of coffee.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-23--Watch: NCT Dream teases new song '7 Days'

April 23 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band NCT Dream is gearing up to release its new EP .
The K-pop group , a subunit of the boy band NCT , teased the song `` 7 Days '' in a track video released Thursday .
The video features a preview of the song and shows the members sneaking around a school and leaving surprises in lockers .
`` 7 Days '' appears on NCT Dream 's forthcoming EP , Reload .
The group will release the EP Wednesday , April 29 .
NCT Dream shared a track video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another song from Reload .
NCT Dream shared a release schedule for Reload on Monday .
The group will next release a track video for the song `` Love Again '' on Friday .
Reload is NCT Dream 's first Korean-language EP since We Boom , released in July .
The group released the Japanese-language EP The Dream in January .
NCT Dream consists of NCT members Mark , Renjun , Jeno , Haechan , Jaemin , Chenle and Jisung .
NCT also has the subunits NCT U , NCT 127 and WayV @

April 23 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band NCT Dream is gearing up to release its new EP.
The K-pop group, a subunit of the boy band NCT, teased the song "7 Days" in a track video released Thursday.
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The video features a preview of the song and shows the members sneaking around a school and leaving surprises in lockers.
"7 Days" appears on NCT Dream's forthcoming EP, Reload. The group will release the EP Wednesday, April 29.
NCT Dream shared a track video Wednesday for "Puzzle Piece," another song from Reload.
NCT Dream shared a release schedule for Reload on Monday. The group will next release a track video for the song "Love Again" on Friday.
Reload is NCT Dream's first Korean-language EP since We Boom, released in July. The group released the Japanese-language EP The Dream in January.
NCT Dream consists of NCT members Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle and Jisung. NCT also has the subunits NCT U, NCT 127 and WayV.


upi--2020-04-23--Supreme Court rules for environmentalists in groundwater pollution case

April 23 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled mostly in favor of an environmental group by saying the federal government must regulate some groundwater pollutants under the Clean Water Act .
The court voted 6-3 , saying the law prevents pollutants from being discharged directly into larger bodies of water -- even if they do so from farther away , through indirect groundwater -- without a permit .
The Clean Water Act says companies must acquire a permit to discharge into navigable waters .
But the Trump administration , using a loophole in the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is needed if a pipe does n't directly feed a larger body of water and instead empties into nearby groundwater .
The Supreme Court dismissed the reasoning with the loophole .
Justice Stephen Breyer , writing for he majority , said if the Trump administration used its interpretation , `` then why could not the pipe 's owner , seeking to avoid the permit requirement , simply move the pipe back , perhaps only a few yards , so that the pollution must travel through at least some groundwater before reaching the sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Congress could have intended to create such a large and obvious loophole in one of the key regulatory innovations of the Clean Water Act . ''
The Supreme Court , though , tightened some of the wording the lower ruling from the 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
The lower court wrote that permits are required when pollutants are `` fairly traceable '' from a pipe , through groundwater , to a navigable body of water .
The high court decided `` fairly traceable '' was too broad of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required when pollution is the `` functional equivalent of a direct discharge . ''
Maui County , Hawaii , brought the case to the Supreme Court last year after the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of a group of environmentalists who accused the local government of allowing treated wastewater to seep into the ocean and kill coral reefs .
The Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility , a decades-old Maui treatment plant , processes millions of gallons of waste per day to be deposited into underground wells .
A 2013 Environmental Protection Agency study showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groundwater and ended up in the Pacific .
Maui County argued that it 's not liable for environmental damage because the Clean Air Act does n't explicitly state regulations for pollution via groundwater .

In its decision, the Supreme Court tightened language from a lower ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
April 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled mostly in favor of an environmental group by saying the federal government must regulate some groundwater pollutants under the Clean Water Act. The court voted 6-3, saying the law prevents pollutants from being discharged directly into larger bodies of water -- even if they do so from farther away, through indirect groundwater -- without a permit. Advertisement
The Clean Water Act says companies must acquire a permit to discharge into navigable waters. But the Trump administration, using a loophole in the law's language, argued that no permit is needed if a pipe doesn't directly feed a larger body of water and instead empties into nearby groundwater.
The Supreme Court dismissed the reasoning with the loophole.
Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for he majority, said if the Trump administration used its interpretation, "then why could not the pipe's owner, seeking to avoid the permit requirement, simply move the pipe back, perhaps only a few yards, so that the pollution must travel through at least some groundwater before reaching the sea?"
"We do not see how Congress could have intended to create such a large and obvious loophole in one of the key regulatory innovations of the Clean Water Act."
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The Supreme Court, though, tightened some of the wording the lower ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The lower court wrote that permits are required when pollutants are "fairly traceable" from a pipe, through groundwater, to a navigable body of water. The high court decided "fairly traceable" was too broad of a term and said the permit should be required when pollution is the "functional equivalent of a direct discharge."
Maui County, Hawaii, brought the case to the Supreme Court last year after the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of a group of environmentalists who accused the local government of allowing treated wastewater to seep into the ocean and kill coral reefs.
The Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility, a decades-old Maui treatment plant, processes millions of gallons of waste per day to be deposited into underground wells.
A 2013 Environmental Protection Agency study showed that 90 percent of wastewater leached through groundwater and ended up in the Pacific.
Maui County argued that it's not liable for environmental damage because the Clean Air Act doesn't explicitly state regulations for pollution via groundwater.


