upi--2020-03-15--'7th Heaven' actor Lorenzo Brino dead at 21

March 15 ( UPI ) -- Former 7th Heaven cast-mate Lorenzo Brino has died in a California car crash , the San Bernardino Coroner 's Office said .
He was 21 .
The actor played Sam Camden on the TV family drama for nine seasons 1998-2007 .
Brino died March 9 , but the news was n't reported by national media outlets until Sunday .
People.com said he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a utility pole shortly before 3 a.m. TMZ said he was the only person in the Toyota Camry and was pronounced dead at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a set of quadruplets .
His real-life brother Nikolas played his twin David on the show , which co-starred Jessica Biel , Stephen Collins , Catherine Hicks and Beverley Mitchell .
Max Von Sydow arrives on the red carpet before the screening of the film `` The BFG '' at the Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes , France , on May 14 , 2016 .
The actor , known for his roles in `` The Exorcist '' and `` Game of Thrones , '' Max Von Sydow arrives on the red carpet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The BFG '' at the Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes , France , on May 14 , 2016 .
The actor , known for his roles in `` The Exorcist '' and `` Game of Thrones , '' died on March 8 at the age of 90 .
Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo Former United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar is seen with wife Marcela on January 1 , 1982 , at the start of his tenure in the post , which would last for 10 years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his tenure Former United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar is seen with wife Marcela on January 1 , 1982 , at the start of his tenure in the post , which would last for 10 years .
The secretary who presided over multiple international crises during his tenure died on March 5 at the age of 100 .
Photo courtesy of John Isaac/United Nations Talk show host James Lipton attends the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 10 , 2016 .
The `` Inside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Lipton attends the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 10 , 2016 .
The `` Inside the Actors Studio '' host died on March 2 at age 93 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Former chairman and CEO of General Electric , Jack Welch attends a forum with business leaders hosted in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , on February 3 , 2017 .
The businessman Former chairman and CEO of General Electric , Jack Welch attends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , on February 3 , 2017 .
The businessman died on March 2 at age 84 .
Photo by Michael Reynolds/EPA Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on August 18 , 2009 .
Mubarak held office for 30 years before resigning amid an uprising in 2011 .
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held office for 30 years before resigning amid an uprising in 2011 .
He died on February 25 at age 91 .
Pool Photo by Dennis Brack/UPI | License Photo NASA research mathematician Katherine Johnson is photographed at her desk at Langley Research Center in 1966 .
Portrayed in `` Hidden Figures , '' Johnson calculated the path for American 's first space mission and the first moon landing .
NASA research mathematician Katherine Johnson is photographed at her desk at Langley Research Center in 1966 .
Portrayed in `` Hidden Figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first space mission and the first moon landing .
She died February 24 , 2020 at age 101 .
UPI File Photo | License Photo Ja'net Dubois ( L ) of `` Good Times '' appears backstage after the show was honored with the Impact Award at the TV Land Awards in Santa Monica , Calif. , on March 19 , 2006 .
The actress Ja'net Dubois ( L ) of `` Good Times '' appears backstage after the show was honored with the Impact Award at the TV Land Awards in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 , 2006 .
The actress died on February 18 , 2020 , at the age of 74 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Jason Davis attends the `` Recess : School 's Out '' premiere in Hollywood in 2001 .
The Jason Davis attends the `` Recess : School 's Out '' premiere in Hollywood in 2001 .
The voice actor died on February 16 at age 35 .
Photo by Russ Einhorn/UPI | License Photo Cast member Lynn Cohen attends the premiere of `` The Hunger Games : Catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , 2013 .
The Cast member Lynn Cohen attends the premiere of `` The Hunger Games : Catching Fire '' in Los Angeles on November 18 , 2013 .
The actress died on February 15 at age 86 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Orson Bean and his wife , actress Alley Mills , arrive for the premiere of `` Equalizer 2 '' at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on July 17 , 2018 .
Bean Orson Bean and his wife , actress Alley Mills , arrive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on July 17 , 2018 .
Bean died on February 7 , at age 91 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Kirk Douglas attends his son Michael 's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles on November 6 , 2018 .
One of the last actors of Hollywood 's Golden Age , Kirk Douglas attends his son Michael 's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles on November 6 , 2018 .
One of the last actors of Hollywood 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 at age 103 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo John Andretti walks to his car on pit road prior to the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach , Fla. , on July 4 , 2009 .
Andretti , versatile race-car driver and nephew of Mario Andretti John Andretti walks to his car on pit road prior to the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach , Fla. , on July 4 , 2009 .
Andretti , versatile race-car driver and nephew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with colon cancer at the age of 56 on January 30 , 2020 .
Photo by Michael Bush/UPI | License Photo Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant , his wife Vanessa ( L ) and their daughters Natalia ( 2-R ) and Gianna ( R ) attend the premiere of `` A Wrinkle in Time '' on Feb. 26 , 2018 in Los Angeles .
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant , his wife Vanessa ( L ) and their daughters Natalia ( 2-R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premiere of `` A Wrinkle in Time '' on Feb. 26 , 2018 in Los Angeles .
Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas , Calif. , on January 26 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Longtime television news host Jim Lehrer receives a Lifetime Achievement award from the Press Club of St. Louis on February 21 , 2018 .
The PBS NewsHour co-founder Longtime television news host Jim Lehrer receives a Lifetime Achievement award from the Press Club of St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PBS NewsHour co-founder died on Thursday at the age of 85 .
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo Actor Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson ( C ) hugs his mother Ata Johnson and father , WWE Hall of Fame wrestler , Rocky Johnson , during a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on May 19 , 2015 .
Rocky Johnson , also known as Wayde Douglas Bowles , Actor Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson ( C ) hugs his mother Ata Johnson and father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rocky Johnson , during a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on May 19 , 2015 .
Rocky Johnson , also known as Wayde Douglas Bowles , died on January 15 , 2020 , at the age of 75 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Don Larsen tips his hat at Yankee Stadium before the New York Yankees play the Baltimore Orioles in the final game at Yankee Stadium in New York City on September 21 , 2008 .
The Don Larsen tips his hat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yankees play the Baltimore Orioles in the final game at Yankee Stadium in New York City on September 21 , 2008 .
The Yankees pitcher is the only person in history to throw a perfect game in a World Series .
He died on January 1 , 2020 , at the age 90 .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Nick Gordon ( R ) stands with his girlfriend , Bobbi Kristina Brown , at the premiere of `` Sparkle '' in Los Angeles on August 16 , 2012 .
Nick Gordon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bobbi Kristina Brown , at the premiere of `` Sparkle '' in Los Angeles on August 16 , 2012 .
Gordon died on January 1 , 2020 , due to a drug overdose at the age of 30 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo NBA commissioner David Stern attends an NBA preseason game in Paris on October 6 , 2010 .
The NBA commissioner David Stern attends an NBA preseason game in Paris on October 6 , 2010 .
The former commissioner died on January 1 , 2020 , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Silpa/UPI | License Photo

"7th Heaven" alum Lorenzo Brino has died at age 21. Photo courtesy of Pixnio
March 15 (UPI) -- Former 7th Heaven cast-mate Lorenzo Brino has died in a California car crash, the San Bernardino Coroner's Office said. He was 21. The actor played Sam Camden on the TV family drama for nine seasons 1998-2007. Advertisement
Brino died March 9, but the news wasn't reported by national media outlets until Sunday.
People.com said he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a utility pole shortly before 3 a.m.
TMZ said he was the only person in the Toyota Camry and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brino was one member of a set of quadruplets.
His real-life brother Nikolas played his twin David on the show, which co-starred Jessica Biel, Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks and Beverley Mitchell.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-03-15--Watch Live: Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders to face off in first one-on-one debate

March 15 ( UPI ) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will face off in the first head-to-head primary debate of the 2020 election in Washington , D.C. on Sunday evening .
The debate will air at 8 p.m. on CNN , Univision and be streamed online on CNN.com as well as CNN 's mobile apps and CNNgo apps for home streaming devices as well as Univision 's digital platforms .
Sunday 's debate was originally set to take place before a live audience in Phoenix but was moved to Washington , D.C. , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience present as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
CNN 's Dana Bash and Jake Tapper will moderate the debate alongside Univision 's Ilia Calderon , who took the place of Univision anchor Jorge Ramos who `` was in proximity with someone who was in direct contact with a person that tested positive for coronavirus . ''
The debate follows strong showings by Biden on Super Tuesday and last week 's primaries and ahead of primaries scheduled for Tuesday in Arizona , Florida , Illinois and Ohio .
Election officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's March 24 primary to May 19 and Louisiana moved its April 4 primary to June 20 in response to the coronavirus .
Biden 's campaign on Sunday encouraged asymptomatic voters and those not at risk of exposure to vote on Tuesday and for those at risk to take advantage of absentee or vote by mail options .
`` The right to vote is the most sacred American right there is , '' he wrote .
`` State election officials are working closely with public health officials to hold safe elections .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms and not at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 : please vote on Tuesday . ''
Sanders on Sunday published a CNN op-ed calling for solidarity in response to the virus and long-term changes to the country 's medical and economic systems .
`` It is at this moment that we must remember that we are all in this together , '' wrote Sanders .
`` If our neighbor or co-worker gets sick , we have the potential to get sick .
If our neighbors lose their jobs , then our local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs .
If doctors and nurses do not have the equipment and staffing capacity they need now , people we know and love may die . ''

