upi--2020-05-10--White House economic advisers say fourth stimulus package would be 'premature'

May 10 ( UPI ) -- White House advisers said Sunday that it is too early to pass additional economic package as Congress has begun preliminary discussions on a fourth such bill .
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the Trump administration has been monitoring economic activity in response to previous stimulus packages and projections related to the COVID-19 pandemic as governors and Congress have called for a bill with as much as $ 1 trillion in additional funding for state and local governments .
`` I think that it 's just premature given that the $ 9 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three phases , given that is still out there and there 's still a bunch of it that 's going to be delivered over the next month , '' Hassett said on CNN 's State of the Union .
`` We think that we have a little moment ... the luxury of a moment to learn about what 's going on so that the next step that we take can be prudent . ''
Appearing on ABC News ' This Week , White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow agreed that the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior legislation before working on a new bill .
`` I think many people would like to just pause for a moment and take a look at the economic impact of the massive assistance program , which is the greatest in United States history , '' said Kudlow .
Kudlow added however that he and Hassett have been discussing a fourth package with lawmakers , taking part in a conference call with a bipartisan group of 50 House representatives on Friday with a similar call with senators scheduled for Monday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And there are probably going to be some agreements and disagreements .
Each side has its own positions .
So , it 's not that we 're not talking .
We are .
It 's just informal at this stage , '' he said .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month said Congress would seek to include about $ 1 trillion in funds for state and local governments in a fourth relief bill , saying states require $ 500 billion in funding while municipalities and local governments have similar needs .
President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell have opposed the idea , saying they do not wish to bail out governors who financially mismanaged their states prior to the pandemic .
Hasset noted the previous bills included measures allowing states to use federal funds to pay first responders and said Trump has signaled he would prefer further funding to be focused on helping state governments cover `` unexpected expenses '' related to COVID-19 .
`` I think , right now , the key is to watch the data and to make sure the next move is as smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hassett .

White House economic advisers Kevin Hassett and Larry Kudlow said Sunday the Trump administration believes it would be premature for Congress to pass a fourth coronavirus economic relief package, saying they would prefer to track the impacts of prior legislation and the ongoing effects of the virus. Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo
May 10 (UPI) -- White House advisers said Sunday that it is too early to pass additional economic package as Congress has begun preliminary discussions on a fourth such bill. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the Trump administration has been monitoring economic activity in response to previous stimulus packages and projections related to the COVID-19 pandemic as governors and Congress have called for a bill with as much as $1 trillion in additional funding for state and local governments. Advertisement
"I think that it's just premature given that the $9 trillion of aid that passed in the last three phases, given that is still out there and there's still a bunch of it that's going to be delivered over the next month," Hassett said on CNN's State of the Union. "We think that we have a little moment ... the luxury of a moment to learn about what's going on so that the next step that we take can be prudent."
Appearing on ABC News' This Week, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow agreed that the Trump administration would like to observe the impacts of prior legislation before working on a new bill.
Advertisement
"I think many people would like to just pause for a moment and take a look at the economic impact of the massive assistance program, which is the greatest in United States history," said Kudlow.
Kudlow added however that he and Hassett have been discussing a fourth package with lawmakers, taking part in a conference call with a bipartisan group of 50 House representatives on Friday with a similar call with senators scheduled for Monday.
"I do think there are issues here. And there are probably going to be some agreements and disagreements. Each side has its own positions. So, it's not that we're not talking. We are. It's just informal at this stage," he said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month said Congress would seek to include about $1 trillion in funds for state and local governments in a fourth relief bill, saying states require $500 billion in funding while municipalities and local governments have similar needs.
President Donald Trump and lawmakers including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have opposed the idea, saying they do not wish to bail out governors who financially mismanaged their states prior to the pandemic.
Advertisement
Hasset noted the previous bills included measures allowing states to use federal funds to pay first responders and said Trump has signaled he would prefer further funding to be focused on helping state governments cover "unexpected expenses" related to COVID-19.
"I think, right now, the key is to watch the data and to make sure the next move is as smart as the previous three," said Hassett.


upi--2020-05-10--After losing 2 children in 2018, Ruthie Ann Miles names new baby Hope

May 10 ( UPI ) -- Stage and television actress Ruthie Ann Miles announced on Instagram she has given birth @ @ @ @ @ Welcome to the world , Baby Hope Elizabeth ! ''
the Tony winner wrote across @ @ @ @ @ newborn 's tiny feet .
She did not say exactly when the child was born @ @ @ @ @ , `` 3 generations of April Babies . ''
The actress announced her pregnancy in @ @ @ @ @ is married to Jonathan Blumenstein , was also seven months pregnant when she and her @ @ @ @ @ a car while walking in New York two years ago .
Her unborn baby and @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
The driver later took her own life .
Miles ' credits include @ @ @ @ @ and I .
She also played a recurring role on the TV show The Americans @

Ruthie Ann Mile has given birth to a daughter two years after she was struck by a car that also killed her 4-year-old. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 10 (UPI) -- Stage and television actress Ruthie Ann Miles announced on Instagram she has given birth to a daughter. "Welcome to the world, Baby Hope Elizabeth!" the Tony winner wrote across Saturday's photo of her newborn's tiny feet. Advertisement
She did not say exactly when the child was born, but captioned the photo, " 3 generations of April Babies."
Miles turned 37 on April 21.
The actress announced her pregnancy in March.
Miles, who is married to Jonathan Blumenstein, was also seven months pregnant when she and her 4-year-old daughter were struck by a car while walking in New York two years ago. Her unborn baby and her daughter died because of the incident.
The driver later took her own life.
Miles' credits include Avenue Q and The King and I. She also played a recurring role on the TV show The Americans.


upi--2020-05-10--Watch: Baldwin returns as Trump for virtual graduation sketch on 'SNL'

May 10 ( UPI ) -- Saturday Night Live satirized the current trend of using video-conference technology in graduation ceremonies for social-distancing students during the coronavirus pandemic .
SNL cast member Kate McKinnon played a high school principal doing her best to inspire a group of teens at home wearing makeshift caps and gowns .
Frequent guest star Alec Baldwin brought back his U.S. President Donald Trump impression to serve as keynote speaker at the virtual event .
Wearing his signature Make America Great Again hat and swigged from a bottle of bleach when he had a cough , Baldwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makeup since his valet tested positive for the coronavirus .
`` I had to resort to a Liza Minelli TikTok makeup tutorial .
I 'm so honored to be your valedictator , but today is not about me , it 's about you , '' Trump said .
`` You 're actually lucky to be graduating right now .
There are so many exciting new jobs out there like grocery store bouncer , cam girl , porch pirate , amateur nurse and coal .
Do n't forget about coal .
It 's in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grab it . ''
`` I do n't want to do that ! ''
one of the students can be heard yelling .
This weekend 's edition of SNL was the sketch-comedy show 's Season 45 finale and third episode filmed remotely at the stars ' homes during the pandemic .

1/3
Alec Baldwin returned as U.S. President Donald Trump on this weekend's Season 45 finale of "Saturday Night Live." File Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI | License Photo
May 10 (UPI) -- Saturday Night Live satirized the current trend of using video-conference technology in graduation ceremonies for social-distancing students during the coronavirus pandemic. SNL cast member Kate McKinnon played a high school principal doing her best to inspire a group of teens at home wearing makeshift caps and gowns. Advertisement
Frequent guest star Alec Baldwin brought back his U.S. President Donald Trump impression to serve as keynote speaker at the virtual event.
Wearing his signature Make America Great Again hat and swigged from a bottle of bleach when he had a cough, Baldwin as Trump admitted he did his own makeup since his valet tested positive for the coronavirus.
"I had to resort to a Liza Minelli TikTok makeup tutorial. I'm so honored to be your valedictator, but today is not about me, it's about you," Trump said.
"You're actually lucky to be graduating right now. There are so many exciting new jobs out there like grocery store bouncer, cam girl, porch pirate, amateur nurse and coal. Don't forget about coal. It's in the ground and you just dig down and grab it."
Advertisement
"I don't want to do that!" one of the students can be heard yelling.
This weekend's edition of SNL was the sketch-comedy show's Season 45 finale and third episode filmed remotely at the stars' homes during the pandemic.


upi--2020-05-10--Summerlike heat to fade for western U.S.

