upi--2020-04-22--NFL Draft: Odds suggest Tagovailoa is top-6 pick

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be a top-6 pick and at least seven former LSU players are expected to be taken in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft .
The draft will air at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday on ESPN , NFL Network and ABC .
Prospects and teams will participate virtually after promoters cancelled plans to hold the event in Las Vegas because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The draft also will be shown online and on social media .
The event most likely will receive high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are banned in the United States because of the pandemic .
ESPN reported Tuesday that its airing of the 2020 WNBA Draft was the most-watched version of the event in 16 years .
The network 's airing Sunday of two episodes of The Last Dance , a documentary about Michael Jordan 's Chicago Bulls , were the most-viewed original content broadcasts on the network since 2004 .
An NFL Draft-A-Thon COVID-19 relief fundraiser is planned for the three-day event .
Draft-A-Thon Live will air Thursday on NFL social media platforms and feature a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deion Sanders and Kevin Hart .
The fundraiser will benefits the Salvation Army , Feeding America , Meals on Wheels , United Way , American Red Cross and the CDC Foundation .
Oddsmakers at SportsBettingDime.com have Tagovailoa at an over/under of 4.5 in the draft order .
The over/under point is an indicator for betters so they can wager on Tagovailoa going before or after the fifth pick .
The oddsmakers also listed a draft-high 13 prospects from LSU who could be selected in the first two rounds , with quarterback Joe Burrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burrow , Tagovailoa and former Oregon star Justin Herbert are the first quarterbacks expected to be selected in this year 's draft .
Oddsmakers at Caesars have the over/under for quarterbacks selected in the top-5 at 2.5 .
Caesars gives -110 odds for Herbert to be selected in the top-5 and -230 odds for Tagovailoa in the top-6 .
Caesars also gives Tagovailoa better odds than Herbert as the No .
3 overall pick .
Other oddsmakers from DraftKings and MGM have Herbert slightly favored to be taken before Tagovailoa .
MGM initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall , but since moved him to 5.5 overall .
Caesars oddsmakers expect former Ohio State stars Chase Young and Jeff Okudah to be selected after Burrow as the first three players off the board .
The Miami Dolphins have the best odds of drafting Tagovailoa , according to Caesars .
The Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers are the first teams in the draft order with the most urgent need at quarterback .
Other teams could make trades to move up in the draft order .
Burrow leads the list of top Tigers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019-2010 .
Former Tigers K'Lavon Chaisson , Justin Jefferson , Patrick Queen , Kristian Fulton and Grant Delpit are among those who could be picked in the first round .
Lloyd Cushenberry III , Clyde Edwards-Helaire , Damien Lewis , Rashard Lawrence , Thaddeus Moss , Jacob Phillips and Saahdiq Charles are expected to be picked in the first few rounds of the draft .
When : First round , 8 p.m. EDT Thursday ; second and third rounds , 7 p.m. EDT Friday ; fourth through seventh rounds , noon EDT @

NFL front office executives are concerned about former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (13) injury history, but he still is expected to be one of the first quarterbacks chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be a top-6 pick and at least seven former LSU players are expected to be taken in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. The draft will air at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday on ESPN, NFL Network and ABC. Prospects and teams will participate virtually after promoters cancelled plans to hold the event in Las Vegas because of the coronavirus pandemic. The draft also will be shown online and on social media. Advertisement
The event most likely will receive high TV ratings, largely because live sports are banned in the United States because of the pandemic.
ESPN reported Tuesday that its airing of the 2020 WNBA Draft was the most-watched version of the event in 16 years. The network's airing Sunday of two episodes of The Last Dance, a documentary about Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, were the most-viewed original content broadcasts on the network since 2004.
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An NFL Draft-A-Thon COVID-19 relief fundraiser is planned for the three-day event. Draft-A-Thon Live will air Thursday on NFL social media platforms and feature a live stream that includes Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders and Kevin Hart.
The fundraiser will benefits the Salvation Army, Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, United Way, American Red Cross and the CDC Foundation.
Oddsmakers differ
Oddsmakers at SportsBettingDime.com have Tagovailoa at an over/under of 4.5 in the draft order. The over/under point is an indicator for betters so they can wager on Tagovailoa going before or after the fifth pick. The oddsmakers also listed a draft-high 13 prospects from LSU who could be selected in the first two rounds, with quarterback Joe Burrow drafted first by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Burrow, Tagovailoa and former Oregon star Justin Herbert are the first quarterbacks expected to be selected in this year's draft. Oddsmakers at Caesars have the over/under for quarterbacks selected in the top-5 at 2.5.
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Caesars gives -110 odds for Herbert to be selected in the top-5 and -230 odds for Tagovailoa in the top-6. Caesars also gives Tagovailoa better odds than Herbert as the No. 3 overall pick.
Other oddsmakers from DraftKings and MGM have Herbert slightly favored to be taken before Tagovailoa. MGM initially had Tagovailoa at an over/under of 3.5 overall, but since moved him to 5.5 overall.
Caesars oddsmakers expect former Ohio State stars Chase Young and Jeff Okudah to be selected after Burrow as the first three players off the board. The Miami Dolphins have the best odds of drafting Tagovailoa, according to Caesars.
The Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers are the first teams in the draft order with the most urgent need at quarterback. Other teams could make trades to move up in the draft order.
Burrow leads the list of top Tigers prospects after LSU's NCAA championship campaign in 2019-2010. Former Tigers K'Lavon Chaisson, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Queen, Kristian Fulton and Grant Delpit are among those who could be picked in the first round.
Lloyd Cushenberry III, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Damien Lewis, Rashard Lawrence, Thaddeus Moss, Jacob Phillips and Saahdiq Charles are expected to be picked in the first few rounds of the draft.
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How to watch
What: 2020 NFL Draft
Who: Top college football prospects (255 draft slots)
When: First round, 8 p.m. EDT Thursday; second and third rounds, 7 p.m. EDT Friday; fourth through seventh rounds, noon EDT Saturday
TV: NFL Network, ESPN, ABC
Stream: NFL app, NFL Network app, ABC app, ESPN app; NFL.com, ESPN.com, ABC.com.
2020 NFL Draft order
1. Cincinnati Bengals
2. Washington Redskins
3. Detroit Lions
4. New York Giants
5. Miami Dolphins
6. Los Angeles Chargers
7. Carolina Panthers
8. Arizona Cardinals
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Cleveland Browns
11. New York Jets
12. Las Vegas Raiders
13. San Francisco 49ers
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. Denver Broncos
16. Atlanta Falcons
17. Dallas Cowboys
18. Miami Dolphins
19. Las Vegas Raiders
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
21. Philadelphia Eagles
22. Minnesota Vikings
23. New England Patriots
24. New Orleans Saints
25. Minnesota Vikings
26. Miami Dolphins
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Baltimore Ravens
29. Tennessee Titans
30. Green Bay Packers
31. San Francisco 49ers
32. Kansas City Chiefs


upi--2020-04-22--Famous birthdays for April 22: Machine Gun Kelly, Jack Nicholson

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .
-- Spanish @ @ @ @ @ funded the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World , in 1451

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Machine Gun Kelly arrives for the Puma x Balmain x Cara Delevingne launch party at Milk Studios in Los Angeles on November 21. The musician turns 30 on April 22. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Spanish Queen Isabella I, who funded the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World, in 1451
-- Pope Alexander VIII in 1610
-- British novelist Henry Fielding in 1707
-- German philosopher Immanuel Kant in 1724
-- Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, leader of Russia's 1917 Communist revolution, in 1870
File Photo by Bronks/Wikimedia
-- Novelist Vladimir Nabokov in 1899
-- Pioneer nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in 1904
-- Jazz bass player Charles Mingus in 1922
-- Painter Richard Diebenkorn in 1922
-- TV producer Aaron Spelling in 1923
-- Actress Charlotte Rae in 1926
-- Singer Glen Campbell in 1936
-- Actor Jack Nicholson in 1937 (age 83)
File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI
-- Author Janet Evanovich in 1943 (age 77)
-- Businessman/balloon-flight record-setter Steve Fossett in 1944
-- Filmmaker John Waters in 1946 (age 74)
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-- Rock guitarist/singer Peter Frampton in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Marilyn Chambers in 1952
-- Actor Ryan Stiles in 1959 (age 61)
-- Comedian/TV host Byron Allen in 1961 (age 59)
-- Actor Chris Makepeace in 1964 (age 56)
-- Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan in 1966 (age 54)
-- Actor Sherri Shepherd in 1967 (age 53)
-- Actor Amber Heard in 1986 (age 34)
-- Rapper Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, in 1990 (age 30)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-04-22--What to binge: Horror movie franchises