1/5
Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders bump elbows before participating in a debate at a CNN studio in Washington, D.C. Because of the coronavirus, the debate was held without an audience and in accordance with CDC guidelines, their podiums six feet apart. Photo courtesy of CNN | License Photo
March 15 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders faced off Sunday night in their first one-on-one primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign. The debate, which was originally scheduled to take place in Phoenix but moved last week to Washington, D.C., due to the coronavirus outbreak, began with the two candidates substituting the normal shaking of hands with the bumping of elbows, as recommended by health officials. Advertisement
No live audience was present for the event, as a precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus. Univision moderator Ilia Calderon filled in for Jorge Ramos after he came into contact with someone who was exposed to the virus.
The first question of the debate centered on COVID-19, the disease that's sickened more than 167,000 people and killed 6,400 worldwide as of Sunday. In the United States, the number of cases is at more than 1,600 and 41 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Advertisement
Coronavirus
Biden said this epidemic is "bigger than any one of us" and called for a "national rallying" of Americans to come together.
He said if he were president, he'd increase testing, ensure every state had at least 10 drive-through testing locations and plan for additional hospital beds, as well as deal with the economic fallout, including ensuring those who can't get paid due to the virus' effects can still pay their rent and small businesses can receive interest-free loans.
Sanders said the first thing the United States must do, whether or not he is president, is "shut this president up right now."
He said President Donald Trump should be muzzled as he is "undermining" the doctors and scientists who are attempting to mitigate the coronavirus crisis.
"It is unacceptable for him to be blabbering with un-factual information, which is confusing the general public," he said.
Sanders said the United States must next "move aggressively" to ensure every American knows that when they get sick with the virus all associated medical costs will be covered.
"This is an unprecedented moment in American history," he said. "Now, I obviously believe in Medicare for All -- I will fight for that as president -- but right now in this emergency, I want every person in this country to understand that when you get sick, you go to the doctor. When you get sick, if you have the virus, that will be paid for. Do not worry about the cost right now because we're in the middle of a national emergency."
Advertisement
Sanders said the capacity of hospitals must be increased so they can deal with a virus peak of hundreds of thousands of people, a measure Biden agreed with.
Biden added the crisis is akin to being attacked by a foreign enemy, and America must do all it can to defeat it.
"This is like a war, and in a war, you do whatever is needed to be done to take care of your people," he said. "Everything that you need in terms of dealing with this crisis would be free."
Medicare for All
The debate over a COVID-19 response veered in and out of talk of healthcare, specifically Sanders' call to reform Medicare to be a single-payer system that covers every citizen.
Biden attacked the idea, stating Italy, which has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections with nearly 25,000, is proof a single-payer system doesn't work.
"It doesn't work there," he said. "It has nothing to do with Medicare for All. That would not solve the problem at all."
He said by treating the crisis as a national emergency, meaning associated medical costs would be covered by taxes, is how it should be handled.
Sanders rebutted that the crisis has made apparent "the dysfunctionality of the current healthcare system," which he argued isn't a system but a network of private insurers.
Advertisement
"We don't have a system," he said. "We got thousands of private insurance plans -- that is not a system that is prepared to provide healthcare to all people. In a good year, without the epidemic, we're losing up to 60,000 people who die every year because they don't get to a doctor on time."
Biden disregarded the idea of a political revolution, of which Medicare of All is a part, saying there are problems that need to be solved now.
He said Sanders' plan, if it could be passed, wouldn't be in effect for at least four years, while his plan would restore cuts made to Obamacare, lower prescription costs and ax hidden bills while ensuring a public option.
"I can get that done if I'm president of the United States of America," Biden said. "What people want is hope and they need it now, not four years from now."
Sanders said the United States' inability to offer its citizens healthcare similar to the single-payer option most wealthy nations have is the result of the imbalance in the country's power structure that is controlled by the billionaires and companies.
"If you want to make real changes in this country, if you want to make an economy that works for all and not just a few, if you want to guarantee healthcare to all not make a hundred billion in profit for the healthcare industry, you know what you need? You need to take on Wall Street," he said. "You need to take on the drug companies and the insurance companies and the fossil fuel industry."
Advertisement
Foreign policy, authoritarianism
Concerning authoritarian leaders, Sanders said they should be condemned.
"As president of the United States, unlike Donald Trump, I will put the flag down and say that in this country and in this world we've got to move toward democracy and human rights," he said.
When asked if authoritarian leaders should be judged by their human rights violations and not their achievements, Sanders said China is an authoritarian society but one cannot deny that extreme poverty in the country has receded compared to decades ago.
"That's a fact," he said. "So, I think we condemn authoritarianism whether it's in China, Russia, Cuba, anyplace else, but to simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people would, I think, be incorrect."
Biden then defended former President Barack Obama praising the Fidel Castro regime in Cuba as part of efforts to change the island nation's policy so the United States could help to open it up.
He then reacted to Sanders' comment on China lifting citizens from extreme poverty, stating the Asian nation is an authoritarian dictatorship and the increase of wealth it has brought to its people has been "marginal" compared to its human rights transgressions.
Advertisement
Sanders rebutted, stating he did call China a dictatorship and an authoritarian country but "it's a little bit absurd if we're going to look at the world the way it is" to disregard the accomplishments of those nations.
Earlier in the debate, Sanders condemned China, where the coronavirus outbreak began in December, for attempting to initially downplay the severity of its epidemic by censoring those who attempted to inform others about the crisis. But he also said now is not the time to punish the Asian nation but to work with it on ending the pandemic.
"If there was ever a moment when the entire world is in this together, got to support each other, this is that moment," he said.
Biden also said the United States should work with China. He said he insisted U.S. experts be sent to the Asian nation and that there should be consequences if they were denied entry.
The debate followed strong showings by Biden on Super Tuesday and last week's primaries, and ahead of contests scheduled for Tuesday in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio.
Election officials in Georgia on Saturday delayed the state's March 24 primary to May 19 and Louisiana moved its April 4 primary to June 20 in response to the coronavirus.
Advertisement
Biden's campaign on Sunday encouraged asymptomatic voters and those not at risk of exposure to vote on Tuesday and for those at risk to take advantage of absentee or vote-by-mail options.
"The right to vote is the most sacred American right there is," he wrote. "State election officials are working closely with public health officials to hold safe elections. If you are feeling healthy, not showing symptoms and not at risk of being exposed to COVID-19: please vote on Tuesday."
Running mates
Biden pledged during the debate to choose a woman as a running mate.
The race for the Democratic nomination to challenge Trump in November began with several accomplished women vying to become the first female president, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, California Sen. Kamala Harris and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii remains in the race.
"There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my vice president," he said.
When pressed by moderator Dana Bash, Sanders said he would also pick a woman as a running mate, "in all likelihood."


upi--2020-03-15--Donald Glover releases surprise album

Donald Glover releases surprise album

The untitled record includes collaborations with Ariana Grande , 21 Savage and SZA , Variety said .
Rolling Stone said @ @ @ @ @ loop for free on the dedicated website www.DonaldGloverPresents.com It is not available for purchase yet @ @ @ @ @ music was released as many live events were canceled and cultural institutions closed their doors @ @ @ @ @ over the coronavirus outbreak .
Glover 's last album was 2016 's Awaken , My @ @ @ @ @ recorded under the name Childish Gambino .
He is also known for his acting work @ @ @ @ @ and Community , as well as the films Solo : A Star Wars Story and @ @ @ @

1/3
Donald Glover released a new album Sunday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 15 (UPI) -- Rapper and actor Donald Glover unexpectedly released a new 12-track album online Sunday. The untitled record includes collaborations with Ariana Grande, 21 Savage and SZA, Variety said. Advertisement
Rolling Stone said it is playing on a loop for free on the dedicated website www.DonaldGloverPresents.com
It is not available for purchase yet on other platforms.
The music was released as many live events were canceled and cultural institutions closed their doors in the wake of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Glover's last album was 2016's Awaken, My Love! -- which he recorded under the name Childish Gambino.
He is also known for his acting work in the TV shows Atlanta and Community, as well as the films Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Lion King.


upi--2020-03-15--Razzies canceled, more filming projects shut down amid COVID-19 concerns

March 15 ( UPI ) -- The 40th annual Razzie Awards ceremony recognizing the worst in cinema was canceled , and dozens of TV and film productions were shut down this weekend .
`` Tonight 's live Razzie ceremony had to be canceled/postponed because the Mayor of Los Angeles shut down all city-owned venues where more than 50 people could gather , including our site , The Barnsdall Theatre , '' John Wilson , organizer of the Razzies , said in a statement on Saturday .
No new date has been announced yet .
Nominations were announced in February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Madea Family Funeral tied with eight nods apiece .
The Razzies was the latest event canceled or postponed due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus outbreak .
Earlier this month , the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the Tribeca , PaleyFest , Coachella and South by Southwest festivals were scrapped , and most cultural institutions -- including Broadway theaters , concert venues , museums and Disney theme parks -- have closed their doors .
Variety reported the superhero movie The Batman , starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hollywood Reporter said work has also stopped on Jurassic World : Dominion , featuring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard .
TV shows Empire , Pose , Queen of the South , The Resident and American Housewife have been put on hiatus , too , according to Deadline.com .
The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Talk have also gone dark .
Most other chat and programs , including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , The Ellen DeGeneres Show , The Wendy Williams Show and Late Night with Seth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially trying to go on with no studio audiences .