After nearly a full week of oppressive summerlike heat for the western United States , temperatures will finally ease back to normal levels this week .
As of Saturday , the sting of summerlike heat had already begun to fade for many coastal cities and areas immediately inland .
Downtown Los Angeles , for example , reached a high temperature of 79 Fahrenheit on Saturday , full 10 degrees lower than Friday 's high of 89 .
However , heat refused to release its grip on cities farther inland , into the valleys and deserts of California , and portions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In California , Bishop , Montague and Mt .
Shasta City all set record-high temperatures on Saturday , reaching 94 , 92 and 86 respectively .
These records were last set in 1960 , 1987 and 1969 respectively .
Farther east , Reno , Nev. , reached a high of 88 , breaking the previous record from 2001 .
And in Arizona , Phoenix recorded its fifth day in a row of over 100-degree heat .
Thankfully , AccuWeather meteorologists say the end of this record-breaking heat wave is on the horizon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now open with many restrictions in Orange , Ventura , San Diego and Santa Barbara counties .
Los Angeles County officials say they may begin gradually reopening beaches as soon as Wednesday .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom 's stay-at-home order remains in place .
The persistent upper-level atmospheric pattern that has locked summerlike heat into the West and record-breaking cold into the East will finally begin to break down on Sunday , allowing a storm system to develop off the coast of California .
This storm will advance toward the West Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rainfall to Northern California and Oregon .
Ahead of this system , wind direction over much of California will shift , which will allow temperatures across the region to regulate .
`` As the offshore winds begin to subside , cooler conditions will return to much of California finally , '' AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Spamer said .
During this heat wave , much of the state has been dominated by hot offshore flow .
Winds will continue to shift across the region on Sunday and more of the West Coast will be placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some coastal locations have already experienced the temperature relief onshore flow can bring .
San Francisco received quite the temperature shock from Friday to Saturday when winds shifted .
On Friday , under offshore winds , the city reached a high of 82 .
While under the influence of onshore winds on Saturday , the mercury was unable to surpass 66 .
Conditions will begin to cool off in earnest for much of California on Sunday , with many locations recording temperatures 5-10 degrees lower than Saturday .
Coastal communities will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas just inland reach into the 70s .
Valley locations will remain rather warm on Sunday with temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s expected .
Desert locations will remain under triple-digit heat .
As the storm comes ashore Monday afternoon and spreads showers over Northern California , temperatures will trend even lower across the state .
Many locations such as Sacramento , Calif. , and downtown Los Angeles are forecast to reach temperatures very close to average for this time of the year .
Even lower temperatures are expected for Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , locations across the state of California will be around 20 degrees cooler than their hottest day of the past week .
Coastal communities dip into the upper 50s to lower 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday , while inland areas sag into the low to middle 70s .
The typically hotter valley and desert locations will not miss out on the cooldown as temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 70s and upper 80s to low 90s respectively .
`` The drop in temperatures is likely to make it easier for residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance outdoors amid the COVID-19 lockdown across the state , '' Spamer said .
While relief from summerlike heat in California will begin as the weekend concludes , those hoping for cooler conditions in the Desert Southwest will have to hold on a bit longer .
Cities like Phoenix will continue to flirt with triple-digit heat through Monday , before more seasonable temperatures in the lower 90s are forecast to arrive on Tuesday .

Beachgoers seek relief from the heat where thousands converged on California beaches to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and to get a break from weeks of isolation at home in Huntington Beach, Calif., on April 30, 2020. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
After nearly a full week of oppressive summerlike heat for the western United States, temperatures will finally ease back to normal levels this week. As of Saturday, the sting of summerlike heat had already begun to fade for many coastal cities and areas immediately inland. Downtown Los Angeles, for example, reached a high temperature of 79 Fahrenheit on Saturday, full 10 degrees lower than Friday's high of 89. Advertisement
However, heat refused to release its grip on cities farther inland, into the valleys and deserts of California, and portions of the Southwest where record heat continued.
In California, Bishop, Montague and Mt. Shasta City all set record-high temperatures on Saturday, reaching 94, 92 and 86 respectively. These records were last set in 1960, 1987 and 1969 respectively.
Farther east, Reno, Nev., reached a high of 88, breaking the previous record from 2001. And in Arizona, Phoenix recorded its fifth day in a row of over 100-degree heat.
Advertisement
Thankfully, AccuWeather meteorologists say the end of this record-breaking heat wave is on the horizon.
Mid the coronavirus pandemis, Beaches are now open with many restrictions in Orange, Ventura, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties. Los Angeles County officials say they may begin gradually reopening beaches as soon as Wednesday. Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order remains in place.
The persistent upper-level atmospheric pattern that has locked summerlike heat into the West and record-breaking cold into the East will finally begin to break down on Sunday, allowing a storm system to develop off the coast of California.
This storm will advance toward the West Coast on Monday, ushering in some much-needed rainfall to Northern California and Oregon. Ahead of this system, wind direction over much of California will shift, which will allow temperatures across the region to regulate.
"As the offshore winds begin to subside, cooler conditions will return to much of California finally," AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Spamer said.
During this heat wave, much of the state has been dominated by hot offshore flow. Winds will continue to shift across the region on Sunday and more of the West Coast will be placed under the influence of cooler onshore flow.
Advertisement
Some coastal locations have already experienced the temperature relief onshore flow can bring.
San Francisco received quite the temperature shock from Friday to Saturday when winds shifted. On Friday, under offshore winds, the city reached a high of 82. While under the influence of onshore winds on Saturday, the mercury was unable to surpass 66.
Conditions will begin to cool off in earnest for much of California on Sunday, with many locations recording temperatures 5-10 degrees lower than Saturday.
Coastal communities will remain in the 60s on Sunday, while areas just inland reach into the 70s. Valley locations will remain rather warm on Sunday with temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s expected. Desert locations will remain under triple-digit heat.
As the storm comes ashore Monday afternoon and spreads showers over Northern California, temperatures will trend even lower across the state. Many locations such as Sacramento, Calif., and downtown Los Angeles are forecast to reach temperatures very close to average for this time of the year.
Even lower temperatures are expected for Tuesday before conditions plateau on Wednesday. By Tuesday, locations across the state of California will be around 20 degrees cooler than their hottest day of the past week.
Advertisement
Coastal communities dip into the upper 50s to lower 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday, while inland areas sag into the low to middle 70s. The typically hotter valley and desert locations will not miss out on the cooldown as temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 70s and upper 80s to low 90s respectively.
"The drop in temperatures is likely to make it easier for residents to find ways to more comfortably social distance outdoors amid the COVID-19 lockdown across the state," Spamer said.
While relief from summerlike heat in California will begin as the weekend concludes, those hoping for cooler conditions in the Desert Southwest will have to hold on a bit longer.
Cities like Phoenix will continue to flirt with triple-digit heat through Monday, before more seasonable temperatures in the lower 90s are forecast to arrive on Tuesday.


upi--2020-05-11--Jerry Stiller, comedian and 'Seinfeld' star, dead at 92

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Jerry Stiller , an actor and comedian whose long career included roles in Seinfeld and The King of Queens , has died at age 92 .
Jerry Stiller 's son , actor and comedian Ben Stiller , shared the news Monday on Twitter .
`` I 'm sad to say that my father , Jerry Stiller , passed away from natural causes .
He was a great dad and grandfather , and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years .
He will be greatly missed .
Love you Dad , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father .
Jerry Stiller , who starred in Broadway performances of The Ritz and Hurlyburly , famously formed a comedy duo with his wife , Anne Meara .
The pair appeared on radio and television commercials and on variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show .
Jerry Stiller starred as the often angry father of Jason Alexander 's George Costanza character on Seinfeld , appearing on 30 episodes of the popular sitcom .
Jerry Stiller 's character , Frank , was known for creating his own holiday named Festivus and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The television star also portrayed Arthur , the father of Leah Remini 's Carrie on The King of Queens .
He appeared in both Zoolander films , which starred Ben Stiller , who also served as director .

1/4
Jerry Stiller (L) and his wife, Anne Meara, arrive for a movie premiere in 2007. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Jerry Stiller, an actor and comedian whose long career included roles in Seinfeld and The King of Queens, has died at age 92. Jerry Stiller's son, actor and comedian Ben Stiller, shared the news Monday on Twitter. Advertisement
"I'm sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes. He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad," Ben Stiller wrote alongside a photo of his father.
I'm sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes. He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad. pic.twitter.com/KyoNsJIBz5— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) May 11, 2020
Jerry Stiller, who starred in Broadway performances of The Ritz and Hurlyburly, famously formed a comedy duo with his wife, Anne Meara. The pair appeared on radio and television commercials and on variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show.
Advertisement
Jerry Stiller starred as the often angry father of Jason Alexander's George Costanza character on Seinfeld, appearing on 30 episodes of the popular sitcom. Jerry Stiller's character, Frank, was known for creating his own holiday named Festivus and for attempting to sell a bra for men.
The television star also portrayed Arthur, the father of Leah Remini's Carrie on The King of Queens. He appeared in both Zoolander films, which starred Ben Stiller, who also served as director.
Meara died in 2015 at age 85.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-05-11--Shanghai Disneyland reopens with limits after 3-month shutdown

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Shanghai Disneyland began a phased reopening on Monday but with social distancing and other safety measures in place , more than three months after it closed due to the coronvirus pandemic .
Thousands of people gathered outside the gates before Monday 's reopening and streamed into the park for the first time since Jan. 25 .
All visitors were required to wear face coverings and submit to temperature screenings as part of the new safety requirements at the Shanghai theme park , the first of Disney 's six worldwide resorts to reopen since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today 's reopening serves as a beacon of light across the globe , providing hope and inspiration to everyone , '' Shanghai Disneyland President Joe Schott told reporters , adding that most of the park 's rides , restaurants and shows will be open .
During the initial reopening phase , Disney is limiting the 80,000-capacity park to 20 percent and is requiring advanced ticketing .
Social distancing measures remain to mitigate the potential spread in queues , restaurants , ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park .
Parades and nighttime events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Disney characters like Mickey Mouse are prohibited from `` close interaction and close-up photos '' with visitors .
Chinese economists see the park 's reopening of as an important step in reviving the tourism industry as the nation moves into a new phase of COVID-19 prevention and control .

