upi--2020-03-08--Trump, Pence to skip annual St. Patrick's Day lunch on Capitol Hill

March 8 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence turned down an invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the annual St. Patrick 's Day lunch on Captiol Hill .
White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere cited Pelosi as the reason the president and vice president would skip the traditional bipartisan celebration of the holiday set to take place on Thursday , Politico reported .
`` Since the speaker has chosen to tear this nation apart with her actions and rhetoric , the president will not participate in moments where she so often chooses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead celebrate the rich history and strong ties between the United States and Ireland at the White House on March 12 , '' said Deere .
Deere added that the president was anticipating a visit from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for the annual Shamrock Bowl presentation in celebration of St. Patrick 's Day .
The absence of Pence and Trump would mark the first time neither the president nor vice president have attended the lunch since it 's founding .
Pelosi 's deputy chief of staff , Drew Hammill , condemned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has never been stronger support in the Congress and in the country for the U.S.-Ireland bilateral relationship , '' said Hammill .
`` One would think that the White House could set petty , partisan politics aside for this historic occasion . ''

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will skip an annual St. Patrick's Day lunch hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, marking the first time neither a president nor vice president has attended the bipartisan event. File Photo by Zach Gibson/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence turned down an invitation from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the annual St. Patrick's Day lunch on Captiol Hill. White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere cited Pelosi as the reason the president and vice president would skip the traditional bipartisan celebration of the holiday set to take place on Thursday, Politico reported. Advertisement
"Since the speaker has chosen to tear this nation apart with her actions and rhetoric, the president will not participate in moments where she so often chooses to drive discord and disunity and will instead celebrate the rich history and strong ties between the United States and Ireland at the White House on March 12," said Deere.
Deere added that the president was anticipating a visit from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for the annual Shamrock Bowl presentation in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
The absence of Pence and Trump would mark the first time neither the president nor vice president have attended the lunch since it's founding.
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Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, condemned the Trump administration for the snub.
"There has never been stronger support in the Congress and in the country for the U.S.-Ireland bilateral relationship," said Hammill. "One would think that the White House could set petty, partisan politics aside for this historic occasion."


upi--2020-03-08--'So You Think You Can Dance' alum Danny Tidwell dead at 35

March 8 ( UPI ) -- So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 runner-up Danny Tidwell has died in a car crash , his family said this weekend .
He was 35 .
His brother , choreographer Travis Wall , posted on Instagram Saturday , `` My heart is broken .
`` Yesterday I lost a brother .
And we all lost a gift .
I 'm not ready .
But I never think I will be .
Because I ca n't believe this is real .
I ca n't believe you 're gone .
You were more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I idolized you growing up , '' Wall , a runner-up on the second season of the Fox show , wrote .
`` Wanted to dance just like you .
Wanted to be you !
I wish I could jump in your arms again like we used to when we were kids and onstage dancing .
We will all remember the joy and passion you brought to everyone you came in contact with through out your journey .
A journey cut to short .
You are a legend .
And I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace my brother .
I ca n't believe I 'm even typing this .
Please pray for my mom and my family during this difficult time . ''
Tidwell 's husband , journalist David Benaym , also mourned his death on Instagram .
`` I 'm devastated that my Danny , the love of my life , my beloved friend , the artist , the talented angel , fierce mind , legendary dancer , my now late husband , Danny Tidwell died last night in a car crash while his friend was driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Saturday .
`` We were so lucky to have him , life was so challenging for him .
But he was a warrior , and he came back standing , always .
We loved each other so much , he was and always will be family .
He made me the happiest for so many years . ''

Danny Tidwell, the Season 3 runner-up of "So You Think You Can Dance," has died in a car crash, his family said this weekend. Photo by Jeffery Taylor/ Wikimedia Commons
March 8 (UPI) -- So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 runner-up Danny Tidwell has died in a car crash, his family said this weekend. He was 35. His brother, choreographer Travis Wall, posted on Instagram Saturday, "My heart is broken. Advertisement
"Yesterday I lost a brother. And we all lost a gift. I'm not ready. But I never think I will be. Because I can't believe this is real. I can't believe you're gone. You were more than my brother. You were my inspiration. I idolized you growing up," Wall, a runner-up on the second season of the Fox show, wrote.
"Wanted to dance just like you. Wanted to be you! I wish I could jump in your arms again like we used to when we were kids and onstage dancing. We will all remember the joy and passion you brought to everyone you came in contact with through out your journey. A journey cut to short. You are a legend. And I love you so much Danny. Rest In Peace my brother. I can't believe I'm even typing this . Please pray for my mom and my family during this difficult time."
Tidwell's husband, journalist David Benaym, also mourned his death on Instagram.
"I'm devastated that my Danny, the love of my life, my beloved friend, the artist, the talented angel, fierce mind, legendary dancer, my now late husband, Danny Tidwell died last night in a car crash while his friend was driving him home from work," Benaym said Saturday.
"We were so lucky to have him, life was so challenging for him. But he was a warrior, and he came back standing, always. We loved each other so much, he was and always will be family. He made me the happiest for so many years."
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-03-08--COVID-19: Grand Princess cruise ship with 21 positive cases to dock in U.S. on Monday

March 8 ( UPI ) -- A cruise ship where at least 21 people have tested positive for COVID-19 will dock in the United States on Monday , cruise line officials said Sunday .
The Grand Princess cruise ship will dock in Oakland , cruise line Princess Cruises announced after the ship has been waiting off the coast of San Francisco awaiting clearance to return to land amid the outbreak of coronavirus .
Guests who require medical treatment and hospitalization will be disembarked first , followed by guests that are California residents who will undergo a health screening before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state for testing and isolation .
Guests from outside California will be transported to facilities in other states and the crew will be quarantined and treated aboard the ship .
Another Princess cruise ship , the Regal Princess , was held up off the southeast coast of Florida on Sunday as it awaits tests for coronavirus from two crew members who were transferred from the Grand Princess .
The crew members have not exhibited symptoms of the virus , Princess said .
The Coast Guard delivered testing kits to the ship from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line canceled the next cruise from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale .
Rep. Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , wrote on Twitter that the Trump administration has decided to quarantine some of the passengers from the Grand Princess at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio where 230 people have already been quarantined while calling for more tests in the state .
`` Many of us have expressed to the Trump administration serious concerns with how the administration has handled the quarantine and treatment of infected patients , '' Castro wrote .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testing kits we need to truly determine community spread . ''
The United States has 515 cases of coronavirus and 21 deaths , according to figures from Johns Hopkins .
Sixteen of the deaths are in Washington state , with all but one in King County , two in Florida and one in California .
The first death in the United States was confirmed eight days ago -- in Washington .
The cases includs 46 repatriated people from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan and two from Wuhan , China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State has 110 cases and New York has the second most with 106 .
Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown declared a state of emergency on Sunday as the state , which borders Washington , identified seven new coronavirus cases bringing its total to 14 .
`` This news is concerning for all Oregonians , but my resolve and that of my administration to address this public health crisis is unchanged , '' said Brown .
`` This emergency declaration gives the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Emergency Management all the resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of this disease .
We will do everything it takes , within our power and in coordination with federal and local officials to keep Oregonians safe . ''
Virginia health officials announced a second presumptive case of coronavirus in the state , an 80-year-old Fairfax resident who traveled on a similar Nile River cruise linked to three positive tests in Maryland .
Presumptive positive cases refer to patients who have tested positive for the virus but have not yet been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk .
Average age of death for people from coronavirus is 80 , '' Adams said on CNN 's State of the Nation .
`` Average age of people who need medical attention is age 60 .
We want people who are older , people who have medical conditions , to take steps to protect themselves , including avoiding crowded spaces , including thinking very carefully about whether or not now is the time to get on that cruise ship , whether now is the time to take that long haul flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting with cruise executive in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday , said new screening and quarantine protocols will be put into effect in a few days , '' The American people value our cruise line industry , '' Pence , who leads the White House Coronavirus Task Force , said at roundtable discussion with Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis .
`` Nevertheless we all recognize the recent challenges posed on the Diamond Princess and the ongoing challenge with the Grand Princess in the spread of the coronavirus . ''
Anthony Fauci , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases , said that the U.S. government could shut down some sections of the country due to outbreaks of COVID-19 .
Fauci , a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , told Fox News that `` anything is possible '' in regards to measures widespread lockdowns in areas affected by the coronavirus could take place in the United States .
`` I do n't think it would be as draconian as nobody in or nobody out but if we continue to get cases like this particularly at the community level there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' where we have to essentially do social distancing , keep people out of crowded places , take a look at seriousness , do you really need to travel and I think it 's particularly important among the most vulnerable , '' he said .
Fauci 's comments come after Italian Prime Minister signed a decree placing millions of residents of northern Italy into lockdown in response to the virus .
Italy 's Civil Protection Department reported the country had 7,375 COVID-19 cases and 366 deaths in the nation before the decree was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. soil was Jan. 21 .
President Donald Trump on Sunday responded to criticism of his administration 's handling of the outbreak writing on Twitter that the White House has a `` perfectly coordinated and fine-tuned '' plan for the virus .
`` We moved VERY early to close borders to certain areas which was a Godsend .
V.P .
is doing a great job .
The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad .
Sad ! ''
Trump wrote .