1/3
The Razzie Awards ceremony was canceled Saturday over concerns for the coronavirus outbreak. "Cats" is nominated for eight Razzies, which celebrate the worst in film. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 15 (UPI) -- The 40th annual Razzie Awards ceremony recognizing the worst in cinema was canceled, and dozens of TV and film productions were shut down this weekend. "Tonight's live Razzie ceremony had to be canceled/postponed because the Mayor of Los Angeles shut down all city-owned venues where more than 50 people could gather, including our site, The Barnsdall Theatre," John Wilson, organizer of the Razzies, said in a statement on Saturday. Advertisement
No new date has been announced yet.
Nominations were announced in February. Cats, Rambo: Last Blood and A Madea Family Funeral tied with eight nods apiece.
The Razzies was the latest event canceled or postponed due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
Earlier this month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the Tribeca, PaleyFest, Coachella and South by Southwest festivals were scrapped, and most cultural institutions -- including Broadway theaters, concert venues, museums and Disney theme parks -- have closed their doors.
Variety reported the superhero movie The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz, will take a two-week break and The Hollywood Reporter said work has also stopped on Jurassic World: Dominion, featuring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Advertisement
TV shows Empire, Pose, Queen of the South, The Resident and American Housewife have been put on hiatus, too, according to Deadline.com.
The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Talk have also gone dark.
Most other chat and programs, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , The Wendy Williams Show and Late Night with Seth Meyers, were suspended last week after initially trying to go on with no studio audiences.


upi--2020-03-15--Nearly half of coronavirus cases worldwide outside mainland China

March 15 ( UPI ) -- The number of worldwide coronavirus deaths passed 6,000 Sunday as virtually all new cases and fatalities have moved from the epicenter mainland China to other nations , including Italy and Iran .
More than half of the 162,687 confirmed covid-19 cases and 6,417 deaths are now outside mainland China , according a running total by Johns Hopkins .
Since originally concentrating in China , the outbreak has grown into a pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization on Wednesday .
Around the globe , the disease has forced the closure of schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel , including by air and cruise ships .
Stock markets have tumbled .
And where stores have been open , there has been a run on staples and supplies , including cleaning products .
After the first case was identified in mainland China in early January , the daily death reports skyrocketed into the hundreds and the cases in the thousands but they have dropped down tremendously .
Ten new deaths in mainland China were announced Sunday by the China Health Commission .
China has 80,844 cases , including only 20 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death toll stands at 3,199 in mainland China with 3,218 elsewhere .
A total of 66,911 patients have recovered and been discharged from Chinese hospitals , said the NHC .
Most new cases are imported from other countries .
World , 75,620 have recovered .
After weeks of a lockdown , domestic travel is resuming , including reopening of highways .
The second-largest cluster is in Italy with 1,809 deaths and 24,747 cases , an increase of 368 fatalities and 3,590 cases in one day , Italy announced Sunday .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been under lockdown , which began in northern Italy , including Milan , where the outbreak is concentrated .
With nothing much to do in Italy , many residents have resorted to song .
In a video showing a dimly lit and deserted street , men and women sing `` Il Canto della Verbena '' ( `` The Song of Verbena '' ) -- a traditional patriotic folk song .
No other country reported deaths in the thousands .
Iran has reported 724 deaths and 13,938 cases , including 1,209 new cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrines to close in the holy city of Qom , where the country 's coronavirus outbreak is thought to have begun .
Other high numbers in Europe through Saturday are in Spain ( 7,798 cases , 289 deaths ) , Germany ( 5,485 cases , 11 deaths ) and France ( 4,511 cases , 91 deaths ) , according to a Johns Hopkins tally through early Sunday morning .
Spain 's death total one day earlier was 196 .
And Germany 's cases climbed from 4,585 .
The United States is eighth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as 62 deaths , including 40 in Washington state , mainly at a nursing home near Seattle .
South Korea reported 76 new coronavirus cases Sunday for a total of 8,162 confirmed cases , according to the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The numbers have grown with hundreds of thousands of people being tested -- far more than any other nation .
There have been 75 deaths for a .90 percent mortality rate .
Most of the cases have been linked to a call center in Seoul in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak has been concentrated .
Japan , however , reported the largest single-day increase in cases : 64 new ones , bringing the nationwide tally to 832 and 24 deaths , according to Japan 's Health Ministry .
Another 697 cases are associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship , which was off Yokohama , near Tokyo , under quarantine for weeks .
Britain : The Foreign Office said Sunday that it was advising against `` all but essential travel to the USA '' in light of the travel restrictions placed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The kingdom was initially excluded from travel restrictions introduced , but U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced Saturday that all travel from Britain and Ireland will also be suspended effective midnight Monday .
France : Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced that starting at midnight Saturday all places that are not essential to French living including restaurants , cafes , cinemas and clubs , will be closed .
Israel : Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's criminal trial , which was scheduled to start on Tuesday , has been delayed until the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to attend the Vatican 's Easter masses and public Holy Week events that include Thursday 's traditional washing of the feet , Friday 's `` Way of the Cross '' at the Colosseum , and Easter Sunday masses on April 12 .
The cancellations also affect Palm Sunday events on April 5 .
Spain : Doña Begoña Gómez , the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez , tested positive .
They are in good condition and are following health officials ' preventative measures .
The nation joined Italy in ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving home , except for buying essential supplies and medicines , or for work .

1/4
"Closed" signs are seen at check-in counters at Tokyo International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 15 (UPI) -- The number of worldwide coronavirus deaths passed 6,000 Sunday as virtually all new cases and fatalities have moved from the epicenter mainland China to other nations, including Italy and Iran. More than half of the 169,387 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,513 deaths are now outside mainland China, according to a running total by Johns Hopkins. Advertisement
Since originally concentrating in China, the outbreak has grown into a pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization on Wednesday.
Around the globe, the disease has forced the closure of schools, businesses, sporting events, entertainment and travel, including by air and cruise ships. Stock markets have tumbled. And where stores have been open, there has been a run on staples and supplies, including cleaning products.
After the first case was identified in mainland China in early January, the daily death reports skyrocketed into the hundreds and the cases in the thousands but they have dropped down tremendously.
Advertisement
Ten new deaths in mainland China were announced Sunday and then 14 on Monday morning by the China Health Commission.
China has 80,860 cases, including only 20 new ones reported Sunday and 16 on Monday morning. That leaves 88,527 elsewhere.
The death toll stands at 3,213 in mainland China with 3,300 elsewhere.
A total of 67,749 patients have recovered and been discharged from Chinese hospitals, said the NHC. Most new cases are imported from other countries. Worldwide, 77,257 have recovered.
After weeks of a lockdown, domestic travel is resuming, including reopening of highways.
The second-largest cluster is in Italy with 1,809 deaths and 24,747 cases, an increase of 368 fatalities and 3,590 cases in one day, Italy announced Sunday.
For the past week, the entire nation has been under lockdown, which began in northern Italy, including Milan, where the outbreak is concentrated.
With nothing much to do in Italy, many residents have resorted to song.
In a video showing a dimly lit and deserted street, men and women sing "Il Canto della Verbena" ("The Song of Verbena") -- a traditional patriotic folk song.
No other country reported deaths in the thousands.
Iran has reported 724 deaths and 13,938 cases, including 1,209 new cases and 113 deaths Saturday.
Advertisement
Iran has ordered shrines to close in the holy city of Qom, where the country's coronavirus outbreak is thought to have begun.
Other high numbers in Europe through Saturday are in Spain (7,844 cases, 292 deaths), Germany (5,813 cases, 13 deaths) and France (5,437 cases, 127 deaths), according to a Johns Hopkins tally through early Sunday morning. Spain's death total one day earlier was 196. And Germany's cases climbed from 4,585.
The United States is eighth in number of cases with 3,774, as well as 65 deaths, including 42 in Washington state, mainly at a nursing home near Seattle.
South Korea reported 76 new coronavirus cases Sunday for a total of 8,162 confirmed cases, according to the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers have grown with hundreds of thousands of people being tested -- far more than any other nation.
There have been 75 deaths for a .90 percent mortality rate.
Most of the cases have been linked to a call center in Seoul in the southern city of Daegu, where the outbreak has been concentrated.
Japan, however, reported the largest single-day increase in cases Sunday: 64 new ones, bringing the nationwide tally to 832 and 24 deaths, according to Japan's Health Ministry. Another 697 cases are associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was off Yokohama, near Tokyo, under quarantine for weeks.
Advertisement
In other developments:
Britain: The Foreign Office said Sunday that it was advising against "all but essential travel to the USA" in light of the travel restrictions placed by the U.S. government on visitors from Britain. The kingdom was initially excluded from travel restrictions introduced, but U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced Saturday that all travel from Britain and Ireland will also be suspended effective midnight Monday.
France: Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced that starting at midnight Saturday all places that are not essential to French living including restaurants, cafes, cinemas and clubs, will be closed.
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial, which was scheduled to start on Tuesday, has been delayed until the end of May.
Vatican: The public will not be able to attend the Vatican's Easter masses and public Holy Week events that include Thursday's traditional washing of the feet, Friday's "Way of the Cross" at the Colosseum, and Easter Sunday masses on April 12. The cancellations also affect Palm Sunday events on April 5.
Spain: Doña Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, tested positive. They are in good condition and are following health officials' preventative measures. The nation joined Italy in ordering a nationwide lockdown, banning people from leaving home, except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work.


upi--2020-03-15--Reba McEntire's mother Jacqueline dies at 94

March 15 ( UPI ) -- Country music star Reba McEntire announced on social media that her mother Jacqueline has @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our Mother , Jacqueline McEntire , made that wonderful cross over into Heaven @ @ @ @ @ wonderful , full , healthy life and was absolutely ready to go .
The cancer @ @ @ @ @ battle but we 're giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her @ @ @ @ @ , '' the singer tweeted Saturday .
`` She was ready to see our Daddy @ @ @ @ @ and all her family and friends .
Down here , Alice , Pake , Susie @ @ @ @ @ great grandkids all got to visit with her either in person or over the phone @ @ @ @ @ McEntire , 64 , released her 33rd studio album Stronger Than the Truth last April @ @ @ @ @ Association Awards show with Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton in Nashville in November .