1/2
Visitors walk Monday through the Shanghai Disneyland theme park, which has reopened after a prolonged closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Shanghai, China. Photo by Zhou You/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) -- Shanghai Disneyland began a phased reopening on Monday but with social distancing and other safety measures in place, more than three months after it closed due to the coronvirus pandemic. Thousands of people gathered outside the gates before Monday's reopening and streamed into the park for the first time since Jan. 25. Advertisement
All visitors were required to wear face coverings and submit to temperature screenings as part of the new safety requirements at the Shanghai theme park, the first of Disney's six worldwide resorts to reopen since the outbreak began.
"We hope that today's reopening serves as a beacon of light across the globe, providing hope and inspiration to everyone," Shanghai Disneyland President Joe Schott told reporters, adding that most of the park's rides, restaurants and shows will be open.
During the initial reopening phase, Disney is limiting the 80,000-capacity park to 20 percent and is requiring advanced ticketing. Social distancing measures remain to mitigate the potential spread in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other facilities throughout the park.
Parades and nighttime events will not yet resume, however, and Disney characters like Mickey Mouse are prohibited from "close interaction and close-up photos" with visitors.
Advertisement
Chinese economists see the park's reopening of as an important step in reviving the tourism industry as the nation moves into a new phase of COVID-19 prevention and control.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-11--Economic recovery in Egypt should include women

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Countries around the world are focused on enforcing stay-at-home edicts , lockdowns and even curfews to halt the exponential spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 -- and policies to assist those thrown out of work as a result .
Yet , what will come later also deserves attention -- particularly how policies might affect women already struggling to join the workforce in developing economies .
We recently published a study that examined the obstacles women face finding jobs in Egypt , the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , women 's engagement in the labor force there remains limited .
Will Egypt 's post-pandemic recovery further exacerbate these structural barriers and inequities ?
Or , could the current economic crisis be an opportunity to `` reset '' and develop new opportunities to employ women and foster the conditions for a more inclusive and diversified labor force ?
Egypt , like most countries around the world , will be looking at policy measures to restore the economy .
This presents an opportunity to think proactively about policies that could help countries like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ultimately , the private sector is the economic engine that spurs long-term growth and is the main source for employment .
However , working conditions are generally better in the government sector , further increasing its attractiveness as the preferred place of employment for women .
To address the historic imbalance of employment of women in the public over the private sector , Egypt has to uniformly enforce its existing laws and policies against gender discrimination in hiring , fair wages and benefits and workplace harassment and protections .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentation , traveling , or conducting other independent activities .
These urgently need to be reformed because they hinder women from seeking employment or being able to register and operate a business .
Discriminatory business lending practices that affect women , directly and indirectly , also need to be reformed .
Egypt 's economic recovery initiatives are likely to include eliminating regulatory bottlenecks , increasing access to financial capital for small- and medium-size enterprises and investing in infrastructure .
At the same time , the government needs to consider if and how these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private sector .
If , for instance , infrastructure investment focuses only on large construction projects , that would tend to provide job opportunities for men and not for women .
By contrast , investments in information technology infrastructure to expand network access and bandwidth for businesses and households would increase equity .
Such investments would foster greater opportunities for work-from-home for individuals , including women who need to reconcile work and household responsibilities .
It would also provide opportunities for women who prefer to work from home because of lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and from work .
Egypt also needs to invest in universal early childhood education .
Studies point to the positive effects of high-quality early childhood education on a child 's future well-being and earnings .
But investments in early childhood education also can encourage women 's participation in the labor market and provide employment opportunities for women as teachers and childcare providers .
Eventually , the rate of COVID-19 infections will slow , restrictions such as distancing will be lifted , and the government will be eager to get people working again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Egypt to hit the `` reset '' button and lift longstanding impediments to its future growth and prosperity and ultimately , the long-term welfare of all its citizens .
Louay Constant is a senior policy researcher at the nonprofit , nonpartisan RAND Corp. and has worked on a range of social policy issues , including education and training , labor markets and workforce development .

Despite tremendous strides in education attainment, women’s engagement in the Egyptian labor force remains limited. Photo by Khaled Elfiqi/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) -- Countries around the world are focused on enforcing stay-at-home edicts, lockdowns and even curfews to halt the exponential spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 -- and policies to assist those thrown out of work as a result. Yet, what will come later also deserves attention -- particularly how policies might affect women already struggling to join the workforce in developing economies. We recently published a study that examined the obstacles women face finding jobs in Egypt, the most populous country in the Middle East and North Africa region. Despite tremendous strides in education attainment, women's engagement in the labor force there remains limited. Will Egypt's post-pandemic recovery further exacerbate these structural barriers and inequities? Or, could the current economic crisis be an opportunity to "reset" and develop new opportunities to employ women and foster the conditions for a more inclusive and diversified labor force? Advertisement Advertisement
Egypt, like most countries around the world, will be looking at policy measures to restore the economy. This presents an opportunity to think proactively about policies that could help countries like Egypt realize their full human capital potential.
Expand opportunities
Ultimately, the private sector is the economic engine that spurs long-term growth and is the main source for employment. However, working conditions are generally better in the government sector, further increasing its attractiveness as the preferred place of employment for women. To address the historic imbalance of employment of women in the public over the private sector, Egypt has to uniformly enforce its existing laws and policies against gender discrimination in hiring, fair wages and benefits and workplace harassment and protections.
In addition, current laws constrain women from obtaining formal documentation, traveling, or conducting other independent activities. These urgently need to be reformed because they hinder women from seeking employment or being able to register and operate a business. Discriminatory business lending practices that affect women, directly and indirectly, also need to be reformed.
Investment in recovery initiatives
Egypt's economic recovery initiatives are likely to include eliminating regulatory bottlenecks, increasing access to financial capital for small- and medium-size enterprises and investing in infrastructure. At the same time, the government needs to consider if and how these responses will provide opportunities for women in the private sector.
Advertisement
If, for instance, infrastructure investment focuses only on large construction projects, that would tend to provide job opportunities for men and not for women. By contrast, investments in information technology infrastructure to expand network access and bandwidth for businesses and households would increase equity. Such investments would foster greater opportunities for work-from-home for individuals, including women who need to reconcile work and household responsibilities. It would also provide opportunities for women who prefer to work from home because of lack of safe and reliable transportation to get to and from work.
Early childhood education
Egypt also needs to invest in universal early childhood education. Studies point to the positive effects of high-quality early childhood education on a child's future well-being and earnings. But investments in early childhood education also can encourage women's participation in the labor market and provide employment opportunities for women as teachers and childcare providers.
Eventually, the rate of COVID-19 infections will slow, restrictions such as distancing will be lifted, and the government will be eager to get people working again. This is an opportunity for a country like Egypt to hit the "reset" button and lift longstanding impediments to its future growth and prosperity and ultimately, the long-term welfare of all its citizens.
Advertisement
Louay Constant is a senior policy researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corp. and has worked on a range of social policy issues, including education and training, labor markets and workforce development.


upi--2020-05-11--'The Last Dance': Michael Jordan tears up talking about relationship with Bulls teammates

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Michael Jordan was brought to tears in one of the latest episodes of The Last Dance when asked to describe his relationship with his Chicago Bulls teammates .
Episodes 7 and 8 of the 10-part documentary series aired Sunday on ESPN .
The episodes detailed Jordan 's intense competitive mentality and the balance he had to have when he worked alongside the rest of the Bulls during the late 1990s .
`` My mentality was to go out and win at any cost , '' Jordan said .
`` If you do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't need to be alongside of me because I 'm going to ridicule you until you get on the same level with me .
`` And if you do n't get on the same level , then it 's going to be hell for you . ''
Jordan discussed how hard he was on Bulls teammate Scott Burrell during his final season with the team in 1997-1998 .
Burrell and Jordan 's other teammates admitted they feared the basketball legend .
They also called him a `` jerk '' and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times as a competitor and motivator .
`` Winning has a price , '' Jordan said .
`` And leadership has a price .
So I pulled people along when they did n't want to be pulled .
I challenged people when they did n't want to be challenged .
And I earned that right because [ other ] teammates came after me .
`` They did n't endure all the things that I endured .
Once you joined the team , you lived at a certain standard that I played the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take anything less . ''
Former Bulls Coach Phil Jackson said he had to ask Jordan to tone it down during practice if he was too hard on his teammates .
`` He 'd get feisty in a practice and maybe go up against people , '' Jackson said .
`` I 'd have to talk a little bit about toning it down and make amends and keep that level of team camaraderie .
That 's your role , too , as a part of this , in being a captain . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asked The Last Dance director Jason Hehir for a break before the screen went black .
`` You ask all my teammates , the one thing about Michael Jordan was , 'He never asked me to do something that he did n't [ expletive ] do , ' '' Jordan said .
`` When people see this , they 'll say , 'Well , he was n't really a nice guy .
He may have been a tyrant . '
Well , that 's you .
Because you never won anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted [ my teammates ] to win and be a part of that as well . ''
`` Look , I do n't have to do this , '' he added before he was choked up .
`` I 'm only doing it because it is who I am .
That 's how I played the game .
That was my mentality .
If you do n't want to play that way , do n't play that way . ''
The final two episodes of The Last Dance air at 9 p.m. and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Last Dance director Jason Hehir to stop an interview when he discussed his relationship with his Chicago Bulls teammates. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | Basketball great Michael Jordan, pictured at the Ryder Cup golf tournament in Paris in 2018, teared up and askeddirector Jason Hehir to stop an interview when he discussed his relationship with his Chicago Bulls teammates. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Michael Jordan was brought to tears in one of the latest episodes of The Last Dance when asked to describe his relationship with his Chicago Bulls teammates. Episodes 7 and 8 of the 10-part documentary series aired Sunday on ESPN. The episodes detailed Jordan's intense competitive mentality and the balance he had to have when he worked alongside the rest of the Bulls during the late 1990s. Advertisement
"My mentality was to go out and win at any cost," Jordan said. "If you don't want to live that regimented mentality, then you don't need to be alongside of me because I'm going to ridicule you until you get on the same level with me.
"And if you don't get on the same level, then it's going to be hell for you."
Jordan discussed how hard he was on Bulls teammate Scott Burrell during his final season with the team in 1997-1998. Burrell and Jordan's other teammates admitted they feared the basketball legend. They also called him a "jerk" and said he "crossed the line" numerous times as a competitor and motivator.
"Winning has a price," Jordan said. "And leadership has a price. So I pulled people along when they didn't want to be pulled. I challenged people when they didn't want to be challenged. And I earned that right because [other] teammates came after me.
"They didn't endure all the things that I endured. Once you joined the team, you lived at a certain standard that I played the game. And I wasn't going to take anything less."
Former Bulls Coach Phil Jackson said he had to ask Jordan to tone it down during practice if he was too hard on his teammates.
"He'd get feisty in a practice and maybe go up against people," Jackson said. "I'd have to talk a little bit about toning it down and make amends and keep that level of team camaraderie. That's your role, too, as a part of this, in being a captain."
Advertisement
Episode 7 ended as Jordan became emotional and asked The Last Dance director Jason Hehir for a break before the screen went black.
"You ask all my teammates, the one thing about Michael Jordan was, 'He never asked me to do something that he didn't [expletive] do,'" Jordan said. "When people see this, they'll say, 'Well, he wasn't really a nice guy. He may have been a tyrant.' Well, that's you. Because you never won anything. I wanted to win, but I wanted [my teammates] to win and be a part of that as well."
"Look, I don't have to do this," he added before he was choked up. "I'm only doing it because it is who I am. That's how I played the game. That was my mentality. If you don't want to play that way, don't play that way."
The final two episodes of The Last Dance air at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT Sunday on ESPN.