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The Grand Princess cruise ship, where 21 people have tested positive will return to the United States on Monday, as a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force suggested the United States could close off some sections of the country if the outbreak worsens. Photo by California National Guard/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- U.S. citizens, particularly those with "underlying health issues," are urged not to travel by cruise ship during the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Sunday night. The guidelines come after two cruise ships were prevented from docking on both U.S. coasts after another cruise ship was quarantined in Japan for weeks. Advertisement
The Grand Princess, where at least 21 people have tested positive for COVID-19, will dock in Oakland, Calif., on Monday after remaining close to the shore in Northern California.
Another Princess cruise ship, the Regal Princess, was held up for 14 hours off the southeast coast of Florida on Sunday as it awaited tests for coronavirus from two crew members transferred from the Grand Princess. The crew members didn't exhibit symptoms of the virus and the tests returned negative Sunday night.
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With more than 3,800 deaths and nearly 110,000 cases worldwide, including 21 fatalities in the United States and more than 500 cases, the two agencies are urging Americans to avoid cruise travel. Their messages included similar wording.
"U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship," the State Department said. "While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities."
The State Department said it is relying on guidance from the CDC.
"Recent reports of COVID-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise ship passengers and crew," the CDC said. "Like many other viruses, COVID-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.
"It has become clear that people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and other conditions that cause suppression of immune system particularly among the older adults, are at a high risk of serious disease if infected with the novel coronavirus.
"To best protect these vulnerable individuals, we recommend that such individuals avoid situations that increase their risk of acquiring infections. This entails avoiding crowded places, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips, and especially avoiding embarking on cruise ships."
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The State Department notes "this is a fluid situation" and "passengers with plans to travel by cruise ship should contact their cruise line companies directly for further information and continue to monitor the Travel.state.gov website and see the latest information from the CDC."
Carnival Cruise Line, which owns the Princess brand, said it will continue to offer cruises.
"Our brands have enhanced their health screening protocols, which includes thermal scans, temperature checks as well as other actions, both prior to boarding and onboard our ships," the company said in a statement.
"We are currently in discussions with the CDC, World Health Organization and other health officials, and we met as a cruise industry Saturday, March 7, with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on an aggressive industry-wide response plan. The health and safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and cruising remains one of the most attractive vacation options available. "
Pence, who leads the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said new screening and quarantine protocols will be put into effect in a few days, and didn't mention avoid going on cruises.
"The American people value our cruise line industry," Pence, who leads the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said at a roundtable discussion with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Fort Lauderdale. "American people value our cruise line industry, it brings great joy and great entertainment value for Americans. We want to ensure Americans can continue to enjoy the opportunities of the cruise line industry."
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The Grand Princess cruise ship has been waiting off the coast of San Francisco for clearance to return to land.
Passengers who require medical treatment and hospitalization will disembark first, followed by California residents, who will undergo a health screening before being sent to a federal facility in the state for further testing and isolation.
Guests from outside California will be transported to facilities in other states, and the crew will be quarantined and treated aboard the ship, according to initial plans.
The disembarkation process will take several days, Princess Cruises said in an emailed statement to UPI.
Once all passengers have left the ship, it will continue on to San Francisco, it said, adding that plans for crew to be quarantine at its final distination are still being discussed.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, wrote on Twitter that the Trump administration has decided to quarantine some of the passengers from the Grand Princess at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where 230 people have already been quarantined while calling for more tests in the state.
"Many of us have expressed to the Trump administration serious concerns with how the administration has handled the quarantine and treatment of infected patients," Castro wrote. "For example, we still do not have the testing kits we need to truly determine community spread."
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Meanwhile, Canada said Sunday it will be repatriating its citizens from the vessel.
Global Affairs Canada said it has chartered a flight for the evacuation but did not state when it will occur.
"This decision was made following a request for assistance from the government of the United States to repatriate Canadians," it said in a statement.
Due to the possibility of COVID-19 transmission among the vessel's passengers, Canadians evacuated from the cruise will be quarantined upon their return to a Canadian Forces base in Trenton, Ontario.
Another Princess cruise ship, the Regal Princess, was held up off the southeast coast of Florida on Sunday as it awaited tests for coronavirus from two crew members who were transferred from the Grand Princess. The ship was scheduled to pull into the port at 8 a.m. EDT.
The Coast Guard delivered testing kits to the ship from a small boat Sunday morning. The cruise line canceled the next cruise from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Six deaths have been associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship that traveled to Wuhan, China, and was docked in Yokahama, Japan, for several weeks. Around 700 of the 3,711 guests have been stricken, including 46 Americans.
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Surgeon General Jerome Adams urged elderly Americans to avoid traveling, including on cruise ships, on Sunday.
"We now know more about who is at risk. Average age of death for people from coronavirus is 80," Adams said on CNN's State of the Nation.
"Average age of people who need medical attention is age 60. We want people who are older, people who have medical conditions, to take steps to protect themselves, including avoiding crowded spaces, including thinking very carefully about whether or not now is the time to get on that cruise ship, whether now is the time to take that long haul flight."
Including the Diamond Princess cruise passengers and three people infected with the virus repatriated from Wuhan, there are 547 cases in the United States, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
The death toll grew by two Sunday with two fatalities in the state of Washington for a total of 18. The other deaths are two in Florida and one in California. The first death was eight days ago -- in Kings County, Wash.
Washington State has 132 cases, New York has the second most with 106 and California at 98.
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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency on Sunday as the state, which borders Washington, identified seven new coronavirus cases, bringing its total to 14.
"This news is concerning for all Oregonians, but my resolve and that of my administration to address this public health crisis is unchanged," Brown said.
"This emergency declaration gives the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Emergency Management all the resources at the state's disposal to stem the spread of this disease. We will do everything it takes, within our power and in coordination with federal and local officials to keep Oregonians safe."
State emergencies were previously declared in California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Washington and Utah.
Puerto Rico officials announced Sunday its first presumptive case of the virus after a passenger of a cruise ship from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., began experiencing symptoms on arrival in San Juan. The tests will be sent off to the CDC for confirmation.
The Puerto Rico Department of Health confirmed the patient to be a 68-year-old woman from Italy, which is dealing with Europe's largest and growing cluster of COVID-19.
The department said the woman had received medical treatment for pneumonia symptoms while on the vessel.
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"Her husband, who we also ordered the test, does not show any symptoms," the department said in a statement.
In response, Gov. Wanda Vasquez Garced ordered all cruise ships to certify that no passengers are experiencing symptoms or have a travel history to hotspots when docking on the Caribbean island, the Executive Branch of Puerto Rico said via Twitter.
Iowa on Sunday evening confirmed its three presumptive cases among former passengers of an Egypt cruise ship, two of whom suffer from underlying health conditions.
"While these are the first cases, it may not be the last and it's why Iowans must continue to practice safe habits like hand washing and staying home from work when said," Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement.
Virginia health officials also announced a second presumptive case of coronavirus in the state, an 80-year-old Fairfax resident who traveled on a similar Nile River cruise linked to three positive tests in Maryland. Presumptive positive cases refer to patients who have tested positive for the virus but have not yet been confirmed by the CDC.
Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that the U.S. government could shut down some sections of the country due to outbreaks of COVID-19.
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Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, told Fox News that "anything is possible" in regards to measures widespread lockdowns in areas affected by the coronavirus could take place in the United States.
"I don't think it would be as draconian as nobody in or nobody out but if we continue to get cases like this particularly at the community level there will be what we call 'mitigation,' where we have to essentially do social distancing, keep people out of crowded places, take a look at seriousness, do you really need to travel and I think it's particularly important among the most vulnerable," he said.
The first case was on U.S. soil was Jan. 21.
President Donald Trump on Sunday responded to criticism of his administration's handling of the outbreak, writing on Twitter that the White House has a "perfectly coordinated and fine-tuned" plan for the virus.
"We moved VERY early to close borders to certain areas which was a Godsend. V.P. is doing a great job. The Fake News Media is doing everything possible to make us look bad. Sad!" Trump wrote.


upi--2020-03-08--Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss at least two games with knee injury

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will sit out the remaining two games of the team 's current road trip because of a knee injury , the team announced Sunday .
According to the team 's statement , Antetokounmpo has a minor joint capsule sprain of his left knee .
The Bucks said the star forward will be reevaluated before their upcoming home game against the Boston Celtics on Thursday .
Antetokounmpo sustained the injury in Friday night 's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers .
He underwent an MRI and subsequent examination Saturday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Antetokounmpo , the reigning NBA MVP , will miss Sunday 's game against the Phoenix Suns and Monday night 's matchup against the Denver Nuggets .
In 57 regular-season games ( all starts ) for the Bucks this season , Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.6 points ( third in NBA ) , 13.7 rebounds ( fourth in NBA ) and 5.8 assists in 30.9 minutes per game .
Entering Sunday 's games , the Bucks are the No .
1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-10 record this season .
Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered the knee injury during Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will sit out the remaining two games of the team's current road trip because of a knee injury, the team announced Sunday. According to the team's statement, Antetokounmpo has a minor joint capsule sprain of his left knee. The Bucks said the star forward will be reevaluated before their upcoming home game against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Advertisement
Antetokounmpo sustained the injury in Friday night's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He underwent an MRI and subsequent examination Saturday in Phoenix, which revealed the knee ailment.
Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP, will miss Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns and Monday night's matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
In 57 regular-season games (all starts) for the Bucks this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.6 points (third in NBA), 13.7 rebounds (fourth in NBA) and 5.8 assists in 30.9 minutes per game.
Entering Sunday's games, the Bucks are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-10 record this season. Milwaukee has already clinched a playoff spot.


upi--2020-03-08--'Onward' No. 1 at the North American box office with $40M

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Animated adventure Onward is the No .
1 movie in North America , earning @ @ @ @ @ this weekend , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday , Coming in at No .
2 with $ @ @ @ @ @ Man , followed by The Way Back at No .
3 with $ 8.5 million @ @ @ @ @ No .
4 with $ 8 million and The Call of the Wild at No @ @ @ @ @ million .
Rounding out the top tier are Emma .
at No .
6 with @ @ @ @ @ Boys for Life at No .
7 with $ 3.1 million , Birds of Prey @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.2 million , Impractical Jokers : The Movie at No .
9 with $ @ @ @ @ @ Academia : Heroes Rising at No .
10 with $ 1.5 million .