upi--2020-04-24--Researchers trace elusive Spanish fort to Florida's Mound Key

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Researchers have finally found the location of Fort San Antón de Carlos .
Archaeologists traced the Spanish fort to Florida 's Mound Key , home of the Calusa , one of the region 's most powerful Native American tribes .
Since 2013 , archaeologists have been searching for physical evidence of the fort among the coastal islands of southwestern Florida .
Built in 1566 , the fort was home to one the first Jesuit missions in North America .
Conflicts with the Calusa forced the Spaniards to abandon the fort only a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , the only information we had was from Spanish documents , which suggested that the Calusa capital was on Mound Key and that Fort San Antón de Carlos was there , too , '' William Marquardt , curator emeritus of South Florida archaeology and ethnography at the Florida Museum of Natural History , said in a news release .
`` Archaeologists and historians had visited the site and collected pottery from the surface , but until we found physical evidence of the Calusa king 's house and the fort , we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Florida and the University of Georgia used a combination of remote sensing , ground-penetrating radar and excavations to identify the walls of the ancient fort .
Targeted digs turned up a variety of artifacts , including ceramic shards and beads .
Researchers detailed their discovery of the fort in a paper published this week in the journal Historical Archaeology .
The fort 's foundation and walls were formed by a concrete made of shells .
The concrete mixture features lime , which is made from burning seashells .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , water and larger shell fragments .
`` Seeing the straight walls of the fort emerge , just inches below the surface , was quite exciting to us , '' Marquardt said .
`` Not only was this a confirmation of the location of the fort , but it shows the promise of Mound Key to shed light on a time in Florida 's -- and America 's -- history that is very poorly known . ''
Prior to the arrival of Europeans , the Calusa had developed a sophisticated society of fisher-gatherer-hunters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utensils and jewelry from shells , and constructed elaborate fenced corals in which to trap and hold fish prior to eating .
While the Calusa avoided colonization for more than 200 years , the complex confederation of fisher-hunter-gatherers could n't escape the diseases brought by European colonists .
By the time Britain assumed control of Florida , what was left of the Calusa tribe had left for Cuba .
`` Despite being the most powerful society in South Florida , the Calusa were inexorably drawn into the broader world economic system by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , by staying true to their values and way of life , the Calusa showed a resiliency unmatched by most other Native societies in the Southeastern United States . ''
Scientists hope continued excavations on Mound Key will offer up new insights into the ways early Spanish colonizers and member of the Calusa might have interacted .
`` Seeing the straight walls of the fort emerge , just inches below the surface , was quite exciting to us , '' Marquardt said .
`` Not only was this a confirmation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the promise of Mound Key to shed light on a time in Florida 's -- and America 's -- history that is very poorly known . ''

Archaeologists found the ancient walls of a long-missing Spanish fort on Florida's Mound Key. They also found a variety of artifacts. Photo by Amanda Roberts Thompson
April 24 (UPI) -- Researchers have finally found the location of Fort San Antón de Carlos. Archaeologists traced the Spanish fort to Florida's Mound Key, home of the Calusa, one of the region's most powerful Native American tribes. Since 2013, archaeologists have been searching for physical evidence of the fort among the coastal islands of southwestern Florida. Built in 1566, the fort was home to one the first Jesuit missions in North America. Conflicts with the Calusa forced the Spaniards to abandon the fort only a few years after its construction. Advertisement
"Before our work, the only information we had was from Spanish documents, which suggested that the Calusa capital was on Mound Key and that Fort San Antón de Carlos was there, too," William Marquardt, curator emeritus of South Florida archaeology and ethnography at the Florida Museum of Natural History, said in a news release. "Archaeologists and historians had visited the site and collected pottery from the surface, but until we found physical evidence of the Calusa king's house and the fort, we could not be absolutely certain."
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Archaeologists at the University of Florida and the University of Georgia used a combination of remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar and excavations to identify the walls of the ancient fort. Targeted digs turned up a variety of artifacts, including ceramic shards and beads.
Researchers detailed their discovery of the fort in a paper published this week in the journal Historical Archaeology.
The fort's foundation and walls were formed by a concrete made of shells. The concrete mixture features lime, which is made from burning seashells. The lime is mixed with sand, ash, water and larger shell fragments.
"Seeing the straight walls of the fort emerge, just inches below the surface, was quite exciting to us," Marquardt said. "Not only was this a confirmation of the location of the fort, but it shows the promise of Mound Key to shed light on a time in Florida's -- and America's -- history that is very poorly known."
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the Calusa had developed a sophisticated society of fisher-gatherer-hunters. The Native Americans made tools, utensils and jewelry from shells, and constructed elaborate fenced corals in which to trap and hold fish prior to eating.
While the Calusa avoided colonization for more than 200 years, the complex confederation of fisher-hunter-gatherers couldn't escape the diseases brought by European colonists. By the time Britain assumed control of Florida, what was left of the Calusa tribe had left for Cuba.
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"Despite being the most powerful society in South Florida, the Calusa were inexorably drawn into the broader world economic system by the Spaniards," Marquardt said. "However, by staying true to their values and way of life, the Calusa showed a resiliency unmatched by most other Native societies in the Southeastern United States."
Scientists hope continued excavations on Mound Key will offer up new insights into the ways early Spanish colonizers and member of the Calusa might have interacted.
"Seeing the straight walls of the fort emerge, just inches below the surface, was quite exciting to us," Marquardt said. "Not only was this a confirmation of the location of the fort, but it shows the promise of Mound Key to shed light on a time in Florida's -- and America's -- history that is very poorly known."


upi--2020-04-24--Brother of Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, Jace, dies at 31

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Jace Prescott , the brother of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott , has died at the age of 31 .
The Dallas Cowboys announced Jace 's death in a statement during the NFL Draft Thursday night .
The cause of death was not disclosed .
`` It is with great sadness and support that we share the news of the passing of Jace Prescott today , '' the statement said .
`` The loss of Tad and Dak 's brother is devastating .
At this incredibly difficult time , the Prescott family asks only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jace was an offensive lineman for four years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches , La .
`` Great guy , humble and athletic yet a brute , '' Northwestern State University Athletic Director Greg Burke tweeted .
`` Remember at Texas State , after they kicked a field goal in overtime , we ran the ball six straight times behind Jace and our offensive tackle to win the game . ''
Dak 's mother Peggy died of colon cancer in 2013 .
The three Prescott brothers , Dak , Tad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 commercial for Campbell 's Chunky Soup .
`` We are so saddened that Dak has lost his brother , '' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said .
`` We want him to help him get through this time .
Whatever we can do to help him get through this tough time .
When you 're young , and Dak is young , death is really hard to understand to think about or live with .
I have a particular sensitively to players when they have a tragedy . ''
Jace is survived by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father Nathaniel Prescott .

The Dallas Cowboys announced the death of Dak Prescott's brother, Jace, Thursday night during the first round of the NFL Draft. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Jace Prescott, the brother of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, has died at the age of 31. The Dallas Cowboys announced Jace's death in a statement during the NFL Draft Thursday night. The cause of death was not disclosed. Advertisement
"It is with great sadness and support that we share the news of the passing of Jace Prescott today," the statement said. "The loss of Tad and Dak's brother is devastating. At this incredibly difficult time, the Prescott family asks only for prayers and respect for their privacy."
Jace was an offensive lineman for four years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
"Great guy, humble and athletic yet a brute," Northwestern State University Athletic Director Greg Burke tweeted. "Remember at Texas State, after they kicked a field goal in overtime, we ran the ball six straight times behind Jace and our offensive tackle to win the game."
Dak's mother Peggy died of colon cancer in 2013. The three Prescott brothers, Dak, Tad and Jace, appeared together in a 2019 commercial for Campbell's Chunky Soup.
"We are so saddened that Dak has lost his brother," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "We want him to help him get through this time. Whatever we can do to help him get through this tough time. When you're young, and Dak is young, death is really hard to understand to think about or live with. I have a particular sensitively to players when they have a tragedy."
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Jace is survived by Dak, Tad, sister Natalie and father Nathaniel Prescott.