What to binge: Horror movie franchises

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Now that you have time to fill , you can stream some of the longest-running horror franchises .
Most of them do n't seem so frightening in the face of real-life horrors .
The only trick is that many of the entries are spread across different platforms .
Here are some of the best horror franchises , where to find each sequel and why you should watch now .
Freddy Krueger is n't streaming at the moment , but his Nightmare on Elm Street films often pop up on streaming services , so do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , you could rent or buy them , or any of the titles mentioned below , on digital video-on-demand services .
The first four Alien films follow Ellen Ripley ( Sigourney Weaver ) as she discovers , and then tries to rid the universe of a deadly creature .
Each entry has a different style , the first being the scariest , and the underrated Alien : Resurrection a cool , weird epic where Ripley is n't so happy to be back .
The creature faced off against the Predator in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Prometheus , set before Ripley 's adventures , and its sequel , Alien : Covenant .
Alien vs .
Predator : Requiem -- only available for rent or purchase Chucky ( voiced by Brad Dourif ) , the killer doll , is the last horror icon of the '80s , and he 's outlasted Freddy and Jason .
If you watch all his movies , you 'll see how he 's evolved from a tiny slasher to a macabre comedian and back .
The seven movies set him up for a Chucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Curse of Chucky -- only available for rent or purchase The original Evil Dead is the ultimate `` let 's go out to a cabin in the woods and make a horror film '' movie as demonic forces beat up Bruce Campbell and murdered his friends .
With the sequel , director Sam Raimi added his slapstick sense of humor with no shortage of blood and gore .
That continued in Army of Darkness and the Starz TV series , although the remake embodied more of the original tone .
In each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a premonition about a deadly accident , saving several people involved in the disaster .
However , it turns out they were supposed to die so death comes after them , anyway , as everyday situations become death traps .
The genius of the franchise is to make you afraid of innocuous items around your house , school or office .
Then you 've got no chance in places like hardware stores or gymnasiums .
The Friday the 13th formula is pretty reliable .
Camp counselors at Crystal Lake frolic and copulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in different , creative ways .
The Friday franchise also is notable for having two `` final chapters '' ( IV and IX ) , neither of which were the last movie .
Jason finally battled his ultimate horror rival , Freddy Krueger , in his 11th film .
Jason Goes to Hell : The Final Friday - only for rent or purchase The best Halloween movies star Jamie Lee Curtis .
She first escapes Michael Myers in the original .
Halloween II is a valiant effort to pick up right where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two movies in which Curtis returns to face Michael , for the 20th and 40th anniversary sequels .
She has a fun cameo in Resurrection , too .
When Curtis is there , the films have the real gravitas of a human being trying to survive this killer .
Halloween : The Curse of Michael Myers , H20 and Resurrection -- Vudu for free with ads Rob Zombie 's Halloween and Halloween II -- only available for purchase The Psycho franchise goes beyond the Alfred Hitchcock classic .
Anthony Perkins played Norman Bates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Psycho III .
Psycho II asks a very pertinent question : What happens when Norman Bates is cured ?
III pays lovely homage to Hitchcock .
IV was a TV movie that got muddled in backstory between Norman and Mother .
The TV series Bates Motel was a clever , intense way to reimagine Psycho in modern day .
Jigsaw ( Tobin Bell ) , the killer in the Saw franchise , does n't just kill you .
He makes it a game and gives you a fighting chance .
Just perform some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with whatever body parts you have left .
Do n't worry , Jigsaw picks people who deserve to face his brand of justice .
Saw , Saw II , Saw III , Saw IV , Saw V , Saw VI , Saw : The Final Chapter , Jigsaw -- DirecTV Saw I - The Final Chapter -- Syfy ( edited for content ) Scream 's characters watched horror movies , so they knew the rules .
In some cases , that only makes them more vulnerable to killer 's tricks .
Each Scream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commenting on the genre in which they find themselves .
Even with a little less graphic violence on cable , the MTV TV series maintained the Scream intensity .
Leatherface is the one with the chainsaw but he is part of a whole family of cannibal killers who stalk kids who make the mistake of driving by their domain .
Some of the early sequels star future celebrities like Viggo Mortensen in III and both Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger in The Next Generation .
Nothing tops the grueling , visceral original , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun moments .
Texas Chainsaw Massacre : The Beginning -- only available for rent or purchase

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Jamie Lee Curtis stars in the best entries of the "Halloween" franchise, all streaming now. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Now that you have time to fill, you can stream some of the longest-running horror franchises. Most of them don't seem so frightening in the face of real-life horrors. The only trick is that many of the entries are spread across different platforms. Here are some of the best horror franchises, where to find each sequel and why you should watch now. Freddy Krueger isn't streaming at the moment, but his Nightmare on Elm Street films often pop up on streaming services, so don't count him out just yet. Of course, you could rent or buy them, or any of the titles mentioned below, on digital video-on-demand services. Advertisement
Alien
The first four Alien films follow Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) as she discovers, and then tries to rid the universe of a deadly creature. Each entry has a different style, the first being the scariest, and the underrated Alien: Resurrection a cool, weird epic where Ripley isn't so happy to be back. The creature faced off against the Predator in two films. Director Ridley Scott returned for Prometheus, set before Ripley's adventures, and its sequel, Alien: Covenant.
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Alien, Aliens, Alien3, Alien: Resurrection -- HBO
Alien vs. Predator -- Hulu
Alien vs. Predator: Requiem -- only available for rent or purchase
Prometheus and Alien: Covenant -- DirecTV
Alien: Covenant -- FXNow in an edited form
Chucky/Child's Play
Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif), the killer doll, is the last horror icon of the '80s, and he's outlasted Freddy and Jason. If you watch all his movies, you'll see how he's evolved from a tiny slasher to a macabre comedian and back. The seven movies set him up for a Chucky TV series set to premiere on Syfy.
Child's Play -- Prime, Netflix, Hoopla, Shudder, Vudu free with ads
Child's Play 2 and 3 -- HBO
Bride and Seed of Chucky -- Starz
Curse of Chucky -- only available for rent or purchase
Cult of Chucky -- Netflix
2019 Child's Play remake -- Epix
Evil Dead
The original Evil Dead is the ultimate "let's go out to a cabin in the woods and make a horror film" movie as demonic forces beat up Bruce Campbell and murdered his friends. With the sequel, director Sam Raimi added his slapstick sense of humor with no shortage of blood and gore. That continued in Army of Darkness and the Starz TV series, although the remake embodied more of the original tone.
Advertisement
The Evil Dead -- Netflix
Evil Dead 2 -- Rental and purchase only
Army of Darkness -- Starz, DirecTV
2013 Evil Dead remake -- DirecTV
Ash Vs. Evil Dead TV series -- Starz, Netflix
Final Destination
In each Final Destination, the hero or heroine has a premonition about a deadly accident, saving several people involved in the disaster. However, it turns out they were supposed to die so death comes after them, anyway, as everyday situations become death traps. The genius of the franchise is to make you afraid of innocuous items around your house, school or office. Then you've got no chance in places like hardware stores or gymnasiums.
Final Destination 1 to 4 -- Netflix
Final Destination 5 -- Cinemax
Friday the 13th
The Friday the 13th formula is pretty reliable. Camp counselors at Crystal Lake frolic and copulate, and Jason kills them one by one in different, creative ways. The Friday franchise also is notable for having two "final chapters" (IV and IX), neither of which were the last movie. Jason finally battled his ultimate horror rival, Freddy Krueger, in his 11th film.
Friday the 13th 1, 2, 4 to VIII -- Amazon Prime
Friday the 13th 3 and IV -- Direct TV
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Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday - only for rent or purchase
Freddy vs. Jason -- Starz, DirecTV
2009 Friday the 13th remake -- Netflix
Halloween
The best Halloween movies star Jamie Lee Curtis. She first escapes Michael Myers in the original. Halloween II is a valiant effort to pick up right where the original left off. You get two movies in which Curtis returns to face Michael, for the 20th and 40th anniversary sequels. She has a fun cameo in Resurrection, too. When Curtis is there, the films have the real gravitas of a human being trying to survive this killer.
The original Halloween, Halloween 4 and 5 -- Shudder
Halloween II and III -- Cinemax and DirecTV
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, H20 and Resurrection -- Vudu for free with ads
Halloween: H20 -- Hoopla
Rob Zombie's Halloween and Halloween II -- only available for purchase
Halloween (2018) -- Prime, Cinemax and DirecTV
Psycho
The Psycho franchise goes beyond the Alfred Hitchcock classic. Anthony Perkins played Norman Bates in the first four films and directed Psycho III. Psycho II asks a very pertinent question: What happens when Norman Bates is cured? III pays lovely homage to Hitchcock. IV was a TV movie that got muddled in backstory between Norman and Mother. The TV series Bates Motel was a clever, intense way to reimagine Psycho in modern day.
Advertisement
Psycho I to IV -- DirecTV
Psycho II to IV, 1998 Psycho remake -- Starz
Bates Motel -- Netflix
Saw
Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), the killer in the Saw franchise, doesn't just kill you. He makes it a game and gives you a fighting chance. Just perform some drastic self-mutilation and you get to live with whatever body parts you have left. Don't worry, Jigsaw picks people who deserve to face his brand of justice.
Saw, Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, Saw: The Final Chapter, Jigsaw -- DirecTV
Saw I - The Final Chapter -- Syfy (edited for content)
Scream
Scream's characters watched horror movies, so they knew the rules. In some cases, that only makes them more vulnerable to killer's tricks. Each Scream movie balanced horror and comedy of characters commenting on the genre in which they find themselves. Even with a little less graphic violence on cable, the MTV TV series maintained the Scream intensity.
Scream to Scream 4 -- Showtime and DirecTV
Scream 2 and Scream 3 -- Netflix
Scream: The TV Series -- Netflix
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Leatherface is the one with the chainsaw but he is part of a whole family of cannibal killers who stalk kids who make the mistake of driving by their domain. Some of the early sequels star future celebrities like Viggo Mortensen in III and both Matthew McConaughey and Renee Zellweger in The Next Generation. Nothing tops the grueling, visceral original, but each one has some scary and fun moments.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre -- Shudder, Tubi with ads
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 -- Showtime, Starz, DirecTV and Hoopla
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III -- Starz, DirecTV
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation -- DirecTV, Crackle
2003 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake -- Starz, DirecTV
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning -- only available for rent or purchase
Texas Chainsaw 3D -- Prime, Hulu, Epix and DirecTV
Leatherface -- DirecTV, Syfy


upi--2020-04-22--USDA to buy $3 billion worth of food from farmers for those in need