1/3
Reba McEntire announced her 94-year-old mother died this weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 15 (UPI) -- Country music star Reba McEntire announced on social media that her mother Jacqueline has died. She was 94. "Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today. She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle but we're giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him," the singer tweeted Saturday. Advertisement
"She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy and all her family and friends. Down here, Alice, Pake, Susie and I, grandkids and great grandkids all got to visit with her either in person or over the phone," she added.
McEntire, 64, released her 33rd studio album Stronger Than the Truth last April and co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards show with Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton in Nashville in November.


upi--2020-03-15--Above-average February temperatures topple over 1,000 records in U.S. alone

After delivering waves of springlike temperatures across the globe and even toppling a few daily highs , February 2020 ranked globally as the second warmest on record , which date back to 1880 .
The month 's global land and ocean surface temperature departure from average measured 2.11 Fahrenheit above the 20th century average , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's National Climate Report .
This falls less than a tenth of a degree from February 2016 's departure of 2.27 degrees , which was the warmest recorded February on record .
In Fahrenheit , the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2019 , the average fell at 1.55 degrees above average .
This was the 44th consecutive February and 422nd consecutive month with temperatures nominally above the 20th century average , according to NOAA .
`` The 10 warmest Februarys on record globally have all occurred since 1998 , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said .
Unlike during 2016 , this year 's February did not get a boost in temperatures from El Niño -- a routine climate pattern when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean rise to above-normal levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The last February that was n't during an El Niño year was in 2018 , when the global land and ocean surface temperatures only reached 0.77 degrees Celsius above average .
For the contiguous U.S. , this February was ranked among the warmest one-third of the 126-year period of record .
There were at least 1,438 daily record daily high temperature records across the nation during February 2020 , according to NOAA .
`` In terms of the Northern Hemisphere winter , December through February , this past winter was the second-warmest on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This was the warmest winter on record for France , where records go back to 1900 .
This was also the second-warmest summer on record for Australia . ''
Antarctica even set an all-time high record when a weather station recorded the highest recorded temperature on the continent , 65 degrees Fahrenheit , near the beginning of the month .
Much of Asia and the Caribbean region also had their warmest February , according to Anderson .
This was also the driest February on record for Spain .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the wettest on record for the United Kingdom , recording 8.23 inche , or about 237 percent of normal after enduring storms Ciara , Dennis and Jorge .
There also some corners of the world that did experience abnormally low temperatures this winter .
`` It was not warm everywhere , '' Anderson said .
`` Alaska , northern Canada and far-eastern Russia were abnormally cold in February due mostly to the fact that the polar vortex , which was very strong , basically sat over the far-northern latitudes through the month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea ice growth . ''

Fans enjoy the warm weather as they watch the San Diego Padres play the Texas Rangers at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Ariz., on March 7. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo
After delivering waves of springlike temperatures across the globe and even toppling a few daily highs, February 2020 ranked globally as the second warmest on record, which date back to 1880. The month's global land and ocean surface temperature departure from average measured 2.11 Fahrenheit above the 20th century average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climate Report. This falls less than a tenth of a degree from February 2016's departure of 2.27 degrees, which was the warmest recorded February on record. Advertisement
In Fahrenheit, the difference falls at 0.16 of a degree. In 2019, the average fell at 1.55 degrees above average.
This was the 44th consecutive February and 422nd consecutive month with temperatures nominally above the 20th century average, according to NOAA.
February average global land and ocean temperature departures from average from 1880 to 2020. Image/NOAA
Advertisement
"The 10 warmest Februarys on record globally have all occurred since 1998," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Unlike during 2016, this year's February did not get a boost in temperatures from El Niño -- a routine climate pattern when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean rise to above-normal levels for an extended period of time. The last February that wasn't during an El Niño year was in 2018, when the global land and ocean surface temperatures only reached 0.77 degrees Celsius above average.
For the contiguous U.S., this February was ranked among the warmest one-third of the 126-year period of record. There were at least 1,438 daily record daily high temperature records across the nation during February 2020, according to NOAA.
"In terms of the Northern Hemisphere winter, December through February, this past winter was the second-warmest on record behind 2016," Anderson said. "This was the warmest winter on record for France, where records go back to 1900. This was also the second-warmest summer on record for Australia."
Advertisement
Antarctica even set an all-time high record when a weather station recorded the highest recorded temperature on the continent, 65 degrees Fahrenheit, near the beginning of the month.
Although February 2020 wasn't the warmest globally, it still reached the warmest on record for a few nations. Image/NOAA
Much of Asia and the Caribbean region also had their warmest February, according to Anderson. This was also the driest February on record for Spain.
On the other end of the spectrum, February 2020 was the wettest on record for the United Kingdom, recording 8.23 inche, or about 237 percent of normal after enduring storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge.
There also some corners of the world that did experience abnormally low temperatures this winter.
"It was not warm everywhere," Anderson said. "Alaska, northern Canada and far-eastern Russia were abnormally cold in February due mostly to the fact that the polar vortex, which was very strong, basically sat over the far-northern latitudes through the month, leading to persistent cold and significant sea ice growth."


upi--2020-03-15--Late-week storm system to bring threat for blizzard conditions across Plains, Midwest

The month of March can be notorious for featuring all types of hazardous weather as cold air in place across the northern tier of the country clashes with the expanding warmth across the South .
As a massive storm system treks across the country this week , all facets of impactful weather will come into play as these air masses clash together .
The storm system will first bring much-needed snowfall across the Sierra Nevada before targeting the center of the country mid- to late week .
The storm system will slowly track through the Intermountain West through Wednesday before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Rockies .
Before the arrival of the wintry side of the storm system , many cities will experience above-average warmth as the storm system pumps warm and humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico .
Embedded within the warm and humid air , this storm system will bring along a threat for severe weather from the southern Plains into the Ohio Valley into late week .
This zone is expected to remain south and east of areas facing a wintry threat .
Rapid City , South Dakota , will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of the week as the storm system passes by .
Temperatures could climb into the middle 50s on Wednesday ahead of the storm before plummeting by 40-50 degrees on Thursday night as the storm bears down .
While Rapid City may be one of the more extreme cases of weather whiplash from this storm system , many other cities across the Plains and Upper Midwest can expect the same general trend of moderating temperatures through midweek followed by crashing temperatures on the back side of the storm .
The developing system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow across the Plains and Midwest will depend highly on the interaction with a separate wave of atmospheric energy swinging through south-central Canada .
The degree to which these two features phase together will help to determine the severity of the winter weather .
The southern storm system will begin to track east of the Rockies and begin its interaction with the Canadian system into the day on Thursday .
Portions of eastern Wyoming , western Nebraska , northeastern Colorado and South Dakota will likely have crashing temperatures , a stiff north wind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday as the storm systems merge and intensify .
From Thursday to Thursday night , it is possible that blizzard conditions develop across these areas .
The potential blizzard will be highly dependent on the two storm systems phasing together .
If the two features were to remain separate from each other , it is possible that the blizzard criteria would not be reached across the Plains and Upper Midwest .
The forecast into Friday will once again be highly dependent on the interaction of the two aforementioned features in play .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storm system will end up being much more intense and will likely take a track farther north across the Upper Midwest .
If the interaction occurs to a lesser degree , it is possible that the storm system takes a more easterly track , resulting in less snowfall and weaker winds .
The forecast will need to be monitored closely in the Twin Cities Thursday night into Friday , as accumulating snow , blustery wind gusts and falling temperatures are all possible .
The degree of interaction between the two storm systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast for places like Duluth , Minnesota , and Marquette , Michigan , as well .
Thursday night into Friday also look like the most likely time frame any adverse weather from this storm system would impact these cities , but if the storm happens to take a more southerly track , the cities could be missed entirely .
One aspect of the forecast that looks more certain will be the brief cooldown in the wake of the storm system across the Midwest .
In the wake of the storm system , conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Plains and into the Midwest as an expansive area of high pressure sinks southward from Canada .

