upi--2020-03-23--New York launches new COVID-19 drug trials; more underway in China

NEW YORK , March 23 ( UPI ) -- New York , `` ground zero '' for the U.S. coronavirus outbreak , is taking the lead on drug testing , with trials beginning this week on three drugs believed to have potential for treatment .
Trials to assess the efficacy and safety of the anti-malaria drug chloroquine , its sister agent hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin will join trials of other drugs going on globally , including tests of an HIV drug and an antiviral .
No treatment so far has proven effective against COVID-19 .
World Health Organization Director-General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's great to see the level of energy now being directed to research against COVID-19 . ''
But he also cautioned against creating `` false hope '' and urged countries to work together on clinical trials so that they do n't result in a `` shortage of medications to treat other diseases . ''
New York has over half of the more than 35,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Sunday the state had purchased 750,000 doses of chloroquine , 70,000 doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the trials , to be conducted by state health researchers .
New York 's Department of Health will oversee two trials starting this week , one with a combination treatment of hydrochloroquine and azithromycin and another with plasma donated by COVID-19 patients who have recovered , a New York State DOH official told UPI .
The blood plasma trial will take longer to start , the official said , because recovered patients who are willing to make donations , and whose blood contains antibodies against the infection , will need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration last week approved chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine , which is also used for lupus and arthritis , for clinical trials to treat coronavirus .
Researchers in France have seen potential for the drugs when used in combination with azithromycin .
However , WHO officials have warned that chloroquine has many side effects and may be toxic at high doses .
On Monday , health officials in Nigeria issued a warning over chloroquine , saying three people were hospitalized after overdosing on the drug .
WHO 's SOLIDARITY trial , which also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the antiviral remdesivir , which was originally developed to treat Ebola .
Remdesivir is being studied in five large clinical trials .
In Wuhan , China , where the coronavirus pandemic began , 761 patients are enrolled at multiple hospitals .
Results are expected over the next few weeks .
Gilead , which makes remdesivir , announced Monday it would not be accepting new applications for emergency access to the drug -- which it has provided to several hundred patients in the United States , Europe , and Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for trials .
In a study published last week by the New England Journal of Medicine , Chinese researchers found that the HIV drug lopinavir-ritonavir , which will also be part of the SOLIDARITY trial , offered no clinical benefit over standard care -- including supplemental oxygen , antibiotics and kidney support -- in 199 patients with COVID-19 .
China 's National Medical Products Administration has approved use of the antiviral medication favilavir to treat the virus , after a clinical trial involving 70 patients in Shenzhen , Guangdong province reportedly showed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , a petition was launched on Change.org to free up the drug for use in the United States .
China has also approved the use of Roche 's biologic anti-inflammatory drug tocilizumab for patients who develop severe complications from the coronavirus .
Physicians there hope the drug can blunt the immune system response seen in some severe COVID-19 cases , which is believed to be the cause of catastrophic organ failure and death .
Other researchers have been working to identify potential drug targets for COVID-19 treatments .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science , the authors described how they have developed a `` potent inhibitor '' of the enzyme Mpro , which has been shown to play a role in the development of the virus .
In addition , another study , currently in press , researchers said they have investigated 26 of COVID-19 's 29 genes and identified 332 `` high confidence '' human protein-protein interactions in the virus , as well as 66 `` drug-gable '' human proteins or host factors targeted by 69 existing FDA-approved drugs , drugs in clinical trials or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibiotics , as well as chloroquine .

New trials will explore whether hydroxychloroquine, which is used for lupus and arthritis, is an effective treatment for coronavirus. UPI Photo | License Photo
NEW YORK, March 23 (UPI) -- New York, "ground zero" for the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, is taking the lead on drug testing, with trials beginning this week on three drugs believed to have potential for treatment. Trials to assess the efficacy and safety of the anti-malaria drug chloroquine, its sister agent hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin will join trials of other drugs going on globally, including tests of an HIV drug and an antiviral. Advertisement
No treatment so far has proven effective against COVID-19.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters Monday, "It's great to see the level of energy now being directed to research against COVID-19."
But he also cautioned against creating "false hope" and urged countries to work together on clinical trials so that they don't result in a "shortage of medications to treat other diseases."
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New York has over half of the more than 35,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday the state had purchased 750,000 doses of chloroquine, 70,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine and 10,000 doses of azithromycin for the trials, to be conducted by state health researchers.
New York's Department of Health will oversee two trials starting this week, one with a combination treatment of hydrochloroquine and azithromycin and another with plasma donated by COVID-19 patients who have recovered, a New York State DOH official told UPI.
The blood plasma trial will take longer to start, the official said, because recovered patients who are willing to make donations, and whose blood contains antibodies against the infection, will need to be identified before starting.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week approved chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which is also used for lupus and arthritis, for clinical trials to treat coronavirus. Researchers in France have seen potential for the drugs when used in combination with azithromycin.
However, WHO officials have warned that chloroquine has many side effects and may be toxic at high doses. On Monday, health officials in Nigeria issued a warning over chloroquine, saying three people were hospitalized after overdosing on the drug.
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WHO's SOLIDARITY trial, which also launches this week, will evaluate chloroquine, as well as the antiviral remdesivir, which was originally developed to treat Ebola.
China trials
Remdesivir is being studied in five large clinical trials. In Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus pandemic began, 761 patients are enrolled at multiple hospitals. Results are expected over the next few weeks.
Gilead, which makes remdesivir, announced Monday it would not be accepting new applications for emergency access to the drug -- which it has provided to several hundred patients in the United States, Europe, and Japan -- to ensure adequate supplies are available for trials.
In a study published last week by the New England Journal of Medicine, Chinese researchers found that the HIV drug lopinavir-ritonavir, which will also be part of the SOLIDARITY trial, offered no clinical benefit over standard care -- including supplemental oxygen, antibiotics and kidney support -- in 199 patients with COVID-19.
China's National Medical Products Administration has approved use of the antiviral medication favilavir to treat the virus, after a clinical trial involving 70 patients in Shenzhen, Guangdong province reportedly showed it was effective, with minimal side effects. Last week, a petition was launched on Change.org to free up the drug for use in the United States.
Advertisement
China has also approved the use of Roche's biologic anti-inflammatory drug tocilizumab for patients who develop severe complications from the coronavirus. Physicians there hope the drug can blunt the immune system response seen in some severe COVID-19 cases, which is believed to be the cause of catastrophic organ failure and death.
Other trials
Other researchers have been working to identify potential drug targets for COVID-19 treatments.
In a study published last week in the journal Science, the authors described how they have developed a "potent inhibitor" of the enzyme Mpro, which has been shown to play a role in the development of the virus.
In addition, another study, currently in press, researchers said they have investigated 26 of COVID-19's 29 genes and identified 332 "high confidence" human protein-protein interactions in the virus, as well as 66 "drug-gable" human proteins or host factors targeted by 69 existing FDA-approved drugs, drugs in clinical trials or pre-clinical compounds.
The potential drugs include antibiotics, as well as chloroquine.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-23--Eating tofu could lower risk of heart disease

Eating tofu and other foods with high levels of isoflavones -- plant-based `` phytoestrogens '' -- could lower people 's risk of heart disease , a new study suggests .
The effect was especially strong in women .
`` Other human trials and animal studies of isoflavones , tofu and cardiovascular risk markers have also indicated positive effects , so people with an elevated risk of developing heart disease should evaluate their diets , '' said study lead author Dr. Qi Sun .
He 's a researcher at Harvard 's T.H .
Chan School of Public Health in Boston .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ group tracked data on more than 200,000 Americans enrolled in long-term health and nutrition studies .
All of them were free of cancer and heart disease when the studies began .
After accounting for a number of other factors associated with heart disease , the researchers concluded that eating tofu more than once a week was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease , compared to people who ate tofu less than once a month , who had an average 12 percent reduction in heart risk .
The reduced heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was seen primarily in women before menopause or postmenopausal women who were n't taking hormones , according to the study published March 23 in the journal Circulation .
`` Despite these findings , I do n't think tofu is by any means a magic bullet , '' Sun said in a journal news release .
`` Overall diet quality is still critical to consider , and tofu can be a very healthy component . ''
`` If their diet is packed with unhealthy foods , such as red meat , sugary beverages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switch to healthier alternatives , '' he suggested .
`` Tofu and other isoflavone-rich , plant-based foods are excellent protein sources and alternatives to animal proteins . ''
Tofu is soybean curd , and whole soybeans such as edamame are rich sources of isoflavones .
Other foods with high levels of isoflavones include chickpeas , fava beans , pistachios , peanuts and other fruits and nuts .
Soymilk tends to be highly processed and is often sweetened with sugar , Sun noted , and the study found no significant association between soymilk consumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study found an association between tofu and other foods high in isoflavones and a lower risk of heart disease , it does not prove that such foods actually lower heart disease risk , Sun emphasized .
Many other factors can affect heart disease risk , including exercise , family history and lifestyle habits , he noted .
`` For example , younger women who are more physically active and get more exercise tend to follow healthier , plant-based diets that may include more isoflavone-rich foods like tofu , '' Sun said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed that a move away from meat to tofu may be healthy .
`` Although the impact of specific isoflavone-rich food is still not clear ; what is known is that increase in plant-based protein and lean , low carbohydrate , meals reduce overall cardiovascular risk , '' said Dr. Satjit Bhusri , a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City .
`` This simple understanding and mindfulness of what to eat can make a major impact on overall cardiovascular health and outcomes . ''
Dr. Benjamin Hirsch directs preventive cardiology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heart Hospital in Manhasset , N.Y .
He noted that , `` Isoflavones are thought to support heart health by their association with improvements in vascular function , reduction in total cholesterol , and reduction in inflammation . ''
`` What is interesting is that premenopausal women derived the greatest benefits , which may suggest that it is the estrogen and hormonal component of soy-based food that leads to better outcomes in women , '' he added .
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on soy .