EVANSVILLE , Ind.
, April 22 ( UPI ) -- A new federal program will buy $ 3 billion in food this year from American farmers who lost their markets to coronavirus-driven restrictions and distribute it to people who , for the same reason , are struggling financially .
`` Farmers are dumping fresh produce , they 're dumping milk , there 's talk of euthanizing certain farm animals , '' Dave Tuckwiller , the deputy administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Commodity Procurement Program , said in a webinar Tuesday that outlined the program for industry leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food banks are seeing up to a 50 percent increase in participation , but also a reduction in donations and a reduction in volunteers , '' Tuckwiller said .
This program -- which is a part of the agency 's new $ 19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program -- will attempt to bridge that gap , he said .
The idea is for distributors to put together boxes of several types of produce , dairy items and meats that a food bank can give directly to individuals in need , Tuckwiller said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cars lined up at food banks , '' he said .
`` Ideally , what we 'd like is a mutually agreeable , small quantity drop off where the boxes can go basically out of the truck and into the trunk . ''
Only fresh produce , dairy products and cooked chicken and pork are eligible for the program .
The agency will pay producers and distributors for the food , but it will be up to the individual companies to decide where it will go and to deliver it .
General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found on a USDA website that describes the agency 's Food Box Distribution Program .
USDA also will continue to buy and distribute other types of food products through other programs , Tuckwiller said .
The agency plans to begin to award contracts to producers and distributors in May .
`` During this time of national crisis , President Trump and USDA are standing with our farmers , ranchers and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of , '' U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program will not only provide immediate relief for our farmers and ranchers , but it will also allow for the purchase and distribution of our agricultural abundance to help our fellow Americans in need , '' Perdue said .

People line up to receive bags of food from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in the parking lot of the Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif., on Friday. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 22 (UPI) -- A new federal program will buy $3 billion in food this year from American farmers who lost their markets to coronavirus-driven restrictions and distribute it to people who, for the same reason, are struggling financially. "Farmers are dumping fresh produce, they're dumping milk, there's talk of euthanizing certain farm animals," Dave Tuckwiller, the deputy administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Procurement Program, said in a webinar Tuesday that outlined the program for industry leaders. Advertisement
"On the other side, food banks are seeing up to a 50 percent increase in participation, but also a reduction in donations and a reduction in volunteers," Tuckwiller said.
This program -- which is a part of the agency's new $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program -- will attempt to bridge that gap, he said.
The idea is for distributors to put together boxes of several types of produce, dairy items and meats that a food bank can give directly to individuals in need, Tuckwiller said.
"We've seen the pictures of the cars lined up at food banks," he said. "Ideally, what we'd like is a mutually agreeable, small quantity drop off where the boxes can go basically out of the truck and into the trunk."
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Only fresh produce, dairy products and cooked chicken and pork are eligible for the program. The agency will pay producers and distributors for the food, but it will be up to the individual companies to decide where it will go and to deliver it.
General information on how to participate can be found on a USDA website that describes the agency's Food Box Distribution Program.
USDA also will continue to buy and distribute other types of food products through other programs, Tuckwiller said.
The agency plans to begin to award contracts to producers and distributors in May.
"During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA are standing with our farmers, ranchers and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement announcing the new program Friday.
"This program will not only provide immediate relief for our farmers and ranchers, but it will also allow for the purchase and distribution of our agricultural abundance to help our fellow Americans in need," Perdue said.


upi--2020-04-22--On This Day, April 22: Earth Day was first observed

April 22 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1500 , Brazil was discovered by Pedro Alvarez Cabral .
In 1889 , about 20,000 homesteaders massed along the border of the Oklahoma Territory , awaiting the signal to start the Oklahoma land rush .
In 1914 , U.S. forces took control of the Mexican port city of Veracruz during the fighting of the Mexican Revolution .
In 1915 , during World War I , German forces became the first to use poison gas on the Western Front during the Second Battle of Ypres .
In 1954 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Joseph McCarthy , R-Wis. , accused the Army go going soft on communism , while the Army said it was pressured to give a speedy commission to a McCarthy aide .
In 1970 , Earth Day was first observed .
In 1972 , Apollo 16 astronauts John Young and Charles Duke walked and rode on the surface of the moon for 7 hours , 23 minutes .
Young , whose career with NASA began in 1962 , would spend the next four decades as an astronaut , retiring in 2004 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose Sarney was sworn in as Brazil 's first civilian president in 21 years .
In 1992 , more than 200 people died when a gas leak caused sewers in Guadalajara , Mexico , to explode .
In 1993 , the Holocaust Memorial Museum was dedicated in Washington , D.C .
In 1994 , Richard Nixon , the 37th U.S. president and the only one to resign from the office , died four days after having a stroke .
He was 81 .
In 1997 , a 126-day standoff at the Japanese Embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building and freed 72 hostages held by the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement .
All 14 rebels were killed .
In 2004 , former NFL star Pat Tillman , who turned down a lucrative contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the U.S. Army Rangers , was killed in Afghanistan .
The U.S. military said later he was a victim of friendly fire .
In 2005 , Zacarias Moussaoui , the only man charged in the United States in connection with the September 11 , 2001 , terror attacks , pleaded guilty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2006 , Iraq 's Parliament ratified the selection of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister , ending a four-month political deadlock .
In 2016 , world leaders from 175 countries gathered in New York on Earth Day to sign the Paris Agreement , the first international accord that outlines steps to combat climate change and lower carbon levels by 2100 .
In 2019 , the final film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe 's Phase 3 , Avengers : Endgame , premiered in Los Angeles .

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The creator of Earth Day, Dennis Hayes, attends a press conference on April 22, 1999, at the United Nations in New York City to announce plans for Earth Day 2000. On April 22, 1970, Earth Day was first observed. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1500, Brazil was discovered by Pedro Alvarez Cabral. Advertisement
In 1889, about 20,000 homesteaders massed along the border of the Oklahoma Territory, awaiting the signal to start the Oklahoma land rush.
In 1914, U.S. forces took control of the Mexican port city of Veracruz during the fighting of the Mexican Revolution.
In 1915, during World War I, German forces became the first to use poison gas on the Western Front during the Second Battle of Ypres.
In 1954, the Army-McCarthy hearings began in which Sen. Joseph McCarthy, R-Wis., accused the Army go going soft on communism, while the Army said it was pressured to give a speedy commission to a McCarthy aide.
UPI File Photo
In 1970, Earth Day was first observed.
In 1972, Apollo 16 astronauts John Young and Charles Duke walked and rode on the surface of the moon for 7 hours, 23 minutes. Young, whose career with NASA began in 1962, would spend the next four decades as an astronaut, retiring in 2004 at the age of 74.
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In 1985, Jose Sarney was sworn in as Brazil's first civilian president in 21 years.
In 1992, more than 200 people died when a gas leak caused sewers in Guadalajara, Mexico, to explode.
In 1993, the Holocaust Memorial Museum was dedicated in Washington, D.C.
File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI
In 1994, Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. president and the only one to resign from the office, died four days after having a stroke. He was 81.
In 1997, a 126-day standoff at the Japanese Embassy in Lima ended after Peruvian commandos stormed the building and freed 72 hostages held by the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. All 14 rebels were killed.
In 2004, former NFL star Pat Tillman, who turned down a lucrative contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the U.S. Army Rangers, was killed in Afghanistan. The U.S. military said later he was a victim of friendly fire.
In 2005, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only man charged in the United States in connection with the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.
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In 2006, Iraq's Parliament ratified the selection of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister, ending a four-month political deadlock.
In 2016, world leaders from 175 countries gathered in New York on Earth Day to sign the Paris Agreement, the first international accord that outlines steps to combat climate change and lower carbon levels by 2100.
In 2019, the final film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase 3, Avengers: Endgame, premiered in Los Angeles.
Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson attend 'Avengers' premiere
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upi--2020-04-22--Ex-UCLA soccer coach Jorge Salcedo agrees to plea deal in college admissions scandal

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Jorge Salcedo , the former head coach of the UCLA men 's soccer team , has agreed to plead guilty to accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in connection to a nationwide college admissions scandal , prosecutors said .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office for the District of Massachusetts said in a statement Tuesday Salcedo , 47 , will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering , a charge stemming from his involvement in the `` Varsity Blues '' scandal .
Salcedo pleaded not guilty to the charge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement , prosecutors will recommend one year of supervised release , a fine , forfeiture of $ 200,000 and restitution .
Salcedo faces a maximum of 20 years in prison , three years of supervised release and a $ 250,000 fine .
Prosecutors said Salcedo received $ 200,000 in bribes for agreeing to facilitate the admission of two students to the university as athlete recruits .
According to court documents , Salcedo agreed in 2016 with William `` Rick '' Singer , former head UCLA women 's soccer coach Ali Khosroshahin and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the daughter of Davina and Bruce Isackson in exchange for $ 100,000 .
In 2018 , he accepted a $ 100,000 bribe from Singer to recruit the son of his client , Xiaoning Sui , to the UCLA men 's soccer team although he 'd never played competitive soccer , prosecutors said .
Khosroshahin , Davina , Bruce and Sui have all pleaded guilty for their involvement in the scandal that centered around Singer , the former owner of a for-profit college entrance company who pleaded guilty to charges last year that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and obstruction of justice .
More than 50 people have been charged in connection to the scandal , including actress Felicity Huffman , who served 11 days of her 14-day prison sentence for paying $ 15,000 to artificially inflate her daughter 's college entrance test scores .