upi--2020-04-24--Georgia, Oklahoma, other states allow some businesses to reopen Friday

A man wears a protective mask while walking past a closed Bar in the Little Italy section of Manhattan in New York City on Tuesday. A few states are starting to let businesses reopen. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Georgia and Oklahoma are going ahead with plans to allow some non-essential businesses to reopen Friday under relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions. All non-essential businesses in all 50 states have been closed for weeks as a measure to stem the spread of COVID-19. Most states have begun to plan strategies to reopen, and some will start in the next few days. Advertisement
Georgia
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced a week ago that non-essential businesses could begin to reopen Friday, despite criticism from some local mayors and President Donald Trump. They will include fitness centers, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo parlors and bowling alleys.
"Unlike other businesses, these entities have been unable to manage inventory, deal with payroll and take care of administrative items while we shelter in place," Kemp said this week. "This measure allows them to undertake baseline operations that most other businesses in the state have maintained."
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Kemp said more Georgia businesses will be allowed to reopen on Monday, subject to "specific social distancing and sanitation mandates." They include theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in services.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms disagrees with the governor's decision.
"When I look at the data, I see our [COVID-19] numbers are going up," Bottoms told CNN. "I have searched my head and my heart on this and I am at a loss as to what the governor is basing this decision on."
State health officials reported a sharp drop in new coronavirus cases this week. Thirty new cases were logged Thursday, down from a peak of more than 700 nine days ago.
Trump warned Kemp this week against allowing businesses to reopen, saying it's "too soon." The governor defended his plan as a "measured step" that's "driven by data and guided by state public health officials."
Many experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases official, have said reopening too soon could invite a new round of infections.
Oklahoma
Personal care businesses such as hair salons and barber shops will reopen Friday by appointment only. They must follow sanitation and social distancing guidelines under Gov. Kevin Stitt's "Open Up and Recover Safely" plan.
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Oklahoma churches can begin to reopen on May 1.
"These businesses must maintain distance between customers and encourage customers to wait in their car until it's time for their appointment to avoid congestion in the lobbies or their entrances," Stitt said.
Oklahoma House minority leader Emily Virgin questioned the Republican governor's decision. She said Stitt is acting from "a place of fear" and warned that he shouldn't make decisions hastily.
"Reopening without proper data and against the scientific community puts Oklahoma workers in a dangerous position to have to choose between their safety and their job," she said. "We urge the governor to reconsider until better data is available."
Other states
There are several other states that have plans to reopen business and churches in the coming days.
In Texas, retail stores on Friday will be able to start operating retail-to-go service, in which businesses deliver items to customers' cars, homes or other locations.
Alaska is also planning to reopen some non-essential businesses Friday, like restaurants and personal care services.
In Florida, a task force appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to determine the state's reopening strategy is expected to deliver its report Friday.
DeSantis was one of the last governors to issue a stay-at-home order on April 1. It expires April 30.
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The governor's task force includes four groups working on a set of guidelines for reopening businesses -- including a plan for the state's vital tourism trade.
Montana is planning to allow some businesses and churches to reopen on Monday, "if they can adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing," and Tennessee has said it will allow restaurants to reopen Monday.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-24--Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd reuniting for 'Shrink Next Door'

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Anchorman castmates Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd have signed on to star in an @ @ @ @ @ The Shrink Next Door .
Michael Showalter -- whose credits include The Big Sick and @ @ @ @ @ the eight-episode limited series , which is inspired by real events .
Rudd will play @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr. Ike Herschkopf and Ferrell will play his longtime patient Marty Markowitz .
`` @ @ @ @ @ relationship , the all-too-charming Ike slowly takes over Marty 's life , even moving into @ @ @ @ @ taking over his family business , '' a press release said .
`` The series @ @ @ @ @ doctor-patient dynamic morphs into an unprecedentedly exploitative relationship filled with manipulation , power grabs and @ @ @ @ @ '' No start date for production has been announced yet .

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Will Ferrell is set to star in "The Shrink Next Door," a new Apple TV+ show, with Paul Rudd. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Anchorman castmates Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd have signed on to star in an Apple TV+ dark comedy called The Shrink Next Door. Michael Showalter -- whose credits include The Big Sick and The Lovebirds -- is directing the eight-episode limited series, which is inspired by real events. Advertisement
Rudd will play "psychiatrist to the stars" Dr. Ike Herschkopf and Ferrell will play his longtime patient Marty Markowitz.
"Over the course of their relationship, the all-too-charming Ike slowly takes over Marty's life, even moving into Marty's Hamptons home and taking over his family business," a press release said. "The series explores how a seemingly normal doctor-patient dynamic morphs into an unprecedentedly exploitative relationship filled with manipulation, power grabs and dysfunction at its finest."
No start date for production has been announced yet.


upi--2020-04-24--WWE says 'WWE 2K' video game won't be released in 2020

April 24 ( UPI ) -- WWE announced during an investor call regarding their first quarter earnings that a new @ @ @ @ @ 2K video game series will not be released in 2020 .
WWE interim CFO Frank @ @ @ @ @ the call Thursday stating that there will be no launch of a new video game @ @ @ @ @ twitter account for WWE 2K then tweeted that news regarding the future of the series @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will be sharing details on the future of the WWE 2K franchise @ @ @ @ @ news on Monday at 7:00 a.m. PT , '' the tweet said .
The latest @ @ @ @ @ WWE 2K20 , was released on Oct. 22 for the PlayStation 4 , Xbox One @ @ @ @ @ Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns appeared on the cover .
WWE 2K20 infamously contained a @ @ @ @ @ , leading to the title being poorly received by fans and critics .