upi--2020-05-11--WWE Money in the Bank: Otis, Asuka win big

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Otis and Asuka were the big winners at WWE 's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event as both superstars were able to obtain a Money in the Bank briefcase .
The men 's and women 's Money in the Bank matches took place simultaneously at WWE headquarters in Stamford , Conn. , on Sunday for the first time ever .
The competitors were tasked with reaching the roof where the Money in the Bank briefcases were located , just above a wrestling ring .
Otis , AJ Styles , King Corbin , Daniel Bryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the match in the first-floor gym while Asuka , Shayna Baszler , Lacey Evans , Dana Brooke , Nia Jax and Carmella began on the first-floor lobby .
Asuka gained an early advantage by taking out all of her opponents by leaping off of a second-floor railing .
She then quickly ran into an elevator to reach a higher floor .
Otis , inside the gym , pinned Styles down with massive weight plates .
Brooke and others arrived at a Money in the Bank-themed conference room , where they started to brawl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hanging inside the room but Stephanie McMahon made a cameo to inform her that the real briefcase was located on the roof .
Styles would escape and move up to another floor but he was quickly distracted by a room that contained The Undertaker 's casket and urn .
Black kicked Styles into the room and closed the door .
The men and women collided inside a catering area , where Paul Heyman was about to sit down and enjoy a large meal .
Otis called for a food fight and chaos ensued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirifuda Clutch .
Otis would later throw a pie into the face of former general manager John Laurinaitis , who was passing by .
Styles and Bryan found themselves inside Vince McMahon 's office , which had dinosaur bones hanging on the wall .
Vince McMahon yelled at Styles and Bryan to get out with the grapplers leaving but not before they fixed the chairs they had moved while fighting .
Asuka and the other women made it to the roof first .
Asuka fought off Evans , Jax and Corbin , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asuka kicked Corbin off the ladder and grabbed the first Money in the Bank briefcase .
The briefcase allows Asuka to have a championship match at any time of her choosing .
Corbin was joined by the other men and appeared to throw Mysterio and Black off the roof .
Corbin climbed the ladder again and battled Styles who had done the same .
Corbin and Styles both grabbed the briefcase but Corbin 's rival Elias returned and smashed his guitar against The King 's back .
Styles then fumbled the briefcase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making him the winner and also able to have a championship match at any time of his choosing .
Also at Money in the Bank , WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defended his title against Seth Rollins in a highly competitive match .
Rollins arrived to the ring with new entrance music .
Rollins focused on McIntyre 's left knee , which affected his movement .
The Monday Night Messiah delivered a number of flying knees to the champ 's head and also landed a picture-perfect Frog Splash .
McIntyre would n't quit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrated .
Rollins dodged a Claymore from McIntyre and also performed the Curb Stomp but it was n't enough .
McIntyre won the match after he stopped a second Curb Stomp and delivered a Glasgow Kiss .
Rollins responded with a Superkick but McIntyre survived it and used the Claymore to earn the three count .
McIntyre shook Rollins ' hand afterward .
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defended his title against Bray Wyatt .
Wyatt was in his normal form and was not The Fiend .
Strowman started out in control but Wyatt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcer 's table .
The Eater of Worlds successfully planted Strowman with Sister Abigail , but it surprisingly was n't enough to keep him down .
Strowman played mind games with Wyatt by putting on the black sheep mask he wore when he was a member of the Wyatt Family .
Wyatt was happy thinking that Strowman was coming back to join forces with him .
The pair shared a hug in the middle of the ring and Wyatt was joined by his Firefly Funhouse puppets who cheered on the reunion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it before he defeated Wyatt with the Running Powerslam for the three count .
Wyatt watched Strowman leave the ring as images of The Fiend flashed across the screen .
Other moments from Money in the Bank included SmackDown Women 's Champion Bayley defeating Tamina with help from Sasha Banks ; Bobby Lashley defeating R-Truth ; SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defeating The Miz and John Morrison , The Lucha House Party and The Forgotten Sons ; and Jeff Hardy defeating Cesaro .

May 11 (UPI) -- Otis and Asuka were the big winners at WWE's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event as both superstars were able to obtain a Money in the Bank briefcase.
The men's and women's Money in the Bank matches took place simultaneously at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Conn., on Sunday for the first time ever. The competitors were tasked with reaching the roof where the Money in the Bank briefcases were located, just above a wrestling ring.
Advertisement
Otis, AJ Styles, King Corbin, Daniel Bryan, Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio started the match in the first-floor gym while Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Lacey Evans, Dana Brooke, Nia Jax and Carmella began on the first-floor lobby.
Asuka gained an early advantage by taking out all of her opponents by leaping off of a second-floor railing. She then quickly ran into an elevator to reach a higher floor. Otis, inside the gym, pinned Styles down with massive weight plates.
Advertisement
Brooke and others arrived at a Money in the Bank-themed conference room, where they started to brawl. Brooke grabbed a briefcase that was hanging inside the room but Stephanie McMahon made a cameo to inform her that the real briefcase was located on the roof.
Styles would escape and move up to another floor but he was quickly distracted by a room that contained The Undertaker's casket and urn. Black kicked Styles into the room and closed the door.
The men and women collided inside a catering area, where Paul Heyman was about to sit down and enjoy a large meal. Otis called for a food fight and chaos ensued. Baszler choked out Mysterio with the Kirifuda Clutch. Otis would later throw a pie into the face of former general manager John Laurinaitis, who was passing by.
Styles and Bryan found themselves inside Vince McMahon's office, which had dinosaur bones hanging on the wall. Vince McMahon yelled at Styles and Bryan to get out with the grapplers leaving but not before they fixed the chairs they had moved while fighting.
Advertisement
Asuka and the other women made it to the roof first. Asuka fought off Evans, Jax and Corbin, who had arrived and started climbing the ladder. Asuka kicked Corbin off the ladder and grabbed the first Money in the Bank briefcase. The briefcase allows Asuka to have a championship match at any time of her choosing.
Corbin was joined by the other men and appeared to throw Mysterio and Black off the roof. Corbin climbed the ladder again and battled Styles who had done the same. Corbin and Styles both grabbed the briefcase but Corbin's rival Elias returned and smashed his guitar against The King's back.
Styles then fumbled the briefcase which landed into Otis' hands, making him the winner and also able to have a championship match at any time of his choosing.
Also at Money in the Bank, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defended his title against Seth Rollins in a highly competitive match. Rollins arrived to the ring with new entrance music.
Rollins focused on McIntyre's left knee, which affected his movement. The Monday Night Messiah delivered a number of flying knees to the champ's head and also landed a picture-perfect Frog Splash.
Advertisement
McIntyre wouldn't quit, however, which led to Rollins growing frustrated. Rollins dodged a Claymore from McIntyre and also performed the Curb Stomp but it wasn't enough.
McIntyre won the match after he stopped a second Curb Stomp and delivered a Glasgow Kiss. Rollins responded with a Superkick but McIntyre survived it and used the Claymore to earn the three count. McIntyre shook Rollins' hand afterward.
Universal Champion Braun Strowman defended his title against Bray Wyatt. Wyatt was in his normal form and was not The Fiend.
Strowman started out in control but Wyatt gained an advantage after Strowman crashed into the announcer's table. The Eater of Worlds successfully planted Strowman with Sister Abigail, but it surprisingly wasn't enough to keep him down.
Strowman played mind games with Wyatt by putting on the black sheep mask he wore when he was a member of the Wyatt Family. Wyatt was happy thinking that Strowman was coming back to join forces with him.
The pair shared a hug in the middle of the ring and Wyatt was joined by his Firefly Funhouse puppets who cheered on the reunion. Strowman eventually removed the mask and stomped on it before he defeated Wyatt with the Running Powerslam for the three count.
Advertisement
Wyatt watched Strowman leave the ring as images of The Fiend flashed across the screen.
Other moments from Money in the Bank included SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley defeating Tamina with help from Sasha Banks; Bobby Lashley defeating R-Truth; SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defeating The Miz and John Morrison, The Lucha House Party and The Forgotten Sons; and Jeff Hardy defeating Cesaro.


upi--2020-05-11--Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa surprises mom with Cadillac Escalade on Mother's Day

May 11 ( UPI ) -- New Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has yet to sign his rookie contract , but he will use some of his new cash to buy his mother a Cadillac for Mother 's Day .
Tagovailoa gifted his mom , Diane , a black Cadillac Escalade on Sunday and posted a video of the gift on his social media platforms .
`` Was able to surprise a special lady with a special gift , '' Tagovailoa wrote for the caption .
`` Happy Mother 's Day mom .
I love you . ''
Tagovailoa put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Escalade and parked it in the front yard before his family emerged from the front door of their home .
`` This is mine ? ''
Diane asked , before Tua handed over the keys .
The No .
5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft shared a hug with his mom before the family took their first ride in the SUV .
Tua also posed for a picture with Diane and his father , Galu .
Tagovailoa , 22 , is expected to sign a rookie contract worth at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal should include a signing bonus of nearly $ 20 million and have a fifth-year option .
No .
7 overall pick Derrick Brown on Friday became the first player of the draft class to sign .
Brown 's four-year deal with the Carolina Panthers is worth $ 23.6 million guaranteed .