April 22 (UPI) -- Jorge Salcedo, the former head coach of the UCLA men's soccer team, has agreed to plead guilty to accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in connection to a nationwide college admissions scandal, prosecutors said.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts said in a statement Tuesday Salcedo, 47, will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, a charge stemming from his involvement in the "Varsity Blues" scandal.
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Salcedo pleaded not guilty to the charge in March 2019.
According to his plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend one year of supervised release, a fine, forfeiture of $200,000 and restitution. Salcedo faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors said Salcedo received $200,000 in bribes for agreeing to facilitate the admission of two students to the university as athlete recruits.
According to court documents, Salcedo agreed in 2016 with William "Rick" Singer, former head UCLA women's soccer coach Ali Khosroshahin and others, to gain admittance to the university for the daughter of Davina and Bruce Isackson in exchange for $100,000.
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In 2018, he accepted a $100,000 bribe from Singer to recruit the son of his client, Xiaoning Sui, to the UCLA men's soccer team although he'd never played competitive soccer, prosecutors said.
Khosroshahin, Davina, Bruce and Sui have all pleaded guilty for their involvement in the scandal that centered around Singer, the former owner of a for-profit college entrance company who pleaded guilty to charges last year that included racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and obstruction of justice.
More than 50 people have been charged in connection to the scandal, including actress Felicity Huffman, who served 11 days of her 14-day prison sentence for paying $15,000 to artificially inflate her daughter's college entrance test scores.


upi--2020-04-22--Transplanted skin stem cells help blind mice see light

Transplants of skin cells that were turned into light-sensing eye cells enabled blind mice to detect light , a new study says .
In previous research with lab animals , scientists have programmed stem cells created from blood or skin cells to become photoreceptors and transplanted them into the back of the eye .
Researchers said this study shows that it 's possible to skip the stem cell middle step and directly reprogram skin cells into photoreceptors for transplantation into the retina .
The U.S. National Eye Institute-funded study was published April 15 in the journal Nature .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct , chemical reprogramming can produce retinal-like cells , which gives us a new and faster strategy for developing therapies for age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders caused by the loss of photoreceptors , '' said Anand Swaroop , senior investigator in the NEI Neurobiology , Neurodegeneration , and Repair Laboratory .
`` Of immediate benefit will be the ability to quickly develop disease models so we can study mechanisms of disease .
The new strategy will also help us design better cell replacement approaches , '' he said in an NEI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or iPS , cells that are developed in a lab from adult cells -- rather than fetal tissue -- can be used to make nearly any type of replacement cell or tissue .
But iPS cell reprogramming can take six months before cells or tissues are ready for transplantation .
The direct reprogramming used in this study turned skin cells into functional photoreceptors ready for transplantation in only 10 days .
The researchers used both mouse- and human-derived skin cells and transplanted them in the eyes of blind mice .
`` Our technique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the need for stem cells in between , '' said lead investigator Dr. Sai Chavala , CEO and president of CIRC Therapeutics and the Center for Retina Innovation , and a professor of surgery at the University of North Texas Health Science Center .
While results from animal studies are often not the same in humans , the researchers are planning a clinical trial to test the therapy in people with degenerative retinal diseases , such as retinitis pigmentosa .
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has more on stem cells @

Transplants of skin cells that were turned into light-sensing eye cells enabled blind mice to detect light, a new study says.
In previous research with lab animals, scientists have programmed stem cells created from blood or skin cells to become photoreceptors and transplanted them into the back of the eye.
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Researchers said this study shows that it's possible to skip the stem cell middle step and directly reprogram skin cells into photoreceptors for transplantation into the retina.
The U.S. National Eye Institute-funded study was published April 15 in the journal Nature.
"This is the first study to show that direct, chemical reprogramming can produce retinal-like cells, which gives us a new and faster strategy for developing therapies for age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders caused by the loss of photoreceptors," said Anand Swaroop, senior investigator in the NEI Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory.
"Of immediate benefit will be the ability to quickly develop disease models so we can study mechanisms of disease. The new strategy will also help us design better cell replacement approaches," he said in an NEI news release.
Induced pluripotent stem, or iPS, cells that are developed in a lab from adult cells -- rather than fetal tissue -- can be used to make nearly any type of replacement cell or tissue. But iPS cell reprogramming can take six months before cells or tissues are ready for transplantation.
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The direct reprogramming used in this study turned skin cells into functional photoreceptors ready for transplantation in only 10 days. The researchers used both mouse- and human-derived skin cells and transplanted them in the eyes of blind mice.
"Our technique goes directly from skin cell to photoreceptor without the need for stem cells in between," said lead investigator Dr. Sai Chavala, CEO and president of CIRC Therapeutics and the Center for Retina Innovation, and a professor of surgery at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
While results from animal studies are often not the same in humans, the researchers are planning a clinical trial to test the therapy in people with degenerative retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
More information
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has more on stem cells.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-22--Young adults often delay getting help for eating disorders

Young adults may be waiting too long to seek help for eating disorders , a new study suggests .
Researchers surveyed 300 young adults , ages 18-25 , in Australia .
They found the majority had eating , weight or body shape concerns .
`` Concerningly , only a minority of people with eating disorder symptoms had sought professional help and few believed they needed help despite the problems they were experiencing , '' said study co-author Dan Fassnacht .
He 's a psychology lecturer at Flinders University in Adelaide , South Australia .
Reasons for not getting professional care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their eating or weight , and not understanding the severity of their eating disorder .
Feeling embarrassed or fearing that others do n't believe eating disorders are real illnesses even prevented young adults with symptoms of anorexia or bulimia from seeking help , Fassnacht said in a university news release .
Both are potentially life-threatening conditions .
Concern for others and the belief that you should solve your own problems were the two most common reasons for not seeking help for eating problems .
`` Not wanting others to worry about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it reflects the wish for autonomy and also the fear of being a burden to others in this group of young adults , '' said study first author Kathina Ali , a research associate in psychology at Flinders .
Doctors , counselors and other health care professionals -- as well as the general public -- need to know why people do n't seek help for eating disorders , according to the study authors .
They said young adults should be provided with more information about the severity and impact of eating disorders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the importance of seeking help and learning self-management strategies .
The findings were published recently in the International Journal of Eating Disorders .
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on eating disorders .

Young adults may be waiting too long to seek help for eating disorders, a new study suggests.
Researchers surveyed 300 young adults, ages 18-25, in Australia. They found the majority had eating, weight or body shape concerns.
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"Concerningly, only a minority of people with eating disorder symptoms had sought professional help and few believed they needed help despite the problems they were experiencing," said study co-author Dan Fassnacht. He's a psychology lecturer at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia.
Reasons for not getting professional care include denial, concerns about losing control of their eating or weight, and not understanding the severity of their eating disorder.
Feeling embarrassed or fearing that others don't believe eating disorders are real illnesses even prevented young adults with symptoms of anorexia or bulimia from seeking help, Fassnacht said in a university news release. Both are potentially life-threatening conditions.
Concern for others and the belief that you should solve your own problems were the two most common reasons for not seeking help for eating problems.
"Not wanting others to worry about their problems was the highest endorsed barrier -- it reflects the wish for autonomy and also the fear of being a burden to others in this group of young adults," said study first author Kathina Ali, a research associate in psychology at Flinders.
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Doctors, counselors and other health care professionals -- as well as the general public -- need to know why people don't seek help for eating disorders, according to the study authors.
They said young adults should be provided with more information about the severity and impact of eating disorders, how symptoms can get worse without treatment, and the importance of seeking help and learning self-management strategies.
The findings were published recently in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more on eating disorders.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-22--Bret Michaels, dressed as a banana, splits from 'Masked Singer'

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Rocker Bret Michaels -- dressed as a banana -- got the boot from Season 3 of Fox 's The Masked Singer competition series Wednesday night .
Michaels posted a video on social media after the show aired .
`` I just want to say how awesome it is to be standing right here on the good side of the dirt , talking to you all .
This marks the 10th anniversary of my brain hemorrhage , '' he said , referring to the life-threatening health crisis he suffered in 2010 .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this finds you healthy and safe . ''
Previous stars who have been voted off The Masked Singer this season include Jordyn Woods , Rob Gronkowski , JoJo Siwa , Bella Thorne , Sarah Palin , Tom Bergeron , Dionne Warwick , Tony Hawk , Chaka Khan , Drew Carey and Lil Wayne .
Six costumed performers remain in the competition , which is hosted by Nick Cannon .
The judges ' panel is comprised of Ken Jeong , Jenny McCarthy , Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger .
`` Really loved this dude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeong tweeted after Michaels was unmasked and eliminated .