WWE announced during an investors call that a new "WWE 2K" video game will not be released in 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- WWE announced during an investor call regarding their first quarter earnings that a new entry in the annual WWE 2K video game series will not be released in 2020. WWE interim CFO Frank Riddick made the announcement on the call Thursday stating that there will be no launch of a new video game this year. Advertisement
The official twitter account for WWE 2K then tweeted that news regarding the future of the series will be announced on Monday.
"We will be sharing details on the future of the WWE 2K franchise as well as some exciting news on Monday at 7:00 a.m. PT," the tweet said.
We will be sharing details on the future of the WWE 2K franchise as well as some exciting news on Monday at 7:00 a.m. PT.— #WWE2K20 (@WWEgames) April 24, 2020
The latest entry in the series, WWE 2K20, was released on Oct. 22 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. WWE stars Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns appeared on the cover.
WWE 2K20 infamously contained a number of glitches and bugs, leading to the title being poorly received by fans and critics.
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upi--2020-04-24--Jordan Love 'not sure how' backing up Aaron Rodgers will work

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Rookie quarterback Jordan Love said he is n't sure how it will work when he reports to the Green Bay Packers to be Aaron Rodgers ' backup after being picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft .
Love 's selection shocked analysts and fans Thursday due to Rodgers ' reputation as one of the NFL 's best quarterbacks .
Love was a fringe first-round prospect before the Packers snagged the former Utah State quarterback at pick No .
26 .
The Packers traded up from the No .
30 pick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at other positions , like wide receiver .
Packers general manager Brian Gutenkunst said after the pick that he had n't spoken to Rodgers yet .
Gutenkunst said the move was `` the best decision for the Packers . ''
He also called Rodgers the `` best quarterback '' in the NFL .
Love is considered a raw talent and will likely have plenty of time to develop under Rodgers .
He completed 61.9 percent of his throws for 3,402 yards , 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 13 games last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 13 games in 2018 .
He has been compared to Blake Bortles , Jay Cutler and Patrick Mahomes , among other current and former NFL quarterbacks .
Love said he will be an eager student under the two-time NFL MVP and 2011 Super Bowl champion .
But he is n't sure how he will be received by the All-Pro gunslinger .
`` Yeah , I mean I 'm not sure how that 's going to work , '' Love told ESPN .
`` I 'm going to get back here and learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's an amazing player and I know I 'm going to learn a lot from him .
`` I 'm not sure how that situation is going to work but like I said I 'm just excited to be behind him and do whatever the team needs when I 'm [ called ] upon . ''
Rodgers completed 62 percent of his throws for 4,002 yards , 26 touchdowns and four interceptions in 16 starts last season .
The eight-time Pro Bowl selection led the Packers to a 13-3 record and @ @ @ @ @

New Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love said he is ready to learn from Aaron Rodgers (pictured) after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Rookie quarterback Jordan Love said he isn't sure how it will work when he reports to the Green Bay Packers to be Aaron Rodgers' backup after being picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Love's selection shocked analysts and fans Thursday due to Rodgers' reputation as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. Love was a fringe first-round prospect before the Packers snagged the former Utah State quarterback at pick No. 26. The Packers traded up from the No. 30 pick to ensure Love's services, despite needs at other positions, like wide receiver. Advertisement
Packers general manager Brian Gutenkunst said after the pick that he hadn't spoken to Rodgers yet. Gutenkunst said the move was "the best decision for the Packers." He also called Rodgers the "best quarterback" in the NFL.
Love is considered a raw talent and will likely have plenty of time to develop under Rodgers. He completed 61.9 percent of his throws for 3,402 yards, 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 13 games last season. Love threw 32 touchdowns and six interceptions in 13 games in 2018.
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He has been compared to Blake Bortles, Jay Cutler and Patrick Mahomes, among other current and former NFL quarterbacks. Love said he will be an eager student under the two-time NFL MVP and 2011 Super Bowl champion. But he isn't sure how he will be received by the All-Pro gunslinger.
"Yeah, I mean I'm not sure how that's going to work," Love told ESPN. "I'm going to get back here and learn as much as I can from Aaron. He's an amazing player and I know I'm going to learn a lot from him.
"I'm not sure how that situation is going to work but like I said I'm just excited to be behind him and do whatever the team needs when I'm [called] upon."
Rodgers completed 62 percent of his throws for 4,002 yards, 26 touchdowns and four interceptions in 16 starts last season. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection led the Packers to a 13-3 record and NFC North division title.


upi--2020-04-24--Season 3 of 'Yellowstone' to debut on June 21

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Season 3 of the contemporary ranch drama Yellowstone is scheduled to premiere on Paramount @ @ @ @ @ Co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson , the show stars Kevin Costner , Kelly @ @ @ @ @ Wes Bentley and Cole Hauser .
Lost alum Josh Holloway joined the cast for its @ @ @ @ @ Roarke Morris , a hedge fund manager who crosses paths with the powerful Dutton family @ @ @ @ @ , `` who controls the largest , contiguous ranch in the United States , '' @ @ @ @ @ `` Amid shifting alliances , unsolved murders , open wounds , and hard-earned respect ; @ @ @ @ @ conflict with those it borders ; an expanding town , an Indian reservation , and @ @ @ @ @

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Season 3 of Kevin Costner's show "Yellowstone" is set to debut on June 21. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Season 3 of the contemporary ranch drama Yellowstone is scheduled to premiere on Paramount Network on June 21. Co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, the show stars Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley and Cole Hauser. Advertisement
Lost alum Josh Holloway joined the cast for its third season. He plays Roarke Morris, a hedge fund manager who crosses paths with the powerful Dutton family.
Costner plays John Dutton, "who controls the largest, contiguous ranch in the United States," according to press notes. "Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect; the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders; an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and vicious business rivalries."


upi--2020-04-24--At least 13 dead in Taliban attack on Afghan outpost

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Afghan authorities said Friday more than a dozen pro-government militia members were killed during a Taliban attack on an outpost in Badghis province .
Badghis police security officer Shir Aqa Alokozai said the militant group assaulted Public Uprising forces and took control of the outpost near Qala-e-Naw , located in northwest Afghanistan about 70 miles northeast of Herat and 350 miles west of Kabul .
At least 13 members of the militia died in the attack and 10 are reported missing .
Public Uprising forces , with support from Afghan government security agencies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote villages and districts around Afghanistan .
The Badghis province has been one of the main regions for fighting between government forces and the Taliban , which has increased attacks over the past week with incursions in 13 provinces that killed at least 100 security forces .
Afghan Parliament on Wednesday called on the Taliban to observe a cease-fire during the holy month of Ramadan , which started Thursday .
Attacks by the insurgent group have disrupted a peace deal signed in February between U.S. and Taliban negotiators , which called for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kabul .