Pixabay Eating tofu more than once a week was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease, researchers say. Photo by ally j
Eating tofu and other foods with high levels of isoflavones -- plant-based "phytoestrogens" -- could lower people's risk of heart disease, a new study suggests. The effect was especially strong in women. "Other human trials and animal studies of isoflavones, tofu and cardiovascular risk markers have also indicated positive effects, so people with an elevated risk of developing heart disease should evaluate their diets," said study lead author Dr. Qi Sun. He's a researcher at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Advertisement
In the new study, Sun's group tracked data on more than 200,000 Americans enrolled in long-term health and nutrition studies. All of them were free of cancer and heart disease when the studies began.
After accounting for a number of other factors associated with heart disease, the researchers concluded that eating tofu more than once a week was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease, compared to people who ate tofu less than once a month, who had an average 12 percent reduction in heart risk.
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The reduced heart disease risk associated with regular tofu consumption was seen primarily in women before menopause or postmenopausal women who weren't taking hormones, according to the study published March 23 in the journal Circulation.
"Despite these findings, I don't think tofu is by any means a magic bullet," Sun said in a journal news release. "Overall diet quality is still critical to consider, and tofu can be a very healthy component."
"If their diet is packed with unhealthy foods, such as red meat, sugary beverages and refined carbohydrates, (people) should switch to healthier alternatives," he suggested. "Tofu and other isoflavone-rich, plant-based foods are excellent protein sources and alternatives to animal proteins."
Tofu is soybean curd, and whole soybeans such as edamame are rich sources of isoflavones. Other foods with high levels of isoflavones include chickpeas, fava beans, pistachios, peanuts and other fruits and nuts.
Soymilk tends to be highly processed and is often sweetened with sugar, Sun noted, and the study found no significant association between soymilk consumption and lower heart disease risk.
While the study found an association between tofu and other foods high in isoflavones and a lower risk of heart disease, it does not prove that such foods actually lower heart disease risk, Sun emphasized. Many other factors can affect heart disease risk, including exercise, family history and lifestyle habits, he noted.
Advertisement
"For example, younger women who are more physically active and get more exercise tend to follow healthier, plant-based diets that may include more isoflavone-rich foods like tofu," Sun said.
Two experts in nutrition and the heart agreed that a move away from meat to tofu may be healthy.
"Although the impact of specific isoflavone-rich food is still not clear; what is known is that increase in plant-based protein and lean, low carbohydrate, meals reduce overall cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Satjit Bhusri, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "This simple understanding and mindfulness of what to eat can make a major impact on overall cardiovascular health and outcomes."
Dr. Benjamin Hirsch directs preventive cardiology at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. He noted that, "Isoflavones are thought to support heart health by their association with improvements in vascular function, reduction in total cholesterol, and reduction in inflammation."
"What is interesting is that premenopausal women derived the greatest benefits, which may suggest that it is the estrogen and hormonal component of soy-based food that leads to better outcomes in women," he added.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on soy.
Advertisement
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-03-23--U.S. now has 3rd-most coronavirus cases, trails only China and Italy

March 23 ( UPI ) -- The United States has become the nation with the third-largest number of coronavirus cases -- more than 41,000 -- and the surgeon general said Americans who are n't following heath advice are making the situation worse .
According to a running count by experts at Johns Hopkins University , the United States now has more than 41,700 cases of COVID-19 , behind only China ( 81,400 ) and Italy ( 59,100 ) in the total number of patients .
The Johns Hopkins University count says 573 U.S. patients have died and more than 100,800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , China for the fifth straight day reported no new local cases .
New York City is the U.S. location with the most recorded coronavirus deaths , at 98 .
King County in Washington state has 75 .
Thirty-four others have been recorded elsewhere in New York state .
As it has in other countries , the highly contagious coronavirus has spread rapidly in the United States .
Part of the problem , health officials say , is that many Americans still are n't heeding advice to stay at home and stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want America to understand this week , it 's going to get bad , '' U.S .
Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams told NBC 's Today on Monday .
Adams said it seems to be younger Americans who are most ignoring the advice .
`` Everyone needs to act as if they have the virus right now , '' he added .
`` Test or no test , we need you to understand you could be spreading it to someone else .
Or you could be getting it from someone else .
Stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump thanked Americans for `` pulling together '' for `` doing what they have to do . ''
`` It 's been incredible , it 's been inspirational , '' he said .
`` All over the world , they 're watching .
But all over the world they also have problems .
`` It 's an invisible enemy , but we are doing tremendous work .
The truckers , the doctors , the nurses , everyone .
They are just doing tremendously . ''
Over the weekend , crowds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , against a shelter-in-place order from Gov .
Gavin Newsom last week .
Spring breakers have been doing the same in Florida , a traditional hot spot this time of the year .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Sunday he will shut down sports and recreational activities at all city parks and parking at beaches will be closed .
He also said the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy is headed to the Port of Los Angeles to help provide medical care .
`` The ship will bring more than 1,000 beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save lives , '' he tweeted .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday the 11 public hospitals in his city only have enough critical supplies to last for the rest of the week .
He said he spoke with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday , urging them to do whatever possible to send much-needed ventilators to the nation 's most populous city .
`` What I need right now is action , not words , and every day counts , '' he said .
De Blasio also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being expanded , there probably is n't enough healthcare personnel to fully staff them .

Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- The United States has become the nation with the third-largest number of coronavirus cases -- more than 41,000 -- and the surgeon general said Americans who aren't following heath advice are making the situation worse. According to a running count by experts at Johns Hopkins University, the United States now has more than 41,700 cases of COVID-19, behind only China (81,400) and Italy (59,100) in the total number of patients. Advertisement
The Johns Hopkins University count says 573 U.S. patients have died and more than 100,800 around the world have recovered. On Monday, China for the fifth straight day reported no new local cases.
New York City is the U.S. location with the most recorded coronavirus deaths, at 98. King County in Washington state has 75. Thirty-four others have been recorded elsewhere in New York state.
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As it has in other countries, the highly contagious coronavirus has spread rapidly in the United States. Part of the problem, health officials say, is that many Americans still aren't heeding advice to stay at home and stop congregating in large groups.
"I want America to understand this week, it's going to get bad," U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams told NBC's Today on Monday.
Adams said it seems to be younger Americans who are most ignoring the advice.
"Everyone needs to act as if they have the virus right now," he added. "Test or no test, we need you to understand you could be spreading it to someone else. Or you could be getting it from someone else. Stay at home."
Monday, President Donald Trump thanked Americans for "pulling together" for "doing what they have to do."
"It's been incredible, it's been inspirational," he said. "All over the world, they're watching. But all over the world they also have problems.
"It's an invisible enemy, but we are doing tremendous work. The truckers, the doctors, the nurses, everyone. They are just doing tremendously."
Over the weekend, crowds of people were seen filling beaches and parks in California, against a shelter-in-place order from Gov. Gavin Newsom last week. Spring breakers have been doing the same in Florida, a traditional hot spot this time of the year.
Advertisement
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Sunday he will shut down sports and recreational activities at all city parks and parking at beaches will be closed. He also said the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy is headed to the Port of Los Angeles to help provide medical care.
"The ship will bring more than 1,000 beds to our doorstep. This step will save lives," he tweeted.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday the 11 public hospitals in his city only have enough critical supplies to last for the rest of the week. He said he spoke with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday, urging them to do whatever possible to send much-needed ventilators to the nation's most populous city.
"What I need right now is action, not words, and every day counts," he said.
De Blasio also warned that even as medical facilities are being expanded, there probably isn't enough healthcare personnel to fully staff them.


upi--2020-03-23--Look: Missing dog turns up two years later, 136 miles from home

March 23 ( UPI ) -- An Australian dog who went missing when a storm damaged a fence was found two years later while wandering 136 miles from home with a pair of new puppies .
Graham Lee of Nowra , New South Wales , told Bega Valley Shire Council officials three of his four huskies went missing two years ago when a storm took down a fence at his home .
Lee said two of the dogs were soon recovered thanks to their microchips , but one husky , Indie , remained elusive .
`` Initially I thought she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did .
I kept going to the pound , but after a few weeks of no word , I thought she must have been hit by a car , '' he said .
There was no sign of Indie until two years later , when a resident in Bermagui , 136 miles away , found the dog wandering loose with her two young puppies .
The resident alerted the Bega Valley Shire Council , and a council ranger rounded up the canines .
The council scanned Indie for a microchip and called Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear news of the husky after so much time .
`` When I first got the call I was like , 'What ? '
I 'd almost forgotten about her , '' Lee said .
He said Indie is settling in well back at home .
`` It 's great she 's back home .
I think if you get one dog you should have another so at least they have each other to talk to and play with , '' he said .
`` She 's happy but not quite herself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit of a sulk , then is happy enough running around . ''
Indie 's puppies are being rehomed through the Animal Welfare League , the council said .
Officials said they are baffled as to how Indie ended up so far away from home .