1/3
Bret Michaels turned out to be the banana on Wednesday's edition of "The Masked Singer." File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Rocker Bret Michaels -- dressed as a banana -- got the boot from Season 3 of Fox's The Masked Singer competition series Wednesday night. Michaels posted a video on social media after the show aired. Advertisement
"I just want to say how awesome it is to be standing right here on the good side of the dirt, talking to you all. This marks the 10th anniversary of my brain hemorrhage," he said, referring to the life-threatening health crisis he suffered in 2010. "I am grateful for every day. I hope this finds you healthy and safe."
Previous stars who have been voted off The Masked Singer this season include Jordyn Woods, Rob Gronkowski, JoJo Siwa, Bella Thorne, Sarah Palin, Tom Bergeron, Dionne Warwick, Tony Hawk, Chaka Khan, Drew Carey and Lil Wayne.
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Six costumed performers remain in the competition, which is hosted by Nick Cannon.
The judges' panel is comprised of Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger.
"Really loved this dude. #bananamask #TheMaskedSinger," Jeong tweeted after Michaels was unmasked and eliminated.


upi--2020-04-22--Most COVID-19 patients placed on ventilators die, New York study shows

The largest analysis of hospitalized U.S. COVID-19 patients to date finds that most did not survive after being placed on a mechanical ventilator .
The study included the health records of 5,700 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March 1 and April 4 at facilities overseen by Northwell Health , New York State 's largest health system .
Among the 2,634 patients for whom outcomes were known , the overall death rate was 21 percent , but it rose to 88 percent for those who received mechanical ventilation , the Northwell Health COVID-19 Research Consortium reported .
The new findings `` provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New York , '' Dr. Kevin Tracey , president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research , said in a Northwell Health news release .
The findings also add fuel to the notion that ventilators may sometimes do more harm than good for patients battling for life with severe COVID-19 .
Mechanical ventilators work by pushing air into the lungs of critically ill patients who can no longer breathe well on their own .
These patients must be sedated and have a tube stuck into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilator use can occur , some intensive care units have started to delay putting a COVID-19 patient on a ventilator until the last possible moment , when it is truly a life-or-death decision , said Dr. Udit Chaddha , an interventional pulmonologist with Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City .
`` There had been a tendency earlier on in the crisis for people to put patients on ventilators early , because patients were deteriorating very quickly , '' Chaddha said .
`` That is something that most of us have stepped away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients tolerate a little more hypoxia [ oxygen deficiency ] .
We give them more oxygen .
We do n't intubate them until they are truly in respiratory distress , '' Chaddha said .
`` If you do this correctly , if you put somebody on the ventilator when they need to be put on the ventilator and not prematurely , then the ventilator is the only option . ''
Ventilators are typically used only when patients are extremely ill , so experts believe that between 40 percent and 50 percent of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the underlying illness .
These critically ill patients die because they are so sick from COVID-19 that they needed a ventilator to remain alive , not because the ventilator fatally harms them , said Dr. Hassan Khouli , chair of critical care medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio .
`` I think for the most part it 's not related to the ventilator , '' Khouli said .
`` They 're dying on the ventilator and not necessarily dying because of being on a ventilator . ''
An 88 percent death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventilators do have side effects .
Because a machine is breathing for them , patients often experience a weakening of their diaphragm and all the other muscles involved with drawing breath , Chaddha said .
`` When all these muscles become weaker , it becomes more difficult for you to breathe on your own when you 're ready to be liberated from the ventilator , '' Chaddha said .
These patients also are at risk of ventilator-associated acute lung injury , a condition caused by overinflating the lungs during mechanical ventilation , Khouli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of air to push into a person 's lungs with every mechanical breath , taking into account the fact that a large part of the lung could be full of fluid and incapable of inflation .
`` The amount of volume you need to deliver would be usually less , '' he said .
`` If the settings are not managed correctly , it can cause an additional trauma to the lungs , '' Khouli said .
Ventilated patients also are at increased risk of infection , and many are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A quarter develop post-traumatic stress disorder , and as many as half might suffer subsequent depression .
`` It is not a benign thing , '' Chaddha said .
`` There are a lot of side effects .
And the longer they are on a ventilator , the more likely these complications are to happen . ''
Besides the statistics on ventilated patients , the New York study also pointed to several factors that contribute to more severe illness in COVID-19 patients .
Gender seemed to matter : Most of the patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 63 .
The death rate was higher for males than females .
The researchers also found that high blood pressure , at 57 percent , obesity , at 41 percent , and diabetes , at 34 percent , were the most common types of co-existing health problems in COVID-19 patients .
Patients with diabetes were more likely to receive invasive mechanical ventilation , receive treatment in the ICU , or develop acute kidney disease , the findings showed .
Of the patients whose outcomes were known , 14 percent were treated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanical ventilation , and 3 percent received kidney replacement therapy .
When initially assessed , about one-third of patients had a fever , nearly a thousand had a high respiratory rate and almost 1,600 received supplemental oxygen .
On average , patients were discharged after four days .
The study , published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association , was conducted by the Northwell Health COVID-19 Research Consortium , with support from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research .
`` New York has become the epicenter of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and laboratory professionals are working tirelessly to provide best care and comfort to the thousands of COVID-19 patients in our Northwell hospitals , '' said Karina Davidson , professor and senior vice president at the Feinstein Institutes .
`` Through our consortium , we will share our clinical and scientific insights as we evolve the ways to care for and treat COVID-19 patients , '' Davidson noted .
Tracey added that `` these observational studies and other randomized clinical trial results from the Feinstein Institutes will improve the care for others confronting COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 .

A woman wears a protective mask and gloves as she walks by a series of closed markets and retail stores in the Chinatown section of Manhattan in New York City on Tuesday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
The largest analysis of hospitalized U.S. COVID-19 patients to date finds that most did not survive after being placed on a mechanical ventilator. The study included the health records of 5,700 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March 1 and April 4 at facilities overseen by Northwell Health, New York State's largest health system. Advertisement
Among the 2,634 patients for whom outcomes were known, the overall death rate was 21 percent, but it rose to 88 percent for those who received mechanical ventilation, the Northwell Health COVID-19 Research Consortium reported.
The new findings "provide a crucial early insight into the front-line response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New York," Dr. Kevin Tracey, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, said in a Northwell Health news release.
The findings also add fuel to the notion that ventilators may sometimes do more harm than good for patients battling for life with severe COVID-19.
Advertisement
Mechanical ventilators work by pushing air into the lungs of critically ill patients who can no longer breathe well on their own. These patients must be sedated and have a tube stuck into their throat.
Recognizing that complications from ventilator use can occur, some intensive care units have started to delay putting a COVID-19 patient on a ventilator until the last possible moment, when it is truly a life-or-death decision, said Dr. Udit Chaddha, an interventional pulmonologist with Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
"There had been a tendency earlier on in the crisis for people to put patients on ventilators early, because patients were deteriorating very quickly," Chaddha said. "That is something that most of us have stepped away from doing.
"We let these patients tolerate a little more hypoxia [oxygen deficiency]. We give them more oxygen. We don't intubate them until they are truly in respiratory distress," Chaddha said. "If you do this correctly, if you put somebody on the ventilator when they need to be put on the ventilator and not prematurely, then the ventilator is the only option."
Ventilators are typically used only when patients are extremely ill, so experts believe that between 40 percent and 50 percent of patients die after going on ventilation, regardless of the underlying illness.
Advertisement
These critically ill patients die because they are so sick from COVID-19 that they needed a ventilator to remain alive, not because the ventilator fatally harms them, said Dr. Hassan Khouli, chair of critical care medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
"I think for the most part it's not related to the ventilator," Khouli said. "They're dying on the ventilator and not necessarily dying because of being on a ventilator."
An 88 percent death rate is especially high, however.
Ventilators do have side effects. Because a machine is breathing for them, patients often experience a weakening of their diaphragm and all the other muscles involved with drawing breath, Chaddha said.
"When all these muscles become weaker, it becomes more difficult for you to breathe on your own when you're ready to be liberated from the ventilator," Chaddha said.
These patients also are at risk of ventilator-associated acute lung injury, a condition caused by overinflating the lungs during mechanical ventilation, Khouli said.
Doctors have to precisely calculate the amount of air to push into a person's lungs with every mechanical breath, taking into account the fact that a large part of the lung could be full of fluid and incapable of inflation. "The amount of volume you need to deliver would be usually less," he said.
Advertisement
"If the settings are not managed correctly, it can cause an additional trauma to the lungs," Khouli said.
Ventilated patients also are at increased risk of infection, and many are at risk of psychological complications, Chaddha said. A quarter develop post-traumatic stress disorder, and as many as half might suffer subsequent depression.
"It is not a benign thing," Chaddha said. "There are a lot of side effects. And the longer they are on a ventilator, the more likely these complications are to happen."
Besides the statistics on ventilated patients, the New York study also pointed to several factors that contribute to more severe illness in COVID-19 patients.
Gender seemed to matter: Most of the patients were male, and the median age was 63. The death rate was higher for males than females.
The researchers also found that high blood pressure, at 57 percent, obesity, at 41 percent, and diabetes, at 34 percent, were the most common types of co-existing health problems in COVID-19 patients.
Patients with diabetes were more likely to receive invasive mechanical ventilation, receive treatment in the ICU, or develop acute kidney disease, the findings showed.
Of the patients whose outcomes were known, 14 percent were treated in the ICU, 12 percent required invasive mechanical ventilation, and 3 percent received kidney replacement therapy.
Advertisement
When initially assessed, about one-third of patients had a fever, nearly a thousand had a high respiratory rate and almost 1,600 received supplemental oxygen. On average, patients were discharged after four days.
The study, published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was conducted by the Northwell Health COVID-19 Research Consortium, with support from the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
"New York has become the epicenter of this epidemic. Clinicians, scientists, statisticians and laboratory professionals are working tirelessly to provide best care and comfort to the thousands of COVID-19 patients in our Northwell hospitals," said Karina Davidson, professor and senior vice president at the Feinstein Institutes.
"Through our consortium, we will share our clinical and scientific insights as we evolve the ways to care for and treat COVID-19 patients," Davidson noted.
Tracey added that "these observational studies and other randomized clinical trial results from the Feinstein Institutes will improve the care for others confronting COVID outbreaks."
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-04-22--MLB disciplines Red Sox for 2018 sign stealing deemed 'more limited' than Astros