1/3
Chris Pratt's "Onward" is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- Animated adventure Onward is the No. 1 movie in North America, earning $40 million in receipts this weekend, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday, Coming in at No. 2 with $15.2 million is The Invisible Man, followed by The Way Back at No. 3 with $8.5 million, Sonic the Hedgehog at No. 4 with $8 million and The Call of the Wild at No. 5 with $7 million. Advertisement
Rounding out the top tier are Emma. at No. 6 with $5 million, Bad Boys for Life at No. 7 with $3.1 million, Birds of Prey at No. 8 with $2.2 million, Impractical Jokers: The Movie at No. 9 with $1.85 million and My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising at No. 10 with $1.5 million.


upi--2020-03-08--Ethiopia's Bayelign Teshager, Kenya's Margaret Muriuki win Los Angeles Marathon

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Ethiopia 's Bayelign Teshager , making his marathon debut , took over in the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday .
Margaret Muriuki of Kenya won the women 's @ @ @ @ @ start to finish , ending with a personal-best time of 2:29:27 .
Teshager , 20 @ @ @ @ @ Kenya as the pair of runners got to Ocean Avenue .
Teshager won the men @ @ @ @ @ of two hours , eight minutes and 26 seconds .
Kenya 's Lani Rutto controlled @ @ @ @ @ falling behind and finishing in fifth place .
Langat grabbed the lead until Teshager pulled @ @ @ @ @ win by about 17 seconds .
Defending champion Elisha Barno placed ninth .
Muriuki , @ @ @ @ @ Ethiopia 's Almaz Negede with seven miles left to win by about a three-minute margin @ @ @ @ @ marathon win in three months after she won at Honolulu in December .

March 8 (UPI) -- Ethiopia's Bayelign Teshager, making his marathon debut, took over in the last mile to win the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday.
Margaret Muriuki of Kenya won the women's race after she led from start to finish, ending with a personal-best time of 2:29:27.
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Teshager, 20, edged John Langat of Kenya as the pair of runners got to Ocean Avenue. Teshager won the men's race with a time of two hours, eight minutes and 26 seconds.
Kenya's Lani Rutto controlled the first 20 miles before falling behind and finishing in fifth place. Langat grabbed the lead until Teshager pulled away at the end to win by about 17 seconds. Defending champion Elisha Barno placed ninth.
Our 2020 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS men's champion is Bayelign Teshager (ETH) with a time of 2:08:26! Photo by Ryan Bethke pic.twitter.com/Plnu0zcYnf— Los Angeles Marathon (@lamarathon) March 8, 2020
The 2020 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS women's champion is Margaret Muriuki (KEN) with a time of 2:29:27! #LAMarathon #WeRunLA #InternationalWomensDay : Ryan Bethke pic.twitter.com/vTDAkUO4An— Los Angeles Marathon (@lamarathon) March 8, 2020 Advertisement
Muriuki, 33, pulled away from Ethiopia's Almaz Negede with seven miles left to win by about a three-minute margin. It marked her second marathon win in three months after she won at Honolulu in December.


upi--2020-03-08--Benjamin Netanyahu to deploy teens to disinfect Israel's transit stations from coronavirus

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to deploy teenagers and the armed forces to disinfect public transit station in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country , Netanyahu said the teens will work with the Israel Defense Forces to disinfect railway and bus stations citing that only one teenager in the country has tested positive for the coronavirus stating it is `` not afflicting children or teenagers '' although health officials say teenagers and children can still become infected and pass the virus to others .
`` I will mobilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth movements , in a very meticulous way , to help with the disinfection .
I will also ask the IDF to take care of certain installations , '' he said .
Netanyahu added that he might extend a break for schoolchildren who are scheduled to remain away from the classroom until Thursday in observance of the Purim holiday .
Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto said that children and teens can indeed catch and pass on the virus although the chance of death is not as high as among the elderly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , it 's just the chances of their situations becoming severe are low , '' Grotto said .
`` They wo n't die , but they could be infected . ''
As of Sunday , 28 Israelies have tested positive for the coronavirus and thousands have been ordered into isolation .
All travelers returning from Germany , Spain , France Switzerland and Austria are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entering the country .
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced Sunday that any non-Israeli citizens who have traveled to Egypt within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering Israel .
The country is also considering expanding quarantine guidelines for travelers returning from additional countries including the United States .

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to have teenagers disinfect public transit stations to combat coronavirus amid pushback from health officials as the country considers expanding quarantine procedures for travelers returning to Israel from additional countries including the United States. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to deploy teenagers and the armed forces to disinfect public transit station in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, Netanyahu said the teens will work with the Israel Defense Forces to disinfect railway and bus stations citing that only one teenager in the country has tested positive for the coronavirus stating it is "not afflicting children or teenagers" although health officials say teenagers and children can still become infected and pass the virus to others. Advertisement
"I will mobilize teenagers, both in schools and in youth movements, in a very meticulous way, to help with the disinfection. I will also ask the IDF to take care of certain installations," he said.
Netanyahu added that he might extend a break for schoolchildren who are scheduled to remain away from the classroom until Thursday in observance of the Purim holiday.
Health Ministry Deputy Director-General Itamar Grotto said that children and teens can indeed catch and pass on the virus although the chance of death is not as high as among the elderly.
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"Children and teenagers can catch the virus, it's just the chances of their situations becoming severe are low," Grotto said. "They won't die, but they could be infected."
As of Sunday, 28 Israelies have tested positive for the coronavirus and thousands have been ordered into isolation.
All travelers returning from Germany, Spain, France Switzerland and Austria are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entering the country.
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced Sunday that any non-Israeli citizens who have traveled to Egypt within the past two weeks will be barred from entering Israel.
The country is also considering expanding quarantine guidelines for travelers returning from additional countries including the United States.


upi--2020-03-08--Police: Family of 4 found dead in Houston-area home

Authorities in the Houston area are investigating the deaths of four people at a home in Fort Bend County early @ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff 's deputies responded to a call for a wellness check at around 4:15 @ @ @ @ @ adults and two teenagers dead .
`` The suspect , 48 , appears to have @ @ @ @ @ teen sons and two dogs before turning the gun on himself and killing himself , @ @ @ @ @ wrote in an update Sunday afternoon .
The victims were identified as the suspect 's @ @ @ @ @ sons aged 13 and 16 .
Authorities did not immediately release the names of the @ @ @ @ @ notify next of kin .
Sheriff Troy Nehls said deputies responded to the welfare check @ @ @ @ @ appeared to be suicidal and/or sought to harm his family .
Investigators added it appeared @ @ @ @ @ not been called to the residence before .

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March 8 (UPI) --
Authorities in the Houston area are investigating the deaths of four people at a home in Fort Bend County early Sunday morning.
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Fort Bend County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call for a wellness check at around 4:15 a.m. where they discovered two adults and two teenagers dead.
"The suspect, 48, appears to have killed his wife, two teen sons and two dogs before turning the gun on himself and killing himself," the sheriff's office wrote in an update Sunday afternoon.
The victims were identified as the suspect's 49-year-old wife and their two sons aged 13 and 16.
Authorities did not immediately release the names of the victims as they waited to notify next of kin.
Sheriff Troy Nehls said deputies responded to the welfare check call about a man who appeared to be suicidal and/or sought to harm his family.
Investigators added it appeared the sheriff's office had not been called to the residence before.


upi--2020-03-08--Large, bright 'Super Worm Moon' to shine in sky for three days

March 8 ( UPI ) -- A so-called `` Super Worm Moon '' leading into the spring season will shine in the sky for about three days beginning early Sunday morning .
The final full moon of winter began to shine early Sunday morning and will appear opposite the sun at 1:48 p.m. EDT on Monday appearing in the sky through Wednesday morning , according to NASA .
In the 1930s , the Maine Farmer 's Almanac began ascribing names for the full moons based on various seasonal events observed by Native Americans .
This moon is known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincided with earthworms emerging from the ground as the ground thawed at the end of winter .
Northern tribes called it the Crow Moon , in reference to the cawing of crows as spring approached while other names include the Crust Moon , Sap Moon and Sugar Moon .
The moon is also a supermoon , which refers to a full moon that is within 90 percent of perigree , its closest approach to the earth .
As a result , the moon will appear brighter and larger in the night sky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also set to meet the threshold to be considered a supermoon .