An Afghan police officer stands guard in Kabul, Afghanistan. File Photo by Jawad Jalali/EPA-EFE
April 24 (UPI) -- Afghan authorities said Friday more than a dozen pro-government militia members were killed during a Taliban attack on an outpost in Badghis province. Badghis police security officer Shir Aqa Alokozai said the militant group assaulted Public Uprising forces and took control of the outpost near Qala-e-Naw, located in northwest Afghanistan about 70 miles northeast of Herat and 350 miles west of Kabul. Advertisement
At least 13 members of the militia died in the attack and 10 are reported missing.
Public Uprising forces, with support from Afghan government security agencies, help provide additional security and protection for remote villages and districts around Afghanistan.
The Badghis province has been one of the main regions for fighting between government forces and the Taliban, which has increased attacks over the past week with incursions in 13 provinces that killed at least 100 security forces.
Afghan Parliament on Wednesday called on the Taliban to observe a cease-fire during the holy month of Ramadan, which started Thursday.
Attacks by the insurgent group have disrupted a peace deal signed in February between U.S. and Taliban negotiators, which called for further intra-Afghan talks between group leaders and government in Kabul.


upi--2020-04-24--Hulu: What's coming and going in May 2020

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Hulu subscribers can watch The Great , a new series starring Elle Fanning as @ @ @ @ @ Solar Opposites , a new animated sitcom from Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan , in @ @ @ @ @ released a list of the movies , TV shows , documentaries and specials coming and @ @ @ @ @ 's the full list of what 's being added to Hulu in May : Into @ @ @ @ @ Episode Premiere ( Hulu Original ) To Tell the Truth Season 5 Premiere Here 's @ @ @ @ @ 's leaving Hulu in May : Standing in the Shadows of Motown Up in the @

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Elle Fanning plays Catherine the Great in the new Hulu series "The Great." File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- Hulu subscribers can watch The Great, a new series starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, and Solar Opposites, a new animated sitcom from Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, in May. The streaming service released a list of the movies, TV shows, documentaries and specials coming and going next month. Advertisement
Here's the full list of what's being added to Hulu in May:
May 1
Bloom Season 2
A Life Less Ordinary
Aeon Flux
Assassination Tango
Batman Begins
Billy the Kid
Brick Mansions
Crooked Hearts
Demolition Man
Escape from Alcatraz
Friday the 13th Part III
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter
Gloria
GoodFellas
Harry Benson: Shoot First
House of D
Megamind
Men with Brooms
Molly
Monster House
Mutant Species
Pathology
Planet 51
Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown
Sands of Iwo Jima
Slums of Beverly Hills
Some Kind of Hero
Soul Food
Sprung
Strategic Air Command
Tamara
Tank Girl
The Conjuring
The Dark Knight
The Graduate
The Green Mile
The Patriot
The Whistle Blower
Treasure Hounds
Universal Soldier
Walking Tall
May 5
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Vikings Season 6A
May 8
Solar Opposites Series Premiere (Hulu Original)
Into the Dark: Delivered New Episode Premiere (Hulu Original)
Spaceship Earth
May 12
The Happy Days of Garry Marshall
May 15
The Great Series Premiere (Hulu Original)
Beat Bobby Flay Seasons 8-9
Caribbean Life Season 15
Chopped Seasons 37-39
Fast N' Loud Season 15
Gold Rush Season 8
Murder in the Heartland Season 2
Property Brothers Seasons 12-13
Street Outlaws Seasons 8-9
The Great Food Truck Race Seasons 8-9
The Little Couple Seasons 13-14
Worst Cooks in America Season 14
Open Door Season 2
On the Market Season 1
Reverse Engineering Season 1
Molly Tries Season 1
Andy Explores Season 1
Handcrafted Season 1
From the Test Kitchen Season 1
It's Alive with Brad Season 2
Epic Conversations Season 1
Iconic Characters Season 2
Drag Me Season 1
73 Questions Season 2
Community en Español
It's a Disaster
May 19
Story of the Soaps
Like Crazy
Trial by Fire
May 20
Ultimate Tag Series Premiere
May 22
Holey Moley Season 2 Premiere
To Tell the Truth Season 5 Premiere
Rocketman
Premature
Top End Wedding
Painter and the Thief
May 25
The Tracker
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May 26
I Still Believe
May 28
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 7 Premiere
May 29
Ramy Season 2 Premiere (Hulu Original)
Disappearance at Clifton Hill
Here's the full list of what's leaving Hulu in May:
May 31
50/50
Danny Roane: First Time Director
Deck the Halls
Eyes of an Angel
Free Willy
Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home
Free Willy 3: The Rescue
Furry Vengeance
Gator
Good Morning, Killer
Good Will Hunting
Hide
Hornet's Nest
Innocent
Kinsey
Leap Year
Major League II
Man on a Ledge
Megamind
Misery
Natural Born Killers
Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection
Notes on a Scandal
Richard the Lionheart
Ricochet
Righteous Kill
Silent Tongue
Silent Witness
Spider-Man
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Swingers
Tenderness
The Book of Eli
The Cooler
The Descent
The Descent: Part 2
Up in the Air
Waiting to Exhale
Zombieland


upi--2020-04-24--'Avatar: The Last Airbender' heading to Netflix on May 15

April 24 ( UPI ) -- Animated series Avatar : The Last Airbender is heading to Netflix on May 15 @ @ @ @ @ announced .
Avatar : The Last Airbender originally aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008 @ @ @ @ @ the series will become available on Netflix .
The show follows the adventures of Aang @ @ @ @ @ Eisen ) who is the titular Avatar .
Aang was frozen in a block of @ @ @ @ @ is the last of his people , the airbenders .
Aang , who can control @ @ @ @ @ as air , water , earth and fire , must bring balance to the world @ @ @ @ @ Nation .
A sequel series titled The Legend of Korra was released in 2012 and @ @ @ @ @ A live-action film titled The Last Airbender was also released in 2010 .
Netflix announced @ @ @ @ @ was adapting Avatar : The Last Airbender into a live-action series .
Creators Michael DiMartino @ @ @ @ @ as executive producers .

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. All three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender are coming to Netflix in the US on May 15th. pic.twitter.com/RCKylFYknA— NX (@NXOnNetflix) April 23, 2020
April 24 (UPI) -- Animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender is heading to Netflix on May 15, the streaming service has announced.
Avatar: The Last Airbender originally aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. All three seasons of the series will become available on Netflix.
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The show follows the adventures of Aang (voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen) who is the titular Avatar. Aang was frozen in a block of ice for 100 years and is the last of his people, the airbenders.
Aang, who can control all four elemental powers such as air, water, earth and fire, must bring balance to the world by confronting the villainous Fire Nation.
A sequel series titled The Legend of Korra was released in 2012 and ran for four seasons. A live-action film titled The Last Airbender was also released in 2010.
Netflix announced in September 2018 that it was adapting Avatar: The Last Airbender into a live-action series. Creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are serving as executive producers.


upi--2020-04-24--NBC to air new 'Parks and Recreation' episode with original cast