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Wednesday suspended Boston Red Sox video replay system operator J.T .
Watkins through the 2020 postseason and stripped the club of its second-round draft pick this year after the completion of the league 's sign-stealing investigation .
Former Red Sox manager Alex Cora , who mutually parted ways with the team in January as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros ' sign-stealing scandal , also was suspended through the 2020 playoffs , but only for his conduct as the Astros ' bench coach in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlos Beltran were named as key individuals in the Astros ' scheme , which involved illegal use of technology to steal signs of opposing teams and relay them to Houston batters in real time .
Cora left the Astros after the 2017 season and managed the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title .
`` As an organization , we strive for 100 percent compliance with the rules , '' Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement .
`` MLB 's investigation concluded that in isolated instances during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were decoded through the use of live game video rather than through permissible means .
`` MLB acknowledged the front office 's extensive efforts to communicate and enforce the rules and concluded that Alex Cora , the coaching staff , and most of the players did not engage in , nor were they aware of , any violations .
Regardless , these rule violations are unacceptable .
We apologize to our fans and Major League Baseball , and accept the commissioner 's ruling . ''
Manfred wrote in his report that Watkins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least some occasions during the 2018 regular season , utilized the game feeds in the replay room , in violation of MLB regulations , to revise sign sequence information that he had permissibly provided to players prior to the game . ''
Manfred noted that the Red Sox 's conduct was less egregious than the Astros , saying , `` Unlike the Houston Astros ' 2017 conduct , in which players communicated to the batter from the dugout area in real time the precise type of pitch about to be thrown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature , was far more limited in scope and impact . ''
MLB 's investigation did n't find any evidence that the organization 's front office , Cora or his coaching staff were aware of Watkins ' actions , and Manfred said he wo n't impose additional discipline .
`` Communication of these violations was episodic and isolated to Watkins and a limited number of Red Sox players only , '' Manfred said in the report .
Watkins , a 30-year-old from Tuscaloosa , Ala. , is a 2012 graduate of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former catcher in the 10th round of that year 's MLB Draft , and he played in Boston 's minor league system until 2015 .
Manfred also called Watkins a `` key participant '' in the 2017 Apple Watch incident , noting that he relayed decoded signs from the Red Sox 's replay room to the dugout .
Along with his suspension , Watkins is barred from serving as a replay operator through the 2021 postseason .
The Red Sox 's punishment comes three months after the league disciplined the Astros .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspension and subsequent firing of former Astros manager A.J .
Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow .
Manfred also handed the club a record $ 5 million fine and stripped the franchise of four draft picks .

Former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who mutually agreed to part ways with the club in January, was suspended through the 2020 postseason for his role as bench coach of the Houston Astros during their sign-stealing scandal. He wasn't punished for any conduct with Boston. File Photo by Mark Thomas/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Wednesday suspended Boston Red Sox video replay system operator J.T. Watkins through the 2020 postseason and stripped the club of its second-round draft pick this year after the completion of the league's sign-stealing investigation. Former Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who mutually parted ways with the team in January as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, also was suspended through the 2020 playoffs, but only for his conduct as the Astros' bench coach in 2017. Advertisement
Cora and former Astros veteran player Carlos Beltran were named as key individuals in the Astros' scheme, which involved illegal use of technology to steal signs of opposing teams and relay them to Houston batters in real time. Cora left the Astros after the 2017 season and managed the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title.
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"As an organization, we strive for 100 percent compliance with the rules," Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. "MLB's investigation concluded that in isolated instances during the 2018 regular season, sign sequences were decoded through the use of live game video rather than through permissible means.
"MLB acknowledged the front office's extensive efforts to communicate and enforce the rules and concluded that Alex Cora, the coaching staff, and most of the players did not engage in, nor were they aware of, any violations. Regardless, these rule violations are unacceptable. We apologize to our fans and Major League Baseball, and accept the commissioner's ruling."
Manfred wrote in his report that Watkins, who denied the allegations, "on at least some occasions during the 2018 regular season, utilized the game feeds in the replay room, in violation of MLB regulations, to revise sign sequence information that he had permissibly provided to players prior to the game."
Manfred noted that the Red Sox's conduct was less egregious than the Astros, saying, "Unlike the Houston Astros' 2017 conduct, in which players communicated to the batter from the dugout area in real time the precise type of pitch about to be thrown, Watkins' conduct, by its very nature, was far more limited in scope and impact."
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MLB's investigation didn't find any evidence that the organization's front office, Cora or his coaching staff were aware of Watkins' actions, and Manfred said he won't impose additional discipline.
"Communication of these violations was episodic and isolated to Watkins and a limited number of Red Sox players only," Manfred said in the report.
Watkins, a 30-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a 2012 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. The Red Sox selected the former catcher in the 10th round of that year's MLB Draft, and he played in Boston's minor league system until 2015.
Manfred also called Watkins a "key participant" in the 2017 Apple Watch incident, noting that he relayed decoded signs from the Red Sox's replay room to the dugout. Along with his suspension, Watkins is barred from serving as a replay operator through the 2021 postseason.
The Red Sox's punishment comes three months after the league disciplined the Astros. Houston's sign-stealing scandal led to the suspension and subsequent firing of former Astros manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow. Manfred also handed the club a record $5 million fine and stripped the franchise of four draft picks.


upi--2020-04-22--Health officials warn of 'complicated' mix of flu, coronavirus in fall

April 22 ( UPI ) -- White House health officials on Wednesday warned there is a possibility COVID-19 could re-emerge next fall alongside the common flu , complicating the medical response .
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Centers for Disease Control and Protection Director Robert Redfield clarified statements he made in The Washington Post , saying he did not mean to imply such a reoccurrence would be `` worse '' than the current outbreak .
`` I did n't say that this was going to be worse .
I said it was going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll have flu and coronavirus circulated at the same time , '' he said .
Redfield added that medical experts `` had the benefit '' of the flu season concluding before the coronavirus pandemic this season , allowing them to use flu surveillance systems to detect coronavirus .
`` Next fall and winter we 're going to have two viruses circulating and we 're going to have to distinguish between which is flu and which is coronavirus , '' he said .
He went on to encourage Americans to get the flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the picture . ''
Task force coordinator Deborah Birx said she believes health experts will be able to detect COVID-19 more quickly in the event of a resurgence and will be able to prepare for that potential event over the summer .
`` We have all of that time to prepare clearly the testing algorithm that you would need in a flu , potentially if COVID came back , '' she said .
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci said he was `` convinced '' there will be coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size of the outbreak would be dependent on the response .
`` I would caution against people thinking that in the fall there 's not going to be coronavirus anymore and we wo n't have to worry about it , '' he said .
During the briefing , President Donald Trump also said he spoke with Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp about his decision to open certain businesses including nail salons , massage therapists , bowling alleys and gyms on Friday , saying he believed it was too soon .
`` I told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia , '' Trump said .
The president added that he wants Kemp to `` do what he thinks is right '' and would allow other governors to make their own decisions , repeating his stance that he would intervene if he saw `` something totally egregious '' from a governor reopening businesses in their state .
Fauci said he would advise Kemp and other governors against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's three-phase outline for states to lift restrictions .
`` I know the urge we all have to get out there and get it over with -- 'Let 's get back to normal ' -- for a lot of good reasons , because there 's a lot of suffering , economic and otherwise in this country , '' Fauci said .
`` But again ...
I plead with the American public , with the governors , with the mayors , for the people with responsibility , although I know one has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't do that . ''
Kemp tweeted Wednesday evening that Georgia would continue with the approach as planned .
`` Just like the thousands of businesses currently operating throughout Georgia , I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations , which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers , '' he said .
Also Wednesday , Rick Bright , director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , said he was abruptly transferred to the National Institute of Health after clashes over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' recommending the drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus .
Bright said he believes the transfer came `` in response to my insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions and not in drugs , vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit . ''
He also said he will file a whistle-blower complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services ' inspector general .
`` I am speaking out because to combat this deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cronyism -- has to lead the way , '' he said .
`` Sidelining me in the middle of this pandemic and placing politics and cronyism ahead of science puts lives at risk and stunts national efforts to safely and effectively address this urgent public health crisis . ''