May 11 (UPI) -- New Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has yet to sign his rookie contract, but he will use some of his new cash to buy his mother a Cadillac for Mother's Day.
Tagovailoa gifted his mom, Diane, a black Cadillac Escalade on Sunday and posted a video of the gift on his social media platforms.
Advertisement
"Was able to surprise a special lady with a special gift," Tagovailoa wrote for the caption. "Happy Mother's Day mom. I love you."
Tagovailoa put a large red bow on the hood of the Escalade and parked it in the front yard before his family emerged from the front door of their home.
"This is mine?" Diane asked, before Tua handed over the keys.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft shared a hug with his mom before the family took their first ride in the SUV. Tua also posed for a picture with Diane and his father, Galu.
Advertisement
Tagovailoa, 22, is expected to sign a rookie contract worth at least $30 million. The four-year deal should include a signing bonus of nearly $20 million and have a fifth-year option.
No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown on Friday became the first player of the draft class to sign. Brown's four-year deal with the Carolina Panthers is worth $23.6 million guaranteed.


upi--2020-05-11--South Korea politicians call for probe into comfort women activist

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Members of South Korea 's ruling and opposition parties are calling for an investigation into an activist suspected of misusing funds reserved for former comfort women .
Lee Hae-chan , leader of the ruling Democratic Party , said Monday an investigation that `` prudently delves into the facts of relevance '' should be launched , News 1 reported .
The statement comes only days after Lee Yong-soo , a former South Korean comfort woman , said women like herself have been `` used '' by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while being deprived of funds collected from the public .
Lee also said Yoon Mi-hyang , president of the Korean Council , should not serve in Seoul 's National Assembly .
Yoon was recently appointed to a seat in South Korean parliament by the ruling Democratic Party , but concern is growing among South Korea 's Democrats .
Lawmaker Kang Byung-won said Monday during an interview on South Korea 's CBS Radio an investigation is necessary to `` clear up any misunderstanding '' about Yoon and the Korean Council .
Cho Hae-jin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told CBS Radio the Korean Council `` not once '' forwarded collected funds to the aging victims of Japanese wartime policy .
`` For four years , starting in 2016 , [ the Korean Council ] gathered more than $ 4 million in collections , but only about $ 735,000 was paid to the victims , while the remaining money was used for other purposes , '' Cho said .
Yoon 's private spending is also falling under scrutiny .
Newsis reported Monday Cho raised the issue of Yoon 's spending on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yoon 's daughter , who is studying piano in the United States , would have not been able to finance her studies based solely on the Yoon family income .
Yoon 's party issued a statement in response on Monday , and has said Yoon 's family had reserved funds -- compensation from a past wrongful conviction of her husband -- that are being used for tuition spending overseas , according to the report .

The South Korean activist group in charge of Wednesday rallies outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul is under public scrutiny following charges of misusing public funds. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Members of South Korea's ruling and opposition parties are calling for an investigation into an activist suspected of misusing funds reserved for former comfort women. Lee Hae-chan, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, said Monday an investigation that "prudently delves into the facts of relevance" should be launched, News 1 reported. Advertisement
The statement comes only days after Lee Yong-soo, a former South Korean comfort woman, said women like herself have been "used" by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, while being deprived of funds collected from the public.
Lee also said Yoon Mi-hyang, president of the Korean Council, should not serve in Seoul's National Assembly. Yoon was recently appointed to a seat in South Korean parliament by the ruling Democratic Party, but concern is growing among South Korea's Democrats.
Lawmaker Kang Byung-won said Monday during an interview on South Korea's CBS Radio an investigation is necessary to "clear up any misunderstanding" about Yoon and the Korean Council.
Main opposition conservatives gave a more critical assessment of Yoon.
Cho Hae-jin, lawmaker-elect with the United Future Party, told CBS Radio the Korean Council "not once" forwarded collected funds to the aging victims of Japanese wartime policy.
Advertisement
"For four years, starting in 2016, [the Korean Council] gathered more than $4 million in collections, but only about $735,000 was paid to the victims, while the remaining money was used for other purposes," Cho said.
Yoon's private spending is also falling under scrutiny.
Newsis reported Monday Cho raised the issue of Yoon's spending on education for her child.
Cho said Yoon's daughter, who is studying piano in the United States, would have not been able to finance her studies based solely on the Yoon family income.
Yoon's party issued a statement in response on Monday, and has said Yoon's family had reserved funds -- compensation from a past wrongful conviction of her husband -- that are being used for tuition spending overseas, according to the report.


upi--2020-05-11--3 U.N. peacekeepers killed by bomb in Mali

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed by an explosive device in the northern Mali town of Aguelhok , officials said .
The peacekeepers , from Chad , were part of a convoy connected with the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali when the improvised explosive device went off .
Four other peacekeepers were injured in the blast Sunday .
Mahamat Saleh Annadif , the head of the mission , condemned the attack and said it was intended to disturb Mali 's peace process .
Peacekeepers have been stationed there since 2013 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these terrorist acts so that they can answer for their crimes in front of justice , '' Annadif said .
The Kidal region , which contains Aguelhok , had been a stronghold for separatist rebels in Mali and several militant groups are active in the area .
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing .
Stephane Dujarric , a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres , said in a statement the attacks equated to a war crime .
`` [ Guterres ] calls on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in identifying the perpetrators of these attacks so that they can be brought to justice swiftly , '' Dujarric said .
`` The secretary-general reaffirms that such cowardly acts will not deter the United Nations from its resolve to continue supporting the people and government of Mali in their pursuit of peace and stability . ''

U.N. peacekeepers secure an area in Koygouma in the Timbuktu Region of Mali, on May 6, 2019. File Photo by Nicolas Remene/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) -- Three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed by an explosive device in the northern Mali town of Aguelhok, officials said. The peacekeepers, from Chad, were part of a convoy connected with the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali when the improvised explosive device went off. Four other peacekeepers were injured in the blast Sunday. Advertisement
Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the head of the mission, condemned the attack and said it was intended to disturb Mali's peace process. Peacekeepers have been stationed there since 2013.
"We will have to combine all efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these terrorist acts so that they can answer for their crimes in front of justice," Annadif said.
The Kidal region, which contains Aguelhok, had been a stronghold for separatist rebels in Mali and several militant groups are active in the area. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, said in a statement the attacks equated to a war crime.
"[Guterres] calls on the Malian authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of these attacks so that they can be brought to justice swiftly," Dujarric said. "The secretary-general reaffirms that such cowardly acts will not deter the United Nations from its resolve to continue supporting the people and government of Mali in their pursuit of peace and stability."


upi--2020-05-11--Amnesty International: Syria, Russia forces committed war crimes in anti-rebel push

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Syrian government forces have committed a series of humanitarian violations that amount to `` war crimes '' in its campaign against rebels , Amnesty International said in an analysis Monday .
In a 40-page report titled `` Nowhere is Safe For Us , '' the watchdog said Russian military and Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad carried out a `` new wave of horrors '' against civilians in the opposition-held northwestern part of the country from May 2019 through March .
The human rights group said it documented 18 attacks on medical facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and western Aleppo provinces -- mostly via airstrikes carried out by Russian and Syrian forces .
Syrian fighters were blamed in three ground attacks and two barrel bomb attacks targeting civilians .
In one incident highlighted in the report , 11 civilians including a doctor and at least 30 civilians were injured in a series of airstrikes near al-Shami hospital in Ariha in January .
`` I felt so helpless , '' a surviving doctor said .
`` My friend and colleague dying , children and women screaming outside ... We were all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pattern , attacks from the air and the ground repeatedly struck residential areas and crucial infrastructure , '' Amnesty said in its report .
`` Yet even by the standards of this calamitous nine-year crisis , the resulting displacement and humanitarian emergency were unprecedented . ''
Based on its investigations , Amnesty said the attacks were not directed at any specific military objective and violated international prohibitions of direct attack of civilians .
Assad 's forces and Russian allies conducted an offensive in the region from December until a cease-fire in March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- mostly women and children -- to flee toward the Turkish border .
The refugees packed makeshift shelters and camps set up in abandoned buildings and tens of thousands were forced to stay in open areas in freezing temperatures .
Monday 's report said humanitarian workers in northwest Syria are being hampered by the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions imposed by the largest group of rebels controlling the area , the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham , which has been designated a terrorist group by the U.N. Security Council .