The month of March can be notorious for featuring all types of hazardous weather as cold air in place across the northern tier of the country clashes with the expanding warmth across the South. As a massive storm system treks across the country this week, all facets of impactful weather will come into play as these air masses clash together.
The storm system will first bring much-needed snowfall across the Sierra Nevada before targeting the center of the country mid- to late week.
Advertisement
The storm system will slowly track through the Intermountain West through Wednesday before any impactful winter weather threatens locales east of the Rockies.
Before the arrival of the wintry side of the storm system, many cities will experience above-average warmth as the storm system pumps warm and humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico.
Advertisement
Embedded within the warm and humid air, this storm system will bring along a threat for severe weather from the southern Plains into the Ohio Valley into late week. This zone is expected to remain south and east of areas facing a wintry threat.
Rapid City, South Dakota, will likely experience both spring and winterlike conditions over the course of the week as the storm system passes by. Temperatures could climb into the middle 50s on Wednesday ahead of the storm before plummeting by 40-50 degrees on Thursday night as the storm bears down.
While Rapid City may be one of the more extreme cases of weather whiplash from this storm system, many other cities across the Plains and Upper Midwest can expect the same general trend of moderating temperatures through midweek followed by crashing temperatures on the back side of the storm.
The developing system that will bring a threat for heavy snow across the Plains and Midwest will depend highly on the interaction with a separate wave of atmospheric energy swinging through south-central Canada.
The degree to which these two features phase together will help to determine the severity of the winter weather.
The southern storm system will begin to track east of the Rockies and begin its interaction with the Canadian system into the day on Thursday.
Advertisement
Portions of eastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado and South Dakota will likely have crashing temperatures, a stiff north wind and accumulating snowfall during the day on Thursday as the storm systems merge and intensify.
From Thursday to Thursday night, it is possible that blizzard conditions develop across these areas.
The potential blizzard will be highly dependent on the two storm systems phasing together. If the two features were to remain separate from each other, it is possible that the blizzard criteria would not be reached across the Plains and Upper Midwest.
The forecast into Friday will once again be highly dependent on the interaction of the two aforementioned features in play.
If the two features phase together completely, the storm system will end up being much more intense and will likely take a track farther north across the Upper Midwest. If the interaction occurs to a lesser degree, it is possible that the storm system takes a more easterly track, resulting in less snowfall and weaker winds.
The forecast will need to be monitored closely in the Twin Cities Thursday night into Friday, as accumulating snow, blustery wind gusts and falling temperatures are all possible.
The degree of interaction between the two storm systems will make all the difference in the forecast for places like Duluth, Minnesota, and Marquette, Michigan, as well. Thursday night into Friday also look like the most likely time frame any adverse weather from this storm system would impact these cities, but if the storm happens to take a more southerly track, the cities could be missed entirely.
Advertisement
One aspect of the forecast that looks more certain will be the brief cooldown in the wake of the storm system across the Midwest.
In the wake of the storm system, conditions will calm down into the weekend across the Plains and into the Midwest as an expansive area of high pressure sinks southward from Canada.


upi--2020-03-15--SpaceX Starlink mission fails to launch from Florida on Sunday

ORLANDO , Fla. , March 15 ( UPI ) -- A problem with power to the rocket forced a last-minute abort of SpaceX 's planned launch of 60 Starlink communications satellites Sunday morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida .
The Falcon 9 , burning rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen , was to lift off in ideal weather , using its first stage for the fifth time -- a tribute to the company 's goal to reuse hardware for future missions .
But computers stopped the countdown with just seconds to go , ending the attempt for the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch date .
The launch from Complex 39A was to boost the number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 362 -- by far the largest known satellite constellation .
The space firm launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May , November , on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17 , with two test satellites launched before that .
If all continues on track for Starlink , 100 or more such Starlink launches could occur in the next few years .
SpaceX intends ultimately to launch thousands of satellites to beam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Internet everywhere , even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets .
Starlink has drawn some concern from astronomers and stargazers who have seen the satellites as they reflect sunlight .
In response , SpaceX launched a satellite in January with a non-reflective coating , to see if it is less visible on the ground .
The company has said it could take months before they can evaluate the coating .
SpaceX did n't respond to a request for an update .
The Starlink satellites detach from the rocket 's second stage at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SpaceX engineers then conduct data reviews to ensure all Starlink satellites are operating as intended .
Once the checkouts are complete , the satellites use onboard ion thrusters to move into the final orbit height .

A SpaceX rocket like this one launched 60 more Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space center in Florida on Sunday morning. Photo courtesy of SpaceX
ORLANDO, Fla., March 15 (UPI) -- A problem with power to the rocket forced a last-minute abort of SpaceX's planned launch of 60 Starlink communications satellites Sunday morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9, burning rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen, was to lift off in ideal weather, using its first stage for the fifth time -- a tribute to the company's goal to reuse hardware for future missions. Advertisement
But computers stopped the countdown with just seconds to go, ending the attempt for the day. SpaceX did not immediately set a new launch date.
The launch from Complex 39A was to boost the number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 362 -- by far the largest known satellite constellation.
The space firm launched 60 Starlink satellites at a time in May, November, on Jan. 6 and 29 and Feb. 17, with two test satellites launched before that.
If all continues on track for Starlink, 100 or more such Starlink launches could occur in the next few years. SpaceX intends ultimately to launch thousands of satellites to beam broadband around the globe to provide high-speed Internet everywhere, even in extreme weather or aboard high-speed jets.
Advertisement
Starlink has drawn some concern from astronomers and stargazers who have seen the satellites as they reflect sunlight. In response, SpaceX launched a satellite in January with a non-reflective coating, to see if it is less visible on the ground.
The company has said it could take months before they can evaluate the coating. SpaceX didn't respond to a request for an update.
The Starlink satellites detach from the rocket's second stage at an altitude of about 180 miles. SpaceX engineers then conduct data reviews to ensure all Starlink satellites are operating as intended. Once the checkouts are complete, the satellites use onboard ion thrusters to move into the final orbit height.


upi--2020-03-16--Patriots sign S Devin McCourty to 2-year extension

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The New England Patriots have signed safety Devin McCourty to a two-year contract extension @ @ @ @ @ extension Sunday .
McCourty also announced his option was picked up on his social media @ @ @ @ @ Thursday picked up the option for Jason McCourty -- Devin 's twin brother .
McCourty @ @ @ @ @ league as the No .
27 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft .
The @ @ @ @ @ 58 total tackles , seven passes defensed , five interceptions , two forced fumbles and @ @ @ @ @ starts last season for the Patriots .
The Patriots ranked first in total defense and @ @ @ @ @ was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September .

New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) had five interceptions in 16 stars in 2019. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots have signed safety Devin McCourty to a two-year contract extension. New England announced the extension Sunday. McCourty also announced his option was picked up on his social media platforms. The Patriots on Thursday picked up the option for Jason McCourty -- Devin's twin brother. Advertisement
Sources told NFL Network Devin's deal is worth $23 million and includes $17 million guaranteed.
McCourty, 32, entered the league as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The two-time Pro Bowl selection had 58 total tackles, seven passes defensed, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 16 starts last season for the Patriots.
McCourty hasn't missed a start since the 2015 season.
The Patriots ranked first in total defense and scoring in 2019, McCourty was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.


upi--2020-03-16--Scientists find burnt, starving koalas weeks after the bushfires

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The plight of koalas during the recent bushfire crisis made headlines here and abroad .
But the emergency for our wildlife is not over .
Koalas that survived the flames are now dying from starvation , dehydration , smoke inhalation and other hazards .
Over the past three weeks in one wildlife conservation property alone , our rescue team found koalas recently crushed under fire-damaged trees , and koalas with burnt paws after descending to the smoldering ground after the inferno had passed , hoping to change trees and find food .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , emaciated koala with all four paws burnt .
Koalas are also at risk of dying from infections associated with these injuries , or from the ongoing effects of smoke inhalation .
Even uninjured koalas are struggling to find food in their burnt habitat and may soon starve .
There is still time to act to avoid losing more koalas .
But we need the public 's help .
The fires in Australia 's southeast destroyed huge swathes of koala habitat in areas where they were already vulnerable -- dehydrated and malnourished due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land-clearing .
Adding to the pressures , an estimated 5,000 koalas died as a result of the recent fires in New South Wales alone -- potentially two out of every three .
Our team at Detection Dogs for Conservation rescues , trains and deploys dogs to find wildlife that needs help .
Since November last year , we 've deployed our dogs to fire grounds in NSW and Queensland almost every week , urgently searching for surviving koalas .
One of our detection dogs , Bear , is trained to find the koala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our other dogs are .
The International Fund for Animal Welfare helps coordinate our activities with local wildlife rescue groups and other koala conservationists .
After bushfires , a koala 's territory is often no longer able to sustain them due to lack of food -- which for koalas also provides water -- or lack of shelter .
Without canopy cover , koalas simply overheat .
Finding koalas can be difficult .
They camouflage well , they are quiet , and usually sit still .
But dogs can smell what we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs , together with our drone equipped with a thermal camera , greatly increase koala detection rates .
We believe most koalas that died in the fires were reduced to ashes , and so could not be counted among the dead .
But since November , in 39 days of searches , we 've found more than 40 injured , sick , dehydrated or starving koalas and , sadly , six dead ones .
We 've also observed koalas returning to their favorite trees in their home ranges , only to find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small unburnt patch but are now isolated and surrounded by vast tracts of inhospitable habitat .
When we find live koalas in the fire grounds , we attempt to catch them and transport them to a local wildlife triage center or koala `` hospital '' to be urgently assessed by veterinarians .
Burns are obvious , but smoke inhalation is less so .
Koalas in poor condition must stay in care until they 've fully recovered .
In the past three weeks , we 've made particularly tragic discoveries .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inferno had been crushed and killed under fire-damaged trees .
We sighted one of these koalas three days in a row .
The first two days , he was in trees he could not be safely rescued from .
The third day , he was fatally crushed .
As recently as last week , we found koalas suffering burns , predominantly on their paws .
These animals would have continued to suffer severe pain trying to climb trees had we not rescued them .
One of our last rescues was a 4-pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lowest possible body condition on the scale -- emaciated .
We did expect to find koalas killed by the fires .
But it was especially heartbreaking to find those that died afterward .
It 's hard then to not think , perhaps with more detection dogs and a bigger team , we might have saved them .
We can do more A full search-and-rescue team comprises Bear and his handler , a drone pilot and a koala-catching crew .
These missions cost money .
To date , our deployments have been entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welfare .
We 've established an online fundraiser to help pay for further rescue work .
We are also learning from this year 's deployment how to be more efficient next year -- including having the equipment , team and budget secured prior to the fire season , which we hope this fundraiser helps us achieve .
After the devastating fire season , rescuing and rehabilitating surviving koalas is critical .
Koalas reproduce slowly .
The more rescued and able to breed this year , the quicker the population will increase .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific genetic make-up ; the genetic diversity we can preserve now will help the species cope with future challenges .
Romane H. Cristescu is a post-doctoral student in ecology and Celine Frere is a senior lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