A Super Worm Moon sets behind The Statue Of Liberty shortly before sunrise on Sunday, in New York City. Each month's full moon has been given different nicknames based on the time of year in which it occurs. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- A so-called "Super Worm Moon" leading into the spring season will shine in the sky for about three days beginning early Sunday morning. The final full moon of winter began to shine early Sunday morning and will appear opposite the sun at 1:48 p.m. EDT on Monday appearing in the sky through Wednesday morning, according to NASA. Advertisement
In the 1930s, the Maine Farmer's Almanac began ascribing names for the full moons based on various seasonal events observed by Native Americans.
This moon is known as the Worm Moon by southern tribes as it coincided with earthworms emerging from the ground as the ground thawed at the end of winter.
Northern tribes called it the Crow Moon, in reference to the cawing of crows as spring approached while other names include the Crust Moon, Sap Moon and Sugar Moon.
The moon is also a supermoon, which refers to a full moon that is within 90 percent of perigree, its closest approach to the earth.
As a result, the moon will appear brighter and larger in the night sky.
Upcoming full moons in April and May are also set to meet the threshold to be considered a supermoon.


upi--2020-03-08--John Krasinski, Dua Lipa set for March 28 edition of 'SNL'

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Actor and filmmaker John Krasinski is to guest host the March 28 edition of @ @ @ @ @ Dua Lipa will provide the musical entertainment for the evening .
Krasinski -- who is @ @ @ @ @ The Office and Jack Ryan -- will soon be seen in A Quiet Place 2 @ @ @ @ @ .

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John Krasinski is to guest host the March 28 edition of "SNL." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- Actor and filmmaker John Krasinski is to guest host the March 28 edition of Saturday Night Live. Singer-songwriter Dua Lipa will provide the musical entertainment for the evening. Advertisement
"CAN'T WAIT," Lipa tweeted.
Krasinski -- who is known for his roles in The Office and Jack Ryan -- will soon be seen in A Quiet Place 2, which he also directed.


upi--2020-03-08--John Barrowman to guest star on BBC's 'Holby City'

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Torchwood and Arrow alum John Barrowman is to guest star on the BBC hospital drama Holby City this spring .
Barrowman will play Drew Nicholson-Heath , `` a renowned global recruiter who has some history with Ange ( Dawn Steele ) , '' the network said in a press release .
`` It 's a major thrill to have a star and household name of John Barrowman 's caliber guesting on the wards as the charismatic Drew , who is set to ruffle the feathers of an increasingly beleaguered Cameron and get some serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Simon Harper , executive producer of Holby City .
Barrowman teased his new job on social media .
`` Super excited to introduce you to someone new..His name is Drew , he 's a Surgeon he 's # Scottish and will be on your screens this Spring .
bbcholbycity @ bbcone is he good or bad ?
?
You will want to tune in to find out ... . ''
the actor tweeted .
He also posted on Instagram some photos of him on the set of the show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doctor Who , as well .

John Barrowman is to guest star on "Holby City" this spring. File Photo by Nina Prommer/EPA
March 8 (UPI) -- Torchwood and Arrow alum John Barrowman is to guest star on the BBC hospital drama Holby City this spring. Barrowman will play Drew Nicholson-Heath, "a renowned global recruiter who has some history with Ange (Dawn Steele)," the network said in a press release. Advertisement
"It's a major thrill to have a star and household name of John Barrowman's caliber guesting on the wards as the charismatic Drew, who is set to ruffle the feathers of an increasingly beleaguered Cameron and get some serious banter in with his ex, Ange," said Simon Harper, executive producer of Holby City.
Barrowman teased his new job on social media.
"Super excited to introduce you to someone new..His name is Drew, he's a Surgeon he's #Scottish and will be on your screens this Spring. bbcholbycity @bbcone is he good or bad?? You will want to tune in to find out...." the actor tweeted.
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He also posted on Instagram some photos of him on the set of the show.
Barrowman recently had a guest spot on Doctor Who, as well.


upi--2020-03-08--Elizabeth Warren appears in 'SNL' sketch after suspending campaign

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who dropped out of the presidential race Thursday , appeared on this weekend 's edition of Saturday Night Live .
Popping up in a parody of the Fox News late-night program The Ingraham Angle , Warren thanked her supporters , family and friends for their kind words in the days since she suspended her campaign .
Asked by Ingraham portrayer Kate McKinnon who she is going to endorse going forward -- Sen. Bernie Sanders or former Vice President Joe Biden -- Warren joked , `` Maybe I 'll just pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both . ''
She also said she had no regrets about how she ran her campaign .
`` We built a wide coalition of teachers , pre-school teachers , middle-school teachers and teachers ' pets and not only did I not accept money from billionaires , I got to give one a swirlie on live TV .
But now , I 've got a little time to do a little self-care -- hanging out with my dog Bailey , prank-calling big banks , drag-racing Subarus and avoiding Twitter , '' Warren said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Fox staffer Chris Matthews ( Darrell Hammond , ) who recently left MSNBC , and Fox News talk-show host Judge Jeanine Pirro ( Cecily Strong ) who assured viewers not to worry about the coronavirus .
At the end of the cold open , McKinnon appeared with Warren dressed as the Massachusetts senator .

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren appeared on this wekend's edition of "SNL." File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who dropped out of the presidential race Thursday, appeared on this weekend's edition of Saturday Night Live. Popping up in a parody of the Fox News late-night program The Ingraham Angle, Warren thanked her supporters, family and friends for their kind words in the days since she suspended her campaign. Advertisement
Asked by Ingraham portrayer Kate McKinnon who she is going to endorse going forward -- Sen. Bernie Sanders or former Vice President Joe Biden -- Warren joked, "Maybe I'll just pull a New York Times and endorse them both."
She also said she had no regrets about how she ran her campaign.
"We built a wide coalition of teachers, pre-school teachers, middle-school teachers and teachers' pets and not only did I not accept money from billionaires, I got to give one a swirlie on live TV. But now, I've got a little time to do a little self-care -- hanging out with my dog Bailey, prank-calling big banks, drag-racing Subarus and avoiding Twitter," Warren said.
The sketch also featured Ingraham talking to new Fox staffer Chris Matthews (Darrell Hammond,) who recently left MSNBC, and Fox News talk-show host Judge Jeanine Pirro (Cecily Strong) who assured viewers not to worry about the coronavirus.
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At the end of the cold open, McKinnon appeared with Warren dressed as the Massachusetts senator.


upi--2020-03-08--Prime minister orders lockdown in northern Italy; global deaths 3,799

March 8 ( UPI ) -- Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday signed a decree that places several million residents of northern Italy into lockdown as the death toll from the coronavirus reached 366 in the nation , the most outside mainland China where the outbreak began two months ago .
Worldwide , a total of 3,799 people have died and there are 109,575 cases , according to tracking by Johns Hopkins.. A total of 60,693 have recovered .
On Sunday night , Italy 's Civil Protection announced there were 133 additional deaths and 1,492 new cases since Saturday for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , there were 1,247 cases and 197 deaths .
The lockdown affects the entire Lombardy region , which has 10 million residents , and Includes , and 14 other provinces that comprise 14 million : Venice , Modena , Parma , Piacenza , Reggio Emilia , Rimini , Pesaro and Urbino , Alessandria , Asti , Novara , Verbano Cusio Ossola , Vercelli , Padua and Treviso .
The lockdown is through April 3 .
`` We want to protect the health of all citizens , '' Conte said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will create unease and that these measures will be a sacrifice , big and small .
But this is the time to be responsible . ''
Some measures also apply to the entire nation : the suspension of schools , university classes , theaters and cinemas , as well as bars , nightclubs , and sports events .
Also , religious ceremonies , including funerals , also will be suspended .
Pope Francis delivered the weekly Angelus prayer via video link in the Vatican in southern Italy , saying it was quite unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do this so that the close concentration of people wo n't spread the virus , '' he said via video .
France , who scrapped an appearance last Sunday because of a cold , prayed for those suffering from the outbreak and for those assisting them .
After the prayer , the pope appeared from the window to bless the few people at St. Peter 's Square .
Leading Italian politician Nicola Zingaretti said Saturday he had tested positive for the virus .
`` I am fine but I will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days '' , the leader of Italy 's centre-left Democratic Party said in a Facebook post .
Since the first death was reported on Jan. 11 in Wuhan , China , the outbreak has grown exponentially .
`` Allowing uncontrolled spread should not be a choice of any government , as it will harm not only the citizens of that country but affect other countries as well , '' the World Health Organization said Saturday .
`` We must stop , contain , control , delay and reduce the impact of this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capacity to contribute , to protect themselves , to protect others , whether in the home , the community , the healthcare system , the workplace or the transport system.
`` WHO called on `` all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus . ''
It noted : `` China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions , such as working across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing them to care , following up on contacts , preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients , and training health workers . ''
Although all but few hundred deaths and about 80,000 cases have occurred in mainland China , the nation has seen a significant drop in the outbreak .
The National Health Commission on Sunday reported 3,097 deaths and 80,695 confirmed cases .
That is an increase of 27 deaths and 44 new confirmed cases .
So far , 674,038 people have been identified as having close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under close supervision .
Outside mainland China , there have been three deaths in Hong Kong , including a 76-year-old woman Sunday , and one in Taiwan .
A hotel where people were being quarantined collapsed in southeastern China on Saturday .
The death toll rose to 10 with 23 people missing and 38 hospitalized .
A total of 71 people were believed to be staying at the hotel , including 58 under quarantine .
The other large clusters are centered in Iran with 194 deaths and 6,566 confirmed cases , and South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the United States there are 19 deaths -- the fourth most in the world -- and 449 cases , including 49 repatriated -- three from Wuhan and 46 from the Diamond Princess .
In addition , 21 are on the Grand Princess cruise ship , which is being held off Northern California 's coast .
In South Korea , an apartment complex is under lockdown after one third of its 140 residents became infected with the novel coronavirus in the city of Daegu , according to the Korean Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man from Hong Kong who was a passenger on the Diamond Princess had died of the coronavirus on Friday in Japan , the eighth death associated with the ship that had been quarantined with 696 cases .
Another six people have died in Japan from the outbreak .
In all , there are 461 cases .
France has the fourth-most number of cases : 949 .
The death toll there is 16 .
On Sunday , France banned gatherings of more 1,000 in attendance at an event from the previous 5,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Louvre , which reopened last week after being closed for three days , because the museum includes several rooms .
Worldwide , several events have been canceled or altered .
The Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix race weekend on March 20-22 will be held without spectators and fans will be able to only watch on television , event organizers said on Sunday .
It has had 85 cases and no deaths .
The Louvre opened last week after being closed for two days .
The two-week International Ice Hockey Women 's World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was set to open March 31 .