Graffiti is seen on damaged building in war-torn Idlib province in northwest Syria, on April 23. Photo by Yahya Nemah/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) -- Syrian government forces have committed a series of humanitarian violations that amount to "war crimes" in its campaign against rebels, Amnesty International said in an analysis Monday. In a 40-page report titled "Nowhere is Safe For Us," the watchdog said Russian military and Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad carried out a "new wave of horrors" against civilians in the opposition-held northwestern part of the country from May 2019 through March. Advertisement
The human rights group said it documented 18 attacks on medical facilities and schools in Idlib, northwestern Hama and western Aleppo provinces -- mostly via airstrikes carried out by Russian and Syrian forces. Syrian fighters were blamed in three ground attacks and two barrel bomb attacks targeting civilians.
In one incident highlighted in the report, 11 civilians including a doctor and at least 30 civilians were injured in a series of airstrikes near al-Shami hospital in Ariha in January.
"I felt so helpless," a surviving doctor said. "My friend and colleague dying, children and women screaming outside... We were all paralyzed."
"In an all-too-familiar pattern,attacks from the air and the ground repeatedly struck residential areas and crucial infrastructure," Amnesty said in its report. "Yet even by the standards of this calamitous nine-year crisis, the resulting displacement and humanitarian emergency were unprecedented."
Advertisement
Based on its investigations, Amnesty said the attacks were not directed at any specific military objective and violated international prohibitions of direct attack of civilians.
"These violations amount to war crimes," Amnesty concluded.
Assad's forces and Russian allies conducted an offensive in the region from December until a cease-fire in March. The fighting forced nearly 1 million civilians -- mostly women and children -- to flee toward the Turkish border.
The refugees packed makeshift shelters and camps set up in abandoned buildings and tens of thousands were forced to stay in open areas in freezing temperatures.
Monday's report said humanitarian workers in northwest Syria are being hampered by the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions imposed by the largest group of rebels controlling the area, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which has been designated a terrorist group by the U.N. Security Council.


upi--2020-05-11--South Korea races to contain new COVID-19 outbreak tied to Seoul nightclubs

SEOUL , May 11 ( UPI ) -- South Korea is scrambling to get a new COVID-19 outbreak under control as cases connected to a patient who visited several Seoul nightlife venues at the beginning of May mount .
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and prevention announced 35 new COVID-19 cases on Monday , the highest number of daily cases in over a month .
Twenty-nine of the new patients were tied to the clubgoer , a 29-year-old man who visited several bars and clubs in Seoul 's multicultural Itaewon neighborhood on May 1 , raising the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these , 63 were visitors to the venues and 23 were family members or acquaintances of those who attended .
Health officials said that this week will be crucial in tamping down the spread of the infection as they race to identify and test the thousands of people who may have been exposed .
`` We believe this week is crucial to our containment measures , '' said KCDC Director Jung Eun-kyeong at a press briefing Monday .
`` The outbreak was among young people and many of them show no symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are actively engaging in everyday life so there is a high risk of further spread of the infection .
Considering the incubation period , we believe this week is the time for the virus to peak . ''
Authorities are urging anyone who visited the nightlife venues in Itaewon from April 24 through May 6 to get tested regardless of symptoms .
The affected venues cater to an LGBT audience , which has complicated the matter of tracking down visitors , officials acknowledged on Monday .
The lesbian , gay , bisexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Korea in public and in the workplace , and there is concern that some clubgoers have been hesitant to step forward as a backlash has already emerged online and on social media .
Officials said that anonymity would be assured for anyone who came forward for testing .
`` Regardless of symptoms , we will protect your privacy when you take the tests , '' Jung said .
`` We ask the public to give encouragement and refrain from discrimination or hateful speech . ''
Clubs were required to keep logs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone who entered as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 .
However , the Seoul city government is still struggling to track down thousands of visitors , Mayor Park Won-soon on Monday .
Of more than 5,500 names recorded , the city has only been able to contact around 2,400 people , with more than 3,000 still missing , Park said .
`` That means they either deliberately avoided the call or gave false information , '' he said at a press briefing .
The mayor added that Seoul would provide free and anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next few days would be crucial in containing the outbreak from spreading throughout the rest of South Korea .
`` It is a battle of speed from now on , '' Park said .
`` In the next two or three days , it will be a major challenge whether or not Seoul is penetrated .
And if Seoul is penetrated , Korea is at risk .
`` A moment 's neglect can lead to an explosion of infection . ''
Authorities have said they will use additional data such as credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clubgoers who do n't come forward voluntarily , while Park said the city would also request cellphone signal records from telecommunications companies .
The Seoul city government announced Sunday it will close nightlife venues indefinitely , and the neighboring city of Incheon and surrounding province of Gyeonggi followed suit .
The spike in new infections comes just as South Korea began a period of relaxed social distancing guidelines , which were enacted last week .
Before the new outbreak , the country had seen its rate of new patients decline to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas arrivals .
Places such as museums and recreational facilities have been allowed to open , while professional baseball and soccer returned last week to stadiums without fans .
Schools were scheduled to start reopening on Wednesday , but education and health officials are now discussing whether to push back the start in light of the new wave of cases .
On Monday , Seoul education superintendent Cho Hee-yeon recommended that schools postpone reopening for another week while deciding how to proceed .
`` [ I ] f the current trend of concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I believe there is a need to review the school reopening schedule , '' he wrote in a Facebook post , according to news agency Yonhap .
The number of confirmed cases in South Korea rose to more than 10,900 on Monday .

South Korea is facing a new outbreak of COVID-19 cases that are tied to Seoul nightclubs in the wake of relaxed social distancing guidelines, officials said. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
SEOUL, May 11 (UPI) -- South Korea is scrambling to get a new COVID-19 outbreak under control as cases mount connected to a patient who visited several Seoul nightlife venues at the beginning of May. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and prevention announced 35 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, the highest number of daily cases in over a month. Advertisement
Twenty-nine of the new patients were tied to the club-goer, a 29-year-old man who visited several bars and clubs in Seoul's multicultural Itaewon neighborhood on May 1, raising the total number of connected cases to 86. Of these, 63 were visitors to the venues and 23 were family members or acquaintances of those who attended.
Health officials said that this week will be crucial in tamping down the spread of the infection as they race to identify and test the thousands of people who may have been exposed.
Advertisement
"We believe this week is crucial to our containment measures," KCDC Director Jung Eun-kyeong said at a press briefing Monday.
"The outbreak was among young people and many of them show no symptoms," she said. "However, they are actively engaging in everyday life, so there is a high risk of further spread of the infection. Considering the incubation period, we believe this week is the time for the virus to peak."
Authorities are urging anyone who visited the nightlife venues in Itaewon from April 24 through May 6 to get tested regardless of symptoms.
The affected venues cater to an LGBT audience, which has complicated the matter of tracking down visitors, officials acknowledged on Monday.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community continues to face discrimination in South Korea in public and in the workplace, and there is concern that some clubgoers have been hesitant to step forward as a backlash has emerged online and on social media.
Officials said that anonymity would be assured for anyone who came forward for testing.
"Regardless of symptoms, we will protect your privacy when you take the tests," Jung said. "We ask the public to give encouragement and refrain from discrimination or hateful speech."
Advertisement
Clubs were required to keep logs recording the names and phone numbers of everyone who entered as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. However, the Seoul city government is still struggling to track down thousands of visitors, Mayor Park Won-soon said Monday.
Of more than 5,500 names recorded, the city has been able to contact around 2,400 people, with more than 3,000 still missing, Park said.
"That means they either deliberately avoided the call or gave false information," he said at a press briefing.
The mayor added that Seoul would provide free and anonymous testing for the coronavirus and stressed that the next few days would be crucial in containing the outbreak from spreading throughout the rest of South Korea.
"It is a battle of speed from now on," Park said. "In the next two or three days, it will be a major challenge whether or not Seoul is penetrated. And if Seoul is penetrated, Korea is at risk.
"A moment's neglect can lead to an explosion of infection."
Authorities have said they will use additional data such as credit card records and CCTV to track down the club-goers who don't come forward voluntarily, while Park said the city would also request cellphone signal records from telecommunications companies.
Advertisement
The Seoul city government announced Sunday it will close nightlife venues indefinitely, and the neighboring city of Incheon and surrounding province of Gyeonggi followed suit.
The spike in new infections comes just as South Korea began a period of relaxed social distancing guidelines, which were enacted last week.
Before the new outbreak, the country had seen its rate of new patients decline to a trickle, with most infections coming from overseas arrivals. Places such as museums and recreational facilities have been allowed to open, while professional baseball and soccer returned last week to stadiums without fans.
Schools were scheduled to start reopening on Wednesday, but education and health officials are discussing whether to push back the start in light of the new wave of cases.
On Monday, Seoul education superintendent Cho Hee-yeon recommended that schools postpone reopening for another week while deciding how to proceed.
"[I]f the current trend of concerns over a second wave of COVID-19 continues, I believe there is a need to review the school reopening schedule," he wrote in a Facebook post, according to news agency Yonhap.
The number of confirmed cases in South Korea rose to more than 10,900 on Monday.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-11--South Korean businessmen search for answers to Kaesong shutdown

May 11 ( UPI ) -- South Korean business executives with connections to a shuttered factory park in North Korea are demanding answers from Seoul 's Constitutional Court .
Members of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex Emergency Response Committee said Monday they have yet to receive a response on a constitutional petition regarding the closure of Kaesong , a jointly operated manufacturing base that shut down in 2016 , Seoul Pyongyang News and Tongil News reported Monday .
During a press briefing held outside the Constitutional Court , the group said four years have passed since they filed the petition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
`` With the full suspension of the Kaesong Industrial Complex , our businesses have been struggling day after day , '' the Committee said .
`` Meanwhile , the Constitutional Court has not proceeded with our appeal for four years . ''
The South Korean group has argued the abrupt closure of Kaesong on Feb. 10 , 2016 , was unconstitutional .
On Monday the group said a policy innovation committee under the unification ministry had ruled in December 2017 the shutdown did not comply with the nation 's constitution and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the delay in proceedings , there will be no reason to turn away from entrepreneurs and workers who have been deprived of property rights and their rights to livelihood due to unfair measures taken by the state , '' the group said .
`` Delaying justice would be killing us twice . ''
The committee also blamed former President Park Geun-hye and ex-Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo for the decision .
Park , who was impeached in 2017 , had said the decision to close Kaesong was made to comply with international sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Moon Jae-in had promised to reopen Kaesong .
Resuming operations could violate United Nations Security Council embargoes , however .
North Korea has previously tested several nuclear bombs .
Kim Seo-jin , the managing director of the Corporate Association of Kaesong Industrial Complex , said more than 10 percent of South Korean Kaesong businesses have temporarily closed or permanently shuttered in the past four years .
Some of the companies have declared bankruptcy , Kim said .