April 24 ( UPI ) -- A Parks and Recreation Special is slated to air on NBC April 30 .
Original cast members Amy Poehler , Rashida Jones , Aziz Ansari , Nick Offerman , Aubrey Plaza , Chris Pratt , Adam Scott , Rob Lowe , Jim O'Heir and Retta will reprise their roles from the Indiana-set sitcom Parks and Recreation , which initially ran 2009-14 .
In a reflection of current events , they will be seen social distancing and interacting via video chat during the coronavirus pandemic .
Viewers of the episode will be encouraged to donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund .
`` In such uncertain times , we ca n't think of anyone better than Leslie Knope to unite our country with her unbridled enthusiasm and compassion , '' Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta , co-presidents of scripted programming for NBC Entertainment , said in a statement Thursday .
`` A huge thank you to Mike Schur and the cast of Parks and Recreation for putting this wonderful special together and bringing a smile to all our faces while raising money for such a worthwhile cause . ''
Pratt said on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Many are saying it 's the greatest episode of television ever to be filmed in Quarantine .
It 's not a competition .
But if it was ... we would easily win , '' he wrote .
`` PLUS we 're donating a bunch of money as well to a really great cause .
So there you have it .
The creators of parks and rec have done it again !
You get another episode of @ nbcparksandrec on April 30th on NBC .
People in need get help .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
That 's how this works ?
Ok. See you soon !
! ''
Pratt 's post included a video of Poehler promoting the show and saying the actors taped their contributions from their homes .

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Amy Poehler is returning for a new episode of her NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation." File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- A Parks and Recreation Special is slated to air on NBC April 30. Original cast members Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O'Heir and Retta will reprise their roles from the Indiana-set sitcom Parks and Recreation, which initially ran 2009-14. Advertisement
In a reflection of current events, they will be seen social distancing and interacting via video chat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Viewers of the episode will be encouraged to donate money to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund.
"In such uncertain times, we can't think of anyone better than Leslie Knope to unite our country with her unbridled enthusiasm and compassion," Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, co-presidents of scripted programming for NBC Entertainment, said in a statement Thursday.
"A huge thank you to Mike Schur and the cast of Parks and Recreation for putting this wonderful special together and bringing a smile to all our faces while raising money for such a worthwhile cause."
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Pratt said on social media the episode already has been filmed.
"Many are saying it's the greatest episode of television ever to be filmed in Quarantine. It's not a competition. But if it was... we would easily win," he wrote. "PLUS we're donating a bunch of money as well to a really great cause. So there you have it. The creators of parks and rec have done it again! You get another episode of @nbcparksandrec on April 30th on NBC. People in need get help. And we FINALLY get that Emmy. Right? That's how this works? Ok. See you soon!!"
Pratt's post included a video of Poehler promoting the show and saying the actors taped their contributions from their homes.


upi--2020-04-24--G20 presidency calls for increased funding for COVID-19 response

April 24 ( UPI ) -- The Saudi presidency of the Group of 20 wealthy countries on Friday called on the international community to urgently fund an emergency response to the coronavirus as the number of infected worldwide surpassed 2.7 million .
Saudi G20 Sherpa Fahad Almubarak said in a press statement only $ 1.9 billion of the $ 8 billion target set by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board has been raised , calling on all countries , philanthropic institutions and individuals to donate to the emergency response effort .
`` Global challenges demand global solutions and this is our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a vaccine and other therapeutic measures to combat COVID-19 , '' Almubarak said .
`` We commend the existing funding efforts from around the world and underscore the urgency to bridging the financing gap . ''
Co-convened by the World Bank and the World Health Organization , the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board called for $ 8 billion in March to fund countries with weak health systems , the WHO to coordinate worldwide efforts and the development of new diagnostics , therapeutics and vaccines to cure COVID-19 .
The call to action came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the number of infected exceeded 2.7 million , according to a live tracker of the virus by Johns Hopkins University .
In the Philippines , President Rodrigo Duterte extended a lockdown on the capital Manila until May 15 , his spokesman Harry Roque said in a briefing aired Friday .
The so-called enhanced community quarantine was to expire April 30 .
Duterte also expanded the lockdown to several other provinces as the archipelago nation attempts to clamp down on the spread of the virus , which has killed 477 people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If there is no deterioration , [ the lockdown ] will be relaxed leading to normalization , '' Roque said .
Meanwhile , the United Arab Emirates on Friday began to slacken restrictions placed on Dubai by opening restaurants , malls , markets and other commercial outlets to the public as well as allowing people to leave their homes during the day without a permit .
The Middle Eastern country , which has fewer than 9,000 infections and 56 deaths to the virus , began to implement the measures in March but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramadan holiday , the official Emirates News Agency reported .
The decision to reduce measures was made by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management , which said that despite the partial easing of restrictions on movement , public and private gatherings were still banned and those who breach the guidelines will face legal action , including fines of about $ 270 issued to those in public without face masks .
As it coincides with the start of Ramadan on Friday , visits with close relatives will be permitted but in gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee said .
In Indonesia , the Transport Ministry canceled all passenger travel from Friday .
`` The ban will apply to all types of public and private transportation by air , sea , land and railway , '' ministry official Adita Irawati said in a statement , explaining exceptions are in place for emergency vehicles and the transportation of supplies and goods .
Restrictions on land transportation will be in place until May 31 , domestic and international passenger flights will be suspended until June 1 and the suspension of passenger transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 8 .
In China , the former epicenter of the virus , health officials on Friday reported six new cases of the virus , two of which were imported .
Its total number of infections crept up to 82,804 and its death toll stood pat at 4,632 after recording zero deaths over the previous 24 hours .

Bicyclists wear face masks in Beijing, China, on Thursday. Worldwide, there have so far been nearly 200,000 deaths since the coronavirus outbreak began and more than 2.7 million cases. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization announced a global initiative Friday intended to speed up development of coronavirus vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. World leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined in a teleconference hosted by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to begin the "landmark collaboration." Advertisement
Called the COVID19 Tools Accelerator, the effort merges "combined power" of several organizations to work with "speed and scale," Ghebreyesus said.
"Each of us are doing great work, but we cannot work alone," he added. "We're coming together to work in new ways to identify challenges and solutions together."
The WHO leader said the new tool will promote "equitable distribution" of new vaccines and diagnostic tools to ensure all will have access to "all the tools to defeat COVID-19."
Several European leaders lauded the effort, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
Worldwide, there have so far been nearly 200,000 deaths since the outbreak began and more than 2.7 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.
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In China, health officials said Friday there are no more seriously ill coronavirus patients in Wuhan, the original epicenter of the pandemic.
The National Health Commission said the last Wuhan patient in serious condition recovered and left the hospital. No new cases were reported in Hubei province. Overall, six new cases were reported in China.
Earlier, the Saudi presidency of the Group of 20 nations called on the international community Friday to urgently fund an emergency response to the crisis.
G20 Sherpa Fahad Almubarak warned that less than $2 billion of an $8 billion target set by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board has been raised.
The board set the goal in March to fund countries with weak health systems and for the WHO to coordinate worldwide efforts to develop diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte extended a lockdown in Manila until May 15, his office said. The quarantine was to expire April 30. Duterte also expanded the lockdown to several other provinces.
"If there is no deterioration, [the lockdown] will be relaxed leading to normalization," a spokesperson said.
The United Arab Emirates began to loosen restrictions Friday by opening restaurants, malls, markets and other commercial outlets, and allowed residents to leave their homes during the day without a permit.
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The UAE, which has fewer than 9,000 cases, relaxed the measures to coincide with the Ramadan holiday. Officials added, however, that all gatherings are still banned and those who violate guidelines will be fined.
In Indonesia, the Transport Ministry canceled all passenger travel beginning Friday.
Restrictions on land transportation and passenger flights will be in place until the start of June, and sea travel will be barred until at least June 8.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19


upi--2020-04-24--South Korea unveils guidelines for opening up society amid COVID-19 slowdown

SEOUL , April 24 ( UPI ) -- South Korean officials unveiled a set of health and safety guidelines Friday as the country prepares to expand social and economic activities amid a continuing decline in new COVID-19 cases .
The Ministry of Health and Welfare released a public draft of guidelines for a new phase of `` daily life quarantine '' slated to begin on May 6 .
The draft provides detailed hygiene and disease prevention rules for 31 different everyday situations in locations such as public transport , shops , offices , recreation facilities and event venues .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are witnessing in South Korea and to transition to daily life quarantine we need to establish new rules and new guidelines one by one with the cooperation of public experts , '' said vice health minister Kim Gang-lip at a briefing on Friday .
Kim said that the new codes were prepared with the participation of 12 different government ministries and would be revised with feedback from the public before being finalized .
`` We are trying to make sure [ the guidelines ] are practical and can be complied with by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` To have successful guidelines it is very important to strike a balance . ''
Guidance includes spreading out seating arrangements and providing adequate ventilation and disinfection routines at places such as restaurants and offices .
At the workplace , face-to-face meetings should be kept to a minimum and shaking hands should be avoided .
The protocols also call for maintaining a distance of roughly six feet when possible in public places and limiting physical interactions through methods such as contactless payment options at stores .
At religious services , weddings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear masks and limit the size of gatherings .
Kim said that officials are also currently working on plans for bringing students back to school with measures such as staggering school hours and keeping added distance in classrooms .
Students began a new semester with online classes earlier this month .
The plans were announced as South Korea saw its daily number of confirmed COVID-19 patients shrink to just six on Friday , with no new deaths reported .
The country 's total number of coronavirus cases stands at 10,708 , with 240 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tracing , South Korea managed to dramatically flatten the curve of new infections without having to resort to the large-scale lockdowns seen in Europe and the United States .
The government has already begun loosening restrictions on venues such as places of worship and nightclubs , which have been allowed to start reopening this week under disinfection guidelines .
Professional sports such as baseball have been permitted to resume without fans in attendance .
Preseason games for the Korea Baseball Organization began on Tuesday and the regular season is scheduled to kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also held national parliamentary elections last week , which saw high voter turnout under enhanced safety measures .
However , authorities cautioned that the coronavirus remains a persistent threat and that life will not return to normal anytime soon .
`` We still are seeing a global pandemic and we do not yet have an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 , '' said Kim `` Many experts at home and abroad say the outbreak could be prolonged for about two years .
We need to acknowledge the fact that it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our pre-COVID-19 lives . ''

South Korean health officials unveiled a set of guidelines for the public as the country prepares to expand social and economic activities. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, April 24 (UPI) -- South Korean officials unveiled a set of health and safety guidelines Friday as the country prepares to expand social and economic activities amid a continuing decline in new COVID-19 cases. The Ministry of Health and Welfare released a public draft of guidelines for a new phase of "daily life quarantine" slated to begin on May 6. The draft provides detailed hygiene and disease prevention rules for 31 everyday situations in locations such as public transport, shops, offices, recreation facilities and event venues. Advertisement
"This is an unprecedented outbreak that we are witnessing in South Korea and to transition to daily life quarantine we need to establish new rules and new guidelines one by one with the cooperation of public experts," Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said at a briefing on Friday.
Kim said the new codes were prepared with the participation of 12 government ministries and would be revised with feedback from the public before being finalized.
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"We are trying to make sure [the guidelines] are practical and can be complied with by the public in daily life," he said. "To have successful guidelines it is very important to strike a balance."
Guidance includes spreading out seating arrangements and providing adequate ventilation and disinfection routines at places such as restaurants and offices. At the workplace, face-to-face meetings should be kept to a minimum and shaking hands should be avoided.
The protocols also call for maintaining a distance of roughly six feet when possible in public places and limiting physical interactions through methods such as contact-less payment options at stores. At religious services, weddings and funerals, attendees are advised to wear masks and limit the size of gatherings.
Kim said that officials are also working on plans for bringing students back to school with measures such as staggering school hours and keeping added distance in classrooms. Students began a new semester with online classes earlier this month.
The plans were announced as South Korea saw its daily number of confirmed COVID-19 patients shrink to just six on Friday, with no new deaths reported. The country's total number of coronavirus cases stands at 10,708, with 240 deaths.
Through early and widespread testing and tracing, South Korea managed to dramatically flatten the curve of new infections without having to resort to the large-scale lockdowns seen in Europe and the United States.
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The government has begun loosening restrictions on venues such as places of worship and nightclubs, which have been allowed to start reopening this week under disinfection guidelines.
Professional sports such as baseball have been permitted to resume without fans in attendance. Preseason games for the Korea Baseball Organization began on Tuesday and the regular season is scheduled to kick off on May 5.
The country also held national parliamentary elections last week, which saw high voter turnout under enhanced safety measures.
However, authorities cautioned that the coronavirus remains a persistent threat and that life will not return to normal anytime soon.
"We still are seeing a global pandemic and we do not yet have an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19," Kim said. "Many experts at home and abroad say the outbreak could be prolonged for about two years. We need to acknowledge the fact that it will be difficult for us to go back to our pre-COVID-19 lives."


upi--2020-04-24--Pneumonia more deadly than hip fracture for hospitalized seniors