1/2
Romane Cristescu checks a koala that survived the bushfires, but died afterward. Photo courtesy of Detection Dogs for Conservation
March 16 (UPI) -- The plight of koalas during the recent bushfire crisis made headlines here and abroad. But the emergency for our wildlife is not over. Koalas that survived the flames are now dying from starvation, dehydration, smoke inhalation and other hazards. Over the past three weeks in one wildlife conservation property alone, our rescue team found koalas recently crushed under fire-damaged trees, and koalas with burnt paws after descending to the smoldering ground after the inferno had passed, hoping to change trees and find food. One of our most recent rescues was an orphaned, emaciated koala with all four paws burnt. Advertisement
Koalas are also at risk of dying from infections associated with these injuries, or from the ongoing effects of smoke inhalation. Even uninjured koalas are struggling to find food in their burnt habitat and may soon starve.
Advertisement
There is still time to act to avoid losing more koalas. But we need the public's help.
Critically urgent task
The fires in Australia's southeast destroyed huge swathes of koala habitat in areas where they were already vulnerable -- dehydrated and malnourished due to prolonged drought, climate change and land-clearing.
Adding to the pressures, an estimated 5,000 koalas died as a result of the recent fires in New South Wales alone -- potentially two out of every three.
Our team at Detection Dogs for Conservation rescues, trains and deploys dogs to find wildlife that needs help.
Since November last year, we've deployed our dogs to fire grounds in NSW and Queensland almost every week, urgently searching for surviving koalas. One of our detection dogs, Bear, is trained to find the koala itself -- not just koala scats, as our other dogs are.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare helps coordinate our activities with local wildlife rescue groups and other koala conservationists.
After bushfires, a koala's territory is often no longer able to sustain them due to lack of food -- which for koalas also provides water -- or lack of shelter. Without canopy cover, koalas simply overheat.
Advertisement
Finding koalas can be difficult. They camouflage well, they are quiet, and usually sit still. But dogs can smell what we can't see, including koalas. These dogs, together with our drone equipped with a thermal camera, greatly increase koala detection rates.
What we found
We believe most koalas that died in the fires were reduced to ashes, and so could not be counted among the dead. But since November, in 39 days of searches, we've found more than 40 injured, sick, dehydrated or starving koalas and, sadly, six dead ones.
We've also observed koalas returning to their favorite trees in their home ranges, only to find the canopies completely burnt. Others survived in a small unburnt patch but are now isolated and surrounded by vast tracts of inhospitable habitat.
When we find live koalas in the fire grounds, we attempt to catch them and transport them to a local wildlife triage center or koala "hospital" to be urgently assessed by veterinarians. Burns are obvious, but smoke inhalation is less so. Koalas in poor condition must stay in care until they've fully recovered.
In the past three weeks, we've made particularly tragic discoveries. In the Snowy Mountains, two koalas that survived the inferno had been crushed and killed under fire-damaged trees. We sighted one of these koalas three days in a row. The first two days, he was in trees he could not be safely rescued from. The third day, he was fatally crushed.
Advertisement
As recently as last week, we found koalas suffering burns, predominantly on their paws. These animals would have continued to suffer severe pain trying to climb trees had we not rescued them. One of our last rescues was a 4-pound orphaned koala with four burnt paws and the lowest possible body condition on the scale -- emaciated.
We did expect to find koalas killed by the fires. But it was especially heartbreaking to find those that died afterward. It's hard then to not think, perhaps with more detection dogs and a bigger team, we might have saved them.
We can do more
A full search-and-rescue team comprises Bear and his handler, a drone pilot and a koala-catching crew. These missions cost money. To date, our deployments have been entirely funded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
We've established an online fundraiser to help pay for further rescue work. We are also learning from this year's deployment how to be more efficient next year -- including having the equipment, team and budget secured prior to the fire season, which we hope this fundraiser helps us achieve.
After the devastating fire season, rescuing and rehabilitating surviving koalas is critical. Koalas reproduce slowly. The more rescued and able to breed this year, the quicker the population will increase. And every koala we rescue comes with a specific genetic make-up; the genetic diversity we can preserve now will help the species cope with future challenges.
Advertisement
Romane H. Cristescu is a post-doctoral student in ecology and Celine Frere is a senior lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-03-16--Watch: Trevor Bauer sets up 'Sandlot' baseball game during MLB break

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Cincinnati Reds star Trevor Bauer set up a Sandlot-style baseball game , featuring several Major League Baseball players , with proceeds from the event going to MLB staff members who are out of work due the coronavirus .
Bauer hosted the game Saturday night in Scottsdale , Ariz. MLB announced Thursday it would delay the start of the regular season by at least two weeks and canceled spring training due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The Reds pitcher sent out a tweet Friday to gather interest for the game from other MLB stars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitters would wear microphones for the game .
Tommy Pham , Cole Tucker , Tim Melville and Mike Clevinger were among the players to respond to the invitation .
Bauer also set up a GoFundMe account with a $ 1 million goal for MLB game day staff members , who will not be working during the coronavirus outbreak .
He donated $ 10,000 to the fundraiser .
The game was streamed on the social media channels of Bauer 's media company , Momentum .
Players sported apparel similar to what the characters wore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including flannel shirts and denim shorts .
Bauer fired Wiffle ball pitches from the pitcher 's mound as the MLB stars took huge hacks at the plate and hit several home runs .
Bauer 's GoFundMe account had raised about $ 23,000 by Monday morning .
`` Had a great time doing this !
If you can find it in your budget to help support the people who make game day possible , it would help a lot of people , '' Bauer tweeted Sunday .
The Major League Baseball Players Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their spring training sites , go home or travel to the team 's home city .
Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he expects less than half of the team to remain in Goodyear , Ariz. , at their spring training site .

March 16 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Reds star Trevor Bauer set up a Sandlot-style baseball game, featuring several Major League Baseball players, with proceeds from the event going to MLB staff members who are out of work due the coronavirus.
Bauer hosted the game Saturday night in Scottsdale, Ariz. MLB announced Thursday it would delay the start of the regular season by at least two weeks and canceled spring training due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Advertisement
The Reds pitcher sent out a tweet Friday to gather interest for the game from other MLB stars. Bauer also explained that all pitchers and hitters would wear microphones for the game.
Tommy Pham, Cole Tucker, Tim Melville and Mike Clevinger were among the players to respond to the invitation. Bauer also set up a GoFundMe account with a $1 million goal for MLB game day staff members, who will not be working during the coronavirus outbreak. He donated $10,000 to the fundraiser.
The game was streamed on the social media channels of Bauer's media company, Momentum. Players sported apparel similar to what the characters wore in the 1993 baseball move The Sandlot, including flannel shirts and denim shorts. Bauer fired Wiffle ball pitches from the pitcher's mound as the MLB stars took huge hacks at the plate and hit several home runs.
Advertisement
Bauer's GoFundMe account had raised about $23,000 by Monday morning.
"Had a great time doing this! If you can find it in your budget to help support the people who make game day possible, it would help a lot of people," Bauer tweeted Sunday.
The Major League Baseball Players Association told players Friday that they could stay at their spring training sites, go home or travel to the team's home city. Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he expects less than half of the team to remain in Goodyear, Ariz., at their spring training site.


upi--2020-03-16--Olga Kurylenko says she has tested positive for COVID-19

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Actress Olga Kurylenko has announced on Instagram that she has tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ home after having tested positive for coronavirus .
I 've actually been ill for almost @ @ @ @ @ Kurylenko said on Sunday alongside a photo of a balcony .
`` Fever and fatigue @ @ @ @ @ Take care of yourself and do take this seriously ! ''
she continued .
Kurylenko @ @ @ @ @ to contract the virus following Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson who recently announced @ @ @ @ @ while in Australia .
Kurylenko is best known for starring in James Bond film Quantum @ @ @ @ @ Oblivion opposite Tom Cruise , The Man Who Killed Don Quixote , Seven Psychopaths , @ @ @ @ @ was declared a global pandemic on Wednesday by the World Health Organization .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Prevention recommended on Sunday that events and gatherings of over 50 people scheduled for the @ @ @ @ @ .