1/3
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is the oldest active shopping mall in the Lombardian capital of Milan, is nearly deserted. The Italian authorities have taken the drastic measure of shutting off the entire northern Italian region. Photo by Matteo Corner/EPA-EFE
March 8 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday signed a decree that places several million residents of northern Italy into lockdown as the death toll from the coronavirus reached 366 in the nation, the most outside mainland China where the outbreak began two months ago. Worldwide, a total of 3,799 people have died and there are 109,575 cases, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins.. A total of 60,693 have recovered. Advertisement
On Sunday night, Italy's Civil Protection announced there were 133 additional deaths and 1,492 new cases since Saturday for a total of 7,375. One day earlier, there were 1,247 cases and 197 deaths.
The lockdown affects the entire Lombardy region, which has 10 million residents, and Includes, and 14 other provinces that comprise 14 million: Venice, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro and Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padua and Treviso.
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The lockdown is through April 3.
"We want to protect the health of all citizens," Conte said in a statement. "We are aware that this will create unease and that these measures will be a sacrifice, big and small. But this is the time to be responsible."
Some measures also apply to the entire nation: the suspension of schools, university classes, theaters and cinemas, as well as bars, nightclubs, and sports events. Also, religious ceremonies, including funerals, also will be suspended.
Pope Francis delivered the weekly Angelus prayer via video link in the Vatican in southern Italy, saying it was quite unusual to be "locked away."
"We do this so that the close concentration of people won't spread the virus," he said via video.
France, who scrapped an appearance last Sunday because of a cold, prayed for those suffering from the outbreak and for those assisting them.
After the prayer, the pope appeared from the window to bless the few people at St. Peter's Square.
Leading Italian politician Nicola Zingaretti said Saturday he had tested positive for the virus.
"I am fine but I will have to stay home for the next few days", the leader of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party said in a Facebook post.
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Since the first death was reported on Jan. 11 in Wuhan, China, the outbreak has grown exponentially.
"Allowing uncontrolled spread should not be a choice of any government, as it will harm not only the citizens of that country but affect other countries as well," the World Health Organization said Saturday. "We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system. "
WHO called on "all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus."
It noted: "China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions, such as working across society to identify people who are sick, bringing them to care, following up on contacts, preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers."
Although all but few hundred deaths and about 80,000 cases have occurred in mainland China, the nation has seen a significant drop in the outbreak.
Advertisement
The National Health Commission on Sunday reported 3,097 deaths and 80,695 confirmed cases. That is an increase of 27 deaths and 44 new confirmed cases. So far, 674,038 people have been identified as having close contact with infected patients and 23,974 are under close supervision.
Outside mainland China, there have been three deaths in Hong Kong, including a 76-year-old woman Sunday, and one in Taiwan.
A hotel where people were being quarantined collapsed in southeastern China on Saturday. The death toll rose to 10 with 23 people missing and 38 hospitalized. A total of 71 people were believed to be staying at the hotel, including 58 under quarantine.
The other large clusters are centered in Iran with 194 deaths and 6,566 confirmed cases, and South Korea with 50 deaths and 7,314 cases. In the United States there are 19 deaths -- the fourth most in the world -- and 449 cases, including 49 repatriated -- three from Wuhan and 46 from the Diamond Princess. In addition, 21 are on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which is being held off Northern California's coast.
In South Korea, an apartment complex is under lockdown after one third of its 140 residents became infected with the novel coronavirus in the city of Daegu, according to the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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In Japan, a man from Hong Kong who was a passenger on the Diamond Princess had died of the coronavirus on Friday in Japan, the eighth death associated with the ship that had been quarantined with 696 cases. Another six people have died in Japan from the outbreak. In all, there are 461 cases.
France has the fourth-most number of cases: 949. The death toll there is 16.
On Sunday, France banned gatherings of more 1,000 in attendance at an event from the previous 5,000. The ban doesn't not apply to the Louvre, which reopened last week after being closed for three days, because the museum includes several rooms.
Worldwide, several events have been canceled or altered.
The Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix race weekend on March 20-22 will be held without spectators and fans will be able to only watch on television, event organizers said on Sunday. It has had 85 cases and no deaths. The Louvre opened last week after being closed for two days.
The two-week International Ice Hockey Women's World Championship in Canada was canceled Saturday. It was set to open March 31.
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The Amazing Race has stopped filming, the release of No Time to Die has been delayed until November, theme parks in Japan are closed, and the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea are shut.


upi--2020-03-08--Kamala Harris endorses Joe Biden for president

March 8 ( UPI ) -- U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris , who ended her bid for U.S. president last December , on Sunday announced her her endorsement of Joe Biden for the job .
`` There is no one better prepared than Joe to steer our nation through these turbulent times , and restore truth , honor , and decency to the Oval Office .
He is kind and endlessly caring , and he truly listens to the American people , '' Harris , the Democratic senator from California , said in a statement .
`` You can see in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experiences of mothers and fathers working to make ends meet and worrying about whether their children can be safe in their classroom , or young people who fight tirelessly to tackle climate change as they ask for a fair shot at the future in front of them .
And with a lifetime in public service , Joe has a proven track record of getting things done . ''
Besides the former vice president , the only remaining candidates are Bernie Sanders , an independent senator from Vermont and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more two dozen Democrats were seeking the presidency .
But after Biden 's decisive victory over Sanders in South Carolina 's primary eight days ago , several candidates dropped out : billionaire Tom Steyer , former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , billionaire and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .
All but Steyer and Warren have endorsed Biden , their one-time rival .
Former U.S. Rep Beto O'Rourke , also a former presidential candidate , endorsed Biden in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday with Klobuchar .
Biden went on to win 10 of 14 states and has a 625-548 lead , according to the CBS delegate tracker .
A total of 1,991 votes are needed to win the Democratic nomination in Milwaukee , Wis. , this summer .
Some of the candidates who dropped out earned delegates .
Harris noted the withdrawal of several women .
`` This is something we must reckon with and it is something I will have more to say about in the future , '' Harris wrote .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and country behind a candidate who reflects the decency and dignity of the American people and who can ultimately defeat Donald Trump . ''
Harris , who was elected to the Senate in 2016 , also spoke of her endorsement of Biden endorsement in a video , saying `` One of the things we need right now is a leader who really does care about the people and who can therefore unify the people , and I believe Joe can do that . ''
During Democratic president debates , Harris confronted Biden on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she dropped out of the race , Biden said he would consider the only African-American female candidate as a potential running mate .
`` She is solid .
She can be president someday herself .
She can be the vice president .
She can go on to be a Supreme Court justice .
She can be an attorney general .
She has enormous capability , '' Biden said .
Six states will conduct primaries Tuesday : Idaho , Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota and Washington .

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Democratic presidential candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris participate on the second night of the CNN Democratic Presidential Debate at the Fox Theater in Detroit on July 31. Photo by Edward M. PioRoda/CNN/UPI | License Photo
March 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, who ended her bid for U.S. president last December, on Sunday announced her her endorsement of Joe Biden for the job. "There is no one better prepared than Joe to steer our nation through these turbulent times, and restore truth, honor, and decency to the Oval Office. He is kind and endlessly caring, and he truly listens to the American people," Harris, the Democratic senator from California, said in a statement. Advertisement
"You can see in his eyes how he takes to heart the experiences of mothers and fathers working to make ends meet and worrying about whether their children can be safe in their classroom, or young people who fight tirelessly to tackle climate change as they ask for a fair shot at the future in front of them. And with a lifetime in public service, Joe has a proven track record of getting things done."
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Besides the former vice president, the only remaining candidates are Bernie Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii.
At one time, more two dozen Democrats were seeking the presidency.
But after Biden's decisive victory over Sanders in South Carolina's primary eight days ago, several candidates dropped out: billionaire Tom Steyer, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, billionaire and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
All but Steyer and Warren have endorsed Biden, their one-time rival.
Former U.S. Rep Beto O'Rourke, also a former presidential candidate, endorsed Biden in a rally in Dallas the night before Super Tuesday with Klobuchar. Biden went on to win 10 of 14 states and has a 625-548 lead, according to the CBS delegate tracker. A total of 1,991 votes are needed to win the Democratic nomination in Milwaukee, Wis., this summer. Some of the candidates who dropped out earned delegates.
Gabbert has two delegates.
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Harris noted the withdrawal of several women.
"This is something we must reckon with and it is something I will have more to say about in the future," Harris wrote. "But we must rise to unite the party and country behind a candidate who reflects the decency and dignity of the American people and who can ultimately defeat Donald Trump."
Harris, who was elected to the Senate in 2016, also spoke of her endorsement of Biden endorsement in a video, saying "One of the things we need right now is a leader who really does care about the people and who can therefore unify the people, and I believe Joe can do that."
During Democratic president debates, Harris confronted Biden on his opposition to desegregation busing.
But after she dropped out of the race, Biden said he would consider the only African-American female candidate as a potential running mate.
"She is solid. She can be president someday herself. She can be the vice president. She can go on to be a Supreme Court justice. She can be an attorney general. She has enormous capability," Biden said.
Six states will conduct primaries Tuesday: Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington.


upi--2020-03-08--Rain to spread across Heartland of U.S. for start to ewek

March 8 ( UPI ) -- After a warm , sunny and windy weekend across much of the nation 's heartland , a quick-hitting round of rain will streak across the center of the country early next week .
The storm system , originating over the Pacific Ocean , will begin to spread rain and a few embedded thunderstorms to the Four Corners region and the southern Plains by Sunday .
Places like Nogales in southern Arizona to El Paso and Childress , Texas , all reported rain , although most places reported less than a quarter of an inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night into Monday morning as the storm taps into additional moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and shifts east .
Oklahoma City and Kansas City can expect between a quarter to half inch of rain on Sunday night .
This wet weather will also help to douse the fires burning across western Oklahoma .
Those traveling along interstates 44 and 70 through Missouri on Monday morning will likely need to keep the windshield wipers on high as rain continues to fall .
The wet weather will continue to expand northeastward into places like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daytime hours on Monday .
Similarly to the Midwest , rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch are likely before activity begins to wind down after dusk .
Rainfall amounts of this amount are unlikely to bring widespread flooding .
The wet weather will reach the majority of the Northeast by Tuesday .
Behind the wet weather , rather warm air will follow .
Oklahoma City can expect high temperatures rebounding into the lower 70s by Tuesday afternoon , about 10 degrees above normal for mid-March .
Temperatures in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the capital city .
St. Louis can expect high temperatures to swell back into the middle 60s by Wednesday afternoon , which is also about 10 degrees warmer than normal .
The above-average temperatures continuing into midweek , combined with the rain , will likely help to bring some of the first signs of life to area foliage .
Given the relatively easy winter and warm transition into meteorological spring across the nation 's midsection , flowers will likely bloom ahead of schedule this year .
More rounds of wet weather are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country mid-to-late week .

March 8 (UPI) -- After a warm, sunny and windy weekend across much of the nation's heartland, a quick-hitting round of rain will streak across the center of the country early next week. The storm system, originating over the Pacific Ocean, will begin to spread rain and a few embedded thunderstorms to the Four Corners region and the southern Plains by Sunday. Advertisement
Places like Nogales in southern Arizona to El Paso and Childress, Texas, all reported rain, although most places reported less than a quarter of an inch.
Steadier rain is expected on Sunday night into Monday morning as the storm taps into additional moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and shifts east.
Oklahoma City and Kansas City can expect between a quarter to half inch of rain on Sunday night.
This wet weather will also help to douse the fires burning across western Oklahoma.
Those traveling along interstates 44 and 70 through Missouri on Monday morning will likely need to keep the windshield wipers on high as rain continues to fall.
The wet weather will continue to expand northeastward into places like St. Louis, Chicago and Indianapolis during the daytime hours on Monday.
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Similarly to the Midwest, rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch are likely before activity begins to wind down after dusk. Rainfall amounts of this amount are unlikely to bring widespread flooding.
The wet weather will reach the majority of the Northeast by Tuesday.
Behind the wet weather, rather warm air will follow.
Oklahoma City can expect high temperatures rebounding into the lower 70s by Tuesday afternoon, about 10 degrees above normal for mid-March. Temperatures in the lower 70s are more characteristic of mid-April in the capital city.
St. Louis can expect high temperatures to swell back into the middle 60s by Wednesday afternoon, which is also about 10 degrees warmer than normal.
The above-average temperatures continuing into midweek, combined with the rain, will likely help to bring some of the first signs of life to area foliage.
Given the relatively easy winter and warm transition into meteorological spring across the nation's midsection, flowers will likely bloom ahead of schedule this year.
More rounds of wet weather are expected across Texas and the center of the country mid-to-late week.


upi--2020-03-09--WWE Elimination Chamber: Shayna Baszler dominates the show

March 9 ( UPI ) -- The road to WrestleMania 36 continued at WWE Elimination Chamber where Shayna Baszler put on an impressive performance to earn her place at the showcase of the immortals .
Baszler competed inside the Elimination Chamber against Natalya , Asuka , Ruby Riott , Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan on Sunday for the chance to face Becky Lynch for the Raw Women 's Championship at WrestleMania 36 on April 5 .
Natalya and Riott started things off with Logan entering the match in third .
Everything changed once Baszler was released into the chamber as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Logan quickly tap out to the Kirifuda Clutch .
Baszler , a two-time NXT Women 's Champion , slammed a Chamber pod door multiple times into Natalya until she was also placed into the Kirifuda Clutch and eliminated .
Baszler waited in the ring and taunted Asuka and Morgan until it was their time to enter the match .
Morgan was up next and despite getting in some early offense , also quickly fell to Baszler and her dreaded submission hold .
Asuka was the last to enter and put up a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to put Baszler into the Asuka Lock but she escaped , and focused on The Empress of Tomorrow 's injured wrist .
Baszler then eliminated Asuka with the Kirifuda Clutch , setting up an epic confrontation with Lynch at WrestleMania 36 .
The second Elimination Chamber match of the night featured The Miz and John Morrison defending their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Kofi Kingston and Big E of The New Day , The Usos , Otis and Tucker of Heavy Machinery , Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado of Lucha House Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had previously earned the right to enter the match last .
The Usos and The New Day started the bout off followed by Lucha House Party , Heavy Machinery and The Miz and Morrison .
Dorado would take all the teams out by climbing to the top of the chamber of then performing a Shooting Star Press .
Heavy Machinery would eliminate Lucha House Party and waited for Ziggler and Roode 's pod to open .
Otis has wanted to get his hands on Ziggler after The Showoff took over his Valentine 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after it finally looked like he could fight Ziggler , charged at his rival but crashed through a pod into the outside ring area .
Tucker , left alone , was then eliminated by Ziggler and Roode .
The New Day and Usos both attacked Ziggler and Roode before they were eliminated .
The New Day and Usos briefly joined forces to battle the champions before they turned on each other .
Miz and Morrison pinned a hurt Kingston who jumped from the top of a pod and then eliminated The Usos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gain leverage during a pinning attempt .
The Miz and Morrison will be heading to WrestleMania as Smackdown Tag Team Champions .
AJ Styles faced off against Aleister Black in a No Disqualification Match .
The Phenomenal One had help from his O.C .
partners Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson who watched the match from ringside .
The highly-competitive match featured the use of kendo sticks , tables and steel chairs .
Anderson and Gallows eventually entered the ring and took out Black with a Magic Killer .
The pair held Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forearm until the lights in the arena went out .
The Undertaker then appeared and was choking Anderson and Gallows .
Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm , but he was caught by The Deadman who then proceeded to unleash a Chokeslam .
Black took advantage of the situation and nailed Styles with the Black Mass to win the match .
Other moments from Elimination Chamber included The Viking Raiders defeating Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins ; Daniel Bryan defeating Drew Gulak ; United States Champion Andrade successfully defending his title against Humberto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Profits successfully defending their titles against Seth Rollins and Murphy due to interference from Kevin Owens ; and Sami Zayn , Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro defeating Braun Strowman with Zayn becoming the new Intercontinental Champion .

March 9 (UPI) -- The road to WrestleMania 36 continued at WWE Elimination Chamber where Shayna Baszler put on an impressive performance to earn her place at the showcase of the immortals.
Baszler competed inside the Elimination Chamber against Natalya, Asuka, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan on Sunday for the chance to face Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36 on April 5.
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Natalya and Riott started things off with Logan entering the match in third. Everything changed once Baszler was released into the chamber as The Queen of Spades made Riott and Logan quickly tap out to the Kirifuda Clutch.
Baszler, a two-time NXT Women's Champion, slammed a Chamber pod door multiple times into Natalya until she was also placed into the Kirifuda Clutch and eliminated. Baszler waited in the ring and taunted Asuka and Morgan until it was their time to enter the match.
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Morgan was up next and despite getting in some early offense, also quickly fell to Baszler and her dreaded submission hold. Asuka was the last to enter and put up a more valiant effort against Baszler.
Asuka was able to put Baszler into the Asuka Lock but she escaped, and focused on The Empress of Tomorrow's injured wrist. Baszler then eliminated Asuka with the Kirifuda Clutch, setting up an epic confrontation with Lynch at WrestleMania 36.
The second Elimination Chamber match of the night featured The Miz and John Morrison defending their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Kofi Kingston and Big E of The New Day, The Usos, Otis and Tucker of Heavy Machinery, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado of Lucha House Party and Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode who had previously earned the right to enter the match last.
The Usos and The New Day started the bout off followed by Lucha House Party, Heavy Machinery and The Miz and Morrison. Dorado would take all the teams out by climbing to the top of the chamber of then performing a Shooting Star Press.
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Heavy Machinery would eliminate Lucha House Party and waited for Ziggler and Roode's pod to open. Otis has wanted to get his hands on Ziggler after The Showoff took over his Valentine's Day date with Mandy Rose. Otis, after it finally looked like he could fight Ziggler, charged at his rival but crashed through a pod into the outside ring area.
Tucker, left alone, was then eliminated by Ziggler and Roode. The New Day and Usos both attacked Ziggler and Roode before they were eliminated. The New Day and Usos briefly joined forces to battle the champions before they turned on each other.
Miz and Morrison pinned a hurt Kingston who jumped from the top of a pod and then eliminated The Usos by having The Miz use the ropes to gain leverage during a pinning attempt. The Miz and Morrison will be heading to WrestleMania as Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
AJ Styles faced off against Aleister Black in a No Disqualification Match. The Phenomenal One had help from his O.C. partners Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson who watched the match from ringside.
The highly-competitive match featured the use of kendo sticks, tables and steel chairs. Anderson and Gallows eventually entered the ring and took out Black with a Magic Killer. The pair held Black up for Styles to deliver a Phenomenal Forearm until the lights in the arena went out.
The Undertaker then appeared and was choking Anderson and Gallows. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but he was caught by The Deadman who then proceeded to unleash a Chokeslam.
Black took advantage of the situation and nailed Styles with the Black Mass to win the match.
Other moments from Elimination Chamber included The Viking Raiders defeating Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins; Daniel Bryan defeating Drew Gulak; United States Champion Andrade successfully defending his title against Humberto Carrillo; Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits successfully defending their titles against Seth Rollins and Murphy due to interference from Kevin Owens; and Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro defeating Braun Strowman with Zayn becoming the new Intercontinental Champion.


upi--2020-03-09--Murder trial begins in Netherlands court for MH17 shootdown

March 9 ( UPI ) -- The murder trial of three Russians and a Ukrainian accused of shooting down Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 began in the Netherlands Monday in a proceeding that could last for years .
The four men are being tried in absentia , as they have not yet been captured .
An attorney for one of the defendants , Russian Oleg Pulatov , was present in the Schiphol courtroom as judge Hendrik Steenhuis opened the trial more than five years after the airliner was shot down .
The defendants are accused of shooting down the Malaysian jetliner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a missile over Ukraine as it was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur .
All 298 passengers and crew died in the crash .
Two-thirds of the passengers were Dutch .
Dutch officials determined the BUK missile was fired from farmland in eastern Ukraine that was controlled by pro-Russian separatists .
Moscow , however , disputes the conclusion and says Ukrainian government forces fired the missile .
The defendants on trial are Pulatov , Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy of Russia and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko .
They face charges of murder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Many have longed for this process for a long time , '' Steenhuis said in his opening remarks .
The first stages of the trial will concentrate on preliminary matters before testimony begins later this year .
The trial is expected to take years , with more investigations to be conducted and more suspects likely to be added .
Dutch investigators released audio recordings last fall that were intercepted in the weeks before the crash , which they said proved close coordination between separatists in the Donetsk People 's Republic and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke with leaders in Moscow , near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea , '' the investigators said .
`` Communication mostly took place via secure telephones provided by the Russian security service . ''
In the phone calls , investigators say , separatist leader Alexander Borodai spoke once to a Russian official and said he was `` carrying out orders and protecting the interests '' of Russia .
In December , Moscow refused a Dutch request to turn over another suspect in the case , Ukrainian national Volodymyr Tsemakh , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was in Ukrainian custody until he was sent to Russia in a prisoner swap late last year .

Part of the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is seen near Grabovo, Ukraine, on July 20, 2014. File Photo by Igor Kovalenko/EPA-EFE
March 9 (UPI) -- The murder trial of three Russians and a Ukrainian accused of shooting down Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 began in the Netherlands Monday in a proceeding that could last for years. The four men are being tried in absentia, as they have not yet been captured. An attorney for one of the defendants, Russian Oleg Pulatov, was present in the Schiphol courtroom as judge Hendrik Steenhuis opened the trial more than five years after the airliner was shot down. Advertisement
The defendants are accused of shooting down the Malaysian jetliner on July 17, 2014, with a missile over Ukraine as it was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. All 298 passengers and crew died in the crash. Two-thirds of the passengers were Dutch.
Dutch officials determined the BUK missile was fired from farmland in eastern Ukraine that was controlled by pro-Russian separatists. Moscow, however, disputes the conclusion and says Ukrainian government forces fired the missile.
The defendants on trial are Pulatov, Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy of Russia and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko. They face charges of murder and of causing the jetliner to crash.
"Many have longed for this process for a long time," Steenhuis said in his opening remarks.
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The first stages of the trial will concentrate on preliminary matters before testimony begins later this year. The trial is expected to take years, with more investigations to be conducted and more suspects likely to be added.
Dutch investigators released audio recordings last fall that were intercepted in the weeks before the crash, which they said proved close coordination between separatists in the Donetsk People's Republic and "leaders in Moscow."
"They spoke with leaders in Moscow, near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea," the investigators said. "Communication mostly took place via secure telephones provided by the Russian security service."
In the phone calls, investigators say, separatist leader Alexander Borodai spoke once to a Russian official and said he was "carrying out orders and protecting the interests" of Russia.
In December, Moscow refused a Dutch request to turn over another suspect in the case, Ukrainian national Volodymyr Tsemakh, who's identified as a top separatist leader. He was in Ukrainian custody until he was sent to Russia in a prisoner swap late last year.


upi--2020-03-09--Soccer: USA's Julie Ertz scores late winner vs. Spain

March 9 ( UPI ) -- United States Women 's National Team midfielder Julie Ertz had a head-ball goal off a set piece in the 87th minute for a dramatic win against Spain in the SheBelieves Cup .
Spain edged the U.S. in ball possession 60 percent to 40 percent and each squad had nine shots in the 1-0 skirmish Sunday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison , N.J. '' It was a world-class service [ pass ] , '' Ertz told reporters .
`` I did n't have to do much .
I just had to put my head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I made good contact with it .
`` I 'm super excited to get the win against such an incredible team . ''
Ertz also earned her 100th cap ( international appearance ) in the victory .
The U.S. played without some of their stars in the first half before bringing in Christen Press , Tobin Heath , Lindsey Horan and Jessica McDonald in the second half .
Press would go on to provide the game-winning assist for Ertz .
Spain committed a foul on the outside of the box to setup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lined up about 25 yards from the goal on the left flank before Press ran up and struck the free kick with her right boot .
Press bent her feed through the box , finding Ertz as she ran through a crowd of defenders .
Ertz connected for a powerful header into the near-post netting to beat Spain goalie Sandra Panos .
The U.S. women battle Japan in the final game of the SheBelieves Cup at 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco , Texas .
The U.S. can win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a victory .

Julie Ertz made her 100th appearance for the United States Women's National Team Sunday in Harrison, N.J. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- United States Women's National Team midfielder Julie Ertz had a head-ball goal off a set piece in the 87th minute for a dramatic win against Spain in the SheBelieves Cup. Spain edged the U.S. in ball possession 60 percent to 40 percent and each squad had nine shots in the 1-0 skirmish Sunday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. Advertisement
"It was a world-class service [pass]," Ertz told reporters. "I didn't have to do much. I just had to put my head on it and hope it went in. I made good contact with it.
"I'm super excited to get the win against such an incredible team."
Ertz also earned her 100th cap (international appearance) in the victory. The U.S. played without some of their stars in the first half before bringing in Christen Press, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Jessica McDonald in the second half. Press would go on to provide the game-winning assist for Ertz.
Spain committed a foul on the outside of the box to setup the decisive sequence. Press and Heath lined up about 25 yards from the goal on the left flank before Press ran up and struck the free kick with her right boot. Press bent her feed through the box, finding Ertz as she ran through a crowd of defenders. Ertz connected for a powerful header into the near-post netting to beat Spain goalie Sandra Panos.
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The U.S. women battle Japan in the final game of the SheBelieves Cup at 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The U.S. can win the SheBelieves Cup for a third time with a victory.


upi--2020-03-09--Saudi Arabia to increase oil output; prices fall nearly 30%

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Crude oil prices fell nearly 30 percent early Monday after oil export leader Saudi Arabia said it would increase production in April .
The move is a response to Russia refusing to join Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members last week in an effort to cut oil production .
The result will increase supplies on the oil market worldwide while demand is suppressed because of concerns over the coronavirus .
As a result of the announcement , Brent crude tumbled to $ 33.09 per barrel , its sharpest one-day drop since the 1991 Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 30 per barrel .
West Texas Intermediate crude fell 23 percent to $ 31.73 .
At its meeting in Vienna last week , OPEC tried to persuade Russia to cut production by 1.5 million barrels per day .
Moscow , along with Kazakhstan , though , wanted to extend current production levels through the second quarter .
The International Energy Agency said it predicts world oil demand will shrink because of the impact of the coronavirus .
`` The coronavirus crisis is affecting a wide range of energy markets -- including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its impact on oil markets is particularly severe because it is stopping people and goods from moving around , dealing a heavy blow to demand for transport fuels , '' said IEA Executive Director Faith Birol .