An Australian man was reunited with his lost dog after she was found two years later, 136 miles from home. Photo courtesy of the Bega Valley Shire Council
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 23 (UPI) -- An Australian dog who went missing when a storm damaged a fence was found two years later while wandering 136 miles from home with a pair of new puppies. Graham Lee of Nowra, New South Wales, told Bega Valley Shire Council officials three of his four huskies went missing two years ago when a storm took down a fence at his home. Advertisement
Lee said two of the dogs were soon recovered thanks to their microchips, but one husky, Indie, remained elusive.
"Initially I thought she would turn up, like the others did. I kept going to the pound, but after a few weeks of no word, I thought she must have been hit by a car," he said.
There was no sign of Indie until two years later, when a resident in Bermagui, 136 miles away, found the dog wandering loose with her two young puppies.
The resident alerted the Bega Valley Shire Council, and a council ranger rounded up the canines.
The council scanned Indie for a microchip and called Lee, who said he was shocked to hear news of the husky after so much time.
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"When I first got the call I was like, 'What?' I'd almost forgotten about her," Lee said.
He said Indie is settling in well back at home.
"It's great she's back home. I think if you get one dog you should have another so at least they have each other to talk to and play with," he said. "She's happy but not quite herself. She roams to the fence, has a bit of a sulk, then is happy enough running around."
Indie's puppies are being rehomed through the Animal Welfare League, the council said.
Officials said they are baffled as to how Indie ended up so far away from home.


upi--2020-03-23--President Donald Trump signs executive order banning hoarding

March 23 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order to prevent hoarding and price gouging for supplies needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Trump and Attorney General William Barr outlined the order which bans the hoarding of vital medical equipment and supplies including hand sanitizer , face masks and personal protection equipment .
`` We want to prevent price gouging and critical health and medical resources are going to be protected in every form , '' Trump said .
The order will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azar to designate certain essential supplies as scarce , which will make it a crime to stockpile those items in excessive quantities .
Barr said the limits prohibit stockpiling in amounts greater than `` reasonable personal or business needs '' or for the purpose of selling them in `` excess of prevailing market prices '' adding that the order is not aimed at consumers or businesses stockpiling supplies for their own operation .
`` We 're talking about people hoarding these goods and materials on an industrial scale for the purpose of manipulating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` If you have a big supply of toilet paper in your house , this is not something you have to worry about .
But if you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks you will be hearing a knock on your door . ''
Barr said that no items have been designated yet and the Department of Justice will work with HHS to identify potential cases where hoarding may be impeding COVID-19 response .
Vice President Mike Pence said during the briefing that the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing comes as the United States became the nation with the third-largest number of COVID-19 cases in the world .
Johns Hopkins University reported at least 573 deaths and 41,000 cases as of 2 p.m .

1/3
President Donald Trump listens as the Attorney General William Barr participates in a news briefing by members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force on Monday. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order to prevent hoarding and price gouging for supplies needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. During a briefing by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Trump and Attorney General William Barr outlined the order which bans the hoarding of vital medical equipment and supplies including hand sanitizer, face masks and personal protection equipment. Advertisement
"We want to prevent price gouging and critical health and medical resources are going to be protected in every form," Trump said.
The order will allow Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to designate certain essential supplies as scarce, which will make it a crime to stockpile those items in excessive quantities.
President @realDonaldTrump just signed an EO to prevent hoarding & price gouging of supplies needed in our war against the #Coronavirus. This sends a strong message - we will not let those hoarding vital supplies & price gougers to harm the health of America in this hour of need. pic.twitter.com/eksxQOVKNM— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) March 23, 2020 Advertisement
Barr said the limits prohibit stockpiling in amounts greater than "reasonable personal or business needs" or for the purpose of selling them in "excess of prevailing market prices" adding that the order is not aimed at consumers or businesses stockpiling supplies for their own operation.
"We're talking about people hoarding these goods and materials on an industrial scale for the purpose of manipulating the market and ultimately deriving windfall profits," he said. "If you have a big supply of toilet paper in your house, this is not something you have to worry about. But if you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks you will be hearing a knock on your door."
Barr said that no items have been designated yet and the Department of Justice will work with HHS to identify potential cases where hoarding may be impeding COVID-19 response.
Vice President Mike Pence said during the briefing that the United States has conducted 313,000 COVID-19 tests.
The briefing comes as the United States became the nation with the third-largest number of COVID-19 cases in the world. Johns Hopkins University reported at least 573 deaths and 41,000 cases as of 2 p.m.


upi--2020-03-23--Raytheon, Uptake bring artificial intelligence to Marines' M88 maintenance

March 23 ( UPI ) -- Raytheon Co. announced a partnership on Monday with software company Uptake to provide predictive maintenance capabilities for Marine Corps ' M88 vehicles .
Raytheon said it will provide the technical ability for onboard recording , processing and transfer of large quantities of sensitive data for the armored recovery vehicles , and Chicago-based Uptake will offer a suite of advanced artificial intelligence software .
M88s are used to recover other armored vehicles , and are the largest of recovery vehicles in use by the U.S. armed forces .
The new approach to vehicle maintenance supersedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions .
Armies around the world are increasingly reliant on a proactive maintenance model using advanced data analytics monitoring to identify problems before they occur , a Raytheon statement said on Monday .
`` To shift from reactive to predictive maintenance requires advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies , '' said Brad Kewell of Uptake .
`` We want to radically improve mission readiness , success and safety for deployed Marines at the tactical edge . ''
Uptake software has successfully monitored major component subsystems of the U.S. Army 's Bradley Fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , identifying possible systems problems weeks before an actual failure and with higher accuracy than previous methods .

Raytheon Co. announced a partnership on Monday with artificial intelligence software company Uptake to provide predictive maintenance for the US. Marine Corps' M88 armored recovery vehicles. Photo by Cpl. Justin Updegraff/U.S. Marine Corps
March 23 (UPI) -- Raytheon Co. announced a partnership on Monday with software company Uptake to provide predictive maintenance capabilities for Marine Corps' M88 vehicles. Raytheon said it will provide the technical ability for onboard recording, processing and transfer of large quantities of sensitive data for the armored recovery vehicles, and Chicago-based Uptake will offer a suite of advanced artificial intelligence software. Advertisement
M88s are used to recover other armored vehicles, and are the largest of recovery vehicles in use by the U.S. armed forces.
The new approach to vehicle maintenance supersedes current timeline-driven or event-driven maintenance and logistics decisions. Armies around the world are increasingly reliant on a proactive maintenance model using advanced data analytics monitoring to identify problems before they occur, a Raytheon statement said on Monday.
"To shift from reactive to predictive maintenance requires advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies," said Brad Kewell of Uptake. "We want to radically improve mission readiness, success and safety for deployed Marines at the tactical edge."
Uptake software has successfully monitored major component subsystems of the U.S. Army's Bradley Fighting Vehicle since 2018, the company said, identifying possible systems problems weeks before an actual failure and with higher accuracy than previous methods.


upi--2020-03-23--In photos: U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

The Orpheum Theatre offers a whimsical missive on its marquee in Los Angeles on March 22 .
Restaurants were limited @ @ @ @ @ Angeles has required people to stay home except for essential needs because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Ruymen/UPI

Bass Pro Shops marketing manager David Smith (R) carries a box of donated face masks into Mercy Health in Chesterfield, Mo., on May 13. The company is donating 1 million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the pandemic. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-03-23--Watch: Bear steals 40 pound dog food package from front porch

March 23 ( UPI ) -- A California resident 's doorbell camera was recording when a package was swiped from @ @ @ @ @ unusual thief -- a bear .
The video , recorded Thursday on the front porch @ @ @ @ @ shows a bear grabbing a large box with its mouth and dragging it away .
@ @ @ @ @ Ring camera footage said the box contained 40 pounds of dog food .
They said @ @ @ @ @ was recovered .
`` The delivery guy dropped the package off at our doorstep with @ @ @ @ @ food and then 20 minutes later our local teenage bear stole the box from our @ @ @ @ @ the box and eat half the bag of dog food , '' the resident wrote @