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Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks on the coronavirus pandemic Wednesday. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- White House health officials on Wednesday warned there is a possibility COVID-19 could re-emerge next fall alongside the common flu, complicating the medical response. During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Protection Director Robert Redfield clarified statements he made in The Washington Post, saying he did not mean to imply such a reoccurrence would be "worse" than the current outbreak. Advertisement
"I didn't say that this was going to be worse. I said it was going to be more difficult and potentially complicated because we'll have flu and coronavirus circulated at the same time," he said.
Redfield added that medical experts "had the benefit" of the flu season concluding before the coronavirus pandemic this season, allowing them to use flu surveillance systems to detect coronavirus.
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"Next fall and winter we're going to have two viruses circulating and we're going to have to distinguish between which is flu and which is coronavirus," he said.
He went on to encourage Americans to get the flu vaccine, "taking flu out of the picture."
Task force coordinator Deborah Birx said she believes health experts will be able to detect COVID-19 more quickly in the event of a resurgence and will be able to prepare for that potential event over the summer.
"We have all of that time to prepare clearly the testing algorithm that you would need in a flu, potentially if COVID came back," she said.
Protesters rally against Virginia's stay-at-home order
Protesters demonstrate from vehicles as they call on Gov. Ralph Northam to "reopen Virginia" near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on April 22. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci said he was "convinced" there will be coronavirus in the fall but said that the size of the outbreak would be dependent on the response.
"I would caution against people thinking that in the fall there's not going to be coronavirus anymore and we won't have to worry about it," he said.
During the briefing, President Donald Trump also said he spoke with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp about his decision to open certain businesses including nail salons, massage therapists, bowling alleys and gyms on Friday, saying he believed it was too soon.
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"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia," Trump said.
The president added that he wants Kemp to "do what he thinks is right" and would allow other governors to make their own decisions, repeating his stance that he would intervene if he saw "something totally egregious" from a governor reopening businesses in their state.
Fauci said he would advise Kemp and other governors against "leapfrogging" portions of the federal government's three-phase outline for states to lift restrictions.
"I know the urge we all have to get out there and get it over with -- 'Let's get back to normal' -- for a lot of good reasons, because there's a lot of suffering, economic and otherwise in this country," Fauci said. "But again ... I plead with the American public, with the governors, with the mayors, for the people with responsibility, although I know one has the need to leapfrog over things, don't do that."
Kemp tweeted Wednesday evening that Georgia would continue with the approach as planned.
"Just like the thousands of businesses currently operating throughout Georgia, I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers," he said.
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Also Wednesday, Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said he was abruptly transferred to the National Institute of Health after clashes over what he described as "misguided directives" recommending the drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus.
Bright said he believes the transfer came "in response to my insistence that the government invest the billions of dollars allocated by Congress to address the COVID-19 pandemic into safe and scientifically vetted solutions and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit."
He also said he will file a whistle-blower complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general.
"I am speaking out because to combat this deadly virus, science -- not politics or cronyism -- has to lead the way," he said. "Sidelining me in the middle of this pandemic and placing politics and cronyism ahead of science puts lives at risk and stunts national efforts to safely and effectively address this urgent public health crisis."


upi--2020-04-22--President Donald Trump signs order suspending immigration

April 22 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order immediately to temporarily close U.S. borders to migrants , in a controversial move he says will protect Americans facing hardship due to the coronavirus crisis .
Trump announced the signing at a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Wednesday evening after first announcing the measure Monday night .
Trump said the temporary suspension is aimed at protecting U.S. jobs , which have been hampered by the global health crisis .
Eighteen million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits over the past three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ban will remain in effect for 60 days , at which point he will determine whether an extension is needed .
He added that the order will apply only to migrants seeking permanent residency in the United States , and will not apply to seasonal farm workers .
`` By pausing immigration , we will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens , '' he said .
A White House statement released Wednesday added that exceptions will be made for medical and other essential workers to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children of American citizens , and certain others .
Trump also asked the administration to review guest worker programs to assess whether additional measures should be taken .
Critics have said the border closure is unnecessary and studies have already shown that travel restrictions have done little to slow the spread of the disease .
Some see it as an attempt to shift blame away from his administration 's slow response to the pandemic .
`` You have nobody to blame but yourself for this completely bungled response to a deadly crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Not immigrants .
Not governors or mayors .
Just you .
Stop scapegoating immigrants with more racism and xenophobia and do your job . ''
The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the order for delaying the ability of families from reuniting and preventing employers from hiring workers .
`` While the order is limited in scope , President Trump 's transparent attempt to distract from his own failures with this unwarranted suspension will cause real pain for families and employers across the country , '' said Omar Jadwat , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Meanwhile , he continues to fail to take obvious steps that will save lives -- like releasing people from [ Immigration and Customs Enforcement ] facilities that can not keep them safe from COVID-19 .
We all deserve better leadership than this . ''

President Donald Trump attends a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing Wednesday. Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order immediately to temporarily close U.S. borders to migrants, in a controversial move he says will protect Americans facing hardship due to the coronavirus crisis. Trump announced the signing at a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Wednesday evening after first announcing the measure Monday night. Advertisement
Trump said the temporary suspension is aimed at protecting U.S. jobs, which have been hampered by the global health crisis. Eighteen million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits over the past three weeks.
At his briefing Tuesday, Trump said the ban will remain in effect for 60 days, at which point he will determine whether an extension is needed. He added that the order will apply only to migrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, and will not apply to seasonal farm workers.
"By pausing immigration, we will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens," he said.
A White House statement released Wednesday added that exceptions will be made for medical and other essential workers to combat the coronavirus outbreak, spouses and minor children of American citizens, and certain others.
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Trump also asked the administration to review guest worker programs to assess whether additional measures should be taken.
Critics have said the border closure is unnecessary and studies have already shown that travel restrictions have done little to slow the spread of the disease. Some see it as an attempt to shift blame away from his administration's slow response to the pandemic.
"You have nobody to blame but yourself for this completely bungled response to a deadly crisis," Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted. "Not immigrants. Not governors or mayors. Just you. Stop scapegoating immigrants with more racism and xenophobia and do your job."
The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the order for delaying the ability of families from reuniting and preventing employers from hiring workers.
"While the order is limited in scope, President Trump's transparent attempt to distract from his own failures with this unwarranted suspension will cause real pain for families and employers across the country," said Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. "Meanwhile, he continues to fail to take obvious steps that will save lives -- like releasing people from [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] facilities that cannot keep them safe from COVID-19. We all deserve better leadership than this."
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California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-04-22--Lockheed nabs $519M for work on 5 Aegis-equipped frigates for Spain

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Lockheed Martin was awarded a $ 519 million contract Wednesday for work on five multi-mission frigates for Spain through the foreign military sales program , according to the Pentagon .
The deal funds procurement of international Aegis fire control loop development , Solid State S-Band Radar Processing Group as well as tools , test equipment and spares for five new multi-mission frigates supporting the Aegis combat system .
The Aegis Weapon System is a centralized , automated , command-and-control and weapons control system used by the U.S. Navy , the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Australian Navy on a variety of vessel types .
The bulk of work on the contract -- 72 % -- will be performed in Moorestown , N.J. , with other parts of the deal being carried out in a variety of locations , including the cities of Ferrol and Rota in Spain .
In June 2018 the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of five Aegis-equipped frigates to the Kingdom of Spain for an estimated cost of $ 860.4 million , and in December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a latest-generation anti-submarine warfare capability .

A port bow view of the Spanish Navy, F 100 Class Frigate, shown here in 2004 in the Pacific Ocean during Combat Systems Ship Qualifications Trails on the Pacific Missile Test Center Range off the coast of California. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy
April 22 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin was awarded a $519 million contract Wednesday for work on five multi-mission frigates for Spain through the foreign military sales program, according to the Pentagon. The deal funds procurement of international Aegis fire control loop development, Solid State S-Band Radar Processing Group as well as tools, test equipment and spares for five new multi-mission frigates supporting the Aegis combat system. Advertisement
The Aegis Weapon System is a centralized, automated, command-and-control and weapons control system used by the U.S. Navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Spanish Navy, Royal Norwegian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Australian Navy on a variety of vessel types.
The bulk of work on the contract -- 72% -- will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., with other parts of the deal being carried out in a variety of locations, including the cities of Ferrol and Rota in Spain.
In June 2018 the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of five Aegis-equipped frigates to the Kingdom of Spain for an estimated cost of $860.4 million, and in December 2019 Thales announced it would provide the frigates with a latest-generation anti-submarine warfare capability.


upi--2020-04-22--Lifetime to air 'Dance Moms: Abby's Virtual Dance Off'

April 22 ( UPI ) -- Lifetime is now accepting applications for a 12-episode competition series called Dance Moms : @ @ @ @ @ .
Dance teacher and reality TV star Abby Lee Miller will host the show , @ @ @ @ @ performances , then video chatting with the winner of each episode .
Eligible dancers must @ @ @ @ @ and have the permission of a parent to compete .
`` More than ever , @ @ @ @ @ faces they love , and with the explosion of people filming their dance moves to @ @ @ @ @ Virtual Dance Off provides us the opportunity to bring some of the most talented dancers @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Gena McCarthy , executive vice president of unscripted development and programming of @ @ @ @ @ for FYI .
No debut date has been announced .