March 9 (UPI) -- Crude oil prices fell nearly 30 percent early Monday after oil export leader Saudi Arabia said it would increase production in April.
The move is a response to Russia refusing to join Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members last week in an effort to cut oil production. The result will increase supplies on the oil market worldwide while demand is suppressed because of concerns over the coronavirus.
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As a result of the announcement, Brent crude tumbled to $33.09 per barrel, its sharpest one-day drop since the 1991 Gulf War. U.S. crude fell 27 percent to $30 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 23 percent to $31.73.
At its meeting in Vienna last week, OPEC tried to persuade Russia to cut production by 1.5 million barrels per day. Moscow, along with Kazakhstan, though, wanted to extend current production levels through the second quarter.
The International Energy Agency said it predicts world oil demand will shrink because of the impact of the coronavirus.
"The coronavirus crisis is affecting a wide range of energy markets -- including coal, gas and renewables -- but its impact on oil markets is particularly severe because it is stopping people and goods from moving around, dealing a heavy blow to demand for transport fuels," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said.


upi--2020-03-09--Anthony Davis, LeBron James help Lakers beat Clippers

March 9 ( UPI ) -- Anthony Davis and LeBron James together scored more than half of the Los Angeles Lakers ' point total in a 112-103 win against the Los Angeles Clippers .
Davis led the Lakers with 30 points , while James scored 28 points in the triumph Sunday at Staples Center in Los Angeles .
Paul George scored a game-high 31 points for the Clippers .
Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points , but had just two rebounds and zero assists in the loss .
`` Both teams have bigger aspirations than a regular-season win , '' James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a process and want to continue to get better throughout the year .
`` [ We want to ] put ourselves in position to be at full strength when the postseason comes around . ''
The Clippers led by nine points in the second quarter and held a 53-40 edge at halftime .
Avery Bradley scored 12 points in the third frame to help the Lakers earn an 85-81 lead entering the fourth frame .
James scored 12 points down the stretch to help the Lakers hold on to the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak .
`` It was just them [ the Lakers ] , '' Clippers coach Doc Rivers said .
`` They were the more physical team tonight .
They were into their game plan more tonight .
I thought they trusted each other more offensively .
It was a good lesson for us . ''
James also had nine assists and seven rebounds in the win .
Bradley netted 24 points for the Lakers .
Leonard and George combined for 58 of their team 's 103 points , but no other Clippers starter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lakers are now on a four-game winning streak and have 11 wins in their last 12 games .
`` It was n't really a good loss , '' Leonard said .
`` There are always things you can take away and learn from your losses .
We have to watch film and see what happened and what we did n't do [ correctly ] . ''
The Clippers ( 43-20 ) face the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Chase Center in San Francisco .
The Lakers ( 49-13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. EDT Tuesday in Los Angeles .

1/3
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scored 12 points in the fourth quarter to help his team hold on to a late lead and beat the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday in Los Angeles. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- Anthony Davis and LeBron James together scored more than half of the Los Angeles Lakers' point total in a 112-103 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Davis led the Lakers with 30 points, while James scored 28 points in the triumph Sunday at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Paul George scored a game-high 31 points for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, but had just two rebounds and zero assists in the loss. Advertisement
"Both teams have bigger aspirations than a regular-season win," James told reporters. "Both teams understand this is a process and want to continue to get better throughout the year.
"[We want to] put ourselves in position to be at full strength when the postseason comes around."
The Clippers led by nine points in the second quarter and held a 53-40 edge at halftime. Avery Bradley scored 12 points in the third frame to help the Lakers earn an 85-81 lead entering the fourth frame.
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James scored 12 points down the stretch to help the Lakers hold on to the lead and end the Clippers' six-game winning streak.
"It was just them [the Lakers]," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "They were the more physical team tonight. They were into their game plan more tonight. I thought they trusted each other more offensively. It was a good lesson for us."
James also had nine assists and seven rebounds in the win. Bradley netted 24 points for the Lakers. Leonard and George combined for 58 of their team's 103 points, but no other Clippers starter eclipsed five points in the loss.
The Lakers are now on a four-game winning streak and have 11 wins in their last 12 games.
"It wasn't really a good loss," Leonard said. "There are always things you can take away and learn from your losses. We have to watch film and see what happened and what we didn't do [correctly]."
The Clippers (43-20) face the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Lakers (49-13) host the Brooklyn Nets at 10:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Los Angeles.


upi--2020-03-09--Corals reefs in Bahamas show damage from Hurricane Dorian

March 9 -- Six months after Hurricane Dorian first hit the Bahamas , the storm 's damaging impacts are still being discovered across the archipelago , as evidenced by a report from the Perry Institute of Marine Sciences , which has explored the storm 's damage to coral reefs .
Although a final , official death toll has yet to be released , Dorian is considered to be the most devastating storm in the history of the Bahamas , costing billions in human infrastructure loss .
At least 74 deaths have been attributed to the storm .
Storm damage is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underwater , the storm 's violent wrath also can still be noticed .
Dorian caused severe damage to 20 percent of the coral reefs that were examined in the study done by the institute .
For the reefs near the islands that were most affected by the hurricane , Abaco and Grand Bahama , a decrease in fish populations and loss of living corals brings a serious risk .
`` The damage that we saw was quite variable .
On the reefs hit the hardest , the reef structure itself was damaged so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of living coral , declines in many fish populations that may last for decades , '' Dr. Craig Dahlgren , the institute 's executive director , told AccuWeather via email .
`` This is not true of all sites but a serious risk for up to 20 % of the sites visited .
Many more sites will likely see relatively minor changes -- loss of corals , and more subtle changes to fish communities . ''
Debris from land is another problem that has affected the situation .
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was pulled into the ocean during the storm .
Items such as household appliances washed away from destroyed homes to trees that were uprooted during the storm and carried by tides are now covering a substantial number of reefs .
This debris , along with the fracture of corals resulting from the force of the storm , has caused a disruption in the structure of the reefs .
This can have long-term repercussions if measures are n't taken .
`` Before the storm , the percent of corals observed that were loose fragments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colonies surveyed , '' the report mentioned when talking about the disruption of the structure of reefs caused by the storm .
`` After Hurricane Dorian , approximately one-third of the sites surveyed had significant increases in the percent of fragmented corals . ''
This structural damage is of high concern , as it threatens to decrease habitat diversity for organisms living on reefs .
As of right now , the removal of debris and re-attachment of fractured corals are the first steps being taken to help restore reefs , Dahlgren told AccuWeather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several nearshore reefs that are easy to access , but life is still very difficult on Abaco and parts of Grand Bahama - there are still few functioning local boats and hardly any working diving facilities , so progress is slow , '' Dahlgren said .
`` We will start working on restoring reefs over the next few months .
Initially by stabilizing dislodged/broken coral fragments so that they do n't continue to roll around and die . ''

A flight over the Bahamas on September 9, 2019, shows a stripped landscape and damage caused by Hurricane Dorian. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
March 9 -- Six months after Hurricane Dorian first hit the Bahamas, the storm's damaging impacts are still being discovered across the archipelago, as evidenced by a report from the Perry Institute of Marine Sciences, which has explored the storm's damage to coral reefs. Although a final, official death toll has yet to be released, Dorian is considered to be the most devastating storm in the history of the Bahamas, costing billions in human infrastructure loss. At least 74 deaths have been attributed to the storm. Advertisement
Storm damage is still prevalent on the islands, but underwater, the storm's violent wrath also can still be noticed. Dorian caused severe damage to 20 percent of the coral reefs that were examined in the study done by the institute.
For the reefs near the islands that were most affected by the hurricane, Abaco and Grand Bahama, a decrease in fish populations and loss of living corals brings a serious risk.
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"The damage that we saw was quite variable. On the reefs hit the hardest, the reef structure itself was damaged so there will be significant impacts - loss of living coral, declines in many fish populations that may last for decades," Dr. Craig Dahlgren, the institute's executive director, told AccuWeather via email.
"This is not true of all sites but a serious risk for up to 20% of the sites visited. Many more sites will likely see relatively minor changes -- loss of corals, and more subtle changes to fish communities."
Debris from land is another problem that has affected the situation. According to the report, reefs have been polluted by debris that was pulled into the ocean during the storm. Items such as household appliances washed away from destroyed homes to trees that were uprooted during the storm and carried by tides are now covering a substantial number of reefs.
This debris, along with the fracture of corals resulting from the force of the storm, has caused a disruption in the structure of the reefs. This can have long-term repercussions if measures aren't taken.
"Before the storm, the percent of corals observed that were loose fragments varied among sites from 0-4 percent of colonies surveyed," the report mentioned when talking about the disruption of the structure of reefs caused by the storm. "After Hurricane Dorian, approximately one-third of the sites surveyed had significant increases in the percent of fragmented corals."
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This structural damage is of high concern, as it threatens to decrease habitat diversity for organisms living on reefs.
As of right now, the removal of debris and re-attachment of fractured corals are the first steps being taken to help restore reefs, Dahlgren told AccuWeather.
"Debris is being removed from several nearshore reefs that are easy to access, but life is still very difficult on Abaco and parts of Grand Bahama - there are still few functioning local boats and hardly any working diving facilities, so progress is slow," Dahlgren said. "We will start working on restoring reefs over the next few months. Initially by stabilizing dislodged/broken coral fragments so that they don't continue to roll around and die."