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March 23 (UPI) -- A California resident's doorbell camera was recording when a package was swiped from their front porch by an unusual thief -- a bear.
The video, recorded Thursday on the front porch of a Crestview home, shows a bear grabbing a large box with its mouth and dragging it away.
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The resident who shared the Ring camera footage said the box contained 40 pounds of dog food. They said some of the dog food was recovered.
"The delivery guy dropped the package off at our doorstep with a 40lb bag of dog food and then 20 minutes later our local teenage bear stole the box from our front porch proceeded to open the box and eat half the bag of dog food," the resident wrote.


upi--2020-03-23--Senate Democrats again vote against advancing coronavirus package

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Senate Majority Leader Republican Mitch McConnell said Sunday night that the Senate will not hold another vote on a coronavirus stimulus package until as late as Wednesday after Democrats rejected the proposal for a second time. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said there will be no further votes on a more-than $1 trillion coronavirus stimulus package on Monday evening as Democrats and Republicans struggled to reach an agreement. "We will not be having any votes tonight," McConnel said on the Senate floor. Advertisement
He went on to set up another vote as late as Wednesday but a vote could take place as early as Tuesday if the two sides reach an agreement.
Senate Democrats voted against advancing the measure for the second time earlier Monday, saying it failed to adequately protect American workers.
It was the second time Democrats declined to approve a procedural vote to begin debate on the package, which could total $1.6 trillion. The two parties were continuing negotiations on the legislation with hopes the chamber can pass it by the end of Monday.
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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland on Monday. He's said he's confident the chamber will pass the legislation soon.
"Given more time, I believe we could reach a point where the legislation is close enough to what the nation needs for all senators, all senators to want to move forward," Schumer said. "We are not yet at that point."
Democrats say the legislation focuses too much on helping big corporations over helping the average worker. They say it doesn't protect workers from layoffs and object to a provision that allows Mnuchin to keep secret which companies receive federal funds for up to six months.
They're seeking unemployment measures lasting four months instead of three, and which include independent contractors.
Democrats also are accusing Republicans of adding unrelated measures to the legislation, including an extension of an abstinence education program set to expire in May, one Democratic aide told Politico.
McConnell accused Democrats of obstructing the bill.
"So we're fiddling here, fiddling with the emotions of the American people, fiddling with the markets, fiddling with our healthcare. The American people expect us to act tomorrow," he said. "And I want everybody to fully understand if we aren't able to act [Monday], it'll be because of our colleagues on the other side continuing to dicker when the country expects us to come together and address this problem."
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House Democrats, meanwhile, are discussing the possibility of passing their own sweeping legislation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California spoke about her proposal Monday, offering what she described as a more family-friendly package.
Her proposal includes more extensive unemployment insurance and food stamps, student loan relief, and prevents corporations from using federal funds to buy back stocks. Pelosi's expected to unveil the legislation -- the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act -- later Monday.
"The Senate Republican bill put corporations first, but because of the insistence of Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats progress has been made. We urge the Senate to move closer to the values in the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act," she said.
Mnuchin said the first part of the Senate bill includes what he called "small business retention loans" as many businesses have closed while the federal government suggests people remain home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and some states have ordered mandatory closures.
The bill would also provide direct deposits, which Mnuchin said would see an average family of four receive about $3,000, along with enhanced unemployment insurance for people who have been laid off as a result of the outbreak.
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If passed, the legislation will be the third aid package aimed at tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has killed more than 500 people and sickened more than 43,000 in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University figures as of Monday night.
U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-03-23--Pew Research Center: Green jobs boost demand for analytical skills

March 23 ( UPI ) -- Pew Research Center said Monday that jobs focused on curbing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting new technologies have boosted demand for analytical skills .
The green economy 's focus on cutting pollution has created new jobs , the Pew Research Center said in a statement based on its new analysis of federal government job-skills data .
It has also changed skill requirements of some existing occupations .
A couple examples of new jobs created by the green economy are biostatisticians and intelligence analysts .
The green economy has also increased demand for mechanical skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has otherwise decreased in recent decades as the number of U.S manufacturing jobs has declined .
The focus on reusable resources has also boosted existing engineering and production jobs that require mechanical proficiency .
Among the changes , the Pew Research Center found a common thread in the most valued skills was the need for `` fundamental skills , '' including active listening , speaking , critical thinking and reading comprehension .
And the skill most in demand was active listening , which means the ability to give full attention , take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not interrupt at inopportune times .
Furthermore , the most significant difference in older and new jobs was the importance of analytical skills .
`` Several new jobs , such as web administrators and data warehousing specialists , have a great need for programming skills , '' the PRC statement said .
In particular , the need for programming skills was 34 percent higher on average in newer occupations than older occupations , according to PRC research .
The PRC analysis was based on data from the government 's Occupational Information Network ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of 35 job skills on a scale of 1 , not important , to 5 , extremely important .
It currently classified 199 occupations as `` green occupations , '' and 71 of those are classified as `` new and emerging , such as biofuels production , solar energy systems engineers and climate change analysts .

Keith Plume of PayneCrest Electric Company checks that solar panels are lined up correctly at the Ameren O'Fallon Renewable Energy Center in O'Fallon, Missouri. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
March 23 (UPI) -- Pew Research Center said Monday that jobs focused on curbing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting new technologies have boosted demand for analytical skills. The green economy's focus on cutting pollution has created new jobs, the Pew Research Center said in a statement based on its new analysis of federal government job-skills data. It has also changed skill requirements of some existing occupations. Advertisement
A couple examples of new jobs created by the green economy are biostatisticians and intelligence analysts.
The green economy has also increased demand for mechanical skills, including maintenance and repairing, which has otherwise decreased in recent decades as the number of U.S manufacturing jobs has declined.
The focus on reusable resources has also boosted existing engineering and production jobs that require mechanical proficiency.
Among the changes, the Pew Research Center found a common thread in the most valued skills was the need for "fundamental skills," including active listening, speaking, critical thinking and reading comprehension. And the skill most in demand was active listening, which means the ability to give full attention, take the time to understand, ask questions and not interrupt at inopportune times.
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Furthermore, the most significant difference in older and new jobs was the importance of analytical skills.
"Several new jobs, such as web administrators and data warehousing specialists, have a great need for programming skills," the PRC statement said.
In particular, the need for programming skills was 34 percent higher on average in newer occupations than older occupations, according to PRC research.
The PRC analysis was based on data from the government's Occupational Information Network (O*Net).
The O*Net assesses the importance of 35 job skills on a scale of 1, not important, to 5, extremely important. It currently classified 199 occupations as "green occupations," and 71 of those are classified as "new and emerging, such as biofuels production, solar energy systems engineers and climate change analysts.


upi--2020-03-23--Look: Stray Kids tease 'I Know Even Though I'm Fool' video

March 23 ( UPI ) -- South Korean boy band Stray Kids is giving a glimpse of its new music video .
The K-pop group shared a preview Monday of its video for the song `` I Know Even Though I 'm a Fool . ''
The teaser shows glimpses of Stray Kids members Bang Chan , Lee Know , Changbin , Hyunjin , Han , Felix , Seungmin and I.N .
The members are also seen filming what appears to be a TV drama .
`` I Know Even Though I 'm a Fool '' appears on the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , slated for release Wednesday .
Stray Kids shared new teaser images for the `` I Know Even Though I 'm a Fool '' music video Sunday .
Stray Kids said in an interview with UPI in February that they are following their own path in the music industry .
The group predominantly writes , produces and arranges its music itself .
Stray Kids debuted as a group in 2017 and are known for the singles `` Hellevator , '' `` My Pace , '' `` Miroh '' and `` Side Effects .
@

March 23 (UPI) -- South Korean boy band Stray Kids is giving a glimpse of its new music video.
The K-pop group shared a preview Monday of its video for the song "Even a Fool Knows."
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The teaser shows glimpses of Stray Kids members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. The members are also seen filming what appears to be a TV drama.
"Even a Fool Knows" appears on the group's upcoming mixtape Mixtape: On Track, slated for release Wednesday.
Stray Kids shared new teaser images for the "I Know Even Though I'm a Fool" music video Sunday.
Stray Kids said in an interview with UPI in February that they are following their own path in the music industry. The group predominantly writes, produces and arranges its music itself.
Stray Kids debuted as a group in 2017 and are known for the singles "Hellevator," "My Pace," "Miroh" and "Side Effects."


upi--2020-03-23--Look: Colorado State Parks: 'Thank you for not stealing our toilet paper'

March 23 ( UPI ) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering an unusual message of gratitude to state park @ @ @ @ @ for not stealing our toilet paper . ''
An electronic sign at the entrance to @ @ @ @ @ which thus far has remained open amid the coronavirus pandemic , thanks visitors for not @ @ @ @ @ for supplies .
`` Thank you for not stealing our toilet paper !
!
!
@ @ @ @ @ Parks and Wildlife posted a photo of the sign to Twitter .
`` To those @ @ @ @ @ paper at our # ColoradoStateParks , thank you , '' the department tweeted .

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March 23 (UPI) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering an unusual message of gratitude to state park visitors: "Thank you for not stealing our toilet paper."
An electronic sign at the entrance to Boyd Lake State Park, which thus far has remained open amid the coronavirus pandemic, thanks visitors for not raiding the park's bathrooms for supplies.
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"Thank you for not stealing our toilet paper!!!" the sign reads.
Parks and Wildlife posted a photo of the sign to Twitter.
"To those that haven't stolen toilet paper at our #ColoradoStateParks, thank you," the department tweeted.


upi--2020-03-23--Mother and son find, return locket to family after years on New York beach

March 23 ( UPI ) -- A New York state family was able to use social media to reunite a woman with her plastic locket and a photo inside that she dropped on a beach several years ago .
Joy Schlitz said her 7-year-old son , Griffin , found the locket and family photo inside on Sunday while they were walking on Pike 's Beach in the Westhampton Dunes , located on Long Island about 70 miles east of downtown Manhattan .
`` He just stumbled upon it in the sand and said he knew it would be 'respectful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Schlitz told Patch .
Schlitz posted a photo of the find on Facebook , and it was recognized as the Dawydiak family a short time later .
`` I am a nurse at Stony Brook and I ca n't stop thinking about my family at this time .
I would love to get it back if possible , '' Dawydiak wrote in a message to Schlitz .
She added that getting the locket back is especially significant now because the photo was taken just before her oldest daughter , Christi , moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said Christi is not able to make her usual Easter visit home due to the coronavirus epidemic .
`` It 's great to know that somebody found this , thought that it belongs to a family -- and took extra measures to get it back to us , '' Dawydiak said .

The locket and photo inside were found on Pike's Beach in the Westhampton Dunes in New York. File Photo by enriquelopezgarre/Pixabay.com
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe March 23 (UPI) -- A New York state family was able to use social media to reunite a woman with her plastic locket and a photo inside that she dropped on a beach several years ago. Joy Schlitz said her 7-year-old son, Griffin, found the locket and family photo inside on Sunday while they were walking on Pike's Beach in the Westhampton Dunes, located on Long Island about 70 miles east of downtown Manhattan. Advertisement
"He just stumbled upon it in the sand and said he knew it would be 'respectful and nice'" to return the locket, Schlitz told Patch.
Schlitz posted a photo of the find on Facebook, and it was recognized as the Dawydiak family a short time later.
Paula Dawydiak contacted Schlitz and explained she'd lost the locket years ago.
"I am a nurse at Stony Brook and I can't stop thinking about my family at this time. I would love to get it back if possible," Dawydiak wrote in a message to Schlitz.
She added that getting the locket back is especially significant now because the photo was taken just before her oldest daughter, Christi, moved to Boston for a new job. She said Christi is not able to make her usual Easter visit home due to the coronavirus epidemic.
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"It's great to know that somebody found this, thought that it belongs to a family -- and took extra measures to get it back to us," Dawydiak said.


upi--2020-03-24--In photos: U.S. copes with COVID-19 pandemic

Beachgoers walk along the shoreline in Malibu on March 23 .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti closed sports and recreation @ @ @ @ @ closed parking at city beaches after seeing too many people in close proximity packing beaches @ @ @ @ @ Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI


upi--2020-03-24--IOC head Thomas Bach, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe agree to postpone Tokyo Olympics

March 24 ( UPI ) -- International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in a conference call Tuesday to delay the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo .
Abe proposed during the call Tuesday morning that the Olympics be delayed rather than canceled , to which Bach agreed `` 100 percent . ''
Abe said the Summer Games , which were scheduled to begin July 24 , will be delayed for no longer than a year .
A postponement still must be approved by the IOC 's Executive Board .
Multiple Olympic Games have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been postponed .
The 1916 , 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled because of World Wars I and II .
The agreement came just hours after the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee urged the international Olympics governing body to postpone the Tokyo Games .
USOPC Chairwoman Susanne Lyons and CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a joint statement that hundreds of U.S. athletes said the fairest course of action in light of the global coronavirus pandemic is to postpone the event .
`` Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be alleviated by late summer , the enormous disruptions to the training environment , doping controls and qualification process ca n't be overcome in a satisfactory manner , '' they said .
`` To that end , it 's more clear than ever that the path toward postponement is the most promising , and we encourage the IOC to take all needed steps to ensure the Games can be conducted under safe and fair conditions for all competitors . ''
The USOPC sends more athletes to the Olympic Games than any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 1,800 Team USA members , found nearly 65 percent said their training had either been severely impacted by the outbreak or that they ca n't train at all .
Nearly two-thirds said they believe that continuing to train could put their health at risk .
Monday , Australia called for the Games to be postponed for a year and Canada said Sunday it would n't send a team to Tokyo if the Games were held this summer .

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The Olympic Flame is seen in Sendai, Miyagi-prefecture, Japan, on Saturday. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in a conference call Tuesday to delay the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Abe proposed during the call Tuesday morning that the Olympics be delayed rather than canceled, to which Bach agreed. Advertisement
"President Bach and Prime Minister Abe expressed their shared concern about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and what it is doing to people's lives and the significant impact it is having on global athletes' preparations for the Games," the IOC and Tokyo Organizing Committee said in a joint statement.
The committees said the Tokyo Games, which were scheduled to begin July 24, will be delayed for no longer than a year.
"The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic Flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present," they added. "Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic Flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020."
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Multiple Olympic Games have been canceled, but none have ever before been postponed. The 1916, 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled because of World Wars I and II. Participation was limited during the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow due to a U.S.-led boycott over the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Moscow led a similar, but smaller, retaliatory ban against the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The agreement came just hours after the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee urged the international Olympics governing body to postpone the Tokyo Games.
USOPC Chairwoman Susanne Lyons and CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a joint statement that hundreds of U.S. athletes said the fairest course of action in light of the global coronavirus pandemic is to postpone the event.
"Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that even if the current significant health concerns could be alleviated by late summer, the enormous disruptions to the training environment, doping controls and qualification process can't be overcome in a satisfactory manner," they said.
"To that end, it's more clear than ever that the path toward postponement is the most promising, and we encourage the IOC to take all needed steps to ensure the Games can be conducted under safe and fair conditions for all competitors."
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The USOPC sends more athletes to the Olympic Games than any other country.
The survey, answered by almost 1,800 Team USA members, found nearly 65 percent said their training had either been severely impacted by the outbreak or that they can't train at all. Nearly two-thirds said they believe that continuing to train could put their health at risk.
Monday, Australia called for the Games to be postponed for a year and Canada said Sunday it wouldn't send a team to Tokyo if the Games were held this summer.


upi--2020-03-24--Mexican national dies in ICE custody; 10th since October

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Another Mexican national has died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos , Texas , officials said .
Ramiro Hernandez-Ibarra , 42 , was hospitalized last week and died at the Valley Baptists Medical Center in Harlingen , near Brownsville , the agency said Monday .
Officials said Hernandez-Ibarra died of complications from septic shock .
Hernandez-Ibarra is the 10th detainee to die in ICE custody since the beginning of the government 's fiscal year in October .
`` ICE is firmly committed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its custody and is undertaking a comprehensive agency-wide review of this incident , as it does in all such cases , '' the agency said in a statement .
`` Fatalities in ICE custody , statistically , are exceedingly rare and occur at a fraction of the national average for the U.S. detained population . ''
Hernandez-Ibarra , who was awaiting removal proceedings when he died , was taken into custody on Jan. 15 after he served time in the Hidalgo County Jail in Edinburg for a domestic violence conviction .
Records show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1999 .
He also had previous records for domestic assault and driving under the influence , ICE said .
A House subcommittee said in December was investigating migrants ' medical care in custody after accusations of negligence , abuse , injury and death at detention centers .