Abby Lee Miller is set to star in a new competition series called "Dance Moms: Abby's Virtual Dance Off." Image courtesy of Lifetime
April 22 (UPI) -- Lifetime is now accepting applications for a 12-episode competition series called Dance Moms: Abby's Virtual Dance Off. Dance teacher and reality TV star Abby Lee Miller will host the show, critiquing the contestants' taped performances, then video chatting with the winner of each episode. Advertisement
Eligible dancers must be ages 6 to 16 and have the permission of a parent to compete.
"More than ever, our audiences need those familiar faces they love, and with the explosion of people filming their dance moves to be shared, Abby's Virtual Dance Off provides us the opportunity to bring some of the most talented dancers to the forefront on television," said Gena McCarthy, executive vice president of unscripted development and programming of Lifetime and head of programming for FYI.
No debut date has been announced.
Guess who's back?! I will officially be hosting #AbbysDanceOff on @lifetimetv. Submit your best dance and one winner per episode will be named. For the Official Rules and guidelines, visit: https://t.co/ectPuhbx4g #DanceMoms #ALDC #aldcalways #thebestisyettocome pic.twitter.com/GbYIq0ZuQv— Abby Lee Miller (@Abby_Lee_Miller) April 22, 2020


upi--2020-04-22--Red flag warnings issued as 'critical' fire weather builds in Southwest

Fire weather watches and red flag warnings are in effect across interior portions of the southwestern United States as elevated and critical wildfire conditions are expected across parts of New Mexico and West Texas through at least late this week .
Little rainfall in recent weeks has left the region parched , with the stage set for wildfire fuel .
The last storm that brought significant rainfall in areas from southeastern Arizona to much of New Mexico and West Texas was during the middle of March .
Rainfall typically drops off in this zone during the spring , prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in early July , but some areas have not received a drop since mid-March .
Dry air , sunshine and breezy conditions have dried out the dead vegetation from last year 's growth .
`` As winds kick up over the next few days , the combination of very dry air , sunshine and building heat will push the fire danger to critical levels in the Interstate-10 , I-25 and I-40 corridors of the Southwest into this weekend , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Edwards said .
Dried brush can more easily ignite when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sun is heating the ground and gusty winds are present .
Gusts from the north and west are likely to average 40-50 mph but can be higher locally .
`` The windy conditions may not only allow any fires that break out to spread rapidly but may also make containment especially difficult , '' Edwards said .
Another factor into Friday will be blowing dust that can drop the visibility to near zero and pose a significant hazard for motorists in open , flat areas where there are no visible landmarks and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the pavement and shoulder areas .
Compounding the danger , the hottest weather of the season so far is on the way , with summerlike conditions expected to build .
`` The pattern will deliver not only the first 90-degree temperatures of the season so far to places such as Phoenix , Arizona , but also the first 100-degree readings , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Rob Miller said .
While the windiest conditions for most areas are likely into Friday , the upward trend in temperature to record-challenging levels in some cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas green up .
An area that has been experiencing triple-digit heat already this month is the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas .
There is no sign of any appreciable , widespread rain into the first part of May , so the fire risk may linger for weeks in some areas .
Parts of South Texas are experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions , according to the U.S. Drought Monitor .
McAllen , Texas , has received only a little over 1.50 inches of rain since Jan. 1 , which is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the period .
The strengthening sun and heat with little to no rain in the coming weeks will only make matters worse for this agricultural area of Texas .
Storm systems that have been producing rounds of severe weather and torrential rainfall in the Southern states have generally been passing by too far to the north this winter and early spring to bring much in the way of beneficial rain to South Texas .
Winds will be relatively light over the lower Rio Grande Valley , so while there is some wildfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached critical levels .
Other areas that are at some risk of wildfire ignition include the Four Corners region , as well as portions of Nevada and California .
`` These areas have received some rain and mountain snow in recent weeks , so the existing dead and live vegetation is not as dry as areas centered on southern New Mexico , '' Edwards said , adding that there is still some wildfire risk outside of the critical zone .
Forecasters urge people to exercise caution when using outdoor power equipment and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry brush as the hot exhaust system can start a fire in seconds .

Fire weather watches and red flag warnings are in effect across interior portions of the southwestern United States as elevated and critical wildfire conditions are expected across parts of New Mexico and West Texas through at least late this week.
Little rainfall in recent weeks has left the region parched, with the stage set for wildfire fuel. The last storm that brought significant rainfall in areas from southeastern Arizona to much of New Mexico and West Texas was during the middle of March.
This image, captured at 8:30 a.m. MDT Wednesday, April 22, 2020, shows the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Thick clouds associated with building thunderstorms can be seen over central Texas and Oklahoma to the east. Photo courtesy of NOAA
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Rainfall typically drops off in this zone during the spring, prior to the North American monsoon, which begins in early July, but some areas have not received a drop since mid-March.
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Dry air, sunshine and breezy conditions have dried out the dead vegetation from last year's growth.
"As winds kick up over the next few days, the combination of very dry air, sunshine and building heat will push the fire danger to critical levels in the Interstate-10, I-25 and I-40 corridors of the Southwest into this weekend," AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Edwards said.
Dried brush can more easily ignite when the relative humidity is low, the sun is heating the ground and gusty winds are present. Gusts from the north and west are likely to average 40-50 mph but can be higher locally.
"The windy conditions may not only allow any fires that break out to spread rapidly but may also make containment especially difficult," Edwards said.
Another factor into Friday will be blowing dust that can drop the visibility to near zero and pose a significant hazard for motorists in open, flat areas where there are no visible landmarks and it may be difficult to distinguish the difference between the pavement and shoulder areas.
Compounding the danger, the hottest weather of the season so far is on the way, with summerlike conditions expected to build.
"The pattern will deliver not only the first 90-degree temperatures of the season so far to places such as Phoenix, Arizona, but also the first 100-degree readings," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Rob Miller said.
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While the windiest conditions for most areas are likely into Friday, the upward trend in temperature to record-challenging levels in some cases may continue the wildfire risk until more areas green up.
An area that has been experiencing triple-digit heat already this month is the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
There is no sign of any appreciable, widespread rain into the first part of May, so the fire risk may linger for weeks in some areas.
Parts of South Texas are experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. McAllen, Texas, has received only a little over 1.50 inches of rain since Jan. 1, which is a little over one-third of its average rainfall for the period.
The strengthening sun and heat with little to no rain in the coming weeks will only make matters worse for this agricultural area of Texas.
Storm systems that have been producing rounds of severe weather and torrential rainfall in the Southern states have generally been passing by too far to the north this winter and early spring to bring much in the way of beneficial rain to South Texas.
Winds will be relatively light over the lower Rio Grande Valley, so while there is some wildfire ignition risk, the potential has not reached critical levels.
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Other areas that are at some risk of wildfire ignition include the Four Corners region, as well as portions of Nevada and California.
"These areas have received some rain and mountain snow in recent weeks, so the existing dead and live vegetation is not as dry as areas centered on southern New Mexico," Edwards said, adding that there is still some wildfire risk outside of the critical zone.
Forecasters urge people to exercise caution when using outdoor power equipment and to avoid open flames and parking vehicles over dry brush as the hot exhaust system can start a fire in seconds.


upi--2020-04-22--HBO orders Season 4 of 'Westworld'

HBO orders Season 4 of 'Westworld'

April 22 ( UPI ) -- HBO said Wednesday it has ordered a fourth season of its sci-fi drama Westworld @ @ @ @ @ theme park to the technocratic metropolis of the near future , we 've thoroughly enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ the minds of master storytellers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy , '' Casey Bloys , @ @ @ @ @ 's programming division , said in a press release .
`` We ca n't wait @ @ @ @ @ vision takes us next . ''
Based on the 1973 film written and directed by @ @ @ @ @ version stars Evan Rachel Wood , Thandie Newton , Jeffrey Wright and Luke Hemsworth .

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Evan Rachel Wood's HBO series "Westworld" has been renewed for Season 4. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
April 22 (UPI) -- HBO said Wednesday it has ordered a fourth season of its sci-fi drama Westworld. "From the western theme park to the technocratic metropolis of the near future, we've thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn from the minds of master storytellers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy," Casey Bloys, president of the cable network's programming division, said in a press release. "We can't wait to see where their inspired vision takes us next." Advertisement
Season 3 began airing March 15.
Based on the 1973 film written and directed by Michael Crichton, the TV version stars Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright and Luke Hemsworth.