A South Korean group said Monday the closure of Kaesong Industrial Complex on Feb. 10, 2016, was unconstitutional. File Photo by Park Jin-hee/EPA/POOL
May 11 (UPI) -- South Korean business executives with connections to a shuttered factory park in North Korea are demanding answers from Seoul's Constitutional Court. Members of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex Emergency Response Committee said Monday they have yet to receive a response on a constitutional petition regarding the closure of Kaesong, a jointly operated manufacturing base that shut down in 2016, Seoul Pyongyang News and Tongil News reported Monday. Advertisement
During a press briefing held outside the Constitutional Court, the group said four years have passed since they filed the petition, or appeal, on May 9, 2016.
"With the full suspension of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, our businesses have been struggling day after day," the Committee said. "Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has not proceeded with our appeal for four years."
The South Korean group has argued the abrupt closure of Kaesong on Feb. 10, 2016, was unconstitutional. On Monday the group said a policy innovation committee under the unification ministry had ruled in December 2017 the shutdown did not comply with the nation's constitution and the law.
"Whatever the reason for the delay in proceedings, there will be no reason to turn away from entrepreneurs and workers who have been deprived of property rights and their rights to livelihood due to unfair measures taken by the state," the group said.
Advertisement
"Delaying justice would be killing us twice."
The committee also blamed former President Park Geun-hye and ex-Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo for the decision. Park, who was impeached in 2017, had said the decision to close Kaesong was made to comply with international sanctions resolutions.
During his presidential campaign, President Moon Jae-in had promised to reopen Kaesong. Resuming operations could violate United Nations Security Council embargoes, however. North Korea has previously tested several nuclear bombs.
Kim Seo-jin, the managing director of the Corporate Association of Kaesong Industrial Complex, said more than 10 percent of South Korean Kaesong businesses have temporarily closed or permanently shuttered in the past four years. Some of the companies have declared bankruptcy, Kim said.


upi--2020-05-11--19 dead, 15 injured in Iranian naval incident

May 11 ( UPI ) -- At least 19 Iranian servicemen were killed and 15 others were injured during naval @ @ @ @ @ Oman , Iranian-state run media said , describing the incident as an `` accident .
@ @ @ @ @ Sunday , and rescue and relief operations were deployed soon after , the Iranian Navy @ @ @ @ @ , the Islamic Republic News Agency reported .
According to the statement , the Konarak @ @ @ @ @ Hendijan-class support ship with missile capabilities , was involved in the accident some 790 miles @ @ @ @ @ , the Iranian Students ' News Agency reported .
`` The circumstances of the incident @ @ @ @ @ , '' the news agency said .
The Navy had initially reported one death and @ @ @ @ @ toll was raised hours later .
At least two of the injured servicemen underwent surgery @ @ @ @ @ from the hospital and 11 others were in stable condition , said Mohammad Mehran Amini @ @ @ @ @ Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences .

A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army official website shows the damaged Konarak warship at Jask port after the accident during the naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman, in Chahbahar, southern Iran, on Sunday Photo courtesy of Iranian Army/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) -- At least 19 Iranian servicemen were killed and 15 others were injured during naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, Iranian-state run media said, describing the incident as an "accident." The undisclosed incident occurred Sunday, and rescue and relief operations were deployed soon after, the Iranian Navy said in a statement Monday, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Advertisement
According to the statement, the Konarak vessel, a Dutch-made 155-foot Hendijan-class support ship with missile capabilities, was involved in the accident some 790 miles southeast of the capital Tehran, the Iranian Students' News Agency reported.
"The circumstances of the incident are currently undergoing technical examinations," the news agency said.
The Navy had initially reported one death and 15 injured but the death toll was raised hours later.
At least two of the injured servicemen underwent surgery, two others were discharged from the hospital and 11 others were in stable condition, said Mohammad Mehran Amini Fard, head of the Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences.


upi--2020-05-11--New Zealand, Australia ease lockdown restrictions; Wuhan record 1st cluster in over a month

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Countries in Oceania moved to ease coronavirus restrictions on Monday as China 's city of Wuhan announced a new cluster of infections , raising worries of a resurgence at ground zero of the pandemic .
Chinese health officials on Monday announced 17 new cases of the coronavirus , five of which were recorded in Wuhan where the disease first emerged late last year before spreading the world over .
Of the new infections , one is the wife of an 89-year-old man who was confirmed positive a day earlier and was the first confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , China 's state-run CNA News reported .
The lockdown was lifted days after Wuhan 's last infection , and cars , trains and other forms of transportation were permitted to leave the city for the first time in nearly 80 days on April 8 .
China , the former epicenter of the virus , on Monday also reported zero deaths -- a trend that began on April 15 when it reported its most recent death to the virus , according to data from China 's National Health Commission .
Confirmation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeastern Jilin Province imposed martial law on Shulan city where 11 people contracted the virus from a laundrywoman , according to state-run Global Times .
Shulan raised its epidemic-response to its highest level , making it the only Chinese city to currently take such measures to fight the coronavirus .
The new cases lifted China 's total to 82,918 infections and 4,633 deaths .
Globally , it sat in 11th place and third in Asian in number of infections , according to worldometers.info .
South Korea on Monday also reported a spike in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears that it , too , may see a second wave of the virus .
Health authorities said as of noon Monday , a total of 63 people who visited clubs and bars in Seoul 's Itaewon over the weekend contracted the virus as well as 23 of their family members and friends , Yonhap News reported .
The outbreak forced Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon on Saturday to indefinitely shutter the capital 's bars and nightclubs .
On Monday , South Korea , which has received international praise for its response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 new cases of COVID-19 , its largest single-day increase since early April , the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention said .
Pakistan , which sits sixth in Asia , on Monday confirmed nearly 1,500 new cases of the virus in the previous 24 hours .
Though a drop from a record 1,991 cases recorded the day before , it is continuing a trend of registering quadruple-digit cases that began May 1 , according to Pakistani government data .
Russia recorded its second-highest daily total of 11,656 new cases on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 10,000 new infections .
The new infections forced Russia to pass Britain for third in number of cases for a total of 221,344 , trailing only Spain and the United States .
It also reported 94 new deaths for more than 2,000 fatalities to the virus .
In Oceania on Monday , both New Zealand and Australia moved to ease restrictions after persistent declines in infections .
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced more than six weeks after going into lockdown that they would be downgrading from Level 3 to Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , malls , cafes restaurants and other public spaces to reopen .
`` You can begin to move around New Zealand , but space yourself out especially if you 're using public transport , '' she said , crediting the country 's 5 million residents for creating `` a wall that meant the virus could n't reach those that it could easily take . ''
On May 18 , students will return to classes and next Thursday bars will be able to reopen , she said .
`` We have left bars till @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , as we can see from South Korea that recently opened up their bars , only to close them again after one person created an outbreak , '' she said .
In Australia , some states announced easing to restrictions days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said they could proceed with lifting lockdowns at their discretion .
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that from Friday gatherings of 10 people will be allowed , meaning cafes and restaurants will be permitted to seat up to 10 customers at a time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Wednesday , people will be able to gather in groups up to five visitors in homes and up to 10 people outdoors .
Weddings will be allowed up to 10 guests , he said , adding that a maximum of 20 people will be able to attend indoor funerals and up to 30 for outdoor .
Of Oceania 's more than 8,500 infections , Australia accounted for nearly 7,000 while New Zealand recorded all but 108 of the remaining patients .
The region has recorded 118 deaths to the disease -- 97 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Globally , there were more than 4 million cases and nearly 283,000 deaths to the virus .