Officials said the man died Saturday after he was hospitalized for septic shock. File Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/UPI
March 24 (UPI) -- Another Mexican national has died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos, Texas, officials said. Ramiro Hernandez-Ibarra, 42, was hospitalized last week and died at the Valley Baptists Medical Center in Harlingen, near Brownsville, the agency said Monday. Officials said Hernandez-Ibarra died of complications from septic shock. Advertisement
Hernandez-Ibarra is the 10th detainee to die in ICE custody since the beginning of the government's fiscal year in October.
"ICE is firmly committed to the health and welfare of all those in its custody and is undertaking a comprehensive agency-wide review of this incident, as it does in all such cases," the agency said in a statement. "Fatalities in ICE custody, statistically, are exceedingly rare and occur at a fraction of the national average for the U.S. detained population."
Hernandez-Ibarra, who was awaiting removal proceedings when he died, was taken into custody on Jan. 15 after he served time in the Hidalgo County Jail in Edinburg for a domestic violence conviction. Records show he'd been deported eight other times since 1999. He also had previous records for domestic assault and driving under the influence, ICE said.
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A House subcommittee said in December was investigating migrants' medical care in custody after accusations of negligence, abuse, injury and death at detention centers.


upi--2020-03-24--Watch: 'Carpool Karaoke' counts down five times the segment took a turn

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The Late Late Show with James Corden released a compilation video of strange turns on Carpool Karaoke .
The countdown video was released in honor of The Late Late Show celebrating its fifth anniversary this month .
Adam Levine , the Red Hot Chili Peppers , Usher , Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande all make appearances .
Carpool Karaoke features Corden singing songs with top music stars as they drive to work .
Levine and Corden were pulled over by a police officer who told the duo to be careful on the road while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged Corden to a wrestling match that took place in front of a stranger 's home .
Usher and Corden pulled over to help push a stalled car out of the road and Corden touched Eilish 's pet tarantula while he was visiting the singer inside her home .
Grande leaned into rumors that she is carried everywhere by having Corden carry her into a Starbucks to order coffee .
Corden held the pop star on his back the entire time during their visit .
Apple TV recently released a new episode of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast of Netflix 's Stranger Things .
Stars Millie Bobby Brown , Finn Wolfhard , Caleb McLaughlin , Gaten Matarazzo , Noah Schnapp and Sadie Sink performed `` Tiny Dancer '' by Elton John , `` Edge of Seventeen '' by Stevie Nicks and `` Big Poppa '' by The Notorious B.I.G .

March 24 (UPI) -- The Late Late Show with James Corden released a compilation video of strange turns on Carpool Karaoke.
The countdown video was released in honor of The Late Late Show celebrating its fifth anniversary this month.
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Adam Levine, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Usher, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande all make appearances. Carpool Karaoke features Corden singing songs with top music stars as they drive to work.
Levine and Corden were pulled over by a police officer who told the duo to be careful on the road while filming. Anthony Kiedis, meanwhile, challenged Corden to a wrestling match that took place in front of a stranger's home.
Usher and Corden pulled over to help push a stalled car out of the road and Corden touched Eilish's pet tarantula while he was visiting the singer inside her home.
Grande leaned into rumors that she is carried everywhere by having Corden carry her into a Starbucks to order coffee. Corden held the pop star on his back the entire time during their visit.
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Apple TV recently released a new episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series featuring the cast of Netflix's Stranger Things. Stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Noah Schnapp and Sadie Sink performed "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John, "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks and "Big Poppa" by The Notorious B.I.G.


upi--2020-03-24--Iran's economy in free fall as corrupt mullahs deny people virus protection

March 24 ( UPI ) -- The Iranian economy is plummeting .
Spiraling inflation and a collapsing currency have combined with the coronavirus crisis to bring the country to a virtual standstill .
The active Iranian workforce is 26 million , of whom at least 10 million were jobless even before COVID-19 struck .
Youth unemployment was at a staggering 40 percent .
At least 33 percent of the population were already living under the absolute poverty line unable to meet their essential daily needs .
Now the country is in virtual lockdown , but the theocratic regime is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus struck and before the Trump administration reimposed tough sanctions , Iran 's descent into economic chaos could be traced directly to the ruling clerical regime and its tyrannical supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei .
Their policy of aggressive military expansionism across the Middle East has seen them consistently pour men and resources into backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his murderous civil war , while they simultaneously drove the genocidal campaign against the Sunni population of neighboring Iraq through their outright support for the brutal al-Hashd al-Shaabi , the so-called Shi'ia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financed and supplied the Houthi rebels in Yemen and continue to provide vast funding for the Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza .
Combined with the mullahs ' own predilection for corruptly lining their own pockets , Iran has become an international pariah , its religious fascist regime condemned for human rights abuse and the export of terror , while its 80 million beleaguered citizens , over half of whom are under 30 , struggle to feed their families as the COVID-19 virus rages across the nation .
The Islamic Revolutionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- controls over 80 percent of the economy , corruptly funneling money stolen from the people into private banks and using the rest to finance their burgeoning nuclear and ballistic missile programs .
It is reckoned that Khamenei controls a financial empire worth an estimated $ 200 billion , resources which could readily be made available to alleviate the suffering of the Iranian people .
But Khamenei has instead tried to blame Iran 's enemies for what he calls `` a biological attack . ''
When the virus first appeared in the holy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no danger and that news of COVID-19 was a plot to deter people from voting in Iran 's parliamentary elections .
Now the lies , stupidity and incompetence of the mullahs have allowed the virus to spread to 199 cities in all of Iran 's 31 provinces .
It is known that the real death toll from the virus has exceeded 11,000 , although the mullahs pretend that just 1,800 have died .
Dr Rick Brennan , the World Health Organization 's director of emergency operations , following a visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country were five times greater than what was being reported .
The only reliable information is being provided by resistance units of the People 's Mojahedin Organization of Iran ( PMOI/MEK ) , the democratic opposition to the theocratic regime .
Now , as their own ineptitude has become exposed , and the real death toll has been widely shared on social media , the mullahs are beginning to panic .
A month ago , President Hassan Rouhani said the coronavirus would fade away in a matter of weeks .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV interview that 70 percent of the Iranian population would be infected by the virus , stating that he hoped they would be infected gradually , because the healthcare system could not cope with a sudden escalation in the infection rate .
Rouhani , for once , was telling the truth .
He and his fellow mullahs , with their IRGC cohorts , have diverted almost all of the available face masks , sanitizers , protective clothing and other key medical supplies for their own personal use in their own exclusive private hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses with little or nothing to protect themselves or to treat the public .
This is why the coronavirus death toll in Iran is accelerating ahead of China and Europe .
Rouhani even told his cabinet on Saturday that the virus was a conspiracy by Iran 's enemies aimed at destroying the economy .
He claimed that American sanctions were preventing aid from entering the country , although U.S. sanctions specifically do not affect medical or humanitarian aid .
Rouhani then farcically said , `` The process of production must go on as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy . ''
Khamenei compounded the farce by stating in his Nowruz ( New Year ) message that the coming year will be a year of `` surge in production in Iran . ''
His fatuous comment led one courageous young Iranian to post an observation on social media saying , `` This is nonsense ; which surge ?
What production are you talking about ?
This is the year you will all be brought to trial . ''
The 80 million Iranian citizens are fed up with their corrupt , fundamentalist rulers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in poverty and deprivation as the mullahs siphon off the country 's wealth to fill their coffers and to finance conflict and terror throughout the Middle East .
They demand the release of Khamenei 's stolen billions to pay for proper healthcare and for financial support for workers who have been forced to stay at home .
The Central Bank of Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund for $ 5 billion in emergency loans to help contain the virus and mitigate its effects on the struggling economy .
But Iranians are demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure they go to helping the population and not into funding terror or into the mullahs ' pockets .
Most of all , the people of Iran are asking the U.N. Security Council to investigate the regime for its ongoing crimes against humanity .
Struan Stevenson is the Coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change .
He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland ( 1999-2014 ) , president of the Parliament 's Delegation for Relations with Iraq ( 2009-14 ) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an international lecturer on the Middle East and president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association .

Iranian medical personnel wearing protective gear check coronavirus test samples as they work at a quarantine section of the Rassolakram hospital in western Tehran on March 11. Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- The Iranian economy is plummeting. Spiraling inflation and a collapsing currency have combined with the coronavirus crisis to bring the country to a virtual standstill. The active Iranian workforce is 26 million, of whom at least 10 million were jobless even before COVID-19 struck. Youth unemployment was at a staggering 40 percent. At least 33 percent of the population were already living under the absolute poverty line unable to meet their essential daily needs. Now the country is in virtual lockdown, but the theocratic regime is doing nothing to help. Advertisement
Even before the coronavirus struck and before the Trump administration reimposed tough sanctions, Iran's descent into economic chaos could be traced directly to the ruling clerical regime and its tyrannical supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Their policy of aggressive military expansionism across the Middle East has seen them consistently pour men and resources into backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his murderous civil war, while they simultaneously drove the genocidal campaign against the Sunni population of neighboring Iraq through their outright support for the brutal al-Hashd al-Shaabi, the so-called Shi'ia popular mobilization forces. They have openly financed and supplied the Houthi rebels in Yemen and continue to provide vast funding for the Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
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Combined with the mullahs' own predilection for corruptly lining their own pockets, Iran has become an international pariah, its religious fascist regime condemned for human rights abuse and the export of terror, while its 80 million beleaguered citizens, over half of whom are under 30, struggle to feed their families as the COVID-19 virus rages across the nation.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps -- the regime's Gestapo -- controls over 80 percent of the economy, corruptly funneling money stolen from the people into private banks and using the rest to finance their burgeoning nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It is reckoned that Khamenei controls a financial empire worth an estimated $200 billion, resources which could readily be made available to alleviate the suffering of the Iranian people. But Khamenei has instead tried to blame Iran's enemies for what he calls "a biological attack."
When the virus first appeared in the holy city of Qom, Khamenei declared that there was no danger and that news of COVID-19 was a plot to deter people from voting in Iran's parliamentary elections. Now the lies, stupidity and incompetence of the mullahs have allowed the virus to spread to 199 cities in all of Iran's 31 provinces. It is known that the real death toll from the virus has exceeded 11,000, although the mullahs pretend that just 1,800 have died. Dr Rick Brennan, the World Health Organization's director of emergency operations, following a visit to Iran last week, said coronavirus cases in the country were five times greater than what was being reported.
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The only reliable information is being provided by resistance units of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the democratic opposition to the theocratic regime. Now, as their own ineptitude has become exposed, and the real death toll has been widely shared on social media, the mullahs are beginning to panic. A month ago, President Hassan Rouhani said the coronavirus would fade away in a matter of weeks. But this weekend, he acknowledged in a TV interview that 70 percent of the Iranian population would be infected by the virus, stating that he hoped they would be infected gradually, because the healthcare system could not cope with a sudden escalation in the infection rate.
Rouhani, for once, was telling the truth. He and his fellow mullahs, with their IRGC cohorts, have diverted almost all of the available face masks, sanitizers, protective clothing and other key medical supplies for their own personal use in their own exclusive private hospitals, leaving Iran's beleaguered doctors and nurses with little or nothing to protect themselves or to treat the public. This is why the coronavirus death toll in Iran is accelerating ahead of China and Europe.
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Rouhani even told his cabinet on Saturday that the virus was a conspiracy by Iran's enemies aimed at destroying the economy. He claimed that American sanctions were preventing aid from entering the country, although U.S. sanctions specifically do not affect medical or humanitarian aid. Rouhani then farcically said, "The process of production must go on as usual, in order to confront the conspiracy."
Khamenei compounded the farce by stating in his Nowruz (New Year) message that the coming year will be a year of "surge in production in Iran." His fatuous comment led one courageous young Iranian to post an observation on social media saying, "This is nonsense; which surge? What production are you talking about? This is the year you will all be brought to trial."
The 80 million Iranian citizens are fed up with their corrupt, fundamentalist rulers. They are fed up with living in poverty and deprivation as the mullahs siphon off the country's wealth to fill their coffers and to finance conflict and terror throughout the Middle East. They demand the release of Khamenei's stolen billions to pay for proper healthcare and for financial support for workers who have been forced to stay at home.
The Central Bank of Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund for $5 billion in emergency loans to help contain the virus and mitigate its effects on the struggling economy. But Iranians are demanding that any such loans be carefully monitored to ensure they go to helping the population and not into funding terror or into the mullahs' pockets. Most of all, the people of Iran are asking the U.N. Security Council to investigate the regime for its ongoing crimes against humanity.
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Struan Stevenson is the Coordinator of the Campaign for Iran Change. He was a member of the European Parliament representing Scotland (1999-2014), president of the Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq (2009-14) and chairman of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup (2004-14). He is an international lecturer on the Middle East and president of the European Iraqi Freedom Association.


upi--2020-03-24--NFL Draft: Tua Tagovailoa posts video showing mobility, throwing

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Tua Tagovailoa posted a video to social media showing off his mobility and throwing motion as he recovers from a hip injury before the 2020 NFL Draft .
The former Alabama star is one of the top quarterback prospects entering the draft .
Tagovailoa sustained his season-ending hip injury on Nov. 16 during a game against Mississippi State .
He was medically cleared for all football activity March 9 .
Tagovailoa posted his video on Monday .
The former Crimson Tide star took a seven-step drop back to one cone before shuffling backwards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cone .
Tagovailoa then did another short drop back and slid to his right to a third cone before using his left arm to fire a pass .
`` Practicing social distancing with the long ball today .
Feels good to spin it again , '' Tagovailoa said , referencing the coronavirus outbreak .
Tagovailoa is expected to be a top-5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft .
Former LSU star Joe Burrow is expected to be the No .
1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals .
Tagovailoa could end up being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Dolphins , unless another team trades up in the draft order to acquire him .
Tagovailoa did not work out at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine but said he was going to have a personal pro day April 9 .
Alabama originally had its pro day scheduled for Tuesday before moving it to next month due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The NFL has since canceled pro days indefinitely due to the outbreak .
The 2020 NFL Draft is still scheduled for April 23 to April 25 in Las Vegas .
Tagovailoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,840 yards , 33 touchdowns and three interceptions this season before sustaining his season-ending injury .
He declared for the 2020 NFL Draft on Jan. 6 .
The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy runner-up also dealt with high-ankle sprains during his 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Crimson tide .

Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa dislocated his hip during a Nov. 16 game against Mississippi State, but expects to be ready for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. Photo by Alex Butler/UPI
March 24 (UPI) -- Tua Tagovailoa posted a video to social media showing off his mobility and throwing motion as he recovers from a hip injury before the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Alabama star is one of the top quarterback prospects entering the draft. Tagovailoa sustained his season-ending hip injury on Nov. 16 during a game against Mississippi State. He was medically cleared for all football activity March 9. Advertisement
Tagovailoa posted his video on Monday. The former Crimson Tide star took a seven-step drop back to one cone before shuffling backwards and moving laterally to his right toward another cone. Tagovailoa then did another short drop back and slid to his right to a third cone before using his left arm to fire a pass.
"Practicing social distancing with the long ball today. Feels good to spin it again," Tagovailoa said, referencing the coronavirus outbreak.
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Tagovailoa is expected to be a top-5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Former LSU star Joe Burrow is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa could end up being drafted by the Detroit Lions or the Miami Dolphins, unless another team trades up in the draft order to acquire him.
Tagovailoa did not work out at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine but said he was going to have a personal pro day April 9. Alabama originally had its pro day scheduled for Tuesday before moving it to next month due to the coronavirus pandemic. The NFL has since canceled pro days indefinitely due to the outbreak.
The 2020 NFL Draft is still scheduled for April 23 to April 25 in Las Vegas.
Tagovailoa completed 71.4 percent of his throws for 2,840 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions this season before sustaining his season-ending injury. He declared for the 2020 NFL Draft on Jan. 6. The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy runner-up also dealt with high-ankle sprains during his 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Crimson tide.


upi--2020-03-24--Police clear longtime India protest site opposing citizenship law

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Citing the coronavirus pandemic , police in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Tuesday cleared out a long-running protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act .
New Delhi Police said around 50 people were removed from a site in the city 's Muslim-majority Shaheen Bagh district , where they had been encamped for 100 days protesting against the law .
The law , supported by the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party , grants fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from three neighboring countries .
Opponents , including India 's Muslim minority , say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secular constitution .
The law has been the subject of violent clashes in New Delhi since its introduction last year .
Thirteen people were killed and dozens injured last month in fights between supporters and opponents of the CAA .
Authorities said the crackdown in Shaheen Bagh was taken in accordance with a government-ordered lockdown to fight the COVID-19 outbreak .
More than 500 cases have been recorded in India and 10 deaths , according to a running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
`` People at the protest site in Shaheen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as lockdown has been imposed , '' New Delhi Police said .
`` But after they refused , action was taken against violators as the assembly was unlawful .
Protest site has been cleared .
Some protesters have been detained . ''
A police official said nine protesters , including six women , were arrested .
The long-running protest was led by Muslim women and joined by others supporting their cause .
Several other protest sites in New Delhi were also cleared by police on Monday .

Indian activists protest the Citizenship Amendment Act in New Delhi on March 3. File photo by Rajat Gupta/EPA-EFE
March 24 (UPI) -- Citing the coronavirus pandemic, police in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Tuesday cleared out a long-running protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. New Delhi Police said around 50 people were removed from a site in the city's Muslim-majority Shaheen Bagh district, where they had been encamped for 100 days protesting against the law. Advertisement
The law, supported by the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, grants fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from three neighboring countries. Opponents, including India's Muslim minority, say it runs counter to the nation's secular constitution.
The law has been the subject of violent clashes in New Delhi since its introduction last year. Thirteen people were killed and dozens injured last month in fights between supporters and opponents of the CAA.
Authorities said the crackdown in Shaheen Bagh was taken in accordance with a government-ordered lockdown to fight the COVID-19 outbreak. More than 500 cases have been recorded in India and 10 deaths, according to a running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
"People at the protest site in Shaheen Bagh were requested to clear the site as lockdown has been imposed," New Delhi Police said. "But after they refused, action was taken against violators as the assembly was unlawful. Protest site has been cleared. Some protesters have been detained."
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A police official said nine protesters, including six women, were arrested.
The long-running protest was led by Muslim women and joined by others supporting their cause.
Several other protest sites in New Delhi were also cleared by police on Monday.


upi--2020-03-24--WWE Raw: Randy Orton accepts Edge's challenge, Brock Lesnar appears

