upi--2020-05-12--Bill Skarsgard to play Swedish criminal Clark Olofsson in Netflix series

May 12 ( UPI ) -- It and Castle Rock actor Bill Skarsgard has signed on to play Swedish criminal Clark Olofsson in a six-part Netflix drama called Clark .
Jonas Akerlund is directing the project .
He is best known for helming pop music concert documentaries and videos .
His narrative films include Spun , Lords of Chaos and Polar .
`` Clark is the story about the most politically incorrect man , who lived the most politically incorrect life , '' Akerlund said in a press release Monday .
`` These are the kinds of stories I always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , witty , emotional , real and surreal biography to put a face to the name Stockholm Syndrome , but it is n't just about the Norrmalmstorg Robbery .
It 's about his whole life and what made him who he is , the truth and lies of his incredible career . ''
Based on Olofsson 's autobiography , Vafan var det som hände , Clark will cover Olofsson 's life and career as a robber and drug dealer from the 1960s until now .
Skarsgard said , `` Clark Olofsson is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweden 's most colorful and fascinating individuals .
I accept this challenge with delight mingled with terror and think that with Jonas and Netflix in the back , we can tell a groundbreaking story with a pace and madness we may not have seen on TV before .
Clark 's life and history is so incredible and screwed that it would even make Scorsese blush . ''

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Bill Skarsgard is set to star in the Netflix drama "Clark." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- It and Castle Rock actor Bill Skarsgard has signed on to play Swedish criminal Clark Olofsson in a six-part Netflix drama called Clark. Jonas Akerlund is directing the project. He is best known for helming pop music concert documentaries and videos. His narrative films include Spun, Lords of Chaos and Polar. Advertisement
"Clark is the story about the most politically incorrect man, who lived the most politically incorrect life," Akerlund said in a press release Monday.
"These are the kinds of stories I always look for. It's an ultra-violent, witty, emotional, real and surreal biography to put a face to the name Stockholm Syndrome, but it isn't just about the Norrmalmstorg Robbery. It's about his whole life and what made him who he is, the truth and lies of his incredible career."
Based on Olofsson's autobiography, Vafan var det som hände, Clark will cover Olofsson's life and career as a robber and drug dealer from the 1960s until now.
Skarsgard said, "Clark Olofsson is, for good and bad, one of Sweden's most colorful and fascinating individuals. I accept this challenge with delight mingled with terror and think that with Jonas and Netflix in the back, we can tell a groundbreaking story with a pace and madness we may not have seen on TV before. Clark's life and history is so incredible and screwed that it would even make Scorsese blush."


upi--2020-05-12--Attackers kill at least 5 in Afghanistan at Kabul hospital

May 12 ( UPI ) -- At least five people were killed and dozens of patients were rescued Tuesday during @ @ @ @ @ in Kabul , Afghanistan , authorities said .
Witnesses heard gunfire and two explosions at @ @ @ @ @ by suicide bombers , officials said .
Three women , one child and security force @ @ @ @ @ .
The medical facility is operated by the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders .
Tariq @ @ @ @ @ the Afghan interior ministry , said several assailants were involved in the attack .
Arian @ @ @ @ @ attacker during a `` clearing operation . ''
The 100-bed facility with a large maternity @ @ @ @ @ minority Shia Hazara community of the Afghan capital .
The Taliban , which signed a @ @ @ @ @ States in February , denied responsibility for the assault .

Security forces respond to an attack Tuesday at a medical facility in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo by Hedayatullah Amid/EPA-EFE
May 12 (UPI) -- Dozens of people, mostly civilians, have been killed in a series of attacks in Afghanistan conducted over the past 24 hours, including a siege Tuesday on a hospital in Kabul that resulted in the deaths of mothers and babies, authorities said. At least 14 people, including two newborns, mothers and medical staff, were killed Tuesday when gunmen stormed one of Kabul's busiest hospitals, which contained a maternity ward run by Doctors Without Borders. Advertisement
Shortly after in the eastern province of Nangarhar, at least 26 people were killed and 68 others were injured after a suicide bomber attacked the funeral of a local police commander.
In response, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered security forces to resume offensive operations against the Taliban.
"I strongly condemn recent attacks in a hospital in Kabul and Nangarhar province, which killed a number of innocent people, including women and children," he said Tuesday in a national address. "Taliban have rejected our repeated calls for a cease-fire, calls for cease-fire don't mean weakness."
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Interior Ministry spokesman Tariq Aryan told CBS News the attack also left some new mothers and nurses dead at the maternity clinic. Fifteen people sustained injuries.
"Who attacks newborn babies and new mothers? Who does this?" tweeted Deborah Lyons, the head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, in condemnation of the attack. "The most innocent of innocents, a baby! Why?"
Medicins Sans Frontieres confirmed the attack on its maternity ward, reporting explosions and gunfire.
"We can confirm the attack is over, but details remain unclear," it said. "All our efforts at this time are focused on the safety of our patients and staff."
According to its website, it focuses on emergency, pediatric and maternal healthcare.
Witnesses heard gunfire and two explosions at the onset of the attacks by suicide bombers, officials said.
Aryan said several assailants were involved in the attack. He said special forces killed all attackers during a "clearing operation."
The special forces also moved about 100 people to safety.
The 100-bed facility is located in the minority Shiite Hazara community of the Afghan capital.
The attacks attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups, the United Nations and the United States.
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Amnesty International South Asia described the attacks as "unconscionable war crimes" that should act as a wake-up call for the world "to the horrors civilians continue to face."
"There must be accountability for these grave crimes, and civilians must be protected," it tweeted.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attacks, describing the hospital siege as "an act of sheer evil."
The Taliban has denied responsibility for the assaults, blaming them instead on the Islamic State terrorist organization.
Afghan officials have blamed the Taliban for the attacks amid an increase in violence that has followed the militant group and the United States signing a peace agreement in February.
"The attacks of the last two months show us and the world that Taliban & their sponsors do not and did not intend to pursue peace," said Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan's national security advisor, in a series of tweets. "Their attacks this spring against Afghans are comparable to the level of fighting in past fighting seasons."
He said the Afghan government has a responsibility to hold them accountable, threatening to end ongoing peace negotiations.
"If the Taliban can not control the violence, or their sponsors have no subcontracted their terror to other entities -- which was one of our primary concerns form the beginning -- then there seems little point in continuing to engage Taliban in 'peace talks,'" he said.
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The Taliban said in a statement it "strongly condemns" the attacks though warned Ghani that it will protect itself.
Pompeo, in his statement, acknowledged the Taliban's rejection of responsibility, urging it and the Afghan government to cooperate "to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"As long as there is no sustained reduction in violence and insufficient progress towards a negotiated political settlement, Afghanistan will remain vulnerable to terrorism," Pompeo said. "The Afghan people deserve a future free from terror, and the ongoing peace process continues to present a critical opportunity for Afghans to come together to build a united front against the menace of terrorism."


upi--2020-05-12--Fire linked to ventilators kills 5 COVID-19 patients in ICU at Russia hospital

May 12 ( UPI ) -- Five COVID-19 patients died at a hospital in St. Petersburg , Russia , when @ @ @ @ @ faulty ventilators , emergency officials said Tuesday .
The fire began in a sixth-floor intensive @ @ @ @ @ 's Hospital , which had been designated to treat coronavirus patients .
The ICU held @ @ @ @ @ whom were rescued .
Officials said five died .
Dozens of other patients were evacuated @ @ @ @ @ fire was extinguished after a few hours .
The patients were later readmitted and the @ @ @ @ @ normal operations .
Alexei Anikin , head of the regional department of the Russian emergencies @ @ @ @ @ looking into the possibility the fire was caused by the ventilators used to treat seriously @ @ @ @ @ ICU ventilators were operating at full capacity , making them vulnerable to fire .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases since the pandemic began , according to Johns Hopkins University .

Firefighters and emergency personnel respond Tuesday to St. George's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Russia, after a fire started in the ICU unit. Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE
May 12 (UPI) -- Several COVID-19 patients died at a hospital in St. Petersburg, Russia, when a fire was caused by faulty ventilators, emergency officials said Tuesday. The fire began in a sixth-floor intensive care unit at St. George's Hospital, which had been designated to treat coronavirus patients. The ICU held 20 patients, 15 of whom were rescued. Officials said five died. Advertisement
Dozens of other patients were evacuated from the hospital and the fire was extinguished after a few hours. The patients were later readmitted and the hospital has since returned to normal operations.
Alexei Anikin, head of the regional department of the Russian emergencies ministry, said officials are looking into the possibility the fire was caused by the ventilators used to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
The ICU ventilators were operating at full capacity, making them vulnerable to fire.
More than 232,000 have tested positive for the disease in Russia. Due to thousands of new cases, Russia now has seen the second-highest number of cases, trailing only the United States.
Russia's representative to the World Health Organization said there's reason for optimism that the disease is stabilizing.
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Melita Vujnovich told Russian television that data indicates the daily count is declining on average and the overall upward trend is slowing, but also warned that further progress depends on human behavior.
In Britain, the death toll surpassed 40,000 Tuesday, according to the Office of National Statistics.
The new deaths firmly entrench Britain as the worst-affected European country. The next-highest death total is in Italy, at just under 30,800, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The Italian government will allow regional authorities to decide when to open bars, restaurants, barber shops and beauty salons beginning next Monday.
The government of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has delegated decision making authority to each region. Under national rules, all non-essential businesses are to remain closed until at least June 1. National authorities, however, retain the authority to intervene if there are future outbreaks.
World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-12--Supreme Court to hear 3 major cases seeking President Donald Trump's fiscal records

May 12 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in three cases on Tuesday that will determine whether President Donald Trump can block congressional investigators ' years-long attempts to access his tax returns and other financial documents .
The high court will hear all cases via teleconference beginning at 10 a.m .
The hearings are available to the public with a live audio feed , as the court has done since it first began remote sessions due to the coronavirus pandemic .
All three cases were initially scheduled to be heard by the high court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the health emergency .
In the first case , the justices will hear a challenge from Trump 's attorneys to block a subpoena from the House oversight committee that requests Trump 's tax returns from the accounting firm Mazars USA .
The committee first requested the returns after Trump 's former lawyer , Michael Cohen , testified that the president manipulated the value of his assets for personal gain .
A federal appeals court in Washington , D.C. , upheld an earlier ruling that said the firm must hand over the records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay last fall , arguing that House lawmakers lack authority to issue subpoenas for any purpose other than writing laws .
`` This is the first time that Congress has subpoenaed private records of a sitting president , '' Trump attorney William Consovoy wrote in a Supreme Court brief .
`` These subpoenas are no more valid than would be demands for the president 's medical records so Congress may consider health care reform . ''
House Democrats responded by arguing Congress does indeed have subpoena power as a measure to assess how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scarcely surprising that investigators need to conduct a thorough investigation when seeking to determine whether money laundering , election and national security , disclosure and conflict of interest laws are sufficient , '' they wrote in their brief .
The second case before the high court Tuesday is a response to grand jury subpoenas obtained by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance that seek nearly a decade 's worth of Trump 's financial records .
The case is related to an investigation into purported `` hush money '' payments the president is said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep secret extramarital affairs involving Trump .
Trump 's attorneys argue a sitting president can not be indicted while in office and is therefore immune from any part of the criminal justice process , including grand jury subpoenas .
`` We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant review in this significant constitutional case and reverse the dangerous and damaging decision of the appeals court , '' Trump 's team argued last November .
`` The risk that politics will lead state and local prosecutors to relentlessly harass the president is simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower appellate court , however , ruled Vance 's subpoena is lawful because it 's directed at Mazars USA , Trump 's accounting firm , not the president himself .
It also ruled that the subpoena is lawful because it seeks items related to his private business , not his official capacity as president .
Vance wants eight years of Trump 's fiscal records for his investigation into payments he says were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal .
The president 's attorneys are also seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subpoenas for financial information from two banks that have provided services to Trump 's businesses -- Deutsche Bank and Capital One .
The subpoenas seek to investigate the president 's past dealings with foreign businesses , including transactions potentially linked to Iran and Russia , to determine whether they violated the law .
A lower appellate court ruled in favor of the House committees , saying there is a legitimate concern that involves `` national security and the integrity of elections . ''
Rulings in all three cases are expected by the end @ @ @

The Supreme Court building is seen Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Justices heard arguments in three cases that seek fiscal records belonging to President Donald Trump. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided Tuesday during oral arguments in three cases that will determine whether President Donald Trump can block congressional investigators' attempts to access his tax returns and other financial documents. The high court heard the cases via teleconference and the proceedings were streamed via a live audio feed that's provided a public feed since court began remote sessions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
All three cases were initially scheduled to be heard by the high court in March, but were postponed due to the health emergency.
Congressional subpoenas
In the two cases involving congressional subpoenas, Chief Justice John Roberts and associate justice Neil Gorsuch appeared to side with the four Democratic appointees, asking Trump's lawyers why they shouldn't allow Congress to determine whether its investigations have a legislative purpose.
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"Why is this subpoena not supported by a substantial legislative need," Gorsuch asked, according to CNBC.
The court's second-newest member also pressed Trump attorneys on their argument that Trump should be immune from investigation because it's distracting to the presidency.
"How is this more burdensome than what took place in Clinton vs. Jones," Gorsuch asked, referring to Paula Jones' 1997 sexual harassment suit against former President Bill Clinton.
House counsel Douglas Letter said the subpoenas aren't distracting because they're directed at third parties.
"There's no way that these can interfere with the president, because doesn't have to do anything," he said.
Justice Samuel Alito Jr., meanwhile, appeared concerned about House subpoena powers and whether there are enough limits. He said if the House can issue a subpoena on any type of legislation, "that's not much protection; in fact, that's no protection," he said, according to The Washington Post.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared to echo Alito's concern, saying the Supreme Court is attempting to balance "how can we both protect the House's interest in information it needs ... but also protect the president."
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In the first case, the justices heard a challenge from Trump's attorneys to block a subpoena from the House oversight committee that has requested Trump's tax returns from the accounting firm Mazars USA.
The committee first requested the returns after Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified that the president manipulated the value of his assets for personal gain.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., upheld an earlier ruling that said the firm must hand over the records. Trump attorneys then applied for a stay last fall, arguing that the House lacks authority to issue subpoenas for any purpose other than writing laws.
"This is the first time that Congress has subpoenaed private records of a sitting president," Trump attorney William Consovoy wrote in a Supreme Court brief. "These subpoenas are no more valid than would be demands for the president's medical records so Congress may consider healthcare reform."
House Democrats responded by arguing Congress does indeed have subpoena power as a measure to assess how federal laws are working.
"It is scarcely surprising that investigators need to conduct a thorough investigation when seeking to determine whether money laundering, election and national security, disclosure and conflict of interest laws are sufficient," they wrote in their brief.
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In the second congressional case, the president's attorneys are also seeking to have the high court block congressional subpoenas for financial information from two banks -- Deutsche Bank and Capital One -- that have provided services to Trump's businesses.
The subpoenas seek to investigate the president's past dealings with foreign businesses, including transactions potentially linked to Iran and Russia, to determine whether they violated the law.
A lower appellate court ruled in favor of the House committees, saying there is a legitimate concern that involves "national security and the integrity of elections."
Trump vs. Vance
The third case before the high court Tuesday involved a response to grand jury subpoenas obtained by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance that seek nearly a decade's worth of Trump's financial records.
The case is related to an investigation into purported "hush money" payments the president is said to have made to two women to keep secret alleged extramarital affairs. Vance wants eight years of Trump's records related to payments he says were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal.
Carey Dunne, counsel with Vance's office, told the Supreme Court Tuesday that investigators are worried about the length of time it's taken them to get the records they seek.
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"No one should forget that we've got an investigation that is looking at the conduct of other people and businesses, and waiting like that would benefit those other participants," Dunne said, adding that the statute of limitation could expire.
"We've already lost nine months of time in this investigation due to this lawsuit. Every minute that goes by without even a decision on the merits here, is granting the kind of temporary absolute immunity that the president is seeking here."
Trump's attorneys argue a sitting president cannot be indicted and is therefore immune from any part of the criminal justice process, including grand jury subpoenas.
"We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant review in this significant constitutional case and reverse the dangerous and damaging decision of the appeals court," Trump's team argued in November.
"The risk that politics will lead state and local prosecutors to relentlessly harass the president is simply too great to tolerate."
A lower appellate court, however, ruled Vance's subpoena is lawful because it's directed at Mazars USA, Trump's accounting firm, not the president himself. It also ruled that the subpoena is lawful because it seeks items related to his private business, not his official capacity as president.
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Rulings in all three cases are expected by the end of June.


upi--2020-05-12--South Korean activist’s role in comfort women fund under scrutiny

May 12 ( UPI ) -- A prominent South Korean activist who advanced the cause of former comfort women is at the center of attention for her role in the creation of the Japanese-funded Reconciliation and Healing Foundation in 2015 .
Yoon Mi-hyang , president of the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan , has been accused of failing to notify past victims of Japanese wartime policy about the fund , which was later rejected by the women .
Former comfort woman Lee Yong-soo said last week at a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling Democratic Party , `` knew of the $ 10 million fund , '' Newsis reported Tuesday .
`` Only the victims did not know , '' Lee said .
The creation of the foundation was rejected among many of the former comfort women , including Kim Bok-dong , a prominent survivor who was one of the first women to break the silence on her experience as a sex slave during World War II .
At the time , the Korean Council had claimed the government did not consult the group before creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged in Seoul .
Cho Tae-yong , a former deputy minister with the National Security Office at the presidential Blue House during the Park Geun-hye administration , recently said he received a report at the time that a foreign ministry official had `` sufficiently discussed '' the details of the agreement with Yoon .
The Korean Council is fighting accusations that Yoon had foreknowledge of the Japanese fund .
On Monday , the group told reporters they were not notified of the deal with Tokyo until Dec. 27 , 2015 , a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were not informed of the $ 10 million amount ahead of time .
The foreign ministry supported some of the claims on Tuesday .
As the war of words escalates between Yoon and her opponents , a defendant accused of embezzling funds from another comfort woman was acquitted on Tuesday , according to Yonhap .
The defendant , a South Korean man in his 70s , was found not guilty of embezzling nearly $ 200,000 in funds from 2012 to 2016 .
He was acting as a guardian for former comfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ruled Tuesday .
Lee died in 2018 .

A South Korean organization in charge of weekly comfort women rallies outside the Japanese Embassy in Seoul is in the spotlight following claims the group misappropriated funds from victims of Japanese wartime policy. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- A prominent South Korean activist who advanced the cause of former comfort women is at the center of attention for her role in the creation of the Japanese-funded Reconciliation and Healing Foundation in 2015. Yoon Mi-hyang, president of the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, has been accused of failing to notify past victims of Japanese wartime policy about the fund, which was later rejected by the women. Advertisement
Former comfort woman Lee Yong-soo said last week at a press conference that Yoon, a lawmaker-elect with the ruling Democratic Party, "knew of the $10 million fund," Newsis reported Tuesday.
"Only the victims did not know," Lee said.
The creation of the foundation was rejected among many of the former comfort women, including Kim Bok-dong, a prominent survivor who was one of the first women to break the silence on her experience as a sex slave during World War II. At the time, the Korean Council had claimed the government did not consult the group before creating the fund.
Those claims are being challenged in Seoul.
Cho Tae-yong, a former deputy minister with the National Security Office at the presidential Blue House during the Park Geun-hye administration, recently said he received a report at the time that a foreign ministry official had "sufficiently discussed" the details of the agreement with Yoon.
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The Korean Council is fighting accusations that Yoon had foreknowledge of the Japanese fund.
On Monday, the group told reporters they were not notified of the deal with Tokyo until Dec. 27, 2015, a day before the formal announcement. They also said they were not informed of the $10 million amount ahead of time. The foreign ministry supported some of the claims on Tuesday.
As the war of words escalates between Yoon and her opponents, a defendant accused of embezzling funds from another comfort woman was acquitted on Tuesday, according to Yonhap.
The defendant, a South Korean man in his 70s, was found not guilty of embezzling nearly $200,000 in funds from 2012 to 2016. He was acting as a guardian for former comfort woman Lee Gwi-nyeo, a South Korean court ruled Tuesday. Lee died in 2018.


upi--2020-05-12--Oxfam: Coronavirus cease-fire efforts 'a catastrophic failure'

May 12 ( UPI ) -- Efforts by the international community to create a global cease-fire amid the coronavirus pandemic have been `` a catastrophic failure , '' Oxfam International said Tuesday , calling out the U.N. Security Council for not doing enough to broker a resolution .
In a report published Tuesday , the international charitable organization said fighting continues across war-torn countries , undermining global efforts to combat the coronavirus , which has infected more than 4.1 million people and caused more than 280,000 deaths worldwide .
The report comes nearly two months after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cease-fire remains unattained due to the U.N. Security Council 's `` diplomatic failure '' to collectively broker a resolution amid the deadlock , it said , and its absence is expatriated by years of weak investment in peace-building and countries continuing to sell weapons for use in war-torn regions .
`` We expect leadership from the council as well as many of those countries who say they support a cease-fire , but who nevertheless remain active participants in conflicts around the world conducting military operations , selling arms and supporting third parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Vera said in a statement .
On Friday , the United States effectively blocked a vote on a U.N. Security Council resolution for a global cease-fire by refusing to vote -- a move that Oxfam says is emblematic of the council 's failure to unite to address the global health crisis .
However , that vote , it said , is only the latest in a plethora of failures that fuel conflict and keep weapons in combatants ' hands , which `` completely undermine '' the world 's ability to respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a cause of this diplomatic failure , stating the pandemic is presenting the world with an era-defining choice of either turning inward or embracing the global community .
`` We must use the global cease-fire call as a window of opportunity to address the root causes that continue to drive conflict and inequality and to hold states accountable for their actions ( or lack thereof ) , '' the report said .
The organization said some 2 billion people live in fragile conflict-affected states who are now put at heightened risk due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trapped them in regions with devastated healthcare infrastructure and those who flee are escaping to crowded refugee camps that are conducive to the spread of COVID-19 .
The report also states the $ 1.9 trillion in military spending last year could have paid the United Nation 's appeal 280 times over .
Last week , the United Nations tripled its humanitarian aid ask from $ 2 billion to $ 6.7 billion to help the poorest nations fight the coronavirus .
It cited France and Canada selling arms to Saudi Arabia and Germany recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt as evidence of the weapons industry continuing amid the pandemic .
`` Arms-exporting countries must stop fuelling conflict and instead make every effort to pressure warring parties to agree to a global cease-fire and invest in peace efforts that can bring a meaningful end to conflict , '' Vera said .

A Yemeni child looks on as he waits for the arrival of his relative of Houthi detainees after they were released by Saudi Arabia, outside Sanaa Airport in Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 28, 2019. Photo by Yahya Arhab/EPA-EFE
May 12 (UPI) -- Efforts by the international community to create a global cease-fire amid the coronavirus pandemic have been "a catastrophic failure," Oxfam International said Tuesday, calling out the U.N. Security Council for not doing enough to broker a resolution. In a report published Tuesday, the international charitable organization said fighting continues across war-torn countries, undermining global efforts to combat the coronavirus, which has infected more than 4.1 million people and caused more than 280,000 deaths worldwide. Advertisement
The report comes nearly two months after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal for a global cease-fire.
The cease-fire remains unattained due to the U.N. Security Council's "diplomatic failure" to collectively broker a resolution amid the deadlock, it said, and its absence is exasperated by years of weak investment in peace-building and countries continuing to sell weapons for use in war-torn regions.
"We expect leadership from the council as well as many of those countries who say they support a cease-fire, but who nevertheless remain active participants in conflicts around the world conducting military operations, selling arms and supporting third parties," Oxfam Interim Executive Director Jose Maria Vera said in a statement.
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On Friday, the United States effectively blocked a vote on a U.N. Security Council resolution for a global cease-fire by refusing to vote -- a move that Oxfam says is emblematic of the council's failure to unite to address the global health crisis.
However, the vote, it said, is only the latest in a plethora of failures that fuel conflict and keep weapons in combatants' hands, which "completely undermine" the world's ability to respond to the virus.
The report highlights nationalism as a cause of this diplomatic failure, stating the pandemic is presenting the world with an era-defining choice of either turning inward or embracing the global community.
"We must use the global cease-fire call as a window of opportunity to address the root causes that continue to drive conflict and inequality and to hold states accountable for their actions (or lack thereof)," the report said.
The organization said some 2 billion people live in fragile conflict-affected states who are now put at heightened risk due to the pandemic. The violence has trapped them in regions with devastated healthcare infrastructure and those who flee are escaping to crowded refugee camps that are conducive to the spread of COVID-19.
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The report also states the $1.9 trillion in military spending last year could have paid the United Nation's appeal 280 times over. Last week, the United Nations tripled its humanitarian aid ask from $2 billion to $6.7 billion to help the poorest nations fight the coronavirus.
It cited France and Canada selling arms to Saudi Arabia and Germany recently authorizing the sale of a submarine to Egypt as evidence of the weapons industry continuing amid the pandemic.
"Arms-exporting countries must stop fuelling conflict and instead make every effort to pressure warring parties to agree to a global cease-fire and invest in peace efforts that can bring a meaningful end to conflict," Vera said.


upi--2020-05-12--Experimental HIV vaccine shows promise in monkeys

An experimental vaccine seems to give monkeys extended protection from an HIV-like infection -- by `` waking up '' an arm of the immune system that vaccines normally do not .
Experts cautioned that animal research often does not pan out in humans .
The decades of work toward an HIV vaccine has been a clear example .
But , researchers said , this vaccine works differently , targeting two `` arms '' of the immune system .
And they think the work potentially has broader lessons for vaccines being developed for other viruses , including SARS-CoV-2 , the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question will be , does this translate to humans ? ''
said Bali Pulendran , one of the senior researchers on the study and a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine , in California .
Scientists have been trying to develop an HIV vaccine since the 1980s , with glimmers of hope followed by disappointment .
The latest example is a trial in South Africa that was stopped in February , because a once-promising vaccine simply was not working .
HIV , the AIDS-causing virus , `` is a very tough nut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pulendran said .
For one , it attacks the immune system 's T cells , disabling the very cells needed to launch an aggressive defense .
The virus also has various ways of hiding itself from detection by the immune system .
For example , Pulendran explained , HIV is `` shrouded in a canopy of carbohydrates , '' making it hard for antibodies to recognize the virus as the enemy .
Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system that recognize foreign invaders , latch onto them and neutralize them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is difficult to induce and maintain a sufficiently high level of neutralizing antibodies against HIV .
So he and his colleagues designed a regimen that stimulates not only antibody production , but cellular immunity .
Cellular immunity involves the marshaling of `` killer '' T cells that patrol body tissues for signs of viruses , then destroy cells harboring them .
`` We wanted to explore using the full armamentarium of the immune system , '' Pulendran said .
To test the vaccine , the researchers divided rhesus macaques into three groups of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Env , a viral protein that stimulates antibody production .
A second group received the same series , plus injections of three different viruses .
Each virus was modified to contain a gene for a viral protein called Gag , which stimulates cellular immunity .
The third group served as a `` control '' group .
The vaccinations were given over 40 weeks , followed later by booster shots of just Env .
The next step was to expose the animals to SHIV -- the simian version of HIV -- over 10 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were infected within a few weeks , the study found .
In contrast , the majority of the vaccinated monkeys remained protected .
Five months later , the researchers exposed six monkeys from each vaccine group to SHIV again .
And a clear difference emerged : Of the six animals that received the Gag-containing vaccine -- designed to fire up cellular immunity -- four remained uninfected .
That was true of only one animal given the vaccine targeting antibody immunity alone .
The findings were published online May 11 in Nature Medicine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to HIV prevention .
`` This study sets up a really important concept , '' said Warren , who was not involved in the research .
`` It suggests that stimulating both of these arms of the immune system may be important in HIV prevention . ''
Some past experimental vaccine regimens have , in fact , attempted to stimulate T cell defenses .
But the T cell response in the blood and the site of the virus ' entry was much greater with this latest vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains ahead , however .
One goal , Pulendran said , is to simplify the regimen -- trimming it into `` fewer parts '' that are more feasible to give to people .
In theory , there is a safety concern with an HIV vaccine that stimulates T cells : Since the virus targets those cells , could the vaccine actually increase susceptibility to HIV ?
There were signs that was the case in one previous vaccine trial that attempted to stimulate T cells , Warren noted .
And that 's why careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are vital , he said .
HIV is different from other pathogens , but Pulendran 's team suggests the current work could be relevant to vaccine development in general .
Recruiting both antibodies and T cells might make sense in fighting diseases as diverse as the flu , malaria and COVID-19 , the researchers said .
The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has more on HIV prevention and vaccine research .

An experimental vaccine seems to give monkeys extended protection from an HIV-like infection -- by "waking up" an arm of the immune system that vaccines normally do not.
Experts cautioned that animal research often does not pan out in humans. The decades of work toward an HIV vaccine has been a clear example. But, researchers said, this vaccine works differently, targeting two "arms" of the immune system.
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And they think the work potentially has broader lessons for vaccines being developed for other viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
"The big question will be, does this translate to humans?" said Bali Pulendran, one of the senior researchers on the study and a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, in California.
Scientists have been trying to develop an HIV vaccine since the 1980s, with glimmers of hope followed by disappointment. The latest example is a trial in South Africa that was stopped in February, because a once-promising vaccine simply was not working.
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HIV, the AIDS-causing virus, "is a very tough nut to crack, for many reasons," Pulendran said.
For one, it attacks the immune system's T cells, disabling the very cells needed to launch an aggressive defense. The virus also has various ways of hiding itself from detection by the immune system. For example, Pulendran explained, HIV is "shrouded in a canopy of carbohydrates," making it hard for antibodies to recognize the virus as the enemy.
Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system that recognize foreign invaders, latch onto them and neutralize them.
Traditional vaccines work by stimulating antibody production.
But, Pulendran said, it is difficult to induce and maintain a sufficiently high level of neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
So he and his colleagues designed a regimen that stimulates not only antibody production, but cellular immunity. Cellular immunity involves the marshaling of "killer" T cells that patrol body tissues for signs of viruses, then destroy cells harboring them.
"We wanted to explore using the full armamentarium of the immune system," Pulendran said.
To test the vaccine, the researchers divided rhesus macaques into three groups of 15: One received several inoculations of Env, a viral protein that stimulates antibody production. A second group received the same series, plus injections of three different viruses. Each virus was modified to contain a gene for a viral protein called Gag, which stimulates cellular immunity.
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The third group served as a "control" group.
The vaccinations were given over 40 weeks, followed later by booster shots of just Env. The next step was to expose the animals to SHIV -- the simian version of HIV -- over 10 weeks.
Most animals in the control group were infected within a few weeks, the study found. In contrast, the majority of the vaccinated monkeys remained protected.
Five months later, the researchers exposed six monkeys from each vaccine group to SHIV again. And a clear difference emerged: Of the six animals that received the Gag-containing vaccine -- designed to fire up cellular immunity -- four remained uninfected.
That was true of only one animal given the vaccine targeting antibody immunity alone.
The findings were published online May 11 in Nature Medicine.
Mitchell Warren is executive director of AVAC, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to HIV prevention.
"This study sets up a really important concept," said Warren, who was not involved in the research. "It suggests that stimulating both of these arms of the immune system may be important in HIV prevention."
Some past experimental vaccine regimens have, in fact, attempted to stimulate T cell defenses. But the T cell response in the blood and the site of the virus' entry was much greater with this latest vaccine, according to Pulendran.
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Much work remains ahead, however. One goal, Pulendran said, is to simplify the regimen -- trimming it into "fewer parts" that are more feasible to give to people.
In theory, there is a safety concern with an HIV vaccine that stimulates T cells: Since the virus targets those cells, could the vaccine actually increase susceptibility to HIV?
There were signs that was the case in one previous vaccine trial that attempted to stimulate T cells, Warren noted.
And that's why careful studies, starting with animal models, are vital, he said.
HIV is different from other pathogens, but Pulendran's team suggests the current work could be relevant to vaccine development in general. Recruiting both antibodies and T cells might make sense in fighting diseases as diverse as the flu, malaria and COVID-19, the researchers said.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has more on HIV prevention and vaccine research.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-12--California maggot farm offers new pet food fed raised restaurant waste

DENVER , May 12 ( UPI ) -- A California company aims to provide pets and livestock with a new protein source -- freeze-dried black soldier fly maggots that grow on restaurant food waste .
Grubbets , made in California from insect larvae , are marketed as suitable for chickens , pigs , birds , fish and reptiles , the company 's promotional material says .
Parent company AgriProtein describes itself as a nutrient recycling firm that uses grub-growing technology to `` upcycle '' organic waste into protein-filled grubs , organic compost and oil for biofuels .
The fast-growing grubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into protein , the company said .
Insect protein has been touted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as as a replacement in agricultural feed for fish meal protein , a product that has led to over-harvesting the world 's oceans .
The British- and South African-based company , which employs 150 people worldwide , opened a demonstration site in an industrial park in Jarupa Valley , Calif. , last year , about 50 miles from Los Angeles .
But the company 's larger maggot factory in the works is designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day , collected from restaurants in the region .
`` The processing of such large amounts of organic matter using our process has never been done before and is no mean feat , '' Ester Bortot , the company spokeswoman , said in an email .
Black soldier fly larvae already are sold as exotic pet food under the names Phoenix Worms , Soldier Grubs , Reptiworms and others .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved black soldier fly larvae as a food source for chickens in 2018 .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food .
Another company , Maysville , Ky. , -based Enviroflight , a subsidiary of Darling Ingredients , also uses black soldier fly maggots to process biowaste on a large scale , and also sells larvae as pet food .
Insects turning waste into protein is a natural process that has become a growing insect agriculture industry in the United States , as well as Belgium , India , Indonesia , Korea , Singapore , Saudi Arabia and South Africa .
Black soldier fly biowaste facilities have been funded by organizations such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others .
Wasp-resembling black soldier flies are native to North America , and in their winged stage do not feed , so they do n't spread disease like houseflies do , entomologists say .
In a maggot factory setting , female flies lay about 500 eggs on a hatch medium -- sometimes corrugated cardboard -- near the food source for their infant grubs .
Within days of being born , larvae munch through organic waste , growing 200 times bigger over a few days .
When they reach the pupa stage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or processed for oil that can be used for biofuels .
When up and running , AgriProtein said , it will have billions of flies , but most will remain in the larval stage , meaning they have no wings .
`` We use cages within cages to ensure that our hundreds of thousands of flies , our most prized asset , are happily contained in a bio-secure environment that also ensures no external pest species or pathogens enter our facility , '' the company 's Bortot said .
Insects can reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 percent , said Jeff Tomberlin , who has researched black soldier flies as professor of entomology at Texas A & M University .
U.S. livestock farmers have used black soldier fly farming on a smaller scale to process pig manure into environmentally friendly compost , he said .
`` You can use this this insect to digest material of no value and produce value , '' Tomberlin said .
`` [ That 's ] not to mention the reduction in emissions , greenhouse gasses and pathogens . ''
`` This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're still seeing who can be successful at doing this , '' Tomberlin added .
`` The technology is there , but biologically speaking , we 're just barely starting to understand insects . ''

Black soldier fly larvae raised on restaurant waste are freeze-dried and sold as pet food by a California company. Photo by Dennis Kress/Wikimedia Commons
DENVER, May 12 (UPI) -- A California company aims to provide pets and livestock with a new protein source -- freeze-dried black soldier fly maggots that grow on restaurant food waste. Grubbets, made in California from insect larvae, are marketed as suitable for chickens, pigs, birds, fish and reptiles, the company's promotional material says. Advertisement
Parent company AgriProtein describes itself as a nutrient recycling firm that uses grub-growing technology to "upcycle" organic waste into protein-filled grubs, organic compost and oil for biofuels.
The fast-growing grubs are an efficient way to turn garbage into protein, the company said. Insect protein has been touted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as as a replacement in agricultural feed for fish meal protein, a product that has led to over-harvesting the world's oceans.
The British- and South African-based company, which employs 150 people worldwide, opened a demonstration site in an industrial park in Jarupa Valley, Calif., last year, about 50 miles from Los Angeles.
Advertisement
But the company's larger maggot factory in the works is designed to process 275 tons of organic waste per day, collected from restaurants in the region.
"The processing of such large amounts of organic matter using our process has never been done before and is no mean feat," Ester Bortot, the company spokeswoman, said in an email.
Black soldier fly larvae already are sold as exotic pet food under the names Phoenix Worms, Soldier Grubs, Reptiworms and others.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved black soldier fly larvae as a food source for chickens in 2018. It's also approved for certain aquaculture and swine food.
Another company, Maysville, Ky.,-based Enviroflight, a subsidiary of Darling Ingredients, also uses black soldier fly maggots to process biowaste on a large scale, and also sells larvae as pet food.
Insects turning waste into protein is a natural process that has become a growing insect agriculture industry in the United States, as well as Belgium, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
Black soldier fly biowaste facilities have been funded by organizations such as the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and others.
Wasp-resembling black soldier flies are native to North America, and in their winged stage do not feed, so they don't spread disease like houseflies do, entomologists say.
Advertisement
In a maggot factory setting, female flies lay about 500 eggs on a hatch medium -- sometimes corrugated cardboard -- near the food source for their infant grubs.
Within days of being born, larvae munch through organic waste, growing 200 times bigger over a few days. When they reach the pupa stage, they are harvested and freeze dried, or processed for oil that can be used for biofuels.
When up and running, AgriProtein said, it will have billions of flies, but most will remain in the larval stage, meaning they have no wings.
"We use cages within cages to ensure that our hundreds of thousands of flies, our most prized asset, are happily contained in a bio-secure environment that also ensures no external pest species or pathogens enter our facility," the company's Bortot said.
Insects can reduce the volume of wet waste matter by about 50 percent, said Jeff Tomberlin, who has researched black soldier flies as professor of entomology at Texas A&M University.
U.S. livestock farmers have used black soldier fly farming on a smaller scale to process pig manure into environmentally friendly compost, he said.
"You can use this this insect to digest material of no value and produce value," Tomberlin said. "[That's] not to mention the reduction in emissions, greenhouse gasses and pathogens."
Advertisement
"This is the wild west of the insect industry, and we're still seeing who can be successful at doing this," Tomberlin added. "The technology is there, but biologically speaking, we're just barely starting to understand insects."


upi--2020-05-12--On This Day, May 12: NASCAR racer Adam Petty dies at 19

On this date in history : In 1909 , two giraffes , one leopard and one buffalo killed , and two leopard cubs captured were the latest additions to the former President Teddy Roosevelt 's hunting trophies , according to reports out of Nairobi .
In 1926 , the British general strike , which had held the nation in its grip for more than 8 1/2 days , was called off .
In 1937 , George VI was crowned king of England , succeeding his brother Edward , who abdicated to marry U.S. divorcee Wallis Simpson .
In 1949 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land blockade of Berlin .
The blockade lasted 328 days but was neutralized by the Allies ' Berlin airlift .
In 1975 , a Cambodian gunboat fired on the U.S. cargo ship Mayaguez and forced it into a Cambodian port , setting off an international incident .
Although authorities were to release the ship 's crew members unharmed , a mission to rescue them led to the downing of three U.S. helicopters , and many deaths among U.S. troops and others .
In 2000 , Adam Petty , the fourth-generation driver of NASCAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after crashing into a wall during a practice session at New Hampshire International Speedway .
He was 19 .
In 2002 , former President Jimmy Carter began a visit to Cuba .
He was the first president , in or out of office , to visit the island since communists took over in 1959 .
In 2008 , a magnitude-8 earthquake , China 's deadliest in three decades , killed more than 69,000 people , with nearly 18,000 missing and hundreds of thousands homeless .
It is often called the Great Sichuan Earthquake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a meat cleaver entered a central China kindergarten classroom and slaughtered seven children , a teacher and her mother before taking his own life .
Seventeen people died and about 100 were injured in five attacks in Chinese schools in a two-month period .
In 2013 , 19 people were injured in what police said were gang-related shootings at a Mother 's Day parade in New Orleans .
In 2019 , attackers killed six people attending a mass at a Catholic church in Dablo , Burkina Faso .

1/6
NASCAR Busch Series Grand National driver Adam Petty died May 12, 2000, after crashing into the wall during practice at New Hampshire International Speedway. File Photo by Patrick Ward/UPI | License Photo
On this date in history: In 1909, two giraffes, one leopard and one buffalo killed, and two leopard cubs captured were the latest additions to the former President Teddy Roosevelt's hunting trophies, according to reports out of Nairobi. Advertisement
In 1926, the British general strike, which had held the nation in its grip for more than 8 1/2 days, was called off.
In 1937, George VI was crowned king of England, succeeding his brother Edward, who abdicated to marry U.S. divorcee Wallis Simpson.
In 1949, Soviet authorities announced the end of a land blockade of Berlin. The blockade lasted 328 days but was neutralized by the Allies' Berlin airlift.
In 1975, a Cambodian gunboat fired on the U.S. cargo ship Mayaguez and forced it into a Cambodian port, setting off an international incident. Although authorities were to release the ship's crew members unharmed, a mission to rescue them led to the downing of three U.S. helicopters, and many deaths among U.S. troops and others.
File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force
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In 2000, Adam Petty, the fourth-generation driver of NASCAR's first family of racing, died after crashing into a wall during a practice session at New Hampshire International Speedway. He was 19.
In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter began a visit to Cuba. He was the first president, in or out of office, to visit the island since communists took over in 1959.
In 2008, a magnitude-8 earthquake, China's deadliest in three decades, killed more than 69,000 people, with nearly 18,000 missing and hundreds of thousands homeless. It is often called the Great Sichuan Earthquake.
In 2010, a man armed with a meat cleaver entered a central China kindergarten classroom and slaughtered seven children, a teacher and her mother before taking his own life. Seventeen people died and about 100 were injured in five attacks in Chinese schools in a two-month period.
Extra security watches over students leaving school in Beijing on May 14, 2010, two days after an armed man attacked a kindergarten classroom. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI
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In 2013, 19 people were injured in what police said were gang-related shootings at a Mother's Day parade in New Orleans.
In 2019, attackers killed six people attending a mass at a Catholic church in Dablo, Burkina Faso.


upi--2020-05-12--Famous birthdays for May 12: Rami Malek, Tony Hawk

May 12 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus .

Rami Malek arrives on the red carpet at the 2019 Time 100 Gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2019, in New York City. The actor turns 39 on May 12. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Taurus. They include: Advertisement
-- Painter/poet Edward Lear in 1812
-- Nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale in 1820
-- Poet/painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1828
-- Lawmaker/author Henry Cabot Lodge in 1850
-- Actor Katharine Hepburn in 1907
-- Newscaster Howard K. Smith in 1914
-- Businesswoman Mary Kay Ash in 1918
-- Convicted spy Julius Rosenberg in 1918
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Yogi Berra in 1925
-- Composer Burt Bacharach in 1928 (age 92)
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
-- TV personality Tom Snyder in 1936
-- Artist Frank Stella in 1936 (age 84)
-- Comedian George Carlin in 1937
-- Musician Steve Winwood in 1948 (age 72)
-- Actor Bruce Boxleitner in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Gabriel Byrne in 1950 (age 70)
-- Actor Ving Rhames in 1959 (age 61)
-- Political commentator Paul Begala in 1961 (age 59)
-- Actor Emilio Estevez in 1962 (age 58)
-- Punk rock guitarist/songwriter/producer Brett Gurewitz in 1962 (age 58)
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-- Actor Stephen Baldwin in 1966 (age 54)
-- Skateboarder Tony Hawk in 1968 (age 52)
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
-- Actor Catherine Tate in 1968 (age 52)
-- Actor Kim Fields in 1969 (age 51)
-- Actor Jason Biggs in 1978 (age 42)
-- Actor Rami Malek in 1981 (age 39)
-- Actor Domhnall Gleeson in 1983 (age 37)
-- Actor Emily VanCamp in 1986 (age 34)
-- Actor Odeya Rush in 1997 (age 23)


upi--2020-05-12--Louisiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin to allow businesses to reopen

May 12 ( UPI ) -- The governors of Louisiana , South Carolina and Wisconsin have announced certain businesses will be allowed to reopen within the next week .
In Louisiana , residents will be able to leave their homes and visit restaurants , theaters , casinos beginning Friday , Gov .
John Bel Edwards said .
At a press conference Monday , Edwards said Louisiana will move to the first stage of the White House 's gradual reopening plan starting Friday , stating he will not re-extend a stay-at-home order issued on March 23 .
`` Because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatically improve our trajectory , reduce the number of new cases , keep our healthcare system from being overrun and save lives , '' he said .
Edwards explained the decision came after consultations with health experts and leaders of industry , who feel `` confident '' with lifting the order .
He said residents will still be encouraged to stay home , especially those at higher risk of more severe COVID-19 symptoms .
With more than 2,240 deaths attributed to the virus and nearly 32,000 cases , Edwards has twice before extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan will be unveiled Thursday for which non-essential businesses can open at 25 percent occupancy .
Churches will also operate at limited capacity and those who deal with the public must wear face coverings .
Tattoo parlors , carnivals , amusement parks , arcades and bars and breweries without food permits will remain closed , the governor 's office said .
`` Our lives will not go back to normal for some time , '' he said .
`` I know this has been a trying time for our people , our churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly grateful for the continued adherence to mitigation measures designed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives . ''
In South Carolina , Gov .
Henry McMaster announced additional businesses can reopen next week after restaurants opened Monday with limited dine-in service .
`` This virus still presents a serious threat to South Carolinians , but I have faith in the people of our state and their ability to act responsibly and in the best interest of the communities they live in , '' he tweeted .
Cose-contact services , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities and tattoo and massage parlors , will be able to open from May 18 , he said .
The announcement came as the state 's Department of Health reported 140 new cases and 15 additional deaths .
In Wisconsin , Gov .
Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday allowing almost all retail stores to open , effective immediately .
The measure alters the state 's `` safer at home '' permitting residents to leave home under limited circumstances .
The order Monday states all standalone and strip mall retail stores can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers at a time while maintaining social distancing practices .
`` This is another disciplined turn of the dial that will allow Wisconsin 's business owners to safely get back to work and Wisconsin consumers to support their favorite local spots , '' Evers said in a statement .
`` Both customers and workers need to be confident in their safety , so we need everyone to be diligent in following best safety practices so we can continue to move our state forward while keeping our neighbors , families and communities safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor extended the order until May 26 , drawing the ire of Wisconsin Republicans who have sued Evers to block the move .
According to its Department of Health , Wisconsin has 10,400 cases and 409 deaths .

Shoppers are seen at the FIGat7th mall in downtown Los Angeles, Calif., on Friday. Non-essential businesses in Wisconsin, Louisiana and South Carolina will soon be allowed to reopen. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- The governors of Louisiana, South Carolina and Wisconsin have announced certain businesses will be allowed to reopen within the next week. In Louisiana, residents will be able to leave their homes and visit restaurants, theaters, casinos beginning Friday, Gov. John Bel Edwards said. Advertisement
At a press conference Monday, Edwards said Louisiana will move to the first stage of the White House's gradual reopening plan starting Friday, stating he will not re-extend a stay-at-home order issued on March 23.
"Because of the stay-at-home order, Louisianans were able to dramatically improve our trajectory, reduce the number of new cases, keep our healthcare system from being overrun and save lives," he said.
Edwards explained the decision came after consultations with health experts and leaders of industry, who feel "confident" with lifting the order. He said residents will still be encouraged to stay home, especially those at higher risk of more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Advertisement
With more than 2,240 deaths attributed to the virus and nearly 32,000 cases, Edwards has twice before extended the stay-home order.
Details of the plan will be unveiled Thursday for which non-essential businesses can open at 25 percent occupancy. Churches will also operate at limited capacity and those who deal with the public must wear face coverings.
Tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, arcades and bars and breweries without food permits will remain closed, the governor's office said.
"Our lives will not go back to normal for some time," he said. "I know this has been a trying time for our people, our churches and our businesses, and I am truly grateful for the continued adherence to mitigation measures designed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives."
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster announced additional businesses can reopen next week after restaurants opened Monday with limited dine-in service.
"This virus still presents a serious threat to South Carolinians, but I have faith in the people of our state and their ability to act responsibly and in the best interest of the communities they live in," he tweeted.
Cose-contact services, such as barbershops, hair salons, athletic facilities and tattoo and massage parlors, will be able to open from May 18, he said.
Advertisement
The announcement came as the state's Department of Health reported 140 new cases and 15 additional deaths.
In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday allowing almost all retail stores to open, effective immediately.
The measure alters the state's "safer at home" permitting residents to leave home under limited circumstances.
The order Monday states all standalone and strip mall retail stores can offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time while maintaining social distancing practices.
"This is another disciplined turn of the dial that will allow Wisconsin's business owners to safely get back to work and Wisconsin consumers to support their favorite local spots," Evers said in a statement. "Both customers and workers need to be confident in their safety, so we need everyone to be diligent in following best safety practices so we can continue to move our state forward while keeping our neighbors, families and communities safe and healthy."
Last month, the governor extended the order until May 26, drawing the ire of Wisconsin Republicans who have sued Evers to block the move.
According to its Department of Health, Wisconsin has 10,400 cases and 409 deaths.
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World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-12--Zika virus linked to significant developmental delays

In a study that covered a five-year period , researchers found that children in Brazil with congenital Zika syndrome who had microcephaly at birth suffered severe mental delays .
Microcephaly is a condition in which the head is smaller than normal .
Its severity was the only significant factor linked to developmental delays , according to the study authors .
The study included more than 120 children .
At age 2.5 years , nearly all of these children were functioning like 2-month to 4-month-old babies .
`` The research findings reinforce public health concerns during the Zika outbreaks in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that children with [ congenital Zika syndrome ] and their caregivers will be experiencing in the years to come , '' said public health analyst Anne Wheeler of RTI International , a nonprofit research institute in Research Triangle Park , N.C. '' However , results related to the children 's variability of developmental delays and their strength to receive and understand communication are opportunities for areas of continued research and intervention to support current -- and future -- congenital Zika syndrome-impacted families and provide greater understanding of the developmental challenges ahead , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The researchers found that most of the children studied were able to respond to speech and their environment , react to sounds and voices , tell the difference between familiar and unfamiliar voices and respond to their names .
They could also interact vocally with their environment , make sounds to express moods and have social interactions .
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito .
The Zika infection can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus , leading to congenital Zika syndrome .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JAMA Network Open .
To learn more about Zika , visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Toddlers with congenital Zika syndrome have severe developmental delays, researchers report.
In a study that covered a five-year period, researchers found that children in Brazil with congenital Zika syndrome who had microcephaly at birth suffered severe mental delays.
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Microcephaly is a condition in which the head is smaller than normal. Its severity was the only significant factor linked to developmental delays, according to the study authors.
The study included more than 120 children. At age 2.5 years, nearly all of these children were functioning like 2-month to 4-month-old babies.
"The research findings reinforce public health concerns during the Zika outbreaks in 2015 and 2016 regarding the severity of disability that children with [congenital Zika syndrome] and their caregivers will be experiencing in the years to come," said public health analyst Anne Wheeler of RTI International, a nonprofit research institute in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
"However, results related to the children's variability of developmental delays and their strength to receive and understand communication are opportunities for areas of continued research and intervention to support current -- and future -- congenital Zika syndrome-impacted families and provide greater understanding of the developmental challenges ahead," Wheeler added in an RTI news release.
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The researchers found that most of the children studied were able to respond to speech and their environment, react to sounds and voices, tell the difference between familiar and unfamiliar voices and respond to their names.
They could also interact vocally with their environment, make sounds to express moods and have social interactions.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Zika infection can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, leading to congenital Zika syndrome.
The report was published online May 5 in JAMA Network Open.
More information
To learn more about Zika, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-05-11--Ga. attorney general appoints 4th prosecutor in Ahmaud Arbery murder case

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr appointed Monday a fourth district attorney to lead the prosecution against two white men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery .
In a statement , Carr said he appointed District Attorney Joyette Holmes to lead the homicide case against Gregory McMichael , 64 , and his son , Travis McMichael , 34 , who have been charged with killing Arbery , a 25-year-old black man who was shot to death while jogging in broad daylight .
`` District Attorney Holmes is a respected attorney with experience , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Cobb County District Attorney 's Office has the resources personnel and experience to lead this prosecution and ensure justice is done , '' Carr said .
Holmes said she accepted the request .
`` Our office will immediately gather all materials related to the investigation thus far and continue to seek additional information to move this case forward , '' she said in a statement .
`` We appreciate the confidence that Attorney General Carr has in our office 's ability to bring to light the justice that this case deserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a case that has garnered national attention and anger and has seen two previous prosecutors recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest .
Benjamin Crump , a lawyer representing the Arbery family , said in a statement it is `` imperative '' any special prosecutor appointed must have no affiliation with South Georgia legal or law enforcement communities to ensure justice is appropriately carried out .
`` We implore District Attorney Joyette Holmes to be zealous in her search for justice , as she works to hold all of those responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black man in broad daylight , '' Crump said .
Carr said he appointed Holmes , the first black district attorney in Cobb County history , as the case has `` grown in size and magnitude '' since District Attorney Tom Durden accepted it in mid-April .
The McMichaels were arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation late last week and charged with murder and aggravated assault nearly 80 days after Arbery was killed .
The arrests followed video of the shooting released online showing the two armed men confronting Arbery , sparking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups and the public for answers over the case 's handling and why it took nearly two months for the McMichaels to be arrested .
The Justice Department also announced Monday it is considering whether federal hate crimes are appropriate and has asked for federal authorities to forward any information on the handling of the case .
`` We will continue to assess all information , and we will take any appropriate action that is warranted by the facts and the law , '' Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shooting that they had suspected Arbery of having committed a series of break-ins in the community .
The first prosecutor on the case , Jackie Johnson , recused herself due to the elder McMichael having worked as an investigator at her office .
The second prosecutor , George Barnhill of Waycross County , later recused himself as his son works in the Brunswick District Attorney 's Office and had prosecuted Arbery in a prior case , which the senior McMichael had also worked as an investigator .
However , Barnhill had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Arbery was killed and advised no charges be laid .
Durden was then appointed to the case and requested GBI to investigate Arbery 's death on May 5 .
Two days later , the men were arrested .

1/2
Cobb District Attorney Joyette Homles said Monday she has accepted to lead the prosecution in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Photo courtesy of Cobb County District Attorney's Office/ Facebook
May 11 (UPI) -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr appointed Monday a fourth district attorney to lead the prosecution against two white men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. In a statement, Carr said he appointed District Attorney Joyette Holmes to lead the homicide case against Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son, Travis McMichael, 34, who have been charged with killing Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was shot to death while jogging in broad daylight. Advertisement
"District Attorney Holmes is a respected attorney with experience, both as a lawyer and a judge, and the Cobb County District Attorney's Office has the resources personnel and experience to lead this prosecution and ensure justice is done," Carr said.
Holmes said she accepted the request.
"Our office will immediately gather all materials related to the investigation thus far and continue to seek additional information to move this case forward," she said in a statement. "We appreciate the confidence that Attorney General Carr has in our office's ability to bring to light the justice that this case deserves."
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Holmes is the fourth prosecutor in a case that has garnered national attention and anger and has seen two previous prosecutors recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest.
Benjamin Crump, a lawyer representing the Arbery family, said in a statement it is "imperative" any special prosecutor appointed must have no affiliation with South Georgia legal or law enforcement communities to ensure justice is appropriately carried out.
"We implore District Attorney Joyette Holmes to be zealous in her search for justice, as she works to hold all of those responsible for the unjustifiable execution of an unarmed young black man in broad daylight," Crump said.
Carr said he appointed Holmes, the first black district attorney in Cobb County history, as the case has "grown in size and magnitude" since District Attorney Tom Durden accepted it in mid-April.
The McMichaels were arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation late last week and charged with murder and aggravated assault nearly 80 days after Arbery was killed.
The arrests followed video of the shooting released online showing the two armed men confronting Arbery, sparking national outrage and demands from civil rights groups and the public for answers over the case's handling and why it took nearly two months for the McMichaels to be arrested.
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The Justice Department also announced Monday it is considering whether federal hate crimes are appropriate and has asked for federal authorities to forward any information on the handling of the case.
"We will continue to assess all information, and we will take any appropriate action that is warranted by the facts and the law," Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said in a statement.
The elder McMichael told police after the shooting that they had suspected Arbery of having committed a series of break-ins in the community.
The first prosecutor on the case, Jackie Johnson, recused herself due to the elder McMichael having worked as an investigator at her office.
The second prosecutor, George Barnhill of Waycross County, later recused himself as his son works in the Brunswick District Attorney's Office and had prosecuted Arbery in a prior case, which the senior McMichael had also worked as an investigator.
However, Barnhill had said the McMichaels were acting in self-defense when Arbery was killed and advised no charges be laid.
Durden was then appointed to the case and requested GBI to investigate Arbery's death on May 5. Two days later, the men were arrested.


upi--2020-05-11--Tom Brady denies rift with Patriots' Josh McDaniels: 'Please stop this nonsense'

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady refuted a report that claimed he left the New England Patriots because of a `` deteriorating '' relationship with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels .
NFL columnist Gary Myers reported Monday that Brady was `` worn out '' by McDaniels after the duo spent nearly two decades together in New England .
Brady took a screenshot of the report and posted it on his Instagram story .
`` Please stop this nonsense ! ''
Brady wrote .
`` Please be more responsible with reporting .
19 years together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Michigan .
He played in New England for 20 seasons and captured six Super Bowl titles with the franchise before signing a two-year contract with the Buccaneers this off-season .
McDaniels arrived in New England as a personnel assistant in 2001 before becoming a defensive assistant from 2002-03 .
He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2004 and began serving as the Patriots ' offensive coordinator in 2005 .
After a brief head-coaching stint with the Denver Broncos ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive coordinator with the then-St. Louis Rams , McDaniels returned to the Patriots ' offensive coaching staff in 2012 .

Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (R) worked together for almost two decades in New England. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady refuted a report that claimed he left the New England Patriots because of a "deteriorating" relationship with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. NFL columnist Gary Myers reported Monday that Brady was "worn out" by McDaniels after the duo spent nearly two decades together in New England. Brady took a screenshot of the report and posted it on his Instagram story. Advertisement
"Please stop this nonsense!" Brady wrote. "Please be more responsible with reporting. 19 years together and brothers for life."
The Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He played in New England for 20 seasons and captured six Super Bowl titles with the franchise before signing a two-year contract with the Buccaneers this off-season.
McDaniels arrived in New England as a personnel assistant in 2001 before becoming a defensive assistant from 2002-03. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2004 and began serving as the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2005.
After a brief head-coaching stint with the Denver Broncos (2009-10) and one year as an offensive coordinator with the then-St. Louis Rams, McDaniels returned to the Patriots' offensive coaching staff in 2012.


upi--2020-05-11--Judge mostly upholds ruling against pipeline permit

May 11 ( UPI ) -- A federal judge on Monday ruled largely in favor of upholding an earlier court 's decision to prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from using a fast-track approval permit to construct the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline without conducting new analysis of its environmental impact .
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris upholds an April 15 decision in support of a coalition of conservation and landowner groups who challenged the U.S. Army Corps , TC Energy , the state of Montana and American Gas Association over the Trump administration 's approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval for construction of similar projects concerning water crossings .
The coalition argued that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to properly analyze the project 's effects on endangered species when the permit was approved .
On Monday , Morris narrowed the original ruling , however , to allow some projects to proceed .
`` The Trump administration has repeatedly violated the law in their relentless pursuit of seeing Keystone XL and other dirty fossil fuel infrastructure built , and we 're glad to see the court refuse to bend to pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable , '' Sierra Club Senior Attorney Doug Hayes said in a statement .
`` Keystone XL would devastate communities , wildlife and clean drinking water .
Today 's ruling is yet another victory in the fight to ensure that it is never built . ''
The controversial Keystone pipeline project is expected to run more than 1,200 miles from Steel City , Neb.
, into the Canadian province of Alberta and deliver 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day into the United States .

Protesters unveil an inflatable mock pipeline during a protest against the KXL pipeline at the Reflecting Pool on the Nationals Mall in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2014. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Monday ruled largely in favor of upholding an earlier court's decision to prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from using a fast-track approval permit to construct the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline without conducting new analysis of its environmental impact. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris upholds an April 15 decision in support of a coalition of conservation and landowner groups who challenged the U.S. Army Corps, TC Energy, the state of Montana and American Gas Association over the Trump administration's approval of Nationwide Permit 12, a blanket approval for construction of similar projects concerning water crossings. Advertisement
The coalition argued that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to properly analyze the project's effects on endangered species when the permit was approved.
On Monday, Morris narrowed the original ruling, however, to allow some projects to proceed.
"The Trump administration has repeatedly violated the law in their relentless pursuit of seeing Keystone XL and other dirty fossil fuel infrastructure built, and we're glad to see the court refuse to bend to pressure from the administration not to hold them accountable," Sierra Club Senior Attorney Doug Hayes said in a statement. "Keystone XL would devastate communities, wildlife and clean drinking water. Today's ruling is yet another victory in the fight to ensure that it is never built."
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The controversial Keystone pipeline project is expected to run more than 1,200 miles from Steel City, Neb., into the Canadian province of Alberta and deliver 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day into the United States.


upi--2020-05-11--Conor McGregor challenges UFC interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje

May 11 ( UPI ) -- Former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor went on a Twitter tirade Monday and demanded a fight with new interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje .
McGregor ( 22-4 ) started his outburst on social media by challenging Gaethje , who is coming off a fifth-round TKO of Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on Saturday .
Gaethje is expected to face undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in a unification bout at some point .
McGregor ended the rant by calling Nurmagomedov an `` absolute embarrassment to real fighting . ''
He later hinted at a return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans make the sport ! ''
McGregor wrote on Twitter .
`` Watching the other night , I was against going in without them .
But it will be my [ expletive ] pleasure to display the power I possess with zero background noise for them .
It 's me and Justin next as Khabib is the biggest bottle fighter in the game .
Guarantee it .
`` Justin , there is no danger in a man that hugs leg , we all know .
Try and dance around what the real threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am going to [ expletive ] butcher you .
Your teeth .
I 'm going to put them on a [ expletive ] necklace .
Speak on my skills as a father ?
You are [ expletive ] dead . ''
McGregor appeared to reference a tweet from Gaethje last September in which he called McGregor a `` [ expletive ] human , father and husband . ''
McGregor , 31 , last fought at UFC 246 in January , when he beat Donald `` Cowboy '' Cerrone in the first round via @ @

UFC star Conor McGregor (pictured) demanded a fight with Justin Gaethje, who is coming off a fifth-round TKO of Tony Ferguson on Saturday night. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 11 (UPI) -- Former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor went on a Twitter tirade Monday and demanded a fight with new interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. McGregor (22-4) started his outburst on social media by challenging Gaethje, who is coming off a fifth-round TKO of Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on Saturday. Gaethje is expected to face undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in a unification bout at some point. Advertisement
McGregor ended the rant by calling Nurmagomedov an "absolute embarrassment to real fighting." He later hinted at a return to the Octagon in July.
"The fans make the sport!" McGregor wrote on Twitter. "Watching the other night, I was against going in without them. But it will be my [expletive] pleasure to display the power I possess with zero background noise for them. It's me and Justin next as Khabib is the biggest bottle fighter in the game. Guarantee it.
"Justin, there is no danger in a man that hugs leg, we all know. Try and dance around what the real threat is here all you want. I am going to [expletive] butcher you. Your teeth. I'm going to put them on a [expletive] necklace. Speak on my skills as a father? You are [expletive] dead."
Advertisement See you in July — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 12, 2020
McGregor appeared to reference a tweet from Gaethje last September in which he called McGregor a "[expletive] human, father and husband."
McGregor, 31, last fought at UFC 246 in January, when he beat Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in the first round via TKO.


upi--2020-05-12--Las Vegas Raiders to sign ex-Chicago Bears CB Prince Amukamara

May 12 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders and former Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara agreed to a contract Tuesday .
NFL Media and NBC Sports first reported Amukamara 's agreement with the Raiders .
Financial details of the pact were n't disclosed .
Amukamara , a first-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2011 , spent the past three seasons with the Bears .
Chicago released the veteran defensive back earlier this off-season .
In 15 regular-season games in 2019 , Amukamara notched 53 total tackles , one forced fumble and 10 passes defensed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , marking the third time in the last four seasons that he has failed to record a pick .
Amukamara , who is entering his 10th season in the league , has tallied 477 total tackles , 10 interceptions , 80 pass breakups and six forced fumbles in 113 career games with the Jacksonville Jaguars , Giants and Bears .
The agreement with Amukamara continues the Raiders ' off-season overhaul of their secondary .
The 30-year-old cornerback will join Damarious Randall and Jeff Heath as free-agent acquisitions .
The Raiders also drafted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first round and Clemson safety Tanner Muse in the third round of last month 's NFL Draft .

Former Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) started 15 games last season and recorded 53 total tackles. File Photo by John Sommers II/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders and former Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara agreed to a contract Tuesday. NFL Media and NBC Sports first reported Amukamara's agreement with the Raiders. Financial details of the pact weren't disclosed. Advertisement
Amukamara, a first-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2011, spent the past three seasons with the Bears. Chicago released the veteran defensive back earlier this off-season.
In 15 regular-season games in 2019, Amukamara notched 53 total tackles, one forced fumble and 10 passes defensed. He didn't have an interception last season, marking the third time in the last four seasons that he has failed to record a pick.
Amukamara, who is entering his 10th season in the league, has tallied 477 total tackles, 10 interceptions, 80 pass breakups and six forced fumbles in 113 career games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Giants and Bears.
The agreement with Amukamara continues the Raiders' off-season overhaul of their secondary. The 30-year-old cornerback will join Damarious Randall and Jeff Heath as free-agent acquisitions.
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The Raiders also drafted Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette in the first round and Clemson safety Tanner Muse in the third round of last month's NFL Draft.


upi--2020-05-12--World moves to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic

The world is slowly starting to open up again as the threat of the crisis brought on by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ some countries .
From China to Israel to the United States , here 's a @ @ @ @ @ reopen .

Patrons walk to their movie with refreshments at the St. Charles Cinema. After being closed for months due to the pandemic, movie theaters in the St. Louis area and across the country are reopening. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI


upi--2020-05-12--California State University schools to keep campuses closed for fall semester

Volunteers distribute food during a Virtual Drive-Thru and Walk-Up Giveaway sponsored by United Hands Multi-Purpose Center to help feed thousands @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic in Compton , California on Saturday , May 2 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ has announced a plan to purchase more food from struggling farmers and distribute it to @ @ @ @ @ 470 million this time .
The purchases , announced this week , will come in @ @ @ @ @ billion the USDA pledged to buy farm products as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance @ @ @ @ @ 17 .
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI |

California State University announced Tuesday that it's 23 campuses will remain closed through the fall semester with "limited exceptions" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by MARELBU/ Wikimedia Commons
May 12 (UPI) -- The California State University system announced Tuesday that it will keep campuses largely closed and shift most classes online through the fall semester. Timothy White, the chancellor of the 23-school university system, issued a statement declaring that virtual instruction that began earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will remain in place for the fall 2020 term. Advertisement
"This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 -- current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year," White said.
White added that there will be limited exceptions for in-person teaching including clinical classes for nursing students, as well as classes that require laboratories and other facilities related to creative and performing arts.
"The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership and will be based on compelling educational and research needs while continuing to meet safety benchmarks," he said.
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White also said there will be variability and "hybrid approaches" throughout the 23 campuses but some schools are likely to be exclusively virtual.
Classroom instruction at all schools in California was closed earlier this year as the state handled an increase of coronavirus cases. As of Tuesday, there were 69,382 confirmed cases and 2,847 deaths in the state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also on Tuesday released new guidelines for offices that are unable to telework, outdoor museums, malls and strip malls to reopen as part of the state's phased plans to lift restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.
California life in the COVID-19 pandemic


upi--2020-05-12--Mamba Sports Academy changing name out of respect for Kobe Bryant

May 12 ( UPI ) -- The Mamba Sports Academy is removing `` Mamba '' from its name to respect the wishes of Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant 's family .
Bryant helped lead the organization before he , his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , and seven others were killed in a January helicopter crash .
The group was flying to the basketball academy when the aircraft crashed in the hills northwest of Los Angeles .
`` Today , with respect for an unparalleled legacy , the Academy will retire the 'Mamba ' in the Mamba Sports Academy name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where it belongs , '' the organization said in a statement Tuesday .
`` In doing so , Sports Academy will carry on the vision it curated during that special partnership .
`` The changing of the name from Mamba Sports Academy to Sports Academy , the original name from 2016 , is not a decision we came to lightly or on our own .
It was a mutual agreement made in accordance with the wishes of his estate .
Thank you for respecting that decision in these turbulent times . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization in 2016 in Southern California with a mission of `` elevating human performance , '' according to its website .
Bryant partnered with Faulkner in 2018 , and the academy said the business relationship -- which lasted about 14 months -- was `` extraordinary . ''
The name will change back to The Sports Academy , with a new website and logo rebranding .
Bryant was a five-time NBA champion and an 18-time All-Star selection with the Lakers .
The franchise retired his No .
8 and No .
24 jerseys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in April .

Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant (pictured) and his daughter, Gianna, were among nine killed in a January helicopter crash. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo
May 12 (UPI) -- The Mamba Sports Academy is removing "Mamba" from its name to respect the wishes of Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant's family. Bryant helped lead the organization before he, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others were killed in a January helicopter crash. The group was flying to the basketball academy when the aircraft crashed in the hills northwest of Los Angeles. Advertisement
"Today, with respect for an unparalleled legacy, the Academy will retire the 'Mamba' in the Mamba Sports Academy name -- to raise it to the rafters, where it belongs," the organization said in a statement Tuesday. "In doing so, Sports Academy will carry on the vision it curated during that special partnership.
"The changing of the name from Mamba Sports Academy to Sports Academy, the original name from 2016, is not a decision we came to lightly or on our own. It was a mutual agreement made in accordance with the wishes of his estate. Thank you for respecting that decision in these turbulent times."
Sports Academy CEO Chad Faulkner launched the organization in 2016 in Southern California with a mission of "elevating human performance," according to its website. Bryant partnered with Faulkner in 2018, and the academy said the business relationship -- which lasted about 14 months -- was "extraordinary."
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The name will change back to The Sports Academy, with a new website and logo rebranding.
Bryant was a five-time NBA champion and an 18-time All-Star selection with the Lakers. The franchise retired his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, and he was selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in April.


upi--2020-05-12--Officials at Tyndall AFB complete environmental assessment for rebuild effort

May 12 ( UPI ) -- Officials at Florida 's Tyndall Air Force Base have completed a Programmatic Environmental Assessment and are ready to purge the last of the facilities damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018 .
According to the Air Force , the PEA is one of two major National Environmental Policy Act actions required before reconstruction can begin at the installation .
`` The approval of this Environmental Assessment , or EA , is great news for Tyndall AFB because we can now move forward with the multibillion-dollar rebuild of the 'Installation of the Future , ' '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director .
`` This includes completing the demolition required to clear sites in time for the construction of new facilities . ''
Tyndall can now obligate funds to start the 28 rebuild projects evaluated under the assessment .
Planned projects include construction of new facilities and infrastructure as well as demolition of 1.93 million square feet of construction .
Tyndall AFB is situated near Panama City , Fla. , and it , along with the rest of Bay County were devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018 .
Last September Air Force officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base in partnership with community and private industry , but the project has been delayed and hamstrung created in part by the Trump administration 's decision to divert $ 3.6 billion intended for military construction projects in order to fund construction of sections of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border .

A destroyed civil engineering building on Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., was among 1,165 environmental assets evaluated by an environmental recovery assistance team in November. This week officials announced that they have completed a Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the site allowing construction to go forward. Photo courtesy of DVIDS
May 12 (UPI) -- Officials at Florida's Tyndall Air Force Base have completed a Programmatic Environmental Assessment and are ready to purge the last of the facilities damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. According to the Air Force, the PEA is one of two major National Environmental Policy Act actions required before reconstruction can begin at the installation. Advertisement
"The approval of this Environmental Assessment, or EA, is great news for Tyndall AFB because we can now move forward with the multibillion-dollar rebuild of the 'Installation of the Future,'" said Col. Travis Leighton, Tyndall PMO director. "This includes completing the demolition required to clear sites in time for the construction of new facilities."
Tyndall can now obligate funds to start the 28 rebuild projects evaluated under the assessment.
Planned projects include construction of new facilities and infrastructure as well as demolition of 1.93 million square feet of construction.
Tyndall AFB is situated near Panama City, Fla., and it, along with the rest of Bay County were devastated by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.
Last September Air Force officials said they planned to rebuild an upgraded base in partnership with community and private industry, but the project has been delayed and hamstrung created in part by the Trump administration's decision to divert $3.6 billion intended for military construction projects in order to fund construction of sections of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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