This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
March 16 (UPI) -- Actors Idris Elba and Olga Kurylenko announced on social media Monday that they have tested positive for COVID-19.
Elba shared a video where he spoke, with wife Sabrina Dhowre in the background. He said he self-quarantined on Friday when he found out he'd come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Advertisement
Elba got tested and the results showed he was positive too. He said he feels fine, and Dhowre is asymptomatic and has not been tested yet. He encouraged viewers to take isolation seriously.
"There are people out there who aren't showing symptoms and that can easily spread it," Elba said. "So now is a real time to be really vigilant about washing your hands and keeping your distance."
Olga Kurylenko shared her announcement on Instagram.
Advertisement View this post on Instagram Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus. I've actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously! Сижу в изоляции дома с диагнозом Коронавирус. Уже почти неделю болею. Температура и слабость - мои основные симптомы. Будьте осторожны и принимайте это во всерьёз! #coronavirus #коронавирус Advertisement A post shared by Olga Kurylenko (@olgakurylenkoofficial) on Mar 15, 2020 at 10:42am PDT
"Locked up at home after having tested positive for coronavirus. I've actually been ill for almost a week now," Kurylenko said on Sunday alongside a photo of a balcony.
"Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!" she continued.
Kurylenko is the latest Hollywood star to contract the virus following Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson who recently announced they tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia.
Kurylenko is best known for starring in James Bond film Quantum of Solace, sci-fi epic Oblivion opposite Tom Cruise, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Seven Psychopaths, Hitman and more.
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on Wednesday by the World Health Organization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended on Sunday that events and gatherings of over 50 people scheduled for the next eight weeks be canceled.


upi--2020-03-16--Gas pipeline explosion in Nigeria kills at least 17

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Authorities say a gas pipeline explosion in Nigeria has killed at least 17 people and destroyed more than 70 buildings , including schools , churches and hotels .
The explosion occurred Sunday in the Abule-Ado area , near the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos .
The cause is under investigation .
The blast happened in the pipeline near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation , officials said .
`` The government must immediately do all that is necessary to avert a reoccurrence , '' said Chief Solomon Ogbonna , president of the Ohaneze Ndigbo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Lagos state government to investigate this and not dismiss it as a mere gas explosion .
The damage is huge . ''
Students at the Bethlehem Girls College became trapped after the explosion .
Rev .
Henritta Alokha , principal of the institution , died while trying to rescue students .
Valentine Buraimoh , the chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area , said three schools were damaged in the explosion .
`` Churches were also affected , '' Buraimoh said .
`` We have been able to rescue some but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
... Our men are still on the ground trying to rescue as many as they can . ''

March 16 (UPI) -- Authorities say a gas pipeline explosion in Nigeria has killed at least 17 people and destroyed more than 70 buildings, including schools, churches and hotels.
The explosion occurred Sunday in the Abule-Ado area, near the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. The cause is under investigation.
Advertisement
The blast happened in the pipeline near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, officials said.
"The government must immediately do all that is necessary to avert a reoccurrence," said Chief Solomon Ogbonna, president of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State. "I am calling on the Lagos state government to investigate this and not dismiss it as a mere gas explosion. The damage is huge."
Students at the Bethlehem Girls College became trapped after the explosion. Rev. Henritta Alokha, principal of the institution, died while trying to rescue students.
Valentine Buraimoh, the chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, said three schools were damaged in the explosion.
"Churches were also affected," Buraimoh said. "We have been able to rescue some but more are still trapped in the buildings. ... Our men are still on the ground trying to rescue as many as they can."


upi--2020-03-16--Germany joins European neighbors with coronavirus border restrictions

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Germany became the latest European nation Monday to severely restrict border crossings as the continent works to control the coronavirus outbreak .
In putting borders restrictions in place , Germany has joined several neighbors in restricting free travel within the European Union 's Schengen network of open internal borders .
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced the new restrictions late Sunday , which will affect frontiers with Switzerland , France , Austria , Denmark and Luxembourg .
`` Travelers without a valid reason to travel can no longer enter , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic and commuters .
More than 5,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Germany .
Thirteen patients have died and almost 50 have recovered , health officials said .
Austria was the first to restrict borders when it set up checkpoints along its Alpine border with Italy , which has since emerged as the disease 's epicenter in Europe .
Austria is now demanding that travelers from Italy produce proof they have been cleared by doctors .
Germany has joined Slovenia , Hungary , Poland , Slovakia , the Czech Republic and Cyprus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged member states not to impose unilateral border closings , and instead allow the EU to develop uniform guidelines for health screenings for international travel .
`` Certain controls may be justified , but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organization , '' von der Leyen told reporters .
`` Ultimately it amounts to reintroducing internal borders , at a time when solidarity between member states is needed . ''

A notice related to the spread of the coronavirus disease is seen Monday posted at Narita International Airport in Chiba prefecture, Japan. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- Canada, France, Russia and Sudan closed their borders on Monday in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that foreign nationals from all countries except for the United States will no longer be allowed to enter Canada as the nation will limit international flight arrivals to four major airports. Advertisement
"This does not include air crews, travelers heading to a third country, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, or permanent residents," Trudeau said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the country's borders would also close beginning at noon on March 17.
Russia said it would close its borders to foreigners with some exceptions until May 1, while Sudan closed all sea ports, land crossings and airports.
"All travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended. French people abroad who want to return will of course be able to join their country," he said.
Advertisement
The World Health Organization said in an update Monday there has been a "rapid escalation" of coronavirus cases and the European Union proposed a 30-day ban on non-essential travel into the bloc.
The WHO said the vast majority of new cases in recent days have been recorded outside the original epicenter in China, and that Europe and Iran are now the hardest-hit areas.
"More cases and deaths have now been reported in the rest of the world than in China," said WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who added that the global response is improving and lagging in some places.
A Johns Hopkins University tally stood Monday at nearly 175,000 cases worldwide and more than 6,700 deaths. More than 77,500 people have recovered, the university indicates.
"We have seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures, like closing schools and cancelling sporting events and other gatherings," Ghebreyesus said. "But we haven't seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing, which is the backbone of the COVID-19 response."
The WHO chief urged every country to "test, test, test" in conjunction with social distancing, saying one is not sufficient without the other.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday announced a temporary halt to non-essential travel to the European Union for 30 days. Under the plan, a "fast lane" will be established to give priority to essential transport for goods and commuters.
Advertisement
Italy
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Italy faces its greatest test since World War II, as the death toll mounted to 1,809 -- nearly one-third of the world total.
"It's the time for sacrifices, for responsible choices," he told the daily Corriere della Sera. "Since the start I have worked with a spirit of unity, putting health at the center. We are facing an emergency that has not been known since the Second World War."
The head of the Italian doctors' union said more than 2,000 Italian health workers, including doctors and nurses, have been infected.
Spain
In Spain, in the number of new cases surged by 1,000 Monday, health officials said -- a jump of 13 percent.
The mortality rate has remained at around 3 percent, officials said. There are about 300 deaths and 540 recoveries.
Madrid regional premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Spanish prime minister, said they have tested positive.
Sunday, the Spanish government said private health providers would be temporarily taken over and put in the service of the national healthcare system for the first time in Spain's history.
France
Macron announced a 15-day lockdown to begin at noon Tuesday.
Advertisement
French health officials say there are more than 5,400 cases and 127 deaths. Jerome Salomon, director general of country's health service, said the number of new cases has doubled about every three days.
"I want our citizens to realize that there are people who are sick, who are in intensive care and that [their number] runs into hundreds," he said.
Germany
Germany has joined several neighbors in restricting free travel within the European Union's Schengen network of open internal borders.
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced the new restrictions late Sunday, which will affect frontiers with Switzerland, France, Austria, Denmark and Luxembourg.
"Travelers without a valid reason to travel can no longer enter," he said, adding there will be exceptions for goods traffic and commuters.
More than 5,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Germany. Thirteen patients have died and almost 50 have recovered, health officials said.
Austria was the first to restrict borders when it set up checkpoints along its Alpine border with Italy, which has since emerged as the disease's epicenter in Europe. Austria is now demanding that travelers from Italy produce proof they have been cleared by doctors.
Germany has joined Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Cyprus in imposing border restrictions.


upi--2020-03-16--Jushin 'Thunder' Liger to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

March 16 ( UPI ) -- Jushin 'Thunder ' Liger is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame .
Liger will be inducted alongside the Hall of Fame class of 2020 on April 2 , days before WrestleMania 36 takes place on April 5 .
Liger , a professional wrestler from Japan , is best known for his flashy white and red body suit and signature mask that includes three horns .
He is credited with creating the Shooting Star Press , a move that is still used today .
The grappler started his career in Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States as part of WCW in 1991 .
Liger was known for battling Brian Pillman over the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship , Rey Mysterio and Dean Malenko .
Liger biggest successes came from competing in Japan where he is an 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion through NJPW or New Japan Pro-Wrestling .
He also notably battled Tyler Breeze at WWE NXT TakeOver : Brooklyn in 2015 .
Liger had his last match at the Tokyo Dome in January .
The high-flyer is the third Japanese wrestler to be inducted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inoki and Tatsumi Fujinami .
The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020 also includes Batista , The nWo consisting of members Hollywood Hulk Hogan , Kevin Nash , Scott Hall and Sean Waltman , Nikki and Brie Bella of The Bella Twins and The British Bulldog .

BREAKING: @Liger_NJPW is the latest inductee in the @WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2020, as first reported by Tokyo Sports! #WWEHOF https://t.co/GuFzfPJbFU pic.twitter.com/HmNtPwsRWY— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2020
March 16 (UPI) -- Jushin 'Thunder' Liger is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Liger will be inducted alongside the Hall of Fame class of 2020 on April 2, days before WrestleMania 36 takes place on April 5.
Advertisement
Liger, a professional wrestler from Japan, is best known for his flashy white and red body suit and signature mask that includes three horns. He is credited with creating the Shooting Star Press, a move that is still used today.
The grappler started his career in Japan in the late 1980s and started competing in the United States as part of WCW in 1991. Liger was known for battling Brian Pillman over the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship, Rey Mysterio and Dean Malenko.
Liger biggest successes came from competing in Japan where he is an 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion through NJPW or New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He also notably battled Tyler Breeze at WWE NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015.
Liger had his last match at the Tokyo Dome in January. The high-flyer is the third Japanese wrestler to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame following Antonio Inoki and Tatsumi Fujinami.
Advertisement
The WWE Hall of Fame class of 2020 also includes Batista, The nWo consisting of members Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman, Nikki and Brie Bella of The Bella Twins and The British Bulldog.


upi--2020-03-16--Falcons agree to 3-year extension with DT Tyeler Davison

March 16 ( UPI ) -- The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with defensive tackle Tyeler @ @ @ @ @ pact Sunday .
Sources told NFL Network and ESPN that the deal is worth $ @ @ @ @ @ 4.5 million guaranteed .
Davison , 27 , joined the Falcons as a free agent @ @ @ @ @ , 309-pound defensive lineman entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ Draft .
Davison had a career-high 55 total tackles , four tackles for a loss @ @ @ @ @ fumble recovery in 16 games last season .
He has 150 tackles , 13 tackles @ @ @ @ @ quarterback hits , 4.5 sacks , four passes defensed , three forced fumbles and a @ @ @ @ @ appearances .
The Falcons ranked 15th against the run last season , allowing 110.9 rushing @ @ @ @

Tyeler Davison (R) played the first four seasons of his career for the New Orleans Saints. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
March 16 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with defensive tackle Tyeler Davison. Atlanta announced the pact Sunday. Sources told NFL Network and ESPN that the deal is worth $12 million and includes $4.5 million guaranteed. Advertisement
Davison, 27, joined the Falcons as a free agent last off-season. The 6-foot-2, 309-pound defensive lineman entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Davison had a career-high 55 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, a sack and a fumble recovery in 16 games last season. He has 150 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 13 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 77 career appearances.
The Falcons ranked 15th against the run last season, allowing 110.9 rushing yards per game.


upi--2020-03-16--Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders spar, criticize Trump in first one-on-one debate

March 15 ( UPI ) -- Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders faced off Sunday night in their first one-on-one primary debate of the 2020 campaign .
The debate , which was originally scheduled to take place in Phoenix but moved last week to Washington , D.C. , due to the coronavirus outbreak , began with the two candidates substituting the normal shaking of hands with the bumping of elbows , as recommended by health officials .
No live audience was present for the event , as a precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jorge Ramos after he came into contact with someone who was exposed to the virus .
The first question of the debate centered on COVID-19 , the disease that 's sickened more than 167,000 people and killed 6,400 deaths worldwide .
In the United States , the number of cases is at more than 1,600 and 41 deaths , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Biden said this epidemic is `` bigger than any one of us '' and called for a `` national rallying '' of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he were president he 'd increase testing , ensure every state had at least 10 drive-through testing locations and plan for additional hospital beds as well as deal with the economic fallout , including ensuring those who ca n't get paid due to the virus ' effects can still pay their rent and small businesses can receive interest-free loans .
Sanders said the first thing the United States must do , whether or not he is president , is `` shut this president up right now . ''
He said President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermining '' the doctors and scientists who are attempting to mitigate the coronavirus crisis .
`` It is unacceptable for him to be blabbering with un-factual information , which is confusing the general public , '' he said .
Sanders said the United States must next `` move aggressively '' to ensure every American knows that when they get sick with the virus all associated medical costs will be covered .
`` This is an unprecedented moment in American history , '' he said .
`` Now , I obviously believe in Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as president -- but right now in this emergency , I want every person in this country to understand that when you get sick , you go to the doctor .
When you get sick , if you have the virus , that will be paid for .
Do not worry about the cost right now because we 're in the middle of a national emergency . ''
Sanders said the capacity of hospitals must be increased so they can deal with a virus peak of hundreds of thousands of people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added the crisis is akin to being attacked by a foreign enemy and America must do all it can to defeat it .
`` This is like a war , and in a war , you do whatever is needed to be done to take care of your people , '' he said .
`` ... Everything that you need in terms of dealing with this crisis would be free . ''
The debate over a COVID-19 response veered in out of talk of healthcare , specifically Sanders ' call to reform Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every citizen .
Biden attacked the idea , stating Italy , which has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections with nearly 25,000 , is proof a single-payer system does n't work .
`` It does n't work there , '' he said .
`` It has nothing to do with Medicare for All .
That would not solve the problem at all . ''
He said by treating the crisis as a national emergency , meaning associated medical costs would be covered by taxes , is how it should be handled .
Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the dysfunctionality of the current healthcare system , '' which he argued is n't a system but a network of private insurers .
`` We do n't have a system , '' he said .
`` We got thousands of private insurance plans -- that is not a system that is prepared to provide healthcare to all people .
In a good year , without the epidemic , we 're losing up to 60,000 people who die every year because they do n't get to a doctor on time . ''
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of which Medicare of All is apart of , saying there are problems that need to be solved now .
He said Sanders ' plan , if it could be passed , would n't be in effect for at least four years while his plan would restore cuts made to Obama care , lower prescription costs and ax hidden bills while ensuring a public option .
`` I can get that done if I 'm president of the United States of America , '' Biden said .
`` ... What people want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not four years from now . ''
Sanders said the United States ' inability to offer its citizens healthcare similar to the single-payer option most wealthy nations have is the result of the imbalance in the country 's power structure that is controlled by the billionaires and companies .
`` If you want to make real changes in this country , if you want to make an economy that works for all and not just a few , if you want to guarantee healthcare to all not make a hundred billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what you need ?
You need to take on Wall Street , '' he said .
`` You need to take on the drug companies and the insurance companies and the fossil fuel industry . ''
Concerning authoritarian leaders , Sanders said they should be condemned .
`` As president of the United States , unlike Donald Trump , I will put the flag down and say that in this country and in this world we 've got to move toward democracy and human rights , '' he said .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their human rights violations and not their achievements , Sanders said China is an authoritarian society but one can not deny that extreme poverty in the country has receded compared to decades ago .
`` That 's a fact , '' he said .
`` So , I think we condemn authoritarianism whether it 's in China , Russia , Cuba , anyplace else , but to simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people would , I think , be incorrect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama praising the Fidel Castro regime in Cuba as part of efforts to change the island nation 's policy so the United States could help to open it up .
He then reacted to Sanders ' comment on China lifting citizens from extreme poverty , stating the Asian nation is an authoritarian dictatorship and the increase of wealth it has brought to its people has been `` marginal '' compared to its human rights transgressions .
Sanders then rebutted , stating he did call China a dictatorship and an authoritarian country but `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're going to look at the world the way it is '' to disregard the accomplishments of those nations .
Earlier in the debate , Sanders condemned China , where the coronavirus outbreak began in December , for attempting to initially downplay the severity of its epidemic by censoring those who attempted to inform others about the crisis .
But he also said now is not the time to punish the Asian nation but to work with it on ending the pandemic .
`` If there was ever a moment when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to support each other , this is that moment , '' he said .
Biden also said the United States should work with China .
He said he insisted U.S. experts be sent to the Asian nation and that there should be consequences if they were denied entry .
The debate followed strong showings by Biden on Super Tuesday and last week 's primaries , and ahead of contests scheduled for Tuesday in Arizona , Florida , Illinois and Ohio .
Election officials in Georgia on Saturday delayed the state 's March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved its April 4 primary to June 20 in response to the coronavirus .
Biden 's campaign on Sunday encouraged asymptomatic voters and those not at risk of exposure to vote on Tuesday and for those at risk to take advantage of absentee or vote by mail options .
`` The right to vote is the most sacred American right there is , '' he wrote .
`` State election officials are working closely with public health officials to hold safe elections .
If you are feeling healthy , not showing symptoms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 : please vote on Tuesday . ''
Sanders in a CNN op-ed Sunday called for solidarity in response to the virus and long-term changes to the country 's medical and economic systems .
`` It is at this moment that we must remember that we are all in this together , '' he wrote .
`` If our neighbor or co-worker gets sick , we have the potential to get sick .
If our neighbors lose their jobs , then our local economies suffer and we may lose our jobs .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and staffing capacity they need now , people we know and love may die . ''