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Randy Orton accepted Edge 's challenge on Raw to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36 which starts on April 4 .
Orton ended the show on Monday and once again stated that he loved Edge and his family , which led to The Viper wanting to end his wrestling career a second time due to injury .
Orton also took issue with Edge 's comments about how he does n't have grit and how everything was handed to him in WWE due to his last name .
Orton said that despite his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall of Fame career in an extremely unforgiving business .
`` Edge , you may be writing this story .
But at WrestleMania , I 'm gon na write the last chapter and end it , '' Orton concluded .
A Last Man Standing Match ends after an opponent has been kept down for a count of 10 .
Also on Raw , WWE Champion Brock Lesnar returned alongside his advocate Paul Heyman .
The Beast stood in the ring with his title as Heyman detailed Drew McIntyre 's chances of becoming WWE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in these uncertain times , the only thing that is certain is Lesnar .
Heyman promised that Lesnar would get revenge for what happened at the Royal Rumble and will quickly defeat McIntyre , but it wo n't be painless .
Heyman called McIntyre Lesnar 's latest victim who will fall prey to the greatest champion to ever stand inside a WWE ring .
Lesnar 's dominance throughout his time in WWE was highlighted by a replay of his match against John Cena and Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to provoke his WrestleMania opponent The Undertaker , calling into question his age and why he continues to compete .
The Phenomenal One poked fun at The Undertaker 's social media presence where he supports saving tigers and compared him to a gothic version of Netflix 's Tiger King .
Styles then raised the stakes by challenging The Undertaker to a Boneyard match at WrestleMania .
It remains to be seen what a Boneyard match will entail .
Other moments from Raw included United States Champion Andrade and Angel Garza defeating Ricochet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champions The Street Profits defeating Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink ; Aleister Black defeating Leon Ruff ; Seth Rollins confronting his WrestleMania opponent Kevin Owens ; and Raw Women 's Champion Becky Lynch attacking her WrestleMania opponent Shayna Baszler from behind with a steel chair as Baszler was having an interview .
WWE also replayed Charlotte Flair 's successful match against Asuka for the Smackdown Women 's Championship at WrestleMania 34 in 2018 .

March 24 (UPI) -- Randy Orton accepted Edge's challenge on Raw to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36 which starts on April 4.
Orton ended the show on Monday and once again stated that he loved Edge and his family, which led to The Viper wanting to end his wrestling career a second time due to injury.
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Orton also took issue with Edge's comments about how he doesn't have grit and how everything was handed to him in WWE due to his last name. Orton said that despite his opportunities, he has still had a Hall of Fame career in an extremely unforgiving business.
"Edge, you may be writing this story. But at WrestleMania, I'm gonna write the last chapter and end it," Orton concluded.
A Last Man Standing Match ends after an opponent has been kept down for a count of 10.
Also on Raw, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar returned alongside his advocate Paul Heyman. The Beast stood in the ring with his title as Heyman detailed Drew McIntyre's chances of becoming WWE Champion at WrestleMania 36.
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Heyman said that in these uncertain times, the only thing that is certain is Lesnar. Heyman promised that Lesnar would get revenge for what happened at the Royal Rumble and will quickly defeat McIntyre, but it won't be painless.
Heyman called McIntyre Lesnar's latest victim who will fall prey to the greatest champion to ever stand inside a WWE ring.
Lesnar's dominance throughout his time in WWE was highlighted by a replay of his match against John Cena and Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble in 2015.
AJ Styles continued to provoke his WrestleMania opponent The Undertaker, calling into question his age and why he continues to compete. The Phenomenal One poked fun at The Undertaker's social media presence where he supports saving tigers and compared him to a gothic version of Netflix's Tiger King.
Styles then raised the stakes by challenging The Undertaker to a Boneyard match at WrestleMania. It remains to be seen what a Boneyard match will entail.
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Other moments from Raw included United States Champion Andrade and Angel Garza defeating Ricochet and Cedric Alexander; Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defeating Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink; Aleister Black defeating Leon Ruff; Seth Rollins confronting his WrestleMania opponent Kevin Owens; and Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch attacking her WrestleMania opponent Shayna Baszler from behind with a steel chair as Baszler was having an interview.
WWE also replayed Charlotte Flair's successful match against Asuka for the Smackdown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 34 in 2018.


upi--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: China to lift lockdown on Wuhan

March 24 ( UPI ) -- Chinese officials announced Tuesday they will soon be lifting strict lockdown measures imposed on Wuhan city , ground zero of the coronavirus pandemic , as it experiences a steed drop in confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
Authorities placed the central Chinese city under lockdown on Jan. 23 after the virus had infected hundreds of residents and was just starting its spread across the globe .
The virus emerged from a Wuhan food market in early December , and by the end of January , the World Health Organization had declared it a public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China 's confirmed infections and 77 percent of its deaths have been recorded in Wuhan , according to data from China 's National Health Commission .
But the city has been experiencing a rapid drop in infections as the country appears to be exiting the worst of its epidemic .
The health commission on Tuesday reported only one COVID-19 infection in Wuhan over the previous 24 hours -- the first infection diagnosed in Hubei province in six days .
The last infection was reported over March 17 , according to Chinese data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that beginning April 8 residents of Wuhan will be able to leave the city once being cleared by health officials .
The announcement came as Chinese health officials reported seven deaths , all in Hubei province , due to the virus , increasing its death toll to 3,277 .
The health commission also recorded 78 new cases of COVID-19 over Monday , 74 of which were imported from overseas , a continuing trend .
Of the imported cases , 31 were diagnosed in Beijing , where government officials announced on Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to prevent further spread of the disease .
The rule also extends to travelers who visit Beijing after traveling through other Chinese ports within 14 days , the city government said in a statement .
The move came days after China 's National Immigration Administration announced that all international passenger flights bound for Beijing will be diverted to one of 12 ports of entry in the country .
According to the health commission , the Chinese mainland has reported 427 imported cases .
In Thailand , Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as its epidemic accelerates , the country 's public broadcaster Thai PBS World reported .
The declaration is expected to be made Wednesday following the announcement of a curfew .
The requirements `` will be issued on an ongoing basis to reduce the epidemic , '' he said in the televised announcement .
`` Some will be requests and others will be compulsory . ''
He told citizens not to return to their home provinces or face penalties and for people to go into self-isolation .
`` If the situation does not improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Under the emergency declaration , the prime minister will be given the power to ban people from leaving their homes , to prohibit public gatherings and to evacuate people from areas for public safety , among other measures .
Thailand 's announcement follows South Africa and New Zealand declaring lockdown and Britain announcing a stay-at-home order on Monday .

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Residents wear protective face masks while visiting a shopping area in Beijing, China, on Tuesday. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo
March 24 (UPI) -- The government of India on Tuesday ordered a 21-day national coronavirus-related lockdown -- a move that will restrict movements for an estimated 1.3 billion people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a "total lockdown" in a nationally broadcast address Tuesday. There are more than 500 cases across India and at least 10 deaths. Advertisement
"There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Modi said, also announcing a $150 billion emergency financial package.
"If we are not able to manage the upcoming 21 days [of a complete lockdown], we will be pushed back 21 years," Modi warned.
"Forget about leaving home in the next 21 days. ... You will invite the virus home."
As of Tuesday evening, there were more than 417,000 cases of COVID-19 worldwide, according to trackers at Johns Hopkins University. More than 18,600 patients have died and 107,200 have recovered.
Earlier Tuesday, Chinese officials said beginning next month they will lift strict lockdown measures in Wuhan city, which was where the virus first emerged in December. Coronavirus cases in Wuhan and across China have steadily fallen in the last several days.
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Officials said the lockdown in Wuhan will be lifted on April 8, and will apply to all residents who are cleared by a doctor.
More than half of all Chinese cases and 77 percent of its deaths were recorded in Wuhan, according to Beijing's National Health Commission. After five straight days of no new local cases, officials in Wuhan reported one additional. The vast majority of new cases across China have been imported, it added.
Elsewhere in Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he will declare a national emergency on Thursday.
Restrictions will be issued on "an ongoing basis to reduce the epidemic," he said, adding that "some will be requests and others will be compulsory."
The leader urged citizens to self-isolate and avoid returning to their home provinces.
"If the situation does not improve, there will be a total lockdown," he said.
With the emergency declaration, the prime minister will have power to ban citizens from leaving their homes, public gatherings and to evacuate people from areas for public safety.
In Italy, now the global epicenter of the virus with 69,176 cases, there are signs the outbreak may be peaking.
Italy's Department of Civil Protection said that the death toll rose by 743 cases to 6,820 after officials said the number of new cases and the death toll fell for a second straight day Monday.
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In Spain, a spike of new cases and deaths were recorded Tuesday amid a tight national lockdown.
Officials reported a 24 percent increase in deaths and more than 500 new cases. Nearly 40,000 Spanish citizens have been sickened.
Scenes from a pandemic: World copes with COVID-19