Seniors hospitalized with pneumonia are much more likely to die in the hospital and within two years of leaving the hospital than those with hip fractures , new research shows .
But many older people do n't recognize the serious threat posed by pneumonia , the researchers said .
The study took place in 2009 to 2015 , years before the coronavirus pandemic and its respiratory effects became a well-known threat to human life .
For the study , the investigators compared outcomes among patients in France , aged 80 and older , who were hospitalized for either pneumonia -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 4,800 .
The pneumonia patients had a greater number of other health problems , or `` co-morbidities , '' and a higher in-hospital death rate than the hip fracture patients -- about 18 percent versus 5.4 percent , respectively .
After adjusting for co-morbidities , frailty scores , age and sex , the overall risk of death within two years after hospitalization was 80 percent higher among the pneumonia patients than among the hip fracture patients .
The research , which should be considered preliminary , was scheduled for presentation at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases .
However , the meeting was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Despite the threat posed by pneumonia , many seniors do n't understand their risk from the common lung infection , the researchers said .
This results in inadequate pneumonia prevention efforts , especially low use of vaccines .
In contrast , breaking a hip is viewed as a major concern for seniors , noted study author Leslie Grammatico-Guillon , from the University of Tours in France , and colleagues .
`` We hope that placing the consequences of pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hip fracture may provide useful perspective for discussions of pneumonia and its prevention with aging populations , '' the authors said in an ECCMID news release .
`` The population , but also their caregivers and clinical practitioners , should be more aware of the risk from this disease .
Better recognition will improve the prevention of pneumonia by increasing uptake of vaccines , such as influenza and pneumococcus , '' the team concluded .
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on pneumonia .

Seniors hospitalized with pneumonia are much more likely to die in the hospital and within two years of leaving the hospital than those with hip fractures, new research shows.
But many older people don't recognize the serious threat posed by pneumonia, the researchers said. The study took place in 2009 to 2015, years before the coronavirus pandemic and its respiratory effects became a well-known threat to human life.
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For the study, the investigators compared outcomes among patients in France, aged 80 and older, who were hospitalized for either pneumonia -- nearly 12,200 -- or hip fractures -- nearly 4,800.
The pneumonia patients had a greater number of other health problems, or "co-morbidities," and a higher in-hospital death rate than the hip fracture patients -- about 18 percent versus 5.4 percent, respectively.
After adjusting for co-morbidities, frailty scores, age and sex, the overall risk of death within two years after hospitalization was 80 percent higher among the pneumonia patients than among the hip fracture patients.
The research, which should be considered preliminary, was scheduled for presentation at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. However, the meeting was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Despite the threat posed by pneumonia, many seniors don't understand their risk from the common lung infection, the researchers said. This results in inadequate pneumonia prevention efforts, especially low use of vaccines.
In contrast, breaking a hip is viewed as a major concern for seniors, noted study author Leslie Grammatico-Guillon, from the University of Tours in France, and colleagues.
"We hope that placing the consequences of pneumonia in relation to the consequences of a hip fracture may provide useful perspective for discussions of pneumonia and its prevention with aging populations," the authors said in an ECCMID news release.
"The population, but also their caregivers and clinical practitioners, should be more aware of the risk from this disease. Better recognition will improve the prevention of pneumonia by increasing uptake of vaccines, such as influenza and pneumococcus," the team concluded.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on pneumonia.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-24--On This Day, April 24: Pope Benedict XVI holds inaugural mass

April 24 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1704 , the Boston News-Letter became the first U.S. newspaper to be published on a regular basis .
In 1800 , the U.S. Congress established the Library of Congress .
In 1913 , the Woolworth Building , designed by architect Cass Gilbert , an early proponent of skyscrapers , opened to the public and its tenants .
In 1914 , the Easter Rising began .
Irish republicans armed themselves in rebellion against the British government .
Nearly 500 people died -- including more than 250 civilians -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British executed 16 rebels .
In 1957 , the Suez Canal was reopened to shipping after being shut for more than five months following a conflict between Egypt , and the trio of Israel , Britain and France .
In 1980 , Operation Eagle Claw , the attempt to rescue 52 embassy staff held captive in Tehran , ends with the death of eight servicemen when a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft .
In 1981 , IBM introduced its first personal computer .
In 1983 , German endurance racing driver Rolf Stommelen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Raceway in California .
He was 39 .
In 1986 , the duchess of Windsor , Wallis Warfield Simpson , for whom Britain 's King Edward VIII gave up his throne , died in Paris at age 89 .
In 1991 , Freddie Stowers , a World War I corporal , was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor .
He was the first African American to receive the highest medal for valor in combat .
In 1996 , the Palestinian National Council voted to drop its official commitment to the destruction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope .
In 2013 , a building that housed clothing factories collapsed in Bangladesh , killing more than 1,000 people .
In 2018 , authorities in California arrested the so-called Golden State Killer , Joseph DeAngelo , more than 40 years after the start of a decade-long killing spree throughout the state .
Investigators tracked him down by submitting his DNA to an ancestry website .

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Pope Benedict XVI leads the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's square in the Vatican on May 1, 2011. On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was officially installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo
April 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1704, the Boston News-Letter became the first U.S. newspaper to be published on a regular basis. Advertisement
In 1800, the U.S. Congress established the Library of Congress.
In 1913, the Woolworth Building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, an early proponent of skyscrapers, opened to the public and its tenants.
In 1914, the Easter Rising began. Irish republicans armed themselves in rebellion against the British government. Nearly 500 people died --including more than 250 civilians -- during the six-day skirmish, and the British executed 16 rebels.
In 1957, the Suez Canal was reopened to shipping after being shut for more than five months following a conflict between Egypt, and the trio of Israel, Britain and France.
File Photo by Jim Hampshire/U.S. Navy
In 1980, Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue 52 embassy staff held captive in Tehran, ends with the death of eight servicemen when a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft.
In 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.
In 1983, German endurance racing driver Rolf Stommelen died during a crash at the Riverside International Raceway in California. He was 39.
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In 1986, the duchess of Windsor, Wallis Warfield Simpson, for whom Britain's King Edward VIII gave up his throne, died in Paris at age 89.
File Photo courtesy Wikimedia
In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was released into space by astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery.
In 1991, Freddie Stowers, a World War I corporal, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He was the first African American to receive the highest medal for valor in combat.
In 1996, the Palestinian National Council voted to drop its official commitment to the destruction of Israel.
In 2005, Benedict XVI was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope.
In 2013, a building that housed clothing factories collapsed in Bangladesh, killing more than 1,000 people.
In 2018, authorities in California arrested the so-called Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, more than 40 years after the start of a decade-long killing spree throughout the state. Investigators tracked him down by submitting his DNA to an ancestry website.
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