1/4
A few students leave school as the threat level of coronavirus has been officially lowered and a few schools open in Beijing on Monday. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Countries in Oceania moved to ease coronavirus restrictions on Monday as China's city of Wuhan announced a new cluster of infections, raising worries of a resurgence at ground zero of the pandemic. Chinese health officials on Monday announced 17 new cases of the coronavirus, five of which were recorded in Wuhan where the disease first emerged late last year before spreading the world over. Advertisement
Of the new infections, one is the wife of an 89-year-old man who was confirmed positive a day earlier and was the first confirmed infection in the city since April 3, China's state-run CNA News reported.
The lockdown was lifted days after Wuhan's last infection, and cars, trains and other forms of transportation were permitted to leave the city for the first time in nearly 80 days on April 8.
Advertisement
China, the former epicenter of the virus, on Monday also reported zero deaths -- a trend that began on April 15 when it reported its most recent death to the virus, according to data from China's National Health Commission.
Confirmation of the cluster comes a day after China's northeastern Jilin Province imposed martial law on Shulan city where 11 people contracted the virus from a laundrywoman, according to state-run Global Times.
Shulan raised its epidemic-response to its highest level, making it the only Chinese city to currently take such measures to fight the coronavirus.
The new cases lifted China's total to 82,918 infections and 4,633 deaths.
Globally, it sat in 11th place and third in Asian in number of infections, according to worldometers.info.
South Korea on Monday also reported a spike in cases connected to Seoul nightclubs, raising fears that it, too, may see a second wave of the virus.
Health authorities said as of noon Monday, a total of 63 people who visited clubs and bars in Seoul's Itaewon over the weekend contracted the virus as well as 23 of their family members and friends, Yonhap News reported.
The outbreak forced Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon on Saturday to indefinitely shutter the capital's bars and nightclubs.
Advertisement
On Monday, South Korea, which has received international praise for its response to the pandemic without instituting large-scale lockdowns, recorded 35 new cases of COVID-19, its largest single-day increase since early April, the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Pakistan, which sits sixth in Asia, on Monday confirmed nearly 1,500 new cases of the virus in the previous 24 hours. Though a drop from a record 1,991 cases recorded the day before, it is continuing a trend of registering quadruple-digit cases that began May 1, according to Pakistani government data.
Russia recorded its second-highest daily total of 11,656 new cases on Monday for its eighth consecutive day recording more than 10,000 new infections.
The new infections forced Russia to pass Britain for third in number of cases for a total of 221,344, trailing only Spain and the United States.
It also reported 94 new deaths for more than 2,000 fatalities to the virus.
In Oceania on Monday, both New Zealand and Australia moved to ease restrictions after persistent declines in infections.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced more than six weeks after going into lockdown that they would be downgrading from Level 3 to Level 2 on Thursday, allowing retail stores, malls, cafes restaurants and other public spaces to reopen.
Advertisement
"You can begin to move around New Zealand, but space yourself out especially if you're using public transport," she said, crediting the country's 5 million residents for creating "a wall that meant the virus couldn't reach those that it could easily take."
On May 18, students will return to classes and next Thursday bars will be able to reopen, she said.
"We have left bars till last because they do pose the most risk, as we can see from South Korea that recently opened up their bars, only to close them again after one person created an outbreak," she said.
In Australia, some states announced easing to restrictions days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said they could proceed with lifting lockdowns at their discretion.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that from Friday gatherings of 10 people will be allowed, meaning cafes and restaurants will be permitted to seat up to 10 customers at a time.
In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said from Wednesday, people will be able to gather in groups up to five visitors in homes and up to 10 people outdoors. Weddings will be allowed up to 10 guests, he said, adding that a maximum of 20 people will be able to attend indoor funerals and up to 30 for outdoor.
Advertisement
Of Oceania's more than 8,500 infections, Australia accounted for nearly 7,000 while New Zealand recorded all but 108 of the remaining patients. The region has recorded 118 deaths to the disease -- 97 in Australia and 21 in New Zealand.
Globally, there were more than 4 million cases and nearly 283,000 deaths to the virus.


upi--2020-05-11--'Stargirl' actress wants viewers to 'feel like they can be her'

LOS ANGELES , May 11 ( UPI ) -- When kids play superheroes , there are more grown male heroes from whom to choose than young women .
Superman , Spider-Man , Batman , Iron Man , Aquaman , The Flash , Green Lantern , Captain America , Thor , Black Panther and Black Lightning clearly outnumber Supergirl , Wonder Woman , Black Widow and Captain Marvel on screen .
Stargirl star Brec Bassinger hopes she is playing a character to whom young girls can relate .
Courtney Whitmore ( Bassinger ) is a high school student who discovers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Using its powers , she can become Stargirl .
`` Even recently , with the Tom Holland Spider-Man , I love that movie so much , but watching it , I never felt like I could be Spider-Man , '' Bassinger told UPI in a phone interview in late April .
`` So I hope people can love her and also people feel like they can be her . ''
The DC Comics author and former chief creative officer of the company , Geoff Johns , created Stargirl for his late sister who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wanted to create a character that was a teenager like her and have this spirit and energy that my sister had , '' Johns told UPI in a recent phone interview .
`` This unbridled enthusiasm and ' I could do ' anything attitude sometimes got her into trouble and it gets Stargirl into trouble . ''
Bassinger was 20 when she played the teenager .
Still , she said Courtney/Stargirl speaks to younger fans more than Batwoman or Supergirl do .
`` I love all of them , '' Bassinger said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than all of them .
So I feel like even watching them , I can look up to them , but I do n't feel like this relatability to them as much .
Stargirl can be relatable to a younger audience . ''
For Johns , creating Stargirl also gave young girls a heroine who was not defined by a male counterpart .
She takes over for Starman , but Starman never existed without Stargirl .
`` As much as I love Batgirl and Supergirl , they felt like they still were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Johns said .
`` Stargirl casts her [ own ] shadow .
She has the sidekick who is her stepfather in this version . ''
Pat Dugan ( Luke Wilson ) was the sidekick to Starman ( Joel McHale ) .
When Pat marries Courtney 's mom ( Amy Smart ) , Courtney does n't get along with him at first .
When Courtney discovers Starman 's staff , Pat has to come clean .
Stargirl also ropes him into returning to his sidekick duties as S.T.R.I.P.E.
, a robot he pilots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E .
way back when , it was always about the relationships between stepkids and stepparents , '' Johns said .
`` This is the story of one coming together , of a family being made . ''
As Pat trains Courtney to wield the staff , and try to reign in her eagerness to use her new superpowers , he gradually becomes closer with his stepdaughter .
`` I think you see their bond grow throughout the season , '' Bassinger said .
`` Actually , in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between them that you see where they 've come . ''
During school hours , Courtney also recruits her classmates to join her team .
She hopes to form a new Justice Society of America , including people from different backgrounds .
Beth ( Anjelika Washington ) is black .
Yolanda ( Yvette Monreal ) is Latina and Rick ( Cameron Gellman ) is a young man .
`` Not only Stargirl being a young female , but all the new JSA is a very diverse group of people , '' Bassinger said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullying or abusive families to join her team of superheroes .
Separately , Yolanda is bullied , Beth is socially isolated and Rick is verbally abused by his uncle .
Bassinger hopes viewers feel empowered by the characters coming together .
`` You can still be yourself even if you 're a misfit , '' Bassinger said .
`` It 's OK. '' Even though Johns created Stargirl as a memorial to his sister , he uses the character to address issues that modern teens still face .
The bullying Yolanda faces involves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-boyfriend leaked .
`` It was important to obviously ground these characters in relatable things and allow them these opportunities to tackle their emotional issues , '' Johns said .
Stargirl premieres Monday on the DC Universe streaming service and May 19 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW .

1/3
Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) becomes Stargirl with the Cosmic Staff. Photo courtesy of The CW
LOS ANGELES, May 11 (UPI) -- When kids play superheroes, there are more grown male heroes from whom to choose than young women. Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Iron Man, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther and Black Lightning clearly outnumber Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Black Widow and Captain Marvel on screen. Stargirl star Brec Bassinger hopes she is playing a character to whom young girls can relate. Courtney Whitmore (Bassinger) is a high school student who discovers the Cosmic Staff that belonged to Starman. Using its powers, she can become Stargirl. Advertisement
"Even recently, with the Tom Holland Spider-Man, I love that movie so much, but watching it, I never felt like I could be Spider-Man," Bassinger told UPI in a phone interview in late April. "So I hope people can love her and also people feel like they can be her."
Advertisement
The DC Comics author and former chief creative officer of the company, Geoff Johns, created Stargirl for his late sister who died when she was 18.
"I wanted to create a character that was a teenager like her and have this spirit and energy that my sister had," Johns told UPI in a recent phone interview. "This unbridled enthusiasm and 'I could do' anything attitude sometimes got her into trouble and it gets Stargirl into trouble."
Bassinger was 20 when she played the teenager. Still, she said Courtney/Stargirl speaks to younger fans more than Batwoman or Supergirl do.
"I love all of them," Bassinger said. "I'm a lot younger than all of them. So I feel like even watching them, I can look up to them, but I don't feel like this relatability to them as much. Stargirl can be relatable to a younger audience."
For Johns, creating Stargirl also gave young girls a heroine who was not defined by a male counterpart. She takes over for Starman, but Starman never existed without Stargirl.
"As much as I love Batgirl and Supergirl, they felt like they still were in the shadow of Batman or Superman," Johns said. "Stargirl casts her [own] shadow. She has the sidekick who is her stepfather in this version."
Advertisement
Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) was the sidekick to Starman (Joel McHale). When Pat marries Courtney's mom (Amy Smart), Courtney doesn't get along with him at first.
When Courtney discovers Starman's staff, Pat has to come clean. Stargirl also ropes him into returning to his sidekick duties as S.T.R.I.P.E., a robot he pilots.
"With the book we did, Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. way back when, it was always about the relationships between stepkids and stepparents," Johns said. "This is the story of one coming together, of a family being made."
As Pat trains Courtney to wield the staff, and try to reign in her eagerness to use her new superpowers, he gradually becomes closer with his stepdaughter.
"I think you see their bond grow throughout the season," Bassinger said. "Actually, in the last episode, there's this beautiful scene between them that you see where they've come."
During school hours, Courtney also recruits her classmates to join her team. She hopes to form a new Justice Society of America, including people from different backgrounds. Beth (Anjelika Washington) is black. Yolanda (Yvette Monreal) is Latina and Rick (Cameron Gellman) is a young man.
"Not only Stargirl being a young female, but all the new JSA is a very diverse group of people," Bassinger said.
Advertisement
She picks classmates who are enduring bullying or abusive families to join her team of superheroes. Separately, Yolanda is bullied, Beth is socially isolated and Rick is verbally abused by his uncle. Bassinger hopes viewers feel empowered by the characters coming together.
"You can still be yourself even if you're a misfit," Bassinger said. "It's OK."
Even though Johns created Stargirl as a memorial to his sister, he uses the character to address issues that modern teens still face. The bullying Yolanda faces involves the sharing of a nude photo her ex-boyfriend leaked.
"It was important to obviously ground these characters in relatable things and allow them these opportunities to tackle their emotional issues," Johns said.
Stargirl premieres Monday on the DC Universe streaming service and May 19 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW.